Partners in Justice and Love: A Historical Western Romance Book

by Lorelei Brogan

  Logan eyed Tom, hesitant to share his fears. “I will admit that I have feelings for her, but it’s not that easy,” he sighed.

  Tom nodded, all too familiar with the nagging fear of inadequacy. “When I came back from the war, I was a far different man than the one who’d been forced into service years prior. My surroundings had toughened me, and my demeanor had been hardened along the way. Though I never wanted to be a soldier, I trained long and hard to ensure that I would return to my family. I felt better prepared for the life that lay ahead of me in every aspect but one. And that one remaining fear came to fruition the day I met Janie.”

  Tom leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table and recalling those first days of their relationship. Noticing that he’d struck a chord with Logan, he continued. “I’m not a fighter, by nature, but it’s a skill that can be learned. While at war, the lines were clear. You’re on one side, and your opponent is on the other. There is never any question of what you are to do. But when it came to Janie, I felt lost. I feared that I would never be able to support and care for her the way that she needed. I wanted a calculated answer for the steps I should take to ensure my success before I was willing to commit. But Janie, in all her grace, reminded me that life doesn’t always work that way. She assured me that whatever lay ahead of us, we would face it together. And Janie made it seem alright that I didn’t always know what to do. If there is one thing that I can tell you about Sara, with utmost certainty, it is that she shares in that gracefulness. You won’t have to be perfect as long as you’re genuine.”

  Realizing that he had delayed Logan’s departure for far longer than he had intended, Tom rose to go. “I know that you need to get to work, but you ought to think things over. I would hate to see you miss your opportunity over the same fears that I found so much happiness on the other side of.”

  Logan followed Tom to the door, watching as Janie met him in the yard. The genuine joy in her eyes evidenced that Tom knew what he was talking about. And a part of Logan yearned for Sara to look at him the way that Janie looked at Tom. He turned and closed the door behind him. Heading for the barn, he glanced back at the house, catching sight of Sara gazing out of her bedroom window. Their eyes met for only a moment, but it was long enough to send his heart pounding.

  Saddling up, Logan rode out of the yard toward Oakmede. Sheriff Graves had been expecting him far earlier than this, but he rode slowly anyway. His head now reeled with the need to speak with Sara. Tom’s advice seemed sound, but there was still far more to it than he was considering.

  Logan had promised himself a long time ago that he would never do anything that might hurt his sister, and telling Sara the truth about Tom’s debt was likely to do just that. Janie was sure to find out if he revealed the truth to Sara. But what could be a worse way to begin a relationship than with secrets and lies?

  As he rode along, he wondered what Sara thought of him now. Did she believe that he had simply deserted his family six months ago? If that were true, then why would she even consider courting him? If things were to go anywhere, Sara needed to know that he was a man worthy of her hand. Sure, he’d worked alongside her to free Tom, but one noble act would not overrule such a grim impression as that of a deserter.

  The sun now hung high in the eastern sky, blazing down around Logan. He tipped the brim of his hat down, shading his face from the heat. One thing was certain…he did not stand a chance with Sara if he didn’t approach her with his hopes. Whatever might come after that, he would simply have to accept. Arriving at the sheriff’s office, he led his horse to the stable out back and tried to force these wandering thoughts from his mind. He needed to be focused on the day ahead, and there was nothing he could do from town anyway.

  Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Tom was enjoying the opportunity to reconnect with his boys. He and Janie sat on the swing on the veranda, basking in the gentle breeze as the boys chased after their puppy in the yard. Even in the time that they’d had him, the dog had grown considerably. Charley and Carter no longer had to be quite so gentle with him, and he could knock Carter to the ground with a good pounce. Tom chuckled at the sheer joy in their faces.

  “I can see that they’ve had their minds preoccupied as of late. I’m glad to know that things haven’t worn on them as much as I had expected they would.”

  “Yes, they are happily unaware of most of what happened. As for their furry distraction, we have Mr. and Mrs. Langley to thank for him,” Janie explained.

  Tom smiled. “Yes, the Langleys’ have such kind hearts. I’m so glad to know that they were looking out for you all.”

  “Yes, they’ve been wonderful, though I don’t think anyone has been as great of help as Sara has. I don’t know what I would have done without her. She jumped in, lending a willing hand wherever it was needed. The simple fact that she pulled together the money to come says so much.” Janie pressed her toes against the wooden floor of the veranda, gently pushing the swing back into motion.

  “That does not surprise me,” Tom nodded. “Sara has always been the type to serve in the most practical of ways. It seems that Mother’s needs have increased steadily over the years, yet Sara has never shied away from meeting them. Whatever needs to be done, she finds some way to handle things.”

