by Karen Kirst
He simply wasn’t accustomed to sitting around and stewing over his problems.
“Adam, you have visitors.”
He opened his eyes to see Anna ushering Liam and Lily into the room. “There are a couple of kids impatient to see you.”
His heart beat faster. Did this mean Deborah was somewhere in the house?
Noticing their uncertainty, he extended his hand. “I won’t bite, I promise.”
Anna laughed. “He only snarls and growls.”
“I haven’t been a model patient,” he told the children. “But now that you’re here, I have no reason to be grumpy. I’ve missed you both something terrible.”
Anna slipped out of the room. To visit with Deborah? Someone had to have brought the children.
Lily approached his bedside, her solemn gaze taking inventory. “We wanted to come sooner,” she whispered, “but Deborah said you needed peace and quiet.”
“I’ve had enough of that, I promise.”
“Oh. So I don’t have to whisper?”
He ruffled her hair. “No whispering required.”
Liam propped his arms along the footboard; his worry was plain. “I’ve never known anyone to get shot and live to tell about it. Does it hurt?”
“Not so much now. I’ve had excellent care.”
Lily clambered onto the bed. “We prayed for you every night. Sometimes I heard Deborah crying into her pillow.”
Adam’s chest squeezed.
“Lily,” Liam chided. “That’s private.”
“She doesn’t smile anymore. And she doesn’t make desserts anymore, either. Aunt Mae only shakes her head and sighs.”
“Will you stop thinking about your stomach? She’s been worried about him.”
Ignoring her brother, she ran her fingers along Adam’s scruffy beard, apparently fascinated by the prickles. “I think it’s because he’s leaving us.”
“Where did you hear that?” Adam said.
“Deborah said you’ve finished the work keeping you here.”
Curving his arm around her, he said, “I’m not leaving.”
He wasn’t sure what his future held, but he’d decided to stay in Cowboy Creek.
He looked them both in the eye. “I’d like to continue to be a part of your lives, if that’s okay with you.”
Relief brightened Liam’s features. “Yes, sir!”
Lily hugged him tight. “I want you to be my papa.”
His heart melting, he patted her back and tried to think of what to say. He couldn’t tell her the truth, that he would be honored to fill that position, because then he’d have to answer questions about Deborah.
Someone cleared their throat. “May I come in?”
Anticipation surged through him. Lily jumped off the bed and skipped to the doorway to where Deborah waited, her hands knotted at her waist. Adam drank in the sight of her, achingly beautiful in an elegant creation of seashell pink, her dark hair cascading in soft curls around her shoulders. She reached for the rolling pin brooch on her bodice and clung to it, her knuckles going white.
His frustration melted. “Hello, Deborah.”
“Hello, Adam.”
Lily tugged on her sleeve. “He doesn’t want peace and quiet.”
Deborah smiled tremulously down at the girl. “He doesn’t?”
“And he’s not leaving Cowboy Creek.”
“Is that right?” Deborah slowly lifted her gaze to his. “I—I’m glad.”
“That means we can go fishing anytime we want!” Liam exclaimed.
“And play with Violet’s kittens and ride Seth’s horses,” Lily added.
Deborah tore her gaze away from Adam and tried to silence the children. “Well, I—”
“Liam. Lily.” Just then Anna returned with a plate of cookies, interrupting Deborah. “Why don’t you two join Russ and me in the dining room for a treat?”
The kids readily agreed with the plan. As they ran from the bedroom, the resulting silence resonated with anxiety.
She shifted from one foot to another. “I don’t have to stay. I can come back another time o-or not at all, if that’s what you wish.”
“It’s not,” Adam said huskily.
Everything he wanted to say, everything he’d practiced, froze on his tongue. He was afraid of spooking her. He wasn’t in the position to chase after her if he did.
She let go of the brooch and took a couple of steps toward the bed. Her eyes studied the bandage peeking from the neckline of his pajama shirt.
“How are you feeling? Has Marlys been monitoring your progress?” Her lips turned down. “I hope there’s no sign of the infection returning. Are you eating enough—”
His own question stopped her. “How am I feeling? I’m feeling neglected, that’s what. Are you still angry with me? Is that why you’ve stayed away?”
“What? No!” Her eyes widened, and she closed the distance between them. “I’m the reason you’re in that bed. You almost died saving me. When I think of you lying in that field, unconscious and bleeding—” Her lips starting trembling.
He found her hand and threaded his fingers through hers, reassured when she clung to him. “By God’s grace, I survived.”
“You endured agonizing pain from the gunshot wound. Then the fever sucked you into its grip. I can’t help thinking if I hadn’t been so stubborn that night you came to my room, if I’d accepted your apology instead of hardening my heart, things might’ve unfolded differently.”
Adam leaned forward and, ignoring the discomfort the sudden movement evoked, cupped her waist and pulled her down to sit on the edge of the mattress.
“No, sweetheart. You wouldn’t have even been involved if it weren’t for me. If I hadn’t been blinded by my need for revenge, I wouldn’t have made so many mistakes with you.” He squeezed her hand. “Can you ever forgive me?”
