Kiss of The Christmas Wind (7 page)

“But why you?” she asked in astonishment.

Thad explained, “Partly a gift from Governor Hubbard and President Grant for all my good deeds in Texas and elsewhere. They also needed somebody to replace me to chase down outlaws. Who better than a man who’d been one, who could think like they do, who can get close enough to capture them? Darby really made a good impression on the authorities, so they figured he’d go straight if given the chance. He agreed with their idea, a good suggestion I made. He’s been paroled, as long as he doesn’t commit any more crimes and until he’s served as a Special Agent for seven years, one for each year he was an outlaw. A fair trade if you ask me.”

Carrie Sue was stunned and thrilled with this news. “When did you get out? Why didn’t you write and tell us? I can’t believe this.”

“Like Thad said, I’m a Special Agent, so I work undercover. They changed my name to D. S. Rogue. Darby Stover was reported killed after he escaped from prison. When I meet up with outlaws I know, I just tell them how I tricked the law into thinking I’m dead with a burned body. So far, nobody’s caught on to me. Of course, I haven’t handled but three cases to date. I see why Thad loved this job so much; it’s exciting and challenging.”

“But what if I’d heard you’d been killed?” Carrie persisted.

“You’ll be getting a letter from me soon. I’ve only been out a month, so I guess it hasn’t reached you yet. Or maybe some outlaw robbed the stage or train carrying it. I was chasing Jake Sawyer and Slim Reeves when Thad and I ran into each other. They’re sitting in a Denver jail right now, and Thad has that bank money in his saddlebags. They gave us a good chase, but they couldn’t outsmart the two of us together. I can only stay until tomorrow. I can’t risk spoiling what you and Thad have here.”

“Leave tomorrow? But we have to visit, talk. So much has happened.”

“It’s not wise, Sis. We don’t want anyone recognizing me around here and endangering your new cover. I only agreed to come here with Thad to let you see I’m all right. No matter what you hear, you’ll know the truth. So will Sally soon; my next assignment is in San Angelo.”

Carrie Sue brightened. He was right. “That’s wonderful. I’m so happy you’re free. We’ll have to celebrate. We can stay up all night having fun, eating, and talking. You two get out of those damp clothes while I warm the food and brew the coffee. This will be a glorious Christmas.”

Darby and Thad exchanged mischievous looks. They were exhausted, but happy to see her so overjoyed.

“Better do as she says, Darby; she’s a headstrong woman.”

“I remember. She always wanted things her way, the right way.”

The two men laughed, and Carrie Sue joined in. She left for the kitchen while they entered the bedroom to change garments.

Thad finished first and walked up behind his wife at the stove. He wrapped his arms around her and nestled his cheek against hers when she leaned back against him. “How do you like your Christmas present?”

“It’s wonderful, T.J. Isn’t it strange how miracles happen when you least expect them? You and Darby home for Christmas.”

He murmured into her ear. “I have some other good news for you: Kale Rushton is studying medicine and working with the prison doctor. If he impresses them as Darby did, he might get an early parole.”

She turned in his embrace and hugged him. “So much good news on one day. My heart feels like it’ll burst.”

He met her gaze and asked, “Can it hold a little bit more good news?”

Curiosity filled her periwinkle eyes. “What more could there be?”

“I’ll only be town marshal until the new one arrives, then I’ll be a full-time rancher. No more galloping after outlaws and being gone for weeks.”

“They’re letting you resign? This soon?”

He tickled her nose with a flaming red curl. “Yep! Another gift from Grant before he goes out of office. He’ll be yielding his job to Hayes soon, so he handled my case and Darby’s fast. We’ll buy those cattle come spring, then be real ranchers. One day, we’ll be expanding enough we’ll have to hire hands to help us. A few sons would be nice to help out their old man.”

“We’ll have to work hard to grow one every year,” she teased, holding her surprise for later. “Everything’s ready. Call Darby to join us.”

The three sat down at the table. They exchanged smiles.

Darby followed suit when Thad and Carrie Sue bowed their heads.

Thad prayed, “Lord, bless this food to the nourishment of our bodies and make them strong to serve Your will. We’re grateful for all the blessings You’ve bestowed on us this year and for those in the years to come. Thank You for giving us this special Christmas together, as a real family. Amen.”

“Amen,” Carrie Sue and Darby added.

“I carved the hen so it would be easier and quicker to handle. I know you two must be starved and tired. Serve yourself,” she invited.

The men took helpings of roasted chicken, baked dressing, canned beans, potatoes blended with milk and butter to make up for the moisture they had lost with age, hot biscuits, and steaming coffee.

After a few bites, Darby glanced at his sister and said, “Delicious.”

“I haven’t forgotten all Mother taught me.”

“I can see you haven’t. I wish you could have met our parents, Thad. You’d have liked them, and they’d have liked you.”

“I’m sure we would have gotten along good, Darby.”

“At least their deaths found justice,” the man said, instead of using the word
revenge,
which pleased the couple. “I wish I could have kept the ranch after the law took it back from the Hardings. It was sold, and the money was used to repay some of the people I’d robbed over the years. I guess that was justice, too. I’m not bitter about it. I’m glad I’m getting my life turned around in a new direction.”

