Run to Texas

by Stephy Smith

“I don’t have that feeling of being watched anymore,” Mattie whispered into the darkness. A cold shiver ran down her spine. Her stomach lurched as she remembered the unnerving experience.

  “I know.” James knew she was relaxed. Her moods and her speech turned more confident.

  “I was watched long before I came to Texas.” Mattie’s voice was low and sad.

  “I guess they tried to get to your husband through you.” James squeezed her hand.

  “Do you really think so?”

  “I found out a lot of things the Howards and Fraziers were capable of. The people in Georgia were keeping an eye out. A relief washed over the town when I told them you’re doing well. They told all they knew about the cowards. I don’t think you understand the full extent of their cruelty.”

  “I understand more than I ever wanted to.” Mattie turned her head to James.

  “Why did you think I had something to do with the kidnapping?” He still felt the sting of her insinuation.

  “I didn’t know your mother called for help. I thought you were still at the window.” Mattie lowered her head.

  “I was frantic to discover you missing. I searched your room, hoping you came in while I was helping Mother. My heart sank when I found the mattress torn from your bed and all of your belongings scattered on the floor. I’d never been so afraid in my life.”

  “Afraid?”

  “I thought I lost you forever. I woke Ed, and we searched the rest of the night. We waited until the sun came up and followed the tracks where they pulled you through the woods until they placed you in the wagon.”

  “I’m sorry I thought you were involved. I formed that opinion when I didn’t know what was happening. I was scared half to death. I think it encouraged me to survive so I could tell you what I thought.” Mattie covered her mouth with her hand.

  “I didn’t straighten your room until after that kid led us to you.”

  “Someone was in my room that night?”

  “Yes. From the looks of it, they were in there for a while. Do you know what they were looking for?”

  “I don’t know, unless it’s the deed to the land. I can’t think of anything else they would want.”

  “Ed has their things at the office. He wants you to see if any of it belongs to you.” Silence filled the air for a few minutes.

  As they sat discussing the things Ed had done, it occurred to Mattie no one had ever mentioned James’s line of business. She had the idea he was in some kind of law enforcement, but she had never seen him wear a badge. His career seemed to take him away from home at times. Still, she had to make sure her assumptions were right. She cleared her throat.

  “Where do you work? No one has ever told me, and I’ve never asked.” Mattie pulled in a deep breath.

  “I’m a Texas Ranger, or I was until they disbanded. Now, I help Ed or investigate on my own helping other agencies.”

  “That’s why no one asks you where you’re going when you leave. Well, I’ll be. Now it makes sense. You didn’t come to say goodbye when you left for Georgia because you knew I would ask questions?”

  “I received a telegram stating they found evidence at your husband’s farmhouse. They didn’t know where you were staying until they showed me what they found and told me what they thought happened to you. No one there suspected you could be out for blood. I figured that out after I talked to Laura.”

  “When did you find out my name was Harding and not O’Sheay?”

  “I was on a case back East. I saw your picture in the paper. You had on the same dress you wore when you came into the boarding house. I was enamored by the picture in the paper, but when you crept through the door, my heart leapt with joy.”

  “You do have pretty words, James.” Heat rose to her cheeks.

  “I knew the gods sent you for me to protect all of your days, and mine, if need be.” He glanced her way. “I am really honored to do so, and I still feel that way.”

  “You are exaggerating, James.”

  “Mattie, when you were kidnapped, I stepped down to let Ed take the lead in the investigation. It didn’t take me long to realize my feelings for you could cloud my judgment. I wanted to pull off some careless things that could’ve got Ed and me both killed. I am grateful he grabbed the lead.”

  “I’m grateful you were both there. I know it was stupid on my part to say the things I did. Once my mouth opened, all of the anger and confusion of being held captive in that cabin came out, and I directed it at you. I’m really sorry, James,” Mattie gripped his arm.

  “I never doubted you were confused and angry. Your words stung like hornets. I was already feeling guilty for not protecting you.”

