Clay stepped away from Wade and hurried back to his wife when he saw her comforting Elizabeth. It was time to leave. Wade had once again embarrassed the family.
Grandpa pushed his way through the crowd and looked down at Wade. “Get off of the floor and go home,” he ordered.
Wade pushed himself up and snarled, “I’m going to the saloon.” Grandpa stood shaking his head as he watched Wade stumble across the dance floor and head for his horse.
Cora convinced grandpa it was time for them to leave, too. He agreed and waved at his friends and apologized profusely. Most either nodded or said they understood. Clay followed with Grace and Elizabeth who kept her head down trying to hide her humiliation.
Chapter Fourteen
Two days later, the family was doing its best to act normally after the fiasco at the barn raising party. Grandpa handed his empty breakfast plate to Cora and announced, “I’m going into town today. Do you need anything?”
“I certainly do. I’ll get my list and meet you out front,” Cora answered as she rushed into the kitchen.
“Grandpa Hutch, would it be all right if I came along? I haven’t been in town much, and I’d like to look around a bit and maybe buy a few things,” Elizabeth asked.
Grandpa nodded, “Of course, I’ll have Wade hitch up the wagon, and we’ll make a morning out of it. I’ll treat everyone to lunch at the café. Wade and Clay have chores, but I’d love to spend the morning with three lovely ladies.”
“If it’s all the same, I’d like to stay here,” Grace said. “I want to ride my horse this morning. She’s so beautiful and the most wonderful gift I’ve ever received.”
Grandpa laughed. “She is that, but Clay said he wanted one to rival his wife’s beauty.”
Grace murmured an embarrassed thank you and hurried off to change into riding clothes.
Grandpa turned to Elizabeth, “Did Wade give you money?”
“No.”
“Anything you want, you charge it to the Hutchison family account. I have accounts in every store.”
Elizabeth dropped her head. “I have my own money, thank you, sir.”
“Sir?” Grandpa’s eyebrows shot up.
“Thank you, Grandpa,” Elizabeth answered and kissed the old man on his cheek.
“You hear that, Grace. That goes for you, too. I don’t want either of you spending any money you brought with you. That’s yours for a rainy day,” Grandpa hollered loud enough for the entire house to hear.
Grace stepped out of the bedroom. “Yes, Grandpa. I heard you. Clay told me the same thing.”
Slapping his hands together, Grandpa announced, “That’s settled. Let’s head into town.”
Grace heard them leave and returned to braiding her hair. She didn’t want her hair flying loose as she rode. Clay told her he would be out with the hands in the south pasture all morning, and she thought it might be nice to ride out and bring him some cookies. She was humming when she heard the door open.
“Did you forget something?” she asked expecting Elizabeth and turned to face Wade standing in the doorway with a gun in his hand.
“Not a thing,” he said and grinned at her. “I’ve been waiting for a day when everyone except you and I are gone. Now, this is what is going to happen.”
Grace backed away from Wade looking around frantically for something to defend herself. Maybe if she encouraged him to talk he might let his guard down. “What is it you want? I don’t have much money.”
Wade threw his head back and laughed. “Money? I don’t need money. I’ll have the largest share of this ranch as soon as you leave.”
I’m not leaving,” Grace insisted her brown eyes flashing with anger.
“Yes, you are. Grab your carpet bag and pack it with some traveling clothes. When you finish that, you’re going to leave a note for Clay. I’ll tell you what to write.”
“And what if I don’t,” Grace answered defensively. “You can’t force me to leave.”
Wade raised the gun, “Don’t try my patience. Start packing or you’ll regret it.”
“You won’t shoot me. How would you explain that?” Grace stood with her hands on her hips anger taking over her good sense.
“No, that might be hard to explain, but I can knock you out. You’re going to ride out of here either on the back of your horse or tossed over the saddle. Your choice.”
Grace believed Wade was serious and capable of his threats. She pulled her carpet bag out of the wardrobe and began to stuff her clothes inside. When she finished, she pretended to drop a blouse on the floor. When she bent to retrieve it, she pulled the necklace Clay gave her from around her neck and left it on the floor hoping Clay would believe she didn’t leave willingly. She stood and glared at Wade.
Wade pointed to the top of the dresser. “Don’t forget your female stuff. No woman leaves without it.”
“It’s not all mine. Some of it belongs to Elizabeth,” Grace said and pulled a few things off the dresser intentionally leaving a bottle of perfume her father had purchased for her shortly before he died and her mother’s pearls. Elizabeth would know she’d never leave without taking them. She said a silent prayer someone would realize she was forced to leave.
“What now?” Grace asked turning to face Wade.
“Sit down at the desk and write what I tell you.”
Grace walked to the desk
