A Heart's Blessing - Linda Ford Page 0,57
had left only a few hours ago. “Do come in and visit.” It was a relief to Delcie to be warmly received.
“I’m sorry. I know you haven’t been well. But we needed to get away.”
Owen at three and Willa at four were glad to have other children to play with. They invited Sally and Kent to come and see their baby kittens.
Audrey made tea and she and Delcie sat in the comfortable chairs of their sitting room.
Delcie had never been there before. “You have a lovely place.”
Audrey looked around. Contentment softened her features. “I am most fortunate. I don’t know how much Hilda has said about my marriage to Cyril, but I loved him a long time ago. Before the boys’ mother died. The boys were young, and I knew they would need me, so Cyril and I parted ways. He married as I hoped he would. I did not expect him to wait for me. It would be years until the boys grew up.”
“That’s quite a sacrifice.” Audrey had made a choice similar to what Delcie had made except Robert had made it easy for her by turning out to be a cad.
“I gladly made it.” She chuckled. “I didn’t think we’d get a second chance, but here we are. And I couldn’t be happier.” She set her cup and saucer down. “My. Listen to me rattle on. Cyril said something about the children being in danger.”
Delcie told her about the kidnappings and the uncle responsible for them. “I had to get away when I saw him going into the saddlery shop.”
Audrey looked suitably shocked. “That’s far too close. I hope someone deals with that man.”
Would Ryder find a way to stop Alonzo? Delcie’s cup rattled in her saucer. Please God, help him. And keep him safe.
She set her cup and saucer aside, her arms too weak to hold them safely. As quickly and unexpectedly as fear had surged through her, so did happiness as she realized she had no doubt that Ryder would defend her and the children. She trusted him.
Would it grow into something more? Would she have the second chance at happiness that Audrey had?
The dog that had greeted Delcie a short time ago set up a racket.
Audrey went to the window. “Another visitor. A man on horseback. Cyril is talking to him. I wonder if he’s coming to the house.” She stayed at her post to see. “Yes, here they come. I better make some more tea. Come to the kitchen with me.”
Delcie followed her back to the kitchen. “Can I help?”
“Would you put out a plate of cookies?” Audrey indicated the crock container and Delcie removed the lid and set a dozen cookies on the plate.
The baby had been napping and awakened.
“I’ll get her.” Audrey left to get the little one.
The outer door opened before she returned. Delcie stood there, nervous to be greeting visitors in someone else’s kitchen. Don’t be foolish. This is no different than what you do every day at the café.
She smiled in greeting. The smile froze in place as Ryder followed Mr. Holmen through the door.
“I had to come and tell you the good news myself.”
She could do nothing but stare.
“Alonzo has been arrested and is on his way to face trial at Fort Macleod.”
“He’s…I saw him….” Her relief was so sudden and sharp it left her shaking. And to her great amazement, tears pressed to her eyes. She would not cry. She sniffed. “I’m glad. What happened?”
Audrey returned, handed the little girl to her father, and indicated they should all sit at the table. She poured tea and put the plate of cookies before them.
Ryder looked around. “Where are the children?”
“They’re playing with the baby kittens.” Thank goodness Audrey answered, because Delcie was having trouble getting words to form.
“Good, because I don’t want them to hear this. They’ve had enough to deal with lately.” In calm, even tones, Ryder told them what had happened.
With every word, Delcie’s insides relaxed and warmed.
He had barely finished when the children burst into the house. Kent was the first to see Ryder and he yelled, “Mr. Remington. I knowed you’d come.” He raced to Ryder’s side.
Delcie smiled at Ryder over the boy’s head. Of course he didn’t know Ryder would come. He only hoped it. But Ryder had not let a small boy be disappointed.
Sally went to his side and he lifted her to his knees.
Kent chattered on about how they hid in the wagon then shifted away from that adventure to