Montana Cowboy Family

by Linda Ford

  Logan sprang into action. “I’m sorry. This is Miss Sadie Young. Sadie, meet Judge Harder.” He showed no emotion as he made the introductions, further confirming Sadie’s fear that he wanted nothing more to do with her apart from unavoidable situations.

  “The children have been living with her,” Logan added.

  Mr. Perrin jerked to his feet. “I’m taking the children home now.”

  Although several inches shorter than the other man, the judge faced him with all the authority afforded him by his position. “You are not taking the children anywhere until I say so.” He turned his back on the sputtering man. “If you two would be so kind as to take me to them?”

  Her nerves so raw she wondered they didn’t bleed through her skin, Sadie led the way across the street back to the schoolhouse. Logan walked at her side, making her every movement wooden and jerky.

  They stepped into the schoolroom, and Sadie hurried to the adjoining door and knocked. “Children, it’s me. You can open the door.”

  At the sound of the bar being removed, the judge raised his eyebrows.

  “They’re afraid,” Logan explained.

  The judge’s expression hardened. “I will get to the bottom of this.”

  Sammy opened the door. His sisters clutched each other and huddled next to the cupboard.

  Logan stepped past Sadie. “Children, I’d like you to meet Judge Harder. He’s a friend of Grandfather’s and he’s come to help you.”

  The judge greeted them all kindly. “I need to talk to you each alone so I can assess the information I have. Who would like to go first?”

  “Me,” Sammy said.

  “Good man.” The judge led him into the empty schoolroom.

  Logan hurriedly carried in two chairs so they could sit, then returned to the kitchen and closed the door.

  His presence crowded Sadie. She wanted to flee outside and hide where no one could see her. For the past four years she had felt dirty. She’d forgotten the feeling for a few weeks but it had returned, stronger for lying dormant. Or perhaps stronger because she’d been free of it for a time. She’d allowed herself to believe her past could be forgotten even though she knew it wasn’t possible.

  None of them spoke as they waited for Sammy to return. The rumble of the judge’s deep voice came to them from the other room, but they couldn’t make out any words.

  The door opened and Sammy rejoined them, looking pleased with himself despite Beth’s warning frown.

  “Beth, would you talk to me?” The judge spoke so gently, so kindly that it made Sadie want to cough. Her tears were so close to the surface that a sneeze would have released them.

  Beth eyed him. Likely she saw him with the same acceptance she’d accorded Logan’s grandfather.

  “I have to go alone?” Beth’s voice quivered.

  “Would you feel better if Miss Young came, too?”

  Beth nodded.

  “Then by all means.” He stepped aside to let Sadie and Beth enter the classroom.

  Logan followed, carrying another chair to place close to the others.

  “Thank you,” she murmured, keeping her gaze on the floor, not wanting to see dismissiveness—or worse, so much worse—in his eyes.

  They waited until the door clicked closed, then the judge began to talk to Beth.

  “Tell me about Mr. Perrin. How did you come to be living with him?”

  Beth reached for Sadie’s hand and held tight, then began to speak. “My pa got sick and died after Christmas. Mr. Perrin offered to help Ma out. Ma was sick even before Pa died and got worse. First, he chopped wood, then he brought supplies and then he moved right in, saying he could help better if he was there. Ma didn’t like it, but she was too weak to do much about it, and maybe she thought he would take care of us after she died.”

  Beth’s voice broke and she had to stop.

  A shudder went clear through her to Sadie’s hand.

  “Take your time,” the judge said.

  Beth sucked in a deep breath. “Ma died a bit ago.” She stopped, struggling with her sorrow.

  “When did he marry your ma?” the judge asked.

  Beth shook her head. “He didn’t. Ma would never marry him.”

  “I see. And you have no other family?”

  Beth pulled her hand from Sadie’s and twisted her fingers together. She shook her head.

  Sadie recognized Beth’s reaction…pulling back, expecting to be pushed aside.