Her eyes brimmed with tears. “Oh, Adam.” Looping her arm around his neck, she buried her face in his shoulder and wept. “I don’t know what I would do without you.”
Overcome with emotion, he nestled her tight against his good side and rested his whiskered cheek against her silken hair. “I’m relieved to hear you say that. I thought you’d never speak to me again. I feared you despised me.”
Deborah abruptly sat up. “Never.” Her cheeks were damp, her mouth glistening. Cradling his cheek, she gazed at him with unbridled affection. “Sometimes you infuriate me, but nothing could stop me from loving you.”
Happiness filled the holes in his heart created by unresolved bitterness. Capturing his enemy hadn’t restored him. It had been this woman’s healing love. Her love renewed the hope he’d thought had died with his father.
A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. The Proverbs verse struck him as perfect for his journey. He’d come to Kansas seeking revenge. The Lord had given him love, instead.
Adam framed her face and brought his mouth close to hers, veering off at the last second to nuzzle her cheek. “I infuriate you, huh?”
Her lids drifted closed, her breathing sped up. “Yes, when you sample my pastries without asking—”
He kissed her temple.
“A-and when you rifle through my personal belongings—”
He kissed her nose.
“You, ah—” Licking her lips, she shivered. “When you’re determined to be the hero and risk your life, frightening me to within an inch of mine...”
He ceased his assault. “Deborah?”
Her lids fluttered open, revealing twin pools of brilliantly dazed topaz. “Hmm?”
“I love you.”
She caught her breath, then smiled so sweetly he couldn’t delay a second longer. He slanted his mouth over hers, surrendering to the love flowing between them, showing her without words how much she meant to him.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Deborah couldn’t take her eyes off Adam. He’d insisted on attending the library’s grand opening, despite not having fully regained his strength. Wearing a formal black suit that enhanced his dark good looks, he’d found a comfortable seat in one corner of the main room and was surrounded by well-wishers. With Zane Ogden in custody, the truth about Adam’s identity and profession was no longer a secret.
“You’re glowing, you know.”
Smiling, she turned to her friend Sadie. “I’m happy.”
“You sound surprised,” Sadie said, sipping her lemonade.
“Before I met Adam, I didn’t think I deserved to be.”
Sadie frowned. “That’s your father’s doing.”
“Partly. I did allow him to shape my view of myself.” She thought of the letter she’d penned and wondered how he’d react. “I might not have gone about things the right way, but I’ll forever be grateful for that abandoned train ticket.”
She sensed Adam’s gaze on her, and her eyes were drawn to his. His slow smile sent giddiness zinging through her. He’d shaved that morning for the first time since getting shot, and she recalled testing the smoothness of his lean jaws and then reveling in his kiss. Aware they’d almost lost something precious, neither had wanted to be apart. They’d spent the last few days together ensconced in Russ and Anna’s parlor. Thankfully, the other couple hadn’t seemed to mind the intrusion.
Sadie nudged her. “Would you two stop it already?” she said good-naturedly.
Deborah’s cheeks heated. “You have no room to complain, considering I’ve caught you and Walter doing the same thing.”
Sadie’s attention went to the prominent photograph Walter had unveiled once the official library dedication had been completed. A simple style not typical for him, it featured an up-close view of a pair of rings—one a solid band and the other topped with a stunning jewel.
“I hoped and prayed he’d propose,” Sadie said on a sigh. “But I never imagined it would be in such a fanciful manner.”
Deborah linked arms with her. “I’m thrilled for you, Sadie. The two of you are perfectly suited.”
“Has Adam spoken of marriage?”
“Not yet.” They’d discussed everything under the sun except what the future might hold for them as a couple. “I have unresolved matters back home. I posted a letter to my father yesterday, but I’m not sure that will be enough. Before Agent Canton left, he promised to speak with my father.” She sighed. “I will probably need to make the journey and speak to him face-to-face.”
“Well, Adam adores you and the kids. There’s no question he wants the three of you in his life. Any word on the guardianship?”
“Not yet.” Deborah was starting to wonder what was taking so long. Russell had been vague. When she questioned Adam, he’d told her the process was sometimes slow.
She had decided to rejoin Adam when Preston blocked her path. She hadn’t seen him arrive. Despite the crowd, Preston evoked a fluttery feeling of foreboding. His gaze cut through her, a subtle, strange mixture of anger and yearning in the depths.
“Deborah, you’re looking well.”
Beside her, Sadie rolled her eyes. “Have you forgotten Adam’s warning?”
“I’m not threatening her,” he sniffed.
“You’re bothering her,” she retorted. “Where’s your constant companion?”
He arched an imperious brow. “Are you referring to my fiancée?”
“You and Hildie plan to marry?” Deborah couldn’t help feeling sorry for Hildie. No doubt she’d been so eager to wed, she’d rushed into the first relationship that presented itself.
Preston nodded. “We’re moving back to my hometown, to be closer to my parents.”
“When do you leave?” Sadie piped up, not bothering to mask her eagerness.
“That’s what I’d like to know.”
At the sound of the deep voice, Preston turned, scowling at Adam. “Deborah is in no danger, Halloway. I was merely paying her a compliment.”
