“I made something for each of you.” She unwrapped the dog first. “This is for Samuel since he loves dogs more than anyone.”
Samuel smiled and took the figurine with reverence. “I’m going to call him Charlie.”
At this, she smiled back. The boys could always pull her from the deepest doldrums. “And now for John.” She unwrapped a horse. “The brother who was born riding.”
John’s eyes widened. “I will keep this forever, Aunt Charlie.” He petted the small horse as he tucked it in the crook of his arm.
Andrew sidled up to her, peering into her bag, his face alight with curiosity. “What about me?”
“For you, I made a bear.” She handed it to the middle boy. “This is the most special because it was made from the jaw of a bear.”
“A real bear?” Andrew had a lisp and was a typical middle child, just like his mother. He sometimes needed more attention than his brothers.
“Yes, a real bear.” Charlie enfolded all three of her nephews into a hug, their warm little bodies filling her with regret. It would be some time before she held them again. Her eyes pricked with tears, but she blinked them away, frowning at Mason when he waved a handkerchief at her.
Isabelle stepped out of the cabin, her eyes red-rimmed and her mouth drawn down. “I can’t say goodbye to you, Charlotte.”
“Then say ‘until we see each other again’.” Her throat grew tight and she swallowed hard.
Isabelle made a noise of dismay and in seconds Mason had wrapped his arms around her, tucking her beneath his chin. Charlie looked away, unable to accept she was causing others pain. There was too much of her own.
Eli closed the cabin door and took a deep breath. His mother stood outside, her hands tucked into the ever-present apron she wore. She was a tiny brunette with brown eyes topped by slashes of dark eyebrows.
“Are you sure about this?” She had asked him that question at least a hundred times since the day before.
“Yes, Ma, I’m sure.” He shifted the pack on his shoulder, the tin plates clanging together. He’d taken all of his belongings he could carry, unsure of when he would return. “I’m a grown man. Sometimes men have to follow their own path.”
“I’ve heard that quite a bit here at the fort by pioneers. You’re not going to Oregon, though. You’re hunting down something worse.” His mother shook her head, her expression disapproving. “Gold turns men into raving, murdering fools.”
Eli hid the sigh that escaped. He’d been listening to his mother natter on about prospectors and bad decisions, not to mention her disapproval of him leaving with Charlie. Unmarried.
“You need to marry that girl. Today. If you’re to head off into the world, at least you could do it with your wife by your side.” Harriet Sylvester was like a badger when she wanted to be. Most times it had to do with food at the dining hall but it also flared up when it came to her son.
“She won’t marry me, Ma.” Eli hoped one day that would change, but for today, it was the unfortunate truth.
“She’s a smart girl. She knows a smart thing when she sees it.” His mother headed off, her arms swinging. “I’ll talk to her.”
Eli ran after her. “You’ll not talk to her. She is not someone you can push around.” He knew Charlie respected his mother, but they were both strong, opinionated females. Two badgers, in other words. He had no time to clean up after a fight like that.
He jumped in front of her and held up one hand. “Say goodbye here and I’ll be on my way.”
His mother glared at him, her mouth set in a white line. “This isn’t the proper place for goodbyes.” Harriet looked around with a grimace. “We’re in the middle of the fort. Let’s at least go to the Bennetts’ cabin.”
“I don’t think—”
“I won’t embarrass you.” His mother’s expression fell and her eyes sparkled in the morning sun.
“Are you crying?” He could hardly believe his strong mother would be reduced to tears. She was tough as an oak tree, no matter how petite she was.
She blinked hard a few times. “Of course not. We’d best get moving so you can have as much daylight as possible to travel today.” With a sniff, she walked around him, her back straight and head up.
Eli sighed and followed. His wrist throbbed in tune with his heartbeat. Isabelle had offered laudanum for the pain, but he’d refused. This journey would be fraught with too many dangers, four-legged and two-legged. He wanted a clear head to protect Charlie and himself.
