Rocky Mountain Match

by Pamela Nissen

  When Katie reached the long threshing table located on the flag-draped auction platform, she stared in amazement. Dozens of boxes lined the table, like twittering schoolgirls dressed for their first dance. Some were tied up with twine—plain as the dirt beneath her feet—and others were bedecked in such elaborate detail they teetered on the edge of being garish.

  She’d been forewarned that being a young, single female in this community, some considered it her womanly responsibility to proffer a box for eligible bachelors to bid on. Wishing that she’d avoided this event, she tucked her decorated box lunch in among the others, glad that there was nothing spectacular to call attention to hers. That was just as she’d wanted it. Not too plain and not too overstated, the pale blue ribbon was tied neatly, without fuss or flourish around the box. Three small daisy blooms and a touch of greenery she’d picked from her aunt’s garden garnished the top of the light maple box. Eyeing her offering one last time and hoping for a swift lunch with an agreeable companion, she gave a small sigh.

  Her attention was suddenly grabbed by one box in particular, displayed prominently at the front of the table. Picking it up, she turned it over in her hands and studied it. The package was fixed with a sparkling green ribbon and festooned with overly large flowers, and had Katie wondering if the creation was Julia’s handiwork. A distinctive aroma even lingered about the parcel…perhaps a remnant of the owner?

  Setting the box down, Katie was unable to hide her slight grin. Julia was like a spoiled child insisting on being the center of attention.

  If Joseph was present today, Julia might focus her overbearing, inconsiderate ways on him again. The very thought needled Katie. She could only hope that Julia would find some small amount of tact in her reservoir of social etiquette.

  Coaxing her white gloves from her hands, Katie glanced around the square again when her gaze collided headlong with Sam’s. He stood with Joseph just inside the grassy square.

  Warmth stole up her cheeks remembering what he’d said yesterday about becoming his wife. Surely he didn’t mean it—she’d done her best to convince herself of that all night long. Chided herself for thinking he could actually be interested in her. After all, why would he set his sights on her when he had a whole city of fine women to choose from?

  Had he been sincere, she faced a hard decision. One she’d rather not think about. It seemed advantageous, if not cowardly, for her to steer clear of him altogether.

  But Sam was so nice. So much fun to be around. She didn’t have the heart to shun him or avoid him just because her heart still beat a steady rhythm for Joseph.

  When she skimmed her attention their way again, he promptly removed his hat and bowed, his dark hair gleaming in the sunlight. Straightening, he gave her a ready smile and a long, slow look that had her heart swelling ever so slightly.

  Twisting her gloves over in her hands, Katie smiled back, feeling like a cat in a room full of rockers. She could be perfectly congenial to him—he’d make that easy. If she could just act as if he’d not made his intentions so blatantly known yesterday, then things would be fine.

  She glanced their way again. Both men looked exceedingly handsome today. Sam in his dark gray suit and matching bowler hat. And Joseph… Joseph in his bronze-colored vest, ecru shirt and brown breeches that hinted at his powerful legs.

  Her cheeks flushed warm as she raised her gaze to the rebellious locks of wavy chestnut hair that fell across Joseph’s forehead and then to the length that skimmed his neckline. Her gaze lingered on him and a shiver of longing passed through her. She sorely missed his companionship and the safe refuge he offered. The mere sight of him and the vivid memory of his strong, protective embrace called from within her a chorus of emotions and sensations that were irrevocably unsettling.

  “Ah, Joe…” Sam breathed, his voice gone thick with adoration. “I don’t remember the scenery being quite so beautiful around here.”

  “You really have been away too long,” Joseph teased.

  He clutched his cane as he walked beside Sam across the town square, struggling to keep his head above a wave of self-consciousness. Other than going to and from the shop he hadn’t ventured out in the public with his cane, and right about now he felt like the Glory Days celebration sideshow.

  With a great deal of lost time yet to be made up on the order, Joseph had been set to work with Aaron in the shop today. But his brother had all but pushed him out the door to attend the town’s festivities with Sam.

