Texas Mail Order Bride (24 page)

The rain had stopped, but a chill wind blew when Cooper slammed the door to the jail. No sign of Sheriff Strayhorn. All the better. No one to stop him.

He lifted the brass key ring from its usual nail on the wall and opened the door to the row of cells. The hired men Cooper and his brothers had captured from Tolbert Early wore wary expressions.

But his business wasn't with them.

Pausing at Hogue Barclay's cell, Cooper slid the key into the lock and swung the door open. Barefoot and half-dressed, Hogue backed into a corner, his eyes wide with fear.

Cooper didn't say a word. He marched into the stone cell. Grabbing Hogue by his shirt front, he slung him into the narrow walkway.

“You cain't do this. I have rights. Strayhorn will have your hide,” Hogue yelled, desperately looking for someone to save him.

“I'll gladly pay the cost, whatever it is, to rid the world of you.” Cooper shoved him through the front door and into a good-sized mud puddle in the street. He landed face-first.

“Help!” Hogue hollered when he got the mud out of his mouth.

A crowd of men and women gathered to watch, but no one interfered. Cooper didn't think they stayed back because of the ring of men—Rand and Brett and John Abercrombie—positioned between him and the group. Public sentiment ran with Jenny. In fact, when Cooper threw Hogue onto the back of a horse, the onlookers began to clap.

Cooper and his prisoner rode until dusk cloaked the hills and valleys. Finally Cooper stopped and dismounted. He yanked Hogue off the horse and slammed a fist into his midsection and delivered several to his jaw. Bone crunched under his fist.

“You're going to leave the territory and never come back.”

“Who's gonna make me?” Hogue wiped blood from his mouth.

“I think you know the answer to that,” Cooper spat back.

“You cain't keep a man from his wife, his family. I got a right to see 'em. This is all her fault. She's a willful woman. Wouldn't listen to a damn word I said. I warned her about bringing another whelp into this world for me to feed. Had to do something.”

“Tell me who you hired to do your dirty work.”

“He already left town. Came by the jail after he finished to let me know.”

“I said a name.” Cooper drew back his fist again.

“Ezra. Ezra Olden.”

“How do you know him?”

“Hitched up with him down in Sonora and we became drinkin' buddies.”

“Where can I find him? I'm sure you know.”

Hogue shrugged. “You ain't gonna find him. Said he was goin' down to Mexico someplace, where the liquor's cheap and the señoritas free. Said he wouldn't be back.”

Cooper pulled his Colt from his holster and pointed it at the man he wanted to send to hell. Before Delta came, he would have. “Start walking. If you ever come back, you'll be taking your life in your hands. I won't be responsible for what I do.”

“You won't shoot. You ain't got it in you. An' I ain't walking anyplace. I'm barefoot.” The man sidled toward the horse.

Cooper's finger tightened on the trigger and orange flame spat from the barrel.

Hogue grabbed what remained of his bloody ear. “You shot me!”

“I'll put a bullet between your eyes next. Try me if you think I won't. Get away from the horse. Start walking.” Hate and anger blazed a hot path through Cooper. It didn't set well that he could do no more for Jenny and her baby girl. But he was hell-bent on stopping the killing that had destroyed his life. At least he could try.

When Hogue had limped no more than a few yards, he turned around.

But Cooper would have none of his stalling. He placed several shots around the man's toes, watching the dirt kick up. “I catch you back here, my brothers and I will use you for target practice. Forget you ever knew Jenny and Ben. You're dead to them.”

Once Hogue disappeared from sight, Cooper slid his gun into the holster and climbed into the saddle. Weariness washed over him in waves. He yearned for Delta. Only she could make his soul whole again.

Pounding hooves came from behind. Cooper turned in time to see Sheriff Strayhorn galloping toward him. The lawman didn't appear in the frame of mind to pass the time of day about the weather.

“Where is he?” Strayhorn demanded. “I know you busted Hogue Barclay out of jail.”

