Independent Brake (The Dominion Falls Series)

by Sarah Cass

  Much to Kat’s surprise, Norman slowed to a stop in front of the small home.

  “Norman?”

  “I was buildin’ it for Betsy, then she up and died.”

  She gasped and eyed the house. “I’d forgotten it was yours. You just left it to rot after she passed. When I left there was no porch or windows. Did someone buy it?”

  “Nah. Lots of promises I didn’t keep to Betsy. Few years ago I figured I’d finish one promise and fixed it up real nice. Thought I might sell it, but ain’t been able to let it go.”

  “Understandable. I’m sure Elizabeth would have loved it. I remember she wore yellow all the time.”

  “Was her favorite color. But she’s gone now. It’s time to let go, I s’pose.”

  “Only you can know if it’s time.”

  “Thought maybe you’d wanna live here so’s you can get outta Cora’s place, I mean.”

  “What?” Kat dropped her hand from his arm and took a step back.

  “I’d rent it to ya, if ya want. If not, I’ll probably sell it.”

  “I couldn’t live in Betsy’s house. It’s a lovely gesture, and I appreciate the kindness, but it wouldn’t be right, me living there what with you ready to move on...”

  “I reckon I am. Been nine years, after all.” He cleared his throat and turned his back on the house. When he offered his arm again, she didn’t hesitate to take it. As they walked, this time he spoke, “So ya said you lived in Chicago for a time?”

  “I did. Rather enjoyed my life there, right up until the end.”

  “Miss it any?”

  “Some. I miss Patrick, but he’s not there any longer, as you know. I miss Delphie terribly, but she just passed a little over a year ago so it will take time. I think what I miss most is this little confectionary on Green Street had a delightful candy called a praline.”

  “A what?”

  She laughed. “That’s what I said. The woman that made them, she came from New Orleans and ordered in pecans just for these candies. They’re pure heaven.”

  “And that’s what you miss?”

  “Outside of my friends, yes. Chicago was just a place. I can live just about anywhere once I decide to stay.”

  “Huh.” He kept his pace slow. “And are ya gonna stay here?”

  “Can’t say for certain, but it’s looking promising.”

  * * * *

  Half the town bustled around the supply wagon before it came to a full stop. Kat hid her laughter behind her hand as Norman hollered at everyone and bullied his way through for the mail bag.

  “You’d think we hadn’t had a supply wagon in weeks.” Cora leaned on the railing next to Kat. “I expect this in the middle of winter, but today it’s a surprise.”

  “I heard Grover Star was getting in more mining supplies today. Apparently the fire last week destroyed a lot of men’s tools. He made the mistake of offering a discount to those that paid ahead.” Kat shook her head. “Now they’re all trying to claim in advance. I don’t think Kelly’s going to get anywhere near that wagon until they’re done.”

  “He’s not trying. My husband is foolishly trying to play peacekeeper since we haven’t a sheriff to do the job.” Cora shrugged. “Norman, however, was pretty hard pressed to get to that mail bag. Wonder what he’s after.”

  “I have no idea.” It was curious, especially as Norman still stood by the wagon, digging through the bag. She’d learned it was his habit to not let anyone near the bag until he’d gotten it to his office and organized, so this was out of character to say the least. “It’s certainly odd to see.”

  “He looks like a child eying our candy display to pick just the right gum drop.”

  Kat laughed. “That’s exactly what he looks like. Makes him look twenty years younger.”

  “Not that such a thing seems to matter to you.”

  “Of course not.”

  “I must say, it’s been nice to see Norman less surly lately. I think you’ve had something to do with that.”

  “I wouldn’t begin to claim such a thing.” Kat fought the urge to fidget. “I am merely being nice.”

  “You care for him.”

  Kat didn’t have time to protest, even if she could’ve. Norman himself walked up wearing the closest thing to a grin she’d ever seen on his face. Unable to stop her own smile, she nodded her head. “Norman.”

  “This came for ya.” He set a box in her hand, then turned and strode back down the steps without another word.