A muscle ticked at Adam’s temple. Beneath his tan, he looked pale. Concern immediately flared within Deborah. Adam was determined to rush his recovery for no reason that she could figure.
Going to his side, she threaded her fingers through his. “Congratulations are in order, Adam. Preston and Hildie are engaged and will be moving to...” She aimed the unspoken question at Preston, whose enigmatic gaze lingered on their hands.
“Illinois.”
Hildie rushed over, a possessive light in her eyes. “You’ve heard the happy news, I see. We were planning on making an announcement until Walter stole our thunder.”
“You shouldn’t let our engagement stop you.” Sadie waggled her fingers at the milling guests. “I’m sure everyone will be delighted. You will probably find many folks happy to help you pack.”
Hildie’s features became pinched. She urged Preston to join her in fetching a drink. When they left, Sadie decided it was time to find Walter.
Once they were alone, Adam sent Deborah a smile somewhat dimmer than usual. He seemed nervous as opposed to upset.
“He wasn’t bothering me,” she said to reassure him. “There’s nothing to be concerned about. With you and your brothers around, he won’t try anything.”
Squeezing her hand, he drawled, “I’m not worried. I heard in great detail how you defended yourself against Dora. You’re stronger than you look.” He winked. “But I’ll still be glad when he’s gone.”
Instinctively, she went up on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. Then, remembering their audience, she felt heat surging onto her face.
“I apologize. I somehow always lose sight of decorum. I’m grateful my father isn’t around to scold me.”
He rubbed his jaw. “About that...”
A commotion at the front entrance of the library caused a break in the hum of conversation. “Where’s my daughter?” a voice boomed. “Deborah Frazier. Is she here?”
Deborah’s stomach dropped to her toes. “Adam—”
“Sweetheart, I have to tell you something.”
The crowd parted like a sea to allow the blustering stranger through the parlor. A kaleidoscope of emotions swirled through her. She hadn’t realized she’d missed him until her father stood before her. They might share a difficult relationship, but she loved him.
“Deborah Elaine Frazier!” He puffed out his chest and set his jaw. The bulldog posture used to intimidate her. Oddly, it didn’t have the same effect this time. “How dare you refuse to return with the man I hired to bring you home! You’ve devastated your sister, and this continued snubbing of Tobias is unacceptable.”
She felt the weight of everyone’s stares. “Father, please—”
“And you.” He jabbed his finger toward Adam. “I assume you’re Adam Halloway?”
Adam nodded solemnly. “I am.”
“You have the audacity to ask me for my daughter’s hand when she’s engaged to my dearest friend?”
A collective gasp went up, Deborah’s included. Adam angled toward her, earnest appeal in his brown eyes. “I wrote to your father and asked for his blessing. I had no idea he’d answer me in person.”
“You didn’t say anything.”
“I’ve been trying to think of a way to broach the subject,” he said sheepishly. “I wanted my proposal to be memorable.”
“She’s not likely to forget this,” someone nearby commented.
Gerard thumped his foot. “Deborah is already pledged to another.”
“You’re making a scene, Father,” she said.
Gerard glanced about him and shrugged. “I believe I’m due one.”
Deborah’s jaw slacked. What happened to decorum above all else?
“Deborah didn’t show for the wedding,” Adam pointed out. “Your dearest friend should’ve gotten the message
by now. She’s not interested.”
“Father, I wrote to Tobias apologizing for the way I left things. I explained that I’m in love with someone else.” She sucked in a breath. “I wrote to you, as well, but you wouldn’t have received it before you left. I’m sorry I disappointed you. I agreed to the match solely to please you.”
“You humiliated me and tarnished our good name. Do you have any idea how this debacle has affected my business relationships?”
“Business isn’t everything, Father,” she admonished.
His skin flushed red. “Don’t pretend you haven’t enjoyed the fruits of my labor.”
“Since leaving St. Louis, I’ve rented a single room in a modest boardinghouse. I’ve done without most of my belongings and lived on a fraction of my former allowance. You know what I’ve discovered? My surroundings don’t dictate my happiness.” At his disconcerted look, she said, “I remember when Mother was still alive. Your family mattered then. Your daughters weren’t mere trophies to be paraded about and bartered to the men of your choosing.”
He paled. Grief surged in his eyes. “Leave your mother out of this.”
“Lucy and I are all you have left of her. I urge you to examine your heart. Do you truly wish to continue in this shallow vein? Or do you wish to pursue meaningful relationships with us?”
Gerard’s lips trembled.
Deborah dared to place her hand on his arm. “I’d like to begin anew, Father.”
His gaze swept the room and, seeming to recover his need for decorum, straightened to his full height. “This is a private matter, Deborah. When you’ve come to your senses, you can find me at The Cattleman.”
He marched through the parting crowd without a single look back.
Adam’s hand settled on her shoulder. “Give him time. He’ll come to his senses.”
She reached up and squeezed his hand, grateful for his support. “He’s not used to me standing up to him. I don’t think I’ve ever been candid about my feelings.”
“I’m proud of you,” he murmured. “It couldn’t have been easy.”