Boxed Set: Deep in the Heart of Texas: Hurricane, Mismatched in Texas, Christmas at the Crossroads

by Janice Thompson

  These and a thousand other thoughts tumbled through her head as she continued her work throughout the rest of the day. For now, she had to admit the truth, if to no one but herself. She had been so intent on finding George a mate that she’d never considered the possibility that she might have overlooked the obvious. Am I really smitten? Is it possible?

  As they closed up the mercantile, she glanced across the street at Kaufman’s Barbershop. Through the window, she saw George working. He looked her way, but instead of smiling and waving, he turned back to tend to a customer.

  Perhaps Hilde was right. Maybe she was hurting George. But what could she do about it now? This train was already barreling down the track. How could she possibly stop it now?

  Walking home from the store, she couldn’t seem to avoid the couples. They were everywhere. She passed by Sonnets and Bonnets—the renovations now nearly complete—and said hello to James and Corabelle. The reverend and Marta Schuller offered up their greeting as they walked toward the restaurant, holding hands. Katie Sue and Bucky hollered out hellos as she passed by the gristmill. Yes, couples were truly everywhere. And she had no one to blame but herself.

  When she walked through the front door of her home, she found Mama and Papa in a warm embrace and giggling like school kids. Was no place safe? Looked like everyone in Poetry was happily matched.

  “All but me, Lord,” Belinda whispered as she headed up to her room. “All but me.”

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  The following Sunday, Belinda managed to put all thoughts of George Kaufman out of her head and focus on the events of the day. On this particular morning, Reverend Billingsley and Marta Schuller took their place before the congregation to tie the knot.

  Belinda stood up for Marta, of course, as did Katie Sue and Prissy, who had just returned from her honeymoon in Dallas. Sarah Jo played The Wedding March on the piano, though her version sounded a bit more like a barroom ditty than the traditional piece. A visiting pastor from Terrell performed the ceremony. The whole thing was short but sweet, garnering a bit of laughter and even a few tears. Belinda especially loved the scripture Reverend Billingsley read from the Song of Solomon. She’d even noticed a twinkle in his eye as he shared the words:“My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.”

  Indeed, the reverend’s season of mourning had passed. The winter was over, in a sense. Marta’s entrance into his life had changed absolutely everything. And Belinda couldn’t help but feel such joy at that realization—and all the more, when she thought about the fact that she had played a role in bringing Marta here.

  Why, she could hardly believe the way things had turned out. Truly, every one of her clients was happy now. Well, all but George, of course. But, he would be, once Adeline arrived. For some reason, thinking of George caused a strange twisting in her heart. It hurt to know she’d disappointed him in some way. That had never been her intention, of course. Her intentions were...well, she wasn’t completely sure what just yet. But she truly longed to make him happy, and fulfilling her promise to bring him a bride seemed to be the most logical way to accomplish that.

  She glanced across the room at Myles Lott. There sat another man who wasn’t exactly thrilled with her services. Not yet, anyway. She sighed as she looked at the somber look on his face, wondering if she would ever find his perfect match. If not, would she have to refund his money? Probably.

  And then there was Sarah Jo. The boisterous woman hadn’t exactly settled down, either, though she had certainly kept her focus on Peter Conrad. She’d even managed to wriggle her way into the pew next to him just after the service began. Either Peter had thrown in the towel or he was actually getting used to her wily ways. He never even flinched as she took her seat.

  Sarah Jo had affected the town in other ways, as well. The groundbreaking for the new opera house had taken many by surprise, but not Belinda. No, with Sarah Jo at the helm, she felt sure the building would be grand, indeed. And every time she thought about how the town was changing—new shops going in, a fresh influx of women—Belinda got even more excited. Before long they would rival Dallas, for sure.

  After the service, Belinda walked the church grounds and visited with several friends and neighbors. When she came upon Katie Sue and Bucky, she paused to praise the wedding cake, which Katie Sue had baked for the ceremony.

  “Katie Sue, that cake was divine, to say the least. I’ve never tasted anything like it. Was that a strawberry jam between the layers?”

  “Indeed. And the frosting is my own secret recipe.”