  “What in the world?” Kat glanced at Cora before turning her attention to the small box in her hands. The plain brown paper had Norman’s name on it, and an address in Chicago as the source. “Oh, heavens. No, he didn’t, did he?”

  “He didn’t what?” Cora leaned closer. “Why did he give that to you?”

  Kat peeled away the string and tore open the brown paper. Within moments she had the box inside open, and six pralines sat nestled inside. Her heart melted, and she set her hand on her chest to ease the sudden rapid beat within. “Oh, he did. What a dear man.”

  “Might I ask what those are?” Cora peeked in the box. “Is that candy?”

  “They’re pralines. From a little confectionery in Chicago I used to enjoy. We talked about it weeks ago. I didn’t expect this.” She plucked one from the box and held it out to Cora. “Try one. I bet you could replicate them, you’d just need to order the nuts.”

  “Thank you.” Cora took a bite, and immediately groaned. “Very good.”

  “Aren’t they?” Kat took a bite of hers, letting the candy melt smoothly over her tongue before she bit into the pecan. When she spoke, it was around the candy. “Will you set this in my room? I need to go thank him.”

  “Of course. Would you mind if—”

  “Go ahead and take another. I don’t mind sharing.” Kat hopped down the steps and around the crowd that still hung around the supply wagon. Kelly had things under control now, but the men were taking their sweet time listening to him and Grover.

  She hopped up on the boardwalk and brushed the dust from her pantaloons. Lately she’d noticed them getting tight, no doubt thanks to Cora’s robust meals.

  The last thing she needed was to be eating in between meals, but she’d never turn down a praline. She couldn’t believe that Norman had gotten her favorite candy just because she’d said she missed it. Such a kind gesture had her almost skipping down the street until a shrill whistle pulled her to a stop.

  Across the street Cole curled his finger to call her close.

  She acquiesced only because her mood was already in a good place. A few feet away she paused. “Cole, was there something I could do for you?”

  “You’re actin’ strange. What’s that?” Cole pointed to the praline.

  “Candy. Norman had it shipped in from Chicago for me.”

  “He did, did he?”

  “Mm-hmm.” She took another bite and sighed.

  “We’re done, ain’t we?”

  “I’m afraid so. It was marvelously fun, though. Still friends?”

  He chuckled. “Don’t know any woman that would want to.”

  “Now you do. Shall we play poker tomorrow?”

  “Ya got a deal.”

  Kat nodded and turned on her heel, popping the last bit of candy in her mouth as she headed for the telegraph office. She wiped her sticky fingers on her pants before she pushed open the door.

  Thankfully the office was empty, save for Norman sorting his mail with the back to the door. “Gimme a minute,” he spoke in a gruff tone.

  She walked for the half door that separated the two areas of the store, and pushed through without hesitation. Before he could fully turn to protest, she flew across the room and planted a kiss on his lips.

  He grunted in surprise, but when her arms went around his neck, he slid his hands around her waist. When she pulled back, he frowned. “Ya ain’t supposed to be back here.”

  “Too bad, you dear sweet man.” She kissed him again.

  “Aw, shucks
. Ya better stop that.”

  “I’m afraid you’re rather stuck with me now, Norman.”

  * * * *

  True to her word, Kat had spent all day and night with Norman, and continued the trend for a full week. Every day after he insisted on needing to work, she’d return to Cora’s to freshen up and write a letter to Patrick. Then she’d play a few rounds of cards with Cole before returning to Norman’s.

  As he tapped on the telegraph key, she watched in fascination. The return clicks came so fast, she couldn’t begin to understand what they said. “How do you do that?”

  He finished writing, tapped the key a few more times, then glanced at her. “Just do. Ya gotta sit and listen and it’s easy.”

  “But it’s so fast, and all those clicks run together.”

  “Here.” He pulled down a book from the shelf. “Look at that.”

  “Are you trying to put me off?”

  “No. Look at it.”

  “Fine.” She pulled open the book, and on the first two pages were the letters of the alphabet with dots and lines above each. “Oh.”

