Rocky Mountain Dreams (Leadville, Co. Book 1)

by Danica Favorite

  Joseph straightened. “Well...I think that about covers it.” He held out his hand. “Nugget, come on. We need to...”

  Escape was the first thought that came to mind. But Nugget stood there, shaking her head.

  “You are never going to get her to marry you like that. You have to get romantical and tell Annabelle that you love her, then take her in your arms, and—”

  “Nugget!” Both he and Annabelle said it in unison.

  And when Annabelle knelt to the little girl, her face still red, Joseph understood.

  “I told you why I sent you away,” he said quietly. “You thought it was because my regard had changed. The truth of the matter is that I wanted you to stay, desperately. Not for Nugget’s sake, though that’s a bonus, but for mine.”

  Annabelle finally looked up at him, murmured softly to Nugget, then stood.

  “I thought that the noble thing to do when you love someone is to give up what you want for what they want,” Joseph continued. “But I didn’t find out what you wanted, only made assumptions based on what you’d told me. I love you, Annabelle. And I wanted your dreams for you more than I wanted mine. I’m sorry that it caused you pain.”

  “Of course it caused me pain. Because I love you, too, and I didn’t know that you loved me back. So it’s all forgiven. I’m here now, and here is where I will stay.”

  They stood there in silence for a brief moment, interrupted by a tiny voice that asked, “Are you going to kiss her now?”

  So he did.

  Epilogue

  One year later

  Annabelle stood on the porch, watching for the children to arrive home. At half past three, they should have been there nearly a quarter of an hour ago. She smoothed the apron over her rounded belly and debated about taking it off. There was still so much baking to be done for tonight’s church supper. Maddie was having a tougher time keeping up with the miners’ needs, so Annabelle had agreed to do some of the cooking at her home.

  The men were due at any time to help carry everything to the church. Now that Annabelle’s condition was more advanced, both Joseph and her father said she shouldn’t be lifting heavy things. Which meant relying on others helping her for a change. But as she glanced back down the street, worries about whether or not the children had met with foul play took over.

  There were, Annabelle told herself, five of them. Surely together, they were safe enough walking home from school. At least that’s what Joseph always argued. Evelyn, Helen, Daniel, Bess and Nugget could take care of themselves. A handful, but most of the time, Mary and Rose were such a big help that Annabelle hardly noticed.

  However, on days like today, when Annabelle scurried down the street toward the school, she wondered how she thought she could manage all these children, help with her father’s ministry and care for a baby besides. But if something happened to the children—

  Annabelle’s heart constricted, and she turned the corner. Nugget came running toward her, screeching, “Mama!”

  She embraced the little girl, and continued in the direction from which Nugget had come.

  Daniel was engaged in a fistfight with another boy, and the girls were egging him on as other children circled the fighting boys, cheering.

  “Daniel Edward Stone!” Annabelle pushed through the crowd. “I insist you stop this minute!”

  “Not until he apologizes for what he said about my sister!”

  Before he could get another punch in, her father and Joseph arrived and pulled the two boys apart.

  Nugget huddled at Annabelle’s side. “Mama, please don’t be mad at Daniel.”

  The little girl had taken to calling her Mama shortly before her wedding to Joseph. Even though certain people, like the unfortunate boy whom her father was sternly lecturing, didn’t seem to want to forget where Nugget came from, most of the time, no one remembered Nugget wasn’t her daughter. And, as Annabelle tightened her arm around the little girl, she wasn’t sure she could remember a time when Nugget wasn’t hers.

  “You know fighting is wrong,” Joseph told Daniel sternly.

  “So’s what he said about my sister.”

  Though Annabelle knew she needed to remain quiet and let Joseph do the parenting, part of her wanted to cheer for the fact that the boy who once refused to even look at Nugget, let alone call her sister, was now fighting for the little girl’s honor.

  “The other boy started it,” chorused Evelyn, Helen and Bess.

  Annabelle looked down at Nugget. “That so?”

  Nugget shrugged. Apparently, she wasn’t going to risk her newfound solidarity with her siblings.

  Joseph escorted Daniel to where they were waiting, and Annabelle noticed her father walking the other boy down the street. Probably to talk to his parents.

  The other three girls trudged behind, their heads low, as though they thought the other boy had Daniel’s beating coming. Annabelle sighed. Raising Joseph’s siblings was not for the faint of heart. But watching them heal from the pain of their rough past and come to love one another was worth it.

  Joseph came along Annabelle’s other side and slipped his hand in hers. “Never a dull moment, is it?”

  “Of course not.” Until she’d found herself with a houseful again, she hadn’t realized just how much she’d missed having the warm bodies, the laughter and even the fights to add color to her life. Some days, she still missed her siblings, especially Susannah, and most days, she desperately missed her mother. For only a mother could advise her on how to handle this rambunctious crew.

  A carriage was parked in front of their house.

  “Caitlin!” Nugget pulled away from Annabelle’s hand and dashed in the direction of the carriage, her siblings following suit.

