His hair shone in the moonlight and she’d never seen a more beautiful sight. She was silent as she rose and wrapped her arms around him. The KKK was still there, an ever-present danger.
“We can’t spare a man to guard you. We’ll be right back, just stay low and hidden. We almost went by you but a large dog led us here.”
Mary Beth looked beside her, but the wolf was gone. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Then the men left to fight the vicious haters. Mary Beth wanted to look away, but she was compelled to watch.
The freedmen surrounded their town of Joy, each holding a rifle. The hooded men stopped. They must have been surprised by the encounter with men who were armed. Mary Beth wasn’t sure, but she thought it was against the law for the freedmen to own guns. When the hooded men turned, Parker and his men were there, guns drawn.
With graceful efficiency, Parker and his men set to work, and eventually each hooded man was lassoed and hog-tied.
Iris and Mary Beth stood up as Parker ripped the hoods off the men. Mary Beth put her hand over her mouth so as not to gasp too loudly. Two of the men worked on the ranch, but she hadn’t been living in the area long enough to recognize the rest of the men. But two of them wore badges. Perhaps they were the sheriff and deputy.
Parker and the men kept them there for a long time. The freedmen put their guns back into houses. When the Union officers came, one gave Parker a dirty look and another patted him on the back. The army rode off with the now hood free men, and Mary Beth released a sigh of relief.
She hadn’t realized she’d been holding her breath until she let it go. She sat back down along with Iris. “I’m exhausted.”
“Me too, physically and emotionally. I could have done without watching the last part. At least one man is a Union soldier. Others worked in town and there were a few from the ranch next door. They would have burned all those houses and then killed and tortured the people. How is it that some people are just so ugly in their actions?”
Lex and Ross rode back toward them. Just before they got there, a wolf howled in the distance.
“That made me shiver,” Iris said.
“Me too.” Mary Beth agreed. Had God sent the powerful wolf to protect them? It was a tale hard to believe, but believe she did. Thank you, God.
Chapter Eleven
“What do you mean my father is coming to Sweet Water?” Mary Beth was all sorts of flustered.
“I told you. I sent him a telegram pretending to be Leon, saying you wouldn’t come home and give birth until you talked to him in person.”
“Why would he be so stupid to come here?” Mary Beth stood and paced. “Wasn’t Leon to bring me to him?”
“Your father said yes. He’ll be on today’s coach. Do you want to come or not?” Ross put his arms around her from behind, stopping her pacing, and then pulled her back against him. “You don’t have to be there. It might upset him you weren’t brought to him.”
“Upset is an understatement. I don’t want to take the chance he’ll try to grab me.”
He kissed the side of her neck. “I’d just as soon you’d stay here. I want to know you and the baby are safe.”
Leaning back against Ross’ hard chest was all-consuming. The muscles in his chest and arms were strong. He smelled of leather and coffee. She turned in his arms and stood on her tip-toes, giving him a kiss. He groaned as he held her close and kissed her back. She felt his need and to her surprise, she wanted him. She never thought to feel that way, not after all Leon had done to her.
“When are we going to have that wedding night?” she whispered.
“I’ve been holding back. I didn’t want to scare you,” he breathed out shakily. “But I’d love to have a wedding night.”
She pulled out of his arms and blushed. “I’m afraid.”
“It doesn’t have to be tonight. We’ll wait until you’re ready.”
She nodded. She didn’t deserve such consideration. “Be careful in town. I’ve never known my father to carry a gun but you never can tell. Who is going with you?”
“Noah. He’s a good man, and I always know he has my back.” He kissed her again before he grabbed his hat and holster. “I’ll see you soon.”
Afraid she would cry, she forced a small smile. “See you soon.”
* * *
Carter and Noah Ward made good time and were there before the train arrived.
“What’s the plan?” Ward asked.
“I plan to tell him Leon is dead and Mary Beth wants nothing to do with him.”
