Gone to Texas: Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga, book one (Thanksgiving Books & Blessings Collection One 1)

by Caryl McAdoo

  “Anyway, I'm going to propose to the whole clan that you get a full share of everything, Corbin. Land, money, seed . . . everything.”

  What in the world? A little chuckle died in his throat. “What brought that on, friend?”

  “You've earned it. Beside the barn—I'm still amazed at how it turned out—these last two days, helping Thomas and West get their barn going. I saw it in your eyes. I know you had some difficulty leaving your tools there, that it was hard for you.”

  “It was.”

  “Yet you did. And so much more, too. Freeing Isabel; she's a treasure. Liberty's a new woman because of her.”

  “I'm humbled.” Corbin took his hat off then set it back on, grinning. “She is—they both are. Isabel is indeed a treasure, and Liberty, being free from that burden and pain, well, it has changed her, to be true.”

  He walked in silence deciding whether or not to say anything. “My friend, if you haven't already noticed, I'm in love with the widow.”

  “Oh, I've noticed. We all have. And sir, I know it hasn't been that long, but I'm all for you and her tying the knot. Lord knows she loves you, too.”

  Wow. The general knew? And approved? His wife must too then. What about Laud? And Flynn? Corbin's heart flipped, doing its best to beat its way out of his chest. “You . . . do you really think so? Has she said something?”

  “No.” Seve laughed. “But I've seen her and Mallory in deep discussion. She's torn, that's for sure, but here . . . it isn't like back East. None of us are guaranteed our next breath. If there's a chance at some happiness, I say why wait. Isn't like Reagan's coming back. I loved the man, but he's gone.”

  With a single clap, Corbin hit one palm on the other. “My thoughts exactly. We could wait. But why? Isn't like either of us had anything to do with her husband getting snakebit. I know she mourned, and I didn't mean for this to happen, never planned it . . . I mean, she's a handsome woman.”

  “That she is.”

  “And smart as a whip, too.”

  “It's true.”

  “And he's in a better place.”

  “Amen.”

  Relief washed over Liberty when the dog announced Corbin and Seve's return. But as quickly as the joy had risen, the thrill of the emotion immediately faded, replaced by dread.

  During her part of preparing the meal and through supper, she managed to keep a smile plastered on her face. She didn't have to fake it, especially while Sukey and Dilly questioned him about their barn's progress and showing off the pile of shingles they had created for its roof. It tickled her when Mister Harrell bragged on them getting at least four squares worth in the time he was gone.

  Unlike her, they didn't ask if that was a lot, only puffed up like they'd really done something.

  That night, as had become the custom, he kindled a fire at the east end, hung a lantern, and fetched her and her rocker. He took her hand, but she didn't sit down.

  “I need to tell you something.”

  “Well, now.” He grinned. “Does this have anything to do with your barn being finished?”

  She stifled a snort. When was he ever going to stop calling the barn hers? “Somewhat.” She squeezed his hand then eased down. “Sit.”

  He did as told but took his hat off and tossed it over his boot, like she couldn't have the last word. “Yes, ma'am.”

  “I'm going to tell you something about me, and when I'm finished, I'm getting up and going to my wagon.”

  “Why? What about our Bible study?”

  She filled her lungs then exhaled. “I want you to think about what I'm going to tell you. Sleep on it. We can talk again tomorrow after our Thanksgiving dinner . . . if you're still of a mind to.”

  “Mercy, Liberty.”

  “No, shush. Please humor me. Don't say any more, just listen.”

  “Yes, ma'am.”

  She rocked forward. “And as my dear friend, promise me that you'll never repeat what I'm about to tell you.”

  With a nod, he put his pointer finger to his lips.

  No matter how much she hated it, the Lord would not let her keep quiet.

  “So, well, here it is. I was seventeen, and this boy . . . well, we slipped out one night. He'd been sparking me for months. It was my birthday, and we met at a roadhouse to dance. Back then I thought I knew it all. Anyway, he was older and knew all about spiced rum and its effects on young girls.

