by Danni Roan
"Mrs. Nelson told me about you bein' her son," Polly said. "That's right nice that you could find your Ma here."
A wide grin spread across the lawman's rugged face. "It's been a long trail to the right place," he said.
"Still has some rough spots to pass I think," Polly continued, her bright blue eyes steady.
"You mean Frank."
Polly nodded.
"He's got to stand trial," Ty said. "He's done wrong."
Polly Esther reached out an aged hand, laying it on Ty's sleeve. "He does at that, but I hope in the meantime he can find more."
"I don't know, Mrs. Olson. He's a hard man. He thinks the world owes him something."
"Well let’s hope in time he understands. For now, that little lady will need someone to help her find her way. When there's sorrow, it sorta rolls over you in waves."
"I'll be in town until we hear about the transportation arrangements. Since Frank robbed the bank, could be he'll stand trial here in the state, but he's been around a bit and others might have a say in the matter."
Polly nodded as the two women came back down the stairs. "You two don't be a stranger now," she said, heading to the front door to see them out. "I'll expect to see this little fella again soon." She smiled, chucking Aaron under the chin and making him laugh.
"Thank you for everything," Jillian said. "I'll return the items you let me borrow as soon as I can."
"Don't you worry none about that," Polly grinned. "I have a feeling you'll be around a spell."
Together Mrs. Nelson and Jillian stepped out onto the porch and Aaron leaned toward the painted pony at the hitching rail.
"C'ip." The boy's excited voice caught everyone by surprise as the two-tone horse stretched his nose toward a tiny hand, huffing softly and making Aaron giggle.
"Strangest thing I've ever seen," Ty said, scratching his head. "That horse hates everyone, but you and Aaron..." He stopped, shaking his head in wonder.
Jillian turned a special smile to the lawman. "Everyone loves babies," she said.
"I'll fetch the wagon," Ty said, striding down the street to retrieve the conveyance, while Aaron twined his fingers in his horse’s forelock.
“Polly! Polly!” George’s excited voice echoed from the back of the house as the buckboard headed out of town. “You won’t believe what I just heard!” he said, stepping out onto the porch, a bright twinkle in his eye.
“You mean that Mr. Spade is actually Clara Nelson’s long lost son?” Polly asked.
“What?” George stopped. “How’d you know?” he asked, following her eyes along the street. “Byron just told me. And another thing, that outlaw’s Mrs. Nelson’s boy as well.”
Polly turned to her husband, a mischievous gleam in her eye. “It’s nice to know some things can still surprise you, George,” she said, patting him on the cheek.
The drive to the little house didn't take long and soon Ty was handing Jillian from the wagon with one hand while he held Aaron in the other.
"It's not much," Mrs. Nelson said, climbing down over the wheel. "It's warm enough come winter, though." She turned and looked at the tall man where he stood. "You stayin"?"
"I'll come in for a spell and see Mrs. LeFort settled." Ty said, "then I'll head back to town."
The old housekeeper nodded curtly and hustled into the house.
“Are you alright with this?” Ty asked, pulling Jillian to a stop by her arm before they entered.
“I’m grateful.,” Jillian said. “Last night,” she dropped her eyes for a moment then lifted them again. “last night I didn’t know what I was going to do, now I have a place to live and a companion who understands hard times.”
Tywyn smiled softly. “I’m glad we could do something, and if you need anything, please let me know.”
“Thank you.” Jillian met his eyes fully, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips.
“I’ve got the coffee on.” Mrs. Nelson’s voice carried back to them, making them scurry inside.
The house was indeed small, but clean if sparse. “There’s two rooms at the back,” Mrs. Nelson offered, pouring coffee into three mugs. “I’m afraid I’ll have to leave you for a bit this afternoon,” she continued apologetically. “I’ll need to fix something for Harlan later, but I won’t stay long.”
“It’s alright,” Jillian replied. “Aaron and I are used to being on our own.”
