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He took her hands in his. His fingers were large and warm, and she felt undeniably safe in that moment. “We can’t lose hope, Leah. We’ve lived through difficult times—the worst of times. We’ve lost so much. But there’s still good in the world. God’s still on His throne, watching over us, guiding us, loving us. He knows our hurt and our hearts.”

“I believe that, too, Daniel. Otherwise, how would I have ended up here at this time? Seeing you and Will yesterday was like finding family I’d lost.”

He nodded in understanding. “Say yes.”

This was the sensible thing to do. She hadn’t expected this opportunity and she’d be a fool not to seize it. “Yes.”

Chapter Five

They’d decided to tell people quickly, so everyone would know Leah was no longer an eligible bride. There was a welcome function planned for after church on Sunday, so they decided to make their announcement then. Daniel had barely had time to register the monumental life change he faced and talk to Reverend Taggart about a ceremony when a commotion snagged his attention the next morning.

Through his office windows on Eden Street, he caught sight of half a dozen men riding past. He got up and went to the door.

A rider reined a horse to a stop in front of his building and jumped to the ground. He tossed the reins over a post and stepped onto the boardwalk. His clothing, face and hair were coated with dust. “You Mr. Gardner?”

“That’s me.”

“Theo Pierce’s outfit is about four miles out,” the fellow said. “Herd should reach the valley within the hour and we’ll camp there overnight. Mr. Pierce sent me ahead to tell you we’ll be heading for the yards at first light tomorrow.”

It was the first drive of the season and cause for celebration. “This is good news,” Daniel said. “I’ll buy you breakfast and ride back with you to look over your cows.”

Daniel got his horse from the livery, they had a quick meal at the Cowboy Café and then headed out.

“Looks like a fine, healthy herd,” he told Theo Pierce. The two men sat atop their mounts assessing the longhorns.

“We started out with two thousand head,” Theo replied. “Lost a dozen in the Red River, a couple to snakebite and let the Kiowa and Comanche have a few to keep them off our trail.”

“We’ll do a count as we lead ’em through the chutes tomorrow,” Daniel said. “You didn’t lose many. Sounds like a good trip.”

“Not complainin’.”

“Remind your men about the no-gun law before they go into town tomorrow. They can check their weapons with Sheriff Davis. Another laundry opened on Fourth Street, besides the one across from the tracks. Bathhouse on Second, and three places to eat along Eden now. The townspeople will be happy to see them.”

A rider joined them, a young fellow wearing a fringed buffalo-hide vest. “A calf ran off yonder. Dutch is after ’im. His mama’s cryin’. Other than that, they’re pretty calm.”

“Keep an eye on his mama ’til Dutch brings ’im back,” Theo said.

The rider acknowledged the order by turning his horse abruptly and heading back to the herd. The state of Texas had been quilled in Indian beadwork on the back of his vest.

“That’s James Johnson. He’s my point man,” Theo explained to Daniel. Being point man required experience. He determined course and set the pace for the drive, keeping the lead steers headed the right direction.

“I’ve heard that name. Thought he usually rode with Stone’s outfit.”

“Not this time.”

“I’ll book a room for you at the hotel. Plan to join me and my partners for dinner tomorrow evening,” Daniel said. “Tell James he’s invited, too.”

“That’s mighty generous.”

“We appreciate you bringing your herd to Cowboy Creek. Spread the word that we treat you well and pay top dollar.”

“We’ll see how the sale goes tomorrow,” Theo answered.

Daniel agreed with a nod and rode back to town. He hadn’t made it to the livery when Sheriff Davis caught up to him on horseback. “Daniel! Don’t put your horse up yet.”

Daniel reined in beside him in front of the Fourth Street laundry. “What do you need?”

“There’s something you have to see.”

He accompanied Quincy down Lincoln Boulevard, past his own house, south a few blocks, and rode across the tracks to a row of railcars that awaited unloading. Quincy pointed to an empty flatbed car. “That one was stacked with your lumber.”

Daniel glanced at it. “I had a crew deliver it to a building site to the west today.”

Quincy shook his head. “’Fraid not. When they got here the lumber was gone.”

“There’s a night guard. What does he say?”

