Always Dakota (17 page)

It was late when she hit Buffalo Valley. Almost midnight. The only light came from the streetlamps, which she saw even before she turned off the highway. Bob would have closed the restaurant for the night, but the bar might still be open.

Sure enough, the neon sign for 3 OF A KIND glowed in the window. Merrily studied each store, each business, on Main Street. So Joanie Wyatt had gone ahead and opened a video rental place. Although the sign was turned off, Merrily saw the storefront. In the years she’d known Bob, she’d watched this town grow. She’d taken comfort in that, seeing the changes in Buffalo Valley, believing they paralleled the changes in her own life. Changes for which she thanked Buffalo Bob Carr.

Winter in North Dakota was dark and cold. Barren. Snowbanks lined the sides of the streets. Merrily parked with difficulty and climbed out of her car, then walked the short distance toward 3 OF A KIND. A look through the window revealed a couple of men sitting at the bar, drinking beer.

Bob was nowhere in sight.

Taking a calming breath, Merrily stepped inside. She saw him immediately and just as importantly, he saw her.

His eyes narrowed as he paused, a beer mug in one hand. That was when she noticed the cast on his right arm. Apparently he’d broken it. A chill went through her that couldn’t be attributed to the cold or the wind; she knew it was brought on by the realization that the man she loved had endured terrible pain.

“What happened?” she asked, walking toward him, her gaze on his arm.

His eyes held hers. “You left.”

The two men sitting at the bar stared at her and then each other. Merrily had seen them before, but she didn’t remember their names. She ignored them and they turned away and pretended to ignore her.

“I’m back now,” she told Bob, hoping he understood that this time it was forever.

“Should I throw a party?” he asked.

She deserved his sarcasm. “I realized something important,” she said in a low voice. “I don’t belong anywhere but with you.”

He looked as though he didn’t believe her and she couldn’t blame him. “I love you, Buffalo Bob Carr.”

He set the frosty mug down and turned away. “I’m sorry, fellows, but I’m closing up early tonight. I got a problem here that’s going to demand my full attention.”

“Sure thing, Bob.”

“Yeah. I should be leaving, anyway. See ya, Bob.”

Both men left cash on the counter, although he hadn’t presented either one with a bill. Casting a wary eye in her direction, they ambled out the door.

After the men had gone, Merrily stood in the center of the room, waiting. Unable to read Bob’s response, she wasn’t sure what to do.

He frowned, standing behind the bar as if it offered him some defense. “I risked everything for you, and then you walked out.”

“I know—I thought you’d betrayed me.”

“I was protecting you, protecting Axel. Protecting us.”

She didn’t want to hear it, hadn’t traveled all this way to argue. “I’m not leaving again.”

“I’ve heard that before,” Bob muttered.

“This time I know there’s nothing out there that isn’t a thousand times better right here.” She stepped toward the end of the bar, hoping for a sign that would tell her he wanted her back. That he’d been as miserable as she had.

Merrily’s arms had felt empty from the moment Bob pried Axel from her embrace. They’d ached for five very long weeks. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered and broke into sobs.

It was the sound of her tears that seemed to break the spell. Bob stepped around the bar and strode toward her, and she fell into his arms, the tears burning her eyes, streaming down her face.

The instant Bob’s arms closed around her, Merrily felt the throbbing pain in her heart diminish. For the first time since Axel had been taken from her, she felt as though she didn’t stand alone. Her husband was with her, and to her amazement he loved her. Still loved her. He was willing to forgive her, and take her back.

They clung without words, like the lone survivors of an accident, trembling and in shock. The cast on his right arm dug into her back, reminding her that she should find out what had happened. Had he fallen? Been in a fight?

“I lost Axel,” Bob whispered, “and then you.”

“Oh, Bob.” He didn’t understand that he hadn’t lost her. Couldn’t. Not anymore. She was a part of him and he a part of her.

