Unexpected Love

By Donna L. Frank

The hot, southern Arizona desert can be an unforgiving place in the 1880s. Meridith Benson realized this especially after losing her husband and facing trial after trial.

It was only by God’s grace and protecting hand that she, her family and friends survived. It’s amazing how evil human beings can treat each other, but even more amazing how God can change a life.

US Marshal, Clint Dolin arrived and along with Meridith’s Uncle Jake, God turns her life from sorrow to joy and Unexpected Love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jul 24, 2022
• ISBN: 9781664272842

Donna L. Frank

Donna Frank was born in southern Arizona. Several years later her family moved to Colorado where she met, married and served with her husband in Christian ministry for 50 years. She has long wanted to write a book for friends and family to explain the love of God, and how He sees us through every trial. Accepting what Christ did on the cross, and asking Him to be our personal Savior is the most important decision of our lives.

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Copyright © 2022 Donna L. Frank.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means,

graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by

any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author

except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue

in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

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Bloomington, IN 47403

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in

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expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the

views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

ISBN: 978-1-6642-7285-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-7284-2 (e)

WestBow Press rev. date: 07/22/2022

Contents

Acknowledgements

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Chapter Forty

This book is dedicated to

my Aunt Frankie and Aunt Patsy.

Acknowledgements

Unexpected Love is a work of fiction where certain locals or cities are named. They are used fictitiously. All names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.

A book is never written without the help of many people. Special thanks to Kathleen Griffin for her hours of typing, pre-reading and trying to make sense of what was in my mind.

A thank you to my pre-readers, my daughters-in-law, Deana and Lisa Frank. Thank you to my sons Scott and Schon who patiently listened as I excitedly told portions of the story. A shout out to my grandchildren, Nicole, Savannah and Brooks - never forget how much God loves you. Finally, this book wouldn’t even be possible without Kirk Griffin who guided me to his friend, and author, Matt Graphman. God is good and amazingly provides for us! Thank you, Kirk and Matt.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version.

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Chapter One

The Arizona Territory 1880s

Stark naked fear like Meridith had never known gripped her in the early morning dawn as a strong, huge body held her down on the ground. Her screams echoed through the quietness of the southern Arizona desert.

Well, well, ain’t you a feisty little filly. Just like I like ‘em. Pretty little thing too, that just adds to the fun. Scream all ya want, darlin’, whispered the smelly, sweat drenched man. Ain’t nobody here but you and me. I made sure of that. So now let’s have us a little fun!

Tears were running down her face as she fought with a strength she didn’t know she had. It was no use. This filthy animal was too strong for her and he was right – There was no one here but her.

Please, she panted. Please, don’t do this But as she heard his evil laugh and looked into his cold sinister eyes, she knew she was in trouble. Heavenly Father, help me. I need you now! As the last words were uttered in her mind, a shot rang out. Her last coherent thought was, thank you Lord for sending Uncle Jake back.

Her captor hesitated for a split second, then quick as lightning pulled his gun. Shots rang out, he was too late, it was over. She knew the man was dead and she scrambled to her feet. Her first thought was to run to Uncle Jake. She stopped short. A look of horror on her face. The tall, foreboding looking stranger with a gun in hand definitely wasn’t Uncle Jake.

The stranger saw the terror in her eyes, as she stood looking at him in disbelief. Her face had turned deathly white. He expected her to fall to the ground in a dead faint. All he could think about was the fact that if he’d been a few minutes later, he wouldn’t have been able to save her. He knew not to approach her. He holstered his gun and breathing a quick thank you to God, he asked, are ya alright, ma’am? It never failed to amaze him how evil human beings could be in the way they treated their fellowman.

Heart pounding, she turned, ran and grabbed her rifle leaning against the porch. How could she be so forgetful not to keep it with her! She knew better! Looking the stranger in the eye, trying to hide her fear, she aimed. What am I doing? she thought. Can I kill another human being?

Father, help her to know she is safe, he prayed. I’m not goin’ to hurt ya, he said calmly.

