How had this woman captured his heart so completely in just a matter of days? So much so that he knew he could never let her go? He closed his eyes again. It took rigid discipline to force his mind from thoughts of her, even when he’d been in the throes of fighting the outlaws. When he’d thought he was going to die, all he could think about was Claire, and what he would miss by not being her husband.
Nothing about this made any sense, and less so with his head throbbing. But if he’d wondered about the woman he’d left behind in Pittsburgh, and whether or not he’d made a mistake, he realized that he’d never known anything close to the love he felt for Claire. Now all he had to do was convince her to marry him, which might not be too difficult in light of what he’d just learned.
Her melodious voice continued, and sleep descended.
Chapter 25
Mary’s Farm
“Oh yes, Claire is quite the matchmaker,” she heard as she approached the kitchen.
“Mary!” she scolded, exasperated.
“Well, you are, and good morning.”
“Good morning.” She yawned, kneading the back of her neck. “Where is everyone?”
“Well, first of all, Doctor Jamison and I are sitting right here, and Jim took Doc Holloway out to do chores.”
“Doc Holloway doing barn chores?” She laughed.
“I thought you might get a kick out of that.”
“How’s the sheriff? How are you?” Lee interjected, gray eyes watchful.
Claire met his eyes. It was curious how she rankled when Lance Holloway asked her a question, and yet, she felt less threatened when Lee Jamison did. Was it because of their prior contact on the train she wondered? Although he’d been a bit of a bugger then… Her thoughts trailed off.
“Claire?” Mary looked at her with concern.
Oh, sorry. I was lost in thought. “Let’s see, the patient is sleeping well. He woke every hour without any problem—apart from being annoyed at being woken up—drank water and ate some bread. I insisted,” she added for good measure.
“And you?” Lee prodded.
“I fell asleep in the chair.” She yawned and leaned against the wall for support. “I’m a bit stiff between that and Colossal, but I’ll be fine. You all must be exhausted.” She looked at Lee, “And why must you always do that?”
He tilted his head and studied her.
“Yes, that. What you’re doing right now. You study people as though, you want to get inside their heads and understand everything that’s going on. Doesn’t that get exhausting after a while?” she asked, completely serious as their eyes locked.
“Claire!” It was Mary’s turn to scold.
Claire simply raised an eyebrow at her, her attention moving back to Lee.
“It depends on the person,” he added matter-of-fact.
Her eyes flicked back to his, and she swallowed.
“It sounds like maybe you do something similar. You’re a matchmaker, I hear.”
Claire risked an annoyed glance at her sister. “I’ve been known to match people from time to time,” she admitted, her eyebrow raised in challenge.
“Why?” His eyes were curious.
“Truthfully, it doesn’t even feel like it’s me when it happens—or rather I’m not intentionally trying to match anyone. I don’t even like the thought of it.” Her brows creased as she suddenly realized that she didn’t. It was far too old-fashioned for her liking.
She shrugged her shoulders. “But it happens.”
He continued to watch her intently, ignoring the fact that Sully had now joined them and was standing at the entrance to the kitchen behind her.
“My mind does it, really. I just know when two people are made for each other. I watch, and I wait, then the perfect time presents itself to introduce them, and so I do.”
“And it works out every single time, I tell you,” Mary confirmed. “It’s almost uncanny—it’s always a match made in heaven.”
Lees eyes shifted between the two sisters.
“I can see that you don’t believe it, Doctor Jamison, but you don’t have to,” Claire added with finality. “I’m going out to visit with Colossal.”
Lee and Mary both sprung to their feet. “Have you gone mad?” Mary said, standing above her sister.
“What’s this about Colossal?”
Goose bumps came out on her skin as Sully approached from behind. He rested his hands on her shoulders and started to knead them. Her face grew scarlet, her eyes wide, but then she closed them and moaned. He was good.
“How are you, Sully?” Lee asked.
“My head hurts like the dickens,” he admitted, “but it’s no longer fuzzy. I need to get to my men.” He continued to rub Claire’s shoulders.
“We knew you would want that. Ranger Dudley is on his way here now with a report. You’re in no condition to join them yet.”
Sully nodded and grimaced. “What’s Colossal?”
“He’s my longhorn,” Claire stated.
Sully laughed, pushing into a knot in her shoulder.
“Ouch!” she yelped, moving forward toward the table and away from his hands.
“Sorry,” he answered softly and pulled her back toward him to continue working the knot. His finger traced her skin and she took a sharp breath, rubbing her arms as goosebumps reappearing. “You’re bruised,” he said simply.
“Yes, Colossal and I need to work on our communication.”
Mary narrowed her eyes at her sister. “My sister seems to think she can commune with the longhorns, and she named our longhorn—Colossal. Yesterday she decided to get within a foot of him. He tossed her as though, she was a small sack of potatoes across the corral, and she landed in a heap. She’s lucky to be alive.”
“I did not go that close to him. I tripped!” Claire glared at her.