  She blinked. Did she do that? Expect others to see her as her mother said? Did they? Would they? It was an unexpected idea that she didn’t have time to think about.

  “Beth, I need to ask you a few more questions. Is that okay with you?”

  “I guess so.”

  “Did Mr. Perrin threaten to hurt any of you?”

  She nodded.

  “What did he say?”

  “He said he would steal Jeannie.” Her whisper was barely audible.

  “Did he hurt any of you?”

  “He strapped Sammy.”

  “Why did he do that? Was Sammy misbehaving?”

  Beth rolled her head back and forth.

  “Would you explain so I can understand?”

  Beth’s fingers were so tightly twined that the tips were red, the knuckles white. “He beat Sammy because Sammy wouldn’t leave me.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Beth stared at the floor and answered in an agonized whisper. “Mr. Perrin liked to touch me. I didn’t like it. He wanted Sammy to take Jeannie and go outside so he and I could be alone. Sammy wouldn’t do it.”

  Sadie’s mouth had gone so dry her tongue stuck to her teeth.

  The judge’s voice grated as he again questioned Beth. “I know you don’t want to talk about it, but if that man has done anything to you, he will be punished. Beth, my child, how did he touch you?”

  “Here and here.” She pointed at her budding breasts and her legs.

  “Anything more?”

  The question hung in the air between them.

  Finally Beth answered. “I told Mama and she said I must never be alone with him. She told Sammy the same thing.” She lifted her head. “I never was.”

  The judge nodded. “Good.”

  Sadie’s lungs released. She understood Beth’s message. Mr. Perrin had not hurt her in the way Sadie’s father’s friend had hurt Sadie. Only for lack of opportunity, but at least the child would never have to think she was ruined.

  Sadie’s head jerked up. She would never consider Beth as ruined. No, she’d think the child had been hurt. Misused. The only bad person was the man.

  Was it the same with her? Were her parents wrong? Was she, Sadie, hurt not ruined? A flicker of hope flashed in her mind.

  The judge pushed to his feet. “I believe I have all the information I need.” He planted his broad hand on Beth’s shoulder. “Child, I can assure you that Mr. Perrin will never again threaten you. You are free of him.”

  Beth burst into tears and turned into Sadie’s arms.

  Sadie held her and soothed her. With tear-filled eyes she asked the judge, “Can I promise her she will always have a home with me?”

  “I believe that would be a good idea. Shall we tell the others?”

  Beth wiped her eyes and smiled so sweetly at Sadie that she had to brush away a few tears of her own.

  They returned to the kitchen, but before the judge could say anything, Jeannie stepped forward. “I will talk to you.”

  “That’s a fine idea. Sadie, Beth, would you like to come with me, too?”

  So they returned to the other room, and Jeannie perched on a chair across from the judge while Beth and Sadie stood nearby. Sadie hugged Beth.

  “I don’t like that man,” Jeannie said with great conviction. “He isn’t nice to us.”

  The judge nodded solemnly. “I see.”

  “My mama and papa died and he came.” She choked back a sob. “I miss my mama and papa.”

  “I’m sure you do. Would it help if I tell
you that you can live with Miss Young?”

  “Really?”

  “Really and truly.”

  Jeannie raced over and wrapped her arms about Sadie’s legs. “I’m so happy.”

  Sadie knelt and hugged the child. “I’m happier.”

  “Is it true?” Sammy asked.

  Sadie looked over her shoulder. She hadn’t realized that Sammy and Logan waited there. She opened her arms to Sammy. “It’s true.”

  Sammy ran into her hug.

  “Welcome home, all of you.”

  The judge cleared his throat. “I love happy endings.”

  “Thank you.” Sadie wished she could have one more happy ending, but it wasn’t possible.

  “Logan,” the judge said. “Could you come with me to tell Jesse to run Mr. Perrin out of town?”

  Logan hurried after the judge without a backward look. No word of promise to return.

