Reach for Heaven by Marie Higgins

Author:Marie Higgins [Higgins, Marie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Marie Higgins
Published: 2014-01-10T06:00:00+00:00

ADELLA SIPPED HER GLASS of milk as she tried not to involve herself with the conversation at the supper table. She hadn’t seen Gage for almost a week—since that incident with the bandits. It surprised her that he hadn’t said anything to her aunt or uncle about what happened. Adella was certain they would understand her purpose in wanting to get the reward money and to put some of Buchanan’s gang behind bars, but she knew her aunt and uncle would have not liked what she’d done because it had put her in a dangerous situation.

Her attention switched between her cousins as she listened to what Nate and Charles were blabbering about. She tried casting aside the disturbing thoughts of Gage, but her loudmouth cousins kept her informed about what Gage and Clint were doing this past week. Since her cousins were Gage and Clint’s biggest fans, they also boasted about their exploits, and happily discussed the town’s preparations for tomorrow’s scheduled events.

“Did you see the new picture window at the Mercantile?” Charles began. “It took five men to help put it in.”

“No, it didn’t,” Nate corrected. “It only took three.”

Charles lifted his chin and scowled at his brother. “Yah, but if Gage hadn’t been helpin’, I’m sure it would’ve taken five.”

Nate scowled. “But if Clint was there, I’m sure he and Gage could’ve put it in by themselves.”

A soft chuckle came from the corner of the table as Violet hid a laugh behind her cupped hand. Though no one else seemed to notice Violet’s display, it caught Adella’s attention. Her cousin had been acting strangely these past few days, and Adella wondered what the other woman was up to. Forgetting her manners, Adella rested her elbows on the table and studied Violet while her cousins rattled on.

“Mr. Smith helped make the sign. I saw’d him paintin’ it,” Charles piped up, his face smeared with jam as he reached across the table for another biscuit.

“Well, Clint cut out the wood,” Nate bragged. “Clint is the greatest builder in the world.”

“Clint took me to see the house he built for Violet and Gage.” All eyes turned toward Charles. “I think it’s the greatest thing I ever saw’d.”

“You have ever seen,” Adella corrected automatically as she flashed a glance his way.

“That’s what I said,” he snapped, “but Clint says he built it ‘specially for Gage and Violet.” He turned to Violet. “Do you like it? Clint didn’t know fer sure ‘cause he said you howled like a female polecat the whole time you was lookin’ through the cabin.”

Violet smiled at Charles. “Yes, I really like it.”

“Well, I told him that you prob’ly did.”

Elizabeth was quiet as she wiped her face with a cloth napkin then pulled away from the table. Adella was surprised at her cousin’s good manners. Elizabeth was in her sixteenth year, becoming a young woman right before Adella’s eyes.

“Ma? Can I be excused?” Elizabeth asked.

“Yes, dear,” Aunt Lillian replied.

Nate snickered teasingly. “Where ya goin’, Lizzy? Goin’ ofta meet your boyfriend, Tommy?” Charles joined with a belt of laughter.

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