Texas Mail Order Bride

by Linda Broday

  Cooper smiled and tightened his arm around her, marveling at her boundless spirit. He hadn’t known what a special woman she was when he first laid eyes on her that morning here at the boardinghouse. It seemed so long ago. In fact, he couldn’t remember not knowing her.

  Resting his chin on the top of her head, he murmured, “Sleep well, darlin’. I’ll watch over you.”

  A few hours later, he eased out of the bed and dressed. Being with Delta had renewed his soul and smoothed away the anger that ate away at him after dealing with Hogue.

  Now it was time to get back to the business of tracking and capturing Tolbert Early. He needed his life back and it wouldn’t be too soon.

  Cooper gently kissed her cheek. “One day things will be different,” he murmured softly. “That’s another promise to you.”

  She rolled over in her sleep as he tiptoed out the door.

  Thirty-six

  Over the next few days, Jenny slowly came back from the brink of death, though she had yet to get out of bed. Delta spent a lot of time with her. She’d told her about Cooper marching into the jail, throwing Hogue onto the back of a horse and running him out of town. Jenny seemed relieved that she no longer had to live in fear of the man she’d made the mistake of marrying.

  On this day, Delta brought a savory bowl of soup and some yarrow tea Doc Yates prescribed.

  “You don’t have to keep waiting on me,” Jenny protested weakly. “I’m sure you must get tired of all this.”

  “Nonsense.” Delta put the tray on Jenny’s lap. “I can’t think of anything more rewarding than helping a dear friend. You’d do the same for me, if the circumstances were reversed.”

  “Yes, I would.” Jenny lifted the spoon, then laid it down. Big tears swam in her eyes. “I understand you gave my daughter a proper burial. I can’t thank you enough.”

  “She was like my child in a way. Very precious.”

  “I loved her, you know, even though I never held her in my arms. I wish…”

  “I know,” Delta said softly. “I do too.”

  While Jenny ate, Delta updated her on the Women of Vision. “We’re getting lots of applications for the school teaching job. Would you feel up to looking them over?”

  “I’d love to. It’ll make me feel like I’m contributing.”

  “I’ll bring them this afternoon after you take a nap. Doc Yates said lots of naps will aid in your recovery.”

  She waited for Jenny to finish the soup and took the tray to the kitchen. Then she tackled her chore of finding a place to hold school. She knew eventually she’d build a new schoolhouse and turn it over to the town. But they needed something in the meantime.

  As usual, she found herself in the mercantile. John had become like a father, and when she needed someone to talk to, she sought him out.

  “If worse comes to worst, you can always hold school in a tent,” he said.

  “I suppose.”

  “Then there’s the barn at the Richardson place at the edge of town.”

  “A barn? Would they let us use it?”

  “The Richardsons sold their animals and went to visit their son in New England. Expect to be gone for six months.”

  “That would work,” Delta said as excitement grew. “Who would I see to ask about it?”

  “Their daughter, Polly Strayhorn.”

  “The sheriff’s wife?”

  “One and the same.”

  “Thank you.” Delta kissed his cheek. “You always save the day somehow.”

  “I’m glad to help. I think if me and Nell had had a daughter, she’d have been exactly like you.”

  “That’s very sweet. By the way, how is Emmylou working out?” Her searching gaze found the young woman working away in the dry goods section of the store. She barely resembled the woman who’d plied her trade inside Miss Sybil’s brothel.

  “She’s a jewel. Smart head on her shoulders.”

  “I’m glad. I knew there was more to her than what appeared at first glance.”

  “Emmylou has written her folks. They’re coming to visit. She hasn’t seen them for five years.”

  “That’s wonderful.” Delta said good-bye and went to look at the Richardsons’ barn.

  It was strong and sturdy, but needed cleaning up. After determining that it would fit the bill nicely, she paid Polly Strayhorn a visit. Though the big sheriff had to be at least fifty, his petite wife was quite a bit younger. Delta put her in her thirties. She was such a warm, inviting woman who had to stretch to reach five feet, with rich reddish-brown hair. The couple made an odd-looking pair.

