Life, Love, and Second Chances

by Anderson, Amanda

  “Wait, why is she on the floor?”

  “I don’t know why. All I know is that I found her lying by the fireplace with her pitcher shattered all around her. Now move it so Dan can get her out of the floor!”

  “No. I’ll do it.”

  “No. I don’t think that is a good idea.”

  Adele heard Mrs. Finnagan and Bradley arguing, but their words didn’t make sense to her. She heard her door open and then a low grumble before she was floating. She laid her head against a warm, firm pillow and snuggled into the warmth of her cradle. Then she heard a low groan and knew what held her and stiffened.

  “Damn it Adele, why can’t you let yourself want me when you’re awake like you do when you are sleeping?” He pressed his lips to her face and Adele couldn’t help the little thrill that ran along her spine. She shivered with the force of her desire that burst to life at the feel of his firm lips on her face.

  Bradley laid her on the bed and came down with her. His lips continued to caress her face and then her neck. Adele knew that she should protest, but couldn’t find the reason in her addled brain. Mrs. Finnagan’s sharp voice cut through the fog like a knife through warm butter.

  “Mr. Bradley! This is not the time for such exploits! Ms. Adele is not well.”

  Bradley exhaled sharply and pushed away from the bed. Adele still hadn’t opened her eyes or spoken a single word. She felt like a coward, but she couldn’t face the condemnation in the faces of those who stood around her.

  “How could you molest her in her state?” Mrs. Finnagan whispered.

  “I didn’t molest her. I kissed her face. She knew what I was doing. The little coward just isn’t willing to admit to liking it.”

  Adele felt her face heat and heard Bradley’s chuckle. She exhaled a breath and opened her eyes to glare at him. He smiled down at her with twinkling eyes.

  “That’s better. Now why were you on the damned floor?”

  “I had to put out the fire.” She whispered and she saw the color drain from Bradley’s face.

  “God, Adele, I am so sorry. I didn’t even think. You have me so tied in knots I can’t think.”

  He looked so remorseful that she couldn’t be angry with him. “It’s fine. I took care of it. I’m not helpless Bradley.”

  He scowled. “Yeah you looked real tough lying on the floor a few minutes ago.”

  Adele looked away and heard him sigh. “I guess I’ll go talk to Pa. He needs to know what’s going on, even if he’s not too happy with us at the moment.”

  “Well, that will have to wait. Mr. Davidson went to town early this morning and told me he wouldn’t be back until dinner time.”

  Adele’s eyes flew to Mrs. Finnagan. The older woman smiled down at her.

  “Don’t worry child. He has some business in town. He wasn’t thrilled about leaving you either. Made me promise to keep you in bed and well-tended today. Whatever went on here last night didn’t dim his love for you one bit, don’t you worry about that. He was a chipper as a lark after I promised to watch after you. He even suggested that I have Bradley look after you if I got too busy.”

  Adele was confused and by the look on Bradley’s face he was too. Then he scowled.

  “Well, hell. I don’t have time to be a nurse maid! If he thinks Adele can make everything better he’s a damned fool.”

  With that Bradley shot Adele a dark look and slammed out of her rooms.

  Adele sat stunned on her bed. “What was that about?”

  “Nothing you need to worry over honey. This family has secrets just like any other, but you don’t need to know anything about them just yet.”

  “I am a member of this family, am I not? I think I have a right to know.”

  “When you are well I will speak with Peter about it. If he will not tell you then I will do so myself. Now hush up and eat something and then I will help you have a bath.”

  Adele nodded and allowed Mrs. Finnagan to fuss over her the rest of the day. Bradley was completely absent.

  18

  Within a few days Adele was back on her feet. Two of the women who were married to the hands came to help with the house and Adele found herself enjoying their company even as she found a great deal of time on her hands.

  She decided to clear out her garden and try to decide what to do with it in the spring. She still had a few things growing and she tended them with loving care as she cleared away the old plants and leaves.

