Joline's Redemption

by McDonough, Vickie;

  A man caught his eye, and Badger slowed his tired horse. “Can I help you find somethin’, sir?”

  “Could you tell me where I can find a good place to stay?”

  The man rattled off several names, embellishing the finer points of each hotel, and finally pointed him in the right direction. Five minutes later, Badger stopped outside the Windsor Hotel. The place looked decent enough, so he stepped inside and headed to the counter. Off to his left was an elaborate dining room, with enticing aromas drifting into the lobby even though it was only midafternoon. He was tired of eating the same food over and over. The woman he hired to fix meals wasn’t much better than his gals at cooking. He needed to find another cook, but decent women with the proper skills for preparing meals wouldn’t be seen dead in his place of business. Maybe he could hire a male cook.

  He paid the clerk and took his key, anxious to deposit his bag and start looking for Sapphire. On the second floor, he unlocked his room and stepped in. The place was actually nicer than his room at the bordello—probably got cleaned a whole lot more often, too.

  With Sarah gone, his rooms hadn’t been cleaned in weeks. He tossed his satchel on the bed, strode to the window, and lifted the lower half. Businessmen and several women with children in tow walked along the streets. None of them in a sapphire-blue satin dress.

  Sapphire was smart, and she wouldn’t wear something that would attract unwanted attention like her blue gown would have. Garnet told him that the ugly calico he’d scrounged up for her to wear to meet the couple that wanted her boy was missing. More’n likely that’s what she wore. He remembered it—dark blue, as Sapphire should always wear the color that highlighted her eyes most.

  Heaving a sigh, he turned and strode out of the room. He didn’t like the task at hand, but if he didn’t use her as an example, he’d have no control at the bordello and would soon have his other girls sneaking away. He couldn’t allow that.

  And he had to get Sarah back. He didn’t know what he was going to do with the girl. She couldn’t stay with him much longer or he’d have clients asking about her, and he’d probably kill the man who did. Still, he couldn’t send her just anywhere, not with her being half-Injun. Too many people looked down on them and mistreated them. He had to find a school where she’d be accepted and not belittled. But that was a tall order. First thing he had to do was get her and Sapphire back; then he’d decide what to do with them.

  Badger skipped the barbershop and doctor’s office that were located next to the hotel and stepped inside a millinery shop. The woman standing behind the counter working on a fancy lady’s hat with feathers and fruit paused and looked up. She frowned right before she forced a smile.

  He removed his hat. “Afternoon, ma’am. I’m, uh … looking for my wife. ’Bout your height with blond hair and deep blue eyes.”

  The woman shrugged. “That sounds like many of the women I know. What’s her name?”

  The name “Sapphire” was on the tip of his tongue to say but he caught himself in time. “Jo—Joline.”

  The woman shook her head. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know anyone with that name.”

  He slapped his hat back on, nodded, and then stepped outside. He should have thought that Sapphire wouldn’t have the money to buy a fancy hat. He continued down the street until he’d reached the depot; then he started up the far side. With so many buildings in Guthrie, his search could take a week or two. So be it. Someone in this town had seen Jo, and he’d know when he’d found the right person.

  He wouldn’t give up until he did.

  Chapter 22

  Jo held her hand to her nose as she watched the doctor apply the onion poultice to Sarah’s chest. He’d given her the instructions, and now that she had watched him prepare one, she felt she could do it the next time.

  Sarah winced. “It is hot. Stinks.”

  “Yes, but it will help you get better, young lady.” Dr. Crabtree smiled. “You need to get lots of rest and let the fine ladies of this home care for you. I’ll return in two days to see how you’re doing.”

  Sarah pulled her pillow over her face and barked a muffled cough into it.

  Dr. Crabtree rose, wiping his hands on a towel. “Give her the cough syrup three times a day, as much chicken soup and hot tea as she’ll consume, and some fresh air if the temperature outside is not too chilly.”

  “Thank you so much for coming, Doctor.” Many physicians would have refused to treat a half-breed, making Jo especially grateful to Dr. Crabtree for treating Sarah as he would any other patient.

