Chapter 24
A/N #1: Thank you for your patience (and my apologies for the longer than usual wait between updates). I've been dealing with a minor health issue lately, plus RL has been crazy busy. Also stepped away from this story to write a new fic in my "Hearts" series called "Fragile Hearts." Now, before we go back to 1881, I wanna give a quick shout out to those guest readers I'm unable to personally respond to who take the time to leave a nice review. Your continuing support is truly appreciated! :) This new chapter is dedicated to my Timeless friend and fellow author, Major Sam, who offered encouragement when I needed it...
April 8
Friday evening
Now, you behave yourself, Mr. Logan," Lucy scolded primly when Wyatt ever so casually leaned back in his chair and tried to peek at her cards. He grinned unrepentantly at the reprimand, amused as hell by the little frown of concentration she wore. This woman meant business. For someone who'd never played poker before, the teacher proved to be a quick learner and was doing quite well-even winning the last two hands out of three against him and Gramps, a couple of experienced players. But in all fairness to the men, Lucy was not only a very smart woman, but also being tutored by Betsy Sherwin, who was deceptively good at Texas Hold 'Em (having been taught how to play by her husband many years ago when they were first married).
The fun began when he and Lucy came in from their usual walk after supper and a visit to see the new foals, including a sturdy little filly born just a couple days ago. Breeding season was getting off to a fine start this year, Wyatt thought with satisfaction. In the dining room, they found James setting his big glass jar of Indian Head pennies on the table. "Just in time," he greeted them cheerfully. "Thought maybe we'd give Lucy a break from reading this evening because I happen to be feeling lucky and in the mood to play some cards," catching Wyatt's eye and winking discreetly.
"Oh, that sounds like fun! What did you have in mind?" Lucy asked eagerly, looking between the two men. "We often played card games while I was at the university, and I know several different ones, like bridge and pinochle and hearts." From the mischievous gleam in his grandpa's bright blue eyes, however, Wyatt knew exactly what game James had in mind–and it wasn't any of the ones the brunette mentioned. Poker. A card game that a refined lady like Lucy Preston was highly unlikely to be familiar with. Which meant she would need someone to help her learn...someone experienced, patient...someone like Wyatt. Bless you, Gramps.
Sadly, their devious plans were foiled when Gran popped out of the kitchen just then with the apple pie Martha had baked earlier in the day and sent him to fetch plates and forks. By the time a reluctant Wyatt came back, she'd pulled her chair up beside Lucy's and the two women were laughing and talking. And then Lucy happily informed him that Betsy had volunteered to guide her through the first few hands. Well, hell. Wyatt might have thought it was purely accidental until his grandmother looked up at him, a smug expression on her face. Seemed the crafty old girl had a plan of her own...
After sending an accusing glare at Gramps (who only shrugged innocently), Wyatt sighed ruefully and sat down at the end of the table on Lucy's other side. Picking up the deck of cards, he began deftly shuffling and dealing them, explaining the basic rules of the game while his grandpa carefully counted out twenty pennies for each player to start. Any idea either man might've entertained of "going easy" on the inexperienced Lucy was rapidly shot to hell. James Sherwin had taught his clever wife very well indeed-and it was clear before the first hand played out that Betsy was out for blood on behalf of women everywhere.
It was tough to feel truly annoyed, though, since it pleased Wyatt the two most important women in his life got along so well-especially when the teacher was clearly having the time of her life. Cheeks flushed, soft brown eyes shining, she was proving to be a player to be taken seriously. Damn, Wyatt thought in admiration. Was there anything in the world his future wife couldn't do when she set her mind to it? he marveled. Lots of things...like traveling all the way from California to Texas to attend college or forcing herself to get back on a horse again after so many years of being afraid. He figured there were few women with that kind of guts–hell, not too many more men, to be honest.
The latest example of her courage—and what Wyatt suspected was a bone deep desire to always do the honorable thing whenever possible—was the visit the two of them paid to the Coleman family last Sunday afternoon...
Flashback
Everyone was in a fine mood on the ride home after church, especially Lucy–which was nice to see after nearly fretting herself sick the past week over the whole Jed Coleman business. Though Wyatt didn't contribute much to the conversation, he enjoyed how she smiled and blushed at his grandpa's affectionate teasing about how everyone was making such a fuss over the two of them courting. Best of all was the way Lucy pressed herself even closer to him on the seat when he impulsively reached for her hand. "You seem to be in better spirits, sweetheart," Wyatt observed quietly. She hummed in agreement.
