Sally sprang into action, seemingly glad for something to do. “Of course, of course. I apologize for my lack of hospitality. Let’s meet in the morning to discuss things with an open mind. Adeline, follow me and I will show you where you can rest for the night.”
Alexander did nothing more than say goodnight in a neutral tone, then he disappeared from view.
Adeline mumbled an incoherent reply and shuffled behind Sally without looking back. She could not understand why a simple farewell could take her breath away.
What’s happening to me?
Chapter 8
The sound of cattle, horses, and brawling voices in the distance roused Adeline from a pleasant dream. She blinked gritty eyes against the rays of warm light filtering in from the window. It took a moment for her to remember her surroundings—then she sat up in haste. A muffled cry fell from dry lips and she groaned in dismay. Her entire body felt like a stiff branch instead of a tender bloom.
She lingered for a few more moments and tumbled out of bed. Anticipation gnawed at her senses and left her in a nervous titter. Although she didn’t intend to go through with the wedding, she decided to accommodate Sally’s kindness. There should be no harm in learning a little about the town and there had to be more than just saloons.
She rummaged around her travel bag and unpacked a few personal details. Then she chose a light green dress with yellow ribbons that brought out the color of her eyes. As she dressed, she noted the room with a warm smile.
White and blues dominated the décor. She also admired the tastefully designed closet and elegant wood embellishments.
After dressing, Adeline opened the door cautiously. When she noted the coast was clear, she went in search of her hosts. The scent of freshly baked bread and the pungent brew of steaming coffee drew her with invisible hands to the kitchen.
She entered with a dreamy sigh and a hungry gurgle only to stagger at the sight of her future groom devouring a batch of scrambled eggs. Intending to creep away, Adeline stepped back only to hear the telltale creak of wood under her feet.
“Come in, Mrs. Brandt. There is no need to run away.”
His welcome belied the coolness in his gaze and she hesitated. He signaled to a chair on the opposite side of the rectangular table and resumed his eating. His nonchalance left her floundering for a witty reply and she struggled to think of something. When her stomach betrayed her with a loud, unladylike gurgle she chided herself for acting like a two-year-old and sat down.
He didn’t stand on ceremony and waved to the covered dishes. “Serve yourself. Sally has gone to get some supplies and Joshua is busy with the customers out front. What do you plan for today?”
Adeline swallowed and prayed for strength. What was it about him that disturbed her so much? She had met handsome men before—although Robert’s warmth and affection had, admittedly, outshined his looks—and yet one word from Alexander had the ability to turn her head upside down and send her scrambling for the hills.
“I thought I might explore just a little before I return to New York.”
She expected him to protest her declaration on the spot. Instead, he chose to ignore the last part of her statement and focused on the first half. “I thought you might like to go along with me today; I have to paint a nature scene and I’d like some help with that. No worries about a chaperone; Sally is coming along to visit a dear friend in the area, but while she is busy, you can help me—that is, if you don’t mind.”
Adeline caught her breath. He wanted her to help him? Elated at the chance to see some of the countryside away from the wayward town, she agreed to his proposal, much to her surprise. “I would love to come along if I can offer assistance. It has been a long time since I had the chance for an outing.”
With a decisive nod, he glanced at the empty plate in front of her. “Get whatever you would like and don’t skimp on the meal; it’s a long drive, and we may not be able to eat until we get back. Sally usually prepares a basket, but I can be a hard taskmaster when I work, so I urge you to eat up.”
Adeline understood his request and hurried to eat. It was then that she noted the bright shades of white and gingham yellow, which gave the room a bright and festive look. Sally had such good taste; maybe she could get some tips to improve her own designs and make her future home just as festive. When her thoughts screeched to a halt, her fork clattered to the floor. She quickly retrieved it at Alexander’s quick glance and flashed him an awkward smile.
Get a grip Adeline. You are going back to New York and that’s the end of the subject.
Chapter 9
Alexander handled the horses with a finesse Adeline found appealing. The buggy could barely accommodate both her and Sally, leading her to believe the maker of the contraption didn’t have comfort in mind, and yet the drive was not entirely unpleasant over the high, rugged terrain with its picturesque view.
Adeline couldn’t help but admire the sloping mountains meandering into endless valleys peppered with pinewood trees in the distance. The feeling of open space was further enhanced by treeless basins with charming grasslands for countless flocks and herds.
Although admiring the view, Adeline could not help it when her gaze clung to Alexander’s broad shoulders and the way his damp hair curled over his white collar. The idea made her smile and Sally noticed.
“Glad to see you so content.”
The cheerful observation struck Adeline as odd and she turned in surprise. “What does that mean?”
With a shrug, Sally observed, “You don’t smile much, so it’s nice to see you happy. That’s all.”
Adeline gasped in dismay, unaware of her actions. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize I didn’t smile much. Do you think Alexander noticed?”
Sally’s eyes twinkled and she nodded. “I’ll say he did but that’s for you and him to talk about, not me.”
