Grandma helped Ruth dress. “Go see your man, then get some rest. I’ve already put up a notice that the restaurant is closed until further notice.”
“Thank you.” Ruth planted a kiss on Grandma’s cheek. “You take such good care of me. I’m very blessed.”
Grandma smoothed Ruth’s hair. “So am I, sweetie.”
Ruth trudged up the stairs and into the room where John rested. Luke glanced up from where he sat.
“Miriam said if we can keep his fever down, he’ll be fine.” Relief smoothed the lines in his face. “He refused to rest until we’d found you.” He glanced back at John. “You’re a lucky woman.”
Ruth lowered herself into a chair on the opposite side of the bed and caressed John’s fevered cheek. “Yes, I am.”
In more ways than she could count she recognized God’s blessings in her life. Yes, He’d taken her parents, yet God had given her a lot in return. A strong will to survive, the strength to do so, and the love of a good man. She blinked back tears. So much time wasted on believing God had turned away from her.
Luke stood. “Now that you’re here, I’m going to try and get some shut eye. Glad you’re back, Ruth.”
“Thanks.” He left the room as she slid her hand in John’s and laid her head to rest on the mattress beside him.
“Ruth.”
She woke with a start and peered into John’s reddened eyes. “How do you feel?”
“I’m freezing.”
She leaped to her feet and unfolded the quilt at the foot of the bed, then spread it across him. “Better?”
“Yes. How long have I been out?”
She glanced out the window. “Since yesterday. Grandma said you have influenza.”
He sighed then coughed. “I’d have to die to feel better.” He forced a grin. “But seeing your face definitely helps.”
“Even as beat up as it is?”
“You’re lovely shades of yellow, purple, and blue.” He tried to raise a hand to her face, but dropped it back to the mattress. “You’re always beautiful.”
She flushed and resumed her seat. Her stomach rumbled, eliciting a smile from John. “How long since you’ve eaten?”
Ruth thought for a minute. “Hodge tossed me a strip of jerky…no, wait…I couldn’t reach it.”
John set his jaw. “I’m hungry too. How about you get us both something to eat?”
“I might as well fix something for Hodge and his men. The Marshall won’t be here for a couple of days.”
“Let someone else take it to them.”
Ruth shook her head. “No, this is the perfect opportunity for me to practice forgiveness.”
“Are you sure?”
She nodded. “I’ll be fine. They can’t hurt me now.” She squeezed his hand and made her way to the kitchen.
Standing in the middle of the room, she glanced around for something to make sandwiches with. Someone had moved the hung blankets and bath tub, for which she was grateful. A loaf of fresh made bread rested on a wooden cutting board. A pie sat on the windowsill. It wasn’t much, but cooking was out of the question, so it would have to do. She’d just started cutting the bread when Grandma entered.
“What are doing? Are you hungry?” She took the knife from Ruth’s hand. “I’ll take care of it for you.”
“Isn’t Hank expecting you home?”
“Hank can make do for a while longer.”
“I need something for myself, John, and the three men in jail.” Ruth was grateful to sit in one of the kitchen chairs. “Something simple.” She folded her arms on the table and rested her head.
She must’ve dozed because before she knew it, Grandma sat two plates of ham sandwiches, pie, and glasses of milk in front of her, along with a basket for the jail. Ruth gathered up hers and John’s lunch and made her way back to his room.
He’d fallen asleep so she sat his food on the small table next to the bed, ate what she could of hers, then planted a kiss on his cheek and left with the basket dangling from her arm.
The thought of facing Hodge again sent spiders skittering up and down her spine, but she meant what she’d said. She didn’t have to like the man, but she did need to forgive him. He’d acted out of a misguided sense of justice over the death of his younger brother.
How was what he’d done any different than the way Ruth had reacted to the death of her parents? She reacted with violence, same as Hodge, and she’d nursed a bitter heart for months afterward.
Several people stopped and stared as Ruth passed, no doubt shocked at her appearance. Well, she’d earned her bruises and wouldn’t hide them. She smiled at what her pa would’ve said. He most likely would’ve praised her for not giving up and for finding a way free.