Ward stared at him for a moment. “Isn’t her father wealthy? Maybe it wouldn’t be the best idea. I mean you might get your hands on some of that money.”
“I’d rather be destitute than take one penny from that man. He doesn’t care about Mary Beth. He wants the baby to be his heir. He’ll have to go through me to get to my child.”
Ward cocked his left brow.
Impatience rose within Carter. “I don’t care how the baby was conceived. It’s going to be mine and Mary Beth’s. That’s all anyone needs to know.”
“You’re right. You’re a real step-up guy.” He nodded at a cloud of dust at the end of the street. “Here comes the stage.”
Carter secretly hoped it had been a very bumpy ride. The two men stood to the side as they watched the passengers disembark. An older gentleman climbed down, brushing at his coat with a look of disgust where a poor, unbathed man had rubbed against it.
The stage left amid more dust and thunder of hooves, and Mr. Winters stood on the boardwalk alone looking peeved. He took out his pocket watch and looked at the time.
“Mr. Winters? I’m Ross Carter, your daughter’s husband.”
The older man glanced around, probably trying to locate Leon or Mary Beth.
“Leon is dead,” Carter announced. “It was the craziest thing; he was shot while kidnapping Mary Beth and Iris Willis. Bad business, that Leon was. He should have been in jail.”
“Leon is dead?” Mr. Winter’s face turned beet red. “Where is my daughter?” he demanded.
“She’s at home taking it easy. I wouldn’t want anything to disturb her or my child.” Carter stared the old coot down.
“My grandson.”
“It’ll be up to Mary Beth if you get to see the child. She’s not feeling all that charitable toward the man who threw her out even though he knew the truth of how she became with child. Let me ask you, how does a father throw his child away?”
Winters curled his lip in distaste. “She’s nothing but an empty-headed female.”
“I’m sorry for you. Because you don’t know your own daughter.” Carter narrowed his eyes. “In fact, she’s intelligent, entertaining, and loving. She’ll make the perfect mother. I can’t wait to see her with our babe in her arms.”
“You imbecile! She cares nothing about that. She likes parties and balls. She also likes expensive gowns. You haven’t put that homespun stuff on her, have you?” He smiled a victory smile.
“She cooks and cleans and is a great wife. She’s everything I could have hoped for and more.”
“It’s not even your child she’s carrying,” Winters spat.
Stepping forward, Carter made sure to grab Winters’ full attention, staring him in the eyes. “Make no mistake. Mary Beth is my wife, and the child is my child. Our babe is already well loved by us both.”
Winters stepped back, an intelligible strangled sound on his lips.
“Well then, just thought you should know we’re still deciding whether to press charges against you. You can be on your way.” Carter turned and started to walk away.
“Wait,” sputtered Winters. “What do you mean about pressing charges?”
“The telegram you sent that said to get her by any means necessary. It’s pretty condemning,” Carter said without turning toward the man. He resumed walking. When he and Ward got to their horses, he glanced over his shoulder and almost felt sorry for the man. He looked empty and alone
.
“Don’t even think about being nice to that man,” Ward said in a flinty voice. “He had your wife kidnapped. You can feel sorry for him, but no good would come from talking with him.”
Carter nodded. “You’re right. I find it hard to stay mad.”
“Yes, your greatest flaw.”
“A curse and a blessing.” He kicked the sides of his horse and off they went back to the Eastman ranch. He found he couldn’t wait to get home.
Mary Beth ran toward the barn as soon as he got there. In short order, he jumped down, grabbed her up into his arms, and kissed her soundly.
“What did he say?” she asked, drawing back, her gaze searching his. She still hoped her father would want her back in his life. Carter could see it in her eyes, and he felt bad for her.
“Nothing nice or worth hearing. Though he thinks I’m doing you an injustice by being your husband. He doesn’t seem to think I can make you happy.”
“Why would he say such a thing?” Her brow furrowed.
“You like new gowns and parties, not cooking and cleaning. I told him we’d have to decide whether we’d press charges against him. He looked put out, but I doubt it’s the last we’ll hear from him. He wants his grandson.”
