"We'll face this together. But I'm sending Jack to Laramie to fetch Judge Henderson. If Morrison tries anything illegal, I want someone with actual authority here to stop him." Jack nodded and wheeled his horse around.
But before he could ride off, Kelly called out, "Wait. Judge Henderson? Is that any relation to Martha Henderson?" "Her husband," Jack confirmed.
"Retired circuit judge. Tough as nails, but fair. If anyone can put Morrison in his place, it's Judge Henderson." "Then yes, please bring him," Kelly said. "And thank Martha for her kindness yesterday."
"Tell her it meant the world to me." Jack tipped his hat and rode off at a gallop, leaving a trail of dust hanging in the still morning air. Bo turned to Kelly and saw her hands were trembling despite her brave words. "Come here," he said softly.
She came to him, allowing herself to be held for just a moment before she pulled away and straightened her spine. "I need to get the children ready. If someone's coming to judge whether I'm a fit mother, I want them to see my babies at their best." The next 45 minutes were organized chaos. Kelly scrubbed faces and combed hair while Bo helped the older children dress in their Sunday clothes.
Sarah, mature beyond her years, understood the gravity of the situation and helped wrangle the twins while Thomas tried his best to keep baby James entertained and quiet. "Papa?" Thomas asked, and Bo's heart still jumped at the word. "Are they really going to take us away from Mama?" Bo knelt down to the boy's level, looking him straight in the eye.
"I won't let that happen, son. I promise you. Whatever I have to do, however far I have to go, I will not let anyone separate this family. You understand?" Thomas nodded solemnly, then threw his arms around Bo's neck in a fierce hug.
"I'm glad you're our papa now. You're brave like my first papa was, but you're here. And here is better." Bo held the boy tight, his throat closing with emotion. "I'm glad I'm here, too, Thomas. Gladder than you know."
Deputy Morrison arrived precisely when Jack had predicted, but he didn't come alone. With him rode Frank Miller and two other men Bo didn't recognize, all of them armed and looking like they'd come for trouble rather than an investigation. Bo stepped out onto the porch, deliberately positioning himself between the riders and the house where Kelly and the children waited. His hand rested casually on his gun, the gesture subtle but unmistakable.
"Deputy Morrison," Bo said coolly. "This is private property. State your business." Morrison, emboldened by his companions, sat tall in his saddle and produced a paper from his vest.
"I have an order signed by Sheriff Watson authorizing me to investigate the living conditions and welfare of the minor children residing at this property. I'm here to conduct that investigation." "Let me see that order," Bo demanded. Morrison hesitated, then rode forward and handed the paper down. Bo read it carefully, his jaw tightening.
It was legal enough, vaguely worded, but giving Morrison broad authority to assess the children's situation. The signature was genuine. "This says you can investigate," Bo said, handing the paper back. "It doesn't say you can remove the children, and it doesn't say you can bring an armed posse onto my wife's property."