Jinny stood up, stretching her arms above her head. “That should do it.” She walked around Emma, then nodded, seeing nothing amiss. “She’s always been a strong woman. If anyone can make those lads toe the line, it will be her. Mr. Fielder is a taskmaster, but—”
A soft knock on Jinny’s bedroom door interrupted what she planned to say next. Pulling it open, she gasped at the sight of her cousin, Heather, standing in the hall, a garment slung over her arm.
“Is that a dress?” Jinny’s smile broadened. Heather was worse than Emma when it came to wearing dresses. Of all the MacLaren women, she never attended dances, didn’t know how to sew, and seldom cooked beyond heating up a can of beans. For several months, she’d worked at a neighboring ranch owned by Widow Evanston. She’d never been happy working as a ranch hand for her family. Working somewhere else seemed to give her what she needed, although none of the family could ever quite figure out what that was.
Her face reddened as she walked into the room. “Aye, it is. I, uh…I wondered if one of you might have time to help me alter it.”
Jinny cocked her head. “Are you planning to go to the community dance?”
Heather pursed her lips, nodding. “I’d thought of it. Mrs. Evanston is going and insisted I ride along with her.” Sighing, she sagged down on the edge of the bed, staring at the floor. “It’s probably a daft idea. I don’t even know how to dance.”
Emma glanced at Jinny. “We can teach you.”
Heather looked up, surprised at the offer. “You would do that for me?”
“Of course. You’re family. We MacLaren women must stick together.” Although Emma hadn’t been an official MacLaren for long, she’d always felt like part of the family.
“First, let’s look at your dress.” Jinny plucked it off Heather’s arm and held it up. “Where did you get this?”
Heather winced. “From Ma. It’s one she wore a few years ago. Is it all right? I mean, will it make me appear an eejit?”
Jinny studied her cousin. She’d never seen Heather concerned about her appearance, wanting to make a good impression. Sitting down, she folded the dress and placed it in her lap.
“How do you want to look, Heather?”
“I don’t know what you mean.” She bit her lower lip, her gaze looking away, then returning to Jinny, letting out a breath. “Aye, maybe I do. There’s someone going, and, well…”
Jinny’s jaw dropped. “You’re interested in a lad?”
Swallowing, Heather nodded. “Aye.” Sitting up straighter, she hardened her voice, features indignant. “Don’t be asking me who, though, as I won’t be telling you.”
Jinny looked away, trying not to smile. This was the Heather she knew. Proud, easily annoyed, and closed. A woman who could shoot, rope, and ride better than most men, and wasn’t afraid to tell them so.
“All right then. I won’t be asking. What I will say is you can’t wear this dress. We have to make you a new one or alter one of mine. What do you think, Emma?”
“I’m not as good at fashion as you are. The dance is Saturday. Do we have time to buy fabric and make a new one?”
“I don’t think so.” Jinny dashed to her wardrobe, rifling through her dresses, tossing four on a nearby chair. “You’re taller than me, Heather, and a little more, well…rounded.”
Heather snickered. “You mean my bust and rump are bigger than yours.”
Emma laughed at her sister-in-law’s honesty. “If anyone can adjust a dress for you, it’s Jinny.”
“Let’s hope I live up to your expectations. It’s time to get to work.”
Baltimore, Maryland
“Good morning, Arthur. I hope this isn’t too early for you.” Sam fingered the hat in his hands, signaling how nervous he felt. He’d met with Robbie and his grandparents two more times. As yet, Robbie hadn’t been told about their relationship. Today, he’d made arrangements to take his son riding, an activity the boy had been begging his grandparents to do.
“Not at all. Robbie has been up and dressed for hours. I’m afraid I’ve been lax in providing him with opportunities normal for boys his age. Please, come inside.”
“Grandpapa, is he here?” Robbie came bounding down the stairs, his face a picture of excitement.
“He is. And I believe Mr. Covington is ready to take you on your little excursion.”
Robbie could barely contain his excitement, jumping up and down, clapping his hands.
“Robert, you may want to settle down a little before Mr. Covington changes his mind.”