"Guess I am. Must be because of some very good advice from a man I highly regard," she informed him solemnly, neatly turning her small palm so their fingers entwined. Huh...so she regarded him highly? Wyatt found he quite liked the sound of that (nearly as much as holding Lucy's hand any chance he got). The rest of the drive passed quickly enough and soon they were pulling up in front of the house. After James helped Betsy from the carriage and began to follow her up the walk, instead of jumping down to help Lucy, Wyatt lightly flicked the reins and drove on, aware of her curious glance. "Is everything alright, Wyatt?" she asked tentatively when he stopped the carriage around back of the house.
"Everything's fine," he assured her calmly. "Just wanted a little privacy to tell you something Rufus heard in town last night." When she immediately stiffened up, Wyatt said, "Now hold up, while it does involve Jed Coleman, it's not what you're thinking, I promise." When Lucy eyed him doubtfully, he draped the reins over the front of the carriage and took both her small hands loosely in his.
"Apparently, Coleman has put his ranch up for sale because he's moving the children back east to where his late wife's family lives. And from the surprisingly low selling price, seems he's in a pretty big hurry to leave sooner rather than later. I just thought if you still want to go and see your students, might be a good idea not to wait real long."
Watching her expectantly, Wyatt was amused by the relieved sigh Lucy couldn't contain. "See, now, you assumed the worst," he teased, "even after I told you not to worry. You just have to learn to trust me, sweetheart." When she bit her lip in chagrin, he laughed outright and waggled his eyebrows mischievously to make her smile. "I was thinking that if you like, we could go over there after lunch today since there's no telling how long they will be around if the property sells fairly quickly, and I figured you might like to tell the younger Colemans goodbye while you had the chance."
Lucy's gaze dropped, her smile fading. Wyatt waited patiently while she considered the suggestion, fully understanding her hesitation...how conflicted the idea made her feel. After what happened a week ago, even a brief encounter with Coleman was bound to be awkward–except this time, he'd be right there beside Lucy if she agreed to the visit. Coleman might be an arrogant bastard who had trouble hearing the word no when it came to her, but he seemed to be a decent enough father to his children (and unlikely to throw the two of them off his property).
Having said his piece, Wyatt lightly squeezed Lucy's hands before climbing down from the rig to help her. He unconsciously held his breath when she moved in close once her feet were on the ground. Placing her palms on his chest, she gave him a slow smile and whispered, "Thank you for offering to take me to say goodbye to Sarah Jane and Seth...and for knowing me well enough to realize I'd very likely regret not doing that after they were gone."
Though Wyatt's brain dimly comprehended her words of gratitude, his senses were immediately filled with the slight warmth of Lucy's slim body and the violet scent she wore. Tempting little witch. Pleased by the shy admission-and man enough to know when he'd been bested-Wyatt impulsively accepted her clear (but unspoken) offer and stole a brief but tender kiss before stepping back, pretending not to see the ill-disguised satisfaction on her pretty face at his predictable physical reaction to her. Damn, but the teacher had a pleasing way about her. Maybe he needed to re-think the decision to take things slow with this woman...
After they enjoyed a fine lunch of Martha's cold fried chicken, potato salad and cornbread, Wyatt dutifully helped Gran clear the table before sitting back down with his grandpa to wait while Lucy was upstairs freshening up. "I heard from some of the boys after church that Jed Coleman's got his ranch priced to sell. He must be in an all-fire hurry to leave the area," Gramps reflected, leaning back in his chair and patting his stomach with a contented sigh.
While a part of him was glad the topic hadn't come up during the meal to avoid possibly upsetting Lucy, Wyatt nonetheless snickered at the remark, not at all displeased to think he might've influenced the man's hasty decision. The sooner Jed Coleman left Brady, the better, in his opinion.
"It's a darn shame none of his land borders directly on our property. Probably be a right sound investment adding several thousand more acres to what we already have," James said thoughtfully. Wyatt nodded, having considered the very same thing–though he very much doubted the rancher would be willing to sell his land to either him or his grandpa out of pure spite.