Ruth pushed open the door to the jail and went inside. The acrid smell of pine greeted her. As she made her way to the back where the cells were, Hodge rose from his cot.
“What are you doing here?” His lip curled in a sneer.
“I’ve brought y’all something to eat.” Ruth lifted the cover on the basket.
“Why?”
“Can’t have you starved before you hang.” She got a small sense of satisfaction from the stricken look on his face. “I’m sorry. That was cruel.” She handed the food through the bars.
Ruth took a deep breath and met Hodge’s gaze. “I forgive you for killing my parents.” There. She’d done it. A twenty-ton weight lifted from her shoulders.
“Well, I don’t forgive you.” Hodge passed the food to the other two men then shoved the pie in his mouth. “You killed by baby brother, and that sheriff killed two more.”
“You don’t need to forgive me, Mr. Hodge. That’s your choice. But my conscience is clear. Have a good day.” Ruth whirled and stormed outside.
A group of men armed with rifles and a length of rope greeted her.
*
John woke to an empty room. He turned his head and spotted the plate and glass beside his bed. Where was Ruth? His headache had eased and although he still felt weak, he thought his fever might’ve abated some too. He swung his legs over the side of the bed and reached for the milk. Luke-warm. He grimaced and transferred his attention to the pie, devoured it, then moved to the sandwich.
Fortified, he made his way to the window and parted the blue-checkered curtains. Down the street he could see Ruth facing a mob of at least ten men in front of the jail. What had she done now?
He grabbed his shirt and holster from the back of the chair, got dressed, and then wobbled his way down the stairs and outside. He glanced around for Luke. His brother was no where to be seen.
John’s hands trembled as he hooked his gun belt around his waist. Couldn’t a man rest for one day around here? Especially one that was sick and wounded? He glanced at the sky. I could use a little help here, Lord.
There would be no walking, so John turned and headed for the corral. Buster met him at the fence.
Luke stepped from John’s cabin. “Where do you think you’re going?”
John tried to lift Buster’s saddle with one hand, and failed. “It looks like Ruth is facing down an angry mob in front of the jail.”
“Then I’ll go.” Luke laid a hand on John’s arm.
“You’re welcome to come with me. I could use some help with this saddle.”
Luke shook his head and saddled Buster. “How did I get so lucky to have such a stubborn brother?”
“God’s providence, I guess.” John grinned.
Luke laughed. “Yeah. Something like that.” He tightened the cinch. “We’ll ride double. It’ll save time and I can catch you when you start to fall off.”
“Very funny.” John climbed into the saddle, with Luke behind him. Within minutes they reined to a halt behind the mob.
“Gentlemen.” John slid from the saddle. “Someone mind telling me what’s going on?”
Ruth tilted her chin. “They intend to lynch the prisoners. I’m blocking their way.”
“They tried to kill you, Miss Ruth,” one of th
e men yelled. “And done killed young Daniel. They’ve got to pay.”
John and Luke stepped to each side of Ruth. “They will pay,” John explained. “The Marshall will be here in a few days. They’ll be his responsibility. We need to do this legally. None of you want the blood of these men on your hands.”
“Don’t tell us what we want!”
“I say string ‘em all up!”
The shouts got the mob riled and they surged forward. A gunshot rang overhead. John glanced over to see Moses with a rifle.
Moses marched to join Ruth, John, and Luke, then faced the crowd. “Out of anyone here, other than Miss Ruth, I believe I have a right to see Hodge and his boys strung up.” The strength of his voice had improved, but John knew he’d never fully regain the deep, melodic tone he once had.
Cheers rose. Moses held up his hand until they quieted.
“But I also believe that legal justice should be served.” Moses swept his gaze over the group in front of them. “We are not God. We are not responsible for metting out judgment. The sheriff is right. Let these three sit behind bars until the Marshall comes. They’ll get what’s coming to them.”
“You shouldn’t be here,” Ruth whispered to John.
