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    Two Lonely Hearts
    Two Lonely Hearts
    Two Lonely Hearts
    Ebook212 pages2 hours

    Two Lonely Hearts

    By Mildred Colvin

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    About this ebook

    Robert Hoyt has just learned he was adopted.

    In a desperate attempt to find out about his background, Robert heads to Kansas City and the orphanage he hopes will have answers. There, he meets another orphan, a six-year-old boy who stows away on the train and claims Robert is his daddy. As little Sammy collects relatives, he leads Robert on a merry chase through Warsaw, Missouri, as their lives become entwined with Sammy's schoolteacher.

    Juliann Farrar has taught in the little country schoolhouse near her farm since her husband died on their wedding day. She loves her life except for the loneliness. But Juliann doesn't want to lose another husband, and although she's falling in love with both Robert and Sammy, there's the matter of Robert's adoptive father who is determined to see Robert and his birth father dead.

    Can she love another man only to lose him?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherMildred Colvin
    Release dateJul 16, 2014
    ISBN9781310368271
    Two Lonely Hearts
    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

      Two Lonely Hearts - Mildred Colvin

      Two Lonely Hearts

      Mildred Colvin &

      Jonathan Colvin

      Historical Christian Romance

      Two Lonely Hearts

      Copyright ©2014 by Mildred Colvin

      & Jonathan Colvin

      All Rights Reserved

      Cover photo copyright  © Robert Crum | Dreamstime.com,  © Romikmk | Dreamstime.com, © Fotorince | Dreamstime.com

      Smashwords Edition

      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 our partners in this series-of-a-series adventure. Our first series was In Mammoth Spring, AR, and Regina Tittel started us off with Rivalry & Romance, Olivia, the oldest Tolivar daughter’s story. Jamie Adams followed with Wishes & Whims, telling Cora’s story. Finally, Jonathan Colvin and I closed that series with the youngest sister, Louella (better known as Ellie) Tolivar, and her adventure in Friends & Foes.

      But we didn’t stop there. We moved to in Warsaw, MO with Robert Hoyt who insisted on his own story. Linda Cushman has gone back in time with One Rusty Spur to set the stage for the series during the Civil War. Jonathan and I follow with Two Lonely Hearts in 1899. Jamie Adams has written a delightful Mail-order bride story in Three in a Quandary. Finally, Regina Tittel will close this series with Four Times a Charm.

      But wait, that isn’t the end. Our Warsaw characters have set their sights toward the small town of Ste. Genevieve, MO. What they have planned for us there remains to be seen. Maybe near the end of 2015 we’ll know more.

      Prologue

      Warsaw, Missouri, August 1875

      Kate Hall turned from the stove. Was that footsteps on the front porch? It couldn’t be Michael and Bill. It was too early. Besides they’d come through the lean-to. Only visitors used the front door.

      She glanced at her youngest daughter playing on the floor with her dolls. Ruthie, I think we have company. Stay where you are until I see who’s here.

      Okay, Mama.

      Kate laid her stirring spoon on the table as she passed by. A quick look through the bedroom door assured her Baby Douglas still slept in his cradle. Her sweet, precious son and their last child.

      Bam!

      Kate jerked toward the door as two men shoved their way inside. She swallowed a scream and yelled. What are you doing?

      Get outta the way. A burly man with a full black beard pushed her aside and strode across the room. Where’s the kid?

      No! Kate staggered from the shove, catching herself against the fireplace mantel, her head glancing off the rock. She gasped for breath. Ruthie! They wanted her little girl? Why?

      Kate ran toward the kitchen.

      Here he is all snug in his cradle.

      Mama, Dougie! Ruthie stood pointing toward the front. Bad mens gotted my baby brother.

      Kate spun around. They were taking her baby? What was going on? Put him down and get out of here. You can’t do this.

      She grabbed the wood stirring spoon she’d left on the table and ran toward them.

      The first man she hit flinched and roared with a curse. His arm flew out knocking Kate to the floor.

      She shook her head to clear the haze. They were taking her son. She had to get to him. With every ounce of strength she possessed, she pulled herself up and lunged toward the closest man. Whack! Her wooden spoon fell across his shoulders.

      Ow! You— The name he called her stung her ears, but the blow that followed knocked her across the floor.

      Her head hit the edge of the kitchen table.

      Ruthie screamed, and Dougie’s cries called as darkness consumed her.

      Chapter 1

      Kansas City, Missouri, August 1899

      "Saint Paul’s Orphanage." The hackney coach driver stopped the horses at the side of the street.

      Robert Hoyt climbed from the vehicle and dropped coins in the man’s hand. Thank you. The words brushed his lips only moments before he stood on the sidewalk staring at the imposing building. He was scarcely aware when the hack moved on. One deep breath, released slowly, gave him enough courage for the first step forward.

