Lincoln County Series 1-3 (18 page)

Kimberly, one of the saloon girls, appeared and Jake accepted the offered shot of whiskey she held out. “Put it on Lacey’s tab.”

She let her gaze linger on him in a look of longing. It had been a while since he’d come to be entertained. The girls had given up on him when he began seeing Cameron because they all adored her, except for Charlotte who had let her jealousy be known. Now Cameron was absent and he felt anger build. He looked away from Kimberly and she took the rebuff in stride, passing out the remaining drinks.

After a while Jake took the hotel stairs until he halted in front of what used to be Cameron's door. He put out his hand to touch it and he could remember being there as if it were yesterday. He inserted the key he’d taken from the front desk and turned the lock.

*** *** ***

Hours later Jake had gone into Cook’s kitchen to steal a piece of meat, or anything he could find. He’d lost a lot of weight on the trail and it seemed his body could not get caught up to where it was before. Shoving a chunk of ham into his mouth, he grabbed a handful more and placed it in a cloth napkin, looking around for anything else handy. Seeing nothing at the ready, he replaced the dish of ham where he’d found it. No sense in causing trouble with Cook, or Lacey for that matter. When he got to the bottom of the stairs, sounds of keys being struck on a piano reached his ears. It was nearly pitch black and he wondered who was in the saloon in the middle of the night. Cautiously, he made his way, trying to muffle the sound of his spurs.  His eye caught the slight figure sitting alone at the piano. Bethany seemed to be in a daze. He didn’t even think she was aware of his presence. In a ghostly, unemotional manner, she continued touching the keys, barely swiping each one with her fingertips.

He eyed her with growing concern. Maybe she was grieving what had happened to her after all, though his rational side couldn’t quite buy it. There was no way she could escape that band of stagecoach robbers, especially if they knew she’d witnessed everything, and it didn’t help her testimony that it’d taken place on open ground where she had no cover. He’d received the telegram from the sheriff in that jurisdiction, and the man knew more than she thought he did. The haunting tune kept coming and it was unsettling. Or perhaps she was just loony. Even though he’d thought her a beauty, a thousand warning bells went off in his brain about keeping distance from this one. He didn’t need to know why, only needed to pay heed to it. He decided to leave her be.

Bethany continued her eerie composure and asked, “It’s Thanksgiving tomorrow, is it not?”

Like he’d been caught in an elicit act, Jake stood tall, a bit embarrassed. “I reckon it is.” 

“I’m glad the saloon will be closed. It should be a day for families to gather and be thankful.” She closed the piano lid gently and walked sedately up the back stairs, stairs that took women to their rooms of “entertainment.”

She was too peculiar for the likes of him.

Chapter Three

Cameron sat beside Andrew in their newly acquired buggy and giddiness emanated from her. She was coming home as Mrs. Jackson! Not only was she now married to a most magnificent man, she was also en route to see her dearest friend. Looking around town and waving to the townspeople, she realized how much she’d missed Lincoln County. Her time back East had been enjoyable for the most part, but it was society centered. She’d felt out of place among Andrews’ friends and she couldn’t escape the whispers of his old admirers. Apparently, he’d been a most eligible bachelor once upon a time. With gratefulness that she’d been the one to earn his love, she linked her arm through his. She did not deserve a man like him, and yet, he was all hers.

He was searching her face and asked, “What’s this all about?”

“Nothing and everything.” She grinned. “I’m just honored to be Mrs. Jackson.”

“Glad to hear it, otherwise we’d be in quite a conundrum.”

They laughed together and were nearing the inn.

“I’m still wondering if you made the right call in not telling Lacey when we’d return,” he said.

In her eagerness, Cameron got herself ready to exit the buggy. “She’s taken it upon herself to surprise me a time or two—it’s her turn now.”

He halted the horses. “Agreed. But patience please, I want to help you down.”

“Hurry Andrew!”

He shook his head at her girlish anticipation. Only when she placed gloved hands upon his sturdy shoulders did he ease her to level ground. He also kept her in close proximity, publicly teasing her and leaned in for a kiss. Embarrassed to be within sight of so many people, she gave him a quick peck and squirmed away. One thing she loved about Andrew was the tender passion he held for her, and the overflowing amount of love he blessed her with. For certain, she was the lucky one.

She entered the hotel and found Lacey scrubbing tables in the restaurant. “Need some help tonight?”

Lacey whirled around. “Cameron!”

They nearly crashed into each other, hugging and unleashing cries of joy. 

Her husband moved himself out of harm’s way. “My mother sends her greetings to you,” he said impishly.

Lacey cocked her head to one side. “She did, did she? And did she try to keep you and your new wife there in the better, less sinful part of the world?”

Cameron answered on his behalf. “It doesn’t matter if she did. We’re here, aren’t we? This is our home.”

Lacey clucked her tongue. “Our Cameron, always trying to make peace with everybody—that’s what I love about you so much. It’s good to have you back.”

Cameron’s eyes swept around the familiar restaurant. She would miss working with Lacey. Her heart had been filled with many memories, some she was fond of, others she would do well to forget. She hadn’t realized her husband might be doing likewise, and brought her gaze to his face.

Lacey was telling her, “While you were away, I had your belongings put into your new home.”

She blushed. “How kind of you to ready my things at Andrew’s.”

“It’s
ours
, Cameron, not mine.”

“I’ll get some coffee.” Lacey excused herself.

“No need,” Andrew said. “We have rounds to make.” 

