Wade rode hard and took a shortcut, hoping to be able to intercept the train when it arrived at Williams, but he caught up with it well before the station. Once he spotted it in the distance, he kept it in his line of vision. When it slowed at the same juncture where Shady Burt’s gang had robbed it earlier, Wade grew suspicious. Remembering that some of his gang members were still on the loose, he spurred his horse and galloped toward the halted train.
Seeing two horses tied to a nearby tree, Wade dismounted and bounded onto a nearby platform.
Knowing one robber usually went after the engineer, Wade easily found his first intruder. Thankfully, his back was to the door, making Wade’s job easier as he stole up behind him, raised his Colt, and whacked him on the back of the head. The man slunk silently to the floor. The engineer grinned. “I hoped one of you boys would show up. There’s at least one more with the passengers. I’ll tie this one up.”
Wade felt a rush of energy as he started into the first car. He silenced the passengers’ surprised shrieks with a finger to his lips and a flash of the badge on his vest. He moved forward, passing through each car. All he could think of was that Edie was on this train! He paused when he heard a commotion sounding from outside the door of the next car. Slowly he stole inside, hoping the passengers would remain calm and allow him to do his job, and hoping against all odds that Edie wasn’t inside this particular car, but nothing prepared him for the scene he came upon.
The sight sent a jolt of fear through Wade worse than any he remembered, including Canyon Diablo. His girl stood with her arms outstretched, aiming her pistol at the robber. And the outlaw had his gun pointed back at her. It was a standoff Edie couldn’t win. What was she thinking?
The outlaw made a move Wade recognized all too well. He flew into action. “I wouldn’t do that!” he warned, preparing himself to take out the other man quickly.
The robber jerked and turned.
At the same time Edie’s gun fired. Her bullet hit a chandelier directly over the outlaw, and instantly the light crashed down on his head. Edie and the outlaw fell at the same time. Wade hurried to scoop up the outlaw’s gun and place it in his belt, then quickly stepped over him and rushed toward Edie. He sank to his knees and cradled her head with his hand. Had she taken a bullet?
“Edie?” She didn’t respond. Frantically he ran his eyes over her clothing, searching for signs of blood, but there didn’t seem to be any.
“She fainted,” a gray-haired woman said. “That’s all. But she got that robber good, didn’t she?”
Wade lightly tapped her cheek. “Edie. Wake up, girl.”
She stirred, opened her eyes. “Oh, Wade. I knew you’d come!”
“Are you hurt?” he asked.
“No.” She shook her head. “Just frightened.”
He drew her close. “It’s all right now. You got him.”
“He’s not dead?”
“I doubt it. You hit the chandelier, and it fell on his head. But look at you. You must have broken your glasses when you fell.”
“No.” She shook her head. “They were already broken. That’s why I missed my shot.”
“You mean you weren’t aiming for the chandelier?”
“Not at all.”
He chuckled. “Oh, Edie. You’re the most honest person I know. I’ve got to make sure he gets tied up before he gains consciousness. Let me help you to your seat. I’ll be back shortly.”
The passengers around Edie pressed close, congratulating her on her quick thinking. The gray-haired woman fanned her.
“Please, I’m fine now. I just need some air,” Edie insisted.
“Of course, dear,” the lady said. “But you were magnificent. Even with those broken glasses.” As the woman backed away, Edie heard her say, “She’s one of them Harvey Girls, you know.”
Edie slunk back in her seat, wishing everyone would just turn away and leave her be. She had a more important matter to think about. If God had given her a chance to tell Wade she’d changed her mind, then she needed to do it, no matter how humiliating or frightening it seemed. He said he’d return shortly. She thought she saw love in his eyes when he bent over her earlier, but that didn’t mean he would forget and forgive her earlier rejection.
She leaned into the aisle to see if Wade was still there.
He was already returning to her. When he reached her seat, he asked, “May I sit? I don’t have long.”
Her pulse quickened. “Yes, please.”
“Once the train starts, it’s only a short time until we reach Williams. Then I’ll have to turn in these outlaws and return for my horse and theirs, too. But I have to know. Are you running away from me? Because I’m here to do everything in my power to persuade you to stay.”
“I’ve been praying that God would give me a second chance with you.”
“Praying?”
“Yes. God’s been changing my heart. I’m ready to marry a ranger, if there’s one who will have me.”
Wade removed his Stetson. “I don’t think there is, Edie.”
Her face fell. She nodded. “I understand.”
“But would you consider marrying a ranger that turned rancher?”
Her heart swelled with hope. “You’re giving up your job for me?”
“I always wanted to try my hand at ranching anyway. I went to the hotel to tell you we captured Shady Burt. With the reward money and some connections with a rancher I helped in Tucson, I’ve got enough to buy a small spread. Do you think you could marry a rancher?”
“I could marry you. I love you. The rest will work out.”
“I love you, too, Edith. But why were you running away?”
“I wasn’t!” Edie shook her head adamantly. “I was only going to Williams to get a new pair of glasses.”
“What a relief. When Dinah told me you were on the train, I thought you were headed back to Chicago. I rode like a tornado to intercept you.”
