Joline's Redemption

by McDonough, Vickie;

  The man studied him for a moment then seemed to wilt. “You’re not Mark.”

  Baron shifted, a bit amazed at how quickly the starch had gone out of the man’s voice. “I’m his older brother, Baron.”

  The man walked down the back stairs of the store and toward Baron, his expression now friendly. “My apologies. I have some unfinished business with your brother. I’m Gabriel Coulter, but most folks just call me Gabe.”

  Baron shook the hand he offered.

  Gabe studied him again. “You and your brother look a lot alike. From a distance, I was sure you were Mark.”

  Baron grinned. “This isn’t the first time I’ve been glad I’m not him.”

  Gabe’s eyes twinkled. “You’ve got the same sandy hair and blue eyes, but I’d say you’re a bit taller and broader.”

  “I’m often reminded of the fact that my brother and I resemble one another, especially from people who are upset at Mark for one reason or another.”

  Frowning, Gabe looked back at the store. “He does have a way of charming you and then stabbing you when you’re not looking.”

  The man’s words were harsh but nothing he hadn’t encountered before. “Mark is a rascal for sure, and I don’t mean that in a good way. Might I ask what he did to you?”

  Gabe ran his hand over his chin stubble. “It’s rather personal, and I hope you’ll understand if I don’t explain it all, since we’ve just met.”

  Baron held up one hand. “No problem at all. I know my brother better than anybody, since I’m the one who seems to get tasked with cleaning up his messes.”

  A smile tugged at Gabe’s mouth. “Having met the man, I can imagine there are quite a few. Can you tell me where he is now?”

  Baron shook his head. “He came home to St. Louis for a short while to see the family, but then he was off on another escapade after a few weeks. I believe he’s in Texas, but I have no idea what town he’s in.”

  Gabe blew out a loud breath and rubbed the back of his neck. “He didn’t happen to have a woman with him last time you saw him, did he?”

  Baron couldn’t help that his brows lifted. “Um … no, he didn’t.” The last thing Mark would ever bring back to St. Louis was a woman. Abigail would have his head, not to mention a nasty divorce, which would scandalize the family. She had gone on a rampage when she found out Mark was leaving town again. Abigail was beautiful, but she wasn’t an easy woman to live with. He certainly knew that since she spent most of her time at the Hillborne estate.

  “I suppose it was too good to hope that he might have her with him.”

  “Is she someone related to you?”

  Gabe nodded. “My wife’s sister.” He waved his hand toward the mercantile. “She worked in the store with him. Jo was only sixteen when she met Mark.”

  Baron sucked in a quick breath and closed his eyes. No wonder the man was angry.

  “To be honest, she looked and acted older—at least, most of the time. Mark wouldn’t have known Jo was so young unless she just plain told him. She was a charmer in her own rights.”

  And Mark loved a challenge, especially in a pretty woman, which Baron was sure this Jo was, in spite of her masculine-sounding name. “I wish I knew something that could help you, but my brother never mentioned her.”

  Gabe studied the ground. “I don’t know what I’m going to tell my wife. Where is Jo now if not with Mark? It was bad enough learning they’d left town suddenly and didn’t say good-bye, but I expected Mark to be responsible and keep her with him, since they were married.”

  Baron’s head jerked up. “Married?”

  Gabe nodded.

  Baron shifted from side to side. He had to tell this man the truth—and Mr. Coulter wouldn’t like it.

  “What’s wrong?” Gabe narrowed his eyes.

  “I don’t know how to tell you, except straight on. Mark lied to your sister-in-law.”

  Gabe’s tense posture relaxed. “I have no doubts about that.”

  “No, you don’t understand. Mark couldn’t have married Jo, because he was already married—has been for five years.”

  Gabe’s eyes widened; then he scowled. “I thought of Mark as a friend, even though I had some reservations about his relationship with Jo, but I never expected he’d do something like that. Has the man no conscience?” He rubbed the back of his neck with one hand. “Wow. I can’t tell my wife this news—at least not right now. She’s about to have a baby, and I don’t know how this information would affect her.”

