Lincoln County Series 1-3

by Sarah Jae Foster

  He was intent on not being a sulking, lovesick, picked over lover and Lacey was going to make him look that way if she didn’t shut up about it. He’d already decided to be decent towards them, but just because he grew up with Andrew didn’t mean he had no need to dig deep down to find genuine support. It also didn’t help knowing he hadn’t fought for Cameron. That hurt the worst. He’d given up too easily, running off with his tail between his legs because he figured Andrew a better man. Be that as it may, he never gave himself the chance to be the better man. Now, it was simply too late.

  Lacey continued on, ranting about having a party so everyone could be a family again. Wavering, she nearly fell out of the chair.

  Jake swore. “You’ve had too much.” Effortlessly, he picked up her petite frame and carried her up the stairs to her room. After depositing her in bed, he was finally left to himself, as he’d wanted to be from the get go.

  His only company—a fresh bottle of whiskey, which was all his own. As he toyed with the bottle in his grip, it dawned on him to wonder about this party Lacey had been jabbering on about.

  Chapter Six

  It turned out that folks in Lincoln County were correct to have their superstitions where Mother Nature was concerned. There was a snowstorm and it had whitened the plains of Kansas for several days. So at the first chance to escape the confines of home, Cameron begged Andrew to bring her to Lacey, who had enlisted her assistance the moment she entered the foyer.

  “I’m so glad you could finally make it to town. We’ll make tonight your night!”

  Cameron didn’t wish a fuss to be made over her. “You don’t need to go to all of this trouble. Let’s just have a pleasant little get together.”

  “Nonsense, you’re having a baby and I am desperate for a celebration!”

  Thinking Lacey’s reasoning was more for the latter, she gave in. It was clear Lacey needed the fellowship.

  In between bouts of nausea and fatigue, Cameron helped with the preparations. The saloon, with Liam’s help, was turned into a dance hall. Somehow, Lacey rounded up party favors, guests, and a merry atmosphere.

  When Andrew returned, she instantly took note of his slight frown, knowing it was because she’d been tasked to work. She would console him before he caused uproar.

  “I am fine, I’ve been enjoying myself and am more than able to do busy work. In case you’ve forgotten, I’ve been stuck inside for days!”

  “I only ask that you take it easy, for our son.” He held her elbow, turning her fully towards him. He treated her as if she would break, barely allowing her to do anything beyond making meals. She’d scolded him numerous times.

  “Our son, huh?”

  “Yes.” His grin spread wide.

  “Andrew, women give birth all the time and are up on their feet working the very next day!”

  “I don’t care,” he said. “I’m not married to them, I’m married to you.”

  As always, she allowed the argument to lean his way. It wasn’t worth it. Blessedly, he couldn’t be around constantly to monitor her every activity. And she declined to feel bad for thinking this way because his request was simply unreasonable. What he didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him. She was very aware that women raised a brood of children while tending a farm at the same time! But as he said, he wasn’t married to them.

  Lacey strode by with a serving tray of molasses cookies. “Don’t just stand there, you two!”

  Before long, the fiddler Lacey miraculously conjured up was playing a dancing tune and Kimberly and Violet took the opportunity to dance, knowing there were no expectations on them for anything else. Cameron thought of the quiet new girl who had yet to come down from her quarters and wondered if she planned to attend.

  Lacey and Ed took to the floor and romanced each other mercilessly. Neither Cameron nor Andrew knew the sheriff could waltz. “She must have given him lessons.”

  Andrew smiled. “She’s good at getting what she wants.”

  She giggled and had to agree on his point.

  Cameron’s dancing was as limited as it could get. Andrew barely took her for a spin, concerned about stress on the baby. She was about to raise a protest until she remembered her commitment to remain the docile wife of a preacher.

  Besides, she was hungry and made her way to the buffet table, which was lined with cold cuts, imported cheeses, sweet-glazed sliced ham, and an assortment of twisted breads and rolls. Cook had managed to procure a feast! She made a plate for Andrew before piling high one of her own. As she sat down next to him she heard a ruckus at the front door.

