by Verna Clay
Across from them, the heavyset woman's heavyset husband said, "Yep, me and Bessie Jane are gonna run a diner in Two Rivers. We got a business arrangement with the hotel to take over the current operation. Now my Bessie is just about the best cook in Texas and I'm not too bad myself." He patted the heads of his two chubby children. "And Jethro and Johnny are learnin' the trade. Ain't that right boys?"
"That's right, Pa. Ma, I'm hungry. You got anymore cinnamon pastries," asked the boy directly across from Angel. The other boy vigorously bobbed his head. "Me, too."
Bessie Jane chuckled. "Course I do, boys." She opened the bag on her lap and pulled out a napkin enfolding golden pastries dusted with cinnamon. "Would you like some Mr. and Mrs. Samson?"
Angel blinked at her address of "Mrs. Samson" before glancing at the beautiful pastry. She said, "I would love some if you have enough."
Luke grinned. "You don't have to ask me twice. Looks delicious. And I'm glad to hear you're the new cooks. Lets just say that, well, the hotel dining room hasn't been popular for a long time."
Angel took a bite of the pastry Bessie Jane handed her. Closing her eyes she savored the mingled flavors and separated each one in her mind. "Wonderful," she breathed. She opened her eyes to see Luke staring at her mouth. She stopped chewing when he reached to brush crumbs away.
"You got a few crumbs there, Angel," he said low. He took a bite of his own pastry and moaned. "This is incredible."
Angel couldn't take her eyes off Luke and wanted to lift her hand to brush the crumbs off his lips, too. She glanced at Mr. Smythe, who winked. "I bet you two is newlyweds. Am I right?"
Angel felt her face burn when Luke responded, "As a matter of fact, we are." She looked down. Oh, this was awkward. Changing the subject, she engaged the Smythes in conversation about baking and they chatted happily, all the while handing out more of the delicious dessert.
Eventually, the children fell asleep against each other and Mrs. Smythe yawned. "I think I'll close my eyes for a little while, too."
Her husband said with his eyes at half mast, "Good idea."
Angel felt herself drifting.
* * *
Luke shifted his body so his sleeping angel could be more comfortable and savored having her so close. Placing his arm gently around her he offered the comfort of his chest, like he had done on the train. She sighed and breathed against his neck. The coach hit a rut and he thought she might wake, but she only snuggled closer and placed her hand on his shoulder. The woman smelled wonderful and he moved his head to avoid her bonnet, inhaling her womanly fragrance before he drifted to sleep himself.
"Two Rivers!" shouted the driver and slowed the horses.
Luke tightened his arms around something incredibly soft and pliable. Suddenly, the soft thing jerked out of his arms, which jerked him awake. Angel's bonnet sat askew and a long strand of hair had fallen over her shoulder and down her breast. Mesmerized by the strand, he lifted and fingered it. He heard her sharp intake and looked from the strand into her green cat-eyes. For just a second her eyes widened and then she began fixing her hair and tucking the lock back into its bun.
The children started pushing each other and Mrs. Smythe reached to bat their hands. "You boys behave. Soon enough you'll be able to run and play."
The coach came to a halt and the driver jumped down, throwing the door open. Luke allowed Mr. Smythe to exit first, followed by the children. Then he stepped out and helped Angel and Mrs. Smythe down. The plump woman exclaimed, "Finally, we're here. I can't wait to start making that dining room a success!" Her husband placed his arm around her and kissed her rosy round cheek.
Luke scanned the hotel porch for toothless Charlie, saw him, and waved. Charlie grinned. "Howdy, Luke. Guess you're back so soon 'cause o' yer pa's accident. I was right sorry ta hear 'bout that. Me and some o' the townsfolk been checkin' up on yer family. But yer ma will sure be glad ta see ya."
"Thanks Charlie. If I borrow Clyde's buckboard, do you think you could drive us out to my pa's and then on to my place?"
"Sure thing." Charlie glanced at Angel.
Luke said, "I'd like you to meet Angel, my wife."
Charlie's toothless grin widened and he removed his hat, lifted off the railing, and bowed. "I'm right pleased ta meet ya, Mrs. Samson."
