A Bride for Frank, page 11
As they rode abreast with Maisie in the middle she chuckled. “I wonder if Albert will look in my saddle bags.”
“Why?” asked John.
Maisie looked at him and grinned. “I’ve got almost $1,000 in there.”
“If I’d known that I might have taken it myself.” John chortled. “But I definitely got the better deal with you giving me a second chance. I hope Julia will give me a second chance, too.”
“You’ll have to write and let us know,” said Maisie.
John puffed out his chest and grinned. “Better yet, I’ll invite you to the wedding.”
She laughed. “I’d love that. You’d have to send it giving us enough time to travel. It’s not like there’s a train going there, yet anyway.”
“I will. I’m so anxious to get home.”
Maisie looked at him, the breeze ruffling her skirt where it gathered around her legs. “You will stay for dinner though, right?”
He ducked his head a little, then straightened with his lips in a flat smile. “Actually, I think I’ll take you up on your offer at a later date. I want to make as much distance as possible before I have to stop.”
She smiled. “I had a feeling you would say that. I don’t blame you, either. I know you need to get back to that girl and convince her to marry you. Though I doubt there will be much convincing needed.”
Frank pulled his rented horse to a stop. “This is where we turn off. Have a safe trip, and thank you for saving our lives.”
“You’re welcome. I figure that makes us even. You’ve given me back my life, and I’ll never be able to repay that.”
Frank held out his hand and nodded. “I’d say we’re even.”
John leaned toward him and shook his hand. “Until I see you at my wedding.” Then he turned to Maisie. “You’re a sweet lady. Don’t let the world take that out of you. Thank you for everything.”
Maisie smiled. “You’re welcome, John. Take care.”
He tipped his hat and then took off at a gallop toward Albuquerque.
She looked over at Frank, who was leaning with his arms crossed on top of the saddle horn. “Are you ready to go home?” She was anxious to see her sisters and to sleep in a real bed. But she wouldn’t have traded this time alone with Frank for anything. She learned so much, mostly about herself. She was back to being the person she used to be, before Donald nearly beat the goodness out of her. Maisie survived and found the best life she could ever want.
He sat back and tightened the reins. “I am. I like the sound of that. Home.”
“I like the sound of it, too.”
Once they turned off the main road, the ranch was only another twenty minutes. Frank took them directly to the barn, where he dismounted and opened the doors. Then he led his horse in.
Maisie followed and dismounted inside.
Frank came around and took her in his arms. He kissed her.
A kiss so deep and thorough, it warmed her from the top of her head to the tips of her toes.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back for all she was worth.
When they finally broke apart, he rested his forehead against hers.
She was trying to catch her breath despite smell of the fresh manure. She felt as if she’d run ten miles without stopping.
He was breathing the same way.
Frank pulled his head back and looked down at her. “I’m tired of beating around the bush. I love you, Maisie Campbell. I’m not denying it anymore. I almost lost you so many times, I can’t even count, but the fire scared me more than any other. Don’t leave, Maisie. Please, stay.”
She looked up at him and then reached up and cupped his handsome face. “I’m not going anywhere, not now, and not ever. I love you too much to ever leave you or this ranch.”
He grinned, grabbed her around the waist and swung her in a circle.
She laughed, holding onto his shoulders. “Frank, put me down. Stop.” She laughed more.
Frank finally stopped and let her slide down his body before he took her in his arms again.
Suddenly, she heard someone clear their throat. She looked over and saw Ross standing with his arms akimbo.
He cocked and eyebrow and folded his arms across his chest. “Well, I see the wayward couple has returned. Care to tell me what you’ve been doing all this time?”
Frank glanced over at Ross, but didn’t let go of Maisie. “Inside, after we take care of these horses.”
“Okay, we’ll see you in the house. Everyone’s in the kitchen. We just sat down to dinner.”
“Great.” Maisie’s stomach grumbled. “I think I’m hungry.” She laughed.
