Magic in Her Eyes

by Donna Dalton

  The road darkened as they left the more populated section of town. Mrs. Valder’s house loomed ahead, every window glowing with lamplight. Images surfaced of the night he and Meredith had shared there. It had been perfect. She was perfect. Like a multi-faceted gem. No matter which way he looked at her, she sparkled and shined.

  Preston reined up in front of the house and handed the boy to the ground. As Robbie raced for the house, he dismounted and went to help Meredith from her horse. She leaned into his hands and heat shot through his veins. His body certainly had no lingering doubts.

  Once on the ground, she rested a hand on his arm and turned that sunny smile on him. “Thank you, Preston. For bringing Robbie safely back home. I want you to know I never doubted you would.”

  “I’m glad everything turned out so well.”

  Her smile faded. “Did it? We never really settled things between us. I know I hurt you by keeping my gift a secret, but I’d like the chance to make it up to you. I can only hope you find it in your heart to forgive me.”

  Could he? That was a question he’d tossed back and forth in his mind ever since she’d blindsided him with her confession.

  The front door blasted open and lamplight and children spilled onto the porch and down the steps. The orphans surrounded them, their questions peppering the air. A month ago, he would have cringed at the noise. Now, it was a musical symphony—and it added another facet to an already complicated decision.

  ****

  The children whirred around her like excited bees, all buzzing at once. While pleasing, the commotion was tiring, and she was already drawing on the last reserves in her pantry. Thank goodness Preston had offered to let Robbie ride with him back to town. She didn’t think she could have handled a squirming child. Preston had no doubt seen her weariness. He cared for her, cared for her welfare and that of any child she might be carrying. She could only hope it was enough to get him past his doubts.

  There had been no opportunity to talk during the ride home. He’d stayed well behind her and only moved closer when they reached Mineral. She thought she saw warmth spread into his eyes when he lifted her from her horse. But that faded as soon as the children had surged from the house. Perhaps he just needed some time to digest the vast amount he had been forced to consume.

  “Let’s go inside children,” Meredith urged, giving the more spirited heads a containing hand. “It’s getting late, and Robbie needs to rest.”

  “Aw, Miss Talbot,” Gabe whined. “We want to hear more. What happened to that rat-faced Finley? Did he get shot? He should have. Right between his beady black eyes.”

  “Gabriel Hunt, such violent talk. You know better than that.”

  “Sorry, Miss Talbot. I just wanted to hear what happened.”

  “You can hear all about it inside. The milder version, only. Do you hear me, Gabe?” She didn’t need to be up all night calming nightmare-plagued youngsters. At his nod, she shooed them with a sweep of her hand. “Go then, all of you.”

  As the children dashed toward the porch, Robbie remained behind, holding out the slouch hat that Preston had allowed him to wear. It had been a kind gesture. One she was certain the boy would never forget. Neither would she.

  “Here’s your hat, Lieutenant.” Robbie’s face glowed with adulation. “I ’preciate you letting me wear it.”

  Preston waved a dismissive hand. “You keep it, son. I’d be honored to have a brave young man like you taking care of my hat.”

  “Don’t you need it?”

  “I can purchase another at the Sutler’s store. You go on inside now like Miss Talbot said.”

  The boy gave an excited yelp and rushed up the stairs, waving the hat like a victory flag. Meredith smiled at the display. Preston had come a long way since that first encounter in the foyer at Seaton House. So stiff and stodgy and full of rules on how children should behave. He had softened a great deal. He might even enjoy being around them if that amused glint in his eyes was any hint.

  Private Greene emerged from the side of the house and joined them. Lines of relief fanned out from the corners of his eyes. “Lieutenant. Miss Talbot. I see you got the boy back unharmed.”

  Meredith nodded. “Everyone made it back safely. Well, everyone except Finley and two of his thugs who were shot during the rescue. With the help of Black Hawk and his warriors, Lieutenant Booth and his patrol were able to capture the outlaws. You’ll never believe what that despicable Indian Agent was up to.”