The thin, older woman turned hard eyes toward the young mother, surprising her as her hand came to rest on Jillian’s arm. “You ain’t alone no more,” she said firmly.
“I’ll fetch your things,” Ty spoke through a lump in his throat before stepping back outside.
Ty had been on his own for a long time. The Marshal Service had given him purpose and a chance to track down his brother, putting an end to his lawlessness, but what now?
The tall lawman looked across the dusty yard at the small barn, watching as the chickens scratched for morsels among the weeds and sparse grass of the corral.
Chip sidled up to him and out of habit he moved out of nipping distance. “What do you think?” Ty spoke to his cantankerous horse. “Maybe it’s time to stop a spell.”
Slowly the handsome lawman lifted the small bag from the back of the buckboard and stepped back inside.
“I don’t have a cradle or crib for your little fella, but I think we’ll make do,” Clara was saying as Jillian sipped her coffee. Aaron was sitting on the floor, playing with a wooden block.
“We’ll manage. I didn’t have a cradle in the mountains, either.”
“Sit down a while, Ty,” Mrs. Nelson offered. “I can’t say I rightly know how to get on with this, having you here and all,” she carried on, “but I hope you’ll be willing to give me a chance to know you.”
Ty noted how the woman’s face showed little emotion. She must have kept to herself over the years. “I’d like that, too,” he offered simply.
Chapter 10
“Any word yet?” Ty stepped into the Sheriff’s office. He’d been in every day for the past two weeks, checking on his brother and waiting for notification on where Frank’s trial would be held.
“No. The mail was just delivered this morning, but nothing yet. It takes a while sometimes.”
Ty nodded. “How is he?”
“Truculent’s the word Polly Esther might use,” Sheriff Pike said. “He’s downright nasty when Mrs. Nelson visits.” The older man shook his head. “She stops by every day though, usually brings food, or some such thing.”
“She insists she’ll be at the trial as well,” Ty responded, shaking his head as the sheriff had done just moments before.
“How’s Ms. LeForte doing?” the sheriff continued, noting the spark in the younger man’s eye.
“She’s settled in well,” Ty said. “Aaron’s just about walking.”
“Ferd finally got some information out of our guest about where he got that pistol. He’s headed up into the mountains to search. Only seem’s right we should offer a decent burial.”
Ty nodded. He knew it would be hard for Jillian to lay her husband to rest, but at the same time understood the need for closure. Even just sitting at his father’s grave behind the little house his mother lived in had helped him say good-bye.
“Thanks, Sheriff,” Ty said, shaking the other man’s hand. “I’ll check back in tomorrow.”
Chip trotted into the yard of the little house, his ears pricked to the sound of a child’s laugh, as Ty turned him toward the barn, but the stubborn horse moved toward the garden at the side of the house instead.
Ty smiled. He could see Aaron pushing himself up on the laundry basket and taking a tentative step before plunking down again on his bottom.
“Alright,” the dark rider spoke, letting the horse amble over to the boy, where he dropped his head with a huff.
Tiny hands reached up, grasping the pony’s bridle as he was lifted nearly off his feet with a squeal of delight.
“Mr. Spade.” Jillian turned from where she’d b
een hanging clothes on the line, a smile gracing her pretty face. “I see Chip needed to check on Aaron again,” she added with a twinkle.
Ty smiled. He was surprised how much he looked forward to seeing the young woman he’d brought to Biders Clump. “I never would have figured the big galoot would like children,” he offered.
“Your mother’s not home yet. She said she was making something special for Rafe and Sara, who were coming to dinner tonight.”
“You’ve met them?” Ty asked, swinging down and lifting Aaron onto Chip’s back.
“Yes. they rode out a few days ago to say hello and invite me to the church social.” She dipped her head, wondering what the lawman had going through his mind.
“Is that this week?” he grinned, knowing it was. “Are you going?”
“I’d like to.” Jillian’s voice was small.
“I could go with you,” Ty offered awkwardly.
