Love Finds You in Last Chance, California (40 page)

Her free hand reached out and stroked his hair. How good the Lord had been to them both. He’d brought them through so much these past few weeks—delivering them from danger and depositing love into their lives. A deep joy welled in her heart at the adoration shining on Justin’s face. “Only if you kiss me again—and don’t make me wait too long to say ‘I do.’”

He jumped to his feet and whooped. “I’m the luckiest man on earth.” He pulled her to her feet and swung her around in a circle then set her down. Two strong arms circled her waist, and she slipped her hands up around his neck. “How about next week?”

A smile curved her lips and she nodded. “That’s fine, but you haven’t sealed the other end of the bargain.”

The grin on his face faded and his lips parted ever so slightly. One hand tipped up her chin and the other cradled the back of her head. Slowly his lips descended on hers. Warmth stole through her body and a flood of love enveloped her heart. Her world was complete, at last.

One week later, Alex stood in front of the long mirror in the back room of the church and straightened her linen waist. The folds of her pale yellow skirt draped in billows to the floor, and the fitted white waist accentuated her slender figure. “I guess it would be asking too much to get married in trousers.”

Elizabeth rocked back on her heels and planted her hands on her hips. “I can’t believe you, Alexia Travers. You’ve roped the best-looking man in Last Chance, and all you can think of is getting married in trousers.”

Alex laughed and smoothed the tiny edging of lace encircling her hips. “Trust me, I’m having a hard time believing this is happening. Thinking about normal things makes it seem a little less like a fairy-tale. How in the world did the black sheep of this town lasso someone like Justin?”

Elizabeth pulled Alex’s hair back and ran a brush through the long brunette curls in strong strokes. “You’re far from an outcast. I’d say more of a hero, once word spread that you’d gone to Carter’s ranch to rescue Toby. The women around here think the world of that little boy, and that’s all they’ve been talking about the past few days. That and the fact that Carter lived dual identities.”

“According to Christy, probably a lot more than two.”

“That’s another thing you’re being praised for. The tide of opinion is turning in favor of Christy, after you took her in and she got hurt trying to save Toby from Carter. I still find it hard to believe he fathered Toby and abandoned Molly. It’s a good thing Davis talked, or you’d probably never have known the truth.”

“I guess that proves God can use even the evil intentions of people to bring good into His children’s lives. What Carter planned as destruction, God turned into something beautiful for Justin, Toby, and me.”

Elizabeth paused in her brushing. “I know what you mean. And speaking of Christy, how’s she doing?”

“Good. She’s healing quickly, and with Carter no longer a threat, she gave the sheriff the name of the men who attacked her. One went by ‘Cain,’ and he called his companion ‘Mouse.’ Sheriff Ramsey thinks he’ll be able to find them both.”

Elizabeth gave a soft whistle. “That’s great. They should pay for what they did.”

“I agree. By the way, Uncle Joe’s bringing Christy—I asked her to attend my wedding. After all, she’s Toby’s aunt and deserves to be part of his life.”

“I’m glad. I talked to her for a few minutes when I stopped by the ranch to see you. She seemed changed somehow. I’m not sure quite what’s different, but something is.”

Alex nodded, tugging her hair out of Elizabeth’s grasp. “Oops, sorry.” She stood still and tipped her head back. “She’s been asking a lot of questions about the Lord, and I think she’s very close to making a decision. Martha talked Miss Alice into letting Christy move into the boardinghouse until she can find her own place. She’ll help Alice cook and clean for her room and board. It’ll be the perfect arrangement, and I’m guessing Alice won’t want to let her go after she’s been there for a while.”

“You’ve been a wonderful influence. If it hadn’t been for you, there’s no telling what might’ve happened to Christy. Besides,” a sly smile curved Elizabeth’s lips, “I’m guessing she won’t be at Miss Alice’s too long, if Ralph Peters has anything to say about it.”

Alex grinned. “Did you know he’s been out to see her three times in the past two weeks? He’s been smitten with her since the day he carried her trunk to the saloon. That man has a tender heart, and he’ll be a healing influence in her life.”

“She deserves some happiness. Ralph loves the Lord, and I imagine he’ll be encouraging her that direction, as well.” Elizabeth took a step back and surveyed her handiwork. “You hair looks wonderful, with your gorgeous curls down your back. I think you were right to not put it up.”

“I was afraid Toby wouldn’t know me. He’s never seen me with my hair up.” Alex sank onto a short bench and fluffed her skirt. “Would you hand me my locket?”

Elizabeth plucked it off the small desk in the corner of the room and draped it around Alex’s neck, hooking the clasp in the back. “Did you get a photograph of Justin?”

Alex nodded and smiled. “Yes, but it’s an old one that his mother had made before she died. When we’re in Sacramento for our honeymoon, we’ll have new ones taken.” She touched the locket and tears thickened her voice. “Mama would have loved Justin and Toby. I wish she and Papa were with me today.”

Elizabeth wrapped her arms around Alex’s shoulders and gave her a long hug. “I think they know, and they’re happy,” she whispered. “Now wipe your eyes and put on your biggest smile. It’s almost time.” She peeked out the door into the main gathering room of the church then turned back to Alex. “Well, I’ll be.”

