Long Trail Home

by Vickie McDonough

  Annie ought to be doing a final cleaning in the girls’ room, but she didn’t have the heart. Too many good-byes had been said, and with Riley ignoring her and keeping Josh away, she felt as if all her strength had drained away.

  She had to make a decision where she would go. She thought of going to Austin so that she could check in on the boys from time to time, but then she’d have to travel with the newlyweds, and her heart wasn’t in it. She’d have to make a life for herself that didn’t include Riley.

  She could not imagine saying good-bye to Laura. Riley and Josh were leaving after the wedding and heading back to his place. She thought of the news Laura had shared—about how Mr. Brown had a stallion that belonged to Riley’s father, as well as several of the Morgans’ brood mares that he’d bred to his stallion in a swap. All three mares had foaled, and Riley would be able to raise Morgan horses as his father had. “Thank You, Lord, for that blessing.”

  How ironic that Riley would now live at the house he’d said he didn’t want while she had to leave the house she loved. Her eyes blurred as she thought of his icy glares. Any future she might have had with him had washed away in the flood of her lies.

  Annie was so tired of good-byes. The best thing for everyone would be if she took a stage while Laura was in Austin, then she could travel until she found a place she liked. Her only decision now was where to go. She’d heard the Hill Country was nice, so maybe she’d go there.

  She stared up at the sky. “Lord, would You please show me what to do?” The sound of hoofbeats drew her attention to the road. A sick feeling coursed through her. Not Otis Ramsey. Not today. She stood and hoped to slink away before he saw her.

  The buggy drew to a stop, and a man stepped out to help Mr. Ramsey down. “Miss Sheffield, isn’t it?”

  Annie paused, wishing she could ooze down under the porch like rainwater. “Yes. May I help you?”

  “I’m sure you can. I saw Miss Wilcox in town, and she said that I could take a look at the house today.”

  Annie glanced toward the barn, hoping Riley would notice their unwanted guest, but he wasn’t in sight. “I suppose you can go look around if you want. Nobody’s in there right now.”

  He lumbered up the porch. “I wouldn’t feel right looking around on my own. Please, would you show me around?”

  Annie stared at him. His polite words were so uncharacteristic that she felt sure he was up to something, but she had no idea what it could be. “I suppose I could do that.”

  Leaving the front door wide open, she gave him the grand tour of the downstairs.

  “Let’s check out the upstairs.” He held his hand out toward the stairs. “If you’ll be so kind as to lead the way.”

  Annie shook her head and backed away. “No, if you want to see the upstairs, you go on up on your own.”

  He scowled. “Perhaps you could just explain the layout to me.”

  She did, then followed him through the kitchen and out the back door.

  “You look to have a rather large garden. However did you manage?”

  “Oh, we just did. You’d be surprised how resourceful blind people can be.”

  He spun around, his right fist clenching and unclenching. His eyes narrowed, his expression menacing. Annie backed, her heart thrumming.

  “Especially …” He took a step toward her. “… if they are not all blind.”

  How did he know? Had she been too careless when he was around? For a brief moment she considered telling a falsehood, but she was done with lying. She swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded.

  “You’ve made a mockery out of my uncle’s kindness. I know his rules—oh, he told me all about this place, more times than I could count. No children who can see—or young women—for that matter, are to attend this school.” He turned and paced across the narrow porch and back. His hand raked through his thin hair, making it stand up like sparse wheat in a field. Suddenly, he spun around and stood close to her. “Ten dollars per child per month—that’s the stipend my uncle paid. Since I inherited everything from him, the way I see it, you stole that money from me, you pretty, little thief. I think some payback is due.” He backed into the corner where the porch and kitchen wall connected, arms on either side of her to block her escape.

  She glanced out the side of her eyes at the barn. Would Riley hear her if she screamed? Was Mr. Ramsey just fuming or did he have something else on his mind? Her heart thundered so loud it was a wonder he didn’t hear it. In all the years she’d been a pickpocket, she’d never once been cornered. She sucked in a breath and tried to duck under Ramsey’s arm, but he caught her around the middle and tugged her up against him.

