Joline's Redemption (23 page)

The teasing tone of her sister's voice took the sting from her comment. “I've been thinking, now that the ground has dried, I might ride to town and see if I can find out anything.”

Lara pinned another diaper to the line. “Only if you want to run the risk of Mark seeing you. He's not likely to stay in the store, you know. What if he saw you riding down the street?”

“I hadn't thought of that, but this waiting is driving me loco. And I need to be working.”

“Can I ask you why? You must have a good reason that you need the money since you're willing to be gone from Jamie for so long.”

Because horrible men are after me. Because a man probably wants to kill me.
What could she say to pacify her sister? “We can't stay here forever, you know.”

“It's fine with me if you do.”

Lara had always been generous and kind. “I know, but one day you'll need the room, and I'm sure Gabe doesn't appreciate having three extra mouths to feed.”

“Gabe doesn't care as long as I'm happy, and having you and Sarah and Jamie here makes me ecstatic. Grandpa has even been livelier since you arrived.”

“You're too kind. One of these days someone is going to take advantage of your generosity.”

“God has been good to Gabe and me and blessed us so much. How can I not share all that I have?”

“Just be careful. There are people who love preying on others.”

Lara frowned. “You speak like you know what you're talking about. Has someone done something to you?”

Jo huffed a sarcastic laugh. “Look at what Mark did. Isn't that enough?” And if not, there was always Badger—or rather, Pete Worley, as he'd called himself when she first met him. Once again, she'd been charmed by a snake of a man and poisoned by his bite—a poison that had touched every part of her life except for Jamie. Jamie was the one unblemished thing in her life.

She needed to change the subject before she confessed her horrible past to her sister. “Sarah seems to be doing well in her studies.”

Lara lifted one eyebrow again, as if indicating she knew Jo had changed the subject. “Yes, she's a delight and such a smart girl. She's so sharp. I'm surprised she hasn't taught herself to read before now. She's almost caught up with Michael.”

“She sure likes to learn. Back at the bord—boardinghouse she was always quiet.” Sweat trickled down Jo's temple. She'd almost said
bordello.
“That's the last of the diapers. I'm going to empty the wash water.”

With the laundry basket on her hip, she scurried toward the house. She had to be more careful. Lara might not throw a stink if she learned where Jo had been, though she'd certainly be disappointed, but Gabe would probably toss her out of the house. But then, he'd once been a gambler, so maybe he'd be more understanding than she thought.

“Well, howdy, Punkin.”

Jo glanced up to see Grandpa sitting on the back porch. She smiled and waved. He'd aged a lot in the years she'd been gone, but she was glad he was still living. He pretty much raised her, at least until Lara was old enough to take over the task. Why had she resented them so much? The reasons had faded away so that she could barely remember.

She set the basket by the door and took the rocker next to Grandpa. “What are you whittling?”

“I thought I'd make your little Jamie a set of animals like Gabe and I made for Lara's boy.”

“That's so sweet of you, but he can play with Michael's. You don't have to make a whole new set.”

He shrugged and kept on working. “I don't expect that you'll stick around here forever.”

She tried not to squirm. Had he overheard her talk with Lara the other day? “What makes you say that?”

“You may have been gone a long while, but I know you.” He flashed an ornery grin. “You won't be content to stay here at Lara's place for too long. I reckon you still have itchy feet.”

He knew her better than she'd thought. “If things were different, I might stay, at least for a while.”

“What things?”

She'd done it again—said more than she meant to. “I have Jamie now and Sarah. They deserve their own home.”

“It'll be mighty hard to raise two young'uns while working enough hours to make the money you'll need. Where's that husband of yours?”

“Jo! Jamie needs you.” Sarah's call from an upstairs window as well as Jamie's sudden wails were exactly the excuses she needed.

Jo jumped up. “Sorry, Grandpa. Gotta run.”

“Don't think I don't know you're runnin' away again,” he mumbled as she hurried into the house.

Later that afternoon, Baron walked his father around the store, explaining the changes he'd made.

Marq nodded. “I like what you've done here. You seem to be focused on the specific needs of this town, which will result in more sales.”

“That and the fact that we can offer items at a lower price on most things, since you buy so many at one time to supply all of our stores.”

“So, are you turning a big enough profit that we should consider keeping the place? Or should we sell it?”

Baron's thoughts instantly shot to Jo. She needed the work, and he wasn't ready to cut his ties with her and Jamie. But he could hardly tell his father that. “We're doing well enough. It was a slow start, but people are realizing our prices are better than other general stores and are venturing in and buying more.”

“Good.” His father stroked his chin. “The front of the building could do with a fresh coat of paint.”

“I know, but I've been concentrating on getting the inside straightened and restocked. I've been planning on painting the facade one evening, but I seem to always be working late on something else.”

“Hire someone to do that work. You don't have to do it all, son.”

Baron stared at his father. The man had changed. Six months ago, he would have told him to paint it himself in order to make sure it was done right and to save money. Had Mark's sudden death been the catalyst that caused the change, or was it just age and growing wisdom?