“What?”

“Didn’t you say you expected a handful of people? Your family, the sheriff and Sarah, Miss Alice, and Christy?”

“Yes, that’s right. I didn’t think many others would care to come, so I didn’t make a point of inviting anyone else.”

“Well, you were wrong. I think most of the town is coming in the back door!”

Alex placed a hand over her heart. “All because I tried to save Toby from Carter?”

“Maybe the women finally woke up and realized your worth. I’m guessing this is their way of saying they’re sorry for the way they’ve treated you.” Elizabeth peeked out again and stifled a gasp.

“What?” Alex tried to see over her friend’s shoulder.

Elizabeth shut the door and turned, enveloping Alex in a hug. “You’re not going to believe it, but Mabel and Clive Gurney are sitting in the third row, looking pleased as punch.” She shook her head. “I’m guessing that’s the end of your struggles with the gossiping women.” A mischievous grin tugged at her lips. “Of course, they might just be relieved that you won’t be a threat to their menfolk, now that you’ve caught a man of your own.”

Alex gave a weak chuckle. “Let’s hope you’re right. It’s going to take some getting used to. Are Uncle Joe and Martha here yet? And do you see Justin and Toby?”

“Yes. They’re all here. Uncle Joe’s headed this way.”

Joe tapped on the door and slipped inside. Alex flew across the intervening space and lost herself in the older man’s hug. He gently grasped her shoulders, taking a long moment to look deep into her eyes. “I can see it in your face, darlin’…you’re truly happy.”

“Yes, Uncle. I’m happy and at peace.” She lifted her face and kissed his weathered cheek.

“I’m glad, darlin’. You deserve the best.” He patted Alex’s shoulder and motioned toward the door. “Speakin’ of which, they’re waitin’ for you out there, and I reckon we’d best get a move on.” He offered his bent arm. “I seen Justin, and he’s sweatin’ bullets watchin’ for you to come down that aisle.”

Alex slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow and smiled. “Let’s not keep him waiting.”

Elizabeth opened the door and stood aside for the two of them to pass then slipped out and closed it softly behind her. Joe and Alex walked to the front of the church with Elizabeth following.

Alex raised her eyes as they moved between the crowded aisles, and her gaze met and held Justin’s. His deep brown eyes didn’t waver but burned with an intense passion that ignited something deep in her spirit. This man and his son would be her world for the rest of her life. Together they’d accepted the challenges presented by Carter Foster—and won. They’d both received a last chance at love, and with God in the center, they’d make it through whatever their future held.

Last Chance, California, is now a ghost town with only one small shack and a cemetery attesting to the thriving mining town that once existed. My husband, Allen, and I flew to Sacramento, drove to Foresthill, then ventured on a two-hour drive through the winding canyons and steep slopes leading up to the spot in the forest that once sheltered Last Chance. Now the area only comes to life when the annual Tevis Cup, a one-hundred-mile endurance race and the yearly marathon, brings runners, riders, and horses here, using the wide spot in the road as a checkpoint.

The bustling town is almost totally obscured, and the encroaching forest hides the remnants of cellars. Careful searching revealed a number of one-hundred-year-old fence posts with the original square-headed nails, broken pieces of ancient glass, and a handful of tombstones. We may have found the location of the blacksmith shop, based on the square configuration of posts not far from the meadow and spring, and a building looked to have been close by. You can still see the spring and the nearby glade, but a few years ago vandals cut down the ancient apple trees that still bore fruit for the forest creatures.

We researched the area and the history with our wonderful guide, Nolan Smith, a Forest Service archaeologist who loaned me books and maps, pointed out landmarks, and gave us insight into some of the people buried in the small cemetery outside of the original town site. The reference in my book to Allen Grosh, the man who originally discovered the Comstock Lode, is documented in history, and his headstone is located in Last Chance where he died.

I discovered an old diary entry from the 1860s that referenced a large, treeless plateau a mile or so out of town that stretched for three miles. We located that plateau while we were there, but over the past 130 years trees have grown up and completely taken over. That section of land could have easily housed a horse ranch, even though deep canyons and steep hillsides cover much of the balance of the surrounding vicinity.

While Alexia and Justin’s story is purely fictional, the area, history, and surrounding towns are real. Foresthill, Deadwood Canyon, Auburn, Robinson Flat, and the rugged, deep canyons all exist today. A small museum in nearby Foresthill contains pictures and remnants of that era. The old Wells Fargo station in Michigan Bluff, one of the stops for the mule trains headed into Last Chance, has been transformed into a private home, but you can still see much of the original building as it was over one hundred years ago. The trail from Michigan Bluff to Last Chance is well-marked and can be transversed by foot, horseback, or mountain bike, and historical markers exist on many of the trails. It’s an area filled with fascinating history and stories of tragedy and triumph, as well as likable, friendly people. I hope you’ve enjoyed this small peek into yesteryear and my take on what might have been. You can see the pictures I’ve posted on the Summerside Press blog at
http://lovefindsyou.wordpress.com/2008/06/19/photos-of-last-chance-area/
.

Miralee Ferrell

www.miraleeferrell.com