Reach for Heaven

by Marie Higgins

  Chuckling, Gage shook his head again. “Indeed, the Lord does work in mysterious ways. You and your Buchanan...and me coming to Bonner County. If I hadn’t come here I wouldn’t have fallen in love with Adella.” He shrugged. “I suppose everything does happen for a reason.”

  Albert grumbled and kicked Gage’s leg. “God will not have a hand in this one, Grayson. I’ll make sure you and Adella do not get married. In fact, if she doesn’t come after you, I’ll convince her to give me the money, even if it means riding back to Bonner County to collect your woman and make her my wife.”

  Gage’s head snapped up. “Don’t you dare lay a finger on her. I’ll kill you with my bare hands.”

  Albert laughed. “Oh-ho. I’ve found your weak spot.” He knelt beside Gage and pushed him to an upright position. “Perhaps that’s the key, here. Maybe I can have both. Adella’s just the woman who will make me a happy man.”

  “I swear, you touch her and you’re as good as dead.”

  Laughing, Albert sauntered to his bedroll and flipped it out on the ground next to the fire. “Not if you die first.” He shook his head. “Oh, you’re so stupid. You must have gotten that from Clint since you’ve lived with him.” He lay down and folded his arms behind his head as he stared up at the stars.

  Adella waited for Gage’s reply, but he kept silent. Minutes passed and the quietness bothered her, as did the shadows growing thicker by the second. She stayed still, hoping Albert wouldn’t hear her. She’d left the rifle tied up to the saddle, and her only weapon was the small knife in her boot.

  Silently, she watched and waited. The fire slowly burned down to coals, making the area darker. Off in a distance, a wolf cried and she shivered in fear. She had to help Gage, but Albert would undoubtedly put a stop to her plans if he heard her. Oh, what to do?

  “Pssst. Albert, are you awake?” Gage called out softly.

  Albert didn’t answer.

  Adella’s head snapped toward Gage, her heart pounding fiercely. What was he doing?

  “Adella?” he whispered.

  She sucked in a breath. “Yes.”

  “I think Albert is asleep. Sneak to me, if you can.”

  She crept behind the tree he leaned against and stopped, squatting close to him. “How did you know I was here?” She kept her voice low.

  He turned and looked at her over his shoulder. A soft smile bracketed his handsome face. “Because I know you.”

  She smiled.

  “Did you bring a gun?” he asked.

  “Yes, but the rifle is tied to my saddle.”

  “Can you get me untied?”

  She reached into her boot and withdrew the pocketknife. “I brought my knife.”

  “That’s my girl. Now cut the ropes around my wrists.”

  In the darkness, she felt for his hands. He squeezed her fingers briefly then she concentrated on slicing through the rope. Her eyes moistened with emotion, but she put aside those feelings for later. She had to release Gage.

  “Adella? Is Clint coming?”

  “I left without him. Why?”

  “Because I don’t know if Albert is acting alone. If he is, I’ll be able to handle him. If not, we might need help.”

  “Gage, you’re not alone.” She leaned closer to his ear. “I’m here.”

  He squeezed her fingers once again just as the ropes gave way. He rubbed his wrists, then pulled her to him and gave her a quick hug. “I’m so grateful for your help, but now you need to go back to your horse and get the gun.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “I need to stay right here.”

  “But why—” A rustle came from the other side of camp, and she paused. Both of them swung their head in that direction. The lump of Albert’s body sleeping on the blanket was still visible through the small glow from the coals.

  “Adella, just do as I say. I have to stay right here, just in case Albert wakes up. Do you understand?”

  “Yes.” She moved quietly out of the trees, her adrenaline pumped from the danger, but her heart soared with the knowledge that Gage had not ditched her before her wedding.

  AS ADELLA DISAPPEARED through the cluster of trees, Gage’s heart soared. His little duchess had come to his rescue once again.