Sully’s hands paused and he looked across the table at Lee, who was still standing, arms crossed.
Lee looked at Sully.
There was a long moment of silence.
“Oh bother, let me help with breakfast.” She slid out of the chair and away from Sully’s hands. Her body felt like jelly after two minutes with his hands on her. She couldn’t give thought to what might happen beyond that.
* * *
“Are you up for a walk, Sully?” Lee Jamison asked.
Sully nodded, and they walked through the door together.
“Is she okay?” Sully asked Lee as they walked down the porch steps.
“Apart from the fact that she’s probably one of the most stubborn women I’ve met?” he joked. “Yes, I think so. Lance and I talked about her last night. We both think she likely sustained a slight concussion from her altercation with—the longhorn, but she insists she’s fine and truthfully, we’ve been busy with injuries far worse. Life will never be dull with her,” he added, a measured look at Sully.
Sully smiled and nodded. That much he knew and was looking forward to. “How are my men?”
They reached the barn and were met by Lance and Jim. “We lost one of your men, Sully. There was nothing more we could do. His injuries were simply too severe, and he’d lost too much blood.”
Sully nodded. He had no doubt the doctors had done everything they could. “His name?”
Jim answered, “It was Isaiah Randall, Sheriff.”
Sully leaned against the barn door and closed his eyes. “His family has been told?”
“Yes, sir, and several of the women from town have taken food and are staying with them for now.”
“Good. I’ll have to visit them.”
“We received a telegram this morning from Ranger Dudley. He was hoping to come here to brief you, but they got a strong lead on the main base camp for the outlaws, so he and every available man have convened a few miles from there to see if they can disband them for good.”
“The captives are safe?”
“All of them, sir. In fact, John Barker’s out with the deputies right now.”
Sully smiled. John Barker
was a good man.
“Let’s go get some breakfast, and then some rest,” Lance Holloway insisted.
Chapter 26
The Train Station
Bareglen Creek, TX
Mary and Claire took the carriage into town. Claire’s baggage jostled in the back, and both women were quiet.
“I can’t believe you’re going back to Philadelphia.”
“I can’t either,” Claire agreed. Nothing had turned out like she’d planned. She’d thought—no hoped—she and Sully would have days if not weeks together before she’d have to leave. She’d hoped he would ask her to stay, but instead he and several deputies had joined with the Rangers to disband the main outpost of the outlaws within a day of his recovery. From what she’d heard, it had proven to become much more difficult than any of them expected. She had no idea when—or if, she would ever see him again.
“Are you sure you want to go?” Mary asked for the fifth time.
“Mary, how many times have you asked me that? Nothing has changed.” Claire’s heart was heavy. She’d promised her mother she would return to Philadelphia, and she must, despite the feeling that only continued to grow for Sheriff Sullivan Clarke, even in his absence. But in truth, she had no idea how he felt about her. There was nothing to keep her here.
“I’ll be back for a visit, and when Jim returns from the hunt for the outlaws, you must come back to Philadelphia for a visit. Mother misses you—and you know it would take a miracle to get her to visit you in Texas.”
Mary smiled. “I suppose I do miss her—sometimes. It’s really father I miss most.”
Claire nodded, and looked sideways at her sister. She’d come a long way over the last two weeks, she’d been able to finally start the grieving journey of Mike’s loss. Claire was grateful she could return home with the confidence that Mary was going to be okay.
“They will both be disappointed that you’ve chosen to stay.”
“I know, and I’m sorry you’ll have to bear the brunt of that.”
“No you’re not.” Claire countered with a laugh.
“Okay, well, maybe I’m glad I don’t have to bear the brunt of their scorn, but I am sorry you will.”
“Fair enough.”
“He’ll come for you, you know.”
Claire’s breath hitched in her throat. “You don’t know that.”
“I do. I recognize it, Claire—the love you have for each other. It’s the kind people don’t walk away from.”
They passed Doc Holloway’s house on the way to the train depot, and Claire said, “As annoying as he is—I think I know just the right person for him.”
“Doc Holloway?” Mary asked, surprise registered on her face and she looked like she was racking her brain trying to think of who it could be.
“Yes, I’m not sure how yet, but I think I know the perfect match for him.”
“It will undoubtedly come together then.” Mary smiled and then squeezed Claire’s hand. “I’m going to miss you. Life is so much more—interesting—and full of color when you’re with me.”
Claire threw her head back and laughed but sobered quickly. “And I am reminded of the important things in life when I’m with you. You’re a rare soul, Mary Hawarden Trost. I’m so lucky you’re my sister and friend.”
Mary reigned the horses in. They’d reached the train depot, and neither woman wanted to move, but the train whistle spurred Claire on.
She hopped down from the carriage and waved for a porter to help her with her baggage. There were only three bags now—she’d chosen to leave the trunk with Mary.
Mary tied the horses up and joined Claire at the platform as the train chugged to a stop.
