Touching Heaven

by Marie Higgins

  Peter arched a brow. “Rose! What does any of this have to do with me?”

  The harlot continued to stare at Heath. Silence angered Peter, and he wanted to shake the stubborn woman. Instead, he’d use another method. “Tell me, Rose, or as God is my witness, I’ll make sure you are put in jail and hung for your crimes.”

  Scowling, she looked up and wiped her moist eyes. Stubbornness kept her chin erect, and her lips pinched together.

  Hank sniffed. “Rose, tell him! Tell him how Heath blackmailed you.”

  Wide eyes jumped to Hank, and her jaw dropped. “How...how do you know Heath had blackmailed me?”

  “You told me.” Hank shrugged. “While we were in Galveston, you said you did Heath’s bidding so he wouldn’t turn you in.” With a nod, he gestured toward Peter. “Tell him, or I’ll press charges against you.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “What for?”

  “Because I know you drug men at the saloon before you take them to your room just so you can pick their pockets.”

  Peter growled and took a step closer to Rose. “Somebody had better tell me what is going on, or I’ll have you all strung up to a tree within five minutes and hang you myself.”

  Rose gulped and nodded. “Heath saw you at the saloon the night you were stabbed. He knew why you came back to town. He told me that the day he and his father kicked your grandfather out of Belle Grove that you’d threatened to get back the plantation.” She wiped her hand under her nose. “Heath wasn’t going to stand by and let you take what he’d been trying to get for many years, so he had me stab you and steal your money. Unfortunately, I couldn’t take all of your money, because I heard someone else coming out the back way. Hank is the reason I couldn’t take everything.”

  Peter hitched a breath and widened his eyes. “You stabbed me?”

  “Heath made me. He forced me to put sleeping powder in your tequila and wait until you stepped out into the alley before knocking you over the head with a big stick. When that didn’t work, I stabbed you because I knew Heath wouldn’t give me the money he’d promised me if you were still alive. That’s why I had started to take your money.”

  Soft footsteps came up behind Peter, and a hand grasped his elbow. He looked down into Cecilia’s eyes. She had changed into her dress and had fixed her hair into a stylish bun.

  Cecilia squeezed his arm. “You discovered who stabbed you.”

  He nodded and looked back to Heath. “Is he...dead?”

  Hank frowned and shrugged. Cecilia knelt beside Heath and touched her fingers to the man’s neck then his chest. Her gaze jumped up.

  “He’s still alive.” She reached her hand up to Peter. “Quickly, wad up your waistcoat and apply pressure to his side.”

  Peter nodded and yanked out of his waistcoat. Once he pressed the garment to Heath’s body, Cecilia rose to her feet.

  “Hank, you and Rose go fetch the others, and I’ll hook up the wagon. I can probably save him, but not here. We need to get him to my office in town.”

  Peter glanced at Hank, still unsteady on his feet and looking as weak as a newborn colt, and at Rose, who alternately sobbed and stared in a daze at Sterling’s inert form. “You and Rose stay here, Hank. I’ll help your sister. You’re better off not moving too much.”

  Hank didn’t protest but knelt beside Heath and pressed his hands against the blood-soaked coat. With watery eyes, he gave Peter a nod.

  Peter and Cecilia ran to the barn. By this time, Samuel and Kane were there. Cecilia snapped instructions to have them fix a make-shift bed to put in the back of the wagon then the two men hurried off.

  Peter looked at the woman he loved, his heart expanding with his love. “Darlin’, I know you can keep him alive.”

  She smiled. “I’m going to try my hardest.”

  “But you’re forgetting one thing, my love.”

  “What?”

  “You are not Doc Copeland right now.”

  Her hands stilled in the processes of hooking the horses, and her gaze fell to the dress she wore. She met his stare with watery eyes. “I don’t have time to change.”

  He shrugged and smiled. “Don’t change. Now is the time to show the town exactly who Doc Copeland really is.”

  She pursed her lips and scowled. “I...I don’t know if I can do it.”

  “You can. I believe in you. And you must believe God will help you.”

