A Love Worth Searching For

by Kathleen Ball

  Lily kicked the gun from his hand and then had him on the ground. Jill tried to swing the branch at her again. Lily dodged the blow. Kurt crawled and got his gun but when he pulled the trigger Jill and Lily had switched positions and the next thing Lily knew, Jill was on the ground bleeding profusely. She was dead.

  Before he could come at Lily, others were there, alerted by the sound of the gun. Owen wrestled the gun from Kurt, and Rex grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and dragged him to the middle of the camp.

  Lily followed and watched in silence. It wasn’t long before Jed was at her side taking her hand and leading her to Smitty’s fire to get patched up. She’d never forget the look of fury on Jed’s face as he left to deal with Kurt Callen.

  “What do you think will happen, Smitty?” she asked.

  “It was murder of Jill, plain and simple. There is only one action to take. I’m not surprised he wasn’t a reverend. He was a strange one.”

  She briefly closed her eyes and then opened them again. “They’re going to hang him, aren’t they?”

  Smitty shrugged. “That sounds about right. Not a word to anyone about Izzy or the reverend being a hired killer. Rex will stay behind and dig three graves and we’ll leave markers with their names. If they thought she was still alive, they’ll think her dead now. I hope she can live in peace.”

  “Wouldn’t that be wonderful?” She grimaced as she reached for the coffee pot.

  “Sit down and let me tend to you. You know if you’re bad enough off I’m going to recommend you ride in my wagon for a while.” He raised his brows. “If you catch my meaning.”

  Biting her tongue to keep from laughing almost didn’t work. She’d always want Smitty to have her back but not for any clandestine type of thing. She wouldn’t be able to keep a straight face. Suddenly, she smiled. “You made me forget myself.”

  After pouring them both coffee, he handed her a mug and then sat down. “What do you mean by that?”

  “The Sioux taught me to remain expressionless no matter what, and here I am trying to contain my laughter and smiling.” Her smile widened. “That’s a good thing, Smitty.”

  “See, I’m helpful in almost all things. Now let’s get you bandaged up.”

  Smitty rehung the blankets for her privacy, and then he wrapped her ribs. “Not as bad as some of your injuries. Your arm is badly bruised too.”

  She waved him off. “Like you said, I’ve been worse.”

  “What’s going on behind that blanket?” Jed joked.

  “Join us,” she replied.

  Jed joined them, and his face was as far away from joking as one could get. “It’s done. I’ve never had to hang anyone before. Not one person objected because he killed his sister.” He studied her for a minute. “What about you? You could have been killed.” He squatted down and took her hand. “How hurt are you?”

  “Bruised ribs and arm. Nothing really.”

  Jed smiled deeply. “Only you would say those injuries are nothing.” He sighed. “I’m lucky to have you.”

  Smitty discreetly left them alone, and Jed kissed her and his kiss was full of love. She could feel it and it moved her. It didn’t matter if others liked her or not. He was her home. It had been such a hard road the last few years and she kept hoping that some light would shine through and it did. It did in a brightly huge way. It was as though the black clouds parted and the sun was shining down just for her.

  “I’ll be staying in Smitty’s wagon until I’m better.” She nodded toward the wagon.

  Jed smiled. “I’ll just go and make sure it’s comfortable.”

  “Do so quietly.” She grinned.

  Lily waited outside while Jed was hugging Izzy. Not every man would take in a child, but her Jed had readily done so.

  Jed climbed out and gently held Lily. “I don’t want to let go of you.” His voice was muffled.

  “I feel the same. Maybe I could sleep in our wagon after all.”

  He leaned his forehead against hers. “I wish you could, but I’m still afraid for Izzy.”

  “I know you’re right, but…”

  “Our time will come.” He helped her into the wagon.

  Chapter Twelve

  The landmarks all looked familiar. One more day and they’d be right outside of town. Jed had sent Rex on up ahead to his ranch to let his brothers know he’d made it and he needed some help. Jed had talked to Lily about it and they decided to hide Izzy on the ranch for a few months so they could be sure no one else was looking for her. She’d be safe there.

