"What if he doesn't get better?"
It was a question Sarah couldn't begin to answer. It was her worst fear.
"He will."
Jeremy looked up at Stephen, who until this moment hadn't spoken. "How do you know?"
"I just know, Jeremy. I promise you that he will never hit you again."
Jeremy searched his face. "You'll make pa better?"
Stephen nodded, his expression serious. "I'll make him better."
Surprised at the conviction in his voice, Sarah turned her eyes toward Stephen. He didn't even blink as Jeremy considered his words.
Jeremy allowed a small smile to escape through his tears. "Sarah told me once that a person can do anything, once they set their mind to it." Jeremy offered his hand to Stephen, who took it firmly in his own. "I figure you got your mind set on this."
Sarah was surprised at Jeremy's acceptance of Stephen's words. She stood, taking his other hand in hers.
Jeremy looked up. "Sarah, can you tell me more about ma."
Sarah nodded and began walking. Jeremy walked between the adults as he asked question after question about his ma.
Meagan watched the three of them walk away, knowing Cole did the same. Although she hadn't been able to grasp every word, Meagan had heard enough of the conversation to infuriate her. Part of her prayed that Stephen was right and that Jeremy could live with his pa again. Another part hoped that he never had to set eyes on the man again.
"Cole, how is Jeremy's pa doing?"
"It's not been easy for him, but so far he's remained sober, and cooperative." Cole worried how long that would last, but he didn't share that information with Meagan. He watched Stephen disappear from sight, and turned toward her. "Let's get Toby home."
With a nod Meagan called to Toby, and he ran toward them, a large toad in his hand. "Look what I found," he exclaimed with excitement. "Can I keep it. Can I, ha?"
Cole smiled as he lifted the boy into his arms. "You bet you can. What are you going to name it."
Meagan admired Cole's natural manner with children. He's going to make a great father one day, she thought. She followed several feet behind them on their return journey, her mind drifting.
Maybe, if she helped Cole catch Tony, she'd have a chance to build a life with Cole. Only, to assist in her brother’s capture seemed a cruel means to an end. As much as she wanted to move on with her life, Meagan wondered, when it came down to it, if she'd be able to send Tony to jail.
Meagan didn't notice Cole's eyes on her, nor did she see his worried frown as he studied her. She was too busy trying to think of a way out of her predicament.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
"Cole, you coward, come out here and face me like a man."
Meagan awoke to the sound of a man's voice and rolled lazily onto her stomach as she placed her pillow over her head in an effort to block out the noise.
"If you don't come out, I'm coming in."
The man's words didn't penetrate her sleep induced state, but his angry, impatient tone did. Sitting up, she stretched and yawned once before standing and walking to the window, wanting to see what all the commotion was about. Her fingers froze just inches from the draperies as she heard a second voice.
"Matt, go home."
Meagan recognized Cole's voice and backed away from the window, hoping she hadn't been seen spying. Cole was talking to Sarah's father. She remained motionless for what seemed like hours before her curiosity overcame her caution. She pressed her back against the wall and scooted toward the window. She strained to hear their conversation.
"I want my kids. You bring them to me then I'll leave."
Cole answered with cool authority. "You're not leaving with those kids, Matt."
Meagan shifted just enough so one eye could peek out the window.
"I'm not leaving without them," Matt threatened. Meagan watched with growing concern as Matt planted his feet, his arms at his sides. The fingers of his right hand twitched. She was frozen in place, praying Cole knew what he was doing.
Cole advanced slowly toward the man, his eyes never wavering from Matt's face. Matt's expression belied his movements, and Cole was confident Matt wasn't prepared to kill him. He paid little attention to the six shooter resting in the holster on Matt's hip, knowing he'd be defenseless against an assault, should Matt choose to carry out his threat.
Just then Sarah ran from the house toward her father and in a lightening fast motion Cole gripped her arm and stopped her progress. His eyes remained on Matt.
