Her Unexpected Destiny_Seeing Ranch series

by Florence Linnington

  Matt hopped off Trigger as the sheriff closed his front door behind him. They met at the open gate, where they shook hands.

  “How was your trip, Sheriff?” Matt asked.

  “Fine.” His eyes were tight, and an uncomfortable feeling came over Matt. The sheriff hadn’t stopped him simply to say hello.

  “Everything all right?” Matt asked slowly and carefully, doing his best to keep his voice low. He didn’t want anyone passing by in the street to overhear their conversation.

  “Kitty told me about what happened…” He paused, hands on hips, and gave Matt a purposeful look. “About everything,” he added.

  Matt’s throat turned dry, and he swallowed several times. What was he supposed to say? Sheriff Ross had his poker face on, not giving an indication either way.

  “I’m not about to throw an innocent woman to the wolves,” Sheriff Ross clarified. “And while we don’t have the man’s story, I’m going to give your girl the benefit of the doubt and say we don’t need it.”

  Matt’s shoulders, which he hadn’t known were stiff, relaxed. “Thank you, Sheriff.”

  He nodded. “She’s a good woman. Whatever her story back in New York is, she’s done us all well here. Kitty and Helen told me a thousand times over that she’s the reason they got better so fast.”

  Matt eagerly nodded. “Good. I believe that’s the truth. She has a sweet side to her that makes people feel better.”

  Sheriff Ross looked over Matt’s shoulder, surveying the street. “And what about that fellow? The one who recognized her?”

  “Gone,” Matt answered tartly. “On today’s stagecoach. I came into town to make sure he got out all right.”

  The sheriff ran his thumb along his chin, looking thoughtful. “He could be back.”

  “That’s what I’ve been thinking.”

  “Hm.”

  Another pause. Sheriff Ross liked to pause a lot, to take his time before he said things. Sometimes it nearly made Matt insane.

  “If he does come back,” he finally said, “I’ll do what I can for Melissa. I’ll do what I can for her in any case, no matter what kind of trouble comes her way.”

  “Thank you,” Matt said earnestly, noting that he’d used Allie’s fake name. He would have to make sure he always used it as well. He’d told Mines her name was Melissa, and it would be best to continue practicing calling her that, as well as letting the rest of the town believe that was who she was. One little slip-up at the wrong time could prove catastrophic.

  “When’s the wedding?”

  “Um, September, maybe. It’s not set yet. We, uh, kind of only verified it all yesterday.”

  “Really?” Sheriff Ross tilted his head in interest. “The day after your stable fire?”

  “You heard about that?”

  He chuckled. “A fire. The stranger… Lover’s quarrel, too?” His mouth twitched upward the slightest bit, showing a hint of a smile. “Sounds like I missed a heck of a lot of excitement while I was gone.”

  Matt blew out a sharp breath. “Nothing I’m not glad to be done with.”

  “Well, it’s Shallow Springs. Little as this town is, there’s sure to be something wild happening by this time next week.”

  Matt nodded in agreement. The sheriff and whoever else wanted it could take that excitement. All Matt needed was his farm and his family—and he already had those things.

  “Have a great day, Sheriff.” Matt touched his hat brim. “And thank you.” His throat tightened with emotion, making it hard to say anything else.

  Sheriff Ross clapped him on the shoulder. “Say hello to your folks for me. And tell Melissa thank you as well.”

  He started walking for his house but turned back around after a few steps. “Shoot, I forgot. The girls want you all to come for Sunday dinner. Your parents included. They’ll be awful upset if you miss it.”

  “Thank you.” Matt smiled. “I’m sure we can do that.”

  With a wave, Sheriff Ross went back into his house. Matt climbed back into Trigger’s saddle, his mind spinning.

  So now seven people total—himself included—knew about Allie’s secret. That was a high number, but Matt would deal with it. As long as no one else found out the truth, they would be fine.

  Plus, it was probably good that Sheriff Ross knew the story. Out of anyone in Shallow Springs, he had the most clout. If trouble ever did come looking for Allie again, the sheriff would do what he could to deal with it.

  Satisfied once more, Matt rode for home.

  32

  32. Allie

  Chapter Thirty-two

  Dear Juana,

  I do hope my first letter found you well, and that this one meets you in a similar condition. I think of you every day, and every night I pray for you. The factory, though it does not haunt me quite the way it used to, is still on my mind—but mostly because I wish for you to leave it, as I did.

  When I think of you, I imagine your face in green pastures or by a foamy sea; sometimes in dark, cool woods. Anywhere but in that dirty factory, surrounding by smoggy air. I want the best for you, and, together, if we both pray hard enough, perhaps God will make that happen.

