Frannie stared at the judge, then blinked. She looked at Cissie, who wore a bright smile. All around them, loud voices all spoke at once.
“It’s over?”
Cissie nodded. “It’s over.”
Frannie’s legs went weak. She turned to seek out Chris. People moved past her to leave the room, obstructing her view.
“Glad it worked out this way, or I have a feeling you would have done something drastic, Cissie,” someone said behind her. Frannie turned her head to see a man and woman smiling at her.
“I would have thought of something,” Cissie murmured. To Frannie, she said, “I don’t think you’ve met Noah and Elizabeth Langley. They’re the ones who’ve been taking care of the animals at your farm the last couple of days.”
The young woman Cissie introduced held out her hand. She wore a friendly smile. Frannie hesitated, then shook the hand being offered.
“Thank you so much for your help,” she stammered. Her eyes went to the man next to her. He smiled as if he was privy to a great secret. He nodded to her, then his eyes lifted to someone behind her.
Frannie turned to see Chris standing right behind her. Before she could move fully, Noah Langley held out his hand to him. Chris shook it. The two men looked at each other as if they were assessing each other.
“It’s worth it, Chris,” Noah Langley said. “I had to make the choice, too.”
Chris’s eyebrows rose. Noah simply nodded, then led his wife from the room.
Chris stared after the couple for a second, then his full attention was on Frannie. She held her breath, smiling. What was she supposed to do or say now? Wrapping her arms around him, as she ached to do, was out of the question. Wordlessly, he stepped up to her. He hesitated, then reached for her hand. His warm fingers wrapped around hers, making her long for so much more.
“I told you everything would be all right.”
Frannie nodded, holding back the tears. Everything would be all right for him, and that was all that mattered. Now he could return home to take care of unfinished business. She tore her eyes from him, and glanced at Cissie standing next to her.
“Well, Chris, are you ready to go back to the boarding house with me? I can send you home if you wish.” Cissie spoke as if she’d read Frannie’s thoughts.
Chris looked from Cissie to Frannie. His grip on her hand tightened. His eyes didn’t leave hers when he shook his head and spoke.
“I think I’ll stick around for a little while longer. I’ve got some important things to take care of out at the Eaton farm, if Mrs. Eaton will let me.”
Chapter 13
“He’s coming along nicely. For as spirited as he is, he’s eager to learn and wants to please.”
Chris glanced over his shoulder and smiled at Francine while he unsaddled the young colt. She stood several feet behind him, holding a cup of water she’d brought from the house. Her smile sent a familiar rush of excitement through him that had grown steadily stronger over the last week.
Had it really been over a week since his arrest and discovering why he’d time traveled? While he’d wrestled with his attraction to Francine even before they’d gone to town, it was quickly growing into something stronger than he’d ever experienced. His conversation with Cissie about why he’d been sent to the past hadn’t given him any peace.
The reason had been more than a little surprising. Up until now, he hadn’t been overly concerned about finding that one and only person with whom to spend the rest of his life and settling down. He would have married Amber and done whatever it took to make it work between them for his baby’s sake, but they weren’t suited for each other. Her miscarriage on the heels of Eric’s death had ultimately led him here.
Chris turned and accepted the water from Francine. She smiled, sending a warm feeling through him. It was more than obvious she was the one he was meant to find. Ending up in her barn that night hadn’t been coincidence. Somehow, they had been destined to meet, even though he wrestled with several tragedies in his life to get here.
Chris mentally shook his head. The day Francine stood in front of that judge and the rest of the town and defended him had been the moment he’d fully realized he was in love with her.
Still, conflicting emotions had plagued him every day since leaving Heartsbridge after the hearing. Could he stay in this time and get over his past? At least he’d bought himself some extra time to figure out what to do. Nagging thoughts of unfinished business in his time kept him from coming to a firm decision. Eric’s memory in the future haunted him while Francine needed him in this time.
As soon as they’d left the courthouse, Herbert Blake had confronted him, throwing more accusations at him as well as Francine.
“The two of you were in this together. She’s a shameful woman for having a man at her place who ain’t her husband. Lester took good care of her, and she’s already taken up with another man before he’s even cold in his grave.”
Good thing Sheriff Stanton had intervened before Chris could grab the man and punch him, or he might have ended up in jail again. It would have been worth it. Blake’s insinuations would only hurt Francine, who was no doubt concerned about her reputation. This wouldn’t have been much of an issue in 2017, but propriety was a big deal here.
The sheriff had told Blake to leave Francine alone or he’d be spending the night in jail, but not before Chris had told the little weasel, “If I see you anywhere near the Eaton farm, I might end up doing something that’ll get me thrown in jail again, but I won’t care. I’m going to make sure scum like you don’t bother Mrs. Eaton and take advantage of her.”
Blake was a coward. He clearly liked to talk big, but there had been a definite note of fear in his eyes when Chris made his threat. All the more reason for him not to leave Francine alone. Men like Blake would continue to come sniffing around her place, simply because she was a woman alone, and owned a farm. She needed a husband and a partner, someone who’d protect her and be there for her and her baby, and keep the farm going.