  “You had no idea I would be kidnapped. They watched me from the woods for many days and nights. I thought they were peeking in my window, and I would pull the blinds.”

  “I wish you would’ve told me all of this. I gave you space because I knew you didn’t know who you could trust and who to look out for.”

  “You shocked me when you and Rose invited me to the study that night. I should’ve known you did some kind of investigation-type work from the amount of my life you indicated you were already aware of. Why didn’t you turn me in?”

  “You did nothing wrong. Bagwell is the one who spread the rumor that you were wanted. He attempted to draw you out. I suspected he wanted to make sure he was after the right person before he handed you to the wolves. I must say I had a hard time of holding my tongue that night. You, on the other hand, handled the situation with ease. I was impressed. I should’ve known then you were a witch.” His smile turned to a laugh.

  “You’re good with the girls. They adore you, James.”

  “Why haven’t you remarried and had children?”

  “Let’s just say none of the men who courted me wanted to stay with one woman. Some wanted a wife for political gain, some for power and money. None wanted marriage for love and the others, there just wasn’t a spark. And you, why haven’t you ever married?”

  “Same. Most of the women wanted fame of the name, riches, or things that don’t matter. None being particularly interested in love and happiness.” James squeezed her hand, sending electrifying sensations through his own unsuspecting body.

  “Your mother tells me you have met a woman that won your heart. I hope everything goes well for you.” Mattie tried to sound sincere. “Would you like to go for a walk?”

  “Of course, I know a really nice place you need to see, Mattie. Do you have anything against entering the woods at night? If you don’t want to or can’t go in there, promise me you’ll let me know.”

  “I can go. I don’t feel anything evil coming from them anymore. They don’t scare me.”

  Walking to the edge of the woods behind the house, Mattie smiled at James and linked her arm to his. The cool breeze blowing the sweet, calming smell of Mattie’s hair filled James’s nose. Not far into the woods, they came to a tiny clearing. James stopped, so Mattie could enjoy the view he admired.

  “What do you think?” he asked. James watched the inspiring glow of Mattie’s face and the moonlight sway across the water in silver ripples. Tall cypress trees encased the clearing, forming shadows to dance across the ground. Lily pads floated on tiny waves of the lake and appeared so delicate, feminine, and beautiful. A bullfrog croaked in the distance. Mattie stepped forward.

  “Isn’t it wonderful, Mattie? It reminds me of you.”

  “This is the most beautiful place I’ve ever laid eyes on, James.”

  “It pales in comparison to you, my dear Mattie.”

  Mattie turned to look at James. He saw happiness, serenity, and hope flicker in her shining eyes, which were lit by the moon. James gazed into her eyes for a few moments until the pull became so unbearable he had to taste her lips once more.

  Mattie leaned lightly forward, melting into his firm arms. Her parting lips drew him in to experience years of pent up passion.

  He gracefully accepted the intimacy of the moment, drow
ning in her waves of love, lingering, floating, until the kiss was broken by the urgency of Ed’s call.

  “It’s Laura. She needs you,” Ed said out of breath. He ran to the couple coming out of the woods.

  Mattie ran to Laura’s side, “What’s going on? Is it time?”

  “No, but it’s coming anyway. You’re good at this, and you will give the baby the best care,” Laura said.

  Rose began the process of shooing everyone out of the room. Mattie called for pillows, linen, and warm water. Rose gathered scissors and other instruments they might need for the coming event.

  ****

  “How far along are you?” Mattie tilted her head but kept her eyes on her preparations.

  “Seven months,” Laura caught her breath.

  “Mercy me,” Mattie uttered under her breath.

  “I’m sorry, Mattie. The baby decided this on its own.” Laura’s eyes closed.

  “You’re moving along rapidly. You can push now. I’m ready,” Mattie spoke softly.

  Mattie instructed Rose to light the fireplace and hang a few linens and some of the baby blankets in front of it to warm. Fearing the baby would be too small, she grabbed all precautions she knew of concerning a premature birth.

