“I will be perfectly fine.” She was looking around and couldn’t see the wagon. “The wagon and Queenie must be at the livery.” She hugged her friend. “You get some rest and take care of Papa.”
It was unusually warm outside. Scattered clouds dotted a blue sky, but dark clouds lined the horizon in every direction.
Small homes lined the other side of Church Street. She saw a woman hanging clothes out to dry while children played in the distance. Three boys, with fishing poles, were walking towards the Arkansas River. A little girl, who in Charlene’s mind, was hardly old enough to be by herself, started running across the road. “Tommy, I want to go!”
“You go home right now, Tilly, before ma tans your hide!” the tall skinny boy yelled.
“No!” She stomped her feet. “I want to go!” When the three boys turned and started running her little lower lip stuck out and then a “Mama” was screamed as she ran for home.
Charlene looked down each street, seeing horses and wagons kicking up dust. It was a busy day. She wouldn’t admit to herself it was Jim Hawkins she was hoping to see. When she got to the livery, Johnny B was there, with a big smile on his face, as usual. “Good morning, Miss Charlene. What can I do for you?”
His smile was infectious. “Good morning, Johnny B. Truth is, I’m hoping my horse, Queenie is here.”
“It is indeed. Slim brought it by last night. How’s your pa, Charlene? Slim told me what happened. I sure hope he’s okay.”
“I think he is going to pull through. You are very kind to ask.” She peeked around Johnny B. looking for her horse. “Can I get my horse? I’d like to leave the wagon if that’s alright. We will be needing it in a few days when Pa comes home.”
“You sure can Miss, but I don’t have any extra saddles,” Johnny B told her.
“I don’t need one, thank you.” When Queenie was ready to go, Charlene took one last look back at the town, searching, but finally hopped up onto her horse’s back.
“Don’t you dawdle getting home, Miss Charlene.” It was a rarity when John Kurtz was serious. “A storm is coming and it’s going to be a corker! You take it from me.”
She looked at the scattered clouds and was doubtful, but smiled and assured him she would hurry home. She was halfway there when dark thunderclouds started moving in. Rumblings of thunder could be heard in the distance and small flashes of lightning needled through the clouds. Charlene nudged Queenie into a gallop. She had been afraid of storms most of her life.
By the time Charlene got home Johnny B’s words rang true. The skies opened up. Rain pounded rider and horse, making Queenie snort and dance sideways, nervous from the rain and overhead booms of thunder. She jumped off the horse and was trying to get her into the corral when a crack of thunder exploded. Queenie reared unexpectedly, knocking Charlene backward into the mud and jerking the reins from her hands. By the time she got back to her feet, Queenie was nowhere to be seen. Because of the downpour, she couldn’t see ten feet in front of her. Charlene could only assume he was halfway back to Jubilee Springs. She heaved a sigh of relief when she noticed her father’s old nag was standing in the corner, completely unfazed by the storm.
A roar behind the house could be heard over the storm. Charlene’s mouth dropped open when she saw the usually calm stream had turned into a raging river. Her eyes went wide when one of her father’s sluice boxes tumbled by. A deafening blast of thunder, followed by a bolt of lightning that lit up the area made Colleen put her hands to her ears. She fell onto her knees when turning to run to the house. Muddy, wet, and terrified, Charlene slammed the door and crouched in the corner, trembling and praying the storm would soon be over.
Chapter TWELVE
“You just let her ride out of here by herself?” Jim asked angrily, saddling his horse. He had to yell as rain pounded the roof of the livery stable.
“Now sheriff, I’m not her keeper, father, or husband. I do only what I’m told.” The corner of his mouth rose in a smirk. “Not that the idea of being that pretty young filly’s husband isn’t appealing, but I’m not there yet.”
Jim was about to retort when Queenie ran into view. Her sides were heaving and mud covered one whole side, from hoof to mane, as if she had fallen. Neither men spoke but Jim’s tanned face went shades lighter. A string of colorful oaths ripped from Jim’s mouth as he swung up on his horse and galloped out.
