Laurel woke first. Ivy Ann lay in the abandonment of deep sleep, her arms spread wide like a broken doll’s. Laurel studied her twin’s face. A new set to Ivy’s red lips showed the results of taking responsibility and facing fear.
Laurel stretched and slid deeper into her quilts. Her ankle barely twinged. Now she had time to take out of hiding the look Adam bestowed on her when he followed Thomas into the shack and the timbre of his voice when he called her darling. Instead of the censure she had learned to expect, forgiveness and something more made her heart pound and her pulse race even harder than that awful moment when Ivy Ann struck Dan and he tumbled to the floor.
“Laurel?” Ivy Ann sat bolt upright in bed. Her cambric nightgown rose and fell with her breathing. Hair tousled and face flushed, the new love and concern in her face touched Laurel deeply. “Are you really, truly all right?”
Sheer happiness spilled into laughter and Laurel stretched.
“Thanks to God and Adam and Running Deer and the rest, I’m really, truly all right.”
“You left out Nat!” Ivy Ann protested.
“I wouldn’t want to do that,” Laurel teased and caught the telltale color in Ivy’s face. She propped herself up on one elbow and rested her chin in her hand. “You’d better not, either. I have a strong feeling Nathaniel Birchfield isn’t about to let himself be left out, especially when it comes to one Ivy Ann Brown.
“You really think so?” Could this be the remote, heartless twin who had delighted in collecting and discharging beaux the way children do dandelions?
Ivy Ann interlaced her fingers and stared at her sister with a new humility. “If he doesn’t love me I’ll—I’ll—”
“Not die. Only heroines in novels languish away, not pioneer young women in the Wyoming Territory.”
“Of all the callous individuals! Never in all my born days did I expect that my own twin sister would be so unsympathetic.” Ivy Ann snatched her lacy pillow and fired it at Laurel with some of her old imperiousness. But the next moment she sank back into a little heap and stared at Laurel from tragic dark eyes. “If you had any feeling in you at all you’d know the very idea Nat may still think I could never make a good minister’s wife leaves me sick and so scared I don’t know what to do.” She sighed and stared. “I wonder how long it will take me to show him I’ve changed?” She didn’t seem to notice how Laurel flinched.
Chapter 15
Dan Sharpe received a sentence of twenty years of hard labor in prison for robbing the Rock Springs bank. The town of Antelope buzzed with the men upholding the sentence and many of the girls and women were secretly regretful that “such a pleasant, courteous young man” could be so wicked. Sally Mae Justice and others Dan had never deigned to notice sighed at the loss of an eligible man they had considered a little above the cowboys who called on them.
Laurel and Ivy Ann, no worse for their escapade but far more careful, soon rode out again and marveled at the coming of autumn. Nights grew crisp. Skies took on blue tones that provided a perfect backdrop for golden aspen and cottonwood leaves by day and giant, white stars by night. Along with their new neighbors, the Browns canned and dried and pickled for the coming winter. Distant peaks, then those nearer, accepted their white winter coats while bears stuffed themselves to prepare for hibernation and squirrels and chipmunks gathered nuts and seeds and acorns against the inevitable cold.
Adam and Nat had long since visited the Indian village with packhorse loads of supplies to help Chief Grey Eagle and his people through the winter should they be snowed in and without adequate food. Their thanks to Running Deer had been brushed aside but his rare smile showed his pleasure at their visit. On that trip Nat broached the subject of bringing the twins to see the village.
“Are women your wives?” Chief Grey Eagle demanded.
Adam and Nat looked at each other and grinned. “Not yet but we hope soon,” Nat confessed and dug his toe in the ground like a small boy caught in mischief. Adam wanted to laugh.
“Will betray Chief Eagle’s nest?”
“No, Chief. Laurel and Ivy Ann know how to keep secrets.” Adam’s heart added, and how!
“You bring them. Soon, before snow comes.”
The following Saturday Nat and Ivy Ann and Adam and Laurel rode out from the Double B the way they had done many times. No one paid any particular attention except one of the cowboys perched on the rail of the corral. “I wish I had a purty gal to ride with instead of bein’ a pore, lonesome cowpoke.” His grin flashed white. “Maybe I shoulda been a doc or a preacher.” He scratched his head when everyone laughed.
