Charity: Mail Order Brides Of Wichita Falls Book 4 Page 9

  Hopefully, she’d be back before he woke up. The shades of early morning sky wreaked havoc across the sky. In a while it would be daylight, so she had to keep moving. Charity hadn’t expected for Daniel to be in her bed so she went down to the newsroom to dress. After securing her hat and the dark gloves to hide her feminine fingers, she closed the front door to the newspaper and fled towards the saloon where Handsome Johnny promised to meet her.

  When she got there, he was standing outside, smoking a stale cigar. The smoke billowed around his face, causing him to gag and cough. She got a whiff of the tepid smoke and choked back a dainty sneeze. Charity took the bandana from around her neck and placed it over her lower face to cover her nose and mouth. It made it easier to stand being in such close proximity to the outlaw. As they worked their way across town, she followed him while he guided his horse. All of a sudden he stopped. “Now listen, missy. I have to go in first so you gonna have to hide behind one of the trees I tell ya to so I can talk to the McKenzie’s before I go taking you in there. They’ll shoot first and ask questions later if I go in with someone they don’t know.”

  She nodded. The closer they were getting to the river, the more her stomach began to quench. It felt as if a fist were squeezing her from the inside out. Was she crazy to do this? The path he led her down was winding its way further from town towards the river. She took a chance to look back. The town seemed forlorn, too quiet this time of the morning.

  Charity was unsure now. She wanted to be brave but was this the way to go about getting a story? Did she want to be number one so bad she’d risk her life like this? Before it didn’t matter, she had such a driving force to prove herself. But that was when she was alone in the world. Now she loved someone. Someone who was a part of her. She was a wife. Charity wanted to be a mother someday, didn’t she? It seemed that her whole life of wanting to be a top reporter to prove the men in Chicago wrong didn’t matter as much now. What if she didn’t make it out of here alive?

  When someone rode up behind them the hairs on her neck stood up. She jumped, slamming her hand across her mouth so as not to cry out. Her first instinct was to run. Instead, she whipped herself around to face whoever was coming up behind them to find Daniel there. “What in the world are you doing here?” she questioned sternly while at the same time a wave of relief broke through her. Her nerves were shattered with every step she took closer to the water and the sharp voices heard in the distance.

  The river was just over a small ridge. She turned to Daniel. “How did you know we were here?”

  When she saw the guilty look on Handsome Johnny’s face, she stopped walking.

  “Now, Charity, don’t go getting upset. I forced Johnny to spill the beans.” He slid off his horse. “It’s out of our hands.” He kissed her cheek, working his way to the opposite side of her face where Johnny couldn’t see what he was saying to her. “Things are going to get downright ugly in about thirty seconds. When you hear the first shout, I want you to get behind that tree.”

  She stiffened. “I’m not going to get my story, am I?”

  “Not right now, Charity. I promise you’ll get it before the day is over. Please.” His warm breath made her lean in to him even if they were about to be immersed in the center of a dangerous situation.

  The long, drawn out shout came, drawing attention from the outlaws on the other side of the ridge. Charity turned to run, knowing she had to follow instructions this time. “It’s okay,” she shouted to Daniel. “Be safe. I don’t care about the story. I need you to be safe.”

  He galloped after Handsome Johnny, who realized he’d been duped when he saw a large body of riders charging towards the river. It looked as if half the townsfolk were heading there. Shots were fired while Charity hid behind a thick oak tree, her back against the hard bark, both hands over her ears. With her heart thumping against her chest, she squeezed both eyes closed, praying to God Daniel wouldn’t be hit. After a few minutes, she slid to the ground, careful not to move where anyone could see her silhouette. Shaking, she twisted to the right, afraid to move but wanting to know if Daniel was alive.

  To her relief she saw him on the horse, a rifle slung over his shoulder. Funny that she hadn’t noticed the shotgun when he rode up to her earlier. All she had noticed then was his masculine frame and how his warm breath had made her heart race. The shooting had stopped. Looking around, Charity could see two of the outlaws lying on the ground, their bodies riddled with bullet holes. She ran out from behind the tree towards Daniel. He turned and saw her, sliding from his horse and taking long strides to reach her. His arms wrapped around her, holding her close.

  “I’m so glad you are safe.” Pressing in to him, Charity knew this was where she wanted to be. Yes, she wanted to cover the biggest story ever but without Daniel, nothing would matter much.

  “Thank you for listening and staying behind the tree.” He leaned down and covered her mouth in another one of his tender kisses.

  When Daniel let her go, she took her hand and placed it on his cheek. “Thank you, Daniel. I’m so lucky to have you.”

  He grinned. “You still want a story?”

  “I sure do.”

  “Follow me. I think there’s someone you want to talk to.”

  Charity ran to keep up with Daniel as he led her to the two outlaws who were on their knees on the ground by the river. Both their hands were tied behind their backs while blood seeped from one of the men’s forehead. Daniel pointed. “That’s Zach McKenzie. I promised you a front page by-line. Go get your story, Mrs. Ashwood, the most famous woman reporter on the Texas Prairie.”

