Ella, p.10
Ella, page 10
Today’s been a really scary day. I’m stuck upstairs with Callie and Jacob while mama sits downstairs alone guarding us from some dangerous men. I don’t know what they’ve done, but if mama’s taken out grandpa’s rifle, I know it must be bad.
We had a cold supper tonight, instead of the roast chicken mama planned to make for the marshal. I know she’s worried about him because when Callie asked why he wasn’t here, mama’s eyes teared up. We ate like we were having a picnic on the landing at the top of the stairs, but then mama sent us back to our rooms. I think it really frightened Jacob ‘cause he asked to sleep in my room tonight. I suppose it’s okay, since he’s only little.
I hope the marshal gets back soon from wherever he’s gone. Mama had us say an extra prayer before our meal and asked the Lord to watch over the marshal and his men.
Ella dropped the children off at school on Tuesday morning after Jeremy Bailey went from door-to-door giving everyone the all clear to go about their business. The two men he and Mister Styles had brought to the jail were in the hands of the marshals from Olympia and on their way out of town.
The third man, still at large, was believed to be halfway to Spokane. Supposed sightings had been telegraphed in along the way. Yet, there’d been nothing from Tuck, nor had he returned to town.
Her heart heavy with pain, Ella feared the worst.
She dropped off her horse and buggy at the livery and made her way to the mercantile for some extra spools of thread and a bolt of plain gray cotton. A group of men were camped out near the front counter, their boisterous conversation coming to a halt as she approached.
“Ma’am,” Harley Carmichael greeted, tipping his hat.
“Have you gentlemen heard anything about the marshal?” she dared to ask.
“Not a word since he took off after that last fellow,” Carmichael confirmed. “Though, if they’re traipsing through the backwoods between here and Spokane, there’s not too many places a man could stop to send a message.”
“I wouldn’t worry,” Able Mitchell added. “From what I hear, the marshal’s a crack shot. He can take care of himself.”
“Yes, of course,” she whispered softly. “I’m sure he’s fine.”
Though she’d been busy nearly the entire day, Ella couldn’t shake her feelings of dread. The thought of never seeing Tucker again made her heart clench. Despite her previous insistence she didn’t need or want another man in her life, she’d fallen for the marshal.
‘I’m a patient man, Ella.’ His words came back in a rush and Ella prayed for the same restraint for herself.
It was nearly time to close up for the day and head home when a commotion out on the main street of town drew her to the front of the shop. When she opened the door, a gust of wind greeted her, followed by the sound of men’s laughter and shouts of triumph.
Ella stepped out onto the walkway and raised her head, her gaze coming to rest on Tucker McAlister. Seated atop his big horse, he was covered from head to toe in crusted mud. His usually cleanly shaven face was dark with a scruffy beard.
To some, he may have looked no better than the bad men he’d chased. To Ella, he looked like the answers to her prayers.
Rather than make his way to where she waited, he stopped in front of the jail and dismounted. She was about to rush forward when she realized he was leading another horse, a body draped over the animal’s back and covered with a blanket.
Jeremy Bailey came out of the jail and the two men spoke for a few moments, before Tucker handed off the reins to both horses. Then, turning in her direction, he crossed the road and started forward.
Ella fought the urge to rush to meet him. Yet, standing still was nearly impossible.
“Ella,” he called out, reaching for her.
She literally threw herself into his embrace, her enthusiasm somewhat curtailed when he let out a wince. “Are you alright?”
He lowered his gaze, his dark brown eyes widening. “I am now,” he whispered before taking her mouth in a desperate, yet perfect, kiss.
He smelled of smoke and sweat, yet none of that mattered. All she cared about was having Tucker back safely and—for the briefest of moments—being wrapped in his strong arms.
“Thank the Lord,” she mumbled against his lips. “I was so worried something horrible had happened.”
Tucker blew out a long breath and pressed her head to his shoulder, tightening his arms around her back. “I’m back now, not much worse for the wear. There’s nothing more to worry about.”
“And, I see you got your man.”
