Linda Ford (20 page)

“The boss left me and Slim to guard the big house. Make sure the jailbird didn’t sneak in.”

Ward tossed a saddle blanket onto the horse, then a saddle.

Cal grabbed his arm. “Man, you’re bleeding. You ought to let Linette look at that.”

Ward glanced at his blood-soaked sleeve. “It’ll keep. I got more important things to tend to.”

“So it seems. Exactly where are you headed? Just in case Eddie wonders.”

Ward slowed down and sucked in air that tortured his ribs. “Guess I should let him know what I got in mind. I aim to go after Red and bring her back.”

“Huh. You need a horse to do that?”

Ward shook his head. Cal could be a little thickheaded at times but this was worse than usual. “I’ll follow her all the way to Medicine Hat if I have to. I’m not letting her go.”

“Guess you’ve got the love bug, huh?” Cal grinned like a fool.

“I don’t have time for your silly games.”

“You got more time than you think you do.”

Someday, if Ward lived long enough, he might see Cal grow up enough to make sense. “I’ll be on my way. Tell Eddie I’ll be back with Red and Belle.”

A number of horses clattered into the yard. Cal went to the door and stared out. “Guess you can tell him yourself. He’s back.”

Ward gritted his teeth. Another delay. He’d never catch up to Red at this rate.

Eddie strode in. “Cal, look after the horses.” He stared at Ward. “Constable Allen told me what happened. He said you’d be back here. Said you looked pretty beat-up. He didn’t exaggerate. Thorton do this to you?”

“Thorton and a fall down a mountain.”

“I’m guessing that’s why you didn’t return when you were expected?”

“Made for a bit of a delay.”

Eddie eyed the freshly saddled horse. “You running out?”

“Going after Red. Figure she’s halfway to Medicine Hat by now, but I’ll catch up to her.”

“You’re after Red, huh?” Eddie grinned. “Good to hear.”

“I’d like to get on my way, if you don’t mind.”

“I think you better come to the house before you leave.”

“Boss? I’m in an awful hurry.”

“Nevertheless, if you want to ride my horses until they’re wasted and worn, you come to the house before you leave.” He turned away, taking Ward’s compliance for granted.

Ward didn’t move. “I don’t need any more delays.”

Cal, carrying gear to the tack room, heard him. “He’s the boss.” Did the boy ever stop grinning?

“Yeah, guess so.”

Still he hesitated. He could delay long enough for Eddie to get out of the road, then ride away. Eddie might send someone after him. Might dock his wages when he returned. Might be angry enough to fire him, but at the moment Ward only cared about finding Red.

* * *

Red finished helping with lunch dishes and the women returned to the little sitting room with Linette to watch for riders. Red prayed she’d see Ward return. Instead she watched Eddie and half a dozen men ride to the barn and dismount. Eddie ducked into the barn. Cal came out and helped the men tend to the horses.

No Ward. A chill weaved along the length of Red’s spine and drove icy spears to her heart. What had happened to him? Was she destined to lose him just when she’d decided she could love him?

She clenched her fists.
Please, God. Bring him back to me. Please.

Eddie stepped from the barn and headed up the hill.

Linette clutched Red’s curled fists. “It must be good news or they wouldn’t have come back.”

She nodded. Didn’t Linette realize Ward wasn’t among them? The thought wailed through her head, sucked the blood from her heart.

Eddie stepped inside. “Good news, ladies. Thorton is under guard. He shot a Mountie while escaping so he’ll hang for sure.”

“Ward?” Red choked the word out.

“He helped capture Thorton. The way Allen tells it, they had to pry him off the man.”

“Is he okay?” Linette asked on Red’s behalf.

“He’s a little worse for wear. Guess he fell down a cliff or something. I didn’t get too many details.”

“Where is he?” Red wailed.

“He should be here by now.” He moved to the window. “I don’t believe it.”

Red saw Ward leave the barn, leading a horse.

She held her breath, waiting for him to head up the hill.

Instead he turned the other way.

Wasn’t he coming to see her? Had he changed his mind? Was it too late for her to tell him who she was and what she wanted? “I must speak to him.” She rushed past Eddie, paying no attention to his words. She trotted down the hill, almost losing her balance in her haste. “Ward,” she called. “Wait.”

But he didn’t hear her.

She continued her flight past the cookhouse. Didn’t slow until she reached the barn.

Ward argued with Slim at the corral corner. “I don’t care what Eddie said. I’m taking a horse. I intend to find Red.”

Slim grinned at Red over Ward’s shoulder. “I don’t think you’ll need a horse.”

“Get out of my way.”

“Turn around.”

Ward tried to push past Slim.

He intended to find her. But why did he need a horse? Finally able to speak, she called. “Ward?”

Ward jolted like he’d stepped on something sharp. He lifted his head and stared at Slim then slowly turned. He saw her and blinked. Shook his head. “Red? What are you doing here?”

