by Linda Ford
After stretching his back and rubbing his neck, he returned to the task. Several times he glanced toward the house, hoping for a glimpse of Emily, but not once did he see her.
It was almost suppertime when he left the yard. He’d come back tomorrow.
He returned early the next morning, before the day grew too hot. By noon he’d not seen her at the house, and with other things to tend to, he had to leave, disappointed. But he wasn’t about to give up.
Saturday morning, he again returned. He’d been there an hour when he heard doors slamming, and he jerked around to watch the house. The back door flew open and Mikey ran to him, yelling, “Yesse,” at the top of his lungs.
Jesse caught the boy and swung him overhead then hugged him tight. “I missed you, little cowboy.”
Mikey hugged Jesse’s neck so hard he could scarcely breathe.
Emily came to the door and watched them cautiously. Then she saw the garden. He’d cleaned out one corner. Her eyes widened and she rushed to the bushes, touching the half-dozen red roses.
“You did this?”
He nodded.
“Did Grandfather Marshall ask you to?”
“No one asked me.” He shifted Mikey to one side so he could watch her more closely.
“Then why?”
“Because I saw you moving into the house and knew how much you would enjoy the flowers.”
“But why?”
He understood that she meant more than the work he had done. He lowered Mikey to the ground and took a step closer to Emily. “Because actions speak louder than words.”
She shook her head. “I don’t understand.”
“The other day I wanted to tell you something but you didn’t give me a chance.”
“I’m sorry. I’ve been struggling to deal with getting my memory back and deciding what I’m going to do. What did you want to tell me?”
He moved closer, close enough to see the blue sky of her eyes. And something he hadn’t seen in her gaze before—a sense of purpose, perhaps. “You were right about my need to forgive my mother. And I have.”
He told her of how he’d tossed the pieces of wood into the fire. “I let go of my hurt. Something else, too. I realized I was judgmental. I think you saw that in me.” He hoped it was, in part, the reason she had asked him to leave rather than give him the opportunity to respond to her confession.
“I’m happy for you. But that doesn’t explain this.” She waved her hand to indicate the garden.
“I don’t care about what happened to you four years ago. You did nothing wrong. And you can be assured Mr. Ellesworth will not bother you again. He should be in jail.” He explained how the man had tried to take advantage of the landowners. “I don’t see you as a fallen woman, a ruined woman or a woman with a shameful secret.”
“How do you see me?”
He caught her hand and drew her into the seclusion of the gazebo. “I see you as a kind, sweet, noble, upright, devoted woman. Do I need to go on?”
She sank to the wooden seat. “Are you sure?”
He sat beside her and took her hands. “Very sure. I’m asking you to give me another chance to show you I care. This is just a start.” He indicated the garden, where Mikey had collected twigs and leaves into a pile.
She withdrew her hands. “I rented this house. I’m going to start a seamstress business. Your grandmother said she would welcome me doing so.”
“Just the other day she told me she wished she didn’t have to continue sewing. Said she was too old.”
“I’m glad she won’t mind me running a business like hers. But that’s not all I’ve decided to do. I’m going to try and adopt Mikey. Grandfather Marshall offered to help me.” She wrapped her arms about her chest. “I’m almost afraid to think a single woman will be allowed to adopt.”
He could change her single status, but he feared to rush her and lose her. He’d let his actions speak for him.
It took him four days to get the garden into the shape it should be. There was a section intended for growing vegetables. It was too late in the season to plant most things; however, he marked out rows and planted lettuce, carrots and potatoes. If she watered them regularly she would at least get small vegetables.
The day he finished, he looked at the door. Should he knock and show Emily the garden? Or let her discover it herself?
Actions speak louder than words.
He went out the back gate.
Day by day, he’d grown surer of how he felt. He’d let his actions speak.
*
Emily looked out the window to the back garden expecting to see Jesse there. He was gone. She’d been doing her best to avoid him despite the longing that drew her often to the window. She sensed he cared for her, but she needed time to sort out who she was. Was she the same Emily who had arrived in Bella Creek without any memory? Or was she the Emily who had been foolish enough to be caught in a compromising situation?
Or was she someone else?
Day by day she was learning more about herself. She was strong, ready to face the challenges of her life. She would do it alone if she must, but as the days passed, she grew aware of an empty spot in her heart that had Jesse’s name on it.
But she had to make sure of how she felt, not only for her sake, but for Mikey’s. The boy loved Jesse. She didn’t want him hurt if her feelings or Jesse’s were temporary.
She left the house and went to the garden. Jesse’s work had uncovered a row of red rose bushes. Pink and yellow buds revealed the other colors. Other flowers would soon bloom now that they had been set free from the weeds. She reached the fallow part and saw several rows marked out. She’d have to ask what he’d planted.
The gazebo beckoned and she went inside. A bouquet of flowers in a tin can sat on a bench. She sat across from the display and stared at it, her mind and heart opening to the possibilities of love.
Could she be worthy of it? Could she accept it? Would loving Jesse compromise his upright way of life?