Cooper thought about denying it, but he didn't want to insult the lawman's intelligence. He had too much respect for him.

“If you're asking if the son of a packsaddle is six feet under, I'll relieve your mind, though I came within a hair of putting him there. You can't tell me he doesn't deserve to be.”

Strayhorn relaxed his grip on the reins. “Not saying that at all. After burying Jenny's baby today and knowing the beating most likely contributed to the death, I have no love for Hogue Barclay.” The sheriff jerked his hat off and raked his fingers through his hair. “But damn it, Coop, you can't go around busting people out of my jail. You're not the law.”

“You going to arrest me?”

“Nope. You didn't kill Hogue, at least. More than half the town would give you a medal for what you did. When I heard the gunshots, I wondered if I'd find Hogue dead.”

“He's only minus half of an ear. I think I showed uncommon restraint.” The memory of Hogue holding his bloody ear brought a half smile. “I think he got the message he's not to return to this part of Texas.”

“I wouldn't want anyone to know this, but I do like your style, Coop.” The hefty sheriff grinned. “Now, what are you gonna do about Tolbert Early?”

“Most of his gang is in your jail. It's only a matter of time until he messes up. I'll be there when he does.”

“Folks are jittery, seeing as how he marched right into town and threatened Miss Dandridge.”

“Don't think the jackal will try that again. Rand, Brett, and I have kept him on the run. Doubt he's had a decent night's sleep in weeks. And we know he's carrying around one of our bullets in his leg.”

“Good strategy. You'd make a good lawman, Coop.”

After saying good-bye, Cooper turned toward the Long Odds. He'd get some food in his belly and check on the ranch. Zeke appeared to have things under control, though.

But the main thing on Cooper's mind was Ben. He needed to see how the boy fared without his mama. If homesickness had hit, Cooper didn't know what he'd do. Jenny was too sick to have her energetic son underfoot.

***

Her body totally exhausted, Delta stretched out on the bed. Though it neared midnight, sleep refused to come. Her battered spirit would not let her rest. She worried for Jenny. The woman had such an uphill battle.

“Jenny needs plenty of rest and lots of love,” Doc Yates had said before he finally left a few hours earlier.

Doc hadn't mentioned prayers in his list of helpful things to do, but Delta had certainly been doing a lot of that.

Never far from the surface, tears leaked from the corners of her eyes. She swallowed hard and whispered, “God, please take baby girl in your arms and hold her close. If you've a mind, sing her a lullaby. Tell her what a wonderful, loving woman her mother is. And if it's not too much trouble, tell her how much I wanted to know her. Oh, and if she cries, you might try rocking her. Babies love that.”

After her talk with the man upstairs, Delta felt better. She rose and checked in on Jenny. Surprise rippled through her to see Cooper sitting quietly beside the bed. He looked up when she entered. Seeing tears in his eyes brought panic.

“Is Jenny…?” The words barely squeezed past the fear.

“She's sleeping. Woke up when I got here and drifted right back to her dreams.” He rose and dragged her to him. “God, how I've missed you.”

Delta ran her fingers through his dark hair, drawing comfort from his strength. “We didn't get much of a chance to talk, and you disappeared after baby girl's service.”

“Had to take care of something.”

“I heard about you busting Hogue out of jail. You didn't…?”

“Nope, he's alive, though I guarantee he'll not be back. I made sure of that. He'll pose no more danger to Jenny.”

Mabel opened the door and entered. If she noticed Delta in Cooper's embrace, she didn't say anything. She had an armload of fresh towels and another cup of the healing tea that they had to spoon slowly into Jenny's mouth. It was painstaking work, but they'd started to see results.

“I need to change my sister's packing,” Mabel said. “Why don't you try to get some sleep? I'll stay with her until morning.”

***

They turned to leave when Mabel spoke again. “Cooper, I'll not say a word if you go to Delta's room. She needs you.”

Cooper nodded and closed the door. Once inside the room next door, he took Delta's face between his large hands and gently kissed her. His chest swelled with a different kind of need. This was a need to take her pain, to let her know that she wasn't alone.