  “Well, it was scrumptious. Best cake I’ve ever eaten. Everyone is saying so.”

  Katie Sue’s cheeks flushed pink. “Thank you. I’ve always loved baking, and Bucky seems to enjoy my homemade goodies, so I’m a happy girl.”

  “I’ve put on weight since our wedding,” he said, rubbing his belly. “Not that I’m complaining. I’ve always loved sweets, so I’m doubly blessed in marriage.” He gave Katie Sue a kiss on the cheek and she blushed.

  “Have you thought about making cakes professionally?” Belinda asked. “We have several other weddings coming up, you know.”

  “Really? Who’s getting married?” Katie Sue asked.

  “We are!” Two voices laced with vibrato rang out from behind Belinda. She turned to see the widow Hanson standing there, her arm linked with Samuel Bromstead’s.

  “You are?” Belinda looked at the elderly couple, more than a little stunned. Her instincts about the two of them had been right all along!

  “Yes, it’s true!” Samuel said with a nod. “I asked her just this morning, and she has agreed.”

  “So, you two are... I mean, you really are...”

  “We are indeed.” Samuel looked at her with a smile. “And we have you to thank. You really opened my eyes to the possibilities, Belinda. Why, when I think that I almost missed the very woman who’d been right there in front of me the whole time...” His eyes welled. “Well, I’m just grateful I finally woke up and saw the light.” He gave his bride-to-be a kiss on the tip of her nose and she giggled.

  “And when will the wedding take place?” Katie Sue asked. “If I’m to bake the cake, I’ll have to plan ahead.”

  “Three weeks from today,” Samuel said. When Belinda gasped, he added, “At our age, what would be the sense in waiting?” He laughed long and loud at that one.

  The two lovebirds turned and walked away arm in arm, but Belinda’s thoughts were elsewhere. Samuel’s words about almost missing what had been in front of him the whole time had reminded her of what Aunt Hilde said just yesterday.

  Coming to attention, Belinda turned to Katie Sue. “Looks like we’ve got another wedding cake in our future. And that’s not even the one I was talking about.”

  “It sounds like I’m going to have my hands full! Who are the others?” Katie Sue asked.

  “Well, let’s see...Doc Klein’s wife-to-be is arriving on tomorrow’s train, though I don’t have a clue if or when they will marry, of course. One can never been too sure about these things.”

  “Obviously.” Katie Sue giggled. “What sort of woman is she?”

  “A nurse. Isn’t that ideal?”

  “Sounds too good to be true,” Katie Sue responded with a thoughtful look on her face. “However did you manage to arrange such a thing?”

  “Just the Lord, I guess. He seems to be in the details. I’m just following His lead.” She paused for a moment and then said, “Mostly, anyway.”

  “I think you’ve done a fine job,” Bucky said, drawing his wife even closer. “No complaints on this end.”

  “Nor from me,” Katie Sue said with a contented smile. “Now, tell me who else I’ll be baking for. Don’t leave out a thing.”

  “I’m expecting a young woman from Charleston for John Ogilvie, as well,”
Belinda said. “No telling how long before either of these couples wed. Could be a few days. Could be a few weeks. Are you up to the task? That will be three wedding cakes in all.” Four, if you count George and Adeline, but I won’t mention that one just yet.

  “I suppose I’m up to it,” Katie Sue said with a shrug. “I’ve never been one to balk at hard work.”

  “You know, I just had the most wonderful idea,” Bucky said, snapping his fingers. “You need your own bakery, Katie Sue. One with a real kitchen. You could bake wedding cakes and other pastries. And your pies would be a big hit with the locals. Why, the shop would be filled morning to night with townsfolk.”

  “Do you really think so, Bucky?” She gazed up at him, her eyes sparkling with joy.

  “I do. That blueberry pie of yours is enough to make me want to write another love poem.”

  “Then I’ll bake one tonight.” Katie Sue gave him a coy smile. “But really...you would do that for me? Build a bakery?”

  “For you, I would sail the seven seas. I would climb Mt. Everest. I would...”

