Permanently Yours: Northwoods, #5

By Paisley Kirkpatrick

Will Hank Hughes get a second chance at love? Temperance Jameson walked into his office looking for employment. Her grace and self-assurance sparked a long-forgotten feeling. Will she awaken his heart?

Temperance faced an over-welling task of preparing three meals a day for the huge trading post family, but she'd do anything to please her hard-working boss.  When he insisted she sit at the head of the dining table next to him, it not only established her coveted place in the family, but exposed his feelings for her.

Tempie is worried Hank isn't over his grief. When a haunting melody from his dead wife's past turns up, will it draw him back to his memories of his wife or release him to make a new life with her?

Northwoods Series   #5   90,670 words

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paisley Kirkpatrick
• Release date: Mar 25, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386778615

Paisley Kirkpatrick

Drawing from her family history and a healthy imagination, Paisley Kirkpatrick kicked off a wild ride down a dusty trail with Marriage Bargain. It would be the first of many adventures during a time when men were men, and women knew how to put them in their place. Writing is in her blood, so it came as no surprise when she followed in the family footsteps. Her great, great grandfather kept a journal while traveling on a wagon train from Missouri to the California Goldrush of 1849. This beautifully written diary is considered five star and is kept in the Bancroft Library at the University of California, Berkley. Charles Kirkpatrick was married to the first woman to have a story printed in a magazine. With these credentials, is it any wonder that Paisley would use her talent to write historicals with a touch of romance? Paisley and her husband moved from the Sierra Mountains of California (near Coloma, where the goldrush originated) to a small community in the Northwoods of Wisconsin four years ago. History in the 1850's abounds and has given her a place to create both of her series. She's written six books in the Paradise Pines Series, and then seven in the Northwoods Series.

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Permanently Yours

This work is copyrighted © as of 2017 by Paisley Kirkpatrick

The cover design is copyrighted © by Gwen Phifer

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Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination, or are used in a fictitious situation. Any resemblances to actual events, locations, organizations, incidents or persons – living or dead – are coincidental and beyond the intent of the author.

Chapter One

Howling Hank's Trading Post

Northwoods, Wisconsin

July 1857

Tired after a day mending the fence in the north pasture, Hank Hughes returned home early and entered through the lodge's back door. His breath caught at hearing banjo music accompanied by a child's sweet voice. The familiar rendition of Lavender's Blue pulled memories from his heart in rapid succession.

Their cook moved across the kitchen and stopped at seeing him standing in the mud room. Tempie held her finger to her lips and shook her head. He nodded. He'd not interrupt his daughter. Tempie set a stack of plates into the cupboard and shut the cabinet door.

Honey, you'd better put the banjo away, Tempie said. Your sisters will come through the front door in a few moments.

When the music ended, Hank's first instinct was to rush inside the room and learn who'd inherited her mother's amazing talent. Instead, he washed up and cleaned the dust off of his glasses.

Tempie poked her head into the mud room. It's safe. You can come into the kitchen now.

Thank you. I'm so curious to know which of my daughters has musical talent.

She ignored his comment and pointed to the preparation table where his child had practiced her music only a few moments before. You look like you could use a strong cup of coffee.

Yes, it's been a long day, but I think we've finally repaired all of the broken sections of fence from the last storm.

She placed his drink on the table in front of him and slid a plate of ginger cookies across the table.

Aren't you joining me? I have so many questions.

Tempie shook her head and returned to the sink. I promised your daughter I'd keep her secret, Hank. Be patient. I promise you, it'll be worth the wait.

You enjoy working with her, don't you?

She glanced over her shoulder and grinned. Yes, I delight in a young woman blooming to her full potential. She set a large ceramic bowl of string beans on the table before she sat and started snapping off the ends. A while back, your daughter saw the banjo on the wall in my bedroom and asked if she could play it.

Surprised, he frowned at her. If you play music, why haven't you joined us on entertainment nights?

It's been a very long time since I've seriously played the banjo. I'd need a lot of practice before I'd have the confidence to play in front of an audience.

Well, I hope you'll think about joining me. We could make the experience fun for you to say nothing of how much enjoyment our friends will have listening to you.

I'll think about it.

Good. What amazes me is that you have sheet music for Lavender’s Blue.

Tempie shook her head and smiled. I don't. Your daughter doesn't read music notes, she plays from the heart as I suspect you do.

He leaned back in the chair and closed his eyes. What a gift I've received—the knowledge that I have a child who has inherited my skill at music and her mother's voice.

If you won't tell me which of my daughters has musical talent, will you at least tell me why she came to you instead of me?

