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  Before the older man told him, Sam knew who that visitor was. His stomach flipped then flopped. “It was Angeline, wasn’t it?”

  “Ayup, it sure was. She was in there for a bit; your Pa was in there, too. Word has it Booth was in the shithouse the whole time.” Jessup scratched his dirty nose. “When she come out, her neck was red, and her hair was all messy.”

  The implication was there, but Sam refused to accept it was truth. Angeline did not go to the jail and give herself to Jonathan. It wasn’t possible.

  “What do you think happened?” His voice was tight and strained. The dumb kid was causing him stress even after he’d disappeared from Forestville.

  “I think the boy tried something with your angel, and she put him in his place.”

  Sam let out a breath at Jessup’s theory. It’s exactly what he needed to hear.

  “So, what happened to him night before last? Where did he go?” Sam was still worried Jonathan would reappear.

  “Dunno. Somebody must’ve let him out. That jail can’t be broken out of. I know ’cause I tried more than once.” Jessup stared at Sam. “I can keep nosing around to see if folks know anything.”

  Sam put his hand on the shorter man’s shoulder. He had trouble remembering what he used to think of Jessup, because the man had his utmost respect and friendship. “Thanks, Jessup. I appreciate you doing that. I just don’t want my wedding to go haywire because of Angeline’s old beau.” Sam stared down the street and spotted Lettie walking down the sidewalk. “I’ll talk to you later today.”

  “You betcha.” Jessup disappeared into the shadows as he usually did.

  It was Friday afternoon, and the wedding was scheduled for Saturday morning at ten. He didn’t have much time to catch Lettie alone, so Sam raced to catch up with her.

  He was surprised to find Lettie making a dress for Angeline. Given the history of where they came from, he’d expected her to disapprove of the entire marriage.

  Yet he knew she was making the dress despite her own misgivings. Sam respected that although the woman had barely said two words to him in the entire time she’d been in Forestville. Although she probably wouldn’t like it, he needed to talk to her.

  “Lettie, I need to talk to you.”

  She didn’t slow her stride. In fact, he swore she actually sped up. “Got nothing to say to you.”

  Sam was a tall man, and she only came up to his chin, but damn the woman had the speed of a thoroughbred. He practically tripped over his feet to keep stride with her.

  “Please, Lettie, you’re the only one she truly trusts.”

  She stopped so abruptly, Sam continued past her a few feet then stopped to turn around. Lettie’s gaze was narrowed to slits and her hands were on her hips.

  “If I’m the one she truly trusts, then why has she been sneaking around with you? Why did she agree to marry you without talking to me first?” Lettie snorted. “Trust me? Ha, she can barely see past your handsome face.”

  Handsome? She thought he was handsome? Before Sam could react to that, Lettie started to walk away. He put his bulk in her path and crossed his arms.

  “You and me need to talk honest like.”

  She pinched her lips together and held his gaze for what seemed like ten minutes. “Fine, but make it quick. I’ve got to get something at the store.”

  Sam hadn’t expected her to give in so quickly. He glanced around and realized he was only a block from home. “Why don’t we go get some coffee then?” He gestured toward the yellow building. “My father is at the jail with Henry looking at wanted posters.”

  It had become a habit with Michael Carver. Each morning, he insisted on helping the sheriff review the posters. It kept him busy, and Henry didn’t mind the company. It also allowed Sam to prepare for his wedding and get some work done to get the house ready for its new mistress.

  Lettie walked toward the house, leaving Sam to catch up again. Truthfully, he was a bit nervous about talking to her. She held a big place in Angeline’s life. He had a feeling if he didn’t work out a truce with Lettie, then his marriage would always have a shadow over it.

  Sam got to the door first and opened it for Lettie. She stepped inside and glanced at the newspaper equipment. Then her head swiveled back again. He was more than surprised to see keen interest in her gaze. She didn’t say anything though, so he didn’t offer any information. Perhaps after the wedding, he might find out if she wanted to know more about publishing a newspaper.