  With a controlled sigh, he rearranged his thoughts and focused on Albert. He glanced across the camp to the roll, which conspicuously hadn’t moved, and his curiosity arose. Even in sleep a man might move a bit. Slowly, he lifted to his knees, his eyes on the still form, when behind him, a twig snapped. He swung his head and saw the shadowed figure of Albert beside him.

  An eerie cackle slipped from Albert’s throat as he raised the thick tree branch above his head. “You still think I’m stupid, don’t you?”

  With a swift movement, Albert struck Gage’s head. Fighting the threatening cloud of darkness, Gage forced himself to remain conscious. Adella’s life depended on it.

  Albert quickly stepped past him, going in the same direction Adella had gone.

  “Adella... Her name barely left Gage’s lips before he slumped back against the tree as thick darkness consumed his vision and his mind.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  When Adella spotted her horse, she broke into a run until she reached Buck’s side. Junior appeared skittish, and she prayed the wolf she’d heard earlier hadn’t come closer. Holding her breath, she listened, but she didn’t hear any sounds, so she reached for the rifle. Just as she touched it, a strong hand from behind her grasped the weapon. She whipped around to face her foe.

  Shadows surrounded them, keeping her from seeing his face. The man in front of her stank like stale whiskey and heavy cigar smoke, but she couldn’t quite see who held her.

  “Hello, my beautiful.”

  She turned her nose away from his bad breath. “Albert?”

  “You’re very perceptive.”

  She tried to study his shadowed face and realized he didn’t look anything like the man who she had fancied herself in love with while living in Lewiston. Probably because his demented mind was in charge now.

  “I thought you were on your bedroll a few minutes ago.”

  “No, you saw something lumpy, which is what I had planned.”

  She glanced over her shoulder toward the fire, searching for Gage. Albert’s laughter sent a sickening wave down her spine as he grabbed her wrists and held tight.

  “If you’re looking for your fiancé, I’ve knocked him over the head with a log. He should be out cold for a little while longer. Either that or he’s dead.”

  A sob escaped from her and she struggled, trying to release her wrists from his grasp.

  “Come back to the fire with me. I have a little surprise waiting for you.”

  Her stomach churned, and she hoped his surprise wasn’t going to be something vile.

  He pulled her along with him, practically dragging her to the camp as she stumbled over bushes and rocks. When she passed Gage, his head slumped forward and rested on his chest. Blood oozed down the side of his face.

  Albert gave her one last push and she dropped to her knees on his bedroll. He cackled. “Exactly where I want you.”

  She scrambled to get up. He withdrew his pistol and pointed at her heart.

  “You really showed up at the right time, you know. Gage, here, wasn’t being a very good sport.”

  She squared her shoulders and met him directly. “Gage will never do your bidding. He has more intelligence in his little finger than you have in your whole body. He’s just stringing you along, and soon you’ll be behind bars waiting for your hanging—just like the rest of Buchanan’s men.”

  He sneered, and she cringed, hoping she hadn’t gone too far with her words.

  “You are the one Grayson is stringing along, sweets. Do you really think he’s going to marry you?” He laughed louder. “Think again.”

  “He loves me!”

  “Perhaps, but I won’t let him have a wonderful life.” He crouched beside her, still holding his pistol. “G
age stole the woman I had planned to have for my wife, and I’m stealing her back.”

  She gasped. “You wanted to marry me?”

  “Yes.” He touched a lock of her hair and she swatted his hand away. He scowled. “Gage also took the reward money that was mine.”

  “That money was never yours. I heard what you told Gage. You don’t deserve a penny of that money! Not after all the vile things you’ve done in your life.” She shook her head. “You’re a failure, Albert. You’re nothing but a miserable excuse of a man.”

  Even in the darkness, she saw fire shoot out of his eyes. He jumped to his feet and pointed the gun at her. “I haven’t failed yet, dearie.” He cocked the rifle. “My plans are in motion. Although, I still have some unfinished business with you.”

  “What are you talking about? You couldn’t possibly still harbor thoughts of marrying me.”