  “That’s the code. If ya memorize it, I’ll teach ya more.”

  “So I could send a wire directly to Patrick if I wished.”

  “That’s right.”

  “Oh goodness. How fun.” She sat back and began to study the letters carefully. Around her, Norman continued to work, and part of her wondered if he was feeling triumphant that he’d managed to hush her for some time.

  In the end, the studying was tough work, but made the time go by fast. Before she knew it, Norman was standing in front of her. “Ya know, you’re makin’ people talk stayin’ here and still goin’ to Cole’s.”

  “Are you concerned about Cole? Jealous, maybe?” His lack of answer made her lower the book and lift her gaze to his. “Cole and I are friends alone. He has whores to keep him occupied. We had fun, I won’t lie, but I am not lying with him any longer. I wouldn’t do that to you.”

  “Good.”

  “As far as people talking goes, they’ll do that anyhow. You’ll have to trust me, take me at my word. I am friends with Cole same as you are. We drink and play cards, but no more, not any longer.”

  “I ain’t too happy about it, but I guess.” He jerked his head to the door. “Supper time, if ya want.”

  At the mere mention of food, her stomach growled. “Apparently I do.” She set aside the book and rose. After they’d left and he’d locked the door behind them, she laced her arm with his.

  “That ain’t all they’re sayin’.”

  “Of course it isn’t.” She knew the rumors and talk bothered him. She wished it didn’t, she wished he could let it go. However, she also knew he found some of her behavior and beliefs to forward and improper.

  “With ya practically living under my roof and all...”

  “Norman, you know I don’t wish to get married or anything akin to that. I don’t mind practically living under your roof and keeping your company, but I don’t care for marriage. I’ve seen what it can do to people.”

  “It didn’t do nothin’ bad to Betsy and me.”

  “True, but I’m not Betsy. You’ve known that all along. Please, can’t we just enjoy each other and be together? Why must we make this into a marriage? It could ruin everything if we did.”

  “Or make it better.”

  “I say we leave the subject for now. Revisit in in six months time. Please, don’t push me.” Kat paused in her tracks and turned to face him. “I have grown to care for you a great deal, and I don’t wish to lose that. Can you accept that I don’t wish for marriage?”

  Norman grumbled and shrugged. “I s’pose.”

  Kat kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you, Norman.”

  “Oh, stop that.” He brushed at his cheek before he offered his arm again. “Makin’ me look a fool, ya are.”

  “But I’m also keeping you quite happy.” She started with him toward Turner’s again. “Contentedness isn’t something to just shrug off. I rather enjoy it. I think, despite your protests, you do as well.”

  “Ya might be right.”

  “Of course I am. Allow yourself to be happy, Norman. You never know how long that will last.”

  * * * *

  Kat knocked on the clinic door, entering when Caroline beckoned her in.

  Caroline kept working on the papers in front of her. “Good morning, Kat. I wasn’t expecting you, did we have plans to dine again?”

  “No.” Kat sat in the seat across from the doctor, for once relieved that the town still wanted little to do with a woman doctor. At least she had the privacy for the conversation. “I actually hoped you might have time to see me. In a medical sense.”

  “What?” Caroline closed her folder and met Kat’s gaze. “I just did an exam four months ago.”

  “I’m aware. I have an issue, though.” Kat chewed her lip and stared at her hands. “At first I thought I was just eating too much of Cora’s delicious food and not doing enough actual work. My pantaloons were just a bit tight, and nothing else unusual was occurring.”

  “And now?”

  “I realized I missed my monthly a few weeks back, and the one before that was—unusual.”

  “Unusual?”

  “I wasn’t afflicted as long as usual, in fact it was barely a day in length. I didn’t pay it much mind at first.”

  “I know you’re cautious in your activities. You still come to me for your protective measures, and Cole keeps his own.” Caroline rose and gestured to the back.

