by Maggie Ryan
Charity nodded. "Embarrassment aside, if Teresa is to wed Roger and join us at Rose Ranch, she's going to discover the fact that our husbands don't hesitate to chastise us with way more than a lecture. We've all seen each other get swatted, and even share pillows when we visit and need a softer seat. I don't see how we could ever hide the fact that corporal discipline is a part of our lives."
"And, if we are being honest, I need the support of my friends," Anna said. "I love you both, and it helps to know that we can discuss anything and everything without feeling as if we have to hide our fears or feelings."
"You girls are very lucky," Catherine said. "You have all been blessed with wonderful men who want you at their sides as you all build a dream. But an even bigger blessing is finding kindred spirits in each other to share your lives."
"I know," Charity said, her eyes suddenly swimming with unshed tears. "I was so scared with Grace's birth and thinking we were going to lose her. I don't think I could have survived if not for you all. Not a day passed when one or both of you were right there, helping us and praying for our family."
Both Agatha and Anna immediately rose from their chairs to give her a hug. Not one to forego a chance to make her friends smile, Anna stood back and giggled. "And, as we all know, you, my friend, worked at being quite the naughty girl until you practically begged James to turn you across his knees."
"Anna!" Charity gasped and then giggled, the tears disappearing and yet her blue eyes still shimmering.
"Well, it's the truth!" Anna said with a shrug and another smile. She yipped when Charity reached out and popped the back of her skirts. The older two women smiled at the display and when they sat down again, Catherine nodded. "Friendship like you share is something to be treasured. I know I've said Teresa can be stubborn and a bit selfish, but I truly believe that with friends such as you three, she will discover that it is far more satisfying to help one another. Give her that chance, even if it is a bit awkward at first."
"We'll try because we promised Agatha that we would," Anna said. "Still, I can't help but wonder if Teresa will feel the same."
"Well, as I said, I think you'll all know the answer to that question by the time supper is over this evening," Catherine said.
The women continued to talk, the conversation moving to their children as the little ones awakened from naps. Though Agatha enjoyed the company of her friends, she couldn't help but wish she had the courage to ask her mother the questions that refused to go away. Was she blind to the fact that Mr. Goldman seemed far more friendly than his position as her employer warranted? Consoling herself with the fact that she'd keep her eyes open and learn as much as possible, she continued to smile, disguising her unease.
***
"You sure look chipper," Matthew said as the two men washed up and changed their shirts in preparation of going to the restaurant for supper. "While we slaved away, I suppose you were out courting your gal."
"Not just my gal, my fiancée," Roger said, his grin growing as Matthew's jaw dropped open. "Jealous?"
"Hell no! I just hope you know what you are doing," Matthew said. "Remember, a gal might be nothing but an angel when she's being courted but can turn on you once you've given her your name."
Roger chuckled again. "I assure you, Teresa hasn't been an angel, but that doesn't matter. She is the only woman I would be honored to share my name with and see bear my children. The moment I saw her, I knew she was the one I wished to spend the rest of my life with." As Matthew snorted, Roger turned serious. "Who hurt you so badly that you are against all women?" he asked, his smile slipping away with concern for his friend. "I couldn't be happier and wish you'd give some girl a chance. You deserve to be as happy as the rest of us."
"I'm happy just as I am," Matthew countered. "I'm happy and hungry. Ready?"
"Yeah, but I'd appreciate it if you'd keep what I told you to yourself, at least until—"
"No problem," Matthew said, waving off his concern as if the last thing he would even want to discuss was another man being trapped into the abyss of matrimony.
The two men joined the rest of the group to walk to the restaurant. It was a bit later than normal as Benjamin had served his regular customers first, wanting to have the restaurant empty but for those in their party. Roger hadn't given them the real reason for the later hour, only sharing that tidbit with Matthew. As they drew closer to the building, Roger remembered how he'd wondered if this supper would even happen only a few hours earlier.
