A Lawman for Christmas

by Karen Kirst

  Touched by his thoughtfulness, she leaned in and hugged him. Beneath her cheek, his breathing hitched. He hesitated a mere second before looping one arm low on her back.

  “You okay?” he murmured.

  She felt his fingers tangling in her hair. When he brushed his cheek against the side of her head and his lips stirred the loose strands, longing zipped through her like a bolt of lightning. Instead of burrowing closer, Isabel forced herself to step away.

  “Isa?”

  “I’m a little overwhelmed,” she admitted, eyeing the ground. “I’ve prayed for a chance to confront Harry, and now that I have it...”

  “It’s normal to be nervous.” He ran his knuckles gently along her cheek, the supple buckskin of his gloves a caress against her chilled skin. “I’ll be with you the whole time.”

  “What’s he like?”

  He stepped back. “Quiet. Scared. Isabel, we found him with Warring’s missing horse.”

  “Oh, no.”

  “He claims he was desperate and chose the oldest one to borrow. He insists he was planning on returning it.”

  “What’s going to happen?”

  “I’ve spoken with Warring. As long as Harry agrees to pay the rental rate, Warring won’t press charges.”

  “That’s generous of him,” she said. “What about the mercantile? Was he the intruder Quinn found?”

  “He denies it. And since Quinn didn’t get a good look at the man, there’s no way to know for sure.”

  “You’ve got good instincts. What do you think?”

  He exhaled roughly. “I think he’s a frightened young man who’s found himself in desperate circumstances.”

  “Has he spoken of Eli or his sister?”

  “Not yet. I’m hoping seeing you will persuade him. He chose you, after all, to care for his nephew.”

  Isabel hoped he was right.

  At the jail, Harry was sprawled on a cot, one arm thrown over his face, when she and Ben entered.

  “I’ve brought you a visitor.” Ben removed the key ring from his belt and unlocked the cell door, throwing it wide.

  Harry planted his boots on the floor and sat up, his confused gaze sliding from Ben to Isabel. His tousled hair was a light brown hue. His scraggly beard couldn’t detract from his pleasant features. He was younger than she’d thought, about her age.

  “What’s she doing here?”

  She clasped her hands at her waist. “Hello, Harry. Or should I call you Happy?”

  Grief flashed in his blue eyes—the same as Eli’s—before he covered it with false apathy. “How’d you figure it out? Did the boy tell you my real name?”

  “How about we not discuss this through the bars? Have a seat out here.” Ben dragged a chair near the cell.

  Isabel chose one beside Shane’s desk. Ben propped his weight on his desk, long legs stretched out in front of him.

  Harry obeyed, smoothing his hair with a trembling hand. His expression was wary as he shifted on the hard wood.

  “How about you start at the beginning?” Ben prompted.

  When Harry pursed his lips and stared at anything but them, Isabel spoke softly. “I know you care about your nephew.”

  Scruffy eyebrows tugged close, he rubbed a jagged gouge in the chair arm with his thumb.

  She leaned forward. “What happened to Annie? Did she pass away during the birth?”

  Harry’s harsh inhale was loud in the room. Eyes awash in sorrow, his throat convulsed. “How do you know about that? I shielded Eli from what was happening. I didn’t want him to see his ma...” Bowing his head, he gripped the bridge of his nose.

  Ben shot Isabel a quick glance. “The boy mentioned that he had a sibling. He hasn’t shared any other details, however.”

  The room was quiet save for the wood crackling in the stove and the occasional loud conversations of people passing the jail. Harry finally lifted his head to look at her.

  “How is he?”

  “He’s as good as an abandoned child could hope to be.” Anger warred with sympathy. “I understand you’re in mourning, but I’d like an explanation. I’ve been caring for Eli as if he were my own. I believe I deserve to know why you chose to leave him on my doorstep, don’t you?”

  Harry sighed. “It’s not a nice tale. A fine lady like you wouldn’t understand.”

  “I assure you, I’m acquainted with the unsavory side of life.”

