Flight for Life

by Stephy Smith

  “I assure you it is. The orchard in front is magnificent in spring when all the trees are in bloom. You missed it this year. But you’ll see it next year.” Clara glanced at Zaidee. Emma crawled up into Zaidee’s lap and snuggled up against her. Hannah sat between the two women, her head relaxed, bobbing between the shoulders of Clara and Zaidee while she slumbered, and little Thomas had never awakened when they’d boarded the coach.

  “I hope to see it.”

  The words caused Clara to glance her way. She stared at Zaidee.

  Zaidee wanted to inform Stephen and Clara of her concerns for their family. She didn’t want to scare them, and there was no sense in it if it were only her imagination. If she could only trust her own mind, things would be easier.

  Why is it, Lord, every time I hand you my troubles I take them back? Now was the time she should shoulder responsibility, and the worry eased back into her life.

  Willowbend looked twice as big on the outside as the Solomon. She hoped someday he would find a good, honest wife to share his beautiful plantation with. He deserved this much after all he had done for her.

  Sadness came over her. Why shouldn’t he have the perfect wife? He’s a good man and deserves more than I can give him. All I can give is lies and deceit. And I kissed him!

  Apple and peach trees shaded the coach as it rolled along. Branches sagged with massive amounts of fruit. Waiting out front were Stephen, Joseph, and the boys. They waved and laughed, and excitement covered the faces of the four. They ran toward the carriage.

  Clara rolled her eyes. “Would you look at those men acting like two more little six-year-olds?” Then she laughed with Zaidee.

  “You love them, Clara. That’s all that matters, and they know it.” Zaidee smiled.

  “That I do, Flora, that I do.”

  The coach rolled to a stop, and the girls woke. Petite smiles crossed their faces, and they jumped into their daddy’s arms. Joseph took Thomas from Clara so she could step down, then he pivoted to help Zaidee from the carriage. He hugged her and swept her lips with his.

  “Welcome to Willowbend.” His voice sent a zip of electricity down her spine, and she wondered why.

  Joseph surprised her when he stepped back. “You look different.” His voice was low and sent a thrill through her body. He didn’t say how she looked different, but she felt full of life. How could he wipe away all of her worries with one simple kiss?

  “It must be all of the pampering I received at the Solomon.” Zaidee ducked her head, afraid to look into his dark brown eyes.

  He raised his arm toward the house and asked, “What do you think? Does this place hold the brilliance of the Solomon?”

  Zaidee stared at the arched front gate and tiny white fence standing in front of the gardens. A brick walkway and landscaped yard led to a full-length porch. A double staircase wound to the second floor gallery with its black iron rails, which stood out against the mansion’s white walls.

  “It’s everything Clara said and more. It’s beautiful.”

  In the main lobby, an older black man with gray hair stood in the butler’s post. He bowed and took the small valise Hannah held. While waiting for the guests to enter, he stood straight, and then he ducked out of sight.

  The room seemed to go on forever. Zaidee took in the grandeur of the place. Gold chandeliers hung from the ceiling. The mirrors above the fireplace mantles reflected marbled floors.

  Sheer curtains graced windows, with light blue drapes held back by thick golden ropes. Dark blue velvet cushions perched on oak chairs and couches, which were carefully arranged around the room for coziness. Zaidee thought she’d found heaven. It was hard to believe there wasn’t a woman responsible for creating such a beautiful home.

  “I told you it was more beautiful than the Solomon,” Clara whispered.

  “I would love to meet the decorator.” Zaidee couldn’t pry her gaze from the overwhelming beauty of the room. “Who was it?”

  “My mother did most of it. I helped with some of the color schemes.” Clara’s smile showed pride in her family.

  “Why hasn’t he ever married?” Zaidee’s face grew hot. Her palms collected moisture at the contemplation of this handsome, eligible bachelor.

  “I think he has someone in mind. She doesn’t know it yet, and I don’t think he does either.” Clara smiled.