Frank laughed.
Ross did, too. “See you in a little while. I’ll have them put a couple of plates in the warmer.”
“Thanks, brother. That is much appreciated.”
Ross nodded then turned and left.
Frank turned to Maisie, cupped her face gently between his palms and touched his lips to hers.
The kiss was soft, gentle and not at all what she wanted right now. She reached up, grabbed his shirt and pulled him to her, kissing him as deeply as she could…as deeply as he did her earlier.
He pulled back, smiled and then wrapped her in his arms. “I love you, Maisie. I have since the moment we met. I’m not sure how I felt when Ross told us we were all getting married. But when I saw you, I knew you were perfect for me.”
She looked up at him, her hands resting on his biceps. “I never wanted to marry again. I was afraid, but you helped me get over my fear. I love you, Frank. Let’s finish with the horses and then go eat. I really am hungry.”
“You should be. We haven't eaten since breakfast, and that wasn’t much.”
They quickly took care of the horses and then walked into the house with their arms around each other.
As they entered the kitchen, everyone began to clap.
Frank grinned.
Maisie smelled roast pork and fresh bread. Her stomach rumbled. She looked around at the people in the room and then up at Frank. “What’s going on?”
“I would guess that Ross told them what he overheard…that we love each other.”
Ross nodded. “That I did. You thought I wouldn’t share that little tidbit?”
“No,” said Frank. “I figured you would, but I didn’t expect everyone else to react this way.”
Lottie stood, rushed to Maisie and hugged her. “I’m so happy for you.”
Maisie hugged her back and then grinned. “Thanks, little sister. I’m pretty happy, myself.”
“You’ll have to tell us everything. First, why did you two leave without telling anyone?” asked Lottie, her mouth turned down and she pouted. “I was worried about you until we got Frank’s message.” Lottie went to Frank and hugged him. “Thank you.” She returned to the table and sat next to Brodie.
Maisie looked at the floor. “I’m afraid that was my fault. But first, I’m starving.” While she ate, she told them about the map and the mine.
Frank filled them in on Slade, John Riley and the fire.
They both talked about Albert Haynes.
When she’d finished with her meal and all the telling had been done, Maisie couldn’t keep from yawning. “I’m sorry. I’ve just been more tired lately. I think I need a good night in my own bed. If you’ll excuse me.” She turned to Frank. “I know it’s early. Don’t worry about tucking me in.” She gave him a kiss on the cheek.
Fiona watched Maisie leave. Then she turned to Ross. “I need to speak to Maisie.” She stood and walked to Frank and Maisie’s room.
She knocked.
“Come in.”
Maisie was sitting on the edge of the bed, taking off her boots. “Hi, Fiona. What can I do for you?”
“Nothing, dear sister. I think I know why you’re so tired.” She sat on the bed next to Maisie.
“Oh, why is that?”
“Have you missed your monthlies?”
Maisie blinked. “Monthlies? Come to think about it, I haven’t had one since we all got married.”
Fiona sat there for a moment. She watched Maisie’s expression change to wide-eyed and then she smiled.
She looked down and then placed a hand on her stomach. “Expecting? Do you really believe I’m expecting?”
“I’m sure of it. You have the same symptoms I have and I know I’m going to have a baby. Face it Maisie, we’ve been married for almost three months. You would have had your cycle by now if you weren’t pregnant. We’ll have our babies close together.” She put an arm around Maisie’s shoulders. “Isn’t it wonderful?”
Maisie continued to look at her stomach. “A baby.” She looked up at Fiona and there were tears in her eyes. “I never got pregnant with Donald and he blamed me. But I never thought I was the problem. Now I know I was right. As with everything else…he was the problem.”
Frank walked into the bedroom. “Are you ladies all right?”
Maisie went to him, wrapped her arms around his waist and gazed upward at him.
He placed his arms around her. “What’s happening, my love.”
