by Kit Morgan
“Sure,” Jess said. “Sounds like it would be good for Lille …” He stopped short. “Wait a minute. What if she sees her father?”
“I doubt he’s still around, don’t you?”
“Yes, but if there’s a chance …”
“Don’t worry, she’ll be fine. Besides, we’ll be with her.”
Jess slung the bridle over his shoulder. The colt he’d been working with turned and bolted to the other side of the corral, kicking up dust as he went. He laughed at the sight, then sobered. What would he do if he did see Herman Mayer? Could he hold his temper in check? After all, the man didn’t seem to care a whit about Lillie. How could anyone treat their kin that way?
Maybe he ought to speak with Father Frederick about marrying them. The question was, would he? Father Frederick was a Papist priest. The church Jess had attended in Clear Creek was officially Methodist, though Preacher Jo welcomed in pretty much anyone. Still, he and Lillie might have to make a trip to Sweetwater Springs to get married before the Protestant Rev. Norton. He’d best talk to Anson and see about when he could do that.
He watched the colt he’d been working with trot around the corral. The horse moved with beautiful grace and freedom. He wanted that for Lillie, wanted her to feel just as free when she was with him. He could tell she was holding back, afraid to let herself get too close as yet. Like Anson said, she needed time and he was willing to give it to her, as much as she needed. He knew he would marry her – she needed to realize it too.
He followed Anson to the barn, cleaned the tack they’d used that day, then headed for the house. It was almost time for supper.
“Mmm, I smell cookies,” Anson said, slapping Jess on the back.
Jess stopped at the porch steps and inhaled. The scent of baking tickled his senses and made his mouth water. Had Lillie made them? What might it be like to come in after a hard day’s work and sit down to supper with her every night? Read with her next to a fire? Go to bed …?
“What’s the matter with you?” Anson said with a scowl.
“N-nothing.”
Anson arched one eyebrow. “Yeeeah. Don’t go getting all moony-eyed and trip over something. The last thing I need is for you to break a leg.”
“That’s not funny,” Jess remarked.
“I agree. Now snap out of it.”
Jess took a deep breath, ran a hand through his hair and went up the steps to the porch. Was his adoration really that obvious at this point? Apparently so.
The men entered the house and smiled as the women greeted them. Lillie was wearing another dress of Zadie’s, a yellow gingham in sharp contrast to her dark hair. She looked beautiful. He’d have to see about getting her a couple of dresses of her own when they went to town.
Lillie watched him as he approached and he caught the sparkle in her eyes. Well, well, he thought to himself. Was she glad to see him? His heart swelled at the thought. “Hello,” he greeted. “Have you been baking?”
“Is there something wrong with your nose?” Zadie asked with a laugh.
Jess gave her a sideways smirk. “No, nothing is wrong with my nose.” He turned back to Lillie. “Cookies? They smell wonderful. Did you make them?”
She blushed. “Yes. I hope you like molasses.”
“I can’t wait to try one. I heard we’re all going to town in a few days. Do you think you’ll be up to it?”
She looked into his eyes and smiled shyly. “Yes … so long as you’re there with me.”
He touched her arm and ran his hand up to her shoulder. “Of course. I’ll always be with you, Lillie. Just like I said.”
She gasped in relief. “Thank you. You don’t know what that means to me.”
An image of her father flashed before him. “Actually, I think I do.”
Twelve
Over the next few days Lillie became more and more comfortable with the idea of marrying Jess. His kisses (they’d managed to sneak a few here and there) were like little sprinkles of heaven. The more he gave her, the more she wanted. He was starting to make her feel giddy. She found herself thinking about him constantly, and looked forward to seeing him at breakfast, lunch, supper and any moments she could catch him in between.
She could hardly wait for their trip to town, as it meant getting to spend the entire day with him. She did feel some trepidation about her father, but if he was still in town (which she was beginning to doubt), he’d be working in the mine, so she wasn’t likely to see him anyway. The thought gave her comfort. So did knowing she would have Jess with her.