“That I did. It took a bit longer than I’d hoped, and not the way I wanted to bring him in, but he gave me no choice. It’s done now.”
“You should probably go see Doc Collier, and maybe get some sleep,” she suggested.
“I’ll be right as rain as soon as I’ve had a bath, a shave, and that roast chicken you promised me.”
“I think that can be arranged. Assuming, of course, you don’t fall asleep in your tub,” she teased.
“Not a chance. As dirty and smelly as I am, I’m also as hungry as a springtime bear.”
“Supper will be ready at six. And don’t, for even a minute, think you’ll get by without recounting your exploits to the children. They’ve been asking after you every day, morning, noon, and night.”
“I can probably spin them a yarn without too many gruesome details,” he confirmed.
“These are my children, Tucker. What makes you think Jacob won’t be angling for the gruesome part?”
Tucker pressed a kiss to her forehead, and then stepped back. “I’ve got paperwork to get done, and a bath to take.” Grinning, he added, “Maybe I’ll keep the beard.”
She reached up and stroked his cheek. “Or not.”
He chuckled and stepped off the walkway. “See you at six.”
Tuck pushed away the last of the paperwork and leaned back in his chair. He was dead tired, smelled like week-old fish, and his ribs hurt something awful. Yet, the thought of skipping supper with Ella and the children was out of the question.
“What are we supposed to do with the body?” Styles asked. “I don’t want him buried here in our cemetery.”
“I’ll have the undertaker prepare him for transport, then the marshal’s office in Olympia will send someone for him. He’s got kin in Oregon that can claim him. Or, he’ll be buried in a cemetery on the outskirts of Olympia.”
“We can hold down the office another day if you want to go grab some sleep,” Bailey offered. “No reason to hand in our badges tonight.”
“I was thinking about that,” Tuck admitted. “The marshal’s service has given me the go-ahead to hire one full time deputy. If you fellas would like to split the position, in addition to your other jobs, I can put in a word. You certainly proved yourselves in my absence.”
“I sure could use the extra money,” Bailey confirmed. “Especially with another young’un on the way.”
Styles let out a laugh. “What’s that now, six? You need to start sleeping in the barn before your woman throws you out completely.”
Bailey reached out and gave the other man a shove. “You’re just jealous ‘cause I got a woman.”
“Not me,” Styles commented. “I’m perfectly fine with them ladies over at the Pickle Barrel.” When both Tuck and Jeremy Bailey chuckled, Styles asked, “What about you, marshal? Are you itching to make that pretty widow a bride again?”
“You assume she wants to be a bride again,” Tucker responded. “I’ve never met a more confident and capable woman. She doesn’t need a man for anything... other than... well—”
“Exactly.” Bailey’s snorted laugh sent a warm flush to Tuck’s cheeks, forcing him to turn away and shuffle the paperwork one last time.
Promptly at six, Tuck climbed the stairs leading to Ella’s home. He’d bathed, shaved, and even stopped to gather a bouquet of fall flowers for her table. Now, all he had to do was lift his hand and tap on the door.
He couldn’t remember ever being this nervous in his life. He’d faced down men with guns, held his own in fisticuffs, thrown men twice his size out of saloons. Yet, the thought of spending the evening in Ella’s company tied him in knots.
Especially knowing how he felt about her, and not knowing how she felt in return.
“There you are,” Jacob hollered, yanking open the door before Tuck had worked up the nerve to knock. “Mama said you probably fell asleep, but I knew you wouldn’t do something so silly before you had your supper.”
“No, buddy, I didn’t. My paperwork took a bit longer than I expected.” Tuck narrowed his gaze on the boy, and asked, “You've been behaving for your ma, haven’t you?”
“Yes, sir. I even got moved up a grade at school, ‘cause I can read better than the others my age.”
“Good for you, Jacob.”
Once he’d discarded his jacket on the peg by the door, Tuck followed Jacob toward the kitchen.
“He’s here, mama,” Jacob called out ahead of their arrival. “I told you he wasn’t no Rip Van Winkle.”