“I don’t see nothin’ funny but then I’m just a—”
“Pore, lonesome cowboy,” Ivy and Laurel finished for him.
They rode away from his good-natured complaining into the happiness only the young and in love can know on a western Wyoming autumn day.
Adam suddenly realized something that had been nibbling at him for several weeks. “You don’t dress alike anymore, do you?” He glanced from Laurel to Ivy Ann and back.
Laurel’s long lashes hid her eyes as she sounded demure. “We’re afraid someone might take us for each other and we can’t chance that.” She looked up and smiled.
Adam causally added, “Good idea. It can save a heap of trouble, as Hardwick says.” The minute the words left his mouth he regretted them. Laurel’s face turned scarlet and her smile faded. How sensitive she was, he thought. A protective wave of love flowed through Adam and he reined in his horse. “Laurel, there’s something I must say to you.”
“I know.” It came out as barely a whisper but she courageously raised her head and looked directly into his eyes. “Before you do, I want you to know I really meant to tell you I wasn’t Ivy Ann.” The words rushed out like the gurgling brook back home. “I had promised myself that the very next time you called I would confess but then Ivy Ann came. I had waited too long.” Her lips trembled. “My only excuse is that I couldn’t bear for you to think badly of me.” She seemed to droop in the saddle.
The last trace of lingering resentment fled forever. Adam dismounted more rapidly than ever before, reached up both hands, and helped Laurel to the ground. But instead of releasing her, he put his hands on her shoulders and drew her close. “I’ve been mule-stubborn and unforgiving and for the rest of my life I’ll regret it,” he told her. “Laurel, a long time ago I told you how love came without my realizing it when I first saw you on the porch of Red Cedars in your blue dress.” He saw hope spring to her dark eyes and tenderly pulled her unresisting form so close her head rested against his chest just under his chin.
“If you think you can forgive me, Miss Mountain Laurel Brown, I’d like to ask your father for your hand in marriage.” The formal proposal in all its foolishness covered his rapidly beating heart but he knew she would understand.
Laurel started to reply but Adam gently laid his fingers across her mouth. “Before you answer, you need to know I’ll never live anywhere except Antelope, unless of course God calls me to another place. Once you said you would be like Ruth and follow your man where God led. Do you still feel the same way?”
Adam, the mountains, and the sky waited for her response. Even the slight breeze that lifted the light brown curls from her temples hesitated for a moment.
“‘Whither thou goest….’ “Laurel’s whisper came only to Adam’s waiting heart and ears, so low he strained to hear her, yet shouting the wondrous news of her love. He tipped her head back and kissed her. Her arms went up and around his neck and tightened. Like a frightened baby bird that has been returned to its nest, she clung to his strength. Whatever life in this still-primitive land held could not defeat her with Adam as her husband, lover, and shield.
A long time later they remounted, their faces glowing with love and reflecting the holy moments when they had knelt together and dedicated their coming oneness to the service of their Lord. Nat and Ivy Ann had no need to ask why the other couple had lingered far behind. When Adam and Laurel fina
lly caught up with them before they entered the hidden Indian village, their entwined hands gave them away.
“You’re engaged!” Ivy Ann blurted out the instant she saw them.
“Yes, and we’re going to be married just as soon as we can.” Adam flung his head back. “I’ve waited too long already. Late October or at least the very first of November we’ll be giving you some business, parson.”
Nat’s dark eyes twinkled. “I’ll be ready.” He turned to Ivy Ann and a tiny pulse beat in his throat. “Seeing as how you’re twins and all, how about making it a double wedding, Ivy Ann?”
Her laughter died. Her face paled until her eyes looked enormous and she cast a frantic glance toward Laurel. Surely Nathaniel wouldn’t joke about such a sacred thing as marriage, she thought. Yet when she glanced back she could read little in his lean face. To cover the hot tears crowding behind her eye, she flared, “How—how could you, Nat Birchfield? I hate you!” She touched her heels to her horse and pelted down the trail.
“For mercy’s sake, stop her,” Laurel cried. Adam headed after Ivy but Nat sat on his horse, shocked and bewildered.
