by Jenna Brandt
“It’s rare to get a visitor,” Abigail explained. “Everyone's curious.”
“Good morning, Abigail. Aren’t you going to introduce us to your guest?”
Abigail turned to find Judy and Rebecca standing next to them.
“Judy Lambert, Rebecca Bolton, may I introduce, Levi Emerson.” Wanting to keep the questions to a minimum, Abigail added, “He works on the ranch. He found me on my way into town, and as it turns out, we were both coming to church.”
The women greeted Levi. A moment later, Jake Bolton and Paul Breecher joined the group.
Once the men were introduced, Jake offered, “Why don’t you sit with us, Mr. Emerson?”
“Thank you, and please call me Levi.”
The group took seats towards the middle of the church just as Pastor Gable took to the pulpit. He said a quick prayer, and the congregation sang several hymns before he spoke.
“We're told in Colossians that we are to set our minds on things above and not be consumed by things of this world. Often, we try to obtain more. More money, more status, more power, but God wants us to see all we need is Him. The things of this world are temporary. In the book of Matthew, we're told we shouldn’t focus on what moths and rust can destroy or what thieves can take from us, but rather what treasures we can build in heaven. For what we value here on earth shows what matters in our hearts.”
Abigail reflected on her family and how they valued all the earthly things Pastor Gable mentioned. Before she knew any better, before she came to know God, she viewed the way her family behaved as normal. Now, she knew what they did was rooted in selfishness, a place not of God, a place from which she was grateful to be free.
As they stood to leave after the service ended, Abigail inquired, “What did you think of what Pastor Gable had to say this morning?”
“He’s right,” Levi stated. “Too often, we care more about gettin' earthly possessions than we do about what God wants us to do. I was guilty of that, but recently realized there are more important things in life than what money can buy.”
“We’re all planning to go over to the hotel for lunch. We would love it if both of you joined us,” Judy offered.
“Yes, join us,” Paul Breecher urged. “It would be nice to have another man around to even out the numbers.”
Levi looked at Abigail and waited for her to answer. She was glad for the opportunity to spend time with Levi and doing it in the presence of her friends made it possible without earning her father’s wrath. “That’s a great idea,” Abigail stated. “But first I want to introduce Mr. Emerson to Pastor Gable.”
The other two couples left for the hotel while Abigail got the pastor’s attention. “Pastor Gable, I want to introduce to you Mr. Levi Emerson. He works for my father.”
Pastor Gable greeted them with a friendly grin and put out his hand to Levi. “Please to make your acquaintance, Mr. Emerson. Did you enjoy the service?”
“I haven’t had a chance to be in church since I found God. I'm grateful for the opportunity.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” Pastor Gable stated. “Hope you will come back next Sunday.”
“I’d like that,” Levi gave a tentative smile, “but I’m headed out for a cattle drive at the end of the week.”
“I’ll be praying for safe travels during your run,” Pastor Gable offered, “and look forward to you coming to service when you return.”
“Thank you, I appreciate that.”
“You have a good day, Pastor Gable,” Abigail said. “We're meeting a few people at the hotel, so we need to be going.”
As Levi and Abigail made their way down the steps of the church, Andy Wilson approached them. He had a sour expression on his face as he looked at Levi next to Abigail.
Mr. Wilson stopped in front and blocked their path. He directed his angry stare at Abigail and asked, “Can I speak with you in private?”
Abigail's heart beat with trepidation. She didn’t want to be alone with the man. How could she politely tell him ‘no’ without it getting back to her father?
“We have plans, Mr. Wilson, and need to be on our way, if you don’t mind stepping aside,” Abigail stated.
Mr. Wilson gave her a withering stare and barked out, “I do mind since you’re soon to be my wife. Your comings and goings are now my business.”
Abigail’s cheeks turned red, not liking the fact he was talking about her as if she were a piece of property he was going to own soon.
“Until that happens, Miss Larsen doesn’t have to report to you,” Levi objected.