  Disappointment lurched within Zaidee, but she quickly recovered. Since when had he taken such a prominent position in her mind? Lately, he was the only peaceful thing that occupied her thoughts. Thoughts she had no right to dwell on.

  Zaidee didn’t know why her heart plunged. Shouldn’t she be happy for Joseph and the woman he chose? How hard could it be to keep her distance? She couldn’t or shouldn’t have a relationship other than friends until matters back home were cleared up anyway. She forced herself to smile.

  “Come, Miss Flora.” The twins bounced up and down with big smiles on their faces. One on each side of her took a hand, and tugged her through the expansive house and out the back door.

  Large oak trees shaded the back yard. Shadows danced across green grass with slivers of golden sunrays, which changed shapes with the slight breeze. A brick walkway led to a large covered patio with long tables and benches. Beautiful china and silverware graced the table. Blacks and whites worked side by side. Contentment radiated from all. Children played games and sung songs.

  She glanced around, hoping to find the broad-shouldered handsome man. Her skin tingled at the memory of his strong arms when he’d held her. The pounding in her chest picked up a pace when she was unable to find Joseph in the crowd.

  Clara stepped up next to Zaidee. “Are you in a trance?”

  Zaidee glanced at her. “Perhaps I am.”

  She wondered if Clara could read the concern on her face. Joseph had told her she wore fear in her eyes. Could Clara also see it? If the family found out her secret, would they cast her to the wayside as if she were a mere discarded piece of cloth?

  “Joseph and Stephen are over there. They think they know more about roasting pigs than the rest of us. They have no idea what they’re doing.” Clara pointed then laughed. “Don’t worry; no one will let them ruin our meal.”

  Several hogs roasted above the fires. Men tended to the turning of the spits. The aroma filled the air, and black cooks brought potato salads, corn, green beans, and fresh baked biscuits in bowls and placed them in intervals on the long tables.

  Silver pitchers filled with fresh-squeezed lemonade were set among the bowls. Some ladies with large platters stood in line, so Stephen and Joseph could slice off the pork and fill them, then they placed the dishes on the tables. Joseph rang a bell and everyone lined the benches.

  He sat at the head of the table. Zaidee was led to his side and Clara to the other side. Joseph nodded his head. Everyone took his or her seats. Once more, Joseph nodded his head. The tall black butler stood, extended his arms to his neighbors, holding their hands. The wave of handholding swept around the table. The butler, with tears that ran freely down his face, looked toward the heavens and thanked the Good Lord above for the meal, friendship, kindness, and love in everyone’s life. “Amen” echoed to the treetops as the butler took his seat.

  Joseph nodded and women filled the children’s plates while others poured the lemonade into glasses. Clinks and clatters against the serving bowls and platters echoed as the rest of the group dished out their portions.

  The air filled with small talk, jokes, and laughter. Zaidee sat in amazement of the sparkling eyes of people at the tables. Her heart was so light from the displays of joy and happiness on so many faces.

  Chapter Six

  Joseph scanned the people sitting on the benches. His gaze rested on his brother and sister-in-law. He watched as Stephen patted Clara’s arm… a lot. If he wasn’t patting her, she was patting him. They had obviously missed one another.

  When they’d left the Solomon two weeks ago to come to Willowbend, Joseph had watched the change in Stephen as the
y’d ridden away from Clara. He had seemed to be lost in his own world. Since Joseph had met Zaidee, his own emotions had warred within him more than he wanted to admit. Stephen’s life spark had dulled, and Joseph wondered if he—no, he didn’t have a reason to miss her. As he glanced at Zaidee’s face now, he recalled the conversation he’d had with his brother that day, after they began working.

  “Stephen, can I ask you a question?”

  “Sure, you know you can. What is it?” Stephen continued hammering on the loose board on the barn.

  “Are you grumpy because you miss Clara, or do you just not like helping me?”

  Stephen turned and stared. “I do miss Clara. When I leave her, I feel as if my soul has been left behind. I don’t have a problem helping you out. It’s just that, well, Clara and the kids are my life, and I feel guilty when I’m away from them.” Stephen took a swig of water from his canteen and swiped the sweat from his brow.

