He strode out the door, and Jo joined Baron. “So, where’s Mark?”
Baron’s smile disappeared in a frown. He walked back into the store and leaned both hands on the counter. Jo followed, surprised by his unexpected reaction. “Is something wrong?”
He maintained his stance for a long moment then straightened. A muscle twitched in his jaw. “Mark is dead.”
Jo gasped. “What? How?”
Baron shook his head. “That’s not important. At least you won’t have to worry about him returning to town.”
She wasn’t sure if he meant that sarcastically or seriously. Although she was greatly relieved to know Mark would never bother her—or Jamie—again, she was sad for Baron’s loss. Jo laid her hand on his arm. “I’m sorry, Baron. I cared deeply for Mark at one time. I want you to know that.”
“What changed? I mean, you once loved him but now you don’t want to see him.”
Jo crossed her arms and walked to the window. “I don’t think you truly want me to answer that.”
Baron walked over to where she stood. “He was my brother. I, of all people, know the extremes of which he was capable. One moment he could charm a person into happily handing over his wallet and then stab the man in the back the next. I tried hard to love my brother, but it wasn’t my love he wanted.”
Jo ran her hand down Baron’s arm, stopping short of grasping his hand. He was so different from Mark. “I’m so sorry. I fell under his charm, too. But then things changed.”
Baron grabbed her hand. “Tell me, Jo. What changed?”
Her stomach clenched at his touch, but she ducked her head, embarrassed to voice the hateful deeds out loud.
Baron gently squeezed her hand. “You’re safe with me, and you can’t tell me anything Mark did that I haven’t heard before.”
She looked him in the face. If he wanted to know, then she’d tell him. “Mark was wonderful at first. Kind, sweet, charming, but things slowly began to change several months after we married. He would get angry….” She swallowed the lump that rose to her throat at the memory of his cruelty. “And then he hit me.”
Baron’s grip tightened. “I’m so sorry. Did he … hurt you?”
“His abuse started with a slap when I said something cocky he didn’t like. Things became the worst when I told him I was carrying his child.” Embarrassed to be talking about such a subject with him, Jo turned back to the window, gripping the top of the short door to the display area. “I thought the news would make him happy, but he was anything except that. He called me names, pushed me down, and then hit my belly so many times that I lost the baby.” Tears burned her eyes. She’d been in so much pain and so devastated by Mark’s behavior that she’d barely grieved the loss of her first baby. She’d felt the loss of his love so much more.
Baron gripped her shoulders, his breath heavy. “I don’t know what to say. I knew Mark had a cruel side, but to cause you to lose his child …” As much as she wanted to believe there was good in Mark, she knew now there wasn’t. How could Mark be so cruel as to cause the death of his own child?
Jo shrugged. “He did it twice. I suspect that’s why he ran away when I told him I was pregnant with Jamie.”
“Thank God he did.”
A woman walked by, looking in the window, and Jo realized they were making a spectacle. “I should go.”
“Not yet. Please.” He strode to the door, locked it, and then turned the sign to CLOSED. “Let’s go to the back, where people aren’t watching. I need to tell you something important.”
He held out his hand, indicating she should go first, and she walked to the storeroom. Baron followed then shut the connecting door to the store. The rear door was still open, but no one was outside.
“I can’t tell you enough how sorry I am for what Mark did to you, but as much as it pains me, I have to tell you something else.”
Jo couldn’t imagine what would have him so tense. She could believe Mark would do just about anything to get what he wanted—the fake minister was proof.
Baron drew in a loud breath then blew it out, as if gathering his strength. The pain in his expression made her heart ache.
“Your marriage to Mark was never legal, because he was already married.”
Jo’s mouth dropped. She’d never once considered that could be a possibility.
Baron clutched her shoulders again. “I’m so sorry, Jo. Mark was such a fool. But I fully understand why he wanted to be with you.”
She glanced up, surprised by his comment. Her eyes locked with his, and she couldn’t look away. Was it possible he cared for her?
