Jake's Honor (Cowboys 0f Coulee Crossing; Romancing The West Book 1) Read online

  Connie shuddered at the evil gleam in Mr. Howard’s eyes. Was he Megan’s father? “What do you want?” Thankfully her voice was strong, not revealing the way her heart jittered nervously from one beat to the next.

  “Let’s just say I long to see Celia again. I had to leave the area for a spell.”

  Connie thought of a number of reasons he would have to leave…all that fit what she knew of him. Fleeing angry fathers. Running from the law. Perhaps he’d even been in jail.

  He continued. “I returned to Broadstone a couple weeks ago, hoping to renew my acquaintance with Celia, but she wasn’t there. It wasn’t hard to learn a Miss C. Sewall had purchased a ticket to take the train west. I followed the trail to here.”

  “I’m Miss C. Sewall.”

  “Yeah, I figured out it was the wrong Miss Sewall I followed. But you being her cousin and all, I figured you’d know where I could find her.” He leaned closer, a smile on his lips, a warning in his eyes. “Where’s Celia?”

  “She’s gone.” The words were out before she could stop herself.

  “Where to?”

  “She’s dead.”

  His eyes narrowed. “Are you saying that to discourage me from looking for her?”

  Of course, a man like him would immediately think others were dishonest. “She passed away a few weeks ago.”

  He leaned back on his heels.

  Connie could see him digesting the information and then that gleam returned to his eyes. He leered at her.

  “Well, ain’t that too bad?” He ran his gaze over Connie in a way that made her feel she needed a bath. “You aren’t as pretty as your cousin. I don’t suppose you’re as much fun either, but I assume you know how to give a man a good time. Let’s you and me have some fun.”

  Shivers trickled up and down her spine. His suggestion was loathsome. His idea that she would enjoy being a Celia substitute filled her with cold rage.

  “I beg your pardon. I think this conversation is over. I’ll ask you to leave.” She stepped back.

  He advanced toward her until Bowser stood in his way.

  Mr. Howard reached inside his vest. “Call the dog off or I’ll shoot him.”

  “Go ahead, but I expect that would bring the men running.”

  Mr. Howard glanced toward the coulee.

  Bowser leapt at the man, catching his wrist and holding on tight. Blood oozed from Mr. Howard’s wrist where Bowser’s teeth punctured the skin. Connie pressed Megan’s face to her shoulder so she couldn’t see what was going on and be frightened.

  Mr. Howard yelled and tried to shake Bowser off. “Call your dog off.” He tried to free his hand, but Bowser jerked at him and held on. Mr. Howard slapped at the dog, to no avail.

  “He’s not my dog.” She had no intention of ordering Bowser to release the horrible man.

  13

  Jake’s hurried steps took him back to the house. Audrey sat alone on the porch. “Where’s Connie and Megan?”

  “They went for a walk.” Audrey pointed to the back of the house.

  The skin on the back of Jake’s neck tightened. “Bowser is with them?”

  “He doesn’t often let Megan out of his sight.”

  Knowing the dog was with them should have given Jake some peace of mind but it didn’t. He trotted up the hill, his ribs protesting every step. He ignored the pain. There were worse things to deal with.

  He followed the narrow path through the trees. A fresh pile of horse droppings jarred him to a stop. That wasn’t there yesterday, and none of them had ridden this way. He cocked his head and listened. He heard Connie. Her voice sounded different. He couldn’t say in what way, but warning bells rang through his head and he eased forward. He passed a horse tied in the trees. If he wasn’t mistaken it was the horse Russ Howard had ridden when he paid them a visit. His blood turned icy.

  Jake inched to where he could see Bowser clamped to Howard, who was trying desperately to shake him off.

  Connie stood a few feet away, her arms around Megan.

  Jake clenched his teeth so hard they creaked. He’d known from the start that this man was bad news, and now he had done something to Connie that caused Bowser to attack him. Jake didn’t want to think what it might have been.

  “I’ll call off the dog, but I suggest you make tracks out of here as fast as you can, or next time he’ll go for your throat.”

