Fair Valley Refuge by Lynnette Bonner

Author:Lynnette Bonner
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christian;Christian Fiction;Christian historical fiction;Christian romance;Christian historical romance;Christian western;Christian western romance;Inspirational;Inspirational romance;Inspirational fiction; Inspirational western romance;Inspirational historical romance;historical fiction;historical romance;historical western romance;western fiction;western romance;clean and wholesome;clean and wholesome romance;clean;sweet; clean romance;sweet romance;based on actual events;Cowboy romance;Cowboy;Victorian era;American west
Publisher: Pacific Lights Publishing
Published: 2021-09-02T19:53:47+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Simon Saunders adjusted his coat and collar one more time, giving himself an assessing gaze in the mirror. He practiced a smooth fatherly smile. Yes it worked. “Maggie, dear.” He ran a hand across his cheeks making sure they were clean shaven and smooth. “You are going to lose, in the long run. I’ve found our girl and I’m just about to recover all that you stole from me.” Setting his bowler at a jaunty angle on his head, he nodded approval at his reflection. “Yes sir, Mags. Just a few more days and all your attempts will have been in vain.”

He stepped out into the hallway of the boarding house and almost had his door shut when he remembered the Bible sitting on the chair where he’d tossed it when he got in last night.

“Get yourself together, Saunders,” he muttered.

The trek through town took him through the back alley behind the sheriff’s office. He didn’t realize he was rushing until he almost walked into the arc of water that the lady from the mercantile tossed out her back door.

“Oh, I’m so sorry!” she gasped.

Simon gritted his teeth but then snatched his hat from his head. “Don’t you worry about a thing, Ma’am. I shouldn’t be in such an all-fired hurry. I’m just running a little late for a dinner engagement.”

“Well, I’m so glad I didn’t douse you with my wash water!” she giggled.

He forced a smile to spread. “I’d have to say I am too, Ma’am.” Adjusting his hat he tipped the brim in her direction and continued down the alley at a slower pace. Annoying woman!

The walk out to Victoria’s place was longer than he remembered and the blasted Bible felt like it weighed more than a half grown hog by the time he crested the low ridge above her home. He was panting for breath when he reached her porch and gave himself a moment to catch his wind.

Scanning the yard, he frowned at the buggy tied up to the corral. She must have visitors. He hoped they weren’t staying for dinner. He had planned to get right down to the questions he had about the locket and key tonight, and he had just the story for the cover, too. He straightened his coat one last time before climbing the front steps and knocking on the door.

Her deputy husband answered the door. The man’s lips smiled, but Simon could see the hesitation in his expression.

He was going to have to be smooth as butter to pull this off.

“Come in, Reverend.” The younger man stepped back and gestured him inside. “I’d like for you to meet our own pastor.”

Another Pastor? Confound it all!

A man about his own age stood from the settee and stretched out his age-spotted hand.

“Parson Cane, this is Pastor Hollybough.” The husband motioned to the other man. “Pastor, Parson Baxter Cane.”

Simon’s collar seemed to tighten as he shook the man’s hand and took in his casual clothing. He wore faded denims and a flannel shirt, rolled up to his elbows.

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