  Baron hurt for the man and the pain his brother was still causing this family. “I don’t plan to tell anyone, so she won’t hear it from me—if I ever have the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Coulter.”

  Gabe blew out a loud breath. “I appreciate that. I’ll have to tell Lara, of course, but I think I’ll wait until she’s recovered.”

  Gabe Coulter sounded like a wise man. He wouldn’t mind being friends with him, but he doubted the man or his family would want anything to do with him after what Mark had done.

  Sweat trickled down Jo’s temple as the horse trotted across the familiar land. Yesterday evening, she’d thought for sure she’d never make it this far when she’d heard that cowboy’s yell. He’d been rounding up horses. Thankfully, he hadn’t seen them or lingered in the area where they had been camped. One more hill and she’d be home—no, not home, but rather at her sister’s house. This land that Gabe won in the land run had never been her home. But her family was here.

  Though asleep, Jamie squirmed, as if sensing her anxiety. Finding out that Pete’s—or rather Badger’s—big home was actually a brothel instead of his private home as he had told her had been a nightmare, but she felt certain facing Lara scared her more. It wasn’t that her sister would be mean and turn her out, but rather, it meant she’d failed at living on her own. Her marriage had failed. She’d failed at everything.

  Eating humble pie was a lot more difficult than she’d expected. If only she had enough money to travel west—or south—anywhere but here. As she crested the hill, her mouth dropped open. She’d expected a small cottage, not the big two-story house that met her gaze. Gabe had certainly done well.

  “Is this it?” Sarah glanced over her shoulder.

  Jo heard the bleat of goats, and if she’d had any doubts, they were gone. Even from this distance, she recognized Mildred, Lara’s favorite nanny. “Yes, this is my sister’s place.”

  “It is nice.”

  Nice was an understatement. On the positive side, Lara should have an extra room available for them to use. With a loud sigh, Jo nudged the horse forward. The closer she got to the house, the louder the goats bleated. Some things never changed.

  The door opened, and Lara stepped out, shading her eyes. Jo noticed right away that her sister was close to delivering a baby. Jo hoped the shock of her return didn’t send Lara into instant labor.

  Jo kept her face down as she approached the house. As soon as she stopped, Sarah slid off the back and helped her down. Steeling herself, she glanced at Sarah then stepped around the horse and faced her sister.

  Lara’s hands lifted to her mouth and she squealed. “Jo?”

  The joy and love in her sister’s eyes brought unexpected tears to her own. She nodded and stepped into Lara’s open arms.

  But their arms weren’t long enough to stretch around Jamie and Lara’s big belly. They giggled and turned for a sideways hug. Lara’s gaze dropped to Jamie, who was waking up from all the jiggling. She gasped and looked up. “Yours?”

  Pride soared through Jo, and she nodded. “My son, Jamie.”

  “Oh, Jo, he’s adorable.” Lara’s gaze lifted, her smile never wavering; then she stepped toward Sarah. “And who is this?”

  Sarah ducked her head, as if half expecting Lara to send her away.

  Jo walked over to the girl and wrapped her arm around her shoulders. Sarah stiffened, obviously not used to physical touch, but she didn’t move away. “This is my sweet friend Sarah. She goes where I go.”

 
; Lara nodded and stepped forward. “Welcome, Sarah. I’m happy to have you stay in our home for as long as you’d like.”

  Sarah glanced at Jo and then offered Lara a rare smile.

  “Are you hungry? Supper is almost ready, and Gabe should be back from town soon.”

  “We’re starving.” Jo’s stomach rumbled as if agreeing, and she and Lara chuckled.

  Lara took the reins of the horse from Sarah and tied him to the hitching post in front of her house. “I’ll have Michael take care of your horse.” She pivoted, keeping one hand on her stomach. “He will be so excited to see you again.”

  Jo nibbled her lower lip as Sarah untied Jamie’s bindings. “Do you think he’ll remember me?”

  “Of course he will. You won’t believe how much he’s grown.”

  “I’m sure he has. He’s almost nine by now, isn’t he?”

  Lara nodded, smiling proudly. “Let’s go inside and talk over a cup of tea. It may be warm for March, but it’s still too chilly for my liking to be outside without a cloak. Speaking of cloaks, where’s yours?”

