part0016

She dressed and was about ready to go down for breakfast when there was a knock on her door. By the sound of the rap on the wood, she knew it was Mark. He was never demanding but always sure.

She opened the door and smiled. He did look handsome in his clean, crisp, and new blue shirt and black jacket.

“You look lovely, as usual.” He extended his arm to her. “Ready for breakfast?”

She nodded but took his hand and led him to the couch in her room. “Mark, I haven’t been able to tell you how wonderful you’ve been to me. I want you to know that I appreciate all you’ve done for me and for Sam.” She kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”

By the sadness in his eyes and his frown, that wasn’t what he’d wanted. The love in his eyes had dulled some. But this morning, he looked at her as if she were the meaning of life.

“Evangeline, I know you don’t like it, but to me, you’ve been my Angel. I’ve loved you the best way that I know how. My heart won’t be the same, but we made a deal. I thought for sure that you’d come to love me as I have loved you. I don’t know why it happened, but for me this love has been so real.”

She touched a finger to his lips. “I can’t, Mark. Please. The others will be waiting.”

He nodded, stood, and held out his hand for her. “Let’s go. It’s going to be a big day for Sam and you.”

She walked beside him to the diner where Sabrina and Tom waited.

Tom grinned. “Thought we’d have to send out a posse for your two. I’m starved.”

Sabrina wrapped an arm around her husband. “You are always hungry. They have a table for us near the back.”

Evangeline could hardly think of eating. So much was happening. Mark had sent wires to Archie and the governor of the territory. They’d all testified as a character witness for Sam. And Sam’s growing faith in the Lord testified for him, too.

Still, Judge Nordstrom was known as a tough man who made little room for second chances. Mark had told her to hope and pray, but he wanted her to know the judge was hard.

Breakfast came, and she nibbled on the eggs and toast. She sipped at her coffee but could hardly enjoy the time with the others. Mark was quiet, too.

Finally, it was time to go. The clock dinged the hour. Ten. In thirty minutes, she’d know. Mark and Tom stood.

Mark looked at her. “We’ll have seats saved for you in the courtroom. We have to go early to take the prisoners to the courthouse.”

Sabrina frowned. “Why don’t we get to do that, too?”

Tom smirked. “Do you ever give up? Today, just let it be. Anyway, you can talk to Evangeline. She looks like she needs a friend.” Tom smiled at her.

Then Mark and Tom left the diner.

Taking a sip of her coffee, Sabrina shook her head. “Men. They think they run the world. Well, if it weren’t for us, the world would be in a mess. It’s time they figured that out.” She stopped and gave a smile and took Evangeline’s hand. “Are you holding up, all right?”

Evangeline nodded. “This will be a hard morning, but I’m prepared for whatever may come.”

“Even losing Mark?”

“Mark? Well, yes. I only agreed to a temporary marriage.”

“Did you ever give him a chance? I see the way he looks at you. A girl could do a lot worse. Besides,” Sabrina wiped her lips and stood. “I’ve seen the way you look at him, too.”

“Me? What do you mean?” Evangeline was shocked at the woman’s words. She’d given Mark no reason to think she would change her mind.

“Yes, I’ve seen you watch him. How your eyes light up when he enters the room. The sighs you make when he leaves. Before you let him leave you, you might want to check your heart and see what is going on. I’d hate to see you make a mistake and let him go.”

Evangeline shook her head. “I told them it was a temporary arrangement. I had no intention of marrying him. I only did it for Sam.”

Sabrina waited for her to stand. “Right. That’s not what my gut tells me. You just make sure before he leaves you. Mark is the kind of man who won’t come back once you’ve let him go. But he’s also the kind that won’t leave you once you invite him in.”

Evangeline started walking toward the door. “I know he’s a good man. You don’t have to tell me that.”

Sabrina caught up to her. “I don’t know, I think I do need to remind you. Let’s go see what is in store for you and Sam and Mark.” With a knowing smile, she led the way to the courthouse.

Evangeline followed, but each step was harder to take. She prayed for the Lord to have mercy on Sam and her and Mark. So much was at stake.