  “Why would you feel guilty? You and I both know Clara can take care of herself and those kids.”

  “What’s with all the questions, Joseph? Are you falling for Flora?” Stephen glanced at the boys playing in the barnyard.

  “I wouldn’t say I was falling for her, but I do feel responsible for keeping her safe from whatever she’s running from. And she is quite attractive, easy to be around, and I do enjoy her company. But, falling for her, I don’t think that’s the case.” His heart picked up a pace, and he couldn’t shake the memory of holding her. She belonged there at the time and she belonged there now.

  “So what are you going to do about it?” The dimples deepened on Stephen’s face.

  “About what?”

  “Flora. You are falling for her. I can see it in your eyes, the way you handle yourself when you’re around her. Face it, Joe, you’ll thank me for it later.” Stephen patted him on the back.

  Could his brother be right? He didn’t think so. Just because she made his heart race when he happened to get a glance at her, or she sent flaming desire through his body, surely didn’t warrant the label of love. He turned back to the work of fixing the barn.

  “Clara will be here in a little while, and you can quit missing her and the girls and Thomas. I’m willing to bet you get a big smile on your face and act like the twins.” Joseph was as excited as his brother was over their arrival.

  “Two weeks is a long time to be without my woman. You’re well on your way to finding out yourself, little brother. I’m going to clean up for Clara.” Stephen called the twins and took them with him.

  A little later, Joseph cleaned himself up while Stephen and the twins changed into fresh clothes and joined the crew downstairs. Hezekiah and Ezekiel squealed out in delight when the watchman signalled the carriage was within sight. They all ran out the front door.

  Joseph heard the creaks and chains rattling on the carriage long before it came into view. His heart raced. Sweat broke out across his forehead. The thrill of seeing Zaidee again teased his mind as if he were a child waiting to stick his hand in a candy jar.

  The taste of her full lips had left him wanting more when he’d kissed her. He planned to fill the need again as soon as she arrived.

  A twinge of guilt entered his thoughts. She might not want his affection. Why should he be so riled up over a woman who had done nothing but return his kiss? There hadn’t been one move on her part to try to capture him. But there hadn’t been any encouragement on her part for him to protect her from the demons chasing her, either.

  If he hadn’t seen it in her eyes, her walk, or the way she tried to put on a brave front, he wouldn’t have noticed. Except for her beauty, the one thing that pulled him in. He wondered how bright her eyes would be if she were worry-free. How much further would they pull him into her world? He would give anything to find out.

  Yet he didn’t want a wife. He glanced around and pondered his brother’s situation. The boys looked up to their father. For the first time, Joseph let his mind venture into a world with his own wife and children. He couldn’t help but feel emptiness at not having known such joys. He could see what he was missing now, and he wondered if he would ever be able to live up to Stephen’s ability to give his love so freely.

  “You’re a lucky fellow.” He slapped his brother on the back.

  “Yes sir, I couldn’t have done better.” Stephen’s gaze fell upon his sons. “I have been blessed with the best wife and children a man could hope for.”

  “Sometimes, when I’m alone in the house, I wonder what will become of me.” Joseph eyed the mansion.

  “One day the arrows of Cupid are going to pierce that bachelor heart of yours, and from that point on, you won’t think about your life before love.” Stephen tilted his head. “You got a thing for Flora?”

  “No! I told you. She needs someone to protect her, and I’m the one standing in until she can put her worries to rest. That’s all.” He wasn’t sure if he were trying to convince Stephen or himself. He thought back to the conversation he’d had with his brother and wondered if there could be some truth to Stephen’s words.

  The horse and carriage drew near. Excitement took over. He raced the twins to greet and welcome the passengers. A grin pulled the corners of his lips so high, he thought they would blend in with his eyes. He lifted his shaky hand and all but ripped the door from the conveyance. Reaching in, he tugged at Zaidee. Pulling her against his chest as his heart pummeled his rib cage. She was so soft and compliant in his arms. When she gazed at him, he brushed his lips against hers.

