The Fire in Ember - DiAnn Mills [109]
Leah fretted about him too, and when the boys left for school each morning, the quiet gave both of them more time to think … and worry … and pray. John tried to be friendly, but Bert understood him enough to know he’d not rest until justice was served.
As though her wishes for John to return had been a prayer, she saw him riding in with another man who wore a black duster. Finished with feeding the chickens, she left them alone to pick at the corn. An instant later, Leah burst through the door and down the steps, waving and laughing at the same time.
“Parker Timmons, how dare you not let me know you were coming!” she said to the man who jumped from the saddle and caught Leah by the waist.
“I wanted to surprise you.”
“And where is Sage?”
“Mornings aren’t agreeing with her.”
Leah laughed again. “And will this one be another boy?”
“I wanted eight girls, and so far I have two boys who are as ornery as I ever was.”
“Serves you right.” Leah whirled around to Bert. “I’m forgetting my manners. Parker, this is Ember Farrar.”
He reached out and took her hand. The moment he faced her, Bert saw the startling resemblance between him and John. The same blue eyes that rivaled the sky sparkled back at her. The same broad shoulders too, and the way they leaned on their right leg. “So this is the woman who has stolen John’s heart. I can see why.”
She felt herself grow warm and glanced at John, who slid his hand around her waist. “And I’ve heard much about you—all wonderful,” she managed.
Leah wagged her finger at John. “Why didn’t you tell me Parker was coming?”
“Just like he said—a surprise.”
Leah’s eyes narrowed. “This is all about the trouble we’re having, isn’t it?”
“Yes ma’am.”
“And your ridiculous suspicions?”
“Yes ma’am.”
“John’s filled me in on what’s been happening. And Wirt and I spent time together when he was in Denver. I’ve been doing some digging on my own. So we’ll see what turns up.”
“You and John are so much alike. You deserve each other for a few days. But the rest of us will enjoy your time here in the evenings.”
Bert peered up at John. He’s already told his uncle about me? He does love me. He truly does.
As though reading her thoughts, his hand tightened around her waist. I love you too. She sensed his determination to end the law breaking, as he exchanged glances with his uncle. Hope rose in her too.
With Parker Timmons here, the mystery of who was behind the crimes of Rocky Falls would soon be over.
CHAPTER 51
John and Parker rode into Rocky Falls. The chill of autumn seemed to give their horses an extra lift in their step, and the gold and scarlet leaves added a splash of color to the landscape. The trees had turned early this year, and he assumed everyone was in for a hard winter.
John’s gaze lifted to the mountains. He never grew tired of their splendor or feeling powerless when peering up at them. The Indians revered them as sacred. Some folks claimed they were God’s throne. John viewed them as majestic proof of God’s hand in creating the world, and like all of nature around him, he respected the lofty peaks.
“Tell me what you’ve learned about what’s going on,” John said. “Curiosity is eating at me.”
Parker laughed, the familiar rumble that John missed. Oh, how he ached for the days when Parker and Sage had lived in Rocky Falls. “If Victor Oberlander is a friend, you’re going to be disappointed.”
“The man has a temper, and in my opinion he’d do whatever it takes to get a job done.”
“Tell me what you’ve experienced. Hard to read between the lines in a telegram. He’s expanded considerably since I lived here, and he’s ambitious. Never had a problem with him. Seemed congenial and interested in growing the community.”
John considered