A Contest for Christmas

by Patricia Pacjac Carroll

  “Not at all.”

  Jennifer grabbed her shawl. “I might as well walk with you.”

  Claire had just come out of Adelaide’s room. “Oh, Jennifer, would you help me carry a tray to the social?”

  With an irritated sneer, Jennifer nodded. “All right.”

  Angus didn’t wait, and before Jennifer could find a way to go with them, he walked Adelaide out the door and down the stairs. The air was warm and sultry. The cicadas were making their music.

  “It’s a lovely evening.”

  Adelaide nodded. “Yes, it is. Almost as if everything is full of life. The birds. The setting sun,” She turned and looked at him. “And the possibilities.”

  Angus smiled. “Yes, so many. Let’s go. I hear the musicians warming up.” He noticed that she fit well with him as they were walking. As a matched pair, they walked to the livery barn. He glanced at her. Yes, she was the one. Tonight, he’d ask her.

  Chapter 13

  Adelaide felt as if the world had just begun. The sunset painted the sky brilliant gold and pink, fading to purple. The birds had never sounded so pleasant. And her heart had never beat in such an excited fashion.

  Love. It was in the air. In her heart. This is what it felt like. And she hoped it never ended. A quick glance at Angus, and she saw that he was happy with her. Adoring her. Hopefully, wanting her as his wife.

  Adelaide didn’t know why, but she felt it. All around her, she knew that he wanted to ask her to marry him. So, it would happen. None of the Thursday Night Mystery Groom Girls would be alone. They all had their man.

  She was so happy for Diane, and she would be the second one married. Mary Louise was having a Christmas wedding. Adelaide wasn’t sure how soon. And with a sudden feeling of doom, she hoped she wasn’t being too presumptive in thinking Angus was going to ask to court and marry her.

  But in her heart, she knew that she and Angus belonged together. It was as if the whole world was in agreement, and they were meant to be together. Adelaide didn’t have to remind herself to smile. She was happy. Truly happy.

  They entered the barn, and Diane and Jeff greeted them.

  “Oh, Adelaide, you should see the flowers that Jeff picked for me.” Diane’s face shown with happiness.

  Adelaide squeezed Angus’s hand. “I bet they are lovely. Are the others here yet?”

  “Peter and Kate are along the wall. I haven’t seen Mary Louise or Kirk yet.” Diane hugged Jeff. “Let’s join them.”

  Angus held Adelaide back. “Let’s get a drink.”

  Watching her friend go to the back, Adelaide nodded. “All right. I am thirsty.”

  They’d just gotten their glasses of punch when Jennifer walked inside. She held her head high. Wearing a tight skirt and blouse, she was striking. Adelaide had to admit, Jennifer was eye-catching, to say the least, and women and men alike stopped to look at her.

  After a brief lull in the conversation, the room came alive with talk. Jennifer had made quite the entrance.

  Adelaide led Angus toward Diane and Jeff. He didn’t act like he’d seen Jennifer, and to his credit, he didn’t look back. Maybe he hadn’t seen her, but Adelaide doubted it. She relaxed and concentrated on Angus.

  The musicians began playing.

  Angus bowed to her. “May I have this dance?”

  “Yes.” Adelaide took his hand.

  He led her around the room, and the longer they danced, the more at ease Adelaide felt. Even without trying, she smiled from her heart.

  Angus looked at her. “You’re a pretty lass. What do you think about ranching?”

  His question caught her by surprise. “Oh, I think it’s fine. I really don’t know anything about raising cattle.”

  “It’s hard work, but I’ve done a good job and have a fine ranch with good stock. Would you like to see it?”

  Her cheeks warmed. “Well, yes. I’m not sure it’s proper for a lady to go unchaperoned—”

  “Aye, I was thinking maybe you and a couple of your lady friends would come with you.” He smiled.

  She noticed his chin was pale, and then realized his big beard was gone. Had he done that for the dance tonight? Then she looked at him and saw that he’d glanced to the side where Adelaide saw Jennifer. That angered her. What friends was he talking about? Jennifer?