      Kansas City, Missouri. So big, so far from home. Why am I here? Robert took another step. What if I find my mother, and she doesn’t even acknowledge my existence? He kicked a pebble with the next step. She’s probably dead by now or maybe she’s alive. How can I know? If I only had a name I might find out. Maybe some background. Was she a prostitute like Lew implied?

      Lew, his so-called father, had lied to him all his life. She probably hadn’t been a prostitute. If she was alive, could he handle her rejection? More than likely, he wouldn’t even find a clue she ever existed.

      He rested his hand on the front gate. The wrought iron against his hot, sweaty palm felt cold and forbidding, yet he held to it for long moments.

      Releasing a deep breath, he bowed his head but found no words for a prayer. God had abandoned him. Why should he pray? He gave a harsh laugh. The man he thought was his father set him up to be hung for his own bad deeds. Robert shook his head, trying to dislodge the pain and confusing thoughts his father brought.

      No, Lew Hoyt was not his father, and that’s exactly why he needed to talk to the orphanage director. He had a right to know where he’d come from. Robert lifted his head and pushed the gate open. With long strides, he covered the sidewalk leading to the front door.

      Once inside, he followed a young woman into the administrator’s office. The girl stopped in front of the secretary’s desk. Miss Jacobs, this is Mr. Hoyt. He would like to speak to Mr. Watling. I told him he could talk to you about an appointment.

      Miss Jacobs smiled at the girl. All right, Eunice. Thank you.

      The girl spun on her heel and left.

      Miss Jacobs turned her smile on Robert. Good afternoon, Mr. Hoyt. How may I help you?

      Robert faced the middle-aged secretary. Miss Jacobs. I apologize for coming without an appointment, but I have just arrived in town. Would it be possible for Mr. Watling to speak with me today?

      Unfortunately, Mr. Watling is not in. He’s been in meetings all day, but should return before the afternoon passes.

      Already the afternoon was creeping by. The sandwich he’d eaten on the train wouldn’t last long, but it would be a while before he could get anything more. No doubt, he’d get hungry, but if he had to, he’d wait all afternoon for the administrator to talk to him.

      The secretary clasped her hands on the desk. If he returns before long, he might be able to speak with you. If you’d like I could make an appointment for you in the morning. If not, you’re welcome to have a seat and wait.

      I’d prefer to wait, please. Thank you. Robert fought the empty feeling in his stomach as he turned away. He’d come too far to give up now. He’d wait even though it was probably one of the dumbest things he’d ever done. Even if he found his mother’s name, what good would it do? He couldn’t shake the idea he was on a dead-end quest. He sank to a hard bench against the wall and leaned back.

      A thump against the side of his leg jerked him upright. What on earth? He hadn’t noticed the little boy sleeping on the bench. As Robert watched, the little guy stirred and rubbed his eyes. He blinked then looked up at Robert.

      A wide smile broke out on the child’s face. Papa!

      Before Robert knew what hit him, the boy launched himself into his arms. Papa, you comed after me. I knowed you would, I just knowed it.

      Small arms circled Robert’s neck and squeezed as the little boy plastered himself against Robert’s chest. I love you, Papa. Can we go home now?

      Whoa, I think you’ve been dreaming. Robert held the child loosely, unsure what to do with him. I’m not your papa.

      You’re not my papa? The little boy leaned back, still kneeling on Robert’s lap. I dreamed you comed, and you did. He tilted his head to one side. You look like my papa in the picture he carried when he married my mama.

      Robert closed his hands around the little guy’s waist and set him off his lap to the bench then brushed his suit pants off. I’m Robert Hoyt. He stuck out his hand. What’s your name?

      The boy blinked again and rubbed his eyes. He leaned forward and stared at Robert. A long sigh left his lungs. I guess you ain’t my papa. I’m sorry, sir.

      He climbed down from the bench and stood in front of Robert, placing his small hand in Robert’s large one. I’m Sammy, but my real name’s Samuel McEwen. After they shook hands, he sat on the bench. My papa died of ’monia when I was only five.

      Five? The kid didn’t look much older than that now. How old are you?

      The little boy straightened his spine and squared his shoulders. I’m six now.

      Robert stifled a smile. The way he announced his age, he probably felt quite grown up. Is that so?

      Yeah. Sammy looked into Robert’s eyes. My Papa went to live with Jesus, but I want him to come back and get me more than anything in the whole wide world.

      It’s okay, Sammy. I understand. Robert’s heart melted at the sad look in the little boy’s eyes.

      Sammy shrugged. My mama died when I was borned so I had to come and live here. ’Cause I ain’t got no family at all.

      I’m sorry, Sammy. That must be hard. Robert thought of the woman he’d always called Mama. He’d never known loss until she died. But he’d thought she was his mother then. Why did he even want to find his biological mother? He shouldn’t, but the emptiness gnawing at his insides wouldn’t leave him alone. He had to find her, or do the best he could, then maybe he’d have peace.

      God sended you here. Sammy’s childish voice broke into his thoughts.

      Robert turned to look at the boy. God did? Are you sure?

