The door banged open, and Gabe entered, his face wrapped in a wool scarf, his long chestnut hair whisking back and forth on his broad shoulders. He held up a large, caramel-colored rabbit, the white tips of the thick winter pelt glistening. He was making a rabbit muff for Julia’s birthday at the end of January. His plans were about all they heard about when the bunkhouse settled down for bed. Smitten, Gabe planned to ask for her hand on Christmas Eve.
“Rabbit stew for supper, anyone?” he asked, his joyful voice hampered by the scarf. “With this last pelt, I can make a matching set of earmuffs.” He unwound the scarf from his face, exposing a wide smile full of straight, white teeth.
The men exchanged pleased glances, unaware a crime had been committed the night before. Had Courtney taken the stolen money into town? Was she buying Christmas gifts, or something for herself she’d seen and couldn’t resist? He’d best get moving and find out. Someone needed to save her from herself before she dug in any deeper.
Chapter Thirty
“We were so pleased to hear about the baby.” Jessie reached forward and carefully moved aside the soft blanket to reveal the baby’s face. “We came as soon as we got the news.” She made an adoring sound in her throat. “He’s so sweet. Look at all his hair. Has he been awake much? I know how sleepy a newborn can be. Or loud and fussy. Which is your son?”
Courtney took in the scene in Mrs. Ling’s bedroom. Jessie stood at the side of the bed, admiring the baby cradled in her arms. Lan was tucked contentedly to her mother’s side, and Mr. Ling had vacated to the front room as soon as Courtney and Jessie had arrived. Sarah and a surprisingly quiet Shane stood with Jessie, being very well-behaved. Adaline looked exhausted and stood beside Courtney. Mrs. Hollyhock snored softly in a chair in the back of the room. According to Adaline, Dalton had stayed the entire night and only left the hour before. The room was warm and cozy and smelled like spiced orange and cinnamon.
“He is both, Mrs. Logan,” Lan spoke for the first time with a wide smile. “He lets us know when his tummy is empty. He can howl louder than a pack of coyotes.”
Jessie laughed. “I remember those days.” She glanced down at Shane, who was still taking in the scene with awe.
“I’m amazed, Adaline,” Courtney said quietly to her sister, alarmingly aware of the gold eagle coins wrapped in her handkerchief and tucked away in her skirt pocket. The whole ride into town, seated in the jiggling wagon, she’d been frightened as well as miserable. Beside her, Jessie hadn’t an inkling to what had transpired in the night. What would happen when somebody discovered the coins gone? She was easily the only suspect. “You helped deliver a baby!” When Adaline looked her way, she smiled. “I’m so proud of you. Were you frightened?” She hadn’t seen Adaline for several days. She missed her sister and wished they lived together as they’d done back home in Newport before their father passed away.
“Frightened? I was terrified.” Adaline responded. “But when Mr. Ling begged me to come to his house, what could I say? If I’d turned him down, I’d never forgive myself. Violet did everything, really; I was just here as a second set of hands. Which does come in handy in a situation like this.” She gave a soft sigh while staring at the mother and new babe. “But seeing a birthing was exhilarating, too. The beauty still leaves me numb.”
Courtney studied her sister’s profile while Adaline watched the conversation between Jessie and Mrs. Ling. How she wished she could fling herself into her sister’s arms and pour out her heart. She’d made so many mistakes in her life and, with the stolen coins in her pocket, was about to make more. She could never tell Adaline everything. Her heart would be broken. “Well, by all those smiles, you did a fine job. You should be proud. I don’t think I could have done the same.”
Adaline turned to her, her eyes bright with surprise. “Of course, you would. I know you, Court. You’re the strong one between us. You always were and always will be.”
Why did Adaline always think the best of her? Shame strangled her throat. If Adaline only knew how wrong she was. Courtney wished she could share her burden but knew she never would. To get the truth off her chest would be such a blessing—if only doing so didn’t mean risking her sister’s love.
The sound of the front door opening and closing made them both look to the open bedroom door.
“I just heard the news.” Daisy breezed into the room, a small lavender blanket draped over one arm. She hurried to the bedside beside Jessie. Leaning close, she gazed at mother and child. “How adorable. What’s his name?”
