Hope by Barbara Goss (primary phonics books txt) 📗

“I knew you’d come,” she said in a hoarse whisper.

Daniel grabbed the hand stroking his face and kissed it. “Of course, I’d come. I have something to tell you that can’t wait. I wasn’t sure until you’d left, but… I love you, Hope.”

Hope’s eyes widened at his words. She opened her mouth to say something, but Daniel put his finger on her lips.

“No need to answer. I don’t care if you don’t feel the same. I had to say it, and I feel better having said it. I’ve never felt so alone and empty until that stagecoach pulled out of Portland, and my heart went with it. It was then I realized that I loved you.”

Hope stared at him, but when he saw a smile form on her face, his heart skipped a beat.

Her smile quickly faded. “What about Nancy?”

“Nancy was a wonderful wife whom I loved. She and you are so different that I can honestly say I can’t begin to compare, though I don’t wish to, anyway. I talked to Nancy, explained my feelings to her, and I put the locket away. It’s time for me to live and love among the living.”

Hope smiled. “I loved George, but the heart recovers.”

“Sometimes, customs such as grieving for a full year are hard to break when you’ve lived with them for so long. I’ve discovered that the heart knows when it has recovered and has room for another.”

Hope fell back asleep with a contented smile on her face.

A lightning sharp pain in her chest woke Hope from a restful sleep. She moaned and put her hand to her wound.

“What is it?” Daniel asked.

“It’s just the pain in my chest. Sometimes it’s sharp.”

Daniel poured a few drops of laudanum into a glass of water and held it to her lips. “This will help with the pain.”

Hope swallowed the medicine, turned to him and smiled. “I’m glad you’re still here.”

“I’m not going anywhere until I can take you home with me.”

“Did you…” Hope struggled for words. “Was I dreaming or did you tell me you… um…” she didn’t know how to say it. She'd feel foolish if she’d dreamed it.

Daniel took her hand and squeezed it. “I love you.”

“You did say it.”

“Yes. It wasn’t a dream.”

Hope squeezed his hand back. “I love you, too.”

“You truly do?” Daniel's voice rose in surprise.

“I’ve loved you for some time, but I thought you’d never get over Nancy and I’d always be second in your heart, and I didn’t want that. I need to be first in your heart.”

“You are. I’ve given you all but one tiny corner. Nancy will occupy that small space as I’m sure George will have a small piece of yours. We can love again and still remember our first loves.”

“Without comparing,” Hope added. She reached up and touched his shirt pocket.

“It’s gone. I’ve put the locket away.” He kissed her hand. “I don’t want to annul our marriage. I want to make it real, Hope.”

She gave a chuckle and then a gasped, and she held her chest. “It will be awhile before I can fulfill that real part.”

“That’s fine. I’ll still be able to see you first thing in the morning and last thing at night. You’ll be by my side for life.”

“Do you want children?” she asked.

“I want a houseful. I love kids.”

Hope smiled. “Me, too.”

Daniel leaned over and touched his lips lightly to hers. “Your eyes are struggling to stay awake. I think the laudanum is taking you to dreamland again.” He kissed her forehead. “I’ll be here when you awaken.”

The McAdoos allowed Daniel to stay with Hope. They even put a bed in the room and gave him meals. They told him he was doing them a favor by nursing her. Hope grew stronger each day. After a week, the doctor said he could take her home with the stipulation she stays in bed for another two weeks, at least.

Daniel left Hope long enough to bring his best buggy back to take her home. Dr. McAdoo and his wife helped Daniel by opening doors for him while he carried his wife to the buggy. Daniel laid Hope on the rear seat and turned to put money in the doctor’s hand before driving slowly home, mindful of the ruts in the road.

Once he'd pulled up to the house, Sam came out and opened the front door so Daniel could carry Hope inside.

He said, “Welcome home, Mrs. Townsend.” To Daniel, he said, “I’ll take care of the buggy.”

Daniel took Hope up to the master bedroom, pulled the quilt down, and placed her on the sheet before covering her up and kissing her lightly on the lips. “This is your room now, too. I’ll have Esther move your things.”

Hope gave him a tired smile.

“I’ll leave you for a while to confer with Sam about what’s been going on while I’ve been in town. I’ll be back soon.” He kissed her again, and he realized she was asleep.

Daniel still spent most of his time with Hope. He read to her, helped her to eat, and lay beside her at night. It pleased him to see the return of the sparkle in her eyes and her rosy cheeks.

After Hope had been home a week, Daniel brought two gentlemen into the bedroom. “Hope, these men are from Wells Fargo Bank. Can you talk to them?”

She nodded.

“Ma’am,” the tallest one said, “can you identify any of the men who robbed your stage?”

Hope shook her head. “They had kerchiefs over their faces.”

The other man asked, “Did you hear them call each other by name?”

“No. After they ordered us out of the stage, it’s nothing but a