Before anyone blinked, Andy Wilson’s hand snaked out and roughly grabbed Abigail by the arm, then he yanked her towards him. “I said I need to speak with you.”
Abigail’s eyes jerked up to Andy Wilson’s, and she saw a terrifying mixture of anger, greed, and desire making her flinch under the scrutiny.
“You need to let her go,” Levi stated, stepping forward and pushing Andy Wilson away from Abigail. “She’s not yours to treat in such a way.”
“How dare you insert yourself into this,” Andy Wilson growled at Levi. “You have no right.”
“Neither do you,” Levi retorted. “What kind of man behaves in such a way towards a woman?”
Mr. Wilson moved towards Levi until he was only inches away from his face. “You’ve no idea who you are talking to,” he threatened. “Maybe I should teach you.”
Pastor Gable stepped in between the men. “We won’t be having any of that going on here. This is holy ground. Andy Wilson, I suggest you head on back home before I send for Deputy Bolton.”
“You’ve all made a big mistake in doing this. You shouldn’t have crossed me.” He looked directly at Abigail with rage. “You especially. I haven’t decided what I will do about you. Tell your father, not tell your father. Wait to teach you a lesson once we're married. The choices are endless. Ponder that why don’t you?”
With those ominous words, Andy Wilson turned and left them standing there.
Abigail rubbed the spot on her arm where Andy Wilson grabbed her. Pain radiated from it and she suspected she'd have a bruise by nightfall; however, she was more worried about what Andy Wilson threatened to do. What would happen if her father found out, or worse, if he punished her once they were married?
“Thank you for intervening Pastor Gable.” Abigail said, trying to muster a smile. “It might be best if I head home rather than go out with you.”
“I think you could use some time with your friends,” Levi countered. “Don’t let that man ruin your day.”
With a nod of her head, she agreed. “Perhaps you’re right. Let’s head over to the hotel.”
Sixteen
The other two couples were seated around the table at the restaurant when Abigail and Levi arrived. Everyone greeted them as they joined them.
“What do you think of Rockwood Springs, Mr. Emerson,” Rebecca inquired, “now that you've been here for a while?”
“Please, why don’t all of you call me Levi?” Answering Rebecca’s question, he continued, “I haven’t spent a lot of time in a small town, but I have to say, Rockwood Springs is growin' on me. Y’all have a mighty fine place here.”
“We think so,” Paul stated. “It’s nice to hear someone else does too.”
“Could you see yourself staying here?” Judy inquired.
Levi looked over at her, suspecting she was asking more for Abigail’s sake rather than pure curiosity.
“This is a place I could see myself settlin' down in,” Levi admitted.
“Why then, it seems you might become a permanent part of this place. You should come to our wedding,” Judy offered.
“Yes, we would be glad to have you,” Paul agreed.
“Thank you for the invitation. It would honor me to attend.”
The rest of the meal passed with everyone enjoying the food and conversation. Levi—not wanting their time together to end—suggested he walk Abigail home after lunch.
“You have wonderful friends.
”
“Thank you,” she said smiling over at him as she stopped at the edge of the hotel before crossing the street. “I’m glad you joined us, and even more pleased you got along with everyone.”
“Is there a reason it matters to you?” he probed, wondering if she was seeing a future with him like he secretly dreamed about with her.
Abigail leaned back against the wall of the hotel and looked him directly in the eyes. “Jake and Paul are great judges of character. If they approve of you, it means you’re a good man, Levi Emerson. I want to know there are still good men in the world.”
The guilt of his lie about what he was doing in Rockwood Springs weighed on his heart. As he looked down at her, he wanted to confess everything, but it wasn’t just his future he jeopardized if he did; his partner would be affected too.
Lord, what do I do? I want to tell her the truth, but I owe it to Clyde to protect this bounty. Help me make the right decision.
“Since you’re going to Judy and Paul’s wedding, I was hoping to spend more time with you there,” Abigail stated with hope in her voice.
