Chapter Twelve

Fireflies floated out by the window and a gentle breeze cooled Gail's hot neck. She sat mending a dress in the dim evening light. The needle pricked her finger. "Damnit." She sucked on the wounded finger hoping to end the sting. She hated sewing as much as sewing hated her. Ideally, she'd buy a new one and past the old one off to Merlyn. Both her and Caleb needed new clothes but Gage kept saying there was no money for fancy dresses and shoes.

The door opened with a bang as Gage stomped in with a bundle of firewood for the morning. The humid night required no extra heat.

"Hi Uncle Gage," said Gail without looking up from her sewing. No need to risk another injury.

Dropping his load at the stove he turned and looked at Gail. He noticed how pretty she grew up to be. Reminded him of her mother. Merlyn favored his side of the family. Wiping his brow, he sat in the chair next to her.

"Gail, I want to let you know that I appreciate all you do around here. It's been hard without Judith. Merlyn's done the best she knows how but has never latched onto running a house like you. It helps her out a lot. And Caleb, he never knew his ma but you being here is like he has one. It's done him good." Gage stopped and looked into Gail's deep chocolate eyes. It was like Christine returned to him. "I guess I'm trying to say thank you."

Gail smiled. "I'm glad we reconnected. I've always wanted to know my family."

Guilt rushed to Gage's guts. He refused to let Judith take orphaned Gail in. As he feared then and saw now, she reminded him of the woman he loved and lost to the flames. "You know you look like your ma, you probably get that a lot."

Gail hummed. "Not as much as you would think."

Now Gages nerves were building up. Lucas told him to make things right with Gail and stop her nosing into other people's business. She needed to settle down. Firmly he grasped her hand.

Surprised Gail set her work down on the table. His behavior concerned her. "Is everything okay?"

Before he scared her off Gage knelt down in front of her. "I loved your mother very much. I think you should know that. And seeing you reminds me of her. Every day I see you, you grow more and more beautiful and I find myself falling in love with you."

"Let me go." Shocked by the confession she stood up and pulled her hands away.

Standing up Gage trapped her between him and the table. "Just let me finish."

Nervous Gail sat back down hoping to appease him. She wondered if he was as capable as Lucas Buck.

Gage returned to his knee and cleared his throat. "Gail will you marry me?"

Horrified Gail slapped him, freed herself and ran for the front door. She needed to leave. "No, you're my uncle and it's disgusting."

"It's not like we're blood kin." Her rejection disappointed him. "It's not just about me. Think of the children. They need you to be their mother."

"That's low," said Gail in a deadly voice, "using Caleb and Merlyn as an excuse. Why aren't you the father they deserve? Caleb's running wild and your daughter is pregnant."

"Merly Ann's pregnant?" Gage stopped and sunk down in a chair.

"Yes, I suspect that snake of a sheriff knocked her up but she denies it."

"It's her own fault for lying down with the man."

"I don't think she had much choice."

"What are you saying Gail? If you go around accusing Lucas Buck of terrible deeds, he'll kick us out. I took you in." Lucas is right. Gail is needed to set some boundaries. "If you ain't marrying me fine but don't go causing trouble if you want to stay."

"Don't worry about me. I think I'll pack my bags before you get handsy. Did you even think about what Aunt Judith or my mom would say?"

"I did," said Gage weakly. "I think they'd understand."

Disgusted Gail opened the front door just as Merlyn came up the steps. Red tail lights disappeared behind her. She hurried past Gail only to be stopped by her father.

"Girl," said Gage.

"Yes daddy?" She still felt sick and wanted to sleep.

"You pregnant?"

"No," she lied.

Gage stomped his foot. "Merlyn Ann Temple answer me straight. Gail says you are."

"I am." She waited for his rebuke.

Gage stayed quiet for a moment. Saddest filled his heart as he looked at his baby girl. She's so young. What have I done? He failed all the women in his life. "You can go."

Merlyn ran up the stairs before Gail confronted her.

Gage paced in the lobby of the Sheriff's Station waiting for Lucas. His plan simple. Merlyn's pregnant. Lucas is the father. And he needed compensation to take care of her. His shoulders tight as his suit coat stretched across his back. He pulled at his tie that was ten years out of fashion. At least his shirt stayed wrinkle free thanks to Gail. She agreed to stay until arrangements for Merlyn and the baby were made. He may be dirt poor but he still had his pride.

The office door opened.

"Yeah, yeah I got it," said Ben Healy leaving Lucas's office. He spotted Gage. "You can go in."

With shaky hands twisting his hat he entered the smokey, dark room.

"Gage, what can I do for you?" said Lucas as he puffed on a cigar.

Stumbling over his words he said, "I want to tell you that Merly Ann is in the family way and . . ." His courage waned.

"Spit it out man," said Lucas.

"And I'm not happy about it."

Carelessly Lucas blew smoke into Gage's face. His face expressionless. "Is that all? You come to tell me you're going to be a grandpappy in your wedding suit?"

"No sir. I figured you don't want word about this running about town, you being the father and all." Gage paused expecting Lucas to deny it. None came. He continued, "so I'm willing to keep my mouth shut as long as you stay away from her and send her monthly checks."

"I suppose you will be the one cashing them."

"Well, it's for her and the baby."

For a moment Lucas watched him with his cigar glowing in the shadows. The room started to spin. Gage pulled at his tie and coat. Sweat gathered on his forehead. Then time stilled. The clock stopped ticking.

A burning sensation came from his hand.

"Oww!"

"You still with me friend?" Lucas said at his side with the cigar pushed into Gage's hand.

Gage jumped out of his chair and ran to the door only to find it locked. He panicked.

"I warned you about blackmailing me."

Speechless Gage knelt down on his knees expecting the devil to take him at any moment.

"Stop your whimpering. It's shameful for a grown man to be on his knees."

"What am I to do? I can't afford another mouth to feed."

"Don't worry. I'll take care of it."

"You going to kill her? Not my Merly Ann."

"No, I am going to marry her and I need your help."