  Tossing the scissors and string in the water, Mattie instructed Rose to place the pot over the fire to sterilize. She draped linen across her own lap and grabbed a deep breath. The head made its way into the world, followed by the shoulders and the rest of the tiny body.

  Strong, loud screams from new lungs echoed in the boarding house. Sighs from the men crept under the door into the room. The pacing footsteps stilled, waiting for news of what gender the child was. If it happened to be another girl, all of the men would receive their equal share. If it were a boy, James and Ed would split the pot.

  Mattie was relieved she could hear the conversations outside the door. She knew the seriousness of the situation in the room and needed a distraction to keep from alerting her sister of the danger for the child.

  Rose stepped into the hallway and left the door ajar. She called Luke into the room. His face went pale. Mattie listened to his labored breathing. His slow footsteps seemed to take forever as he crept across the floor and stood next to Laura and Mattie.

  He gazed at the tiny little form, counting fingers and toes, followed by shouts of joy. “It’s a boy. It’s a boy.” Tears ran down Luke’s face. Laura blinked her eyes as her husband bounced up and down. He circled around before he gently kissed her forehead.

  Mattie and Rose slipped through the door without notice and sent the girls quietly into the room to see their mother and baby brother.

  Jill, the oldest daughter of four years, stormed out of the room a few moments later, crying. She ran to James, who picked her up. Wiping her tears, he asked softly, “What’s the matter, Jill, honey?”

  “Mama didn’t give him any hair,” she cried into James neck.

  “He will grow some when he gets older,” James said tenderly to the child.

  “What if he doesn’t? His little bald head will bake in the sun, and he will die.” More tears fell.

  “We’ll take some of mine and put it on him.” James glanced at Mattie.

  “Thanks, James,” Jill said. She kissed him on the cheek, dried her tears, and crept along back into the room.

  “You did a very fine job with that one. How did you keep from laughing?” Mattie asked, unable to stop her own giggles.

  “I saw the love and pain in the little girl’s eyes. She was serious, and I couldn’t bring myself to laugh at her turmoil,” James said. Covering his mouth, he quietly laughed with Mattie.

  Mattie kissed James on the cheek, carried dirty linen to the back door, and piled it in the empty washtub. She inhaled a deep breath, leaned against the wall, and muttered to herself. James appeared in the doorway.

  “Are you all right?” His head cocked.

  “Yes. That baby is so tiny. He has strong lungs and a strong grip. He came way too early, and I’m worried. I need to find a way to keep him warm. It won’t take much for him to catch pneumonia and die.”

  “That means you, Mother, and Helga should take turns staying in the room with them?”

  “Yes. We need to keep the temperature at an even heat. It’s going to be hard to maintain a certain level.”

  “I’ll bring in some wood. I’ll do my best at keeping the logs close to the same size.” James squeezed her arm.

  Mattie returned to the hall. She asked Rose and Helga if they minded taking a turn. They both agreed. Rose scrubbed a tiny crib brought from the attic.

  Mattie placed a thick, fluffy pillow in the bottom. Laura fed the hungry baby, who ate at her breast. She handed him to Mattie. Mattie laid the little child in the crib and placed heated linen over its tiny form.

  “How are you doing, Laura?” Mattie’s voice was a mere whisper.

  “I’m fine, tired, but fine.” Laura shut her eyes.

  “What are you going to call the little guy?” Mattie tried to stay calm.

  “We all agreed on Matthew Lucas McKinley.”

  “That’s a sweet name. Matthew Lucas McKinley,” Mattie said.

  “Luke is really proud of him. Do you think he is too small?” Laura’s face creased with worry.

  “I don’t know, Laura. He is very tiny, and I’ve never worked with a baby so small. I’ll do everything I can for you and for him.” The encouragement lacked conviction.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Mattie smiled through the drizzle and fog that encased east Texas. Her mind was at ease knowing James would be home soon. She dusted the dining room and study. Looking out the window, she tried to envision the children she would have to cover the grassy lawn. Admonishing herself at silly thoughts of marriage and children, she laughed quietly.