“Why not? I’m the sheriff.” He kept his gaze forward.
“You’re sick.”
“You’re injured.”
“You’re stubborn as an old coon,” she hissed.
“You’ve got me beat on that account.” He fought to keep from smiling. “Can we argue about this later?”
“You can bet on it.”
John stepped forward. “Y’all go home now. Don’t make me arrest anyone. My jail isn’t big enough and I’m feeling poorly. Look at Miss Stallings. She’s weak on her feet…” He heard her gasp behind him. “And needs to get home. She did the Christian thing by bringing the prisoners dinner. Now, Luke here is going to guard the jail tonight. If anyone comes by, they’ll be arrested.”
Grumbling, the men dispersed. John grabbed Ruth’s hand. “Will you go home now?”
She nodded. “As long as I can have a ride.”
Nothing felt more natural to John than riding back to the house with Ruth’s arms wrapped around his waist. Fatigue tugged at every muscle, but he kept Buster at a slow pace in order to enjoy every moment.
*
Once Ruth had John tucked back beneath the blankets in bed, she shuffled to the front porch and collapsed into a rocker. Magenta and lavender streaked the sky toward the west. She wanted to get married at sunset beside the bluff and wondered what John would think. She’d almost proposed marriage to him after he’d found her after her kidnapping. How would he respond to something so forward?
She grinned. The gesture pulled at the split in her lip. She’d risk the asking as soon as he was strong enough to handle the shock. He’d reciprocated her declaration of love so most likely wouldn’t be too surprised.
Grandma strolled up the road, a brown paper wrapped parcel in her arms. She winked at Ruth and continued past her and into the house.
Putting both hands on the arms of the chair, Ruth pushed to her feet. “Grandma, what’s that?”
“Oh, nothing. I’m stashing it upstairs. Be right down.”
“But what is it?” Ruth started to follow.
“Oh, no you don’t! You’ll find out in due time,” Grandma tossed over her shoulder.
Ruth stared up the stairs until Grandma came back down. “You know you aren’t good at keeping secrets.”
“I will be with this one. Why don’t you go lie down for a while? John’s sleeping. When he wakes, you’ll be able to spend some time with him without being exhausted.”
“Does this secret concern him?”
“In a way.” Grandma headed back out the front door, waggling her fingers as she went. “See you in a couple of hours.”
Ruth caught her bottom lip between her teeth and turned back to glance upstairs. If she looked hard enough, she knew she’d find whatever Grandma hid. But did she want to ruin the dear woman’s surprise? No. Instead, she’d head to John’s room and nap in the chair. She didn’t want to miss him when he woke. She had a surprise of her own to hand out.
John snored lightly when she entered and she laid her hand on his brow, pleased to discover his fever gone. Again, she marveled how a man so strong could be so pretty. His dark lashes cast shadows on his cheeks. A sharp contrast to the blond hair. A solid chin, chiseled jaw, and the bluest eyes imaginable. “Hello.”
“Hello. How long have you been watching me?”
“Only a moment.” She took a deep breath. “John Powell, will you marry me?”
He grabbed her arm and yanked her closer. “If you kiss me, I will.”
Chapter 33
“Marshall.” John held out his good hand for the older man to take. Marshall Turner sported a full, silver, handlebar moustache. The younger man with him was clean shaven and unsmiling.
“Sheriff Powell.” Turner shook his hand vigorously. “We’ve been hunting these scoundrels for months. Sorry to hear they’ve caused so much havoc up this way.”
“Well, that’s all done now.” John grinned. “I’m glad to hand them over.”
“They’ll likely hang, the poor fools.” Turner glanced at Hodge who turned away. “Well, no help for it. They made their own choices.”
“Yes, sir, that they did.” John glanced up the road to where Luke’s house loomed. He’d be marrying the most wonderful girl in the world, if he could get the Marshall to stop talking long enough for John to get ready. It wouldn’t be a good thing to keep Ruth waiting on their wedding day.
“You got somewhere to be, son?”