Meagan smothered a gasp as she watched Matt draw his pistol and aim it at Cole. The barrel of the gun was less than steady in Matt's shaking hand.
Sarah struggled to pry his hand loose, but Cole tightened his vice-like grip even more, causing her to wince in pain.
"Let me go, Cole."
Cole knew the situation had become deadly. Sarah's presence spurred Matt on, and if he didn't get rid of her soon someone might get hurt. "Let me handle this, Sarah."
Sarah twisted her body in an effort to free herself. "I can talk some sense into him, Cole. I have to try."
"He's drunk, Sarah. He isn't going to listen to reason."
Stephen appeared behind them and reached out to grab Sarah, but she shied away. "Sarah, you have to come with me, right now."
"I won't." She practically spat at Stephen as he attempted to take her away. "I have a right to be here. He's my father."
"Stephen, take her. I have enough to worry about here," Cole demanded impatiently as he flung Sarah into his brother's arms.
Stephen caught Sarah and held fast against her struggles, dragging her protesting body into the house.
"You're keeping my children against their will," Matt declared, his temper rising with each passing second. He lifted the gun even higher, and Cole, who was now less than six feet from the man, knew if Matt chose to shoot, the bullet would kill him. It was time to make his move.
With one smooth, swift motion Cole flung his body toward Matt and grabbed the arm that held the pistol. A loud shot reverberated through the air as Cole landed on Matt. A scuffle began between the two men. Minutes later, Matt lay unconscious at Cole's feet.
Cole picked him up and flung him over his shoulder. He was about to walk away, but turned at the last minute to look at Meagan's window. "You can come out now, Meagan."
Meagan hadn't moved a muscle since she'd seen Matt point the gun at Cole. His words penetrated her numb mind, and her entire body began to shake with reaction.
"Once I take care of Matt, I need to speak to you."
Meagan watched Cole carry Matt away. How had he known she was there? He'd never taken his eyes off Matt, not even for a second. She dressed then went to check on Sarah and the rest of the children.
Stephen had his hands full. "Sarah, stop fighting me," he demanded as he held her arms pinned to her side. "Calm down so we can talk about this."
"I don't want to talk," Sarah struggled then went limp in his arms.
Stephen caught her dead weight and was about to swing her into his arms when she wrenched free of him. Before he could stop her she was once again out the door.
"Sarah, you're going to get someone killed," Stephen called as he rushed after her, knowing she wouldn't listen to him, but trying anyway. He found her, standing rigid and still, staring after Cole's retreating figure.
In a voice so choked with emotion that Stephen had to strain to understand her she threatened, "if he hurts pa, I swear I'll never forgive either one of you."
"Sarah," Stephen tried to reason with her, "your pa was drunk. He had the pistol, not Cole. He held all the cards, and you were in the middle of an extremely volatile situation. We had to get you away."
Sarah cradled her head in her trembling hands and sobbed, "I want you to leave me alone, Stephen."
"Sarah, don't do this. I can help you."
"Help me?" Her voice bordered on hysteria as she lifted tear filled eyes to him. "Help me?" she repeated, anger crackling in her tone. "How
dare you stand there, after all these years, and offer to help me." Her lip curled up and she practically snarled at him. "I've been living on this ranch for nearly eight years, and you've never once offered to help. You barely knew I existed."
Stephen flushed a bright red as her words rang true. "Sarah, I.."
"I don't want to hear anymore, Stephen." Sarah's shoulders slumped in defeat. "I have to go check on the children. I'm sure they heard the gunshot and are frightened."
Stephen watched her turn away from him. He wanted to take her in his arms and comfort her. It was the last thing she wanted. "Sarah, I'll check on your father, and I'll come right back."
"Don't bother." She didn't even bother to look at him as she spoke. "I don't care anymore. Just leave us be."
Stephen left to find Cole, praying that he hadn't injured Matt. Sarah's pain went deeper than he'd realized, and today she'd made him feel responsible for it. It hurt.
He was halfway to Matt's house when he spotted Cole walking his way. He waited until Cole reached him then asked, "is Matt okay."