  A small group of rough looking men entered the saloon and her jaw dropped. Her outlaw-fighting brother appeared in the doorway with his gang in tow. It had been months since she’d seen him and she’d begun to wonder if she would see him again. “Thomas!”

  He glanced around to see who was calling his name, then stayed rooted to the spot as Cameron walked over and tightly grabbed his arms. He pulled free of her embrace, but Cameron was undeterred. “Really Thomas… no words of congratulations for your married sister?”

  “Congratulations.”

  She rolled her eyes at him and broke other news. “You’re also going to be an uncle!”

  Now she had his full attention. Though she let him off the hook for a reply as his gang had it covered.

  Jesse slapped him on the back. “Way to go, Uncle Tommy!”

  “Might be best to not have a scowl on your face when junior enters the world.” Lance put in his two cents.

  Apparently Jesse and Lance were expecting to play cards and receive entertainment, not encroach upon a party. “What’s happened to the saloon?” Jesse asked.

  Andrew greeted them. “Lacey was getting cabin fever and decided on a soiree of sorts.” He turned to Thomas. “It’s good to see you home again.”

  Thomas acknowledged Andrew with a nod and Cameron pulled him towards their table. She gestured to her favorite in the gang. “Jesse...come join us.”

  Jesse, who would never be left out of anything, replied, “I sure will!”

  Thomas frowned at his jubilance, but Jesse had barely sat down when Kimberly pulled him up for a dance.

  “Will you be home for long?” Cameron asked Thomas.

  He adjusted his gun belt. “You know better than to ask me that.”

  Ignoring her brother’s dismissive behavior, she chose to indulge Lacey with a compliment. “This has turned out to be a nice affair.”

  “Thank you. I --”

  “Reverend Andrew! Is Reverend Andrew here?” A child’s panicked voice echoed in the foyer.

  Andrew’s chair scraped across the floor as he rose. “I’m here, Michael. What is it?”

  “Dr. Colvin tol’ me to come and get ya’. My baby sister, she’s real sick and--”

  “No need to go on, Michael. Just lead the way.” He looked over at Cameron. “I’ll be back. Stay here with Lacey.”

  “But I can come and help.”

  “No.” Andrew was firm.

  Cameron was disheartened. She could never rise to the occasion to help him and be a part of his ministry if he didn’t let her. She wanted to assist and be a good helper.

  He amended his harshness. “It’s too cold out. I will be in a hurry and don’t want to jostle you about in the buggy.”

  “He’s right, Cameron,” Lacey encouraged.

  She complied with regret. “I’ll wait here for you. Just be careful.”

  He put on his hat, hastily grabbed his long coat, and was gone with the child.

  Chapter Seven

  It was getting late, and the reverend’s departure seemed to remind people they should be on their way just the same. Besides, if someone was sick enough to need the preacher it couldn’t be good, and no one could enjoy themselves any longer with that knowledge. She wondered why it was Doc Colvin who sent for Andrew. Where was Dr. Grover?

  One thing she could do was pray, so she said a silent prayer for the family, then helped Lacey clean until she was m
ade to stop.

  “You overdid yourself helping with the set up,” Lacey said. “I don’t aim to have you exhausted during clean up, too. Now sit down please and relax. Wait for your man to return and I’ll make us some tea.”

  She was definitely of the same mind as Andrew and Cameron gave up trying to enforce her ability to do chores. They were a stubborn lot.

  Needing to take her mind off of her absent husband, she set down to play cards with Liam and drank the hot spicy tea Lacey served. The two gambled with dry beans and she believed Liam was allowing her to win.

  Often, she asked him the time.

  He didn’t even bother to check his pocket watch. He already had a good dozen times by now. He dealt a new round of cards and puffed on his cigar. “’Bout five minutes since you last asked. It’s eleven forty-five,” he said with patience.

  Thomas spoke up from the table next to hers and inquired about her well-being. “You’ll be all right until Andrew returns?”

  “I’ll go to bed upstairs if it gets much later.” she assured him, welcoming his thoughtfulness.

  “Alrighty then, I’m going to split on out of here, head back to the ranch.”

