“Temperance?” Tanner whispered in the darkness.
“Hmm?” Temperance replied through the relaxed sleep that was attempting to claim her.
“Thank you for trusting me. I will never hurt you.”
“I know that now, Tanner. I should have known it all along. Thank you for having patience with me.”
“Temp, I would have waited on you forever and died the happiest man on earth simply because I got to be near you. I love you, sweetheart.”
Temperance smiled as she snuggled closer and breathed him in. The broken pieces inside Temperance finally seemed to be molded back together and, while evidence of the cracks might always remain, she was once again at peace and comfortable with her own life and in her own skin.
Chapter Fifty-Five
“Really?!” Jackson bounced with excitement. “I can really ride my pony in the fair?!”
Tanner chuckled. “Well of course! That’s what you’ve been practicing for isn’t it? Now you better get on up to your room and have Sophia help you pack up some clothes. We’re leaving in an hour.”
Jackson let out a bark of laughter, turned on his heels and took off like a flash into the house. Tanner smiled as he watched his son disappear.
Life had never been better than it was right now. A couple of months had passed since Temperance had given herself to Tanner and the woman was completely unrecognizable now compared to the scared, skittish, withdrawn woman that his brother and Yancy had turned her into.
She laughed everyday and smiles were almost always on her face. She conducted business with clients without trembling with fear. She could be alone in the barns working with the other men on the ranch and carry on conversations instead of waiting on them to attack her. She ran and played with their son, she kissed Tanner whenever the mood struck her and they made love nearly every night…
There were still dreams and nightmares that woke both of them up covered in sweat and trembling some nights. There were days that memories haunted them both and in those moments, they would simply find each other and they would sit quietly together and wait for the storm to pass, neither let the other face those moments alone.
And now Temperance was doing something that just four short months ago she had insisted she would not be able to do. She was going to go the state fair in Savannah with Tanner and Jackson. Wilma, Sophia, Millie and Sara were coming along as well.
Tanner was excited for the trip. He was excited to show Temperance some of the fun that the world had to offer. And he was excited to watch his son ride that pony of his. Storm was a good pony and Jackson was excellent with horses--even for a four year old. The boy was a natural born rider.
“Are we ready to go?” Temperance asked as she stepped outside with a suitcase in her hand.
Tanner stepped forward and took the heavy case from her, “What do you have in here?” he asked with a grin.
“Everything I’ll need,” Temperance replied with a smile. “Not all of us can live out of a burlap sack slung over our shoulder.”
Tanner chuckled as he adjusted his sack of belongings on his shoulder. “Old habits,” was all he said in response.
Temperance’s lips danced across his jaw. “I love you, Tanner.”
***
Savannah was a vaster city than any Temperance had ever seen before. People were bustling in all directions in their fancy silk dresses trimmed with lace and their large busy hats as well as their dapper suits and bowler hats. She even saw a man who appeared to be Tanner’s age walking with a silver topped cane that glimmered in the sunlight--though the man didn’t appear to have a limp so she assumed the cane was simply for show.
Despite the crowds that made her quite nervous, Temperance had to admit that this city was beautiful. Weeping Willow trees hung heavy and their long branches formed a draping canopy about them as they walked through the park. Benches adorned with ivy were the seats for lovers and businessmen alike as they sat lost in discussions.
“I love these flowers!” Sophia exclaimed as she breathed in the fragrance of purple lilacs. “We need to plant these at home!”
“Where’s the fair?!” Jackson inquired impatiently as he hopped along leading Storm by the reigns.
“Can’t you hear that?” Tanner asked as music reached and the din of hundreds of voices reached their ears.
Jackson’s face lit up even while Temperance’s stomach turned. She was doing this for her son and for her husband… She would much rather be somewhere quiet and less crowded but this fair seemed to mean a lot to both of them and so she was going to face these fears and a situation that made her uncomfortable.
They rounded a corner and the fair came in sight. Tents of all different colors and sizes stretched out as far as the eye could see. Make-shift barns and corrals full of horses and ponies sat at the end nearest them Tanner led Jackson to the booth nearest them.
“Can I help you?” an older man with a face of leather from years in the sun asked from his seat at the booth.
“My son here is wanting to enter some riding contests with his pony,” Tanner replied proudly.
The man studied Jackson a moment as Jackson stood there with his shoulders back and met the man’s gaze head on. Suddenly the man’s rough stern face split apart in a wide grin that deepened the wrinkles around his eyes. “Why of course he does! He looks like a natural born rider if I ever seen one. I have some papers for you to fill out and we’ll get your pony put up nice and safe in that barn over there. Our first event for the young riders is tonight at six. It’s just an introduction so the crowd can see who they want to pull for. Just a few laps around the ring over there.”
Temperance followed the older man’s gaze and saw the large paddock with white fences surrounding it. Currently there was a man leading a large black gelding around in circles inside.
Temperance watched Tanner fill out a sign in sheet while Storm was led away. “Can we go look around now?!” Millie asked with excitement.
“Sure can.” Tanner glanced at his pocket watch. “It’s only noon so we have plenty of time before the first event.”