“I’m getting married today.” The words ignited a spark of joy so hot John thought he’d burst into flame on the spot.
“Well, then, I’ll say my goodbyes. Hope to get back this way someday and fish off that bluff.”
“That would be a fine thing, Marshall.” John tipped his hat. “Have a safe trip back.”
“Will do.”
John whirled and sprinted home. He’d need Luke’s help getting ready and the closer the time came, the jumpier he got.
When he burst into his cabin, Luke looked up from the table where he sipped coffee from a tin mug. “Anxious, brother?”
“About as anxious as a kid waiting behind the shed from a whipping.”
Luke laughed. “Think life with Ruth will be that brutal, do you?”
“Yeah.” John chuckled. “But I’ll love every single minute of it.” He glanced around the room. “Did you pick up my new white shirt from Hank’s?”
“Hanging on the wall.”
“My black pants?”
“Laying on the bed. Boy, howdy, John, I’m feeling like your wife right about now. Hurry up and get that arm healed or no one’s going to be able to relax around you.”
“I’m nervous, Luke.” He dropped onto a chair. “What if I’m not husband material? I’m a sheriff. As this town grows, so does the responsibilities. The dangers.”
“If any woman can handle the challenge, it’s Ruth.” Luke set his mug on the table and stood. “Stop fretting. You sound like an old woman. I’ll be back in an hour to fetch you. Sunset’s almost here.”
*
Ruth took the green dress she’d worn to her Grandma’s wedding from its hook. She would’ve loved something new for her own wedding, but John insisted they wed as soon as he was recovered. His sickness had disappeared the next day. Although he still had the wounded shoulder to contend with, he wanted to make her his wife today. Three days after he’d arrested Hodge.
John had left earlier that afternoon to meet with the Marshall who had arrived that morning to escort the prisoners back to Mississippi. Ruth moved to the window and peered out, then ducked back when she spotted John run past the house.
She clapped a hand over her mouth to stifle a giggle. He looked more frazzled than she’d ever seen him. She moved her hand to her stomach. He couldn’t be more nervous than she was.<
br />
“Here you go.” Grandma waltzed into the room with the infamous brown package in her arms. “This surprise is for you.”
“Me?” Ruth sat on the bed and untied the twine that held the paper together. She unwrapped it to reveal a white dotted-swiss dress with lace around the neckline and sleeves. “It’s a wedding dress.” Tears clogged her throat. “When did you have time to make this?”
Grandma’s cheeks turned pink. “I knew this day was coming and I’ve been working on this dress in my spare time for weeks. I made blue ones for your sisters and Tilly. It will be a lovely wedding, Ruth.” Grandma wiped away a tear.
“I’m scared.” Ruth rubbed her hand across the dress. “What if I disappoint him?”
“You will. He’ll disappoint you too. But if you love each other, you can weather any storm.” Grandma sat beside her. “John loves you prickly thorns and all. He sees what the rest of us sees. A woman with a heart as big as this mountain. She just needed God to bring some of it down.”
Ruth laid her head on Grandma’s shoulder. “What would I ever do without you?”
“Keep going forward, I imagine.” Grandma patted her back then stood. “Let’s get you dressed so you can get hitched.”
Grandma had just fashioned the buttons on the back of Ruth’s dress when her sisters and Tilly strolled in. Deborah immediately got tears in her eyes. Sarah laughed and said Ruth would have her dress dirty within a half hour, then cried and called out Daniel’s name. Tilly openly sobbed. Ruth held out her arms and ushered them all in. Her family. Her dear friend. She couldn’t be prouder than to have these three stand up with her.
“Now stop crying before my face gets blotchy. It’s colorful enough with all these bruises.”
Deborah sniffed. “You should’ve waited until they were gone.”
“These are badges of courage.” Ruth bumped her with her hip. “I’m not ashamed. John still thinks I’m beautiful.”
“Why didn’t you choose a church wedding?” Deborah wanted to know.
Woman of Courage (Four Full length Historical Christian Romances in One Volume): Woman of Courage Series Page 45