“I wouldn’t want to upset your family.”
“They won’t be there,” she explained. “My father hates weddings and there’s no financial benefit for any of them attending. I will be the only Larsen present.”
“I’d love to spend more time with you, Abigail,” he confessed as he moved closer towards her, stopping only mere inches away. Her lips looked tantalizing, like an invitation for him to place his own upon them. “I find myself wantin' to be around you as much as I can.”
“I feel the same way,” she admitted in return as her hands came to rest on his chest. Her eyes were looking into his own and he could tell she wanted him to kiss her.
Slowly, his mouth descended to hers, but before their lips touched, shouting erupted behind them. Levi stepped back quickly, whipping around with his hand on the hilt of his gun at his side. He moved towards the commotion where two men were fighting on the street in front of the saloon.
“You shut up, Caleb Lambert,” a skinny blond cowboy yelled. “I don’t wanna hear another word about your money. I was about to spend time with Bridget, but you ruined it. Now, she's upstairs with somebody else because of you.”
“I told you today you would return what you owe me,” the thickly built, dark-haired man retorted. “Nobody takes advantage of a Lambert and gets away with it. You borrow money, you pay it back.”
“I don’t have your money,” the drunk blond man stated resentfully.
“Then we have a problem,” Lambert threatened as he moved to close the gap between the two men.
Levi stepped forward, putting himself between them. “That’s enough. Whatever’s going on needs to be handled in a civilized manner; not out here on the streets in front of women and children.”
“You stay out of this, mister. I've a right to collect what’s mine,” Lambert asserted.
“And I agree with you, but there’s a proper way of doin' things, and this ain’t it,” Levi stated. “Why don’t you both head on home and sober up.” He turned to the blond man and suggested, “And if you keep away from the saloon for a time, you can save up right quick what you owe the other man.”
“It's best if you take that advice, Dwight Stillman,” Jake Bolton affirmed, coming up on the group of men. “If I have to break up another fight between the two of you, both of you will go to jail,” Jake stated as he pushed back the edge of his coat to reveal his shiny badge.
“You don’t intimidate me, Jake Bolton,” Stillman sputtered as he stepped forward towards Jake aggressively. “You'd best stay out of my affairs.”
“It’s Deputy Jake Bolton,” he reminded the other man as his hand hovered over his gun, “and you would best remember I’m the law around here.”
“Rockwood Springs has done fine with no lawman, and we don’t need an outsider coming in acting like he’s in charge.”
“You’re mistaken, Mr. Stillman. Rockwood Springs has needed law and order for a long while which is why the sheriff sent me to provide just that.” Jake gave him a pointed look and stated, “There’s been too many men running around here thinking they can do whatever they please.”
“Fine. Have it your way, mister lawman,” Dwight slurred as he turned to leave. “I’ll do what you say this time.”
“I didn’t mean for the situation to escalate when I went in there. All I wanted was my money back. Since I owe you for saving my sister’s life during the Grimes brothers’ robbery, I will do as you suggest and let the debt go for now.”
Judy rushed up to the group with her skirt in her hand. “Caleb, why are you behaving in such a manner? You need not be doing this. The ranch has plenty for the whole family.”
“No, it has plenty for Eli and Logan. They’ve made it clear my help isn’t wanted.”
“That’s not true, Caleb,” Judy objected, shaking her head. “You need to come home and it can get sorted out.”
“What do you care? You’ll be leaving the ranch by weeks’ end anyhow.”
Judy’s cheeks tinged with pink from embarrassment. “I’ll always care about my brothers; all of them. I just want my family to get along.”
“Well, you should make peace with the fact that won't happen,” Caleb stated.
“Will you be at my wedding?” Judy inquired timidly.
Caleb shrugged. “Eli made it clear I wouldn’t be welcome. Sorry, Judy, but it’s not my doing.”
