Faltered Beginnings: Mail Order Brides of Spring Water Book Five

by Ball, Kathleen

  “How about tomorrow? Oh, there is something else that happened. Georgie put everything on her tab. I didn’t want her to, but she said you and Parker would settle up later.” Her bottom lip trembled.

  “Sweetheart, it’s perfectly fine,” he soothed, brushing a strand of her hair away from her face. “Don’t worry. I like to think of myself as an easy person to get along with. I hate you were afraid you’d get in some sort of trouble. I’m sure we’ll have disagreements along the way, but we’ll work them out. We have a permanent roof over our heads. That’s the most important thing.”

  She stared at him.

  “What? Is there something wrong with my face?” he asked.

  “No, I was just wondering why the house is so important to you. Some would say it’s just a house but to you it seems like it’s more.”

  “While you grew up in luxury, I grew up poor, never knowing when we’d be thrown out of the place we rented. My father had a love for drinking, and he spent most of his pay at the local saloon. Every time it happened my mother made me promise I would never spend the rent money. It’s a promise I’ve kept, and now I have a house of my own.” He grinned. “I also have a wife and a baby on the way. I bet she’s looking down on us with a smile on her face.”

  “You’ve kept your promise,” Mary Beth agreed softly. “I bet she is very proud of you. I see now why the house is so important to you.”

  “I thought it was the most important thing,” he said, shaking his head. “But people are more important that a house.” Why didn’t he just come out and tell her that she was more important? He hadn’t wanted his heart involved, but it was a bit late. He cared too much about her. He almost wished she was the old Mary Beth that was as prickly as a cactus. It had been easy then to keep her at arm’s length. Now all he wanted to do was wrap her up in his arms and comfort her. She looked like a small waif all tucked in.

  “I’ll bring in the supplies you bought. The ranch is safe. I’ll be right back.” Her eyes looked too big for her face. It must be awful to suffer as much as Mary Beth had and now everyone pretended it hadn’t happened. It sounded as though her injuries were extensive. It must have been so painful. Leon had a lot of nerve coming to Spring Water.

  He walked to the barn and spotted Willis. “Hey, Willis could we speak outside for a moment?”

  Willis frowned but went with him. “What’s up?”

  “What do you know about a man named Leon from Button Hills?”

  “Leon Baker? He’s bad news, why? I thought they had locked him up.”

  “No, he had enough pull with the right people that he didn’t serve but a few days in the local jail. He’s in town, and he threatened Mary Beth.”

  Willis closed his eyes and rubbed the back of his neck. “He attacked Iris. Luckily I was there to stop it. I heard he’d done worse to many women.” He sighed. “Mary Beth was one of them?”

  “Unfortunately she was. He beat her severely while he attacked her. Her father didn’t want to hear anything about it even though she was black and blue. Seems Leon is the local judge’s nephew, and that kept him out of jail. They probably put pressure on her father to keep quiet. Then when she found herself with child, her father threw her out. She had no idea you were married when she showed up here. Today Leon threatened her in town. He told her he’d tell her husband about her. She’s scared out of her mind he’s here to take the child.”

  “To get her father’s money. Makes sense.” Willis’ eyes narrowed. “You’d best watch your back. He has no honor and would back shoot you in a second. How’d he find out she was expecting?”

  “I don’t know. I guess we should expect a visit from him.” Carter stared at the horizon.

  “Don’t worry, I got your back. We’ll alert the others too. Mary Beth will be safe.” His mouth lifted in a half-smile. “Hey, how did you tame her?”

  Carter laughed. “She’ll never be tame. She was so used to people pushing her away, she put them off before they had a chance.”

  “Now I think about it, she was very pleasant to talk to when we went on buggy rides. It was when we were around others that she’d get all high and mighty. I was worried for you when you married her, but it appears you care about her.”

  “That I do. She’s learning to be a ranch wife and the other wives have given her a second chance. If we can get rid of Leon, all should be well.”

