The Husband Hunt (Smoky Mountain Matches)

by Kirst, Karen

  How she wished her ma was here to hold her. Or Granddad. Someone to lean on, someone to comfort her but also to remind her of what was at stake if she didn’t follow through with this wedding. Circumstances had forced her to be strong all her life. She couldn’t afford for weakness to triumph now.

  After a while, the sun’s warmth chased away her inward chill, and she sat there limp and defeated, unmindful of the beauty surrounding her.

  “Here you are, Sophia dear.” Cordelia appeared in front of her, her towering height blocking the sun’s rays. “Are you all right?”

  “I apologize for running out on everyone, but I couldn’t stay.” Gaze downcast, she plucked at the ruffles marching across her skirt.

  “Do you mind if I join you?”

  Sophie scooted over to make room. Please, Lord, I can’t take a lecture right now.

  Cordelia sat and meticulously arranged her lavender skirts before folding her white-gloved hands primly in her lap. “What a lovely garden,” she observed with approval. “Not as expansive or elaborate as my own, but still quite nice.”

  Raising her head, Sophie cast a sidelong look at her aunt. She didn’t appear perturbed in the slightest.

  “You must come and visit sometime,” she continued, still glancing around in interest. “There’s one room in particular I think you’d fancy. The rose room, all done up in soft mauves and pinks and greens with an enormous canopy overtop the bed. It has one of the finest views of the property.”

  “It sounds beautiful.” For the first time, a visit to Knoxville appealed to her. A visit on her terms.

  “It’s yours whenever and however long you’d like.” To her surprise, Cordelia smiled. It sat a bit awkwardly on her face, as if the muscles weren’t accustomed to such an action.

  “Thank you, Aunt. Perhaps after the wedding...”

  The smile faded and was replaced with a concerned pucker. She tipped her head, pastel feathers bobbing wildly. “I gather your current mood has something to do with Nathan, since it was his untimely arrival that drove you from the party. Have you and he had a spat?”

  “Not exactly.” Bowing her head, she recalled that agonizing interlude outside the church hours earlier, the hurt he’d inflicted with his brutal honesty. “He asked me to marry him,” she moaned.

  “Did he now? You regret refusing him, I take it,” her aunt observed dryly.

  “I had to. He was doing what he does best—rescuing me.” She gave a vehement head shake. “I couldn’t let him do it.”

  “Is that what you told him?”

  “Yes.”

  “You love him.”

  Sophie met her aunt’s direct gaze. “Yes.”

  “Hmm.” Her expression turned thoughtful. “What about Frank? What do you feel for him?”

  Guilt made her wince. How could she honor Frank when her heart belonged to Nathan? “He’s a sweet man. I care for him as a friend.”

  “I see.” Her pencil-thin brows met in the middle. “I confess to never having been in love. I admired and respected my husband. He was intelligent. Kind. We shared many similar opinions. We had a good life together.”

  Covering Cordelia’s clasped hands with one of her own, Sophie said, “After what you went through with Pa, it must’ve been extremely difficult to trust. To open up your heart and let someone in.”

  Her steel-blue eyes widened and, for a moment, Sophie braced herself for a sharp rebuff. Then she nodded resignedly. “You’re right. I’m not like you, Sophia. As much as Lester’s abandonment must have confused and hurt you, I’m glad he left. You and Will were better off without him.”

  Sorrow pierced her heart. “I miss my ma. My memories of her have faded over the years.... I had so little time with her. As for Granddad, I feel his absence every moment of the day.”

  Lifting a finger to wipe a tear from her cheek, Cordelia said, “Don’t fret, my dear. You don’t want to return to your guests looking like a drowned cat.” Then she tacked on an admission with an expression bordering on tender. “My time here hasn’t been as horrible as I’d feared it would be. Spending time with you, especially, has made it all worthwhile. I’m proud of you, Sophia.”

  The unexpected praise brought forth more tears. Fishing a handkerchief out of her reticule, Cordelia awkwardly patted her knee. “Come now, let’s stroll for a few minutes and let the fresh air calm you.”