"Still, might be something we should look into if the land doesn't sell quickly and Coleman finds himself in a tough spot, maybe lowers the price even more. Way I see it, a decent sized piece of land like that will only grow in value over the years and would make a nice starter place for a son or daughter of yours some day, Wy." The casual assumption he and Lucy would (hopefully) eventually have children warmed Wyatt's heart.
"Yessir, it's a fine idea," he answered dryly, "but considering the circumstances, it's not likely Coleman would sell to either one of us, no matter how desperate he was." James frowned slightly, but before he could reply, Lucy came into the dining room, looking pretty and fresh as a daisy...and because Wyatt was getting to know her better all the time, in his opinion, maybe a touch apprehensive. "Ready to go?" he asked, getting to his feet and offering Lucy his hand. She was quiet as they walked hand in hand across the yard towards the barn, only leaving Wyatt's side while he harnessed up the small rig to briefly visit with the new foal.
Once Lucy was settled on the seat and he climbed in beside her, Wyatt paused long enough to squeeze her tightly clasped hands comfortingly before flicking the reins for the short drive to the Coleman ranch. He understood and respected her silence during the ride, imagining she was probably torn between dread at seeing the rancher face to face again and her genuine affection for the man's children. Right from the beginning, it was clear Lucy loved teaching and easily developed a fondness for her young students. Though he hadn't even asked her to marry him yet (and yeah, probably putting the cart before the horse), Wyatt was confident she'd make a wonderful mother some day to however many children the Lord blessed them with.
Fortunately, as it turned out, their visit wasn't quite as uncomfortable as either one of them anticipated-though Wyatt could tell it hurt Lucy's tender heart to tell her students goodbye. While the rancher kept a safe (if rather stiff-necked) distance from them standing just outside his front door, his daughter, Sarah Jane, burst into tears at the sight of her teacher. Followed closely by her older brother, she jumped off the front porch, running as fast as her little legs could go to fling her thin arms around Lucy's trim waist. Sinking to the ground, she tried to console the clearly upset girl, and tugged Seth close as well.
Patiently waiting beside the rig, Wyatt only heard bits and pieces of what Lucy told the children, but after a minute or two, both seemed visibly calmer. Drawing a dainty embroidered hankie from her sleeve, she gently dabbed at Sarah Jane's tear stained face before handing the hankie to her. Clutching the scrap of material to her, the little redhead nodded fervently at whatever Lucy said. From her skirt pocket, she pulled out a shiny coin–two bits, if Wyatt wasn't mistaken–and offered it to Seth, who grinned shyly.
Chancing a quick glance at their father, Wyatt was taken aback by the yearning expression he briefly glimpsed on Coleman's face as he watched his son and daughter with Lucy. Maybe he'd misjudged the older man? As a fellow widower, he could sympathize with Coleman over raising a family alone after losing his wife...but only to a point. If she'd been willing, Wyatt had no doubt Lucy would've made the man a good wife and been a fine mother to his children. However, that was neither here nor there, since Miss Lucy Preston from San Francisco had made her choice of exactly who she wanted to marry-and it was him, he thought possessively.
Getting to her feet, Lucy dusted off the front of her skirt and gently kissed sister and brother on the cheek before turning toward Wyatt. From behind her, Coleman cleared his throat loudly enough to stop Lucy in her tracks, narrow shoulders tensing slightly. Stepping off the porch, the rancher called out, "Miss Preston, wait." Her faint shiver had Wyatt by Lucy's side in a heartbeat and placing a steadying hand under her elbow, which judging by Coleman's slight frown, didn't go unnoticed. Like he gave a damn what the man thought.
Leaning close, he murmured against her cheek, "Despite his bad behavior, there's no need to embarrass the man in front of his children. He's still their pa and they love him. Just hear him out and then we'll go, sweetheart, I promise." Wyatt smiled inwardly at the way Lucy nodded without hesitation at his suggestion and moved within speaking distance of Coleman.
The rancher gently ran his hand over his young daughter's red hair and said gruffly, "Before you leave, I want to thank you, Miss Preston, for your kindness towards my Seth and Sarah Jane these past weeks. I only hope their next school teacher treats them as well." The stiff set of Lucy's shoulders relaxed noticeably at the words, especially when Coleman gathered his children one on either side of him.
