A Man of Legend, page 29
Brown eyes twinkling, Crockett dropped by, and she fumbled, almost dropping the pail of water. The heated look he gave her showered her with remembrance of their lovemaking the previous night and all the ways he’d made her feel beautiful and cherished.
“I thought I’d stop in and see if I can help.” He scooped up Freckles, holding her small body close.
Dallam’s nightshirt hung on him. “Do you have a magic wand, Mr. Crockett? I can use one.”
“Afraid not. Wish I did though.”
Paisley pointed to the clothes on the bed. “You can put those on him. I’m glad you came. You can help get him to the rails to walk.”
Crockett’s wide grin stretched. “At least I’m good for something.”
Her cheeks heated. “You’re good for a lot actually.”
For a moment, it was just the two of them and the second chance they’d found when everything seemed impossible.
She searched for the warmth of his hand and found it. He squeezed her fingers as though to say he’d always be there in rain or shine—constant and true. She gazed up at him, her heart full of love.
Thirty-one
Four nights later, a banging on the door woke Paisley. At first, she thought it was thunder from the rainstorm, but when it became more insistent, she grabbed her wrapper and hurried downstairs.
Sally’s husband stood there, dripping wet. “The baby’s coming.”
“Give me a minute to dress. Make yourself at home in the parlor.”
Hilda appeared on the landing, and Paisley filled her in.
“I’ll come to help after I get breakfast for Tye,” Hilda said.
“Thank you. I can probably use you.” Paisley gave her a quick hug and hurried to dress. She left shortly after with Sally’s tall cowboy.
“Thank God you’re here.” Sally grabbed Paisley’s hand when she entered. She was drenched with sweat, her hair in ringlets around her face. “Tell me everything will be all right.”
“It’s going to be perfectly fine, Sally.” Paisley moved her to the bedroom. “Let’s get you comfortable, and I’ll see where we’re at.” She never would’ve believed her most hearty mother would resort to panic. But then, birthing pains could melt a person’s strong resolve. “I’m going to speak to your husband, and I’ll be right back.”
Mr. Nolan stopped pacing and looked up. “Is Sally okay?”
“She’s just a little harried, but I’ll help her through this. Can you go to Dr. Thorp’s and let him know? Tell him it’s crucial that he not get his cast wet, and I can handle things here.”
“Yes, ma’am. I’m happy you’re available, ma’am.”
“Me too.” She rested a hand on his arm. “It’ll be all right. Try not to worry.”
Paisley refused to voice her nagging fears. Sally had grown too large for just one baby. Sheer will alone would push her and Sally to a successful birth. Sally would hold her new baby in her arms. Paisley would accept no other outcome. She stilled her trembling hand, lifted her chin, and let hope take root.
For the next several hours, as lightning and thunder crashed around the house, she walked Sally around and around the rooms. Mr. Nolan came back and took over for a while.
Finally, during the last examination, Paisley saw the head. Sally released a long, painful cry, gripping the head of the iron bedstead.
The baby slid into Paisley’s waiting hands. It was quite small—a boy. She tied the cord and cut it.
How could Sally be so large and the baby this tiny? Something didn’t add up.
Before she could call to Mr. Nolan that he had a son, the light flickered and went out, plunging them in darkness. Paisley felt for the towel and wrapped it around the infant. “You have a son, Sally. A beautiful, healthy son.”
“What happened to the light?” Sally asked.
“I don’t know.”
Mr. Nolan appeared in the doorway, holding half a candle, which he set on the bedside table. “I’m not sure why the light went out, but I found some partially burned candles.”
Weak light bathed the baby’s sweet face. Despite the low birth weight, the little tyke had strong lungs. Paisley passed him the baby.
Just then Sally let out a bloodcurdling scream. “Something’s wrong!”
Paisley’s mouth dried, and she hurried back. Putting her hand on Sally’s stomach, she felt the gripping contractions. “Hold on, you’re giving birth to another one.”