“Ying,” Bao said softly. “Means intelligent. Clever.” Her loving regard never left the child’s face.
Courtney blinked several times but didn’t smile. Ying Ling?
“A perfect name for a perfect little prince,” Daisy replied without missing a beat and placed the unwrapped gift on the bed beside Lan. “Congratulations. I’m so happy he’s finally arrived. Jake brought me the news and I had him bring me directly to town. How do you feel, Bao?”
A small smile appeared on Bao’s lips. “As light as air.”
“I’ll bet.” Daisy looked between Jessie and then back at Adaline and Courtney. “And you, my dear sister-in-law, helped deliver this little rascal. How wonderful is that?” She giggled and glanced again at the sleeping child.
“She might feel light, but she had a difficult time poppin’ him out.” Violet had awakened and stood just behind Courtney and Adaline, watching the women coo over the baby. “She’s not gettin’ out of bed until the doc is feelin’ better and has a chance to examine my work.”
Bao shook her head. “I have work. Will be up tomorrow. Must keep up. Feed family.”
“You’ll do no such thing.” Jessie looked between the four other women in the room. “You’re not to worry about work for one second. We’ll help out in the laundry house until you can come back. When I work, Courtney can look after Sarah and Shane, and vice versa. We’ll make a schedule.” Everyone nodded.
“She’s absolutely right, Bao,” Daisy added. “I’ll be here when I’m not at the restaurant. And I’m sure both my sisters-in-law can help, too.”
Adaline went to stand by Daisy’s side.
Courtney followed her over.
“She’s right, Mrs. Ling,” Adaline agreed. “I’ll be happy to take some shifts when I’m not at the haberdashery. I’m only working part-time. We’ll all help Mr. Ling keep up with business, so you don’t get behind.” She glanced at Courtney.
“You can count on me as well, Mrs. Ling. As long as someone shows me what to do.”
“Marlene can do that,” Daisy said. “Jake’s mother has been working for the Lings for some time and knows all the ins and outs. There won’t be a problem with instruction.”
“No, no.” Bao held out a hand. “Mr. Ling not want charity. He won’t like.”
“He will this time—unless he wants to deal with me,” Violet commanded. “I won’t hear another word of protest.” She grasped the chair back and straightened. “And thankee to all you good-hearted, God-fearing women. Humbles my soul to be among ya,” she said, first to Jessie, then Daisy, Courtney, and Adaline. “I appreciate everyone jumping in ta help without being asked. This little lady needs ta rest and heal.”
“I have nothing to do at the moment, so I’ll stay with Bao,” Daisy said. “Violet, you and Adaline need to go home and get some sleep. And I’m sure Jessie and Courtney have errands.”
A shouted string of curse words from outside interrupted the conversation, making all in the room look around. The children started for the door.
Jessie caught their shoulders. “You stay right here.”
“We’ll take a look.” Adaline gestured for Courtney to follow.
The living room was vacant, Mr. Ling having gone over to the laundry house. They hurried down the alley. On the other end of the street, in front of the sheriff’s office, Dalton stood with Dwight Hoskins, having a conversation. They didn’t look angry with each other. “I wonde
r what’s going on,” she said, watching the two men.
More shouting sounded from inside the jail.
Adaline took a breath and twisted her lips. “I should have known he was behind such language. That’s Wil cursing from inside his cell. He and Dwight were locked up for fighting. When I went to fetch Dalton yesterday for help with Mrs. Ling, Wil besmirched the nice Ling family. Dalton threatened to keep him jailed a day longer because of it. And true to his word, Dwight’s going free, and Wil is remaining. You stay clear of him when he gets out, Courtney. He’ll be angry.”
A million thoughts flashed through Courtney’s mind. How could she speak with Wil locked up in the sheriff’s office? She felt the slight bulge of the money in her pocket. Heat behind her eyes prickled and fear made her heartbeat quicken. She wished she could run back to the ranch and replace the coins to their rightful place.
But she wouldn’t. Paying off Wil was the only way. The only way to get rid of him forever. Why wouldn’t he let bygones be bygones?