  Ben removed his gloves and tossed them on the desk. “Isabel can handle whatever you have to say.”

  “We paid a visit to your grandmother’s home,” she added. If they couldn’t convince him to confide in them, he’d leave this jail and possibly skip town for good. “We know about Wesley.”

  Harry bolted out of his seat. Ben had his weapon drawn in the blink of an eye.

  “Sit down, Howell.”

  Fury blazing, Harry dropped into the chair and gripped the arms until his knuckles went white. Through clenched teeth, he rattled off a few unsavory words.

  Ben glowered at him. “I’d thank you to watch your language.”

  “My apologies, ma’am. I can’t think about that man without wantin’ to strangle the life out of him. He’s a lyin’, thievin’ scoundrel. He took advantage of my sister. Duped her into believing he cared. But then he—” He clamped his lips together.

  Sheathing his weapon, Ben paced to the window and leaned his weight against the wall. “This would be easier if you’d tell us the entire account, start to back.”

  “And what then? You gonna stick me in that cell again?”

  “After you’ve satisfied our questions, you’re free to go.”

  “Our parents died several years ago. Cholera. We went to live with Grandma Ethel. I dealt with the change all right, but Annie missed our home. She’d left friends behind. She was lonely. Prime pickings for a blackguard like Wesley Norton. I didn’t trust him from the moment I laid eyes on him. Grandma wouldn’t listen. She and my sister believed his pitiful story.”

  “Did they marry?” Isabel said.

  “Nope, not even after it got out that she was expecting.”

  “The sheriff there didn’t act like he knew you existed. Did you not go into town?”

  “Rarely. My grandma was what you’d call a recluse. And after Annie got pregnant, there was no question of us mingling with polite folk.” Old memories reflected in his eyes. Pain was there. And guilt. “Once Eli came, Wes started taking off for weeks at a time. Annie was devastated, but she’d always forgive him. He had no interest in being a father. I’m more a pa to that boy than Wes ever was.”

  “Where is he now?”

  Harry frowned. “I don’t know.”

  Ben shifted his stance. “Is he aware that Annie’s gone, along with his second child, too?”

  Harry’s lips parted and, for a split second, denial was stamped over his features. Then his gaze slid to the floor.

  Isabel’s heart thudded. “Her baby didn’t die,” she murmured, willing it to be true.

  Ben came to stand beside her chair, his hand resting on her shoulder. “Harry, what happened to the baby?”

  The young man before them seemed to age before their eyes. He bore the weight of the world on his shoulders.

  “Wes was livid when he learned she was expecting again. He started throwing stuff. Yelling. Scared my grandma out of her wits. I got my rifle and ran him off the property. The next day, I packed up our meager belongings and moved Annie and Eli to the outskirts of Gatlinburg. We lived in anticipation of his retaliation. They weren’t married. And Wes didn’t care to be a father, but he considered Annie and Eli his possessions. We were well aware that he wouldn’t take kindly to us up and disappearing like that.”

  “What about Ethel?” Ben probed. “She wasn’t scared?”


  “She was, sure, but she was also a stubborn old coot. We tried to convince her to come with us. She refused. We didn’t tell her where we were going in case Wesley tried to coerce her to spill the beans.” Harry stroked his beard. “The three of us found an abandoned hunter’s shack. We struggled to put enough food on the table. I hunted and fished, but there weren’t a lot of vegetables to be had, and I made infrequent trips to town. I sometimes wonder if I made the right decision, moving Annie in her condition. Toward the end, she was weak. Maybe if she’d had more to eat, more milk and fresh eggs...” He broke off, unable to continue, sorrow a visible cloud around him.

  Ben’s fingers flexed. Isabel lifted her hand and covered his, the feel of skin upon skin a welcome distraction from the powerful grief they were witnessing.

  “The baby came early,” he rasped. “I tried to help Annie. By the time I realized she was in trouble, it was too late to fetch anyone. She lingered long enough to tell me what to do for the baby. And to name her. Fran Ruby Norton.”

