The Strong One (Cutter's Creek Book 2) Read online

  She gasped as recognition dawned. It was Angus Colt.

  ***

  Bill leapt from Purdy’s stout back, and landed on the dusty edge of the street with a grunt. Excitement coursed through his veins. He was going to see Sarah, and she’d said yes. She was going to marry him. He’d all but given up on her, when she’d finally shown him that she cared and given him the opening he’d been hoping for. He thanked God again as he thought of it. Another couple of weeks and he would have left town, with very little hope of ever seeing her again.

  He flicked Purdy’s reins around a low tree branch, and hurried to the Todds’ front door. He raised his hand to knock against the aged timber, but saw the door was ajar. That was unusual. He poked his head through the opening, and called out.

  “Hello. Todds, are you home?”

  “Is that you, Bill?” came Estelle’s voice from the kitchen. “Come on in.”

  Bill pushed the door all the way open, and scraped his feet clean before entering the house.

  “The door was open, Estelle. Is everything all right?”

  Estelle rushed to him, a handkerchief in one hand, her eyes reddened from crying.

  “Oh, Bill. Angus Colt has escaped.”

  Bill’s heart skipped a beat. He felt his face pale as the blood drained from it.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I saw him. The sheriff and a deputy were after him, but he got away. They’re out there looking for him, now. I came home and told Sam, and he took off too. Sarah’s out there.”

  Bill’s heart began to race, and he felt the heat return to his face.

  “Where is she?”

  “She’s hunting. The same place she always goes, I’m assuming. I don’t know for sure. She wanted to get some venison for our dinner tomorrow night.”

  Estelle dabbed at her eyes with the handkerchief as a fresh wave of tears escaped. Bill wasted no time. He rushed from the house, slamming the front door shut behind him. He took off at a run, pulled Purdy’s reins free of the tree branch, and vaulted onto the Bay’s back as the horse took off. As soon as his seat touched the saddle, he urged Purdy into a gallop and the two of them pounded out of town toward Sarah’s favorite hunting grounds.

  Oh God, please don’t let her be taken from me now. Watch over her. Keep her safe.

  ***

  Angus Colt paused, dropping his hands to his knees to pant heavily. He needed a moment to catch his breath. The sheriff and deputy had been close behind him for the last mile, but he hadn’t heard them crashing through the undergrowth for about ten minutes now. It was possible he’d lost them, at least for a bit. His sides heaved, and he coughed, smothering the sound with his hands.

  Colt leaned up against the trunk of a tall hemlock tree. Before long, his breathing slowed and his heart returned to a normal pace. He glanced around, wondering which direction he should take. He wanted to get back onto the main trail eventually, but it wouldn’t be safe yet. He’d have to travel parallel to the trail for a while, at least until he could be sure that they weren’t following him any longer.

  Just then, he heard the sound of a rifle discharging not too far from where he stood. He straightened up, sharpening his ears for any other sound. That couldn’t have been the sheriff, since it came from the opposite direction to where he’d last seen the men running after him.

  It must be a hunter, and hunters usually rode horses. It would be worth taking a look, to see if this hunter had something he could benefit from. If the hunter was occupied with his kill, he might even be able to take the man’s gun. He set off in the direction of the shot, his eyes narrowed, and focused his mind on the hunt.

  ***

  Colt follow the trail of the hunter, though he didn’t have much to go by. Whoever it was, was good at skulking through the woods without leaving a trail. It had taken him a while, but any tracks he found seemed to follow closely on the trail of a small herd of deer, so instead of trying to track the hunter, he’d opted to track their prey.

  When he found her, he had to rub his eyes, certain that he was daydreaming or delusional. He couldn’t believe his luck. It was her, Sarah Songan, the girl who’d brought him to Cutter’s Creek in the first place. Almost as though they were destined to cross paths – she was here, cleaning a deer in the woods, all alone. He shook his head in disbelief and sank to the forest floor to sit in quiet solitude and think.

