Daniel was the only one facing her. His gun drawn, Vincente advanced toward the spot where the rock had fallen. The rifle was unattended by the boulder Lewis had vacated. Margaret had one chance to save Daniel. She moved as quietly as she could from her hiding spot. Daniel’s eyes widened when he saw her, and he shook his head. She put her finger to her lips. The rifle was only five feet away. She had to reach it.
One more foot, then another. Her hand was nearly on the butt of the rifle when her foot slipped on loose shale. Lewis whirled at the clatter and fired. The bullet burrowed near Margaret’s foot, and she dove for the rifle.
She rolled over with it in her hand, but Lewis had his gun trained on Daniel. “Put it down or the next bullet is in Daniel’s head.”
The rifle was pointed at the ground. All she had to do was bring it up, cock it, and fire. But was there time before he shot Daniel? She got to her feet. “Let us go, Lewis. You can have the ranch.”
“Drop the rifle.” His voice was harsh and unyielding.
Daniel gave a slight shake of his head, the movement so subtle she didn’t think the other men saw it. She hadn’t heard Lewis cock the revolver. Before she could decide what to do, Daniel rolled off the boulder and into Lewis’s legs. A shot echoed in the canyon, but the bullet had gone wild as Lewis struggled to maintain his balance.
Vincente sprang toward the struggling men, but Margaret fired a shot at his feet. “The next one won’t miss.” She shot again on the other side of his feet, and he finally stopped and raised his hands.
Lewis toppled over in the struggle with Daniel. He started to bring the gun around toward Daniel, but Daniel grabbed it with both hands, even though his wrists were tied together. He wrenched it from Lewis’s fingers, then tossed it away.
Margaret ran forward and yanked the handkerchief from Daniel’s mouth. “Get up, Lewis.”
Her cousin staggered to his feet. His hands were clenched and he started toward her, but Daniel kicked his feet out from under him again.
Daniel held out his hands. “Untie me.”
Margaret released the ropes and handed him the rifle. Now that it was over, her legs were shaking. She sank onto a boulder and fought the tears burning her eyes.
Daniel put his hand on her shoulder. “Are you all right?”
“Yes, just shaken.” She stared up at him. “How are we going to get them back to the sheriff?”
“I’m going to stay here with them while you ride for town.”
She didn’t like the idea at all, but there didn’t seem to be a good choice. “There’s a cave where you can keep them penned up.”
“Look, let’s just forget about this,” Lewis said. “I’ll leave and you’ll never hear from me again.”
Her mouth gaped. “You killed my father! You tried to kill Daniel and me.”
He looked down and sank onto a boulder.
“I had hoped my mother would never know,” Vincente said.
Poor Inez. This would crush her. Vincente had not hurt her father, but he’d fallen in with Lewis’s schemes. Kidnapping, attempted murder. He would be sent to prison.
The first rays of the sunrise illuminated the canyon. “Go now,” Daniel said. “You can be in Larson in a couple of hours.”
She whistled for Archie, and he came running toward her. She wanted to kiss Daniel, to tell him how thankful she was they were both alive. But not with Lewis and Vincente looking on. “I’ll hurry.”
THOUGH SHERIFF BORLAND told her to go home, Margaret insisted on riding with him and his deputies back to the canyon. They’d released Calvin, who rode off still angry. Her ankle throbbed and her muscles ached. Her bottom ached from the hours in the saddle, and her eyes were gritty from lack of sleep. A hot bath would be most welcome when she got home. But not until she saw that Daniel was safe. She’d prayed constantly since she left him with Lewis and Vincente.
They rode through the opening into the canyon, and she strained to see Daniel’s familiar broad shoulders. There was no one in the place where she’d left them.
“The cave is there.” She pointed at the dark face of the rocky wall. She urged her horse toward the opening. She dismounted outside the cave. “Daniel?”
What if the two men had overpowered him? Foolish imagination. He had to be here. “Daniel!”
