“Ed has the key.”
She waited a moment and could imagine him debating the best thing to do.
“Can you hold out one more day?” She heard the tension in his voice and felt her own response of despair. She didn’t want to wait another day.
“Yes,” she managed. It was the only thing she could say. They couldn’t risk attempting to break the chains because it would wake up Ed. They couldn’t search for the key on him because that would also awaken him as well. There was no other option.
“I’m sorry,” he said, reaching a hand out.
She moved to feel his touch but the chains clinked and they both froze. No sound came from Ed and she had to hope that, if he’d heard it at all, he assumed she was moving around to get comfortable.
“Stay strong my love,” Simon said.
His words, though simple, imbued her with purpose and fortified her resolve. “I will. For you.”
Then he was gone, a shadow melting into the night.
Chapter 5
Alta awoke with the morning light and felt the frustration of being so close to Simon and yet remaining chained up. Her hopes had risen then crashed to the ground, scattered into tiny pieces like stars in the sky. How was Simon going to get her out of this? Ed was always there, he wouldn’t let her out of his sight except to relieve herself and even then he stood nearby.
She groaned thinking of the possibility he would never have the chance to free her. But no, she couldn’t give in to despair. Hope, fragile as it was, had to remain alive in her. It just had to.
“You awake?” Ed’s voice was rough against the softness of the morning light and made Alta jerk.
“Yes.”
“Come on. Get out.” He let her do her business and then shoved her roughly down onto the ground near the small fire. Shivering, she huddled closer to it and stretched out her arms, the chains falling awkwardly around her.
“Can’t you take these off for just a little bit?” she said, hoping that he would give in and she’d either have a chance to run or at least see where he kept the key, but he shook his head.
“Are you kiddin’? No way.”
They ate the meager breakfast quickly then she noticed Ed stood and prepared his gear as if they were going to go. Were they leaving the camp?
Just then he turned to her saying, “I’m going into town. Got things to prepare before your arrival tomorrow. You’re staying here.” Before she could protest he linked her chain through the sturdy wheel of the wagon and pointed to a bucket. “There’s water and yer lunch. I’ll be back before nightfall. Behave,” he said with a laugh. Then he mounted his horse and rode off.
Watching him go, Alta wasn’t sure if she should be excited or terrified. On one hand she was alone which meant Simon could come and talk to her—she prayed he was watching and had seen Ed leave. But on the other hand, she was still in chains and Ed said he was going into town but that he would be back before nightfall. That meant the town was close, which meant she was that much closer to being sold off as a bride.
Her limbs began to tremble as she gave into the fear. The chains were solid. There was no way she would be able to free herself.
Then the sound of running steps caused her to jerk her attention to the woods. Peering through the dense tree trunks, she caught sight of movement. Then suddenly Simon burst from the tree line, running at full speed toward her.
Hope and joy exploded in her chest as he nearly ran her over in his excitement. He pulled her into his arms and she felt the security of his embrace. He smelled of the forest and campfire smoke, a heady combination that made her knees weak despite the situation.
“Simon,” she breathed out.
“Are you all right?” He cupped her face between his large hands and peered into her eyes as if he could drink her in just by looking at her.
“Yes,” she managed but thick tears rolled down her cheeks.
Then his lips were on hers in a hungry kiss. It was at once passionate and gentle, a reminder of his love and care for her as much as it was his promise that he would protect her.
When he pulled back she saw tears reflected in his eyes too.
The softness left his eyes. “I’m going to get you out of here.”
“But the chains,” she said, pulling back to show him how she was locked up. “They are sturdy—so is the wagon wheel.”
“I’ll get a rock, something—anything—to free you.”
Looking down at her wrists she knew it would be impossible. “It won’t work.”
***
Simon frantically searched around the campsite for a rock big enough to break the chains. Though, as he looked, he felt reality take root. There was no way he could break them without hurting Alta. The writs manacles weren’t as thick as the chain itself, but he couldn’t crush it without crushing her wrists. The chains that connected them were thicker and wouldn’t easily break.
“Simon,” she said, causing him to still, “It’s no use.”
He refused to give up. Refused to admit that Ed had won. It couldn’t be like that, God had to have some sort of plan for him to save Alta. Simon hadn’t been led to where she was for no reason.
“I don't know what to do,” he admitted to her, feeling every bit of his failure.
“There has to be another way.” She looked down at her shackled wrists then back up at him. “He said he was going into town to arrange things for my sale as a bride.”
Simon was shocked. “Sale?”
“I think he’s done this before.” She held up the chains. “This is too planned to be something he just threw together.”
Simon agreed with that but how could a man sell someone to someone else? Let alone a free woman sold as a wife. It seemed preposterous. And yet here she was—in chains.
“Then he must have contact with someone in the next town—a pastor or judge—someone that would perform the ceremony.”
“I would assume so.”