The little boy’s face fell at Arthur’s words. “You won’t change your mind, will you?”
Sam knelt before him. “No, I won’t change my mind. In fact, my horse and yours are out front. Would you like to see them?”
“Yes.” Running to the door, Robbie didn’t wait for Sam before dashing outside and down the steps.
Smiling, Sam turned to Arthur. “Has he ridden at all?”
“Very little. He was a baby when Vera…” Arthur’s voice broke.
“He’ll be safe with me. With your permission, I’d like to keep him through supper.”
“He’s your son, Sam. All I ask is for Ethel and me to be present when he learns you’re his father.”
Nodding, Sam settled his hat on his head before heading toward Robbie. As yet, he still wore his wide-brimmed western hat, preferring it to the smaller bowlers and top hats worn by men in the eastern states. If all went as planned, he’d have one made for his son.
“Robbie, I want you to listen to what I tell you and do what I say. Is that understood?”
The boy’s face went from excited to somber in an instant. “Yes, sir.”
Sam kept the smile from creeping across his face. “Good. This is the horse you’ll be riding.” Robbie reached out, then drew his hand back. “It’s all right. You can touch him. Let me lift you up.” Slipping his hands under Robbie’s arms, he held him close to the horse’s neck. “Go ahead and stroke him.”
Robbie’s small hand reached out, touched the horse, then pulled back. An instant later, he did the same again, letting it move down the animal’s neck several times. A nicker had him snatching his hand back.
“It’s all right. He’s saying hello to you.”
Robbie shifted, wrapping his arms around Sam’s neck. “Do you think Grandpapa will let me have a horse one day?”
His breath caught as a strong protective feeling flashed through him, making him shudder. “I can promise you will have a horse one day.” He’d almost slipped, calling Robbie son. The thought had come so naturally, it scared him.
It hadn’t taken long, mere seconds for Sam to see the striking resemblance, admitting Robbie was indeed his. At least Vera hadn’t lied about that. By putting Sam’s name on the birth certificate, she’d made his ability to claim him simple. In fact, if he thought it best for Robbie, he could book two train tickets and be gone by morning.
Sam had seldom been around children, except for those in the MacLaren family. He knew Jinny loved children, wanted several of her own. A flash of pain gripped his chest, wondering if she’d ever be able to accept his son.
Thinking of Jinny and what could’ve been seemed pointless. They were thousands of miles apart.
Over two months had passed since he’d seen Jinny, held her in his arms, spoken to her. The emptiness he felt receded a small amount each day. Sam doubted the loss could be filled by making a life for him and his son, yet he had no choice but to try.
The Baltimore police chief had offered him a position as a detective, Sam knew Allan Pinkerton would hire him back, and his father offered him a high-level job in his company. Three good opportunities, and not one appealed to him. A decision had to be made soon. Within days, he intended to claim his son, set up a house, and build a new life. Sam couldn’t rely on his savings and modest trust left to him by his grandmother to last forever.
When he closed his eyes at night, one picture captured his thoughts, as if to remind him he could still achieve
his own dreams. The strongest image, the one he fell asleep to and woke up with each morning, gave him hope. A man, woman, and small boy rode across an open plain, each one laughing as they dropped over a hill and out of sight.
“Did you have a good time today, Robbie?” Sam reached up, helping his son to the ground after returning to Arthur and Ethel’s house after supper. It had been a long, wonderful day. One Sam hoped to repeat over and over.
“Oh yes. Can we do it again?”
He ruffled the hair on Robbie’s head. “I believe it can be arranged.”
Taking his son’s hand, they walked toward the front door, Sam lifting him into his arms when Robbie’s steps began to falter. Resting his head on Sam’s shoulder, he’d fallen asleep before the front door opened.
“Ah, you’ve returned.” Arthur stood aside, a look Sam couldn’t quite describe on his face. “Is he asleep?”
“He dropped off in the last few seconds. Shall I take him to his room?”
“Please. Up the stairs, first door on the right. Ethel is already in bed, but I doubt you’ll disturb her.”