  After discussing the matter of the barn, Polly said she’d love to have the school there and didn’t expect any payment.

  “Consider it my contribution to the town,” Polly insisted. “We’ve needed a school for a long time. It took you and your Women of Vision to make it happen. Do you have room for one more in your club?”

  “Absolutely. You’d be most welcome.”

  Delta found herself humming as she left. She went to the boardinghouse, left the schoolteacher applications with Jenny, and donned an old dress. Needing to do something with her hands, she joined the women who were painting the newspaper office. With a paintbrush in hand and determination in her heart, she busied herself in something constructive that would benefit everyone who lived in Battle Creek.

  While she worked, she thought about her Four Promises Ranch. She couldn’t wait to get out there and begin living on her land. She’d need lots of help at first, though. It occurred to her that she could begin assembling a foreman and ranch hands. She’d only vowed that she wouldn’t go out there until they’d caught Early.

  Where did someone begin to look for qualified people to run a ranch?

  John Abercrombie came from the mercantile to join her. “Need someone to help paint? Emmylou can run the store for a few hours.”

  “I’d love to have you.” She handed him a paintbrush.

  Thundering hooves pounded behind her. She turned to see two galloping horses, barely missing the graves in the middle of the street. Her heart froze when she saw Rand. Brett rode the other horse.

  Blood had stained Rand’s shirt a bright crimson. He slid off his horse, landing in the dirt, as the animal came to a stop.

  A scream rent the air and Delta realized it came from Widow Sharp. Delta ran to help and she and Clara arrived at Rand’s side at the same time.

  Clara lifted his head. “Son, how bad are you injured?”

  Son? What was the woman babbling about? Delta tore her petticoat and pressed it tightly to the bullet wound in Rand’s chest. He moaned from the pressure she applied.

  “I’ll never forgive myself if you die,” Clara sobbed. In her distress, her veil slipped off.

  Delta stared at the woman’s perfect features that bore no scars or blemishes. Recognition swept through her.

  Clara was Abigail Winehouse, the famed opera singer.

  But what was she to Rand? Nothing made sense. Rand was orphaned, same as Cooper and Brett.

  Brett moved the two women aside. Putting Rand over his shoulder, he carried his brother to the doctor’s office and pounded the door until Doc opened it.

  Clara tried to push inside but Doc Yates stopped her. “Wait out here until I—”

  “I’m his mother. I need to be with him.”

  “You’ll only be in the way, ma’am. I’ll let you in as soon as I treat his wound,” the doctor said kindly.

  Rushing forward, Delta took Clara’s arm. “He’ll be all right. Doc knows his business. Rand is in good hands.”

  Having heard the part about Clara being Rand’s mother, the townsfolk besieged her, everyone shooting questions.

  “Where have you been all these years?”

  “Rand is an orphan. Did you just leave him in the orphanage and take off?”
/>   “She’s Abigail Winehouse,” exclaimed another.

  With that, the questions flew fast and furious. Delta led the poor woman away from the crush to the quiet parlor at the boardinghouse. They sat on the worn velvet settee.

  “You’ll be safe here. Can I get you something?”

  Clara appeared to be in shock. “No, thank you. I’m sure you have a lot of questions.”

  “I respect your privacy. If you don’t want to talk about it, you don’t have to.”

  “I’ve made so many mistakes.” With a shaky breath, she began. “I was young and foolish. I was determined to do anything to better myself. Such a fierce yearning to become famous, to have people flock to see me, consumed every waking moment. When Rand was five years old, I left to go on a tour of the West. My husband, Jack, stayed behind with our son. Somehow, Jack fell through a patch of ice in the river in a town forty miles away and drowned. I assumed Rand had been with him and died also. It was a year before I got back and people who could’ve told me what happened had disappeared. I didn’t know until I passed through here three years ago that my son was alive. Rand was the one who helped me up when I fell and broke the heel of my shoe. He bore such a striking resemblance to Jack, so I asked his name.” Clara paused.

