Fannie Pearl opened the door, rubbing her eyes. “Yes?” she asked before putting her glasses on. “Lily Jo, what’s all this racket about?”
“I’m sorry, Fannie Pearl, but we need your help, it’s of utmost importance,” said Lily Jo.
“Well, come in, come in. Whatever is the matter?”
“That’s what I’ve been asking,” Abby exclaimed.
“Sit down, sit down, and tell me what’s wrong.”
“I went to visit with Kitty and see how Milo was doing, and I know I’m not supposed to eavesdrop, but the question Kitty asked Hattie shocked me. Kitty is talking about putting an ad in the paper for a husband, and for a new deputy. She thinks she is a terrible deputy since she shot Milo.”
“But Kitty’s afraid of getting married,” Abby blurted.
“Kitty’s afraid she’ll have a baby and die like her momma and your momma, Abby. And—and Milo kissed her!”
Abby sat up straighter in disbelief. “Oh my goodness.”
“Oh, that poor dear,” said Fannie Pearl.
“I would have never guessed, Kitty loves babies. I knew she didn’t want to get married but not why. She always said it was because she didn’t want to be controlled by any man.”
“Didn’t you hear me?” Lily Jo stood. “She’s going to send for a deputy and Milo kissed her!”
“I see the problem,” said Fannie Pearl.
“You do?” Abby asked. “I don’t.”
“Abby dear, didn’t you say Kitty liked Milo?”
“Yes, she did.” Lily Jo bounced on her toes and clapped her hands.
“I—I guess I don’t understand, Lily Jo,” said Abby.
“We need to confiscate Kitty’s ad and give it to Milo.” Lily Jo bounced around the room.
“Oh, what a brilliant idea, Lily Jo,” Fannie Pearl cried.
“How do we do it, Fannie Pearl?” Lily Jo asked. She was determined to help her friend and see to her happiness. Lily Jo loved helping others and giving to them. It brought her true joy.
“First, I’m going to go see Milo,” conspired Fannie Pearl. “Lily Jo, you convince Kitty to write that ad quickly. Then, offer to send it off for her, but bring it to me instead. If Milo is truly interested, then Abby you will help him respond to Kitty’s ad and, Lily Jo, you’ll make sure she gets the response.”
“This is so exciting. Thank you, Fannie Pearl.” Lily Jo clapped, excitement coursing through her.
“It’s been a while since I played matchmaker, but I think I still got it.” Fannie Pearl smiled. “Now, you get Kitty to write that letter. I’m going visiting.”
Chapter Fourteen
Fannie Pearl dressed in her best go- visiting dress, attached her favorite brooch, and brushed her hair. After putting on her apron, she pulled the fresh biscotti from the oven and wrapped them in a dish. One never went visiting without a neighborly gift, and when one was on a particular matchmaking mission, a sweet was required.
She opened the door and stepped out into the cool autumn air. It was her favorite time of year and perfect for giving Cupid a little hand. If Paul were watching from above, he would be proud of her for helping these young ones find love. She watched the children play as she passed by the park, waving hello to neighbors she saw along the way to Hattie’s.
Hattie was outside watering some plants when she walked up. “Afternoon Hattie, I came to visit with your patient and I brought treats.”
“How sweet of you, Fannie Pearl. I’m sure Milo would enjoy the company. Kitty left not long ago, and I daresay the man has been pouting ever since.”
“Now that sounds promising, doesn’t it?” She winked at Hattie and followed her inside to the room where Milo was recovering.
“Milo, I’ve brought you a visitor,” said Hattie.
Fannie Pearl sat in the seat where Milo could see her. “So, how’s the sore backside? She shot you in the tuchus, did she? You know, maybe that bullet was actually from Cupid. Seems to me like he might have had to use something a bit stronger to get your attention.”
“Wait…Fannie Pearl, it was just an accident,” Milo retorted.
“Of course, it was. Kitty couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn, but yet she managed to get you.”
“Yes, well, I’ve learned my lesson. I won’t be target practicing with her again. I’m not sure she’ll pick up another gun, anyway.”
