Liberty House Read online

  When she got to where Matt was, she dismounted and hugged Matt tightly.

  “I'm so proud of you, sis. You did great.”

  “Thanks.” She beamed at his praise.

  Maverick walked up and hugged Tommy. “Great job, Sweet Pea.” Then he turned to Cole. “Tommy, meet my partner, Cole Donovan. Cole, meet my sister, Tommy.”

  He gawked at her, then lowered his eyes to her hand. Still stunned by her looks, he took her hand. Her touch did scary things to him. Laughter lay behind her sparkling eyes, but she pulled her hand away too fast.

  She smiled at him. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Donavan,” she said with her southern drawl and charm.

  “Hey…you…” His mouth went dry at just the sight of her.

  “Don't worry, Cole. She has that effect on men.” Maverick grinned. Tommy’s eyes widened, and she poked him, her face reddening in embarrassment.

  The next minute, Tommy was surrounded by children, and she hugged them all.

  Cole’s horse moved steadily along the perimeter road and made good time to the train station.

  As Cole thought of those memories, he smiled at how poorly Tommy reacted to him upon their meeting. He didn't hit it off well with her. He was young and didn't know how to act with her-or many ladies at that time.

  He liked Tommy, but he saw how she changed after the men came after her. She stopped riding as much and mostly stayed in the house, painting. Some of that fire had gone out of those beautiful, blue eyes. The men that were after her took a lot from her and the family. Yet, he still saw the fight she had in her even in her circumstance.

  He wanted her to be free from the men and to be truly free with God’s healing. He knew she wasn’t comfortable with God and that worried him. It made him sad to think that if she died, she wouldn’t be going to Heaven, but that would be her fate. He couldn’t imagine how her family felt about that. Still, only Tommy could make that choice. She was a fighter and reminded him of his sister, Izzy. Harder of course, but just as sweet, and she had true grit. She had a way of getting you on her side by the way she looked.

  Cole slowed his horse to a trot as he arrived at the station.

  “Hey, Cole,” Izzy said as she walked out to greet him. He called her Izzy since she was a baby. His Izzy. He raised her since she was age two. The name stuck for close friends and family. To them, she was Izzy. To strangers or families she worked with, she was Isabella. Her telegram went by Belle. Cole called her only to see what she would do. She was a feisty little thing.

  He dismounted and gave her a tight hug. She didn't like to be touched by any man except him. He never took that for granted. He needed to get her near people who were trustworthy, like the Starrys. She loved Colorado territory and the people there. It was her home away from home---or maybe her real home because none of them really felt at home there. When he looked into her black-brown eyes, he asked, “You all right?”

  “Yeah, so you gonna do it?” Izzy asked, not missing a beat as they walked into the station. The small desk was stacked with papers. Apparently, she and her twin sister, Annie, had been busy working on the train station paperwork. He on the other hand hated paperwork but it had to get done.

  “I might.” He sat down next to Annie.

  “So, what’s holding you back?”

  “You want me to go?” Izzy wanting him to go didn’t take him by surprise. They both worked their butts off and helped anyone in need, no matter what it cost them in the end. It was what they shared together. Lately, Annie had been on them to stay and try to be a family.

  “I feel like you should. From when I’ve talked with Tommy and her brother, it sounds like she needs you. Someone who’s a Christian, needs to show her love that will stick with her, someone besides family. Don’t you think that might be you?”

  Izzy had sent Maverick most of her and Cole’s horses and stayed at Silkwood when she went away. Izzy just didn’t have time to work on them, especially the drafts. And her cousins had their own life. So, she kept the quarter horses to work, and the rest were with Maverick. She sent the Starrys money for the care for them, and they split half of the price when they were sold. Though now the Donovans breed and raise the mini horses in Texas and a ranch in Colorado Territory.

  “I didn’t expect that right now.”

  “Why? What did you expect?”

  “I dunno,” he muttered. “I'm tired.”

  Izzy looked down. “Sorry.”