Thad stopped eating to say, “When your seven years of service are up, you can always come here and start a new ranch. We’d be glad to have you as a neighbor. There’s good folks here, Darby.”

“I’m sure Sally would like being a rancher’s wife,” Carrie Sue hinted.

Darby nodded and grinned, then put a bite of chicken into his mouth.

They ate and chatted with leisure and delight. Hungry and appreciative of the good meal, the men almost cleaned the platters and bowls, and nearly finished the entire pot of coffee.

When they were done, Carrie Sue suggested, “Why don’t we have our cake, pudding, and milk in the parlor by the fire? We can light the candles on the tree and enjoy it with our dessert.”

“That’s a pretty tree, love. I’m sorry you had to do everything by yourself this year. I promise from now on, Christmas is together.”

As Carrie Sue rose from her chair, the two men did so, too.

“We’ll help you clear the table and prepare dessert.”

“Thanks, T.J., but I can manage. You might need to add more wood to the fire. Darby can help me bring in the milk and plates.”

Thad left to check the fires in the parlor and bedroom. Darby helped his sister fill glasses with milk from the cooling cabinet on the back porch. She sliced the cake from Martha Adams, then spooned pudding beside it. She and Darby carried the laden dishes into the parlor. It felt wonderful to be together again, sharing and talking.

Carrie Sue lit the candles on the tree, grinning as her gaze touched on one special ornament. She doused the lanterns. In the glow of the candles and fire, they ate their dessert and drank their milk.

“You can bed down in here tonight, Darby. No cold trail for a while.”

“Thanks, Thad. You two have done a good job with this ranch. I can see how happy you are. Carrie Sue said you were a special man; I can see you are. I’m glad you came along to free us, brother.”

The last word touched Thad deeply, as he’d been the one to plan and execute the trap to capture Darby Stover and his gang. During the last few days with her brother, he’d learned that Darby held no resentment against him. The ex-outlaw realized he’d only done his job and what was best for everyone. The man also knew he was partly responsible for his fresh start. “So am I, Darby. Carrie Sue is making me the happiest man alive.”

Carrie Sue rose, went to the tree, and called to her husband, “T.J., come look at this ornament. I made it especially for this Christmas.”

Thad stood and went to join his wife. He read the one she pointed to, then looked confused. Was it wishful thinking, he wondered, or was she telling him something?

“It will have a name on it next time,” she hinted.

“You mean, you’re expecting our baby?” She nodded and grinned. “You’re sure?” he pressed.

“Positive, over three months. You’ll be a father early next June.”

“A baby?” Darby said in wonder and pleasure.

Carrie Sue glanced past her husband to tell her brother, “Yes, you’ll be an uncle in June.”

“That’s great news, Sis! Congratulations, you two.”

Thad hugged his wife and teased, “That was a sneaky way to tell me, love. Seems I came home at the right moment. It’s the best gift you could give me.” He hugged her again, then kissed her, unmindful of Darby.

“You two have really got a bright future before you.”

“You do, too, now, Darby.”

“Thanks to a man we met as T.J. Rogue last summer,” she jested. “I sent your gift to the prison, Darby, but I have another one for you, T.J.”

As she retrieved it, Darby said, “The man in charge will keep any mail and send it to my superior. Mercy, that’s a strange word to be saying.”

They all laughed as Thad unwrapped the shirt.

The marshal examined it, smiled, and thanked his skilled wife. “I do have another present for you, something to keep you warm when I’m not around, which won’t be much as soon as the new marshal arrives.” He fetched the gift and handed it to her. It wasn’t wrapped.

Carrie Sue tossed the wool shawl around her shoulders. “It’s beautiful and warm. Thank you, T.J.” She kissed him.

Yet both knew the best gifts they had received this year were the baby, his safe return, and Darby’s new life.

“It’s time to get you into bed, woman; you need your rest. It’s late.”

Carrie Sue was more than ready to curl up with her husband. While Thad and Darby carried the dishes into the kitchen, she fetched blankets and a pillow for her brother to use on the parlor sofa.

“I’ll clean up everything tomorrow. Let’s all turn in. I’ll cook you a big breakfast before you have to leave, Darby.” She wouldn’t argue about his departure, because she knew it was the best thing for all concerned.

“Thanks, Sis. I’ll see you two in the morning.”

“I’m glad you’re here with us tonight, Darby. I love you.”

“I love you, too, Sis, and it’s great sharing this Christmas with you.”

“Good night, Darby.”

“Good night, Sis, Thad. See you in the morning.”

“Good night, Darby,” Thad said to his brother-in-law.

The couple went into their bedroom and closed the door. Darby stretched out on the sofa and gazed into the smoldering fire. He closed his eyes to dream of his first Christmas, in his first home, with Sally . . .

Carrie Sue and Thad Jamison snuggled in their bed. They kissed and embraced, and sent forth prayers of thanks for being together and safe.

“I love you, Carrie Sue,” Thad murmured against her lips.

“I love you, T.J. Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas to you, love,” he responded, then kissed her mouth again.

Soon, they were making passionate love, their future as bright as the candles burning on the night stand beside them . . .

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