“Lord God, guide me the right direction. I don’t want to make a mistake.” One thing she’d learned was how far-reaching mistakes could be, even honest ones committed with no malice or evil intended.
By Saturday she had made up her mind and walked up the street to Gram and Jesse’s house.
Gram welcomed her with open arms and Muffin ran circles around Mikey, yapping happily.
“It’s about time you paid me a visit.”
“Thank you for all the business you are sending my way.”
“I’m happy to. I’m thinking of retiring completely.”
Emily wondered at the brightness in Gram’s cheeks. “I’ve come to invite you and Jesse to join me for dinner after church tomorrow.”
“Oh, that would be lovely, dear. I’m anxious to see your house.”
“You’re welcome to visit anytime.”
Gram drew her inside and served tea. Later, Emily returned to her house, smiling in anticipation of her plans.
*
Sunday morning arrived, and with it a song in her heart and on her lips. She checked the roast in the oven and the rest of the meal preparation. She’d made a beautiful chocolate cake with thick butter frosting plus cookies for later in the afternoon should Jesse linger. And Gram, she added. She hadn’t forgotten Gram.
Mikey sat at the table swinging his feet. “Yesse come? Gam come?”
Emily bent over the child to hug him and plant a kiss on his head. “Yes, sweet boy, they are coming after church.”
She had loved all the children at the orphanage but none as much as Mikey. As she always did when she thought of her hope to adopt him, she prayed for God to make it possible.
Cooking for the children and staff had been one of the tasks she enjoyed, and it had certainly taught her how to prepare large meals. It was a challenge to remind herself that she only had herself and Mikey to cook for. Today she would double that.
“How about I wash your hands and face, and we leave for church?”
; “’Kay.”
They were soon on their way. Jesse stepped into the street ahead of them. She had timed it perfectly. He looked both ways and waited when he saw them. Mikey ran headlong into his arms and there he remained, his arm around Jesse’s neck.
“Good morning,” Jesse said. “I understand we are having dinner at your place.”
“That’s right.” Their gazes caught and held, full of warmth and wonder as she recalled a previous Sunday afternoon spent there. Her hope and prayer was that today would be every bit as memorable.
She hadn’t planned to sit beside him. On the other hand, she didn’t object as they slid into a pew next to Gram. It was as if nothing had changed.
The thought sobered her. She had changed. Now she knew who she was and how she’d been judged for a foolish decision.
Hugh took his place. His gaze found her and he smiled. He’d been so kind and helpful the few days she’d spent at his house. No wonder Annie had fallen in love with him.
The hymns were familiar and joy flooded her being.
Then Hugh announced his text. “Second Corinthians chapter five, verse seventeen: ‘Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.’”
She drank in hope and assurance as he spoke of the work Christ had done for His followers. Just like new. Unblemished. She clung to the word. In her mind she saw the scarlet ribbon someone had pinned to her door removed by a loving Hand, the label given her taken away.
She knew she was innocent, but it was even better to know she did not have to carry her past with her.
Grandfather Marshall called her name as they left the church. “How is your new home?”
“Lovely, thank you. I’ve invited Jesse and Gram to have dinner with me.”
“I wouldn’t mind seeing how you’ve fixed up the house.” He waggled his bushy brows and darted a look at Gram.
Seems the matchmaker had found his own match. Good for them both. “Would you care to join us?”
“What a generous offer.” He winked. “I accept.”
She looked at his canes.
He nodded. “I can walk that far. I will just take longer than you young folk. You go ahead. I’ll get Grace to keep me company.”
“You do that.” Emily laughed as she looked for Mikey. He perched in Jesse’s arms.
Jesse joined her. “Are you ready to leave?”
“Yes, please.”
Jesse looked around as they entered her house. “You’ve made it very cozy.”
“It’s through the generosity of the Marshalls and Gram. I have nothing of my own.” She hoped he wouldn’t think she complained, because she was feeling more than blessed. Already her business was thriving. In time, she would replace the borrowed items with her own things.
“Can I help with the meal?” Jesse asked.
“Can you set the table for me?”
He grinned. “Lady, Gram had taught me to set a proper table by the time I was eight.” He reached past her for plates.
She held very still, ignoring the urge to turn into his arms and press her face to his chest.
He moved away. The air between them crackled with tension.
She stirred the gravy with undue vigor.
By the time Grandfather and Gram arrived, the table was set and the meal on the table.
She might have worried that the tension between herself and Jesse would make conversation awkward, but Mikey told a long, involved story about Evan’s dog that had them laughing, and Gram and Grandfather told stories of their childhoods.
They finished up with her cake and it earned her lots of praise.
As soon as the dishes were done and the food put away, she turned to Jesse.
“I have something to show you.” She glanced at the older couple, not wanting to exclude them.
Gram waved her away. “I’d like to sit, if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all.” Mikey opted to stay with Gram and show her the little booklet he and Emily had made with pictures he drew—with a little help from Emily.
Emily and Jesse went outdoors and stood side by side, admiring the garden. “I haven’t thanked you properly for all the work you did for me. Thank you.”
