Sixteen

You can do this. She took a huge gulp of air but still she felt like she was suffocating. You can do this.

Before she was ready to face it, she saw it up ahead. The platform. No matter how many times she told herself it was just a platform, that it was different this time, her heart refused to listen. Against her will it beat faster. Then her legs stopped and she stood rooted to the ground. Eyes focused on the benches, the worn boards.

Remembering.

Swept away by images of her younger self, her hand grasping Lucy’s.

“It’ll be all right,” she had said as she gripped her sister’s hand even tighter. Then she’d bent down and touched her sister’s cheek. “We’re going to ride a train and go to a beautiful place. We’ll live on a farm with animals and plenty to eat. We’ll have blankets on our beds, and someday I’ll buy you a doll.”

“I’m afraid,” Lucy had said. A tear trickled down her face. “What if we get lost?”

“Look at the tracks. The train stays on those. It knows exactly where it is going. Don’t worry. I’ll be right there beside you.”

“Everyone file onto the train,” an aid worker had hollered.

Obediently the children had pressed together as they crowded onto the train. Lucy’s hand had slipped from hers as Em pushed her way through the other children.

And then there Lucy had been—at the edge of the crowd. Tears streaking down her face.

“You said you wouldn’t leave me,” Lucy had said.

Em’s own tears had come then. “I’m sorry, Lucy.”

Em hadn’t let the little girl from her sight again, not until Beckford. And now here she stood again on a platform. Again making her way toward the train.

“I can’t,” she said as she stared ahead. “I just can’t. I’m sorry. I thought I could, but I cannot.”

Caleb regarded her without speaking.

Em wanted him to understand. “I want to go and help you. Is there no other way we can get there?”

“Well, we could ride on Amos, but that would take us too long. I already wired that we would be there for the trial. I think this is the only way.” Caleb stepped closer to her. “I’ll stay by you. You won’t be alone.”

“It was so long ago. And yet standing here looking at the platform, it feels so fresh. I’m a child again and unwanted and afraid. I can almost feel Lucy’s hand in my own, slipping from my grasp.”

“This time will be different.” He put a hand on her arm. “I won’t leave you.”

“I believe you. It’s not that. It’s just that—that was the worst time of my life. When they took Lucy, I ached so deeply. Caleb, it was worse than hunger, worse than nights in the cold. It was like dying. And now I’m afraid—I’m not strong enough.”

“But you are closer to her now than you have been before. This train ride will not tear you from her. It will take you closer to her.” Caleb’s voice was soothing.

“I don’t want to feel that pain again. I’m finally living. I finally have people I care about.”

“Em.” He brushed his hand against her cheek. “Look at me, Em.”

Slowly she turned her head toward him.

“Em, I’ll be here. We won’t dwell on the painful thoughts. When we’re together, we can remember the good times. Let’s talk about happy Lucy memories as we travel. We can look out the window and watch for good climbing trees. You won’t feel like you did before. Not on this train ride. I won’t let you.” Caleb reached a hand to her. “Trust me. You don’t have to do this alone.”

Em stood a little taller and took a long, slow breath. Then, pursing her lips together, she grasped his hand and nodded.

“We’ll do it,” he said, pressing his fingers tightly around her small hand. “We’ll do it together.”

Holding his hand, she felt less like an unwanted child. Drawing from his strength, she stepped onto the platform. One hurdle behind her. When the train arrived, he put a hand on her back and whispered, “Won’t Mae and Milly be jealous? Another train ride, and this time you get to ride with a prince.”

Em boarded the train thinking of her beloved little friends. A happy thought.

Once on board Caleb led them to a seat and promptly opened a window, letting in fresh air. Em marveled at the cushioned seats and wide aisles. This train was different from the train she had ridden as a child. Then she had spent the long hours crowded onto makeshift seats, shoulder to shoulder with other children. So snug sleep had been nearly impossible.

Caleb reached into his bag, dug around, and then pulled out three books. Em eyed him suspiciously. “What have you brought with you?”

