True Heart's Desire

by Caroline Fyffe

  “I do. Hold on. I don’t like to think of Jackie alone by the water, or in that part of the town. It’s close to the Old Spanish Trail that comes up from Santa Fe. Where strangers arrive.”

  She gave the nun a meaningful look and coaxed the horse into a canter, a gait that was normally too fast for the buggy. They careened around the corner at the sheriff’s office and kept moving. If Clint hadn’t so recently suffered a head injury, she’d stop for his help, but then she realized he probably wasn’t even there.

  She didn’t have a second to waste.

  Rhett stepped out his back door, the charred remains of a chocolate cake crusted on the side of the pan and ready to be dumped. He’d gotten a craving for something sweet.

  Dallas raced out the door, barked once, and bounded away.

  Rhett looked up. Lavinia, with one of the nuns clutching the buggy seat beside her, flew by his place in a cloud of dust, traveling much too fast for safety.

  “Hey! Lavinia!”

  Too late, she was gone. He watched the buggy speed around the next corner and head down the road toward the Spanish Trail Cantina. Dropping the whole pan into the trash can, he bolted away, running across town, intending to cut her off. Whatever was happening wasn’t good.

  Darting through the area between the boardinghouse and the livery, Rhett was just in time to see dust in the road where the buggy had passed but was already out of sight, with Dallas hot on their heels. Rhett dug deeper for energy and raced on. Up ahead, the haphazardly parked buggy came into sight. But there was no sign of Lavinia or the nun. What were they up to?

  He stopped beside the horse, pain cramping his side. Since their kiss a week ago, he’d been mightily mixed-up. Why did he have to have feelings for a woman who was determined to leave? Just as well. He was still paying his debt to Shawn. That would never be over.

  “Lavinia!” he called, glancing around. The horse pranced in his harness, the brake keeping him from running off. “Lavinia, where are you?”

  The sound of the rushing river entered his thoughts. His breathing picked up. His gaze slid to the water’s edge. A clearing with soft green grass had probably drawn the women, but the riverbank was right there. Memories of Shawn, in his watery grave, made his feet heavy and his lungs catch fire. Just the thought of being on the shoreline had his heart thundering in his chest. He clenched his fists to keep them from shaking.

  “Lavinia! Can you hear me?” Furious at himself for his cowardice, he took one tiny step forward, and then another. He had to get down by the water, where the brush, trees, and rocks hid what was beyond.

  The nun who had been in the buggy ran forward from the brush line. Her habit was soaked up to her knees, a panic-stricken glint in her eyes.

  “What’s happened?” he asked. “I saw you race by.” The woman’s face was awash with grief.

  “We’ve lost one of our girls. Lavinia is searching by the water’s edge, past the scrub oaks and bushes, places where a little girl could hide, or get lost. I’m retracing our steps to the hanging footbridge past the mill, in case she’s gone that way.”

  This was a nightmare he’d rather not be living. “I’ll go back the way you’ve come and take up the search.”

  “Bless you, sir.”

  Here the river turned and started away from the trail. The channel narrowed, and the current grew swift. The roaring of the water kept his thoughts scattered.

  A strange prickling on the back of his neck made him turn his head and glance farther downstream.

  Lavinia crawled on a narrow ledge of a rock surface that dropped twenty feet to the rushing water. A young girl, with hair the color of tomato sauce, was before her, crouched on the ledge, unable to go any farther. Her face was contorted and wet from tears.

  Lavinia inched along on hands and knees.

  Rhett sucked in a breath but kept walking, fearing that she’d somehow slip and fall. She’d stripped her skirt away and only wore pantaloons—once again.

  Dallas bounded out of the brush and barked.

  Her head jerked up a moment before she tumbled into the icy cold.

  CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE

  Right before Rhett’s eyes, Lavinia disappeared. Without missing a beat, he ran forward and dived headfirst into the dark blue where the water looked deepest. He pulled with his arms against the freezing cold that stung his face. He mentally battled the pounding, black fear scorching his mind and screaming for him to swim to the surface before it was too late. His boots were like anchors, snagging him back, slowing his progress, and trying to sink him to the riverbed.