Taking his time, he undressed her. Only after he'd tucked her naked body between the covers did he remove his clothes. Lying down beside her, he pulled her soft curves against the hard planes of his body and kissed her hair. She began to sob quietly.

“It's all right, darlin', I'm here. Cry your heart out.”

“I'm sorry. I can't help it.”

“You're exhausted. You've carried a big load on those shoulders of yours.” Cooper tenderly wiped her tears.

“This is such a harsh, untamed land. I don't know if I'm cut out for this. What if I move out to my ranch and find it's too much for me? What then?”

“Darlin', it's perfectly all right to have doubts. Nothing in life is a sure thing. Shoot, uncertainty riddles every day of my life. You simply have to have faith that things will work out for the best and keep plugging along.”

“So what chance do I have if you—who happen to be the strongest, most capable man I know—face such struggles?”

He rose up on an elbow. “Here's what I know. You're a deeply determined woman. You're no more able to sit down and give up than to stop breathing.”

The smile that formed lightened his worry. “You're right.”

Tucking her hair behind her ear, he kissed her temple. “I make you these four promises. You'll never have to walk alone. You'll never be invisible to me. You'll always be my forever woman. And finally, I'll help you blaze the trail only you were meant to travel.”

Delta brought his hand to her mouth and kissed each finger. “You're a wise man, Cooper Thorne. I've been trying to think of a name for my ranch and now I have the perfect thing.”

“Pray tell, Miss Dandridge.”

“The Four Promises.”

“I like that.”

“Me too.” She snuggled against his chest, laying her head on his shoulder. Soon her soft breathing indicated she was asleep.

Cooper smiled and tightened his arm around her, marveling at her boundless spirit. He hadn't known what a special woman she was when he first laid eyes on her that morning here at the boardinghouse. It seemed so long ago. In fact, he couldn't remember not knowing her.

Resting his chin on the top of her head, he murmured, “Sleep well, darlin'. I'll watch over you.”

A few hours later, he eased out of the bed and dressed. Being with Delta had renewed his soul and smoothed away the anger that ate away at him after dealing with Hogue.

Now it was time to get back to the business of tracking and capturing Tolbert Early. He needed his life back and it wouldn't be too soon.

Cooper gently kissed her cheek. “One day things will be different,” he murmured softly. “That's another promise to you.”

She rolled over in her sleep as he tiptoed out the door.

Over the next few days, Jenny slowly came back from the brink of death, though she had yet to get out of bed. Delta spent a lot of time with her. She'd told her about Cooper marching into the jail, throwing Hogue onto the back of a horse and running him out of town. Jenny seemed relieved that she no longer had to live in fear of the man she'd made the mistake of marrying.

On this day, Delta brought a savory bowl of soup and some yarrow tea Doc Yates prescribed.

“You don't have to keep waiting on me,” Jenny protested weakly. “I'm sure you must get tired of all this.”

“Nonsense.” Delta put the tray on Jenny's lap. “I can't think of anything more rewarding than helping a dear friend. You'd do the same for me, if the circumstances were reversed.”

“Yes, I would.” Jenny lifted the spoon, then laid it down. Big tears swam in her eyes. “I understand you gave my daughter a proper burial. I can't thank you enough.”

“She was like my child in a way. Very precious.”

“I loved her, you know, even though I never held her in my arms. I wish…”

“I know,” Delta said softly. “I do too.”

While Jenny ate, Delta updated her on the Women of Vision. “We're getting lots of applications for the school teaching job. Would you feel up to looking them over?”

“I'd love to. It'll make me feel like I'm contributing.”

“I'll bring them this afternoon after you take a nap. Doc Yates said lots of naps will aid in your recovery.”

She waited for Jenny to finish the soup and took the tray to the kitchen. Then she tackled her chore of finding a place to hold school. She knew eventually she'd build a new schoolhouse and turn it over to the town. But they needed something in the meantime.

