He was a coward. Philip knew he should have already headed home. But when Bella had said Marlow had wanted her just to get to the boys’ money, he thought she would think the same of him if he declared his love now. For the last three hours, he’d been trying to figure out how to tell her how he felt and her not think it was because of Caleb and Mark’s newly acquired wealth.
The sound of a wagon pulled his attention from the leather bridle he was oiling. He walked out of the barn. Thomas was coming from the pigpen. Both stopped when they saw Bella and the boys pulling into the yard.
Josephine sat on the front porch rocking. She stood and waved to Bella. “Is it moving day?” Josephine called.
Bella laughed. “It’s a start. We had a lot more stuff than I realized.”
Philip walked to the wagon. “Honey? What are you doing?”
She grinned down at him. “Well, I figured that since we have the house in town, we might as well move into it.”
He rubbed his chin. “What about the animals?”
Thomas stepped up beside him. “We can move those over here.”
“Did you want to continue today? It would be really late when we get to town.” Philip couldn’t believe she was in such a hurry to get moved. He wondered if it had something to do with what the sheriff might find out.
“No, but I figured we could maybe spend the night here at the relay station and head out first thing in the morning.” She held up a bag. “But if it’s too much trouble for us to stay here, I packed us an overnight bag. We can go back to our house and leave the wagon here with Josephine and Thomas. By doing so, we’ll get to town faster tomorrow.” Bella looked pleased with herself.
Thomas laughed. “She’s thought of everything. I’m sure there is no problem with you spending the night here.”
Josephine walked toward them. Her face still looked pale from her morning sickness. “Of course you can spend the night.”
The boys had already jumped down from the wagon. “Uncle Thomas, can I go see the pigs?” Mark asked.
“Stay out of the pen,” Thomas answered.
Caleb chased after his brother. “I’ll watch him,” he called back.
The adults laughed when Thomas called after him, “Yeah, but who’s going to watch you?”
The next couple of days were spent moving to town. Mark and Caleb liked their room and were excited to help Philip set up the store.
Over the next two weeks, Bella set up housekeeping in town. Philip couldn’t believe how quickly time passed. Every day that went by, he thought about telling Bella how much he loved her, but he couldn’t make himself do so. He never wanted her to think that he’d changed his mind about their marriage of convenience because of the boys’ money.
Bella seemed to adapt to town life quickly. The ladies from the church had come by to welcome her and invite her to their Bible study. Another set arrived the next day to invite her to join their quilting bee.
He had to admit it was nicer having lumber delivered to the store than having to haul it out to the farm. However, Philip missed seeing Thomas every day and riding the Pony Express trail.
Caleb had started school that morning. He’d been so excited that he’d almost forgotten his boxed lunch. Mark wanted to go also but was told he was still too young.
The bell jingled over the door. Philip stepped out from behind the wall he and Thomas had built to separate the store from his workshop. Bella and Mark stood inside.
She held up a picnic basket. “Hope you are hungry.”
“For your cooking, always,” he answered, motioning for them to come back to the workshop.
Bella walked toward him. The sweet scent of sugar and cinnamon drifted with her. When she came even with him, Philip leaned in and took a sniff of her.
“Something smells wonderful,” he said.
She slapped at him. “Stop that.”
Mark giggled. “It’s the sweet rolls.” He clapped a hand over his mouth.
Bella narrowed her eyes at the little boy. “You rascal. That was supposed to be a surprise.”
“I’m sorry, Aunt Bella. I was just so excited.” He looked down at the toes of his boots.
Philip rubbed the boy’s hair. “No harm done. The smell gave them away.”
The doorbell jingled again.
The sheriff walked in. “Howdy, folks. I hope I’m not disturbing your lunch.”
“Not at all, Sheriff. What can I do for you today?” Philip glanced at the chairs, tables and small boxes he’d created, thinking the sheriff might be looking to buy new furniture.
“Nothing today. I’m here on official business,” he answered.
Bella’s face turned white. “Have you heard something?” she asked, gripping the basket with white knuckles.
He took off his hat and twisted the brim. “I have bad news.”
Philip grabbed the closest chair and carried it to where she stood. “Here, sit down.” He took the basket from her hands and handed it to Mark. “Son, take this to the workshop and wait for us. We’ll be back in just a few minutes.”
Mark did as he was told. When he was out of the room, Philip asked the lawman, “What news?”
“Well, part of what Brooks said was truth. I’m sorry, ma’am, but Sam Jackson is dead.”
She gasped and covered her mouth. Philip placed a hand on her shoulder. “Are you here to arrest me?”
“Oh, no, ma’am. Sam died at home in his sleep. He wasn’t murdered. The Douglas City doctor says his heart simply gave out. I came by to tell you the sad news about your friend, not to scare the life out of you. So sorry.” He looked wearily from Philip to Bella.
She sagged. “So it’s over. He lied.”
“Yes, ma’am. He lied about the murder.” He twisted his hat in his hands.
Bella jumped up and ran to him. She hugged him around the waist. “Thank you so much.”
The sheriff’s shocked look shot to Philip. Philip laughed. “Sheriff, that’s the best news we’ve gotten, ever.”
Bella released him. “I’m sorry. I am just so happy. Thank you, thank you.” She moved to Philip’s side and put an arm around his waist.
The sheriff put his hat back on. “My pleasure. You folks have a good day.”
* * *
Bella turned and gave Philip a hug. She looked up at him and laughed. “I’m free, Philip. Free to tell you how much I love you, and even though you don’t feel the same way, it’s all right.” She laid her head against his chest.
She couldn’t help but think Philip probably thought her terrible, but Bella didn’t care. She’d wanted to tell him how she felt since the day Mark had almost drowned. Her love for him was so great she could endure him not loving her back.
Philip pulled her back and looked into her face. “You love me?”
Bella swallowed hard. “I do, more than I can express. I’m sorry, I know we said we’d only be friends, but I love you more than any friend I’ve ever had.” Bella watched his face. The last thing she expected from him was joyous laughter.
He cupped his hands around her face. “Honey, I love you, too. I’ve wanted to tell you for a long time that I prayed to God, and I realized a few things, making it possible for me to understand that everyone deals with grief differently. Honey, I’m free to love you, too.” Then Philip kissed her.
He kissed her like a husband who’d been out of town for far too long. Bella savored his closeness. Her heart sang that they loved each other and now could express that love.
“Aunt Bella, I’m hungry. Can you kiss Philip later?” Mark asked.
She pulled away from Philip and laughed. “Well, if you insist.” Bella glanced down at her nephew.
“I do,” he answered, then turned toward the workshop.
Philip growled, “He really is a little rascal, isn’t he?”
Bella laughed.
Philip pulled her to him for one more sweet kiss.
Her heart pounded in her chest with joy and love. When he released her, Bella praised the Lord that she’d been the woman who had answered the mail-order-bride advertisement that brought them together.