There was movement in the mouth of the cave, then Daniel poked his head out. His face was grimy and pale with fatigue, but she’d never seen a more wonderful sight. “Daniel!” The strong arms she hurtled into provided the safe haven she’d longed for all her life. “You’re all right.”
His dry lips brushed across her forehead. “No problems. We’re all a little thirsty, though.”
She left the sanctuary of his embrace and grabbed her canteen off the saddle. He drank it down while the sheriff pushed past him with his deputies in tow. It was over. The sheriff would handle it from here on out.
Daniel slung the canteen over his shoulder and opened his arms. She willingly went back into their safety. “Don’t ever scare me like that again. I can’t lose you, Margaret.”
“And here I thought you were trying to get yourself killed to get out of marrying me,” she teased.
His arms tightened around her. “I’m holding you to your promise. Let’s not wait. This experience has shown me that life is too short to waste a minute. How long will it take you to get ready? I don’t even mind if you get married in your britches.”
“Scandalous! Lucy would have my hide. I think I could be ready next weekend with some help from Lucy and her aunt Sally. I might even be willing to learn to use the sewing machine myself.”
“I might even try if it hurried things along.” His grin widened.
The sheriff and his men ushered out Vincente and Lewis in handcuffs. Lewis didn’t look at her as he shuffled past.
Vincente paused. “Tell my mother I’m sorry.”
“I will.” Margaret shouldn’t pity him, but she couldn’t help it. He’d been a friend for too long.
The men moved off with Sheriff Borland bringing up the rear. He paused and smiled. “We’ll take it from here. You two go home and get some rest. You did a good job here. There’s no other woman like you in the country, Miss Margaret. If this had happened to any other female, you and Mr. Cutler would both be dead.” He tipped his hat and went to join the rest of the men. The sheriff had brought two extra horses, and the party rode off toward town.
A crow cawed overhead as if to announce that they were alone. “It’s over.” Daniel bent his head and his lips touched hers. His lips were dry and cracked, but she clung to him and drank in the unconditional love she felt enveloping her. His arms were the sanctuary she’d always longed for.
If only Pa had lived to see her so happy. She pushed away the thought of dresses and hairstyles and lost herself in the warm lips pressing on hers. The scent of cowboy and horse filled her head and her heart.
This was love. And it had finally found her when she wasn’t looking.
IN SPITE OF her joy about her upcoming wedding, Margaret’s spirits were dampened by the pain Inez carried. The woman had agreed to stay on in spite of her sorrow over her son’s behavior, but she moved through the house with obvious anguish. The days raced by as Margaret made sure everyone in the area was invited. She had no time to figure out a dress, so she decided she would wear her mother’s, the one she’d worn to the dance.
Lucy joined her early on the morning of the big day. She had William and baby Carrie with her. “Are you excited?” She put Carrie on a blanket on the floor. William sat down with the infant too.
“I wish I’d had time to get a proper wedding dress,” Margaret said. “I’m just going to wear the green dress.”
“You look lovely in it,” Lucy said.
Inez brought in a plate of tea and cookies. She put it on the table and beckoned to Margaret. “I know what you will wear, señorita. I aired it out when Señor Daniel arrived and I saw how he looked at you. Follow me.”
Margaret lifted a brow. “All right.” She s
cooped up Carrie and the women followed Inez.
She led them to the attic stairs and lifted the lid of a trunk that had been pushed under the eaves. “Your mamá wore this to marry your papá.” Inez reverently lifted a white dress, softly yellowed with age, from the trunk. “She would be proud to have you wear it.”
Margaret ran her fingers over the soft fabric. “It seems like a dream somehow.” If it were a dream, she didn’t ever want to wake from it.
“Oh, it’s lovely,” Lucy breathed. “It’s perfect, Margaret. I’ll help you get ready.”
They followed Inez down to Margaret’s bedroom. Margaret put the sleeping infant on the bed. “I’ll take a bath and wash my hair.”
“I bring water.” Inez touched William’s soft hair with a wistful look as she passed.
While Margaret bathed and washed her hair, Inez pressed the dress. When her hair was dry, Margaret held up her arms as Inez slipped the dress over her head and fastened the tiny pearl buttons down the back.