Roger had been so impressed with how the girls had worked together to begin the chore of cleaning the kitchen that he'd surprised them both by volunteering to help. Barbara had giggled, telling her sister she was lucky to have found a man who looked handsome in an apron. Teresa's laugh had caused him to smile, but her words that she was just plain lucky to have found such a wonderful man had made his heart fill. He had trouble keeping his hands to himself, reaching out to touch her hand every time they came close.
"Who needs sugar when you two are around?" Barbara teased as she swept up the white mess on the floor.
"You do," Teresa said, holding the dustpan for her sister. "After all, there is still a cake to bake and you're the best baker I know."
"Shh, I thought you wanted your beau to think you made the cake."
"Ah, a secret revealed," Roger said, placing the broken pieces of the bowl into the trash. Standing, he wrapped his arms around Teresa's waist. "Tell me that you do know how to cook, at least."
"And if I don't?" Teresa asked, turning her head back to look at him over her shoulder.
"Then, my love, we are gonna be awfully hungry. All I can cook is beans and scorched rice."
"Don't worry, Mr. Morrison, she can cook, but for some reason can't bake a cake to save her life," Barbara said.
"That's because of all the stupid steps involved, but I can help," Teresa said, demonstrating by gathering the ingredients needed for the cake and placing them on the now clean work table. "We're going to have to add in some dried apples because the berries got, um…"
"Squashed on the floor?" Roger supplied.
"That's all right," Barbara said. "There may be rules in baking but that doesn't mean you can't bend them a bit. Apples and the last of the berries will be just fine."
"Ah, so rules are meant to be broken," Teresa said with a giggle, then squealed when Roger snagged her about her waist.
"Bent, my dear, not broken unless…"
"No, no, that's what I meant." She wiggled away and went to the pantry, returning with a jar of preserves and a basket of dehydrated apple slices.
"That's what I like to see," Roger said with a smile. "Isn't it better to help one another than to fight?"
"It's better than facing Pa's strap," Barbara quipped, unabashedly rubbing her hands across the back of her skirts. "I'd forgotten how much it stings."
Roger noticed that Teresa didn't say anything but that her cheeks flushed as she gave him a quick glance. He chuckled and put the broom and mop away. "I'll leave you girls to it but will be expecting an extra-large slice of that cake after supper."
"I'll walk you out," Teresa volunteered, "oh, if that's all right with you, Barb?"
"It's fine, Tessie, just don't let Pa catch you two smooching."
"We're going to be married, silly. If Pa didn't mind Roger spa… oh, um, I'll be back," Teresa said, her cheeks now scarlet as she hurried from the room.
"Thank you for helping, Mr. Morrison," Barbara said. "And thanks for loving my sister."
"No thanks required for that, Barbara, and since we are going to be related, please call me Roger." She nodded and began to crack eggs into a bowl as he turned to join his fiancée.
Now, a few hours later, as he and the others climbed the steps to the restaurant, he grinned, remembering standing here, kissing the love of his life. He couldn't wait to be standing on their own front porch, out on the ranch where he could smooch and do other delicious things with his bride to his heart's content.
***
Teresa stood with her sister and father as they greeted their guests. Seeing each one giving Catherine a warm welcome, she realized that all of these people were a family and Roger was a part of that. She suddenly wondered how they would accept her joining them. She watched Anna accept a kiss from her husband as he untied the ribbon holding her cloak closed, taking it and hanging it on a hook by the door before the group moved into the dining room, each woman stating how pretty the tables looked having been set with the Goldmans' finest china and crystal.
Accepting their compliments, Teresa wondered what they would think if they knew that she'd set the table while giving her backside an occasional rub. She gave a bit of a start as Roger slipped an arm about her waist, looking up to see him smiling down at her. Her heart filled at the look in his eyes, her tummy doing a little flip, and she relaxed against him.
"Ready?" he whispered.
About to ask ready for what, she heard her pa asking for everyone's attention.
