Gabriel's Atonement

by Vickie McDonough

  Heedless of the danger, the woman charged forward and grabbed the child. She turned away from him and hunched over the boy, as if expecting to be run down. But Tempest had stopped in time.

  After a long few seconds, while Gabe’s heart pounded, she looked over her shoulders. A pair of wide green eyes made his heart jolt.

  “Lara!”

  Lara stared up at Gabriel Coulter—at least she thought it was him. He was wearing more casual clothes than the other times she’d seen him, and he’d shaved off his mustache.

  He smiled and tipped his hat, his intriguingly dark eyes gleaming. “Fancy seeing you here. I’d love to talk, but I’m chasing after a man who stole my horse. I’ll return later, and we’ll chat then.”

  And he was gone, weaving his horse through the crowd, toward the state line.

  She still hugged her son, and she wasn’t sure if her heart was throbbing because of the close call or the fact that she’d seen Gabe again. She watched him ride off, sitting tall in the saddle. This cowboy look was far more becoming on him than the dandy style.

  Michael wiggled, and she released him.

  “Why did you run off like that?”

  “I was following a kitty.”

  She blew out a breath, hoping for patience. “Sweetie, you can’t run away like that. Not with all these people here. What if you had gotten lost? We might never have found you.”

  “But I wanted to pet the kitty.” A pair of innocent, blue-green eyes stared up at her. He clearly had no idea of the danger of wandering off. She’d just have to keep a closer watch on him.

  “Let’s go back to camp.”

  “But the kitty…”

  She stroked his hair as she searched for the cat. “It’s gone now, and we have work to do.”

  She made a mental list of what she needed to accomplish today. Feed and milk the goats. Wash some clothing. Scrape together something for them to eat. Maybe she could barter some goat’s milk for a hunk of meat to make soup with.

  As they walked into camp, she noticed Grandpa had dug out his wrinkled shirt with the GAR patch on the sleeve and was wearing it. She didn’t know much about the Grand Army of the Republic organization, other than it was a group for Union war veterans. She smiled. “You found your old shirt.”

  He nodded and rubbed his hand down the front of it. “I ran into Jess Filbert, from my old troop, and he had his on. Lots of veterans are here, hoping to get land to leave to their families when they’re gone.”

  She winced, hating to think about life without him. But she was fortunate he was still here, considering the struggles he faced whenever a malaria attack hit him. All she could do was help ease his daily workload and pray that God wouldn’t take him home for a long while.

  “A group of us are gettin’ together after supper to catch up on things.”

  “That sounds like a nice evening.” She glanced around camp. “Where’s Jo?”

  “She and that friend of hers went for a walk.”

  Lara pursed her lips. Leave it to Jo to disappear when there was so much to do. “Do you know when she’ll be back?”

  “Lunchtime, I reckon.” He winked at her. “You know how that girl loves to eat.”

  “And hates to work.”

  He chuckled. “Speaking of work, I already fed and milked the goats. What do you want to do with the milk?”

  At the mention of the goats, Michael tugged a weed loose from its roots and trotted over and held it out to Mildred.

  “Let’s pour one bucket into the milk can and see if we can trade the other for a piece of meat.”

  “You want me to check with the Biggses? See if they’re interested in barterin’?”

  “That would be nice. I need to take some clothes to the river and wash them.” Maybe she’d see Gabe there. She hoped he found his horse. “I heard a man had one of his horses stolen this morning.”

  Grandpa’s eyes shot to hers. “Sad thing when folks steal from one another, but I reckon we’d better keep a closer watch on Sunny and them goats.”

  “The goats? Why?”

  He lifted a brow. “There’s lots of folks here, and fresh meat is hard to come by.”

  She gasped. “I can’t even think about that.”

  “All the same, we need to keep a close watch on all that’s ours. I don’t plan to be gone long tonight. Don’t want to leave you girls alone too long.”

  “We need to get Jo to stick around more. I don’t like her wandering off with so many unmarried men around. I know many are trustworthy, but the theft proves there are others who aren’t.”