  Beneath the surface, he searched through the murky gray, trying to see. His hand struck a boulder, which then battered his side. With great effort, he flipped around feet first; the current was an iron grip. Where is she? Where’s Lavinia? Has she already drowned? Will she meet the same fate as Shawn? Rhett forcefully shoved the thoughts away. I won’t let that happen.

  Diving below, he tried to see the bottom, but the water was too fast, too deep. He swam for as long as he could, then broke the surface, gasping for air.

  A fork split the water ahead. Which way to go? He stopped kicking and put out his hands, letting the current take him. He shot down the left side, praying like never before that he’d gone the correct way. Where was she? He had to find her soon.

  A sound caught his ear.

  He turned.

  On a steep bank, Lavinia grasped a root as she fought the current. Just beyond her, the water disappeared over the edge of the riverbed. A waterfall.

  “Lavinia!”

  Her shoulder tensed, but she didn’t look around.

  Diving under, Rhett kicked forward. Reaching her side, he grasped the root as well but felt their anchor wobble. Their combined weight would soon pull their tether away from the bank, sending them both over the falls.

  “Hang on!”

  Lavinia gasped. “The branch! It’s pulling away.”

  He could barely understand what she said through her clacking teeth. Her purple lips looked painful, and a red splotch on her temple made him think she’d struck her head. He was astonished and thankful she was still alive. But he understood the danger; he could feel their lifeline easing away. She was right; they had only a few more seconds. His gaze cut back and forth, desperate to find a way out, something else to grasp, a possible—

  “Rhett!”

  The branch released.

  Sucking in a deep breath, he lunged forward and wrapped her in his arms. If they were going over the falls, they’d go over together.

  It felt like they fell for an eternity. Her chest pressed against his was warm, and he could feel the strong beat of her heart amid her shivers. They hit and sank several feet. His back struck something hard, knocking his breath from his lungs. Pain coursed through his body. He kicked with everything he had, bringing them to the surface.

  With his arm locked around her middle, he dragged her to the edge. They flopped onto the dank-smelling sand, too exhausted to speak.

  After a few moments, he raised up onto an elbow. “Lavinia,” he said softly, through his own rattling teeth. He wiped the excess water from his face and pushed his hair out of his eyes. “Lavinia, please, open your eyes.” Placing his palm on her cheek, he stared into her face, gasping deep breaths of air.

  This couldn’t be happening again!

  Not to Lavinia.

  “Open your eyes, honey,” he whispered. Fear flashed through his body. Had she sustained a hit on the head or snapped her neck?

  “Uhhh . . .”

  Groggily, Lavinia’s soaked eyelashes fluttered, and then she opened her eyes, the sun-colored flecks with tiny sparkles of emerald making her light brown eyes look almost green. Their incredible beauty was something he’d never forget.

  “Rhett? Is that you?”

  Relief washed away his fear. “Who else would be saving your life?” he said next to her lips, unable to stop himself from giving her a soft kiss. “I thought I’d lost you.” He ran his hand over her he
ad, feeling for lumps, and then down her shoulders and arms. Seemed the splash of red on her temple was her only injury.

  “Wh-what happened?”

  “We went over the falls.” You in my arms. Heart to heart. He lifted his head and tried to look over his shoulder, but the pain in his side was too great. He stifled a groan. “And almost went over another one right over there. How do you feel? I believe you hit your temple on something. Do you remember?”

  She lifted her arm and felt around her head with blue fingers. “N-no. I only remember swimming for my life, the ice-cold water, and a devastating sadness that I wouldn’t see any of the people I love ever again.” Struggling, she suddenly tried to sit up. “Jackie! On the ledge!”

  “We’ll get to her next.”

  “There was a bear. And she ran to get away. She didn’t know the ledge was a dead end and was too frightened to try to come back.”

  “We’ve only been gone minutes. I’m sure she’s still there.”

  Her eyes went wide. “But, Rhett, your fear of the water? How—”

  “Some things are more powerful than fear.”