  Charity dug deep in her pocket for her paper and pencil. She would write the best front page story ever.

  Chapter 9

  The Town of Wichita Falls Captures Infamous McKenzie Gang! by Charity Ashwood. A single tear slipped down Charity’s face. This was the one thing she longed for, a by-line on the front page of a newspaper.

  Strong arms came around her from behind. “Congratulations, Mrs. Ashwood. You did it.” He nuzzled her neck, dropping small kisses against her tender skin. She leaned into him.

  “We did it, Daniel. You. Me. The town.” She turned in his arms, wrapping her own hands around his neck and securing a long, drawn out kiss. As she looked up, his hazel eyes stared out the big picture window. He smiled.

  “I think we have an audience.”

  She turned. There was a crowd across the street, waving and clapping, some throwing a fist in the air. They all had just received their copy of the weekly news. The townsfolk were ecstatic the outlaws were brought to justice.

  “Your name is becoming famous around these parts,” Daniel told her, his gentle hands massaging her tired shoulders. She had spent the last few days and nights working on the article. Newspapers all over the territory picked up the story, bragging about one of their own, a brave and daring newswoman who infiltrated an outlaw gang for a story.

  “I’m hoping this news reaches as far as Chicago,” Daniel told her. “Serves them right to hear they lost the best reporter they had.”

  She shrugged. “Their loss, Daniel. Let’s go join the others.”

  Hand in hand they walked across the street to the joyful cries of the townsfolk. After securing the outlaws on a stagecoach with armed guards, they were taken to Dallas, where the two would be held in the county jail until their trial. Since Wichita Falls had no jail or sheriff, justice had to be served somewhere else.They were lucky the town of Wichita Falls didn’t serve out their own justice.

  “Perhaps it’s time we build a jail house,” someone mentioned.

  Ben nodded. “I’ll foot the bill. Wife’s an accountant, you know. She’s got some extra money tucked away we’ll never use.”

  “Guess we should hire us a sheriff, too.”

  Charity chimed in. “I think perhaps we should form a committee to vote and make some changes in our town, what do you think?”

  Daniel agreed. “I’ll keep everyone informed of the process by a w
eekly column.”

  Murmurs, head nodding and outright hollering came from the crowd. Daniel and Charity gazed lovingly at each other. She wanted him all to herself. “It’s been a long day, husband. I’m going to retire.”

  “Not without me,” he told her, gathering her in his arms as they walked back to their newspaper.

  Changes were coming. But first, they were going to love each other until the morning light.

  2 months later

  “Charity! I’ve got a letter for you.” Thomas came bustling in the newspaper filled with excitement. He’d proven to be such an asset to the newspaper by helping with everything. He wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. The young man learned quickly and was heading for a great career in journalism.

  Charity reached for the letter, her brows coming together when she saw the return signature. Chicago Tribune stood out on the envelope like a dirty mud puddle in the middle of the road. Fear and trepidation made her react as if the letter was a snake ready to strike. She set it on the desk, staring hard.

  “Well, aren’t ya going to open it up?”

  “Oh, Thomas. I’m not sure I should.”

  “Go on. At least see what it says.”

  The idea of an apology from Barry or Jimmy burned in her soul but if she opened it up she would know for sure. She paced back and forth across the room, unsure. Did she want to open this back up? After the outlaws were captured, Charity realized she didn’t want the life of a notorious newswoman in a bustling city. She was loved in this small town, with a husband who adored her more than life itself. As she did him. The people were kind, hard-working and made her feel as if she were a part of something. She hadn’t felt that way in Chicago.

  In Chicago, she was another journalist, trying to find a place in a man’s world.

  She stood in front of the letter. After ten minutes of staring at the envelope, she picked it up and stared some more. Her curiosity got the best of her. Thomas began to talk to someone but she wasn’t paying attention. Charity felt the air as the front door opened but still she continued to stare at the envelope.

  When she picked it up, she turned it over, biting her bottom lip. In a way she wasn’t surprised if it was an offer to come back to the Tribune. After all, she held her ground, proved herself as a reporter. The thought of those two men apologizing was a great feeling. The thought of a job offer was horrifying.

  She’d be a fool to turn down a notorious newspaper like the Chicago Tribute. It would sky-rocket her career to a level like no other.

  A rough voice whispered in her ear. “You won’t know unless you open it, darling.”

  “I am afraid. It’s scary.”

  “I’m here with you.” His gentle touch against the small of her back gave her the courage to slide the letter opener and rip the top off. Unfolding the letter, she read silently to herself.

  She began to cry. Tears slid down her face, unashamed. She began to choke on her sobs. She let the letter fall and held her hands over her face.

  Her husband stiffened.

  He seemed so angry without saying a word.

  She turned to face him but he walked away, out the door, slamming the door hard.

  “Wait!”

  He didn’t turn around. Walked down the street straight into the saloon.

  Daniel thought she was crying for all the wrong reasons.

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  She secured the cowboy hat and heavy boots before looking out the door. The townsfolk were in their homes for the night. It was late and Daniel hadn’t left the saloon since he walked away in a huff earlier. If he had waited she would have explained her outrageous behavior.