“They found him tied up in one of the other cars. Said someone got the jump on him last night and he doesn’t remember anything.”

Daniel frowned. “Someone stole the lumber?”

“Looks that way.”

Daniel’s first reaction was more confusion than anger, but the more he thought about it the more irate he got.

“Were those supplies for one of your houses?” Quincy asked.

“No, that was town property. Lumber for section twenty to the west.” They hadn’t even named the new street yet. The council planned to do that at the next meeting.

“I sent out a couple of deputies and I’ll be searching, as well. I found tracks leading away from town, but they were covered by others and I lost ’em. We’ll figure it out and hopefully catch the thieves.”

Daniel nodded. “I’ll take a look, too. Which way did the tracks head?”

“East.”

“Thanks, Quincy.” At the livery he gave his horse feed and water, then rode from the rail station east, following the tracks Quincy had discovered and losing them, but picking them up again a couple miles farther away.

He’d gone half a mile farther when the smell of smoke touched his nostrils and he scanned the sky, spotting a thin thread of black twisting into the horizon. He headed toward it and met two riders coming his way. As they neared, he recognized Timothy Watson and Buck Hanley, two of Quincy’s part-time deputies. Timothy wore his hat tipped back on his head. “Found your lumber, Mr. Gardner!”

“Somebody hauled it out here and lit fire to it,” Buck supplied.

Daniel absorbed that grim news. “We’d better stay and watch it,” he said. “Last thing we need is a prairie fire. This is a pretty stupid thing to do.”

Buck’s somber expression showed concern, as well. “Surprised a spark hasn’t caught the grass afire yet.”

“Got anything we can scoop dirt with?” Daniel asked.

“I got a tin pan in my saddlebag,” Timothy offered.

“I have one, too,” Buck said.

“I have a knife,” Daniel informed them. “I’ll loosen dirt and you toss it on the fire.”

A couple of hours later, only a few embers still glowed. Even though it was spring, the three men were hot and dirty under the Kansas sun. Daniel yanked out the questionable boards and kicked dirt on them. They stayed until there was no threat of the fire spreading.

“I appreciate you both sticking around to see this through,” Daniel told them in a solemn voice.

“We have a stake in Cowboy Creek, too,” Buck said. “I’m doin’ the deputy job and working for Owen Ewing so I can save up and start my own business.”

“What do you want to do?” Daniel asked Timothy.

“I put a deposit down on a building. I’ve been watching to see who comes along to see if I can find a partner. Not sure, but my options are open.”

“Let me know if I can help you when you decide on something,” Daniel said.

“Will do.”

The three of them mounted their horses and headed back to town. Uneasiness settled over Daniel and didn’t let loose. Someone had stolen that wood and destroyed it, not caring who or what was hurt in the process. A prairie fire could spread for miles, decimating everything in its path—wildlife, crops, farms. The motive for such an act escaped him.

He’d talk to the town council about immediately hiring another guard for the station and railroad yards. It was better to take preventative measures than be sorry later. Daniel didn’t intend to let anyone undermine what they were working so hard to build. There was too much at stake.

* * *

Leah joined the other young women on their walk to church. It was a beautiful morning, warm and filled with sunshine. The perfect day for a joyful announcement. She wished she felt more jubilant than cautiously relieved. Her future wasn’t as uncertain as it had been a week ago, but apprehension still wound its cold claws into her conscience. Daniel Gardner had always been a close friend, but when it came to pondering a husband she’d never so much as considered him. Maybe she’d been too close to him and had foolishly overlooked what was right in front of her. Now that the war had cut her world into pieces like a jigsaw puzzle and she had to fit it back together again, he was the best option she had.

She felt guilty for thinking that way, as though he hadn’t been a choice back then, but now he was good enough. But it wasn’t that way at all, and she sure didn’t want him to have the impression he was her last resort. He would make any woman a good husband, and she was truly blessed that he’d asked her to be his wife.

When they reached the new church building, Aunt Mae stood outside the door with Reverend Taggart and a dark-haired young woman who, by the size of her swollen belly, could only be Opal Godwin. Aunt Mae smiled from ear to ear. She wore a lavender-and-cream-striped dress with ruffles on the cuffs and hems of the jacket, skirt and overskirt. Lace at the neck cut into her abundant chins, and the matching buttons down the jacket front looked as though they might pop at any moment.