  “What excuse will I give for my disappearing act?” Sophie sniffed.

  Cordelia shrugged. “Let them assume it was pre-wedding jitters.”

  “Bonnie will be livid.”

  Strolling side by side along the path, Cordelia said archly, “That woman is a menace. I believe I gave you the wrong gift, my dear. I should’ve purchased your future mother-in-law an extended vacation in the Orient.”

  * * *

  He couldn’t sleep. Every time he closed his eyes, the image of Sophie displaying that feminine garment—a personal gift he’d had no business seeing—mocked him.

  He was glad the day was over. It had been a rotten one. First, the disturbing sight of Landon with his parents in the service, smoldering with antagonism and making no attempt to preserve his happy-go-lucky facade. Then afterward, that heart-wrenching scene with Sophie. And finally, the intrusion on her bridal shower.

  If only his mind would settle and let him slip into slumber’s blessed oblivion. The desk clock ticking, the occasional creak and groan of the cabin and Caleb’s soft snoring across the hall were magnified in his ears.

  After a couple of hours of tossing and turning and fluffing his pillow in the futile hope it would get softer, Nathan gave up.

  Lighting the bedside lamp, he scooted up in bed and spent the next hour reading his Bible. He checked the clock again. It was four in the morning, an hour and a half earlier than his usual wake-up time, and pitch black outside. But he was wide awake. May as well go ahead and get a head start on the day.

  Dressing as quietly as possible, he carried his lamp downstairs and, instead of making coffee, made do with a sip of water from the ladle. He wasn’t hungry, anyway. Ma would be up shortly to make biscuits and fry up ham and eggs. He’d wait until then.

  Outside, the tranquil night wrapped around him, the air cool against his skin, the stars in the sky above winking like diamonds in a black-velvet skirt. Kerosene lamp dangling from his fingers, he leisurely traversed the dark yard toward the barn, where his cows were likely stirring from their straw beds. He’d need to change out their water and check the bedding to see if it needed more materials. Pulling open one of the heavy doors, he thought he heard Rusty, their new puppy, whine.

  “Rusty?” The door scraped along the ground as he pulled it closed. “Come here, boy.”

  Striding down the aisle, he glanced into the doorless stalls on either side, surprised all the animals were up and alert. He looped the lamp on a nail.

  Bracing his hands on his hips, he shook his head. “Couldn’t sleep, either, I take it.”

  A soft thump, like a rock hitting the far wall, had him swerving around. His pulse spiked. Adrenaline surged. Something wasn’t right. He could feel it in his bones.

  Creeping toward the last stall, footfalls absorbed by the straw-covered earth, his gaze swept from left to right. He wasn’t armed, so he kept his hands free and ready to defend.

  When he reached his destination, Nathan surged around the waist-high wall, half expecting to be tackled. But it was empty. No intruder here.

  A horse blanket in the corner rustled, and a rust-colored head popped out. He sighed. “There you are, you little scamp.”

  Starting forward, he picked up the shivering dog and huddled him close to his chest. “Next time, don’t scare me like that.”

  “I’m afraid there won’t be a next time.”

  Before Nathan could make a move, what felt like a shove
l collided with his head and blackness engulfed him.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Nathan stirred to the sounds of coursing water and birds far above whistling to each other. His head ached something fierce, and his ribs and stomach were sore. Why—

  The awful memories rushed in. Landon. The barn. The shovel.

  Opening his eyes, he squinted in the unrelenting sunlight, the heat and humidity already oppressive. How long had he been out? Struggling against the metal restraints binding his wrists behind his back and the thick ropes securing him to the tree trunk, he cast around the surrounding forest for his enemy. Landon’s horse munched on the grassy bank.

  “Finally, you’re awake.” Landon entered his field of vision, brandishing a pocketknife. “I thought I was going to have to upend a bucket of water over your head.”

