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    Becky and the Banker
    Becky and the Banker
    Becky and the Banker
    Ebook194 pages3 hours

    Becky and the Banker

    By Mildred Colvin

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    In 1896, Becky Campbell heads west to work as a waitress in one of Fred Harvey’s famous restaurants in western Kansas. Then a train wreck and a bump on her head steal her memory. Believed to be Rebecca Winters and engaged to marry Kyle Benson, she continues to Oakville, Kansas, and falls in love with the man she believes is her childhood friend.

    Kyle resents his father’s ultimatum. Marry Rebecca and produce an heir to gain full ownership of the bank in Oakville. But when he meets Rebecca, after twelve years apart, he’s smitten and quickly falls in love, stirring jealousy from a teller in the bank who had designs to become Mrs. Kyle Benson.

    When a priceless gold statue, bound for a museum in California, turns up missing, all evidence points to Rebecca. Bound for revenge, Kyle’s old girlfriend is determined to either put Rebecca behind bars or kill her rather than give up the man she believes is hers. Then Becky’s memory returns, and she realizes she is unfit to be the wife of a wonderful man such as Kyle.

    Can an orphan girl from the Ozark backwoods find happiness with a man of wealth?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherMildred Colvin
    Release dateDec 29, 2016
    ISBN9781370372553
    Becky and the Banker
    Author

    Mildred Colvin

    Mildred Colvin is a wife, mother of three, and grandmother to three beautiful girls. She started writing when her children were young as they asked for stories. Not from a book. No! They were only satisfied when she made up stories. As the stories grew, she wrote some down and sent them off to magazines. Eight were published before her imagination turned toward love stories, which is what she enjoys reading.She has been writing Christian or clean and wholesome romance since 2001. Over the years several readers from pre-teens to older kids in their eighties and nineties have written expressing their interest in her books. She always loves to hear about one of her stories touching someone's heart. Her purpose in writing is to encourage, entertain, and bless someone else.She lives in the United States and sets her characters in the middle states from Texas to Nebraska and Iowa and reaching across Illinois to Colorado. She also has an Oregon Trail series, but the Great Plains states are her favorite setting.She is active in a very special critique group and has written and published over 60 books in both historical and contemporary themes, and plans to continue writing as long as God allows. He has been good in giving her many ideas for stories. Maybe more than she will be able to finish, but she enjoys each one.Please take a moment to visit her website at www.mildredcolvin.weebly.com, and sign up for her Romantic Reflections Newsletter to learn when new books are released. Also learn of promotions and free books through her newsletter.And take a look at her books. You might find something you don't want to put down.

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      Book preview

      Becky and the Banker - Mildred Colvin

      Becky and the Banker

      Mildred Colvin

      Historical Christian Romance

      Becky and the Banker

      Copyright ©2016 by Mildred Colvin

      All Rights Reserved

      Cover photo copyright © Artofphoto | Dreamstime.com

      Scripture portions are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

      This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to events is entirely coincidental.

      No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means without permission in writing from its author except for brief quotations in printed reviews. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

      DEDICATION

      To my precious daughter, whose name I borrowed for the heroine of this book. Becky Campbell thanks you too, Becka! She even likes the name so well, she remembered it when she couldn’t remember anything else about her past.

      Chapter 1

      Jennyville, Missouri, 1896

      Becky’s feet pounded the crumpled leaves and broken sticks of the forest floor. Her lungs screamed for rest. Trees passed in a blur of green, black, and brown with patches of blue sky and bright sunshine flashing overhead. Heavy breathing and stomping footfalls beat against her ears, as the noxious odor of sweat and whiskey, mingling with the pungent fragrance of pine, tormented her nostrils.

      The big man’s reaching fingers brushed the sleeve of her ragged, blue gingham dress just before she slammed into another man’s chest. Protective arms closed around her and pulled her to the side.

      "It’s okay. You’re safe now." This new man carried authority in his voice. His gentle hands rested on her shoulders. She stood beside him and watched the big man lumber to a stop.

      Her protector lifted a badge from his vest and turned it on her stepfather. He wanted to hurt her. To bend her to his will so he could sell her for more whiskey. But now he couldn’t. The gentle man stood without a word, holding the authority of his Deputy Marshal badge for her stepfather to see.

      And he cowered before it. He took a step back, and then another. As she watched, he faded into the darkness of the forest until she could no longer see him.

      This new man became a true father to her as he returned his badge and took her hand. Come, let’s go home.

      They left the woods and walked to a farmhouse, but he paused only a moment there. I’m sorry, little one, he said. You’re a woman full grown now. You have a life to live. You must make your own way.

      When they turned toward the setting sun, she saw that her old dress had become the dark uniform of a Harvey Girl. She smoothed the pure white apron covering it and walked tall beside her foster father through a prairie with grass as high as her waist in some places. The soft blue sky above with its gentle sunshine warmed her and gave her comfort, as if God smiled down on their journey. Then she saw a young man strolling toward them. He spoke with a pleasant voice, and she sensed his smile, but she couldn’t see his face, for the shadow from his hat covered him.