The youngest Lambert brother looked conflicted about the situation, but without another word, he turned and walked away.
Tears slipped down Judy’s cheeks as Paul came up and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “Here, let me take you home.”
“I wish they weren’t fighting this way. There was always tension, but since our parents passed, all they do is fight over the ranch.” Shaking her head, she added, “I can’t believe Caleb’s not coming to my wedding.”
“It’ll be all right, Judy,” Paul soothed. “Come on, you need to rest.”
Once Paul and Judy left, Levi and Jake walked over to where Rebecca and Abigail were standing by the back of the hotel.
“Thank you for stopping that from escalating, Levi,” Jake said. “You handled yourself well. Have you been a lawkeeper before?”
“No, but I was in the United States Cavalry,” Levi divulged, “and I had to intervene in a few fights over the years.”
“Well, you’re good at it,” Jake praised. “Maybe you should consider a job change.”
Levi chuckled. “I’m not sure I’m cut out to be a lawman.”
“You never know. I could see it,” Abigail encouraged.
Levi’s eyes darted to Abigail’s and he saw the admiration shining from them. She had no idea who he really was. Even though he helped the law by capturing outlaws, he did it to collect the bounty. Would she view him differently if she knew the truth about who he was and what he had done?
“We should head back to the ranch,” Levi stated, wanting to change the subject.
They said their goodbyes to Jake and Rebecca before heading out of town.
“Why did you leave the military?” Abigail probed.
“It took a toll on me, killin' Indians. I’m not very proud of my past.”
“What changed?” she inquired.
“The Lord saved me, and once He did, I had to leave that life. I had to stop before it destroyed me.”
“I’m sorry,” Abigail said with sympathy in her voice. “It must have been difficult.”
“It was, but I did my best to forget the memories.”
“Is that why you became a cowboy?”
He rolled his shoulders. “Somethin' like that.”
The guilt resurfaced over not telling Abigail the whole truth about his past. He wanted to tell her but he knew Clyde would be furious if he blew the bounty. Levi owed Clyde his life from their earlier job, and he wouldn’t turn his back on a debt. Once he helped his partner with this last job, they'd be square and
he could tell her about his whole past. He just hoped it wouldn’t ruin what was forming between them.
Seventeen
Standing in the doorway of the church, Judy looked breathtaking in her cream lace-covered dress she had specially made by Mrs. Grey. Her brown hair was piled up in ringlets on top of her head with her veil affixed in the back. In her hands, she held a bouquet of yellow and white flowers, but the prettiest part was the smile that beamed across her face.
“Judy looks happy,” Levi whispered to Abigail.
Nodding, Abigail agreed. “She really does. I’m glad she's lucky enough to marry a man she loves.”
Levi’s brows came together in a furrow. “You make it sound as if it’s not common.”
Though Abigail didn’t want it to happen today, sadness for her own plight crept into her heart. “It’s not. It’s rare in these parts. Most women marry for convenience or for protection; feelings have little to do with it.”
“I wouldn’t want to marry a woman who I didn’t think loved me,” Levi commented.
“Really? You strike me as a practical man.”
“I suppose I am, but I also know a life without love isn’t worth livin’.”
Abigail inhaled sharply. She glanced out of the corner of her eye and tried not to react. It wasn’t often you heard a man make such a declaration, let alone a cowboy.
The song played by the pianist shifted, ushering in the bride. Judy glided through the church which was adorned with flowers along the edges of the pews and sprays at the front. Rebecca and Jake were the matron of honor and best man and standing next to Paul at the end of the aisle. Eli Lambert, Judy’s oldest brother—a tall man with dark hair and brown eyes—guided her through the center of the church to where Pastor Gable waited to start the ceremony.
“Dear friends and family, we’re gathered together for Judy Lambert and Paul Breecher. They started their courtship through the most unlikely of circumstances. Few people can say the origin of their union started through a robbery, but love can spring from the most unlikely of places. Please bow your head as we pray for this union.”