The courtroom was full. But when the deputy saw them, he ushered them to the front. They would sit behind Tom and Mark, who was seated next to Sam and his lawyer. A kind man who offered his services at request of the preacher in Cheyenne. According to Mark, the preacher and Sam had had many good talks in jail.

They all stood as the judge entered the room. He was a tall man with silver-white hair and blazing blue eyes.

Judge Nordstrom told them to be seated and then proceeded to look out across the courtroom. “You all know me as a Hard-as-nails, Nordstrom, and I’ve sentenced my share to the next world.” He sat down and shuffled some papers.

“This case of Sam Paxton alias Sam Russell has been a perplexing case for me. Apparently, young man, you have many friends. And in high places. However, I am not a man given to changing my mind because of high influence.”

The judge set the papers down and picked up the Bible. “Yet, there is One High Power that I do listen to. I have to say that the Lord spoke to me last night while reading His Word.” The judge was quiet for a time. Then he banged his gavel.

“Will the defendant, Sam Paxton, stand and face me.”

Sam stood. Straight and tall.

The judge cleared his throat. “The governor of the territory of Colorado has given you a pardon. I will go along under these conditions. You are to serve out a sentence of two years as a Pinkerton agent under Archibald Gordon’s supervision. If you can keep yourself out of trouble and make yourself useful, you can live a good life in service to others.”

The judge pointed his gavel at Sam. “I don’t do this lightly. I read the accounts. Heard from Ferguson, who corroborated your story. Preacher Ray, who bent my ear constantly for your benefit. And your sister who came up with such a crazy idea that she’d marry a Pinkerton man just to come and set you free.”

The judge’s face cracked into a smile. “Mostly because the Lord showered me with His mercy and grace last night and pricked my heart and conscience to allow the pardon to go through. Know that this day, the Lord smiled on you and gave you peace. Although I have to say, I see it on your face. Go with God, young man, and as Jesus would say, ‘sin no more.’ If I have your word on that, you are free.”

Sam nodded. “Thank you, your honor. I will live my life in the service of the Lord. I understand just how much His grace and mercy has been showered on me. I will not disappoint you.”

The judge nodded. Banged the gavel down and stood. “If possible, I’d like to meet with you once a year to see how you’re doing.”

“Yes, sir.” Sam turned and went to her and hugged her. “Thank you, Sis. You won’t be disappointed.”

“I know. I know.” She spoke through tears of joy.

Sam hugged her again and whispered in her ear. “Mark loves you. Truly, he does.”

She nodded and then pulled away from her brother.

Tom slapped Sam on the back. “So, you’re going to join the ranks of the Pinkertons. Welcome. If you need any help, let us know. Right Mark?”

Mark nodded. “You’ll be going on the train to Denver with Evangeline.”

“Great.” Sam smiled at her.

Evangeline slipped to the back of the room. She’d thought she’d be happier, but her spirit was troubled. It wasn’t because of Sam.

Mark turned and looked at her.

She closed her eyes and looked away. She couldn’t give him what she didn’t have. She wouldn’t lie to him.

She felt Mark behind her. Knew it was him. Could feel the question and his hopes.

“Evangeline, you’ll be going back to Denver with Sam?”

She turned and looked at Mark. “Won’t you?”

“No, I think I’ll go back next week. Tom and Sabrina invited me to their house. They’re between cases.”

She was about to turn away when he took hold of her, hugged her close, and kissed her lips. His touch was tender and warm. Then he pulled away and stared at her, holding her face in his hands. “I love you, Evangeline. I won’t say goodbye. But I won’t wait either. Just know that I loved you from the moment I first saw you.”

Then he dropped his hands from her and walked past her and out the door.

Evangeline’s heart felt as if it had stopped. She went after him but stopped at the door. What would she say to him? She touched her lips and remembered his passion and warmth. His kiss had so taken her by surprise.

Or had it awakened feelings she’d kept hidden?

***

Mark left her and had never felt so alone. He’d thought and prayed and believed that by the end of the case, she’d love him. How could he have been so wrong? And why have such a strong feeling if it was only to be for nothing? Yet, in a matter of minutes, she’d be getting on that train without him.