“That would be nice.”
The sound of the buckboard arriving made them both turn. “You’d better get cleaned up. We’ll eat soon,” Jillian said.
“Mind if I take this little man with me?” Ty asked, turning Chip, who moved with great care.
“No, I’ll see you inside.”
The past two weeks had been a time for everyone to get to know each other. His mother had told him of the troubles she and his father had once they left the glen. He had no doubt in his mind that two young boys would never have made it through that time of want.
Jillian had opened up more, finding her joy once more even as she sought an understanding of God and His grace.
Some evenings they would walk while his mother put Aaron to bed, talking about their life, their burgeoning faith, and perhaps hope for a brighter future.
Ty steadied Aaron with one hand as he walked his horse to the barn. The little boy leapt into his arms from the saddle as they came to a halt. Even as the tyke wound his arms around Ty’s neck, the marshal knew he’d also wound them around his heart.
As much as he tried to avoid it, he could no longer deny the affection that was growing in him for both Aaron and Jillian. The dark trails had brought him to a crossroads and a decision would need to be made.
“Here, you let me take him,” Mrs. Nelson spoke, smiling, her beaky features softened by the grin. “You can put the horses up for me,” she added, turning and heading to the house.
Supper was a comfortable meal, an easy chatter filling the house as the occupants visited. Mrs. Nelson seemed to have opened up having the younger woman and her child living with her as if she’d been given a second chance at loving a little one.
“Still no word on Frank’s trial,” Ty said as they lingered over coffee.
“Whatever happens, I’ll be there,” his mother replied. “I may have left him before, but I won’t do that again.”
Ty wrapped his hand around hers, showing he understood.
“Now why don’t you two go stretch your legs a bit while I do the washing up,” she said, smiling, “Aaron will keep me company,” she added, chucking the little boy under the chin.
“Cara,” the little boy gurgled, laughing up at her.
“Ma’am,” Ty offered, lifting his elbow for Jillian.
Dusk was still a few hours off, but the sun was already low in the western sky as the two walked along the dusty path toward the mountain’s edge.
“How are you feeling?” Ty asked awkwardly, trying to sort out how he felt about the young woman.
“Hopeful,” she said, though she looked at her toes.
“I need to tell you something,” he said after a few long strides.
Jillian turned her face to the handsome marshal. She could tell something was bothering him, but wasn’t sure what. For a moment, her heart kicked up its pace and that familiar heaviness settled over her chest, but she pushed it away, listening.
“Ferd, that’s the deputy in Biders Clump, he’s gone to see if he can find your husband’s remains.”
He felt her hand tighten on his arm and his heart ached for her. “I understand,” she said, looking up at him.
“Phineas was a good man,” she began, “perhaps a little too adventurous, but good and dependable.” She dropped her eyes, twining her fingers together. “I think I knew.” Her voice was small.
“Knew what?” Ty asked gently.
“When he didn’t come back before Aaron was born, in my heart I knew he was gone.” A tear slipped from her eye and Ty brushed it away with the flat of his thumb.
“I wish there was something I could do,” he said, his voice strained.
“You’ve already done so much,” Jillian replied, laying her hand on his arm. “You brought me and Aaron here, found us a place to stay, and…” she hesitated, studying his eyes, “and looked after me when I needed it the most,” she finished.
Ty shook his head. “You are an amazing woman, Mrs. LeFort.” he said. “Strong, brave, independent.”
“I’m just me,” Jillian said. “Just one woman trying to do her best. I would have been lost if you hadn’t been there for me, aiming me in the right direction.” Her hand was warm on his arm and he longed to pull her tight, to comfort her.
“I guess sometimes paths cross for a reason.”
Jillian tipped toward him, placing a sweet kiss on his cheek. “I think they do,” she said, a softness in her voice.
“You’ll have to go, won’t you?” she finally asked, tugging on his arm and walking through the golden light of an early evening.
“I’ll have to take Frank wherever the law wants him,” Ty agreed.