She smiled. “Waiting for you.”

“But how? Why?” He swallowed hard. “I thought you must have gone to the mission.”

“And you were planning to ride there? Why?”

Slim disappeared into the barn and shut the door firmly.

Ward closed the three steps separating them and touched her cheek. “You’ve been here all the time?”

“Eddie said we’d be safer in the big house.” She caught his hand. “Come inside, and I’ll tell you what happened.”

Her touch brought him from his stunned state.

They crossed to the cabin. She wondered when the door had blown open. They sat side by side and she began her story.

“When the Mountie informed Eddie that Thorton had escaped, he insisted we stay with Linette.” Still clutching his hand, she turned to study each dear feature. “Where were you? I’ve been so worried.”

He told her of his accident. His gaze grew sorrowful. “When I came here and you were gone...” He shook his head. “I imagined you’d gone to the mission.” He clasped her shoulders. “You’re okay? You and Belle?”

“We’re both very well.” She let herself float in the warmth of his look. But there were things she must tend to. “Ward, my name is Grace. Grace Amanda Henderson. And God’s grace has shown me that He loves me despite what I’ve done.”

He cupped her cheek and rubbed his thumb along her face. “You did nothing wrong. Grace? I like it. It suits you.” He searched her features as if memorizing them. A skitter of fear raced through her. Was he memorizing them because he meant to say goodbye? Had she changed too late?

“Grace, I have been a fool.”

She pulled away, her heart threatening to crack with sorrow. He regretted asking her to marry him.

“I wanted to take care of you. Thought it was all you need. You were right. It was my way of making up for not being able to care for my mother and brothers. But I learned something in the last couple of days.” He pulled her toward him, tipped her face toward him.

She kept her eyes lowered, unable to endure any more of his regrets.

“What I wouldn’t admit to myself and wouldn’t share with you is that I love you.”

Her gaze flew to his face. Filled with amazement and sincerity. “You love me?”

He chuckled. “I do. In a thousand ways. ‘How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach.’”

As he quoted the poem her father had so often spoken to her ma, her eyes filled with tears. He brushed each away with his finger.

“Don’t cry. Please don’t cry.”

“These are happy tears.” She sucked back an uneven breath.

He kissed her damp cheeks. “And I shall quote it to you every chance I get.” He jerked back. “I’m jumping to conclusions here. Grace, will you marry me?”

She saw the need in his eyes. The need for something only she could give him. “Ward Walker, I love you. I have from the time you stood up to Thorton in that saloon. I will be honored to marry you and share my life with you.” She had to be certain of one thing. “My life and my little sister.”

“That goes without saying.” He kissed her cheeks again.

She lifted her face and offered him so much more. Her heart, her life, her future.

He claimed her mouth and gave her a kiss full of promises. Then he pulled her into his arms and told her of his experiences the past two days.

“I am so thankful you are safe and sound. I prayed God would protect you and He has.”

“I had to get a chance to tell you I love you.” He kissed her again to emphasize it.

Safe in his arms, she told him of the past, not minimizing her fear and loathing at how Thorton had humiliated her.

“Grace, you did nothing wrong, though I understand how you might feel. But God has washed your past away.”

She clung to his reassuring gaze. “I know. It’s marvelous to feel free.” She rubbed her cheek against his shoulder. “And to know the love of a good man.”

“I’m blessed to know your love.”

Later, having opened their hearts to each other and shared their deepest longings and fears, they walked hand in hand up the hill to the big house.

Linette greeted them at the door. “I wondered how long before you two chose to join us.” Her wide smile and flashing eyes informed them that she shared their joy. “Belle’s been anxious to see you.”

Belle rushed toward them. “Where you been? Red, did you say you’d marry him?” She left no doubt that if Grace did not do so, she would be a sore failure.

Grace and Ward both squatted down to face Belle. Linette slipped away to give them privacy.

“You can call me Grace again. And yes, Ward and I are getting married.”

Ward pulled Belle into a three-cornered hug. “Belle, I love your sister and I love you. Will you accept me as your brother?”

Belle pulled away to give him a look rife with disbelief. “I don’t want a brother. I want a father.”

Grace choked back a sob. If she wasn’t mistaken, Ward’s eyes showed the glisten of tears.

“I’d be pleased to be your father.”

They hugged long and hard.

Then joined Linette in the sitting room. “I don’t need to look at you twice to know you have good news.”

Grace smiled. “We’re going to get married and start a new life.” It would truly be a new life. One blessed by God’s gracious love and forgiveness.

Linette hugged her tight. “Are you going to wait until we get a church in Edendale?”

Grace looked at Ward for his opinion and laughed out loud at the shock and refusal widening his eyes.

Her eyes twinkling, she turned back to Linette. “We haven’t discussed it but I don’t think we want to wait that long.”