  “I have to get back to Sticky,” Willis said with a smile.

  “Why d'you name a horse that?”

  “I’ve done everything I can think of and there is no sticking on him. If he could he’d throw me into the next county.”

  Carter laughed. “I have supplies to bring in. Can you tell Parker what’s going on? I’d like to spend the rest of the day with Mary Beth and try to ease her mind. It can’t be good for the child. My child.”

  Willis slapped him on the back. “Good for you.”

  Carter made three trips before he had all the supplies in the house. He didn’t hear a sound from Mary Beth. After he put everything away, he peeked at her. She looked so young and serene when she slept. He hated that she was so upset and afraid.

  He wasn’t sure what he should do about it either with the Yankee soldiers still in town. He couldn’t go to town and warn Leon in a way to make sure he’d never come back. Mary Beth was safe on the ranch. They’d have to wait him out.

  * * *

  Mary Beth sat up in bed when she heard the door open. Iris came into the bedroom and hugged Mary Beth. “You poor thing. Leon should be in jail and I’m appalled he’s able to go wherever he wants. Lex told me.”

  Mary Beth hung her head. “I’m sorry I accused you of not making sure Leon was tried. It wouldn’t have mattered.”

  “What are you going to do if he tries to claim the baby?”

  Her heart hurt and her stomach dropped. “Does everyone know he’s the father?”

  Iris put her hand on Mary Beth’s arm. “No, of course not. Lex told me Leon threatened you, and I assumed. Wouldn’t the child be proof he did attack you?”

  “No, it’s proof I’m easy. Leon is the nephew of the local judge who my father is also friends with, and my father believed the judge’s version of the attack and not mine. I even stood up for Leon at one point. He will claim I’m trying to take the baby away from him, I just know it. I’m scared.”

  “I don’t blame you. The look in that evil man’s eyes makes him look like the very devil himself. He takes what he wants, and I think he enjoys hurting women. You’re safe on the ranch, and Lex and I will keep a look out for him. If you need anything, please come and ask.”

  “Thank you, I will.”

  Iris patted Mary Beth’s hand. “You look pale. I’ll let you rest. And Ross is the father of your baby.” She closed the door behind her.

  Mary Beth lay back down on the bed and clutched her sheet until her knuckles turned white. Everyone would know. There was not a doubt she harbored, they would all know someone had attacked her. How many would really believe her? Her own father didn’t want to hear it. Even if he wanted to keep it quiet, he could have shown her some concern. The physical pain was as bad as the pain her father had inflicted.

  “Are you doing well?”

  She glanced at the door way and nodded. Ross cared. In fact, he cared more than she ever expected. He glanced at her hands and she loosened her hold on the sheets.

  “I wish there was something I could say or do to make you feel better.”

  She hesitated for a moment. “Could you hold me? I used to be braver than this.”

  Nodding, he gave her a sweet smile. The side of the bed dipped as he sat and pulled his boots off. With cautious movements, he climbed under the sheets and pulled her back against him. Then he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her neck before he settled his head on the pillow.

  “How’s that?”

  “I feel so much calmer, thank you. The baby is kicking again. Would you like to feel it?”

  He instantly had his hands on he
r belly and kept them there. He started with each kick. “It’s amazing, isn’t it? I feel blessed you’re sharing it all with me. I never thought I’d marry or have a family. After so much loss during the war I swore to never care for anyone. My father had told me that the worst thing you could do was love your wife. And I think my mother could feel his lack of love. I’d see a wistful expression on her face, and I often wondered about it.”

  He kissed the side of her neck, and she shivered.

  “I wonder how many people really know how long unto death do you part is.” He shrugged. “I bet it could seem like an eternity with the wrong spouse. Mary Beth, I never want you to be unhappy like my parents. I used to think love was for the addled brain, but there just might be something to at least caring for the person you’re married to.”

  Mary Beth couldn’t help herself. She laughed. Behind her, he stiffened.