  “Are we daydreaming today?” The soft voice of Rose sounded behind her. “Sounds like a good dream anyway.”

  “Do you think I’ll ever get married, Rose?”

  “Of course I do. Why would you think you wouldn’t?”

  “I think it’s a silly dream brought on by the children’s happiness. I was trying to picture my own children rolling around in the grass and laughing.” Mattie’s face became hot.

  Rose rubbed her back with smooth strokes. “It’s not silly and more attainable than most dreams.”

  Mattie smiled at Rose. If she could only tell Rose she wanted to marry James. However, he was out of her reach. With lids lowered, tears pooled in her eyes. She returned to her dusting.

  James joined Mattie in the kitchen. Busy with the cooking and cleaning after herself, she embraced the smell of his fresh air scent. Walking to her, he gently kissed her on the cheek. “I missed you today, Mattie,” his sultry voice came close to her ear. His arms wrapped around her waist in an affectionate hug.

  Mattie’s heart beat rapidly. Was James speaking from his heart? Her mind whirled as meaning of his words settled in her brain. He had to care. James wasn’t the type of man to say something he didn’t mean.

  Stunned silence filled the room. Mattie turned her gaze to him. “I missed you, James.” Her heart bubbled with joy.

  ****

  James buried his nose in her auburn hair, closed his eyes, and breathed in its aroma, wishing for courage.

  “Mattie?” James pulled away and stood awkwardly against the cabinet. He shifted his weight from one foot to the next. Lost in thought, he took a deep breath and carefully picked his words before spoke. “Mattie, I love you something fierce. Would you consider being my wife?”

  He glanced to the floor. She will say no for sure now. Why did I just blurt out the words? I wanted to sound romantic, like I do love her. Man, what an awful proposal.

  Mattie twirled and leapt into James’s arms. Her arms encased his neck. She whispered in his ear, “Yes, I would be honored to be your wife. I love you.”

  James hugged Mattie to him, kissing her long slender neck, and then left the room. He could feel her watchful eyes on him, and her foots
teps sounded behind as he raced out the back door.

  Jill and her sister, Amanda, stood outside waiting. James ran to them. “What did she say?” Amanda jumped up and down.

  “Yeah, James, what did she say?” Jill danced around his feet.

  Picking the girls up, James said, “She said yes. She said yes,” he repeated, more to confirm her answer to himself than the girls. He continued twirling them in circles.

  Screams from two excited girls mixed with James’s laughter as he kept repeating, “She said yes” until the girls broke free and ran into the house singing, ‘James and Mattie are getting married’.

  James and Mattie joined Rose and Laura. James’s hands shook. Well, all of him was shaking, he laughed to himself.

  Rose glanced at Laura. “It’s about time. I swear those two are blind when it comes to their own lives. You didn’t act like those two, did you?”

  “Not that I’m aware of.” Laura’s excitement turned to laughter.

  “Ladies, I need to talk to Mattie,” Ed said.

  “We think she’s on the moon,” Rose said.

  “The girls told me the news. How do you feel about it, Rose?”

  “It’s about time. I thought I was going to have to sit them down and have a serious talk with those two.” Rose smiled.

  Ed patted Rose’s shoulder and turned to Mattie. “I hear congratulations are in order.” He nodded. “Do you want to go through Howard’s and Frazier’s belongings? They have a large collection of things and some of it may or may not be yours.”

  “Thank you. Yes, I would like to have a look. I don’t think I have anything missing.”

  “You can walk with me to the office in the morning, unless you want to look now. James can take you.” The hint in his voice became unmistakable.

  A pink hue crept up her cheeks, and James crossed his fingers behind his back. “Yes, that would be nice. Thanks, Ed.” Her soft voice sent desire coursing his veins.

  She said yes, she said yes! His mind played the scene over again. They strolled out the door and headed down the street.

  The east Texas sun faded on the western horizon and glowed around Linden. Mattie and James crept along arm in arm to the sheriff’s office. Elation of the moment lifted his heart.