Chapter 4

As the black wagon drew nearer, Leah breathed a wordless prayer, unsure what to ask God for. To leave this town with her family—the only family she had left? Yes!

She gazed toward the approaching vehicle, marveling that two adults managed to reside in such a contraption while traveling from town to town. She recalled it being a shining black, with Uncle Robert’s name in gold letters painted on the sides. Now it looked worn and dusty. It creaked and clattered as the wheels hit ruts in the dirt road.

At last Uncle Robert reined in the two mules. Should she pray for her relatives to get settled somewhere and send for her?

Doubtful. Those benches by the church tree proved that tithes weren’t exactly pouring in, so they’d never be able to afford to pay for her transportation. And praying to go home—that would be asking the impossible.

But all was not lost. She had her new teaching position here in One Way, and lonely as it might be, she could carve out a life for herself. As far as marrying the sheriff, should that be her uncle’s wish, Leah would politely refuse. Goodness, but she didn’t even know the man, although Jesse Waite would have her vote for sheriff.

“Are you ill, Miss Hermaning? You look a bit peaked.”

She felt it, but nodded and smiled for the sheriff’s benefit. “I’m eager to get this day over with, that’s all.” And climb into a cool tub of water! Was it too much to suppose her accommodations, wherever they may be, would include a bathtub?

The wagon came to a stop in a swirl of dust. The sheriff helped Aunt Estelle from the conveyance.

Her feet had no more than hit the dirt street when she engulfed Leah in her embrace. “Leah, sweetheart, you’re the picture of your late mother, bless her heart.”

Leah returned her hug. “Thank you. I’m glad to see you, Auntie, and you, Uncle.” Her gaze rested on the stoic-looking man moving their way.

Her uncle merely tipped his hat to her, silent as usual. For a man who earned his living by talking, he certainly kept his peace when out of the pulpit. Or, in One Way, when away from the tree.

“Your uncle and I are staying at Mrs. Rigley’s boardinghouse. Let’s step inside the parlor. All of us need to have a nice, long talk.”

All of us? Yes, Leah knew what was coming. An offer of marriage … either that or the sheriff wanted to place her on probation.

“You’re a good girl, Leah. Always have been, aside from that demonstration incident.”

“Estelle, we agreed not to mention that.” Uncle Robert trailed them to the door. “Remember?”

“I’m sorry, Robbie. My memory isn’t what it used to be.”

Leah glanced at Sheriff Waite. Had he heard? Did he know of that “demonstration incident”?

Aunt Estelle stumbled, and Leah caught her arm. After the older woman had recovered her footing, Leah searched for a stone or weed growing up from under the porch. She saw nothing but smooth wooden planks. Nothing lay in the way that Auntie could have tripped over.

“Goodness, but it’s dangerous out here. A woman needs a good, strong man just to help her into the house.” Aunt Estelle fluttered her bony hand toward Jesse.

He hastened to catch up and took Aunt Estelle’s other arm.

“Not me. Her!” Auntie said in a stage whisper. “Robbie will look after me.”

Leah couldn’t hold back a grin. So that was her sweet auntie’s game. Even as silly as it was, Leah’s heart warmed at the attempt. But her aunt would be disappointed when she refused to marry the kindhearted sheriff.

Jesse offered his arm to Leah.

She hesitated as he regarded her with something unreadable in his eyes. “There’s no need. Unlike my dear auntie, I’m having no problems walking into the boardinghouse.”

He continued to hold out his arm. “It’s my pleasure, Miss Hermaning.”

My, but he must want to get reelected awful badly. Was he really that desperate? However, his voice had deepened and turned husky, as if he meant every word, and the sudden tenderness in his eyes made her bite back the teasing remark she’d been about to make. She reached out tentatively, unsure why this simple gesture seemed so monumental. Hadn’t dozens of men offered their arm to her in escort in her lifetime?

Yes, but always under obligation. Never for the sheer pleasure of accompanying her. And yet that was exactly what she now saw in Jesse’s gentle expression.

How could that be? Jesse Waite was handsome, manly, interesting—and she was plain, dull Leah Hermaning, the old-maid schoolteacher.

Would it be a sin to enjoy his escort, just this once?

Leah thought not. And as she slid her hand into the crook of his arm, she imagined for the first time how it must feel for a lady to have a man cherish her.

Aunt Estelle chattered on about the funeral they’d just come from, the hot August weather, and heaven only knew what else. At least Auntie carried the conversation, leaving Leah free to ponder the man beside her.

“Are we in the parlor yet, Robbie?”

“Almost.”

Couldn’t Auntie see that they’d just entered the cramped foyer? Leah stopped short and turned to Jesse. “What’s wrong with my aunt?” She spoke in a tone meant for his ears only.