  Zaidee was safe once more in his care. He drew in a deep breath. Her strong floral fragrance soothed his soul. As the tension faded from his body, he realized he had been concerned for her the past two weeks.

  She’s just another woman, Joseph. Get hold of yourself. You don’t need any more disturbances in your life. Freedom to do as you please, to go where you wish to go, and the happiness of watching your brother’s children is fulfilling enough. Or is it?

  In a few days, Zaidee would return to her life at the Solomon, and he could stop worrying about her. His life would be restored to normal. She would be under the care and watchful eye of Clara. Nothing could happen to her once she settled in to teaching the children. A long breath escaped his lungs. The need to spend time with her ate at his core.

  Joseph glanced around the table, empty plates in front of contented faces. When his gaze settled on Zaidee he couldn’t seem to look away from her.

  “Would you like to take a stroll with me?” His voice came out in a quiver. He stood and extended his hand to her.

  “I suppose so.” Her smile lacked spirit. She had something on her mind, and he hoped she would confide in him. Zaidee took his hand as she rose from the bench. Together they strolled down one of the garden paths.

  “What did you think of the gathering with the farmhands?”

  “That was nice.”

  Joseph sucked in a breath. She seemed to be so preoccupied and distant with her answers.“Flora? Flora?” He stopped.

  She wandered on by herself, keeping her gaze on the tree line around the grounds. “Whatever you deem necessary is fine with me.”

  He jogged up next to her and grabbed her arm. She spun around to face him. and he pulled her into his embrace.

  “Joseph, I don’t think this is the proper time or place for whatever you have on your mind.” She whirled past him and joined the others.

  The look in her eyes when she’d searched the trees bothered him. Had she seen something out there he wasn’t seeing? He glared into the shadows and then turned back to his family.

  Zaidee cleared her throat and drew his attention back to the feast. His face grew flush as he realized she stared at him with a questioning look. He wondered how long he had been admiring her beauty as he tried to figure out his emotions.

  Chapter Seven

  Zaidee glanced around at the crowd. Her mind wandered back to the start of the celebration feast. This was a memory she wanted to keep for the rest of her life. She didn’t want
it to end, so she played it over again in her mind.

  “Are you enjoying yourself, Flora?” Joseph’s upturned lips caused dimples to appear on his smooth face, and a shimmer of twinkling stars danced in his eyes.

  “I have never seen anything like this in my life. I believe you have made many people happy today.” His inspiration swelled in her chest. She marveled at how he had affected the rest of the crowd.

  “This is nothing. I appreciate their help and the loyalty they have shown me. Respect goes a long way in my world.” Joseph searched the faces around the tables. “Excuse me a moment.” He stood and walked up to a small boy.

  He leaned over the lad. “Do you like your food, Little Ray?”

  “Yes sir, Mr. Joseph.”

  “Why aren’t you eating? You want to grow up big and strong like your daddy, don’t you?” Joseph rested his hand on the boy’s shoulder, his voice low and happy.

  “Yes, sir. I just wants apple pie. Mama won’t gives me any ‘til everyone else gets theirs.” Little Ray’s lip quivered and extended further.

  “That’s because meat and potatoes make stronger bodies than apple pie.” Joseph ruffled the curly hair of the youngster.

  The boy took his fork and shoveled food into his mouth. Joseph walked back to his seat after filling a glass of lemonade for a young lady. He called every person by name, asking if each enjoyed their meal and if they needed anything before he took his seat.

  Zaidee couldn’t help being impressed by the display. Oh, what lucky woman could catch this man’s heart? He showed he cared about all the people he met. He had no enemies, no reason to be afraid, nothing to hide. She lowered her head and continued to eat. She willed herself not to think of the past life she had and to concentrate on the present.

  After the last bite of apple pie, when all forks were placed on plates and cloth napkins set aside, Joseph gave another nod. The farmhands left the tables and gathered under the shade trees to talk and laugh. The children hit the play area away from the adults.