  Now she was about to put all of this to rest once and for all. When he found out the real news he would be so ashamed. Surprised.

  With a smile on her face, she practically danced down the street. The old town drunk came around the corner just as she was about to step on the boarded walk. He stopped dead in his tracks and stared hard. “You a lass?”

  She grinned.

  “Well, I’ll be darned. Strangest thing I’ve ever seen.” He shook his head back and forth as if he were dreaming. Looking down at the bottle in his hand, he mumbled to himself that maybe he’d been drinking way too long.

  Charity laughed and walked inside. The dark interior made her blink several times. She lowered the cowboy hat even more, working her way to the bar. It was a bit more crowded in here tonight but she was determined to get Daniel’s attention one way or another.

  She spotted him at his regular place at the bar, his booted foot propped on the lower bar. With an elbow leaning on the top of the bar, he twirled his glass of Sasparilla in his hand, staring at the bottles lined up on the shelves.

  He never noticed when she sidled up alongside of him. Salem came over to her, recognition on his face. “What’s yer poison?”

  She grinned. “I’ll have what he’s having?”

  “You sure about that?” Salem muttered, a jovial smile penetrating from his tall frame.

  “Sure am.”

  Daniel slowly turned his head. When their eyes locked, the torture on his face made her cry out. She realized right then he had been scared she would leave him. She saw the pain in his eyes that led to his soul, the part where he had been abandoned as a young child. How could she have forgotten what he had gone through before? She needed to reassure him.

  Charity picked up the Sasparilla and took a sip. “I’m not going anywhere.”

  She heard his sharp intake. “I’m stuck with you, then?”

  She laughed out loud, the feminine sound turning heads close by. “You sure are, Mr. Ashwood. For life.”

  “Yeah?”

  “Yes. The letter was an affirmation, Daniel. An apology and a request to work with them. An offer to fire Jimmy if I came back.”

  “How can you pass this up?” He put the glass to his lips and took a long draw. Charity noticed how he clenched the glass with an iron fist.

  “I’ve gotten a better offer.”

  He turned to her. “What? Where?” Anger began to seep into his voice.

  She flung her head back and laughed, almost knocking the cowboy hat from her head. “Mr. Ashwood, I got the best offer of all. Motherhood.”

  Daniel stilled. “No kidding?”

  She waited. Knew it was coming. Then it happened. A wild, crazy sound erupted from deep in Daniel’s chest. He picked her up in the air and held her close, her legs dangling. Small kisses covered her face and neck. “I love you, Charity.”

  She gathered his face in her hands. “I love you, Daniel.”

  Their kiss deepened and some serious heckling began. “What’s he doing kissin’ a young boy?” someone hollered.

  “Disgusting!”

  “Why, that’s unheard of in these parts!”

  Charity and Daniel laughed. He pulled her hat off and threw it in the air. Her silky hair fell from atop her head, falling in long streams down her back.

  “That ain’t no boy, it’s a daggone woman!”

  “A woman!”

  “Holy mackerel!”

  “Let’s get out of here,” Daniel told her, picking her up and carrying her out of the saloon. “It’s time we have a proper honeymoon.”

  “You’re not going to carry me all the way back to the newsroom, are you?”

  He kissed her again. “I sure am.”

  Townsfolk were still out in the early evening hours. They stopped to stare at the two carrying on in the middle of the street. “People are seriously watching us,” Charity told him, while dropping small kisses across his face.

  “We’re having a baby!” he shouted. “A baby! Did you all hear!”

  When they got back to the newspaper, a fancy buggy waited out front. Daniel held on to Charity, who insisted on being put down. “Not on your life, darling.”

  She hung on to his neck while he spoke to the stranger.

  The gentleman stood with his hat in his hands. “You Daniel Ashwood, newspaper man?”

  �
��That’s right. I’m kinda busy at the moment.”

  “I’m wanting to put an advertisement in the paper.”

  “It’ll have to wait until morning. Shops closed.” Charity noticed the man was well dressed. His buggy was fancy, nothing like it in the area.

  “Okay. I’ll be back first thing in the morning, then.”

  Daniel stared after the man as he crawled up in his buggy, taking the reins in his left hand.

  “Where you from, stranger?”

  “Wont’ be a stranger for long. Name’s Max Ward. I’m here to settle Byron Ward’s matters.”

  Daniel held his breath. He nodded to the man. “Come by any time after daylight. Goodnight.”

  “Who is he? I heard your long sigh when he said his name.”

  Daniel smiled. “Nothing gets by you, does it, newspaper woman? Forget about Ward. Let’s go inside. I want to show you something.”

  “What do you want to show me?” she asked, her eyes dancing.

  “How much I love and adore you, Mrs. Ashwood. You’ve changed my life.”

  She pulled him down for a long kiss. “You changed mine, Mr. Ashwood. Forever.”

  Thank you for reading Daniel and Charity’s story. Don’t leave yet, there’s so much more! Meet the next bride, Hannah.....

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  Hannah is live!

  Get Hannah on Amazon here!

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  Hugs,

  Cyndi