“For a bag of jawbreakers—”
“No more jawbreakers, Tillie. Can you tell me where your pa is?”
“Reckon he’s in the barn. What are you going to discuss with him?”
Gabe shook his head. The only downside of someday asking for Meredith’s hand in marriage was that he would inherit another younger pesky sister.
Meredith was worth the sacrifice.
Moments later, Gabe found Mr. Waller in the barn. “What can I do for you, Gabe?”
“Hello, sir. May I have a moment of your time?”
Mr. Waller set aside his work. “What’s on your mind?”
Gabe walked to the barn door and peeked outside. Sure enough, Tillie held her ear to the wall. He closed the door and returned to Mr. Waller. “I spied an eavesdropper.”
Mr. Waller let out a rumbling chuckle. “That Tillie. God has some plans for her life for sure. But she’s a bit on the meddlesome side.”
Gabe couldn’t agree more. But he hadn’t come here to discuss Tillie’s meddlesome ways. He removed his hat and reached his forearm up to wipe the perspiration on his forehead. “Mr. Waller, I’ve come to ask you an important question.”
“Go on.”
“I reckon I’d be much obliged if I could court your daughter.” The words were out, and there was no retracting them. Lord, please, let him say yes!
Mr. Waller narrowed his eyes but said nothing in response. Gabe considered sneaking out of the barn, climbing on his horse, and returning home. Instead, he pleaded his case, drawing upon his rehearsed speech. “Sir, I have a right fine ranch that I’m continuing to expand. I will provide for Meredith and love her and care for her always.”
“Just one question for you, son.”
“Yes, sir?”
“What took you so long to ask?”
“Beg your pardon, Mr. Waller?”
“The missus and I suspected that you’ve fancied Meredith for some time now.”
Had everyone known of Gabe’s intentions toward Meredith? “Yes, sir. Since we were in school together.”
Mr. Waller raised his eyebrows. “We hadn’t figured that long. Anyhow, you have my blessing to court my daughter. I couldn’t ask for a finer man to make that request.”
“You mean it, sir?”
“Yes, I do.”
They shook hands until Gabe was certain he’d shake the hand right off the shorter, older man standing before him.
For two months, Meredith and Gabe had spent time together. Today, Gabe had promised a picnic near the river, not far from Ellis Creek.
Meredith finished packing the picnic basket and then tucked in a checkered table-cloth she’d sewn last week.
“Are you departing with Gabe again?” Tillie asked, perching herself on the table.
“Yes. Today we’re going on a picnic.”
“That sounds romantic,” Tillie swooned. “And to think, it all began with Lula and me and our brilliant idea.”
“Thank you, Tillie.”
“You’re welcome. I received quite a few jawbreakers for our good deed.” Tillie pushed her spectacles up on her nose. “Do you think someday Willard won’t be such a nuisance? Maybe he’ll be handsome and dashing like Gabe.”
“That could very well happen, Tillie.”
Tillie smirked and pointed out the window. “Here comes your beau now. I’ll leave you to your swooning,” she tittered, fleeing the room.
Less than an hour later, Gabe assisted Meredith from the wagon. She put her arm through the crook of his elbow as they walked toward the creek. Would God see fit to join them in matrimony someday?
Over the past couple of weeks, Gabe had improved in his efforts to overcome shyness. Meredith giggled to herself. Perhaps what Widow Jones had said was true about men becoming more long-winded as time passed.
They looked into each other’s eyes for a few moments until Gabe leaned toward her. “Meredith?”
“Yes?”
“May I steal a kiss?”
She’d thought he’d never ask. “Yes, you may.”
He held her face gently in his large hands and leaned toward her. He smelled of pine trees and soap. She closed her eyes as his face neared hers. His mouth sought hers, the soft touch of his lips growing more passionate as the seconds passed. So this was what kissing Gabe would be like.
No disappointment there.
When the kiss ended, Gabe stroked her cheek with his fingers. He seemed to be searching for words. “Meredith?”
“Yes?”
“Reckon I’m in love with you.”
She reckoned—no she knew—that she was in love with him, too. Meredith marveled that the Lord had brought the right person to her in His timing.
Gabe suggested Meredith retrieve one final letter from the oak tree. He stood a short distance from her and watched as she reached her hand into the sliver for his letter. No more would he love the woman of his affections from afar.
Her dainty hands unfolded the note—hands he’d have the privilege of holding far into the future as they took long walks along his ranch. Their ranch.
Last week, Gabe had penned the words Will you marry me? on some special lilac-colored stationery he had purchased from the mercantile. Finally working up the nerve to deliver his letter, he held his breath for Meredith’s response.
Her eyes scanned the paper then gazed up at his. “Yes, Gabe. I will marry you.”
In a romantic sweep, he had her in his arms. In an even quicker movement, his lips found hers, sealing the promise of their hearts.
While Penny Zeller has had a love for writing since childhood, she began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications.
Today, Penny is a multi-published, award-winning author of inspirational books. She is a homeschool mom of two and actively devotes her time to coaching homeschool P.E. and teaching a variety of classes at her local homeschool co-op. Her passion is to assist and nurture women and children into a closer relationship with Christ.
When Penny is not dreaming up new characters, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children while camping, hiking, canoeing, reading, running, gardening, and playing volleyball.
The Secret Admirer Romance Collection Page 59