Just minutes after the rain had begun, the townsmen had come striding out of the woods toward the house, a bedraggled stranger in their midst.
Tim Watters had come to her door to let her know all was well. They had taken Isaac Gabriel into custody. Brandon, Sam, Ben, Travis, and Owen were on their way home, safe, close behind.
Allie thanked him, calling her thanks to the others, as well. The rain was coming in spates and they were anxious to get back to their homes and see Isaac Gabriel locked up.
"Miss Allie," Tim had said in his quiet way, "I reckon I'm the temporary law right now in Spring Branch. I don't know that I'm cut out for a lawman, but the others seem to think so."
Allie smiled up at him. "I do too, Tim."
"I want you to know something, ma'am." He spoke with an earnest honesty that warmed Allie's heart. "If I'd been the sheriff a few days back, none of this would-a happened. Not them others bandin' together and tryin' to kill your husband – double crossin' him like they done – and not the barn burnin' or any of it. Doc Wilkins told me all about everything. Your husband's a good man, from all accounts – even Arnie Smith has changed his tune, I hear tell. Now, I ain't sayin' all's gonna be perfect in Spring Branch, but I'm hopin' to make it good again. It used to be a good place." His eyes seemed to look into the past.
"It can be again, Tim. I'm sure of it. Brandon and I will do all we can to help."
He smiled kindly at her. "That's what I was gettin' around to." He nodded toward the barn. "We'll be out tomorrow – all of us – to help you. You've got your hands full, and it's a good thing you're doin' ma'am. We've talked about it, and we want to show you and Brandon that we can be good neighbors; good friends." He hesitated a moment. "If you'll allow it."
It was more than she could've hoped for. The worry she felt over the boys not having a place to sleep began to dissolve slowly. The barn would be rebuilt and could serve as temporary quarters until the bunkhouse could be erected. It was a good beginning.
"Thank you, Tim. I appreciate that more than I can say, and I know Brandon will too."
Tim's weathered tan turned a ruddy color as he started off the porch. "You're welcome, Miss Allie," he said gruffly. He looked over his shoulder at her as he untied his horse. "You'll let Brandon know?"
Allie nodded. "Yes. And thank you again."
Now, watching the five figures making their way toward her, Mack in the lead, her heart was full to the brim. The boys spilled out the door and off the porch, running to meet the others, Allie following. She stood watching as Brandon lifted his head. His gaze searched her out, resting on her face.
There was a new emotion there, in his features, Allie thought. Contentment. He came toward her, his stance relaxed and comfortable among the teeming groups of boys. His smile was weary, but Allie could see he was at peace.
He came to meet her, where she stood at the bottom of the porch, his dark eyes shining with an inner glow. Allie came into his strong embrace, resting her head against his bare shoulder.
"Everything's fine," he said, in answer to her unspoken question.
"Where's your shirt?"
She felt him smile against the top of her head. "Not complaining are you?"
She looked up at him. "No."
"Good. I'm half-undressed, and ready for you to complete the job. It's been a long day."
"You're probably too tired for any…activity." She lowered her eyes and started to move out of his arms, but he laughed and caught her to him again.
He bent and gave her a light kiss, his lips grazing hers, his teeth following. Allie gasped, her heart threatening to beat through her chest. Heat rushed through her.
"No…" he answered huskily. "Not too tired for that, Allison. Not ever too tired for that."
"I—"
"Don't play with me, Allie," he warned softly. "I intend to make a baby with you tonight. That's all we're missing. One of our own."
"Thirteen bothers you that much?" she teased. She put her arms around his neck with a smug smile. She had him on this one. "Maybe Gabriel's Law should include that," she said thoughtfully. "A houseful of kids that never settles at thirteen."
"You better believe it, lady. A baby of our own would solve the problem – at least for the time being, until the older boys start leaving."
Allie's world faded to the man who held her in his arms. She'd been waiting for a good time, but it had never seemed right, until now.
"Brandon—" Her voice caught, and tears welled in her eyes. Damn it. She tried to hang on to her self-control, willing the tears back, but not soon enough.
Brandon raised her chin with a callused finger. His voice was so tender it made the tears threaten again. "Allie? Hey, what's wrong—"
She shook her head, laughing at her own wildly swinging emotions. She'd heard that was common.