“About half. I’ll get a job to earn the rest, whatever I need.” Reid looked at her with determination in his bright blue eyes.
“Do you have a place to stay?”
“No, I’m at the hotel right now. But I know I can’t afford that for long. If I have to, I can sleep in the stable with my horse.”
Bridgette stared at him. Some sort of good change had come over Reid. He was a different man. Even his eyes had a humble, kind look about them. A far cry from the wild, angry face that she’d looked into on their first meeting.
“I’ll talk to Sterling and see what we can do. I was thinking of the building next to the carpentry shop. Del and Jericho live on the second floor. He’s a good man, and you might talk to him about the hardship of starting out and marrying all at the same time.”
He frowned. “About the marriage. I’m still not sure I’m ready for that, but I will talk to Del and check out the building when I can. Right now, I’m expecting the sheriff to come by this morning to hunt the wolves.”
Bridgette, despite his earlier wildness, did care for the young man. “Be careful.”
He looked down. “What about the woman I left? I know you said the mail-order bride was already here. I’d like to meet her and tell her I’m sorry for not showing up. Even if I don’t want to marry anyone right now, I owe her an apology.”
Bridgette couldn’t be more surprised by Reid’s change. “I’ll tell her. If she still wants to meet you, I’ll leave a note with the hotel clerk. With the snow and the wolves prowling around, I am sure my husband will want to stay in town.
Reid nodded. “Thanks, I hope you haven’t given up on me. Even if you have, I intend to give the hat business a try. I’m done with living outside the law.”
Bridgette smiled. “I am so glad to hear that. I won’t give up on you.”
“Well, I have a lot to do. I better eat breakfast before Levi wants to go hunting.” He stood and went into the dining room.
She watched him go and wondered which man would be best for Evalyn. The preacher or Reid. Bridgette sighed. However, things were to work out for Evalyn, Brigette would have to trust the Lord.
Chapter 9
Evalyn felt good sitting with the pastor. Despite his rugged looks, he had a kind spirit of peace about him. She wouldn’t mind marrying a preacher. She did wonder where he got the scar near his left eye, but she figured out here in the rugged west it wouldn’t be hard to get hurt.
Preacher Brett ordered her a hot tea. “The snow is still coming down. Early snows are like that out here. It will probably begin melting the minute it stops.”
Evalyn nodded. “Thank you for ordering the tea. There is a chill in the air, even inside.”
He smiled at her. “What made you decide to come west?”
Evalyn thanked the waiter for the warm cup and held it in her hands to warm her fingers. “I’m sure Bridgette told you I came as a mail-order bride. I didn’t know, but my groom was an ex-outlaw who, for whatever reason, didn’t show up. I have nothing left to go back to. My family is all gone. The town was painfully small and not close to our farm, so I didn’t leave but one friend, and she urged me to take the chance and go.”
“I’m sorry for your losses.”
“Thank you. I not only lost my parents and siblings, but the farm was taken for taxes, so I had nothing to my name. It was a blessing when Bridgette wrote to me and sent me tickets to come to Shirleyville as well as giving me an advance. Even with the misfortune of having my groom disappear, I consider myself fortunate.”
Brett sat back in his chair and studied her.
Evalyn grew uncomfortable at his gaze, but she didn’t find it threatening like Adler’s. Brett looked at her more like he was admiring her and wondering where it would lead.
He sat forward. “I would like for us to get to know one another. I have to tell you that I, too, was an outlaw. I spent five years in a Texas prison for stealing. Held up a stagecoach and got caught. But it was in prison that I came to know the Lord and came out a changed man. I spent time reading the Bible, and before I knew, it became a traveling preacher. I saw a notice for a preacher needed here in Shirleyville, and Judge Taggart took a chance on me.”
Evalyn nodded. “I know these are hard and wild times, especially out west. I wouldn’t hold it against you. I love this town. It seems like good people live here. I’ve made a friend in Francesca and of course Bridgette. She said she’d introduce me to Jericho and Hannah and Florence, who all came as mail-order brides for her redeemed men as Bridgette calls them.”