  “Thank you, Thomas, and please don’t be a stranger. You’re welcome to our home anytime.”

  He turned around and made his way past Lacey, who had been in and out of the saloon until it appeared back to normal.

  “Everyone had a wonderful time, Lacey. We should do the same every year—I mean for the fun.” Cameron realized with joy that next year at this time, she would have a new baby.

  Lacey smiled. “I believe we will. I’ll go prepare your room for when you’re ready to come up.”

  “I’m going to sit a few minutes longer and wait for Andrew. I’ll be up soon if he doesn’t return before long.”

  “Do you want some company?” Lacey asked.

  “You’re tired, go to bed. I’m fine, really.”

  Liam, too, bade her goodnight, leaving a lantern at her table. Cameron rubbed her shoulders against the cold. The heat dissipated with everyone opening and closing the front door. She was just about to head upstairs when she heard the bells go off at the entrance. “Andrew? How is she?”

  Jake sauntered into the saloon. “Where is everybody?” he asked, a slight slur to his words. His dark eyes seemed surprised to see her there and they uncomfortably stayed on her, pinning her down. “Where’s Liam? I need a drink.”

  “He’s… it’s late. Everyone’s gone to bed.” Her hands found the back of the chair and she held on.

  He flicked his temple as if to remember something. “I hear a toast is in order.”

  She’d never been afraid of him before, but he was not himself tonight.

  He drew closer. “Why are you here all alone? Where’s your preacher husband?”

  She could smell his liquored breath from where he stood. “I was just going to bed.” She tried to skirt past him.

  He must have seen her fear because his temper sparked—then flared. He circled her around a table.

  “Sit down, Cameron.”

  “No.”

  “No? Not for an old friend?”

  “I don’t like to see you this way.”

  “Why should you care how I look?” He pulled out a chair, expecting her to take it. She took it, but only in hopes that she could reach out to him, put the painful past behind them once and for all. She did care for him, she wanted to see him whole and surrounded by the peace and comfort she now lived with.

  She obeyed and he sat across from her. Andrew would not be happy with her if he came in but it was a chance she had to take.

  “Lacey says you’re drinking a lot. Looking at you, I’d have to say I believe her. You’re gaunt looking, pale and thin.”

  “In other words, you’re not attracted to me anymore!” He laughed at his ridiculous comment. “Congratulations again for you and your baby.” Suddenly his eyes became intent and deadly serious. “I wish you all the happiness.”

  She wanted the truth, she must know. “Jake, am I the reason you’re drinking so much and bounty hunting all the time?”

  She’d hit a nerve. He stood up angrily, knocking the chair to the floor. She jumped in her seat.

  “Don’t flatter yourself. I couldn’t be better. I’m just fine without you!”

  Cautiously she got up, no longer knowing this man. She wanted Jake back the way he once was. When had it come to this? How could she be so blindsided by his bitterness?

  His countenance softened. He must’ve realized how much he hurt her. “I’m… sorry.”

  With watchfulness she rested her eyes on him, seeing a spark of the old Jake come to the surface. He walked towards her, the brief tension gone, replaced by an imploring look. She allowed his nearness—out of sheer hopefulness.

  “Cameron...” He held out his arms while offering an apologetic smile. She went into them. She went out of restoration, in desperation of repairing their broken friendship.

  “Cameron?”

  She looked up to see his face, to answer his forthcoming question. He put his lips to hers. As brief as it was, it shocked her senseless. As reality hit her like a bolt of lightning, she struggled from his tightening grasp and squirmed relentlessly until she removed herself from his familiar hands.

  “Jake!” She placed the back of her hand onto her tainted lips. It was all she could do. She could say nothing and backed away from him, panic-stricken. She carried herself up the stairs in a flurry of anguish, appalled and outraged. She would never trust him again, ever.

  And what of Andrew?

  Chapter Eight

  When Andrew returned to the hotel the following day, Cameron cried out with relief. She’d never had such a restless night. In earnest, she’d stayed awake attempting to banish fear of what could be happening with him. Adding to her tortured state of mind, she’d pursued steering all thoughts away from Jake and his unspeakable actions. She was exhausted in every way imaginable.