  Jo glanced at Sarah, uncertain how much to tell her sister. “I’ll tell you about that later. Right now, we could really use some food. We haven’t had an actual meal for several days.” She had to keep things as vague as possible. She wasn’t prepared to tell her sister the depths to which she had fallen. For all she knew, Lara might still believe she and Mark were together. She probably thought Jo had been living with him since she’d last seen them, nearly a year and a half ago, before she’d left Guthrie. It would be better for Jamie and her if that’s what everyone thought—that she was a married woman in town to visit family. That would place a damper on her finding employment and earning money to get them farther away from Badger, though.

  Jamie yawned and looked around, obviously curious about their new surroundings. As they walked into the foyer, Jo touched Lara’s arm. Her sister turned with one eyebrow lifted. “I have to know…. Is Grandpa …?”

  Lara smiled. “He’s still with us, although he’s not as hearty as he was before you left.”

  Jo nodded, both relieved and a bit apprehensive. Grandpa had probably been upset that she’d up and left town without letting them know. She was sure they’d all worried about her back then. In the past, she wouldn’t have cared, but after living in such a harsh environment, it felt good—far better than she expected—to be with family who loved her.

  Stepping back, Jo waved for Sarah to enter. The girl seemed to have withdrawn since their arrival. Perhaps it was just the newness of the place. Or perhaps she was still uncertain whether Jo was serious about keeping her. She smiled, hoping to relieve Sarah’s fears. “Come on in. Like Lara said, you’re welcome here. These are good people, Sarah. They will love you without expecting anything from you.”

  Sarah cast her a skeptical glance. What had the girl’s life been like that she had such fears?

  It couldn’t have been much worse than Jo’s, and yet, she’d known what it was like to live in a loving family and had thrown it all away. Jo swallowed the lump in her throat. Why had she been so stubborn? So inconsiderate of her family’s feelings?

  Lara walked into the large parlor, and Jo’s heart flip-flopped. Michael and Grandpa sat at a table in front of a window on the side of the house, playing checkers. Michael had certainly grown. He no longer looked like a youngster but a half-grown boy. He looked her way then crinkled his forehead, as if he should know her. She stared at the boy, willing him to remember her. A gasp drew her gaze back to Grandpa. He had aged in the time she’d been gone.

  “Jo? Is it really you, Punkin?”

  She nodded and stepped toward him, unsure of his response.

  He pushed up from his chair and started toward her, one hand shaking in the air as if he were rejoicing at a tent meeting revival. “Glory be! The prodigal finally came home.”

  Jo hurried forward to keep him from walking so far. Grandpa reached for her and enveloped her and Jamie in a hug. After a long moment, he took a step back and swiped his eyes, making Jo’s water.

  “And who is this bright-eyed little feller?” Grandpa chucked Jamie on the chin, and her son grinned even though he laid his head on her shoulder as if not quite sure what to make of the man. He’d never been around men much, mainly just the women at the bawdy house.

  “This is my son, Jamie.” Jo brushed her hand over Jamie’s hair as she looked at Michael, whose blue-green eyes were wide open. “Do you remember me, Shorty?”

  “You’re my aunt Jo, ain’t ya?”

  She nodded and smiled, a bit disappointed when he didn’t rush into her arms like Lara and Grandpa had.

  “How come you got a kid?”

  Jo felt her cheeks warm. Grandpa chuckled as he dropped hard back into his chair. She glanced at Lara, who shrugged and smirked in a playful manner. “Well, I was married, and a baby sometimes comes along after a couple marries.”

  “I know.” He rolled his eyes. “Ma’s going to have one. So, where’s your husband?” He glanced past Jo. “Who’s she?”

  “Michael. Don’t pester your aunt with questions,” Lara said. “Come and give her a hug.”

  The boy rose, but he didn’t look as if he was quite ready to welcome her back to the family. Jo never expected he’d be the one to hold back his affection. He’d always been so free with his hugs and kisses in the past. Had her leaving hurt him, too?

  “It’s all right. He doesn’t have to until he feels comfortable.”

