Chapter Nineteen

Excerpt from Ch 18;

Chelsie smiled; it felt good to know Nick still cared enough to want to do his best to protect her. When it came to Thomas, there had to be a way to thwart the man's plans. After all, the land her step-grandfather had left her could not wind up in the railroad's hands-as she was sure it would only mean more trouble for Nick, his family and all their neighbors. "For now, let's not worry about Thomas, the land or whatever is coming. For now, let's continue enjoying the sunset. Then; maybe, tomorrow-we can go into town. I'd like to see Stockton."

"That can be arranged." Nick chuckled as they continued sitting on the boulder until the sun had disappeared behind the far off mountains.

"This town is as crowded as Carson City. Alright, I don't know which one actually has more people only it feels as crowded to me." Chelsie, who had actually felt like a fish out of water in Carson City, again had that same feeling roll over her as she and Nick rode down the main road of Stockton. The couple had already agreed to stable the horses at the livery stable, and then Nick would not only show Chelsie Stockton, but introduce her to a few people. 'Too many buildings either attached to each other or separated by a simple alley.' Chelsie couldn't stop the thought from popping into her head. 'Why on earth did I ask to see this?"

Nick couldn't help chuckling a little. "I seem to recall you saying your father purposely kept his family in either small towns or the country, guess that never changed."

"Nope, mama would never let it happen. She always said 'I'll die before I walk any street in any city.'" Chelsie looked around and shook her head. "Can't say I blame her. If I do marry someday, I sure hope I can find someone who does not have their heart set on making their home in a city."

Nick grinned as they reached the livery stable. 'At least that's not on any sort of obstacle list' he thought as he dismounted his horse, and then waited for Chelsie to do the same. Soon they had the horses stabled and were walking down the boardwalk.

"Where's your local orphanage?" Chelsie asked they passed an alley that ran between two of the local businesses.

Nick couldn't help but give her a quizzical look. After all, before Audra left to go back to her home in Modesto, she and their mother had been discussing a fundraiser for the orphanage. However, just as he was going to ask why Chelsie hadn't asked Audra or mother, he remembered Chelsie had asked Silas if he needed help in the kitchen. She must have missed the conversation Nick was thinking about. "A few miles from Stockton." He pointed in the direction that would lead to the orphanage; that is, if they took it. "Do you want to go there?" The confusion he felt could be heard clearly as he asked the question.

"Yes, I have a few questions for them. However; before you ask, I'm not looking for anyone. I just like helping the orphans out when I get a chance. Saw too many of them during the war, I guess." She stepped onto the boardwalk as she answered Nick's question. Seconds later she and Nick met Reverend Stacy who was walking towards them.

"Hello, Nick." Reverend Stacy held out his hand, one Nick reached out and shook. "I'm glad we bumped into each other. I was hoping to get word out to your mother that my nephew-Stephen Gunner—says the fundraiser for the orphanage has been postponed." He wouldn't have said his nephew's full name only he had two nephews that shared the same first name.

"Stephen?" Nick's eyebrows turned downward. "What has he got to do with it?"

"Oh," Surprise showed in the reverend's eyes. "I thought you knew. Stephen is the new orphanage director."

"No, I had no idea. May I ask why he said the event is temporarily canceled?" Nick wouldn't have bothered asking only his knew his mother would want to know.

"When I bumped into him going into the bank just a moment ago, he told me many of the children are ill. No one wants who might come to the fundraiser sick as well." The Reverend answered him, though he turned his eyes towards Chelsie. "I haven't seen you around before. Are you new to town?"

One glance at the uneasy look in Chelsie's eyes had Nick quickly answering for her. "This is my wife, Reverend, Chelsie Hamilton Barkley. Though, naturally, you can simply refer to her as Mrs. Barkley."

The shock the reverend felt showed as clear as a noon day sun. Though, the good man quickly recovered. "I hadn't heard. Congratulations, and welcome to Stockton." He held his hand out to Chelsie as well.

"Thank you." Chelsie, who was relieved Nick had stepped in when he did, shook the reverend's hand.

"Well, don't be a stranger. You're welcome to come to services with Nick any time you want." Reverend Stacy smiled and then excused himself.

"Man's way of saying he expects to see me in church every Sunday, not just a couple times a month." Nick chuckled as he watched Reverend Stacy walk away, and then turned his attention to Chelsie. "Come on, I want to introduce you to a few other people and show you the rest of the town." Nick started walking only to have Chelsie reach out, take a hold of his arm and stop him.

"If I'm to stay any length of time, we need to go to the bank first." Chelsie let go of Nick's arm. "I mean, I really should have a place to put any money I will earn while I'm here...and I will be getting at least a short, temporary job someplace."

Nick wanted her to stay on the ranch until the mess with Thomas Lane was over, and he didn't hesitate to say as much. "We can't keep a close eye on you if you don't."

While Chelsie was grateful Nick wanted to keep a serious eye on her – and was extremely grateful he was allowing her to pass herself as his wife for a while – she didn't want to feel like a trapped fox. "I've got to do something, Nick. I'll go stir crazy if I stay in your family's house all day."

"You still like animals as much as you did during the war? You still unafraid of hard work?" Nick started walking towards the bank.

"Yes, why?" Chelsie asked, somehow knowing what he was thinking.

"You can work for us, both in and out of the main house. There's no need to take the risk of coming into town until Thomas makes his move. And, he won't be waiting long. At least, I can't see him being very patient at the moment."

"Neither can I." Chelsie started climbing the steps that led up to the front door of the bank. "Neither can I."