Then she saw the young, Chinese woman and the handsome, young man who had run up the stairs after her. They were walking toward the park, holding hands, and clearly in love.
Jericho sighed. She felt as if she’d never been young much less in love. She watched the way they walked so in tune with one another as if they were a melody set against a backdrop of new grass and wildflowers.
Feeling as if she were intruding in their world, she stood and was about to leave when the young woman called out to her.
“Miss, wait.” With quick steps, the woman ran toward her.
Jericho stood and wondered what she could want.
“I see you are new to the town. Do you think it is wrong for James and me to be in love?”
Taken aback by the question, Jericho thought for a moment. “Old ways die slowly. It really doesn’t matter what I think, but what do you think? And your families?”
The young woman’s smile faded. “That’s what the preacher said. I am now an American. My allegiance is to America. Just because I look different, some people think we shouldn’t get married.”
Jericho smiled kindly at the young woman. “There will always be those who come against you, but what I witnessed watching the both of you was love in its purest. The sweet way you look at one another. I see two people who are in love. Just know that there will be those who will be intent on breaking you apart.”
The young man hugged the girl. “Thank you. We know it will be hard, but we’re willing to stick it out. Together.” He smiled. “I’m James Dowd Taggart. This is Li Hwan.”
Jericho held out her hand to them. “Jericho Winters. I just arrived in town the other day. It seems like a nice town.”
James nodded. “It is. I guess we’ll see how nice it is after we’re married.”
“You can count on my support for as long as I am here.”
The young woman hugged her. “I knew you would be one who understood.”
Jericho smiled at them. “I have an appointment I must keep. It was lovely to meet you.” She left them and prayed they would be happy.
Why there were always people intent on making other’s lives miserable, she couldn’t understand. But all her life, she’d seen the busybody women with their noses in the air. She supposed Shirleyville had its share of them, but for now, she’d choose to believe the town was full of friendly people.
She strode across the street to the courthouse. Already, the town was abuzz with commerce. She almost went to Del’s shop but decided before she got any more enamored with the man, she better meet the one Bridgette had for her.
She was about to open the heavy wooden door to the courthouse when Del came up behind her and opened it. “Del, I almost went to your shop but needed to speak to Mrs. Merritt.”
He looked at her with surprise. “You know, Bridgette?”
Jericho nodded.
He stepped aside and let her enter. “She’s in the back with Judge Taggart.”
“Taggart, I would guess he has a son, James.”
Del nodded. “He has ten children.” He laughed. “He lost his wife and daughter, Shirley. And years later, married his current wife, Rachel, and adopted her ten children.”
“Oh, my. That must have been a surprise and adjustment.”
Del smiled. “I hear the judge has never been happier. The right woman and children can do that for a man.”
“I’ve heard that, too.” Jericho hoped Bridgette had a good man for her because it was going to be hard for her to forget Del.
He went inside with her and knocked on the door. “I found someone looking for you, Bridgette.”
An older man looked up from his desk and stood, holding his hand out to her. “I’m Judge Taggart.”
She shook his hand. “Jericho Winters. I’m pleased to meet you.”
Bridgette was in a big leather chair and remained sitting. “I’m sorry, I just can’t get up today. But what a delight to see that you two have met one another. Del, this is your mail-order bride I picked out for you. Jericho Winters, Del is the man that I had in mind for you. I hope you will both be happy.”
Jericho couldn’t believe it. Were the curses that had followed her all her life over? She shook her head and smiled. “Del, I can’t believe this, and I couldn’t be happier.”
He was all smiles, too. “Bridgette, you picked the perfect woman for me. We met, getting off the train. The more we’ve seen one another, the more I dreaded having to give Jericho up for the mail-order bride.”
The judge clapped him on the back. “Sounds like providence to me. Sometimes, God has a serious sense of humor.”
Jericho was in delighted shock but then thought of the judge’s last name. “Oh, Judge Taggart. I met one of your sons, James. He was with a beautiful Chinese girl. And I could see they are deeply in love.”
The judge grew serious. “Yes, that they are, and unfortunately, I see nothing but trouble for the both of them.”
“I’m sorry about that. They looked so sweet together. I know people can be cruel, but I hope they have nothing but happiness.”
The judge smiled. “I do, too. And for you and Del, too.” He gave Bridgette a look. “I’ll let you talk. I’m going to meet my wife for lunch.”
After he left the room, Bridgette gestured for them to sit in the chairs in front of the big desk. “Judge Taggart and I share this office. He is my mentor and has taught me more than I can thank him for.”
Del let Jericho sit in the first chair, and then he eased around the crowded office to the far one. “What do we need to do?”
“Well, you’ve done the first thing, and that’s to meet.” Bridgette crossed off something on the paper in front of her. “The next thing is to get to know one another. There are no rules or strings attached. You are both free to marry or not marry.” She smiled and looked at them. “I’d say let love take its course.”
Del nodded. “I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done for me, Bridgette. I won’t let you down.”