The idea of marrying Charlie had crossed his mind daily for years. He’d never asked, but he knew now that she would be the only woman he could call wife. He felt guilty about previously courting Jane when his heart was otherwise engaged. Permanently.
They arrived at the Bennetts’ cabin within minutes. Charlie sat outside with her nephews on her lap or arm, snuggled up like puppies. They were good boys and they loved their aunt.
She glanced up at him and sorrow shone in her eyes. No doubt she hadn’t considered how hard it would be to leave her family. After she and Isabelle had fought to survive and find their other two sisters, Charlie was now voluntarily splitting them up again. This time the stakes were higher because of her nephews.
“Eli!” Samuel jumped up and ran to him with something clutched in his chubby little hands. The youngest had taken a liking to Eli, even had his own set of child-size tools Charlie had made for his birthday. “Look, Aunt Charlie made me a dog.”
Eli admired the carving, the exquisite detail she had put into the figurine, even if it was for a four-year-old. “That’s a mighty fine dog, Sam.”
The boy beamed and soon his brothers were showing their carvings, which Eli also admired. Charlie was gifted with a knife, in more ways than one. A true artist had created these figures. Isabelle was a gifted musician and singer. It would only make sense that Charlie had some level of creativity as well.
Charlie got to her feet and brushed off her trousers. “I traded with the stable master for a gelding for you and some tack. It’s time to get moving. We’re burning daylight.”
“I only ask one thing.” His mother stepped up and took Charlie’s hands. Eli wanted to groan in dismay.
“Anything, Mrs. Sylvester.” Charlie managed a small smile.
“I know you’ll take care of each other. You two always have.” His mother glanced at him. “Before you leave—”
“Ma, you said you wouldn’t embarrass me.” He looked to Mason for help, but the older man shook his head.
Harriet, as always, ignored him. His mother was as stubborn as a mule. “Be his partner in everything.”
Charlie turned a puzzled gaze at him. He set his bag down and pulled his mother back. “That’s enough for now.”
“It’s not enough.” Isabelle moved out of Mason’s embrace. “You’re correct, Harriet. They do need to be partners in everything.”
Eli was horrified. His mother had started something he couldn’t stop. Now Isabelle was part of it. Charlie might leave without him if the older two women didn’t cease.
“I reckon we should be the ones to decide that.” Eli scowled at both of them.
Charlie looked at each of them in turn. “What are you saying?”
“Marry him before you leave. Don’t be trapped into pretending like I was and Josephine was. If you’re a married couple, you’re true partners in everything.” Isabelle’s voice gained in volume as she spoke.
Charlie stared at her sister for a few moments before turning to him. “Is this what you want?”
From the first day I met you.
“It’s a sound plan.” He almost winced. How romantic was that? He loved her. She knew that. Yet the marriage proposal was given by her sister.
“I suppose it is. Never thought I’d get married.” She crossed her arms. “It would provide both of us some protection.”
I love yo
u, Charlie. I’ll do more than protect you. I would do anything for you.
He couldn’t say what was in his heart. He could only hope she read it in his eyes.
“Will you do it?” His mother’s voice was thick with emotion, very unlike her. It appeared letting go of her only son was hard on her. More guilt pierced his gut at the thought.
“Eli?” Charlie stepped toward him. “Should we get married?”
He opened his mouth, but his throat was too tight for words to escape. Instead he nodded and toed the dirt with his boot. Just like that, she turned him back into a gangly teenage fool who tripped over his own feet.
“Mason, would you go find Old Man Jameson? He was a preacher back in Ohio,” Isabelle said, sending her husband off to find someone to perform the ceremony.
Just like that, Eli and Charlie were to be married.
Charlie stood beside Eli in a fog. She watched the marriage ceremony from a distance, as though it wasn’t her committing herself to a man. Not just any man, though, this was her best friend, the man who loved her, the man she gave her trust to.
