The Reluctant Outlaw (Love Inspired Historical) (21 page)

J
uliana couldn’t breathe. His arm tightened around her throat, choking her. She fought against him, unmindful of the gun. She needed air!

“Juliana, don’t!”

Evan’s plea reached her ears seconds before the loud crack of a weapon. Eyes squeezed tight, she hunched down and braced against the explosion of pain that never came.

Someone shoved her to the side. She landed hard. Gritting her teeth at the jarring discomfort, Juliana scrambled to get out of the way. The ropes dug painfully into her wrists. Her heel caught the edge of her dress, ripping it.

Voices volleyed all around her, as did the sounds of scuffling and muttered oaths.

Frenzied thoughts bounced around in her mind. Had Evan been shot? Was Art okay?

When she felt she was at a safe distance, she craned her neck, searching for Evan. Her hair fell in her eyes, and she shook her head to dislodge it. She recognized Luke. He was scrambling to hold down Fitzgerald. Thomas was there, too, doing his best to pull Evan off the outlaw.

Tears of relief clogged her throat at the sight of Evan unharmed. He was safe, thank God!

She wanted to scream at Evan to stop, to let the authorities mete out Fitzgerald’s punishment, but the gag silenced her. Gone was the control of a few minutes ago. Fury marked his features. She’d never seen that expression on his face. Anxious over what he might do, she prayed Thomas would be able to hold him.

A movement to the side of her vision caught her attention. It was Art, and he was lying on his side cradling his shoulder. Blood trickled onto the ground from the gaping wound in his arm. No! The gag muffled her cry of distress.

Slowly, Luke’s voice penetrated the haze of fury clouding Evan’s brain. Staring down into his enemy’s unrepentant face, he slackened his grip on his neck. He wouldn’t lower himself to the other man’s level.

Twisting out of Thomas’s hold, Evan stumbled back, chest heaving with exertion. Sweat poured off his face. He watched as the two men tied Fitzgerald’s hands and feet. Foul language spewed from the outlaw’s mouth.

Satisfied Fitz was no longer a threat, Evan sprinted to Juliana’s side. He dropped to his knees and eased her up into a sitting position. “Are you hurt?” He made quick work of the knot at the back of her head and removed the gag.

“Evan,” she gasped. She fell against him, her head heavy on his chest.

“Everything’s all right now, my darling.” He lightly stroked her hair, smoothing the damp tendrils from her face. Tears burned his eyes. Overwhelming gratitude made him want to shout for joy. He held her close, hardly daring to believe she was safe in his arms. For a few
minutes back there, he’d feared the worst. “You’re safe. I promise that as long as I’m around to protect you, nothing like this will ever happen again.”

“Evan, please.” She sucked in air, her eyes pleading, “Art’s been shot.”

“What?” He glanced over his shoulder. “I’ll see to him.” He sliced through the thick rope binding her hands and helped her up. “Are you all right to walk?”

“I’m fine.”

When they reached Art, Evan noticed the young man’s pallor. “Art, I’m gonna check the wound. I’ll be as easy as I can, buddy.”

With a curt nod and a grimace, Art braced himself. Juliana moved to sit on his other side and took his hand in hers. “I’m praying for you.”

He eased his eyes opened. “If it eases your mind any, ma’am, I asked Jesus to be Lord of my life. To forgive me for my sins.”

The emotion on Juliana’s face mirrored the feelings in Evan’s heart. This was amazing news!

“Oh, Art, I’m so happy for you.”

“I’m proud of you,” Evan added. He squeezed Art’s good shoulder before turning to tend to his injury. Luke walked up and assisted him. They were able to stop the flow of blood. It appeared that the bullet had gone straight through. There’d be no need for surgery, other than stitching up the opening.

Luke helped Evan load Art into the back of the wagon where a bound-and-gagged Fitzgerald awaited his trip to jail. Ignoring the outlaw, Evan patted Art’s leg. “Juliana and I will stop by the doc’s office shortly to check on you.”

Humble gratitude shone in his eyes. “I’d be mighty
grateful if you’d send my ma a telegram for me. Tell her where I am.”

“I’ll get the information from you and send it today. How’s that?”

“Thanks, Harrison. For everything.”

“Watch that shoulder.”

Evan turned to his cousin and Thomas and shook both their hands. “I owe you both.”

“You go take care of that young lady,” Luke advised. “Remember, no fear.”

Evan smiled. “I remember.”

He waited until the wagon started rolling down the drive to turn his attention to Juliana. She was sitting on the porch steps, watching him. He eased down beside her, his hungry gaze freely roaming her uplifted face. “Are you all right?”

Her luminous green eyes seemed just as eager to drink him in. “I’m fine. The Lord kept me safe, and He sent you to rescue me.” As if a thought struck her, she tilted her head to one side. “Why did you come back?”

“I’ll explain later. Right now, all I want is to look at you. Maybe the fact that you’re safe and sound will start to sink in.”