  Belinda never heard the rest. She found herself wondering what it would be like to have someone she loved say such silly and romantic things to her. What would it be like to bake pies for one’s husband? To have his undying love and devotion, as well as his support with business ventures?

  She would never know.

  “We will have to think of a name for this bakery,” Bucky said, tapping his chin with his index finger. “That might take some work. But I’m sure we can come up with something. What do you think?”

  Katie Sue’s eyes brimmed over. “I think it’s the most marvelous idea I’ve ever heard in my entire life, that’s what I think. And I think I’m the most grateful woman ever!” She stood on her tiptoes and attempted to kiss him. When the deed could not be accomplished—Bucky being at least a full foot taller—he leaned down and swept her into his arms. If things got any mushier, Belinda thought she might start feeling nauseated.

  On the other hand, she had to admit that they made a darling couple.

  When the kiss ended, Katie Sue let out a little gasp and Belinda looked her way. “What is it? Is everything all right?”

  “Yes.” Katie Sue giggled. “I just thought of a name for the bakery, that’s all.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Couplets.” Katie Sue looked up at her husband once more, the tears starting to flow. “Don’t you see? A couplet! That’s the type of poem you wrote to woo me here, remember?”

  “Oh, um, yes, I, um...” Bucky stumbled all over himself. Clearly, he hadn’t yet told Katie Sue that Peter had penned the couplet. Belinda wondered if he ever would.

  But what did it matter, really? Katie Sue would get her bakery, and the townspeople would get their pastries, pies and cakes. Sounded like a sweet deal for all involved.

  ***

  George looked across the church grounds to find Belinda engaged in conversation with Katie Sue and Bucky. Looked like they were in it up to their eyeballs. He wanted to speak with her, but he wasn’t sure what to say. For, while his feelings for Belinda were ever-growing, they were somewhat masked by the anxiety of knowing a young woman was on her way to Poetry...intended for him. What could he do about it? He didn’t want to lead the poor woman astray, and yet he couldn’t fathom seeing past Belinda to even give this young woman a second thought.

  “George, you’re mighty quiet, standing there.” Reverend Billingsley drew near with his new bride at his side. “Deep in thought?”

  “Mm-hmm.” He collected his thoughts then turned to the reverend and Marta with a smile. “But I’m back now. Just have a lot of my mind.”

  “I know what that feels like.” The reverend Billingsley smiled. “Been a little preoccupied myself lately. But a nice preoccupation, all the same.” He gave his wife a shy smile, and she leaned in to peck him on the cheek. George couldn’t help but think about how the Lord had arranged their meeting. Indeed, He’d been in on it from the start, just as He had arranged the other couples.

  “I daresay, married life will suit me just fine,” the reverend said. “And did you hear?”

  “Hear what?”

  “I’m starting a Sunday school for the children.” Marta giggled. “We will meet before service every Sunday. I’ll teach Bible stories and memory verses and so on.”

  “Isn’t that wonderful?” the good reverend said, beaming ear to ear. “Marta can put her teaching skills to work, and the church’s children will benefit as a result.”

  “Yes, and that way I can have my weekdays free so that we can spend every minute together.” Marta leaned over and placed her head against her husband’s. “I’m so excited about the days ahead.”

  “As am I.” Her husband gave her a little squeeze and then looked at George. “So, what do you think of the transformation of our little town, George? It’s something to see, isn’t it?”

  “Indeed.” He looked to his left just as Sarah Jo handed a glass of lemonade to Peter Conrad. “It is something to see all right.”

  “The Lord moves in mysterious ways, that’s all I’ve got to say.” The pastor’s voice drifted off as he and Marta moved on to greet the rest of the congregation.

  George had no trouble believing that the Lord moved in mysterious ways. He did have to wonder, however, if the Lord took his marching orders from Belinda Bauer. He glanced across the church lawn, finding her engaged in conversation with John Ogilvie and Doc Klein. Preparing them for their new brides, more than likely.

  She turned and caught George’s eye and gave him a little wave. Seconds later, she drew near with a smile on her face. “God’s in his heaven; all’s right with the world.”

  “Beg your pardon?”