He flashed his handsome smile. “I brought this one to practice your reading. We can’t miss our lessons just because we’re traveling. This one here,” he said, holding a second, thicker book, “is so I can learn a princess fairy tale for the girls. I promised them one and can’t let them down. You have them expecting happily-ever-after stories. And I aim to tell them a princess story so fine that they will stop telling me how much better your stories are than mine!”

“Always competing.”

Picking up the final book from his stack, he said, “And this one is for me to read to you when you need to forget you’re on a train.”

Em reached out and took it from his hands. She studied the writing on the cover. Slowly she sounded out the gold embossed letters. The first word was Jane. He helped her with the second word, Eyre. Jane Eyre.

Caleb shrugged. “I’ve never read it, but my mother had it in her collection and picked it up often.”

“Can we read it now?” Em asked.

“The train isn’t even moving.”

Em shrugged. “But I am ready to forget I am on the train. Please.”

“You are as bad as Mae and Milly.” Caleb laughed as he opened the book and started reading. Em sank deep into the seat, rested her back against the thick cushion, closed her eyes, and listened. Caleb’s voice was smooth as he read and, without even having to try to escape, Em felt as though she were lost on the moors in England. She could see it all in her head. The grand old houses, the shameful school. She didn’t feel like she was on a train at all. Only when he stopped reading did she remember.

“Why have you stopped?” Em sat up straight.

“I know the princes in your stories can do anything, but I, unfortunately, cannot. If I read one more page, I fear my voice will be completely gone.”

Em sighed. “If only I could read better, then we would be able to find out what becomes of dear Jane. Do you think she will have to stay at that cold, awful school forever?”

“I hope not. That wouldn’t make for a very good story. We’ll have to pick it up again later.” He put the book down and reached for the reader. “It’s your turn. You keep practicing and you’ll be able to read Jane Eyre on the return trip.”

Looking out the window, she avoided his gaze. He set the book on her lap.

When she did read, she stumbled over words. Caleb placed a hand on hers. “Reading took me years to master. You’ll be a scholar in no time. Tripping over the words is part of the journey.”

“I’m twenty. I should think it was high time I learned to read. I long for the day I read as you do.” She moved the book closer to her face, only to have it pushed away.

“You’re twenty now? When was your birthday?”

“I don’t know. I know my ma always told me I was a year older sometime around the beginning of summer. Since that has passed, I figure I’m a year older.”

“I knew something was different about you.” He brushed a strand of hair from her face. “You’re practically an old maid.” He laughed but stopped when she did not laugh with him.

She slumped back in her seat and said, “Someday I may be. I probably will be.”

“Unlikely.”

“I won’t think about that now. Today I feel younger than I have in a long time.”

Caleb picked up the book of fairy tales. “Since you are such a young thing, you will not mind me reading you a fairy tale.”

“I thought your voice was in jeopardy.”

“It seems to have returned.”

Em made herself comfortable in the seat, eager to hear another story—something fanciful that would distract her and help pass the time. His arm came around her. She inched away but then stopped herself. He was offering her comfort. It was a gift. She let her head rest against his shoulder as he read the story of Hansel and Gretel. When he finished, he started in on another and then another. Soon Em was asleep and dreaming of a future that did not include becoming an old maid.

The afternoon continued much the same way. They talked of many things, the conversation easy and natural. Then they read.

“I’m surprised you know so many of these stories already,” Caleb said when she again recognized a tale.

“When I rode the train as a child, we passed the time by telling stories. There are so many details I have forgotten, but the stories seem to have sealed themselves up tight in my mind and heart. That train ride was not like this one—the stories were the only escape. Lucy loved them too. I’m so anxious to see her.”

Caleb swallowed hard. “I’m sorry it will take longer to earn the money for Beckford. I could buy your ticket.”

“No. As kind as your offer is, I will not take any more charity. I’ll find a way to get there. I know I will. This train is headed east. I have thought of finding work in a town along the way. My ticket would not cost as much then.”

“Is that what you wish to do?”

Shaking her head, she spoke quickly. “I don’t know. I’m not sure. I want to see her so badly. I have to see her.” She looked out the window at the green hills. “Yes. It’s what I want to do. It’s what I must do. Only I want to see everyone in Azure Springs too. I want things I cannot have, but Lucy needs me.”