When the day of the trip finally came, she did everything she could to make sure she looked her best. She’d bathed and washed her hair the night before, took special care styling her dark locks that morning, and Zadie had let her wear her white and pink calico skirt and a pretty white blouse with lace collar. Zadie had quite a few nice dresses and skirts, most of which she’d brought from Denver when she came to marry Anson, but she’d made a few since then, saving the nicer gowns for special occasions.
“You look lovely,” Zadie told her.
Lillie turned back to her reflection in the full-length mirror in Zadie and Anson’s room. She now slept on a pallet in one of the other bedrooms, letting them have their bed back. Her hip felt stiff occasionally, but she was able to get up and around without too much trouble. She lifted the skirt and turned in a circle. “It’s so pretty. Thank you for letting me wear it today.”
“No one will recognize you,” Zadie said gleefully.
Lillie scowled. “No one would anyway – they never saw me. Pa never let me out.”
Zadie touched her on the arm so she’d turn around to face her. “Your father didn’t deserve you,” she said bluntly.
Lillie’s jaw trembled. “I miss him a little. He tried to be a good man sometimes. Just not enough, I guess.”
“I’m sorry he didn’t try all the time, Lillie. I have an uncle who isn’t the most savory character. He and your father sound a lot alike.”
“Where is your uncle now? Is he still alive?”
“Yes, and serving out a twenty-year prison sentence.”
Lillie gasped.
Zadie shrugged. “At least he didn’t hang for something like murder. Though he might’ve been guilty of that too.”
Lillie looked away. “Oh dear.”
“We all have skeletons in our family closets.” Zadie picked up a shawl she had on the bed, thought better of it and tossed it back. “I don’t think we’ll need to wear anything else. It’s going to be hot today.”
Lillie touched her hand. “What?”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” She looked at her. “I said it’ll be warm, so I don’t think we’ll need our shawls today. You might want to borrow one of my hats, though. I have one that matches that skirt.”
Lillie smiled and nodded. Jess, Zadie and Anson tried to make sure they were facing her when they talked so she could understand, but occasionally they forgot. Still, that they made the effort meant the world to her. Just because her father didn’t try didn’t mean other people wouldn’t. Being away from him these last weeks had done wonders, and she was beginning to see the world in a whole new light. She sighed in contentment as she waited for Zadie to fetch the hat.
Zadie returned and handed her a pretty straw hat trimmed in pink and green ribbon. “Are you ready to go?”
Lillie smiled enthusiastically. “Yes.”
They left the house and went outside to find Jess waiting next to the wagon. Anson joined them and helped Zadie onto the wagon seat. Jess did the same with Lillie, only they rode together in the back. When Lillie found out the seating arrangements at breakfast that morning, it was all she could do to contain her excitement. It was a two-hour ride to town – longer if they kept the horse at a walk.
Once they were settled, they were off. Zadie had wrapped the quilt squares in brown paper left over from a previous purchase and tied them up with string. They would stop at the Morgans’ first to drop them off with Prudence Morgan. Lillie had never
met the woman, and Zadie was looking forward to introducing them.
“Are you planning on making any more of those molasses cookies?” Jess asked.
Lillie started, having just realized she’d been staring at him. “Yes,” she said quickly. “Perhaps tomorrow.”
“I sure do like them,” he said. “Do you bake pies? I love a good pie.”
“You’ve only said that about a hundred times since you tried her cookies,” Zadie said over her shoulder teasingly.
Lillie was confused for a moment, not catching what she said, and Jess laughed. “Zadie thinks I ask about pies too much,” he explained.
“Ohhhh,” Lillie said in understanding. “That.”
“You have to understand,” Jess continued. “Back in Clear Creek, pies are an important part of the culture. Especially to get young men’s minds off of … other things. Keep them from getting ahead of things, I should say.”
Now it was Lillie’s turn to laugh. “I’ll bake you a pie tomorrow, but I can’t promise quality. I’m better at bread and cookies.”