Footsteps echoed on the boardwalk.

“I think I'll go check on your mother. She's taking your brother's death hard.”

Baron patted his father's shoulder. “It wouldn't hurt you to rest a bit, too. You've worked hard your whole life. Take time to grieve the loss of your son.”

His father's gaze jerked to his, and after a moment, he nodded. “You're getting wise in your old age. Now, if only you could settle down and find a wife.”

Baron turned away, his lips tight. That was the father he knew. The one always poking and prodding for more, although the topic of a wife usually came up when he talked with his mother.

The bell rang, and a tall man dressed in a blue plaid shirt and what Baron thought were probably black pants strode in. He pushed a slouch hat that Baron recognized as a model from several years ago off his forehead and squinted as his eyes adjusted to the dimmer lighting inside.

“Afternoon. How can I help you?”

“Well, the truth is, I'm looking for some people—Lara and Joline Jensen.”

Baron's heart slammed against his chest. What could this man have to do with Jo and her sister? “Might I inquire why you're looking for them?”

The man lifted his brow. “Not that it's any concern of yours, but they're family.”

“My name's Baron Hillborne.” He held out his hand, hoping to learn the man's name.

“Jack Jensen.”

Recognition ignited within him. “You're the long-lost brother?”

Jack smiled, and his posture relaxed. “Ah, so you do know them.”

“I do, but you never can be too careful, especially where women are concerned.”

“I like that philosophy. Can you tell me where to find 'em? We've been separated for so long, and now that I'm gettin' close, I'm gettin' more anxious than a calf separated from its ma for the first time.”

Baron chuckled at the odd analogy. “Lara's married, and she and her husband have a ranch a ways from town. Wish I could offer to escort you, but my parents arrived unexpectedly today, and I can't leave them.”

“I understand. Could you give me directions or draw me a map?”

“That I can do.” Baron smiled, knowing how surprised the sisters were going to be. He wished he could ride out and witness the reunion, but then, that was a private affair for family. He tugged a large piece of paper from a basket, licked the end of a pencil, and drew a map, indicating landmarks to help Jack find his way. He finished drawing, wondering why he felt bad that he wasn't more a part of the family. Maybe it was his unusual connection to Jamie. Knowing Mark and Jo were never married but they parented a child would turn most folks against her. They would look down on Jo because she was an unwed mother. Somehow, he had to find a way to protect her. He owed it to Jamie—and maybe even Mark. He slid the map toward Jo's brother.

Jack waved the map in the air. “Thanks for this. I appreciate it.”

“You're welcome. I hope the reunion is all you're hoping it will be.”

Jack sobered. “Me, too. But it's been a long while, and I left rather suddenly at a bad time.”

Baron's heart went out to Jack. “I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Lara and her husband are very friendly and welcoming.” He wanted to tell Jack of his connection to the family, but it wasn't his place.

Jack headed for the door. “If you're a prayin' man, say one for me.”

Baron walked to the window, watched Jack mount, and smiled. Jo, her sister, and Daniel sure were in for a surprise.

Anxiety gnawed at Jack's gut. He'd traveled a long way, not so much in miles as in years, to finally be at a point where he was able to reunite with his family. Would they be happy to see him, or did they hate him for running out on them? Grandpa was probably the one he'd hurt the most, but he doubted he'd have a chance to apologize since it was unlikely he'd still be living, given the fact that he suffered from malaria, which he caught during his years fighting in the War between the States. Too bad. He'd sure like to see him again. If Grandpa was still alive, he'd have to make a trek up to his ranch in Kansas to see him.

Jack doubted he'd recognize Lara and Jo, all grown up and married. At least that store owner had said Lara was. Jo was, too, he imagined. She was such a pretty little girl, although headstrong. He smiled at how she never did anything the easy way. Was she still hardheaded, or had she mellowed with age? What was she now—twenty? He shook his head at the thought of his feisty five-year-old sister now a mature adult.

As he reached a fork in the road, he glanced down at the map then took the trail to the right. The temperature here was a tad bit cooler than down in Texas, but from the looks of the green grass and multitude of wildflowers, the Oklahoma Territory got more rain than down south had.

He muttered a prayer as he rode up another hill. “Lord, let this be a happy reunion. It will break my heart to find out the girls hate me.” But his sisters wouldn't have posted an ad in the paper if they didn't want to find him.

A good-sized ranch spread out before him with one of the nicest houses he'd seen since entering the territory. He clucked to his horse, which trotted down the hill. Jack's stomach churned. He'd anticipated this reunion for years. Why had he waited so long?

Jo swept the pile of dust off the front porch and turned to go back into the house when she spotted a rider heading her way. Mark?

She rushed inside, shut the door, and slid the lacy curtain aside so she could peer out. As the man drew near, she realized he couldn't be Mark. He looked taller and leaner, and had a more humble bearing, if one could tell such a thing without actually meeting a person.

“What are you doing?”

Jo jumped at Lara's voice. “Someone's coming, and I was afraid it might be Mark.”

Lara hurried to her side and looked out through the curtain. “Is it him?”