  What was she going to say to her husband?

  Cameron put all thoughts of herself aside for the moment to focus on what had happened to Andrew overnight, which, quite possibly, could be worse than her ordeal.

  “Andrew?” she questioned.

  “It’s scarlet fever.” He was distressed.

  She led him to her room where he explained the terrible evening prior. With compassion over the young boy’s family and what they’d all been through, she helped her weary husband to bed.

  Andrew slept for only three hours before another person came to fetch him for a dying family member. Cameron raided Cook’s kitchen and prepared a cloth sack of biscuits and dried roast beef, and bid him a dreary farewell. She was having a terrible time sitting by idly. She did not do well once the panic set in that her own precious husband was exposing himself to the sickness. Rather than return home alone, she stayed and kept company with Lacey.

  After several hours of forcing herself to keep busy, Mary Keiser ran into the foyer, wet from the snow. She was hysterical. “It’s Penny! Something’s wrong with her!”

  “Calm down, Mary. Come in from the cold.” Cameron ushered her in.

  “Can’t! I need to get Dr. Grover—she’s all by herself. Michael said Reverend Andrew is helping and I need him, too!”

  Cameron gently placed her hands on Mary’s shoulders. “I’m afraid it’s scarlet fever. The doctor and Andrew have been seeing to the many that are sick.”

  “Is she going to be all right?”

  “I don’t know.”

  Mary was ringing her hands and backing out into the cold.

  Cameron would not sit by and do nothing. “I’m coming with you.”

  When they arrived at the Keiser’s home, Mary ran up the stairs to Penny, leaving Cameron to follow suit. She wasn’t prepared to see Penny’s ill health but was relieved upon hearing her loud breathing. The girl’s cheeks were flushed and the color of a red rose.

  She fought oncoming nausea. Now is not the time, she scolded her protes
ting womb. After feeling the heat radiate from Penny’s forehead, she left to explore the large kitchen until she found a bowl. She pumped icy cold water into it and snatched up a utility towel. With Mary standing by sobbing and praying, she sponged Penny’s boiling temples, arms and neck. Lifting her nightdress only confirmed the tiny red bumps all over, a sign of the fever Andrew had described upon falling into his exhausted sleep. Cruelly, the rash along the girl’s chest and abdomen felt like sandpaper. Penny chilled and moaned and Cameron replaced the heavy quilt. It seemed to her that she should be uncovered to expel the heat, but that appeared contrary to what the doctors did.

  “Her mouth, in the back...it’s awfully red, Mrs. Jackson. She has been throwing up terrible like, I thought she was going to die!”

  “There’s nothing you could have done different. We can only wait—and pray.”

  “Never have prayed much. Maybe you should do it, being a preacher’s wife and all,” Mary stated with hope, as she kneeled at Penny’s bedside.

  Cameron looked at the pale color around Penny’s lips in stark contrast to her fiery complexion. Feeling inadequate for such a spiritual responsibility, she wished Andrew were here by her side, but he was not and so she did as expected and prayed like she’d never prayed before.

  *** *** ***

  Andrew had been forced to go home by Doc Colvin. Medically there was nothing he could do, only wait and officiate funerals. Four innocent children, Lord, I don’t understand. How do I explain to these loving mothers and fathers why their children are dying?

  Silence.

  He stomped snow from his boots and opened the door to his cold home. The fire had gone out, and apparently so had his wife. He assumed she would be there waiting for him. He could only trust she was all right and possibly helping a neighbor, a parishioner. He would sit in his wingback chair and rest until she returned. First, he stirred up a fire until the crackling warmth filled the home.

  Andrew awoke later with a start. With the exception of the orange glow of embers in his fireplace, pitch black surrounded him. At the recognition of the time and that Cameron was not yet home, he rose and bundled himself up. He opened the door and stopped short in amazement. While he’d slept, a terrible wind had picked up and snow swirled around like ice dust, creating havoc with the fresh mountains of snow that had already fallen. He could not even see their barn.