Worry shadowed Carrianna's eyes as she tucked and pinned. “What does Rusty think about running for mayor? I'll bet he's excited."
"A little. He's not sure he's qualified for the position."
"Better him than Silverstone,” Carrianna mumbled around the pins. “I can't believe the town council would nominate him after the way he covered for the mayor."
Lacy shrugged, earning a sharp reprimand from Carrianna. “Oops. Sorry. I think Mr. Silverstone was blind to the mayor's faults—much as everyone else was. He can't be blamed for not knowing."
"Well.” Carrianna sounded doubtful. “Maybe you're right, and my Pa would definitely agree with you. I feel sorry for Mary Ann, though. Everyone's whispering behind her back about her grandfather."
"I know that feeling. Remember when the mayor spread those rumors about Grandpa drinking on the job?” Carrianna nodded and Lacy continued, “I knew they weren't true, but I also knew I couldn't convince everyone, so I said nothing."
"Mary Ann's not like you,” Carrianna pointed out. “You could care less what other people think as long as you know it isn't true. Social standing is everything to Mary Ann, and she relied a lot on her grandfather's reputation."
"You're right.” Lacy sighed, wishing Carrianna would finish. She was getting tired of standing in one place and the sounds from the window beckoned her.
Carrianna worked her way from the shoulder to the waist, tucking and pinning. After a moment, she froze. “Lacy?"
"Hmm?"
"I think you might have a problem."
Something in her tone alerted Lacy. She frowned and glanced down. “What is it? I'm sure we can fix it.... “She met Carrianna's wide-eyed gaze. “What?"
Sitting back on her heels, Carrianna removed the pins from her mouth and said with obvious hesitation, “I've helped you make dresses for yourself, right?"
Still frowning, Lacy nodded, encouraging her to continue.
"I know your measurements like the back of my hand, and this doesn't make sense unless...."
Lacy placed a hand on her left hip and glowered at Carrianna. “What doesn't make sense? Spit it out, Carrie."
"You've lost weight everywhere but your waist. And you've been sick."
Lacy snapped her mouth closed, staring at her friend as if she suddenly turned into a horned toad. “Are you saying what I think you're saying? You think I'm pregnant?” Her voice rose on the last word, then quickly lowered as she continued, shock thrumming through her. “I can't be pregnant ... can I?"
Carrianna gazed at her with deeply shadowed eyes. Color crept into her creamy complexion. “Did you ... did you and Adam...?"
Instead of blushing, Lacy grew pale as she realized how long it had been since her last monthly flow. Dear heavens, she was going to have Adam's baby! A surge of joy seized her, almost immediately followed by terror. She grabbed Carrianna's shoulders and shook her earnestly. “You can't tell a soul, Carrie. Promise me. Promise me you won't mention this to Adam if he comes back."
"I—I promise. But Lacy, what if he doesn't come back? You'll have to go to him at the ranch."
Lacy dropped her hands, the joy she'd felt on realizing she was going to have the child she'd always wanted sinking into despair. She didn't want Adam to know, because she wanted him to want her for herself. She wanted his decision, whatever it was, to be something he would be happy with the rest of his life.
And if he decided he didn't want her in his life, she would leave Shadow City to have the baby. She wouldn't shame Grandpa, although she knew her grandfather would stand by her.
She grabbed for the bed post as dizziness washed over her. Victoria. She could stay with Victoria until the baby was born, then she could come back home. No one would think to doubt her story of an orphaned baby, not after Ben and Takola.
The possibility that she would have to lie to the world about her own baby made her sick. Adam's baby.
Leaving Carrianna sitting on the floor, Lacy stumbled to the open window and fresh air. She looked to the left in the direction of town. The new jailhouse was nearly finished and soon the town council would appoint a new sheriff, since Adam was gone and Grandpa would likely be elected mayor. The streets were swarming with activity as people prepared for the upcoming celebration on the morrow. Although it was a yearly event, Lacy sensed an eagerness in the air that had not always been there, not since the death of Colt Murddock.