  “Just settle down, you little nymph, and we can have some fun.” His slobbery lips angled down her neck. Annie pulled at his hands, but when that didn’t work, she doubled up her fist and rammed it backward over her shoulder, colliding with his eye. He let out an enraged howl and dropped her.

  Annie dashed to her left, intending to jump over the fence rail but Ramsey grabbed her skirt and threw his arm around her again.

  “C’mon, you little minx. Give me a kiss.”

  Annie pulled on the man’s little finger, breaking his hold. She spun around and slapped his cheek. “I’d rather kiss a pig.”

  He shoved her back, and she stumbled on her skirt and would have fallen if he hadn’t lifted her up. He narrowed his gaze and rubbed his cheek with his free hand. “My uncle thought he was smarter than me too. He also thought he’d get away, but he didn’t—and neither will you.” He spun her around and pressed her against the wall. The edges of the wood pressed into her back, sending pain through her. “I intend to make sure you never steal from anyone again, just like I made sure my uncle never wasted another penny in this God-forsaken town.”

  His hand closed around her throat, and his warm breath, which smelled of onions, made her stomach churn. Annie didn’t have time to react. She grabbed at the fingers closing off her breath. “You killed your uncle?”

  The gleam of pride that sparkled in his eyes was the only answer she needed.

  Panic flooded Annie. He had killed his own uncle—kind Mr. Morrow. He wouldn’t hesitate to hurt her. She pounded on his arm, but the city man had more strength than she’d given him credit for. How ironic that she might die for a crime she’d long ago forsaken. His fingers tightened, sending pain radiating through her neck. She gasped desperately, trying to breathe. The light of day dimmed, and a fog of darkness threatened to steal her life away. God, help me. Please.

  Riley paced the barn, waiting for Josh to finish his nap. When the boy awakened, they’d ride over to the ranch and work on the house again. They had a lot of work ahead of them but the house was a far sight better than a tack room.

  He leaned against the barn door, marveling again at how God had returned to him something that was lost. Well, not lost exactly, but borrowed. His father’s horses.

  After the wedding tomorrow, he and Josh would ride out for good. Mrs. Alton had already given back some of his ma’s canned goods since most of the children had left. They’d make do.

  But every time he thought of riding off without Annie, he got a sick churning in his gut. He was still mad at her—no, not mad. Hurt. Why hadn’t she told him the truth?

  And he was angry with himself for not realizing it. How many times had he wondered how she got around so well? Now he understood why she could be so independent. Laura had explained why Annie had done what she did, but it still hurt that she hadn’t been honest with him once they started growing close.

  He stared at the house. What was she doing in there with everyone else gone?

  Where would she go?

  He shook his head. The foolish woman was so independent that she didn’t realize the danger she put herself in. She needed someone to watch out for her, and in spite of everything, he wanted to be that person.

  Riley peeked in at Josh, who was napping. If he hurried, he could find Annie and try to make things right. He’d prayed the pa
st few days and asked God to show him what to do. Annie never left his thoughts.

  He headed to the back door of the house out of habit and rounded the corner, and what he saw caused his heart to leap. Otis Ramsey had his hand on Annie’s throat, and her frantic gaze snapped to his, a second before her eyes rolled up in her head.

  Riley took a flying leap over the porch railing and grabbed Ramsey by the tender spot right above the collarbone. The man yelled in pain and released Annie. She collapsed in a pile of blue gingham, and Riley howled and flung Ramsey clear off the porch. The city slicker landed hard, groaned, but didn’t move for a moment. Riley turned to Annie. Her lips were blue but color was returning to her cheeks. A shuffling sounded behind him, and he turned. Ramsey staggered up and lumbered toward him. Riley jumped off the porch and met him with fists raised. “Just what’s going on here?”

  “Nothing.” Ramsey’s gaze darted past Annie to Riley, his lips turning up in a snarl. “Just head on out of here.”

  “Not in this lifetime. What did you do to Annie?”

  His expression paled for a moment then hardened. “She merely passed out from the heat, and I was attempting to assist her.”

  “Liar,” Annie squeaked out, her voice raspy. “Attacked me—killed Morrow.”

