Selina & Wyatt Read online

  She sent a neighbor for the doctor while she waited with her niece. When he arrived, he saw Selina and shook his head. “How did this happen, Mary?”

  “I’m not really sure, Dr. Koop. I found her this way. Someone must have tried to break in.”

  He looked at her with a raised eyebrow. “You sure?”

  Mary’s eyes filled with tears and she shrugged. She couldn’t tell the truth and risk making James angry.

  “Well, let’s get her over to the office. She needs more attention than I can give her from here.”

  They took her to his office with the help of her neighbor and his cart. Dr. Koop and his nurse closed the door behind them leaving Mary alone in the small, plain waiting room. Pacing, she tried to stop her shaking hands and think things through.

  How did I let my anger and frustration control me? Why did I stop paying attention to what was going on? I should have done more for Selina. She’s my niece, and I had an obligation to my sister. Selina didn’t deserve this.

  Mary’s sister, Selina’s mother, had found a man who hadn’t hit her. She was a soft girl, much like their mother who had managed to outlive her husband for several years. Until she had come to Mary and James, Selina had never been treated so cruelly, Mary was certain. Yet she had never said a thing. She’d allowed James to hurt the girl and never once tried to stop it. She wanted to scream at her own weakness.

  “She doesn’t deserve this,” she told herself tearfully, and then angrily wiped the tears away. Showing tears was a terrible failing after all. Nobody liked it when she cried. Mary had never been pretty, and her skills had eventually landed her a husband. So she tried to make herself neat and tidy and did the best she could to make James happy.

  She couldn’t let this go on any longer. Licking her chapped lips, Mary turned to the newspaper on the nearby table and tried to distract herself. She hoped some idle reading would help her sort everything out.

  As Mary browsed the adverts, she found the solution. It jumped out from the page and she couldn’t ignore it.

  In Rocky Ridge, Colorado, there was a boarding house just for women. The people there assisted women who wanted to find husbands. This seemed to be a better strategy with a matchmaker involved rather than hoping it worked out with a stranger. The advert promised cheap board, the ability to learn, and a safe home.

  A safe home.

  That was it. Mary jumped up and clutching the newspaper, she ran back to her empty house. Breathlessly, the woman grabbed what she could find and went to her wardrobe where she found the small bit of savings she’d been hiding from James over the last couple of years.

  Please let this be enough. She counted it several times as her heart pounded in her chest. Hurriedly she scooped the coins back up into the coin purse and bolted out the door.

  “A ticket to Colorado, please,” she told the train master at the train station. “To Rocky Ridge, that is.”

  The man hardly looked at her. “Closest stop is Colorado Springs. Next one leaves tomorrow.”

  She nodded, glancing around anxiously. She hoped Selina would be well enough to travel by tomorrow. “All right. One ticket, please.”

  Chapter Five

  Her whole body ached. From head to toe. Selina want to submerge herself in the darkness again, but something tugged at her memory. Her Uncle James’ face flew into her mind.

  Leaping forward with a gasp, she opened her eyes wide and searched around her looking for him. Someone grabbed her arm, and she cried out in pain, trying to push them off as she squinted in the bright light. He was still there, Selina thought desperately, and tried to fight him.

  “Calm yourself!” An unfamiliar voice proclaimed in her ear, and she froze in surprise. Shaking, Selina felt her strength fade as she collapsed backwards. It was a cot, not the yard. Blinking hard, she swallowed hard and looked around her.

  The light was so bright. Too bright. Only then did she realize they were talking to her. She raised a hand to rub her eyes, but they stopped her gently. “Miss Carlson, please. You’re safe, you’re all right. And don’t touch your face, you don’t want to hurt yourself.”

  The more they talked, the more she could see the two figures hovering over her. There was a man and a woman. The man was young, sallow, and had the bushiest eyebrows she had ever seen. In contrast, the woman was older, heavyset, and wore her thin faded red hair she tied back. It was difficult, Selina decided, trying to discern what they were thinking.

  “How do you feel?” The woman patted her hand kindly with an almost indulgent smile. “You’ve been sleeping for nearly a full day now, Miss Carlson.”