  Peter insisted that she was to rest each day and not become over tired. She did so without complaint because, in truth she still could not sleep at night. She found her rest during her quiet mornings in the garden and then during her nap in the afternoon.

  Bradley avoided her at all costs, but she often woke with his scent filling her nose and she knew he had been close while she slept. She also found her rooms toasty warm when she went to bed and knew without a doubt that Bradley had built and extinguished the fire for her.

  How could a man be so kind and so cross in the same moment? He confused her utterly and Peter watched her with a contemplative eye as he had never done before. He often asked her questions that confused her, but she didn’t know what to make of it. He was still kind and he still welcomed her company, but at times he looked upon her with a sadness that almost broke her heart.

  Meals were the hardest. Peter insisted that everyone sat together for supper, but the strain was thick and uncomfortable. Bradley was unfailingly polite to Adele, but his relationship with his father had deteriorated further than before leaving Adele to blame herself for their discord.

  She tried to think of ways to make all of their lives better as she pulled weeds and picked rocks out of the dirt. After realizing the work could not be done with her hands she went in search of some tools. Dan directed her to a little tool shed behind the barn and she began rummaging through the various tools until she found a sturdy shovel and a long knife with a sharp blade.

  When she tried to leave however the door was stuck tight. Adele shoved it as hard as she could, but it wouldn’t budge. She looked around the tiny shed, looking for something to break the door with. There was enough light spilling in between the cracks that she could see clearly. She picked up an ax, but froze when the smell of smoke reached her nostrils and began pouring in the shed. She heard a familiar laugh and knew the door wasn’t stuck by accident.

  “Did you really think I would let you take him from me?” Mrs. McCrery laughed. “I took care of the last little whore that tried to take my man and I will take care of you the same way!”

  The fire grew to engulf the walls of the shed. Adele felt the heat of the flames as they reached for her. Her mind raced as fear overtook her reason. She was going to die if she stood there any longer, but could she bring herself to force her way through the flames? They danced around her in an evil dance, but she couldn’t force her body to move. She saw the fiery fingers of death as they reached out to her and she was too stricken to recoil.

  She heard a shout from somewhere close by and wanted to cry. Instead she gathered all of her courage and screamed as loud as she could. Within an instant the shed door was flung open and Dan rushed in. He didn’t say a word, only scooped Adele up and rushed out of the burning shed. He didn’t stop running until he reached the cool interior of the barn.

  Adele heard Dan shouting orders, but she couldn’t focus on anything except the cool air against her skin and the clean air filling her lungs, she was alive.

  She wrapped her arms around Dan and cried. Her body shook with the force of her tears as they poured out her fear. He didn’t try to put her away, he just held her and rubbed gentle circles on her back until she could gather herself. Then he handed her a handkerchief and looked into her face.

  “Are you hurt Ms. Adele?”

  Adele took a moment to take stock of her condition. Then she shook her head.

  “Can you tell me what happened?”

  “I…I wwwent to ttthe shed to get a shovel to work in the garden. When I tur
ned around to leave the door was stuck. Before I cccould break it, I smelled the sssmoke and heard her. She said something about me taking him away and how she wouldn’t let me and that she would take care of me the same way she did the last one.”

  An intake of breath made her turn and she saw a pale Bradley standing just behind her. She turned back to Dan.

  “It was Mrs. McCrery.” She said in a small voice.

  Dan’s eyes closed. “Alright.” He led her to a stool and urged her to sit. “Will you be alright while I go see if I can help with the fire?”

  “Yyyes, I’m fine. I think I will go to the house and see about getting cleaned up.” She pushed to her feet, but Bradley caught her arm before she could get past him.

  “You shouldn’t be alone until we find her.” He said with a pain laced voice.

  Adele met his eyes and knew what he offered her. She wanted to fall into his arms and take the comfort that he offered, but she couldn’t. “I’ll stay with Peter.” She said in a voice made rough from the smoke.