  “Such pretty words until the caring part,” she explained between soft guffaws. “It struck me as funny. I’m glad you set your father’s thoughts on love aside. I also think it sweet you realized what your mother yearned for. I’m glad I’m married to you. There was never anything between Lexington and me. Most men asked to court me because of my father’s wealth. Lexington didn’t seem to care, but I could tell his heart wasn’t in it. I ran to him because I knew he’d protect me. He thought more of me than money. I like you too, Ross, and you make me feel safe and cared for. I can be myself around you, and I don’t think I’ve been myself for many years. You’ll be a good father.”

  “Well since we are both in agreement about liking each other, would you be interested in trying to love me? Do you think you could?”

  She already loved him, but she wanted him to say it first.

  She’d be so content if Leon and his threats weren’t hanging over her head. It was hard enough to know she was not married when she was with child but Leon seemed determined to shame her in front of the whole town. She knew he was probably in the saloon each night spreading his nasty words.

  He wasn’t the fatherly type, and she feared for her child. They would not use her baby as a pawn to get to her father’s money. She shouldn’t have ever gone on that picnic with Leon. It only started the gossip and lent doubt to her allegations. A short, harsh laugh burst from her. What allegations? She hadn’t been allowed to tell anyone. It had been hard to go from being her daddy’s joy to being a daughter he hated. It cut deep but she’d just have to get over it. There didn’t seem to be a time when she didn’t think of him and how ashamed he was of her.

  But with Ross, there was no shame. She truly felt cared for by him.

  * * *

  “Yes, I think I’m almost there,” she answered him after a few moments.

  He kissed her neck again. “I’m quite close myself.” He smiled. To think all he’d wanted was a house, but now he had so much more.

  Lord, You may not recognize me off my horse. That was just a bit of humor. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything about God and humor. So I’ll keep my humor to myself. I know You’re busy. I just wanted to thank You for the treasures You have given me. One being my wife and the other my child. I’m blessed to have this house and a job too. Please protect us, especially Mary Beth. I love her, and I want to be joyous about it instead of worrying about it. I also thank You for making it possible for me to not be like my father. I was given a different path to follow, and I’m grateful.

  “Do you think God approves of humor?” he asked abruptly.

  She turned her head and squinted as though having a hard time seeing him. Then she turned her body. “I think happiness is part of God’s plan. If the humor isn’t mean, I don’t see why not? For example, I just read, Psalms 32:11–‘Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all [ye that are] upright in heart.’ Does that mean He approves of humor? Reverends and preachers use humor to teach the way of God.”

  He smiled.

  “Why do you ask?”

  “Just wondering. I was praying, and I added a bit of humor.”

  She laughed, the sound, like a hundred silver bells all ringing in his heart. “I do believe as long as you are praying it’s fine.”

  He shifted and stood up. “I’ll teach you how to shoot tomorrow. You rest I’ll make supper.”

  “No, it’s my job.”

  He gave her a grin. “You’ve been through enough, and you need something you can eat.”

  “Are you saying I might make something inedible?” she teased.

  “I will not answer that. I’m just going to do my part in taking care of you and cooking you supper.”

  She giggled. “You are a suave one.”

  He kissed her on the cheek and walked to the door. “Rest,” he told her before he walked out and closed the door behind him.

  Chapter Seven

  Mary Beth looked at the glass targets lined up on a rock across the clearing and frowned. They’d been at this for hours now, and she hadn’t hit a thing yet. This time she promised to keep her eyes open. She lifted the pistol, aimed, and pulled the trigger. The sound of shattering glass startled her. She turned toward Ross with wide eyes.

  “Whoa! Point the gun toward the ground.”

  She instantly did as he instructed and then smiled proudly. “Did you see that one?”

  “No, I had my eyes closed.”

  “You, my dear husband, are not nice.”

  “I should have asked an hour ago if you were keeping your eyes open. It never occurred to me that you’d close your eyes.” He tempered his irritation with a grin. “Try again.”