She knew why. The townspeople knew the truth now, and the shadow that had hung over the celebration of the town's birth for the last fifteen years was gone. Their hero did not die a coward's death, but died in the name of sacrifice and love. A dedication to Colt Murddock was planned, and a monument fashioned in his honor.
Adam would be proud, she thought, leaning her head against the windowpane. Behind her, she heard the rustling of Carrianna's skirts as she got to her feet. Lacy needed time alone to think about things, but she didn't want to hurt her friend's feelings.
Carrianna seemed to read Lacy's mind. “If you'll take that dress off, I can start the alterations.” Her voice was gentle, sympathetic. It brought tears to Lacy's eyes, tears that her friend couldn't see. “If you don't mind, I'll take it home and work on it so I can be there if Pa needs me."
Lacy moved away from the open window and began to take the dress off. She felt scared and euphoric, a combination that sizzled her nerves and made her stomach lurch in protest.
Adam had promised Ben he would return in time for the celebration. Tomorrow she would know if he told the truth.
Tomorrow she would know her future.
* * * *
The day of the celebration was bright and beautiful, with clear, almost painfully blue skies. At noon, people began to drift toward the center of the park to gather at the hastily built platform. There, the results of the election would be announced.
Lacy felt like a princess in her new lavender dress. Carrianna had loaned her a lacy black parasol and Takola had made her a beautiful beaded purse to hang from her wrist. As she approached the crowd gathered around the platform with Takola at her side, she smiled and waved at Ben, who manned a booth that served cold apple cider. Grandpa stood a short distance from the booth, surrounded by his supporters. Clean shaven and dressed in a light blue suit with a white satin vest, Lacy thought he looked very handsome.
The only thing missing from this perfect day was Adam Logan.
Lacy smiled and nodded until she thought her face would crack from the strain. She didn't feel happy, could not share in the exuberance of the crowd. Her gaze continued to wander among the press of people wearing their Sunday best, looking for Adam. The longer she looked, the lower her spirits sank.
A tap on her shoulder brought her whirling around, her heart leaping into her throat. When she focused on Lester Salvage's worried face, she masked her disappointment with a bright smile. “Mr. Salvage! Where's Victoria, didn't you bring her? And the girls...."
"She's havin’ her baby, Miz Ross, and she sent me to get you.” He twisted his hat between nervous fingers. “I know you're busy and all, but she's having a rough time of it and I didn't know if the doc here would, well.... “He trailed off into frustrated silence.
Lacy didn't hesitate. She grabbed Takola's hand and signaled to her grandfather, who promptly left the small crowd of people and came to her. “Grandpa, Victoria's having her baby and she wants me. Keep an eye on Ben and good luck with the election.” She bussed his check and followed Lester's stocky figure to the waiting wagon before he could respond. Along the way, she spotted Dr. Martin sampling jellies at a display booth. She detoured with Takola in hand.
"Dr. Martin! Victoria Salvage is in labor. I'm going, but she may need your help."
"Send for me, if you need me,” Dr. Martin said, popping a biscuit filled with jelly into his mouth. He swallowed. “You've helped with birthing before?"
Lacy nodded, opening her mouth to explain to him the extent of her knowledge, but Dr. Martin cut her off with soothing words.
"
You'll do just fine, Miz Ross, and she will probably be more comfortable with you."
Lacy closed her mouth and headed for the waiting wagon, relieved to know Dr. Martin would come if needed. Once in the wagon seat, Lester slapped the reins over the two horses and they took off at a mad gallop. Lacy and Takola gripped the seat and exchanged a grin.
They reached the homestead in half the time it had taken her and Adam that unforgettable day. Jesse and Tory raced out to meet them, their little faces pinched with worry. Without a word exchanged between them, Takola understood what to do. She would keep the girls occupied while Lester and Lacy looked after Victoria.
They found Victoria in obvious pain. She was stretched out on the bed, a piece of thick leather clenched between her teeth. Sweat poured from her face. When she caught sight of Lacy, she managed a grimace that hardly resembled the smile she intended. “Big baby,” she panted, stiffening as another pain gripped her tiny frame.