Tuck stifled a chuckle, and confirmed, “Yes, I’m here, and just in time. Something smells delicious.” Extending his arm, he handed Ella the bouquet. “For the table.”
“Thank you, they’re lovely.”
Jacob slid between his mother and Tuck and glanced from one to the other and back again. “Are you courting my mama?”
“Jacob!” Callie shouted from the doorway. “Mind your own business.”
Tuck looked in Callie’s direction, not surprised to see Thomas at her side. Pulling in a deep breath and some much needed nerve, he asked, “Would it be okay with you three if I was? Assuming your ma agrees, of course.”
“It’s fine with me,” Jacob confirmed.
“Me, too,” Callie agreed.
Tuck shifted his attention to Thomas who stood silent. “What about you, Thomas?”
The boy shrugged. “If it’s what mother wants, I have no objections.”
“Well, then,” Tuck said, turning in Ella’s direction, “I suppose the decision is yours, Ella Winslow. Would you have any interest in being courted by a lawman?”
It seemed as if she was about to answer, when Thomas spoke up. “Unlike our father, at least when the marshal kills someone it’s all part of his job.”
“Thomas Edward Winslow,” Ella scolded. “That was uncalled for. Perhaps, you’d prefer to spend supper time in your room.”
Turning on his heel, Thomas spun around and headed for the stairs.
“I’m sorry,” Ella said softly, her gaze scanning the reactions of her two younger children before returning to him.
“It’s okay,” Tuck responded. “Maybe he’s not as good with our courting as the other two.”
“Why don’t we all sit down to eat?” She motioned the children to their chairs, and once they’d joined Callie and Jacob at the table, Ella added, “I’ll take Thomas a plate afterward, and have a talk with him,” Ella explained.
“Perhaps, I could—”
“No,” she responded, laying her hand over his. “I’ll do it. I have a feeling I know what’s bothering him, and it’s more about our past, than our future.”
“We can come back to the idea of courting after you’ve spoken with him.”
“Tucker McAlister, are you reneging on your offer?”
“No, ma’am. Not at all.”
“Well, then, I accept your request to court me properly.”
Relief washed over him, sinking clear through to his bones.
“Great.” He blew out a breath, and asked, “Jacob, could you pass the potatoes.”
Journal of Thomas Winslow
Monday, October 31, 1870
The last couple weeks of the month were very emotional for everyone, especially mama. The marshal got back safely, bringing the dead body of the fella he was chasing. Then, he surprised me when he asked our permission to court our mother.
I hurt mama’s feelings, even though I didn’t mean to, when I made a comment about our pa. I apologized, and mama said she understood. She says she thinks it’s because I thought of myself as the man of the family now, and that I didn’t want anyone to take my place. I figured I only said it to remind her about the marshal’s dangerous job.
Now, the marshal’s probably wondering what I meant about our father killing someone. It just slipped out, even though I don’t think Callie or Jacob really knew about what happened.
We all went to church together yesterday, and mama sat next to the marshal and held his hand. Callie thinks they’ll get married soon. I’m fine with it, no matter what mama thinks. I just want her to be happy again. The marshal said we could call him Tucker, if mama was okay with it. She said it was all right as long as we were respectful.
Our neighbor, Missus Curdy, is coming to stay with us tomorrow night so mama and Tucker can go to the café for supper. I told her I’m big enough to watch the other two, but then Missus Curdy promised to bake us cookies, so I guess her being here won’t be so bad.
It hasn’t snowed again since that first time. Jacob’s worried we won’t have snow to play in since his teacher told them it doesn’t snow as much here as it did back in Missouri.
Thanksgiving’s coming soon, and Callie is collecting leaves and pine cones to make a centerpiece for the table. Tucker promised to take us on a buggy ride to see the big mountain... Mount Rainier... where there’s snow on the top of the entire range.
Tucker pulled the buggy around to the front of the house and waited for Ella and the children to don their heavy coats and scarves for the hour’s ride to the foot of the mountain range. The moment the door opened, and Jacob and Callie surged forward, Tuck’s chest filled with joy. His heart swelled with emotion like nothing he’d ever felt before.
