Love Finds You in Groom, Texas

by Janice Hanna

  “Oh my.”

  “There was a Comanche chief named Red Warbonnet involved in that battle.” Jake smiled. “I was always fascinated by that name as a boy. So were my brothers. They would dress up like him and pretend they were on the attack.”

  Anne chuckled. “I’ll have to tell Emily. She’ll use his name for sure.”

  “He didn’t survive the battle,” Jake said. “When the cavalry reached the canyon, they gained the upper hand. The Indians fled to the plains, and the battle brought about an end to the Red River War.”

  “It’s hard to believe all of that took place in this area. It seems so peaceful now.” She snuggled a bit closer and his heart felt like bursting.

  “That’s how life is…after the fact,” he said. “We go through battles and then we look back to where we’ve been and see no sign of death or destruction.”

  “I pray you’re right.” She released a little sigh. “I’m so tired of fighting, to be honest. I feel like it’s been one battle after another ever since Mama died.”

  “You’re a tough warrior, Anne.” He gazed at her with great admiration.

  “Not always as tough as you might think.”

  “For one so young? I’d say you’re pretty tough. And you’ve taken on the huge task of caring for your sisters. You’d have to be tough to handle children.”

  “I’m nineteen.” She took a little step away from him, breaking the spell that had held him captive for the past few minutes. “I know some people would say that’s old enough to raise my sisters by myself without moving to my uncle’s place. But…the truth is, I’ve never had to work. Not at a real job, anyway. Until Papa’s drinking got really bad, he managed to earn a nice living. But it didn’t take long after his death to see that any illusions of life going on as normal were over.”

  “Anne, I’m so sorry.” He reached for her hand and laced his fingers through hers.

  “At first I thought we would be able to stay in the house. I thought, perhaps, that I could get a job to sustain us in the home we’d always loved.” Anne shook her head. “But apparently there were creditors who felt otherwise. Less than three weeks ago, they sold off the furnishings to pay his debts. The home is gone.” She paused, and her eyes filled with tears. “We were blessed to be able to keep our personal belongings. We’ve got our clothing and a few small items, but that’s about it.”

  “That’s why you’re going to stay with your uncle.”

  “Yes. I didn’t know what else to do. We have no other relatives—not that we’re close to Uncle Bertrand, as you’ve likely noticed. We’ve only seen him three or four times up until now. He’s never been much for children, but he did come for a visit last year. Honestly, I think his last visit probably had something to do with Father’s debt. I’m pretty sure Uncle Bertrand bailed him out of a predicament. He’s as hard as a rock with the girls and so stern with me. But what other choice do I have? He’s willing to let us come, and I’ve run out of options.”

  “You don’t have to explain anything to me. I understand, and I sympathize.” He pulled her close and they gazed out over the canyon together.

  “If I’d known a place like this existed, I would have arranged for the train to stop here permanently,” Anne whispered. “But you and I both know that life is hard and we don’t always get what we want.”

  “That’s true,” Jake said, “but I also know that God doesn’t want us to give up on our dreams. He would prefer we pick up the pieces and go on.”

  She began to tremble, and he held her tighter. “That first night at O’Farrell’s Honor, when we stood underneath the stars, I thought that maybe I was dreaming,” Anne said. “The whole thing seemed rather surreal. Now—getting to know you and your family—it’s very real to me. Painfully real.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, it’s just too…perfect. It’s like we were given a little taste of heaven on earth, but it’s an unfair taste because it’s only temporary.”

  Jake could not explain the protective feelings going on inside of him. He only knew that every time she mentioned leaving, his heart constricted. “Let’s just enjoy this moment,” he said at last.

  “It is beautiful. I want to close my eyes and commit it to memory so that when I’m far from here, I’ll be able to summon up this portrait in my mind.”

  And when she closed those beautiful eyes, Jake felt his courage take hold. Though he’d never considered himself terribly brave, he did the bravest thing he’d ever done in his life. Jake planted a half dozen tiny kisses in her hair. And with each kiss he offered a prayer to soothe her troubled soul and heal her broken heart.