Temperance found herself becoming more and more comfortable with every hour that passed. She realized that most people didn’t even glance in her direction and those that did simply offered a friendly smile and the occasional ‘hello’ before going about on their way.
She laughed with her son, her husband and their friends. She enjoyed the sunshine and the cool breeze. She let herself enjoy the gifts that Tanner seemed to be showering her with.
Today was a day to be happy and celebrate the new life she was living. It hadn’t been given to her--no she had worked very hard to overcome her past and that simply made it all the more pleasant.
“I’m frightened he’ll be hurt,” Temperance admitted as she sat with Tanner that evening in the stands and watched Jackson preparing to ride his horse around the arena and have his name announced.
“Don’t worry,” Tanner assured her gently. “He’s a damn good horseman and all they’re doing tonight is riding around a few times. Nothing dangerous.” he kissed her hair gently and Temperance felt her heart beat a little faster, only this time it had nothing to do with fear.
Temperance had never felt herself full of more pride than when she heard her son’s name announced and watched him ride proudly around that ring with a beaming smile on his face. Tanner’s hand held hers tightly and Temperance cheered for their son as Wilma, Sophia, Millie and Sara cheered as well. Temperance let her gaze pass over each of them; thankful that this was now her life and knowing she had nothing to fear from the future.
***
Temperance awoke and realized the sun was just rising outside the hotel window. The city was much quieter than it had been last night but already she could hear life stirring on the streets below.
Today was an important day… a day that Jackson seemed to have forgotten.
Today her son turned five!
Temperance slid from Tanner’s arms, smiling when the man simply rolle
d onto his side and continued his snoring. She was happy to see that each night they spent together he began to rest more and more peacefully. Nightmares were something they would both be plagued with given their pasts but they were becoming fewer and farther between as time went on.
She decided she would simply let him and Jackson rest while she went into town and got some breakfast for them. Temperance knew that by now one of the other women would be awake to walk down with her. Quickly Temperance slid from her nightdress and pulled on her clothes, donned her boots and left the room.
She met Sophia in the hall. “You’re up early,” Sophia noted, smoothing out her cream colored dress that contrasted with her dark as night skin.
“I want to go get breakfast for Jackson and Tanner and I was hoping a few vendors would be open so I can find something for Jackson.”
“Does he realize it’s his birthday?” Sophia asked.
Temperance smiled. “He’s forgotten all about it. I’m hoping to get him some new boots and a hat to wear today while he’s competing.”
“He’ll love that!” Sophia agreed. “Were you wanting some company?”
“I would have come and woke one of you up had you not been out here,” Temperance admitted.
Sophia looped her arm around hers and grinned. “Well let’s go then. Times wasting and those men are bound to wake up hungry.”
Temperance and Sophia made their way down to the main street of the fair and Temperance was happy to see that several vendors were already up and running. She quickly made a beeline for the tent where she had seen the children’s boots and hats the day before.
As she perused the different colors and styles available she suddenly felt a cold chill wash over her spine. Temperance stiffened. Before she could turn her head a voice from the past had her trembling with panic and terror in its rawest form.
“Well hello there, girlie. Sure never thought I’d see that pretty red hair again.”
Chapter Fifty-Six
Temperance couldn’t breathe--could hardly think as she felt Yancy’s hot breath wash against her neck. She glanced at the display of belts, boots and hats for something to be used as a weapon but Yancy clicked his tongue.
“I wouldn’t do that, girlie. I wouldn’t get clever. Look behind you…”
Temperance turned her head slowly and felt her heart fall. Sophia was held tight in the arms of one of Yancy’s associates. One of the very men who had helped ‘break her in’ all those years ago. Temperance had never learned their names during her time with them--they seemed to avoid speaking them around her. He gave her that cold grin she had seen so often and Temperance saw the knife blade pressed against Sophia’s ribs.
The girl was wide eyed and clearly scared to death but to any passers by it would simply look as if a man was getting a bit too cozy with a colored woman and therefore nothing to concern anyone else…..
“Is there anything wrong, ma’am?” the vendor asked with concern.
Before Temperance could find her voice, Yancy was pulling her close and she felt the barrel of a gun against her back. “Of course not!” Yancy laughed. “My daughter is just surprised to see me, aren’t you, girlie? It’s been a long time.”
Temperance swallowed hard. “Y… yes… a long time.”
The vendor didn’t seem convinced but another couple walked over and diverted his attention. Yancy gave Temperance a little nudge and she and Sophia were led away.
How was this happening?!
This was that unknown she had been so terrified of. Temperance wasn’t allowed to be happy! She was supposed to have been safe here. This place was supposed to have been a fun adventure and now…
Temperance shook her head and straightened her shoulders. She was not the girl that Yancy remembered. She was Temperance Montgomery. She was a mother with a son who needed her desperately. She was the wife of a soldier. A soldier who had taught her skills and had given her the inner strength to know that she would get through this.
Temperance was strong.
Yancy might have control in this moment but Temperance would be taking it back. She was not going to be his victim once again. Yancy was going to get what was coming to him.