Claire turned to her, eyes filled with unshed tears. “I love you, and I’ll miss you. Please say you’ll visit me soon?”
Mary nodded, tears slowly making their way down her cheeks as Claire made her way onto the train. “I love you too,” she called after her.
Claire took her place in her Pullman and waved to her sister through the window as the train pulled away. She searched the crowds, hopeful that somehow Sully would be there to stop the train, or at least say goodbye, but instead the train chugged away.
Chapter 27
Philadelphia, PA
Claire thought she would go insane after just one week of being home. Edward had called twice, and she’d found herself bored out of her mind. She’d been on two employment interviews but so far had no offers—much to her mother’s delight. That woman was driving her mad.
At breakfast that morning, her father told her he’d heard word that the main camp of the outlaws had been broken, and most of them taken into custody. Her heart leaped at the thought—Sully had been part of that, she was sure. She’d asked if men were injured, but her father pushed her question aside for more important topics, like the upcoming Presidential election. Her father was a staunch supporter and contributor to Grover Cleveland’s campaign. He believed he would bring important reform to the Country.
Claire had listened only half-heartedly. Normally she devoured political conversations with their father—proud that he took an active role in wanting to help form the future of their great country—but all she could think about was Sheriff Sullivan Clarke. Later that morning it spurred an idea.
Claire went to her father’s home office. The door was slightly ajar. “Father?” she called softly, knocking gently while pressing the door open.
Her father moved the papers aside he’d been working on and smiled. “Yes, Claire?” He gave her his undivided attention.
“You have contacts in law enforcement. Would you mind if I approached them to ask some questions about the most recent case around the train robbers—outlaws who have been captured?” She watched his reaction carefully. He wasn’t dismissing her out of hand. Emboldened, she continued, “I’m thinking about writing a story. You know I’ve written for the The Times on occasion and I thought a piece written from the perspective of a woman might be fitting.”
He studied her, but she didn’t back down. It hadn’t been her original intention to write a piece, but if that’s what it took to get the details and determine if Sully was all right—that was exactly what she would do.
“I feel like there’s something you’re not telling me, Claire.”
She dropped her eyes to her hands. “There’s nothing to tell, father.”
He nodded and pulled out a piece of paper and his fountain pen. “If you visit the police station downtown, the commissioner will meet with you. Give him this. But under no circumstances are you to waste his time.”
“Of course not, father, and thank you.” She rose, kissed his head, and took a deep breath. She wanted to skip out of his office, but instead she walked calmly to his door and closed it softly behind her.
Not wanting to waste any time, she immediately called for a carriage.
She didn’t have to wait long until the commissioner received her.
“Commissioner, thank you for your time today. I hope to present an accurate and clear piece on the variety of ways different law enforcement agencies worked together to bring an end to the most notorious outlaws known to date. You’ve been most helpful.” She gave him her brightest and most charming smile. It worked every time.
“Yes, yes of course, Miss Hawarden, and please thank your father again for his continued support.”
She nodded and left his office, her blue silk dress bustling behind her. She bit the side of her lip as she closed the door behind her, pausing. This was what made her feel alive—being part of something bigger than herself, and something that was making a difference. No wonder Sully loved the work he did.
She moved toward the exit of the police station and was taken aback. “Sully?” she breathed. Was that Sullivan Clarke with a group of men, all dressed in suits, heading directly toward her?
He turned from his conversation with the man beside him, and his eyes widened when they met hers.
She froze. He was alive! But how could he
be in Philadelphia? Why didn’t he tell her he was here? Her heart sank.
He moved quickly toward her and reached her before the men with him caught up to him. “Miss Claire.”
His eyes captured her and she hoped her uncertainty and pain didn’t show.
“I’m so sorry, I—”
“There’s no reason to apologize, Sheriff Clarke—it is still sheriff, right?” She felt like she was shooting sparks from her eyes.
He nodded, his green eyes suddenly veiled.
“Well, it was nice to see you again.” She pushed away from him, nodded at the men who had just reached them and moved with confidence across the corridor toward the exit.
What was Sully doing in Philadelphia—or the commissioner’s office she wondered? And why hadn’t he contacted her to let her know he was in town?
Chapter 28
Philadelphia, PA
The Hawarden Home
Claire skipped dinner. Her mother had threatened to call the doctor, convinced that Claire must be sick, but she’d been adamant that she was simply tired.
She wrung her hands as she paced her room. Sadness tore at her chest. She sat down on the edge of her bed, despair dragging her down. Her vision blurred from the weight of unshed tears. What was she thinking? She’d watched girlfriends cry over unrequited love, and thought them silly, but here she was doing the very same thing.
She stood again, and paced, pressing her stomach to quell the ache. Then squared her shoulders, walked through her bedroom door and down the stairs. She was certain Carla, their cook, would have left something out for her just in case she changed her mind. There was no point in wasting any more time on a love that clearly wasn’t returned.
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