As usual, she found herself in the mercantile. John had become like a father, and when she needed someone to talk to, she sought him out.

“If worse comes to worst, you can always hold school in a tent,” he said.

“I suppose.”

“Then there's the barn at the Richardson place at the edge of town.”

“A barn? Would they let us use it?”

“The Richardsons sold their animals and went to visit their son in New England. Expect to be gone for six months.”

“That would work,” Delta said as excitement grew. “Who would I see to ask about it?”

“Their daughter, Polly Strayhorn.”

“The sheriff's wife?”

“One and the same.”

“Thank you.” Delta kissed his cheek. “You always save the day somehow.”

“I'm glad to help. I think if me and Nell had had a daughter, she'd have been exactly like you.”

“That's very sweet. By the way, how is Emmylou working out?” Her searching gaze found the young woman working away in the dry goods section of the store. She barely resembled the woman who'd plied her trade inside Miss Sybil's brothel.

“She's a jewel. Smart head on her shoulders.”

“I'm glad. I knew there was more to her than what appeared at first glance.”

“Emmylou has written her folks. They're coming to visit. She hasn't seen them for five years.”

“That's wonderful.” Delta said good-bye and went to look at the Richardsons' barn.

It was strong and sturdy, but needed cleaning up. After determining that it would fit the bill nicely, she paid Polly Strayhorn a visit. Though the big sheriff had to be at least fifty, his petite wife was quite a bit younger. Delta put her in her thirties. She was such a warm, inviting woman who had to stretch to reach five feet, with rich reddish-brown hair. The couple made an odd-looking pair.

After discussing the matter of the barn, Polly said she'd love to have the school there and didn't expect any payment.

“Consider it my contribution to the town,” Polly insisted. “We've needed a school for a long time. It took you and your Women of Vision to make it happen. Do you have room for one more in your club?”

“Absolutely. You'd be most welcome.”

Delta found herself humming as she left. She went to the boardinghouse, left the schoolteacher applications with Jenny, and donned an old dress. Needing to do something with her hands, she joined the women who were painting the newspaper office. With a paintbrush in hand and determination in her heart, she busied herself in something constructive that would benefit everyone who lived in Battle Creek.

While she worked, she thought about her Four Promises Ranch. She couldn't wait to get out there and begin living on her land. She'd need lots of help at first, though. It occurred to her that she could begin assembling a foreman and ranch hands. She'd only vowed that she wouldn't go out there until they'd caught Early.

Where did someone begin to look for qualified people to run a ranch?

John Abercrombie came from the mercantile to join her. “Need someone to help paint? Emmylou can run the store for a few hours.”

“I'd love to have you.” She handed him a paintbrush.

Thundering hooves pounded behind her. She turned to see two galloping horses, barely missing the graves in the middle of the street. Her heart froze when she saw Rand. Brett rode the other horse.

Blood had stained Rand's shirt a bright crimson. He slid off his horse, landing in the dirt, as the animal came to a stop.

A scream rent the air and Delta realized it came from Widow Sharp. Delta ran to help and she and Clara arrived at Rand's side at the same time.

Clara lifted his head. “Son, how bad are you injured?”

Son?
What was the woman babbling about? Delta tore her petticoat and pressed it tightly to the bullet wound in Rand's chest. He moaned from the pressure she applied.

“I'll never forgive myself if you die,” Clara sobbed. In her distress, her veil slipped off.

Delta stared at the woman's perfect features that bore no scars or blemishes. Recognition swept through her.

Clara was
Abigail
Winehouse
, the famed opera singer.

But what was she to Rand? Nothing made sense. Rand was orphaned, same as Cooper and Brett.

Brett moved the two women aside. Putting Rand over his shoulder, he carried his brother to the doctor's office and pounded the door until Doc opened it.

Clara tried to push inside but Doc Yates stopped her. “Wait out here until I—”

“I'm his mother. I need to be with him.”

“You'll only be in the way, ma'am. I'll let you in as soon as I treat his wound,” the doctor said kindly.

