Lassoing a Bride

by Gail L Jenner et al.

  From the kitchen, music drifted on the breeze from the radio as it played Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah. As Juliet neared the back door, she heard voices from the kitchen as her mother and the children sang along to the radio. The clang of utensils and china clattered in the background. Even from the outside, the aroma of bacon and coffee filled the air and mixed with the fragrance of their mother’s roses.

  “I promised Mina I would make flapjacks. I better get to it.”

  Before she could open the screen door, Joey took her by the arm to halt her. His green eyes reflected the gold of the sun. “You asked for my advice and here it is: Marry him. If you don’t, you’ll regret it the rest of your life.”

  ****

  After Joey ate a second stack of Juliet’s flapjacks, several scrambled eggs, a mountain of bacon and two cups of black coffee, he stood and grinned. “Anyone want to come with me and see the brand new baby horse?”

  Chairs and dishes scraped and clattered as the children jumped to their feet with shouts of enthusiasm. Behind her brother, who carried a giggling Blossom on his hip, they all rushed out the door faster than if there had been a fire. Juliet was amazed by the resilience of the children. As she watched them follow Joey like little ducklings toward his animal hospital, she thought what a wonderful father he would make some day. In no time, the kitchen was cleared of everyone but her mother, who stood at the sink washing dishes where Juliet joined her to dry them.

  “Joe is making house calls until noon. Lilith is taking care of things at the hotel today, and Jack is managing the kitchen, so I thought we could spend some time together today.” Lola handed Juliet a soapy dish that dripped suds into the sink.

  “I know what you’re doing, Mom. You want to talk to me about my decision to break off my engagement to Harry.” She glanced out the window over the sink and then back to her mother. “You’re about as subtle as a hammer to my head.”

  Lola smiled. “I never was very good at disguising my feelings.”

  Her mother’s hair was mostly silver now, but here and there, red strands ran through her short bob. Her mother was growing older. Things were changing. The whole world was changing way too fast. A shadow ran through her and settled into a little knot in her throat. The backs of her eyes burned.

  Lola pulled Juliet close. “Honey, tell me what’s going on between you and Harry. Maybe I can help. Do you want to talk about it?”

  Juliet took Lola’s hand and led her into the living room to the couch. She sat down beside her mother, fighting the urge to cry. “I can’t have children, Mom. It’s not fair to Harry to marry him when I can’t give him children, so I let him go. He’ll find a woman he can have a family with, in time. And some day, I’ll get past this.” As soon as she said it, she knew it wasn’t true.

  Lola peered into Juliet’s eyes and her brows gathered in a frown above her nose. “I sincerely doubt you’ll get over it ‘in time’—not you, and not Harry either.” She rose from the couch and pulled Juliet with her and walked to the front door where she stood still holding on to Juliet. “Do you have any idea how hard it is to find your one true love? Some people never do. To throw that love away is to step with contempt on a blessing.”

  “Is Daddy your one true love, Mom?”

  “You better believe it. It took time, a whole lot of miles, and a little magic, but he was worth all of it.”

  Juliet saw the light in her mother’s eyes as she always did when she talked about Joe Wilding.

  Lola gave Juliet a hug with one arm and reached for the door with her free hand. “There’s someone on the front porch waiting to talk with you. He’s been there since before daylight. He looks terrible, but when I asked him in, he said he wanted to wait outside.”

  Prickles darted over her skin and made her tingle with a mixture of excitement and dread. As she stepped out onto the wide porch, the swing squeaked and drew her attention. Harry stood quickly, the swing still swaying back and forth from the motion. Their eyes met. Her heart skipped.

  Harry fingered along the brim of the brown fedora he held in his hands. “I came before sunup.” His voice sounded raw and tired.

  “I know. Mom told me.”

  He swallowed hard. His reddened eyes never left her face. She knew he hadn’t slept. Auburn hair still bore the little furrows where his fingers had splayed through it and the rough shadow of a beard covered his chin and cheeks. Juliet was certain she didn’t look much better. Maybe that’s why people called it ‘beauty sleep’, because without it, there wasn’t much beauty.