Lacey’s face fell and Cameron looked apologetically at her. The visit had been absurdly brief. Mother Grace’s voice flashed through her mind, recalling her lesson prior to marriage about honoring her husband. This was a new concept to say the least. Putting aside her will for the moment, she said softy, “I’ll come by soon for that coffee.”

“Pending the weather, I won’t risk you traveling in the snow,” said her husband. She wondered what had gotten into him.

Cameron saw Lacey’s petite frame stiffen.

“I suppose I’ll see you when your husband finds the time for you.” Lacey turned away and left the two standing there to leave on their own accord. Cameron was silent. It was beyond her understanding why they came here in the first place if he meant for this reunion to be but mere minutes. It was almost as if he were hurrying her away from the hotel.

They passed by the rowdy saloon on their way to the door. Familiar sounds and smells emanated from the darkened room, bringing many memories to Cameron, along with thoughts and longings she didn’t think she should have as a preacher’s wife. It had been silly to assume temptation would wash away once she married Andrew. Out of nowhere she got a glimpse of her past with Jake. The night he’d shared about his sister had been the moment she thought she fell in love with him. A moment of anxiety grabbed hold of her with the fresh memory. There was no way she’d go back to the way she was. She was beyond blessed at how her life had changed since stepping foot in Lincoln County.

“Cameron? Are you coming?”

She looked upon Andrew’s face. He had a worry line etched on his forehead, and more than ever, she was grateful he could not read her thoughts. If he could, he’d be most disappointed. He needn’t worry. She would never give him cause to doubt her love and was determined to be a worthy Mrs. Jackson.

Chapter Four

Andrew had kept his wife to himself over the last several days as much as he could. He hadn’t been prepared for the onslaught of memories he faced at the hotel and had clearly reacted poorly and with regret. The only way he knew to make it up to both women was to give in to Cameron’s pleas. They would go to Lacey’s for dinner. He had been selfish with her, and if he would admit it, the thought of her seeing Jake made him ill with concern. Why wasn’t he secure in the love she had for him? Their bond could not be broken by contact with his friend. He was being irrational, and besides, with him at her side, what could possibly happen?

There had to be trust and he prayed that it would be sealed about them, with nothing to separate it.

“I’m looking forward to spending this evening with you.” He kissed her forehead and held her in his arms.

She reciprocated and he wondered at his foolish thinking. She’d never do anything to hurt him, and even if she did, God was able to restore anything.

Holding hands, they walked to the barn for the buggy. He wrapped her good and warm in blankets, complete with a heated brick at her feet.

When they arrived, Andrew retrieved Cameron’s cloak and set it upon the coat rack. Assuming she’d left his side, he was surprised to run into her solid stance. “What’s the matt…?”

Then he, too, saw Jake. The silence was incredible. He could practically hear Cameron’s erratic heartbeat. He thought he had satisfactorily rehearsed what he would do in this situation—a face to face with Jake Collins. But he was at a loss for words. Moreover, so was Jake.

He did not want things to be awkward, and thankfully, his wife extended her hand, breaking the silence. “It’s so good to see you.”

“I can say the same.” Briefly, Jake accepted her hand.

Andrew wanted to be done struggling with their past relationship. He was her husband with nothing to fear. Trust and forgiveness, he reminded himself.

Jake shrugged on his coat.

“You’re leaving?” Cameron asked.

“I was on my way out—leaving town for a bit.”

“Surely you can stay on a little while, we’ve only just returned.”

Andrew wanted to know what on earth Cameron was doing. Jake looked like he’d rather be anywhere but there and yet she was pushing this everyone-be-together-as-before nonsense. It would never be like that again. She must accept it.

He watched Jake work his struggle out, almost feeling sorry for him. Until he saw Jake reconsidering. He couldn’t blame him, she was hard to say no to.

She rested her hand on his forearm. “Please, Jake, sit with us. Let’s visit.”

Jake’s eyes took in his wife’s touch. Andrew’s stomach tightened.

It was time to intercede on all their behalves. “He’s on his way out, Cameron.”

Jake looked roughly upon him. Andrew waited. So this is what a standoff was? Minus the guns of course. He was not a jealous husband, but naturally he didn’t like what Cameron and Jake once shared. Jake had to understand that and he would hold his ground in this. He did not want Jake to share time with them, not yet anyway.

Finally and blessedly, Jake responded, “Like I said, I’m leaving town for a bit.”

As he strode by them Cameron called out, “When will you return? It’s almost Christmas.”

Andrew could not believe her persistence. As Jake turned back, he saw his countenance. The situation was difficult for him and his own wife wasn’t helping.

Jake stared at Cameron until Andrew wished he’d stop.

“I’ll return when I return. I don’t owe nobody an explanation or a time table.” He then hardened his gaze and looked at Andrew. “Congratulations on your nuptials.”

*** *** ***

Witnessing the back of Jake walking away brought a pang of remorse to Cameron. So badly, she needed everything to be as before. It was important they seek peace with each other over her decision to marry Andrew. But she had to ask herself, was she responsible for his new demeanor? He did not look healthy, was practically skin and bones. Every emotion crossing his face in the short time he stood in front of her cried bitterness. He looked intimidating and… mean. She couldn’t bear it if she were to blame. She reached into the last memories she had of Jake. Hadn’t they agreed they didn’t care for each other, that too much had happened between them? She was desperate for clarity and was about to pursue Jake when Andrew cleared his throat, interrupting her ponderings.