  He grimaced as she squeezed him tighter. “Can you walk?” he asked, changing the subject.

  With a crashing sound, Dallas lunged through the bushes and immediately pushed his cold nose into their faces, wining loudly. His happiness at finding them brought a sentimental lump to Rhett’s throat.

  “You and me both, boy,” Rhett said. “You and me both.”

  CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX

  Now dry and warm after a long, hot bath, Lavinia reclined on her hotel room bed, fading in and out of slumber. Her hair smelled of lilac and her skin was soft and creamed. For the last half hour, she’d been gazing out her window at the town, thankful to be alive.

  If Rhett hadn’t shown up, she could very well be dead, having drowned or gone over the second waterfall, breaking her neck in the process. A multitude of emotions swirled inside. She felt like the whirlpool just off the side of the suspension bridge. When she’d been carried along by the swift current, all she’d wanted was another day with her sisters. The only thought that had outweighed that was seeing Rhett’s face, hearing his voice, or seeing him smiling before her right after they’d kissed. There was no Mr. Hansberry, or thoughts of Philadelphia. Just Eden and the ones she loved.

  Imagine. Rhett dived into that water for me! Facing his most ardent fear! I’m humbled, and more . . .

  Knock. Knock. Knock.

  She straightened on the bed and sat farther up on the pillow. “Yes?”

  “It’s Lara.”

  Lavinia smiled. They’d made up. All was good. “Please, come in.”

  “I’m sorry to intrude on you after your harrowing ordeal,” Lara said, stepping inside. She closed the door and clasped her hands. “But I just couldn’t keep this to myself a day longer. Not with you almost . . .” Her face darkened with emotion. “It wouldn’t be right.”

  Knock. Knock. Knock.

  “Lavinia, it’s Mavis. Are you decent?”

  “Yes, come in,” Lavinia called. The contrite look on Lara’s face knotted her stomach.

  Mavis stepped inside but pulled up when she saw Lara. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you had company.”

  “Don’t be silly.” Lara twisted her hands. “I’m hardly company. I have something to say to Lavinia, and I’m glad you’re here, Mavis. I haven’t been completely honest with any of you. This pain in my heart is too heavy to carry a day longer. I must confess, come what may.”

  Mavis exchanged a long glance with Lavinia.

  “You’re responsible for the articles?” Lavinia whispered, praying it wasn’t true.

  Lara nodded her bowed head. “In a way . . . yes.”

  Lavinia stood and went to Lara’s side. Mavis was already there.

  Lavinia touched her arm. “In a way? I don’t understand.”

  A deep sigh escaped Lara. “I wanted to tell you when you came to me the first night, but I was deeply hurt that you’d think me capable of such a treachery. Then my hurt changed to anger.”

  “Tell us,” Mavis whispered.

  “I was running late for my music lesson. I came from the library with my diary, intending to put the small book safely away in my bedroom, as I’ve done for years. But my father appeared. I set my things on the side table as we spoke and promptly was involved with other things. Running quite late now, I scooped up my belongings and rushed down the street. After my lesson, I had several other errands to attend to before returning home. The next evening, when I went to retrieve my diary, I was horrified to remember I’d not properly put it away. I have no idea if it was lost or taken. I retraced my steps ten times, to no avail.” She looked up with watery eyes. “I can’t tell you how sorry I am. And for not admitting my responsibility right away.” She sniffed and wiped her nose with her handkerchief. “Yesterday I received a post from Mother. Whoever had my property has sent it back to our home, no return address . . .”

  Stunned, Lavinia didn’t know how to respond. The loss had been an accident, but Lara should have said as much at the time. “Do you think your older brother, Calvin, could be Harlow Lennington, the San Francisco author?”

  A tear slipped from Lara’s eye. “The thought has crossed my mind. He was home for a visit at the time. I felt so horrible when you came to forgive me. Again, I wanted to tell you, but I was frightened you wouldn’t understand. And that the whole mess would begin all over.”