  Jake almost smiled at Connie’s threats.

  “Fine.” Howard sent Connie a disdainful look. “Celia was a lot more fun than you.”

  Jake stepped into the open. “Howard, what brings you here to annoy my dog?”

  Howard jerked in surprise. Bowser tightened his hold.

  “He’s chewing me up.” Howard tried frantically to break free of Bowser’s hold.

  “Not without reason, I expect.”

  “Jake, he has a gun. Inside his vest.” Connie patted her chest to indicate where.

  He reached in and relieved Howard of his gun then stepped back, out of his reach. With Bowser to intervene, he didn’t think Howard would try and get his gun back, but he wasn’t taking any chances. “Bowser, let him go.”

  Bowser released the man but remained poised for another attack.

  Jake had to admire the dog. Usually as gentle as kitten, he certainly looked and acted fierce when he needed to.

  Howard held his wrist and cursed. “He tried to kill me.”

  Jake took a step closer. Howard backed away, his gaze darting from Jake to the dog and back again.

  “Howard, I suggest you get on your horse and ride as fast as you can and as far away from here as you can. If I ever see you around here again, I will deal with you personally, though I might let my dog help.”

  Howard opened his mouth as if prepared to argue then, muttering curses, he went to his horse and mounted. He jerked the reins hard, no doubt hurting the horse’s mouth. Then he rode away without a backward look.

  Jake watched until horse and rider were out of sight. Only then did he shove the gun into his waistband and turn to Connie. He brushed his hand over Megan’s head. “Are you both all right?”

  Connie nodded. “He is the man I saw back in Broadstone. He was looking for Celia. Didn’t know she was dead. He thought I’d be glad to pick up where he and Celia left off.” She shuddered.

  He pulled her into his arms, Megan between them. He cupped his hand over Connie’s head as the recent scene replayed in his mind. What if Bowser hadn’t been with them? What if Jake hadn’t come along when he did? Who would protect them at the fort? Besides the whole North West Mounted Police Force? He should laugh at the idea of her needing his protection under those circumstances, but he didn’t find it even faintly amusing. There was only one way to ensure their safety.

  He eased back from their embrace so he could see her face. “Connie, I don’t want you and Megan to leave.”

  She looked at him, her eyes dark, watchful, waiting.

  What could he say to convince her?

  “Marry me.”

  The watchfulness in her eyes didn’t change.

  “Celia would want you to.”

  * * *

  Connie jerked from Jake’s arms. “Do you remember the first time we saw each other?”

  His expression went from surprise to confusion. “Sure. It was when we moved to Broadstone and I attended classes there. You were a grade ahead of me even though we’re the same age. I lost a year with Ma’s passing and us moving.”

  “I barely remember you at school. You were just another annoying boy. I’m talking about when you stopped that runaway wagon that was about to trample some people.”

  “I remember.”

  She knew from the look in his eyes that he was trying to place her in the scene. “Celia thanked you and you offered to take her for ice cream.”

  He nodded, an uncertain smile on his lips. “She actually was the one to suggest it.”

  “I was there, but you don’t remember, do you?” She’d seen Jake as if it was the first time
. He had grown into a well-built man. His hair was no longer straw colored but a darker shade of blond. His blue eyes were still bright, as if he laughed at the world. But he hadn’t noticed her…the pale shadow following her cousin.

  Something fierce and strong filled her. A feeling that would not be denied. She backed further away. “No, Jake, I will not marry you.” No longer would she allow herself to be stuck in Celia’s shadow. She deserved more than that. Strange that he had said that maybe someday she’d realize who she was. She had, but despite his words, he didn’t.

  Clutching Megan tightly, she hurried toward the house.

  Audrey had dinner prepared. Connie fed Megan and ate some herself. “I’ll put Megan down.” She slipped away as the men stomped on the porch. She would stay in her room until she was certain they had left.

  Megan, sweet little girl, cuddled with her blanket and was instantly asleep.