  Nathan fought the dread and panic threatening to take hold. Think, O’Malley. There has to be a way out of this.

  His mouth felt stuffed with cotton. The remembrance of that single sip of water hours earlier tormented him. “What do you think you’re doing?”

  Squatting in front of him, Landon thumbed up his hat brim, an ugly scowl marring his features. “Do you know what I’ve been forced to endure these past days? Because of you, Ma bursts into tears every time I walk into the room, and Pa treats me as if I’m some sort of circus freak.” The blade glinted in the light. “No longer am I their beloved only son, capable of no wrong. Instead of looking on me with pride, they look at me with a mixture of pity and revulsion. All because of you and your interference.”

  “You’ve brought me here why?” He kept his gaze straight ahead and not on that knife. “To teach me a lesson?”

  “No.” Pushing to a standing position, Landon snapped closed the knife and stuffed it in his pocket. His cold gaze bore into Nathan’s, the complete lack of emotion worrying. “I see this more as an act of revenge. You see, I’m gonna ride outta here in a few minutes, leaving you to the mercy of the elements and nature. If the heat doesn’t get you, perhaps a mountain lion or bear will happen along.” A sick smile curling his lips, he gestured to the stream. “That serves two purposes. Not only will it draw animals, I like to think how seeing and hearing the water will torment you as the sun gets hotter and you get thirstier. So close, yet so far away....”

  Seizing the pail behind him, he dumped a heap of gutted fish at Nathan’s feet. To lure wild animals?

  Bile burned his throat. The man was more depraved than he’d realized. “There’s no way you’ll get away with this, Landon. There are too many people who can link my disappearance to you.”

  A fire ant crawled beneath his trousers. He shook his leg to dislodge it before it could bite him. He scoured the ground, wincing when he noticed the ant mound near his boot. Landon laughed at his predicament.

  “I don’t care if they do. You see, I’m leaving town. It’s time for a fresh start, compliments of my folks.” He patted a bulge in his left pocket.

  “You stole from your own parents? They’re good people. They don’t deserve that.” A fiery sting near his ankle meant he hadn’t been successful. He pulled his knees up to his chest.

  “I figure they deserve it for believing a stranger over their own flesh and blood.” Sauntering over to his horse, he grabbed hold of the reins and led the large animal closer. “I’m ready for some fresh faces. A new crop, if you know what I mean.” He wiggled his brows. “Ya know something though, I think before I leave town I should pay sweet Sophie a visit. She and I have some unfinished business.”

  Growling, Nathan strained against the ropes, ignoring how they dug into his flesh. “Don’t you dare go near her,” he snarled through clenched teeth.

  “You’ll never know if I did or didn’t, will you? I kind of hope the animals stay away. It’ll give you more time to worry over her possible fate.”

  When he vaulted into the saddle, Nathan struggled harder, but the ropes wouldn’t budge. He let his head fall back against the trunk, gasping as sharp pain vibrated through his skull. “If you touch her, Greene, my brothers will never stop looking for you.” He’d growled out the warning, hating the helplessness spreading through his chest.

  I’m begging You, God, please protect Sophie. It’s out of my hands. I was fooling myself to think I could control what happens to those I care about. I’ve been no better than Caleb in that area. You are the one who holds ultimate control, as it should be.

  “I welcome the challenge.” He nudged his mount into motion. “Good riddance, O’Malley.”

  After Landon left, the solitude of the forest, the feeling of utter isolation, closed in. And just as his enemy had predicted, the unknown haunted him.

  * * *

  Sophie was at the laundry line beating dust and dirt from a rug when the sound of an approaching rider rolled through the meadows. Propping the cane carpet beater against the post, she walked toward the lane, smoothing stray wisps from her damp forehead. Whoever was paying her a visit, they sure were in a hurry.

  When she recognized Caleb’s mount, her heart skipped a beat. The youngest O’Malley rarely darkened her doorstep anymore.

  He reined in Rebel, his dark gaze scanning the farm. From the saddle, he said, “Is Nathan here?”