“I can’t believe this,” Sally wailed. “I’m just supposed to have one. Doc said so.”
“We can get things wrong sometimes. I could’ve sworn there was just one heartbeat. Get ready for twins. Mr. Nolan, can you get me another towel?”
“Yes, nurse.” He hurried for it and returned.
With only the flickering flame of the low candle, the second one arrived pretty quickly.
“It’s a girl, Sally. A beautiful baby girl.” After tying off the cord and cutting it, she wrapped the infant in the second towel.
Mr. Nolan held out an arm, and she placed the baby in it. He chuckled. “That better be all, because I’m running out of places to put ’em.”
“I’d take one dear, but I’m not feeling very well.” Sally’s face twisted, and she let out a yell, gripping the iron bedstead. “Here we go again.”
Good Lord! This was one for the Lone Star record books.
“Mr. Nolan, get another towel, please.”
“We’re about to run flat out,” he answered, juggling the babies. “Then I’ll have to use horse blankets or something.”
A big flash of lightning lit up the room, and thunder shook the house.
“Maybe so, Mr. Nolan. It’s been a wild night, both inside and out.” She turned her attention to Sally. “You’re having triplets, it appears. I know you’re exhausted, but you can’t give out now.”
“I can’t push anymore. I can’t.”
Paisley grabbed the woman’s nightgown. “Yes, you can. Now bear down as hard as you can with the next contraction.”
A second later, Sally gave a loud yell and put everything she had into it. The baby slid out.
“It’s another boy.” Paisley wrapped the third child in a towel that Mr. Nolan handed her. With his arms full, she laid the infant on Sally’s stomach, praying that was all.
“Are you finished, Sally?” Paisley pressed on her stomach.
“I hope so. I can’t take another moment.”
Just then, the candle went out. It had burned to nothing.
“Where are your candles, Mr. Nolan?”
“Kitchen table.”
She felt her way through the doorway and located a taller one. Soon, dim light helped her make her way back to the bedroom and three squalling babies.
Hilda was coming after breakfast, but they wouldn’t need her then. The nighttime had yielded all the births.
Mr. Nolan sat on the side of the bed and put the other two babies in Sally’s arms. “I think I’m going to have to work night and day both to feed all these kids. I don’t know what we’re gonna do.”
Sally kissed their babies’ heads. “We’re going to love them, dear.”
The love shining between them brought a mist to Paisley’s eyes. This was what she wanted someday with Crockett.
The storm had passed by the time the sun came up. Paisley made coffee and cooked breakfast. She took Sally a plate with some milk. Just as she and Mr. Nolan sat down to eat, Crockett appeared at the door.
“Come in. I made enough for an army.”
A smile lit his brown eyes. “I believe I will. Hilda told me about Sally and said she’d be here after she feeds Tye.”
“The worst is over. Sit down. Do we have an unbelievable tale for you.” She got him a plate and moved her chair closer to his. Mr. Nolan wouldn’t notice a bull running through the kitchen.
Wrapped in the warmth of love, she slid a hand under the table and rested it on Crockett’s leg.
***
The next two weeks passed fairly quietly. Farrel had gone underground, but Callahan was hard on his trail.
Crockett knew he’d turn up sooner or later, and when he did, they had to be ready.
Right now, things were much too hot for him.
Paisley’s nerves were on edge with all the waiting. “Crockett, I feel him. He’s around here somewhere. Watching. Waiting. He’ll strike again soon.”
“Darling, try not to let him get under your skin, because once he does, he’s won.”
“I’m not going to let him win. I’ve got to have my due.”
But hard as Crockett knew she tried, she couldn’t help watching the shadows and jumping at every sound.
This had to end soon.
Meanwhile, she went about her duties with a smile. She exercised Dallam’s legs each day, and Gus had improved so much he resumed work with the other ranch hands. The new mothers were enjoying their new little ones, praising Paisley at every turn.