Linette grinned. “I kind of suspected that would be your answer. Now let’s have a look at Ward’s injuries.”

Grace helped cut Ward’s sleeve to expose a deep gash. “It’s dirty. I hope you don’t get infection.”

As Linette left to get water to wash his cuts, he leaned over and kissed Grace. “I won’t get sick because I have far more important things to do. I want to show you my ranch. I want to get married and start life together there.”

She concentrated on his injury.

“Red—Grace, what’s bothering you?”

His tender question opened her heart. “What about your family? What if you find them? And they want to join you?”

He took her hands and gently rubbed each knuckle. “It would be an answer to prayer. I can’t think of anything I’d sooner have than my old family and my new family on the ranch.”

“You’d have room for all of us?” From what he’d said she expected a small cabin much like the one she and Belle presently shared.

Ward chuckled. “Not in the same house. But with two brothers I think we could put up another house in short order.” He sobered. “I only wish it was something I needed to do.”

“Me, too.” Hearing Linette’s footsteps, she stole one more kiss and whispered, “I love you.”

His eyes shone as bright as a summer sky.

Linette laughed. “I’m happy for you both.”

Chapter Fifteen

W
ard’s injuries weren’t serious. Only some cuts and bruises that healed quickly, though his ribs continued to feel like he’d been run over by a herd of stampeding cows. Eddie insisted he take it easy for a few days and he didn’t argue.

“I want to take you and Belle to see my ranch,” he told Grace, pleased when she seemed eager for the trip.

Early one morning, he pulled the wagon to the cabin and helped Grace and Belle to the seat. “It’s going to be a beautiful day.” Truth was, even if the sun wasn’t shining so bright and the sky wasn’t clear from horizon to horizon, even if a cold north wind buffeted them and rain peppered their skin he would think it a beautiful day with Grace pressed to his side.

The air was golden. The trees flicked their dark green leaves.

He glanced about at the spot where he’d seen the wolves. Thankfully, none appeared. Eddie assured him they had been driven from the area, but Ward wouldn’t be taking any chances with his precious cargo.

A few minutes later, they turned past a thick stand of pines and the ranch lay ahead of them. He stopped the wagon. “There it is. My ranch and our future home.”

Grace sighed.

“I’m hoping that’s a good sound.”

“It is.” She squeezed his hand. “It’s a beautiful spot.” Trees dressed in dark green formed a backdrop to the north.

“I hope you’ll like the cabin. It’s small but I plan to add on.”

She laughed, the sound ringing in the rooms of his heart. “I think you’ll find I’m not fussy.” Turning so she could look deeply into his eyes, her smile filling her face. “I’m happy simply to have a home.”

Her words pinched his brain. “And love?” he prompted.

Her smile deepened until it felt warm and rich. “And love,” she whispered.

He understood she still struggled with her doubts and vowed to spend the rest of his life erasing them. “I love you, Grace Henderson. Soon to be Grace Walker.” He leaned closer and caught her lips in a kiss.

She pressed her hand to his back as if she wanted to assure herself that he wouldn’t withdraw...not only from the kiss, but from his promise of love.

“Hello,” Belle said. “I’m here.”

Grace jerked back, her cheeks pink with embarrassment.

Ward wrapped an arm about her shoulders and pulled her close. He nudged Belle. “Get used to it. I intend to show your sister how much I love her every chance I get.”

“At least when I’m not stuck on a wagon I can go somewhere else.”

Ward laughed. “Who wants a closer look?” Without waiting for an answer, he flicked the reins and continued. “There’s only a small enclosure now.” He pointed out the corral pen. “But I’m going to start building a barn right away. Eddie agreed to sell me a few head of cattle so we can start our own place.”

He stopped the wagon before the cabin. Belle jumped down before Ward made it around to lift Grace to the ground.

Belle stared at the mountains to the west. “Wow. They’re so close.”

Ward grinned down at Grace. “The view is the reason I built the house here. Come and see.” He led her inside. “It’s not much yet.” Two rooms. The larger area served as living quarters, the other, a small bedroom. “I’m going to add on right away so Belle can have her own bedroom.”

“How long will it take?” Belle wanted to know.

“Not long. The logs are ready and waiting.”

“Do we have to wait until it’s done?”

He felt the impatience and uncertainty of the pair. “What do you want to do, Grace?” They’d discussed it and she said she didn’t see any reason to delay their wedding.

She shifted away, avoiding his eyes.

He caught her chin and brought her gaze back to him, saw the uncertainty in her face. “Grace, I only ask to give you a chance to say what you want.” He lowered his voice. “Not because I want to delay. And I certainly am not looking for a way out.” His words grew strong as he spoke.

She nodded, her uncertain gaze shifting to blinding joy. “We can live here while the new rooms are built.”