He must have missed her by thirty minutes that morning. Maggie needed a new cabinet installed and he had put it off for several days. Because of the weather, Jim was sure Charlene would still be with the doctor. When Josephine told Jim she had left to go home, Jim was out the door without so much as a goodbye.
The ride became treacherous. From the bluff Jim could barely make out her house. He kicked his horse, slowly making their way down the hill. The horse started slipping in the slimy sludge, almost losing its footing several times. Finally on flat ground, Jim could move a bit faster. He looked up just in time to see a bolt of lightning strike a tall pine that stood next to the cabin. An explosion followed, splintering half the tree. In horror, he watched as the rest of the tree started to fall on the house.
* * * *
Charlene trembled in the corner, moving only when she crawled over to a kerosene lamp to light it, then hurrying back to her safe corner. Though it was warm in the house, her teeth were chattering. Her clothes were still wet and the mud had dried on her skin. The wind was strong, making the door and shutters rattle like they were going to break apart. The thunder rumbled and the lightning came right behind it, lighting up the house.
Berating herself for being such a baby, Charlene started to ease out of her corner to wash herself up and get into some dry clothes when there came such a loud crash. She screamed and curled in a fetal position, covering her ears, certain the house was going to split down the middle. Rain poured in through a broken window.
Charlene didn’t know how it happened, but the next thing she knew, Jim Hawkins was on the floor, cradling her in his arms. He tried to push her from him to see if she was injured in some way but she held tight. “Charlene, are you hurt?” She shook her head. “I’ve got to go out and shut your shutters or there’ll be just as much water in here as out.”
When she pulled away, Jim was alarmed at how pale she was. He jumped up and ran outside, securing the shutters the best he could. When he came back in she had finished picking up the broken glass and was wiping up the water. “When I was young my mama got really sick with a terrible cough, way down in her chest. She refused to go to the doctor. I remember her saying, ‘We don’t have money to waste on every little ailment that comes calling.’ Then a few days later she got really bad. She had a bad fever and was talking out of her head. It was storming outside and Pa waited as long as he could but he had to go for the doctor. While he was gone the storm got worse and worse.” Charlene stopped to compose herself before continuing. “Ma opened her eyes and looked at me. I remember her eyes were so bright. I know now it was from the fever. She took my hand and told me she loved me and Pa. She told me not to be scared or sad because she was going to see her own ma and pa. She shut her eyes and was gone. I don’t know if the doctor could have saved her but I blame the storm for my mama dying.” Charlene put the wet towel over a chair. “There is some water over there in that pot. I don’t think Pa’s pants would fit you but he has a shirt in that chest.” Jim said nothing. “I’m going to go in and wash this mud off and change.” Her back was to him and before closing her bedroom door, she murmured, “With you close by I’m not afraid at all. Thank you for coming.”
By late afternoon, the storm had subsided. Only occasional sprinkles and blue sky was peeking through the clouds. They went behind the house to see what damage might have occurred. The stream was no longer a raging river but it was still running strong. The tree that had been hit by lightning lay on the ground half charred. The shed was still standing and Amos’s old mare stood unaffected. The only casualties were the one window and a sluice box.
Charlene had gathered some pork, potatoes, and carrots from the root cellar and made a stew, along with biscuits. While they were waiting for their meal to be ready, Jim found some old flour bags and nailed them up over the shutter where the broken window was. “What are you doing?” Charlene asked.
“We aren’t sure how long before you and Amos come home and we don’t want any kind of unwelcome visitors coming in while you’re gone.”
“I’ll be here Jim, and those bags make it so dark in here.”
Jim finished what he was doing before turning to face her. “Charlene, being this far from town, is no place for a woman alone, a pretty woman at that.” Charlene started to object, but Jim raised his hand in the air. “Maggie, the widow who watches Sally, and the place we live, has a big home with several spare rooms. She would love to have another woman to gossip with and to fuss over. Now you can object all you want but you are either riding upright on that old nag out there or over my shoulder.”
Charlene narrowed her eyes. Jim took her by the shoulders. “Please come into town with me. If you don’t I’ll have to come out here and sleep outside your front door.”
Her lips lifted into a smile. “Why are you doing this?”