Bridgette grinned. “I never thought you would. Now, if you two will excuse me, I think I’ll have my knight-in-shining-armor take me to lunch and then home.” She pushed herself up and walked into the first office, leaving them alone.
Jericho turned to Del. “I am so glad it’s you. I was beginning to wonder what I would do when my groom-to-be showed up.”
Del chuckled. “I was feeling the same way. I even told myself, I had better not have any more dinners with you, or I’d have to disappoint my mail-order bride. As it turns out, I couldn’t be more pleased.”
“It’s about lunchtime. I could go for a meal, and we could get to know one another.”
A shadow of worry crossed his face but quickly disappeared. “Let’s go.”
Jericho walked out of the courthouse feeling as if the world had finally turned in her favor. She couldn’t have chosen a better man, and it was clear he liked her.
She thought back to Li and James. Despite the troubles they faced, they were so in love that nothing was going to stop them. That’s what Jericho wanted. She glanced at Del and felt she had a chance at that.
They were well on their way to love.
Chapter 7
Del held the chair for Jericho. She was such a beautiful woman, and she was his. Well, not his, but they got along well together. A fleeting thought clouded his joy. How was he going to tell her of his past? Did he have to?
She took his hand and smiled. “I couldn’t be happier. Thank you for being so kind to me.” She stopped as if she’d wanted to say more.
“I guess we need to find out about one another. I was afraid to ask before because I didn’t want to get too attached and then have to break it off. I am so glad it’s you.” Del put aside his past and concentrated on his fortune to have such a beautiful woman.
“We can take it one day at a time. I have enough money to last me a month, and I can get a job at the dress shop if I need to.” She blushed. “I’m just trying to say that you don’t need to worry about
taking care of me right now. We do have time to get to know one another.”
Del nodded, not sure how to answer. He should just blurt it out. He was an outlaw. But he couldn’t bear the thought of her leaving him. “It might be good for me to get my business going. I want to take care of you as my wife.”
Jericho smiled. “I’m good with numbers and words. My father made sure I was schooled.”
“I thought you sounded well-educated.” He didn’t want to say he’d learned most of his while in prison, and once Jay showed up, all bets would be off. His brother would be sure to spill the truth about their past.
Del’s biggest hope was she’d fall in love with him, and it wouldn’t matter. But he wasn’t sure that was possible.
Jericho picked at her food. Then she looked at him. “What about our pasts? I’m changing my life and really don’t want to go into it. I’ve left that behind and don’t want to look back.”
He wondered what kind of hurt she had suffered, but he was glad for the reprieve. “All right, as far as we know, we just appeared here in Shirleyville today. We’ll go forward.” It sounded good, but he had maybe six months until Jay came.
She smiled and looked relieved. “Thank you. You don’t know how happy that makes me.” She picked up her glass. “Today and tomorrow. No yesterdays.”
Del grinned and clinked her glass. “I agree, and I can’t wait to see all our tomorrows.”
They enjoyed their lunch together. It was as if a huge weight had been taken from his shoulders. They were free to get to know one another and see where it took them. Although he had a pretty good idea, they’d be married before Jay arrived.
“I have orders for four chairs and a table now. The wood came in on the train yesterday, so I’ve already started designing them.”
Jericho put down her fork. “That’s great. I know you’ll do a wonderful job. Like I said, I am good with numbers. I even did a bit of bookkeeping.” She looked down. “That’s a little of the past I don’t mind revealing.”
“I might need some help in that area. But for now, I guess I can handle a few orders.” He laughed. “Jericho, I will go as fast or as slow as you want. I know we get along.”
She nodded. “Let’s not make plans yet and just enjoy one another. When the time is right, we’ll know.”
He got the impression she was keeping something from him. Of course, he was holding back too. It was probably only a matter of time before the sheriff or judge or even Bridgette made a slip, and then Jericho would know his sordid past.
He watched her, such a beauty inside and out. He doubted if she’d love an outlaw. Yet, he’d paid for his debts and crime. He was clean according to the law. He just needed to remember that and pray that Jericho would understand.
“Would you like to see my shop and the living quarters above?”
Jericho put her napkin on the plate. “Yes, I’d love to.”
On the way to his shop, they laughed, watching a small dog chase a larger one. Del couldn’t get over how everything was brighter. Warmer. Alive. All because Jericho was at his side.
He came to his shop, and there was a note on his door from the store owner. “I must have some more of my supplies in. That’s great timing.” He smiled at her as he unlocked the door and then held it open for her. “Everything is coming together.”
She stepped in and looked around. “You’re going to do great. I can feel it. Productive and prosperous. That will be you, Mr. Del Selmer.”
“I have to admit that with you by my side, I am motivated to be the best carpenter in the area. You inspire me, Jericho.”
She whirled around the shop. “And look at us, we’ve only been alive a couple of days. Right?”
“Exactly. I am a man without a past. I didn’t exist until I met you.” How he wished that was true, but for now, he believed it.
She walked to him and put her hand in his. “And I am a woman of but a few days old.”
“Baby, I’m falling in love already.”
“Whoa, boy. We have to do things right. I suppose you’re a church-going man?”