  “I wanted to talk to you alone before Miss Thoroughgood got here.”

  Juliet twisted her hands in front of her in an attempt to keep her composure. “Please, Harry, don’t make this any harder than it already is.”

  “I’m not going to harp at you or beg you to change your mind, Juliet. You’re a smart woman, even if you are pig-headed and pertinacious.” He gulped as if he were shutting off what else it was he intended to say.

  In truth, Juliet felt a little let down. She had expected Harry to plead with her to change her mind. But, here he stood like the wooden Indian in front of the dry goods store, stoic and remote. His stand-offish demeanor made her feel…well…a little disappointed, and lonely. And that made her angry. “Well, for heaven’s sake, what did you come for then?”

  The corner of his mouth quivered just a bit as if he was about to burst out laughing. “I wanted to be here when Miss Thoroughgood arrived to check on the children. I’m concerned about what will happen to them. And I wanted to know if you were okay.”

  The memory of Mina’s fear the night before made her anxious for all of them. “Is she coming to take them away?” A lump formed in her throat. “They’ve been through so much. They’re just beginning to settle in.” Her blood felt like it was rushing to her feet. “They’re so excited to see Liberty’s new foal. Blossom ate all her breakfast and Dane actually smiled this morning. Mina wants to see Joey’s bunnies, but she’s still scared, and so is Max. She doesn’t like the dark and—”

  Harry took two strides to reach her and gathered her to his chest. “Shhh, darlin’. It’s okay. I don’t think she’s coming to take the children away—not this soon, anyway.”

  His baritone voice vibrated in his chest next to her ear and comforted her, quieted her fears. My true love. When she realized she was leaning into him with her arms around his waist without her willing them to, she stepped back and took a breath. “Let’s sit on the porch swing and wait for her.”

  ****

  Harry wanted to reach for her hand, but he forced them to stay locked in his lap. “Miss Thoroughgood has to talk to the children about what happened at the Wilsons’ farm—about the bruises, cuts and burns. And she’ll need them to tell her why they were all tied up in the barn the way we found them. I’m sure the sheriff, and maybe the district judge, will come with her. Those kids were in a terrible situation.”

  “Oh, my God, did they do that to Blossom, too?”

  “Yes, even little Blossom. Miss Thoroughgood will need their depositions to use in court against the Wilsons.” As ragged around the edges as he felt, Harry needed to take a deep breath to clear his head from the intoxicating nearness of Juliet. “She has to find a new foster home for them, and she doesn’t want them to go through anything like this again. It may take some time.”

  “Certainly not. They need love, kindness, and special flapjacks.”

  Harry bit back a chuckle. Juliet had no idea how adorable she was. “I know your parents are getting on in years and they’ve raised their own kids. It’s a bit much to ask them to take these kids for an indefinite time. I thought I might be able to take them—at least, until the social worker found a place for them. I have that big empty house and all. I went to see your cousin, Kit. He was working late at his law office, like usual.”

  Harry suddenly noticed how Juliet’s eyes matched her green cotton dress. He wanted so much to take her in his arms and kiss her, but he knew that would not help his cause. He had
to stay strong if he was going to convince this hard-headed woman to change her mind.

  “What did Kit say?”

  “Well, we talked about it over a few beers at Tolliver’s Tavern—Kit a few more than me. In the end, he said only married couples can foster children. Single men are particularly frowned upon as fosters, since the law sees them as potential predators where children are concerned.”

  “What will become of them, Harry? They’re so young and innocent. They’ve already been through hell. I don’t want them to be hurt anymore.”

  “I don’t know. For now, they’re safe here with your parents, and you and Joey. Too bad your parents are getting on in years. They did a wonderful job raising all of you, and went on to take in Madeline from the orphanage. Your grandfather even adopted Banjo, a rough and tumble kid from the streets, all those years ago. Everyone knows the Wildings are a tough but generous lot.”