  A tear slipped down her cheek when she smiled. “Thank you. I needed to hear that.”

  The next half hour passed by quickly. Both Peter and Cecilia loaded Heath in the wagon with the help of Samuel and Kane, and along with Hank and Rose, rode into town as fast as Peter dared urge the horses. Cecilia stayed in the back of the wagon, applying pressure to Heath’s wound, elevating him and keeping him as comfortable as she could.

  They’d attracted a crowd by the time they made it to Doc Copeland’s office. Rose still wept like she had been the one shot, and even as weak as Hank was, he helped the best he could by unloading Heath and carrying him into the doctor’s office.

  A larger crowd had gathered. Whispers and gasps circled them when everyone started to realize Cecilia was the one assisting—not Doc Copeland. Loud voices boomed through the group as the sheriff and two of his deputies rushed toward Peter. Before the men could enter the office, Peter stopped them with his hand.

  “What is going on here?” the sheriff demanded. He looked over Peter’s shoulder into the opened doorway of the office. “Where is Doc Copeland?”

  Blocking their way, Peter stood with his arms crossed over his chest and grinned. “She is working on her patient.”

  The sheriff’s bushy eyebrows creased. “What do you mean she?”

  “Just what I said.” Peter smiled. “Doc Copeland—or should I say Cecilia Ashby—is tending to her patient. Now we need to stay out here and let her work, or Mr. Sterling may lose his life.”

  Another spasm of gasps burst out across the crowd, which now bore all wide-eyes and shocked expressions.

  Hank stumbled weakly up the stairs and stood beside Peter, folding his arms across his chest, too. “And if anyone dares to stop my sister, it’ll be over my dead body. Cecilia is a great doctor. It shouldn’t matter if she’s a woman.”

  Shock was a mild description for the emotions running through Peter as he looked at Cecilia’s younger brother, but Peter was actually proud of the young pup. It would still take a while to trust him, but Hank genuinely seemed dedicated to his sister’s secret profession.

  After several minutes, the crowd relaxed. The whispers floating around had diminished as all waited to see whether Cecilia could save Heath’s life. During this time, Hank explained in hushed tones to the sheriff what happened with Rose and Heath. The sheriff nodded and glanced toward the doctor’s office.

  “If Miss Ashby saves Heath’s life, then we’ll wait for him to recover before throwing him in jail to wait for his sentencing.”

  “It would also be wise to have him watched constantly during his recovery,” Peter added.

  “I will.” The sheriff grasped on to Rose’s wrists and tugged her toward his office. “Come, little missy. I’m takin’ you to jail now.”

  Minutes ticked away very slowly as Cecilia continued to work on Mr. Sterling. Perspiration beaded on Peter’s forehead as he guarded the door, peeking over his shoulder often to check on her. She labored away on the unconscious man just as she would have done as Doc Copeland.

  The sun began to set, and shadows grew on the ground. A few lanterns were lit, but the group remained to hear the outcome.

  Finally, inside the office, Cecilia’s deep sigh brought him around. She walked away, wiping her bloody hands on a cloth. Fatigue and stress added lines to her face, but through it all, she smiled.

  Peter’s heartbeat thudded a quick rhythm against his ribs, and his smile grew. Her eyes sparkled, and she nodded. He stepped aside and let her greet the crowd. A hush fell over everyone.

  “Mr. Sterling lost a lot of blood, but I was ab
le to remove the bullet. He’s going to be fine,” she said loudly and with confidence.

  Applause and cheers rose in the night, and the crowd pressed forward to give her congratulations. Peter and Hank stepped aside to allow Cecilia time to talk to the townspeople. Peter clapped his hand on Hank’s shoulder and grinned. “Well, your sister did it. She has proven that women can be doctors.”

  Hank nodded. “It’s about time. I never did like her dressing up as a man all these years.” He shivered. “Made me feel funny when I talked to her.”

  Peter laughed. “Try falling in love with a woman who dresses as a man.” He arched his brows. “I thought I was going insane.”

  Hank laughed and nodded toward the saloon. “Can...can I... uh...buy you a beer?”