  Unfortunately, that meant almost a week of traveling in the wagon, and lily was not happy. He’d found that she could be as grouchy as a bear. A bear he could tame with kisses, though. It was just as well no one wanted to talk to Lily. That made it easier to hide Izzy.

  Hopefully, he’d be able to spend a night alone with his wife soon. Maybe tonight he could get them a room in the hotel while Smitty guarded Izzy. Something stirred inside him. Then he frowned. That wouldn’t be fair to Smitty. Maybe if they were only gone for a few hours and not the whole night…

  Owen rode up next to him. “We’re almost home. I want to thank you for the confidence you’ve had in me this trip. We are going next spring, aren’t we?”

  Jed shook his head. “Owen, I think it’s time for you and Rex to run things. I finally found Lily, and I don’t want to be parted from her.”

  Owen frowned. “I’ll talk to Rex. I can’t believe all the Todd brothers have gone and got hitched. I remember the days when we all pledged that women weren’t for us. I don’t suppose Smitty?”

  Jed shrugged. “He has Lynn Downing waiting for him. I have a feeling he’s going to want to settle down. I could be wrong.”

  Jed rode up and down the train. “The land office will still be open when we get there,” he told many of the folks. The relief on his fellow travelers’ faces warmed him. They’d made it. They had lost a few, and that was always the sorrow of the Oregon Trail. He hoped they stuck it out and made lives for themselves. He’d seen too many people go back, and many had nothing waiting for them back home.

  Oregon was a big territory with plenty of space to start a life. The relief and happiness would wear off when they got to their properties and realized the hard work wasn’t behind them, it was just starting.

  Winter would be hitting in a matter of months, and they needed to build shelter. There wasn’t time to get a crop in before it snowed, but there was plenty of game if they hunted. All he could do was wish them the best of luck.

  Buildings could be seen in the distance, and the people cheered. They’d circle one last time, and folks would make a mad dash into town to either get supplies or land or both. He always stayed that one last night before heading home. He’d considered every scenario he could think of, but he couldn’t figure out how to be alone with Lily.

  He wanted her all to himself before his family got ahold of her and made her feel welcome. After that, who knew? The house was plenty big, but he didn’t want people knowing his business. He smiled. He guessed his brothers went to bed to do the same thing.

  Heck, had Eli and Amy had a boy or girl? He bet Cassandra was walking already if her daddy Mike allowed her to take a step. He seemed mighty protective. He wouldn’t allow Jed to hold her unless he was seated. It would all work out.

  Just as he’d expected, some circled while others just parked and went running to see if they could get the best land. He laughed as he rode to Smitty’s wagon. “We’re home.”

  Smitty’s eyes twinkled. “Looks like you have a welcoming committee.”

  Jed frowned and looked toward town. There stood his entire family waving at him. “What do you suppose this is all about?”

  “Don’t care.” Smitty shrugged. “I get to see Lynn that much sooner.” He climbed down and hurried off. Jed had never seen him walk so fast in his life. Smitty grabbed Lynn and swung her up into the air before he soundly kissed her.

  “Psst! I thought he was married.” Lily whisper
ed.

  “And I told you that’s his business. He’s not a scoundrel. He’s just a man with a big heart.”

  “Your family is here,” she remarked.

  “Every single one of them. It’s strange.”

  “Don’t you think you should see why they’re here? Izzy and I will be fine here for a while.”

  “I’ll be right back.”

  Lily watched as he hugged and kissed his family. It made her long for her mother and father.

  “Looks like a nice family. I’m a bit confused by Smitty’s girl. Her kids are of all colors,” Izzy said.

  “She adopts children who have lost their parents along the Oregon Trail.”

  “That’s good. People don’t need to know who I am. Just another orphan.”