Making his way up the stairs, Sam felt Arthur’s gaze on his back. The Fosters didn’t want to give their grandson up, but poor health and age worked against them. Ethel may not last the year, and Arthur’s doctor had given him the somber news his own heart had begun to fail. If they’d been younger, having more strength, Sam might never have known about his son.
Removing Robbie’s shoes and pants, he settled him in the bed, drawing up the covers. He didn’t hesitate to lean down and place a kiss on his forehead. Standing, Sam stared down at his sleeping son, his heart squeezing. With a sigh, he closed the door and walked down the stairs.
“I’m in the drawing room, Sam. Would you like a brandy?”
“Whiskey, if you have it.”
Reaching into the back of his liquor cabinet, Arthur pulled out a bottle. Opening it, he poured two glasses, handing one to Sam. “Whiskey sounds better than the weaker stuff the doctor recommends.”
Sam rolled the glass in his hand, studying the amber liquid. “I’d like to talk to you about taking Robbie home with me.”
Arthur’s shoulders slumped. “He’s your son, Sam. You can take him whenever you want.”
“I have the legal right, but it’s important to do it in a way that’s best for Robbie, and for you. I know he means a great deal to you and Ethel, and his leaving will cut deep.”
Lowering himself into a large leather chair, Arthur stared out the window at the black night. “Yes, we will miss him. It gives us both comfort knowing he’ll be with his father. Where do you plan to live?”
“With my parents until I’ve purchased a house.”
“So you’ve decided to stay in Baltimore. Ethel and I wondered if you might take the boy west.”
Downing the whiskey, he set the glass on a table. “I’ve thought about it, and maybe I will someday. For now, I think it best he stay close to those he already knows.”
Arthur glanced away, lost in thought, before his gaze returned to Sam. “I know you’re trying to do what’s best for Robbie. If you’ll permit me, I’d like to offer my opinion.”
Sam’s jaw tensed. He hoped Arthur didn’t try to talk him out of taking Robbie home. “Of course.”
“Do what’s right for you, not because you believe it’s the best decision for Robbie. We haven’t spent a great deal of time together, Sam, yet I sense you miss the life you had in California. If that’s true, don’t build one here and then uproot Robbie later. Go now, while he’s young and everything is an adventure.”
Sam’s brows furrowed. “I thought it would be best to keep him close to you and Ethel.”
“The boy needs his father, not two doddering grandparents who aren’t able to give him the life he deserves. And I’m not talking about money. I know you were a deputy in a frontier town.”
Sam nodded. “Conviction. It’s growing rapidly. I’d been looking at a parcel of land east of town, hoping to build a house, maybe raise some cattle.” Jinny’s image flashed across his mind, but he shook it off. He couldn’t go back and expect her to want him now with his changed circumstances. Besides, they hadn’t spoken of love or commitment. She might have even moved on, met someone else while he’d been attending to his responsibilities in Baltimore. The thought of not having her in his life made it difficult to breathe.
“From what I’ve heard, there’s opportunity out there. Are there families?”
Sam chuckled. “Yes, there are many families. Strong ones with good values. My boss, the sheriff, is part of one of the largest families in the area. His sister…” Sam caught himself before he said too much.
Arthur’s eyes flashed. “His sister interests you?”
Sam didn’t want to say more, knowing Arthur and Ethel still grieved the loss of their daughter.
“It’s all right if you have feelings for another woman. Robbie needs a mother. There are fine women in Baltimore, from good families, who want nothing more than to marry well and have a family. In fact, our neighbor’s daughter—”
Chuckling, Sam held up his hand. “That’s enough. I understand your point and promise I’ll consider what you’ve said.” Standing, he walked toward Arthur, extending his hand. “Don’t get up. I’ll show myself out. Thank you for the drink and the sage advice.”
Clasping the outstretched hand, his face relaxed. “You’ll make a good decision and be a wonderful father, Sam. When do you plan to take Robbie to your parents’ house?”
“Saturday morning.”
Chapter Five
Conviction
Quinn strolled into the community dance, a broad smile on his face. Decked out in his finest, he had his wife, Emma, on one arm, his cousin, Jinny, on the other.
