“That sounds delicious,” Mother replied.
They made their way to the baggage car. Wesley suggested Uncle Oliver and the ladies go ahead to the restaurant and order his steak medium rare while he collected the trunks. Lizzy didn’t want to be parted again so soon, but neither did she want to start arguing with her husband. She owed him more than a simple apology for her poor behavior and agreed without a word.
It wasn’t long before he joined them at the restaurant. He took his seat at their table for four and covered her hand with his. Lizzy met his smile and felt her heart beat a little faster. She had loved this man nearly her entire life, and now she was carrying his child. The thought of it fascinated and terrified her at the same time. A baby was growing inside of her. A gift from God.
They passed the supper hour eating and discussing all the news from the show. Lizzy answered her mother’s questions about her fall, and while she wanted to blurt out the news about the baby, she knew she needed to share it with Wes first. In private.
Finally, everyone had eaten their fill and Uncle Oliver gave a yawn. “I’m afraid,” he said, pushing back from the table, “that I am completely spent. My back and hips are begging for a bed.”
“I believe we should retire, then,” Mother said, putting her napkin aside. “Not only did Wes and I have the long drive into town this morning, but we saw to our shopping before you two arrived. I think a good night’s sleep is in order for all of us.” She pushed a key toward Uncle Oliver. “You have room twenty-one, I’m in twenty-four, and Wes and Lizzy have fourteen.” She stood. “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I intend to sleep late.”
Everyone laughed at this, having never known Rebecca Brookstone to indulge in that luxury.
They made their way to the hotel and bid each other good night. Lizzy felt almost shy, slipping off to one of the rooms with Wes. They had spent more than one night as man and wife in hotel rooms, but for some reason this felt far more intimate after their time apart.
Once behind closed doors, Lizzy pulled the pins from her hat and set it aside. She glanced at Wes, who had taken a seat on the edge of the bed.
“The cases and trunks are behind you,” he said casually. “Do you need me to open any of them?”
“No. I have my overnight things in the small case. I can manage perfectly.” She slipped out of her jacket and hung it over the back of a wooden chair.
She glanced at the iron bed and then around the rest of the room. There was a small dressing table and washstand, but little else. She turned back to Wes, who was watching her with a strange look on his face.
“What?” she asked.
He shook his head. “I just can’t believe we’re finally together . . . alone. I’ve missed you.”
Lizzy nodded and began to pull the pins from her hair. “I’ve missed you too. I’m so sorry for the way we parted. Sorry for the way I behaved. You were only doing what God had laid on your heart, but my feelings got in the way. Then, when I didn’t get any letters from you, I figured you were really angry with me.”
“No.” He shook his head. “Just busy. I knew I should have written, but every time I started to, something happened. You can see the letter I kept trying to write when we get home.” He chuckled. “I think I managed to get three lines down.”
“It doesn’t matter now.” She put the hairpins aside and ran her fingers through her long dark hair. She let the waves tumble down over her shoulders. It felt so good to have her hair free. “I know Uncle Oliver sent a telegraph about the accident.” She met her husband’s gaze. “You haven’t asked me about it.”
He nodded. “I didn’t ask on purpose. I didn’t want that to be the focus of your homecoming. Besides, your mother asked enough questions for all of us.”
Lizzy had to agree with that. “Still, I’m surprised. I figured you’d want to chastise me.” She smiled, not wanting the situation to get too serious.
He shrugged. “Everyone has the power to change. Your mother convinced me it wouldn’t do any good to reprimand you for doing the things that you love . . . the things that make you who you are.”
“My mother can be very wise,” Lizzy said, smiling. “But just so you know, I’m perfectly fine, and I have no intention of ever performing again. You were right. That time of my life is done. I’m ready for a new time.”
He watched her, never once looking away. She knew he felt the same longing for her that she felt for him. She knew now was the time to share her news.
“I have a surprise for you,” she said, coming to stand directly in front of him.
His left brow rose in question.
Lizzy touched his cheek. “I’m going to have a baby.”
“I know.” His simple response was followed by a grin.
She was stunned. “You know? Who told you? Did Uncle Oliver say something in the telegram?”
“No.” He shook his head and pressed his hand over hers. “Your mother figured it out. I told her how things were between us before I left. I told her you weren’t at all like yourself, and she told me she was the same way when she was expecting you. Of course, I couldn’t be sure that you were with child, but I was hoping.”
She smiled. “Then you’re glad.”
He looked at her in disbelief. “How could you even question whether I’m glad or not?” He wrapped her in his arms and pulled her close. “Of course I’m glad. I’m beyond glad. I’ve wanted to shout to the heavens, but I knew I needed to wait to hear it from you.”
Lizzy laughed as her eyes filled with tears. “I’m so happy.”
“So am I.” He kissed her tenderly, running his hands down her arms. When he pulled away, he reached out to touch her abdomen and grinned. “You’re already growing.”
She held his hand in place and nodded. “And soon the doctor says we should be able to feel him moving.”
“Him?”
She shrugged. “I figured you’d want a boy first.”
“I’ll take whatever God gives us. A little girl just like you would be grand.”