“Anything can be improved with practice. By the time we’re married, you’ll have gotten some in.”
She blushed and swallowed hard. “When do you suppose that will be?” She glanced at Anson and Zadie, both looking over their shoulders at her. It seems all three waited for his answer.
She noted how Jess glanced at Anson, then turned back to her. “I don’t want to rush you. When would you like to?”
There was that familiar heat again. She had feelings for him, and he for her, and both were growing every day. Be brave, Lillie, she thought to herself. He’s not going to hurt you. He’s not like Pa. If she dared, they could find a preacher and get married today.
But that was more courage than she had right now. “Jess, you’ve been kinder to me than anyone I’ve ever known. We don’t know each other well yet, but …” She nodded to Anson and Zadie. “… there are others who can vouch for your character. And they seem to think you’re a very nice man.”
Jess chuckled and faked shock. “Nice? They think I’m nice?”
Zadie reached down and touched Lillie on the shoulder. “We think a few other things about him, but we won’t talk about those right now.”
Lillie laughed. “I want to hear all about them!”
Now Jess wasn’t faking. “Not everything! Then you might not want to marry me.”
She gazed into his eyes and sighed in contentment. “No. I know I do.” And she did – the moment she’d said it.
Jess’s mouth split into a wide grin. “Do you, Lillie? Do you really?”
She nodded, tears in her eyes. “I do.”
Jess took off his hat and slapped his leg with it. “Woo-ee! Did you hear that, cousin? She wants to marry me!”
Anson replied, but Lillie didn’t catch it – her eyes were glued to Jess. Hopefully he’d repeat it.
He did. “He asked if you were sure about this.”
Lillie bit her lower lip, but not in indecision. No, this was more like looking over the edge of a cliff before jumping into a swimming hole, something she’d done when she was little. She remembered working up her nerve, how scared she’d been … and then the thrill of flying through the air and plunging into the water. She felt the same way now, as if she had to muster up the courage to marry Jess – but that once she did, she’d know that same exhilaration and happiness. Only this time it would last not a few seconds, but a lifetime.
“Yes,” she finally said, taking the leap. “I want this.”
“Then we’d best try and find Father Frederick while we’re in town,” Jess said, still grinning. “If he can’t help us, we’ll have to make a trip to Sweetwater Springs to see Rev. Norton, and that’s a four-day round-trip.”
“I don’t mind.” She noted how his eyes kept darting to her mouth. He wanted to kiss her, she could tell. And she wanted him to. Good heavens, was her mouth watering?
Zadie turned away again, to Lillie’s surprise – as if the married woman knew what might happen and didn’t want to prevent it. Jess’s eyes flicked to the couple on the wagon seat, gave Lillie a quick peck, glanced at Anson and Zadie again, then took his time with the next kiss. When he broke it, he cupped her face with a hand and ran his thumb over her lips. “I’ll make you a good husband, Lillie. I promise.”
She reached up and covered his hand with hers. “I know you will.”
Jess smiled and kissed her again.
* * *
When they got to town, Lillie was amazed by her own lack of apprehension. A peace had come over her on the drive. Jess made her feel safe, secure, and she knew he wouldn’t let her father do or say anything to harm her. Maybe knowing Pa held no more control over her made her feel a confidence she hadn’t experienced before. Whatever it was, she was glad for it.
Anson parked the wagon in front of a beautiful grey and burgundy house at the edge of town. This was the Morgans’ home, Zadie explained. Lillie had seen it before, but never this close.
“Hello,” Prudence Morgan greeted them as she stepped onto the front porch. “I saw you from the window and decided to save you the trouble of knocking.”
Zadie laughed as Anson and Jess hopped out of the wagon to help the women down. “I’ve brought my share of the quilt squares. I’m sorry if these are late – it’s been busy at the ranch the last few weeks.”
“So it seems.” Prudence looked at Lillie, whose head was swinging back and forth between the two women so she could understand what they were saying.
Zadie motioned for her to head up the porch steps. “Prudence, may I introduce Lillie Mayer?” She smiled and shot a quick glance at Jess. “She’s Jess’s fiancée.”