  “I’m happy to be of help.” He smiled and closed his bag.

  Jo escorted him downstairs to the front door. “Are you sure you wouldn’t like a cup of coffee before you go? Or something to eat?”

  “Thank you, but I need to head back to town and check on Mrs. Yates again, down on Fifth Street. Her baby is due any day now.”

  Jo closed the door after he walked down the porch steps toward his buggy. When she turned, Baron strode out of the parlor, holding Jamie. The boy squealed and lunged for her, jabbering up a storm.

  Baron chuckled. “I think he missed you.”

  She hugged Jamie close and kissed him then glanced around at the empty house. “Where is everyone?”

  “Your sister took her baby upstairs. She said after the events of the morning, she and Beth both needed a nap. Gabe went back to work and took Michael with him.”

  “Where’s Grandpa?”

  “In here, Punkin.”

  Jo lifted her brows at Baron then walked into the parlor and found her grandpa sitting in a chair with his feet on a wooden footstool.

  He smiled at her and patted Jamie’s back. “These two fine gentlemen have been keeping me company.”

  Jo wondered what Grandpa and Baron had been talking about, but she didn’t dare ask. Both men knew more about her than she cared to talk about.

  Grandpa slowly pushed up. “Now that my lunch has settled, a nap sounds mighty good.” He winked at Jo as he walked past. “Don’t go runnin’ off again, Punkin.”

  Jo walked up to him and gave him a hug. “I won’t.” At least not for a few days. She closed her eyes, wishing he wasn’t so frail, but she still enjoyed the feel of his arms around her. When he stepped back, he winked then walked into the foyer and down the hall.

  She suspected he was purposefully leaving her alone with Baron. She wasn’t sure they had anything to say to one another, at least not unless he’d come to grips with her past. But she could hardly blame him if he didn’t. Most men wouldn’t be able to.

  Jo set Jamie on the floor so he could play. She would be happy when he learned to walk, but then she’d have a whole new set of worries.

  Baron leaned forward, elbows on knees, and let out a loud sigh. “I owe you an apology.”

  “No, you don’t. You reacted as any man would, given such despicable news.”

  He looked up with a pained expression. “But I’m not any man. I care for you, Jo. I realize I haven’t acted like it, but I do.”

  Her heart tripled its pace. He cared? How could he after learning of her past? Unable to believe he meant what he said, she rose and walked to the window, staring out.

  Baron followed and stood behind her. “I’ll admit what you told me was a shock, but I partly blame Mark. If he hadn’t gone off and left you, none of the rest would have happened.”

  She barked a laugh. “How can you say that when he was married to someone else? I was merely a pastime for him—someone to entertain him while he was stuck in Guthrie. I was dumb and naive, and thought I knew what I wanted, but I was wrong.”

  “What was it you wanted?”

  Jamie tugged on her skirts, and Jo bent to pick him up, needing someone to hold on to. She shrugged. “I thought pretty dresses and a house with wooden floors and a roof that wasn’t made of sod would make me happy. But I found out that you can have those things and still be desperately sad and alone.”

  “I’m sorry that your life has been so hard. I
wish you’d met me first instead of Mark.”

  She turned to face him. “It wouldn’t have mattered. No one could have made me happy, because I was a miserable, selfish person.” Jamie patted her cheek as if sensing her distress, and Jo kissed his cheek then focused on Baron again. “I didn’t know what to do when I discovered Sarah was so sick and we were far from home. I finally realized that the only One who could help her—and me—was God. I asked Him what to do and felt He told me to come back here.”

  He stuck his hands in his pockets, jingling some coins. “You left because of that Badger fellow?”

  She nodded. “He will find me, probably sooner than later.”

  Baron gripped her shoulders. “I want you to stay here and not come to town anymore. It’s too risky. I’ll talk to Gabe about leaving a guard. And I’ll talk to my father and see if he can run the store for a week or two so I’ll be free to stay close in case Badger shows up.”