  He laughed. “Not anymore. I just want the reward money now, and if you don’t hand it over, I’ll make certain that if Mr. Grayson still wants to marry you, he’ll not be marrying an innocent woman.”

  Blood drained from her face and her limbs weakened. No, he couldn’t possibly mean what she thought...but the evil glint in his eyes told her he did mean that very thing. “If you even touch me in that manner, I’ll—”

  “You’ll what?” His loud chuckle echoed through the night. “I’m the one holding the gun, or have you forgotten?” He grinned, and it sent sickening chills all over her.

  He knelt beside her and grabbed hold of her arm. “Play nicely, and I won’t hurt you too badly.”

  “Albert, leave me alone. I swear, I will not make this easy for you—whether you have a gun or not. Don’t you remember what I did to you the last time we were together?”

  “This time, I’ll be ready.” He pulled her to him as his mouth covered hers.

  She squirmed, but he was too heavy to move back. Anger vibrated through her body, from the tips of her toes up to her head. Her breathing became harsh, and she balled her hands into fists and pounded on him anywhere she could. Silently, she prayed for strength, and soon she was able to push him off her. Surprised, she sprang to her feet, ready for battle. Apparently, God was on her side, and she vowed she would not let Him down this time.

  She continued punching anywhere she could, aiming for anything solid. Although he slapped at her hands to stop them, her knuckles met his nose, his lip, then his neck, and he gurgled in painful protest.

  He lunged toward her, wrapping his arms around her as they stumbled to the ground, once again. The gun flew from his hand and landed in the dirt mere feet away. She elbowed him in the chest and rolled on her stomach, crawling to get the gun, but he grabbed her ankle. She turned again, aimed the point of her boot and struck him in the face.

  Cursing, he rolled on his back and landed closer to the gun. He grabbed it and aimed at her. The explosion rendered the air and the bullet whizzed by her head, but she continued striking and kicking at whatever she could. He aimed the gun again. She kicked it out at his hands. With the gun gone, she jumped on him and continued to strike as hard as she could. His grunts and groans only intensified her onslaught.

  “Adella, get off him.” Gage’s voice boomed from over her shoulder, but her rage pushed her to the edge and she continued to pummel Albert.

  “Adella, that’s enough.” Gage’s strong arm circled around her waist and lifted her. She finally noticed Albert’s bleeding face and pained expression. Good, let him suffer.

  “My love,” Gage said, turning her to face him, “I have the gun now. Everything is all right.”

  She looked back at the man who had curled up like a babe on his side, holding his middle.

  “Sit up, Albert,” Gage commanded. “Get on your knees and put your hands behind your back.”

  Albert cursed Gage and his luck, but did as he was told. Gage quickly tied him then nudged his boot into Albert’s back. “Now stand, you flea-bitten varmint. It’s a good thing you didn’t take your boots off when you laid down earlier, or you’d be walking back to town barefoot.”

  Adella led the horses into the circle around the fire. A sense of pride filled her chest as Gage tied the rope that bound Albert’s hands to the saddle horn of his horses. Once he was finished, she wrapped her arms around Gage’s waist and squeezed him.

  “Oh, Gage. I’m so glad this is over. I thought for sure you wouldn’t be able to help me.”

  He kissed her forehead, stroking her cheek tenderly. “Are you all right?”

  “I am now. What about you?” She looked up and gently touched the gash on the side of his face.

  “I’ll be fine. Don’t worry.”

  She slumped against him and pressed her face to his chest. “Oh, Gage. I can’t believe...” She sniffed back a tear. “I wanted to kill Albert.”

  He stroked her hair. “I know, Duchess. I still want to.”

  She lifted her head and gazed into his handsome face. “Let’s take him back to town now. I’m tired.”

  He kissed her lips softly. “You need to rest before our wedding, or you’re going to fall asleep during the ceremony.”

  She caressed his chin. “No way that’s going to happen, Mr. Grayson.” She winked. “There is nothing...and I mean nothing that will stop me from marrying you tomorrow.”