  “You knew it was indeed your son,” Delta said. “But why didn’t you tell him?”

  “I didn’t want to ruin his life. I got back in the coach and traveled to the next town, where I bought a black veil and came back as Widow Sharp.”

  “I still don’t understand.”

  “At first I just wanted to watch him and be close by, nothing more. I saw what a good life he’d made. He’d moved on. He didn’t need a mother. I saw how close he was to Cooper and Brett. It was too late for me to come back into his life.”

  “It’s never too late for a mother to reunite with her son,” Delta said softly.

  “I hope he sees it the same way you do.”

  “Why the veil?”

  Clara shrugged. “I knew the citizens of Battle Creek would recognize me and interfere with my plans. It would’ve created a big problem. So I kept my anonymity.”

  “Yes, I can see that.” Delta studied her beautiful face. “What do I call you now?”

  “That depends on Rand. If he turns away from me, I’ll leave and it won’t make any difference.”

  “And if he doesn’t?”

  “I’ll simply be Abigail Sinclair. Winehouse was my stage name. Rather fanciful, don’t you think?”

  Delta leaned to hug her. “I know he’ll be proud to claim you.”

  ***

  “You’re who?” Rand exploded.

  Delta watched Abigail shrink inside. She felt sorry for her friend. Nothing hurt worse than rejection. She should know. She took Abigail’s hand and squeezed.

  “I’m your mother, Abigail Sinclair.”

  “Exactly what proof do you have?” He slung his words like arrows.

  Abigail reached into her reticule and handed him a child’s bracelet with the word Rand engraved on it.

  He studied it for a long minute, then he glanced up. “Why didn’t you come after me at the orphanage? Just tell me that.”

  Through tears and a trembling voice, she told him the reasons why as she’d explained to Delta.

  “But why didn’t you come to me sooner, after you moved here? For three years, you let me think you were a widow woman who made a living making and selling pies. You could’ve told me the truth. I’m a reasonable man.”

  “What right did I have coming into your life at this late stage?”

  “Why now? Why not keep quiet?”

  “I let it slip out. When I saw you bleeding and barely conscious, the words flew from my mouth. Too many people heard for me to deny it.”

  Rand lay back and closed his eyes. “This is going to take some getting used to. I’m not sure… It may be too late.”

  “That’s fine. Take your time. If you’d rather I moved on, I won’t give you any argument. I’m only asking for a chance.”

  “We’ll see how it goes. Just don’t expect too much.”

  “I love you, Son.”

  His blue eyes flew open. “I’ve waited a long time to hear those words.”

  Delta’s lip quivered as she tried to hold her emotions in check. A child would give anything to know they were loved and valued. Dear God, she’d have done anything to hear her father tell her that.

  Thirty-seven

  Brett rose from a corner chair. Delta hadn’t noticed him sitting there. When he left the room, she followed him.

  “Wait a minute, Brett. Who shot Rand?”

  “Don’t know exactly, but I can guess. Shot came from a high ridge.” His dark eyes met hers. She admired his quiet strength. The woman who caught him would be a fortunate lady.

  “And Cooper? Where is he? Why isn’t he with you?”

  The youngest brother laid a warm hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry, he’s fine. He rode up to that ridge to try to intercept the shooter. I volunteered to bring Rand into town.”

  “It’s dangerous out there. This is the sheriff’s job. Cooper is no lawman.”

  Brett chuckled softly. “Try convincing him of that. I gave up a long time ago.”

  “He invented the word stubborn, all right. We’ve been dancing around several issues ever since I stepped off the stage. I swear, finding out what he’s thinking will take an act of Congress. Lord knows, he’s sure not saying.”