  “And we both used them faithfully. With Norman, I do as well.” Kat rose to follow the doctor to an exam room. “That’s why I paid it little mind at first. It wasn’t until I realized I was coming up on a full month being with Norman that I even managed to think about it deeper.”

  “We’ll see what is going on, perhaps your concern is unfounded.”

  “Perhaps.” Kat prepped for her exam in silence, and she was glad Caroline didn’t push the matter. If this were true, she couldn’t remain in Dominion Falls now. Cole wouldn’t lay claim to a child and Norman...

  Kat closed her eyes to ward off the rising worry of Norman’s reaction. If she were honest with herself, she had begun to fall in love with Norman. Even Patrick, as far away as he was, knew it. She couldn’t deny it, but she also couldn’t disrupt his life with a child that wasn’t his.

  Only thing it would do was upset him, and worse, make him more convinced they needed to marry.

  “Katherine,” Caroline said quietly, setting her hand on Kat’s knee. “I hate to confirm your worries, but you are with child.”

  Kat let out a long, deep breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “Oh dear.”

  “Why don’t you get dressed and we’ll talk in my office.”

  “No. I mean, yes I’ll get dressed, but I need to think on this for a while. Sorry, Caroline. I need to be alone with my thoughts.”

  “All right. If you need anything at all, please let me know.” Caroline squeezed Kat’s shoulder and slipped from the room.

  Once dressed, Kat sat on the exam table and tried to collect her thoughts. She was going to have a child. Part of her was over the moon at the thought of having a baby of her own. Without plans for marriage, this was rather serendipitous; even if the timing couldn’t have been worse.

  Kat slid off the table and left the clinic by the back door. A nice long walk was her best bet. Anything to get her thoughts in agreement with her heart.

  The last thing she wanted to do was leave Norman; she’d just managed to admit her feelings. However, she would have a child.

  She set her hand over her abdomen and smiled. “A child.”

  There was no telling how long it would be until she had no choice but to leave. Until then, should she linger or leave before it became too painful not to?

  With all the questions swirling in her head, the only one she didn’t have was whether she would raise the child or not. Without a doubt, she would have this child and raise it, an
d she didn’t need to be married to do so.

  However, she couldn’t do so alone.

  Her biggest concern now was how to tell Patrick. Clearly, she couldn’t send a telegraph. If she’d learned the procedure properly she’d be able to do so herself, but Norman was still teaching her.

  Oh, Norman. Kat sank to sit on a stump in the meadow outside of town. How could she leave the life she’d just become accustomed to? How could she leave Norman? If she was fully honest, she wasn’t just beginning to love him, she already did. That didn’t mean she was any more willing to get married.

  Perhaps she didn’t have to leave him completely. Once the child was born, she could return for visits. Until then, Patrick had a telegraph in his house. Communication wouldn’t be impossible.

  The thought of leaving Dominion Falls again broke her heart, but she knew what she had to do.

  * * * *

  Norman’s relaxed demeanor had faded into harsh lines and a clenched fist. He worked his thumb in and out of his fist, staring at the tabletop between them. “Ya can’t be serious. Ya said ya were stayin’.”

  “I said I was considering it.” Kat reached over to set her hand on his. The tea she’d poured for them had gone cold in his lengthy silence. “If anything could have made me stay, it would be you.”

  “Then stay.”

  “I wish I could. This is an opportunity I can’t let pass, though.” As luck would have it, Patrick’s next wire to her included a message from Pearl. The suffrage league was growing and had requested her presence. “If I can make a difference, I must.”

  “Ain’t nothin’ gonna change.” He pulled his hand away.

  “But maybe it will. I must try. Plus, I’ll be able to visit. This isn’t like your work here. Once I’m established again, I’ll be able to visit.”

  “Visit. Hmph.” He folded his arms across his chest. “That ain’t what I wanted.”

  “Oh, Norman. Are you going to say it again?”

  “I thought with time, maybe...”

  “Time won’t change my opinions on marriage any more than distance will change my feelings for you. I’ll be back. Often as I can.”

  “If you’re goin’, just go. I ain’t gonna play no games.”