  He said nothing. Yeah, he was tired. It was Izzy’s nightmares that kept him up. At the age of twenty, she had them for many years. It was one of the reasons he didn’t want to go- not wanting to leave her. It seemed like the nightmares had only gotten worse. They scared her, and on top of that, she tried to handle everything herself. She would get headaches all day, for days.

  “Cole, go. If we need you, we'll telegraph. I promise,” Izzy told him.

  He knew she wouldn’t do it. For others, she would, but not herself. He hated how she didn’t listen to him. She was so independent. Not that he spoke up enough. He should have.

  “So, you ain’t goin’ back to Colorado anytime soon?”

  Izzy shook her head. “No, I think I’ll help out here for a bit.”

  Annie would tell him if there was a problem. Cole turned to her, “Annie, what do you think?”

  “I agree with Izzy, I think. It'll keep you safe being there. You don't have many enemies there,” Annie answered.

  “I don't have that many, true. Mother doesn't mind.”

  “Good, now go,” Izzy said. She was beautiful, with her long, curly black hair and soft skin that darkened in the summer. She was the darkest of the family and the shortest, and truthfully, she didn’t look much like her twin. Her black-brown eyes sparkled often of life.

  “I know how you feel, darlin’. I'm glad you both agree. But Amy doesn't,” said Cole.

  “Well, she’s a self-centered brat,” Izzy told them, like they didn’t know that already.

  “Izzy!” Annie scowled in disapproval.

  “Well, it's the truth and you know it too.” She took a deep breath to calm down. “Why doesn't Amy agree with you goin’?” she asked, disinterested.

  The door just opened, and Amy stepped in with her youngest child on her hip. “Because this job is dangerous, and he needs to be here with family.”

  "It ain't any more dangerous than here. Anyway, he’ll have the Starrys," Izzy argued.

  Amy sat down in the wing chair, her toddler daughter on her lap. “Izzy, that family doesn't need Cole’s help. He should stay here.”

  “Why? So, you can control things like you always try to? Like you’ve never let us get close to our niece or nephew.” Izzy nodded toward the little girl on Amy’s lap.

  “Oh, that again. Please, Izzy, you haven't earned the right to!” Amy snapped back.

  “Oh, now I see, we have to earn our right to be in your children’s lives.”

  “Oh, please, Izzy. George agrees with me on that. Y’all aren’t safe.”

  “No, he doesn’t. He just says it since you control that house. George is afraid he'll lose you and you know it too.”

  Amy's face reddened. “I do not.”

  “Well, George agrees on Cole goin’ to Alabama.”

  “Well, he didn't believe me when I told him that Starry girl was a tramp.”

  “Amy Ferguson, what do you mean by that?” Cole tried to hold his temper. He knew he had one. He tried to control it, but too often, it lashed out.

  “I heard she is. She'll make you fall in love with her.”

  He narrowed his eyes at her. It seemed like she was funning him, but he knew she wasn’t. “Do you really think, Amy, that I would just fall in love with her? Like I have no power over what I do. You don't even know Tommy, so don’t judge her.”

  "I hear she is a loose woman."

  “Not true. She lives in Alabama; she would never get away with it. Amy..." Cole put his head in his hands and shook his head. “Where did you hear these lies?”


  “They aren’t lies. From Dan Workman. He knows her and the family.”

  “Of course, he would say that. He's a womanizer. Well, your dear friend is lying,” said Cole.

  “Sincerely, Coleman co-.”

  Izzy interrupted Amy. “His name is Donovan.”

  “Isabella, Papa would be ashamed.”

  “Pa never cared. And don't say he did.” Anger covered the hurt in her voice.

  “He was mean to you only because you were a-“

  “Amy! Don’t! Leave. I'm done with you hurting others.” Cole had taken all he could of Amy hurting the family, hurting Izzy. They all had enough to deal with.

  Amy stood, walked to the door, then turned. “Fine. Cole. I walk out now, and you won't see me again, never.” She stormed out, toddler on her hip, slamming the door.

  “That went well,” Izzy stated sarcastically.