Maisie smiled. “I will never tire of hearing you call me that.”
Fiona looked at them, a small smile on her face. “You two will excuse me.” She left and shut the door behind her.
Frank gave Maisie a quick kiss on the lips. “So, what are you so happy about?”
“Oh, Frank,” Maisie grinned. “We’re going to be parents.” Does he want kids? Will he be happy? She felt as though her heart stopped beating as she waited.
His eyes widened, and he stopped breathing for a moment. “Parents?”
Maisie nodded. “Yup. You and me in about six months.”
He sat heavily on the edge of the bed.
“Frank?” Maisie sat next to him and searched his face. His eyes were wide, his eyebrows raised and his mouth formed an ‘O’. “Are you all right? Are you happy?”
He blew out a deep breath. “Happy? Yes, I’m thrilled. Surprised, but very happy. For some reason, I never expected to actually be a father. You’d been married and didn’t have children. I assumed you couldn’t. I know that’s wrong of me, but it’s the truth.” He lifted her and put her on his lap. “Thank you, Maisie. You’re making all my dreams come true.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “You’ve done the same for me. I never knew or believed that love-making could be enjoyable or pleasant…fun, even. You gave me a new life…one without fear. Thank you.” She kissed him.
“I love you forever, Maisie Campbell.”
“And I you, Frank Campbell. Forever, and one day more.”
Epilogue
Four months later
* * *
Clay entered the kitchen after returning from a trip to town for building supplies. “Maisie, Sheriff Knoll gave me this for you and Frank.” He handed her an envelope.
She quickly opened it and read it, her smile growing wider the farther she got. “Good news.”
Frank came in from the barn. “I saw Clay return and rush inside. What’s going on?”
Maisie waved the envelope. “From Mike.” She pulled out the letter and read aloud. “Just wanted you to know that Roy Slade was found guilty on all counts and was sentenced to twenty-five years in the Yuma Territorial Prison. Mike.”
Frank let out a breath. “That’s great news. He can keep Albert Haynes company, since he was found guilty of kidnapping, attempted murder, and embezzlement. He got twenty-five years, too. I doubt he will ever see the outside of that prison again.”
Maisie lifted a brow. “But he has Eugenia to keep him company since they still have women at the Yuma prison. She was found guilty of murder for the death of her previous husbands. I never knew what evidence they found, just that Albert gave them the details of their deaths he couldn’t have known, unless he was present or she’d told him what she’d done.” She shivered. “I don’t know how people can be so cold-blooded.”
Frank nodded. “I guess we’ll never know and that’s fine with me.”
“True. We don’t have to think about anything now except our, soon to be born, child.”
One week later, March 6, 1881
* * *
All the women, including Agatha were in the kitchen. Most were sitting at the table shucking peas for dinner. It took all of them about an hour to shuck enough for dinner for more than twenty people.
Fiona was in labor and walking in circles around the kitchen.
Ross held Fiona with one arm around her waist.
“Oh. Oh my.” Maisie quickly stood and looked down. The floor was wet, as were her pantalettes and her legs, where the liquid still ran down. “I think my water just broke. I’m having a baby.”
Fiona grinned. “Welcome to the club. Have you been having back pain?”
Maisie nodded. “Since before sun up.” She looked around the table. “Can someone get me a towel, please?” She looked back at Fiona. “I guess the backache started about two this morning.”
All the women were heavy with child. Expecting their children any day now, but, thankfully, only she and Fiona were actually in labor.
Ivy jumped up and returned with a towel.
Maisie turned her back to Fiona and Ross and dried her legs and bloomers as best she could.
Ivy cleaned up the puddle from the floor.
“That sounds about right. I’d start walking, if I were you. It will make it easier, according to the old Apache woman, Gouyan, who delivered Billy.”
Maisie walked over to Fiona. “I’m scared.” Her hands were shaky and her breathing too fast.