“What of Mae and Milly? The Howells would be heartbroken to not get to say goodbye.”

“I left a note with Abigail. I told her to read it to the girls if I did not return with you. I’m sure it is full of errors, but I hope it’s clear enough. You will tell them why I couldn’t come back, won’t you? I love them so. Can you help them understand? You will tell them, yes?” Em quickly wiped a tear from her cheek. “I made a promise to my mother. I told her I would take care of Lucy.” She felt the emotion becoming stronger in her voice. “I promised her, and now Lucy is all I have. All these years it’s what I worked for. It’s what I lived for.”

He brushed away another tear and then let his hand rest on her cheek. “I know. We all know you must go to Beckford. It’s only—Azure Springs will not be the same without you. We’ll miss you.”

Leaning against his hand, she said, “No one has ever missed me.”

“Those two girls will. I know that.”

Em looked away, unable to meet his eyes. Her heart ached in her chest. Oh, how she would miss Milly and Mae. In truth, she would miss more than them. She would miss Margaret, the Howells, even Eliza. The brook she and Caleb had stomped in and the tree they had climbed. The jail where he had finally taught her letters and the mirror in which she had seen her face clearly for the first time. She would miss so many things. Mostly she would miss Caleb. The very thought of never seeing him seemed like a burden too heavy to carry.

“I’ll miss them too,” she said. Then she sat in silence as the train chugged along the track. Her back to him, she pretended to sleep.

“Em, wake up. This is our stop.” It was late in the evening when they arrived in Brigley. Caleb gently shook her shoulder. For hours he’d watched her sleep, wondering what life would be like when she was no longer in Azure Springs. Would life be as fun without her to laugh with? Read with? Learn with?

“I didn’t mean to sleep.” Em rubbed her eyes.

“It’s late. I’m glad you got some rest.” He started gathering their belongings. “The telegram said two rooms were reserved for us at the Spright Hotel. I’ve seen it before—it’s not a far walk.”

Em picked up her small carpetbag and followed him off the train. Brigley was much bigger than Azure Springs. Even in the dim evening light the ornate courthouse was easy to spot. Stone columns stood as sentinels all along its front. They passed a library, two millineries, a dry goods store, and three saloons. Neither Caleb nor Em expressed any interest in exploring the town. Traveling had a way of wearing a body out.

Caleb opened the door of the hotel and they were greeted by hard marble floors and a crystal chandelier. A young man stood behind a counter. “Can I help you?”

“Yes, there should be two rooms reserved for us. Caleb Reynolds is the name.” The boy looked at a registry book before him.

“Yes, sir. Two rooms. I’ll take you if you’re ready.”

They followed the boy up the curved stairway to the second floor. “Right this way, please.”

Around a corner, the boy stopped at the first room. Caleb motioned for Em to go on in. “I’ll see you in the morning,” he said before leaving her.

“Good night, Caleb.” She stepped through the doorway, out of his sight.

Across the hall was his room. He opened the door and surveyed a sturdy bed, a wardrobe, and other amenities. He hoped Em’s room was as nice. Judging by the grandeur of the hotel, it likely was. Such a difference from the barn she’d lived in. He wanted her to always have a warm bed and plenty to eat. Would anyone make sure that happened for her if she didn’t return to Azure Springs? Without the Howells, where would she stay?

In the dark of night he lay in bed struggling to sleep. His thoughts repeatedly went to Em, no matter how hard he tried to think of other things. After finally pulling himself from the soft bed, he knelt on the floor and offered a plea that someone would watch out for her. That she would have food to eat and a roof over her head. More than just food and shelter—that wasn’t enough. His stomach twisted in knots as he thought of the dull look she’d had in her eyes when they’d first met. Let her live, not just survive, he prayed.

Stretching her arms above her, Em opened her eyes. Sun poured through the heavy, leaded window and danced gracefully across the room. Judging by the position of the sun, it was early morning. Allowing herself the luxury of waking slowly in a room all her own, she lay in bed content and rejuvenated. The sun rose higher, its rays now entering through an upper pane. Then she got out of bed and readied herself for the day. Caleb had not told her what time to meet him. She dressed hurriedly, afraid of keeping him waiting. She tiptoed across the hall and tapped on his door. Then stepping away from it, she wondered if she should turn back. What would he think of her coming to his room?