Lacy rushed to her side and offered her hand, which Victoria immediately took and squeezed until Lacy felt like screaming herself.
Gallantly, Victoria kept the scream locked inside as the pain crested, then subsided. Between pants of breath, she said, “Must push on my stomach, help me."
Lacy froze, her eyes wide and fearful. She had participated in several births after the death of the old doctor, before Dr. Martin arrived, but they had never involved anything that sounded so dangerous. Holding the woman's hand was the extent of her experience. As she hesitated, thinking they should send for Dr. Martin, Victoria placed her hand on her hard stomach right above the navel.
"Push here!” the determined Indian woman nearly shouted.
Lacy pushed, biting her lip as Victoria strained and twisted on the bed. Lester was positioned to catch the baby and with a mighty heave, Victoria expelled the infant into his hands. Lacy's felt her face go chalky white.
Victoria laughed as Lester held the baby in the air, grinning proudly.
"It's a boy, just like you said, Vickie. A big boy."
"I knew it,” Victoria said, collapsing against the pillows.
Silently, Lacy slid to the floor in a dead faint.
* * * *
Lacy breathed in—and choked as she inhaled a lungful of ammonia. She struggled upright, pushing at the hand torturing her with that awful smell. Her stomach rolled ominously and for a tense moment, she thought she would be sick. She held herself still until the nausea passed, keeping her eyes tightly closed.
"Don't bring that near me again,” she ordered in a grumpy voice she hardly recognized.
"Should I expect this when we have our first baby?"
Lacy's eyes snapped open. She blinked rapidly, convinced she was hallucinating. Adam's face blurred, then came into sharp focus. Several emotions glimmered in his eyes: concern, love, and that familiar hungry look she recognized instantly.
And then his words sank in. He'd said something about a baby.... their baby. How did he know, when she'd only discovered it herself yesterday? Slowly, Lacy sat up. She looked around, bewildered to find herself on a small bed in an unfamiliar room. Beyond Adam, Takola, Jesse, Tory and Lester hovered in the doorway.
"I must have fainted,” she murmured, her stunned gaze going once again to Adam's beloved face. She searched his features with a hunger that matched his own. Heavens, how she had missed him. To her amazement, tears welled and began to tumble down her cheeks. She tried to blink them away but they just kept coming. “I don't know what's wrong with me. Victoria—"
"Is fine, and so is little Lester.” Lester ducked his head and smiled. “She insisted on naming him after me."
Adam cupped Lacy's shoulders and helped her sit upright. “Are you all right, now, darlin'?"
His low, husky voice spread weakness throughout her body. She hoped she wasn't expected to stand anytime soon. She glanced from one face to the other, before she slowly brought her gaze back to Adam. His hair was a little longer, his face darker, but otherwise he was the same man who held possession of her heart. “What—what are you doing here?” she whispered, surprised to find she could talk at all. Her throat felt saturated with still more tears waiting to be shed.
Adam smiled, a slow, lazy smile. His hands on her shoulders tightened and brought her forward as he kissed her tears away. He mumbled against her mouth, “I was looking for you, and Rusty told me I would find you here. I couldn't wait, so here I am."
He couldn't wait. She repeated the words in her mind, licking her lips and tasting the salt from her tears. When she glanced at the doorway again, she was startled to discover it empty. She was alone with Adam. How many times had she imagined this moment since he left? A thousand? A million?
But still he hadn't said the words she ached to hear. “Why did you come back?” Their mouths were less than an inch apart, their breaths mingling. She quivered, anticipating the feel of that bold, sensuous mouth claiming hers. She felt his smile.
"Because,” he said, nuzzling the corners of her mouth until she thought she would go mad, “I promised Ben. And ... I missed you. I can't live without you.” And then he kissed her, proving his words true.
Long moments later, they drew apart to fill their lungs with much needed air. Lacy was as pliable as soft butter in a warm room. Beneath her palm, his heart beat strong and steady and she closed her eyes against the painful pleasure of it. When Adam moved his hands up to cup her face, she looked at him and caught her breath at his serious, almost frightened expression.