Then a plan began to form, though he had dismissed the thought initially, he’d considered riding ahead and preparing a type of “arrival party” for Ed when he came into town with Simon’s stolen bride. If he got to the sheriff in time…
But that meant leaving Alta alone. Now that he’d found her he didn’t want to leave, didn’t want to go where he couldn’t see her.
“You have an idea,” she said, narrowing her eyes. “I can see it on your face. What is it?”
He ran a hand through his hair, shoving his hat back on afterward. “I could get to the town before you. Enlist the help of the sheriff.”
“That’s a good idea.” She looked hopeful and his stomach bottomed out.
“But I don't want to leave…”
She blanched, as if now realizing what his plan would entail. But her resolve hardened before his eyes. “I’ll be all right.”
“No, I—”
“I made it before you came,” she pleaded. “And I didn’t even know if you could find me. I’ll be all right for another night. I promise.”
He reached out and brushed a strand of hair from her face. “I don’t want to leave.”
“I know.” She stepped toward him the halted at the end of her chain. He closed the gap. “But I’ll be okay. I know that you’ll be waiting for me in Keystone.”
“I will,” he said, brushing his lips on hers. “I will come for you and face Ed no matter what.”
***
They spent some of the morning together and, despite her chains, Alta felt the close connection with Simon they had established through their letters. He sat there, leaning up against the wagon wheel with his arm around her, and they talked as if she wasn’t chained up or held here against her will. It was almost normal—almost.
But soon, as the sun passed its zenith Simon rose to leave. He brushed another quick kiss on her lips sending fire shooting through her and then he was gone.
She sat, staring into the distance for a long time after he left, finally falling asleep for a time. A jolting awoke h
er with the sound of horse’s hooves. Ed was back.
“You been a good girl?” He smiled and showed off his crooked teeth. She wanted to slap the smile off of his face but looked away instead. “Good news. You’ll be a bride tomorrow, that’s for sure.”
His raucous laugh grated on her. Didn’t he feel anything? Remorse for stealing her? Guilt over holding her against her will? Did he really have no conscience at all?
“Yer lookin’ at me like I’m some kind of monster.” He leaned close, his hot, fowl smelling breath nearly making her sick. “Well I am,” he said with another loud laugh.
She bit her lip and wouldn’t allow herself to give him what he wanted—the satisfaction of seeing her broken. Instead, she ground her molars and jutted her jaw out in defiance. He could say whatever he wanted, but she knew what would await him the next day. Simon—her Simon—would rescue her.
Chapter 6
Simon waited on the shaded porch of the sheriff’s office. He hated the fact that he was doing nothing, or that it felt that way, but at the same time he knew it was more than that. He was looking out for Ed.
He’d convinced the sheriff of the man’s evil intensions, showing him a few letters he had exchanged with Alta including the one where she’d agreed to be his bride. Then he had explained what had happened. He was certain that, if they intercepted Ed, the sheriff would see Alta chained up in the back of the wagon.
Of course there was the possibility that Ed would leave her unchained, but he had to hope that wasn’t the case, as contradictory as that felt for him.
He’d also made another stop the night before. On the pretense of connecting with another pastor, he had stopped by the parish house. The pastor hadn’t let him in past the partially opened door but Simon had clearly seen a card game going on behind the man and it hadn’t taken long to put the facts together. The pastor had to be in on the whole thing, marrying the women to their new husbands.
Rage filled Simon just at the thought of it, but he took a calming breath. He couldn’t let his emotions get in the way, not yet. He needed to rescue Alta. That was all that mattered.
His pulse quickened as he recognized the wagon coming down the road. Jumping to his feet he pushed through the sheriff’s door and called out to him.
“They’re coming.”
The man stood, securing his gun belt around his waist, and followed Simon outside.
“There,” Simon said, pointing to the lone wagon. He was relieved not to see Alta beside the man.
The sheriff, a man of few words, nodded once and waited until they were close. Then he stepped down and walked toward the moving wagon, waving a hand to stop Ed.
“Is there a problem, Sheriff?” Ed said. He did a good job of keeping his features even.
The deputy stepped out onto the porch next to Simon resting his hand on his gun at his hip. Simon shot him a glance but all he said was, “Just in case.”
“I’ve got cause to look in the back of your wagon, son,” the sheriff said. He was older and his countenance spoke of authority and years of experience. Simon had known he was trustworthy the minute he’d met the man.
“Don’t see why that would be the case.”
“See that fellow up there?” The sheriff pointed to Simon. “He thinks you’ve got his bride in the back of your wagon.”
Ed laughed, but it was filled with nervousness. “B-bride? Why would I have a woman back there? You’re out of your mind, old man. Now let me pass.”
“I don't think so.” The sheriff’s voice turned to steel.
Ed made a move to reach for something and the deputy stepped forward, gun trained on him. “I wouldn’t do that.”
Ed paled.