  Pulling his shoulders back, he tried to ignore the self-consciousness he felt now. He didn’t want his insecurities to affect his time with Sam. “Has the valley changed that much since you left?” he asked.

  He caught a fiddle’s faint song lilting over the jumble of voices in the vicinity. Took in the different aromas that bombarded his senses—the home-cooked foods, late-summer blossoms, even the grass beneath his feet. In past years he’d really enjoyed himself at this annual celebration, but this year he doubted he’d have much to write home about.

  “I don’t mean that kind of scenery, my friend. I mean the any-way-you-look-at-her, gorgeous woman due north,” Sam quipped, making Joseph squirm. “Katie is elegance and purity all wrapped into one beautiful package, just like that box lunch I just saw her set on the table.”

  “So you know which one is hers, huh?” Joseph asked, trying his best to sound interested. “Guess that’s a good thing.”

  “Yep. It’ll be easy enough to spot with that huge green ribbon and big flowers she tied around it.” Sam gave a subdued whoop. “Yep. It’s a beautiful day, indeed. But this mountain valley—luscious as it is on a day like today—doesn’t hold a candle to m’lady, Katie.”

  Joseph swallowed hard, determined not to let Sam’s words get to him. He might well spend each day with his heart aching and each night imagining her in Sam’s arms, but he’d do it for Katie’s sake. It’d be torture, plain and simple, but what choice did he have? His friend deserved a woman like Katie. A sweet woman with strength of character and kindness of heart—and as Sam had said—a woman with unequalled beauty.

  Katie deserved a man who wasn’t encumbered by blindness.

  “Katie, it’s good to see you,” Sam greeted as he slowed to a stop. “Wonderful day for the celebration, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, it is,” she responded, a hint of hesitance in her voice. “How are you gentlemen today?”

  “Even better now that I’ve seen you.” Sam took a step forward and a chill wriggled down Joseph’s spine. “You look lovely today, Katie.”

  “Thank you.” Her voice was quiet. “How are you, Joseph?”

  He shoved a hand into his pocket. “Fine. And yourself?”

  “I’m doing well.” Melancholy burdened her sweet voice.

  Joseph grew immediately concerned because he could almost always count on her sunny demeanor. “You sound a little down.”

  “Just missing Ellie today. She was so excited for this event.”

  He nodded, a reminiscent smile tipping his mouth. “She was like a little girl when it came to things like this. I’m sure Aaron won’t be here at all today.”

  “Probably not,” Katie agreed.

  “He’s going to need time and a lot of prayer,” Sam added, followed by a long moment of silence. “I believe I saw you put a box lunch on the table, Katie.”

  She sighed. “I hear it’s mandatory if you’re single.”

  “According to Mrs. Duncan and her followers, yes,” Sam agreed with a chuckle. “Every year, for as long as I’ve been around, that woman has hit the streets campaigning for the event. The way she goes at it, visiting every household in the valley, you’d think she was Herod himself, seeking out all firstborn males—or single females as the case may be.”

  The sound of Katie’s quiet laughter seeped into Joseph, making him wish he was a little closer to her.

  “I’ll say this for her, she’s very persuasive.” Katie gave a big sigh. “If I didn’t know better I’d think my entrance to heaven
hinged on this alone.”

  “You can bet that she’ll make sure everyone is involved, even if she has to hold a gun to their heads,” Sam quipped.

  Joseph reminded himself once again that he had no claim on her. She wasn’t his. But she wasn’t really Sam’s either.

  “I wonder, Katie, who will be the highest bidder on your box lunch?” Sam shifted his feet lightly over the ground.

  “I’m sure that whomever I dine with will be just fine.”

  Joseph balled his fists, clenching his jaws tight as he envisioned Sam sweeping Katie off for a private lunch. Were he able to see, he’d pay whatever it took to secure a picnic with Katie, making sure he was the first and last to bid on her box.

  “Joseph Drake! Well, I never in my wildest imagination thought that I’d see you here today.” Julia’s voice and overpowering powdery scent cut a brassy path through the pleasant atmosphere. “Miss Appleton,” she clipped off, the greeting colder than an ice-house in January.