  “I felt terrible for pulling her away from your mother, but I couldn’t see any way of handling all of this by myself. Sara’s done so much more than I could’ve dared to ask for. And I know that your mother undoubtedly needs her to return, but I do hope that she’ll take at least a little time to relax before she leaves here.”

  “Yes,” Tom agreed. “I am hoping that she’ll stay for a while myself.” His eyes drifted across the yard to the bunkhouse, and his conversation with Logan returned to his mind.

  Tom and Janie’s conversation soon dropped as Sara came out of the front door carrying a large basket. Though she hadn’t been listening in, she had been able to hear a steady exchange. Their sudden silence caught her attention.

  “I hope I didn’t interrupt anything,” she said. “I was only going out to gather the clothes off the line.”

  “You’re not interrupting at all,” Tom shook his head. “And those clothes can wait. You haven’t slowed down since I got home, and from what I’ve heard, since you arrived here. Come and sit down.”

  Sara smiled but shook her head. “Thank you, but there are things that need to be done. Besides, you need a chance to catch up with each other.”

  “Thank you, but Tom’s right,” Janie insisted. “You’ve been of so much help to me already. Everything else can wait.”

  “I wanted to talk to you anyway. I haven’t had much chance to write to Mother in recent months. How is she?” Tom asked.

  Seeing that she wouldn’t convince them otherwise, Sara put her basket down and leaned against the rail. “Mother is doing alright. She’s struggled with her health a bit over the last year. She has her good days and her bad ones, but thankfully they are still mostly good.”

  “I’m glad for that,” Tom nodded. “Is she staying with someone while you are here?”

  “No, but I arranged for Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins to check in on her. I know that they will not let me down. She’s in good hands.”

  “Yes, I’m sure,” Tom said, glancing at Janie. “In that case, Janie and I were hoping that you might stay with us for a while longer. I’ve missed you terribly. And from what I hear, the boys have grown ever so fond of you.”

  Sara hesitated, wanting nothing more than to accept their invitation. But she knew that returning to Baltimore was inevitable. “Thank you, I’ve come to feel quite at home here. But Mother’s immediate care isn’t the only thing to be considered. She has no income of her own anymore. She’s entirely dependent upon me, and I’m sure that the savings she’s been living off are dwindling.”

  “Surely such things can be tended to,” Tom insisted. “I miss Mother dearly, and her well-being is of the utmost importance to me, but I finally have you here. Won’t you stay for a littl
e while?”

  Sara hesitated. Her eyes drifted across the yard toward the bunkhouse against her will. “I might be able to spare one more week, but I’ve already stayed far longer than I intended to. I need my job at the factory, and I can only hope that it will still be waiting for me upon my return.”

  “Very well, I understand,” Tom ceded. “Then we shall make the most of the time you have left here.”

  Sara agreed and returned to her laundry. Later that evening, as everyone gathered around the dining room table for supper, Sara remained unusually quiet. Her heart seemed filled to the brim and broken at the same time. The life she’d come to love here was quickly slipping away between her fingers, and she felt guilty for not wishing to return to her mother.

  Logan returned to the ranch just in time for supper. Despite having much work to do in order to clean up Levi’s hold on the town, Logan’s mind remained focused on Sara. After tending to his horse he stepped inside the main house, removing his boots and hat before joining everyone in the dining room.

  “So, how are things looking now that you’ve really had a chance to step into the job of deputy?” Tom asked, passing Logan a roll. “You stayed in town much later than I thought you would.”

  Logan nodded. “It seems that there is a lot that needs to be looked into. There have been numerous complaints filed concerning Moran over the past several years that were never addressed. Many of them are so outdated that I can’t reasonably reopen the issues now, but some of them are far too complicated to let lie.”

  “Will Levi be your main focus then?” Janie asked.

  “That wasn’t my intention, but it does seem the most appropriate place to begin considering he stands at the center of most of the problems in the town.”

  “Good,” Janie retorted. “That man needs to know that his actions will not be tolerated any longer.”

  “Yes, I agree,” Logan said. He started to continue with his thought but caught sight of Sara calmly observing him. Somehow his focus left him when their eyes met. It was both intriguing and frustrating for Logan, as no woman had ever held such a power over him.

  Sara smiled slightly, enjoying his fervor for the justice he intended to bring to Oakmede. If Levi’s crimes could be brought under control, Oakmede would return to being the ideal place to raise a family. Though she tried to deny it, such thoughts had lingered in her mind frequently as of late.

  Tom grinned, catching sight of Sara and Logan locked in a momentary gaze. Regardless of what Sara had said concerning her return to Baltimore, surely Logan could change her mind. Having plated everyone’s food, Janie joined them and their meal began.