Did she love him? She couldn’t answer that question and she hoped like hell he didn’t ask. The last thing she wanted was to hurt him. He’d been everything to her and in truth, she was glad he was going with her to Cherry Creek. Having someone she trusted at her side was invaluable. Lord knew no one else there would be worth a spit.
Old Man Jameson hadn’t shaved in weeks, and might not have bathed either, but he was a nice man. He’d helped a few times when she’d needed to deliver meat to customers and accepted a hunk of venison in payment. The man didn’t have a Bible to use, but that didn’t matter to anyone present.
Charlie wasn’t short, but standing beside Eli made her feel that way. He was so tall and she knew what delights his lean, muscular body held beneath his clothes. The selfish part of her was glad she would be the only one to unwrap that particular present. She didn’t want a husband, but she didn’t want anyone else to have Eli.
If she were to believe Mason and Isabelle, she did love Eli. She knew she loved him as a friend, but was uncertain if she was in love with him. There was a distinct difference. She either loved him like she loved her brothers-in-law or like her sisters loved their husbands.
The chasm in her heart told her the former. Charlie was certain Iz hoped it was the latter.
“Charlie?” Eli poked her in the side with his elbow. “You plan on answering the man?”
Everyone was staring at her. It appeared she’d been woolgathering during her own impromptu wedding. Her cheeks heated.
“What was the damn question?”
A few snickers told her that her nephews were amused. Eli reached for her hand and squeezed. Just like that, she lost any embarrassment.
“Will you take this man to be your husband?” Jameson raised both bushy white brows.
This time she was paying attention. “Yes, I will.”
“That’s more like it.” The former preacher grinned. “I now pronounce you man and wife.”
Eli cocked his head and one side of his mouth kicked up. “If I kiss you, Mrs. Sylvester, are you gonna punch me?”
A laugh bubbled up her throat and she shook her head. “I reckon a kiss is in order.”
He cupped her face and pressed his lips against hers, soft like a spring breeze. She craved more but didn’t want the world to see her become a raving madwoman over her husband’s touch. Foolish as it was, Charlie looked forward to the wedding night, even if it would be on the trail.
His blue gaze held hers and she saw the love shining from within. He didn’t need to say a word to tell her how he felt. Charlie appreciated that more than she could ever say.
“I don’t guess you’ll let us have a wedding breakfast?” Eli’s mother Harriet sounded hopeful.
“We did the marriage ceremony.” Charlie wasn’t in the mood to celebrate, although she knew her attitude would hurt feelings. She had to leave the fort. Now that the time had drawn near, she found herself nearly vibrating with need to step outside the confines of the fence. “I want to head out.”
Eli put his arm around her shoulder. “Thank you, Ma, but we’re gonna go. Good thing you decided not to embarrass me.”
Harriet laughed. “You’re my only boy, Elijah. I want you to be happy.”
“I am.” He smiled at his mother.
Charlie stepped out of his shelter, eager to be on her way. “Thanks, Mrs. Sylvester.”
“I wish you’d stay for a breakfast.” Isabelle’s voice was thick with emotion. “One more hour won’t hurt.”
Charlie glanced at the sky. “It’s got to be near eight o’clock already.” She turned to her sister, hoping Iz saw her need to go. Now.
“I can pack up some food for you to take while you saddle the horses.” Harriet hurried away, her small legs carrying her at a surprisingly fast speed.
“I’ll go fetch the horses.” Eli again grasped what she needed out of the air and took care of it. She sighed in relief.
“Thank you for your services, Mr. Jameson.” Mason led the older man away, no doubt to pay him.
The boys stood there with long faces, their figurines in their hands. Charlie knelt down and hugged each of them in turn. “You be good for your maman and papa. And be nice to each other. You brothers are the closest family you will ever have.”
“Don’t leave, Aunt Charlie.” Samuel’s tears spilled down his cheeks.
