Tywyn's Trouble (Tales From Biders Clump Book 5)
Page 9
***
“Do you know how long you’ll be gone?” Jillian asked, looking up at Ty where he stood on the stoop of the boarding house.
“A few weeks, probably.” His voice was soft as he turned his hat in his hand. “We’ll travel by train to Kansas for the trial, but there’s no telling how long that will take.”
“I understand.” Jillian shifted Aaron on her hip, but the boy squirmed, reaching for Ty.
Ty smiled and took the boy, snuggling him close. “I’ll be back,” he said, trying to assure her. They’d grown close in the month since they’d come out of the mountains and he knew she must be worried.
“That’s up to God,” Jillian replied with confidence, surprising him. “I can’t hold on to people,” she confessed. “I can only hope that God will bring them back to me.” Her deep eyes shone up at him as she lifted herself on her toes and kissed him. “Go, we’ll be alright.”
Ty turned toward the jail, feeling stunned. He’d hoped, prayed, that perhaps the young mother’s heart had healed enough that she might begin to feel something for him. He grinned as he stepped into the Sheriff’s office.
“You look like you’re ready,” Sheriff Pike spoke, retrieving his keys.
“I’m ready for this to be over with,” Ty said, his eyes cutting to where his brother sat slumped in a chair.
“Is your mother really going with you?” Pike asked.
“Yes, but we’ll be in different cars. The train’s made special arrangements for our guest here.”
“Let’s get gone,” Frank snapped. “I’m sick of this town, sick of these people and most of all I’m sick of you.” His hard eyes glinted at his brother. “I’ll be glad to get some peace and quiet once I’m in prison.”
Ty lifted an eyebrow but didn’t say anything as he grabbed Frank’s arm and headed toward the train station.
An armed guard stepped from the empty box car, helping Frank in with an uttered oath, but Ty stopped, seeing George striding toward him.
“Polly’s sent a basket,” George said, handing off the large hamper to the Marshal. “Figured you’d be happy to have it.”
“I am, indeed,” Ty smiled. “Thank you for everything, Mr. Olson,” he added, extending his hand.
George chuckled. “Reckon you’ll be back soon,” he said, his dark eyes shining.
“I will,” Ty said. “While I’m gone, will you look after them?” he asked, knowing George would understand.
“You bet’cha’,” George replied. “And don’t worry, things have a way of working themselves out here in Biders Clump.”
Chapter 12
“At least this summer isn’t sweltering,” Maud Adams said, sipping her iced tea. “Quill’s getting on and the heat is terrible when one’s expecting.”
“All too true,” Polly agreed, lifting her glass. “It’s been a busy summer, all that work Mrs. Nelson ordered, and the new house for the school.”
“It’s exciting isn’t it. Biders Clump at its best,” Maud agreed.
“Are the girls coming in to town today?” Polly asked.
“Prissy’s delivering things to the Grist Mill again,” Maud replied. “She drove in with me, but I’m meeting Harlan for lunch, so she’ll go home on her own.”
“Maud is there something you want to tell me?” Polly asked, her hard-blue eyes studying her friend’s face.
“Polly, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Maud bristled. “You know perfectly well that Harlan and I are just friends. We’re catching up on years of ill will, you know. If taking me to lunch makes him feel better, then so be it.” She looked down, studying her nails for a moment until Polly changed the subject.
“Mama, are you here?” Prissy’s voice called down the hall.
“Yes dear, in the kitchen.” Maud replied.
“Oh, hello, Ms. Polly,” Prissy said, her tone weary.
“Prissy, can I get you a glass of tea?” Polly offered, “I have some fresh baked cookies as well.” She smiled indulgently, knowing how Prissy loved her sweets.
“No thank you,” Prissy said, shocking both of the older woman. “Mama, can I take the wagon now or do you need it a little longer?”
Maud studied her daughter for a long moment,wondering if she were unwell. “No, you can take it home,” she finally answered. “Are you alright?” she asked.