  “Oh, I’m just saying everything is going well. According to plan. Both of those men are happy as larks that their new brides arrive tomorrow. I’ve never seen John so excited about anything.”

  “I see.” George wanted to say more. Wanted to say that he wasn’t as happy with his situation, but he didn’t. No, something about seeing the relaxed smile on Belinda’s face put his heart at ease, if only for the moment. Incoming bride or not.

  Belinda began to tell him about Katie Sue’s plan to open a bakery, and George found himself, as always, falling into easy conversation with her. At one point she paused and gazed into his eyes. For a moment, time stood still. George could hear his own heartbeat in his ears. Then, just as quickly, Belinda dove back into the story.

  She could have been talking about the moon, for all he cared. All that mattered was standing here, listening to the sound of her voice and sensing her closeness. For tomorrow, once Adeline arrived, all of that would change.

  How it would change, he had no idea. Still, he couldn’t help but think it wouldn’t be for the better.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Early Monday morning, the train brought yet another bride—the lovely Rebecca Morgan from Virginia. Doc Klein sat in the wagon beside Belinda, the tips of his ears red in anticipation. Turned out, Rebecca was tall and slender with a comely physique. Her style of dress was plain but practical. Her shoes, sensible. She greeted them with a warm smile, but Belinda could sense her nervous anticipation, as well.

  Doc Klein scrambled into action, fetching her bags and loading them into the wagon. As he did so, he managed to keep a lively conversation going.

  From the moment Rebecca met Doc face-to-face, Belinda sensed at once that these two were a bona fide match. They talked about medicine and medical procedures all the way back to Poetry, continuing as Belinda dropped them off at the restaurant. In fact, Belinda couldn’t remember ever hearing so much chatter about surgical instruments, boil lancing, and the like. Not exactly the stuff romantic unions were known for, but the two clearly had a lot in common. More than any couple she’d ever met, in fact.

  She barely had time to contemplate this fact, however, because John Ogilvie’s bride was set to arrive at the station at one o’clock on the dot. Adeline would arrive les
s than an hour later on a train from Boston.

  Belinda headed back to Terrell with the wagon, this time taking Greta along for the ride. They were thrilled to find Cassie Bly an intelligent young woman with great zeal for life. Surely she would find John Ogilvie her perfect complement. Belinda hoped so, anyway. The two would meet in a few hours. Right now, they had to stay at the depot to wait for Adeline’s train.

  As they waited, the three women gabbed about all sorts of things, primarily Cassie’s plans for the future. It turned out she had a lot of them.

  “I’ve been sewing since I was a little girl,” Cassie said. “Folks have always brought their mending to me, and every woman in our town who ever wanted a wedding dress came to me, as well. I’ve been gifted with a needle and thread for as long as I can remember, and I love coming up with patterns. Folks say I’m quite creative, though I consider myself calculated, not free-spirited.”

  “Well, sewing is a fine occupation,” Greta said. “You will surely have your hands full with making wedding dresses in Poetry.”

  “Oh, I hope so! I’m planning to open my own dress shop someday,” Cassie announced. “What do you think of that idea?”

  “Dress shop?” Belinda paused, offering up a smile. “Sounds lovely.” Corabelle would find it a wonderful idea, no doubt. In fact, she would probably insist that the shop go into the empty lot next to Sonnets and Bonnets. Belinda could just picture the women in Poetry scurrying in and out. Surely Sarah Jo would love the idea. She would probably commission Cassie to make her seven new dresses, each in a different color to match her new hats.

  “I think our town is growing by leaps and bounds and can use a dress shop,” Greta responded. “We’ve got a new hat shop. Just opened, in fact.”

  “Perfect!” Cassie looked as happy as a lark.

  Belinda wanted to join in the conversation but found herself distracted. She knew that Adeline was due to arrive anytime now. For whatever reason, whenever she thought of the woman she’d brought to marry George, her heart felt as heavy as lead. Perhaps—oh, joy!—perhaps this would be an ill-fated match. Maybe Adeline had a houseful of rambunctious, ill-mannered children. Perhaps she was ugly. Maybe her nose was long or her ankles heavy. Perhaps her waist was thick or her eyes too close together.