"You're welcome, Mr. Coleman. Your son and daughter are very bright and well behaved and it was a pleasure having them in my classroom. I wish all of you a safe journey." Wyatt's heart swelled with pride at Lucy's gracious response despite her personal feelings towards the man who'd treated her so disrespectfully. After helping her into the carriage, they were silent during the drive back home. While it was clear to him she was feeling a bit sad right now, Wyatt thought perhaps after some time passed, as a dedicated teacher, Lucy would take a measure of comfort from the children's easy attachment to her and the favorable impression she'd made on them...
End Flashback
Yes, Lucy Preston was a very special person indeed, and becoming more important to him every day. Resigned at the moment to her beating the pants off him and his grandpa at poker (of all things), Wyatt good naturedly thanked his lucky stars for the woman he was courting. He truly had no idea whether it was fate or God's will (or maybe destiny?) that she'd somehow ended up at his family's home in the middle of Texas. What he had come to believe is that in only a matter of weeks, the sweet, pretty teacher was gradually helping to heal the lonely, aching places in Wyatt's broken heart after losing his wife and baby son...
Saturday morning
The strident crowing of the Sherwins' rooster outside her window eventually penetrated the lovely dream she'd been having about a certain blue-eyed cowboy. Throwing back the covers and gracefully swinging her bare feet over the side of the bed, Lucy stretched and yawned, smirking when her sleepy gaze fell on the neat pile of Indian Head pennies on top of the dresser. "Learning" to play poker last night had been quite enjoyable, she decided, especially since Wyatt looked flatteringly disappointed when Mrs. Sherwin took it upon herself to coach Lucy through the basics of the game-a role she imagined he'd hope to fill.
Everyone was having such a grand time, she didn't have the heart to confess to her hosts that Henry Preston had been exceedingly proud of his young daughter's nimble mind, and-ignoring the half-hearted protests of her governess at the time-taught her how to play poker the winter she turned twelve. Even playing with her father for pennies (the way the four of them did last night), by the time she'd entered finishing school, Lucy had amassed a tidy sum of extra spending money. She sighed wistfully. How she missed her dear Papa, and not for the first time, wished with all her heart that he and Wyatt could've met...
Going to the window, Lucy pushed aside the crisp white curtains and raising the sash, leaned her elbows on the sill and inhaled deeply of the clean, fresh spring air, feeling a gentle wave of contentment wash over her. The sunrise was just starting to warm the horizon, sending streaks of soft pink to lighten the lingering remnants of darkness. Aside from wisps of trilling birdsong floating lazily through the air and the distant sound of horses coming from the barn–probably because they were about to enjoy breakfast–all was peaceful this beautiful morning on Sherwin Ranch...and so very different from her childhood home.
Having been born and raised in San Francisco, Lucy thrived on the bustle and excitement of the "City by the Bay," first as a small child and then a young woman. Growing up in a prominent society family, her free hours were filled with friends and numerous activities all year round. And if she had accepted Dr. Noah Cooke's rather presumptuous marriage proposal after her father passed away, Lucy would've lived and raised her own sons and daughters in much the same manner. Funny how fate or maybe destiny had something-or someone-different in mind for her, she marveled.
Because here she was, only a few short years after leaving California to pursue her dream of attending college and becoming a teacher, practically engaged to (or at least being courted by) a horse rancher who lived in the middle of the plains after retiring from his years of service with the Texas Rangers. Her life was turning out to be so very different from the secure, upper class future her father had probably intended for his only child. Yet Lucy knew in her heart the man who raised her so lovingly would've encouraged-and perhaps even admired-her restless spirit, her determination to make her own way in the world...and never settle for anything less than a happy, fulfilling life.
The bittersweet day the train pulled out of the Oakland Street rail station, leaving her old life behind, Lucy pensively recognized that while of course anything was possible, it was still rather unlikely she'd someday return to San Francisco, even for a visit. Besides the fact that such a long trip would involve several months of arduous travel to journey there and back, her circumstances had changed dramatically after accepting the teaching position in Brady (and meeting a handsome, lonely widower named Wyatt Logan). Now she and Wyatt were courting, and once they eventually married, Lucy doubted he'd be comfortable leaving the ranch for that long.