The sheriff made his way around the wagon as the deputy covered him, and soon Simon heard a shout. He raced around to find Alta still chained up in the back of the wagon. She was gagged, likely so she wouldn’t cry out, and all Simon could think of was to pull her into his arms and reassure her that everything would be all right. And this time he would be able to do just that and it would be the truth.
***
Alta felt the release of the shackles from her wrists and tears filled her eyes. It felt so good to be free!
Simon’s strong arms wrapped around her, pulling her in close. He pressed a kiss to her temple and rubbed soothing circles over her back as he whispered that everything was all right now. Sobs wracked her body, but with his calming presence she soon quieted down.
Pulling back just enough to see into his eyes she said, “You did it. You rescued me.”
“I told you I would protect you and I meant it.” His lips quirked in a smile.
“I never doubted you.”
“Good,” he said, pressing a quick kiss to her lips.
“What happens now?”
He looked around, taking in the town’s dusty scenery. “I hadn’t thought this far ahead.”
“There’s a judge in town,” the deputy said as the sheriff took Ed up the steps into the jail.
Simon laughed. “What do you say? Want to get married, my dear?”
“Yes.” Now, more than ever, she knew she wanted to be married to this strong, brave man in front of her.
A shadow passed through his eyes. “I still don’t know how I’ll provide for you.”
“Let’s figure that out later,” she said, reaching down to take his hand between both of hers. “I’ll stand by you no matter what.”
She could see the confidence her words produce in him and felt the rush of emotion at the fact that they would be married that very day. It was why she had come out West, but it was more than that now. She could see—he had proved to her—that Simon would do everything in his power to protect her. He not only loved her, but he cherished her and would do as the Lord commanded, by putting her first.
With a grin, Simon pulled her toward where the deputy had pointed. They were getting married!
***
Walking out of the judge’s office a newly married man gave Simon a feeling of lightness. It was as if he was walking on clouds, floating around. Everything had changed in the span of a day. How that was possible she wasn’t sure, but there was the truth.
Then again, he knew how it was possible. The Lord had orchestrated it all.
The sun beat down on them as they walked hand in hand through the dusty streets toward the hotel. He would rent a room for them for the day and then they would figure out what to do. He had to go back to White River to close down his church, but then what?
God, what do you have for us?
Even as he thought the prayer he saw the deputy making his way toward them.
“Well?” the man said, squinting in the bright light.
“Meet my wife,” Simon said by way of introduction.
The deputy laughed. “Name’s Gus, miss. Happy to meet you.”
“Likewise,” she said. Simon noticed the pretty blush on Alta’s cheeks and wanted to pull her close and kiss her right there, but he would wait. There would be plenty of time for kissing later.
“I wanted to catch you before you left town, if you are leaving town?” Gus asked.
“Uh, well we’re heading to the hotel now. I figured we’d leave in the morning.”
“Got a thought for you.” Gus nodded, rubbing a hand along his jaw. “Upon your suggestion we looked into the pastor in town and found some…unsavory connections. Needless to say, he’s been removed from his post and it turns out there’s an opening. If I remember correctly, you’re a pastor?”
Hope surged through Simon at the man’s words. Could it be? Was this the Lord’s next step?
“I am.”
“I suppose you’ve also got a position of your own, but I thought it worth asking if you knew of anyone who could fill the pulpit here in town. We’ve got a whole lot of folks who look forward to Sunday services.”
“You do?” Simon’s question was out before he could think it through.
The deputy laughed. “Believe it or now, we do. Our sheriff
here sees a direct connection between church attendance and crime so he’s keen on getting someone in quick. Know of anyone looking for a job as a pastor?”
Simon nearly laughed then looked down at Alta. Her sweet smile belied her excitement and the reality that they were both thinking the same thing. This had been God’s plan all along.
“As a matter of fact, I’ve been recently released from my pastorate in White River and I was looking for another church to step into.”
“You don’t say,” Gus said, his eyes widening.
“I do.”
“Then let’s go talk with the sheriff,” Gus said, his excitement obvious.
“We’ll be there in a minute, but I’d like to discuss this with my wife first.”
“Oh,” Gus took a step back, a grin on his face, “You got it. We’ll see you soon.”
He left and Simon turned to Alta, hardly believing what had just happened.
“Why didn’t you accept right away,” she asked.
He pulled her around the corner of a building to give them some privacy then turned to face her. “Because you’re my wife now and all decisions affect us.”
“I trust you,” she said, her eyes glistening in the light and reflecting the trust she spoke of. “I know you’ll choose what’s best for us.”
His heart swelled with love for his wife and pride in her acceptance. She had proven that trust by being brave when trapped with Ed and he knew she would continue to prove it to him through their years of marriage.
“I don’t deserve you, my love,” he whispered before he bent down to kiss her passionately.
When they parted, she rested her hand on his cheek. “Love isn’t about deserving.”
And she was right. God gave good gifts to His children regardless of their worth, and right now Simon and Alta knew the fullness of His blessing in their marriage.
THE END.
Looking For Love
[2016] A Bride's Journey Page 8