  Lily studied Izzy. “You’ll be just fine. I’ve met Jed’s brothers and Mike’s wife Susan before I was captured. They were always so nice. Susan and my mother were good friends. Now me, I don’t know if my being with the Sioux for two years makes a difference or not. I’d say not, but you never know.”

  Izzy giggled. “Look! They’re running over here to see you, so I think that answers your question.”

  Lily’s stomach clenched as her mouth went dry. If they rejected her in any way, she’d die.

  “Stay in the wagon, Izzy.”

  Izzy nodded, and Lily climbed down ready to face them down. Poor Jed. But she wouldn’t make him choose between his family and her. His family was too good to pass up.

  Susan had tears in her big blue eyes and she pulled Lily into her arms. Susan was very pregnant and hugging was a bit awkward. “Look at you! Oh my, you’re so beautiful. I wish your mother could be here to see you safe.”

  “It’s good to be here.”

  Mike was right behind his wife carrying a little girl with dark hair and blue eyes like her daddy’s. “I hear we’re related now.” He smiled and kissed her cheek. “This is your niece Cassandra.”

  “Jed’s told me all about her. She’s adorable.”

  Eli waited his turn and picked her up, twirling her around before he kissed her on the cheek and then set her down. “You are a sight for sore eyes. I’m ecstatic you were found. Jed looked for you everywhere.”

  “I’m glad I was found too.”

  “Oh, where are my manners? Lily, this is my wife Amy and our son Grant.”

  Amy had her hands full, but she smiled. “I’ve heard a lot about you. Welcome.”

  Jed put her arm around Lily and smiled. “They all came to town to see you.”

  She glanced up at Jed wondering if they were putting on a good face accepting her or if…?

  He gave her shoulder a light squeeze. “What you see is what you get with the Todds.”

  She hadn’t realized how tense she’d been until she began to relax.

  Smitty walked toward them with Lynn and her crew of kids.

  “Looks like there are a few more than when I left,” Jed commented.

  “There are,” Mike said as he smiled.

  “I heard there is an important package that needs to get to the ranch,” Eli said. “Smitty mentioned you two hadn’t had any privacy.” His face turned red.

  “I paid for a room for you at the hotel. It’s available now,” Mike said. “Eli and Smitty will take everyone home while I make sure the people from the train get settled. You two go ahead.”

  She looked at the ground, embarrassed. “Jed, could I talk to you?”

  His brow furrowed but he followed her a few feet away from the rest. “What is it?”

  “This might sound strange, but I don’t want to use the hotel room. I want to be under the stars with you. It’s the way I always dreamed it would be between us. Unless you prefer—”

  He stepped back toward the group. “Change of plans. We’re taking one of the wagons and having one last night camping.”

  Mike laughed. “Well what are you waiting for?”

  “Take good care of the package. Oh, and Smitty, don’t forget to get the sheriff to take Garber off your hands. You know we never did figure out what his big payday was supposed to be.”

  Smitty rubbed the back of his neck. “I thought I told you. Wanda and her brother seem to be wealthy. Garber wanted to prove his love by getting rid of Lily. She scared Wanda I guess.”

  Lily joined Jed and took his hand. “Well now we don’t have to worry about them.”

  Jed stared at her as he caressed her cheek. “Ready?”

  She suddenly felt shy when she nodded. She didn’t look back but climbed onto their wagon and smiled as they went in their own direction. They drove in silence but it was a good silence. A silence of relief, excitement, fear, and love. She enjoyed every minute of it.

  Jed parked the wagon next to a stream and under a few trees.

  “It’s lovely here.” The babbling of the stream along with the sound of the leaves as the cool air blew was calming. Birds sang as though they were welcoming them.”

  “I’ll get a fire started so I can heat water for you.”

  “I wish I was brave enough to wash in the stream.”

  Jed shrugged. “It’s a bit cold anyway. Now did you really mean under the stars or would you be more comfortable in the wagon?

  She climbed down and took a few steps from the wagon where the trees didn’t block the sky. “Here. Right here.”