  Private Greene’s face bunched in bewilderment. Preston handed the trooper the reins of her horse. “I’ll explain on the ride back to the fort. Mount up. I’ll join you shortly.”

  The trooper led the gelding a discreet distance away before mounting. He was giving them space to say their goodbyes. She only hoped it wasn’t a forever farewell.

  Excited voices drifted from the house. Preston shook his head. “Sounds like the children are back to their normal selves.”

  “You’re welcome to come in and join us. I’m sure they would be fascinated by your account of the mission…if you can get a word in around Robbie and Gabe.”

  He gathered his horse’s reins. “Thank you for the offer, but I should go. Major Allen will be expecting a report, and I want to make sure Finley is locked up good and tight this time.”

  Disappointing, but not unexpected. Duty came first for Preston. It was what drove him, what made him the man she loved. It might also keep him from forgiving her.

  “I hope you’ll come back. There’s so much more I want to say.”

  Indecision clouded his eyes. “You’ve said all there is to say. It’s up to me to decide what I can and can’t accept.”

  A tiny figure moved out of the shadows, interrupting their conversation. Lamplight shimmered on brown curls pulled back with a lace-trimmed ribbon worn only on special occasions, like church services or weddings. The child might have a long wait for the latter ceremony, if there was going to be one at all.

  “What is it, Sally?” she asked. “Do you need something?”

  The girl stopped in front of Preston and held out a flower. It was a daisy she’d plucked from Mrs. Valder’s flower garden. Sally was forever puttering in the soil, turning puny, wilted plants into vibrant foliage. Perhaps she could communicate with them. She’d already shown an aptitude for sending mental messages. It was not out of the realm of possibilities.

  Preston squatted. “Is this for me?” At the girl’s nod, he took the flower. “Sure is pretty. Thank you, Miss Sally.”

  “It’s for saving Robbie.”

  Meredith gasped and took a step back. “She talked. Oh, my goodness. Sally, you talked.”

  Sally smiled and shrugged. “It was time.”

  “I suppose it was.” She laughed and shook her head. “Preston, you should be honored. Sally hasn’t spoken a word since she arrived at the orphanage. Yet she talked. To you. It’s a miracle.”

  “Miracles happen every day,” a familiar voice called from the porch. “Even when you least expect them.”

  Her heart leapt, and she whirled around. There was no mistaking the tall, slender woman with violet eyes and blonde hair fading to white at the temples. “Aunt Mildred,” she cried out. “You’re back!”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Preston dismounted and led his mount into a stall. Lanterns hanging from the wall posts provided just enough light to see by. Yet he would have welcomed the gloom. It mirrored his misery.

  He’d almost turned around three times during the ride from Mrs. Valder’s house. The hurt and disappointment shadowing Meredith’s eyes haunted him. He was breaking her heart, but he couldn’t help himself. She wanted forgiveness and an acceptance he wasn’t sure he could give.

  He loved her. There was no denying that. Believing in her, in what she claimed she could do? That was a mule of an entirely different color. How did any sane person grapple with such a thing as having visions of the future? He trusted in what he could see and touch and control. Yes, Finley had tried to ambush him
at Standing Rock just as she had foreseen. But any snake on the run would have done the same. On the other hand, she knew where Finley had taken the boy. That couldn’t be explained with logic or reasoning. What a quagmire.

  “You sure you don’t want me to take care of your horse, Lieutenant?” Private Greene said from the adjacent stall. “It’s late. You must be awful tired after chasing down Finley and his gang.”

  He unfastened the girth strap and let it swing beneath his horse’s belly. Though his striker usually saw to his mount, he wanted…he needed…the physical exertion. With all the thoughts warring inside his head, sleep would be as elusive as a royal flush at a poker table.

  “No. I’ll do it. I’m too wound up to sleep anyway.”

  Private Greene grunted. “I can understand that. All the vile things Finley has done overwhelms the mind. And all for a rumor of gold.”