  “Ellickson, Julia,” Joseph corrected, shaking his head.

  “And who is this man with you, Joseph? Is he yet another teacher?” Julia’s voice was so loud that Joseph had to resist the urge to plug his ears.

  “This is Sam Garnett, a friend of mine.”

  “Really,” she oozed, making Joseph marvel at how she could make her voice rise and fall an entire octave in one word.

  “And I’m blind, Julia.” He tightened his grip on his cane, unable to miss how Katie cleared her throat. “Not deaf.”

  “A pity it is, too, Joseph.” She perched her fingers on his forearm and sidled up next to him. “A pity.”

  He stepped out of her touch and closer to Katie.

  “Knowing Joseph, he won’t let his lack of sight get the best of him,” Sam said, gently slapping Joseph on the back. “He’s not one to shrink from difficulty.”

  Joseph didn’t doubt that Sam was coming to his rescue, but for some reason he didn’t feel as if he needed rescuing.

  “Mr. Garnett, you say?” Julia’s skirt swished and Joseph wondered if the gown she wore was the one he’d spilled grape juice on. “Would that be from the Boston Garnetts?”

  “No. The Boulder Garnetts, Julia. Sam grew up here. His folks passed on a year ago.”

  “How dreadful,” she simpered. Barely missing a beat, she continued. “Why have I not had the privilege of making your acquaintance, Mr. Garnett?”

  “I’m not sure why.” Sam sounded amused.

  “I’m not sure, either,” Joseph echoed, seeing as how Julia made Boulder’s business her business. “He’s been in town three weeks.” He nudged Sam’s arm. “This is Julia Cranston.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Cranston.”

  Joseph wanted to laugh at Sam’s gallantry, but didn’t dare. Sam was probably playing with Julia and no doubt enjoying her drama and outlandish personality. He’d always had patience for things like that, where Joseph had decided that he preferred things straightforward.

  “Mr. Garnett,” Julia said as though greeting a king.

  Joseph could only imagine the coy look she was sure to give Sam. The slight tilt of her chin. The way she’d peer at him sideways with her big emerald eyes.

  “Are you in town for a visit or have you plans to stay?”

  “Just a visit. Though who knows, I may decide to stay if the fancy strikes me,” Sam responded.

  “Well, now, that is good to hear, Mr. Garnett,” she gushed. “I presume you’ll be participating in the box lunch auction? Though primitive compared to eastern entertainment, it promises to be quite a marvelous event.”

  Sam chuckled. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

  “Joseph, do you plan on having someone do your bidding for you?” Julia asked, her tone almost motherly. “Since you are unable to see, that is?”

  He pulled a forced smile. “No, Julia. I don’t.”

  She tsk-tsked. “Oh…what a pity, I tell you. The auction will positively be the talk of the town.”

  Joseph held his cane between both hands and drew it against his chest when Julia gasped.

  “Are you lame, Joseph?” she nearly shouted, stepping in front of him. “Did you hurt your leg?”

  “Why would you ask that?”

  Julia huffed, her stale breath fanning across his face. “Well, you’re carrying a cane. What else is one to think?”

  “You tell me,” he shot back, enjoying her confusion.

  He could hear her hands brush against her skirt, the material slipping under her touch. “Naturally I assumed that perhaps you’d fallen and hurt yourself. Given your condition, it would certainly be a strong possibility, you know.”

  He smiled, feeling a tangible sense of satisfaction. “No, Julia. My leg is fine.”

  “Oh, well, the cane is fetching with your outfit, Joseph,” she dismissed with a verbal flourish. “I didn’t take you as one to make a fashion statement, but then, wonders never cease.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Miss Appleby,” she continued.

  “Ellickson,” Joseph and Sam spoke in unison.

  “Have you a box lunch to offer today?” she asked, almost accusing in her tone.

  “I do,” Katie responded simply.

  “Splendid. Don’t you worry one bit. I’m quite certain that some young bachelor is bound to place a bid on it. The men around here, though they lack the class of those back east, seem polite enough.”