Brett smiled and then looked down. “I’m afraid they are all better off than I am. The only business I have is the Lord’s business, and the pay isn’t that great. But I have a roof over my head, and I’ve never gone hungry. I can’t complain, but I would want you to understand what you might be in for.”
“I’m used to doing without.” She said it and was surprised at the sadness that slipped out between her words. She didn’t want to hurt him and still wouldn’t mind being married to him. Yet, she’d already lived a lifetime of worry on how to stretch the last of the potatoes until the crops came in.
Brett frowned. “I can’t offer you much. If you want to meet other men, that would be fine, too. I do want a wife, but I can’t promise that life will be easy.”
Evalyn smiled at him. “No one can. My father and mother had some good years, but you can’t count on the weather or market or if the fever will take one down. I believe the Lord will let us know if we’re to be together. And if we are, then we will trust in Him.”
“You’re a wise woman, Evalyn Ladd. I’ll be praying about us. I only came up with the idea I wanted a wife the other day and mentioned it to Bridgette. I never dreamed she already had someone here.”
“I hope I haven’t been too forward.”
“Oh, no. Nothing like that. I’m pleased by what I know, but I don’t want you to rush into a situation that you’d rather not be in. I wanted you to know what you might be up against.” He looked at her with honest eyes. “But I’d be delighted if you would consider me.”
Evalyn’s cheeks warmed. “I’d consider you. Perhaps I can go to church this Sunday.”
“I’d like it if you did. You’ll see the better part of me when I’m preaching.” He wiped at a spot on his jacket. “I didn’t dress to impress a lady today. I’m sorry.”
Evalyn sipped her tea and looked at him over the cup. She was impressed and hoped he noticed. Setting her cup down, she clutched her reticule, not knowing what else to do with her hands. The truth was, she wanted to touch his hand and feel his warmth. But that would be way too forward, especially for a preacher.
“I didn’t mean to keep you from whatever you had in mind to do.”
“I do have to go to Hollander’s store. I have a job there. But they aren’t expecting me for another hour or so.” What a situation to have two men interested in her. While she liked the preacher, she had to admit the owner of the bank offered security. Evalyn would have to pray.
Brett stood and held her chair for her. “I better be going. The sheriff is getting a posse together to go after the wolves, and I said I’d help.”
“I am happy to hear that. They can be such a nuisance and danger to livestock and children.”
Brett nodded. “I’ve heard them by the church. I shoot at them when I see them. They attacked a rider last night. Didn’t hurt him but did take a couple of gashes out of his horse’s hide. That’s way too close for comfort.”
“How frightening. It makes me want to stay here in the hotel.”
Brett took her elbow. “That would be my advice. As for church Sunday, I don’t want people coming around unless we’ve chased them out of the territory. So, wait and walk over with others or stay here. I couldn’t bear it if you were hurt.”
“Thank you for your concern. I do need to go to Hollander’s Store. I have a job helping them with straightening the shelves and dusting.” She looked at her watch. “I did enjoy our time togeth
er. Thank you for the tea.”
Brett smiled. “My pleasure. I hope to see you again.”
She left him and went up the stairs but stopped at the top and watched him walk out the door. She could tell by the way people treated him that they held him in respect and high regard. That was good to know.
Once in her room, Evalyn sat in the chair by the window and looked at the majestic mountain watching over the town. It was cloaked in a blanket of snow.
Evalyn admired the wild ruggedness of the scene. She had a lot to consider. Did she want to marry a man who admitted he struggled to make ends meet every week, if not day? Or did she want a banker, who while he may have money, didn’t have the kind eyes and honest look? Greg Adler set off bells of mistrust in her mind, but perhaps because it was a bank that had taken her family farm.
Overwhelmed with the choice, she set her head down on the window seal and asked the Lord for guidance. How long she stayed, she wasn’t sure, but she had drifted off to sleep and was awakened by a knock on her door.