  Before Juliet could respond, Miss Thoroughgood pulled into the driveway in her 1940 Pontiac sedan. Right behind her was the sheriff in his squad car, and the judge with him in the front seat. Juliet and Harry led them into the house to the living room and invited them to sit down. Lola entered with a tray of fresh coffee, a pitcher of lemonade and a plate of cookies. “Good morning, everyone. I thought you might like something to eat before you talk with the children.” Lola spoke as she went about the room seeing to the guests as if they were there for a friendly visit.

  Even in the living room, laughter, barking and the sound of water splashing from the backyard could be heard. At least for now, the children were safe—and it seemed they were also regaining their happiness.

  The judge explained the reason for the visit. “We won’t trouble you good folks for long. I know you’re caring for these unfortunate children very well, so for the time being, the law is satisfied with their surroundings. It is most unpleasant to have to put these children through any more distress, but the sheriff and social worker must interview each of them separately in order to ascertain what has happened, who is responsible, and what steps we need to take next.” He nodded to Lola Wilding. “Mrs. Wilding, we so appreciate you and the good doctor taking in these children for this temporary period. I assure you, we will expedite their disposition to a foster home as soon as possible.”

  “Take your time, Judge Tarleton, we don’t mind looking after them until you can find them a decent home.”

  Harry didn’t miss the relaxed look of relief on Juliet’s face.

  Miss Thoroughgood cleared her throat. “Actually, I have good news.”

  Silence fell over the room and all eyes turned to the social worker. Harry’s breath caught in his throat.

  “I have found foster homes for the children.”

  “Homes? Don’t you mean home—one home for all the children?” Juliet’s eyes widened with alarm.

  Miss Thoroughgood’s gaze darted away for a moment, and her pale skin pinkened. “I’m sorry. Like you, I wanted to place them all in the same home, but you must know how difficult that is. Not many foster homes are willing to take on so many children at once. Even the few that are willing, don’t have enough room to accommodate so many children, especially if they already have children in the home. Surely, you can understand how difficult it is. Believe me, it’s all for the—”

  “No!” Juliet jumped to her feet. She looked at Harry with eyes that seemed to plead for him to do something.

  “Perhaps we should call Kit and see if there’s anything we can do,” Lola interjected.

  Harry shook his head. “I already spoke with Kit. Only married couples can become foster parents.”

  “I’m sorry. I thought you would all be happy for the news. As soon as we finish interviewing the children, I’ll be taking them to their new homes.” She glanced at Juliet and then Harry. “I’m sorry. I really am. Could you please bring the children in now?”

  Lola brought the children in one at a time as she was asked to do while Juliet and Harry joined Joey in the backyard. Out of earshot of the children, Joey protested. “Why can’t they stay here with us for a while longer until they can all go to the same home? We have plenty of room here for them, and someone could always be here with them.”

  “Our parents are getting on in age and they have plans for their retirement. We can’t ask them to take on these children even if they agreed to it. It’s not fair to them. It has to be a married couple.”

  Joey glanced at Harry and then at Juliet. “What’s wrong with the two of you? You could go ahead and get married just as you planned.”

  “That’s not your business, brother.” Juliet would not be swayed.

  “Personally, I think Joey has an excellent idea, Juliet,” Harry said. “You said you want children, a big house, and a house filled with them. Well, here they are. I know you already love them. I bought that big house where there would be plenty of room for all of us.”

  “Harry, please. I can’t.” She turned away and Harry tamped down the urge to comfort her, though he knew she was hurting. He had to be strong if was going to make her see reason.

  Dane was the last child to be called into the house. He peered at Harry, Juliet and Joey with sad, brown eyes that just an hour ago had seemed bright with hope. Harry’s heart sank to his stomach.

  Juliet kept silent. Even when Lola called them in to say goodbye to the children, Juliet had not spoken a word. They all gathered in the living room. Mina ran to Juliet and held on to her dress. Dane stood stoic until he spied Joey. He walked to where Joey stood and, without speaking, grasped hold of Joey’s shirt and didn’t look like he would willingly let go. Max ran to Harry, threw his arms around his waist and wept. Blossom reached up for Juliet from Lola’s arms, and Juliet took the child to her heart with one arm, and pressed Mina to her side with the other.