“Don’t leave me again…I can’t bear it.”

“Never,” she promised, and this time she knew it was true.

“Y
ou ready?” Jeb asked, coming inside, out of the cold, to collect his wife and daughter. In addition to a number of business-related errands she needed to do, Maddy planned to visit Sarah—and she was anxious to talk to Buffalo Bob and Merrily. They’d phoned the night before and asked if she could stop by for a few minutes to answer their questions. They were looking for advice to help them win back Axel.

“Ready,” Maddy told her husband, carrying a bundled-up Julianne in her combination car seat/baby carrier. Jeb had thoughtfully gone out to start the car for her.

He took Julianne’s carrier from Maddy and tucked their daughter safely into the Bronco’s back seat. Maddy waited by the driver’s side and glanced at her watch. It was now 12:30. “I’ll be back by four,” she told him.

He nodded, his eyes serious. “Drive carefully.”

“I will,” she promised, and they briefly kissed before she climbed into the driver’s seat. The vehicle was warm inside; she was grateful to Jeb for that. She didn’t know if she’d ever become accustomed to the frigid winters in North Dakota. The blizzard a year earlier, in which she’d almost died, had been an accurate indication of what the weather could be like.

Jeb remained standing in the driveway, watching her leave. Although he’d encouraged her to talk to Bob and Merrily, she knew he’d rather she stayed off the icy roads. But he, too, was concerned about the couple.

Maddy had been the one who’d recommended Doug Alder. From her work with Child Protective Services in Savannah, Maddy knew and trusted the attorney. He was the best—compassionate, yet tough and realistic. The situation with Axel was complicated, but she’d seen Doug succeed in similar cases. Still, the main thing Bob and Merrily—
all
of them—needed to remember was that Axel’s welfare came first.

Bob had sounded worried when he’d phoned. Maddy wasn’t sure if she should stop by to see him right away or wait until she’d talked to her sister-in-law, Sarah Urlacher. Sarah’s pregnancy continued to have problems, and between boredom and physical weakness, she found the required bed rest increasingly difficult.

Rather than delay talking to Bob and Merrily, Maddy decided to drive over to 3 OF A KIND immediately. Merrily hugged her, and it seemed she clung an extra moment before she left to get Bob.

The three sat at a table in the restaurant, nursing cups of coffee. Nine-month-old Julianne sat in the high chair, gnawing contentedly on an arrowroot cracker. Several times Maddy caught Merrily glancing toward the infant with a look of longing.

“We heard from Doug Alder,” Bob explained. He met his wife’s eyes and she reached for his hand. He clasped her fingers tightly.

“I think I told you Axel’s father is in prison,” Bob went on.

Maddy nodded. “And his mother is dead.”

“From what we understand, Axel has been made a ward of the state and is now available for adoption.”

Maddy’s heart leaped with gratitude. The possibility of adoption was what she’d hoped for. She’d also learned from Bob that the lawyer in California had talked to the prosecutor before they’d surrendered Axel. He’d worked a minor miracle in having the federal kidnapping charges against Merrily reduced to a suspended sentence; she wouldn’t have to serve any jail time.

“Axel’s in a foster home now,” Merrily blurted out. Her knuckles were white from the pressure with which she held on to her husband’s hand.

“Apparently he isn’t doing well,” Bob added.

“We asked Doug to get us a report…” Merrily paused, and tears filled her eyes, threatening to spill over. “He was able to talk to Axel’s caseworker and she said he isn’t eating or sleeping well.”

“You’ve applied for adoption?” she asked, certain they had.

“We’ve spent two days filling out all the forms,” Bob told her.

“Doug thinks that given our history with Axel, we’d be seriously considered,” Merrily said.

“But he also explained that it was no guarantee we’d be chosen,” Bob pointed out. “Apparently there are very few children available for adoption these days, but no lack of applicants.”