“Betrothed?” Prudence said with a raised eyebrow. “Well, well – when did this happen? I haven’t even seen you come to town to court Miss Mayer.”
“That’s because we haven’t been courting in town,” Jess replied. “Except for one visit on my part.”
Lillie felt her cheeks grow hot, knowing he spoke of his meeting with her father. She turned and smiled nervously at Prudence.
The woman smiled back and studied her for a moment, probably still wondering about the whole courting business. “How do you do?”
“Very well, thank you,” Lillie replied.
Prudence smiled, her eyebrows rising and her thin face looking pinched. “I believe my husband has mentioned you,” she said. She looked at Anson and Zadie, who both nodded as if to say yes, she’s been with us. “Well, may I be the first to congratulate you on your upcoming wedding. Have you set a date?”
“We were going to speak with Father Frederick,” said Jess. “If he’s unable to marry us, we’ll go to Sweetwater Springs and have Rev. Norton do it.”
“Mmm. Father Frederick being Catholic, you may indeed have to go to Sweetwater Springs,” Prudence explained. “But I probably shouldn’t assume. Would you like to come inside for some tea?”
“I’m sure the women would love to,” Anson said. “But we have a lot to do while in town today, so perhaps after lunch?”
Prudence nodded. “That would be fine. I’ll let some of the other women know – I’m sure they’d love to meet Lillie.”
Lillie’s eyes widened and she quickly looked to Jess, who took her arm and wrapped it around his. “We look forward to it,” he said. Followed by the words Lillie dreaded: “I should tell you, though, Lillie has some hearing loss. Just make sure you face her when you speak and she can understand you.”
Lillie’s head whipped around so she could see Prudence. To her surprise, she looked calm and smiled at Lillie’s own mortified expression. “Thank you for telling me. I look forward to having tea with you later, Miss Mayer.”
Zadie handed Prudence the quilt squares. “We look forward to it as well.”
“Perhaps a few of us can help with the wedding plans,” Prudence suggested. “I’m sure Bertha would love to make a cake.”
“Thank you,” Zadie said with a smile. “That would be lovely. Ev
en if they marry in Sweetwater Springs, we could still have a wedding supper here in town.”
“That’s a lovely idea,” Prudence agreed. “I’ll see you later.”
Anson and Jess tipped their hats before Lillie could comment and escorted the women down the porch steps. But what would she have said – “no thank you, I don’t want a wedding supper”? Of course she wanted one – the very idea thrilled her.
Anson hopped back up onto the wagon and drove it down the street to the mercantile while the others walked. Once it was parked, they went to the boarding house, enjoyed a nice lunch and introduced Lillie to Bertha, whose recipes Zadie once again reiterated were the best around.
But as they finished, Mrs. Tisdale came in to invite Bertha to tea at the Morgans’ that afternoon. Lillie blushed, realizing that her arrival was becoming a big event – and blushed deeper when her wedding cake was mentioned again. “I would love to bake one for you!” Bertha said with excitement, and the happy look on the woman’s face almost made Lillie cry.
She was still fighting happy tears when they left the boarding house and went to the mercantile for their supplies. Everyone seemed happy to help her. It was so different from living with Pa – in all the right ways.
“I want you to pick out a few dresses,” Jess said as they entered the building.
She stared at him, not knowing what to say. Could this day get any better? “But aren’t they expensive?”
“Not so much. Besides, you can’t keep borrowing Zadie’s.”
She nodded and took a deep breath. There were so many wonderful things happening, she could scarcely take them all in! “You’re right of course,” she said shakily.
He gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “Go pick out a few, sweetie. I’m going to help Anson with our list.”
Lillie nodded and went to the rack of ready-made clothes, her breathing erratic. Who knew being so happy could make a person want to faint? Maybe she’d better step outside for some air first. She headed for the door and glanced at Jess and Anson, who stood talking with the proprietor. Zadie was busy looking at a shelf of books.