No, Texas was her home now, she realized, the knowledge filling her heart with peace and gratitude. This was the place she was meant to spend the rest of her life, and where she and Wyatt would (hopefully) raise a family of their own. An appealing notion indeed. Even thinking in the vaguest of generalities about having a child or two with the man she loved more and more every day made Lucy shiver in anticipation. How wonderful it would be to have at least one of each, if they were so blessed, she mused with a soft smile...
A brisk knock at the door interrupted her reverie. Once Martha left after kindly filling the wash basin with fresh hot water, Lucy looked through the closet for something to wear. It felt like the weather got warmer every day, and her wool skirts and long sleeve shirtwaists were rapidly becoming uncomfortable. Thankfully, the dressmaker's young daughters, Minnie and Kitty, had brought a message to school a few days ago that in addition to the Easter dress she'd ordered, her new summer clothes were ready to be picked up also. In fact, she and Mrs. Sherwin would be heading into town after breakfast.
By the time a second knock sounded around a half hour later, her bed was neatly made and Lucy was washed and dressed and brushing out her hair to fix in a loose braid. Going to the door, she opened it to see Wyatt wearing a dimpled grin. "Good morning, sweetheart," he greeted her affectionately, leaning in to steal a quick (but still quite satisfying) kiss. "Did you sleep well?" Cheeks flushing at both the caress and casual endearment, Lucy nodded shyly, pleased he stopped at her door for a private moment before they went downstairs to join his grandparents in the dining room.
Noting the warm gleam in Wyatt's dark blue eyes–not to mention the way his broad shoulders seemed to fill the entire doorway-Lucy wondered idly what it would be like for the two of them to not have separate bedrooms...to retire for the evening with him to the same room...the same bed...and wake up in Wyatt's strong arms every single morning for the rest of her life...
"Lucy?" he asked curiously, "Is everything okay?" Now she blushed in earnest at being caught contemplating such intimate thoughts right in front of the man. Heavens, he hadn't even asked her to be his wife yet...and all she seemed to think about at times was being alone with him and the many delightful things she imagined an experienced man like Wyatt could teach her. Oh, my...
"Fine, I'm fine," she answered breathlessly after a second, putting her hands on Wyatt's sturdy chest and nudging him into the hallway before hastily closing the door behind her. "Let's have breakfast, shall we?" and started down the steps, pretending not to see the puzzled frown on his handsome face as he obediently followed.
Once everyone filled their plates from the heaping bowls and platters Martha set on the table, to Lucy's amusement, Mr. Sherwin started ribbing Wyatt about her winning streak at poker last night. Probably not a good idea at the moment to share her previous experience playing poker. "You know, that's a right clever girl you have there, Wy. Maybe you should take Lucy with you the next time you meet the boys at Miss Emma's on a Saturday night for cards," James observed innocently, even as his wife promptly frowned at the improper suggestion. Though Wyatt's cheeks visibly reddened at the saloon reference in front of the ladies, he only shrugged carelessly and sent Lucy a mischievous wink across the table. Now she was the one blushing...
The meal was about finished and plans for Easter Sunday being discussed when Jonah suddenly came in to announce that another of the expecting mares was in labor, the second one this week, if Lucy wasn't mistaken. After gulping down the rest of his coffee, Wyatt wiped his mouth and got to his feet. Sweetly pressing a kiss on the top of her head, he murmured, "you two be careful now, sweetheart, I'll see you later today when you and Gran come home." Home. The casual way Wyatt said it thrilled Lucy. Home.
Watching him disappear through the kitchen door, she smiled fondly. It was clear from the slight frown creasing his brow that Wyatt's attention was already moving from her to the impending birth. And that's the way it should be, she thought proudly. Lucy had to admit, the man's steadfast dedication to his beloved horses was one of the first things she'd noticed and admired about Wyatt Logan.
When James immediately stood also, Betsy quickly reminded him she and Lucy planned on visiting the dressmaker later on this morning and happy to take care of any necessary errands since he would need to remain here to help Wyatt with the mare. Beaming gratefully, he kissed his wife's cheek and requested they stop at the bank to pick up some papers that required both their signatures before hurrying after his grandson. The two women exchanged bemused glances.
"Well, my dear, I guess it will be just the two of us today," Mrs. Sherwin chuckled ruefully, shaking her head. "Really not all that surprising, of course, since April is the busiest month of the year for the ranch, what with all these precious new foals being born. Let's clear up these dishes for Martha and be on our way, shall we?"