“Good. Then we’ll proceed with our plans. Now come and sit at the table.” He’d designed the kitchen so a window provided a view of the mountains and placed the table before the window.

She sat down, turned, saw the view and gasped. “I could never get tired of seeing the mountains.”

He pressed his cheek to the top of her head. “I will never get tired of sharing my life with you.”

Belle groaned. “I’m going outside.”

Grace and Ward laughed. Grace explored the cupboards, then looked at the wall over the armchair. “We’ll hang the sampler there.” She meant the one he’d hung in the cabin back at Eden Valley Ranch.

They brought in supplies from the wagon and stocked the cupboards. Grace made lunch and grinned at Belle and Ward at the table. “Our first meal together in our new home.”

Ward thought his heart would burst from his chest with a joy he could hardly contain.

* * *

They returned to Eden Valley Ranch later in the afternoon. He put the wagon away, then went to the cookhouse for supper.

Cookie jostled him. “My cooking’s not good enough for you? You found yourself a new cook.”

“Cookie, your cooking is just fine. But there are other considerations.”

The men hooted and laughed.

Cookie thumped Ward on the back. “I’m glad for both of you. You deserve to be happy.”

“And I will be.”

A short while later he took some things to the bunkhouse and saw a letter on his bed. “Who would be writing me?” he wondered, and then his heart broke into a gallop. His mother! He grabbed the letter and read the return address. It was from Travers. From a town miles from where they used to live. He slit the envelope open and read the letter.

He couldn’t wait to share the news with Grace and jogged over to the cabin. “A letter from my brother.”

She sank into a chair as if the news was too heavy for her. “What does he say?”

“He says our stepfather moved the family several times. He doesn’t know how my letter found him. It had been forwarded a number of times. He says the beatings continued after I left, though they weren’t as vicious. He and Hank figured out how to avoid them for the most part. Says he followed in my footsteps and left home when he was fifteen. Three years ago our stepfather had a stroke.” Ward turned to the letter and read,

He was a crippled old man after that. Ma nursed him. I tried get her to leave but she said it wouldn’t be Christian. She stayed with him until he died over a year ago. A few months ago, she sold the house ’cause she couldn’t abide the memories. I’m going to visit her as soon as I mail this letter to you. I don’t think I’ll have any trouble persuading her to accept your invitation to join you. If you don’t mind, I’d like to go West, too, and see if I like it better than here.

His grin threatened to split his face in two. “Isn’t that good news?”

But Grace looked as if he’d told her he meant to send her back to Thorton.

“Grace, what’s wrong?”

She rolled her head back and forth.

If he wasn’t mistaken, unshed tears glistened in her eyes. He caught her chin and waited for her to bring her gaze to his. At the murky depths he groaned. “What is it? Tell me.”

She swallowed loudly. “Now you can take care of them.”

“I can give them a home. And I’m relieved they are okay and free from the tyranny of my stepfather.”

She nodded. “It’s what you’ve always wanted.”

“Yes, it is.”

She lowered her gaze and refused to meet his eyes even when he lifted her chin higher. “You don’t need to take care of us now.”

The meaning of her words hit him and he sat back. “Grace, do you still think you are only a substitute for my mother and brothers?”

She met his scalding look with quiet stubbornness.

He leaned forward until he saw nothing but her fearful green eyes. “Grace Henderson, I love you. I want to share my life, my heart with you. Taking care of you is only one way of doing that.”

She didn’t blink. “You’re sure you won’t want the cabin for your family?”

“Oh, Grace. I’m not going to change my mind about us. The cabin is our home. You and me and Belle. I’ll build a new one for my mother just like I said.”

Hope flooded her eyes.

He got to his feet and pulled her into his arms, tipping her head back so he could watch her expression. “I mean exactly what I say. I love you with my whole heart and soul and plan to spend the rest of my years enjoying your company. Okay?”

She brushed her fingertips over his cheek as wonder and amazement filled her eyes. “I have trouble believing that I—Red—deserve your love.”

“You aren’t Red anymore. You are Grace and soon to be my beloved wife.”

“Ward, is it any wonder that I love you so much my heart sometimes hurts.”

“Let me fix that for you.” He claimed her lips in a gentle kiss. He knew exactly when she let go of her doubts, for she wrapped her arms about his neck and returned his kiss with an enthusiasm that made him chuckle.

“Only one thing.”

She grew serious, guarded, and he kissed her again. “Stop being so uncertain of my love.”

She brushed her hair from her cheek. “I’m learning. You have to give me time. Now what is it you want?”

“Do you mind delaying the wedding until my family arrives?”

“I think that’s a wonderful idea if they aren’t too long in getting here.”

He laughed. “Oh, Grace. You will keep me on my toes, won’t you? One minute all uncertain and the next anxious to start our marriage.”

She pulled his face toward her and kissed him soundly and sweetly. “I’m learning.”