      Her foster father took her hand and placed it in this young man’s hand. His eyes were sad for a moment before he smiled. Be happy, my daughter. He turned and walked back the way they’d come. She watched him disappear into the tall prairie grass.

      Safety and love emanated from the young man, but she longed to see him. When she tried to peer through the shadow that kept his face from her view, he turned away. He held her hand with a gentle, warm touch, and she wanted to be with him, so she continued on with a song in her heart.

      Soon a building appeared, and they approached double full-length mirrored doors. Her breath caught as she now wore a wedding dress of glistening white lace and satin. Her handsome groom appeared in his black suit and hat. If only she could see his face.

      She turned back to the mirror now distorted where her countenance should be. She shifted, and the wavy, twisted image moved with her. Unable to bear the faceless images in the mirrors, she looked away, not at her groom, but beyond him into the distant prairie, as the ground trembled beneath her feet.

      Thundering hooves shook the foundation of her world, and she watched a dark blot on the horizon grow into a large black horse and rider. As they drew near, galloping across the prairie toward her and her beloved, she knew they wouldn’t stop. Her feet, rooted as plants in the earth, were unable to move from harm’s way. The horse’s nostrils flared, its hot breath reaching her first. Its shoulder slammed into her groom, knocking him to the ground, and she couldn’t save him. An evil high-pitched laugh caused her to look at the rider who wore a black cape with a hood that opened to a black void. She gasped but couldn’t turn away. A hand reached for her, and she couldn’t run. Death pulsed through the air. The hand drew closer, but she could only scream.

      ~*~

      Becky, Becky, wake up.

      Slowly the voice of Becky Campbell’s foster mother penetrated the frightening dream and the images in her mind vanished.

      She launched herself into welcoming arms, while her dream faded into a memory. The warm arms surrounding her had held her through more than one nightmare in the last five years.

      Laurie Collins stroked Becky’s hair. You’re all right. It’s the excitement of the trip. I’m right here, and nothin’ can hurt you.

      Tears fell before Becky could stop them. Laurie’s comforting embrace always brought a mother’s touch to her heart, so that tears of sorrow for all she’d missed mingled with tears of joy for what she now possessed.

      She pulled away to blot her face against the sleeve of her nightgown. I’m all right. It was only another dream. Nothing to worry about.

      You haven’t had one of those dreams in a long time. Was this one about your stepfather? Laurie took Becky’s hand in hers.

      He was there. At first. She shrugged, letting the familiar surroundings drive the dream farther from her mind.

      But later? Laurie persisted.

      It was so scary. She sighed and met Laurie’s gaze. And so wonderful.

      Laurie listened while Becky told what she’d seen in her dream. When she finished, Laurie squeezed her hand. What do you reckon it means? You know God used dreams in the Bible to tell people things. You think there might be a message in your dream?

      Becky shook her head. If so, I don’t know what it is.

      She didn’t want to talk about the dream. It’d be better if they forgot it happened. She forced a smile. Maybe I’ll work as a Harvey Girl, get married to a faceless man, and lose my identity, then he’ll die ...

      Her breath caught in her throat, as she remembered the hooded figure reaching for her. And then I will—I don’t know. Die, too, I guess.

      Oh, Becky, surely not. We’ll be prayin’ that nothing bad happens to you. And maybe we’d better pray for the real interpretation of this dream. Laurie smiled at Becky.

      I would appreciate that. Becky did her best to return the smile.

      Why don’t we pray now? Seth Collins entered the room. He knelt beside the bed and offered one hand to his wife and the other to the girl he claimed as his daughter.

      When Becky and Laurie joined hands, the circle was complete. Seth led them in prayer, not only for Becky’s peaceful sleep, but also for the journey she would be taking the next day. He prayed for God’s protection of her and those she loved. Then he said, Lord, we ask that You go with Becky throughout her life, and keep her close in the palm of Your hand. Help her understand the purpose of her dream for we know You mean only good and never harm to Your children. Protect her always and guide her steps. We pray in Jesus’s name.

      When he finished, Becky received the loving hugs of her foster parents. Thank you, Ma. Pa.

      A few minutes later, Becky snuggled back into her bed and closed her eyes. Assured that her Heavenly Father watched over her and would go with her the next day, she drifted into a restful sleep with pleasant dreams of excitement and change coming her way.

      ~*~

      Kyle Benson hurriedly crossed the deserted street and entered Oakville, Kansas’ city park. Darkness of the late evening hours and the cloak of early summer’s full tree branches overhead hid him from prying eyes. He slowed his pace glancing over his shoulder and from side to side as he searched for the one he was to meet.