  “Do you think she meant that?” Annie asked sadly. She knew her older sister had issues because of their father; they all did.

  “I don't know, and I truly don't care,” Cole said even though he did care.

  “Yes. You do. You just don't feel like it now,” Annie told him.

  “Do you want to pray?” Izzy whispered. Prayer always helped her. God was the only one who helped her feel loved. Every other man had failed her, even him. He wished he had been good enough for her, but he too had failed.

  They all bowed their heads, and Cole prayed for Amy, George, their two children, his twin sisters, Tommy, and the Starry Yankees. They all prayed, and tears rolled down Annie’s cheeks as they did.

  Cole felt like crying, too. He glanced at Izzy. No tears there. She knew how to shut off her emotions in front of others, even her family. “I'm going,” he finally said.

  “To prove Amy wrong, Cole?” Annie asked.

  “I would.” Izzy folded her arms across her chest.

  Cole spread out his hands. “No. I want to help Tommy.”

  “Then go, but go with no anger,” Annie told him.

  Cole nodded. “I’ll write to Amy before I leave.” It was the right thing to do, though he didn’t feel like it. He felt different going to the Starrys this time, like this job might change his life. Like he was called by God to go, and he hadn’t felt God’s calling in a long time.

  Chapter Three

  The painting room in Tommy's cabin was small, but in her current mood, she needed small and she needed her painting room. The walls glowed a light peach where the sun shone on them year-round. Paintings of the loves of her life covered every wall. She hadn't been in a painting mood lately since she knew Cole was coming, but she kept on doing it. She liked painting more than ranch or farm work. It was just as hard to get the colors and lighting right. Her brothers didn't see it as hard work. Still, they loved her art and asked often for pieces she created.

  A knock sounded on the door, and she turned to see who was there. Ellen. To be honest, she expected her sooner. She shifted her gaze back to the painting as Ellen took a seat on the sofa near Tommy. She didn't want to talk.

  "Hi, Tommy. How are you doing, dear?" Petite Ellen didn't look her forty-five years of age, but she'd said more than once that she felt every day of it. Today, as usual, her long, black hair was mostly pulled back in a bun at her neck. Her green eyes shone as she could see right through you. She was strong, and loved all her children unconditionally-no matter what mistakes they made. She had faults and struggles of her own, but she learned to lean on the One who gave her these children, who were now adults, and she hoped she could teach them to do the same. Just because they were adults didn't mean she didn't give her advice, whether they asked for it or not.

  "Just dandy," Tommy drawled, saying something that was so unlike her and more like what her brothers would say.

  Ellen smiled. "I know you too well, sugar. You ain't doing good."

  Tommy shrugged. "I just want my life back."

  Ellen nodded. "Back to what? Before the men were after you?"

  "I just don't want to have Cole stay here. This is my life; even if it is out of control." Tommy put down the brush and looked at her.

  Ellen agreed. "But Cole will do well by you, and I have a feelin’ things’ll get worse before they get better."

  Studying her adopted mother, Tommy narrowed her eyes. "Why do you say that?"

  "Just a feeling I've been havin’, maybe it’s nothin’," she paused. "You’re strong. You will handle Cole living here."

  Tommy nodded and sighed. "You want more?"

  Ellen smiled. "Now who knows who?" she paused. "I want you to let Susan live here."

  Tommy's face showed, she knew this request was coming and rolled her eyes. "Why?"

  Ellen looked at the painting of the gulf with Jesse and Andrew with Katrina by his side fishing. A peaceful look washed over her, and her lips lifted into a small smile, then she sighed. "Susan needs to know what living in Silkwood is like before she marries Matt."

  "Why? She knows us well. And if she moves here, she’ll lose any friends she has left."

  "That’s my point. She needs to know what it’s really like to see if she can handle it. I think it’s wise for her to find out now. It was my idea she moves here rather than Andrew's place. Katrina ain't ready for that yet."

  Tommy looked back at the painting and frowned. "So, you went behind my back, too."