“I’m fine, I was just up very early preparing those game hens,” she said. “I’ll see you at home.” She placed a soft kiss on her mother’s cheek, exiting the way she’d come in.
“She seems subdued,” Polly said, still staring down the hall after the girl.
“She’s been terribly busy lately,” Maud said. “She’s been making something nearly every week for the restaurant. I’m not complaining, mind you. That girl is a wonder in the kitchen and I think if they ever offered her a real job, they’d have even more business there but…”
“She’s working too hard,” Polly finished for her.
“Yes, and if she doesn’t enjoy it anymore, I don’t want to see her put herself out for them.”
Polly smiled. “I’m sure she’ll stop if she’s truly unhappy.”
“Ms. Polly,” another voice called through the screen door. “It’s me, Jillian. Can we come in?”
Polly grinned and hustled to the door. “Of course you can come in,” she said, opening the door and welcoming the young woman as she reached down to take Aaron’s little hand, helping him along the hall.
“What brings you to town?” Polly asked. “Maud, you know Jillian.”
“Yes, of course. Nice to see you.” Maud’s eyes landed on Aaron with a smile.
“I’m in for supplies today, just a few items,” Jillian said. “I like to get Chip out and let him stretch his legs now and then,” she added. “He gets surly if he’s penned up too much.”
“Gets surly?” George stomped into the room, his hands planted firmly on his rear. “He near enough took a hunk out me as I passed,” he said. “Tore my trousers,” he finished, sidling by.
Jillian giggled, watching as Maud scooped up Aaron. “He’s just bored, George.”
George slipped through the door at the back of the hall with a grunt while the women laughed.
“Have you had any word from Ty?” Polly asked.
“No, but the trial was due to wrap up two days ago. Mrs. Nelson wrote that she’d found a little apartment since Frank’s been sentenced to fifteen years. She plans on visiting him as much as she can while he’s there.”
“It’s a sorry day to see your youngin’ in trouble,” Maud said, bouncing Aaron on the end of her foot.
“Some troubles people bring on themselves,” Jillian offered wisely.
“Chip!” a male voice boomed from the front porch. “What are you doing in town, you surly brute?”
“Ty!” Jillian sprang to her feet and hustled out the door, grabbing the lean rider in a fierce hug.
“Ouch!” Ty jumped.
“I’m sorry,” Jillian said, stepping away. “Did I hurt you? I didn’t think.”
Ty sidled toward the wall of the boarding house and took her hand. “No, you didn’t hurt me,” he grinned. “Chip bit me.” He eyed the horse standing cow-hipped at the hitching rail. “I’ll have a bruise for sure.”
Jillian laughed, the soft blush at her forward behavior already fading.
“Where’s Aaron?” he asked, placing his hand at the small of her back and ushering her into the boarding house.
Aaron squirmed from Maud’s lap as Ty approached, lifting his arms to the tall man, who scooped him up. “Now aren’t you a fine fellow?” Ty smiled.
“Coffee or tea?” Polly asked.
“Coffee.”
Jillian took her chair and Ty sat next to her, neither of them noticing the looks the older women shared.
“How’s your mother?” Jillian asked, her voice animated.
“She’s well. She’s determined to spend time with Frank whether he wants her or not. She plans on being here in two we
eks to see everyone, but then she’ll head back to be near him.”
“Are you alright with that?” Jillian asked, her storm-sea eyes intent.
Ty shifted Aaron in his arm. “Yes, I’m alright with it. I actually think it’s a good idea. Maybe she can help him understand. Sometimes a body needs to be there to care for a person, I guess and right now, that person for Ma, is Frank.”
Jillian reached out and patted his arm and Aaron patted his cheek.
Ty grinned. “You look well.”
“We are,” Jillian said.
Polly Esther grinned, placing the cup of coffee in front of the lean lawman.
“I’d better be going,” Maud said, rising. “Harlan should be along any time and I don’t want to spoil my lunch with too many of your wonderful cookies, Polly.”
“I’ll see you to the door,” Polly offered, leaving the young people alone.