  Bradley straightened and released his hold on her arm. He looked like he wanted to say something, but he just nodded once and left her there, standing in the dim light of the barn. She allowed her eyes to follow his straight form as he left the barn and she allowed a single tear to fall for what might have been. Then she shook off the impossible and with a determination she did not really feel she left the barn.

  Adele walked back to the house, constantly looking around to make sure she was alone. She entered the kitchen and began heating water for her bath. Mrs. Finnegan helped her carry buckets of water up to her room and soon she was able to sink into the clean water hoping to wash away the acrid scent of smoke and fear that clung to her like a second skin.

  19

  When Adele came down from her bath she found Peter waiting for her. “Adele, my dear, I would like for you to come into the parlor please.”

  Adele followed Peter into the room and sat beside him. She allowed her eyes to wander around the room and found Dan, Mrs. Finnegan, Bradley, Mrs. McCrery, and two men she did not recognize. One tall stranger was dressed in black and wore a tin star on his chest. The other was dressed like a cowboy.

  The tall stranger spoke up. “I am Sheriff Ike Tullsen. Can you tell me what happened today Mrs. Davidson?”

  Adele gripped Peter’s hand as she relayed the story to the sheriff. When she was finished all eyes fell to Mrs. McCrery.

  “She is lying! Peter, you know me! My husband died in that fire too, how could any of you believe that I could have set it?”

  Peter’s face was red with rage as he turned to Aggy. “This will be the last time you will set foot on Mineral Springs Ranch. You will leave here tonight and never show your face again. Your actions today almost cost me my wife and the actions you committed in the past cost my son his. You will sit there and listen to what is said here and you will not say a single word or I will see that you are hanged for what you have done.”

  Mrs. McCrery’s face paled, but she sat and did not utter a sound.

  Peter took a deep breath. He looked to where Bradley stood frowning and spoke. “The time for secrets is over Bradley.”

  Adele saw the muscles jump in Bradley’s jaw as he shook his head once. “This doesn’t need to be spoken of Pa. Just let it go.”

  “I think it needs to be brought out into the light. You need to look at it one more time and then put it away son. This tragedy is ruining you. It is festering like a wound that needs to be cleaned. This will hurt the same, but it will bring about healing.”

  “Damn it Pa! You think you can sit there and preach to me about secrets? Are you ready to tell yours or is this all about me?”

  Peter looked suddenly old. “That is the main reason for this little sit down. I had planned it even before the incident this afternoon. I am going to do just that.” He turned to Adele and took both of her hands gently in his. “Adele, I want you to know that I care for you more than I ever thought possible and that I am sorry for what I am about to say to you.” He closed his eyes for a moment. “I am a very sick man Adele. The doctor has found a tumor growing in my belly. It is getting worse and I will not be able to hide the effects much longer. The pain is growing to the point where I am unable to conceal it at times. The doctor has given me laudanum and it seems to dull the pain, but I think you all should know what will likely occur before long.”

  Peter looked around the room at the faces filled with grief and disbelief and then his eyes were on Adele again.

  She couldn’t breathe. Peter was dying. He hadn’t said the words, but she knew. A wrenching sob broke from her chest and tears flowed from her eyes. How could she lose him too? She lost everyone she loved. Was her love so poisonous that those who held it gave up their lives? A part of her knew that she wasn’t thinking rationally, but her heart was hurting too much to care.

  “No. Peter no. You can’t be sick. I want years with you. You are my husband and I love you, I won’t let this be true. I can’t let this be true.” She fell into his arms and let him offer what comfort he could.

  “Adele, I have been cruel to you.”

  “No, never.” She insisted.

  “I knew before I wrote to you that our life together would be a short one. I never expected to love you as I do and I certainly never expected to win your affections. You have given me a precious gift that means more to me that you will ever know.” He kissed her forehead and took in the crowd. “That is my secret. I will soon be too ill to walk or even stand. The doctor guesses that I will be with you less than six months.” He tightened his hold on Adele when her sobs grew more wrenching. “Now then Adele, it is time for yours. We cannot keep your secret any longer. There will come a time in the near future when I will no longer be able to intercede on your behalf. The household needs to know your fear so they can help you overcome it. I fear that the events of today will not make them any less frightening.”