“What did I do? I thought taking her by surprise might give me an advantage.” His troubled gaze turned from the two racing figures back to Laurel.
“Have you ever once told her that you love her?” Laurel demanded, torn between fear for her twin’s physical safety and annoyance with Nat, whom she adored.
Misery crept into his face and settled it into lines that made him look far older than his years. “I thought at the cabin that perhaps she cared but I couldn’t be sure and—”
Compassion blotted out irritation. “Nat, Ivy Ann loves you more than life, just as I love Adam.” The words sent a thrill through Laurel’s heart. “She has changed so much and for weeks has feared you would only see in her the shallow person she used to be.” This was no time for more misunderstanding but a time to fight for her sister’s happiness. “Mama told me the minute I left she saw a change in Ivy Ann. She will make a wonderful minister’s wife. We’ve talked how there will be times you cannot share with her those private confessions from your people’s lives. She knows and accepts this.” Laure slapped her mount’s neck with the reins to get him moving.
“I guess I don’t know much about women.” He soberly clucked to his horse and followed Laurel. “I’ve even wondered if the age difference is too much.”
“It would have been in West Virginia, but not out here.” Laurel relented and gave Nat a dazzling smile. “Get things made up with Ivy Ann as soon as you can, brother.”
His old audacity that added charm but never detracted from his vocation brought a sparkle back to Nat. “I will.”
By the time they reached the next cluster of trees Adam had overtaken and slowed Ivy Ann. She sat proudly, chin high, and stared straight ahead.
Nat slid from his horse in one fluid motion that reminded Laurel of Adam and marched over to the now-flushed girl. “Ivy Ann, I—”
“Do you want us to go ahead?” Adam interrupted.
A violent shake of Nat’s head preceded his simple declaration of love. “Ivy Ann, you’re all I ever dreamed of in a woman during my long, lonely years of wandering. I love you and always will. Do you think an old bachelor like me can make you happy?”
Laurel felt she had glimpsed heaven when she saw the look in Ivy’s face, a look that matched her own soul at the moment Adam had asked her to be his wife. “Come.” Laurel held out one hand to Adam and they quietly rode on, confident that Nat and Ivy Ann never knew when they left.
A poignant moment came when the Birchfield men introduced Laurel and Ivy Ann to Chief Grey Eagle and his people. The erect old man looked at one then the other. “It is good. Always there will be friendship between Grey Eagle and you.” The two couples left the Indian village bathed in afternoon sunlight, feeling they had been given a blessing of peace.
That night after the excitement and rejoicing over the two engagements, Ivy Ann and Laurel huddled close whispering secrets. Once Laurel hesitated then nodded. Once Ivy Ann raised her voice then quickly lowered it. The next day a cryptic message left Antelope and sped on its way.
The twins didn’t care about a big wedding but soon realized they couldn’t avoid one. When Thomas and Sadie, Widow Terry and Mrs. Greer, and the Hardwicks pointed out how the town and range felt a certain ownership in their doctor and minister and would feel slighted if left out, the twins gracefully gave in. On the first of November the sweet-smelling pine log church would be smothered with the outdoors. Dozens of willing hands would bring in scarlet leaves, still-green vines, and whatever else they could find for decoration. Ivy Ann blinked wet eyes when Nat proudly led her to the cabin Antelope had raised for their new home so Adam and Laurel could have Nat’s former cabin that now included Adam’s office.
“They keep bringing us things I know they can’t really afford to give,” Ivy protested, as she laid her hand on a gorgeous patchwork quilt. “Why, Mrs. Terry could have made several dresses in the time she took to make ours and it was all Mama could do to convince her the bride’s parents must at least pay for the heavy silk!”
“I know, but Adam says they feel they can’t afford not to give.” Laurel stroked the frame of a fresh painting Mr. Hardwick had dropped off just that morning. It pictured a valley at sunrise. Molten silver edged the clouds and with the skill of a true artist, Mrs. Hardwick had painted a feeling of peace in the rolling hills and mighty, watching mountains the twins had come to love. “Real giving comes from the heart.”
“I hope our present comes in time.” Ivy Ann broached the thought Laurel carried constantly.