  The second his uncle’s name left Annie’s mouth, Ramsey lunged at Riley. The man’s weight pushed Riley backwards, and he landed against the stairs. Using them as leverage, he tucked in his knees then kicked Otis Ramsey backwards, as if he were nothing but manure on his boots. The man’s feet pedaled backwards, his hands pinwheeled, and he stumbled—then he went down hard. A loud breath wheezed out, and Riley yanked his gun from his waistband. When the man didn’t move, Riley rushed to Annie’s side. He dropped to his knees and scooped up the woman he loved. He patted her pale cheek. “Breathe, sweetheart. Breathe.”

  Nothing happened. She’d spoken moments earlier but had now lapsed into unconsciousness. Tears blurred his vision of her pretty face. “No, God, please.”

  He tilted her head back, and her mouth fell open. His hand brushed across the redness on her delicate neck, and he leaned down, compelled to breathe for her. He blew breath after breath into her, praying, begging God to save her. He couldn’t lose her now.

  How could he live without her?

  Suddenly, she gasped. Riley’s eyes flew open and hope battled despair. “C’mon, darlin’, breathe. Don’t leave me.”

  She flailed her arms, as if to fight him off, and Riley wrapped his arms around her. “Hey, it’s me. Riley.”

  Her panicked gaze collided with his as she continued to suck in precious breaths of air. He smiled as he realized she could actually see him. Tears ran down his face, and one dropped onto her cheek. He bent down and kissed it off. “I love you, Annie Sheffield. Don’t you dare think of leaving me.”

  Her worried expression fled, and slowly she caught her breath. Riley cradled her in his arms, thanking God for saving her.

  “S—sorry.” The croaky word didn’t sound at all like Annie’s voice.

  “It’s all right, darlin’. Laura explained everything, and I understand.”

  She closed her eyes and leaned her cheek against his shirt, and tears—this time of joy—once again blurred his view of his beloved.

  “You’ll be all right while I take this—this scoundrel into town?” Riley nodded at Otis Ramsey, who’d been slung over his saddle and tied securely on.

  Annie was glad the man’s face was on the other side of the horse, because she never wanted to see him again. She gazed up at Riley, grateful to finally be able to look him in the eye. He captured her gaze and held it for a long, enchanting moment.

  “Do you know how much I love you?”

  The warmth in his gaze sent a thrill running from her heart all through her. “No, but I hope to find out.”

  He grinned. “I won’t be gone long.”

  “Josh and I will wait right here until you or Laura return.”

  He smiled and ran his knuckle down her cheek. “I’m really sorry, Annie. Sorry for what that snake did. Sorry for getting so upset with you.”

  “No, it’s not your fault. I wanted to tell you for so long, but I couldn’t find the words. I tried that night when Laura and Sean burst in with their news.”

  “Well, let’s put it behind us and think of the future. See you soon.” He bent and kissed her forehead then held his hand against her cheek. Then his head dipped down, and she thought he might kiss her, but he looked down instead, and then he chuckled.

  Annie looked to see what was so funny, and she saw Josh tugging on Riley’s pants, his lips puckered, waiting for a kiss. Riley picked up the boy and tossed him in the air, receiving a joyful squeal for his efforts. He hugged Josh and placed a kiss on his cheek. “You be good for Annie, all right?”

  Josh pointed to the road, but Riley shook his head. “No, you can’t go this time. I’ll be back soon. Don’t worry.” He hugged Josh again then set him down and gazed at Annie with another look of deep love. He tipped his hat to her then headed down the stairs. Suddenly, he stopped and just stood there, his back to her. She admired the width of his shoulders, his narrow waist, and long legs. He lifted his hat, a trait he often did when frustrated or contemplating something. Then he spun around and marched back to her, a determined look in his eye.

  “Annie, I know this is short notice, and things between us have been up and down since we met, but would you—” He looked away, staring off in the distance then he turned back to her. “Annie Sheffield, would you marry me?”

  Her mouth dropped open, and the dreams she’d thought were dead came scrambling to life again. “Marry you?”