  Sadie closed her eyes and let the pain pass. She had the children.

  It had to be enough.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Logan wanted to stay. Wanted to be part of the happy family at the school, but it was more important to make sure Mr. Perrin would never again be a threat to any of them.

  He and the judge crossed to the sheriff’s office.

  Mr. Perrin didn’t wait for them to get inside before he spoke. “Guess I can take them home now.”

  The judge went toe-to-toe with him. “Mr. Perrin, you will never take those children anywhere. And if you so much as show your face in this town, the sheriff is under orders to arrest you and lock you up. If that happens, you will never again walk the streets as a free man. How you have taken advantage of these children is enough to make me want to lock you up right now and throw away the key.”

  Mr. Perrin grew deathly pale and glanced about as if seeking a means of escape.

  The judge continued. “However, I am a firm believer in upholding the law. But be warned, I will tolerate no interference with these children. Do I make myself clear?”

  Mr. Perrin nodded.

  The judge stepped aside. “Now get out of town.” He turned to Jesse. “See that he leaves well and good.”

  “My pleasure.” Jesse donned his hat and followed Mr. Perrin out.

  The judge looked Logan up and down. “Well, what are you waiting for?”

  “Huh? You want me to go with Jesse?”

  “I think Jesse can handle this situation quite fine on his own. But what about Miss Young? Are you going to leave her to manage on her own? A teacher and a mother. Sounds like a big load to me. I expect she could use a hand.”

  Logan leaned back on his heels and stared at the man.

  “Logan, do I need to spell it out for you. Seems to me you both care about the youngsters. I thought you might care about each other, as well. Am I mistaken?”

  “You’re an interfering old man. Just like my grandfather.”

  “I know, but aren’t you grateful?”

  Logan laughed. “Surely you don’t expect me to admit it.”

  The judge chuckled. “No need. Now I’m going to leave you to work out things with that pretty young schoolteacher while I go to visit your grandfather.” He left the sheriff’s office and rode away.

  Logan’s chest slowly relaxed, allowing him to breathe deeply for the first time in days. He didn’t need the judge to tell him what to do. He had his heart for that. But he had to sort out his feelings first. How was he to convince Sadie that he didn’t see her as ruined?

  He stared out the window to the schoolhouse. Would words be enough? What else could he offer? A smile grew in his heart and spread to his face. He had lots more to offer.

  As he crossed the street, his smile faltered. Would she accept what he offered or continue to see herself as her parents had taught her to?

  He went around to the back entry and knocked, relieved when Sammy opened the door without having to remove the bar. It was good to know they again felt safe. He meant to do everything in his power to see they always were safe and secure.

  “It’s Logan,” Sammy yelled as if everyone couldn’t see for themselves.

  Logan stood just inside the door, uncertain how to proceed. “Beth, can you take your brother and sister outside so I can talk to Sadie?”

  Beth grinned at him. “Come on, you two.” She shepherded the children out to the swing.

  Logan closed the door. “Sadie, we need to talk. No, what I mean is I have things to say.”

  She held up a hand. “You don’t have to explain. I understand why you want to avoid me. Most people, if they knew the truth about me, would judge me for what happened. Association with me would hurt you and your family. I understand that.” She lifted her head and gave him a determined look. “I ask only that you keep my secret. The children deserve that, if nothing else.”

  He closed the distance between them. He had only to lift a hand to touch her, but he didn’t; nor would he until he made himself clear.

  “Sadie, I will not reveal your secret. Yes, there are those who would judge you, but they would be wrong. I don’t blame you any more than I blame the children for what Mr. Perrin is.”

  She watched him, her eyes guarded so he couldn’t gauge her reaction.

  “Sadie, I regret that your parents turned against you. They were wrong. They should have stood by you and protected you. I will do that, if you let me.”

  She seemed uncertain of his meaning.

  “Sadie, I am sorry for what happened to you, but I in no way blame you.”