  Unable to remain detached, Isabel stood and crossed to the broken man. Kneeling before him, she placed her hand on his arm. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”

  His mouth pursed. “You’ve a kind heart, ma’am. And brave. That’s why I picked you. The way you handled Wes in that bank alley, I knew you were the right person to take in my nephew.”

  Isabel stared at him in confusion. “What are you saying, Harry? The man in that alley was Theron Franklin.”

  “Theron doesn’t exist. At least, not anymore. Wes killed him and assumed his name.”

  Isabel twisted to meet Ben’s arrested gaze. “You know what this means?”

  “Our thief is Eli’s father.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  “You were there that night and didn’t try to intervene?” Ben demanded, feeling his blood pressure rise. “What if I hadn’t come along? Would you have left her to Wes’s mercy?”

  Harry held up his hands. “I had Eli with me. Keeping him safe was my first priority. I made a promise to my sister.”

  Not pacified, Ben pressed on. “How did you even know he was in town?”

  “Eli and I came to the mercantile for supplies. We didn’t come often, and when we did, I made sure we didn’t draw attention to ourselves. I caught sight of Wes as we were leaving. We ducked into the alleyway and stayed there until sundown.”

  “I can’t believe he is Eli’s father.” Isabel kneaded her forehead. “That man is dangerous. He would’ve killed me had he gotten the chance. The wanted poster said he murdered an innocent man. It’s a good thing you got your sister and Eli away from him.”

  “What happened to the baby?” Ben asked. “How did you care for her?”

  “I was scared out of my mind,” Harry said. “I had no idea what to do. Even if my grandma had been alive, I wouldn’t have taken Fran back there. Too risky. I packed our meager belongings and headed for Cades Cove. Grandma used to tell us about some friends she had there. A pastor and his wife. Thought I’d look them up and appeal for help.”

  “And did they help you?”

  His features softened with remembered relief. “They agreed to care for her until they could find a permanent home.”

  “How long ago was this?” Isabel glanced at Ben, and he could read her intent.

  “Mid-October. Fran was born on the fifth, and we went to Cades Cove about a week later.”

  “She’s two and a half months old,” Isabel murmured. “Lots of couples would want to adopt her, I’m certain.”

  “I haven’t received word. We agreed it would be best not to correspond for a while.” Guilt and regret was stamped upon Harry’s features. “They offered to take Eli, too. I thought I could keep him with me. However, the more time that passed, I realized how much I wasn’t able to do for him. I was too ashamed to admit I’d failed, so I picked you to be Eli’s caretaker.”

  The young man cared about his niece and nephew in his own way. He’d been put in a tough position and hadn’t had anyone to guide him. No one to turn to for advice. Still, he’d made poor choices.

  “What’s your plan, Howell? Were you going to leave town and never look back?”

  He flinched. “I know what you probably think of me. Those kids are my blood kin. Annie’s offspring. She wouldn’t be pleased at what I’ve done, but I can’t take care of a newborn! Eli’s old enough, I guess, but I don’t have enough to put food in my own belly, let alone a kid’s. I couldn’t provide for Annie. Look what happened to her.” He shook his head, his eyes bleak. “No, they’re both better off with folks who can provide a good, safe home.” His gaze traveled to Isabel. “You are planning on keeping him, right?”

  “You took a huge risk, you know,” she chided. “Judging me based on a single encounter. I could’ve been a cruel person.”

  “But you’re not.”

  “I choose to believe God had His hand on this situation. I care about Eli. To answer your question, I’ve contacted a lawyer. That’s why I’ve been desperate to find you. He advised me to get as many answers about Eli’s guardian or parentage as possible before starting legal proceedings.”

  Harry visibly relaxed.

  “Are there any relatives who would fight Isabel’s petition?” Ben said.

  “No. There’s no one.”

  “Harry, I’d like to meet Fran. Would you take me?”

  He jammed a thumb against his chest. “Me? Now?”

  Ben smothered a groan. “Isabel—”

  “Yes. Will you?”

