“What can we do then? Are you ready to be responsible for more lives?” Abbie asks.
“First you should consider having a town meeting,” Tucker suggests. “Let them know you are thinking of the town’s best interest.”
“That’s a great idea. I need to speak to you both about something else,” Abbie nervously clasps her hands together.
Tucker reaches out and rests his hand on tops of hers. She smiles at him and grips his hand squeezing gently before pulling away to glance at Sterling.
“I want to compensate the families,” she glances at Sterling and waits for his outburst.
“I think that’s an excellent idea,” Sterling says softly.
“Really?” she sighs in relief.
“Yes, really. Abbilene seeing you open your heart to these children has changed my heart. I want to live my life, open to the possibilities. It would’ve made Burton proud to see the woman you’ve become.” He glances at the surprised look on their faces and grins.
“Thank you, Sterling,” she grips his hand across the table and smiles. “Now let’s get to work. I need your advice on how to go about this.”
“Perhaps Artley can help with that,” Tucker suggests.
“We can go see him on Monday.”
Abbie nods and reaches for the adoption papers. Picking them up she smiles at Tucker with a pale her face.
“They are really mine?” she asks.
“Yes, and no one will ever take them from you, Abbs,” Tucker says with smile.
“I’m going to go check on them,” Abbie excuses herself for a minute.
“I can’t believe it,” Sterling says. “He had two children?”
“You think you were surprised? I almost passed out!” Tucker snaps and Sterling laughs.
“I bet. What do you know of the mother?”
“They didn’t have much information on her. Just the birth certificates.”
“I can’t thank you enough, Tucker for keeping Abbie and the children safe. Things in town are volatile. I think the compensation idea could go a long way to soothing some ill will.”
“It’s finalized now. I was hoping with the article in the newspaper that it would help ease some of the hurt. The town hall meeting is the right way to start.”
“Let’s hope so, in the meantime I hired some security for the build site. In fact, they are there now. Two friends of yours. Wyatt and Cooper,” Sterling laughs at the shocked look on his face.
“You’ve seen them? They’re here, in town?” he demands.
“Yes. I saw them a few days ago,” Sterling explains. “Tucker, no one knows you’re back.”
“You won’t find better security, Sterling. I will go see them as soon as its safe. Could you let them know we’re home, privately? I don’t want anyone to know just yet.”
“Of course, but at some point, Abbie and the children will have to go home, Tucker,” Sterling says with a small smile.
“I know. It’s complicated, Sterling,” Tucker sighs.
“I can see that. Don’t let her wait too long. Fear, if left to fester, will rob her any chance at happiness. She deserves to be loved.”
Tucker jerks in disbelief, “I agree, but Abbilene is stubborn and I thought you didn’t like me.”
“Her heart is special and anyone with eyes can see that she cares for you. I find I like the way you care for her,” Sterling leans forward. “I only want her happiness.”
“Thank you,” Tucker says.
“No. I should thank you. I can’t believe I’m an uncle of two!”
Abbie walks in carrying Coralie. “Do you mind if we take a break for a little while? I want to watch Mason ride his first horse!” she grins at Tucker.
He leaps to his feet and runs for the barn. “I told them to wait for me!” he shouts and Abbie giggles when Coralie screams in excitement.
“What was that?” Sterling asks coming around the table to look at the baby.
“That was how your niece likes to show her joy,” she grins. “Can you hold her while I grab our coats?”
“Oh... I don’t… she’s so tiny,” he stammers.
“You’ll be fine,” Abbie shows him how to support her neck and tucks the baby into his chest before walking away.
“Don’t leave me!” he squeaks, but Abbie is laughing as she hurries to the front door to grab coats and a blanket for Coralie.
Sterling stares at the baby who has turned her face to look at him. Soft grey eyes meet dark brown ones and he is stunned by the feelings that wash over him.
He smiles at her, “Hello, beautiful. I’m your Uncle Sterling,” he murmurs. Coralie smiles and reaches a hand out and touches his cheek. He sniffs back a tear and whispers, “Welcome home.”
Abbie watches from the hallway and wipes her own tears. “Thank you,” she whispers to the Lord.
Chapter 57
Marcus watches from the shade behind the barn. It is a busy day for this family. He will need to bide his time until the moment presents itself.
He jerks in surprise when a group walks outside towards the barn.
“Are you sure about this Abbilene? Letting a child ride a horse?” Sterling looks at her.
“I’ve been riding since I was three,” Tucker quips.
“You’re a cowboy. Some of us prefer an office,” Sterling says.
“I’d say Abbie did a good thing, sharing the business with you,” Tucker teases.
“That she did,” Sterling grins back and offers to hold Coralie.
The barn is a hub of activity. They are too busy to notice him. Marcus glares at her as she is surrounded by family and friends.
“Enjoy your time, Mrs. Gilbert, and thank you for bringing the manger to me.” He smiles as he sits back to count his bullets.
What seems like hours later, the sun is finally setting and Sterling leaves. He speaks to two old men and mounts his horse. Marcus grins and tosses his cigarette to the ground behind