“Axel loves us as much as we love him,” Merrily rushed to add. “I’m sure the judge will take that into consideration, don’t you think?”

“Naturally the caseworker will be interviewing us,” Bob said, not giving Maddy an opportunity to respond to Merrily’s question. “We were hoping you could tell us what they’d want to hear.”

“I’ll be happy to help in any way I can.”

“Pastor Dawson has been…helpful,” Merrily said with a guarded smile. “He said we’d done a brave thing and that he respects and admires us for the way we’ve handled the situation. He…thought it might help if he got a letter-writing campaign going. You know, having people from the community write letters of recommendation on our behalf.”

“That’s an excellent idea.” Maddy would gladly send one herself.

“We have to travel to California for the interview, of course.”

Maddy knew this entire process was expensive. Attorney’s fees were high, and it had to be costing them plenty, along with all the fees involved in the adoption process.

“The church took up a donation to help with the traveling expenses,” Merrily told her. “We weren’t expecting anything like that. We were really touched by what they did.”

Julianne had been running a fever the previous weekend, so Maddy had missed Sunday services and hadn’t heard about the collection.

“Everyone’s been great,” Bob said, his voice gruff with emotion. “I don’t know what we would’ve done without all our friends.”

“The town wants you to bring Axel home, too.”

Merrily nodded tearfully. “I can’t tell you how much everyone’s support has meant to us.”

Bob stood and disappeared for a moment, then returned with a file. “This is the paperwork we’ve completed for the state of California.” He handed it to Maddy. She read through the questionnaire and was impressed with the straightforward, honest way in which he’d revealed his past, including his run-ins with the law. At the end of the application, he’d listed improvements he’d made in his life during the past few years, since taking ownership of 3 OF A KIND. He described how he was now a successful businessman, a member of the town council, a member of the school board, a married man. The letters of recommendation Pastor Dawson was collecting would underline those constructive changes.

Merrily’s portion of the form supplied all the necessary details, plus a heartfelt plea that the judge make her and Bob legally what they already were in every other way, and that was Axel’s family.

“You’ve done an excellent job with this,” Maddy said when she finished.

“Would you let us adopt Axel if you were the one making the decision?” Merrily asked.

It was a difficult question, especially since she knew how badly they needed to hear a positive response. The fact that they both had police records didn’t help their case. But anyone who bothered to read their application would be able to tell how much they loved Axel. The child had clearly bonded with them, which was also in their favor.

Bob and Merrily studied her, anticipating her response. She nodded and smiled. “I think I would. I believe you have an excellent chance.”

For the first time since her arrival, they both smiled.

“That’s what Doug told me,” Bob said, sounding vastly relieved.

“Now, let’s go over the kinds of questions that are likely to be asked in the personal interview,” she suggested.

When she’d spent an hour or so rehearsing questions and answers with Bob and Merrily, Maddy left, their effusive thanks echoing in her ears. She’d take care of her errands next, then drop in on Sarah. She walked across the street to her grocery, planning to discuss some business issues with Pete Mitchell, her manager. She wanted to switch one of her suppliers, plus try out some new inventory-control software. As well, she and the Loomis boys were going to talk over their ideas for a Valentine’s display. She missed the everyday interaction with people in town, but loved her role as wife and mother. In time, she’d return to the store, but for now she was content. She had an excellent manager and the Loomis twins were an unexpected asset.

“Afternoon, Maddy,” Pastor Dawson called out when she entered the grocery.

“Hello,” she called back. Julianne rested against her side and cheerfully waved her arms in greeting.

“My goodness, Julianne is growing,” he said as he approached them.

“She’s going to be walking any day now.” Maddy wasn’t sure if she should be thrilled or not that her daughter was an early walker.

“You talked to Bob and Merrily?” Pastor Dawson asked.

“I did. What you’re doing with the letters is extremely generous.”

The minister brushed off her praise. “You’ll write one on their behalf, won’t you?”