      Uh huh. Sammy nodded. God did. I been prayin’ for a daddy to come and get me. I ought ta have a daddy, shouldn’t I?

      Robert swallowed.

      Sammy waited, his large blue eyes wide with trust. I should, shouldn’t I?

      Well, yeah, I suppose so. Robert glanced across the room at the secretary. Shouldn’t she be stopping this conversation? Her head was bent over her desk as she made notations on some paperwork. She probably hadn’t heard a word they’d said. He turned back to the boy.

      A wide smile brightened the little guy’s face. ’Course, I do, and God sended you to ’dopt me. He placed a hand against his mouth and whispered. They do that here, ya know.

      Yes, I know that. Robert shifted a couple of inches from the child only to have him scoot closer. He could’ve been Sammy. Robert’s insides churned as regret, loss, and even anger chased each other through his emotions. His life with the Hoyts hadn’t been so bad. Not with Mrs. Hoyt. She’d appeared to love him as if he was her own child. He’d had everything a small boy could want. He’d been happy until he found out the Hoyts weren’t his parents. Sammy didn’t have that. He needed to be adopted all right, but not by him. What kind of father would he make with Lew Hoyt for an example?

      I prayed and prayed. I’m glad God told you to come ’dopt me. Sammy’s grin took on a mischievous look as he straightened, and his eyes danced. You wanna see what I got in my pocket, Daddy?

      Whoa, wait a minute. Robert held up a hand. I’m Robert, and I don’t think God had anything to do with me coming here.

      Sammy cocked his head to one side. Okay, Daddy. If your name’s Robert, can I call you Bobby?

      Robert took a deep breath and let it out. Anything would be better than calling him Daddy. Sure, why not? Show me what you’ve got.

      Sammy grinned again. Okay, Bobby. He dipped his hand into his pocket and came out with it wrapped around a pocket watch. He held a finger across his lips. Sh-h-h, don’t tell nobody I gots it.

      Robert stared at the watch as Sammy opened his fingers. Did you steal that?

      No! Sammy’s brows drew together into a fierce frown. ’Course not. It’s my papa’s and his papa’s before that. Papa said so.

      Robert looked into the boy’s eyes. He didn’t turn away. Instead, he seemed insulted at being accused of stealing. Robert shrugged. Then what’s the big secret? Why can’t we tell anyone?

      Sammy’s frown disappeared as his eyes grew big and round. They’ll take it away again and hide it.

      Again? Robert eyed the expensive-looking watch. Then how come they let you have it now?

      Sammy shook his head. They didn’t. I got it mine own self. It’s mine now. Don’t belong to Mr. Rotten.

      Robert quirked an eyebrow. Who?

      Mr. Rotten, the guy who takes stuff that don’t belong to him. How else you think he got his name?

      Oh, Mr. Watling. Robert relaxed against the bench.

      Yeah, that’s what I said, Mr. Rotten.

      Robert jerked at the shrill ring of the secretary’s telephone.

      Sammy jumped and stuffed his father’s watch back in his pocket.

      After speaking on the telephone, Miss Jacobs looked up. Mr. Hoyt.

      Robert stood and approached the desk.

      I apologize, but Mr. Watling will be stuck in meetings for the rest of the day and won’t be able to see you until tomorrow. Would you be available to come back in the morning?

      Yes, what time? Robert’s stomach tightened. Obviously, things would not go as smoothly as he’d hoped.

      Miss Jacobs picked up a pencil. Anytime between eight and nine should be good before he gets involved with other things.

      All right, that sounds fine with me. Robert looked down at a nudge to his side.

      Sammy leaned close to him. Miss Jacobs, can I show my new friend my turtle outside. I don’t hafta stay now since Mr. Rotten’s not comin’ back, do I?

      Samuel, Miss Jacobs frowned at the little boy. I’ve told you before, it’s Mr. Watling, not Mr. Rotten.

      Yes, Ma’am. Sammy hung his head then peeked up at her. So is it okay if I show Mr. Bobby my turtle?

      One corner of Miss Jacobs’ mouth curled up then settled back into place as though she fought a smile. If Mr. Hoyt wants to see your turtle, I see no problem with it.

      Robert nodded when she glanced toward him.

      She turned back to the little boy. However, you must respect your elders. This man is Mr. Hoyt. I expect you to conduct yourself as a perfect little gentleman while you’re in his company. And come straightaway back inside after you’ve shown him the turtle.

      Yes, Ma’am, I will. Sammy grinned up at Robert and led the way outside.

      As soon as the office door closed, a tiny hand slipped into Robert’s. Sammy looked up with wide dancing blue eyes. I like you, Bobby.

      For the first time since his mother died, someone other than his best friends Jimmy and Ellie connected with Robert’s heart. I like you too, Sammy.

      ~*~

      Juliann Farrar dusted half the first row of students’ desks when the racing hoofbeats of a horse and rider sounded outside. She looked out the window and sighed as she recognized the sheriff then turned back to another desk.

      The outside door opened and closed with a thud

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