Frozen in her spot, she waited. She was about to flee when the door opened. Caleb was dressed, but his hair was a mess and he looked as if he’d been sleeping only moments before.

“Good morning to you, Em. You’re a fine sight,” he said, then covered his mouth as he yawned. “Did your stomach wake you?”

“No, it was the beautiful sunshine. The room was so pleasant compared with the constant jostling of the train. But now that you mention it, my stomach is ready to be filled.” She looked down the hall, again uncertain how to behave. “Shall I eat alone or are you going to join me?”

“Of course I’ll join you. We two are traveling companions. Let me go and wash some sleep from my face. I’ll meet you in the lobby.”

“Very well. I’ll see you in a moment.” With that she practically skipped down the staircase. He wanted to dine with her!

When he joined her at the bottom of the stairs moments later, she still felt like smiling. He offered his arm and the pair walked to the dining room. All through breakfast she smiled, pretending in her mind that Caleb Reynolds was more than her traveling companion.

“You must tell me what it is that is making you smile without stopping,” Caleb said as he forked his breakfast ham. “That last bite I was sure would fall right out. You smiled while chewing. Tell me your secret.”

“There’s no secret. I can’t put it into words. I just woke this morning and felt like it was a good day. Aren’t I allowed to be happy? Do you ever feel that way when you wake—that life is good?”

“Usually I wake and start thinking of everything I need to do. But maybe if I spend more time with you, I’ll wake up grinning from ear to ear. You did get me to jump in the brook and climb trees. Who knows what’s possible.”

“Ah, the brook and the trees.” Putting her napkin on the table, she eyed him. “I think it’s time for another wager. I need a victory. Today could be my day.”

“Just needing one won’t get you one. What do you have in mind?” Caleb asked, his eyes already sparkling. It was the same look she had seen before when they had competed.

“I’m not certain. What time do we have to be at the courthouse?”

“Not until two.” He pulled out a pocket watch. “It’s only half past seven. Looks like we have a few hours to cause some mischief.”

“We’ve already climbed trees and shot guns. I lost both of those, although I don’t think the rules were in my favor. Let’s head outside of town,” Em said, already starting for the door.

Caleb set his napkin on the table and followed. “It won’t take any convincing to get me away from town. Come on, end the suspense. What do you have in mind?”

“I’m still thinking. I’ll let you know when I know.”

“Fair enough.”

Slowly they made their way through the town. Occasionally they remarked about the size of the town or stopped and peered in a window to comment on the goods they saw.

“Azure Springs needs a library,” Em said, looking longingly at the shelves of books she saw through one window. “Someday I am going to read my way through everything I can get my hands on.”

“It won’t be long. You’re learning much quicker than I had expected.”

The sun was radiant, shining down on them as they walked. Once they were out of town, Em stopped occasionally to pick a wildflower or point out a bird she saw. She knew few of their names but had a good eye for spotting them.

“It’s been too long since I took the time to enjoy nature,” Caleb said.

“See there?” Em asked, pointing to a muddy patch near a creek that had many little pools.

“I see mud. You thinking of bathing in it? I don’t think that will go over well with the judge.”

Em smacked him playfully. “No, I am not going to bathe in it. There was a spot just like this near Hollow Creek. My days were so monotonous. I’d catch frogs. I had no one to compete with but myself. I’m willing to wager I can catch more frogs than you.” Em scrunched up her nose and surveyed the mud. All she’d worried about was picking a challenge she thought she could win. Hopefully she would have time to clean up before going to the courthouse.

Caleb rubbed his hand along his jaw. “I haven’t caught frogs in years. You sure you don’t want to just climb that giant oak? Or run a quick race?”

“I thought of that, but with your height I think you’ll be able to go higher. I need a win, and I think I might be able to get a victory this time.” Em rolled up the sleeves on her dress. She would not back down. “Do you dare?”

Following her lead, he rolled his sleeves and nodded. “I’ll take the challenge. What are the stakes?”