  He nodded. “Desperate times make folks do things they normally wouldn’t.”

  “I’m glad we’re so close to the border and near the soldiers. They may be a deterrent.”

  “That’s true, but we still need to be cautious.”

  “All right. So will you stay here while I go to the river and do laundry?”

  “Yep. I’ll head over to the Biggses’ camp now while the milk is fresh.”

  “Good idea. I’ll gather the laundry. While I’m gone, could you please string a line to hang the clothes on? I’ll need to do that when I return.”

  “Soon as I get back, I will.”

  Lara glanced at Michael, who was making a circle of pebbles, then she walked over to the back of the wagon and tugged the wicker basket of dirty clothes toward her. She dreaded hanging up her and Jo’s unmentionables where so many people could see them, but everyone else was doing it, too. Heat warmed her cheeks at the thought of Gabe Coulter seeing them. Maybe she could hang their drawers and chemises under their dresses and petticoats. She smiled. There was a solution to every problem.

  Gabe reached the border and reined Tempest to a halt. He’d lost track of the thief when he nearly ran down Lara Talbot. He gritted his teeth, hating the thought of losing his horse to a trickster. He could ford the river and hunt for the man, but then soldiers might think he was a Sooner. He couldn’t afford to get arrested and miss the run. Better to just count the one horse as lost. He did get Tempest back, and they’d caught the man who’d tried to take him—at least he hoped Luke had managed that task. He patted the gelding’s neck then loosened the reins so he could get a drink.

  A commotion to his left, just across the river, snagged his attention. A pair of soldiers was wrestling with a man on the ground. If he wasn’t mistaken, that was his horse grazing not far from them. He tapped his heels to Tempest’s side, walking the horse along the line of the river to a group of soldiers on the near side who were watching the wrestling trio. Gabe dismounted and approached a corporal. “Excuse me, sir.”

  The man turned and lifted one brow. “Can I help you?”

  “That man stole one of my horses.” He nudged his chin toward the mare. “That dun grazing over there is the one he took. He crossed the river, trying to get away from me.”

  “You got a bill of sale?”

  Gabe nodded. “Back at my camp.”

  The men eyed him for a moment, as if taking his measure, then faced the river again. “I don’t guess we’ll need it. You look like a man whose word is good.”

  Gabe straightened, savoring the rare compliment. Most folks didn’t believe a gambler’s word was worth much, but the soldier had no idea what his trade was. Feeling respected made Gabe stand a bit taller. It was something he could easily get used to.

  “If you can hang around for a bit, I’ll see that you get your horse back.”

  “Thanks. I appreciate that.”

  An hour later, Gabe walked into camp with both horses.

  Luke looked up from where he was grooming one of the geldings and smiled. “You got her. I didn’t know what to think with you gone so long.”

  He dismounted and patted Tempest’s neck. “The soldiers stopped the thief after he crossed the river. Guess they thought he was trying to sneak over to stake a claim.”

  Luke chuckled. “I bet them soldiers was surprised to find out he was a horse thief.”

  “That’s tr
ue. I told a corporal what happened. They questioned the thief, and when they threatened him with hanging, he spewed out a tale about the other man forcing him to help him steal the horses. Did you get that tall fellow to the soldiers?”

  “Yep. He was a bit dazed after that fall he took off yer horse. Followed along like a docile ole dog.”

  Gabe grinned at the image. “Things been all right here while I was gone?”

  “Yep, quiet as a saloon at noontime.”

  He liked the young cowboy with his quirky comments. “I need to tend to some business. Can you groom this mare after you’re done with that gelding?”

  “Sure thang, boss. Want me to give her a little extra feed?”

  “Good idea. Keep a close watch on the horses.”

  “I will. Got my gun loaded and a rifle leaning against that tree that’s nearest the horses.”

  “Good.” Gabe mounted Tempest again and reined him in the direction where he had last seen Lara. He hadn’t thought to ask if her camp was near there, but a boy so small couldn’t have run too far without her catching him. His stomach swirled at the thought of seeing her again. He didn’t even know what he would say—only that he wanted to talk with her. Be near her.