  Annabelle looked over at Joseph. “I didn’t know Gertie was coming down today. I thought they were waiting until Saturday.”

  “I thought you’d like having her sooner.” A knowing look filled his face. “You’ve been overly tired lately, and she told me to send for her if you needed help.”

  No, Annabelle didn’t have a mother to advise her on such things. But she had Gertie, who loved her like one. Even though Gertie would never replace her mother, and there were times when having Gertie around increased the ache of her mother’s absence, mostly, Annabelle didn’t know what she’d do without the other woman.

  “Daniel, what have you done to your eye?” Gertie’s exclamation told Annabelle that Gertie probably had plenty of experience dealing with her own sons’ fights. Later, the other woman could help her figure out how to handle this latest development.

  Annabelle turned to Joseph and kissed him softly. “Thank you. You always seem to know just what I need.”

  He kissed her back, then grinned. “Or maybe I want to get a little time alone with you myself. Won’t be much longer until we’ve also got a baby to manage, so I figured I’d best take advantage while I still can.”

  This time, Annabelle didn’t stop herself from throwing her arms around him. Well, as best as she could fit, anyway. She was, after all, expecting a baby. And even though some ladies in town said it simply wasn’t done when one was in such a delicate condition, she kissed her husband until they were both breathless. Let everyone say what they will. Annabelle Lassiter Stone had opened her heart to love, and now that she’d found it, she wasn’t about to let anyone tell her not to show it.

  * * * * *

  Keep reading for an excerpt from HER HOLIDAY FAMILY by Winnie Griggs.

  Dear Reader,

  I am so excited to be sharing my love of Leadville with you. When my husband’s family came to America at the turn of the century, Leadville was where they settled. While we no longer have living relatives in Leadville, we have a family home there we regularly visit, and spending time immersed in Leadville history is something we’ve always enjoyed.
<
br />   When I decided to write a historical, I knew it would have to be set in this beloved town. The story itself came when I read an old newspaper from the 1880s that featured an ad for a debate between two pastors on whether or not miners were beyond redemption. It intrigued me to know that in those days, certain classes of people were viewed as too low for salvation. Hence, Pastor Lassiter and his mission was born. It is the perfect place for a man like Joseph to find help, and for a woman like Annabelle, on the verge of losing hope, to find it again.

  I hope this story encourages you, and no matter where you are situated in life, you know that there is always hope.

  I love connecting with my readers, so please stop by www.danicafavorite.com and say hello.

  Blessings to you and yours,

  Danica Favorite

  Questions for Discussion

  What was your favorite part of Annabelle and Joseph’s story?

  Joseph struggles with forgiving his father. Have you had to deal with forgiving someone who’s already dead? If so, how were you able to deal with it?

  Annabelle’s grief has kept her isolated from her friends and family. How have you coped with grief?

  How did Nugget bring healing to both Joseph and Annabelle?

  Do you think it was reasonable of Annabelle’s father to keep her in Leadville to deal with her grief before sending her out into the world?

  Joseph struggled with being able to listen to Nugget’s stories of their father, yet knowing their father’s misdeeds. Was he right in allowing Nugget to maintain those happy memories?

  Annabelle struggles with being a preacher’s daughter who doesn’t believe God hears her prayers. Should being a preacher’s daughter have an impact on her faith? Have you ever struggled with believing God hears your prayers? How did you handle it?

  Joseph is afraid to court Annabelle because of his responsibility in raising his younger siblings. Is it Joseph’s responsibility to put caring for them above his own desires?

  Annabelle doesn’t want to get close to Joseph because she’s afraid of the pain she’ll feel when he leaves. Have you ever held someone at arm’s length because you thought they were leaving? How did that work out for you?

  The Johansons, like many of the people who came to Leadville, are finding out that their dreams of becoming wealthy aren’t as easy as it sounded. What dreams have you had that have been more work than anticipated? Have you been able to still pursue those dreams?

  How do you think Slade was able to fool the Lassiters for so long? Have you been betrayed by a dear friend? Looking back, were there signs you missed? How did you get over that betrayal?

  Why do you think Joseph’s father entrusted Nugget with the mine’s secrets?

  We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired Historical title.

  You find illumination in days gone by. Love Inspired Historical stories lift the spirit as heroines tackle the challenges of life in another era with hope, faith and a focus on family.

  Enjoy four new stories from Love Inspired Historical every month!

  Connect with us on Harlequin.com for info on our new releases, access to exclusive offers, free online reads and much more!

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  Chapter One

  Turnabout, Texas

  November 1896

  Simon stood at the front of the church with hat in hand, trying very hard not to look as rattled as he felt. Ten orphan kids—TEN!—all looking to him to turn this disaster around and set their world to rights again. What in blue blazes did a bachelor like him know about taking care of kids, especially so many of them?

  When he’d agreed to this venture he sure hadn’t counted on ending up as the sole caretaker of these kids. But they were his responsibility now, and he’d have to see it through.