  She winced at the touch and carefully lifted her hand to find it wrapped in a bandage so firmly she didn’t even know what the injury looked like. But Selina could tell it was bad. Then the memories started coming back to her. Uncle James had grabbed her wrist and twisted it. Shivering, Selina fell back. Now she recalled how James had touched her, had hit her hurt, had hurt her.

  She was safe now, right? She glanced around the room. “Where am I? Who brought me here?”

  The woman glanced at the man and nodded approvingly. “I told you she looked like a sensible girl. Let’s get her some water, shall we? I’m sure she’s parched.” Giving the man a pointed look, she gestured to the table nearby.

  He huffed something about being the real doctor but obeyed, stepping away and filling up a cup of water. Trying to be patient, Selina watched the strangers and waited anxiously for answers. But the water came first, and she suddenly realized how thirsty she was.

  They waited until after she drank all the water and then the woman spoke. “My name is Ellie Monson, and that’s my nephew, Dr. Reid Hathaway. Isn’t he charming? He’s doing a very good job here, and he has an excellent practice set up. You’ve been here since yesterday morning.”

  Selina closed her eyes slowly and breathed in deeply.

  “You’re injured. Your aunt didn’t say how it happened, but it was quite a terrible accident.” Ellie paused to pat her arm carefully.

  Selina reached up to touch her lip. It felt odd and it hurt.

  “I wouldn’t do that if I were you, dear. You’ve got so many bruises and that’s a nasty cut on your lip. If you’re not careful, it’ll split again and I wouldn’t want stitches there.” Ellie reached out and gently eased Selina’s hand away from her face.

  “Perhaps you should rest.” Dr. Hathaway glanced at his aunt, waiting for her approval.

  The woman shrugged. “Let’s get her something to eat, shall we? She must be starving. Can’t you see how thin she is? Bring it over. No, we’ll do the cabbage later. Just the soup, dear. Thank you. Miss, let’s get this in your belly, shall we? Reid, help her sit up.”

  Selina sat up and cautiously accepted a few mouthfuls as she looked around the room one more time. It was only then she noticed there was a small table beside her bed and just below it, a familiar bag. She squinted her eyes to get a better look and sure enough, it was an old bag kept in the back of her closet. Not since she had used it to bring her belongings with her from her grandmother’s.

  “What is my bag doing here?” She swallowed hard. “I don’t remember bringing it here. I didn’t have it before.”

  Chuckling, Ellie shook her head. “Of course not. No, dear, your aunt brought it. She said you would want your things with you. Would you like to see them? Perhaps it shall bring you some comfort, I think.”

  But the doctor tutted. “Now, now. This is too much excitement, Aunt. She should get some rest. She has enough injuries to keep her in bed for a month, and I don’t want to risk us ruining the healing process.”

  Ellie just waved him off. “It will help her sleep. Here you are, dear.”

  A peek in the bag proved she was correct. Her belongings were inside it. Everything she owned.

  But why? Are they throwing me out? This is the only shelter I have. No matter how horrible it is, I have no other place to go.

  Then she noticed the envelope folded inside. She pull
ed it out and opened it up with shaking hands.

  Dear Selina,

  Your mother wanted better for you than I have given you. I have been wrong to treat you so poorly. And it has been even worse to allow my husband’s molestation. This is the last thing I can do for you, to protect you. When he comes home, he will wonder where you are, but I will deal with that as best I can. I don’t want him to hurt you again. I’m sorry I was not strong enough to do this until now.

  There’s a boarding house in Rocky Ridge, Colorado that takes in women. You will be safe there, far away from here. You’ll find a few coins at the bottom of your bag. It’s all I could manage and I wish it could be more. Go to the boarding house and ask for Mrs. Jessup. And forgive me if you can.

  Yours,

  Aunt Mary

  After reading it three times, Selina was still uncertain. A train ticket sat in her lap and she picked it up. The destination was Colorado Springs. And it was leaving today. Today.