“Eyesight’s been failing for a while now. She’s been falling, losing things … can’t walk around town by herself anymore.”

What a pity for her sweet aunt who loved so much to read her Bible. Leah had been foolish to get sentimental over a man offering his arm while her aunt struggled to see what was ahead of her.

The older couple eased onto one of the room’s two settees, Aunt Estelle perched on the edge like a little brown wren. Leah started toward a surprisingly plush-looking armchair by the empty hearth, but Uncle Robert waved her toward the second settee facing his.

“Jesse, seat yourself next to Leah there.”

Removing his gun belt and holster, the sheriff followed Uncle Robert’s instructions. It made for a tight fit on the settee, his arm pressed against Leah’s.

Aunt Estelle sighed happily. “We think this will be a delightful arrangement. You might not immediately agree, Leah. You’ve got your mother’s stubborn nature. But I promised her that I would make sure you were always taken care of, and I intend to keep my word. Nothing could please us more than to see you—”

“Estelle, please …”

The elderly woman clamped her lips tightly together and ceased her rambling.

Leah felt as though a fist had slammed into her midsection. So her suspicions were correct. But how could her aunt and uncle put her on the spot like this? And poor Sheriff Waite!

She slid her gaze to him. He’d doffed his hat at the door and now sat smoothing its brim, a slight tremor in his fingers.

“Leah, there has been a change of events since I wired you about coming to One Way.” Uncle Robert’s tone was the same he used to admonish his congregation. “As you’re aware, I had arranged for you to become the town’s first official schoolteacher.”

“And you would have been, too, if Luther Welton hadn’t—”

Would have been?

“Estelle, dear, allow me to finish.”

“Of course, Robbie. Go ahead.”

Leah squelched the urge to run. But run where?

“Unfortunately for all of us, Miss Collette Welton’s fiancé broke their engagement. For that reason, Luther Welton, the superintendent of the school, replaced you with his younger cousin Collette for the teaching position. Even though Mr. Welton agreed with our decision to hire you at first, we had no recourse after he changed his mind. Mr. Welton is a powerful man here in town. Half of One Way backs his every decision.”

“I have no job?” She had no school? No livelihood? And ten cents to her name—no, this couldn’t be happening.… “There must be other employment for me.”

“I’m afraid not. You see …” Sheriff Waite hesitated, shifting. “I know the lawmen in all the surrounding towns, and I’ve queried all of them. Seems there’s no respectable positions available for a female.” The sheriff set his hand over hers. It felt warm, comforting. “Miss Hermaning, believe me. I tried my best.”

“I’m sure you did.” She forced a jagged breath through her constricting chest.

“Leah, even though the ministry kept us away much of the time, we’ve always loved you like the daughter we never had.” Uncle Robert left his seat and now stood near the wooden fireplace mantel. His voice was low and fatherly, as if he truly cared about her welfare. “And it’s with deep regret I tell you that your aunt’s eyes have been failing her for a while. We’ve heard of a doctor in Portland, Oregon, who is familiar with advanced medical techniques. He replied to our inquiry and believes he can help. We’re eager to get there as soon as we can, before your aunt gets any worse.”

“But Uncle Robert—”

He held up a hand.

Leah swallowed her protest. “When will you leave?”

“Tomorrow. At first light.”

“But … I hoped we could spend some time together.”

“We can’t waste a moment more.” Uncle Robert’s voice said his mind was made up. “We need to be up in Glendive by Saturday evening. An evangelist is purchasing our wagon and mules for his ministry.”

“Selling your wagon?” They had owned and operated their ministry from it for as long as Leah could remember.

“It’s the only practical thing to do, although we’ll receive a mere pittance for it and the animals.”

“How will you get to Portland?”

“On Monday, your aunt and I will board the Northern Pacific in Glendive, and we’ll reach our destination on Wednesday. Your aunt sees the doctor Thursday afternoon.”

“So you see, dear,” Auntie said, squinting at Leah, “we’re on a very strict schedule.”

“Take me with you,” she begged. “I’ll help you as we travel, and I’ll take care of Aunt Estelle. I’ll do anything you want.”

“We don’t have the funds. We’re not getting much for our wagon and mules. But even if there was a way to take you along, your aunt and I don’t believe it’s God’s will.” A weighty pause. “Sheriff, why don’t you take a turn to speak?”

Leah held her breath, not trusting herself to glance at the handsome man beside her.

He cleared his throat. “Miss Hermaning, I know this is sudden …” His voice wavered as his calloused palm tightened around her hand. She looked at him then, and he stared into her eyes as if—as if he sincerely meant the words to come.

But how could he?

The softness in his gaze said otherwise. “I’d be honored if you’d … that is, I’d like for you to … well …” He inhaled then blew out his breath. “Miss Leah Hermaning, I’d consider myself blessed if you’d become my wife.”