She adjusted her hair and then went to the door, wondering who could be calling. She hoped it wasn’t the banker of the preacher. She opened it and was surprised to see Brigette. “Come in.”
Bridgette brushed past her in her blustery style. “Oh, Evalyn. The most amazing thing has happened. I’m not sure how you’ll feel about it, but,” Bridgette whirled and faced her. “Reid Cahill is back in town and would like to meet you. He was the groom I had originally chosen for you.”
Evalyn stared at her. Now, there were three? It was all a bit much for her to take in.
Bridgette sat on the divan. “Reid seems to have had a total change of heart. He is nothing like the young man I saw a few days ago.” She paused. “I do have to remind you that he just got out of prison for theft. But he assured me that he has made a change in his life and wants to stay this side of the law and go into the business that I had suggested.”
Evalyn sat down on the chair by the window. “I don’t know what to say. I just finished talking to Brett Gentry. He’s a very kind man. You don’t know this, but yesterday I met with Greg Adler. He sought me ought and took me to dinner.”
“Oh, he did.” Bridgette didn’t look happy about that.
Evalyn looked at her watch. “I better get ready to go. Mr. Hollander was kind enough to give me a job. It’s not much, but it will keep me busy and give me some money.”
“That’s good. Want me to drive you in our carriage? It’s dreadfully cold.”
Evalyn didn’t want to impose on Bridgette. “I bought a new coat, and I should be fine.”
Bridgette pointed to her shoes. “You should get some better boots. Your toes will freeze in those. This little snow is nothing. And the temperature can get much colder.”
Evalyn smiled. “Then that is what I’ll do as soon as I make some money.”
“Please, let me get the carriage and drive you to the store. I know it’s not far, but the posse hasn’t gone after the wolves yet. I heard them howling all night, and Sarah, the schoolteacher, said she saw footprints near the school. Frightening.”
Evalyn couldn’t imagine even wolves scaring Bridgette, but that it bothered the matchmaker convinced Evalyn she’d be wise to take the offer. “All right. Thank you, Bridgette.”
“Good. Let me run down and tell the clerk. He’ll send the boy to bring the carriage and be here in no time to drive you in warmth to the store.”
“Thank you, Brigette.” Evalyn doubted Bridgette heard the last of her name as she was out the door and down the stairs before Evalyn uttered the first syllable. The woman was a whirlwind with more energy than Evalyn could imagine.
Gathering her reticule and coat, Evalyn walked down the stairs and passed the young man with the blue eyes.
He was walking to the door and paused to turn and look at her. He smiled and tipped his hat.
She returned his smile. He’d changed clothes, and no longer had on the bloody jacket from last night. But he seemed nice. Evalyn shook her head. What she didn’t need was another man to consider for marriage. Three. What had she gotten herself into?
In minutes, the carriage drove up in front of the hotel, and she joined Bridgette in warmth on the way to the store.
“Remember what I say and buy yourself a pair of boots today. Your feet will thank me.” Brigette smiled.
“I will. Thank you again.” Evalyn didn’t mention the man at the hotel, but as she got out of the carriage, she saw him walking to the livery.
As Evalyn entered the store, several riders rode by and stopped at the livery. They all had rifles, and she figured they were going after the wolves.
A mournful howl sounded in the distance.
Evalyn was sad for the animals but prayed for the men to make the town safe again. Someone had mentioned a drought had pushed the wolves toward Shirleyville for food. She shuddered. The idea of wolves in town was frightening.
She entered the store and was quickly welcomed by Edna.
Chapter 10
Reid checked on Buck and saw that he was doing well. Then he saddled the horse Abel had loaned him and took the reins from the liveryman. “I’ll take care of him.”
The livery owner nodded. “You just get those wolves. I’ve heard them getting closer to town every night. Makes the livestock nervous.”
“I’m sure we can change their minds about coming around town.” Reid rode out of the barn and met up with Sheriff Levi, his deputy, Ronan, the preacher, and three other men.