Opal, who was painfully thin by contrast, wore a loose dress with white lace-trimmed bodice and sleeves and a gray pinstriped skirt with black trim. Pleats draped the round protrusion of the child she carried. The colors washed out her already-tired complexion.

“You’re all here!” Aunt Mae beamed. “I left early to help set up for the celebration after the service, so I didn’t get to see your lovely dresses. I hope your breakfast was adequate.”

“It was tasty and satisfying,” Hannah replied.

“Welcome,” Reverend Taggart greeted them. “Darling.” He kissed Hannah’s cheek.

“Opal has been looking forward to meeting you,” Aunt Mae said, addressing Leah.

“And I her.” Leah took the hand Opal extended and placed her other hand over the back. “I hope to be able to call on you this week, Mrs. Godwin. I’m a midwife.”

“I’ve heard all about you, and I’m relieved to know you’re here. But, please you must call me Opal.” She kept her voice cheerful, but her brown eyes and the dark smudges beneath them belied her weariness.

“Your husband is a boot maker.”

Opal nodded. “An extremely talented one.”

“And you help him?”

“I’ve always helped him in the shop, but he won’t let me now, so I’ve been staying in our upstairs quarters sewing and doing a lot of reading.”

“Your husband is looking out for your welfare and that of your child. Rest is good.” She leaned forward so Opal was the only one to hear her. “I expect to be doing a lot of that myself in the months to come.”

Opal raised her eyebrows in question.

“I’m expecting a child, as well. I answered the advertisement to find a husband because mine died only a few months ago and I have no family left.”

Opal hadn’t released Leah’s hand, and she squeezed her fingers gently. “I’m sorry for your loss, Mrs. Swann. You must have been frightened and felt very alone.”

A flutter of the old heartache caught in Leah’s chest, and she fought it down. Opal’s understanding left her feeling vulnerable. “Yes. Finding Daniel and Will here was like having family again.”

“I’m glad you found your way to us.”

“So am I. Thank you. And please call me Leah. How is your appetite?”

“I’m never very hungry.”

“We’ll have to do something about that. Your baby needs sustenance and so do you. This is an important job you have, nourishing this baby.”

“Everything seems to make me feel sick,” Opal admitted.

“We’ll see what we can do.” Leah flashed a reassuring smile. “Don’t you worry, all right?”

Menfolk climbed the wooden stairs behind them, so the women entered the church. Morning sun streamed through the stained glass windows that lined the side walls, creating arcs of color across the plain-hewn pews, polished floorboards, as well as heads and shoulders of those already seated. The color and warmth lent a surreal tone to the already reverent atmosphere inside the building.

“Isn’t this the most inspiring sight we’ve seen yet?” Pippa said from behind Leah’s shoulder. “All the colors of God’s rainbow right here for us to enjoy on Sunday morning. This little church couldn’t be any more beautiful.”

“It is beautiful,” Leah agreed with a soft smile for her energetic friend.

“Who do you suppose will be the first to marry here?” Pippa asked.

Leah didn’t reply, but a flutter in her chest stole her breath for a moment. It would be her. She would be marrying Daniel in this very place. Soon.

“There haven’t been this many men in the service since the church was built,” Aunt Mae said in a loud whisper. “Seems like they’ve all turned out to get a gander at the brides.”

Hannah surveyed the crowd of men, her expression uneasy. When she looked at Leah, her gray eyes revealed what Leah imagined was fear or uncertainty. Her hair was pulled away from her face as always, leaving her expression visible. It wasn’t easy to travel to an unknown place with one’s future up in the air. The mail-order brides were here because they had no other choice but to take this chance.

Leah reached for Hannah’s hand. “Come sit beside me. Unless you have to play the piano?”

Again something flickered in the tall girl’s eyes. “No, I’m not very good at reading music. Thank you.”

They noticed Will Canfield motioning and found he’d held a row for them.

After everyone had been seated and Reverend Taggart moved to stand at an oak pulpit at the front, he looked around and visibly composed himself. “Good morning.”

“Good morning,” the congregation greeted in unison.