  “We stole the doctor's buggy to get out of there and have some privacy. Don't you laugh, Corbin Harrell.”

  He straightened his lips.

  “So, I thought—in my drunken fog—I was giving him my heart . . . and he was giving his to me, but when things turned steamy . . . too much for me . . . he wouldn't stop. He . . .”

  She stared at the ground. “He took my virginity that night and left me with nothing.”

  His expression didn't change, as if he expected more.

  “I don't know if you've heard the story, but later, months after that, Seve was sweet on me before Mallory, and she had eyes for Reagan. Anyway, Seve always had qualities I've admired, but I just . . . couldn't get serious without telling him. He quizzed me and ended up saying something along the lines of I asked for it. Called me a trollop, and I slapped his face.

  “I ran out of the boardinghouse where Mal and I were living, and Seve didn't come after me. Reagan did. The rest . . . is history.”

  Though he cleared his throat, he didn't say anything. Not then and not when she stood. She turned and marched to her wagon, managing to keep her tears at bay until she buried her head in her pillow.

  All night, she figured she might have caught forty winks at the most. It seemed as though she tossed and turned and fretted until the muffled voices told her the men were heading out. She waited a few minutes then threw on the dress she'd worn the day before.

  Why dress up? She loved Thanksgiving, but with all the work facing her and the other ladies . . . and with Corbin hating her now . . . It was almost too much.

  Deep within though, she knew to bless the Lord anyway! To give Him thanks in everything, every situation—good or bad—and every disappointment.

  What a fool she'd been. Mallory was right. Why had she ever thought she should tell him about being violated so long ago. Would he see her as damaged goods?

  It wasn't like she hadn't mothered two children, so being new and pure for him wasn't an issue anyway. What was he thinking? She climbed down and made a quick trip to the new privy.

  Heading to the west end of the barn, she found the cook-fire already blazing.

  As most mornings, dear Esther had coffee on and was enjoying the fruit of her labor, but it surprised Liberty that Seve sat with his boots stretched out close to the coals.

  “Thought all you men were going hunting this morning?”

  “I drew the short straw.” He smiled. “We figured someone needed to stay with you ladies.”

  With a single nod, she looked to her sister-in-law. “Did Rich wake up?”

  “No. Poor baby got his one shake like his Da promised, but that didn't do it.”

  “Aw, he'll be so disappointed.” She glanced back to Seve. “How about Aaron? Did he get up?”

  “Oh no. He's a bigger sleepyhead than Richard.” Seve stood then stepped closer and extended his hand. A small lavender flower about an inch or so long rested in his palm. “Corbin asked me to give this to you. Said last night you ran off, and he didn't get a chance to. He found it on the way back yesterday.”

  She took the Aster. “It's beautiful. Thank you. Did he say anything else?”

  “As a matter of fact, he did. That he loves you.”

  “He said that? He told you he loves me?”

  “Yes, ma'am.”

  Her best friend's husband tipped his hat, tossed his grounds into the fire, then walked out of the barn's east end.

  “So. Mister Harrell has proclaimed his love for you to Seve. That's rather bold, don't you agree? May I assume you've heard of this before?”

  “Bold?
Yes. And also yes, he's declared his love to me for weeks now, but . . . it's just that . . .” She held the flower up. So Corbin really loved her, and what happened so long ago didn't matter to him after all?

  Why didn't he say something last night then? He'd just let her walk away. He should've known she really didn't mean for him to not say anything if he had something to say. Men!

  Why couldn't they understand?

  By ones and twos, the other ladies and girls came for coffee and went over all the plans for their big meal. Anticipation and excitement filled the air. Before the sun climbed over the tree line, pots were boiling and flour and cornmeal flying.

  Sukey worked on yeast-rising light bread, Dilly a vegetable medley, and Liberty helped Mallory and Alicia peel spuds. Isabel had a special receipt from her grandmother for a cornmeal pudding she wanted to teach Gabrielle, so they were putting that together. Esther seemed to be everywhere, stirring, tasting, adding a spice or salt or offering a better, more efficient way to do a thing.