  Then the time came for Miss Thoroughgood to leave. She opened the front door and the weeping children began to file out onto the front porch.

  “Wait!” Juliet ran out the door after them.

  Harry let out a sigh of relief and followed right behind her. He knew Juliet had made up her mind. Her voice was firm and confident.

  “Don’t take those children anywhere. You said you wanted a young married couple to take these children. Well, so be it.”

  Everyone stopped where they stood and stared at Juliet.

  Juliet glanced at Harry with that look he knew so well. She was a Wilding woman with a plan. Now this is the woman I love, full of moxie and ready to fight for her cubs.

  “What are you suggesting, Miss Wilding?” Miss Thoroughgood asked.

  “Harry and I were planning on getting married on the twenty-first, but there’s no reason we couldn’t go ahead and get married right now—and then, we could take the children—all the children.”

  The youngsters stood with eyes the size of dinner plates and hope written on their expectant faces.

  “Well, I suppose—”

  “We’ve got Judge Tarleton right here, and Mom and I can be your witnesses. You can always have your big wedding just like you planned, so everyone can be here for it.”

  Harry finally found his voice. “I’m all for it. Let’s all step back in the house.” He turned to Juliet. “By the way, Juliet, I don’t want to foster these children.”

  Everyone gasped. Miss Thoroughgood’s mouth fell open, but no words came out.

  “I want to adopt them.” He took Juliet’s hands in his. “Do you mind if we adopt them and make them our own, Juliet?”

  “Oh, Harry…are you kidding me? I’d love to have them, now and forever.”

  Harry stepped closer to her. With his palm gently pressed against her smooth cheek, he spoke his heart. “Every minute of the day my mind and heart are filled with you, Juliet. Can you imagine how crazy it makes a man to love a woman as wonderful as you in his heart and soul and mind?”

  Juliet’s smile was uncertain, as if her heart refused to believe his confession. “You’re pleading insanity, Harry? Then, maybe I should, as well, for I’
ve never stopped loving you through all this, you know. You will always be my one true love.”

  He could not keep his hand from finding its way into her soft chestnut curls and fingering its silken texture. After he kissed the tip of her nose, he drew her up close, hugged her tight and whispered so only she could hear. “Stubborn woman. I’m guilty of loving you madly. I’m defenseless against your charms.” A short pause followed. “Do you mind if we put off our honeymoon until we settle our children into their new home?”

  Juliet took in the young faces surrounding them, shining with joy. “Our children,” she repeated. “I don’t mind putting off our honeymoon, but I think we should go to the Iron Slipper after the judge marries us so we can have some cake and ice cream to celebrate our new life together. All of us.”

  The children jumped up and down in their excitement and happiness. And across the room, Lola smiled her blessing on her youngest daughter. What more could a man ask for? Harry thought, as they all followed the judge into the living room to exchange their vows. It wasn’t the wedding they had planned, but it was the best wedding he could have ever wanted.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR—SARAH J. MCNEAL

  Sarah McNeal is a multi-published author of several genres including time travel, paranormal, western and historical fiction. She is a retired ER nurse who lives in North Carolina with her four-legged children, Lily, the Golden Retriever and Liberty, the cat. Besides her devotion to writing, she also has a great love of music and plays several instruments including violin, bagpipes, guitar and harmonica. Her books and short stories may be found at Publishing by Rebecca Vickery, Victory Tales Press, Prairie Rose Publications and Painted Pony Books, an imprint of Prairie Rose Publications. She welcomes you to her website at

  Website http://www.sarahmcneal.com/

  Sweethearts of the West http://sweetheartsofthewest.blogspot.com/

  Prairie Rose Publications Blog http://www.prairierosepublications.blogspot.com

  NO LESS THAN FOREVER