"He's unconscious, and drunk. He'll be fine."
Stephen breathed a sigh of relief. "I heard a gunshot."
"No one was hit." Cole's face was haggard. He let out a string of curses.
"What are we going to do?"
"I don't know." Cole had pondered that question all the way to Matt's house. If they couldn't keep the man sober they'd have to try to find homes for the children. Separating them was only a step better than leaving them as they’d been. There wasn’t a win in this situation.
"Sarah blames me for all this," Stephen confessed, then cursed himself for dragging his brother into his mess.
Cole didn’t miss the fleeting pain in Stephen’s eyes before he masked it. "That's nonsense, Stephen. She's just hurting."
"We could have done more, Cole."
Cole's jaw tensed. "We probably could have,” he admitted. He raised his hand and rested it on Stephen’s shoulder. “We didn’t do right by those kids, but we can change that. We’ll think of something.” Cole dropped his hand and walked away. He wanted to talk to Meagan.
He found her sitting in a circle with Sarah and the children, reading a story. Sarah's eyes were dull and unfocused, and Meagan was assuming the burden of comforting the children. Their eyes met briefly, and Cole indicated with a slight tip of his head that she should meet him outside. She inclined her head in compliance before returning to her story.
Nearly twenty minutes later Cole sensed Meagan’s presence behind him. He’d been deep in thought, and didn’t realize how tightly he’d been gripping the wooden post of the fence he stood by, until he let go and felt blood circulate back into his fingers.
"I'm here, Cole."
Her soft voice sent shivers through him, and he turned without a conscious thought and pulled her roughly, almost violently against him. He clung to her without speaking
Meagan relaxed into his embrace. She rested her cheek against his chest and ran her hands up and down his back in a gentle, circling motion. Several minutes passed as Cole allowed her warmth to seep through him. She was all he needed. He shut his eyes and breathed in the scent of her, his cheek resting gently on the top of her head. His mind was clouded with confusion as mixed emotions warred within him. Guilt, anger, despair, desire, he felt them all. With a deep reluctance he pulled away from her, turning his back to her once again. "How's Sarah?"
His voice came out in a broken whisper, and Meagan answered truthfully, "She's having a difficult time."
"She blames us, you know."
"What for?"
"For not helping them sooner."
"That's not true, Cole." Meagan clearly remembered her conversations with Sarah. She'd never once indicated any feelings but respect for all the McAllister's. "She's just upset."
"She has a right to be." Cole faced Meagan again, his tortured eyes boring into hers. "What are we going to do with those children?"
"You can't give up on Matt, Cole. If you do, those children will be separated."
"Don't you think I know that?" His voice was harsh, angry.
Meagan ignored his tone as she asked quietly, "do you?"
He studied her. Meagan was right, he couldn't give up. He would never allow those children to be separated. Matt would stay sober, even if he had to lock him up. Matt would stay sober this time no matter the cost. He felt the tension melt away. “You're good for me, Meagan."
Meagan heard his sincerity and knew it was true. Cole needed her as much as she needed him.
"Meagan, I almost forgot why I asked you out here."
Meagan watched as Cole reached into his pocket and pulled out a wad of bills, which he handed to her.
"What's this?"
"Your pay for the month."
Meagan stared blankly at the money. She hadn't realized it was the last day of May, payday. This money was her ticket out. With this, she could leave. It had been her plan all along.
Cole frowned when she just stood there. "I thought you'd be happy to get this, Meagan."
"Oh, I am," she assured him weakly, knowing in her heart it wasn't true. She absently counted it, surprised to find a full months wages. "I haven't been here for the full month, Cole."
Cole fought his disappointment as he studied her crestfallen face. He'd hoped his generosity would please her. "I thought, with all the extra work you've done feeding eight extra mouths, you deserved it."
Meagan raised her eyes to his. "That was very thoughtful of you, Cole. Thank you."
The beginning of a smile tipped the corners of his mouth as his gaze melded with hers. "I'd do anything to make you happy, Meagan."