She cocked her head. “Just like me?”
Wes laughed and pulled her back in his arms. “Exactly like you.”
“I couldn’t believe you had already guessed about the baby,” Lizzy told her mother as they drove home in the wagon. Wes and Uncle Oliver chose to ride on horseback, leaving Lizzy and her mother to share a long conversation.
“You were acting just as I did. Your poor father was beside himself. He told the doctor he was sure something was desperately wrong with me, because I was always crying and I’d never once cried since we were married.” Mother smiled and shrugged. “When Wes mentioned what had happened, I just knew it must be for the same reason.”
“I’m so happy, I can hardly stand the thought of having to wait another four and a half months. It seems like it will take forever.”
“The time will pass more quickly than you can imagine. Believe me. Oh, I took the liberty of buying several bolts of white flannel for diapers and material for outfits. We’ll have plenty of sewing to do.”
Lizzy looked out across the rolling hills and sighed. It was so good to be home, to be with the people she loved. Then she remembered that the ranch now belonged to her mother.
“Uncle Oliver told me about the ranch. That you own it in full.”
Her mother kept her eyes on the team as she drove. “I know. He told me last night what a shock it was for you to find out about the show. I’m sorry about that. I wasn’t trying to keep it from you.”
“I didn’t mind that. It was just that I thought we owned half of it. When I learned there was some sort of trade between Uncle Oliver and Father, I didn’t mind at all. In fact, I was relieved.”
Mother finally looked at her. “I’m so glad. I didn’t want you hurt. I know the show is important to you.”
“But the ranch is more important. I always wanted to settle down and stay there, or at least be close by. Father loved the ranch more than the show and it makes me think of him. I
feel his presence when we’re there.”
Her mother nodded. “I’m glad you feel that way, because I’ve deeded it to you and Wes.”
“What?” Lizzy shook her head. “But it’s yours.”
“I want you two to have it. I know your father would have wanted it that way. It’s too much for me to manage alone.”
“But you’ll never be alone. Wes and I would never leave you unless you asked us to.”
“That will never happen, especially now.” She looked at Lizzy and smiled. “I’ll soon have a grandbaby to play with. Maybe even more than one, in time. The ranch is yours, my Christmas present to you both. I took care of the paperwork when we were in Miles City.”
“Does Wes know?”
“No. I wanted to tell you first. But I did ask him to move into the house. I want you to make your home there, and I want to have you close by so I can help you.” She patted Lizzy’s leg. “And play with my grandchild.”
“Well, I hope you know you’ll always have a home with us. Uncle Oliver too. And anyone else who needs a place.”
“I love that this is your heart. You would make your father very happy.”
Lizzy couldn’t keep the tears from coming. “I’m sorry,” she said, sniffing. “I’m just so happy. I can hardly believe how God has blessed me. I wish Father could be here with us. Then everything would be perfect.”
Mother nodded. “I feel the same way. But even with him gone, I feel certain we’re going to be amazingly blessed.”
That evening as Lizzy slipped into bed and Wesley’s waiting arms, she marveled at the day and all she had to be thankful for.
“Can you handle another surprise?” she asked, snuggling close.
“Another surprise? Are you having twins?”
She laughed. “Not that I know of.” She planted her chin on his chest. “Mother has deeded us the ranch.”
“What?” He frowned and shook his head. “I thought she and Oliver owned it together.”
“No. He and Father had an arrangement that I knew nothing about. When Father was dying, Uncle Oliver turned the ranch over to Father in full so that Mother and I might always have it. Uncle Oliver wanted the show, and then he sold it to Henry Adler when he thought his days were few.”
“I’m sure he regretted that.”
“No. On the train ride here, we talked about it. He said he was actually relieved. He’s tired, Wes. Worn from travel and life’s cares. He wants to take life easy, and I told him our baby will need him to act as grandfather, since our fathers are gone.” She smiled. “I figured you’d approve.”
“Of course I do, but why would your mother deed the ranch to us? I mean, she’ll hopefully be around a long while yet.”
“I think she did it because she knows we’ll always let it be her home, and she feels we’ll be better at managing it. She says it’s far too much for her.”
“But we wouldn’t have left her to manage it alone,” Wes countered.
“No, but I think she knew it was important for you to own it. You need to step into the position of being the man of the house and owner of the ranch. It’ll bring a new respect for you, and the men will approve. I know they will. And if they don’t, then you’ll let them go and find new workers.”
“I don’t know what to say. I never expected this, even if I did marry the boss’s daughter.”
Lizzy frowned. “Did you plan to move away?”
“No, but I certainly never figured to own a big place like this.”
“Papa always said that if he could have a son, he’d want you. He loved you a great deal, and I know he’d be proud as a peacock to know we married.”
“I loved him too, but I love his daughter even more.”
Wes buried his fingers in her hair and pulled her to his lips. He kissed her with a warmth and passion that matched her own for him. She sighed against his mouth and smiled. If ever she doubted this was where she belonged . . . all doubt was gone.
“A baby?” Phillip said in wonder. “When?”
