Bride by Arrangement

by Karen Kirst

  When they at long last had their lines in the water, Noah sank against the tree and rested his pole against his bent leg. Wasn’t difficult to picture endless lazy Sundays just like this one, the mint-scented breeze lifting his hair and cooling his skin, the kids’ giggles of delight mixing with the birds’ song above their heads. He could picture more children. His and Constance’s. Maybe a little boy to tease his older sisters, one with dark hair and honey-colored eyes and impish features like his ma. Or would he have blond hair and blue eyes like him?

  Longing for the impossible lodged in his chest as sorrow weighed his heart.

  He’d made his decision. Pushed her away repeatedly. She deserved a man like Colton Bailey. A man whose soul hadn’t been darkened by past horrors.

  Jane lifted her gaze from the water. “Where’s your ma and pa, Mr. Noah?”

  “And your sisters?” Abigail added. “The ones whose hair you said you fixed.”

  Noah didn’t like discussing his family because it brought him grief and remorse. He couldn’t, however, snub their innocent curiosity.

  “They’re in Virginia.”

  At least, he thought they were. He couldn’t say for sure. Constance’s rebuke fresh in his mind, he decided then and there to write to his parents. He owed them that much.

  * * *

  “I ain’t no thief!”

  Noah kept a firm hold on the cowboy’s arm, propelling him away from Drover’s Place, where the drovers who didn’t camp on the town’s outskirts paid for a real bed and a solid roof over their heads.

  “I have proof that says otherwise.”

  “I don’t know how those wallets wound up in my room, honest. You’ve got the wrong man, Sheriff.”

  “Well, you see, your trail boss told me you’ve been accused of stealing before. Said he warned you to keep your hands clean this trip or you’d be finished. Should’ve listened.”

  At the corner of Second and Eden, mere steps from the jail, Deputy Hanley rushed up, hat waving in the air. “Sheriff, I’ve been lookin’ all over for you,” he panted. “Mr. Canfield wants you to come to his house right away. The county seat rep arrived on the one-o’clock train.”

  He was a day early. Noah thrust the thief toward Hanley. “Lock him up. I’ll be round to do a report later today.”

  Hanley looked the man up and down. “Yes, sir.”

  After waiting until the two men were inside the jail, Noah continued up the street and turned left on Third. Will’s house was almost complete. There weren’t as many workers milling on the property today because the brick facade was nearly done. The couple was surely impatient for peace and quiet.

  Tomasina answered his summons, grinning like a cat with a big bowl of cream. “Well, good afternoon, Noah. How was your Sunday? I heard you had a gentleman caller.”

  He glared at her, knowing she wouldn’t be cowed. “I didn’t have a caller. Where’d you hear that, anyway?”

  “Will told me.” Stepping back in a sweep of green skirts, she waved him inside the grand entryway.

  He slapped his Stetson on the side table, careful not to disturb the vase of fresh-picked flowers. “And who told him?”

  “I believe Pippa told Leah, who in turn told Daniel. And you know Will and Daniel share most everything.”

  Boldly linking her arm with his, she led him in the direction of the parlor. “Know what I think?”

  “You’re going to tell me whether I want to know or not.”

  Her grin grew even wider, if that were possible. “I think you should give in to your friends’ wishes and marry the woman. You’ll have meals on your table, holes in your socks mended and, best of all, you won’t have to come home to a silent house.”

  Noah had no trite response for her because he’d already considered these things. Fortunately, she took pity on him, letting him stew over her comments. In the parlor’s wide entry, she slipped free to go to her husband’s side. Will stood to welcome him, as did Daniel and Gideon Kendricks. A distinguished gentleman with wiry gray hair and a beard occupying one of two wingback chairs gained his feet while Will made the introductions.

  “Gregory McAllister, this is the man we told you about, Noah Burgess. He’s one of the main reasons we’re here today. Without him, Cowboy Creek wouldn’t have earned a place on the map.”

  Noah shook the man’s smooth, age-spotted hand. “Pleasure to meet you, sir. And I can’t take all the credit. These two are the ones with the big dreams. I just happened to be here from the outset.”