Baron stared at Jo, his heart galloping faster than a horse running a race. He hadn’t realized until that moment how much he was starting to care for her. He wanted to pummel his brother for what he’d done to her, but that would never happen. He glanced at her lips, wanting to kiss her.
Suddenly, he sobered. She was Mark’s castoff, and he’d vowed long ago to never pursue a woman his brother had been with. He released Jo and stepped back, ending the precious moment.
As much as he wanted to kiss her, he wouldn’t. Not just because she’d been Mark’s woman, but he wouldn’t take advantage of her like his brother had.
She ducked her head. “What was Mark’s wife’s name?”
“Abigail.”
Jo huffed out an unexpected laugh. “Well, it doesn’t surprise me that he was married, now that I’ve thought about it. I found out after Mark left town that the minister who married us wasn’t a real preacher. He was just some man Mark paid to pose as one.” She faced the open door, staring out. “The man who told me took great delight in the joke Mark had pulled over on me, and then he propositioned me.”
Baron sucked in a sharp breath. “What did you do?”
“I pointed the pistol that I had in my pocket at him, and his smile died on his lips. He took off, and I left town.”
“Where did you go? To Lara’s?”
Jo shook her head. “That’s the last place I wanted to go then. I couldn’t face her or Grandpa and admit how badly I’d messed up my life.”
Baron wanted to pull her into his arms and offer her comfort, but she might misunderstand. “I wish I knew what to say.”
She shrugged, still not turning around. “There’s nothing anyone can say.”
“One thing I know, God can heal the wounded places in your heart.”
Jo didn’t respond for several long moments. “I would have laughed at that comment not too long ago, but I’m starting to think it may be true.”
“It is. Talk to God. He loves the brokenhearted. He can help when no one else can.”
“I should be getting back.”
“Jo, look at me.”
She sighed then turned, her expression cautious.
“I’ll help you however I can.”
She lifted her chin. “I won’t accept charity.”
“As far as I’m concerned, you’re family.”
She blinked, obviously surprised by his statement. “Thank you, but I still feel the same. If you’re willing, I’ll return to work since …”
Since Mark was no longer a threat.
“You may return whenever you want.”
“But won’t you close the store and return to St. Louis?”
“For what?”
“The funeral, of course. You couldn’t have already had one since Mark died so suddenly and you’ve been here.”
He tightened his lips, remembering what his father had said. “There won’t be one.”
“But how can that be? Surely your parents will need to honor him.”
Baron gazed up at the ceiling, shaking his head. “Mark’s death happened in questionable circumstances. Mother is concerned Mark’s actions will besmirch the Hillborne name, so Father ordered that Mark be quietly buried in the family plot. We’re going to have a private ceremony as soon as my parents feel up to doing so.”
“How do you feel about that?”
His lips flattened,
and he lifted one shoulder. “It doesn’t matter how I feel. It’s my parents’ choice. But to be honest, I think it’s a wise thing to do. Mark has traveled around so much that he didn’t have many friends left. Abigail returned home to her parents, who never cared for Mark.” He closed his eyes, trying to remember a happy time spent with his brother. They were few and far between.
“I’m truly sorry, Baron. I was never close to Lara, but I would miss her if she were gone. I was more like Mark as a child, refusing to do what my sister asked. Grandpa was the only one who could get me to obey, and even then I often did it begrudgingly.”
“I suppose you do know how I feel.” He smiled softly. “And I wish I could have known that ornery little girl.”
“Trust me, you’re better off not having witnessed how dreadfully I behaved.” She glanced out the door. “I need to be going. I didn’t tell Lara I was leaving.”
“Ah … still the wild child. Well, not a child but … you know.”
“I’m trying to change, but it’s hard.”
He reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Don’t change too much. I rather like the woman you are now.”
Her pretty eyes widened, and her mouth opened slightly. Once again, the thought to kiss her overwhelmed him. He stared at her lips, and when she licked them, his pulse tripled its pace.