Adeline didn’t think so. She had no intentions of marrying him, so her thoughts should be kept to herself, but she didn’t want Sally to worry, so she refrained from elaborating her plans. Better to let things stand the way they were. In a few days, she would make her formal plans to return to New York and that would be the end of her impulsive journey to a foreign land. Bethany might scream, but Adeline knew she would understand.
When Alexander stopped the horses with a firm command, Sally glanced outside and said, “Thank heavens. We are finally here.”
Adeline noted the destination with interest.
“Here” was one in a row of quaint, one floor ranch houses surrounded by vibrant trees. Chickens raised a ruckus scratching at the ground with sharp claws and cattle grazed in the distance. A large group of children ran in playful circles with bright, young faces and men shuffled hay into a barn wiping sweat from their foreheads.
Alexander helped Sally descend and promised to be back at the end of the day. She thanked him kindly and turned to Adeline, “This is a childhood friend from back home. She is not doing very well—lost her husband in a wagon accident—but she swears to see the bad times through. I try to help her as much as I can, so my visits here are frequent.”
Adeline understood the situation, realizing the depth of Sally’s concern for her neighbor. What a good friend she was and a kind woman. Her departing words came over her shoulder as she sped away, “Enjoy your journey, and be good.”
Adeline waved goodbye with a radiant flush. She didn’t intend to be anything but good. “Of course I will. I’ll see you later, Sally.”
Alexander resumed the drive but stopped a short distance away. The buggy rested at the top of a rising slope and he said, “This is the place. One of my favorites, really.”
Adeline leaned forward and caught her breath at the valley that opened like a carpet of rugged blooms below. It lay out before them like a woven tapestry in multicolored array.
When Alexander placed his hands on the small of her waist to help her down, she caught her breath. Caught off guard at the see saw emotions a simple touch could engender, she brush
ed them off with an awkward laugh.
He noted her flushed face, bright eyes and trembling lips but wisely refrained from any comments. He spread a tablecloth on the fresh grass and waved her over. “Take a rest here, Mrs. Brandt. I will be right with you.”
Adeline hurried to remove her shoes but ignored the tablecloth in lieu of the warm earth. She sank her toes into the lush emerald carpet and savored the soft feeling between her toes. “This is wonderful out here. I love it.”
His lips tilted slightly and he gathered his supplies with capable hands. “Perfect; the better my inspiration will be. I’m going to get everything set up, and you can get ready.”
Adeline turned to him with a questioning gaze, “Get ready for what?”
He gestured over the plains and lowered his voice to a conspiratorial whisper, “For one of the most amazing sights you will ever see in your lifetime.”
Adeline turned to the valley and peered into the distance. A pulse beat at the base of her throat and a sense of anticipation fueled the excitement pounding in her veins. It didn’t take long for his words to come true.
A herd of powerful bison appeared at a thunderous roar, raising a billow of dust clouds sweeping into the air. The ground vibrated under the rush of their powerful flanks as they covered the plains in harmonious unity. Even in the distance, the rumble spread over the valley like a powerful wave and Adeline clapped her hands in delight.
It was an amazing sight.
Chapter 10
Alexander worked steadily for an hour, wrapped in an artistic world of canvas and paint brushes. A contented smile hovered around the edge of his lips and he raised his head to the view from time to time.
Adeline watched him discreetly and wondered why he needed her. So far, he hadn’t even looked in her direction, much less asked for her help. Maybe he just wanted the company. She recalled some mention of his loneliness, but didn’t want to dwell on the reasons.
She turned back to the scenery and noted the cloud formations hovering over the mountain peaks in the distance. The cumulous shape of a sleeping baby with droopy eyes floated above on soft, fluffy pillows. Unaware of how her shoulders stiffened, Adeline’s gaze clung to the formation with bittersweet longing.
“Penny for your thoughts?”
The gentle voice provided a welcome intrusion and she sighed in relief. “I’m sorry. My thoughts were lost in memories and promises.”
“Promises?” The tilt in his question begged for an answer but she retreated shyly. “Nothing, really. It’s just a memory.”
“Just a memory?” His words flowed as though filled with memories of his own. “I know a little about that. When I lost my wife, I thought my world had ended and all of my dreams shriveled up and died. But one day, I looked in the mirror and told myself to stop dying and start living. So I did.”
Stop dying and start living? Was it really that simple? Adeline didn’t think so. She smoothed her silken hair over her shoulder and meditated on his words. “Things have gotten rather difficult lately. Robert and I planned to start a family but now—”
“It’s not over. You can still have a family if you want to.”
No, I can’t. Adeline’s eyes welled with tears and she turned away to hide the stab of pain. “The doctor told me I can’t have children.”
He fell silent as though digesting the situation. After a few minutes, he asked, “Adeline, come here, please.”
She resisted for a moment and turned to him with blurry eyes. He motioned her next to his side and pointed to his canvas. “What do you see?”
Not much of anything with wet eyes. She wiped her tears and focused on the artistic strokes of his brush. Sweeping multicolored strokes reflected a broad view of summer skies, cumulous clouds, dark mountain peaks and the sweeping valley. Dotted blurs of what appeared to be the herd of Bison flittered across the surface. She noted their hoofs did not touch the ground. “It’s the valley and the herd.”