  “A pleasure.”

  When they were seated again, Gideon relaxed into the sofa cushions, one long leg propped over the other. “My employer, the Union Pacific, is very pleased with how the town has grown and prospered. We chose Cowboy Creek because we believed it to be the best spot for a railroad terminus in this part of Kansas. We haven’t been disappointed.”

  Mr. McAllister wore a stern expression. Gideon’s recommendation didn’t appear to impress him. “That’s good to hear, Mr. Kendricks.” To Daniel, he said, “On my way from the station, I saw that the stockyards were full of longhorn cattle. How are your local ranchers handling their presence?”

  “A couple of issues have arisen, occasional disputes and such, but we resolved them to all parties’ satisfaction. It’s to be expected when you’ve got a fluctuating population.”

  Noah could see the sudden tension in his friend’s shoulders. Did McAllister? Daniel didn’t plan on mentioning the rancher’s poisoned cattle unless asked directly. That they didn’t know who was responsible or why they’d done it wouldn’t reflect well on their leadership abilities.

  “I see.” Adjusting the rims of his spectacles, he peered at Will. “I’d like to see the town proper and speak to some of the residents. I’d also like to confer with the trail boss of this cattle drive and a couple of his drovers to discover their point of view.”

  “Certainly.” Will nodded, his demeanor more relaxed than Daniel’s. “As soon as we have coffee and refreshments, we’ll take you on a tour. We’ve planned a gathering for tomorrow evening so that you can mingle with the locals.”

  “I’ll make sure the drovers are represented,” Daniel added.

  “I look forward to it.”

  Noah, who’d remained standing by an unoccupied cushioned chair, took the opportunity to welcome the man again and make his escape.

  “I’ll see you at the gathering tomorrow,” he said. “I’ve got to get back to the jail.”

  Tomasina brought a tray of tea cakes. “Don’t you want to stay for coffee?”

  He lifted a hand. “No, thanks. Another time.”

  Mr. McAllister’s gaze sharpened. “You have pressing business, Sheriff Burgess?”

  “Just some papers to fill out.”

  Not willing to linger, he bid everyone goodbye and left before the man could question him further. He was uncomfortable with this entire situation. While they weren’t required to divulge every single tidbit of information about the town, deliberately hiding the recent troubles—unsolved, serious troubles that included a bank robbery and the murder of the previous sheriff—struck him as deceptive. He had plenty of faults, but deceit wasn’t one of them. His parents had insisted on honesty, had taught him and his sisters to tell the truth from the time they were old enough to understand.

  He knew Will and Daniel shared his sentiments.

  Passing the saddle shop, he encountered Colton Bailey, who lit up like a bonfire when their gazes met.

  “Just the man I wanted to see,” he said, grinning. “I wanted to thank you for allowing me to call on Constance. It was a pleasant afternoon.”

  For you maybe. “No problem.” He started to walk on, but Bailey continued speaking.

  “I was wondering if you’d mind watching the girls tomorrow night so Constance and I can go out alone. I
’d like to treat her to dinner at the hotel.”

  “She’s busy tomorrow night.” He seized on the excuse, only just now deciding to ask if she’d accompany him to the gathering at Will and Tomasina’s. “Besides, you’ll have to ask her if she’s inclined to go first.”

  “Oh, I already have.” His dark eyes danced merrily. “She accepted my invitation.”

  Noah’s nails bit into his palms. She must fancy Bailey then. Especially seeing as how she had declined to see Pete Lyle a second time.

  “Unless something comes up, I’m free Thursday evening.”

  Colton slapped his hat against his leg. “Wonderful! Thursday it is. I have a feeling, Sheriff, that I may be taking her off your hands really soon.”

  The familiar dread weighed down his feet. “Not just her, Bailey. Are you prepared to be a father to those girls?”

  He kicked up a shoulder. “I like the girls. They’re sweet. Cute as a button, too.”

  “Raising kids is hard work,” he snapped.