“You’re not listening to me boy. You most definitely need to take her shooting again, but this time, you gotta put your arms around her to keep that bullet going straight. Who knows. Maybe when you hold her tight you just might break that wall she’s been hiding behind. Rumor about the town is you two been sparking.” Fannie Pearl leaned forward in her chair, making eye contact with Milo. “Of course, you might wanna tell ol’ Fannie Pearl here otherwise? Which is it?”
“Ma’am?”
“Lily Jo, I have an idea,” Abby said. “I ended up in Silverpines because my papa and Kitty wrote to Reverend Bates without telling me, and I couldn’t be happier. At the time, I didn’t know I was leaving Atlanta or getting married until the day Kitty put me on the train. I was scared to death. I think I owe my dear sister a favor.” Abby grinned.
“So, you want to write the advertisement, instead of Kitty?”
“Yes, and I want you to give it to Milo. We’re never going to mail it and we can give it to Kitty as a wedding gift. She’ll thank us later.”
“But what will Kitty say when she gets a response and what if she actually writes one?”
“For as upset as she is right now, if Kitty is considering placing an advertisement, she’ll say yes. If she writes one, hide it from her, you do live together.”
“Won’t she be upset with you?”
“Maybe at first, but when she finds out it’s Milo...” Kitty shrugged. “Trust me, I know my sister, and if she’s willingly walking into marriage, it’s gonna be with Milo.”
“Well, let’s write it. I’ll deliver it to him at the inn tomorrow. Hattie said he’d get to leave her house in a day or two, so I bet he’s out first thing tomorrow,” said Lily Jo.
“For starters, she wants a deputy, good thing we’ve already got one.” Abby laughed as she picked up her pencil and wrote Wanted: Deputy on a piece of parchment. “What about something like…
Wanted: Deputy
Woman of twenty-three seeks groom between the ages of twenty-five and thirty-five. Must be God-fearing, Compassionate, Patient, Forgiving, and good with a firearm. If interested, please send response to Kitty O’Byrne.
What do you think Lily Jo?”
“I think it sounds perfect, and I hope she doesn’t shoot us next.”
Milo dressed in the clothes Michael Karson brought over from his room at the inn for him. He was pleased Hattie was releasing him today, but he would miss Kitty’s long visits. He feared he might not see her as often now that he was on the mend. He buttoned the last button of his shirt, Fannie Pearl’s words playing over and over in his mind. Could Kitty be interested in him?
He’d overheard her private conversation with Hattie. Kitty was planning on turning in her badge for a wedding ring and that frightened her. Milo had a gut feeling that Kitty had trouble believing in herself. He would never ask her to give up being a deputy, if she didn’t want to. With the town predominantly women, he knew they responded well to Kitty and liked having her on their side.
Milo was excited that she remembered the kiss, though she assumed he thought it was nothing. She couldn’t have been more wrong. It was everything, and the one thing he couldn’t stop thinking about doing again.
He opened the bedroom door and stepped out. Hattie greeted him with a warm smile. “Making a break for it, I see,” she said.
“Yes, Ma’am. I’ve taken up enough of your time and space, but I thank you for your care. You and Doc can patch me up anytime. I don’t think I’ve recovered quite as quickly before,” he said.
“I’m glad we could help, but please try not to get shot again.”
; “Comes with the job, Ma’am,” he said, tipped his hat, and made his way outside.
The air had turned cooler and the walk to the inn would be a bit painful. However, he was looking forward to being in his own space again. He cut across the park and headed straight there, knowing the little exertion would have him sweating by the time he arrived. He hoped Kitty would come see him.
He crossed Main Street and looked up at the inn. Lily Jo was sitting in one of the rockers on the porch.
“Are you waiting on Fannie Pearl this time?” he asked her.
“No sir, I’m waiting for you. I wanted to make sure you made it here alright, and to give you this note. I hope you’ll do the right thing.” She said and placed a piece of folded parchment in his hand, then ran off down the street.