  Jed built a fire close to the spot she indicated and when he had the water heated and ready he said he’d hold a blanket up for her privacy. She shook her head. I want us to bathe together and sleep together. I want to be your wife in all ways and I want to make you happy.”

  “You already make me happy, but let’s get cleaned up, Mrs. Todd.”

  Lily didn’t know what happiness really was until she lay in her husband’s arms later that night. They looked up at the stars and she made endless wishes for them.

  Epilogue

  Two weeks later, Lily and Jed went for a walk in the moonlight. It was a heavenly sky with a full moon and plenty of stars. Happiness filled her, and she hoped it would never fade.

  “Your family has been so welcoming. I feel like I belong, and I never thought I would have that. So many things have happened to me these last few years but I think I got my happy ending.”

  “We have a lot of hard work to do. I want to build our own house on the adjacent property and claim more land. I’m entitled to more since marrying you.”

  She elbowed him in his side. “So that’s the real reason you married me. I knew there had to be a reason,” she joked.

  “A man has to look out for his future.” He gave her one of his heart-stopping grins as he turned her to him. The grin faded as he leaned close and kissed her. It was a gentle, lingering kiss. When they parted, he gazed at her with hooded eyes.

  She knew that look by now and was waiting for him to take her inside but he looked up at the sky instead.

  “You know, this life is full of wonders. Some good and some not so good. The day you were taken changed my life…I grew up that day, and I realized I had feelings for you. You were so young…”

  “I’m so glad you kept looking for me.”

  He took her into his arms and kissed her neck. “Ours was a love worth searching for.”

  The End

  I'm so pleased you chose to read A Love Worth Searching for, and it's my sincere hope that you enjoyed the story. I would appreciate if you'd consider posting a review. This can help an author tremendously in obtaining a readership. My many thanks. ~ Kathleen

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  Shannon McMurphy jolted awake as the stagecoach came to an abrupt stop.

  “Ashervill
e, Texas folks!” The driver yelled.

  “This is it, Asherville, Texas,” the brown-toothed man sitting across from her announced. He spit once again on the stagecoach floor and leered at her. “Are ya sure ya want to get hitched to Ole John Hardy? I can be your husband if ya like.” He leaned toward her and she quickly turned her head from the fetid smell of his rotting teeth. She wished he wouldn’t speak.

  Shannon shuddered, trying not to glance at him. He’d made her uncomfortable with his stare the whole last leg of her trip. Until then there had been other passengers and he’d behaved himself, but now she never wanted to be in his company again. Opening the shade, she looked out the coach window. The bright sun made her eyes squint from the glare.

  It didn’t look to be much of a town but beggars couldn’t be choosers, and in this situation, she was definitely the beggar.

  The driver opened the door, and Shannon expected to get off first, but the nasty passenger pushed past her and left. Maybe this is what manners are in the West.

  The driver extended his hand. She took it and carefully stepped out of the stagecoach. Taking a deep breath, she released his hand and glanced around. Where was Mr. Hardy? He promised to meet the stage, but she saw no one else on the wooden walkway. He was probably delayed at his ranch. Being a successful rancher must be hard work.

  The driver put her bag down next to her and she smiled her thanks. “You wouldn’t know—”

  “I usually drive straight through Asherville. I have a schedule to keep and can’t stand around jawing. Never had time to meet the folks.” He stroked his black mustache and shrugged. “Someone will be by to pick you up. A man would have to be crazy to leave a pretty gal like you standing out here alone and unescorted.” He climbed back on the coach, grabbed the reins and yelled. “Haw!”

  Not one to stand around waiting for something to happen, she grabbed her bag and strode down the boardwalk. There wasn’t much in the town to recommend itself. The biggest building was the saloon followed by the mercantile. On the other side of the street, she saw, a place called Eats and next to it was a barbershop. Somehow, through Mr. Hardy’s letters, she anticipated a booming town, not a sparsely populated wide spot in the road. There was a sign on the bank, which said, closed, and someone had nailed a plank of wood across the door to the sheriff's office.