“Wil has the filthiest mouth I’ve ever heard,” Adaline said, her mouth twisting. “I’ll be relieved when he’s gone.” She glanced over at Courtney.
Courtney didn’t miss her sister’s disgusted tone but kept her face expressionless.
“Court, are you all right? You look pale.”
“I’m fine. And I feel the same as you. The sooner he’s gone, the better. I’m sorry he’s giving Dalton so much trouble. I feel responsible.”
Adaline whirled to face her. “Don’t you dare say that! You’re not responsible for anything he does. Nothing, do you hear me? You did your best to be rid of him when you left Newport. He followed you, not the other way around. Dalton will make sure he doesn’t bother you. Just stay clear of him, at all costs. Do you hear me?”
Courtney nodded, knowing the moment she left Adaline’s side this morning, searching him out would be the first thing she did. If she could. See if he’d take eighty dollars instead of one hundred and clear out as soon as he was released. If he wouldn’t, she really didn’t know what she would do. If he persisted in his threat to ruin her life, he’d also ruin Adaline’s. And Jake and Daisy’s. Courtney couldn’t let him do that.
“Come on.” Adaline took her arm. “Let’s go tell the others the shouts were nothing to worry about. We have plans to make, with working in the laundry and the approach of Christmas. I like living in Logan Meadows now, Courtney. Actually, more than that. I’ve already come to love the town. So many good people looking out for us. After years without our mother, the kindness feels nice. We’re lucky how our lives have changed for the better. Are you adjusting to living here?”
Courtney couldn’t do anything else but nod. Her life was in a shambles, without any hope in sight. She sighed and smiled. Turning to follow Adaline up the alley, she spotted Tyler riding slowly up the street. His gaze stationed on her. They’d spent some time together, and she couldn’t deny to herself she’d enjoyed his company and conversation. By the time he reached her side, Adaline had already disappeared down the lane.
“Miss Courtney.” He touched the brim of his brown Stetson.
He appeared larger than life, gazing down at her from the saddle. Bundled in a thick coat and leather gloves, he was quite handsome. Something was different about the way he was looking at her.
“I heard Mrs. Ling had her baby last night,” he said after a moment. “How’re they doing?”
Courtney swallowed and glanced at his horse’s hooves, thankful for the question breaking the connection when their gazes caught. “Very well. A boy. Healthy and hungry. Ying Ling. Ying means intelligent and clever.” She rubbed her hands up and down her coat sleeves. She’d run out without her gloves and was more than a little cold. When he didn’t ride on, she felt conspicuous. Did he want something?
“What brings you to town so early?” asked Tyler. “Weren’t you here yesterday? And yet, if I recall correctly, you went home empty-handed…”
His probing gaze roused her anger. What game was he playing? “You know I was, being I hitched a ride with you. Question is, what brings you into town so early on this chilly morning? Did you forget some supplies?” She reached out and stroked Dakota’s velvety-soft muzzle. She liked horses—most especially this one. She’d had a chance to get to know the gelding at the ranch. An appaloosa, or so Tyler had told her. The dark bay had a snowy white blanket over his hips and hind legs, sprinkled with different-sized dark spots. His unique markings reminded her of a springtime robin’s egg. She loved the gelding’s kind eyes. Horses didn’t judge people. They didn’t expect you to be perfect, either. They couldn’t care less about your past mistakes. “Well, Mr. Weston?” She smiled to soften her words. His eyes narrowed, but not in a mean way. A curious way, like he was working a thought over in his mind.
“Nope, didn’t forget any supplies. Just not much doing at the ranch. I’m here on a personal reason. I actually came in to speak with you.”
Me? He wants to talk with me? Why? Does he know I stole the money from the Logans? Her pocket felt especially heavy. “I can’t imagine why. You could have waited until I returned. Is the subject matter so important?”
He lifted one shoulder. “Not sure. Well, I hope not. You want to go to the café and get a cup of coffee? You’re shivering from the cold. I don’t want you to get sick because of me.”
Fear of the unknown, more than the cold temperature, was making her tremble.
“Courtney?” Adaline called from the Lings’. “What are you doing?”