      Sue Ellen Robbins, with bright blonde hair and large blue eyes, filled his mind. She was all he’d ever wanted in a woman. If only Father didn’t have other ideas, he wouldn’t have to sneak through town now to see her.

      You lookin’ for someone? The velvety voice floated on a husky whisper beside him as Sue stepped from behind a tree. Her laughter stirred his blood. I saw you coming.

      He turned toward her. I sure hope no one else did.

      Oh, don’t be so nervous. There’s no one else around. Her eyes sparkled in the dim light of the setting sun.

      He took her arm and guided her back toward her hiding place. I have to make sure. My father doesn’t believe in the bank president socializing with his employees. We’ll both be out of a job if he ever finds out.

      She leaned against the tree and walked her fingers up his chest. So when are you going to change his mind about things?

      Ha! The short laugh sounded the futility of her question. He’s pretty set in his ways.

      She shrugged as her arms circled his neck, her fingers combing through the back of his hair. Oh, pooh on him. Let’s not worry now when there’s more important things to do.

      He yielded to the gentle pressure of her hands drawing him forward. His head dipped until his lips tasted hers, and he forgot about his father and the bank.

      Each kiss grew more intense as he followed her lead. It was like this every time they met. She would push him to the edge of his endurance before he’d find strength to pull back. But tonight he had more on his mind than Sue Ellen’s kisses. While her fingers toyed with the top button of his shirt, he pulled away.

      We need to talk. He covered her hand with his.

      Why do you always act so pure? Her voice purred against his chest. You know you want—

      Not without marriage. It isn’t right. Kyle’s heart sank with the weight of what he had to tell her. I wouldn’t do that to you, Sue. What you’re offering is precious. Once given, it can never be regained. You must save yourself for the man you marry.

      She lifted her head and stared into his eyes. I won’t marry anyone except you. If we can’t marry, we’ll have to accept what we have now and allow it to grow.

      You would do that? Kyle shrank from the thought. What she was suggesting was immoral. Living in sin went against everything he’d been taught at church and at home. He couldn’t do it. He wouldn’t. No, Sue. Don’t talk that way. You are good and pure. You shouldn’t think like that. Maybe it would be better for us to step back and be friends.

      Why? Her eyes flashed as her face twisted. So you can marry some proper society lady who doesn’t have to work for her living? Then you’d forget all about me, and where would I be?

      As much as it hurt him to say, he choked out the words, Free to marry a man you’ll love someday who will be free to love you.

      She jerked away from him, her arms folded in front as if she was hugging herself. A park bench sat a short distance away. She stumbled toward it and sat down hunched forward as if in pain. Maybe I should go far away where you’ll never see me again. Then you and your father will be happy.

      Kyle watched her, his heart hurting. If he had his way, he’d ask her to marry him. He’d take her out of the bank and set her up as the lady of his house. But without his father’s blessing, he’d have no bank and no house—nothing to offer any woman. She would hate him then. He had no choice but to either do his father’s bidding or talk sense into him.

      Sue. He rushed to her side and took her hand in both of his. I’ll send another letter to my father. I’ll tell him I’ve met someone I care for and who cares for me. We’d like the freedom to pursue a relationship and see where it leads us. Maybe I can get him to come around. Will you wait?

      She was still so long, his heart pounded in alarm. Then she turned toward him and offered her sweet smile. All right. I’ll wait. We have time for a letter.

      Did they? Kyle didn’t want to think about it, but Father had been insisting the time was right for Kyle to marry Rebecca Winters. If this letter didn’t sway the stubborn man, Kyle would be marrying a woman he hadn’t seen since he was a child in short pants. She’d been his special playmate back then, but he probably wouldn’t even like her now.

      Chapter 2

      Becky sat beside Laurie on the hard wagon seat while Seth, on her other side, kept the horses moving forward. Laurie’s son from her first marriage, Josh Raines, sat in back with his half-brother, Matthew. They were entering the town of Key City, Missouri, where the train would be taking on passengers in less than an hour.

      Josh kept four-year-old Matthew entertained about the circus that had come to town three years ago. Too bad you were just a baby then, he said.

      I not a baby. Matthew’s indignant tone brought a smile to Becky, which she shared with Laurie.

      Josh’s chuckle added to her already overflowing love for both boys. With a voice that had recently deepened into that of a man’s, Josh tried to explain. I didn’t say you are a baby now, Matt. I said you were when you were only a year old. Don’t you think a one-year-old is a baby?

      Course, but I not a baby.

      No, you aren’t. You’re a big boy. Josh must have given up that argument, because his next words had to do with a shiny black carriage with a matched pair of horses. Wow, look at that, Matt. How’d you like to ride behind those two beauties?

      Becky stopped listening to the boys. Already she missed them, and they were still several blocks from the train station. She had a six-month contract to work for Harvey restaurants in Western Kansas. Although she

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