  Connie threw herself on the bed and wept a thousand tears at the way she’d been so often overlooked, so often hidden in Celia’s shadow. How her parents had not wanted her. But the bitterest of tears was that Jake had asked her to marry him because of Celia.

  After a bit, her tears spent, she sat up. From this day forward, she would no longer allow herself to be that person. But all her life she’d been the one who hid, the one who worried about becoming a nuisance. How was she to change? Could she?

  It took more strength than she could find.

  God is my strength. The words were clear. She knew they came from the Bible. She sprang to her feet. There had been a Bible among Celia’s things.

  She found the key in her travel bag and unlocked Celia’s trunk. Tears blurred her vision at the sight of her cousin’s belongs. She swiped them away. Celia would have been the first person to cheer her on. How often had she said that Connie should try something different?

  Connie touched items in the trunk. Celia’s favorite reticule. The silver hair combs she’d favored. A theater bill from some outing. The pill boxes she’d used in her last months. And to one side, her Bible.

  Celia had taken to reading it often in those last days.

  Connie sank back on her knees, holding the Bible reverently as she stroked the soft leather cover. She moved to the hard wooden chair next to the little table, where she opened the cover and read the flyleaf.

  To our darling daughter. God has blessed us so much with a daughter like you.

  Did Celia’s parents still feel that way? Or had Megan’s birth turned them from their love? That was not the kind of love Connie longed for. But perhaps it was never to be—not from her parents and not from a man.

  With a sigh of resignation, she turned page after page. She didn’t know what she hoped to find but continued to let her gaze skim the words. She flipped the pages faster, an urgency she couldn’t explain consuming her. The Bible fell open where the pages were worn as if Celia had often turned to them. She began to read Psalm twenty-seven. Each word was a raindrop of blessing. By the time she finished, her heart was flooded with hope. She reread it several times. Each time she lingered on the tenth verse. ‘When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.’ Yes, her parents had made her feel unwanted. Celia had made her feel invisible. Jake had failed to see her as she wanted to be seen—as Connie. Not a shadow of Celia. Her eyes went to the final verse. ‘Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He will strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.’

  Yes, Lord. I will trust You. I will find my strength in You.

  God loved her. Loved Megan. She would depend on His goodness to guide and keep them.

  Megan wakened. Connie hugged the little girl and whispered the words of the verse to her. “We’re in this together, little one. But we have God on our side, so we’ll do fine.”

  She took Megan to the kitchen and helped Audrey bake cookies and pies and prepare supper.

  “The boys say they’ll finish today. Jake said he would take you to the fort tomorrow,” Audrey said.

  Despite the sadness it gave her to think of leaving, Connie smiled, clinging to the peace and joy she had found reading the Bible. “I’ll be ready.”

  Audrey put one hand on her hip and studied Connie. “Did something happen? Jake looked upset at dinner.”

  “Did he tell you Mr. Howard was back and made some inappropriate suggestions to me?”

  Audrey gasped and caught Connie’s arm. “Are you all right?”

  Connie smiled. “Bowser let Mr. Howard know he better back off and then Jake came along. I think that man will stay away.”

  Audrey patted her hand. “I’m glad you’re all right.”

  “Thanks.” All she had to do was make it through supper and then the trip to Fort Macleod. She could do it. She smiled to herself. Didn’t seem she had a choice. But she felt strong inside.

  The next morning, she prepared a bag with changes for Megan and her own handkerchief and coin purse. Everything else she put in trunks or her other traveling bag. She was ready to go.

  She gave one last look around the room, making sure she hadn’t left anything behind. She glanced out the window remembering her first time doing so and recalling so many things. Walks with Jake. The wild animals they’d seen. The times they’d shared their fears and concerns.

  Turning her back to the window, she ran her finger along the top of the little table. Beside it, sitting on the straight-backed wooden chair, she had felt a real assurance of God’s love and care. She held the feeling inside her heart.

  She picked up Megan and went to the kitchen. All the Hoopers were there. Audrey served breakfast.