  Sending up a silent “Lord help me” prayer, Simon made himself smile in what he hoped was a relaxed, neighborly fashion as he watched the members of the small-town congregation file into the hastily called emergency meeting. He and the kids were strangers here—didn’t know a soul—and he had no idea what to expect from these people. If they didn’t help him, he wasn’t sure what in the world he was going to do.

  The children stood lined up in front of him, and they edged closer together as the church began to fill. Some of them held hands, as if trying to draw strength from each other. He could do with a bit of that himself, but unfortunately he was on his own—just like always.

  Fern, a much-too-serious thirteen-year-old, was looking out for the youngest, as usual. Three-year-old Molly and four-year-old Joey stood on either side of her, holding on to her hand. He quickly checked over the rest of them, feeling a little kick of relief at the way they held themselves. He knew they were worried and scared, but not one of them uttered a word, and all the tears had been dried before they left the confusion of the train depot. Miss Fredrick had taught them well.

  He glanced over their heads, studying these strangers who held his and the children’s fate in their hands—at least for the next few days. He disliked the idea of begging for handouts, but for the sake of his charges he would swallow his pride.

  If there was ever a time he needed help, it was now. Hopefully there was a motherly sort out there who would know what to do and would be willing to take care of his charges.

  At least he wasn’t facing these folks entirely alone. The town’s minister, Reverend Harper, stood at his side with his wife and daughter nearby. Thank goodness someone had had the presence of mind to call the clergyman in when they’d arrived. The reverend had assured him that the folks in his congregation were generous, warmhearted people who would help in any way they could.

  As the people settled into the pews, he noted their expressions were a mix of curiosity and sympathy. Most offered encouraging smiles to the children. How many had already learned of their situation?

  When it appeared the last person had taken a seat, Reverend Harper stepped forward. “Thank you all for responding to the bells and joining us here on such short notice.” He motioned toward Simon. “This gentleman is Mr. Simon Tucker and he’d like to introduce these fine children to you.”

  Ready or not, he was up. How best to personalize these children for the congregation? Considering he’d only gotten to know them himself over this past week or so, it wouldn’t be easy.

  He laid his hand lightly on Fern’s shoulder. “This young lady is Fern. She’s thirteen and the oldest of the children. She’s very responsible and is always looking out for the younger ones.”

  He moved his hand to the shoulder of the boy on her right. “This little man here is Joey. Joey is four and loves animals.” Joey had told him more than once that Miss Fredrick had promised him he could have a dog when they reached Hatcherville, and it was as if she’d promised him the moon.

  Simon shifted to the child on Fern’s left. “And this little sweet pea is Molly. She’s three and the youngest of our group.” Molly slipped her thumb in her mouth, and Simon couldn’t find it in his heart to blame her.

  Next he moved on to the children he had the closest ties to. “These two are Audrey and Albert. They’re seven years old and twins.” They were also his niece and nephew.

  He quickly went down the row, introducing the rest of the children—Rose, Lily, Tessa, Harry and Russell— trying to mention something positive about each of them. His gut told him it was important that these folks feel sympathy for the children.

  When he was done, Reverend Harper spoke up again. “Thank you, Mr. Tucker.” He signaled his wife and daughter. “Now, while we grown-ups talk, Mrs. Harper and Constance will escort the children over to Daisy’s Restaurant, where Abigail is planning to serve them
up a nice hot meal.”

  Several of the children looked to Simon for reassurance. It once again drove home how dependent they now were on him. Scary thought. But he smiled and nodded.

  Mrs. Harper took Lily’s hand while her daughter Constance took the hands of the twins. Together the whole lot of them filed out.

  Simon resisted the urge to rake his hand through his hair. He needed to make a proper impression on these people.

  When the little troupe had made their exit, Reverend Harper spoke up again, placing a hand on Simon’s shoulder. “Mr. Tucker finds himself in need of our assistance, and I’ve assured him that the people of Turnabout are up to the challenge. As some of you may already know, there was an emergency on the train when it pulled into town this morning that required Dr. Pratt’s services. It turned out to be very serious indeed. I’ll let Mr. Tucker tell you more about what’s happening.”

  Simon nodded to the clergyman. “Thank you, Reverend Harper.” Then he turned to the people seated in the pews. “The lady who is now in Dr. Pratt’s care, Miss Georgina Fredrick, is the guardian of the children you just met. I was escorting her and the children to a new home that’s waiting for them in Hatcherville. But just before we pulled into the station here, she had an attack of some sort. Your Dr. Pratt tells me she suffered a stroke. And her outlook isn’t good.”

  He was encouraged by the sympathetic looks focused his way. But would it translate to action? “First, let me tell you a little about this dear lady. Miss Fredrick is a warm, generous and caring person. For the past nine years she’s opened her home to children who had nowhere else to go. Over that time, all of those children you just met have been left in her care and have found not only a safe home but have formed a family bond as strong as any blood kin.” His admiration for the woman knew no bounds. To his way of thinking there was no higher calling than to care for children.