  “Let’s go into the kitchen. I can make coffee right quick.”

  Again, Lettie said nothing but allowed him to lead her into the kitchen. The brand-new table shone brightly against the rest of the roughness in the room.

  “Nice table.”

  Sam was pleased by the compliment. “Thanks. I hope Angeline likes it, too. I’m still working on chairs to go with it.” He held out one of the rickety chairs for Lettie. “Sorry these are so pitiful.”

  “I’ve certainly sat in worse.” Lettie was an odd duck, that was for certain.

  Sam busied himself getting water on the stove for coffee then sat down across from her. He laced his fingers together and thought about what he wanted to say. It had to be said just right because he’d only get one chance with this woman.

  “I wanted to talk to you before the wedding about Angeline. She thinks the world of you, and your opinion is very important to her. I think this marriage is going to be a thorn in your friendship if you and me don’t find a way to get along.” Sam knew it was silly to talk to a woman about her friendship with his intended, but he damn well wanted to do this right.

  Lettie sighed. “You’re right to be concerned. I don’t approve of you two getting hitched, and that isn’t going to change.” She met his gaze with a completely unwavering one. “She’s told you about Josiah?”

  At the mention of the bastard who had hurt Angeline, Sam’s hands tightened enough his nails were cutting into his skin. “She did.”

  “All of it?”

  “Enough of it. I’ve also seen her back. Believe me, if that bastard comes within a mile of her, I’ll shoot his head clean off.” Sam had already made sure his rifle and shotgun were cleaned and ready. He wasn’t about to take a chance with his new wife’s safety. Aside from that fact, he wanted to kill the man who’d dared to treat Angeline as if she were a thing put on earth for his pleasure. The man didn’t deserve much, not even a shred of pity or mercy.

  Lettie nodded. “I’m glad to hear it, but he sends hired killers after us. He wouldn’t bother to do it himself. She escaped one already but only because of her sister.” She leaned forward. “To be honest with you, I don’t think an ex-soldier with a crippled leg can defend her against a hired gun.”

  Sam didn’t take offense. Lettie was only telling the truth. “Fair enough. I can also alert the sheriff to be on the lookout for strangers. Besides, once Angeline changes her name to Carver, it’ll be that much harder for anyone to find her.”

  “That’s clever thinking, but you don’t know Josiah. I’m sure Angeline didn’t tell you everything.”

  The coffee bubbled on the stove so Sam rose to put the grounds in. He wasn’t sure he was going to like what Lettie was about to tell him.

  “Then why don’t you tell me what she hasn’t? I would never judge her for things she’s done.” He knew Angeline would feel the same way. Both of them knew the other was flawed, with more mistakes than they could carry, but none of it seemed to matter. They were deeply connected, and nothing could break that bond.

  “He beat his wives so he could get his staff hard.” The words were yanked from her, spat out as if they tasted bad.

  “I know that.” He put cool water in the coffee to settle it and kept his gaze on the brunette at the table.

  “The more pain he inflicted, the harder he got.”

  “He’s a lousy bastard.”

  Lettie’s voice began to rise. “He also liked to watch. Did she tell you that? He would make us pleasure each other so he could the
n beat both of us and make us pleasure him.”

  Sam couldn’t help but be shocked. He had trouble imagining sweet Angeline touching another woman. “He did what?”

  Lettie’s eyes began to burn like coals. “Oh, yes. He did every filthy thing imaginable to give himself pleasure. There wasn’t anything Josiah didn’t enjoy if it involved pain and humiliation. Angeline was lucky she only had to live with him for two months. There’s nothing in this world, no love or understanding, that could possibly erase the hideous memories of that black-hearted son of a bitch.”

  Sam poured the coffee, glad to see his hands weren’t shaking. There was a significant amount of rage in Lettie, and she obviously kept it bottled up if this small exhibit was any indication of what bubbled beneath the surface.

  “I’m sorry, Lettie. I’m sorry he took so much from you.” He set the mug down in front of her, pleased to see she didn’t smack it away.