  What was she doing out here? Was she really on her own? Surely, she wouldn’t come out here to hunt by herself. But then again, she was dressed in her native garb, and would be accustomed to finding her way about in the outdoors on her own, unlike the other women of Cutter’s Creek. Perhaps she really was out here all alone.

  He smiled, and pushed himself back to his feet. Crouching, he made his way around the outside edge of the clearing where she labored, diligently butchering the deer. Hard at work, she didn’t notice him circling her. He was looking for a horse, but since the hunter he’d tracked was Sarah, he doubted she had one with her. She’d probably just walked; they certainly weren’t too far from town.

  He found her rifle propped up against a tree on the other side of the clearing. She had a leather bag with her too, to carry what she could of the deer back to town. No doubt she planned on returning later, with help, to get the rest of it, since there was no way she could expect to hump it back to town on her own.

  Colt grabbed the rifle and lifted it in his hands. He checked the chamber to see if it was loaded. It wasn’t, and Sarah probably had the powder and bullets on her, since they weren’t sitting with the gun. He closed the chamber back, and peered over the bush he was crouched behind. The deer lay in the clearing, but there was no sign of Sarah. Where had she gotten to? He’d only been distracted for a minute, but in that time she’d disappeared from view.

  No matter, she’d have to come to where he sat to collect her weapon and bag. He spun about, his eyes straining to catch any sign of movement in the thick woods about him. Just then, Sarah leapt at him from behind, a wild look of anger in her eyes. He reached up with the rifle to block the impact of the knife that was aimed at his heart. It was deflected with a ping, and Colt launched himself at her with a roar.

  Sarah’s eyes filled with fear, and she spun about, bringing her knee up into his abdomen with a thud. The breath left Colt’s body and he gasped, unable to fill his lungs again. She regained her footing, and brought the bone handle of her knife down hard on Colt’s head, sending him sprawling to the ground, winded, stunned, and gasping for breath. She pulled a piece of rope from her belt, and quickly tied his hands behind his back and joined his ankles. Then she knotted both together.

  She gripped the rifle in one hand and the knife in the other and dashed back along the trail the way she’d come - through the woods and toward the road. Colt watched her leave as he felt the air slowly returning to his lungs. He groaned, and yanked hard against the rope. It was no use. He couldn’t move.

  ***

  Bill left Purdy by the side of the road, and streaked down the track toward the part of the woods he knew Sarah liked to frequent. He knew it because that was where he’d first met her, and he thought of it often, even visiting the spot himself on occasion.

  Before long, he heard someone crashing through the woods. Whoever it was, they were coming in his direction. He scooted to the side of the trail, and lay in wait, wondering who it might be. In a moment, Sarah came into view. She ran toward him, throwing fearful glances over her shoulder. Her rifle was slung across her chest, and she held a bloody knife in one hand. Her hands and arms were dripping with red blood, and even the front of her buckskin dress had been splashed with it.

  Bill stepped forward onto the trail, and her eyes widened in fright before she recognized him and ran into his arms.

  “Whoa there, what’s happened, my darling?”

  He held onto her, hard, and she gasped against his chest, her body heaving.

  “Colt. Colt’s back there.”

  “Are you hurt?”

>   Sarah shook her head. “No.” She looked down at her blood spattered clothing, “I was dressing a deer.”

  Bill chuckled with relief, and hugged her harder.

  Thank you, God.

  “So, where is Colt? Is he after you?”

  “He’s back there. I hog-tied him on the edge of a clearing. My deer is back there too, so we’ll have to go back in there and get it. It’s a nice, big one.”

  Bill let out a loud laugh, and rubbed his face with one hand. He cupped her face with both hands, and looked into her red-rimmed, green eyes.

  “My darling, my strong one. You amaze me, do you know that?”

  She smiled at him through the tears, and sniffled softly.

  “Well, I’m certainly not going to give up a piece of venison like that,” she exclaimed.

  He laughed again, and took her hand, pulling her with him, back toward the road. “Of course, but first let’s go and tell the sheriff where to find the rascal, shall we?”