  "No, I just gave her the idea. We’ve been talkin’ lately about what her future will be like and how it will change," she paused. "Tommy, you need to do this for Matt."

  This life was just great. Why was everyone making decisions for her? Even Ellen. A million thoughts churned through her mind, but Tommy said nothing.

  "Matt has given everything for you. He deserves this chance at happiness. You need to stop bein’ selfish. You’ve been given much in life. Now, remember to give back."

  Tommy looked at her. "Why would you say that?"

  "Give a little of yourself and let another woman into Matt's life. She ain't going anywhere. You’ve been so important to him and all your brothers, but you need to let go and let them be happy with the ones they love."

  Tommy glanced down at her hands covered in paint and her apron splattered with every color in the world. "It's not about lettin’ another woman in Matt's life. It's about…"

  Ellen put a hand on Tommy's shoulder, "It's about trust." She finished for her. "I know trust is hard for you, but it's gon’ have to come. She is goin’ to be one of the Stars."

  Tommy nodded. "I’ll try when she comes."

  Ellen knew her children had fears and needs many others didn't have. Even as adults, she knew those struggles and challenges were still present. Even as adults, she still viewed them all as her children and wanted them to feel as loved and supported as possible. She always had the desire to try to meet those needs.

  Some of Tommy's past had to do with the orphanage. She was in more homes than any of the other children. Many couples were drawn to her tight ringlet curls and pretty blue eyes. They would take her home and weeks later, they would bring her back. The reason was always the same-she was touched in the head, defected. Ellen never believed that for a minute. Tommy just had nightmares that would scare any adult, and she never spoke a word to anyone. Tommy always came back so much worse.

  Whenever Tommy returned from an adoptive home, Sawyer would go back to controlling her every move. And of course, she did everything he told her.

  Ellen finally convinced some of the couples not to take her unless they could handle the muteness and nightmares. So that year, Tommy only went to three homes.

  Ellen knew she had to get the children out of the orphanage soon or they were going to break.

  Soon after they came to Silkwood to live, Tommy and the other girls went to live with Ben and Missy. Ellen always said she was made to keep the hard boys. Sawyer, her soft-hearted boy, went to live with Ben and Missy along with the girls.

  Ellen got up and kissed Tommy's blond hair. "Everything is gonna work out. I can feel it.” Ellen
knew Tommy didn't feel that certain. She didn't have that kind of faith.

  The entire family was over, which wasn't a big deal. Tommy was glad for their support. Susan was there, and Cole was coming. Things were moving too fast.

  Tommy walked into her log home to see the whole family in the kitchen, as usual. She heard Andrew ask when Cole was coming.

  "Supper time," answered Matt, who arranged for Cole’s arrival.

  Tommy winced. "So soon."

  Jerry chuckled. "Smart man, just in time for supper."

  Ellen's green eyes met Tommy’s; her brows lifted with a question. Was she all right? She held David. The rest of the children were standing in the big kitchen with everyone else.

  Tommy nodded. She would handle Cole coming. She didn't have a choice.

  Jesse came in and noticed Tommy’s worried face. "Let's make everything better by making my food, woman."

  His joking made Tommy smile at first. Then she made a face at him. "Make it yourself." It was an old joke they shared. Everything would be fine. She had her family, and she had their love and support. After all, they were the Starry Yankees.

  Cole heard the others talking and laughing in Tommy's house. A good sign. He knocked on the door.

  Matt appeared. "Hey, man. Glad you made it. Normally I would pick friends up, but since you own the train, I let you fend for yourself."

  "I know my way around, and if not, I order people around." He smiled. Matt knew Cole was a man of action.

  Matt chuckled. "Yeah, that must be nice."

  "It is." Cole paused. He smelled something delicious. Stew, maybe? He knew if Tommy made it, it would be hot. He didn't mind her cooking, but he liked to taste his food. "So, how is she?"

  "Mmmmh. The family’s over, and that always helps. Just keep your distance for a while. Come in, we're all in the kitchen."

  "Ain't you always?" he asked.