He put his arms around her waist and pulled her close, kissing her softly. “I don’t want anything happing to you. It’s that easy.”
Charlene circled her arms around his neck, whispering as she pulled his face towards hers, “Okay, you win this time,” then sealed her words with a kiss.
True to his word Maggie Locke was a warm and caring older woman. She was no bigger than a minute and had white hair in a bun at the nape of her neck. She admonished Charlene for going out in the middle of nowhere all by herself as she led her to a bedroom on the second floor. Charlene sucked in her breath at the sight that greeted her. White fluffy curtains that matched a white quilt on the bed. Wooden floors and a chest of drawers polished to a shine. “Oh my goodness,” Charlene breathed, “this is beautiful, ma’am.”
“My name is Maggie and that’s what I’ll be called.” She lowered her tiny body onto a wooden rocking chair that sat by the window. “I’m sure sorry to hear about your father but Jim’s cousin is a fine doctor and will have him up and around in no time.”
“Doctor Adams is Jim’s cousin? I didn’t know that.”
“Sure enough. Showed up not too long after Jim and he seemed to stick,” she laughed. “Wish he’d have been around when my Horace fell ill.” Charlene gently placed her hand on the small woman’s shoulder. Maggie patted it, sniffing and said, “Long time ago, now help me up and you get over to doc’s place and check on your pa.”
What sounded like an elephant running up the stairs, turned out to be little six-year-old, Sally. “Lands sake, Sally,” Maggie laughed, “I don’t know how you can make so much noise!”
“I’m sorry, Maggie, but Daddy just told me Charlene is going to be staying here.” The girl grabbed Charlene’s hand. “Is that true, Charlene? You’re going to live here?”
“No, sweetie. I’m only staying a day or two until my pa is ready to go home.” Sally’s chin dropped to her neck. “But we can have fun while I am here, can’t we?” Sally’s face lit up and her head bobbed up and down.
Chapter THIRTEEN
The roads were muddy from the day’s rain. Charlene had on a dark skirt and white blouse that had belonged to her mother. Holding up the hem of her skirt she hopped over the puddles on her way to the doctor’s office. Her heart dropped to her stomach when she found Josephine crying softly in the corner. “Oh my God, Josephine, did Papa…?”
“No, oh no,” Josephine said, hurrying to her side. She wiped her eyes. “I’m so sorry. Your father is fine. Doctor Adam’s had him up walking. He’s even starting to complain.” She tried to laugh but it turned into a sob. “He just fell back to sleep.”
“Joey, you are scaring me. What is the matter?”
Josephine started pacing the floor. “This is silly, really. It’s probably good news. I don’t know why I’m even crying.”
“What is it?” Charlene demanded.
“Royce Bainbridge stopped by here. He said that one of his miners have decided he wants to get married. He wants me to meet him tomorrow.” Fresh tears filled her eyes. Her lips trembled as she tried to smile. “I should be happy. This is why I came here.”
Charlene flopped into a chair. “Have you told Pa how you feel?”
“No. We haven’t known each other very long. Who can fall in love that fast?”
“You,” Charlene said. And me. “You have to tell him. You’ll regret it forever if you don’t.”
“I can’t. Please promise you won’t say anything?” She pleaded. “Let’s just wait and see what happens tomorrow. You run along and see your father. I’m going to get some rest.”
Amos was awake when Charlene walked in. “Hi Charley,” he said a slow smile crossing his face. “I wondered if I was going to get a visit.”
She sat down next to his bed. “How are you feeling, Papa? Your color looks better.”
“I’m fine! That dang doctor and Josie won't let me do anything. I’m ready to get out of here.”
“Josie?” Charlene asked.
Amos’s cheeks burned a little. “It’s no big deal. I just don’t like calling her something a dead husband used to call her, that’s all.” Charlene smiled. “And don’t be making nothing out of it either.”
Charlene let that pass. “She said you have gotten up and did some walking.”
“Got no choice. She nags me to no end.” They talked for a while longer until he started yawning. “I think I’ll get some sleep before Josie brings me my supper. Love you baby girl.”