  Nodding, he tightened his arms around her. “Glad to hear that because I feel the same. I don’t care if I don’t get any sleep tonight, I will be there at the church, waiting to stand next to you and become your husband.” He nuzzled his face in the curve of her neck.

  Peace settled in her chest once again and she closed her eyes. This time she knew nothing would separate them. Nothing!

  Epilogue

  Leaning on the porch’s wooden pillar, Gage gazed out across the magnificent rolling green acres of his property, then back at his beautiful wife who knelt with Violet beside the flower garden, doing more talking than weeding.

  His chest constricted with that wonderful feeling of love. Both Adella and Violet’s bellies were exactly eight months round with child, and he anxiously anticipated the arrival of the new additions to the family.

  A peal of laughter rang from the stables nearby, and all heads turned to see what excitement had just occurred. Marvin and Nate ran out of the barn whooping with excitement. Gage smiled. It was sure good to see Marvin walking and running like he’d used to. That surgery had done wonders to his back and legs. The Lord had blessed Marvin and Lillian for their faithfulness.

  “Thunder just became a father,” Nate shouted.

  Adella and Violet awkwardly rose and waddled toward the barn. Marvin’s legs carried him perfectly, his face beaming with enthusiasm as he slipped his arms around his daughter and niece.

  “Can we see, Pa?” Violet asked.

  “Of course, go right in.” Marvin ushered the women inside. Marvin turned his head and looked at Gage. “Are you coming?”

  “Yes, I’ll be right there.” The smile stayed on his face as he watched the people he loved. He’d never get tired of this feeling. He’d taken the chance not too long ago, and reached for something he thought was out of his grasp—heaven. If he hadn’t have reached for heaven, he would have never fallen in love with Adella.

  Clint meandered out of the barn and walked to the pump to wash. “Hey, Gage? You need to come see the new foal. Birth is such a spectacular miracle.”

  Gage pulled away from the post and skipped down the three stairs onto the grass. “I know. That’s why I became a veterinarian. Life is indeed a miracle, Clint. I mean, look at us. Never in my life had I imagined ending up like this.”

  Clint shook the excess water from his arms and strode toward Gage. “You are right.”

  Gage walked with Clint toward the barn. “The Lord certainly smiled down on us.”

  His friend nodded. “Don’t think heaven could be much better.”

  “Yes, it could.”

  Clint stopped and looked at him through a narrowed gaze. “Yeah? How do you figure?”


  “We could have dozens of kids, most of them boys, of course, and we’d teach them everything they need to know about being ranchers...and Veterinarians.”

  Clint’s roar of laughter brought Adella and Violet walking out of the barn toward them. Adella stopped beside Gage and slipped her arms around his waist.

  “What’s so funny?” she asked.

  Clint shook his head. “You’re gonna be one busy lady, Adella.” He turned his attention to his own wife. “And you’ll be right beside her.”

  Adella sighed and rested her head against Gage’s chest. He put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “All I care about is making my husband happy.” She smiled up at him.

  Gage’s chest constricted again. “You’ve already done that.”

  “Swear to it?” she asked with a twinkle in her eyes.

  He laughed. “I’m a better man because of you—every single day.”

  The End

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  OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

  A Walk in Heaven (book 1)

  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0067F68FS

  IN THE EARLY HOURS of the morning, Careen becomes Matthew Grayson’s wife...and then in a blink of an eye, his widow. How can she tell the family she’s never met that her own cousin is responsible for their son’s death?

  While she waits for the right moment to admit the cousin’s guilt, a budding attraction grows between Careen and her new brother-in-law, Joshua. But this will only complicate matters, especially when the truth finally comes out.

  Joshua Grayson could never understand why his brother left the family ranch to wed – in secret – a woman he’d never met. And now Matthew is dead. Killed just moments after taking his wedding vows. Joshua struggles with both resentment and a growing attraction for his mysterious sister-in-law. He knows Careen is hiding something, but can he give love another chance or is he just setting up his heart for another break?