“I’m Reverend Virgil Taggart. I am fortunate to have been invited to your town, along with my beautiful daughter, Hannah, and the other three brides you sent for.”

An irreverent whoop filled the building, followed by claps and whistles, to which the reverend good-naturedly grinned and nodded.

Finally he raised a hand for silence. “I know. I know you’re pleased. It’s exciting to be here, too. I want to assure you I’m grateful for this position. I don’t take it lightly, and I am looking forward to knowing each of you as my family.” He released a breath, then went on. “Your gracious town has provided me with a home and ample help, so my burden will be easy. I’m going to do my best to be a friend and counselor to all who come to me. I put my trust and confidence in God to come here. He’s going to show me what He has planned next, and I’m excited about it.”

He reached under the podium and opened a book. “Richard Mosely has graciously offered to play the organ. Thank you, Richard. Turn with me, if you will, to page sixteen in your brand spankin’ new hymnals.”

Clothing and pages rustled as churchgoers reached for their hymnals and opened them.

Bless Richard’s heart, he hit a couple of sharp notes before he settled into the measures of the first song. Around Leah a chorus of men’s voices rose and sent a chill down her spine. She and Hannah exchanged a glance of surprise and appreciation.

“A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing.

Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.”

She’d never heard so many men singing at once, and their enthusiasm was overwhelming. Tears formed in her eyes, preventing her from seeing the page. But she knew the words to the ancient song by heart, so she continued.

“...on earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing.

Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing.

Dost ask who that may be?

Christ Jesus, it is He...”

Leah sensed something beyond the power of the moving words and let her gaze wander across the sea of men standing on the other side of the aisle. There she found Daniel looking back at her as he sang, a secret smile on his face. He looked handsome in his Sunday finery, his shoulders broad in the gray coat. A new sense of joy rose up and overwhelmed her. She’d made the right choice by coming here. She was going to be fine and her baby would be well taken care of—and loved, she prayed. She couldn’t ask for more than this new beginning. After the service ended, Will walked to the front with a barely discernible limp. “Ladies and gentlemen. Please stay and join us on the lawn for refreshments and to meet the newest residents of Cowboy Creek. But bear with me for just a moment before we move outdoors. Mrs. Swann, will you come forward, please?” He extended his arm in her direction.

Daniel stood and joined him. He and Will changed positions, and Daniel watched her approach with a determined smile.

Leah’s heart pounded. She’d known this was the day he planned to make the announcement, but she hadn’t known where or how. Her fingers trembled on her skirt as she raised the hem away from her feet and edged her way to the end of the pew and into the aisle. She looked forward, and the kindness in Daniel’s expression allayed her qualms as she reached him. He took her hand and tucked it familiarly into the crook of his arm, where the rough fabric was warm. He smelled good, like cedar and saving soap.

“This will come as a disappointment to many of you, but I do hope you will rejoice with us. Mrs. Swann and I knew each other years ago. We grew up together in Pennsylvania.” He glanced at his friend, standing to the side. “Along with Will, we were close. We’d lost touch for a long while, so it was a surprise to see her on the platform the day the train arrived.”

Leah observed the faces of the townsfolk as well as those of her fellow travelers. All were smiling.

“I’ve asked Mrs. Swann to be my wife, and she has agreed. We are officially engaged.”

Silence hummed for a minute, and then a dozen groans attested to the expected disappointment that one bride prospect had been removed from the already inadequate list.

“I know, I know,” Daniel said, commiserating.

And then applause broke out, softly at first, but quickly gaining enthusiasm. Shouts and whistles accompanied the outpouring of congratulations.

Leah looked toward Daniel, and when he smiled gallantly down at her, she sighed with relief. He gave her a quick hug and declared, “Now let’s go eat!”

Chapter Six

Leah had already told her fellow traveling companions about her engagement, and they’d been happy for her. One by one they formally congratulated her.

Daniel took her hand. “There’s someone I want you to meet.”

He led her across the grass to where a muscular-looking fellow dressed in clean trousers and a plain shirt stood a distance from the gathering. He had blond hair, and when he turned wary blue eyes her way, she noted scars on his cheek.