They talked companionably about a great number of things during the pleasant ride into town, like the special pageant Lucy was planning for her young students to perform for their families and friends in celebration of the school year's end. She flushed in pleasure (and no small amount of pride) at the older woman's nod of approval–not only because she admired Betsy Sherwin, but also greatly respected her opinion. She'd found Wyatt's adopted mother to be a kind, intelligent woman who lived every day in service to God and her family. Lucy could think of no finer role model for any young lady–especially one such as herself who'd been raised without a mother of her own.
As Mrs. Sherwin pulled the carriage to a halt about halfway between the bank and Mrs. Larson's shop, Lucy privately admired the competent way she handled the reins, wondering idly if maybe driving was a skill she should eventually learn, too, since she would be marrying a rancher...well, whenever Wyatt made up his mind to propose, that is. And there you go again, Lucy, daydreaming about being the man's wife...
Resolutely ignoring her wayward thoughts, Lucy accompanied Betsy inside the sturdy wood-framed building, where a single customer (one of the Sherwins' neighbors, she thought vaguely) was being waited on by the lone bank teller. The man who managed the bank, Thomas Randolph, happened to also be the small town's only lawyer, and during their drive, Mrs. Sherwin informed Lucy that he was a good friend who had been handling their finances and legal matters since before Wyatt was born.
Tall and well-dressed, the stately grey-haired man stepped away from a large desk in the corner of the room to welcome them. "Good morning, Betsy, Miss Preston, and how are you both this fine day?" the older gentleman inquired jovially, looking between the two women. "Now, since I don't see James with you, may I assume you are here on his behalf to pick up the papers I've prepared for his signature?" When Betsy confirmed with a ready smile that she was, he escorted her back through the low swinging door to his desk while Lucy stood in line to withdraw some money from her account to finish paying for her new clothes.
By the time Mr. Randolph and Mrs. Sherwin concluded their business, it was nearing noon (and closing time) and Lucy's own transaction was done as well. Now the bank was deserted, the teller methodically counting bills and coins behind his small window before leaving for the day. Tucking the slim brown leather portfolio the banker handed her under her arm, Betsy warmly thanked her friend for his time before following Lucy outside. They stopped at the carriage long enough to securely place the portfolio under the front seat before making their way down the street to the dressmakers.
Already stacked neatly at one end of the long wooden counter were several brown paper wrapped bundles. After cheerfully greeting the women, Mrs. Larson excused herself to go in the back to retrieve their new Easter dresses. While they waited, Mrs. Sherwin busied herself looking through a basket of brightly colored yarn to add to her ample collection at home. Lucy crouched down beside a worn quilt placed on the floor where young Minnie and Kitty Larson were sitting, industriously sewing clothes for their china dolls. "How pretty. I see you two have inherited your mama's excellent talent with a needle," she said with genuine admiration. The small blondes beamed with pride at the praise from their teacher.
Even as they were proudly showing her their simple handiwork, their mother returned with her arms full of material. "Here you are, Miss Betsy, Miss Preston." she said, carefully draping the finished dresses across the polished counter for them to examine. Gently running her finger along the lace-trimmed bodice of hers, Lucy was pleased and quite impressed. The beautiful ivory dress with dainty yellow rosebuds was as well tailored as any she'd ever purchased from the finest modistes in San Francisco–and while it might be silly and vain of her, Lucy couldn't wait to see the look on Wyatt's face next Sunday when she wore it.
"Mrs. Larson, this is just exquisite. I've never had a lovelier dress," she told the dressmaker sincerely. "Thank you for the countless hours I'm sure you spent making this for me." The other woman graciously nodded at the compliment and began to loosely fold each dress to avoid the delicate fabric wrinkling as little as possible during the trip back to the ranch.
"My goodness, Mary," Mrs. Sherwin added warmly as the seamstress then began to skillfully wrap the garments in brown paper, "I agree with Lucy. You've really outdone yourself here, and I've no doubt the two of us will look very fine indeed for church services next Sunday." Now Mrs. Larson's cheeks flushed in pleasure.