  Anne felt Jake’s nearness and could almost sense his heart beating alongside hers. As her eyes drifted shut, she reveled in the fact that he cared enough about her to pull her into such a comfortable embrace. Then, when she felt that first tiny kiss in her hair, she found herself tempted to open her eyes. She fought the temptation and remained in a quiet, blissful state, allowing him to comfort her with his kisses. Afterward, she reached to take his hand and then opened her eyes, catching her first glimpse of the sunset over the canyon.

  “Oh, Jake! It’s heavenly.”

  “Yes, it is.”

  She looked his way, thinking he must be talking about the sunset. Instead, he gazed directly into her eyes and she caught his true meaning.

  “I…well…” Embarrassment took hold and she turned back to look at the sky, the brilliant reds and oranges capturing her imagination. “Oh, I’ve never had a happier day.”

  “Neither have I.”

  Her heart began to sing a triumphant song, one filled with the wonder and majesty of God’s creation and the sheer joy of sharing with someone who truly understood her heart’s cry. He gave her hand a squeeze as they gazed into the sunset together. Maybe, if she stood here long enough, her feet would plant themselves to the ground and she would be forever rooted in this magnificent place. A girl could certainly dream, anyway.

  All too soon, evening’s shadows began to fall and Jake led the way back to the truck. He drove up the embankment and turned on the road toward home.

  By the time they arrived at the ranch, Maggie and her sisters were finishing supper. Maggie insisted they join them at the table for fried chicken and corn on the cob. Though she’d eaten a lot at lunch, the walking—and the crying—had taken the strength out of her, so Anne readily agreed. She and Jake sat down and told the others about their day. Emily seemed most impressed with the story about Chief Warbonnet and the Indian battle.

  “I’m glad you enjoyed the canyon, Anne,” Maggie said. “There’s something about it, isn’t there? So majestic. When you see it with your own eyes, you realize we serve a very creative and powerful God.”

  “Indeed.” She paused, realizing just how true those words were and how close to Him she’d felt standing on that bluff, overlooking the canyon. Oh, how good it felt to be able to put her trust in the Lord once more.

  Still deep in thought, Anne almost missed Emily’s words.

  “Anne, you missed it!”

  “What did I miss?” She turned to face her little sister.

  “After you and Jake left, we went to town so Maggie could go to the store. Uncle Bertrand drove us in his big, fancy car.”

  “I’m sure that was quite a sight to see—his Cadillac rolling down the main street of Groom.”

  “Yes, but that’s not the best part. It’s what happened when we got to the store. You’ll never believe who was there. Never in a million years.”

  “Who?”

  “The person whose name we’re never allowed to speak in Uncle Bertrand’s presence.”

  “Cornelia Witherspoon?” Anne put her hand up to cover her open mouth. Still, she could hardly wait to hear the rest of the story.

  “Yes.” Emily giggled. “Oh, Annie, it was just like a scene from one of my books. When he saw her, he knocked a whole row of canning jars off the shelf. It was brilliant, I tell you.”

  “
Gracious.” Anne reached for her glass of water. “I can’t imagine what provoked that.”

  Emily leaned forward and whispered, “They used to be in love.”

  “How do you know this?”

  The youngster rolled her eyes. “I’m a writer, Annie. That’s how I know it. The expression on his face told me everything I needed to know.” She paused. “Well, that and the questions Maggie peppered him with all the way back to the house.”

  “I see.” Anne glanced Maggie’s way.

  “From what I can gather, Mrs. Witherspoon was in Amarillo visiting her new husband,” Maggie said.

  Emily interrupted her. “The man she just married six months ago. He’s there on business and she joined him for a holiday. That’s why Uncle Bertrand was so put off. He’s heartbroken.”

  “No.” Anne could hardly believe it.

  “I could tell the man was wounded, but he wouldn’t speak of it.” Maggie looked a bit sad. “I did my best to get him to share what he was feeling, but apparently he’s not one to do that.”

  “That’s putting it mildly,” Emily muttered. “Do you have any idea how difficult it is to pattern a character after someone who refuses to share valuable information?”