“I’ll pray for you,” Jillian offered simply, “wherever you go.”
Something tugged at Ty’s heart and he knew he was a goner. It didn’t make sense, but somehow, through shared sorrow and longing, he’d fallen in love with this woman.
“We’d better head back,” he said, turning them and heading for the house.
Chapter 11
“Mrs. Nelson.” Harlan Granger tipped his hat to his housekeeper as she entered the grove by the church. “Nice to see you with us this year.”
“Mr. Dixon,” the older woman nodded, watching as Ty escorted Jillian and Aaron toward the food tables.
“Is Mrs. Adams with you?” Mrs. Nelson asked.
“Yes, she and Priscilla are adding some things to the table. Can I help you with anything?” he offered politely.
“No, no,” she said, her eyes still on her son. “I think I have everything I need.”
The afternoon was festive, families and friends catching up and enjoying a chance to enjoy each other’s company. Young couples, so many recently wed, danced and laughed.
Delightful food was in abundance as the surrounding mountains had given up an early summer bounty.
Aquilla Royal was one of the first to come off the floor, her present condition making the quick steps awkward.
“Polly,” Mrs. Nelson stepped up beside the resident story teller with a grin.
“Clara.” Polly Esther shocked the other woman, using her first name. “Glad you’re here.” Her eyes fell on Jillian and Ty dancing as the players kicked up a jig. “Aaron seems happy with Maud over there,” she continued.
“Or maybe Maud’s just happy holding a youngin,’” Mrs. Nelson jibed.
The party wore on and as evening fell, one by one families packed their things and headed home.
Ty lost himself in the soft sway of Jillian as she danced that last waltz with him. Her eyes were bright and full of cheer, though dark shadows still lingered in their depths.
“I’m glad you’re here,” he whispered, his cheek close to hers.
“So am I,” she replied. “It’s been a long time since I had people around.” She pulled back, looking into his eyes.
“Jillian,” Ty began, his voice growing gruff with nerves. “I…” he wasn’t sure how to finish and simply pulled her close.
“I know,” she said, “I don’t know what to think or feel about it, but I know,” she offered. “I’ve
grown to care for you as well, but I’m scared.”
Ty stopped moving and simply held her for a moment, then stepped away, his hands running down her arms. “We’ll take it a day at a time,” he offered, hope pooling in his chest.
Her soft smile zinged through him.
“You two ready?” Mrs. Nelson walked up to them, holding a drowsy Aaron on her hip. “I think this little bit is ready for bed.”
Still holding Jillian’s hand, Ty turned to escort them home.
***
“Ty, I want to talk to you about something,” Mrs. Nelson said, following him out of the house as he made to leave. He didn’t want to be too late getting back to the boarding house where he’d been staying.
“I’d like to fix this place up a bit,” the woman said, looking up at him. She was still surprised at how much he looked like his father.
“I’ve got some savings,” Ty began, looking behind him at the shabby place.
“No, you hold on to that. You might need it,” his mother said. “It’s just I’ve been thinking.” She stopped, looking out across the dirt yard. “When Frank goes, I think I’ll go, too.”
“Why?” Ty asked, a twinge of hurt in his voice.
“I’ll come back at some point,” she said, laying her hand on his arm. “I want that girl and her son to have this place, to make it a proper home for them.” She dropped her head a moment, then continued. “Maybe I can be the Ma Frank should have had for a little while,” she confessed.
“Ma, it’s not your fault he turned out this way. Frank made his own choices.”
“I know.” She looked up at him again, affection in her eyes. “But if I can help, I will.”
“I think I understand,” Ty said with a sigh.
“I want you to look after her, though,” Clara Nelson continued, thinking of Jillian. “She doesn’t need to be on her own. It’s hard being alone.”
Tywyn reached out and pulled his mother into his embrace. Years of hurt and isolation had left her distant, aloof, but now she was mending, just like him.
“I will Ma. I will.”