Once the gowns were ready, she was reaching into her bag for the money to pay Mrs. Larson when Betsy suddenly gripped Lucy's arm and exclaimed in dismay, "Oh, no. I'm terribly sorry, Mary, but I'm afraid I left my reticule at the bank when we stopped there first. How thoughtless of me. Lucy, dear, it's just shy of noon, so Thomas is probably still there. Would you be so kind as to fetch it for me before he leaves? I'd greatly appreciate it." She looked so distressed, Lucy was naturally happy to help.
"Of course, Mrs. Sherwin, I won't be but a minute," she assured the older woman, who gave her a relieved smile. When Lucy got to the door, Minnie and Kitty jumped up and eagerly asked their mother if they might go with their teacher, so off they went. Nodding here and there to folks she knew and merrily swinging their small hands in hers to make the sisters laugh as they walked along, the three of them were in front of the bank in no time.
To Lucy's surprise, the door was already locked, and she noticed the curtains on the front windows tightly drawn. "That's odd," she told the girls, knocking briskly on the door just in case either Mr. Randolph or his teller might still be inside. Out of the corner of her eye, Lucy thought she saw one of the curtains twitch slightly as if someone was peeking out, but nobody came to the door. After waiting a moment, she knocked again. When another few seconds passed with no response, Lucy decided that unfortunately for Mrs. Sherwin, the bank must have closed promptly at noon today. "Well, ladies, it looks like we are too late after all. I'm sure it will be fine. We should get back to your mama's shop..."
Then just as she and the girls turned away, without warning, the heavy door opened a couple inches to reveal a rather pale Thomas Randolph. Clearing his throat, he said gruffly in a rush of words, "I'm afraid the bank is closed now, Miss Preston. You'll have to come back another day," and started to shut the door. Mindful of Mrs. Sherwin waiting back at the dressmakers, Lucy impulsively stuck her hand in the door before it closed all the way.
"Please, Mr. Randolph, wait. I'm truly sorry to bother you, sir, but Mrs. Sherwin thinks she left her reticule on your desk when we left earlier. I know the bank is closed, but could we please come in and get it? It will only take a couple seconds, I promise." When the banker remained silent, staring at Lucy blankly, a terrible sense of foreboding struck her, growing stronger by the second. Something wasn't right here.
A curious Lucy impetuously pushed harder on the door, widening the gap a little more to reveal an ugly, bleeding wound on the side of Mr. Randolph's head. She gasped in disbelief. Something was very wrong indeed...
Intent on getting help, Lucy hastily dropped her hand from the door and took a step back—but regrettably, not quickly enough. The door was unexpectedly jerked open, and she was stunned to see a dirty, shabbily dressed man around her age standing next to Mr. Randolph...and holding a gun against his head. When he grinned amiably at Lucy as he pushed the barrel of the gun even harder into the banker's skull—causing the older man to groan in pain—her blood ran cold. Dear God. The bank was being robbed...and she and the Larson sisters were in grave danger...
Whispering a prayer for courage under her breath, a sense of calm fell over Lucy. Even as the robber reached out lightning fast to grab her wrist and forcefully tug Lucy towards him, she instinctively put herself in front of a wide-eyed Minnie and Kitty standing frozen behind her. Painfully aware that the outlaw probably still held a gun to the banker's head with his other hand, she was afraid to call out to someone passing by and possibly endanger Mr. Randolph's life even further...but at least she could try to protect her students...
Abruptly pulling against the man's punishing grip with all her might, Lucy turned her head and ordered hoarsely over her shoulder, "Run, girls! Go as fast as you can now and tell your mama to get the sheriff because the bank is being robbed." Behind her, she heard the outlaw's growled curse and prayed he wouldn't run after the girls (or hurt her like Mr. Randolph). Just before she was ruthlessly dragged inside the darkened building, Lucy was relieved to see Minnie and Kitty scampering down the street, shrieking for their mother…and thankfully out of harm's way…
A/N #2: Dun, dun, dun...welp, looks like the James gang has finally arrived in Brady. Sorry (not sorry) for the cliffhanger :p I'm not sure how many more chapters there will be (or how long it will take me to write them!), but from the very first chapter of Yellow Rose of Texas posted back in August 2021, I always intended for this scene and the events it sets in motion to be the climax of the story. I hope all of you have enjoyed the journey so far as much as I have :) As always, my thanks for your favorites, follows and kind reviews for any or all of my stories. It means so much to me :))