Don't you dare pressure me into breaking a promise, Henry Hughes. Secrets are sacred in my kitchen.

He let out a deep sigh. Aw, Tempie, won't you give this impatient father at least one small clue? I'm not being overly curious just to be nosey. My wife's exceptional singing voice used to send chills through me. After her death, I thought it was stilled forever. Today, tears rimmed his eyes, I heard it again. Embarrassed, he wiped the dampness away with the back of his hand.

Hank grabbed a handful of beans and focused his attention for the next half hour on snapping off the ends and tossing them into the large pot. It took that long to control his emotions. I apologize for breaking down in front of you. I still carry a deep feeling of loss.

Tempie brought the pot to the sink and pumped water into it. After she set the string beans on the stove, she came back to the table and pressed her cheek against his. Never say you're sorry for loving your wife, Hank. Remember, Isabella is alive in each of your daughters.

He stared into Tempie's beautiful hazel eyes and saw the kindness she always held for others. Thank you. Your point was proven a bit ago in this kitchen. He shook his head. I thought I'd healed better than this, but—

"But nothing, Hank. You'll always have a soft shoulder to lean on as long as I'm here."

What? He grabbed her hand. You're not thinking of leaving the trading post, are you?

No, of course not. This is my home now.

Good. He relaxed and squeezed her hand before letting go. We love having you here with us.

Thank you, Hank. I feel comfortable being part of the trading post family.

Her wide smile warmed his heart. Hmmm, Tempie's been here for three months and this is the first time she's shared any part of her life with me.

He watched her move about the kitchen. The excessively warm day and heat from the stove dampened Tempie's brow with perspiration. Her personality was so different from their long-time cook, Lottie, but Lottie would have approved of the way Tempie ran her kitchen. Everybody at the lodge approved of Tempie. Her quick wit and bright smile always lifted his spirits.

The clangor of a bell pealed from overhead. Tempie sighed and wiped her hands along the hem of her apron. Excuse me. I need to find out what she wants.

Whoa, what are you doing? Who's ringing that ridiculous bell?

It's how Sabine gets my attention.

Hank stood up so fast, his chair fell over backwards. She bent to set the chair on its legs, but Hank grasped her arm. "No, my dear, you are not my servant, and you most definitely are not that woman's either. Who told you take care of my mother-in-law?"

She hesitated a moment. He watched her cheeks turn bright pink.

Matthias?

Tempie nodded.

How dare Matthias ask our Tempie to care for that demanding old woman? Please, wait here. I'll be right back.

Hank, please don't...

He ignored her plea and walked out of the kitchen searching for his brother-in-law. He found him cleaning the bar area in the main room.

How could you ask Tempie to wait on your mother? You know how busy she is taking care of the kitchen.

Matthias tossed the towel onto the bar. "Mother threw a fit and demanded I get her a bell so she could summon the 'woman in the kitchen.' You, of all people, know how difficult it is to say no to her."

The pain in Hank's head throbbed. He took a deep breath to calm himself. "Tempie is our cook, Matthias, not your mother's servant. Understand?"

Yes, and I apologize for not being firm with her.

I know Sabine is a handful. If I had my way, she would be on her way back to Canada. Since I pride myself in not being cruel or inhumane, I'll find a care-minder for your mother. As soon as her legs heal and she can walk properly again, your mother goes back to her home at the farm. I'll even pay for her to travel as comfortably as possible.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

Matthias raised his eyes toward the ceiling. I'm going to destroy that damned bell first and then put my foot down.

It's about damn time, Hank said.

Matthias nodded. Way past time I'd say.

If Tempie remembers anyone at the newcomers' site who can handle Sabine, we'll take a ride out there as soon as you finish dealing with your mother.

Thank you for your patience, Hank.

Hank nodded and returned to the kitchen. He found Tempie at the sink washing dishes. Can we talk for a moment?

Of course.

He pulled a chair out from the preparation table and after she dried her hands and sat, he pushed her chair up to the table. He took a seat across from her.

What have you decided about Sabine?

First, I'm sorry for not paying attention to my mother-in-law's demands on your time before now, Tempie.

She nodded. Thank you, Hank. I appreciate your concern.

It's long overdue.

I've known a few people like her before, Tempie said, but I've never had the misfortune to work for any of them. I admit she's been a handful. Maybe when she's no longer in pain, her attitude will change.

No, unfortunately it won't. Don't ever count on a kind word from my mother-in-law. Sabine's brusque attitude is what drove Matthias down here to stay with Isabella and me when our daughters Caroline and Danielle were young. We needed help and he wanted peace from his mother. They've never gotten along.