“My pleasure.”
They reached the gazebo but she paused without going in. “You said actions speak louder than words. I’d like to hear what words you meant.” She faced him, wanting to…needing to see his eyes and his mouth as he responded to her request.
He looked down at her, dark eyes inviting her to explore. She opened her thoughts to him, as well, holding nothing back, hoping he would see all that was in her heart.
He lifted his hand and pressed his palm to her jaw.
She leaned into his touch.
He cleared his throat. “There are so many words. First, I want to say that I don’t in any way brand you as those in your past have. Second, I want to make sure you understand that I think you belong here.”
“In Bella Creek?”
He pressed his free hand to his chest. “And here.”
Her breath lodged somewhere in her throat.
“If you choose.” His voice deepened to a groan.
She couldn’t let his uncertainty remain. “I choose.”
“Really?” Joy wreathed his face.
“Yes. Come inside.”
He followed her inside. She’d cut flowers and greenery to fill jars in each corner. She’d prepared a little picnic basket. “I know you’re not hungry, but I thought you might enjoy some fudge.”
He caught her hand. “Is this how your actions speak louder than words?”
She moved closer. “Flowers and candy are supposed to say something special.”
“They’re romantic.”
She nodded.
“Does it mean what I hope it means?”
“Depends what you hope.”
“I hope it means you feel for me like I feel about you.”
“And what would that be?”
“Emily, I love you. Forever and always. I know I should take my time, but I can’t. I want to share your life. Make a home with you and Mikey. Will you marry me?” He paused, hope and uncertainty in his eyes.
“Jesse Hill, I love you so much my insides feel full of fudge. Yes, I will marry you.”
His arms closed about her and he bent his head to give her a sweet, promising kiss. In his embrace she knew exactly who she was. A woman loved by a noble and strong man.
Epilogue
They waited throughout what was left of the summer, enjoying bright days and sweet evenings. They wanted the paperwork on Mikey’s adoption to be in order before they married.
The day finally came. Their wedding day.
Emily looked down at her gown. She’d chosen pale pink silk and had sewn the dress herself. Annie was to be her only bridesmaid.
“Are you ready?” her father asked.
She smiled up at him, through tears. “Having you and Mother here is the best gift I could dream of.” She had written them to let them know of her location and her plans. They had arrived two days ago.
“Your mother and I are so happy you have found a place where you are accepted as the beautiful, pure young lady you are. Jesse is a good man.” He kissed her cheek. “And he’s probably tired of waiting.”
They followed Annie down the aisle. Emily almost stumbled at the sight of Jesse at the front, dark and handsome in a black suit with Mikey holding his hand.
Three years old already. He wore a black vest, black trousers and a white shirt, all of which Emily had made.
They went forward. Emily kissed her father and mother then turned to Jesse and repeated the vows as Hugh prompted them. After exchanging rings they stood to the side, beaming with joy as Gram and Grandfather then came to the front and were married. The two couples signed the register. Then the judge set out the adoption papers and they were duly signed.
Hugh stood before the people of Bella Creek. “Folks, I present to
you Mr. and Mrs. Allan Marshall.”
Gram and Grandfather kissed, then made their way down the aisle to cheering and clapping.
Hugh signaled Jesse and Emily forward. “I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Hill and their son, Michael Jesse Hill.”
“That me?” Mikey asked.
“It is indeed.” Jesse lifted him into the crook of one arm. Emily took his other arm and they made their way down the aisle, receiving many words of congratulations.
Later that evening, Mikey went to stay with Annie.
Jesse carried Emily over the threshold of their home. “I often dreamed of a wife and child living in this house.”
Still in his arms, she pulled his head down to kiss him. “I am thrilled to help make your dreams come true.”
“Dear wife, you are my dream come true.” He kissed her again. “Are you happy?”
“Happier than I’ve ever been before.”
He set her on her feet and tipped her head up to claim her lips in a kiss full of so much promise and love she wondered her heart could contain it.
*
If you enjoyed this story, pick up the previous
BIG SKY COUNTRY books:
MONTANA COWBOY DADDY
MONTANA COWBOY FAMILY
MONTANA COWBOY’S BABY
MONTANA BRIDE BY CHRISTMAS
MONTANA GROOM OF CONVENIENCE
Available now from Love Inspired Historical!
Find more great reads at www.millsandboon.com.au
Keep reading for an excerpt from MAIL-ORDER BRIDE SWITCH by Dorothy Clark.
Dear Reader,
Jesse has been in every one of the Big Sky Country books previous to this, so it was necessary to give him his own story. I have never before written an amnesia story and found it both a challenge and a pleasure. I hope the lessons both Jesse and Emily learned about dealing with their pasts and their futures will help you find the same assurance of God’s love and care.
You can learn more about my upcoming books and how to contact me at www.lindaford.org. I love to hear from my readers.
Blessings,
Linda Ford
Mail-Order Bride Switch
by Dorothy Clark
Chapter One
Medicine Bow Mountains, Wyoming Territory