Luke explained to Angel, "I've known Charlie most of my life. He's a fixture around these parts and has the most beautiful singing voice you've ever heard."
Angel smiled. "I'm very pleased to meet you, Charlie."
Charlie stepped off the portico and came to shake Luke's hand before lifting Angel's to his lips and kissing it. Luke smiled at the older man's gallantry and was surprised when Angel didn't flinch. She said shyly, "You're very kind."
Charlie's smile showcased his missing teeth. "I'll go next door and borrow the buckboard while you get yer bags."
One of the drivers yelled, "Bags are comin' down. Please step aside."
Luke led Angel to the porch and then assisted the drivers.
* * *
Angel watched Luke handle their baggage and then scanned the town. It appeared to consist of a main street and a side street with businesses lining both. Next to the hotel was a store with a big sign posted above the door: Clyde Jenkins General Store. Beyond the store at the very fringe of town sat a white-washed church with steeple. Cozying next to the church, another white-washed building looked to be a schoolhouse. Turning and glancing toward the opposite end of the street, Angel noted a bank. Glancing across the road from where she stood, she first heard, and then saw, a blacksmith striking an anvil and shaping iron. Next door to the blacksmith's a young boy led a horse inside a stable. Down the side street beside the stable, and away from the reputable businesses, a saloon with patrons entering through swinging doors could be seen. Returning her gaze to the boardwalk on her side of the road, she noticed signs for a doctor, sheriff, milliner, and various other establishments. All in all, the town was tiny and reminded her of the one she had grown up in until her father died. The few pedestrians and people driving buggies called greetings to Luke.
Charlie pulled a buckboard in front of the hotel at the same time a stocky man with salt and pepper hair and a long, matching beard came rushing over from the general store. "Luke, son, I just had to say hello before you took off. I'm right sorry to hear about your pa's accident. I already told your ma, but I'll tell you, too; credit's open at the store for anything your family needs."
Luke slapped the friendly man on the shoulder and then shook his hand. "Thanks, Clyde."
Clyde glanced curiously at Angel. Luke said, "I'd like you to meet my wife, Angel. Angel, this is Clyde Jenkins. Clyde's run this store since before I was born."
The store proprietor looked surprised and then grinned huge. Placing a finger to his forehead in a little salute, he said, "Howdy, ma'am. I'm right pleased to meet ya. You married a fine, upstanding young man and the single ladies round here are gonna be sorry he's off the market."
Angel wasn't sure how she should respond and simply said, "I'm pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Jenkins."
Mr. Jenkins smiled big again and reached for one of their bags. "You just call me Clyde, like everyone else." He looked at Luke. "Let me help you load up, son."
"Thanks, Clyde."
Charlie jumped off the buckboard and helped load suitcases into the wagon bed and then hopped in the back beside them. Luke encircled Angel's waist and lifted her onto the seat before hoisting himself up next to her. With a call of "See ya soon, Clyde! Thanks for lending the buckboard," he circled the horses around and headed out of town.
The much traveled road was bordered by trees that occasionally gave way to meadows or outcroppings of granite. Angel said, "I didn't expect so much foliage. The land is quite lovely. And so many wild flowers."
"It is beautiful. My family lives four miles south of town and my own land sits adjacent to theirs. My ranch house is about two miles further. I bought the land a few years back, but just recently completed
my home. I built the caretakers' quarters and barn first. My desire is to run a small cattle ranch like my father and spend several months a year here. The rest of the time, I'll be traveling for business obligations. My ranch caretakers are Boone and Marylou Keith. Marylou and I went to school together. Boone was a drifter just passing through, but after he met Marylou, he started courting her. He'd been working cattle drives for twenty years and was ready to settle down. I'm lucky to have them working my ranch, but I expect someday they'll buy their own place. I'll be happy for them but sad to see them leave."
Angel watched a monarch butterfly zip in front of her face and light on her arm. When it was joined by a second one that landed on Luke's knee, she watched his expression shift to one of pure joy. He laughed heartily and she gave him a questioning look. He said, "Someday I'll tell you about my family's encounters with butterflies."
Angel returned his smile, glancing back at the lovely creatures that stayed with them for a long time before flying toward the trees. She was sorry to see them go.