What shall we do?

Matthias and I would like to hire someone to take care of her until her broken legs mend. Would you know of a woman who needs work?

Tempie got up from the table and set the pot of string beans away from the heat. I have everything ready to prepare supper. If we drive to the newcomers' campsite right now, I'll introduce you to the right person.

Hank frowned at her. How can you be so certain? I won't bring just anybody into my home. They'd have to prove to me they're responsible and my children will be safe.

If I tell you I've known her most of my life, would that be a good enough recommendation?

Yes. Is that what you're telling me?

She grinned as she nodded. It is and I promise you'll adore her. Hannah will definitely know how to handle Sabine Martel.

Good enough for me. As soon as Matthias comes downstairs from speaking to his mother, I'll hitch up the carriage.

Your generosity is appreciated, Hank. I didn't want to complain, but—

No need to explain. Sabine has never approved of anything I've done in the past twenty-three years. One might believe that almost dying in an accident and being forced to live here until she is healed would've changed her negative attitude about me, but it's only made it worse.

Matthias entered the kitchen and handed Tempie a slightly bent metal bell. You may dispose of this any way you choose.

She turned the small bell over in her hand. What happened to it?

I tossed it against the wall to make a point with my mother.

Tempie tried to hide a smile behind her hand, but couldn't stop from giggling.

Hank chuckled along with her.

You might put that disgusting thing somewhere you can see it. That way, when you need your spirits lifted, you can look at it and be happy my mother is no longer your charge.

Your mother wasn't happy with you? Hank said.

Matthias glared at Hank. You could say that, but this time I won the battle of the Martels. I threw her bell against the wall and told her if I heard anymore nonsense about her mistreating Tempie, she was next.

Tempie gasped. You didn't.

Matthias grinned at her. Yup, I did and it felt good.

TAM MACGREGOR HELD his breath until the saw cut the entire length of log and came out the other end smooth as glass. He nodded at his twin, Jory. Send another one through. Keep them coming.

Jory pushed a second log lengthwise against the saw. It came out smooth as the first. Jubilation echoed throughout the mill. After the two long months of restoration, they'd finally started processing their cache of logs.

Jax Wellington backed one of their transports up to the loading dock. As the boards became available, he slid them onto the bed. Once the wagon held a full load, Tam climbed onto the seat next to him and he drove around the building to the other side of the yard. The two men unloaded the boards, then stacked them in neat rows.

Jax leaned against the emptied wagon, pulled off his leather gloves, and wiped the perspiration from his brow. There's nothing like the scent of fresh-cut timber.

You're right. Tam took off his hat and rolled up his shirtsleeves. The afternoon has warmed. Let's take a breather.

The two men walked over to one of the mighty pines bordering the mill site. They settled under the boughs of a pine tree. It took longer than I expected to restore the mill. After that, it shouldn't take long for us to have the wood needed to build bunkhouses for millworkers. and lumberjacks. Genevieve will be happy to have a schoolhouse, too, Tam said.

Jory joined them and handed Tam and Jax each a cup of cool water. This is a great day for the trading post. He hunkered down next to them. Hank will be pleased to know that we have a working sawmill again.

The boards look as good as the lumber my father's mill in England puts out. Big Dog did a great job in sharpening those saws. Congratulations, MacGregors.

You're the one who fixed the waterwheel, Jax.

Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to show off. Jax stood and brushed the sawdust off his breeches. I appreciated the drink of water, Jory. I've got to get back to work. See you two later. He climbed onto the wagon seat and drove toward the saw area.

I guess we'd better get back to work, too. Jory stood, grabbed Tam's hand, and pulled him to his feet.

Keegan Platt ran toward them. We found a body.

You found what? Tam said, apprehension building as he realized this would not bode well for the resurrection of the saw.

A dead man is in the log pile. No one knows who he is.

Tam glanced at his brother. We'd better go see what's happened.

Keegan took them around to the backside of the main building. He's right there partially covered with logs. Apparently, several of them toppled over the top of him. He's been dead for a while by the looks of him.

Several loggers stood chatting in the vicinity of where they'd found the dead man. Get back to work. There are boards to stack, Tam yelled.

The twins stared at the grotesque-looking body. Tam covered his mouth to keep from vomiting and quickly looked away from the hideous sight. I've never seen this person before. Have you, Jory?

No. He probably would have been too scrawny to hire as a logger, but he could possibly be a new mill worker. Tam glanced around at the gawkers who'd not returned to work yet, but had stepped further back from the body. Any of you know who this man is?

