“We can’t go tonight, Abbie,” Tucker braces for the fight he knows is coming.
“What are you talking about? We can’t leave him there, Tucker.”
“Of course not, Abbilene, but I’ve been in these workhouses, and they are more prison than boys’ home. You have to think of Coralie’s safety now and your own. Without you, they both end up back in the hell hole we just left.”
Abbie falls silent and looks down at the sleeping baby. She covers her with the thin blanket they gave her and frowns. “What do we do, Tucker?” she whispers.
“We get the two of you somewhere safe, find a doctor to check her out, and while you are bathing her and preparing to become a mother of two, the boys and I will go get Mason.”
“Tucker, we can’t leave San Francisco without him,” she whispers and reaches for his hand. He lifts her knuckle to his mouth and presses a kiss to it.
“We will bring him home, Abbs, I promise.”
“There was a time with the promise of a man would have set my teeth on edge, but not yours, Tucker. Thank you,” she sniffs. “The woman who let you go was a fool.”
Her words of praise sink into his soul and heals a place he didn’t even know needed healing.
Chapter 28
Abbie stares down at Coralie and smiles in wonder. Is this what you mean when you said to trust you, Lord? “My dreams of becoming a mother never looked like this,” Abbie laughs softly and looks at Tucker as they ride back to the house.
“I imagine not,” Tucker grins at her.
Three riders exit from the woods, and Tucker flicks the reins and picks up speed as his friends fall in beside the carriage.
No one speaks until they are safely back to the house. Tucker watches Shep walk over to Abbie’s side of the wagon to help her down, only to watch his eyes fly open wide.
“He’s awful small for five years old,” Shep says.
“Her name is Coralie,” Abbie says. “Could you take her so I can get down?”
Shep doesn’t argue, he reaches for her with awe, and Abbie watches the transformation come over him. “Hello dove,” he cradles her in his massive hands and tucks her against his chest with a soft smile.
The boys follow him inside, forgetting all about Abbie and Tucker. She is smiling when he reaches for her.
Tucker lowers Abbie to the ground with a bewildered expression.
“Life with you is never boring, Abbilene,” Tucker says softly.
“Thank you, I think,” she looks into his eyes and they stare at each. In her eyes, he can see a future with passion, friendship, love, and trust. It scares him and humbles him at the same time.
Trust me, whispers the Lord.
“Are you alright?” she asks.
“I am in awe of you, Abbie.” He cups her face in his hand and kisses her softly.
Abbie savors the touch of his mouth on hers and shudders at the feelings he evokes. “Tucker, you’ve kissed me twice now. I can’t give you what you seek.”
“You just did. Let’s get you settled so I can go get your son.” He guides her inside, ignoring her statement.
“Okay.”
They laugh when they walk into the living room and find the boys arguing over who the baby likes better.
Coralie is settled in the crook of Shep’s arm, smiling and cooing at them.
“Glory be!” Mrs. Combs shouts when she walks into the room and finds them with a baby girl. “Who is this?”
Abbie walks over and smiles softly at the baby. “This is Coralie Gilbert, my daughter.”
No one speaks for a moment. The love radiating from Abbie is tangible. Tucker feels all the shackles around his heart crumble and fall. Her love is so beautiful to watch it washes away all the doubt that God has a plan for everything.
“What happened to Mason?” Cooper asks.
Tucker walks forward, “We need to talk. Shep, can you send for a doctor to check the baby?”
“Of course,” he stands and offers Coralie to Abbie who takes her with a smile of delight.
“She needs a bath and bottle, don’t you, little one? I don’t have any supplies for her. I wasn’t expecting this.” Abbie says softly. “Mrs. Combs, I’m hoping you can help me. I’ve never bathed a baby before.”
“I’d love to,” she squeals. “Call me, Mary.”
“Give me a list, and I’ll run to the General store for you and bring back the doctor,” Wyatt insists.
“Come with us,” Mrs. Combs orders and Abbie stops at the door to turn back to Tucker.
“Thank you, all of you.” Tears glisten in her eyes, “I know what I’m asking of you is crazy. To risk your safety to shelter and protect strangers. I won’t forget it.” Her eyes stop on Tucker. “Now, figure out how we’re going to go get my son,” she demands.
“Yes, Ma’am,” Tucker grins proudly at her.
No one moves as they walk away until Shepherd asks, “You’re keeping her, right?”
“Absolutely!” Tucker smiles as his friends laugh. Hope dances on the air even as they turn and begin to plan.
Chapter 29
“Mason is at Allegra Workhouse in Bodega county,” Tucker explains.
Cooper shouts, “What?”
“Who sends a five-year-old to that hell hole?” Shep runs a hand over his face and says, “Dear Lord,” he whispers a prayer and closes his eyes against the images evoked by the thought of a child in an asylum.
“That’s at least a half day ride,” Wyatt says from the doorway holding a wad of cash and a shopping list.
“You’d do better to go by train,” Shep insists.
Tucker looks at his pocket watch and frowns.