“If I win, I get to ask you three questions.”

“And if I win?” Caleb asked.

Em tried to think of something she was willing to lose. Finally she shrugged. “What do you want?”

“I still have one question, so I’ll pick something different. Don’t look so surprised. I remember, and I plan to use it.” He walked around the wet bank. “If I win, you let me pay for your ticket to Beckford.”

“I can’t let you pay.”

“You can if I win.” He set his hat on a log. “It’s what I want.”

Em looked to the east, toward Beckford. “All right. Half an hour. When you catch a frog, you have to run it down to the stream so you don’t catch it again.”

“Now I’m in real trouble. I’d hoped to catch the same frog over and over. If I’m even lucky enough to catch one.” He looked at his pocket watch. “It’s nearly eight thirty. Should we begin now?”

“Yes.”

Em knew where to find the slimy little critters and easily pulled a frog from the muddy bank. Holding it high, she shouted, “See here? This little one wasn’t so hard to find.”

“Ha. I’ll find my own before long.” He bent over and pulled at the tall grass along the bank. Minutes passed and he hadn’t found a single frog. Em pulled up another. Again she smirked, enjoying her advantage.

Ten minutes later and Em’s calves were wet, but she had pulled three frogs from the bank and Caleb was still desperately searching for his first.

When fifteen minutes had passed, Em held up a large frog. Laughing, she threw back her head, brushed her hair from her face, and held it out for him to see. “I believe that makes four for me. I see why you like competing so well. Victory does feel g—” Down she went into the mud. Black water splashed over her. “Ooohhh!”

Trying to wipe the mud from her face with her muddy hands only made the dilemma that much worse. “I suppose that is what I deserve for showing such confidence.”

Caleb tried to stifle a laugh, but the sight of her sitting covered in mud was too much. He reached out a hand. “Help up?”

“I think now that I’m down here I ought to look for more frogs. They may not even notice me coming. I blend in so well.” She scooped up a handful of mud and then watched it splash back down.

“I hear some people pay good money to bathe in mud.”

“I’ve always been up on the current fashions,” Em said. “I don’t know why you don’t join me. I think you would enjoy it.”

“Very fashionable. In fact, I knew it the day I met you. I thought, there is a modern woman.” Caleb grinned. “I happen to have an appointment with a judge later today. Otherwise I’d definitely follow your lead.”

She groaned then. The judge! “Funny, very funny. That statement would only be true if the fashion was to be thin and plain—and sadly it is not.” Wishing she hadn’t brought up his long-ago comment, she reached out and grabbed his hand. “Get me out of this mudhole. I’ve got to face the judge too.”

He pulled her to her feet.

“How much time have we left?”

“We have eight minutes. Seems you have wasted several minutes playing in the mud,” Caleb said.

“I fear I may lose now. How many frogs have you caught? I seem to have lost count.” Em tried to keep her face serious, but a smile threatened at the corners of her mouth.

“I admit defeat.” He bowed low to her. “You are a far better frog catcher than I am. I concede.”

“Victory!” She squealed and hopped around in the mud, only to fall back into it. The few places that had managed to escape the splatter of mud from her earlier fall were now covered. “Why did no catastrophes befall you when you won?”

“I suppose it is because I am so much more humble than you.” He laughed as he pulled her again from the muddy hole.

“I will keep that in mind and be quieter about my boasting next time.” She looked at her mud-caked dress and groaned again. “Oh, what will the judge think of me?”

“I think he better not see you that way. The hotel offers baths. If we hurry back, he may never know that his top witness spends her mornings swimming in the mud.”

“Are you suggesting I need a bath? I thought a gentleman was never supposed to remark on a woman’s appearance,” Em said, trying to look insulted. Unable to keep a serious face, she shrugged. “Come to think of it, I agree—a bath is just the thing I need.”

As they walked back toward town, Em asked, “If you love the quiet country so much, why did you become a sheriff? That’s my first question.”

“Well, my parents were so proud of my brothers for going off to war. Fighting for a cause. I guess I wanted them to be proud of me too. I was too young to join the army, but I could be a sheriff and fight for peace. That seemed a worthy cause.”