  She stared at the coffee, swallowing repeatedly. Sam realized she was swallowing tears. The unflappable, unmovable Lettie had been reduced to tears at the memory of what her supposed husband had done to her.

  “You have no idea how much he took.” Her voice had sunk to a whisper.

  “I’d be pleased if you would consider moving in with us after the wedding.” The words jumped out of Sam’s mouth before he realized he was even thinking of them.

  Her head snapped up, and surprise danced across her face. “What did you say?”

  “You and Angeline are closer than sisters. I know she loves you and would want you to be safe.” Sam began warming to the idea the longer he spoke. “I desperately need help with my father and the newspaper. We could all live here together as a family.”

  Lettie sipped the coffee, and that’s when Sam realized her hands were shaking. He was truly surprised by how much she hid beneath the gruff, hard exterior she showed the world.

  “A family?”

  He nodded. “A family ain’t just bound by blood. Just look at you and Angeline. You two are family with no shared blood. I’d be right pleased if you would consider yourself my new sister and this as your home.”

  She glanced around the kitchen. “If I’m to live here, we’re going to have to fix this place. It’s in terrible condition.”

  Sam grinned. “Does that mean yes?”

  Lettie took another sip of coffee. “It means yes, but I’m going to warn you, Carver. If you hurt either one of us, nobody will ever find your body.”

  He would have laughed, but he knew she was serious. Instead, he held out his hand to shake hers. “Agreed.”

  Her handshake was firm, with the calluses born of a woman who worked too hard. Sam thought he even saw a hint of a smile hidden somewhere in her fierce expression.

  “I can’t wait to tell Angeline.” Sam gazed around the room. “Then I’m going to need to buy some more wood and nails.”

  This time Lettie actually chuckled. Then Sam joined her. They would definitely have a unique family, but the one thing it wouldn’t lack was loyalty and love.

  Chapter Nine

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  Angeline’s wedding day dawned bright and sunny, a perfect spring morning in May. She skipped down the sidewalk to the livery, eager to see Cab and share the joy of the day with him. The air was cool and she couldn’t stop smiling at the wonderful day ahead.

  She’d brought two apples for the gelding. He whinnied as she walked toward him. She smiled as his great head pushed against her belly. “I’m getting married today, Cab. I wish you could be there, boy. You’re family too.”

  She fed him the apples one at a time and he munched on them with equine happiness. Angeline smiled as he enjoyed his treats. “Without you, I wouldn’t have found Sam. Thank you for saving me.”

  She hugged his neck as tears pricked her eyes. The rest of her life was about to begin and the gelding was an important part of her past.

  It was time to step forward.

  Angeline returned to the restaurant and ran up the stairs to her room. After washing up, she laid the dress on her bed and stared at the ivory material. It was softer than anything she’d ever felt and would be her only wedding gown. In a few hours, she’d be Mrs. Samuel Carver, a wife in truth to the man she loved.

  She hugged herself and twirled in a circle, too happy for words. Her first wedding was a dim memory. On that day she’d worn only a raggedy dress and tears. This wedding was as different as night from day. She was filled with hope and love, a far cry from fear and loathing.

  “I guess you’re excited to get hitched.” Marta chuckled as she came into Angeline’s small room. She’d never felt closer to them than when she’d realized she was more important than their restaurant. In fact, the ceremony was taking place downstairs. They’d closed the restaurant and set it up for the guests. A gesture that humbled Angeline.

  “Yes, this time is. I mean, today is perfect.” Angeline pushed away the dark memories and focused on Sam.

  “Good, now let’s get you in that dress and downstairs. The preacher is here and so is your anxious bridegroom.” Marta touched Angeline’s hair. “Never was blessed with children, so I hope you don’t mind me filling in as your ma.”

  Angeline’s eyes pricked with tears. “My mother died a very long time ago. I never really knew her, but I do know I’d be blessed if she was anything like you.” She hugged Marta and was immediately enfolded in the older woman’s embrace.