  Jamie jabbered and waved at Michael, seeming delighted to see someone more his size. Michael studied him, and a tiny grin quirked up one side of his mouth, but then his gaze shifted behind her again. Sarah! She had almost forgotten about her. Jo turned and found her halfway hiding behind the doorjamb. She held the pillowcase with Jamie’s clothes in the hand Jo could see. “Come and meet the others, Sarah.”

  The boy’s eyes widened as he stared at Sarah. “Is she an Injun?”

  “Michael. That was rude.” Lara reached for her son’s shoulder. “You need to apologize, and there’s a horse out front that needs to be watered, fed, and then groomed. Please take it to the barn and tend to it.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He lowered his head and shuffled through the room, stopping in front of Sarah. The girl was only a few inches taller than him. “Sorry. I didn’t mean nuthin’. I was just wonderin’.”

  Jo held her breath as Sarah studied the boy.

  After a long moment, she nodded. “I am part Cherokee.”

  Michael’s head popped up. “You really are an Injun?” he said with awe in his voice.

  Wariness invaded Sarah’s expression and posture.

  Michael held out his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Maybe me and you can be friends. I ain’t never had an Injun friend before.”

  “I’m so embarrassed,” Lara whispered under her breath. “Michael, go on outside.”

  “Can she come, too?”

  Jo glanced at Sarah, who seemed half-interested. “It’s nice of you to ask, Michael, but we haven’t had much to eat the past few days. I think it’s best if Sarah stays inside for now. Maybe later today or tomorrow you can take her on a tour.”

  “All right. See ya.” He gave Sarah a little wave and headed out the door.

  Jamie squawked, as if not wanting him to go.

  “I think my son is intrigued with yours. Sarah is the only other child he’s ever been around.”

  “I am not child.”

  Jo’s gaze shot to the girl, whose chin jutted up. She hated that her comment had offended Sarah. “I meant that you’re the only small person Jamie has ever known. I suspect that’s why he’s enamored with my nephew.”

  Sarah nodded. “I understand.”

  Lara clapped her hands. “Well, now that we’ve all met, let’s get you two something to eat, and after that, I imagine you’d like to clean up and rest a bit.” She started for the kitchen then paused at the bottom of the stairs. “Would you rather I show you to your rooms first?”
>
  “Rooms?”

  Lara nodded. “We have two spare bedrooms, so you don’t need to share unless you really want to.” Her gaze shifted between Jo’s and Sarah’s.

  “Let’s eat first. I’m so hungry I could devour a horse.”

  Sarah shuddered. “Horse is not good to eat.”

  Jo blinked. She hadn’t expected the girl to take her seriously.

  “Well, not to worry, I have a big pot of beef stew on the back of the stove, waiting for Gabe to get home. I’ll go ahead and dish you up some and then you can get cleaned up and rested. I’m sure you’re exhausted after your travels. How long did you say you were on the trail?”

  Jo shifted Jamie to her other arm, fully intending to avoid that last question. “It feels as if every muscle in my body hurts after riding that horse for so long and sleeping on the ground last night.”

  “So, you’ve been living close by?” Grandpa asked.

  “Um … yes.” Jo glanced over her shoulder, realizing her mistake. She’d have to be more careful. If word got out that they’d come from Oklahoma City, and Badger made it to this area, someone might add things up and send him her way.

  “Please have a seat, and I’ll get the food. What can Jamie eat?”

  The chairs squeaked as she and Sarah pulled them out. Jo dropped down, more tired than she could ever remember being. Now that they had finally arrived, all the things she’d worried about seemed nonexistent. Although she still had to face Gabe, and he would more than likely be the hardest on her. He was within his right to send them packing after the way she’d treated her sister in the past.

  Grandpa sat beside Jo, reaching out a finger to tickle Jamie’s belly. Her son smiled and grabbed the finger, lifting it to his mouth. “That boy has teeth,” Grandpa said, tugging his hand away.

  Jo smiled, and the relief she felt at seeing her grandfather again was overwhelming—and surprising. He’d always been special to her, except those times when she was unhappy with him. It warmed her heart that he was still alive to meet her son.