  “Emily, it sounds like Uncle Bertrand needs his privacy, not your nosing in.”

  “Oh, pooh.” Emily rolled her eyes. “Anyway, when we arrived back at the house, he made Kate and I promise once more that we would never speak her name in his presence. And Maggie…” Emily giggled. “Oh, she’s a hoot. She makes me laugh so much.”

  “What did she do?”

  They all looked Maggie’s way.

  “Well, the man wouldn’t talk to me about it, so I decided to do the only thing that made sense. I cooked him the biggest lunch you ever saw.”

  “And when she was serving it, she told him that he was better off without such a skinny woman. Told him that Cornelia Witherspoon was liable to be picked up with the next wind and floated across the county.” Emily roared with laughter. “She called her by name too.”

  “Heavens.” Anne fanned herself. “I’m glad I missed this.”

  “Oh, it was wonderful,” Maggie said. “Someone needs to knock some sense into that man. Might as well be me.”

  “Today was almost as much fun as that time we went to the theater in Denver.” Emily pushed back her plate and leaned her elbows on the table. “I felt like I was watching a scene unfold right in front of my eyes. And it’s given me such glorious ideas to add to my book. I can’t wait to get started.” She scooted her chair away from the table. “May I be excused, Maggie? I want to add Chief Warbonnet to my story before I forget the details.”

  “You may.”

  “Me too?” Kate asked.

  “You too.” Maggie rose from the table, a hint of a smile gracing her lips. She took to whistling a happy tune while clearing the table. “I’m glad everyone had such a nice day, but I think we’d better turn in early tonight. We’ve got a big day ahead of us tomorrow, and I’m worn out.”

  She made quick work of filling the sink with water.

  “Let us take care of the dishes tonight, Maggie.” Anne took the dishrag away from her. “You’ve had a long day, and I feel like helping.”

  “Well, thank you, honey.”

  Anne began scrubbing the dishes. Jake stood beside her with a dish towel in his hand, chatting up a storm and drying the dishes she passed his way. Maggie stood off to the side, her eyes wide.

  “Everything all right, Maggie?” Anne asked at last.

  “In the twenty-two years that Jake O’Farrell has been alive on this earth, I’ve never seen him dry a dish.” Maggie shook her head. “I’m not sure my heart can take it.”

  He raised the dish towel as if ready to hand it to her. Maggie put her hands up in the air. “No, sir. You’re doing a fine job. Mighty fine. Just go on with you. I’ll put myself to bed. I need my beauty sleep.”

  “Me too.” Anne released a yawn as she washed the last plate.

  Jake looked her way and chuckled. “Hardly.”

  Just one word, but it made her night.

  Chapter Twenty

  I don’t want to say that Texans are prone to exaggeration, but I’ve heard quite a few tall tales in my day. Sure, folks tell ’em like they’re gospel truth, but that’s because the stories have been around so long that they feel like they are. Likely you’ve heard the tales of Pecos Bill and his woolly ways. Then there’s “Bigfoot” Wallace, the roughest, toughest Texas Ranger to ride west of the Pecos. Yep, we’ve become skilled in the art of exaggeration. A true Texan knows how to spin a good yarn and then wrap you in it until you’re cozy enough to actually believe it’s true. —“Tex” Morgan, reporting for the Panhandle Primer

  On Friday morning all the O’Farrell ladies met to put together the flowers for the wedding. Jake joined them, looking a bit like a fish out of water in the presence of so many females. Anne led the way, giving instructions and thoroughly enjoying the process. The conversation in the room was energetic and loaded with fun. At one point, she realized this could be one of the last times she might be in this room with all these people. Just as quickly, she chided herself. Enjoy the moment. Don’t grieve tomorrow’s unvisited woes.

  She found the internal prompting far more doable with Jake in the room. Every now and again she caught him looking her way. In those moments, she remembered the feel of his hand in hers…could almost hear the conversations they’d shared out on the open fields of the family’s ranch. And then someone in the room would call out to her for assistance and she would rush their way.