She knew it was true. Cole was falling in love with her. After all these years she was finally realizing her dream, only now she couldn't act on it. She was facing an overwhelming decision. She could leave before she hurt Cole more, or she could locate her brother and turn him in. With a resigned sigh and wooden smile Meagan held up the money, "thanks again."
Cole watched her turn away and he wanted to draw her back into his arms. He suspected what was gnawing at her, and he also realized sadly that she wasn't ready to commit to him. Meagan was nearly out of sight when he remembered a conversation he'd had with Gloria a few days back and he ran to catch up with her.
"Meagan, wait a minute."
She turned and watched his approach. She couldn’t help but enjoy the way his powerful frame moved with such an easy grace. She felt her heart jolt and her pulse quicken as his chest strained against his shirt with each deep breath he took.
"I forgot to ask you something."
Desire coursed through her when she met his gaze. “What is it?” she whispered in a husky tone.
Cole's eyes darkened and smoldered with passion as soon as he locked eyes with hers. His gaze raked boldly over her as he moved in closer. She was a temptress and he was powerless against her charm. He reached for her, but caught only air as she darted away. He smothered a curse.
"What did you want, Cole?" she asked.
How did she do that? Cole watched her expression turn to one of wide eyed innocence. If it wasn’t for the strained tone of her voice Cole would have sworn he’d imagined her invitation. It took him several seconds and a few deep breaths to gain equal composure. Meagan was going to be the death of him yet. "It's about the dance." He was suddenly reluctant to ask her what he'd intended to ask her.
"What about it?"
"Gloria stopped by here a few days ago, and was wondering if her dress was ready."
Meagan’s eyes widened. "When, exactly, is the dance?"
"Saturday."
"This Saturday?" Meagan squeaked.
"Yes. You told Gloria you'd have the dress for her tomorrow."
Meagan felt the color drain from her face. She’d been so busy with her eight new guests, she’d completely forgotten about the dress.
"Is there a problem, Meagan?"
"No. No problem." Meagan forced a smile. "I'll have the dress for
her by tomorrow afternoon. Late tomorrow afternoon," she clarified.
Cole nodded, "I'll tell her." He reached out and touched a stray strand of her hair, "I wish it was you I was taking," he confessed.
Meagan was so deeply engrossed in her predicament that Cole's words didn't sink in. She nodded and turned away, unaware that Cole's eyes bore into her back the entire way. She gathered the pile of material that was supposed to be Gloria's dress and grimaced as she realized how much still needed doing. The bodice was nearly finished, but she needed to attach the sleeves, and she hadn't even started the skirt. She recalled how much she hated sewing, and let out a huge sigh. She'd promised to finish this by tomorrow, and finish it she would.
Several hours had passed when Stephen walked into the room. "What are you doing?"
"Sewing." Meagan's mind was on her task and she paid little attention to his presence.
"I can see that." Stephen sat in a chair opposite her. "Why?"
"It's for Gloria."
"Gloria Marsh?"
"I guess," Meagan was trying to remember all the things Anne had shown her to do. "I don't really know. I never heard her last name."
"Black hair, gorgeous and rude?"
"That's her." Meagan used her teeth to break a thread.
"What possible reason could you have to sew a dress for Gloria?" Stephen turned a puzzled glance her way. "Seems to me she's the last person someone would do a favor for."
"She's going to the dance with Cole."
"She's what!" Stephen stood and approached her, “I thought you'd go with Cole."
"Well, you thought wrong." Meagan frowned as she surveyed the crooked stitches before her. This had seemed much easier when Anne had been helping her.
"Meagan, what in tarnation are you thinking?"
She flashed him an impatient glance. "What do you mean?"
A shadow of annoyance crossed his face. "I'm trying to find out why you're not going to the dance with Cole."
"I already told you why. He's taking Gloria."
"Why?"
She placed the material in her lap and gave Stephen her full attention. "Why shouldn't he?"
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