“I’ve missed you,” Ty said carefully. “How’s the place? Do you need anything?”
“Everything’s fine,” Jillian assured him. “You’ve only been gone for three weeks,” she smiled.
“Seems like ages,” Ty said, an uncharacteristic impatience settling over him.
“Well, you’re back now and that’s what matters.”
“Cookie,” Aaron chimed, making them both laugh.
“I’d actually better get back. I only came in for supplies today,” Jillian said, handing her son a cookie.
“Can I see you home?”
“No, you get some rest. I’ll see you soon.”
Ty rose, walking the young woman out the door, oblivious to the cookie crumbs the small boy was spilling down his shirt.
“Oh, I have Chip, but he’s your horse,” Jillian said as they approached the unpredictable pinto.
“That’s alright,” Ty said, “I’ll walk out tomorrow for him.”
“Where you walkin,’ Marshal?” Pastor Dalton rolled up in his buggy, pulling to a stop next to them.
“I was just telling Ms. LeFort I’d walk out and fetch Chip tomorrow since she rode into town today.”
“Nonsense,” the portly preacher chimed. “I’ll give you a lift home, Mrs. LeFort,” he said, beckoning to Jillian with a wide swing of his arm. “I’ve been out visiting old Mr. Haskle, whose laid up with the lumbago.”
“Thank you,” Jillian accepted. “That works out well.” She smiled up at Ty, but let Aaron pat Chip. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” she offered, stepping into the street.
Chip laid back his ears and snorted as Ty helped Jillian into the preacher’s buggy and handed in Aaron and the supplies that had been slung over Chip’s saddle.
“It’s nice to have the Marshall back in town,” Pastor Dalton said, chirruping to his horse and setting the buggy in motion. “Reckon he’ll stay around a spell now.”
“I’m sure he’s got other duties that will call him away,” Jillian mused, her face falling as she thought on it.
“He’s a good man,” the preacher continued. “I kinda’ wish he’d settled down a spell.” He cut his eyes at the young woman, who was fussing with her son’s outfit. “Course I’m always looking to add to my flock.”
“It would be nice if he stayed,” Jillian finally agreed. “Aaron loves his horse.”
Pastor Dalton raised his brows. “From what I have heard of the beast, he’s a menace.”
Jillian laughed. “He loves Aaron, though, and he seems to like me. He’s never once tried to bite, kick or step on me.” She laughed again, thinking of how the horse had bitten Ty when she hugged him, then blushed thinking of her behavior.
“A fine upstanding man like that needs to know he’s wanted.”
“He must know that Biders Clump would welcome him.”
“And you?” The pastor’s question was blunt.
“Me?”
“It’s obvious that man cares for you and if I don’t miss the mark you’re partial to him, too.”
Again, Jillian fidgeted with Aaron’s clothes.
“Young lady, I’m going to be blunt. That young man will believe that you need a good long time to get over your most recent loss, and frankly I can understand why. He’ll want to take his time, but I say don’t let him.”
“What?” Jillian’s eyes were wide. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying if you feel the way I think you do about him, you need to let him know. You have a fine home now, and he’s weary of troubles and tracking, and well, just general lawmaniness.”
“Law-maniness.” Her eyebrows rose at the word.
“That’s what I said. He’s a good man, let him know you’re ready to start a new life, quit beatin’ around the bush.”
Jillian bounced Aaron on her knee. Was it too soon, to tell Ty how she felt? “I’ll think about it, Pastor Dalton,” she finally spoke as the buggy drew into the yard.
“This place looks fine,” the preacher said, looking around him. “Mark my words,” he continued, pulling the horse to a stop. “Tell him.”
After Jillian had fed and bathed Aaron and put him to bed, she couldn’t help but think about what the preacher had said. “Lord,” she spoke softly into the quiet house, “I think I’m ready.”
***
Ty rode into the yard,on an impatient Chip, gazing around him in wonder at the transformation of the little house and homestead.