She saw his mouth moving, but heard no sound. The sheriff said this was Jake’s place. Who was this woman? His daughter? Whoever she was he knew for certain he had saved her life.

Maybe I could just shoot his legs out from underneath him, she thought. Then I wouldn’t have to kill him. Well, can’t do that unless he gets off that horse. Wonder what he’d do if I ask him to dismount so I can shoot his legs off? That, for some reason, struck her funny. Hysteria took over and she laughed until she cried. The man was now standing in front of her and in his hand was her rifle. How did that happen? She must have lost her mind. She was shaking uncontrollably. He’d seen hysteria before and this was it. God help her to know she’s safe, he prayed.

Ma’am, are ya alright? Ya hurt? He repeated the words in a calm, low voice. He hoped she hadn’t been hit by a bullet. He didn’t dare touch her in the state she was in.

Meridith wanted to scream at him as she stood in a daze. No, I’m not alright, her thoughts tumbling in her mind. This has been the worst month of my life. I just buried my husband, been attacked by a vile, no good excuse of a human being who is lying dead at my feet, and I have no idea who you are. No, I’m not alright. Before she could form her thoughts into words, they both heard the pounding of horse hooves. The stranger pulled his gun as Jake came flying in looking like he’d been blown in on the tail of a tornado.

Heard gun shots! Jake hollered, gun drawn, aimed right at the stranger’s heart. His eyes took in the dead man, and then landed on Meridith. Don’t move! Don’t move not even a whisker! he said. With his gun still aimed at the stranger, he dismounted and motioned for Meridith. What is goin’ on here and who are you? And I better get answers real quick!

The stranger slowly holstered his gun and shifted his coat so Jake could see the badge of Marshal. Well, drawled the stranger, I see ole Jake Taylor is still alive, kickin’, and ornery as ever.

Meridith clung to her uncle. Oh, Uncle Jake, it was awful! I asked God for help and this man came. He saved my life!

Jake’s eyes narrowed as he took in his niece’s condition and then looked over the stranger. Clint? Clint Dolin? Is that you underneath all those whiskers? What are ya doing in this forsaken place? Still got that badge pinned on, I see.

Yep, for the time bein’ anyway. He tipped his hat at Meridith. Glad I could be of help, ma’am. Looking back at Jake he explained he was tracking the Cooper gang. Guess I’ll start by buryin’ this one here. One down, three to go. Pretty sure they’re layin’ low in the area. A dangerous bunch. Might wanta be careful.

Meridith shuddered. Jake looked down at her and realized she was about to collapse from her ordeal. He would get the details from Clint. He was already worried about her and now this would set her back even more. We’ll make introductions later. Go on in, Meri, take your time. If ya need me, holler.

As the two men worked side by side digging the grave, Jake explained the ranch belonged to Matt and Meridith. He’d been there the day she was born, and he and everyone else called her Meri. He explained about the fresh mound of dirt. That’s Matt, Meri’s husband buried yonder, kicked in the head by a wild stallion he was trainin’. He lived but just a few hours. A real shock, and has been mighty hard on Meri, and now this attack. He shook his head. Real worrisome is what it is, that gal’s wastin’ away.

Meri turned toward the house to clean up and change clothes. She was close to tears again. What was wrong with her? She normally wasn’t a silly crybaby. She thought she was a strong woman. Somehow the attack had unnerved her. She remembered the lawman saying there were three more of those outlaws out there somewhere, and they were mean as she well knew. She shuddered as she realized she wasn’t safe on her own property. Would there be no more early morning rides on Thunder, her beloved horse? No more walks alone on the ranch? What about visiting Matt’s grave? Her whole world had changed in an instant. She was afraid the gang had eyes on them all even now, and she couldn’t expect Uncle Jake to sit at home and hold her hand every day. If only Matt was here. What was she going to do without him? Her husband, her friend, her lover, her confidant, her everything! How dare he leave her! Oh, she knew he had no more control over the situation than she did, but she was still heart broken, and, yes, even angry. She had always thought of the ranch as peaceful, especially in the evenings as she and Matt would sit on the porch listening to the desert sounds. She would ride Thunder in the early mornings to watch what she considered were the most beautiful sunrises anywhere in the world. She had never been afraid, but now her peace was shattered. At this very moment she wanted to lock herself in her room and never leave.