  “I haven’t seen him since yesterday.” Not since that unfortunate moment at her bridal shower. “Why?”

  His lips thinned. “He didn’t come down for breakfast, so I went looking for him. None of the horses or wagons are missing, and he didn’t milk the cows. Something’s happened. He wouldn’t have gone off without tending to them first.”

  Stark fear slithered through Sophie. “You don’t think—”

  “I’m headed over to the Greenes’ now. Josh is on his way to the sheriff’s.”

  She worried her lip. “We were so sure he’d target me.” Oh, Father, please watch over him. Keep him safe. Help us find him. “I’m going with you.”

  “No.” Rebel shifted beneath him, and his gloves tightened on the reins. “It’s not safe. Take Will over to our place. Josh and I will report back there in half an hour.”

  “But—”

  “Putting yourself in harm’s way won’t help bring him back, Sophie.”

  She stifled a groan of frustration. The adrenaline pumping through her body demanded action. “Fine.” She clipped the word out. “But if you don’t find him right away, I’m joining the search party. Don’t try to talk me out of it.”

  “Understood.” Wheeling his horse around, he bolted away.

  Hands shaky and knees like jelly, she ran to the barn hollering for Will. He dashed outside and skidded to a stop, eyes as big as marbles.

  “We’re going over to Sam and Mary’s for a little while,” she breathlessly explained, making a beeline for her horse.

  Will dogged her steps as she struggled to lift the saddle, her limbs devoid of strength. Images of Nathan, of his possible condition, scrolled through her mind. Landon was a ruthless man. He wouldn’t blink twice at harming another human being.

  “Why are you so upset?”

  She strove to keep the fear from her face, but it proved a difficult task. “I’m concerned about Nathan. His brothers can’t find him.”

  “You mean, he’s missing?” His voice rose. “Where could he be? What if he’s hurt?”

  Turning from her task, Sophie placed her hands on his shoulders. “We need to pray for his safety, Will. Remember that verse we learned? ‘So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’”

  “I remember.”

  “God isn’t going to abandon Nathan. Nor will He abandon us. We have to trust Him, okay?”

  He nodded solemnly. “Okay.”

  “Okay.” Lord, help me be strong for him. “Let’s go. We’ll
ride together.”

  The ride over seemed to take longer than usual. Sophie was on edge, jerking at every sound, her gaze scanning the forest in the foolish hope Nathan would come waltzing through the trees, oblivious to everyone’s alarm.

  That didn’t happen, of course.

  At the house, Mary and Kate wore matching expressions of unease. Sam was searching the property on the off chance Nathan had gone for an early morning walk and, as Will had suggested, gotten hurt and needed assistance. Ever the hostess, Mary doled out cookies and milk for Will, cake and coffee for the adults. Sophie couldn’t eat. She stalked from window to window, restless for answers, until Kate came and linked arms with her, guiding her back to the table.

  “You should drink your coffee. Or would you prefer tea? I can brew you some.”

  “No, thank you, I—”

  She broke off as male voices filtered through the glass. Rushing out the door, she saw Josh, Sheriff Timmons and Sam conversing at the corner of the cabin.

  “Any news?” She hurried over, spirits sagging at the sight of their hangdog faces.

  Sam shoved his spectacles farther up his nose. “I didn’t see anything out of the ordinary. I called for him, but got no response.”

  Sheriff Timmons looked around. “You’re sure all the horses are accounted for? No wagons are missing?”

  Josh stroked his goatee. “Nothing. Nathan wouldn’t have willingly gone anywhere without first milking those cows.”

  “What if there was an emergency?” the sheriff suggested. “A friend who urgently needed help?”

  “I know my son,” Sam quietly asserted. “If that were the case, he would’ve let one of us know.”

  “So no one in the house heard any commotion this morning?”

  “No.”

  Josh held up a hand. “Wait a minute, Caleb said Nathan’s bedside lamp was gone. Maybe he got up early, went to the barn to start on chores and was jumped.”