He Warned Her He Came With Four Children — The Cowgirl Said, “Good This Ranch Needs a Family”
Chapter 5
Three days passed.
No Whitfield men returned.
Thomas began repairing the barn.
Samuel followed him everywhere.
Mary helped Clara with the cooking.
Ruth slept beside Clara’s bed.
Joseph refused to sleep anywhere else.
The ranch slowly changed.
So did Clara.
She had spent years convincing herself that loneliness was a form of freedom.
Now she was beginning to suspect it had simply been easier than admitting she was lonely.
One evening, Thomas returned from town.
His face was grim.
Clara met him at the stable.
“What happened?”
“The sheriff is with Whitfield.”
“What does he want?”
“The deed.”
Clara’s stomach tightened.
“What deed?”
Thomas pulled the paper from his coat.
“My wife’s father owned land in the eastern valley.”
Clara read it.
“But this land belongs to Mary and Samuel.”
“Yes.”
“And Whitfield wants it.”
“He claims the deed was forged.”
“Was it?”
“No.”
“Then why are you afraid?”
“Because he has the sheriff.”
Clara looked toward the house.
“What else?”
Thomas hesitated.
“My wife left a letter.”
“Where?”
“I don’t know.”
“What did it say?”
“She told me never to let Whitfield find it.”
Clara stared at him.
“Then we find it first.”
Thomas shook his head.
“You don’t have to do this.”
“I know.”
“You could lose your ranch.”
“I know.”
“He could hurt you.”
“I know.”
Thomas stepped closer.
“Then why?”
Clara looked at him.
“Because those children are eating at my table.”
Her voice softened.
“And anyone who comes for them will have to come through me.”
Thomas looked away.
For a moment, he seemed unable to speak.
Then he whispered:
“Thank you.”
Clara shook her head.
“Don’t thank me yet.”
“Why?”
“Because I intend to win.”