  By eleven o’clock the garlands were complete and on their way to the coolness of the cellar. After a light lunch, Anne spent some time finalizing the details for the wedding and then walked to the schoolhouse to meet Virginia’s parents for the first time. She felt at ease with Virginia’s mother right away.

  After they had talked through the wedding plans, Mrs. Harrison changed the direction of the conversation. “Anne, did you work as a wedding coordinator in Denver?”

  “Oh no. I just volunteered my time at several charities and such.”

  “Well, it certainly paid off. These plans you’ve laid out for my daughter’s big day are wonderful. I daresay you could open your own wedding business when this is over.”

  Her heart quickened. What a glorious idea. “Do you really think so?”

  “Why not?” Mrs. Harrison patted her on the arm. “Promise me you will pray about it.”

  “Oh, I will.”

  “In the meantime, please accept my most sincere thanks. You’ve worked so hard to make sure my daughter’s wedding is special. I wish there was some way to bless you. I do wonder…” She paused. “I don’t want to offend in any way, but I wonder if you might be willing to accept some compensation for your work.”

  “Compensation?” Anne could scarcely believe her ears. Someone was offering her money? “I—I don’t know.”

  “Think about it, my dear.” Mrs. Harrison reached over and touched her hand. “Because my husband and I would like to bless you before you leave town.”

  When their meeting ended, Anne made the walk from the schoolhouse to O’Farrell’s Honor, deep in thought about Mrs. Harrison’s offer. Could she really accept compensation for her time and efforts? And could she really give thought to helping other brides prepare for their big day?

  By the time she arrived at the house, Anne realized she’d actually spent an entire day not thinking about moving to Dallas. She’d had so many other wonderful things on her mind, after all.

  She walked inside and was surprised to find the entire family present—all of Maggie’s children and grandchildren as well as Uncle Bertrand and her sisters.

  “We decided to have a special dinner to honor you, Anne,” Maggie said. “You’ve given of yourself tirelessly all week, and we felt you deserved a special meal. Besides…” Maggie’s eyes misted over. “You’ll only be with us a few more days and we’ll be so busy with the wedding. I j
ust want to make sure we have some special time with you before you go.” Maggie shot a glance at Uncle Bertrand, and he shifted his gaze to the table.

  “Maggie, I hardly know what to say.” Anne gave her a tight hug and soon found herself swallowed up by Maggie’s ample bosom.

  “Guess what I made,” Maggie said, when she finally released her hold on Anne.

  “Smells familiar.” Anne paused to think then snapped her fingers. “Oh, my new favorite. Chicken-fried steak?”

  “That’s right. And guess who helped me?”

  Emily and Kate raised their hands. Then, strangely, so did Uncle Bertrand. Heavens. Anne almost felt faint.

  She washed up then took her place at the table in the spot across from Jake. Most of the smaller children were shooed to the children’s table in the little room off the kitchen, but Emily remained with the grown-ups.

  After they were seated, Maggie looked at Uncle Bertrand. “Bert, would you do us the honor of praying over the meal?”

  Bert?

  As he bowed his head and prayed, Anne had the strangest memory creep over her. Last Thanksgiving, Papa had bowed his head to pray over their meal. It was the last time she remembered seeing him in decent form. Uncle Bertrand’s voice, though slightly deeper, suddenly reminded her of Papa’s, and it startled her.

  “Anne, are you all right? The prayer is over now.”

  Anne glanced at Emily, who gave her a perplexed look. “I’m fine. Just thinking.”

  “Thinking is good,” Maggie said as she reached for the platter of steak. “I highly recommend it.”

  “I tried going without it once,” Jake said. “The consequences were not good.”

  Everyone laughed.

  The next few minutes were spent filling plates and eating. The clinking of silverware against plates filled the room along with laughter and joyous conversation. At one point, Anne closed her eyes just for a moment, to commit it all to memory. All too soon it would be gone. For now, however, she’d made up her mind to enjoy every last moment.

  Jake was happy to be sitting across the table from Anne. Though he enjoyed being next to her—and holding her hand—there was something about watching the sparkle in her eyes when she told a story that held him spellbound.