She’d made a great difference in everyone’s lives.
One morning, after a night of lovemaking, Crockett draped an arm around Paisley’s neck and nibbled behind her ear. “Want to ride out to our old swimming hole?”
“I’d love to. The weather has been so nice and warm. I might dip my toes in the water.”
“Is that all?” He couldn’t help his crestfallen look. “Just your toes?”
“Funny you’d ask that. What else would you suggest, my distinguished Judge Legend?” She placed a finger on his lips.
He nipped at her finger. “How about all of you, every single luscious inch? Some skinny-dipping. It’d be like old times.”
She barely breathed. “And then what?”
“I’m sure we’ll figure it out.”
A knock on the door interrupted the hot kiss.
Crockett opened it to find his brother Ransom. “Is something wrong?”
“Grandpa is a little puny, and Dad sent me to get Paisley to come and check him out.”
She nodded. “I’ll get my satchel.”
“We’ll saddle the horses.” Crockett reached for his hat. “Come on, little brother.”
“I sure wish Grandpa would let me drive that Model T Ford,” Ransom griped. “It’s a lot easier than saddling horses. Saves on feed too. He’s stuck in the Dark Ages.”
“Maybe so, but we have to respect his wishes. None of this ranch or anything else would be here if not for Grandpa.”
Ransom sighed. “I know, and you’re right. I just wish he could see my side.”
They saddled the horses, and Crockett rode at Paisley’s side. Headquarters was quiet. Inside was a different story. As soon as they stepped through the doors, they encountered chaos, with everyone hollering.
The loudest voice belonged to Stoker, lying prone on the sofa, waving his arms. “I tell you, I’m fine. Everyone get away from me. I’m getting up, and there’s not a soul can stop me.”
Paisley parked herself in front of him, blocking his attempt to throw his legs on the floor. “I may not be as big as you, but I can pack a mean wallop. Now lie back and let me check you. Then if I find you healthy enough, you can get up.”
Crockett chuckled. She had plenty of experience handling unruly patients. Gus and his pitching arm came to mind. He’d never seen his grandpa this flustered.
Stoker glared. “Miss Mahone, I’ll have you know I’m as healthy as a horse.”
“I have no intention of arguing with you.” She calmly lifted a stethoscope from her satchel and listened to his heart.
Her expression revealed troubling concerns, and Crockett knew his grandpa wouldn’t accept that he had to slow down and let the rest of them run the ranch. He was eighty-nine years old, for God’s sake. He didn’t have many more years left. Crockett’s eyes misted. He couldn’t imagine the Lone Star without Stoker galloping across the wild country.
At last, Paisley raised and removed the stethoscope. “Stoker, your heart is getting weak. All this fast living and the adventures piling up are wearing it out. You need rest. You’re going to have to start taking it easier.”
“See, Pa.” Houston crossed his arms across his leather vest. “Now will you listen to reason?”
Stoker was quiet. Paisley stepped aside and let him sit.
Luke pushed away from the wall. “Papá, let us run things. You taught us well, and I do not know if we are ready to step into your shoes, but we will try. Just give us a chance.” His voice broke. “You have earned a rest.”
Stoker pulled to his feet and drew Luke into a hug. “My son.”
Houston’s boots struck the floor as he went to his father’s side and joined them.
“My boys.” Stoker’s eyes filled with tears. “You make me proud. Sam too. Sorry he missed this.”
Crockett cleared the lump in his throat.
Houston pulled back. “So are you going to make things difficult?”
“No,” Stoker answered. “I always knew this day was coming. Just didn’t know it would arrive so fast. The reins are in your hands. I want to call a meeting though and discuss some things. We’ll get Sam here for that.”
“Muy bueno. I will send him a telegram.” Luke put on his hat and left.
Paisley moved to Crockett and put an arm around his waist. He glanced down. “You can be pretty fearsome, lady.”
“Nothing to fear as long as you mind your p’s and q’s.”