He agreed. “Yes, it is. Just a rough draft, really, and it will take some time to complete. But I will not know what it looks like until I’m finished. Do you understand?”
Adeline shook her head, lost in confusion. “Not really. Are you trying to tell me things are not that bad?”
He shook his head and his eyes darkened, “I am trying to tell you that things are not set in stone. Don’t let your dreams die with your husband; keep them alive and honor his memory.”
Adeline’s heart overflowed in appreciation for Alexander’s kind words. She didn’t know he had such a loving mind under his Herculean exterior.
“Thank you very much for that. I won’t forget what you said when I get back home.”
He pinned her with an unreadable look and murmured, “You are home.”
An on that inscrutable note, he went back to his work and left her lost in confusion.
Chapter 11
A great part of the day flew by before Adeline could count the time and she enjoyed the outing more than she imagined.
Sally had packed them both a nice lunch and Adeline discovered she had more in common with Alexander than she first thought. He must have felt the same way, because his impromptu proposal caught her by surprise.
“I have an offer for you, Adeline—if you’re willing.”
Please don’t ask me to marry you again. She held her breath and murmured, “Yes, what is it?”
He cleaned his brushes with meticulous finesse and set them aside, keeping her in suspense. When she couldn’t take it anymore and moved closer with curious eyes, he smiled. “You are a lot like a young child with such a wide-eyed look.”
Adeline made a face. “I haven’t been a child in years so I truly doubt that.”
He smiled in genuine amusement, “We are all young at heart, don’t you agree?”
She crossed her arms and tilted her chin, “Are you planning to offer me something, or not?”
His laughter exploded and she noted the warm crinkles at the edges of his eyes. Robert had more of a chuckle but Alexander’s full blown laughter tugged the edges of her lips upwards until peals of laughter rang out in the summer wind.
A moment later, he shook his head and wondered out loud, “What are we laughing at?”
Adeline eye’s twinkled and she shrugged. A sense of peace filled her soul and she marveled at how different she felt. “I have no idea, but it feels wonderful.”
He nodded and gathered his supplies with a weathered eye on the horizon. “I completely agree. We have to get Sally; I am sure she’s ready by now. But before we leave, this is my offer. I want to set up a library in town, which you already know, but I’d like your help. Give me one month to get things together, and after that, if you still want to leave, I won’t stop you. Agreed?”
Adeline mulled over his proposal, weighing the benefits of his offer. The idea took hold and her smile blossomed. “Yes, I agree. I can help you, and after that I will leave.”
He held out his hand and shook her own with a steady hold. “Then it’s a deal—partner.”
Chapter 12
Adeline worked closely with Alexander for the next two weeks to gather supplies, procure a building and ask the settlers in the area for book donations. He already had some on hand but wanted many more.
“Let’s ask for books from all around the county. This will help spread the word and people will know where to come in the future. It will likely take many, many days to get it done; are you willing to journey to other places to get what we need?”
Enchanted with the idea and the fact that he used the term ‘we’, Adeline agreed, but enlisted Sally’s help. Together, they scoured the countryside from Rock Springs to Green River City in search of suitable material for children and adults alike.
Sally’s husband accompanied them through the nomadic Indian Territory, much to Adeline’s dismay. When she told him to get someone else to help so he could care for the mercantile, he explained Alexander would keep things afloat until they returned. “Besides, I can’t let you lad
ies travel alone. We have a lot of tribes in the area, and some don’t take kindly to us folks. There’s lots of hunting around here, too, so let’s make sure it’s animals they want and not us.”
Thankful for his thoughtfulness and ignorant of the real dangers, Adeline returned to the task at hand. More books for the new library: a task easier said than done.
The rush of miners in search of gold dominated the lives of many and hampered her single-minded quest. Many miners were simply too wrapped in gold fever to discuss ‘fluff and nonsense’ but their wives offered what they could, apparently overjoyed to have something philanthropic to do.
Adeline could not help but note many of the women’s harried looks and soulless eyes. Some were mail order brides in search of a new life and a new beginning, a hope that ended with men who did not inspire a lifetime of joy, but of drudgery and despair. This fact alone made Adeline realize how fortunate her own offer had been.
In spite of herself, thoughts of Alexander fueled her rush around the countryside. Many nights, she fell asleep with the sound of his laughter in her mind.
After two weeks of numerous collections, she returned to Cheyenne with a new feeling brewing in her heart and no idea what to do with it.
Chapter 13
Adeline stood on the main street and gazed with loving eyes at the square-shaped single-floored building painted in blue with a yellow trim. Bright gingham curtains kept the blazing morning sun at bay, and potted plants adorned the entrance.
Once inside, neatly arranged books lined the wooden shelves and walls. Upholstered chairs hugged round tables and a quiet atmosphere allowed patrons to read at their leisure.
A week before, the inauguration created quite a stir in the town, much to Adeline’s surprise. Bouts of jeering along with guffaws of laughter had become the order of the day as things got ready.
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