  “Coop has deep feelings for you. I can see it in his words, his body, and especially his heart.” Brett’s soft words came as a surprise.

  “I love him,” she whispered. “I can’t stop it. But I know he’ll never give up his bachelor ways.”

  “Don’t be too sure. One thing I learned a long time ago is to never give up on anything or anyone.”

  “You’re a good man, Brett Liberty. I wish you well.”

  Delta watched him stroll toward the café, his carriage tall and proud. His wisdom and the way he had of looking into a person’s heart were rare gifts. She prayed he’d find someone to love and share his life with.

  ***

  Daylight faded fast. Cooper squatted next to a stream and filled his canteen while his horse drank his fill.

  A bad feeling sat in his gut like a jagged knife.

  What it meant, he didn’t know. Guessing Early’s next move was like trying to rope the wind.

  He was bone weary. What he wouldn’t give to see Delta. Lying next to her was heaven. If only he could spend the rest of his days waking up in her bed. He couldn’t imagine anything he’d rather do, if it were possible.

  She was surely ingrained into the fabric of his soul.

  It had taken every ounce of strength to keep from saying the words she longed to hear. But giving empty promises wasn’t in his nature. If the day ever came where he let himself say the words, they would come directly from his heart.

  He went about the task of gathering wood for a fire. Rand was on his mind. He prayed the wound wasn’t too serious. At least Doc would fix him up and he and Brett would rejoin him as soon as they could.

  After getting the fire going, he rummaged around for his coffeepot. Camping next to a stream had advantages and soon he had coffee, a fresh fish, and a can of beans. Not too bad.

  Lying on the cold ground a little later, his thoughts again turned to Delta.

  She’d given the people of Battle Creek something they’d never had—hope. She made them see that anything was possible, that they could achieve so much if they all pulled together. And where on earth had she gotten the idea for a seed library? He’d never even heard of such a thing. He burst with pride. He had one smart lady.

  Yes, Delta Dandridge had shown him a good many things.

  Made him eat his words too.

  He smiled into the darkness, f
eeling her lips on his, feeling himself slipping into the warmth of her tight sweetness.

  And feeling her love wrapping around him.

  ***

  Delta pushed open the Richardsons’ barn door and moved everything they’d need inside. Mabel, Naomi Ratliff, and Violet were among the Women of Vision who accompanied her. Violet’s hat, a creation of long drooping plumes and big flowers, made Delta smile. Certainly not the thing to wear to a barn cleaning, but she would take all the help she could get.

  Readying the structure enough to hold school in it would be a chore. But the more they worked and raked and swept, what they needed became clear to Delta.

  Fresh hay. Lots of it.

  Excited, she turned to Violet. “We’ll spread a thick layer of fresh hay on this dirt floor. It’ll mask the animal odors and make everything smell good. Mr. Fletcher just cut his hay. Maybe he’ll donate what we need.”

  Violet beamed. “Of course, that’s just the thing. I’ll ride over there and ask him right now.”

  One by one the women left to go take care of their children and husbands. When Delta looked up, she was alone.

  Deep shadows drifted across the structure, bathing it in smoky grays and piercing blacks. Why hadn’t she brought a match to light the lantern she found hanging on a nail? Walking to the door, she peered out into the purple haze of growing darkness.

  Then she froze.

  The wagon she’d borrowed from Rand was gone.

  Fear tiptoed up her spine, along with Cooper’s warning to stay in town and keep an eye out for Early.

  She’d been so wrapped up in making the barn into a school she’d forgotten to take heed. Recalling Early’s late visit to the mercantile and how he’d caught her alone increased the icy fear that chilled her through and through.

  “Stop that this instant,” she admonished herself. She was only a half mile outside of town. She could walk easily.

  It would just take a second to go back into the gloomy interior for her shawl, then she’d be on her way.

  But things didn’t always go according to plan, she found.

  Just as she retrieved her shawl from a nail where she’d hung it, a man stepped from a far back corner.