“So do I but there isn’t much time left.”
The double wedding day outdid itself. “‘Happy is the bride the sun shines on,’ “Ivy Ann caroled while she and Laurel hurriedly dressed. “Come on, Laurel. We have to give our present to Nat and Adam before the wedding.” She giggled. “Doesn’t Antelope frown that those eastern girls are taking such a chance on bad luck by actually letting their husbands-to-be see them on their wedding day before the wedding?”
“Who cares?” Laurel’s exhilaration matched Ivy Ann’s at her wildest. “God is in charge of these weddings, not superstition.” She exchanged a secret glance with her twin. “I can’t wait to see Adam and Nat’s faces when—”
“Ivy, Laurel, your young men are here! Come down for breakfast right now!”
Too happy even to laugh over their mother’s orders, the twins bounced downstairs and demurely took their places at the table.
“Can you believe they are sitting there stuffing themselves?” Adam demanded of Nat. “I thought brides got so nervous they didn’t eat and sometimes passed out during the ceremony.”
Nat lifted arched eyebrows. “Let them eat. It will save us embarrassment at the town covered-dish dinner. They’ll be too full to disgrace their new husbands by displaying such wholesome appetites.”
“I notice neither of you is turning down extra biscuits,” said Ivy Ann as she calmly reached for another. So did Laurel.
“Hey, that’s different!” The whole family broke into laughter at Adam’s involuntary protest.
“Run along, children.” Sadie admonished them, but she gave the twins a stern stare. “Mind that you be back here by eleven o’clock. It takes time for brides to dress and I won’t have it said my girls were late to their own wedding.” She turned to Nat. “Did your minister friend from Rock Springs get here?”
He nodded. “Yesterday afternoon. Right after I pronounce Adam and Laurel husband and wife I’ll step down and stand next to Ivy Ann for our turn.” He beamed and she blushed becomingly.
An hour later the two happy couples reined in at the top of the rise that overlooked Antelope. Laurel looked at Ivy Ann who then nodded as she took a deep breath. “We have a very special present for you. It’s from both of us to both of you.”
“I thought getting you was present enough,” Adam teased.
She felt delicate color rise
from her high collar but chose to ignore his comment. Instead she reached into the pocket of her riding skirt and drew out an envelope.
Adam and Nat looked apprehensive. Nat protested, “You aren’t giving us money, are you? We agreed not to accept what your parents called your dowry. They need it to build up the Double B.”
“It’s better than all the money on earth,” Ivy Ann cried, her eyes shining. “Laurel, read it out loud.”
Dear Misses Brown,
Your letter made me very happy, more than you can ever know. After much prayer I felt led simply to leave it on my husband’s desk. In fear and trembling I waited, hoping and pleading with God that your gentility and beauty of expression and deep love for Adam and Nathaniel would speak for themselves.
The next day when he left to make a call in the country, I entered his office. My heart sank when I saw how crumpled your letter was, as if a heavy hand had crushed it. In despair I felt all was lost. Then dark, black writing I recognized as my husband’s caught my attention. The wrinkled envelope bore the inscription, Numbers 6:24-26.
I hurried to find my Bible, torn between hope and fear. Oh, dear children, the joy that came to me as I read the beautiful words: “The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”
Jeremiah has not mentioned your letter nor his response. Yet my prayer of years has been answered and I praise my God and King and offer you this greatest of gifts.
Deepest love from your mother,
Patience Birchfield
Laurel’s voice broke on the last words. Diamond drops sparkled in her lashes and in Ivy Ann’s. Nat and Adam’s strong shoulders bowed before the message that made their wedding day complete.
“The harvest of Mother’s faithfulness has come,” said Adam, choking on the words.
Laurel’s heart lurched at the exalted look in the brothers’ faces. How right it had been to brave a stern father’s wrath on behalf of his sons, she reflected. All the way back to the ranch, through the donning of her bridal white, and even in the midst of the lovely service that gave her into Adam’s keeping Laurel treasured that memory. The part of her that was Ivy Ann knew her twin had also tucked it away into her soul, the harvest of faithfulness. How fitting for this November wedding day!
Wildflower Harvest: Includes Bonus Story of Desert Rose Page 14