  “Ah, Liebchen, you will make me cry now.” Marta laughed and held her at arm’s length. “Let’s make you a missus.”

  Angeline smiled, unable to speak since her throat was tight with emotion. Marta helped her put on the dress, then brushed her hair and twisted it into a lovely bun at the back of her head.

  “Come look at yourself in the looking glass in my room.” Marta took her hand and led her to the larger bedroom at the end of the hallway.

  When Angeline stepped in front of the mirror, she gasped at the image. The woman standing there was a stranger, a vision in ivory and lace, shining in the sunlight like an angel. For the first time in her life, she saw what others did. She had never considered herself pretty until that moment, until she was ready to marry the man who had claimed her heart.

  “You are a sight, Angeline. Sam will likely fall on the floor when he sees how beautiful you are.”

  “Oh, he certainly will.” Pieter stood in the doorway, a wide smile on his face. “She is a sight.”

  Angeline turned and curtseyed to the older man. “Thank you, kind sir.”

  Lettie appeared behind him. Her gaze sought Angeline’s.

  “Can you give me a few minutes with Lettie?” Angeline looked at the Gundersons. “I know we’re close to the time to go downstairs, but I need to speak to her.”

  “Of course, of course.” Marta herded Pieter out into the hallway and closed the door behind her.

  Lettie looked Angeline up and down. “You look stunning.”

  “Thank you. The dress is, well, it’s amazing. You are a gifted seamstress.” Angeline fingered the lace on the sleeve, never having owned anything even half as lovely.

  Lettie waved her hand in the air. “It was my pleasure. I know I don’t always show it, but you mean a lot to me.”

  Angeline sat on the chest and patted the spot next to her. Her friend lowered herself slowly beside her.

  “I came to confess something to you. I hope you won’t be angry with me.”

  Angeline frowned, confused by anything Lettie could have done to make her angry. “Confess what?”

  “I helped Jonathan escape from jail.”

  At first, Angeline could only gape at her friend. It was more than shocking news; it was simply unbelievable.

  “Lettie, why would you do that without asking the sheriff first? Or me? Did you know he tried to choke me?” Angeline’s voice rose, and she had to take a deep breath to calm herself down. She had no doubt Lettie had a good reason.

  “I went down there at first to talk to him. He was a shadow of the young man he used
to be, before he left on his mission. I’ve never seen a man so low before. We started talking, and he told me what he’d done.” Lettie took Angeline’s hands. “When he was here a few weeks ago, he sent a telegraph to Tolson.”

  Angeline’s mouth dropped open. “What?”

  “He sent a telegraph to Tolson and told them he’d found us here in Forestville.”

  This time Angeline’s heart stopped beating. She couldn’t find enough air to even form a sentence or get a breath in.

  “He was truly sorry he’d done it, but the deed was already done. Jonathan begged me to let him go so he could put it to rights. He was going to find a way to tell them he’d been wrong, starting with a telegram from another town.” Lettie rubbed Angeline’s back. “I know this isn’t what you wanted to hear today, but I had to tell you. You need to know what you and Sam are up against.”

  Angeline was able to pull in a breath. “Jonathan did what he thought was right as I am about to do. I know you were trying to help, and I appreciate you telling me.”

  “You’re still going to marry him?”

  “Yes, I’m still going to marry him. I love him, Lettie. That doesn’t change because I think Josiah will come after me again. He no longer has power over me. I refuse to let him.” Angeline got to her feet and smoothed out the front of her dress. “I am living my life now.”

  Lettie stood and hugged Angeline tightly. “Someday, I want to be as strong as you. I think I need to leave Forestville tomorrow. I can’t be here if he comes. I just can’t.”

  “I understand, but I hope you change your mind. Life just wouldn’t be right without you here with me.” Angeline squeezed her friend’s hand.

  The door opened, and the Gundersons peered inside at them.

  “Are you ready?” Pieter held out his arm.

  Lettie kissed Angeline’s cheek and left the room. Angeline wiped her eyes and stepped forward to take Pieter’s arm, Marta right behind her.