  He wasn’t a father, but in the brief time he’d spent with Jane and Abigail, he’d seen it was a daunting task. Frustrating at times. Yet the rewards couldn’t be underestimated. Smiles. Hugs. That feeling of wonder and accomplishment when a child mastered a new challenge.

  “I’m a quick learner.” His positive manner didn’t falter. “Look, I have an order to pick up and a sick cow to get back to. See you Thursday, Sheriff.”

  Noah watched him leave with the knowledge that, in his eyes, no one would ever be good enough for Constance.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Some problems couldn’t be improved or forgotten by indulging in sugary confections. Grace sank the fork’s prongs into the glossy white glaze and springy carrot cake, her emotions a whirlwind of discontent. She hoped Pippa, who’d invited her and the girls to the bakery once again, wouldn’t probe. As an actress and apt observer of human behavior, the other woman would notice her mood. Whether or not she’d comment on it remained to be seen.

  Decked out in a resplendent white dress with tiny pink polka dots and an ostentatious hat angled atop her upswept hair, she could’ve stepped from the pages of a storybook. For this reason alone, Jane and Abigail were awed by Pippa Neely.

  Her own outfit of head-to-toe charcoal and black was made more stark in comparison. After yesterday’s disaster of juggling Colton and Noah, the depressing colors suited her.

  “Perhaps we should meet here every week,” Pippa said now, savoring her dessert one slow bite at a time. “The girls would like that, wouldn’t they?”

  Grace watched them at their table beside the window, their dolls in their laps as they nibbled on saucer-size cookies. They looked like summertime in their matching yellow dresses with white smocks.

  “I’m not sure my future husband will allow that.”

  The prospect of being at the mercy the whims of another man like Ambrose stirred up fresh worries. What if she made the wrong choice a second time? What if she was blinded by first impressions again?

  Pippa’s pretty face scrunched dramatically. “I hadn’t thought of that. I’m so accustomed to doing what I want, when I want.”

  “Not all men are dictatorial,” she felt obliged to point out. “If there’s love and respect between spouses, they can find a balance between each person’s needs and that of the household.”

  Grace hadn’t experienced it for herself, but she’d seen it in others’ marriages. Even here in Cowboy Creek. Noah’s friends had unions built on those foundations.

  The thought of him and her newfound feelings made it difficult to eat. Putting her fork down, she cradled the warm china cup and inhaled the tea’s fruity aroma.

  He hadn’t been the least bit pleased to have to put up with Colton’s presence. Every time he’d looked at her across the table, the accusation in his eyes had burned a cold tundra blue, along with questions she wasn’t sure he realized were there. Like her, had he relived their embrace countless times? Yearned to repeat it?

  She’d tried to put it from her mind and give Colton a fair shot. But she kept wishing his eyes were pale, not dark, and that his hair was lighter and his mouth fuller, more sculpted.

  “How did Mr. Bailey’s visit go?” Pippa asked in quiet tones since several of the bakery’s tables were occupied. Grace appreciated her discretion.

  “My acting abilities were an abysmal failure, I’m afraid. However, Colton didn’t let on that he noticed. He was eager to please. Kind. Patient with the girls. He strikes me as a genuinely nice man.”

  “What you’re saying is that he’s a safe choice.”

  “I don’t have the luxury of time, Pippa. Once I’ve decided, there’ll be no going back.”

  Pippa’s gaze slid to the girls. “I understand your concern.” Leaning forward, she dropped her voice. “What about the sheriff? Why not tell him how you feel? Maybe you’re wrong about him.”

  “No.” Her grip on the cup tightened. “I’m not wrong.”

  The entrance door opened. Pippa was seated with a clear view, and her eyes flared and lips parted a second before she adopted a careless expression. Steady footsteps carried Gideon Kendricks to their table.

  “Good afternoon, ladies.” He lowered his tall frame into the seat beside Pippa without waiting for an invitation. Leaning so that their shoulders touched, he swiped a finger through her cake’s frosting and tasted it. “Mmm. That is delicious. Do I detect a hint of cinnamon?”