Hearing the music, Emma couldn’t contain her excitement. “This is going to be a wonderful night.”
Chuckling, Quinn tugged her close. “So far, I’m the luckiest man at the dance. I’m arriving with two beautiful women. It’s a fine start to the night.”
Walking in behind him, Colin escorted his wife, Sarah, and mother, Audrey. “You’re no luckier than I am, lad.”
Glancing over his shoulder, Quinn chuckled. “Aye. You’ve a handful, as well.”
A procession of MacLarens followed them inside, selecting a group of empty tables near the band. Almost everyone from the family came, including Caleb Stewart, who’d been on the wagon train with them when they’d traveled across country to begin their new lives.
Quinn looked at Emma and Jinny. “Caleb and I will get you ladies some punch.”
“Oh my. Look who’s here.” Emma’s gaze focused on two women walking inside. Standing, she motioned them over.
Caleb’s jaw slackened at the beauty coming toward them. Heather MacLaren turned heads as she strolled across the dance floor, unaware of the stir her presence caused. He’d never seen her in a dress, light brown hair twisted into an intricate knot and highlighted with flowers, curled strands falling to her shoulders. He exhaled, the slow breath calming his racing heart. Without thought, his steps led him to meet her.
“Good evening, Heather.” The slight catch in his voice surprised him.
“Good evening, Caleb. I believe you’ve met Mrs. Evanston.”
“Mrs. Evanston. You look beautiful tonight.” He bowed at the waist, eliciting a chuckle from the older woman.
“Enough of that, young man. It’s Heather who’s beautiful.”
Caleb swallowed the knot in his throat. “Yes, ma’am.” He glanced at Heather, who averted her eyes, looking toward Emma and Jinny. “Please, let me escort you to our table.” Standing between them, he placed his hands on his waist, waiting as they slipped their arms through his for the short walk to the table.
“Heather, you look wonderful.” Emma walked up, giving her a hug as the band began to play.
“Hello, Mrs. Evanston. It’s nice to see you.” Jinny turned toward Heather. “Ah, you are very bonny tonight.” She took her arm. “Come, sit next
to me.” Showing her to two empty seats, Jinny sat down, leaning to whisper against Heather’s ear. “Did you see Caleb’s face when you walked in?”
Her spine straightened, a look of surprise crossing her face before she concealed it. “Ach, Caleb Stewart appreciates all women.”
“Don’t be daft. The lad can’t stop looking at you. Is he the reason you’re here tonight?”
Sucking in a breath, Heather shook her head. “Nae. I came because Mrs. Evanston asked me to accompany her and for no other reason.”
“Ah…” Jinny bit her lip, doing her best to hide a smile.
“Miss MacLaren. May I have this dance?”
The women turned to see Deke Arrington standing across the table, his gaze fixed on Jinny.
“I believe he’s speaking to you,” Heather whispered, smiling.
“Thank you, Mr. Arrington. I’d be pleased to dance with you.”
Stepping around the table, he pulled out her chair, extending his hand. Walking her to the center of the floor, he led her into a waltz. “I’m glad you invited me.”
“I believe you would’ve heard about it on your own.”
He looked down at her. “Perhaps. But now I have an excuse to spend time with you.”
Jinny’s heart skittered, although it wasn’t the jolt she always felt around Sam. Nor did the feel of her hand in his send shivers down her spine. They came to a slow stop as the song ended.
“May I ask for another dance tonight, Miss MacLaren?” Escorting her back to the table, he pulled out her chair.
“Aye, Mr. Arrington.” She smiled at him as he nodded and walked to the other side of the room.
Emma grinned. “I believe you have an admirer, Jinny.”
“He is quite handsome. Who is he?” Heather watched Deke walk away, working to keep her eyes from straying to Caleb, who danced with a petite redhead she didn’t recognize.
Jinny followed her gaze. “Deke Arrington. His uncle is Rube Ferguson.”
“I did hear something about a new man at the saddlery.”
Sam's Legacy Page 4