Her smile was sweet and bright. “I’ll have a girl just to spite him. He is right, you know. The gowns and parties are nice… but you can’t build a family on them. I have everything I want right here with you.”
He took off his hat and kissed her deeply until he heard a few snickers. He’d forgotten they weren’t alone.
Mary Beth’s face was a deep shade of scarlet, but she smiled.
“If it’s all the same to you, I’m going to knock off early.” Before anyone said a word, he swept his wife up into his arms and walked to their house. He tossed his hat on the table and carried her into the bedroom. Carefully, he laid her on the bed and stared down at her. He looked for fear in her eyes but so far he saw none.
“It’s not dark yet.” She glanced away and ran her hand over the top of the quilt.
“There is no set time, Mary Beth, but if you’d rather we can wait a few hours.”
Her gaze met his. What was she thinking?
“What do we do first?” She bit her bottom lip for a moment and then lifted her chin as though she was trying to be brave.
“Take off your shoes.”
She took them off without a word and waited. Meanwhile, he took off his boots.
“Get under the covers.”
“I still have my clothes on. Is this how it’s done?”
“I thought it might be easier for you. I’d rather see you without the covers.”
She stayed on top of the quilt and held her arms out to him. He practically growled as he went to her. There was no other place he’d rather be than in her arms. He kissed her and took her hair down.
“You are so beautiful. There are many times I still can’t believe you married me. I love you with everything within me and so much more.”
Her eyes shimmered. “I love you the same way with all of my being.”
* * *
Mary Beth’s heart was near to bursting. She propped herself on one elbow and stroked Ross’ silky hair. She’d been so afraid, and she’d had no reason to be. Ross was a gentle and kind man. Best of all, he was hers.
Lord, it’s me again. I still don’t have a handle on all this forgiveness, but Leon is dead, so it’s easy to forgive him, and I hope repented before he died. Feeling nothing about him took a weight off my chest. My father, I still struggle with. I almost feel more pity for him than anger. He’s the one who’ll spend his vacations alone. My friends and family will surround me. I’m not sure if that is forgiveness or not. I suppose we’ll have many chats about it in the future, and I know You’ll show me the way. I think not forgiving can make a person bitter, and I want to be kind of heart, generous of heart, and a good person. I feel You’ve helped me to be a better person, and I thank You, Lord. Please help me while I struggle with forgiveness. I’ll see the light. I know You’ll make that happen. I don’t want my father to be lonesome the rest of his life. I’ll have to wait and see what he does next. Oh, I almost forgot. Thank You for making last night happen; it’s a gift to love this much.
“What are you thinking about?” Ross asked as he reached up and stroked her cheek.
“How blessed I am to have you.”
“It’s me who is blessed.” He smiled, and her toes curled.
A thumping on the door interrupted their peace. Ross hurried out of bed and pulled his pants on.
After a minute, when Ross didn’t return, Mary Beth got up too and put her wrapper on. She started for the door but Ross opened it before she got there. He took her into his strong arms. “Let’s have a seat on the bed.”
Concerned, she did as he suggested and waited for him to speak, trembling all over.
“Your father is dead. I’m so sorry, Mary Beth.” His arms wrapped around her as the words went through her head.
“What happened?”
“He was trying to hire someone else to take you, and there was an argument about money.” He drew a deep breath. “He was shot last night.”
Numbly she laid her head on Ross’ shoulder. She should have forgiven her father while he was still alive. He’d been good and kind until the last year. What had happened to make him evil? Why had he been so desperate to have her brought back?
“We must bury him at Button Hills. He’d want to rest next to my mother.” She swallowed hard. “I don’t know why he’d turned into the man I grew to hate. It makes no sense. He’d always loved me no matter what my failings were.” Tears ran down her face. “I should have made peace with him. But it’s too late now.”