The sun warmed Angel's face and she raised it to the sky, suddenly feeling lighthearted. However fleeting the moment, it surprised her.
* * *
Luke pulled the wagon around the last bend of trees before his parents' cabin and glanced at Angel. The fresh air had already done her good. When she'd closed her eyes and lifted her face to the sun earlier, he'd almost run the buckboard off the road he'd been so distracted by her beauty.
As he slowed the horses and pulled to the front of the cabin, his brothers, James and Rusty, rushed through the door, followed by Abby. He pulled back on the reins. "Whoa!"
Rusty grabbed the bridle of one horse and James grabbed the bridle of the other. Rusty said, "We knew you'd come back. Ma's been lookin' out the window everyday expecting you. I'm sure glad to see you again. Pa was in a bad way, but he's gettin' better now."
Luke hopped off the wagon and Charlie jumped down from the back.
"Hey Charlie. Good to see you, too," said Rusty.
Charlie ruffled Rusty's hair and grinned at James. "I always enjoy seein' you boys."
Luke circled the buckboard to help Angel down and couldn't help but chuckle at the curiosity lighting his brothers' faces. As soon as he'd set her on the ground, Abby ran up and gave him a big hug. "I knew you'd come, son, even though I told you it wasn't necessary. Your pa's going to be happy to see you, but he's also going to give you hell for returning."
"I know, Ma."
Abby turned to Angel and smiled warmly. Luke said, "Ma, I'd like you to meet Angel Samson—my wife." He knew he'd have to do some explaining later when he was alone with his ma and pa, but he enjoyed the startled looks on Abby's and his brothers' faces.
Abby placed her hands on her cheeks. "Goodness, Luke. When did this happen?"
"Yesterday."
Abby enfolded Angel in a bear hug. "Oh, my dear, I'm so happy to meet you! This is wonderful!" She looked at Luke, "Brant is going to be so pleased."
Angel said softly, "I'm happy to meet you, too, Mrs. Samson."
"Oh goodness, you must call me Abby or even Ma, if you want." She looked at Charlie. "Thanks for coming, Charlie. Let's hurry inside. Luke, you and Angel lead the way."
Luke gently touched Angel's elbow and guided her up the porch steps. Leaning over, he whispered, "I'll explain things to them later. For now, it's easier to go along with the charade than try to make them understand our arrangement."
* * *
Angel entered the house, followed by Luke. Immediately, he skirted around her and rushed to his pa lying on a bed that had been set before the hearth. The man lay flat on his back with a blanket pulled to his waist. His chest would have been bare had it not been for wrappings around his ribs. One arm was in a splint and a leg in a splint peeked out from beneath his blanket. His powerful chest and arms were covered in bruises and a long gash ran down his cheek.
Luke went down on his knees at his pa's bedside and Angel wanted to weep at the love passing between them. She heard him say, "Pa, I'm home. I had to come."
His father weakly lifted his free arm and touched his son's hair. "You always were hardheaded. And I'm always happy to see my boy."
Luke leaned over and kissed his father's forehead. "Pa, I'd like you to meet someone." He turned and motioned Angel forward.
Inhaling a calming breath, Angel stepped and knelt beside Luke.
"Pa, this is my wife, Angel."
Mr. Samson looked from Luke to Angel and back to Luke. Then he smiled and Angel was struck by just how much Luke resembled his father with the same charming smile, blue-sky eyes, and midnight black hair.
"I think I'm speechless," said Mr. Samson.
Angel said, "I'm pleased to meet you, sir."
"Oh, we'll have none of that 'sir' stuff. My name is Brant or Pa to you." He tried to turn toward them, but the movement sent a look of raw pain across his features.
Abby was immediately by his other side smoothing her hand over his forehead. "Honey, don't try to move too much. Would you like some laudanum?"
"Hell no, Abby. Not when I've got a daughter-in-law to get acquainted with." Although his tone sounded gruff, his eyes twinkled with affection for his wife.
Abby looked at Luke and laughed. "See, what did I tell you about his stubbornness?"
Brant gave his wife an exasperated look, but the effect was ruined because of the love shining in his eyes. He looked past Abby. "Hello Charlie. You're eatin' supper with us, I hope. I've been smelling a stew simmering all day."