"It is my greatest pleasure to be able to announce that Roger has asked for Teresa's hand and she has accepted. I can't think of a better man to join my family, and I know that my daughter will be welcomed into yours."
Teresa was a bit overwhelmed as she and Roger were engulfed by every person in the room. The men drew her into gentle hugs, kissing her cheek before they clapped Roger on the back, congratulating him. The women hugged her and then giggled as they all began to talk at the same time.
"Go ahead," Agatha said, nodding to Charity.
"I just wanted to say that we are all so thrilled you'll be joining us at Rose Ranch. I know you saw the pond last week…" She paused and Teresa flushed, remembering how that visit had turned out.
Agatha picked up the conversation. "We have pastures that go on and on for miles. Did you see me and Wyatt sledding?"
"I just saw you climbing. It looked like you went a long way. I, um, didn't see you coming down."
"Oh, that's right. Um, well… that's all right."
Anna giggled, reaching out to give her friend's hand a squeeze. "Once the snows melt, the grass will grow and then the wildflowers will come. It really is quite beautiful. We also have thick woods, and the mountains are our backdrop."
"Of course, yours and Roger's cabin will have to be built but I promise, no matter where you decide to build it, you won't want to live anywhere else. I'm not sure what date you've picked for the wedding, but I can say that with all the men helping, it won't take any time at all for it to be completed," Agatha said, adding that they'd all pitch in to help her turn the cabin into a home.
Before Teresa could respond, Roger was drawing her away and pulling out a chair at the table. As she took her seat, she gave an involuntary small hiss and then felt her cheeks heat. Roger gave her a smile and bent down to give her cheek a quick kiss. She hoped he believed her blush to be due to shyness over being kissed in front of others, and not because she was praying that none of the women were wondering why she'd winced when sitting.
"Are you all right?" Roger asked, drawing her attention away from her thoughts.
"What?" Realizing that he was holding out the platter of roasted chicken, she forced herself to pay attention. "Yes, I'm fine," she said, thanking him for the piece he set on her plate as the meal began. Additional bowls and plates were passed around and the talk turned to the dance to be held the following night. It was a subject Teresa was far more comfortable with and when she heard Barbara chatting to Charity, who was seated directly across from her, about what she would be wearing, Teresa remembered that she'd never thanked Agatha for the use of her dress.
Looking a few seats down, she remedied her error. "Agatha, I wanted to thank you for allowing Roger to borrow a dress that day. I wanted to wait until I could ask you myself but he was concerned about my catching cold. I really do appreciate your generosity. I'm so sorry I tore it."
"You did an excellent job repairing it. We all pitch in to help each other no matter what might be needed. That's another benefit of living on the ranch. We really are like a big family." Agatha glanced at her husband and smiled. "It doesn't surprise me at all that Roger didn't wait for my return. Our men tend to be very protective of us, especially when we do something that could endanger our health."
"Yes, that's another thing you'll discover soon enough," Anna said and Teresa heard Charity give a soft giggle.
"Um, well, anyway, thank you again," Teresa said, unsure what the woman meant with her statement about discovery. Turning her attention to her plate and trying to not wiggle too much, she was grateful when she heard her father speak.
"Catherine, you've outdone yourself again," Benjamin said. "The meal was delicious. Now, did I hear something about cake?"
"I can't take credit for dessert," Catherine said, her cheeks flushed with the compliment. "Your girls made the cake."
"It's nice to know they found a much better use for the flour than tossing it on the floor," Ben quipped, giving his daughters a smile.
"I'll get it," Teresa offered, jumping up.
"I'll help," Barbara exclaimed. The two began to clear the table, both insisting that they didn't need help when it was offered.
After placing her stack of plates next to the sink, Teresa took the opportunity to rub her backside rather vigorously, giving a soft moan.
"You too?" Barbara asked, giving her own rear a massage. "Roger actually spanked you!"
Teresa could feel her face flush but knew her rubbing of her bottom told the true story. "Yes, and believe me, I'd have preferred if it had been Pa."