Edie smiled. “You did? I thought you probably hated me.”
“I love you. And right now I’d really like to kiss you.”
“Then kiss her, Ranger,” said the gray-haired woman.
When Wade drew her close, Edie felt the love well up in her. They kissed to the passengers’ cheers then drew apart in embarrassment. Wade leaned close and whispered, “You are one armed and dangerous lady!”
Epilogue
Two months later
The newly married couple stood arm in arm atop the crest of the Diablo Canyon Bridge. They waved. Dinah waved back from far below. She was sketching them on the bridge. It was her wedding gift to them. Not only was it the very place they had first met, but also Dinah hoped the picture would serve as a reminder of how they had overcome their fears.
“I’m so glad Dinah agreed to spend her vacation on our ranch,” Edie said.
“Me, too. She’s right, you know. God used you and that verse to help me overcome my fears.”
Edie pulled her coat tight to ward off the early autumn chill. “What verse is that, dear?”
“You know, Psalm 91: ‘For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.’ Don’t you remember? Right after I entered your passenger car that first day we met? A passenger quoted it out loud.”
“No, I didn’t hear it.”
“But it was loud and distinct.”
“Maybe it was just for you to hear.”
“I have never memorized a verse so easily before. It just stuck in my head.”
“Exactly.” They quietly contemplated the miracle verse and what God had accomplished with it. “This canyon may be named Diablo, but God used it for His glory, didn’t He?” she asked.
“Indeed, He did.”
A mischievous look came over Wade’s face. “Want to give Dinah something really good to sketch?”
Edie cautiously backed away. “I’m beginning to recognize that look.”
But Wade was too quick for
her. He soon had her cradled in his embrace.
“What’s she going to think?” Edie whispered, snuggled against his warm coat.
“That we’re in love?”
THE RICHEST KNIGHT
by Nancy J. Farrier
Dedication
For my Grandpa and Grandma Rhine, who raised eleven children on a small farm during the depression. I loved hearing that Grandpa claimed to be a millionaire because God blessed him with so many children. Thanks, too, to my Aunt Ruth, whose love of the Grand Canyon led her to work there in her retirement years. Her enthusiasm made this story a joy to write.
Prologue
San Francisco, 1909
Franklin, you can’t possibly be serious about this.”
The anguish in his mother’s voice churned the food in Franklin Knight’s stomach into a lead weight that held him immobile in his seat. From around the table his brothers and sisters were staring openmouthed. At the head of the massive dining table, his father’s countenance was so dark Franklin expected lighting bolts to be shooting his way any minute.
“This is preposterous.” Miranda Knight shot an imploring look at her husband. “Tell him, Eugene. He can’t leave home right now. We need him to run the ranch while you’re campaigning for office. Charles and Daniel are too young to handle such weighty matters.”
At the mention of their names, Franklin’s younger brothers bristled. He knew they both chafed at the way their parents loaded all the responsibility for management of the ranch on Franklin, giving him authority over his siblings as the eldest. That was one of many reasons Franklin intended to ride out in the morning to start a new life somewhere else. He’d been planning and praying about this for a long time.
“Your mother’s right.” Anger tinged Eugene’s words with more harshness than normal. “We’re counting on you to be here. You’ve worked with Jason and the other hands for several years now. They know what to expect from you. These boys have spent the last few years away at school. They won’t know the first thing about running a place the size of ours.”
“Jason is the best foreman in California. If Charles and Daniel listen, he can teach them all they need to know.” Franklin leaned back, smiling up at Emma as she took his plate so the dessert could be served. He’d left half his food, but his appetite had fled with the start of this conversation.
“What about Charlotte?” Tears glistened in his mother’s eyes. “She’s expecting an engagement ring on her birthday next month.”
“Mother.” Franklin said a short prayer for the right words. “Charlotte and I have nothing in common other than family status. She’s only interested in me because of our name and money, the same as all the girls before her.”
“Franklin, that’s a terrible thing to say.” Miranda pressed her handkerchief to her temple, her face pale. “I believe Charlotte loves you. You’re a very handsome man.”
“If I were one of the ranch hands, my looks wouldn’t matter at all.” Franklin could feel his frustration building. “Charlotte wouldn’t give me the time of day if I couldn’t court her in the style she’s accustomed to.”
“That’s enough.” Eugene’s fist slammed the tabletop, making the dishes clatter. “We’ve been patient with you. You’ve rejected every girl your mother has deemed worthy. Charlotte comes from a very respectable family. An alliance will increase our holdings and be to our benefit. I don’t want to hear any more of this nonsense.”
Silence bore down as Franklin’s siblings stared down at their plates of dessert. Their father’s anger was so rare that Franklin knew some of the younger ones had never heard him roar like this.
“I’m sorry, Father. I don’t want to go against you, but I can’t marry Charlotte. Money isn’t everything, yet that’s what it has become to this family, not to mention to all your friends.”
Eugene leaned forward. His lip curled in derision. “So what is important to you, son? That religious tripe of yours?”
Franklin’s heart pounded. He tried to pray but couldn’t think of what to say. “I believe God is calling me to get away from here for now, to follow Him wherever He wants me to go.”