  He’d given the trooper a brief account of Finley’s activities. Thankfully the agent’s villainy was at an end. He’d made sure of that with a stop at the jailhouse before heading to the stables. Finley and his cohorts had been placed in separate cells with three soldiers assigned as guards. He’d instructed the men to limit visitors to Dr. Troutman for medical purposes and Reverend Scott for heavenly healing—neither of which the varmints merited. Pain and fire pits were all they deserved.

  He slid the saddle and blanket off his horse and onto the stall door. Entering the jailhouse had stirred troubling thoughts. At the table where the guards played cards, the children had sat doing their schoolwork and eating their meals. Mundane activities. Yet, according to Meredith, the Seaton House orphans were anything but ordinary.

  “I’m glad you got the boy back safe,” Private Green said, breaking the quiet. “Miss Talbot, too. That is one determined lady.”

  Determined didn’t come close to describing her. He picked up a currycomb and attacked the gelding’s dust-coated hide. “She is perplexing; that’s for certain.”

  Greene chuckled. “If I wasn’t already shackled, I might just set my sights on her. She’d definitely make a fascinating companion. Around her, life would never be dull.”

  Indeed. Meredith Talbot was anything but dull. More like a blinding summer sun.

  Preston moved to the horse’s other side. Until meeting her, he hadn’t known anything was missing. He’d thought his life was full and rich and filled with a sense of duty that carried him from day to day. Some days were better than others, but when you loved something that much, you had to accept the good with the bad. Was he looking at Meredith from the wrong angle?

  “Not that I’d have much of a chance,” Greene added with a grunt. “Miss Talbot has eyes for only one man.”

  He stilled his currying. What if she did find another man? Someone who could look past her odd ability and accept her for who she was? Another man who would be sharing her life and her bed. A pang stabbed his heart. He might as well let Finley take a shot at him as to let that happen.

  “You gonna ask her to marry you, Lieutenant? I don’t mean to meddle, but I seen too many of my mates lose something good ’cause they couldn’t get out of their own way. Don’t think on it over-much. Just do it.”

  Just do it. Preston shook his head and resumed grooming his horse. “When did you trade your kerchief for a priest’s collar, Private Greene?”

  The trooper’s head bobbed over the stall door. “Truth be told, I’d much rather be a lawman. Can’t abide law-breakers. People like Agent Finley need to be brought to justice, though he probably won’t be an agent for much longer. Not after what he did. Those poor Creek Indians. They deserve better than Finley.”

  Yes, they did. Preston smiled for the first time that evening. He knew exactly what he needed…wanted…to do.

  ****

  The creek ran low after a span of no rain and hot weather. Water coursing over exposed rocks embroidered the air with a soft burbling. Waning sunlight dappled orange shafts across the polished surface. It was the perfect time for a swim.

  A pair of shiny black boots sat on the bank below. Uniform trousers and a white shirt decorated a nearby bush. Farther out in the shallows, water rippled around a muscular back dotted with droplets that glistened like diamonds on sun-kissed skin. Her pulse danced a polka.

  It was also the perfect time for carrying out her mission.

  Mildred had offered sage advice about earning forgiveness. She’d said that we all do thoughtless things, break promises, or simply make bad choices. The best thing to do was to let Preston know how deeply she regretted her behavior. Let him know that actions spoke louder than words and from now on, her actions would match her promise. She squared herself. That was exactly what she had come to do.

  She kicked off her shoes and toed them aside. Private Greene informed her that Preston had gone for a swim. She knew exactly where to find him. Preston had pointed out the ideal spot for swimming that day of the rattlesnake debacle. Hopefully the location would evoke fond memories of their first kiss and not one of the secret she had withheld.

  She began unfastening the buttons lining the front of her dress. Preston would be surprised to see her. Would he be pleased? In the two days since Robbie’s rescue, he hadn’t come by to see her, hadn’t even sent a missive explaining his absence. Worrisome thoughts gnawed at her. Had he reconsidered his offer of marriage? Felt he couldn’t trust her enough to allow her to share his life?

  She tugged loose the last button. There was only one way to find out.

  Dress clutched closed, she eased down the well-worn path winding through the sawgrass growing on the embankment. It was indeed a popular spot to swim. With any luck, filling empty bellies would trump the desire for a dip, and she and Preston would remain undisturbed.