  Midmorning, the men returned with a fat turkey and a nice buck. Bless the Lord! Charity, Arlene, Aaron, and Rich were assigned getting the bird plucked. As soon as they finished, Corbin and Laud built a separate fire and took to spit-roasting him.

  Thomas and Flynn dressed the deer, handing Dilly a fine rump roast for the meal. Esther claimed enough for a hearty stew, and the men saved the backstrap for steaks. The rest they decided to smoke for preservation.

  Several times, Liberty tried to catch Corbin's eye, but the dolt wouldn't ever look her way when she glanced his. She wanted to thank him for her flower. Let him know how much she loved it.

  He was so thoughtful and sweet. She still could hardly believe he'd told Seve his heart. Perhaps because he'd been best friends with Reagan, Corbin in some way figured he needed the man's blessing.

  With most of the side dishes and bread ready—with more prepared to bake when the bird was closer— Flynn and Laud came to the cook-fire. Her brother smiled.

  “My nephew and I can keep an eye on things. You ladies have been working hard all day. Why don't you take a little break?”

  “Excuse me? Take a break?” She looked around. All the others dropped what they were doing. “What are you talking about, Laud? Mal, Esther, what's going on?”

  Mallory slipped her hand into Liberty's and pulled. “Come on, Seve's got water boiling for us.”

  “What? A bath? Why?”

  “Go on, Sis. Don't spoil the surprise.”

  The meal had a little more cooking time before it'd be ready. It would be nice to freshen up and maybe even put on a clean dress. She allowed her friend to drag her away from the cook-fire, out the east end then around the corner.

  Someone had thrown up a tent, using the wagon's tarps up next to the outside of the barn. Right there, a big iron pot filled with water steamed. The inside of the tent had been partitioned into three private sections.

  “We figured if we couldn't have a proper bath, a warm-rag one was the next best thing.”

  “Who thought of this?”

  Ester beamed. “It was Laud's idea.”

  Mallory handed Liberty a bowl with steaming rags. “You go first. Charity Grace already hung that blue dress you love so much in there.” Her friend nodded toward the first little room.

  “What? That's just silly. We've still got work to do, and that's my best dress.”

  “Liberty Hope O'Neal! Would you just hush and get on with it? The men are trying to do something nice for us. Why would you want to spoil their surprise? Now go on.”

  Mallory's eyes held a mixture of begging and chiding, tinged with enough iron that Liberty decided not to protest. The sparkle of pleasure in them called for compliance.

  If they want her to go first, then fine! After all, of all the ladies in both clans, she was the oldest. Why not let her go first?

  The hot rags proved luxurious. Where had they gotten the rose water to add to the water? They smelled divine. She relished wiping the fragrant rags over her sore and spent muscles.

  It had been a long morning to be sure.

  Smelling sweet for the first time in who knew how long, and as clean as she'd been since the clan left Tennessee, she slipped her favorite dress over her head. When had it been pressed and by whom?

  “Had to be Esther and Charity Grace.” She drew back the canvas door. “When did you iron this dress?”

  Her daughter also decked out in her finest, grinned. “Oh, we've been working on it here and there.”

  “You see . . .” Mallory slipped out of the middle room, also arrayed in her finest. “We've all decided today would be the perfect day for you and Corbin to be married.”

  “What? No! It's Thanksgiving.”

  Esther came out of the third room. “Yes, dear sister. It surely is, and we figured if you wouldn't, couldn't come to the conclusion that God is in this union . . . well . . . that we'd assist you. You know, to make up your mind. You've admitted you love him. He's told anyone who'll listen he loves you.”

  “But . . . but—”

  Alicia, who had been sitting with Gabrielle waiting for their turn, jumped to her feet. “Mam! Flynn and I agree. It's all right for you to be happy. Mister Harrell is here, and he loves you. And Papa is in heaven.” Tears welled in her eyes. “We love you.”