Charlene kissed his cheek. “I love you, too, Papa. I’ll see you tomorrow.” On her way out, Doctor Adams was walking up the road. “Hello, Doc. Pa looks pretty good. When do you think he can come home?”
“I think day after tomorrow if he behaves himself. I’m thankful Josephine is here to keep him in line. I think he kind of likes her.” He winked at her and walked away.
Supper at Maggie’s house had been a delicious meal consisting of roast beef, mashed potatoes, and buttered carrots. Maggie, Jim, and Charlene each took turns telling stories of years gone by and Sally kept jumping in trying to tell stories of her own.
Slim, knocked once and barged in. “Sorry everybody, but we’ve got us a problem over at The Silver Dollar Saloon with that new guy Lance has hired. He’s shooting off his mouth and causing trouble.”
Jim got up and put his holster around his waist. Charlene looked worried but said nothing. “Maggie, Sally and I will clean up.” Sally stood on a stool and washed while Charlene dried and put away. “Thank you, Sally, for helping me with the dishes. If you go get your nightgown on, I will read you a story before bed.”
An hour later, both Charlene and Sally were on the girl’s bed, laying on their stomachs and looking at the pictures in the story. Sally finally drifted off to sleep and Charlene covered her before leaving the room. A hand came up to cover her heart when she saw Jim leaning against the door. “You startled me,” she whispered.
He took her hand and led her into the hallway and put a hand on each side of her shoulders, trapping her against the wall. He leaned in with a kiss that was far from the butterfly kisses he had given her. His mouth molded tightly to hers and his tongue ran along her teeth making her suck in her breath. Her arms came up to wrap around his neck, arching her body to fit against his.
“Daddy, can I have a glass of buttermilk?” Jim and Charlene jumped apart at the sound of Sally’s voice. She was rubbing her eyes with her fists and yawning. Charlene took that opportunity to escape into her room, locking the door behind her.
* * * *
The night dragged by for Charlene. All she could think about was being in Jim’s arms and his kiss. It had been hours but she could still feel his lips on hers. What if Sally hadn’t interrupted them? What would have happened? She wanted Jim. She wanted his kisses. She cupp
ed her cheeks with her hands and felt them burn. She couldn’t stay here any longer. It wouldn’t take long for Jim to see right through her. Her pa had to get well soon!
The sun was high in the sky when Charlene came downstairs. She prayed no one would be there but luck was not on her side. Maggie was sitting at the table, drinking hot tea and writing a letter. “Good morning, Maggie. I’m sorry I slept so long I didn’t sleep very well.”
“Would you like some tea, dear?”
“No thank you.” Charlene kept her eyes to the floor. “I, uhm, I really need to go see Papa.”
“I understand,” she said, sipping her tea. “It’s funny. Jim was like a bear this morning when he got up, growling about this and that. He said he didn’t sleep well either.” She went back to her letter. “I just hope you two work out whatever the problem is…and soon or Jim won’t be fit to live with.”
When Charlene walked into see her father, he was sitting up in a chair. “Good morning, Papa. You must be feeling so much better.”
“I’m fine and am ready to get out of here,” he growled. “Doc got me up and sat me in this chair bout an hour ago and said he’d be back and Josie hasn’t even been in this morning. She always is here when I wake up. It’s just not like her to not be here whenever I’m awake.”
“Hmm,” Charlene said, playing with her fingers. “I’m sure I don’t know.”
“Charlene, what’s going on? You know where Josie is?”
“Pa…”
The door opened and Doc Adams came in. “You alright, Amos?” He checked the bandages and nodded. “I saw Josephine over at the Red Valley Inn with Royce Bainbridge. She marrying one of his miners?”
“What?” Amos yelped.
“I gotta say, I thought all this time she was sweet on you, Amos,” the doc said, writing in some chart. “You should probably get back in bed.”
“Did you know about this?” he asked his daughter. Charlene nodded. He sat back in his chair, thinking. “I can’t believe she’s doing this. I thought she..I guess I don’t know what she thought.”
The Sheriff and the Miner's Daughter (Sweethearts of Jubilee Springs Book 4) Page 6