“You are grinning. Aren’t you?”
They went arm in arm onto the porch, and she told him Stoker’s days were numbered. “He can prolong things if he slows down. But you and I both know that’s not possible after running full bore all his life.”
“The day’s beautiful. Let’s go for that ride,” Crockett suggested. “Might do us both some good.”
They climbed on their horses and rode to the old watering hole. Perching on the bank, they reminisced about carefree times of their youth with plenty of kissing thrown in.
Crockett’s voice dropped low. “I dare you to strip down and dive in the water.”
“Oh, you do?”
“Frankly, I don’t think you have it in you. You’re not sixteen anymore.” He held his breath, waiting to see if she’d take the bait.
“Buster, I’ll take your dare and raise it. You have to do the same.” She began yanking off her clothes, her eyes never leaving Crockett’s face.
When both were as bare as the day they were born, Crockett took her hand, and they leaped.
The water was refreshing on his warm skin. They came up for air, and her eyes promised an eternity of love.
“I will always love you, Firefly.” And he meant every word.
As they bobbed in the water, he captured her lips in a kiss that seared down to his toes.
Thirty-two
Crockett’s law clerks, Race Grant and Julia Bishop, arrived the following week. Paisley had a bad feeling when they locked themselves into the office inside his house. Something big was going on, that much she knew.
She sat outside in front of the house with Casanova and Tye, enjoying the glorious fresh air. They had a good view of Crockett’s, as well as Houston and Lara’s across the dirt street.
Tye threw a ball for his puppy that he’d named Magic. “Go get it, Magic.”
The parrot piped up, “Get it! Get it!” He let out a long whistle. “Kiss me, baby.”
Magic stopped, turned his head from side to side, and whimpered. He ran back to Tye.
“Stop it, Casanova,” Paisley scolded. “You’re confusing Magic. Bad parrot.”
“Bad. Bad. Bad.”
“Auntie, he’s not nice to Magic.” Tye shook his finger at Casanova. “Be good.”
The bird dipped his head to his chest, hopped down from his swing, and flopped onto his back, playing dead, which seemed his favorite thing to do. Paisley laughed. She turned her attention to Hannah and Elena Rose, who galloped from the corral area and down the street that ran between her house and Houston and Lara’s. She and Tye had an excellent view.
Both girls stood in the stirrups, the reins clenched between their teeth, clutching bows. She released a sharp gasp. As the women rode past a large, red target, each shot an arrow into it. One hit the circle, the other landing just outside the middle.
It was most amazing thing Paisley had ever seen. They were very expert horsewomen and target shooters.
Tye stopped to watch as well. “How do they do that?”
“I don’t know, but it’s sure something.”
They sat there for quite a while, and the two women rode over to them.
“You’re both so talented!” Paisley stroked Hannah’s horse, Mister Pete. “I’ve never seen anything like that.”
“Thank you, Paisley. We’ve been practicing for some time.”
Elena Rose dismounted. “It gives us something to do, and besides, we love it.” She handed Tye an arrow to look over. “I’m sorry we haven’t had much time to talk. But I think you’ve been too busy anyway. Every time I look up, you’re rushing somewhere.”
“Over to my brother’s too,” Hannah added with a twinkle. “I’m glad. He needs someone. All he does is work.”
Paisley laughed. “That’s all any of us do, seems like. But I enjoy his company.”
They chatted some more, and the two horsewomen rode off.
Crockett finally emerged from his place with his clerks. All three were grim-faced.
“Is something wrong?” Paisley’s stomach made a dizzying whirl as she stood. “Is it Farrel?”
“No.” He strode to her side. “Someone burned my house and law office in Quanah. I’ll board the train at daylight.”
“That’s horrible. I’m glad that you don’t have to leave tonight.” Her hand fumbled for his. “We have this time at least.”
His brown gaze spoke of soft sheets and dim light. “We’ll make the most of it. Let me get Race and Julia some horses, and I’ll be back.”