“Leah, this is my good friend Noah Burgess. He’s a farmer and rancher. He and Will and I joined up in ’62.” He glanced at his friend. “Noah, this is Leah Swann. She used to be Leah Robinson. Will and I have known her since we were children.”

Noah nodded. “Mrs. Swann. My companions speak highly of you.”

She extended her gloved hand, and he touched it briefly before releasing her fingers. “Daniel says he and Will came here to see you after the war and decided to stay. You founded Cowboy Creek.”

“Well, I was here, buying horses and planting crops. Once they’d come and bought even more land, the railroad scouted the area.” His smooth southern accent defined his heritage. “They thought it would be a good idea to sell and invest and build. So we did. And that’s how Cowboy Creek got on the map.”

“I will be happy to introduce you to my friends,” Leah offered. “I might be able to secure you a private conversation with one of the ladies and give you an edge above the others.”

“No,” he said brusquely. “I have to get back and do chores.” With that, he settled his hat on his head and turned away, heading toward the lot where horses and buggies were waiting.

Leah cast Will a nervous glance. “I guess I said the wrong thing.”

“Don’t fret yourself. He’s not a social person.”

“Or he doesn’t much like me. What does he know about me exactly?”

“It’s not you, Leah,” Daniel reassured her. “In fact, Noah’s the one who encouraged me to ask you to marry me.”

“He did?”

“Yes, he did. He rarely comes to town. We pressured him to be here this morning.”

“How did he get those scars? Is he self-conscious?”

“His gun backfired in a battle,” he answered in a low tone. “The burns were down his chest and arm, too. I think the scars still pain him, but he won’t talk about it. He was an exceptional soldier and was discharged because of his injuries.”

“And a southerner, obviously.”

“So he thought he had to fight harder than anyone else,” Daniel said with a nod.

“He’s fortunate to have you as his friend.”

“The three of us got used to looking out for each other.”

“I hope I will have friends like you do.”

He took her hand and touched her cheek with his fingertips. “You will.” His green eyes showed sincere kindness. “Until then, you have me.”

His thoughtfulness blessed her. The sun glinted off his thick chestnut hair. “You make me want to be a better person, Daniel.”

“You’re perfect just the way you are.”

She smiled. “I will let you think that.”

He tucked her hand in his and they joined the gathering.

Pippa, dressed in a striking jade green dress with crisscrossing layers of ruffles across the voluminous skirt and decorative buttons from shoulder to cuff on each sleeve, was the center of attention. The color set off her vibrant ginger-gold hair and hazel eyes. Every male’s attention was riveted on the petite beauty’s dazzling smile.

“Leah, have you heard? There’s an opera house under construction! The gentlemen were just telling me of it. Why, we can hold plays and concerts and enjoy the arts just like back east.” She looked to Daniel for confirmation. “When do you expect it will be finished, Mr. Gardner?”

Daniel’s gaze darted to Will and back to Pippa. “I’m afraid construction is temporarily delayed. The load of lumber designated for the opera house has been reassigned to another project with a pressing deadline. The council decided the houses take priority over the opera house. But only until a new order can be supplied.”

“Some of you might have heard about a shipment being stolen from the rail yard,” Quincy Davis supplied. “The lumber for the west side houses was hauled out of town and burned. The load that arrives tomorrow will need to replace that for now.”

“But we’ve put in an order for more to replace the lumber for the opera house,” Daniel assured Pippa and the bystanders.

Amos Godwin furrowed his brow. “Do you have any idea who would do something like that?”

“We don’t,” Daniel answered honestly. “And it’s worrisome. But we’ve hired additional guards for the rail yard, so it won’t happen again.”

“On a positive note,” Will interjected, “the first drive of the year is in the holding pens and will be shipping out this week.”

“You didn’t have t’ tell us that,” Old Horace said with a cackle. “We’ve smelled the money since yesterday!”

The crowd shared a laugh.

A while later, after they’d visited with other churchgoers, accepted congratulations and eaten lunch, Daniel suggested they slip away to make plans.

Even though they’d eaten, he escorted her to the hotel restaurant for tea.

D.B. Burrows spotted them and stood beside their table. “I didn’t have a chance to congratulate you. When will the nuptials be?”