Summoning courage, Juliana lifted a trembling hand to caress his face. “I love you, Evan.” Ignoring his sharp intake of breath, she rushed on. “And if your offer of marriage still stands, I—I accept. I understand it will be a union based on friendship alone. I know you don’t return my feelings—”

“You’re wrong.” He suddenly gripped her shoulders. “I
do
love you, Juliana. My heart belongs to you. Has for a long time.”

Juliana stared at him in disbelief. Had she heard right?

His eyes were soft with emotion. “I don’t blame you
for not believing me. I’ve been an utter fool. I thought if I ignored my feelings long enough they would go away. I was wrong.” He stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. “I realized that I’ve been letting fear rule my life. I don’t want to worry anymore about what ifs. I want to focus on the here and now.”

“Oh, Evan,” she breathed, her heart bursting with joy, “I think I’ve loved you since that first day. You were so furious when Fitzgerald hurt me, you took it personally even though you didn’t know me. And you were protective, so careful in your treatment of me. Deep down, I knew you were a good man.”

His mouth parted in surprise. “Are you saying you cared for me all along? Before you knew the truth?”

She laughed softly. “I kept telling myself all the reasons I shouldn’t fall in love with an outlaw, but my heart wouldn’t listen.”

“Juliana,” he breathed her name with awe, lowering his head to kiss her. He held her as if she were a rare treasure, the movement of his lips against hers achingly tender. Easing away, he sent her an earnest smile. “Remember you said you wanted a man who was desperate to marry you?”

Her heart skipped a beat. The love shining in his eyes made her feel so special. “Yes, I remember.”

“You’re lookin’ at him,” he claimed softly, his hands framing her face. “You bring me such joy, Juliana. I don’t want to imagine my life without you in it. Please say you’ll marry me.”

“I want nothing more than to be your wife. To share the rest of my days with you.” She beamed, blinking back tears of joy.

“Let’s start with today.” He grinned, his expression more serene than she’d ever seen it.

“What do you mean?”

“I want to marry you today. We can have the pastor here perform a simple ceremony with Luke as our witness. Then we could have a fancy one in Gatlinburg for all your friends and family. What do you think of that idea?”

The dress and cake and decorations didn’t matter to her. The most important thing was the joining of their lives.

Juliana wrapped her arms around his neck and lifted her face for a kiss. “Brilliant. How soon can you be ready?”

Evan held her tight against him and kissed her thoroughly. “One hour?” he whispered, his forehead resting against hers.

At this point, she would agree to anything he suggested. He
loved
her. She was still working to understand that fact. “You’ve got yourself a deal.”

“I love you, Juliana. I always will.”

His tender vow touched her deep inside. “And I you.”

F
lanked on either side by her twin sisters, Juliana waited near the cake table for her husband to join her. Dusk was fast approaching. Already lanterns were being lit and placed on the tables. Lightning bugs flitted about, their flashes of light illuminating the darkening sky. Their guests, dressed in all their finery, mixed and mingled under the trees in her mother’s front yard. A month had passed since their wedding in Cades Cove. Tonight was all about celebrating their union, a way for family and friends to share in their happiness.

“You are so lucky, Juliana,” Jessica gushed, her youthful face alight with happiness.

Jane, older by three minutes, declared, “It’s all so romantic! And Evan is the most handsome man I’ve ever seen.” She sighed, a dreamy look in her eyes.

Evan stood talking with his cousin Luke across the yard, and when she caught his gaze he held up a finger to indicate one more minute. Grinning, he winked at her. Her heart skipped a beat, and she grinned back.

Seeing her husband relaxed and happy thrilled her. He’d endured much loss in his life. During the last two
weeks, she’d witnessed her family slowly filling the void left by the loss of his loved ones.

“What do you think, Megan?” Dark-haired Nicole, wearing an elaborate robin’s-egg blue creation in the latest style and shipped straight from New York City, addressed their book-loving sister. “Would their story be a best seller?”

Juliana locked gazes with Megan and waited for her answer. “I’m not sure. All I can say is that I’m thankful this one has a happy ending.” With a sweet smile and moisture in her eyes, Megan hugged her close. “I’m happy for you, sis. You finally have your very own hero.”

Juliana whispered, “One day your hero will come.”

Laughing softly, Megan shot back, “I hope his arrival is not quite as dramatic as Evan’s.”

“Juliana, my dear.”

Releasing Megan, Juliana turned to her mother, radiant in her lavender brocade jacket and full skirt and looking much younger than her fifty years. Of all her family members, Alice O’Malley had handled the news of Juliana’s marriage with the most grace and restraint.

“Do you have a moment? Joshua would like a word with you.”

Glancing beyond Alice, Juliana spotted her cousin standing apart from the guests. He gave her a brief wave. “Of course.” To her sisters, she teased, “No one lay a finger on that cake! I’ll be right back.”

As she approached, she noted his slumped shoulders and pursed lips. He appeared deep in thought. “Hey you.” She tugged on his jacket sleeve. “Penny for your thoughts.”

Joshua’s smile couldn’t mask the sadness in his blue eyes. “I got you something.”