First, Fannie Pearl’s odd visit, and now Lily Jo’s… What was going to happen next, he wondered, tucking the parchment into his pocket. He needed a cup of Ella Grace’s strong coffee. He opened the door to the inn and stepped inside. Michael stepped around the counter and clasped him on the shoulder. “Welcome back, stranger.”
“Nice to be back. Coffee still hot?” Milo asked.
“The coffee is always hot. Have a seat and I’ll get you a cup.”
Milo carefully sat in the first booth and Michael handed him a coffee not a moment later. It felt good to be back. The inn had the feeling of home. The same feeling he noticed in Sweetwater, where he first saw Kitty. She took his breath away.
He reached into his pocket, pulling out the note Lily Jo had given him. His heart pounded as he read the words. Kitty had placed the ad for a groom after all, but how had Lily Jo gotten a copy of it, he wondered.
“Man, you’ve gone a bit pale. Need some help to your room?” Michael asked.
“No, I—Michael, can I ask you about something?”
“Sure, what’s eatin’ ya?”
“You’re not originally from Silverpines, are ya?”
“No, I’m not. I came here to marry Ella Grace,” he said.
“Did Ella Grace put an ad in the Groom’s Gazette?”
“Yes. Many of the women in town have. The men were killed in the quakes and accidents that followed, why?”
“Kitty’s looking for a groom,” he said, knowing he sounded like an injured pup. He handed the parchment to Michael. “This note was given to me this morning.”
“You interested? I can get you some parchment to write a response. Then I’d give it to whoever gave you this note.”
“Why not Kitty herself?”
“Well, Deputy, do you think Kitty herself would have had that delivered to you?”
“You have a point. I think I will take that bit of parchment, please.”
Michael walked to the desk and back and laid the writing utensils down on the table in front of Milo. “Need help or just a refill?”
“Refill will do fine. Thanks.” Milo thought about the words he would use to describe Kitty and began to write.
Wanted: Deputy
Man of twenty-nine seeks bride between the ages of eighteen and twenty-eight.
Must be God-fearing, Courageous, Passionate, Kind, and lousy with a firearm.
If interested, please arrive at the Silverpines Church tomorrow at noon.
“Michael,” Milo called out, gaining the other man’s attention. “What’s the fastest way to spread word around these parts about a shindig?”
“Two-words, Fannie Pearl. She lives just two blocks from here.”
“Thank you, Michael.”
Chapter Fifteen
Milo found the house and knocked on the front door, the piece of parchment tucked in his pocket. He’d go see Pastor James next.
“Milo, nice to see you up and about,” Fannie Pearl said, opening the door. “Come in, come in. Make yourself comfortable.”
“Thank you, Ma’am. I can’t stay long, but I seem to recall being told if I ever needed anything to scurry on over here.”
“What is it you need, Milo?”
“I plan to marry Kitty tomorrow at noon, if she shows up,” said Milo.
“Oh, she’ll be there with boots on. You mark my words. Now, don’t you worry ‘bout a thing,” she said, ushering him back out the door. “You just leave this to me and I’ll see ya tomorrow.” Milo was barely out the door before Fannie Pearl closed it. He could hear her joyous cry of “Hallelujah” through the door.
He smiled, stepped down off the porch, and made his way to the church. If he was going to get married, he’d best make sure the Pastor was available.
Abby ran into the café, startling Lily Jo out of her melancholy. “What’s the matter, Abby?”
“Is Kitty here?”
“She’s upstairs, why?”
“Can we hang the closed sign for a few minutes? He responded.” She whispered.
“What’d he say?”
“He wants to marry her, tomorrow. At noon!”
“Oh my. Flip the sign.”
Lily Jo and Abby bounded up the stairs, full of excitement, to find Kitty sitting at the writing desk, staring absently at blank piece of parchment.
“Kitty, there’s something I need to tell you,” Abby said, taking a seat on the small, blue sofa.
“What’s that, Abby?” Kitty asked sadly without bothering to look up.