  So much has happened to me since we parted that, were I to feel it safe to detail my adventures here, it would take me ten pages to tell the full story. At the least, I can tell you that I have learned a great deal. I have seen death, and I have seen triumph. I have experienced heartbreak, and I have experienced love.

  In the end, what truly matters is where I am at now. And I am happy. To correct that, I am beyond happy. I have a man who loves me, and we are to be married.

  Again, I cannot tell you where I am, but I will share a little nugget: here, the air is fresh, and the commotion caused by man’s labor very little. There are no confining boarding houses, with women packed in like sardines, and every cough or whisper heard through the paper-thin walls. Here, each family has their own home, and acres stretch around the buildings in every direction.

  I wish to tell you that I have heard through the grapevine about an agency that arranges marriages for women from the east coast. They connect the women with men out west, and even down south. Usually, these are men who have settled in areas where there are few women.

  Might I suggest you look into such an opportunity? A marriage could provide you with the opportunity you need to leave behind the drudgery and pain of New York.

  If you do go that route, my deepest prayers are with you. I ask God to help you find a man who loves you and will treat you like the angel you are.

  I will never forget that I am living in safety, peace, and happiness thanks to your kindness and encouragement. I pray that we will meet again in this lifetime, and that, if that does come to pass, I will find you happy and full of life.

  However, if God does not plan another crossing of our paths, I know that I will see you in the afterlife. I take comfort in that. Either way, my heart and love are with you always, and I look forward to the inevitable day we will be reunited.

  With love,

  Your Dear Friend

  She had written it the night before, but Allie still read the letter over once more as she stood at the little post office situated next to the hotel. Satisfied with its contents, she sealed the envelope and handed it over to Mr. Garrison.

  He gave it a quick look. “No return address?”

  Allie licked her dry lips. “She has it already.”

  “Well, then.” He beamed at her. “Have a good day, Miss Russell. Take care.”

  “You as well,” she told him.

  Seemingly satisfied, he nodded and set the letter with the other packages and envelopes set to leave Shallow Springs.

  Allie had not signed the letter, and, as with the first one, she put no return mark. The postmaster was still not stamping the letters passing through his hand, and that gave Allie some comfort.

  As far as the mail-order bride agency, it seemed safe enough to mention it. Allie had not directly tied herself to it. Even if th
e letter were apprehended, and she suspected to be out West, she had Melissa’s identity to protect her.

  Dear Melissa…

  Allie’s thoughts turned to the gentle soul as she stepped into the street and looked up at the sky. Dark clouds were gathering, bringing the suggestion of rain with them.

  Allie felt, as she had since the moment Melissa passed, that the young woman looked over her. Whether she acted as an angel or not, Allie sensed Melissa’s presence. She had saved Allie, giving her the best available option.

  One day, Allie hoped, she would be able to visit Melissa’s grave. Until then, she would continue to cherish the memory of her angel.

  Taking in a deep breath, Allie stepped into the street. Fresh air filled her chest at the same time a raindrop struck her cheek. Shocked, she touched the wet spot and looked up.

  Rain fluttered down, striking the tin roofs with a pat-a-pat and sinking immediately into the earth. It had been eight days since the last rainfall, the one that happened the night of the fire, and for the first time in her life, Allie did not want to take cover from the weather.

  Instead, she pushed her bonnet back and lifted her face to the rain. Each drop became a cool kiss, caressing her face and hands and sliding down her dress’s collar. She would be soaking wet by the time she reached home, but she couldn’t find it in herself to care.

  Apparently, neither could anyone else.

  Down the street, the schoolhouse door flew open and children ran out. They whirled around, spinning in circles with their arms wide. A few opened their mouths to catch raindrops, and others jumped up in down.

  As Allie watched, their teacher came out, hands on her hips, looking as if she would chastise them. Instead, though, her stern face softened, and she began laughing.

  Lost in the fresh rain and the happiness surrounding her, Allie smiled to herself. She was so distracted, in fact, that she didn’t notice someone was behind her until arms were around her waist.

  Allie gasped in surprise, but a second later realized she recognized the touch—would recognize it anywhere. Matt set her down, and she turned around to face him.

  “Where did you come from?” she asked.

  Wearing a broad grin, he looked down at her. “The blacksmith’s. I was dropping off that fire poker that needs fixing. Gotta get the house all in order for my new bride.”

  “Your bride is a lucky woman.” Allie lightly touched the edge of his shirt, itching to put both her hands on him, but hesitant to show any affection in public.

  The last week, it seemed they had been unable to stay away from each other. Every night and day, Allie thought of Matt: his easy smile, his tender touches. The way his arms’ muscles tightened when he plowed the fields. The flowers he sometimes brought her in the evenings. The conversations they’d have after supper with Nicolette and Harold, as they all talked about the future and the goings-on around town.