He was thankful for good friends he could stay with and not have to ride the train with Evangeline. Then he thought of her. The shy smiles. The way she loved peanuts. He laughed. He’d have to get her a bag before she left.

He had maybe fifteen minutes before she’d be boarding the train. One more chance. He went to the depot and bought some popcorn. He’d just come out when he saw Sam and Evangeline walking toward the depot.

Mark wanted to hide from her, but she’d like popcorn. He waited for them to get to the platform.

“Evangeline, I brought you a present.” He handed her the bag of popcorn. “I know how much you like it.”

“Thank you, Mark.” She whispered his name.

Sam picked up the tickets and waited. “We better board the train.”

She nodded and held her hand out for Mark to shake it.

Wanting to kiss her one more time, he instead shook her hand. “Have a good trip.”

She nodded and smiled, then followed Sam into the train.

***

Evangeline sat next to Sam on the train. “Want a peanut?”

He shook his head. “No, thanks. You were the one who always liked them.” He turned to her. “You sure you don’t want to stay with Mark?”

“No. I mean no, I don’t.” Her heart beat hard and fast. The train whistle blew, and she jumped in her seat. This was it. The end of them. Is that what she wanted? She touched her lips. That kiss.

She looked out the window and saw him. Her heart raced. It was as if she saw Mark for the first time. How tall he was. Strong and handsome. And the one her heart longed for. How had she not known?

“Mark.”

Sam looked at her. Then out the window. “Go to him, Evangeline. I’ve spent years messing up my life. If you love him, go.”

She glanced at Sam. “I do. I didn’t know until now. I love him.”

The train chugged and slowly began to leave the station.

She glanced out the window, and Mark had turned away and was walking down the platform.

“Sam, I have to go.” She kissed her brother on the cheek and ran for to the end of the car. The train was barely going. If she timed it right, she could step off the platform. But at that moment, the train picked up speed, throwing her back.

“No. Mark! I love you.” She threw her bag of popcorn off the train and jumped. She rolled down the embankment and stopped at the bottom. She felt herself and decided nothing was broken.

She stood and limped behind the depot to the main street. She looked and whirled around but couldn’t see him. “Please, no, I have to go to him.”

She remembered his horse had been saddled. He was going to ride away and never know that she had jumped from the train for him. That she loved him.

“Mark!” She limped to the main street and looked to where his horse had been. He was gone.

She didn’t see him anywhere. And then she heard a loud yell and a bucking horse came down the street. Snorting and twisting, Timber brought Mark to her and deposited him at her feet.

Mark rolled in the dirt and then stopped and looked up. He shook his head. “I think you killed me, horse.”

“Mark, I came back. I love you.”

“Evangeline?”

“Your Angel.”

“Are we dead?”

“No,” she knelt beside him and took his head in her hands and kissed him. “We are very much alive. I love you, Mark. I don’t know why I didn’t realize it before, but when I saw you standing at the depot, I suddenly knew. It’s like my eyes were opened—”

“And you were the only person I could see. And I wanted to be with you forever.”

She sat back and stared at him. “Yes, is that what you felt?”

He nodded. Then he grabbed her and kissed her. “Will you marry me for real?”

“Yes. Forever.”

He stood, and together, they limped to the hotel.

“Mark, I don’t have my bag.”

“We’ll buy new clothes. The judge forgot to tell you they awarded you the rewards on the outlaws.”

She hugged him. “Before the hotel, let’s go to the preacher and make this marriage real.”

Mark stopped and kissed her again. “Good idea, partner.”

She put her hand in his. “You can trust me, husband.”

Timber came up behind them and nudged Mark.

“Did I forget your treat, boy? You earned it this time.” He dug in his pocket and pulled out a sugar cube for the horse.

Evangeline laughed.

Mark dug in his pocket.

“What a treat for me?”

“No,” He pulled something from his pocket and knelt before her. “Evangeline Paxton, will you marry me?” He opened his hand and held a ring.

She put her hands to her face. “Mark. Did you know I’d come back?”

“Let’s just say I bought this ring on faith.” He placed it on her finger. “Let’s go get that preacher.”