"Will you marry me, Lacy Lynn Ross?"
Adam—doubtful? It was a new experience for Lacy. With a tenderness that threatened to consume her, she said, “Yes. I'll marry you, and I'll go wherever you want me to go.” She smiled at his huge sigh of relief.
"I've been offered the job as sheriff.” He matched her smile.
"Oh? And what did you say?” Lacy held her breath, telling herself it didn't matter. She would gladly follow him anywhere.
"I said yes.” Adam kissed her nose and tenderly traced her lips with his fingers.
Lacy trembled with happiness, scared to believe this moment was really happening. Boldly, she flicked her tongue over the tip of his questing finger. He growled low in his throat, a warning that rushed down to her toes. “What about your ranch?” she inquired softly.
"My brothers are perfectly capable of handling the ranch,” Adam said, exploring the shape of her ear. His eyes were hooded, his mouth taut with desire.
"Adam ... how did you know about the baby?"
Adam met her liquid gaze, his brows drawing together in a puzzled frown. “Rusty told me."
"Grandpa?” Lacy gaped. “Grandpa told you about the baby?"
"Yes. I went to the park first, and he told me you were here, helping Victoria with the baby."
Lacy slumped in his arms, chuckling. When he continued to stare at her in bewilderment, she relented, “I thought you were talking about our baby."
It was Adam's turn to freeze. His gaze stilled on her flushed face. When Lacy cocked an eyebrow at him, a look of wonder dawned in his eyes. “You mean—that is—we're going to have a baby?"
A wide smile spread across her mouth. She hadn't been sure how he would react, but his obvious elation was beyond her wildest dreams. “Yes. We're going to have a baby, too."
She was crushed in his arms for an eternity, and when she finally had to loosen the embrace to breathe, she saw that Adam's eyes were overly bright.
"You're beautiful,” he whispered.
"So are you,” Lacy countered, then laughed at his chagrined expression.
"That dress looks sumptuous on you, but I think you should take it off before it gets wrinkled.” He rose as he spoke, kicking the door shut and latching it.
When he turned back to her, Lacy's eyes widened to the extreme.
"Adam?"
"Hmm?” He began unbuttoning his shirt, his face a mask of innocence.
"Did you forget where we are?"
"Of course not, darlin'."
She tremb
led as he peeled his shirt off, baring his glorious chest to her avid gaze. “Do you think they'll mind?"
He smiled. “Do you think they don't already know?” he countered huskily. “I happen to know that Takola took the girls for a walk, and Lester is with Victoria."
"But.... “Lacy bit her lip in confusion. “But how did you know?"
His smile widened. “Because that's what I told them to do."
"Oh. In that case.... “Lacy held out her arms to him, her eyes glowing with desire and a happiness that surpassed any she had ever known before. “I love you,” she whispered.
"And I love you,” Adam said, striding into her waiting arms.
Epilogue
Ben sat at the bottom of the stairs with his chin in his hand, watching the two men pacing back and forth across the living room floor.
Adam passed Rusty, walked to the end of the room, then pivoted. He reached into his shirt pocket for the fifth time, removing the tiny silver star.
Rusty finished his lap and returned, growling at Adam as he gazed at the star. “Told you it might be a girl, you stubborn ass. She can't wear no star!"
"Just in case, old man. Just in case.” Adam began walking again, tense as a bowstring. What was taking so long? Victoria assured him everything was going fine, but damned if he'd wait much longer before going to see for himself.
He brushed Rusty's shoulder and considered slugging him just as he caught sight of Takola descending the stairs. He froze. Ben cocked his head around and Rusty came to stand beside Adam.
"Well, girl?” Rusty demanded when it appeared Adam couldn't find his tongue.
Suddenly, to the amazement of the three watching, Takola's mouth moved and sound emerged. Her voice was light and melodious as she said, “Girl. Lacy fine.” She smiled.
Adam broke loose from his paralysis and took the stairs two at a time. Ben was right behind him, and behind Ben Rusty came at a sprightly pace.
Secrets In The Shadows Page 27