“Well I never,” he said, noting the new addition to the house, along with the fresh coat of paint and trimming.
Chip whinnied low when Jillian and Aaron stepped out onto the porch. “Marshal,” she welcomed, and his heart fell at the formal greeting.
Chip trotted to the porch, snuffling Aaron’s head and making the boy giggle. “Good Chip,” his little voice sang.
“What happened here?” Ty asked, swinging down and lifting the little boy onto the pinto’s broad back.
“Your mother happened,” Jillian said. “She ordered all of the work and Mr. George and some of the men from town made it happen.”
“But how?” Ty’s voice betrayed his wonder.
“Apparently, your Ma’s been saving nearly everything she earned all these years,” Jillian said. “She said she was always afraid of being without, but then when you showed up and when Aaron and I arrived, she realized that holding onto the money wouldn’t bring her joy.”
“So she had all this done?”
“Yes.” Jillian reached out, taking his hand where he stood holding his horse’s reins. “Let’s walk a while,” she spoke softly.
Ty looked down at the hand that held his and started Chip moving, one hand wrapped around Aaron, the other in Jillian’s.
“It’s a real house now,” Jillian began. “There are four bedrooms, a parlor and the kitchen.”
Ty trailed along with her, his eyes straying to her pretty face.
“The only problem is it’s not yet a home.” Jillian raised her eyes to his, seeking answers in their gray depths.
“Why not?” he asked. “You’re safe here. You have Aaron and new friends.”
“Yes, but you aren’t here.” Jillian met his eyes boldly, her heart pounding in her chest.
“Me?”
“You.” She laid her hand on his shirt and the little troupe came to a stop.
“But…”
“Tywyn, I know it hasn’t been that long. I know I should still be grieving over the man I lost a year ago, but I’ve said good-bye to too many people too soon.” Jillian’s voice caught in her throat, but she continued.
“I don’t want to waste time, wishing. I know your heart and I care for you. I want more hello’s. More days of love and laughter. Life is too short to be worrying all the time, to be waiting for just the right moment.”
Ty lifted his hand to her face, studying her features, trying to read her emotions. “Are you sure?”
Jillian nodded. “I am. I don’t want to lose you, but I can’t have you without risking the loss as well. I think I’ve been falling in love with you since the moment you told me it was alright to cry.”
Jillian’s smile was bright, a sense of peace and contentment washing over her. “I’d like that,” she said as his lips met hers.
Chapter 13
Mrs. Nelson sat in the pew next to Harlan Dixon and his family, sniffing softly into a white handkerchief.
“I can’t believe I get to see my boy married,” she whispered, tears spilling done her sunken cheeks.
Harlan patted her shoulder awkwardly, looking at Rafe for help. The woman had kept to herself for the majority of the years she’d worked for him. She’d been efficient and kept them well fed and clothed, so he hadn’t cared.
“I’m so thankful to have friends with me for this,” she said, finally stilling as the preacher’s last words spilled over the congregation.
“I now pronounce you man and wife,” Pastor Dalton intoned, winking for Ty to kiss his bride.
“May I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Spade.” Pastor Dalton raised his hands high as if offering the couple for inspection.
“Nelson,” Tywyn’s voice was a soft echo beneath the stilted applause.
“What? What’d you say son?” The preacher scowled at the couple.
“Nelson,” Ty repeated, a wide grin slipping across his face. “Mrs. and Mrs. Nelson.”
Clara Nelson sprang to her feet and crossed to the couple, wrapping her arms around them both. “My family,” she wailed. “I’ve got my family.”
“Well folks, please welcome the Nelsons to Biders Clump,” Pastor Dalton, called shaking his head and mumbling under his breath while the congregation cheered.
“Hungry.” Aaron toddled toward them, escaping Polly Esther’s grasp at last and tugging on his mother’s soft yellow dress.
“Sounds like it’s time for the wedding supper,” George hollered, standing to his feet.
Tywyn Nelson lifted the little boy in his arms, rubbing his short-cropped beard against the boy’s smooth cheeks with a grin.