  She shot the rest in record time, and a feeling of pride washed over her. Who knew she would be so good?

  Ross took the gun out of her hand. She watched as he lined up more bottles. Exhaustion had been creeping up on her, and it was now hitting in full force.

  He grabbed the shotgun and showed her how to load it and how to shoot with it. Then he handed it to her and stepped back.

  It was heavier than she would have thought as she raised it and butted the back end against her shoulder. She took a deep breath, aimed, and pulled the trigger. Pain spread throughout her shoulder as she felt herself falling backwards. Unable to get her feet back under her, she tumbled and landed hard on a pile of rocks. Her scream echoed in her ears.

  Dazed, she lay there and watched Ross fuss over her. What was he saying? Confused, she closed her eyes. Her shoulder burned horribly. The back of her head hurt, and she touched it. When she looked at her hand, it was bloody. Rocks dug hard and deep into her back. All air had left her body. Was she dying?

  She heard Ross calling her name, but she had no air with which to make a reply. She opened her eyes, but the light of the sun was too bright so she squeezed them shut again.

  The next thing she knew she was in his arms. Despite the pain, she felt calm with him holding her. She was aware of him walking, carrying her somewhere. Then they were inside their house and the bedroom. He set her down on their bed and said something to her before he left. Where did he go? Would he be back? What had she done wrong? The baby was kicking something awful. That meant he was fine, didn’t it? She wrapped her hands over her abdomen.

  Slowly she felt as though she could breathe again. Where had Ross gone? Was he getting help? If she died, her baby would die too. Her heart beat too fast, and she developed trouble breathing again. She tried over and over to calm herself, but nothing worked.

  She heard people in the house. Glory and Letty came through the door first. Glory looked her head over, while Letty felt for the baby.

  “Ross, get into bed,” Letty told him.

  “What?”

  “She’ll wear her heart out with it going so fast. Calm her somehow.”

  Glory nodded. “Stroke her arms and say sweet nothings in her ear.”

  Mary Beth’s hearing was coming back. What was a sweet nothing? Sweet words that meant nothing? That must be what it was.

  “Let’s get her undressed first,” Letty suggested. “We c
an wait outside if you’d, rather.”

  Her face heated. “We haven’t, I mean…”

  “Glory and I can do it,” Letty said matter-of-factly. “Your husband must have some mighty patience.”

  Ross stepped aside, but he didn’t leave. What had Letty meant by patience? “He does. It took a long time to teach me to shoot.” Letty and Glory exchanged amused glances. It was too hard to think.

  Georgie arrived with a basket of herbs, tinctures, teas, and salves. She came into the room and took one look then went into the kitchen without saying a word.

  Mary Beth felt chilled after her clothes were removed. Tears poured down her face. “I think it’s time for sweet nothings.”

  Glory smiled and urged Ross to lie on the bed with his wife. Mary Beth closed her eyes. What did he think about her fat body? She hadn’t been a prize to begin with. He kept moving around and soon he held her with her back exposed. The other two women washed her cuts.

  “You must have fallen hard. I’ve never seen so many cuts from rocks,” Letty observed.

  Ross had his hand in her hair and it felt strange. She had her eyes open now, and she had her cheek on his chest. He then rubbed her neck. It took the sting out of whatever Georgie had concocted to put on her cuts.

  “What about the sweet nothings?”

  “I need you to sit up so you can drink some tea. It’ll help with the pain,” Georgie told her.

  “Will it harm the baby?”

  “Mary Beth it’ll relax you and help with the pain.”

  “She’s right,” Glory said. “I’ve studied botany and Georgie knows her stuff.”

  Ross helped her up and she knew there was no help for it. He saw her without her clothes. She grabbed the sheet to cover herself. “What did you put on my back?”

  “That was comfrey. Georgie made it into a paste,” Letty explained. “I’ve never known white women to know about healing, but these two have even taught me a thing or two.”