  Pippa’s glare could’ve melted the icing off all the cakes in the display. “What do you think you’re doing?”

  The other patrons had ceased their conversations and were gazing at their table with interest. The train rep and the actress had been engaging in flirtatious behavior for weeks, according to overheard snippets from Hannah and James’s wedding.

  “Don’t be angry, Pippa. I was simply testing your dessert to see if I might like one for myself.”

  Twin flags of color bloomed in Pippa’s cheeks. Grace found she couldn’t look away. The spark of attraction was undeniable between the two.

  “You didn’t try Constance’s.”

  Gideon’s gray gaze seemed reluctant to leave Pippa. He benefitted Grace with a lazy smile before returning his attention to the woman at his side. “I’m not about to tease Sheriff Burgess’s lady.”

  Two tables over, Dora Edison and her mother gasped in unison. Whispers from other patrons followed. Grace fought the urge to slink under the table.

  “Go away, Gideon,” Pippa ordered coolly, very real distress gripping her features. “Your games have lost their appeal.”

  Looking properly chastised, Gideon said, “I apologize, Mrs. Miller. I didn’t intend to involve you. Or offend you.”

  Grace nodded, busying herself with sipping her tea.

  Clasping Pippa’s hand in between his, he lost all humor. “No more teasing. Say you’ll come with me tonight to Will and Tomasina’s gathering.”

  She gazed deep into his eyes, seemingly weighing his sincerity. “I don’t know if I should. You do recall the town bought my passage on the bride train. You’re just passing through. To what end would I spend any more time with you?”

  “Say yes and find out,” he urged, caressing her hand.

  Her ginger lashes swept down and, after long moments, she nodded. “Fine. I’ll go.”

  His broad shoulders lost their tension. Grinning like a schoolboy, he said, “I’ll pick you up at the boardinghouse at a quarter of six.”

  “You’ll be on your best behavior?” She arched a brow.

  “The best. You have my word.” Then, landing a quick kiss on her cheek that left her gaping, he left the bakery.

  Grace couldn’t help but smile. Resident or no, the man was clearly besotted. “You do realize he didn’t purchase anything.”

  Still gaping, Pippa re
covered and, with a furtive glance around, shot her a questioning look.

  “He didn’t come in here for dessert, Pippa. He came in to see you.”

  Sinking against the chair back, she stared out the window. “Oh.”

  For the next half hour, they spoke of Pippa’s true reasons for coming to Cowboy Creek, and it wasn’t to snag a husband. Having grown up with overbearing, protective older brothers, she’d seen the journey West as an opportunity to be independent for the first time in her life. Sure, marriage was something she aspired to, someday. Just not right away. She wanted time to pursue her interests in theater and acting and, coming from an affluent family, she could afford to put off choosing a husband.

  She hadn’t counted on crossing paths with Gideon Kendricks. And certainly hadn’t expected to develop feelings for someone so quickly. She worried how the town leaders would react if she did allow him to court her, considering they brought her here to marry a local.

  Grace tried to give her sound counsel, all the while feeling like the fraud she was. She’d promised to pray about the matter when Noah entered the bakery. Pippa had already bid the girls goodbye and was on her way out.

  “Afternoon, Sheriff.”

  “Pippa.” His intent gaze took stock of their half-eaten confections before centering on Grace.

  “See you around, Constance.”

  Grace lifted her hand in a halfhearted wave, conscious of the fact that their every move was being watched.

  Noah gestured to the door. “Can I speak to you outside?”

  His mood was as somber as hers, as it had been since the wedding and their forbidden kiss. How would she face him once she was wed to another man? How could she stomach seeing him, knowing her heart belonged to him, while pledged to respect, honor and obey another?

  I can’t do this, Lord Jesus. I have to tell him the truth. About Frank. About everything.

  Leaving the girls to finish their tea, Grace preceded Noah outside onto the crowded boardwalk. Sandwiched between the bank and the laundry, the street was full of customers.

  With a light hand on her elbow, he steered her closer to the bakery’s exterior. “Did you enjoy your time with Pippa?”