Nobody volunteered the man's identity. Tam gazed at his brother. I'd better go find Big Dog. He's the law and should know how to handle this situation.

Good idea. I'll wrap a tarp around him. Jory headed toward the storage room.

Tam motioned to a couple of their men to join him. Please pull the rest of the logs away from the body before Jory gets back.

Not me, Boss, Keegan said. We don't touch no bloody corpse.

Tam shook his head. I can't find good help anymore. He mounted his horse and rode out of the corral to the trading post's rear gate. He found Big Dog working in the back room of the smithy shop, sanding boards on a new wagon.

Sorry to bother you, Big Dog, but we need you at the mill.

What's the matter?

We've discovered a dead man in the woodpile. Well, actually he's under the pile of logs.

Big Dog set his sandpaper down. Who is he?

The best we can tell, he's not one of our men—at least none of the loggers would admit to knowing him.

Let's go, then. Big Dog led Tam into the front section of his smithy shop. The big man removed his apron, grabbed his deputy's badge from a drawer by his forge, and pinned it on his shirt.

By the time Tam and Big Dog reached the mill, Jory had the body lying on a tarp. Big Dog knelt next to him, but immediately pulled back. Woo wee, this is the most obnoxious-smelling body I've ever been near. He sniffed over the man's clothes. He's drenched in rotgut moonshine. The odor is not helping his personal aroma. Do you know who he is yet?

Nobody's talking.

Jax drove an empty transport around the corner of the mill building and backed it up to the loading dock. Tam motioned for him to join them.

He climbed off the seat and headed toward the crowd. Jax nodded at Big Dog as he walked up to them. Whoa, what happened?

Do you recognize this man? Tam asked.

Jax stepped closer and checked out the corpse. It's difficult to tell what he looked like before being crushed. He glanced around. Where'd you find him?

Where the logs are askew, Jory said.

My guess is that the man was probably up to no good. Someone give me a hand.

Jax and Tam walked to where the logs lay in disarray. Tam picked up one end of a log and Jax the other. They continued moving what was left of the stack until Tam yelled, Stop.

He picked up a torch and several wooden matches. Is this what you were looking for?

Jax nodded. The bastard intended to burn down the mill.

Tam punched his fist against the side of the building. It's revenge!

That's my guess.

Tam shook his head. I'll post guards starting tonight in case there are more mischief-makers lurking around the mill. I don't want to take a chance that the moonshiners will come back and try again.

Big Dog went through the corpse's clothes. Here are a few more matches, some chaw, and a broken bottle of moonshine in his breeches pocket. He checked through the shirt pockets and found coins wrapped in a piece of paper. He poured the paltry amount into his hand and handed them to Tam. He gasped and unrolled the paper.

The boss needs to see this.

Tam took it from Big Dog's hand and read the scribbling. He handed it back. What the hell does it mean?

May I? Jax asked.

Big Dog handed the scrap to Jax. He read it out loud.

Glory pays those who deliver.

He shook his head. I know Glory. She runs the saloon my crew damaged in Wausau. She's established her saloon off the established track and out of sight from the law. I followed the loud music until I found the place set back in the woods.

Tam glanced at Jax. We've got trouble coming?

My guess is that Glory plans on opening a saloon in Hank's woods to service our loggers. If she's getting her booze from bad stills, like the one Luc and I destroyed, we'll have moonshine drinkers dying tragic deaths like the preacher.

What makes you think it's this woman Glory?

Jax pointed to a couple of strange marks on the bottom of the message. This is the same signature I have on my receipt for the saloon damage.

Chapter Two

The carriage bumped in and out of the deep ruts along the dirt road leading to the newcomers' site. Hank pulled the buggy to a stop at the first camp. He jumped down from the seat and wrapped his hands around Tempie's waist. When he lifted her to the ground, their gazes locked and held until Matthias joined them.

Here's your tin of cookies. Matthias handed the treats to Tempie.

Hank recognized the man and woman approaching them. What brings you out here today, Hank?

Roger Dearing did a double take at seeing Tempie standing at his side. We haven't seen you for a few months, Tempie.

She smiled at his greeting. Hello, Roger. She nodded at his wife Esther. I thought you knew I'm the cook at Hank's trading post now.

Yes, Hannah has mentioned it a couple of times, Esther said. It looks like Hank's treating you well.

She glanced at Hank and smiled. Yes, very well. I've no complaints. She handed the tin to Esther. I've brought some treats for the children.

Does Hannah know you're coming today? Roger asked.