  Katie chuckled, apparently unruffled by Julia’s barbs. And that made Joseph proud. “I’m not worried.”

  “Though, being new to town, mind you,” Julia continued as though she was some authority on the matter. “I wouldn’t expect for your box to draw an overwhelming amount of money. You do understand, don’t you, dear?”

  “Thank you for the warning, Miss Cranston. I’ll be sure to prepare myself.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Joseph jammed a booted foot up on the lowest fence railing, amused as he listened to Mr. Heath—mercantile owner turned auctioneer for the day—ramble off the bidding. He tipped his head back to the afternoon sun’s full brightness, enjoying the faint bit of light he could see. With his cane secured against the fence, he bent over and braced an arm on his knee.

  Every single year he was caught off guard by Mr. Heath’s surprising cadence as it filled the town square. Oohs, aahs and cheers erupted from the crowd when a box went for a whopping six dollars and fifty cents—no small change in these parts.

  “Who bought that one?” Joseph leaned toward Sam. He could easily envision his friend, the relaxed way he’d hold his arms at his chest and the way he’d drape one foot lazily in front of the other, as he leaned back against the railing.

  “I think it went to Jacob Watson. That banker has a payroll that could outfit three large ranches.” A deep chuckle resonated from Sam. “Or maybe Julia’s wardrobe.”

  Joseph grinned at his friend’s assessment. “It might take more than a banker to keep her happy.”

  “She’s something else, isn’t she?”

  “That’s an understatement.” Threading his fingers through his hair, Joseph dragged in a breath. “She means well. But sometimes…”

  “You handled her well-meaning words with finesse, my friend. I was proud of you.”

  “Thanks.”

  “No, really, I mean it. You’re acting more and more like yourself again, and I’m glad to see it.” Sam clapped him on the arm. “You know, Julia really isn’t all that bad. She’s oblivious to how her words come off, but socialites can be like that. Until you tame them, that is.”

  “It’s hard to hate her,” Joseph agreed, sliding his hand across the fence to make sure his cane was still there. He’d had to use Sam’s arm as a guide a few times so far today. But mostly he’d put into action what he’d learned from Katie.

  “I took Julia on a few outings before my accident. Nothing serious, though. Not as far as I was concerned, anyway. My blindness has made her noticeably uncomfortable around me now.”

  Sam pu
ffed out a sigh. “That has to be hard to take.”

  “Yeah…at times.”

  “I just met her, but from what I can tell, Julia’s similar to women from more affluent circles,” Sam explained. “Most likely she doesn’t know what to do with you because she’s never really had to deal with sickness or injury.”

  Joseph nodded. “You’re probably right. But whether it’s her or someone else, I’m going to have to get used to that sort of thing,” he added with a conciliatory sigh. “I just know that I’ll never get married, that’s all.”

  He sensed Sam turning toward him. “What do you mean, that’s all? You’ve been planning on marrying for as long as—well, for as long as you and I’ve been noticing girls.”

  Joseph raised his brows, hoping he came close to making eye contact. “You’re one to talk, Mr. I’m-not-married-yet-either,” he shot back with satisfaction. “And, for the record, I did have a lady who had captured my attention.”

  “Well, then? Where is she?” Sam pressed, his voice low.

  “I gave her up.”

  “What did you do that for?”

  “I had my reasons. Besides, without my sight I’m not exactly prime husband material.”

  Sam huffed, shifting his feet on the hard ground. “You’re not getting sympathy from me with that attitude.”

  “I wasn’t looking for sympathy,” Joseph countered.

  Sam might live in a world of honesty and directness, but he just didn’t understand what it was like to feel so useless and unable to do what a man should. Joseph couldn’t exactly fault him for that. “Listen, I have a lot to focus on with relearning things. I really don’t need a woman in my life to distract me.”

  “That, Joseph Drake, is the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard in my life!” Sam jabbed a finger into Joseph’s chest. “And believe me…being a lawyer, I’ve heard plenty of lame excuses.”