  He blew out a breath and reined in his thoughts. He needed to be careful. Lara Talbot was a new widow—and he was the man who’d made her one. That was the last thing he wanted her to discover, although keeping the truth from her didn’t sit well with him. But if she knew he was the one who shot her husband, she’d want nothing to do with him. She needed to get to know him first—see that he was an honorable man—then he would tell her. Or maybe they’d end up going their separate ways and she’d never need to know.

  His gaze roamed the various campsites as he searched for her. Finding anyone in this menagerie was nigh on impossible, but he was determined. He wove in and out of the campsites for nearly an hour, and then his heart thudded. A woman with golden hair bent over and kissed a small boy with lighter hair. When she straightened, he knew he’d succeeded in his mission. As if she sensed him, she turned his direction, and when she spotted him, she waved. A gentle smile lifted her pink lips.

  He dismounted and strode forward, his heart pounding as if he’d run a long race. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d ever been so excited to visit a woman—if he ever had.

  “Good afternoon, Mr. Coulter.” Lara walked toward him, holding the boy’s hand.

  “It’s Gabe, remember?” He sent her a smile that matched the giddiness he felt on the inside. His gaze lowered to her son. “And who is this handsome young man?”

  “This is my son.”

  “I’m Michael.” The boy eyed Gabe seriously.

  Wanting to make friends with the child, he squatted and held out his hand. “Mighty happy to meet you, Michael.”

  After staring at Gabe’s hand and taking a quick peek up at his mother, the boy laid his small hand inside Gabe’s. His closed around it, and he gave it a gentle shake, as an overwhelming desire to protect the youngster and his mother washed over him like a flash flood. He stood, a bit stunned at the sensation.

  “Are you all right?” Lara took a step closer, lifted one hand but then dropped it to her side.

  Gabe smiled, hoping to set her at ease. “Most certainly, I am. How could I not be in your lovely presence?”

  A bright red tinged her cheeks, and she brushed her hand across the stained apron covering her worn dress. He’d encountered few people whose clothing was so shabby. Too bad he hadn’t thought to give her some fabric with his last gift to her.

  “So, did you find your horse?”

  “I did. I feared I’d lost her at first, but the soldiers had captured the thief as he tried to cross the river.”

  “I’m glad you got her back.”

  “Thanks.” He felt a tug on his pants and looked down. A pair of blue-green eyes stared up at him.

  “Can I sit on your horse?”

  “Michael. It’s not polite to ask that of people you don’t know.”

  “But you know ’im, don’tcha?”

  Gabe’s gaze locked on Lara’s, and he lifted a brow, sending her a cocky smirk that dared her to deny her son’s comment.

  “Well, yes, but you don’t.”

  “I don’t mind. And you don’t have to be concerned. Tempest is a well-trained horse, and I’ll keep hold of the reins. So, can he?”

  She lifted a skeptical brow. Her lips twitched as if she tried to keep from smiling. “He didn’t seem well trained that day at the depot.”

  “He’d just come off a long train ride, which he didn’t particularly like, and he got spooked. Normally, he’s a calm horse.”

  Michael’s hopeful gaze swiveled to his mother.

  “I suppose it won’t hurt to let him sit on the horse. He does love them.”

  She turned for her son, but Gabe latched onto him first and hoisted the featherlight youngster into the saddle. The urchin was as thin as some on the streets of Kansas City that he had frequently helped. If only there was some way he could help Lara more.

  His heart ached as he surveyed her camp. The rickety buckboard wasn’t likely to hold together if she used it for the race, but then why would she when she had her husband’s horse? A frayed tent sagged against one side of the wagon. He glanced back at the boy, smiling wide as he bounced in the saddle. What would she do with him while she rode in the land run?

  “Was there a reason you needed to see me, Mr.—”

  “Who?” He captured her gaze and sent a knowing stare that made her squirm. Why was she uncomfortable voicing his name?

  “Oh, all right—Gabe.” She waggled her brows as if asking if he was happy. “Why did you want to see me?”