Then reason returned. “Ah … I was wondering.” He cleared his throat, hoping to get rid of the huskiness. “Now that Mark is gone, Jamie is the only connection my parents have to him. I think it would bless them greatly to know he has a son. Would you be willing to let them meet Jamie?”
Jo’s face instantly paled. “You can’t ask that of me. What if—No! I can’t do that.”
As Jack walked out of the barn with Gabe, he couldn’t help feeling a bit envious. This spread was the kind he always dreamed of owning. But he’d made too many bad choices in his life, and now he had few worldly goods to show for it. The only smart thing he’d done was to realize his need for God and to ask Him into his heart.
Helping the Beatty boys had felt good, too. He hadn’t failed them, at least. He muttered a quick prayer for their health and happiness and for the couple that took them in.
“So, what are your plans now?” Gabe rested his arms on the top rung of the corral fence. A black horse with a white diamond on his face moseyed in their direction and nibbled some fresh grass below the fence. Gabe reached through the rungs and scratched the gelding’s neck.
Jack lifted his foot to the bottom rail and rested his arms on the top one. “I don’t know. Part of me thinks I should go back to Glen Haven”—and fight for my job—“but another part doesn’t.” And then there was Cora. He missed her, but did he miss her enough that he should return and court her? Maybe he was just scared. He’d been moving around since he left home, and setting down roots somewhere seemed so—permanent.
“What? No woman in the picture?”
Jack’s gaze zipped to Gabe’s. Had the man read his thoughts? “There is. I just can’t decide how I feel about her.”
“I remember feeling the same with your sister.”
“How did you decide she was the one you should marry?”
Gabe’s eyes took on a dreamy look, and his lips turned upward in the smile of a man in love. “When I couldn’t stop thinking about her—couldn’t stop worrying over her welfare. Of course, that happened just a week or two after I met Lara.”
Jack’s heart warmed, glad that Lara had married a good man who cared so much for her. “She always was a sweet girl. Always trying so hard to keep the family together, even when she was small.” Jack shook his head. “I must have broken her heart when I left. Lookin’ back, I feel bad about that.”
“I can tell you that she never stopped searching for you or praying you’d come home one day. You’ve made her very happy by doing that.” Gabe tightened his lips. “I hope you stick around for a while. In fact, if you’d like to live here, we have room. I can’t pay a lot, but you’d have food, shelter, and family.”
“A man couldn’t ask for much more than that.” But the issue of Cora still remained. He actually missed her. That thought surprised him. Now that he’d found his sisters and Grandpa, he was hesitant to leave. He’d missed them all so much and never thought he’d get to see them again. The fact that he had was a special blessing from God.
He thought of Jo and how she’d gone upstairs yesterday evening after supper and hadn’t joined the rest of the family in the parlor. She was hiding something. Jack had a feeling she might need him. “I guess I should spend some time in prayer and see what the good Lord wants me to do.”
“Always a wise thing to do. I noticed that mount of yours looks like he oughta be turned out to pasture. Help yourself to any of the horses in the barn or corral if you’d like to ride out and spend some time alone. With a houseful of women and young’uns, I sometimes do that.”
“Good idea. I enjoy takin’ a ride on a pretty day and prayin’. Of course, I’d like to help you, too. Earn my keep.”
“There’s no rush on that. Spend some time with your sisters.”
Gabe pushed away from the fence. “Like I said, take your pick of the horses—all except for the black here. His name is Tempest, and he’s my mount.” The horse lifted his head at hearing his name.
“Thanks.”
Gabe slapped Jack on the shoulder. “I’ll be praying God shows you what to do.”
“I appreciate that.”
Jack watched his brother-in-law walk away, tall and confident. Lara had married a fine man, but what about Jo? She’d said her husband was gone, but did that mean he was dead or merely away on a trip?
He turned and walked back to the barn, ready for a long talk with his Maker. Something about Jo bothered him, but he didn’t know what it was. Maybe she needed his prayers.