“It is perfect,” Inez sighed.
“Leave your hair down,” Lucy said when Margaret started to braid it. Lucy combed it, then pulled the top back in a ribbon. “You look beautiful.”
And somehow Margaret felt beautiful. God had made her for Daniel, and they were a perfect match. She stood with her head held high and walked to the door.
Daniel met her outside the door. His jaw dropped. “How lovely you are,” he whispered. He held both her hands in his and gazed into her eyes.
The strains of “Red River Valley” drifted through the night as the ranch hands sang. “Come and sit by my side if you love me. Do not hasten to bid me adieu. But remember the Red River Valley, and the girl who has loved you so true.” The words of the song echoed on the wind.
“That song seems appropriate somehow, doesn’t it?” Daniel asked softly. “I never thought to find a woman like you, Margaret. We’ll build this ranch into an empire we can give to our children. But even more important, we’ll pass on the most important things: faith in God, hope for the future, and unconditional love.” He turned and led her toward the door and the waiting friends and family.
With her hand clasped tightly in Daniel’s, Margaret knew she was safe in his arms.
READER GROUP GUIDE
1. It’s a common thing to greatly admire an older sibling. It’s also common for a younger sibling to feel ignored. What were the dynamics in your family?
2. Having a friend who sees the real you can be one of the most rewarding experiences in our lives. When did you have your first real friend like that? How did he or she change your life?
3. Have you ever felt judged for your gender? If so, how did you handle it?
4. Charlie fell in with the wrong crowd because he felt unloved at home. How can we keep ourselves from this reaction in our own lives?
5. What do you think caused Golda to head down the wrong path?
6. Margaret was quick to make assumptions about others. On what criteria should we evaluate other people?
7. What makes you feel safe? Is this true safety or just an illusion of safety?
8. Margaret’s worth was tied up in how she looked and in her status. Where do you find your worth? If it’s based on an illusion, what can you do to change it?
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
My friend and cheerleader, senior acquisitions editor Ami McConnell, loves change. Me, not so much. When publisher Allen Arnold called to tell me he was taking a ministry position and leaving Thomas Nelson, I was crushed. But Ami is right, and change can work out well. I adore Daisy Hutton, who took over as publisher for Allen! She’s the right person for the position. She’s handled the transition with such grace and wisdom, and I’m so thankful we have her. Thanks, Daisy!
My team is a dream to work with. I can’t imagine writing without my editor, Ami. I crave her analytical eye and love her heart. Ames, you are truly like a daughter to me. Marketing and publicity director, Katie Bond, is always willing to listen to my harebrained ideas. I wouldn’t get far without you, friend! Fabulous cover guru Kristen Vasgaard works hard to create the perfect cover—and does. You rock, Kristen! And, of course, I can’t forget my other friends who are all part of my amazing fiction family: Natalie Hanemann, Amanda Bostic, Becky Monds, Kerri Potts, Jodi Hughes, Ruthie Dean, Laura Dickerson, Heather McCulloch, and Dean Arvidson. You are all such a big part of my life. I wish I could name all the great folks at Thomas Nelson who work on selling my books through different venues. I’m truly blessed!
Julee Schwarzburg is a dream editor to work with. She totally gets romantic suspense, and our partnership is a joy. Thanks for all your hard work to make this book so much better!
My agent, Karen Solem, has helped shape my career in many ways, and that includes kicking an idea to the curb when necessary. Thanks, Karen, you’re the best!
Writing can be a lonely business, but God has blessed me with great writing friends and critique partners. Hannah Alexander (Cheryl Hodde), Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter make up the Girls Write Out squad (www.GirlsWriteOut.blogspot.com). I couldn’t make it through a day without my peeps! Thanks to all of you for the work you do on my behalf and for your friendship. I had great brainstorming help for this book in Robin Caroll and Cara Putman. Thank you, friends!