“Are they proud?”

“I don’t know. I like to think they are. They didn’t say much about it. When I first wrote and told them, they wrote back and simply told me to be safe.” Caleb reached over as they walked and picked a twig from her hair. “I think most of the choices I’ve made have been to make them proud. I know if my brothers had lived, my parents would be satisfied—and happy. I grew up listening to them talk about all the boys had done and were doing. When they died, that all stopped.”

“Do you not think they sit at dinner now and talk of you and all you have done?” Em asked.

“I don’t know.” Caleb shook his head. “I hope they do.”

“You should ask them. That’s what Margaret would do. She would walk right up to them and ask, ‘Are you proud of me?’”

“I’m sure she would. I don’t think I could. I wouldn’t know what to do if they said they were not. You’ll understand when you meet them.”

“What will they think of me?” Em looked at her filthy dress.

Caleb shrugged. “I’m sure they’ll be welcoming.”

“Everyone is looking at me.” She ducked her head. “I wish everyone would disappear.”

Caleb smirked at her. “They are all wondering what you’ve been doing this morning. They may gossip, but I’d be willing to wager—”

“No more wagers!”

“I wasn’t really going to wager. I was just going to say I doubt any of them had nearly as fun a morning as we had.” Caleb grinned and waved at a couple who were staring at them. They looked away quickly, causing him to smile broader. “Let them talk.”

Em grabbed his arm from the air and shook her head. “You are not the one covered in mud. Let’s just get back to the hotel.”

Once there, he opened the door wide for her. She heard the attendant gasp when he saw her. She looked down and watched mud drip onto the marble floor.

Caleb motioned toward her. “I was told your hotel offers baths. I would like to arrange one for my guest. I think she is due for a soak in the tub, don’t you agree?”

“I couldn’t rightly say.” He scowled while he spoke, eyes averted. “I’ll have it drawn up right away.”

Em went to her room to get a clean dress while Caleb went to his room to wash in the basin. He found that the mud came off easily with a good scrubbing. He went to the lobby to wait for Em—she had been gone for well over an hour. While he waited, he pictured her sitting in the mud. The image brought a smile to his face. Could she be any more unladylike?

And then there she was before him. Clean and dressed in a lavender frock that he’d never seen before. Her hair was loose and wet against her shoulders. She looked lovely.

Had he just thought that about Em? About plain Em?

But he had thought it and he thought it still as he looked at her. Her thin frame and freckled face had once held no appeal. Today he saw her differently.

“No more mud?” he asked.

“I thought of leaving a little on but wasn’t sure the judge would want to have to clean it from the courtroom.”

“You look fine with or without the mud. I’m sure the judge will just be happy you’re here,” Caleb said.

“I’m glad I look good enough for the judge. Do we have time to dine before we go to the court?” Her eyes lost just a little of their sparkle.

He wished he were brave enough to call her lovely, or even beautiful. Were those words she’d ever heard before? Someone should tell her. But he could not. Those were not words he could say, not unless they were something more than friends.

“We have plenty of time. Come along,” he said while leading her to the hotel dining room. Once there, he pulled out her chair and then sat across from her.

During their meal they spoke of the trial and what to expect. Em confessed she was feeling nervous about seeing Alroy’s men again. He assured her he was there and that many other lawmen would be too.

“I’m not so much scared for myself. It’s just that seeing them brings the past back, and I am glad it’s over. Being in Azure Springs has been a new life for me.”

“They can’t take that from you. The Howells, Margaret, me. We are all real and not going anywhere.”

“Sometimes I fear it’s all a dream and I am still the girl who lives in the loft of a barn.” Em folded her arms across her chest. “If it is a dream, I hope I never wake.”

Caleb poked her cheek. “You feel real to me. And very little of that other girl exists. Her strength remains, but you don’t even look the same. You were nothing but bones when I met you.”

“You say strength, but I feel shakier now than I have before.” Em wiped the corners of her mouth with her napkin, then stood.

“You’ll do perfectly.” Caleb stood and took her arm. “Let’s head over now. Soon this will all be behind you. No more George. No more rats for dinner.” He would make sure of it. Somehow he would.

