Clara rose. “Father, I traveled across the country on my own. I worked at various jobs to provide myself and the girls with food and shelter. I can survive.” She sat down again.

Blue stepped away from the wall. “It doesn’t appear I need to add anything to this discussion. We’ve all seen how capable and determined Clara is. There is only one thing she needs.” He faced the Mountie. “She needs to know no one can take the girls from her. Then she can settle down and build them a real home. That’s what she needs.” He leaned back against the wall.

She gave him a grateful smile, the back of her eyes stinging with unshed tears. His support and assurance that she could manage on her own meant everything to her.

The Mountie leaned forward. “I believe there is enough evidence for me to be confident that Clara can provide for her daughters. Mr. Creighton, I’m sure you are welcome to visit your daughter and granddaughters, but under no circumstances are you to consider removing the girls from her care. Do you understand me?”

Father pushed to his feet and stuck out his chest in a gesture Clara recognized as one that often made others bow before his wishes. “These proceedings are a farce.”

Constable Allen rose and faced Clara’s father. He showed not the least sign of being intimidated. “Be assured they are legal and binding.”

With a dark look toward her, Father stormed out the door, slamming it shut behind him.

Every bone in her body turned to rubber, and she pressed her face to her palms.

Bonnie wrapped her arms around Clara’s shoulders. “You’re safe now. You’ll always be safe in our community.”

The men clustered around her and, one by one, patted her back.

“Okay, folks, time to move on.” Constable Allen thanked each of them as they left.

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The door closed, and blessed silence filled the room. Even Blue had gone. She tried to convince herself she didn’t mind that he hadn’t stayed behind. But did he believe what he’d said—that she could build the girls a home on her own? Did that mean he’d leave her to her own devices? Her heart deflated at the thought. But wasn’t that exactly what she’d told him every time he offered help? She rubbed at her chest where an ache had suddenly developed.

She drew in a steadying breath and pulled her thoughts from Blue. Instead, she focused on her victory. She could keep her girls. Finally, after all the running, no one could take them from her.

Now to tell them. She hurried to the back room, where they waited patiently, and held out her arms to bring them to her.

“We are safe,” she said. “We don’t have to run anymore.”

“Does that mean we can stay here?” Libby asked.

Clara laughed. “I don’t know. I need time to make new plans.” But she couldn’t think of any place she’d rather be, surrounded by people who believed in her, living in a community that honored a woman’s abilities. Building a home for the girls where they’d feel safe and valued.

She had no doubt she could do it on her own. But she could think of something she’d sooner do—build a new home and a new family with the man she had come to care about more than she believed she could ever care about a man. She hoped and prayed that, in time, Blue might be willing to entertain such a notion.

She straightened. “Girls, we have a life to build.” But first things first. “Take off these old clothes.” She helped Libby out of the sweater and smoothed her daughter’s hair. “Your grandfather is here. I’m going to take you to see him.”

Eleanor stepped out of reach. “He’ll take us away. Just like Mary said.”

“No, he won’t. He can’t. The Mountie won’t allow it.”

“You’re sure?” Eleanor’s voice quivered.

“Trust me. Would I allow you to be taken from me?”

Eleanor shook her head, and slowly the fear faded from her eyes.

“Where’s Grandfather?” Libby asked.

“At Macpherson’s store, I suppose.” Where else would he go? No doubt he’d be inquiring about the returning stagecoach.

“Let’s go say hello.” She took the girls by their hands and marched over to the store.




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