Changing clothes, she realized she needed to get food on the table for two hungry men. But first, she needed time with her Savior. She pulled her Bible off the shelf and turned to her favorite verses.

Psalm 34: 4, 7, 19. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. The angel of the Lord, encampeth round about them that fear Him and delivereth them. Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. Peace was beginning to seep into her heart. She knelt, thanking God for saving her and prayed for both she and Uncle Jake. Praying for strength, safety, and peace, she lifted her head, and was bathed in peace and calmness that could only come from her God. When the two men walked in, Meri had supper on the table.

Clint, this here’s my niece, Meridith Benson. As I said, we all call her Meri. Meri, Clint Dolin here. The best cotton pickin’ lawman I’ve ever seen and as good a friend as you’ll ever hope to have. We’re both mighty thankful ya wandered in when ya did, Clint. Don’t know what I’d do without this little lady here on the Double B.

After supper, as was their custom, Jake opened his worn Bible and read an encouraging Psalm and asked Clint if he’d offer a prayer. Clint, you’re welcome to bed down here for as long as ya need. Happy to have ya. Said Jake.

Thanks, Jake, I need to get these coyotes rounded up so people are safe. Don’t really think they’re in Tucson. Too far. I rode through Rio on my way here. Took all of five minutes or less. It’s about twenty minutes from there to here on horseback. I’d think anybody new would stick out like a sore thumb. Talked to the Doc and Wade Winslow at the feed store. Figured Wade bein’ sheriff and workin’ the feed store would know of any strangers. Nobody seems to know a thing. They can’t be far from your place what with Ted Cooper showin’ up here. The rest of the gang know by now somethin’ has happened to him. Wonderin’ if they knew where he was headed. Probably not good for ya to be alone, Meri. Sorry ‘bout your husband. I think the rest of the gang is holed up ‘round here somewhere. Somebody’s hidin’ ‘em.

Clint could see Jake loved Meri as his own and was worried about her. She barely ate. Jake saw his beloved niece grieving and losing weight; Clint saw a beautiful woman, in spite of being too thin, and the evidence of time spent crying. Clint was worried about how far away the Coopers were and had a bad feeling they were close, biding their time. Maybe they were watching them all right now. Maybe they had been watching as they dug the grave. He didn’t like the uneasy feeling in his gut. Something about Meri had him wanting to protect her. He had watched her in the dim evening light as she tried to force food down. Thank God he showed up when he did this afternoon. He didn’t even want to think about what could have happened. The Coopers weren’t known for their kindness or morals, and they were plenty vindictive. He just had to take them down.

Meri, said Jake. How about I go into Rio and have Margie come out and spend a couple of days with ya? Been awhile since you women folk got together.

No, Uncle Jake, argued Meri, I can’t bring my friends into this mess and have something happen to them. I love you for trying to help, but with God’s help we’ll get through this. I’ll be fine. She didn’t look fine.

Meri, look at me, commanded Clint.

Surprised, she looked up.

Listen to me. I know these people. If I hadn’t shown up when I did, Cooper would have had his fun and then he woulda killed ya. They are killers. They aren’t Sunday School boys. If they were, I wouldn’ be trackin’ ‘em down. That’s all I’m gonna say on that right now.

She had turned deathly white.

Yeah, I think enough said, Clint. Stated Jake.

I’m tryin’ to keep her alive. Don’t go anywhere on this ranch alone, Meri, and keep that rifle with ya and don’t be afraid to pull the trigger. I know in my gut they’re here and I can’t stress enough the evilness in their hearts. Do ya understand?

Yes, she whispered.

I’m not tryin’ to be mean. As I said, I’m tryin’ to keep ya alive. It’s sad how sin has entered into the hearts of man and destroyed his love of God and his fellowman. In a kinder, softer voice he continued, Thank you, Meri, for the meal and takin’ in this unexpected visitor. I’ll be headin’ to the barn now.

"Uncle Jake, I