  Jo couldn’t believe he wanted to protect her after what she’d told him. “Why would you do that?”

  He gave her a gentle shake. “Weren’t you listening? I care about you. I don’t want anything to happen to you or Jamie. Or Sarah, either. I hope that we can get past this difficult time, and then maybe I can court you properly.”

  She stared at him, unable to believe what he said. “You want to court me?”

  Suddenly, he looked unsure. “Well, yes, unless I misread you—and you’re not interested in me.”

  She sucked back a sob and hugged Jamie to hide the tears stinging her eyes. This was more than she ever could have hoped for.

  “Did I misinterpret things between us?” Baron’s voice deepened.

  Still too overwhelmed to look at him or speak, she shook her head.

  “Jo, look at me.”

  When she didn’t, he lifted her chin with two fingers. Jamie looked at him and lunged into Baron’s arms. He juggled the boy then held him in one arm, his gaze latched onto Jo’s. “Why are you crying?”

  Her vision of him blurred even more. “Because I don’t deserve someone good like you.”

  A look of relief softened his worried expression. “Don’t say that. In the eyes of God, my sins are just as bad as yours. I’ll admit at first I was stunned by your confession, but even though I tried to put you from my mind, I couldn’t. I realize we haven’t known one another long, but I care for you. Do you think we could take things slow and see how it goes?”

  She wiped her eyes, embarrassed that he’d seen her crying when she rarely did so. “I’d like that, but what about Badger?”

  “I think I need to talk to our family attorney. The truth of the matter is that Badger kept you against your will. Did he ever give you the chance to leave?”

  Jo huffed a harsh laugh. “No. In fact, I tried several times, but he caught me and—” She turned her face away.

  “And what?”

  She shook her head. “It doesn’t matter now.”

  “Yes, it does. What did he do?”

  “He beat me.”

  Baron’s eyes widened. He reached for her and pulled her to his chest. “I hate what he did to you. I’m so sorry.”

  Jo leaned into him. She felt like she’d finally come home. A good man cared for her. Suddenly, she thought about her past and how it could sully the Hillborne name, and that fast, her hopes dimmed. She tried to step back, but he wouldn’t let go.

  She dared to glance up. Jamie had laid his head on Baron’s shoulder. “Have you thought how a relationship with me could tarnish your family name?”

  He sniffed a laugh. “Our family name can’t be stained much worse than it was by Mark.”

  “That’s not true. If people knew about my past … well, I’m sure you know how people can be.”

  “None of that matters to me.”

  “It has to matter. You’re the oldest son and only heir. You have to consider everything.”

  He was quiet for a moment. “You’re right. And I promise that I will think through it all, but that still doesn’t change how I feel.”

  Jo smiled, still finding it hard to believe he cared so much for her that he was willing to risk his family name.

  He gazed down at her. “When a person asks Jesus into his—or her—heart, He washes our sins away and makes us as pure as fresh snow. Think of it like opening a brand-new ledger book at the store. All the pages are empty, waiting to be filled in. That’s how I see you, Jo. You need to look at yourself the same way. If you didn’t ask God into your heart, please consider it.”

  Her tears started again. “I did. Just last night. I feel different, but I suppose it will take time to change the way I think about myself.”

  Baron smiled. “That’s wonderful news.” He stared at her, his eyes roaming across her face and then down to her lips. He captured her eyes with his. “I’d like nothing more than to kiss you right now. May I?”

  Tears stung her eyes again. “No man has ever asked to kiss me before.”

  “Good. I like being the first. Just let me put this little guy down.” He laid her sleeping son on the sofa then started toward her, his eyes locked with hers. “You didn’t answer my question. May I kiss you?”

  Her eyes twinkled. “Yes, you may.”

  He took her hand then leaned in slowly, giving her time to object, but she didn’t.

  His warm lips were soft—gentle—against hers. Almost tentative. So different. She kissed him back, leaning into him but letting him take the lead. He wrapped his arms around her and deepened his kiss. When he pulled back, a look of wonder filled his eyes.