Levi held up his rifle. “Check your guns and make sure they’re loaded. We’ll meet a couple of other men. Matt Stearns and Jay Selmer. Matt owns a ranch not far from town and said he’s lost a couple of colts to the wolves.
“Jay has a farm in the other direction close to the sawmill and said he’s seen signs around his farm. He’s got four children and fears for them. Already, his big dog fought off a couple wolves to save the milk cow. So, the wolves have made themselves more than a nuisance and are a danger now. Let’s get them.”
Levi nodded at Reid. “Show us where you ran into them the first time. I think that’s where we’ll find their den.”
Reid nudged the sorrel gelding toward the church. The snow made everything look different, but he remembered the landmarks. He stopped by the big boulder and pointed out blood spots. “I got a couple of them.”
They went along the ridge and up to where the road narrowed by the creek. Reid pointed. “The first wolf attacked here. There’s his carcass.”
Levi nodded. “Looks like you took care of a few of them. Good job.”
Ronan held up his hand. “I hear them. They’re back in the rocks and trees. Horses can’t get back there.” He shook his head. “I’m not really fond of walking back in there, Pearl and I had our share of trouble with wolves.”
Levi nodded. “Yeah, I guess you did. Well, we can split up. Three of us will go in the brush. The others can swing around on horseback in case the wolves try and get out. Two can stay here.”
Levi, Reid, and Jay dismounted and tied the horses next to Ronan and the preacher, who were staying at the entrance. Reid stared into the dense brush and didn’t like the idea of going in, but they needed to protect the town. With rifles ready, they walked under the low hanging branches and climbed over boulders.
Once inside, they saw a path the animals used and followed it, still having to stoop low to get under branches. About twenty minutes in, Levi put up his hand. “I hate to say this, but I think they’re all around us. I didn’t see any prints, but there are a lot of them just in front of me. Back to back, look around and be still.”
Reid put his back to Levi and Jay. Rifles ready, they watched.
Jay swallowed. “How long we going to stay like this. I don’t want to be caught in here at dark.”
Levi nodded. “Let’s walk back to the horses. We can hire a trapper to come in here and lay traps. I would have brought some, but Hollander was out of them.”
Reid stopped, causing Levi to bump in
to him. Reid shook his head and whispered. “Watch the rocks. They get on top and jump down.”
Jay turned. “Is there another way out of here?”
Levi held up a hand. “I think we’d get in more trouble. Better to go out the way we know than get lost in a forest full of hungry wolves.”
A shadow crossed the path, Reid looked up, and fired. He missed as the wolf jumped down behind the boulder. “They’re here. Be ready.”
Slowly, the three advanced toward the way they’d come. It was easy to follow their tracks, but what made Reid nervous was the number of paw prints going back and forth over their footprints.
“It’s a big pack. Anyone else bring ammunition with them.” Levi fished in his pocket. “I brought about twenty.”
Reid nodded. “My pocket is full. If anyone needs more, I’ve got plenty.”
Jay whistled. “I guess I was naïve. I’ll take some, just in case.”
Reid handed him a handful just as he saw another shadow. This time the bullet struck true and the wolf fell beside him.
They were close to the road when they heard more shots. This time wolves came running straight at them. Reid knelt and started firing. Above him, Levi and Jay shot. In minutes, ten wolves lay dead before them.
Levi tapped Reid. “Let’s get out of here.”
As one, the three ran forward, ducking limbs and climbing boulders until they reached the road. Ronan and the preacher were there with the horses. “They came out to the road or tried to. I just hoped I wasn’t hitting any of you.”
Levi passed Reid. “We got plenty of them, but I have a feeling this is one huge pack. And hungry. We better set up guards around town. Especially near the school.”
Reid nodded. “I’ll volunteer. I’m new to town, but I want to pull my fair share.”
Levi clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Good. I like that Reid. Welcome to Shirleyville.” The other men joined in welcoming him to the town. Levi mounted his horse. “We better get back. I don’t want to be out here at dark.”
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