The courthouse was a stately stone building. It boasted a dome ceiling and marble staircase. Murals covered some of the walls and a statue of a man in chains stood in the front atrium. But Em was too preoccupied to appreciate it.

The court proceeding was not nearly as intimidating as she had imagined. Judge McConnel was kind and familiar with the case. He greeted Caleb like an old friend and her like a new one. Her time on the stand was brief. She recounted the details of George’s murder and the injuries she’d suffered. Then she told about Alroy capturing her and the stories he’d confessed to her. Not once did she look at his men, Bill and Morris, while she sat on the stand. Instead, she looked to Caleb and spoke as though she were talking to him and him alone.

“Thank you for your testimony. You may be dismissed,” Judge McConnel said. And just like that it was over. She left the stand and returned to her seat.

Caleb leaned over to her. “You did well,” he whispered. “I never would have guessed you were nervous.”

“I was. My knees were knocking together the whole time. I’m glad it’s over.”

Caleb slid closer. “Do you want to stay here and find out the judgment?”

“No. You stay and tell me. I don’t think I care to listen.” Em tiptoed from the room and made her way back to her hotel room.

Caleb rapped on her door not long after.

“It’s over, Em. The men are going to hang.” He grabbed her hand and held it as he spoke. “I know that’s not a pleasant thought, but they won’t bother you ever again. It was the judge’s decision, not yours. You just told what happened.”

Em pulled her lips into a straight line. “Thank you for telling me. I am glad they will never hurt anyone, but I don’t want to think about the gallows.”

“We won’t speak of it again. But I must tell you something else that happened in the courtroom.” Caleb waited.

When he did not tell her right away, she asked, “Am I to guess it?”

“No. But you could use a question.”

“All right, I will! I can tell by the look on your face that it’s a good surprise. My second question is, What else happened in the courtroom?”

“That was easy. I would have told you without using a question. I was only toying with you. Too late now.” His grin never left his face.

“Well, tell me already.”

“I had to turn the bank money over to Judge McConnel. He was responsible for its return. I did, and then he handed me an envelope back. I was surprised and asked what it was. He said the bank had issued a reward for the capture of the men or the return of their stolen goods.” Caleb reached into his pocket and pulled out the envelope. “It’s yours, Em. Two hundred dollars.”

Em leaned hard against the wall. She felt weak in the knees. “It’s mine?”

“All yours. George’s land is yours too. I brought the papers with me and the judge agreed that you are considered the nearest kin. He signed it into your name.”

The reality of his news struck her. The land meant nothing, but the money meant everything. “Lucy! I can go to Lucy. I don’t have to wait. I can go to her now.”

In between sobs of relief, she threw her arms around Caleb. “Lucy,” she whispered again into his shoulder.

He patted her back. When her breathing returned to normal, he pulled away. “Will you come to my parents’ first? I wired ahead and let them know I was bringing a guest. It’s your choice, but I’d like the company. Then I’ll help you get a ticket to Beckford.”

“You want me to go to your parents’ home?”

“I do. I want to show you the tree I climbed as a boy and the rocking chairs my parents sit in. I would like you to meet them.” His voice had been so serious. He lightened it. “If you want to come.”

Em thought a moment. “I would like to come. I’d like to climb your tree and meet your parents very much.”

“We have rooms here tonight, but tomorrow we will rent a buggy and go to visit them. They are hoping we stay at least a night or two.”

“After that, what will you do?”

“I’d planned to return with you to Azure Springs. I suppose I’ll return alone and take up being the sheriff again. I’m sure my deputy will be glad to have me back.”

“I’m so close to Lucy. I need to go there.” Em thought of her dream. The one she had so often. Riding the big horse with a prince behind her, going to get Lucy together. “Could you come to Beckford with me? Meet Lucy?”

Biting her lip, she waited for his response. Hoping she was not too forward.

At last he nodded and said, “I’ll telegraph Alvin and see how things are in Azure Springs. If there is any way I can, I will. I’d like nothing better.”

Throwing her arms around him again, she kissed his cheek and squealed. “We are going to find Lucy!”