  “I could come and drive you and your friends to the ranch for the afternoon and then drive you back to Lone Oak. My ranch is only a couple of hours from town.” He looked at her and smoothed out an errant curl from her face. “I’d really like to know what you think of my place.”

  Hurt and confused, Adelaide didn’t know what to say. Was he wanting her to see his place or hoping she’d bring Jennifer? Well, that woman would be the last one she’d ask. “I could ask Diane and Mary Louise.”

  “That would be great. I can have my cook make lunch. Show you the ranch.” He twirled her around and caught her close. “I do like you, Adelaide.”

  Swept up by his closeness and the kindness in his eyes, she cleared her mind of troubles. She was falling for him and prayed that he wouldn’t let her down. “I’d like to see your ranch. The way you talk about it, I think it must be impressive.”

  “Aye, there are some hills that remind me of Scotland. If it weren’t so hot, I might pretend I was back home.”

  “You miss it?”

  “No, not really. Texas is my home now. I just need someone to share it with.”

  The music ended, and the dancers clapped, drowning out her reply.

  He looked at her and took her hand. “I’m not good with words. But I’d like to court you, Adelaide. I’d like to see if you’re the missing piece to my home. When I’m with you, I feel like we’re one. I’ve been missing a part that I’ve never known, and I think it might be you.”

  Adelaide’s knees felt weak, and her heart sped up. “I like you, Angus. I was hoping you would like me. When do you want us to come to your ranch?”

  “Tomorrow, if you like. And if your friends can get away. I don’t want to do anything improper. You mean a lot to me, Addy. Do you mind the nickname?”

  “I like it. Especially the way you say it.” She put her hand to his chin. “Your beard. You shaved it.”

  He nodded. “Makes me look more human for a lass to like. I hope you find me presentable with my half-pale face and kilt. But it is me. I don’t want to pretend to be anything other than what I am. I think a person ought to know what they’re getting in another.”

  She grinned. “I am so glad to hear that. I feel the same way. As you can see, I’m not a beauty. I can be stern, and I frown too much. Not to mention, I am tall.”

  “I like how tall you are. To me, you are beautiful. And I plan to wipe those frowns from your face and replace them with smiles. Like that sweet one that you just gave me.” He led her back to the floor as the music started again.

  It was going to be a fast dance with changing partners, and Angus looked at her. “How about we set this one out. I don’t want to hand you off to any other man.”

  Adelaide’s heart melted. “Yes, I agree. There is none other I would like to dance with, and I am thirsty.”

  He took her to the side and found a couple of seats together. “I see they have punch and looks like small sandwiches. Would you like one?”

  “Yes, thank you.” Adelaide watched as he left her. She had never felt this way about a man before. It was as if they belonged together. She was staring at the dance floor when someone sat next to her.

  “You and Angus seem to be getting along.” Jennifer nervously moved her feet back and forth as if dancing to the music.

  Adelaide stared at her. “Yes. We are.” She didn’t know what the woman could want. But there was something about Jennifer that made her keep from getting angry. It was as if she saw a small glimpse at the woman’s heart. Addy couldn’t help but see a fragile, broken woman.

  “I would like to dance. I love the fast ones. Going from one partner to another.” Jennifer smiled, but in an almost frenzie
d way. The woman stopped her foot and rearranged her skirt over her legs. “I wish I had someone to dance with.”

  “Angus and I are sitting this one out. Looks like Doc Lancaster doesn’t have a partner.”

  Jennifer darted a look at her. “He’s old. I need a young man.” She rubbed her hands. “I’m not old yet.”

  The deputy doesn’t have a partner, he’s young.” Adelaide wanted to find her someone, so she’d get up and leave before Angus returned.

  “Yes, you’re right. Thank you.” In a rush, Jennifer got up and weaved through the dancers to the other side of the room and was soon talking to the deputy. Adelaide said a quick prayer that she would be kind to him.

  Angus returned and handed her a plate and cup. “Was that Jennifer?”

  “Yes.” Adelaide was hurt that he’d even noticed the woman. Yet, Jennifer, if nothing else was a woman to be noticed.

  “She’s a troubled woman. I pity the man that she gets her claws into. Looks like Deputy Sands is in trouble now.” Angus grinned and then turned to her. “So, my Addy. How do you find the sandwich and punch?”