  Harry didn’t consider her request long before agreeing. “Sure. I’ll take you. I’ll need a horse, though.”

  “Isabel, I’d like a word with you in private.” Ben pointed to the cell. “Howell, you wait in here.”

  Though he didn’t look pleased about it, Harry did as Ben instructed, plopping on the cot and leveraging his boot against the bars.

  Outside on the boardwalk, Isabel crossed her arms and jutted her chin. “Don’t try to dissuade me, Ben. You won’t succeed.”

  “I know what you’re thinking. The chances that Eli’s sister hasn’t yet found a family are low. You said it yourself. Who can resist a helpless infant?”

  Her ire dissolved. Stepping close, she laid her hand on his arm. “At this point, I only wish to meet her. Fran is Eli’s sister. He should be allowed to know her. If she has been taken in, I’d like to talk to her caretakers and learn if they’d be willing to foster a relationship between them.”

  “Sounds reasonable.” He wasn’t convinced there wasn’t more to it, though. “I don’t want you to be disappointed. Or hurt.”

  “You can’t protect me from those things, Deputy, but you can be around to offer me a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on if I need it.”

  His chest tightened. He wouldn’t make promises he couldn’t keep. This case was almost complete, ready to be tied up with a shiny ribbon like a Christmas present. Then he’d have to do what he’d been dreading...say goodbye to Isabel.

  “I’m not letting you go to Cades Cove without me,” he warned.

  “I wouldn’t dream of leaving you behind.”

  * * *

  Isabel wasn’t willing to examine too closely her consuming determination to meet Eli’s sister. Ben’s frequent, contemplative glances as they made the brief journey to Cades Cove threatened to unravel her composure. He thought she was fooling herself. Perhaps she was.

  Nerves assailed her when they crested the final ridge and the picturesque valley with a patchwork of winding streams, pastures and tidy farms greeted her. By unspoken agreement, they paused to take in the view. Ben and his steed stood between her and Harry. He wore resolve like a second skin, his hard-edged lawman persona firmly in place. Harry’s freshly shaven face bore witness to his inner conflict. Ben had taken him to his place to wash up. He’d eve
n lent him a fresh shirt. His kindness was one of the many things she loved about him.

  Isabel closed her eyes tight. Loved? Truly?

  Had she done the unthinkable?

  She sensed movement beside her. “Isabel?”

  Opening her eyes, she found Ben’s gaze locked on her, his forehead furrowed in concern. “Are you all right?”

  Floundering in the clear green depths, she acknowledged what her heart had been trying to tell her. She’d fallen for Ben MacGregor. She wasn’t the first, and she wouldn’t be the last. Pain shafted through her. This love had the power to wreck her.

  Unable to speak past the terrible emotions ravaging her, she nodded and urged Honey into motion. As they made their way down the mountain, she begged God to take away the feelings. She’d lived twenty-two years without Ben. Isabel couldn’t let one unusual Christmas—a few enchanted weeks spent with a man who’d awakened dreams long denied—destroy her future. God had not only blessed her with a home and loving sisters, He’d brought a special little boy into her life. Focusing on those things, instead of mourning what she’d never been promised, would surely carry her through this grief. It had to.

  When they’d reached level terrain, Harry relayed the direction of the pastor’s home. To distract her from her nervousness, she guided her mount even with his.

  “What are your plans for the future? Will you return to Ethel’s farm?”

  His gaze soaked in their surroundings. “That place never really was my home. I was toying with the notion of returning to my parents’ old place. Selling Grandma’s farm would give me enough funds for a fresh start.”

  Her next question was hard to pose, but she had to be sure. “And if you were to be successful, is there a possibility you’d change your mind about Eli?”

  “You don’t have to worry, Miss Flores. I love my nephew, but I ain’t ready to be a pa. I’ll attest to that before a judge.”

  “What if, in the future—”

  “I wouldn’t do that to him, not after he’s settled in with you.” The corners of his eyes crinkled. “I would appreciate it if you’d let me visit from time to time.”

  “As long as you’re not in the state Ben and the other men found you in.”