  Isabel slipped in the main door, holding a bouquet of lavender flowers. She extended them to Liberty. “Pap told me where he found that one he had Mister Seve give you.” She looked her in the eye. “Miss Liberty, the Good Book say, there is a time to live. This is your time to live again. You been so good to us all, and we want to see you happy.”

  “So, Corbin's in on this, too?”

  “Not really, not the planning. Seve told him after supper last night, and he couldn't be more thrilled.”

  Her heart skipped a beat. So that was why he didn't come after her!

  Arlene slipped her hand into hers. “Come on, Aunt Liberty.”

  Charity took her other hand. “Yes, Mama. We're hoping to get you two married before the turkey burns.”

  Once back inside the barn and her eyes adjusted, all the men stood about halfway down, with Corbin in the middle. As she neared, he and the others backed up a bit and separated.

  Her heart leapt.

  A beautiful oak dinner table, stained and polished stood there down the middle of the barn. It was huge, long enough to hold everyone at their Thanksgiving dinner!

  Its legs had big balls and smaller rounded bands, so lovely and intricate! It looked like something a body would see in a rich man's house!

  Corbin held his hand out. “How do you like your table?”

  “Mine? I love it! It's absolutely beautiful, breathtaking.”

  “Not as beautiful or breathtaking as you are, my love.”

  “But when did you . . .? How . . .?”

  “Oh, I've kept it out of sight.” He laughed. “Been working on it all along, just not when you were watching.”

  “So then may I assume we are ready?”

  Her brother stepped up and held his elbow out for his sister. Her daughter went ahead spreading petals on her mother's path. Her son slid his bow across the fiddle's strings.

  Wait! Was the thing happening? Should she let it?

  Laud took the first step toward Corbin. Isabel and Gabrielle stood with him. Without effort, her feet went along, and the crazy butterflies inside seemed to settle along with her nerves with each bit closer she got to the man who claimed to love her so.

  'A time to live' Isabel had said . . . just the same she heard that night in the wagon . . . but the girl couldn't have known.

  And she hadn't told a soul.

  Could it be a confirmation?

  So many coincidences—Thomas' brother-in-law being a preacher, the Harrells joining them at the last minute in Tennessee.

  Is it Your plan, Father? She prayed as each footstep took her closer to the man she'd come to love, until she stood before him. He reached out his hands, and she placed hers in
to them.

  Her heart no longer raced. All the butterflies quieted completely, and she knew suddenly that she knew. It was meant to be. God's sweet peace floated down over her like a cool breeze on a summer day, giving her clear discernment, almost as if He'd whispered in her ear.

  THIS IS MY WILL

  The man who held her hands turned toward the Reverend Hunter.

  “Dearly beloved . . .”

  As though she floated out of her body, she hovered all around, hearing every word, seeing the faces she loved, the smiles of happiness and joy, Corbin's complete satisfaction.

  Then he started speaking to her, and she searched the windows of his soul to find nothing but pure, unconditional love there.

  “Liberty, I've never known anyone like you, and it's hard for me to believe you're standing beside me here. On this Thanksgiving Day, my heart is overflowing with so many blessings.

  “My dearest, I promise to love you more each and every day of our lives together—more today than yesterday, but less than tomorrow. I promise to protect you and provide your every need.

  “I promise to pray for you and give thanks for you without ceasing. I'll stand by you through thick and thin, support you, encourage you, and adore you for as long as I live. I'm so thankful you've agreed to be my wife.”

  Then it was her turn.

  “Dear Corbin, you calmed my fears, helped me see the light in the days of my darkness. I've watched Love change you, and I love the man you've become in God's sight. Your servant's heart is such a blessing.

  “I promise to honor and respect you all the days of my life. But then you make that so easy. I promise to submit to you as unto the Lord and do everything in my power to care for you and provide all the things a husband is due.

  “It is I who am so thankful for you and your love.”

  “Then by the power vested in me by the Spirit of Almighty God, friends and neighbors, may I present to you Mister and Mis'ess Corbin Harrell. You may kiss your bride!”

  Everyone erupted in cheers and claps and hoots and hollers!

  Married!

  She could hardly believe she'd done it.