  Adele’s eyes met Dan’s and he offered her and encouraging smile. Mrs. McCrery snorted at the obvious relationship between the two, but she did not speak.

  “Well, I lost my parents in late February. A fire burned down our home. I barely escaped, but my parents were trapped.” She spoke as if she were reading the tale from a script. She didn’t let the anguish of the loss show in her words. “I still have nightmares about that night. That is why I needed the rope and it is why I prefer not to be near a fire. I am terrified and I know it is childish, but I cannot seem to overcome it.” She never took her eyes from Dan’s as she spoke. He offered her his strength and she was taking it.

  “Why the hell didn’t you tell anyone why?” Bradley demanded. “We aren’t stupid Adele, it is obvious that fire terrifies you. Why did you not confide in anyone?”

  “I told Peter and I told Dan part of it.”

  “Why Dan and not me?” Bradley asked in a harsh whisper.

  “I trust him. He has been kind to me and he helped me with the rope ladder even after you told him not to.” She smiled. “He is my friend. Nothing untoward has happened between us. He is just my friend and he was there today. He saved my life.” Tears rolled down her face again.

  “You trust him, but not me. Why?” Bradley sounded puzzled so Adele looked to him. He looked almost hurt.

  “He was kind to me.” She stated simply and she saw the wash of regret cross his face.

  “I had thought to tell you no until I read your letter about your parents.” Peter began. “I felt I was being unfair to you by bringing you here with no hope of a true marriage, but your letter made me realize how much you belonged here. Don’t you think so son?”

  Bradley’s face paled. “No. I think she should go back to where she came from and stay the hell away from us.” Bradley choked out. His eyes pleaded with her.

  “Why do you detest me so much? What have I ever done to you? All I wanted was a family.” Adele couldn’t stand it any longer, her heart was breaking. “What makes me so unsuited to be your father’s wife?”
<
br />   “Tell her Bradley. She is a member of this family and she will always be. She needs to know and I think it will help you to get it out.”

  “No. I can’t stand it.”

  “Alright. I will start then.” Peter let his eyes move around the room. “If anyone needs to add something just do so. This has gone too long unspoken and I know I do not have all of the facts.”

  Peter took Adele’s hand again and began his story.

  20

  Adele heard the wrenching sob that came from Bradley. It tore at her heart to hear his obvious pain. He sank to the hearth and buried his face in his hands. Was this really something that needed to be done? She admitted that she felt some better for sharing her fears, but this was tearing him apart.

  “I told you when you came here that your rooms were designed with Mrs. Davidson in mind, but I didn’t tell you which one. You see those rooms were not meant for my dear departed wife. They were meant for Nadine, Bradley’s wife.”

  Adele’s eyes flew to Bradley. She remembered the night he came to her room and she had wondered. Bradley still wouldn’t speak or lift his head.

  “We were here for two years before Bradley married Nadine. We quickly learned that we would need to build a more comfortable home. We were living in a rather small cabin.” Peter grinned at the memory. “Nadine became unhappy. She loved Bradley dearly, that has never been questioned.” He looked over to his son and Adele saw Bradley lift his drenched face.

  “We were working so hard to make a go of this place. She got bored with waiting around on me.” Bradley’s voice was a choked whisper. We hired a man to help us out and he brought his wife.” His eyes traveled to Mrs. McCrery. They threw up a shack and she started helping out with the house work. For a while it seemed to help. Me and Pa were still away a lot. We decided to go to a sale to get a few more head. We left Frank here to watch after the women. I noticed Nadine had changed after that. She wanted to spend more time with the horses and honestly we needed the help. Frank said he would teach her how to tend the horses so no one thought about the time they spent together.”