  Riley nodded, looking both nervous and hopeful.

  “When?”

  He lifted his hat and forked his fingers through his dark rumpled hair again. “Would tomorrow be too soon?”

  “Tomorrow!”

  Riley shoved his hat down and a sheepish grin tugged at his lips. “Yeah. I know it’s fast, but with Laura leaving and the children gone, you’d be alone in the house. It wouldn’t be right for me to stay in the barn, but I don’t want to go off and leave you here by yourself. It just makes sense to marry quickly.”

  She blinked, stunned down to her toes, and tried to comprehend that he had asked her to marry him. Tomorrow.

  When she didn’t answer, his enthusiastic expression dimmed. “Is that too soon? I know women have to prepare for weddings. Or do you think it would upset Laura for us to marry the same day as her and Sean?”

  Annie shook her head, and Riley’s shoulders sagged.

  “No, you won’t marry me? Or just not tomorrow?” He glanced over at Josh, rocking the chair back and forth.

  Annie touched his arm. “No, I don’t think it would bother Laura.”

  He stared at her for a long moment then grinned as comprehension dawned. “Does that mean yes?”

  Annie couldn’t contain her smile. “Yes, of course. I mean, if you’re certain that’s what you want.”

  “I don’t have a single doubt, darlin’.” He pulled her into a tight embrace and proved his point, and when he let go, Annie was dizzy with joy.

  “Let me go so I can get back soon.” He dashed away without waiting for a response, grabbed the reins, and walked Gypsy toward town. He looked back over his shoulder and waved.

  Annie’s heart sang with delight as she watched the man she loved walk—very quickly—toward town. “Thank You, Lord, for working everything out in such an amazing way.”

  Oh, what a difference twenty-four hours could make.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  Annie stood at the back of the church beside Laura, waiting for their double wedding to start. Laura had been so thrilled to learn of Riley’s proposal that she’d insisted they get married at the same time.

  “Are you nervous?” Laura asked, looking so pretty in her lavender silk dress that Sean had insisted on buying her at Mrs. Petree’s mercantile. Annie smiled at how she’d teased her about not ne
eding any perfume because the dress reeked of gardenias.

  “Yes, but not for the reason you’re thinking.”

  Laura locked eyes with hers. “I know. But you’re doing the right thing. Most of the people of Waco are the forgiving type. You’ll see.”

  “I sure hope so.”

  A side door opened, and Sean and Riley entered, looking handsome, all cleaned up, and spit-shined. They stopped at the front, standing on either side of First Baptist’s minister, Rufus Burleson. Riley glanced at the front row where Henry, Rusty, and Josh sat; then his gaze found hers, sending her heart into a tizzy.

  The pianist starting playing—the women’s cue to move forward—and Annie stepped up beside Laura and walked toward their soon-to-be husbands. Annie never had dreamed she could be so happy. Not only would she soon have a permanent home—the ranch Riley had decided not to sell—but she would have a family. She’d be a wife and mother.

  And in less than fifteen minutes she was.

  “It’s my delight to present to you Mr. and Mrs. Sean Murphy and Mr. and Mrs. Riley Morgan.”

  The crowd that filled the church cheered and clapped. Several men tossed their hats in the air. Sean and Laura walked forward, and Annie saw the admiring smiles of their friends and acquaintances. Would they still be smiling when she and Riley proceeded down the aisle?

  The minister stepped to Annie’s side, and Riley wrapped his arm around her waist in a show of support. They’d discussed today’s events, and he agreed that it was time to come public with her news. “Mrs. Morgan has requested to address you before we are dismissed.”

  Annie looked down the aisle into Laura’s smiling eyes. Her friend nodded as if saying, “Go ahead.”

  Give me strength, Lord. Her gaze traveled the crowd of curious faces, many she knew but others she didn’t. “Most of you-all don’t know how I came to be in Waco.” She told them of how her father left her, but avoided the part of her being a pickpocket. Then she explained her desperation to find food and shelter and how she discovered the Wilcox School for Blind Children. “It was everything I longed for—a home, decent clothes, food, so … so I pretended to be blind so I could live there.”