She turned and saw Adaline at the end of the narrow alley, gripping the lapels of her coat with one hand and the other stuffed in her pocket. Her brows were drawn into a frown.
“Be right there, Adaline.” Relieved she had an excuse, she waved to her sister and then turned back to Tyler, all smiles. “I’m sorry. I can’t now. We’re making a schedule to help to Mr. Ling at the laundry so Mrs. Ling needn’t return to work so soon.”
He nodded. “We can talk in an hour. I’ll go stable Dakota at the livery and meet you at the restaurant. Take all the time you need. I’ll keep busy till then.”
His determined gaze made her stomach twist tighter.
“Will that work?” he asked. “I’d rather speak with you here in town than out at the Broken Horn.”
Another bolt of fear. He knows! He knows! Without any other way to avoid him, she nodded.
He gave a quick smile and touched the brim of his hat. “Thank you, Miss Courtney. I’ll see you at the Silky Hen.” He reined Dakota and the horse moved off with ease.
What had she gotten herself into today? She was sinking deeper and deeper into quicksand. She had nowhere to turn. The only thing she could do was speak with Wil and make him understand. Get him to agree to leave town without saying anything about her. Would he comply? That wish was as likely to happen as her turning back into the innocent she’d been before they’d met.
Chapter Thirty-One
Dalton sat at Albert’s desk, thumbing his way through a Farmer’s Almanac and thinking of everything except the book in front of his face. Finally closing the volume, he gazed at the cattle and hogs sketched on the front cover. A dull ache pushed painfully between his shoulder blades, and his gritty eyes stung from lack of sleep. Resting his forehead on the palm of his hand, with his elbow braced on the desk keeping everything up, he strained to remember each and every word Adaline had said. He’d been tired. Maybe he’d misunderstood? Or read something more into the meaning of her words? He wasn’t sure, but for some reason, he wanted to recall every last syllable.
Adaline was little more than a girl! Seventeen, just three months ago. Eight years separated their ages. If she were somewhat older, say twenty, the eight years would be nothing. But barely seventeen? What were her dreams? Aspirations? He had no idea. She was as smart as a whip and should go to college. With the proper education, she’d go places. Places larger than Logan Meadows. She didn’t need a jobless husband with no future hanging around h
er neck. He’d saddle her with a houseful of young’uns and then, in ten years, after her dreams were squashed and she was exhausted from working day in and day out just to get by, she’d regret her mistake. He couldn’t live with that. She was mixed up. They’d shared some dangerous days back in Newport when Hexim’s men wanted them dead. And then a stressful experience last night.
Jake would have a fit! He hated Wil Lemon for going after his young sister. How would he and Adaline be any different?
Do those facts explain my feelings, too? Am I only infatuated? Adaline is the first woman to touch my heart since Susanna. Granted, Susanna wasn’t long ago. Still. I think of Adaline day and night. I may even love her.
Damnation! He was in a pickle.
At the moment, Adaline was probably rocking darling little Ying to allow Mrs. Ling a few moments of sleep. He, on the other hand, had released Dwight Hoskins and told him to beat it back to New Meringue and not to come back until he found some respect for the law. Dwight had been contrite and bore the dressing down in silence. The night in jail had cooled him considerably.
Feeling the short hair on the back of his neck prickle, Dalton glanced up without moving his head.
Wil Lemon glared from the cell across the room.
Probably still furious to be behind bars. If Wil thought he’d forget the disrespectful outburst yesterday about the Lings in front of Adaline, he was plumb crazy. Keeping him one more day, where Dalton knew his whereabouts, felt right.
With a bang of the door, Maude burst into the sheriff’s office amid a flurry of snowflakes. Earlier this morning, a bank of dark clouds had creeped across the darkened sunrise and shortly thereafter a few snowflakes had begun to fall, pushed around by blustery gusts of wind. The beloved ornaments on the tall town Christmas tree bounced and waved, clinking together dangerously. Snow drifts had begun to build against the buildings. A thin layer accumulated on the boardwalks, leaving tracks whenever anyone walked by. Snowflakes skittered across the office floor all the way to the small rug where Ivan slept.
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