Abby looked at Lily Jo, who nodded her encouragement, and then back to Kitty, who continued to stare at nothing. Abby remembered when Kitty waited until the last moment to tell her she had accepted a marriage proposal on her behalf, and smiled. She hadn’t meant to wait until the last minute to tell Kitty what she’d done, but Milo moved fast.
“You don’t need to write that advertisement. You’re getting married tomorrow at noon,” Abby said.
“Are you kidding me?” She said jumping up from the chair.
Abby smiled, pleased she had Kitty’s attention now. “I was looking out for you, like you and Papa did for me. Your wedding is tomorrow at noon. Did Mr. Allen send you with a white rectangle box?”
“Ye-yes, what’s the box got to do with this?”
“It’s your wedding dress. Papa left one for both of us. I didn’t know when I married Samuel because it happened so quick. But I was able to wear it when I married Akecheta.”
“Who am I supposed to marry tomorrow at noon?” Kitty asked, her eyes wide with panic.
“Oh, I’m sorry, that’s the catch. We can’t tell you. You have to wait until you get to the altar.”
“Why can’t you tell me? What if I don’t want to marry whoever is there?” Kitty’s breathing began to increase, her heart pounding.
“I made a promise, to the groom, but trust me Kitty, you’ll want to marry him.” Abby smiled.
“Where will we live?” asked Kitty. A million questions forming as the idea of getting married started to sink in, after all she was about to place an advertisement for a husband. Perhaps, Abby’s judgement would be better.
“Here,” Lily Jo said spreading her arms wide.
“Lily Jo, I cannot marry some stranger and move him into your home,” said Kitty.
“No, but you and your stranger can live here and take care of the place for me,” Lily Jo said.
“Lily Jo,” Abby and Kitty said in unison.
“Why wouldn’t you be here, Lily Jo?” asked Abby.
“I—I need a fresh start. There are too many memories here and—and ever since my pa passed, it’s as if I’ve been drowning in them. I don’t know if I want to sell the café or not, but I need some time away,” she said.
“Where will you go?” asked Kitty.
“I thought I could visit your friend, Shannon, and see if I could serve at Grace Landing for a while. I’d stay with Fannie Pearl until I leave, if you’re willing to take over the café for me?”
“What about Kristoff?” Abby asked.
“I have to trust that if he is my future, God will see to it. But, for now, I need to do this for me.”
“I understand. I’d be honored to keep the café going, thou
gh I doubt I’ll be anywhere near as good as you.”
“Thank you. Now you have a place to live, a groom, and a wedding dress. Can we see it?”
“I guess so.” Kitty stood and walked back to her room to retrieve the special white box. She took it into the room and set it on the table. She’d actually forgotten about the box until now. Carefully, she tore the strings away and opened the box to reveal the loveliest gown she’d ever seen.
“Oh my,” Lily Jo gushed.
“You’ll be the prettiest bride I’ve ever seen,” said Abby.
“I can’t believe you did this. Or that I’m getting married tomorrow.” Kitty laughed.
“What are sisters for?” Abby shrugged.
Milo stood at the front of the church with Pastor James, looking out across the pews. Not a single one was empty. If Kitty didn’t show, he was going to look like a fool. Everyone assured him she’d be here. Fannie Pearl sure knew how to spread the word, he thought, as his gaze landed on the sweet old lady sitting at the piano.
The church doors opened and Fannie Pearl began to play the Wedding March. The congregation stood as the bride walked in. Milo looked up to see Kitty smiling at him like the vision she was as she walked with Abby down the aisle. They stopped just before him and Pastor James began to speak.
“Who gives this woman to this man?”
“I do,” Abby replied and gently laid her sister’s hand into Milo’s large one. Abby kissed Kitty on the cheek. “Papa would approve,” she whispered to Kitty before taking a step back.
“We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Milo De Luca and Kathleen Elizabeth O’Byrne as they promise their love and commitment to one another.
“Do you, Milo, take Kitty to be your wedded wife? To love, honor, cherish, and protect for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do, and I also vow to teach you to shoot,” said Milo.
“Do you, Kitty, take Milo to be your wedded husband, to love, honor, cherish, and protect for as long as you both shall live?”
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