  “I ran into Genevieve Langley this afternoon,” Logan informed. “She was ecstatic to learn of Tom’s freedom, and she and James have invited us to town for supper to celebrate.”

  “Oh, how exciting!” Janie beamed. “That was very thoughtful of them.”

  “Yes, I agree. I told James that we would gladly accept, and if the time didn’t work out, then I would let him know. Genevieve is hoping for tomorrow night.”

  Sara sat back, intrigued by the idea of a celebration. It seemed so fitting, now that all their hopes had finally come to fruition.

  “Tomorrow will work splendidly,” Tom confirmed. I owe them a huge debt of gratitude for their concern in my absence.”

  “Wonderful. Then I’ll let them know in the morning.” Logan nodded his approval, glancing at Sara.

  Sara smiled at Logan, eager for the opportunity to spend an evening with him. Finally, there was no longer a pressing need for her to avoid his attention. And if she were to have any future in Oakmede, it was high time she found out for sure.

  Chapter 15

  The following day, Sara watched as the ranch came back to life. With Tom having settled back in, chores returned to their usual routine, and a newfound joy rested over everything.

  Everyone cheerily went about their business, each knowing what they must do to contribute to the day. Sara was both overjoyed and a bit solemn at the same time. Seeing everyone in such a happy state was a relief. Yet, with all hands being put back to work, she quickly discovered that her help was not needed. Nonetheless, a glimmer of hope still remained. She only needed to know if she still had a purpose here.

  After lunchtime had passed, the usual business of the afternoon was put on hold. The prospect of an evening in town with friends was just the distraction they all needed. Janie and Sara cleared the lunch dishes before each going off to change into attire that was more fitting for an evening out.

  In her room, Sara searched through her dresses once again. Today, there would be no need to avoid seeming flirtatious. She reached for the elaborate dress that she’d avoided on her last outing with Logan.

  Pulling it over her underclothes, she began fastening the long line of buttons that ran up the back. Though she usually wore her hair plain, hanging at its full length, she instead brushed through it, pinning it into a loose bun with wisps gently framing her face. The feeling of dressing up for someone made her heart flutter.

  Tom and Logan had remained in the sitting room with Charley and Carter, keeping the boys amused while the women prepared for the evening. The boys playfully chased the dog around, crawling on all fours and giggling as the animal would rush in to lick them. Tom chuckled, having missed them ever so much. Hearing Sara’s bedroom door open, Tom smiled and glanced at Logan, urging him to turn around.

  Following Tom’s clue, Logan turned and caught a glimpse of Sara such as he’d never seen before. He smiled, quickly rising to his feet. Sara avoided his gaze, not wishing to seem too forward.

  Logan cleared his throat. “You look lovely, if I may say so,” he complimented.

  “Thank you. That’s very kind,” Sara smiled, no longer able to avert her eyes. “Is Janie ready?”

  “I’m sure she will be very soon,” Tom replied. “I'll go and check on her.” He gave one more discreet glance at Logan before disappearing through his bedroom door.

  Logan remained captivated by the sight of the woman in front of him. Finally noticing that he’d been staring, he stepped back toward the couch. “I suppose we might as well sit until Janie is ready to leave,” he urged.

  Sara nodded and joined him.

  “I’ve never seen you wear a dress that pretty,” Charley innocently chimed in. “I like it.”

  “Thank you, darling,” Sara laughed, giving him a quick hug. “I suppose I simply haven’t had an occasion to pull it from the closet yet.”

  Despite Logan’s best efforts, his search for something fitting to say came up empty. So, he and Sara remained on the couch together in comfortable silence. Somehow, words were not needed. Janie and Tom soon returned to the sitting room, urging everyone to start out toward the barn.

  “You look lovely,” Janie whispered to Sara as they waited for the men to hitch the wagon. She flashed her a knowing grin. “Logan seems to have taken notice, as well.”

  Sara tried her best to seem uninterested. “Thank you. I only thought it appropriate for such a celebration. We’re all glad to have Tom back.”

  Janie nodded but remained focused on Sara’s expression. “Are you sure that’s the only reason for it?”

  Sara met Janie’s gaze. “Of course, what other reason would there be?” She knew her efforts to remain nonchalant were failing, as Janie evidently saw right through her.

  Janie smiled and shrugged, dropping the subject. “As much as I do hope you’ll choose to stay here with us, whether you do or not I’m glad we all have a chance to unwind together. I feel bad that your entire visit has been riddled with such stress. I’d wished to show you a much lighter side of Oakmede.”

  “Despite the reason for my visit, I’ve enjoyed it just the same,” she assured her. “I can see now where your fascination with the place came from. It’s a lovely place to call home.”