"That can't be true," Barbara offered, then giggled. "I'd think being punished by a beau would be less harsh. Was it truly awful?"
"Think again," Teresa said. "Lord, I had to bite my tongue to keep from groaning during dinner. How could I have forgotten how awful it is to sit down after a spanking?"
"Probably because Pa hasn't spanked us in years," Barbara said. "I really thought I'd just have to listen to a long lecture, but Pa took the strap down the moment you and Roger left the shed. I have never apologized so profusely but, well, I guess we went too far, as he wasn't interested in anything I had to say. Just told me to bend over the table and lift my skirts and drop my drawers. At least you got your spanking over your clothes." When Teresa didn't speak, her sister's eyes grew large. "Roger didn't… I mean, he wouldn't… Tessie!"
"Believe me, I was as shocked as you are," Teresa finally admitted.
"He bared you?"
"No, he allowed me to keep my bloomers on but…"
"But what?"
Teresa sighed deeply as she remembered the punishment. "I might as well have been bared because I swear Roger's hand was as hard as Pa's strap even over my drawers. It was so hard not to rub my bottom when I stood in the corner."
Barbara gasped. "Really? He stood you in the corner? That's—"
"Horrid," Teresa said. "It was embarrassing, too."
"Well, did he at least kiss you afterwards?"
"Several times," Teresa admitted. "But I'd adore them even more without having a painful bottom, or a nose that is sore from touching the wall." Twirling away from the counter, she took a step and froze, realizing that they were no longer alone.
"We didn't mean to interrupt," Agatha said. "We just thought we might be able to help. Your pa thought everyone might be more comfortable having coffee and cake in your parlor."
Teresa could think of nothing to say. How long had the three women been standing there? How much had they heard? Oh, God, how long would they wait before informing Roger that his fiancée was speaking about something so private?
"We don't need help," she finally managed, going to the work table, where the cake sat on a pretty stand.
Barbara took the remaining dirty dishes from Charity and Anna, placing them with the others. "Um, you can take the dessert plates out if you want," she offered. "I'll bring the coffee pot."
"I'll carry the tray of cups," Anna said, but Agatha hung back as Barbara, Anna and Charity left
together. Walking to the table, she said, "Teresa, please don't be embarrassed. There is no reason to be."
"Please… don't say anything to Roger."
"I promise we won't say a word."
"You… you won't?" Teresa asked, blinking rapidly to keep the threat of tears of embarrassment from falling.
"Of course not," Agatha said. "I swear none of us would ever…"
"You can't make a promise for the others," Teresa said. "I need to serve the cake."
"I'm just saying that we all understand exactly how you feel," Agatha said, reaching for the cake server and its matching knife.
"I highly doubt that," Teresa said, lifting the cake stand. "Excuse me, my guests are waiting."
She swept out of the room, her heart pounding in her chest. Could Agatha be telling the truth? It would be so wonderful to have friends but, well, she'd had friends in town who couldn't be trusted to keep a secret. It would take more than a promise to have her believe that these women were different.
Chapter Twelve
Roger was waiting at the bottom of the stairs when Teresa appeared. "I was beginning to wonder if there was something wrong," he said, reaching for the cake stand.
"No, nothing's wrong. I'm sorry…" Teresa said.
"No reason to apologize," Roger said, looking down at the cake. "This looks delicious."
"Doesn't it?" Agatha said, joining them. "Teresa, we'll get together in my cabin and you can show me how to make it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll tell the others that the cake is coming." She ducked around them and practically ran up the stairs.
"What's the matter?" Roger asked, his hand moving to cup Teresa's chin and tilt her face up so that he could look into her eyes.
"Nothing," Teresa said, "we have guests who are waiting for their dessert."
"They can wait a minute longer," Roger said. "Something is wrong and I want to know what it is."
Forcing herself to smile, she said, "I guess I'm just a little nervous. I mean, you know everyone but they still don't know me very well."