“So just like that you’ll give up all your inheritance? Everything we’ve raised you for?” Eugene’s words were met with shocked glances from around the table. “Because that’s what will happen. If you walk out now, you won’t inherit the manure from one of the barns. You’ll be penniless. Then see what girl will have you.”
“That’s one of my points.” Calm flowed through Franklin. He folded his napkin and pushed his chair back from the table. “If a woman doesn’t believe in Jesus and only wants me for my name or my money, then she isn’t the right one for me.”
“Franklin, you can’t go.” Miranda sobbed aloud.
“Leave him.” Eugene’s dark gaze made Miranda sink back into her chair. “He’s made his choice.” His heavy brows drew together as he looked back at Franklin. “You can leave now. I won’t have you taking any of the horses. They belong here. You can take some of your clothes and that mule you insisted on keeping. That’s it.”
“Thank you, sir. Since I bought Moses with my own money, I appreciate your letting me keep him.” Franklin was at the door when his mother’s teary voice stopped him.
“Franklin, where will you go?” she asked.
“East.” He strode from the room, knowing exactly where he was heading. He didn’t want to let his family know. His father couldn’t be trusted not to try to influence Franklin’s life with his money and power.
Chapter 1
El Tovar Hotel at the Grand Canyon, 1910
Peering into the large silver coffeemaker, Lillian Robinson pinched her cheeks to give them some color and tried her best to quell her jittery nerves. In the distance she could hear the train whistle, the signal she and the other Harvey Girls had come to recognize as their personal call to work. In a few minutes the dining room at the Grand Canyon’s El Tovar would be teeming with people expecting a superb meal. The Harvey Girls were there to make the diners’ luncheon a relaxing and memorable time.
Although she’d been working here for three weeks and had the routine down, Lillian couldn’t help feeling unsettled. She’d overheard her manager, Mr. Niles, talk about some of the men who would be meeting with him today. Lillian had prayed hard about getting the right table. This was the day she would meet her future husband. She had to be at her best.
“Lillian!” Constance Gibson, the head waitress, called to her as she headed for her station. “Come here.” Lillian could hear the woman’s disapproval. She didn’t use that tone with the other girls. For some reason Constance didn’t like Lillian. She knew her clumsiness had tested Constance to the limit of her endurance.
“Yes, Miss Gibson?” Lillian met the woman’s gaze, knowing this time she had nothing to hide.
“Your cheeks are red. Have you been using rouge again?” Constance frowned at Lillian. “Let’s check.” She led the way to a sink in the back.
“I haven’t used anything, ma’am.”
“Well, after the last time, I can’t very well take your word for it, can I? I’ve never known a woman so determined to snag a husband.” Constance’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t think I didn’t hear who is coming in for the noon meal today. If I know you, you’ve wangled some way to get them at one of your tables.” Wringing a wet rag, Miss Gibson began to scrub at Lillian’s cheeks. Biting her lip, Lillian ignored the disapproval and kept her smile at bay. The head waitress was playing right into her hands. Now her face would be certain to have some color.
“Okay, get to your station. Hurry.” The chatter of voices could be heard from outside telling them the visitors were coming. “Lillian.” The head waitress halted her one more time. “Pay attention to what you’re doing. You’re here to serve the customers. Don’t be clumsy.”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll be careful.” Lillian whipped back around to get to her place. Her toe caught on the rug. She stumbled but didn’t fall. Casting a quick glance over he
r shoulder, she saw Miss Gibson roll her eyes as if she were asking God why He gave her this particular girl.
As she trotted across the dining room, Lillian smiled at her roommate, Dinah Weston, one of the few Harvey Girls who had befriended Lillian. Most of them seemed to want to keep their distance. She understood. She hadn’t encouraged friendships because she wanted to focus on finding the right husband. That was crucial in her plan for life. She couldn’t spend the rest of her life being someone’s servant. She had to find a wealthy husband, not end up like her parents with too many children to feed.
The next several minutes were too busy for Lillian to notice who was seated where. Her tables filled up fast. She brought water, coffee, and tea and smiled until her cheeks felt molded in place. Most of the people here had come up on the train and were anxious to see the canyon for the first time.
“How long does it take to walk along the canyon?”
“When do the Hopis dance?”
“Have you seen the Indians dancing?”
“Are they dangerous?” The heavyset woman who asked this question stared at Lillian with eyes widened in trepidation as if she expected them all to be murdered at the end of the show.
When Lillian first fielded these same questions at the beginning of the season, she’d had to bite her lip to keep from laughing at the absurdity. Now she took it all in stride, smiled, and assured the guests that all the entertainment was safe and provided for their enjoyment.
When Mr. Niles and his guests entered the dining room, Lillian’s hands shook so much that she sloshed water over the rim of the glass she was filling. She apologized and grabbed a rag to mop up the wet spot. Forcing herself to take a deep breath to calm down, she hurried for another pitcher of water and more glasses. The men were heading in her direction, but they could get either her table or one of Dinah’s. Please, she prayed.
The Timeless Love Romance Collection Page 21