  “Delicious.” She felt at ease. Angus didn’t want Jennifer, and that made Adelaide happy. Yet, she was sad for Jennifer. Something was broken inside her and desperately needed to be healed.

  Chapter 14

  Angus could barely get to sleep in the hotel. Addy had said yes to seeing his ranch. True, he was taking her friends along, but he liked Diane and Mary Louise. They were Adelaide’s best friends. He was relieved that Jennifer wasn’t going.

  That woman was Texas-sized trouble. Part of her alluring nature was due to the fact there was something wrong with her. She was like a lost kitten in a rainstorm that made you want to take her home and care for her.

  The only problem was whoever took her home was going to find a wildcat and trouble. No sir, he was staying as far away from her as he could. He was having breakfast with Kirk this morning, and Angus had decided to tell Kirk to watch out for her.

  Of course, he might have been warned about her already, but the men needed to stay together and help each other. Angus would want to know if there was something troubling about Adelaide. There wasn’t, he knew that, but if there was, he hoped that Kirk would tell him.

  He dressed and ran down the stairs. Angus had just walked into the café when Kirk came in behind him.

  “Your spry this morning, Angus.”

  “Aye, that I am. I’m taking Adelaide and Mary Louise and Diane to my ranch. I wanted to show the woman I’m thinking of marrying the place and didn’t think it proper that she come alone. I hope you don’t mind.”

  Kirk smiled. “Not at all. In fact, if you want some company, I can ride along. I was going to check on Jeff and see if he’s heard from his family lately.”

  “That would be great. I’m renting a carriage, but I could get a wagon, and you could ride with us.”

  “No, I’ll need to leave and ride to Jeff’s ranch. He put down on the Ingalls’s ranch. Last I was out there, he’d done quite a bit to clean the place up.”

  “Aye, he told me. I might send some cattle with you. I’d like to see him off to a good start being as how he’s marrying Diane, Addy’s best friend.”

  “They’re getting married tomorrow,” Kirk ordered his eggs and bacon.

  “Right. That reminds me I better cut the trip short. But they can see the place and have lunch. My cook is baking chicken pot pies for them.” Angus picked up a piece of his bacon. “What do you know about Jennifer Grant?”

  “Not much other than the outlaws had taken her captive and were going to sell her in Mexico. I heard she came out west to marry someone who was killed before she got here. Why?”

  “I don’t like saying anything about her, but she’s trouble.” Angus scooped the rest of his eggs onto his fork with a piece of toast.

  “She might be, but she’s done nothing wrong. Has she done something to you or Adelaide?”

  “No, no. I just see that she’s trouble.”

  “Trouble or troubled?”

  Angus nodded. “Both. I’m afraid. I just wondered if she had any family.”

  “None that I know of. Maybe someone ought to talk to her. Pastor Cannon might be able to help her. Before we go, I’ll ask if he might be able to talk to her.’

  Angus took a sip of coffee. “Good. Might tell him to have his wife beside him.” Angus grinned.

  Kirk nodded. “Probably not a bad idea. With that, I’ll go over there now. I’ll catch you at the livery.”

  “Later, Sheriff.” Angus watched him walk away. He didn’t want to hurt the poor woman or talk ill about her, but he knew there was something wrong with Jennifer. And he could tell that Adelaide was bothered by her.

  He went to the livery and rented the carriage and two horses to pull it. He was about to leave to pick up the women when Kirk came by to get his horse. “Looks nice. This ought to be fun. A lot better trip than the ladies had a while back.”

  “I hope so. I want this to be a special time for Adelaide.” Angus climbed into the carriage and flicked the reins. “I’ll meet you at the boarding house.”

  Kirk waved and saddled his horse.

  Angus pulled up by Claire’s and set the brake. He was just climbing out when the door opened, and he heard the excited chatter of ladies. Adelaide waved to him and started for the gate when Diane stopped her.

  Angus put a hand on the gate and was about to open it when he heard Diane.

  “I have a lot to do for the wedding tomorrow. I just can’t go. I hope you understand.” Diane looked near tears.