I’m so grateful for my husband, Dave, who carts me around from city to city, washes towels, and chases down dinner without complaint. As I type this, he has been free of prostate cancer for a year, and we’re so thankful! My kids—Dave, Kara (and now Donna and Mark)—and my grandsons, James and Jorden Packer, love and support me in every way possible. Love you guys! Donna and Dave brought me the delight of my life—our little grand-daughter, Alexa! She’s talking like a grown-up now, and having her spend the night is more fun than I can tell you.
Most important, I give my thanks to God, who has opened such amazing doors for me and makes the journey a golden one.
AN EXCERPT FROM TIDEWATER INN
ONE
Libby Holladay fought her way through the brambles to the overgrown garden. She paused to wave a swarm of gnats away from her face. The house was definitely in the Federal style, as she’d been told. Palladian windows flanked a centered door, or rather the opening for a door. The structure was in serious disrepair. Moss grew on the roof, and fingers of vine pried through the brick mortar. The aroma of honeysuckle vied with that of mildew.
She stepped closer to the house and jotted a few impressions in her notebook before moving inside to the domed living room. The floorboards were missing in places and rotted in others, so she planted her tan flats carefully. She could almost see the original occupants in this place. She imagined her own furniture grouped around the gorgeous fireplace. She’d love to have this place, but something so grand that needed this much repair would never be hers. The best she could do would be to preserve it for someone else who would love it. She itched to get started.
Her cell phone rang, and she groped in her canvas bag for it. Glancing at the display, she saw her partner’s name. “Hey, Nicole,” she said. “You should see this place. A gorgeous Federal-style mansion. I think it was built in 1830. And the setting by the river is beautiful. Or it will be once the vegetation is tamed.” Perching on the window seat, she made another note about the fireplace. “Nicole? Are you there?”
There was a long pause, then Nicole finally spoke. “I’m here.”
“You sound funny. What’s wrong?” Nicole was usually talkative, and Libby couldn’t remember the last time she’d heard strain in her friend’s voice. “Are you still in the Outer Banks? Listen, I heard there might be a hurricane heading that way.” She dug into her purse for her jalapeño jellybeans and popped one in her mouth.
“I’m here,” Nicole said. “The residents are sure the storm will miss Hope Island. The investor is really interested in this little town. And we have the chance to make a boatload of money on it. It’s all in your hands.”
“My hands? You’re the one with the money smarts.”
Nicole was the mover and shaker in Holladay Renovations. She convinced owners to dramatically increase the value of their historic properties by entrusting them to Libby’s expertise. Libby had little to do with the money side of the business, and that was how she liked it.
“I think I’d better go back to the beginning,” Nicole said. “Rooney sent me here to see about renovating some buildings in the small downtown area. He’s working on getting a ferry to the island. It will bring in a lot more tourism for the hotel he’s planning, but the buildings need to be restored to draw new business.”
“I know that much. But what do you mean ‘it’s in my hands’?” Libby glanced at her notes, then around the room again. This was taking up her time, and she wanted to get back to work. “We’re doing the lifesaving station for sure, right?”
“Yes, I’ve already seen it. We were right to buy that sweet building outright. After you get your hands on it, we’ll make a bundle and have instant credibility here. I’ve started making notes of the materials and crew we’ll need. But I’m not calling about the renovations. I’m talking a lot of money, Libby. Millions.”
That got Libby’s attention. “Millions?”
“I stopped by the local attorney’s office to see about having him handle the paperwork for our purchase of the lifesaving station. Horace Whittaker. He’s got both our names on the paperwork now.”
“So?”
“The secretary gasped when she heard your name.”
“She knew me?”
“The attorney has been looking for a Libby Holladay. Daughter of Ray Mitchell.”
“That’s my dad’s name.”
“I thought it might be. I’d heard you mention the name Ray, but I wasn’t sure of the last name.”
Libby rubbed her head. “Why is he looking for me? My father has been dead a long time—since I was five.”
“He died a month ago, Libby. And he left you some valuable land. In fact, it’s the land Rooney thought he had agreed to purchase. So we’re in the driver’s seat on this deal.” Nicole’s voice rose.