  Inhaling sharply, she jerked her head painfully about, looking for a window. They said she had been sleeping here for almost a full day. She could hardly believe a day had gone by since she’d been bringing in the buckets of water and working on laundry.

  “What time is it?” She demanded. “I have to go.”

  “Go?” Ellie blustered. “It doesn’t matter what time it is. You can’t possibly think of such a thing, dear, not in your state. Why, you’re injured. For all we know, moving too much could hurt you even more.”

  But Aunt Mary’s words made sense and Selina grew antsy. Grabbing at her bag, she pulled out a scarf. “Please, I have to, I must go.” It was her only chance to escape this place. She had to get away from him.

  “Now listen here,” Ellie started sternly.

  “No!” Selina cried out with a vehemence that surprised them all. “I can’t stay! This wasn’t an accident, you must understand. I can’t be here where he can find me. He might kill me.”

  For several minutes they tried to assure her of her safety. But as exhausted as Selina was, she knew her aunt was right and she had to go. They weren’t happy for her to leave but the doctor and nurse finally conceded.

  “This is how we’re going to do it,” Dr. Hathaway decided. “Aunt, you’ll drive her to the station. I have Mother’s old cloak, and it has a hood she can use.” He turned to Selina and stared for a minute. “I’ll find you a bonnet, as well. In the meantime, my aunt can make sure your bandages are fresh and you must eat the soup for strength. Understood?”

  The women nodded. While Selina focused on getting the soup down, Ellie explained how she should care for her injuries. Eventually Dr. Hathaway returned, providing her the extra clothes and a small bag for the herbs and medicine. He helped them to the carriage, and they started the drive to the station.

  She had been awake for hardly four hours before Selina stepped onto the westbound train. Clutching the ticket, Selina used the last of her strength to find her seat. She nodded to Ellie who waved farewell.

  Leaning against the window, she took a deep breath and stared at the ticket stub in her hands. Everything had happened in such a flurry, and her head was spinning. Closing her eyes, Selina prayed that whatever came next would hurt a little less.

  Chapter Six

  The house many windows, a wide porch and sat on a huge plot of land. All the pathways leading from the house were clear and outlined with rocks all the way to the barn, the road, and the pasture. With the river and barn just before the mountain, only the northeast entrances would allow guests. Lucas had made sure no one could come upon his ranch without his knowledge.

  Wyatt Thomas believed in being prepared for everything even if it had been a few years since he’d left the business. Luis the Sixer had died a gruesome death soon after they’d gone their own ways, and that’s not how Wyatt wanted to go. Besides, over the last few years, his anger had faded and the pent-up energy had found enough justice and vengeance to last him a lifetime.

  Now, he just wanted the life his parents had started. Wyatt wanted a home, his own land to work on, and a family. The last idea struck his mind again as he helped a tall, round-bellied young woman down the steps.

  She had soft red hair and beamed at him as they reached her wagon. “That’s the one,” she said breathlessly. “Thank you, I appreciate it. I shouldn’t be out and about being so close to the baby’s arrival, but Simon keeps forgetting things. So I had to make sure we bought flour this time. Would you mind checking on him? My husband, he’s just inside.”

  Shifting, Wyatt couldn’t help but glance at the large belly again. Clearly, she was with child, but few were out and about in town so near their delivery time, or at least he’d never seen a woman walking around who was about to bear a child. Returning his gaze to the woman, he nodded and returned inside, immediately finding the only man who was alone.

  Simon noticed him before he arrived and tipped his hat. Wyatt nodded in return. “Your wife is outside,” he stuck his thumb towards the door. “I was on my way in and she headed to your wagon.”

  “What?” Simon’s eyes widened in concern. “Where is she? What happened?”

  Wyatt shrugged. “She was fine. Wanted me to remind you about the flour.”

  “The flour?” The man looked at him in confusion before it dawned on him. “Oh, flour. Yes. Why, I haven’t even looked for that yet.” He found it just at the end of their aisle. Wyatt watched as the young man picked out a large sack and hefted it over his shoulder. “Thank you, um, I didn’t get your name.”