“Of course. I’ll have it to you before the end of the week.”

“Terrific.” He hesitated, his expression sober. “What do you think of their chances?”

That seemed to be the question of the hour. “I don’t know…I’d like to believe the judge would take into account more than meets the eye. More than their police records, in other words.”

“Merrily stole Axel,” the pastor said bluntly.

“There were extenuating circumstances.” She sighed. “But…”

“Do you have doubts?” he asked.

Maddy shifted Julianne from one side to the other while she considered his question. What
were
the chances of Bob and Merrily being selected as Axel’s parents? Worrying her lower lip, she slowly shook her head. “I just don’t know.”

“We’ll leave it in God’s hands,” the pastor told her.

That sounded like the best solution to Maddy.

As February drew to a close, Sarah grew more and more restless. She’d hoped to get back to her normal life after the first of the year, but the doctor advised against it. He felt that continued bed rest would give her baby the optimum chance of a safe delivery. On this particular Monday, she picked up the remote control and turned off the television. Another four months of this forced inactivity and she’d go stark raving mad. If not for her designing board, she’d have reached that point long before now. Thankfully, she’d had plenty of company in the past two months. Maddy visited her once a week, and even her brother had deigned to stop by and chat. Now, that was a rare treat.

Jeb was happy—happier than he’d been in years. Maddy was perfect for him, and Sarah felt vindicated; she’d recognized it long before her hardheaded brother did. Marriage and fatherhood required a serious adjustment, but he genuinely loved Maddy and was crazy about their baby.

Within a few months she’d be a new mother herself, but it didn’t seem quite real to her. Although Dennis was thrilled with the pregnancy, he worried constantly. He’d waited for this child a long time and, God willing, she’d give him the family he wanted.

Unfortunately, he was short-staffed and worked long hours. Her being trapped in the house made his life more difficult. Not only was he responsible for supplying fuel to the outlying areas, but he owned and operated the only gas station in town. After a full day he came home and had to see to her needs, both physically and emotionally. Sarah knew he worried about her when he was on the road, and tried to check in at least twice a day. Some days it just wasn’t possible.

Leta Betts and Hassie Knight made frequent visits, and for that Sarah was grateful. Leta had decided it was time Sarah learned how to knit, and had undertaken to teach her, the way she had so many others. Joanie sold more yarn than anything else, and she had Leta to thank for that. Despite Sarah’s aptitude with a needle, though, knitting didn’t come naturally. Leta had encouraged her, and soon had her working on a blanket for the baby. However, looking at her humble effort now, Sarah realized she must have done something wrong because it resembled a triangle more than it did a square. Until she saw Leta again, she’d have to set the project aside.

Releasing a deep sigh, Sarah closed her eyes, attempting to nap. She was on the verge of falling asleep when the doorbell chimed. She raised her head as Calla walked into the house.

“Hi,” Calla said, sounding only slightly belligerent.

“Hi,” Sarah returned, hardly knowing how to respond to her anymore. She was afraid her daughter would know how pleased she was to see her and decide not to visit again. Either that, or she’d be outraged that Sarah hadn’t revealed the proper delight. Sarah just couldn’t predict her reactions.

“I brought you some videos,” Calla announced in an offhand manner, as if it embarrassed her to admit she’d actually thought of Sarah. She stepped forward and set the plastic sack on the coffee table, then quickly stepped back, hands in her pockets.

Stunned into speechlessness, Sarah stared at her daughter.

“I thought…you know, watching movies might help kill time.”

“That’s so nice of you.”

Calla shrugged off her gratitude. “I work at the video store, Mother. It’s no big deal.”

Sarah reached for the bag and sorted through the titles. These were the very ones she would’ve chosen if she’d picked out the movies herself. The original
Sabrina
starring William Holden, Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart.
The Rainmaker
with Katharine Hepburn and Burt Lancaster. Plus
Father Goose
with Leslie Caron and Cary Grant.