  Sarah acquiesced, and they walked hand-in-hand to find Purdy. Sarah climbed into the saddle, feeling much more content atop the tall bay, being comfortably dressed in her buckskin and moccasins. Bill pulled himself up behind her, and wrapped his strong arms around her in a tight embrace, to grasp the reins. He clicked his tongue, and the horse sprang into a gentle canter. Sarah nestled into Bill’s arms, and kissed his cheek. His heart sang inside his chest, and he nuzzled her soft hair with his lips.

  “Thanks be to God, you’re OK,” Bill sighed against her hair.

  “Yes, I do think that perhaps God was there. Something prompted me to check on my rifle, and that’s when I found Colt. I still don’t know what it was… but now that you mention it, maybe it was Him.”

  “He was taking care of you. I asked Him to, and He never fails, at least I know He’s never failed me.”

  “Thank you for asking Him for help.” Sarah soaked in the warmth of his embrace. “I’m glad you came to find me,” she said.

  “I’m glad you didn’t need me to,” he replied, smiling down into her upturned face.

  Chapter 17

  The wedding dress was cream colored, with a full skirt held up with tulle and crinoline petticoats. The muslin fabric weighed heavily on Sarah’s slight frame, and she fingered the few hand-sewn pearls around the neckline, admiring their smooth shine.

  Mary Latsch, the Reverend’s wife, had lent her the dress. It had come directly from New York for Mary’s wedding, and Sarah was still in disbelief over how different she looked, wearing it.

  She lifted her eyes to admire her own reflection in the looking glass on the wall of her bedroom. She almost didn’t recognize the refined woman staring back at her. Her hair was curled and piled high on top of her head, with loose tendrils outlining her face in soft ringlets. The lace-framed veil on her head drifted delicately down her back, joining with the full skirts below.

  Estelle poked her head through the door and beamed at Sarah.

  “Are you ready, my dear?”

  “Yes, just a moment, Estelle.”

  Sarah took one last look at the image of the woman gazing back at her, and bowed her head, with eyes closed shut.

  God, thank you for today. Thank you that You heard my prayer and answered me. You gave me love, and I am eternally grateful to You.

  Bless our marriage, give peace to our path, and bring hope with each sunset. I don’t know much about You, but I’d like to, so please help me with that too.

  Thank you that You have filled me with so much comfort and joy, something I’ve never really experienced before, and so I know it’s from You. Bless Bill, and give him the strength he will need for the road ahead.

  And please don’t ever leave me, because I can’t imagine my life without You any longer.

  Amen.

  Sarah opened her eyes, and raised her face heavenward. Her eyes shone with unshed tears, and her lips curved into a full and gleaming smile.

  ***

  The bride made her way slowly down the aisle on Sam’s arm. Sam’s face beamed, but the simple veil obscured Sarah’s face from Bill’s view. Emotion surged within him, and he drew in a deep breath, trying desperately to quell the trembling that overcame him. She was beautiful, and she was his. He still found it hard to believe she’d agreed to marry him, and he thanked God every day for it.

  The chapel where she was captured and carried off by Colt only weeks ago was now the location of the happiest of occasions. Bunches of white wildflowers mixed with lavender were strung from the ends of each pew, and the aisle was scattered with their petals. The entire town had turned out for the celebration, and every pew was filled, with standing room only in the foyer.

  Bill watched thankfully as Sarah approached, her skirt swishing about her ankles with each step. Her bare neck was adorned with a simple silver cross, given to her by Estelle and Sam the previous evening. Below that, pearls clung to the dress and shone in the sunlight that splayed across the room through the long, rectangular windows that lined the length of each wall.

  When Sarah reached Bill’s side, Sam handed her to him. Then, he pushed the veil from her face, letting it fall down her back. Sarah’s face was filled with joy, and his heart swelled at the sight. Taking her hands in his, he followed Reverend Latsch’s lead, reciting his vows to love and cherish her forever.

  Sarah’s vows followed his, and he found himself hanging on her every word, watching the rise and fall of her chest, and the sparkle of moisture in her eyes. When they were pronounced husband and wife, Bill took her in his arms and kissed her tenderly. She returned his kiss, and smiled against his lips.