  Peter glanced at the saloon—the place that had always been a second home to him. Now as he looked at the drab walls and heard the tinkering of the piano, he realized his home wasn’t there any longer. His home was with Cecilia.

  “No, Hank. I don’t ever want to go there again. Drinking and gambling can ruin a man’s life and take him away from people who love and care about him. My place is with Cecilia now.” He glanced at her, realizing he’d never seen her smile so wide before. Her gaze connected with his, and her eyes twinkled.

  Peter turned his attention back to Hank. The younger man wore a frown as he studied the saloon. After a few moments, he looked at his sister and heaved a sigh.

  “Mr. Grayson, you are correct. My life has been nothing but problems ever since I started gambling and drinking. I pray I will be as strong-willed as you and never enter that establishment again.”

  A soft sob tore from Cecilia as she ran to her brother and took him in a sturdy embrace. “Hank, I have prayed so many times that you would finally realize this. Thank you.” She kissed his cheek. “Ma and Pa are smiling at you from Heaven now.”

  Tears gathered in Hanks eyes as he hugged his sister. A lump of emotion knotted in Peter’s throat and he tried not to get caught up in all the tears. Silently, he said a prayer, thanking the Lord for His help.

  Epilogue

  The train jerked Peter in his seat as it slowed, bumping him into the sleeping woman sitting next to him. Cecilia blinked open her eyes and yawned. He smiled and caressed her cheek. She was just as beautiful asleep as she was awake. And he was the most fortunate man in the world to have her as his wife. In all the times he won at the gaming tables, he’d never felt so much alive—and blessed—as he had now.

  “Are we there?” she asked, peeking outside the window.

  “Yes, Mrs. Grayson.” He took her hand and kissed her soft knuckles. The diamond he’d slipped on her finger during the marriage ceremony two days ago winked at him in the sunlight. “We are here.” He leaned toward the window and peered out. “Welcome to Virginia City, Montana.”

  She sat up straight and clasped her hands in her lap. “I’m so excited to see your home and where you grew up. I’m even more excited to meet your family.”

  “They are going to love you.” He smiled. “And they will see exactly why I fell in love with you.”

  The conductor called for everyone to leave the train. Peter took his wife’s hand and led her off. As he stood on the boardwalk, he glanced at the colorful mountains. Autumn was in full force, and the beautiful orange, red, and brown leaves reminded him of the years he’d spent with his father and brothers, readying the ranch for winter.

  Excitement built inside Peter as he hired a wagon to take them to the ranch. Mr. Thorsten was someone he knew well, and the older man welcomed Peter home with a cheerful grin. His family didn’t know he’d come back. They didn’t even know about his marriage. But Peter wanted to see them face to face instead of sharing the glorious news through a letter.

  During the drive to the ranch, he told his wife about some of his memories; the fights he’d had with his brothers as well as the good times. Thankfully, there were more good times.

  As they rode onto the ranch, Peter’s nerves started feeling itchy, and his heart thundered in his ears. Cecilia held onto his hand and smiled into his eyes.

  “Everything will be fine,” she assured him.

  The closer they came to the main house, Peter took in the scenery. He’d missed Montana’s blue sky as it mirrored the small river running beside his favorite trail. He’d missed the yellow and black birds that perched on the wooden fence, singing to their heart’s delight. And he’d missed watching the Golden Eagle as the bird eyed his prey.

  Cattle were scattered in the fields leading up toward the main house. From the closest field Peter noticed his pa and brothers. They all turned their heads and spied the people coming to visit. From inside the house, his ma and sister-in-law stepped out, shielding their eyes from the bright sun. Ma looked like she had lost a little weight, and Careen appeared thicker around the middle. Peter chuckled. His older brother, Joshua, knew how to keep his family growing, that was for certain.

  Peter’s smile widened, but he didn’t want to shout any kind of greeting yet. Within seconds, his ma squealed with delight and clapped her hands.

  “Peter’s home!”

  This brought his pa and brothers running toward the wagon. Peter’s eyes misted and happiness grew inside his chest. He’d certainly missed his family.