  Jo smiled, still amazed that this good, kind man cared for her.

  God certainly worked miracles.

  Jo glanced up as Lara entered Sarah’s bedroom. “You shouldn’t be in here.”

  “I thought you could use a break.” She nudged her chin toward the bed. “How is she doing?”

  Jo rose and crossed the room. “Better, I think. She’s not coughing as much. How’s Michael doing with Jamie?”

  “Fine, but he misses you.”

  Jo glanced at the dark window. “I probably should get him ready for bed.”

  “Gabe is playing with Beth. You go on, and I’ll sit with her for a while.”

  Jo nodded and took a step toward the door, but she paused and faced her sister. “I’m sorry for running away again. I know you must have been worried.”

  “Of course I was, but I’ve had to learn to entrust you to God.”

  She smiled. “And this time He brought you back.”

  “There’s more truth in that than you realize.”

  Sarah rolled over. Jo motioned for her sister to follow her out into the hall. She walked over to the upstairs sitting area and perched on the edge of the couch. Lara sat next to her, turning so their knees bumped.

  “I’ve been running for a long while. Ever since Ma and Pa died, I think. I’m not proud of my life, but out on the trail, God and I had a chat, and I believe things will be better from now on. Well, except for one thing.”

  Lara enveloped her in a hug. “I’m so glad to hear that, Jo. I’ve prayed for you to find peace for so long.” Lara released her and sat back. “But what one thing are you talking about? When God saves us, He saves us all the way.”

  Jo studied her hands, not wanting to tell Lara how far she’d fallen, but she knew she had to. She explained to her how Mark left after he learned about her being pregnant. Then she told her about Badger—and her awful days at the bordello. She hated the tears that formed in Lara’s eyes.

  “Oh, Jo. I’m so sorry. I wish you would have come home.”

  “But that’s just it … this is your home.”

  Lara squeezed her hand. “That’s not true. You’ll always have a place with us. Jamie and Sarah, too.”

  “Thank you for saying that.” She squeezed Lara’s hand. “I think Sarah is putting down roots. Do you know that she didn’t want to leave with me?”

  “Maybe she was feeling ill.”

  “No, it’s not that
. I think she feels at home here. When I actually leave again, I’m not sure she will want to come.”

  “I don’t want to hear about you leaving, but when that day comes, Sarah is more than welcome to stay with us. Michael has become a better student because he doesn’t want her to pass him in skills.”

  Jo smiled. “That sounds like him.”

  Lara joined her in a private smile, but then it dimmed. “So, you think this Badger will come after you?”

  “I’m sure he will—as soon as he learns where we are.”

  Lara pursed her lips together and was quiet for so long that Jo grew fidgety. “What are you thinking?”

  “You won’t like it, but we need to tell Gabe so he can be prepared.” “I know. Baron said the same thing.”

  Lara’s gaze jerked to hers. “You told him? Everything?”

  Jo nodded.

  A slow smile engulfed her sister’s face.

  “What does that look mean?”

  “Oh, nothing.”

  “Uh-huh. We’re taking things slow.”

  “That sounds wise, especially since you don’t know what will happen with this Badger fellow.”

  “It seems that I can’t get away from my past.”

  Lara squeezed her hand. “You will. One day you’ll be married to a good man and have a family, and all those bad days will be a distant memory.”

  “I pray you’re right.”

  The odor of burned hide filled Jack’s nostrils once again as he pressed the branding iron against another calf. The animal bawled, as did its mother. Luke flicked his wrist, releasing the calf’s hooves, and it rose and trotted back to its mama.

  “Looks like that’s the last one.” Luke curled up his rope then looped it over one shoulder. “I’m gonna have me a herd like this one day.”

  Jack looked at the young cowboy, who he guessed was around twenty. “You worked for Gabe long?”

  “Over four years.” Luke wrestled the lid off his canteen and took a long swig. “I started working for him before the land run of ’89 when Gabe was selling horses to those hoping to ride in the run.”