  He scrambled for a legitimate reason to be in her company and yanked the Homesteader’s Handbook from his back pocket, holding it out to her. Because I missed you? Missed looking on your lovely face and seeing that brave set to your shoulders? “I…uh… I wondered if you’d seen this.”

  She took it and shook her head. “No, I haven’t. What is it?”

  “A guide to homesteading, among other things.”

  “Oh?” Her interest was obvious. “What does it say?”

  “Shall we have a seat, and I’ll show you?”

  She cast an apprehensive glance around her campsite then to his trousers. “I’m afraid there is little to sit on but the ground.”

  “I’ve never been afraid of a little dirt. I wouldn’t be in the horse business if I were.”

  “If you’re certain.”

  “I am.” He turned back to Tempest. “Time to get off, son.”

  “Aw…do I hav’ta?”

  “Michael, Mr. Coulter has been nice to allow you to sit on his horse. Please get down now, and don’t whine.”

  Gabe passionately felt the child’s disappointment. It was a familiar feeling when he’d been growing up. “Don’t worry, Michael. Next time I see you, you can sit on Tempest again.”

  The boy’s eyes brightened as he reached for Gabe. “Promise?”

  “Yep.” Gabe reached into his pocket and pulled out a slightly cracked peppermint stick. He’d been fond of them ever since he’d eaten his first one the day his ma was buried. Mr. Oldham, owner of the general store had given it to him—the only high point in a very low day.

  “Oh boy! Can I have it, Ma?”

  Gabe hadn’t even considered asking her first. He’d been handing them out to the street children for so long that he didn’t give it a second thought. He glanced at her, and she nodded.

  Michael took his treat and scooted under the wagon, where he twisted off the paper wrapper and stuck the candy in his mouth.

  “That was nice of you.”

  He shrugged. “I like to make children happy.”

  She glanced at him, as if she’d made an interesting discovery. “And why is that?”

  “Maybe because my own childhood wasn’t that grand,” he blurted out before he stopped to think how revealing his statement was.


  “I’m sorry. I wish all children could live happily, but we both know that doesn’t always happen.”

  “Not half as often as it should,” he mumbled.

  Chapter 14

  Lara tried not to stare at Gabe. Her heart ached to learn his childhood hadn’t been a good one, but he’d turned out to be a kind, honorable man. That was something he could be proud of.

  He opened the Homesteader’s Handbook, evidently ready to put aside talk of his past. She watched as he quickly thumbed through the pages and told her what they meant. When he turned to the pages of land plots, her eyes widened. “You mean the whole area has been divided into sections and numbered? All of them?”

  He nodded. “Pretty amazing, isn’t it?”

  She couldn’t fathom the time and effort it must have taken to map out two million acres.

  “I’m hoping to get land somewhere near the Guthrie Station. I’ve heard tell it will be the capital when Oklahoma becomes a state.”

  Hadn’t Grandpa said the same thing? “Do you think it will? What about the Indian Territory? Seems like there’d be a lot of folks who wouldn’t want it to be part of the country.”

  “I don’t think the objectors have a choice. Oklahoma and Indian Territory are smack-dab in the middle of the United States. How could it not eventually gain statehood?”

  He scooted over to show her something in tiny writing, and her heart thudded as his shoulder pressed against hers. He was a bigger man than Tom, probably well over six feet tall, and his shoulders were wide enough to bear all of her troubles, not that she would let them. She slid a bit to her left, and he followed as he continued babbling on about the land run.

  A part of her wished she’d never heard of Harrison’s Hoss Race. That she were still back on their one-acre piece of land, living in the sagging soddy.

  He nudged her shoulder. “Hey there, what’s wrong? You’ve gone quiet on me.”

  She turned, looking into eyes so dark they could belong to an Indian or Mexican, but the color of his lightly sun-touched skin held no hint of either culture. “I guess I was thinking.”

  “About the land run?”

  She nodded. “I don’t like the uncertainty of it. So many of these good people will be disappointed. There can’t possibly be enough land for all of them.”