Wes grinned. “Doc says January. Just when all the cows are calving and we’ll be so busy we won’t know what to do with ourselves. Probably in the middle of a blizzard too, if I know Lizzy.”
Phillip laughed. “Probably. That’s really somethin’ though, big brother. Congratulations.”
“There’s more,” Wes said. “Lizzy’s ma has given us the ranch. Apparently she’s held the full deed since her husband died, and now it’s mine and Lizzy’s.”
“For sure and for real?” Phillip asked. He couldn’t imagine anyone just giving someone such a gift.
“Yup. She wanted to make sure it stayed in the family and that she had plenty of time to play with her grandchild.” Wes looked happier than Phillip had seen him in a long time. “And in turn, that means you will always have a home if you want one. I’ll need you to take on more responsibility, but as the owner’s brother, you’ll be in a position of authority. Leastwise, I’d like to put you in that position.”
“I don’t know what to say.” Phillip shook his head. The news was more than he could have ever anticipated. “I spent so many years wandering and feeling alone that I’d happily stay on even as the hired help.”
“Like the prodigal son, eh? Well, just like that story, I’m not relegating you to that place. You are family, and we need you. I’m proud of you for working to give up liquor, Phillip. You’re a truly changed man, and I want you to know that you’ll always have my support and love. I know God is going to give you the strength to beat this.”
Phillip nodded. “I want that. More than anything else. Well, it goes right along with wanting to marry Ella. But one hinges on the other, so they really are like the same thing.”
“I understand that.”
“Do you think she still cares about me?”
“Why don’t you ask Lizzy? If anyone would know, it’s her.”
“Would you mind if I go speak with her right now?”
Wes laughed. “I’d be disappointed if you didn’t. She’s in the barn. She wanted to check on the horse she got for Christmas last year.”
Phillip didn’t bother to reply but took off for the barn. He found Lizzy there just as Wes had said. She was stroking Emerson’s face and talking to him in that pretty way only a girl could do. She glanced up at the sound of his approach.
“I hope you don’t mind my interruptin’,” he said.
Lizzy smiled and gave the horse something from her pocket. “I don’t mind at all. How are you?”
He shrugged. “Pretty good, but I’d feel a mite better if we could talk about Ella.”
She nodded. “I wondered when you’d get around to asking me about her. Ella sent this for you.” She pulled a letter from her pocket. “She felt a little frustrated with you for not writing, so I promised I would make sure you wrote to her while she’s gone.”
“When we first got back,” Phillip began as he took the letter, “I wasn’t in any shape to write to much of anybody. Then I was just really busy. Wes seemed to think keeping me exhausted was the best way to keep me from wanting to drink.” He looked at the small envelope and smiled. “She isn’t too mad, is she?”
“No, I don’t think so,” Lizzy replied. “But I know she’d feel better if she could hear from you. She wants to know how it’s going and if you’re managing to stay away from liquor. Not only that, but she has some real burdens of her own to bear.”
“She isn’t sick or anything?” He hadn’t considered that Ella might have gotten hurt. “She didn’t have an accident, did she?”
“No. I would have told you right away.” Lizzy put her hand on Phillip’s arm. “She’s just fine, but it has to do with her family. Her father and that man who wanted to marry her. I’m sure she’s explained it in the letter, but if you have questions, you can ask me. I’ll tell you what I know.”
He nodded. “Thanks, Miz Lizzy.”
“Just Lizzy. I’m your sister now, remember?” She smiled. “And you’re my ornery little brother
and my baby’s uncle. I have always been close to my uncle Oliver. He held a very special place in my life, and I know you’ll hold an equally special one in the life of my baby.”
He felt his chest tighten. “I never thought of it that way. It makes me feel . . . well, like I finally belong.”
She hugged him. “Of course you belong. You belong to us and us to you. We’re family.” She looked into his eyes for a moment, then kissed his cheek. “Forever.”
nineteen
FOUR MONTHS LATER
Ella shivered. She looked out the hotel window and watched as the snow fell and blanketed New York City. It was New Year’s Eve, and the town was in a celebrating spirit. The tour in Europe had ended two weeks ago, and now the troupe was safely back in the United States. Henry Adler had declared this their best year ever, and he felt confident that the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza would continue to grow in popularity. Ella hoped for his sake that this would be the case, but she missed Phillip and the others who’d left the show. Without them, nothing seemed the same.
True to her word, Lizzy had written long letters, and Phillip had added his own shorter missives to keep Ella informed as to his progress. But it was never enough and only made her miss him all the more.
It had been difficult for the show’s mail to keep up with them in Europe, and after a time it had stopped coming completely. Once they returned to England, however, Henry found bags of letters for the Brookstone show forwarded to his estate. Ella had sorted through fan letters to find a few envelopes from Montana and even two from her sister-in-law in Kentucky. Phillip was well and keeping sober. He missed her and was counting the days till he could see her again. This brought a smile to Ella’s face. A part of her had worried that once Phillip battled through his demons, he’d no longer need her.
At a knock on the hotel room door, Ella dropped the drapes. She made her way across the room, fighting a wave of dizziness. “Who is it?”
“It’s me, Mara.”
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