Cissie had pulled him aside before he’d climbed onto the buckboard to take Francine home.
“Don’t take too long deciding what you’re going to do, Chris. Remember, that once the watch hands slow, you have to make a choice or it will be too late.”
“I will. I need to sort some things out first.”
Eric’s parents needed to know their son hadn’t died because he’d been irresponsible by simply getting drunk and then behind the wheel. He’d died because he’d wanted to help a friend potentially save a life, and it had cost him his own.
Turning to Francine, Chris had looked her in the eyes and asked, “Is it all right with you if I take you back to your farm and stay on for a while? I’d like to finish some of the repairs, and maybe try and work with that young horse so you can sell him and make some money.”
Francine had stared at him, her gaze full of hope and longing. She hadn’t hesitated when she’d nodded.
“I’d like that very much, Chris. I don’t care what men like Herbert Blake are saying about me.”
Cissie had told him she’d send word when the watch hands slowed. Time was running out. That had been over a week ago. Keeping his feelings to himself while wrestling with a decision was becoming increasingly harder, especially when Francine looked at him with a longing in her eyes he recognized all too well.
“You truly have a way with horses.”
Francine took the empty water cup back. Her fingers grazed his as he handed it to her. She raised her eyes, so full of admiration and something far stronger that it grabbed hold of his heart and wouldn’t let go.
Chris grinned to conceal his thoughts. Making meaningless small talk with her seemed to be the norm these days. He’d never been this awkward in the presence of a girl before, and it was getting worse as each day passed.
“You need a few more like this colt, and you’ll quickly have some money in the bank. Even if you start out small, you could have a nice horse operation going in no time.”
He turned back to the colt, rubbing him down with a piece of burlap, then released him into the field with the other horses.
“I suspect Brownie will have a foal next spring, and if you sell this colt once he’s properly trained, you can re-invest that money and buy a few more mares.”
He worked as he talked, grabbing the saddle and slinging it over his shoulders to take to the barn. He stopped and faced Francine.
“Thanks for bringing me water, but you should be off your feet. You’ve been out doing too much again today.”
Francine shot him an exasperated look. “I’ve come to tell you that supper is ready. I don’t know if you’d have heard me yell it from the porch.”
“I’ll be there in a few minutes. Will you promise you’ll sit and let me take care of the dishes?”
She dropped her gaze, but nodded. “I would be thankful for your help,” she whispered.
Chris grinned. “I’m glad you’re finally coming around and letting me help. I’d better hurry and get stuff squared away at the barn before you change your mind.” He winked at her, which always made her blush. She turned and waddled up the path back to the house, her hands pressed to her lower back.
Her time was close. No doubt the baby was due to come any day now. Chris stared after her for a moment, then headed for the barn. It was high time he made his feelings known.
You’re a coward, Hawley. You’re scared to tell her how you feel.
That, and scared of something else. What if something happened to Francine, and she got taken away from him, too, like Eric, or his unborn child?
“It’s worth it, Chris.”
Noah Langley’s words after the hearing kept echoing in his head. Chris hadn’t bothered asking, but there was no doubt Noah had been brought here from the future, too. Clearly, he’d made the choice to stay, and he was content with his simpler life. How many others like them were here in Heartsbridge? Chris shook his head at the strange idea.
He finished putting the saddle and tack away in the barn, then checked in the cow’s stall to make sure she had enough hay and water for the night. The horses grazed contently in the pasture, swishing their tails as evening bugs swarmed around them. The rhythmic cadence of crickets chirping and the occasional snort from one of the horses flowed through him like soothing music.
With a pounding heart, Chris headed for the creek at the back of the house and washed away the grime from a full day’s work. He was tired and sore, but the feeling left him content, like everything else around here. He’d delayed it long enough. It was time to make a choice.
He headed up the porch steps and entered the house. The rich aroma of fried meat made his stomach growl. Francine set a bowl of greens on the table, looking up and meeting his gaze from across the room. Her free hand was on her lower back.
“Smells good.”
Chris smiled and reached her in four easy strides. He pulled out a chair for her and raised his brows in a meaningful gesture.
“I’ll bring the rest of the food to the table.”
Francine opened her mouth as if to speak, then closed it again and smiled softly. She nodded, then allowed Chris to help her onto the chair.
“Goodness, I hope this baby comes soon. I don’t know how much longer I can get out of a chair without help.”
“You haven’t had any more false labor pains except for that one time, have you?” Chris brought the plate of fried chicken to the table and sat opposite Francine.
She glanced up at him, her smile widening. Chris stared into her eyes and held his breath. If anything, with each day her pregnancy advanced, she became more radiant.
“A few times, but it always goes away. Maybe you should try shooting off the gun again and give me another scare, and the baby will come this time.”
Chris chuckled, reaching for a chicken leg. “I think it’s probably best to let him decide when he wants to be born.”
The meal continued in silence for a while. It was time to talk to her. No. Best to wait until after supper.
Chris stood when he was finished, and carried his plate to the counter. “You didn’t eat much.”
“I’m not very hungry this evening. My stomach’s been feeling a bit unsettled.”
Chris looked at her. Perhaps she needed to go to bed, but he couldn’t put off what he needed to tell her any longer.