***
Tanner yawned and rolled over in the bed. He reached out for Temperance and his eyes flew open when he found nothing but empty space.
Where was she?
Sitting up, Tanner saw Jackson sound asleep on his make-shift bed on the floor. Tanner stood and stretched out his legs, noticing Temperance’s nightdress tossed over the changing curtain.
She must have gone somewhere.
Pride filled him at knowing she had come so far. Not long ago she would never have left this room alone. Then again, Tanner wasn’t too fond of the idea of his wife wandering around the streets of Savannah by herself.
Tanner opened the bedroom door and walked across the hall to the room Wilma and the other ladies were using. He knocked and it was opened after only a few seconds.
“Good mornin’, Tanner,” Wilma greeted with a sleepy smile. “I was just gettin’ up and around this mornin.”
“I didn’t mean to bother you, Wilma. I was wondering if you’d seen Temperance.”
“No,” Wilma shook her head. “I ain’t seen her but I know Sophia was goin’ to go down to breakfast and she hasn’t come back either. Maybe they met each other and decided to do a little shoppin’.”
Tanner nodded. “I’m sure you’re right. She was wanting to get Jackson some boots and a hat for his birthday today.”
“Has the boy mentioned what day it is?” Wilma asked, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Tanner laughed. “No, he’s forgot all about it. He’s too busy thinking about his pony.” Tanner ran his hands through his hair. “Well I’ll head down to the street and see if I can find her. Will you go over and sit in our room so Jackson doesn’t wake up alone?”
“Sure will, child.”
Tanner headed down the stairs and stepped out of the hotel and into the morning sunlight. He had a feeling he knew where Temperance would have headed since he’d seen her eyeing the vendor with boots and hats just yesterday. And if he was wrong and she and Sophia had gone somewhere else then Tanner could pick up Jackson’s present and surprise Temperance with it.
Tanner tipped his head to several people along the way and enjoyed the feel of the sun against his skin. It might be early and the summer heat might already be scalding hot but there wasn’t much that could bother a man when he had everything in life he could ever need.
Tanner saw the vendor he was looking for in the distance and realized Temperance wasn’t there. He waited patiently for the man to finish speaking to the elderly lady purchasing a hat for her grandson and then cleared his throat to get his attention.
“Can I help you, sir?” the salesman asked with a friendly smile.
“I was looking for somebody and hoping you might be able to tell me if you’ve seen her,” Tanner admitted.
The salesman nodded. “There aren’t too many people out and about yet this morning so I might just remember her. What does she look like?”
“A pretty woman. Pale skin, freckles and red hair. She would have had a pretty young colored girl with her…”
Tanner stopped speaking when he saw the way the salesman stiffened. The friendliness left the man’s eyes and he edged away from Tanner with suspicion. “And just what might you want with her?”
Have you seen her?” Tanner demanded.
“I might have,” the man admitted. “But I don’t want no part in no trouble. I’m just here to…”
Tanner pulled his knife and had it pressed against the man’s throat before he could cry out for help. “If it’s trouble you don’t want then you need to tell me where my damn wife is because if you don’t then trouble is exactly what you’re gonna find.”
The man swallowed hard and his throat bobbed against the knife. “She’s your wife?”
Tanner saw the lawman in the distance and quickly pulle
d his knife away and slid it back in its holster to avoid being seen threatening the salesman. “Yeah, she’s my wife. Now tell me when you saw her.”
“It was about an hour ago, I reckon.” The salesman pulled off his hat and wiped his sweaty brow on his shirtsleeve. “She seemed interested in buying some things but then two men showed up. They seemed a rough type and she didn’t seem to happy to see them but the bigger fella said he was her father and her and the colored girl both left with them.”
Tanner’s blood ran cold.
Someone had his wife.
“What did the man look like?” Tanner managed to speak through his clenched jaw. The salesman described a dirty, overweight, middle-aged man with a patchy beard, mustache and rotten teeth. Tanner thought of Temperance’s description of the man who had kidnapped her so long ago and fear clawed at his gut.
“He kept calling her girlie,” the salesclerk added. “Is your wife in trouble, sir? Should we get the law?”
Tanner shook his head quickly,. “No, I’m sure she’s fine. Her pa just doesn’t like me and keep trying to take her back home. I’ll find her and we’ll get it sorted out. Thanks for your help and sorry I pulled my knife on you. I was in the war and tend to overreact sometimes… my nerves are shot.”
Tanner tipped his head and then walked away with tension in his muscles and bloodlust in his heart.
Temperance had told him about the bastard who had called her girlie as he had forced her, beat her, starved her and mistreated her… Yancy wouldn’t get away with taking his wife.
Yancy had just messed with the wrong man.
Tanner wasn’t going to go to the law. No, he wasn’t a man who trusted the law because he’d seen too many crooked lawmen pretend to be good ones. No, he would go straight to the darker side of town and ask around. At least there he knew exactly the kind of men he’d be dealing with.
Tanner just prayed he’d be able to get to Temperance before Yancy did something that she’d never recover from.
Chapter Fifty-Seven
Against Her Will Page 27