He found it hard to believe that little more than seven months ago, he had no idea his life was about to change in the most unexpected ways. If he were a man who believed in coincidence, rather than faith, he surely should write to the mayor of St. Joseph and thank the man for having him fired.
Instead, Tuck felt certain, the Lord had put him on that wagon train so he could meet Ella Winslow and her children. So certain, in fact, he gave Him thanks on a daily basis. Now, if only the Almighty would infuse him with the courage to ask Ella to marry him. For all the men he’d faced down in the name of the law, Tuck found it ironic that proposing marriage made him break out in the cold sweats.
“How long will it take to get to Mount. Rainy,” Jacob asked once he was tucked beneath the lap blanket.
“It’s Mount Rainier, silly,” Callie corrected.
“That’s what I said,” Jacob insisted. “Mount Rainy-er.”
Thomas rolled his eyes, drawing Tuck’s grin, before climbing into the rear seat beside his siblings. “According to my figures, it takes about an hour to get to the Cascade range, but Mount Rainier is much farther away. Maybe even a two-day ride,” Thomas told them.
“Thomas is right,” Tuck confirmed. “We’ll be able to see Mount Rainier from where we’re going, but it’s much too far for today’s outing. Still, you will be awed by what we are able to see.” With his explanation given, Tuck offered Ella his hand. “Your buggy awaits, ma’am.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Tuck caught sight of another of Thomas’ frequent eyerolls, as he helped Ella to her seat. Once she was comfy, he circled the buggy and climbed aboard and adjusted the lap blanket across their knees.
“Is everyone ready?” Once they’d all shouted their confirmation, Tuck slapped the reins down and set the buggy in motion. “I’ve brought lunch from the café for us to share once we reach the base of the mountain. The reverend says there’s a nice spot where we can park the buggy and walk around.”
“Yes,” Ella added, “he and his missus were there in early September, just as the leaves were changing. Apparently, it’s quite a beautiful sight.”
“There’s also one of the most interesting displays of Western White Pines along the way. An older fellow by the name of McCauley oversees both his private land and the hundreds of acres belonging to the state. Word is, he’s raising his grandson to follow in his footsteps.”
“How wonderful,” Ella commented. “The Lord’s beautiful bounty should be preserved as best as we can.”
“The Cascade mountain range extends for hundreds of miles through the state,” Tuck explained. “The area we’ll be visiting is only a small section.”
“Could we see the whole thing some day?” Callie asked.
“Perhaps,” Ella responded. “It would be a lovely trip to take in the summertime.”
The conversation during their trip revolved around the various types of trees and plants growing along the road. Thomas held one of the books he’d borrowed from school in his lap and made it his mission to identify as many as he could. Pretty soon, the three children were engrossed in a game to see who would be the first to find something new.
“They seem to be enjoying themselves,” Tuck commented. Reaching out, he took Ella’s hand in his and closed his fingers around hers.
She returned the light squeeze of his hand, and agreed. “Yes, they enjoy trying to outdo one another. Something tells me, Thomas is holding back and giving the others a chance.”
“Like any good big brother should.”
They pulled over a half hour later, parking the buggy in one of the cleared fields across from the base of the mountain range. “I read somewhere that there are plans to build trails up the side of the mountain so people can walk part way up,” Tuck told them. “Seems to me, they’re supposed to start marking off the safest pathways in the spring.”
“It certainly is lovely,” Ella said, her head tilted back as she scanned the side of the mountain.
“I brought my binoculars,” Tuck told them. “If you stand up on the back of the buggy, you can use them to see along the range all the way to Rainier.”
Thomas rushed to Tuck’s side. “You have binoculars?”
“Yes, they were purchased by the marshal service. They’re known as prism binoculars, because of the way the lenses are formed. My pair have seen a lot of action and they’re scuffed up a bit, but they still work so that’s what matters.” Once Thomas had climbed onto the bed at the back of the buggy, Tuck handed him the glasses.