“Hush, there wasn’t time to forgive him. As of yesterday, he still wanted you kidnapped. You can forgive him now. You can remember him as the man who loved you and raised you.” He kissed her cheek. “We need to get dressed. There was much blood shed last night. It seems that some men who were caught the other night and then set free thought they could take control of the town. Many are dead. Texans killing Texans. It never should have come to that. Why was the Union Army here if not to prevent such a thing?”
“Why, Ross? Why did it happen? Didn’t they get enough grief out of the War Between the States to keep them from fighting ever again? Did the South not gain one thing from going to war? That breaks my heart as much as my father’s death does.”
His Adam’s apple bobbed. “I know, darling, I know.”
Ross drove them into town to claim her father’s body. The sight of so many wearing black again made her distraught.
“How do they know who to trust anymore?” she asked.
“I’m sure they know now.” He was quiet until they pulled up to the barber shop.
There were so many people walking about and as many more standing in front of the shop.
She glanced at Ross.
“Waiting for coffins to be built. They told me your father got one right away.”
She stared straight ahead and nodded.
A harried man with long legs came out and shook Ross’ hand. “They’re bringing him now.”
“How much do I owe you?”
“We took the amount out of the money he had in his pocket.” He handed Ross a gunny sack. “His things are all in there.” He tipped his hat to her. “My condolences, ma’am.”
“Thank you.” She took the sack from Ross. She’d look through it later.
The wagon shook as the men put the coffin in the back and they were soon off to Button Hills. She chaffed in her heavy black dress. It had been fortunate she even had a dress fit for mourning. The heat had become oppressive, and her handkerchief was soaked from the constant dabbing at her forehead, neck, and face. They went on. Finally in the dusky shade of night they arrived at her childhood home.
The look and feel of it was different. There had always been many lamps lit but not tonight. It was as though sadness had settled a veil over the estate.
The whole ride, she’d taken herself to task for not knowing how to forgive. Had she prevented her father’s soul from entering heaven?
It surprised her to see Ross at the side of the wagon to help her out of the seat. She hadn’t noticed that he’d gotten down. She put her hands on his shoulders and he lifted. He set her on the ground close to him and hugged her tight.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be with you the whole way.”
His voice held so much concern, she could do no more than nod for fear she’d burst into tears. He let her go, and she took his offered hand.
The door opened, revealing lamps that had been lit inside the house. Kim and Harvey, her father’s servants, stood in the doorway. Mary Beth gave them a slight smile. They hugged her and introduced themselves to Ross as Mr. and Mrs. Case. Always proper, no matter the situation.
“Come inside, Mary Beth, dear, you’ll catch a chill,” Kim told her.
If she started to laugh, Mary Beth knew she’d never stop. Catch a chill? She wanted to be quit of her clothes.
Kim put her hand on Mary Beth’s back. “Why you’ve sweat right through your dress! It must be the baby. I insist we get you inside.”
Without hesitation, Ross swept her up and carried her in. He set her down on a plush leather sofa and promptly took off her shoes. “Your feet are swollen.”
Kim hurried over with a glass of water and handed it to Mary Beth. “It happens when a woman is carrying.” She stood and stared at Ross. “He doesn’t look like an outlaw to me. Does he to you, Harvey?”
“Not a bit, but sometimes you can’t tell by looking.”
“Yes, you’re quite right. I should get the fireplace poker to defend us with.”
Ross’ lips twitched.
Mary Beth frowned. “Have you all gone batty?”
“I’m sorry,” Kim said. “We know your Ross is a gentleman and not the blackguard your father made him to be. Please make yourselves comfortable. This is your house now, Mary Beth.”
Mary Beth looked around at all the expensive furniture, the imported rugs, the Irish crystal whiskey glasses with matching decanter, and shivered. Why hadn’t it occurred to her that this would all be hers? She studied Ross out of the corner of her eye. Did he like all this opulence? Would he prefer to live in this house instead of the one on the ranch? Would he find it to be a lonely existence?
Faltered Beginnings: Mail Order Brides of Spring Water Book Five Page 11