“I will always be here.” She tapped their chests. “In your hearts, no matter what. Your maman taught me that.”
The boys looked dubious, but she stood up and turned, unable to look at them any longer. That brought her face-to-face with Isabelle. Charlie’s own eyes burned, but she refused to cry. She had to remain strong and finish her journey out of this place.
“I can’t believe you are leaving.” Isabelle’s voice wobbled. “And no matter what you say, you aren’t coming back, are you?”
Charlie couldn’t lie, so she didn’t answer the question. She couldn’t return to the fort. Ever. She would visit Frankie and Jo, but Isabelle would have to meet her halfway. “Don’t forget to keep on with your music and singing. This healer work is taking you away from it.”
Isabelle shook her head. “I will miss you every moment of every day, tamia.”
This was much harder than Charlie expected. She thought she was strong enough to simply pack up and leave. Given how much she shook from an emotional storm before she took a step away from her sister, how could she leave?
The sound of hooves on the hard-packed dirt broke the spell that had surrounded her. She blinked away the unshed tears and saw Eli leading the horses toward her. His mother hurried to catch up to him, a sack clutched in her hands.
Her husband. Her rock. Her best friend.
A tear tickled as it meandered down her cheek. She swiped it away before he saw it. Eli couldn’t know she needed him. Charlie was too strong to need much, but she needed him.
Isabelle hugged her from behind. “Carry me with you, tamia.”
Charlie closed her eyes and tried to remember why she was leaving. It certainly wasn’t to tear her heart in two.
“May I be of some service, ladies?” Kenneth’s voice cut through her emotional cloud.
Charlie broke her sister’s embrace and faced the captain. “I’m glad you’re here so I can say goodbye.”
“So you are leaving, then?” A glimmer of disappointment slid through his eyes. “I had hoped your sister might change your mind.”
Charlie wasn’t going to argue the point. No force on earth would make her change her mind about leaving. “Thank you for the company and conversation. I wish you luck here at the fort.” She held out her hand.
Kenneth hesitated only a moment before he shook her hand. His hand was softer than Eli’s, but he had a firm grip, which she appreciated.
“Mr. Sylvester, are you leaving with Charlotte?” Kenneth matched Eli’s expression.
“I am.”
“Is that proper?” The captain turned to Isabelle. “Mrs. Bennett, do you approve of this situation?”
Isabelle squeezed Charlie’s hand. “I do.” The play on words made Charlie snort.
She didn’t want to hurt the man. He had been nothing but a gentleman. “Eli and I married not fifteen minutes ago. There’s nothing improper about a husband and wife traveling together.” She inwardly winced at the stiffening of his shoulders. She hadn’t intended to hurt him, but things were what they were. Nothing could change what she’d already decided, what had already been done.
“I see.” Kenneth stepped toward Eli, and for one tense moment, she thought there would be fists flying. Instead, the captain saluted him. “My congratulations, sir. She’s a woman to be treasured.”
“I, uh, thanks.” Eli appeared a bit nonplussed. He nodded at the sign of respect.
“Protect her.” The captain turned and left. Charlie told herself his retreating back wasn’t an insult. He had expressed his desire to marry her. Perhaps it was disappointment, not anger.
“I don’t need protecting.” She touched the butt of her pistol. “I’ll protect you.”
Eli shook his head. “We’ll protect each other.”
Charlie hmphed and took the reins of her gelding. Eli had secured their gear to the saddles already. He took the sack of food from his mother and kissed her cheek.
“Thank you, Ma. Are there biscuits in there? You know how I love ’em.” Beneath his words, Charlie heard an undercurrent of sadness. It hadn’t occurred to her that her new husband would also be leaving behind his family. A much smaller one than she had. All Eli had was his mother.
“Of course there is.” Harriet pulled her son into a hug, awkward considering he had to fold himself in half to reach her. “You make sure you come back, you hear me, Elijah?”
The Gem: The Malloy Family, Book 12 Page 10