He saddled a gray gelding then turned the horse toward Guthrie—the same direction he’d seen Jo ride out over an hour ago.
Chapter 19
Jo hurried out the back door of the store. She couldn’t believe Baron would almost kiss her—not that she’d let him—and then pull away to ask something so difficult of her. If his parents met Jamie and learned he was Mark’s son, they’d want to see him all the time. And if she left town as she planned, it would break their hearts. It was better they didn’t know about him at all.
“Jo! Wait. Please.” Baron rushed after her and stopped her with his hand to her arm. “I know what I’m asking isn’t easy. But think of my parents and their loss. Jamie—”
“Jamie is not a bartering tool. He’s my son.”
“And my nephew—and my parents’ only grandchild. He’s all they have left of Mark.”
For a split second she wavered. Would it be so bad for Jamie to have a grandmother to love him?
But she wasn’t staying. And their leaving would only bring his parents more grief. She shook her head. “I can’t.”
Baron dropped his hand, his gaze narrowed. “Why not?”
What could she say to appease him?
“Jo—”
She held up her hand. “Your parents would want nothing to do with Jamie if they knew where he was raised. You talk about scandal.”
“What?” He frowned. “I don’t understand.”
“Never mind. I have to get back.”
She rushed down the steps, but he continued to follow her.
“You can’t make a statement like that and then run off.”
She spun around. “I don’t owe you an explanation of my past.”
He held up his hands. “You’re right, of course. But I beg you to reconsider. My parents are getting older, they’re hurting, and knowing about Jamie would breathe new life into them.”
“And what’s in this for Jamie?” She crossed her arms.
“Think about it. My parents are wealthy. Father owns dozens of stores in various cities. I imagine Mark’s half of our inheritance would belong to Jamie.”
Jo hadn’t considered
that, but she wouldn’t sell out her son for money. “But in return, they’d want Jamie to be part of their lives.” She shook her head. “It wouldn’t work. I’m headed west, not east.”
Baron’s forehead crinkled. “West? What do you mean?”
Jo suddenly realized he’d gotten her so flustered she’d blurted out more than she intended. “I have to go.”
She started for the barn again, but he ran past her and blocked the way. “You’re leaving? Why? I know your sister would let you stay with her.”
It seemed there was no way to make Baron understand unless she told him the awful truth. And he’d hate her when he knew. That thought saddened her. At some point, she’d started to like Baron Hillborne, and the idea of never seeing him again left her feeling hollow. No matter. He’d soon be done with her and Jamie.
“I can’t stay here. There’s someone who is after me—and Sarah.”
“A man?”
Jo nodded. “His name is Badger. And he runs …” The starch fled her shoulders. Telling him was so much harder than she had expected. She didn’t want him to despise her. She wanted what she could never have—him. The sudden thought surprised her.
He took hold of her hand. “Tell me who he is. I can protect you and Jamie.”
Tears burned her eyes. “No. You can’t. You won’t want to once you know the truth.”
“Then tell me. And let me be the judge.”
And he would. He’d judge her just like everyone else who knew the truth. It was best to get this over with. She lifted her chin. “Jamie spent the first year of his life in a bordello.”
Baron frowned. “I don’t understand.”
“You truly don’t—or you don’t want to?” Anger burned through her. “When Mark left me alone and pregnant, I had nowhere to go. I stayed at the house you’re living in for a few weeks, until I was out of food. I knew I had to leave—and I wasn’t about to go crawling back to Lara’s, although in hindsight, I wish I had.”
“What happened?”
“I met Badger—a charming man like Mark. He wanted a wife and family and offered to marry me. He said he would take care of me.” She bit her lower lip and looked away. She’d been such a fool. So desperate that she’d listened to another deceiving snake charmer. “He didn’t marry me, but he did take me home with him.” She looked Baron full in the eyes so he’d have no doubts. “He took me to his bordello—the whorehouse he ran—where I’ve lived for the past year, until I managed to escape.”
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