  Every moment she could get during the day, she went out to the fields to bring him water. Whenever the opportunity provided it, they stole a kiss. Each time their lips touched, it was better than the time before.

  Allie truly was a blessed woman, and she would never forget it.

  The rain was coming down harder, creating a light screen between the two of them. Matt took off his hat and dropped it onto Allie’s head.

  “There,” he said. “That’ll protect you some.”

  She laughed. “I don’t think it will do much good. I’m already soaking.”

  Matt’s eyes shone. “You’re getting prettier. How is that?”

  Allie’s skin tingled all over. “No, I’m not.”

  “Yeah, you are.” He brazenly reached up and cupped her face.

  “Matt,” she whispered. “People might see.”

  “Good,” he breathed back, before ducking his face and pressing his lips to hers.

  33

  33. Matt

  Chapter Thirty-three

  As luck had it, the rain did anything but let up. It pounded down on Shallow Springs, bringing with it a cooler temperature and smiling faces. Matt rode home on Trigger’s back, with Allie nestled in front of him.

  At the farm, the new stable shined even through the downpour. It had been finished two days earlier, thanks to help from all the neighbors. It was even bigger than the previous one, with two lofts and four more stalls than its predecessor.

  “I still love it!” Allie shouted above the rain.

  Matt didn’t have to ask what she was talking about. The stable was a real beauty. Grinning, he nuzzled his face into her hair. Though it was wet, her natural scent still came through. He breathed in long and deep, locking the memory of her unique smell away in his heart.

  Trigger needed no leading into the new stable. He trotted in at a clip, shaking water from his mane as he entered the dry space.

  Matt slid from the saddle, and then reached up to help Allie down. Her bonnet, which had slid off a while ago, was stuck to her neck, and her dress hung heavy around her legs.

  “You’re soaking,” he commented.

  “You’re one to talk,” she laughed.

  Matt looked down at himself. “True.”

  Trigger snorted, reminding them that he was a horse who needed his saddle removed so he could get into his dry, cozy stall.

  “I’m coming, old boy,” Matt told him.

  As Matt tended to Trigger, he watched Allie out of the corner of his eye. She was drifting toward the middle stalls, and he didn’t have to guess which one was pulling her attention.

  “How’s the babe doing?” he asked, shutting Trigger into his stall and checking to make sure he had fresh water.

  Allie turned from where she held onto the stall’s door. “He seems happy, don’t you think?”

  Matt joined her at Oatmeal and the foal’s little abode. Noticing the watching humans, the baby horse took a couple slow steps toward them, its ears flicking with curiosity.

  “I imagine so,” Matt commented, though he couldn’t watch the little horse for long—not with Allie there, constantly pulling on his attention.

  “Are you worried?” he asked her profile.

  Her smile dimmed a bit. She kept facing the animals, biting down on her lower lip the slightest bit. Matt realized, too late, that he shouldn’t have said anything. No good would come of making Allie fret.

  He was about to apologize for the blunder when she spoke.

  “A bit.” She paused, face still away from him. “Sometimes I think, what if? Suppose Edgar Burke does suddenly come for me? Himself, I mean. So that there’s no more hiding. He’ll grab me and drag me back to New York.”

  “That won’t happen,” Matt fiercely answered.

  Finally, Allie turned to face him. “You do not have to lie to me, Matt.”

  He felt like he’d been punched in the gut. “What do you mean? I’m not lying.”

  Allie smiled sadly. “I know that the danger of me being discovered is always a possibility.”

  Matt took her hand in his. He didn’t want to hear any more of this talk. As Allie’s husband, it would forever be his job to calm her fears, but he wasn’t going to wait until they were officially married to start doing that.

  “I didn’t tell you that Sheriff Ross talked to me last week… about you.”

  Allie’s eyebrows jumped up. “About what?”

  “He knows everything. He’s grateful for what you did for his family—taking care of Kitty and Helen and all—and he wanted me to know that if Burke ever does come for you, he’s on your side. He’ll make sure you don’t get dragged away anywhere. He’ll fight for a fair trial, and so will I.” Matt squeezed her hand. “Tooth and nail,” he added.

  “He didn’t tell me any of this,” she mumbled, her gaze searching the stable floor.

  “Likely, he doesn’t want you to worry. It’s a lot of people knowing your secret now. That, or he knew I’d tell you.”

  Allie lifted her eyes to meet his. “It does not feel like a lot.”

  Matt grimaced. “Re
ally?”

  Suddenly, tears pooled in her eyes. “Every person who knows my secret, I trust with my life. Don’t you?”

  Matt thought about it. His parents… Nat… even Sheriff Ross and his family, who he hadn’t known for very long, he trusted. Yes, he would do nearly anything for his neighbors and friends, and he believed the same could be said in reverse.