Rushing forward, Delta took Clara's arm. “He'll be all right. Doc knows his business. Rand is in good hands.”

Having heard the part about Clara being Rand's mother, the townsfolk besieged her, everyone shooting questions.

“Where have you been all these years?”

“Rand is an orphan. Did you just leave him in the orphanage and take off?”

“She's Abigail Winehouse,” exclaimed another.

With that, the questions flew fast and furious. Delta led the poor woman away from the crush to the quiet parlor at the boardinghouse. They sat on the worn velvet settee.

“You'll be safe here. Can I get you something?”

Clara appeared to be in shock. “No, thank you. I'm sure you have a lot of questions.”

“I respect your privacy. If you don't want to talk about it, you don't have to.”

“I've made so many mistakes.” With a shaky breath, she began. “I was young and foolish. I was determined to do anything to better myself. Such a fierce yearning to become famous, to have people flock to see me, consumed every waking moment. When Rand was five years old, I left to go on a tour of the West. My husband, Jack, stayed behind with our son. Somehow, Jack fell through a patch of ice in the river in a town forty miles away and drowned. I assumed Rand had been with him and died also. It was a year before I got back and people who could've told me what happened had disappeared. I didn't know until I passed through here three years ago that my son was alive. Rand was the one who helped me up when I fell and broke the heel of my shoe. He bore such a striking resemblance to Jack, so I asked his name.” Clara paused.

“You knew it was indeed your son,” Delta said. “But why didn't you tell him?”

“I didn't want to ruin his life. I got back in the coach and traveled to the next town, where I bought a black veil and came back as Widow Sharp.”

“I still don't understand.”

“At first I just wanted to watch him and be close by, nothing more. I saw what a good life he'd made. He'd moved on. He didn't need a mother. I saw how close he was to Cooper and Brett. It was too late for me to come back into his life.”

“It's never too late for a mother to reunite with her son,” Delta said softly.

“I hope he sees it the same way you do.”

“Why the veil?”

Clara shrugged. “I knew the citizens of Battle Creek would recognize me and interfere with my plans. It would've created a big problem. So I kept my anonymity.”

“Yes, I can see that.” Delta studied her beautiful face. “What do I call you now?”

“That depends on Rand. If he turns away from me, I'll leave and it won't make any difference.”

“And if he doesn't?”

“I'll simply be Abigail Sinclair. Winehouse was my stage name. Rather fanciful, don't you think?”

Delta leaned to hug her. “I know he'll be proud to claim you.”

***

“You're
who
?” Rand exploded.

Delta watched Abigail shrink inside. She felt sorry for her friend. Nothing hurt worse than rejection. She should know. She took Abigail's hand and squeezed.

“I'm your mother, Abigail Sinclair.”

“Exactly what proof do you have?” He slung his words like arrows.

Abigail reached into her reticule and handed him a child's bracelet with the word
Rand
engraved on it.

He studied it for a long minute, then he glanced up. “Why didn't you come after me at the orphanage? Just tell me that.”

Through tears and a trembling voice, she told him the reasons why as she'd explained to Delta.

“But why didn't you come to me sooner, after you moved here? For three years, you let me think you were a widow woman who made a living making and selling pies. You could've told me the truth. I'm a reasonable man.”

“What right did I have coming into your life at this late stage?”

“Why now? Why not keep quiet?”

“I let it slip out. When I saw you bleeding and barely conscious, the words flew from my mouth. Too many people heard for me to deny it.”

Rand lay back and closed his eyes. “This is going to take some getting used to. I'm not sure… It may be too late.”

“That's fine. Take your time. If you'd rather I moved on, I won't give you any argument. I'm only asking for a chance.”

“We'll see how it goes. Just don't expect too much.”

“I love you, Son.”

His blue eyes flew open. “I've waited a long time to hear those words.”

Delta's lip quivered as she tried to hold her emotions in check. A child would give anything to know they were loved and valued. Dear God, she'd have done anything to hear her father tell her that.