Charlie replied, "That's right friendly, Brant. I'd love ta eat with yer family."
Luke said, "After supper, Charlie's gonna drive us to my place and then get the wagon back to Clyde. Tomorrow I'll drive over in my own buckboard and see what needs to be done around here."
Brant nodded and smiled, but Angel could see he was in pain. Abby bent and kissed his forehead and then invited everyone to the adjoining kitchen to eat.
When Angel entered the room, her breath hitched. It was magnificent; large and outfitted with the latest cook stove. There was also a big sink with an indoor water spigot and faucets. A beautiful mahogany table with benches sat in the center of the room. Lovely cabinets, some open faced and some with carved doors, hung on every wall. The storage capacity astounded and pleased her. She had never understood the lack of storage space most kitchens had.
Abby said, "This kitchen was a Christmas gift from Luke. I can see your appreciation of a well designed cooking space, Angel."
Luke interjected, "Angel is a baker and her specialty is apple pie."
Abby said sincerely, "Angel, we must bake together so you can give me pointers. But more than that, what a lovely way for us to get acquainted. I so look forward to it. Of course, if you like my kitchen, you're going to love your own. Luke spared no expense on either."
For a moment, Angel forgot her charade and felt happiness at the thought of getting to know this kind and compassionate woman. When reality reared its head, she quickly looked away and pretended interest in the stove.
Luke distracted his mother by pulling her to the side and asking questions about his father's condition. His brother Rusty shyly approached Angel. "Ma'am?"
She turned her attention from the stove to the boy. "Yes, Rusty?"
"I'm glad you married Luke. Now maybe he'll stick around more if he's got a wife. And besides that, you're sure pretty."
The boy's complexion, covered with freckles the same color as his hair, turned even ruddier. Angel was touched by his heartfelt words. "Thank you, Rusty. That's very kind of you to say."
Rusty grinned and walked backwards toward the door. "Well, gotta get James and let him know supper's ready. See you in a minute, Miz Angel."
Angel kept herself from chuckling aloud when he bumped into the wall. He blushed even more, which made her realize how well his name suited him.
Chapter Eleven: Luke's Pride and Joy
A maroon sky splashed the horizon when Luke pulled the buckboard to
the front of his ranch house. Since their descent into the small valley that nestled his ranch, Angel had been breathless at the beauty of his land and home. A barn, painted red, with adjacent corrals, had first captured her attention. Now she appraised the long ranch house built with wood siding and not logs like his parents' home. Painted white with deep green trim, the home looked warm and inviting. Green railing enclosed a porch stretching the length of the house that hosted a variety of rockers and wicker chairs with swings hanging at each end. The front door, centered on the porch, was also green and larger than most.
Beyond the house, a lovely cottage surrounded by trees and spring flowers had a swirl of smoke rising from the chimney. A woman exited the cottage and watched their arrival while a cowboy walking a horse from one of the corrals toward the barn, paused and also watched the buckboard come to a halt. The cowboy waved and continued walking the horse, but instead of entering the barn, he wrapped the reins around a post and then sauntered toward them. He called, "Howdy, Luke. I had a feelin' you'd be showin' up soon."
Angel noticed the woman at the cottage rushing forward. Charlie jumped off the wagon and so did Luke, coming around to help her down. He smiled and asked, "Do you like my home?"
The look of pride in Luke's eyes almost made her cry.
"Oh, yes. It's the most beautiful home I've ever seen."
Before greeting the cowboy, he reached and brushed aside a lock of her hair the evening breeze had blown across her mouth. Turning, he said, "It's good to be back, Boone, although I wish it were under happier circumstances." They shook hands. "I'd like you to meet my wife, Angel."
There was a squeal from behind them and the woman from the cottage said, "Praise the Lord and hallelujah! Luke's finally tied the knot. Howdy Angel, I'm Marylou and that handsome cowboy is my husband."
Marylou's smile was infectious and Angel returned it, forgetting for the moment that her arrangement with Luke was only temporary. Luke's welcoming family and friends made her want to become part of something, if only for a few days. Playing along was dangerous to her emotional wellbeing, but she simply could not prevent herself from pretending.