“If you’re done, I’ll get the dishes. I’ll meet you out on the porch in a few minutes.”
“The porch?”
Francine struggled to her feet. Chris reached for her arm and helped her stand. Her belly grazed along his abdomen. He stood, inhaling the soft scent of flowers in her hair. She raised her eyes to his, filled with questions. Her face was flushed and she appeared nervous all of a sudden.
“I’d like to talk to you about something, if you’re feeling all right.”
Francine blinked, then nodded. “I feel fine.”
Chris offered a quick smile to conceal his own nerves. She looked tired. Maybe it could wait until tomorrow. He shook his head.
You’ve dragged your feet long enough. You’ve made your decision, now tell her.
“I’ll be out in a few minutes.”
He forced his eyes from her, and finished clearing the table. Behind him, the door squeaked open and shut. With shaky hands, Chris scraped the left-overs onto one plate, then set the rest of the dirty dishes in the bucket of water. He turned to look at the empty kitchen behind him, his eyes on the door that led to the porch. The dishes could wait. What he had to say to Francine couldn’t.
He dried his hands on a towel, then followed her outside.
“You can’t possibly be done with the dishes already.” She smiled and awkwardly eased herself onto the porch swing. Her hand caressed her swollen belly.
Chris tore his eyes away and stared at the sun setting behind the hills in the distance. A golden glow cast over the yard and the pasture. The crickets chirped, and a few frogs in the creek behind the house croaked, the sounds once again filling him with a content feeling of peace and serenity. Nothing had ever felt quite like it.
He inhaled a deep breath, then joined Francine on the swing. He reached for her hand, which still rested on her stomach. She stiffened slightly as her wide eyes rose to meet his.
“What are you going to do after the baby comes?” he murmured, letting his gaze drift over her face. A few strands of her hair fluttered in the breeze against her cheek. The setting sun reflected in her eyes and cheeks, giving her a soft glow.
“I don’t know.” She lowered her gaze, staring at his hand, which held hers. Chris gave it a slight squeeze, his thumb gliding across the soft skin of her wrist. “I may have to accept Mr. Paine’s offer, and sell the place to him. I’ve realized since you’ve been here that I can’t work this farm by myself, at least not right now, with a new baby.” She looked up at him again.
“I’m afraid, Chris.” Her whisper was almost lost on the breeze. “I’m afraid to get married again. I don’t want another husband like Lester.”
Chris shifted weight, making the swing creak slightly. He raised his hand, letting his fingers brush lightly against her cheek. “Not all men are like Lester.”
Francine didn’t move. Her eyes closed, then she leaned into his touch.
“Yes, and you’ve taught me that. But how will I know?”
“You have to trust your instincts,” he murmured. “And you’ve got pretty good ones.”
His hand slid along her cheek to the back of her neck, his fingers burying into her hair. He leaned forward, their faces inches apart. Francine stared into his eyes, and everything he needed to know was written there right in front of him. Chris expelled the breath he held, then brought his lips to hers. Her hand gripped tightly to his while her other hand came up to hook onto his shoulder.
Chris eased away to catch his breath, then brought his mouth fully onto hers, cradling the back of her head and bringing her closer. Francine melted against him, bracing her hand over his heart. Chris
released her other hand and caressed her swollen belly. The baby moved.
“Does he approve of what his mama is doing?” Chris murmured against her lips. His heart swelled with a kind of love that was both fierce and tender. That love extended to the baby she carried inside of her.
“I think he approves very much.” Francine eased away from him, tears shimmering in her eyes.
Chris rested his hand on her stomach where the baby continued to move against him as if he wanted to reach out. Warmth radiated through him, strengthening his resolve even further. He brought her face closer, and kissed her again. Why had he waited so long?
“Could you learn to live in this time, Chris?”
Her hesitant question brought a grin to his face.
“You’re making it easy to live in this time.”
“Or I could learn to live in your time,” she offered almost hesitantly.
Chris chuckled. “The future is no place for a nice girl like you. You wouldn’t like it.” His face sobered. Still gazing into her eyes to read the reaction on her face, he added. “I love you Francine. You brought me back from the dark hole I crawled into after Eric died and I lost my baby. I wanted to tell you sooner, because I’ve been sure of it for a while.”
Her hand reached up, the tips of her fingers stroking his cheek. “I love you, too, Chris. I never thought I could love a man after the way Lester treated me, and I don’t think I can ever love another man.”
Chris slid from the swing and kneeled in front of her. He held her hand, while his other one rested on her belly.
“Marry me, Francine. Marry me, and I’ll take care of you and your baby.” He shifted slightly, then added, “I know we haven't known each other that long, but I’ve come to realize that it's important not to wait to tell those you love how you feel. You’ve changed me, saved me, and helped me deal with my grief and healed me."
Her eyes widened to where they looked round like saucers. She stared at him while he was down on one knee, holding his breath. He smiled, waiting. Tears pooled in her eyes, and she sniffed. Then, slowly, she shook her head. Chris frowned. His heart sank like a brick into the ground, making his stomach churn with dread.
Timeless Healing (Timeless Hearts Book 4) Page 12