  Levi scowled at Jake but thankfully didn’t voice his opinion. Everyone else kept their attention on their plate and apart from please or thank you there was no conversation.

  “Are your things ready?” Blaze asked when the meal was over.

  Jake pushed his chair back. “I’ll bring the wagon around.”

  All too soon the wagon stood at the porch and her trunks were carried out.

  Everyone stood awkwardly on the porch. No one seemed capable of saying good-bye.

  Audrey moved first. “I’m sad to see you go. I’ll miss you.” She hugged Connie and kissed Megan.

  Blaze patted them both and said he’d miss them too.

  Cash squeezed Connie’s arm. “All the best.”

  “Can I hold her one last time?” Levi asked, and Connie handed Megan to him. He walked away and whispered something in the baby’s ear. He returned and gave her back to Connie. “I can’t believe you’re going.” He flung around to face Jake. “Why are you letting them go?”

  Jake didn’t answer. Didn’t look at his brother. Instead he spoke to Connie. “Let me help you up.” Jake took Megan and held out a hand. His expression was thunderous. Was he angry at her for not accepting his offer of marriage?

  She wasn’t about to change her mind. She took his hand to get to the wagon seat then reached for Megan.

  Bowser jumped into the back of the wagon, prepared to accompany them.

  “Bowser, get down,” Jake ordered as he took his seat.

  The dog ignored him. Jake ordered him out again and tried to push him. Bowser growled though he showed no teeth.

  “Don’t you growl at me, dog.”

  “He means no harm,” Connie said. “He’s saying he wants to go with us.”

  “Well, you can’t.” Jake didn’t even look at Connie as he spoke to the dog.

  She told herself she understood and wasn’t going to let it bother her. But it did. She’d hoped they could part friends.

  Audrey went into the house and returned with a bowl of food for the dog. She set the dish down. “Come on, Bowser. You can’t go. Come and eat.”

  Bowser lay down as far to the front of the wagon bed as he could get and rested his chin on his paws. Blaze ordered him down. Levi made come-here noises. Cash commented that the dog was getting unruly, and Jake looked fit to be tied. Audrey shook the bowl and begged the dog to get down.

  Connie press
ed her lips together and blinked hard, trying to contain her amusement, but it was impossible. She tipped her head back and laughed, bringing every pair of eyes toward her. Even Bowser lifted his head and looked pleased with himself.

  Audrey was the first to acknowledge the humor. “I guess we all look a little silly trying to coax him down.”

  Levi chuckled. Blaze and Cash looked embarrassed. Connie didn’t look at Jake, guessing his glum expression hadn’t changed.

  “Levi,” she said. “Take Megan and go to the porch. I’m pretty sure Bowser will follow. Lead him inside then shut him in there.”

  “Come on, little one.” Levi took Megan, and Bowser jumped down with a joyous bark. Levi paused at the door. “It’s mighty tempting to keep her.”

  “But you won’t,” Connie said with complete confidence.

  “No, I guess I won’t.” He went inside and Bowser followed. Levi jumped back out and slammed the door.

  Bowser barked and scratched the door.

  Levi hugged Megan one more time then handed her back to Connie.

  Jake flicked the reins and they were on their way.

  Bowser howled and barked.

  Megan strained at Connie’s arms, and when she realized they were leaving Bowser behind, she sobbed as if her heart was broken.

  Connie turned just before the trees and waved at those back at the house. Then she faced forward, trying her best to calm Megan, but the baby was inconsolable.

  “I knew she’d be hurt when we had to leave.” Connie raised her voice to be heard above the child’s howls. “She’s had more loss in her short little life than is fair.”

  “I offered you an alternative.”

  “I’m sorry. It wasn’t what I wanted.” It wasn’t the idea of marriage to Jake she didn’t want. No, she would welcome that, given the right reason for the offer.

  They rattled across the bridge. The bumpy sound caught Megan’s attention and she stopped crying to look around.

  Grateful for the peace and quiet, Connie settled back for the long journey ahead of them.