No, and I can't wait to see her.

She's around somewhere. Let me find her.

Esther Dearing led them to their family's tent. Please sit out here in the shade while you wait. Let me give the children your generous gift. I'll be right back.

Temperance? A tall, blond-haired woman rushed toward them. Tempie jumped up and wrapped her arms around Hannah.

You look marvelous, sister.

Tempie grabbed her arm. Come and meet two of my friends from the trading post. This is Hank Hughes and Matthias Martel.

Hannah nodded at both men.

Hank, I'd like you to meet my younger sister, Hannah Nelson.

I never would have guessed, he said. My but you two certainly resemble each other.

Tempie smiled at Hank. We've been told that all of our lives.

Hannah, if you're not caring for sick children right now, Matthias needs someone to assist his mother while her broken legs heal. She's very uncomfortable and needs a good care-minder.

I'm sorry to hear your mother is suffering, Mr. Martel.

Please, I'm Matthias and my brother-in-law is Hank.

Thank you. What would my duties involve?

Mother is very outspoken and not easy to care for. If you could spend a couple of months taking care of her while she can't walk, I'll pay you a decent salary.

Hannah glanced at Tempie. Do you know the woman?

"Yes, and Matthias is right. She's very difficult. Recently widowed, she's not given into her emotions yet. She strikes out at everyone and pushes people away, including her motherless granddaughters. You're a nurse and exactly what she needs."

May I ask what kind of accident she had?

Someone who worked for me drove a buggy too fast around a bad curve and it careened off the road and slammed into a tree, Hank said. Both of her legs are broken above the knees.

I remember hearing about that accident happening about a month ago. I'm so sorry to hear she's in a lot of pain.

Can you help Sabine, or are you still caring for the Sinclair children?

They have all recovered from influenza. Hannah squeezed Tempie's arm. We'd be able to spend time together. I've missed you so much.

I've missed you, too. Please won't you consider coming to the trading post with us?

Hannah nodded. I'll be happy to care for your mother as long as she needs me, Matthias. If you have the time to wait, I'll gather my belongings and go to the trading post with you right now.

Matthias' face it up. Thank you, Hannah, for helping us with an uncomfortable situation.

She's had a lot to deal with during the past few weeks. It sounds like she's lonely and needs someone to give her company.

Matthias nodded. I'd appreciate whatever you can do for her.

I don't have much to pack so it won't take me long.

Can I help? Tempie asked.

No need, but thanks.

After Hannah left, Hank frowned at Tempie. Why haven't we known you have a sister living so close to the post? We have plenty of room for extended family.

You're very generous, Hank. Please don't fret about the past. She's coming with us now. If she doesn't suit Sabine, Hannah could possibly help in some other way. I would hate to see her have to return here to the newcomers' site.

Matthias glanced around at the ripped and torn tents and shook his head. Let's see how Hannah reacts to Mother's temperament and then we can make a final decision. I think it's an ideal situation for all of us.

Hank grinned at Matthias. Especially you?

Matthias nodded. Yes, I'm sorry I didn't think of bringing in extra help before now. If it works out, I'll let my brother Michel know the good news.

I'm sure your brother will be as relieved as you are.

Hannah approached them. Hank grabbed both of her bags and put them in the back compartment of the buggy.

Matthias helped Hannah onto the back seat and sat next to her. Hank aided Tempie onto the cushioned front seat, untethered the horses, and joined her.

Are you ready?

Yes. Thank you so much for reuniting my sister and me.

He picked up the straps. You're most welcome. I look forward to getting to know her. He slapped the reins over the backs of the two-horse team and pulled away from the campsite.

You're very quiet, Tempie. Are you all right?

She nodded. Yes. When you drove around that turn, it reminded me how Sabine got hurt. Danielle could have been hurt or killed, too.

He stared straight ahead without saying anything for a few moments. I still kick myself for not paying attention to how Jacob's behavior had changed. He never should have left the post with Danielle and Sabine that afternoon. The rotgut moonshine stole Jacob's mind, took his eyesight, and could have killed my daughter and mother-in-law.

She grasped Hank's arm and squeezed. I understand, but please don't be so hard on yourself. Danielle is fine and Sabine will be healed in a few weeks.

Hank nodded.

Do you know why some stills produce moonshine that kills and others don't?

If the pipes to the still are made of lead, they poison the alcohol and make it toxic. Luc said that's what killed Jacob. It's why he and Jax destroyed the still.

I'm glad I stick to coffee and tea.

Hank grinned. "We don't serve moonshine at the