She looked down at the neatly wrapped package he placed in her hands. “What’s this?”

“Open it.”

Carefully untying the pink ribbon and peeling back the material, she admired the elegant stationery and small book with blank pages—a journal to record her experiences in her new home. “Thanks, Josh.” She smiled up at him, tears springing to her eyes. She would miss his good-natured teasing and ready smile. “I can’t think of a better gift.”

Slipping his hands in his pockets, his expression turned solemn. “I’m gonna miss you, Jules. Who am I supposed to go fishing with once you’re gone? And what about our shooting contests? It won’t be the same without you here to make Caleb hoppin’ mad.”

She gave him a lop-sided smile. “Soon your fiancée will arrive. You can teach her all the things you taught me.”

“Francesca is a city girl,” he protested, “more suited to fine drawing rooms and needlework than outdoor pursuits. I doubt she’d be interested.”

Juliana had never met the oil heiress, but she couldn’t help but wonder if Francesca was a good fit for Joshua. “I don’t mean to question your judgment, but are you certain she’s the one for you?”

“I could ask the same of you,” he responded.

At first, Joshua hadn’t been at all happy about her decision to marry Evan. The initial confrontation between the two men had nearly ended in blows. Joshua was only being protective, of course. He wanted the best for her, just as she wanted the best for him.

“Evan is a good man.”

Joshua nodded. “I have to admit he’s growing on me.”

To her relief, the men had formed a tenuous friendship over the last few weeks.

“Ah, here comes your husband now.”

Juliana turned to see Evan, darkly handsome in his black suit, crossing the lawn with determined strides. Reaching her side, he slipped his arm around her waist and tugged her close. “Sorry to keep you waiting, sweetheart.” He nodded to Joshua. “Josh. Everything all right?” His gaze drifted from one to the other.

“Fine,” Joshua said. “I’m thirsty. Think I’ll go grab a glass of punch.”

“Josh, wait.”

Stepping in front of him, she placed her hand over his heart. He’d been her dearest confidant all through childhood. They shared a lifetime of memories. “I love you, my friend. Remember we’re just a few days’ ride over the mountains. You’re welcome anytime.”

His eyes brimming with affection, he covered her hand. “I love you, too, Jules. We’ll visit often. And I may even write from time to time.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

His voice gruff, he said to Evan, “Take care of her, Harrison.”

“I love her, too,” Evan said gently. “You don’t have to worry.”

With a curt nod, he walked away.

Evan stepped up behind her. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

“Did I mention how stunning you look today, Mrs. Harrison?” he whispered near her ear, his warm breath scattering goose bumps along her neck and shoulders. Juliana relaxed back against him and gazed contentedly at the festive scene before her.

Juliana smiled. “I’m glad you approve of my dress.”

“It’s not the dress. It’s you
in
the dress.” His deep voice was a caress. “And I like all the sparkly things in your hair. You look like a fairy princess.”

Her hands tightened on his.

Evan had meant it when he’d said he didn’t want to wait to make her his bride. Within hours of his proposal, they’d stood before the minister in the valley’s quaint white church and said their vows, their only witness Luke Harrison. The ceremony’s beauty was in its simplicity, the focus solely on their love for each other. Juliana was grateful for that intimate, private ceremony and the wonderful days that had followed.

Evan had only one meeting with Sheriff Tate to discuss the case. After that, the sheriff had arranged for the transportation of Lenny Fitzgerald to Knoxville where James’s murder trial would eventually be held. Thanks to Evan’s tip, Cliff Roberts and his gang had been captured during their attempt to rob the Gatlinburg Bank. They were already in Knoxville awaiting trial.

As soon as a court date was set, Evan and Juliana would travel there as well. He was eager for justice. And at long last, he was allowing himself to grieve for his brother. The process was slow and at times painful, but he was relying on the Lord to help him through.

Gazing at the guests, she spotted Art and his mother talking quietly. The experiences of the last few weeks had changed him. He was more mature. There was a confidence about him now that hadn’t been there before.

Sheriff Tate had agreed to let Art go free in exchange for his testimony. Juliana would forever be grateful for the sheriff’s leniency.

Evan pressed a kiss on her cheek. “As long as I live, I don’t want to ever spend another night without you.”

She turned in his embrace and slid her arms up and around his neck. “I missed you last night, too.”

His hold tightened. “Whose idea was it to consign me to your cousins’ house, anyway?”

Juliana smiled. “I don’t remember. Megan, perhaps. She’d think it was romantic. Was it that bad?”

“So bad I was tempted to sneak over here and kidnap you a second time.”

“I’m disappointed that you didn’t.”

His blue eyes heated. “I love you, Juliana Harrison.”

Looking over at her husband, the man she adored, she was overcome with emotion. Juliana was in awe of God’s mercy and grace. His ways were indeed above her ways, His thoughts above her thoughts. On that morning in the mercantile, she never could’ve imagined what lay in store for her. He had taken a seemingly impossible situation and turned it around for good. God had blessed her beyond measure.