  She moved slowly, being careful with the placement of her feet. A wrenched ankle would not help her cause. At the bottom, she paused and dug her toes into the cool silt lining the bank. She was stalling. She’d rehearsed her pitch over and over, selecting and discarding various renditions. Now that the time was at hand, fear of his response throttled her throat.

  He could send her away without hearing her out. He could take what she offered and then dismiss her. Or her prayers could be answered and he would accept her back into his arms, back into his life. As Lily’s tarot cards had foretold, he had a choice to make. Her breath hitched. Please let it be me.

  She must have made a noise because Preston spun around, his expression leaping from alarm to surprise in the time it took a hummingbird to flit from danger. “Meredith. What are you doing here?”

  No more delaying. She had to do this. For both of their sakes. She wriggled out of the dress and let it dribble into a puddle at her feet. Cool air coiled around her bared flesh. She shivered and fought the urge to cover herself. She’d forgone the layers of petticoats and drawers normally worn beneath her skirts. What she intended required as few garments as possible.

  “I came to see you…” She spread her arms wide, welcoming the air, welcoming his fiery stare. “To show you that I have nothing to hide. That I will always be open and honest with you.”

  His mouth opened and closed like a fish tossed onto a river bank. She had him off balance. Good. At least he wasn’t completely shutting her out.

  She reached up and removed the combs, letting her hair tumble around her shoulders. “I want to be your wife, in every sense of the word. If you’ll have me, I give myself to you freely, with no pretense, no conditions.”

  His strangled moan shot across the water. “Right here? Now?”

  “If that is what you want, yes.”

  He mashed a hand through his wet locks and pitched a fretful glance at the embankment. “There’s not much privacy. What if someone happens upon us?”

  “It’s near sundown. Most folks will be in their homes, having supper. And mess call sounded not ten minutes ago at the fort. No one will be out and about.”

  “Even so, this is not exactly Eden. There’s mud and sawgrass and insects. You know how much you detest spi
ders.”

  He was hedging. He didn’t want her—not as his wife, not even as a lover. She dropped her hands to her sides, defeated. A breeze whipped through the glen, making the tall blades wave back and forth as if applauding her downfall.

  “I can see you don’t want me…don’t trust me enough to get that close again. I understand.” She bent and retrieved her dress. Picking up the pieces of her heart would require a shovel. “I’ll just go and let you have your swim in peace.”

  “Stop.” His command thundered through the air. “Don’t you go anywhere.”

  He pushed through the water and three ragged heartbeats later had her wrapped in his arms. His heat surrounded her, lapping at every cove in her body. “I do want you. More than anything in this world.”

  His intense gaze raked her face, and then he lowered his mouth to hers, possessing her, demanding she respond. And she did. She swiped a greedy tongue across his lips and dipped inside. He tasted of whiskey. He’d been drinking. Because of her? Because of what she had done to him?

  She pulled away and studied his face. There was no hardness there. No hurt. Just puzzled concern. “Did that kiss mean you have forgiven me, Preston? That you believe in me and trust that I will be honest with you from now on?”

  His hands slid down and cradled her hips, fingertips pressing gentle fire into her skin. “While your betrayal hurt, I understand why you withheld the truth. It wasn’t out of cruelty or selfishness. You were protecting yourself. I get that. The only thing I ask is that you trust me…as your husband…to keep your secret safe. Trust me to be your protector.” He brushed a hand over her lower belly. “And to protect our child, should we be so blessed.”

  Her body quivered beneath his touch. She ached to have him, not just now, but forever. She reached up and ran a finger along his jaw. So strong. Yet gentle and loving when it came to her and the orphans.

  “I trust you with my life, Preston. With our child’s life. I want nothing more than to be your wife, to be loved, honored, and protected by you. There won’t be any need for a separation. Aunt Mildred raised enough funds on her trip to rebuild, and Jana decided she would rather help care for the children than run a boarding house. So I am free to go with you when you leave for your new assignment.”