  Tears pooled in her eyes.

  He pulled her to his chest.

  She clutched at his shirtfront as sob after sob shook her body. He rubbed her back and waited for the emotion to pass, recognizing it as long overdue. Someone should have held and comforted her four years ago. Someone should have assured her she was blameless. He planned to spend the rest of his life doing that if she would let him.

  Her sobs lessened and ended except for a shudder or two.

  He waited until she rested quietly in his arms. Then he leaned back and tipped her head up so he could see her face. He grabbed the nearby towel and gently wiped her cheeks dry.

  “I must be a mess,” she protested.

  “You’re beautiful. Both inside and out.” He thrilled to see the pink in her cheeks, and stepped back and took her hands. “Sadie Young, I love you with all my heart. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?”

  He chuckled as her expression went from surprise to uncertainty to disbelieving joy.

  “You mean it?” she asked.

  “With everything I am and have.” He pulled her close, her face tipped up to his. He wanted nothing more than to kiss her, but he must know her answer first, though he thought he could guess it from the gleam in her eyes. Still, he needed the words. “Sadie, say you love me. Say you will marry me.”

  “Logan Marshall, yes, I will marry you. I love you so much I can hardly keep it in.”

  He tightened his arms about her and lowered his head. He claimed her lips, breathed in her scent, reveled in her love as her arms tightened about him, and she returned his kiss, silently promising him everything he needed and wanted.

  Their kiss ended and she snuggled into his arms.

  “Sadie, I want you and the children to come to the ranch for supper so we can share our good news.”

  She jerked back. “Are you sure?”

  He met her gaze with a scolding one of his own, pleased when she looked repentant.

  “Sorry, some habits will take time to overcome. We’d be pleased to go to the ranch with you.”

  “Good.” He kissed her again. “Let’s tell the children now.”

  They called them in. Logan kept his arm about Sadie. “Sadie and I love each other and plan to get married.”

  Beth looked from one to the other, uncertainty clouding her eyes. “That’s nice.”

  He laughed. “It’s more than nice. It’s wonderful.”

  “And we are all going to be one hap
py family,” Sadie added.

  “You mean we won’t have to leave?” Beth asked, holding tightly to her younger brother and sister.

  Logan and Sadie reached for the children at the same time. “You will always have a home with us.” The children went into their open arms and they hugged and kissed each of them.

  Sadie and Logan smiled at each other across the children, then leaned forward and kissed.

  “A family of our own,” he murmured.

  “What I’ve always wanted,” she answered.

  Epilogue

  Sadie taught the remaining weeks of school. A portion of her heart would miss this job. Other people’s children had helped fill an aching loneliness in her heart. But now she had children of her own and wanted to devote her time to them.

  Logan finished the schoolhouse just as the school term ended. Sadie regretted she would never teach in it, but it was perfect for the students of the new teacher the town would hire.

  Sadie and Logan had decided to live in town for the time being though they spoke often of moving to the ranch.

  But today, none of that mattered. Today Sadie would marry Logan. They would become husband and wife and mother and father on the same day. She looked at the two girls, her heart overflowing with joy.

  Sadie tucked in a curl on Jeannie’s head. She looked at Beth, who glowed with happiness. The older girl had blossomed in the last few weeks.

  “You look beautiful,” Beth said, touching the pale pink silk fabric of Sadie’s wedding gown.

  It still felt a little strange to Sadie to wear bright and cheerful clothing rather than her plain dark skirt and white shirtwaist. Strange and freeing. She admired the dark pink dresses the girls wore. Both girls had their hair curled up.

  “You’re both beautiful, too,” she said.

  “Today we really become a family.” Beth scrubbed her lips together. “Mama and Papa would be so happy.”

  “No happier than Logan and I.”

  Kate and Isabelle entered the living quarters of the school together. “Is everyone ready?” Kate asked. Dawson peeked in. “Is it safe for me to come?”