  “Happy?” he asked, in a whisper.

  “Happy,” was her only response.

  They stood side-by-side, holding hands, and walked down the aisle, ducking into the handfuls of rice that were thrown over them to wish them prosperity in the years to come. Outside, Purdy stood waiting, harnessed to a small buggy. Bill helped Sarah inside, then climbed in behind her. Taking the lines in his hands, he lifted them to slap gently against Purdy’s back. Purdy took off at a trot, heading down the road and out of town, as the newlyweds rocked and swayed together over the pot-holed and dusty track, heading westward toward Paradise Valley, and their new life together.

  *****

  EXCERPT FROM NEW BEGINNINGS (Annie Boone)

  Cutter’s Creek (Book 3)

  1

  The little blonde-haired girl ran through the flowers, stopping from time to time to pick some for her bouquet. Her light blue cotton dress blew in the breeze as she twirled and jumped around without a care in the world. Her long curls flew behind her as she frolicked in the sunshine.

  Audrey could hear her daughter’s laughter above all the other noises in the park. It rang out like a beacon of hope and happiness. At least that’s what she felt about Daisy’s contagious hoots of joy. She was thankful that her situation was still a secret from the girl. She’d find out soon enough, but she was still trying to figure out how to help her understand all the changes they’d been through over the past year.

  Every time she looked at her daughter she was amazed at how much she looked like her father. Sam’s eyes always seemed like the color of the sky at sunset when the darkness was almost ready to take over the light of the sun. Daisy’s eyes were that same dark blue.

  If she didn’t know better, she’d think there was no way this child could belong to her. She looked so much like Sam. Her own hair was light red and she had freckles from her Irish heritage. It seemed like her daughter had inherited nothing from her. Well, except for her laugh. My laugh was carefree and joyful once, she thought. Before.

  She gave herself a mental shake. She couldn’t fall into that black hole of despair again. There were decisions to be made and lives to be rebuilt. She was the one responsible to move things forward and she intended to do that.

  “Daisy! Come along now! We need to go!” she called.

  Daisy looked up and waved, but Audrey could see her disappointment. It was clear sh
e wanted to stay and play, but she started the walk to her mother.

  “Here, Mama,” Daisy said when she reached Audrey. She held out a wilted bouquet of mismatched wild flowers and Audrey took them carefully. “I hope you love them.”

  “I do love them. They’re beautiful, just like you. Thank you, my love!”

  Her heart filled with delight at the gesture. What she loved more than the flowers, was her daughter’s sweet and carefree spirit.

  “Bye, Bethany! Bye Mellie! See you tomorrow!” yelled Daisy as she waved to her friends. The girls waved back and returned to their games.

  The girl never met a stranger. She knew that one day she would become more guarded, but until then she’d watch her little one make a host of friends. She knew that her natural friendliness would serve her well, especially in the coming months.

  She held out her hand to Daisy and the two started the short journey home. Daisy skipped while Audrey tried to keep up.

  “Mother! We’re back!” called Audrey when they reached home.

  “Grammy! Were back!” Daisy shouted at the same time.

  They walked into the kitchen to find Kathleen kneading bread on the countertop. Sweat was beading on her forehead, but she had a big smile on her face.

  “Grammy, you can have some of the flowers I got for Mama, if you want,” said Daisy with sweetness oozing from her voice.

  Audrey smiled and shook her head at the personality change in her daughter. As soon as she was inside, Daisy turned into an obedient darling. When she was under the cloudless sky she was a free spirit.

  “Thank you, dear,” said Kathleen. “Let’s put them all together. Find a glass and put them in some water. They’ll perk back up.”

  “What can I help with, Mother?” asked Audrey.

  “Nothing, right now. I’m almost finished with this. We’ll have it for supper with the soup,” said Kathleen.

  “Sounds delicious. I’m going to send Daisy for a short nap. When I come back, we need to have a serious conversation,” said Audrey.