  “At last the mystery is solved—at least partially,” Lavinia said. Since she’d almost died today, Lara’s withholding the truth at an emotional time didn’t feel all that horrible an infraction. “Your love of writing has helped Eden grow, Lara. That’s how we should look at this, and nothing more.” And it brought me Rhett. For that, I’d shout all my past silliness to the moon.

  When Lavinia smiled, a mountain of sorrow fled Lara’s face.

  Mavis nodded. “Thank you for telling us the truth.”

  Lara blinked away more tears.

  “With that taken care of, I come bearing gifts.” Mavis stepped forward, a bright smile on her face. “It’s your turn, Lavinia.” She took an envelope from her reticule and held it out.

  The moment Lavinia saw the post, she knew it was her birthday letter. Oh, Father. Thank you. She took the letter with shaky fingers.

  Mavis stepped forward and gave her a warm hug. “We’re so blessed Father thought to write to each of us.” She looked at the letter quivering in Lavinia’s hands. “Well, aren’t you going to open it?”

  She shook her head. “Not until I dress and walk up to my meadow. That seems like the perfect place to speak with Father in person.”

  CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN

  Lavinia dressed, slipped on a yellow bonnet whose colorful ribbons would make any birthday girl happy, and left the hotel, keeping her gaze trained far away from Shawn’s Café. She wanted to read Father’s letter with an open heart, not one pining for Rhett.

  Walking with determination, she passed the stage office, noticing the arrival times on the blackboard. She turned at the drugstore and took the path slowly, seeing the manure left behind from their ride out to the lumber camp. So much had happened. She and Rhett had kissed, and, more, he’d saved her life.

  Her heart pinched. Maybe after she read the letter, she’d look for flowers, see if any of April’s had bloomed yet. Something pretty for the restaurant, she thought, her heart warming. Slowing, she paused on the trail and turned, taking in the view of Eden below.

  My home. Now and forever. The thought gave her a tremendous amount of happiness. She’d been mixed-up, but now her vision of her future was razor sharp. And for that, she was grateful.

  At the crest, she pulled up. Rhett was sitting beside the watcher with Dallas asleep at his side. He stood. Was he thinking about Shawn? Or someone else entirely? She came forward without an invitation. “How’re your ribs?”

  He tipped his head. “Sore. And your head? How do you feel?”

  “Better,
thank you.” Was the kiss forever on his mind as well? The feel of his lips on hers? Or the plunge in the freezing torrent? He’d faced his most powerful fear for her. That fact was not lost when she gazed in his eyes.

  “I saw you coming up the path,” he said, as if he wanted to disclose he’d been observing her.

  She smiled. So cautious. “You and the watcher, huh? What about Dallas?”

  He looked at the dog, who hadn’t budged a muscle. “No, not him. I think he’s worn-out. And I don’t blame him.” Rhett shook his head. “This is a birthday you’ll not soon forget. Have you told your family?”

  So much had happened in these past few days that she was startled to realize she hadn’t told him she’d decided to stay. She shook her head, pulled the letter from her pocket, and held up the envelope. “Not yet. I’ve received my birthday letter from my late father, though.” A smile worked its way out. “I’m excited.”

  “I’ve heard about the letters. Pretty amazing when you consider . . .” He pointed to the area where she always hunted for blossoms. “Go ahead and read it. Don’t let me intrude. By the way, I like your bonnet.” A true smile finally appeared on his face, although his eyes stayed somber.

  Turning, she hurried off, wondering if Rhett got light-headed when he spoke with her, like she did with him. Seated on a large speckled boulder next to where the wild alyssum grew, she opened the envelope with trembling fingers. Thoughts of her dying father, writing when he was so weak, brought a lump to her throat. She’d been given so much by coming to Eden. She took a deep breath and began to read.

  My dearest Lavinia,

  Happy birthday, sweet child. I remember the day of your birth as if it were yesterday. How time plays tricks on us. Can you really be twenty years old? That does not seem possible. Without exception, I’ve loved you deeply every day we’ve been apart. By now, if you’re in Eden as you read this letter, it means you’ve stayed. Inherited the ranch. That makes me happy. Both of your parents had pioneer blood. You’re not meant to waste your life away in a city where nobody knows you.