Del shrugged. “I suppose. Since this will be my first Sunday alive, I think I will go to church and make it so.”
“Oh, good. Me, too. I have my mother’s Bible and have been reading it. I have to say I don’t understand all of what I read, but I know some. Like do not steal, and other do nots.”
A stinging dart pricked his heart. But he went along. He was new, and the new him hadn’t stolen a thing other than maybe Jericho’s heart. “We’ll learn about the Bible together in church.”
Del pointed to a door in the back. “I’ll show you the upstairs. It’s not much now, I have a lot of work to do to make it a place to live. A place to bring my bride. But I promise it will be a home when we’re ready.”
She grinned and put a finger to his chest. “I do think you’re right in saying when. Already, this is more than I could have dreamed of.”
He led her to the back and then up the stairs. “There’s enough for two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a parlor. I figure it won’t be long and I’ll build us a house.” He looked at her and shrugged. “If you accept me.”
By the look on her face, she agreed with him. “When the time comes, I can help you decorate. I’ve always wanted to make a room come alive as a home. A place where love belongs and grows.”
Del watched her. His heart was becoming hers. “This is where I want the main bedroom. And the bed against a wall there where we can look out at the mountain.” He pointed.
She gasped. “That’s the most beautiful scene I could imagine. It’s perfect, Del.”
He was near her. He could hold her, kiss her, and he wanted to more than he wanted to admit. She had hooked him. Del put a hand on her shoulders and turned her to face him.
“Jericho Winters, I hope you don’t want a long engagement, but whatever you want, my heart wants to give it to you.”
Her eyes searched his. “Not long.” Her words were breathy.
They stood for a moment. Del didn’t want to let her go. Then the door below opened and closed, making the bell ring.
“Business calls. I better go see who it is.” He reluctantly left her by the window and went downstairs.
Mr. Satchel stood awkwardly by the counter. “Glad I caught you while you were in. About that order of lumber, the amount puts you just over the money in your account.”
Del shook his head. “I don’t understand. I thought I had plenty.”
The banker shrugged. “I wanted you to know. I won’t charge it back and will cover the shortage. I know you already have orders.”
“Thank you, Mr. Satchel. It was nice of you to come and tell me. I promise I’ll make it up to you. I guess maybe I spent a little more than I should have eating out. I’ll move from the boarding house at the end of the week and that will save me some money.”
The banker put a hand on his shoulder. “I didn’t mean to cause you trouble, but I always feel it’s good to know when the money is tight. It empowers a soul to make hard decisions.”
Del nodded just as Jericho came down the stairs.
Mr. Satchel smiled at her. “I see you’re busy. If you need any help, let me know. My office is always open to you.”
Del walked him to the door.
After the banker had left, Jericho came up behind him. “Any problems?”
“No, just a reminder that I better watch my money. But I’m not worried. I’ve got some orders, and soon I expect to have more.”
Jericho smiled at him. “I can help if you need me to.”
Del wanted it to be right. He wanted to take care of her. “I’ll be fine. When I take a wife, it will be to take care of and protect her.” He paused and though he wanted to hug her, he walked to the door. “I’m sorry, but I need to run to the general store and pick up my supplies.”
She nodded and gave him a smile that said he’d answered her wisely. “I’ll let you go and see what I can find to do.”
Del let he
r out the door and watched her walk to the hotel. He hoped she wouldn’t meet up with any other men looking for a wife. Then he remembered how she had looked at him. One thing the warden had said was he needed to begin trusting others.
He needed to trust Jericho. Especially if she was to be his wife. It wouldn’t do to keep second-guessing one another. He’d seen how that worked or didn’t work in the case of some friends he and Jay had had in Denver.
One thing Del wanted to do was live a good life. One he could be proud of. He turned to see Jericho go into the hotel. Yes, he wanted to make her proud of him.
He stared at the note Mr. Satchel had given him and slammed his fist onto the counter. “Great way to start by letting her hear the banker say I was overdrawn.” Not back in town a week, and he was already in financial trouble.
Old familiar feelings of anger beat him down. His blood boiled with the unfairness of everything when he saw his reflection in the window. Anger and darkness marked his face. Then Del thought of Jericho.
That sure wouldn’t attract her to him. He laughed, pointed at the reflection, and shouted at it. “You are gone!”
His reflection changed. “That Del is dead.” He pointed at his reflection. “You, Mr., better remember to smile and cut out the anger. That’s what got the old you into trouble. I know better now.”
Checking the amount of money in his pocket, he went to see about his supplies. He hoped he had enough to cover the bill, but then he had paid for most of it.
He glanced at the hotel. Dinner would be out for the time being. He hoped she’d understand.
***
Jericho retreated to her hotel room. What was she going to do? What if a man came by and recognized her from one of the saloons she’d worked in?
She was already falling in love with Del. In her deepest heart, she knew she should tell him right now. Confess all her sordid past and the hard upbringing she’d had.
But she couldn’t. She would lose Del the moment she told him. She didn’t even want to name what she had been.
Jericho (Bridgette's Bridal Registry Book 1) Page 5