  Wyatt fiddled with his hat. “Wyatt Thomas. I’m pretty new to these hereabouts.”

  Nodding, Simon appraised him. “Right. Not completely new though. I’ve seen you around the church, haven’t I?” He grabbed seeds and walked to the register. For some reason, Wyatt followed him, glad to have a conversation with a man and not his cows.

  “Right,” Wyatt informed him. “I’ve been here nearly a year, but I don’t get out much, I’m afraid.”

  Simon gestured with his elbow towards a bag of sugar. “Do you mind?” Wyatt shrugged and picked it up as they walked. “Thanks, Thomas. Well, Rocky Ridge is a good place to settle, that’s for sure. I have everything I need right there.” He looked at his wife and turned back with the biggest, foolish grin Wyatt had ever seen. “Have you got yourself a wife?”

  He shrugged, glancing around the store. “No, not at this point.”

  “You should try it sometime,” Simon offered. “It changes everything, more than I expected. Have you met any of the girls around town?”

  The former bounty hunter eyed the other man carefully. “You’re trying to play matchmaker?”

  Simon laughed. “Maybe. After things went so well with Susannah and the boarding house, it’s hard not to want such good things for everyone. Loads of folks here know about it. Haven’t you met the Jessups?”

  Lucas Jessup, the sheriff. That wasn’t something he would forget. Every bounty hunter had a complicated relationship with the law. The first thing he’d done when he arrived in Rocky Ridge was to study the sheriff to figure out if they would have any trouble. But the man was said to be honest and respectful, a former Ranger who could do what he needed in times of trouble.

  He shrugged. “Not really.”

  “The wife, Mrs. Jessup, she’s a matchmaker and boards young ladies while helping them find a husband. The Jessups are a great couple. You should talk to them sometime, see if they have a lady for you.”

  It was as if he was saying Wyatt could shop for his own wife, and he chuckled at the absurdity. Shaking his head, he picked up the sugar again for Simon and carried it out to the cart. They found Mrs. James there, petting the horse and beamed more at the flour’s arrival than her husband’s.

  “You’re such a gentleman,” she assured Wyatt. “Thank you for all your help. I’d make you supper this very minute, but I’m of little use in the kitchen lately. After the child comes, you must come visit us.”

  He tipped his hat as Simon helped his wife onto th
e cart. “Anything you like, ma’am. That’s very kind of you. Take care.” He gave a short wave as they parted ways, for he had work to get back to.

  Simon’s words struck him. The idea of using a matchmaker to find a wife was odd, but it sure would increase his odds of finding someone. But then the worry of having a wife and a family would come back all over again. What about his past? How much could he let go of? He wanted to be free of the bad memories and hard life.

  By the time Sunday arrived, Wyatt had decided to give Mrs. Jessup a chance. He needed the good to outweigh the bad in his life, and he couldn’t do it alone. He told himself this over and over during the sermon, eyeing the sheriff and his wife. Perhaps no one would be a suitable match but it couldn’t hurt to try. He hung back in the shade as he watched the blonde woman greet everyone after the sermon. Mostly, her husband stayed mostly quiet by her side.

  Until he came for Wyatt. The bounty hunter sensed him once he was close and turned as Lucas Jessup silently stepped out from around the corner. He had moved his sheriff’s badge to the folds of his vest so it wouldn’t glint in the sun. Though he’d attended church with everyone else, the sheriff still held two guns around his waist. He had even removed the clasps, Wyatt noted.

  “Good afternoon,” Sheriff Jessup nodded cautiously.

  Fighting the urge to reach for his own gun, the younger man nodded curtly. “Afternoon, sir.”

  The man went straight to the point. “Any reason you’ve been watching my wife since church started?”

  Wyatt liked the approach because it saved wasting everyone’s time. “I have watched her, indeed.” He knew he shouldn’t lie. The sheriff would see right through it and he wanted to make a decent impression. It wasn’t in his best interest to dodge the obvious. “And you, too.” Lucas’s shoulder twitched at the revelation and Wyatt fought back a grin. “I’ve been thinking about settling down, and your wife’s services have been mentioned.”