  Just as the wagon stopped, his ma and Careen were waiting anxiously. Peter jumped down from the wagon and wrapped his ma in his arms. She sobbed and kissed his cheek.

  “I’m so happy to see you,” she cried.

  Soon, his pa and his brothers threw their arms around him in a welcoming hug. Questions were thrown at him in all directions. Cheering and laughter encircled the group. Feeling overwhelmed, Peter didn’t know where to start.

  Well...actually, he did.

  He tore away from them and moved back to the wagon and helped his lovely bride down. Sliding his arm around her waist, he faced his family. “I would like to introduce you all to Cecilia Grayson...my wife.”

  Once again, hugs started as well as congratulations and slaps on the back from his brothers. Pa stood beside Peter and gave him a wink.

  “Son, you’ve done well.” He motioned his head toward Cecilia. “She is a beautiful woman.”

  “Thanks, Pa. I love her very much.”

  “I can tell.” He squeezed Peter’s shoulder. “I can also tell you are a changed man.”

  Nodding, Peter gazed lovingly at his wife. “In more ways than one.”

  “Come!” His mother said loudly. “Everyone into the house. It’s lunch time.” She wrapped her arm around Cecilia and prompted her to walk beside her. “Don’t be shy...not in this family.” She chuckled.

  Cecilia laughed and glanced back at Peter. He shrugged and watched her walk into the house with Ma and Careen.

  “It’s good to have you home,” Pa said, giving him another hug.

  “It’s good to be home.” Peter smiled, noticing his father’s gray hair. No more did it look like salt and pepper, but more salt than not. “But I have a new home now.”

  “Where?”

  “In Texas...granddaddy’s old plantation, Belle Grove.”

  Pa’s eyes widened. “Is that where you’ve been?”

  “Yes. That’s where I met Cecilia. Her family was the new owners of the plantation.”

  “I’m happy you could keep it in the family.”

  “Me, too.” They walked toward the house. “Pa, I want to apologize for...well, for everything. I realize how wrong I was and how right you and Ma were.”

  A tear formed in the older man’s eyes. “I knew you weren’t ready to listen to us. We prayed constantly that you would be shown the way.”

  “Your prayers were answered, Pa. The Lord showed me the right path, all right...straight toward Cecilia. She was the one who changed me.”

  Pa stopped and arched an eyebrow. “She changed you?”

  Peter shrugged and shook his head. “Actually, she made me want to change. I didn’t like the man I had become. I wanted to be the man that she
could fall in love with.”

  Pa’s eyes twinkled with mirth. “Now that’s the answer I was waiting for.”

  “Oh, Pa,” Peter said, moving toward the house again, “she makes me so happy. I don’t ever want to lose this feeling.”

  “Let me tell you something, son.” Pa turned and looked toward the sky. Peter stopped beside him. “The secret to happiness,” Pa continued, “is having children and raising them to love the Lord. Stay close to the Lord, and every day will seem like you’re touching Heaven.”

  Peace washed over Peter and he grinned. “Touching Heaven. I like that. That’s exactly what I think of when I’m holding Cecilia.”

  “Then everything will work out just fine.” Pa clapped his hand on Peter’s shoulder. “You have nothing to worry about until...” He paused as a grin tugged on his lips.

  “Until what?” Peter asked.

  “Until you start having children and they turn out to be as defiant as you.” Pa threw back his head and laughed heartily.

  Peter chuckled, finding humor in the statement. Yet at the same time, he worried that his Pa was right. Again.

  THE END

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  OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

  A Walk in Heaven (book 1)

  https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Heaven-Grayson-Brothers-Book-ebook/dp/B0067F68FS

  IN THE EARLY HOURS of the morning, Careen becomes Matthew Grayson’s wife...and then in a blink of an eye, his widow. How can she tell the family she’s never met that her own cousin is responsible for their son’s death?

  While she waits for the right moment to admit the cousin’s guilt, a budding attraction grows between Careen and her new brother-in-law, Joshua. But this will only complicate matters, especially when the truth finally comes out.