Fiona hugged her as best as she could with both of them being very pregnant. “Calm down. It’ll be all right. Women have babies every day.”
Tears filled Maisie’s eyes. “I wish Frank was here.” But he’d gone for the doctor when Ivy had told Ross about Fiona.
No one expected Maisie might go into labor at the same time. And the doctor needed to be here, so Frank going to get him was just as well. Probably the best since he was the top rider among the men.
Fiona took the younger woman’s hand and squeezed it. “He’ll be back, from getting the doctor, in plenty of time to walk the floor with you. The baby isn’t likely to be here for hours yet. Come on, now, walk with me.”
Ross stepped aside and let Fiona and Maisie have the floor.
Maisie and Fiona walked for about an hour, doing rounds in the kitchen, before Fiona looked at Ross. “I think I’m ready for the bed now.”
Maisie kept walking. She walked and walked around the inside of the house. From the kitchen to the living room and back again. She held her back and only stopped when she heard Fiona yelling. Those screams were the worst.
Fiona had been through childbirth before, and if she was yelling this much, what did that mean for Maisie? She admitted she was scared silly, but she still wondered just how long until the baby came.
Her water had broken in the kitchen, but so far, she’d had some back pain that didn’t seem too bad…until now. The longer it went on, the worse the pain got. She walked and walked and walked some more.
Another pain hit her and she had to stop and breathe through it.
“You can lean on me,” said Lottie, who rose from the table and went to her sister.
“Bless you, sister, for walking with me. Even though you can’t do anything else, the company is a great comfort. I don’t feel so alone.”
Fiona let out another yell from their bedroom between the kitchen and the living room.
Maisie looked toward the sound. “Sometimes I wish their bedroom was upstairs like the rest of us. Right now, it just seems too close for comfort.”
The back door in the kitchen slammed.
“How is Fiona?” said Frank.
Maisie nearly sagged with relief as she made her way down the hall.
Frank met her just as she was about to enter the kitchen. “There you are. Are you okay with all this noise from Fiona?” He stopped and looked at her. “Why is your hand on your back? Are you all right?”
She looked behind him. “Didn’t Doc Chandler come with you?”
“Yes, he’ll be inside in just a minute.”
“Good. I want him to be here for our first child.” She grinned. “We’re about to be parents as well.”
Lottie kept her arm around Maisie.
He paled and his eyes widened. “Now! You’re in labor? Shouldn’t you be lying down?”
“I’m fine. I just need to walk.” Maisie started her circuit again.
Lottie walked with her.
“Did I hear someone take my name in vain?” chuckled Doctor Chandler. “I thought it was Fiona who was having the baby.”
“She is, Doc,” said Maisie.
The doctor, who was an older man, probably in his early fifties with graying hair and the kindest brown eyes, narrowed those eyes at Maisie. “It looks to me like you’ll be having your baby before the night is out, too.”
“I am, but hopefully not before Fiona. You go on to her now.” Maisie shooed him toward Ross and Fiona’s room. “I’ll still be pacing when you’re done with her.”
“All right, you keep walking as long as you can. When you need help, yell for me.” Doc turned and hurried down the hall.
Frank kissed her. “Is there anything I can do for you?”
“Just walk with me. You can give Lottie a break.”
“I’m fine,” insisted her sister, though she was looking with longing down the hall toward the living room.
“Go.” Maisie shooed her away. “You can see what Fiona is going through. Maybe it will help you not to be afraid.” She said the words but didn’t believe them for a minute. Watching Fiona would probably scare her to death.
Frank placed an arm around her shoulders as they walked. “How are you doing?”
“I’m fair to partly cloudy. I won’t lie to you.” She stopped and grimaced with both hands on the small of her back. When the pain subsided, she started walking again. “The pain in my back is getting worse, not better. I think the baby will be coming soon. I just hope he or she waits until the doctor is done with Fiona.”