  Adelaide glanced at Angus and then back to her. “Yes, I understand. It was thoughtless of me to agree to go today. Maybe I should postpone it.”

  “No, please don’t. I just need some time to pray before tomorrow.”

  Angus looked at Diane and hoped she wasn’t thinking of calling off the wedding. True, it had been a quick courtship, yet she and Jeff had known each other for years before.

  Jennifer had quietly slipped out of the house and stood on the porch leaning against the post.

  Diane looked back. “Jennifer could go with you.”

  Angus cleared his throat. “Mary Louise is going, isn’t she?”

  Diane shook her head. “No, she’s helping the preacher and his wife decorate the church. She wants to surprise me.”

  “Oh, well, it’s up to you, Addy.” Angus was about to suggest they postpone the trip when Addy touched his arm.

  “It might be nice for Jennifer to get away for a little while. She has the day off, and it is a nice day.”

  Angus nodded while suddenly feeling sick in the pit of his stomach. “If that’s what you want.”

  Addy whispered to him. “It will keep her away from Diane. Jennifer has been spreading doubts in her mind about the wedding.”

  That rock in the pit of his stomach had grown to a boulder, but what else could he do. At least, he’d have Kirk along with them.

  Adelaide went to the porch and asked Jennifer if she’d like to go along.

  The woman smiled in that siren way of hers that left a person wondering if it was a good thing or they were being sized up for dinner. Angus figured the latter.

  “Sure, if you have room. It would be nice to get out and see some new sights.” Jennifer stared right at him, boring into his defenses.

  “Well, let’s go. Addy let me help you up. Jennifer, you can get in the back.”

  Without a word, Jennifer went around the carriage and sat right behind where he would be.

  Kirk rode up to them. “Where’s Mary Louise?”

  “Diane said she was going to help with the wedding preparations.” Angus looked at him.

  Kirk nodded and looked up the road. “Maybe I’ll just ride out to Jeff’s. If I know Mary Louise, she’ll need some help.”

  Angus climbed into the carriage and nodded. “I understand.” He glanced at Kirk, begging him to stay and ride to his ranch. But Kirk turned the other direction and rode out the wa
y of Jeff’s ranch.

  “Well, ladies. It’s a beautiful day. I hope you enjoy seeing my ranch. The cook has a wonderful meal planned.”

  Adelaide glanced at him. “That sounds good.”

  Angus loosed the break and urged the horses on.

  ***

  Adelaide enjoyed the ride, especially sitting next to Angus. Even as they rode and sat together, she could feel the bond between them growing. This had to be love. She’d never experienced it before, but by the warm feeling in her heart, she was sure.

  That Jennifer was going along bothered her, but Adelaide was trying to be kind to the woman. Despite her siren ways, Jennifer was a sister in need, and she needed someone to befriend her.

  After a couple of hours, they reached the gate to McDonald Ranch. Angus told her about how he’d had to fight for the land and watch his cattle with a rifle in one hand while putting up a fence with the other. But now, he had a successful ranch and was financially set.

  Although he did worry about the cattle and Texas fever as there was talk of banning Texas cattle from coming north. It could ruin the ranches in Texas.

  Adelaide put a hand over her forehead to see the house. It was magnificent, rising out of the dust like a magical castle. Two stories. Made of the brown and white stone scattered around the creeks. She loved it.

  “Angus, it’s beautiful.”

  He smiled at her. “I’m glad you find it to your liking. If I please you as well, it will be your house, too.”

  “You do please me, Angus. I want you to know that. Everything. Your ranch, the way you’re so kind. You fit right into my heart.”

  “Aye, lass. I feel the same as you. Thank you for coming out today, even if your friends couldn’t come.” He spoke at a whisper to keep Jennifer from hearing.

  A look back and Adelaide saw that Jennifer appeared to not be paying attention to them at all. She was looking at the house.

  Finally, Angus drove up to the house and set the brake. “Here, we are ladies.” He hopped down and rushed to her side to help her out.

  Jennifer had gotten out on her own and was soon at Adelaide’s side. “It’s big enough. You must be a wealthy man, Angus.”