“Slow.”
“That’s unusual. Usually Saturday is our best day.”
“I know.”
There was no need to worry. After Wednesday, there would be a decision made, and then the real work would begin. Then she could worry about sales. But until that time, she was going to enjoy this last afternoon with Jack.
“Bella, have you ever been in love before?”
She smiled. “No, but that Jack Turner is a handsome man. Are you in love with him?”
“I don’t know. I am certainly developing feelings for him, but I’m not certain.” She sat her reticule on the counter and glanced around at the store she was sacrificing so much for. She could be back in Boston, finishing her degree, working for the cause, and meeting with her friends. Yet, this felt like where she belonged.
“As a modern woman working for the movement, do you think falling in love makes us weaker?”
“Oh, no,” Bella said. “I think love, with the right man of course, would only make you stronger. You have someone who believes in you, who stands by your side, who encourages you and loves you, regardless of what life throws at you.”
Abigail considered her friend’s words. “I guess I never looked at it that way, but you would be stronger as a unit, wouldn’t you?”
“Yes. Has Jack kissed you?”
“Good Lord, that man’s lips are more dangerous than any weapon I’ve ever seen. When his mouth moves over mine, I almost faint from the sheer pleasure.”
Bella laughed. “I’ve never received a kiss like that.”
“Me neither. Those boys in Boston didn’t know what they were doing. But Jack’s kisses… I can’t wait to experience one again.”
Bella shook her head and sighed.
“If I fell in love, do you think it would make me appear weak as a person?” Abigail asked, not wanting to give up her dedication to helping women, but knowing Jack was certainly distracting her.
“Good grief, no. Having an entrepreneurial spirit does not make you unlovable or weak. I think we all want to fall in love someday with the right man, get married, and have children. We all want to live the lives of our mothers, just with more control,” Bella said. “We want to help make the decisions regarding our welfare and our offspring.”
“Yes.” Abigail sighed and closed her eyes. “I think I’m falling in love with Jack, but I can’t marry him if he doesn’t accept me for the woman I am. I just can’t. And he has to love me in return.”
“Why wouldn’t the man love you, Abigail? You’re a very interesting woman.”
Abigail frowned. Unfortunately, Jack’s parents had scared him and made him distrustful of love. And until he overcame that fear, she would never be able to be with him. “Sometimes things in a person’s past affects him and causes him to have problems with love.”
Bella nodded her head, but didn’t question further about why Jack possibly could not fall in love with Abigail. “You would make a wonderful partner for a lucky man. Jack Turner would be blessed to have you in his life.”
Smiling at her friend, Abigail couldn’t help but think her father’s death had changed her life in so many ways, and she missed him more each day. But thank goodness she still had her friends, and they were still fighting for their cause.
And Jack...for the first time in her life, she was interested in a man.
“But will he allow me to continue to promote the women’s movement and fight for women’s rights? That’s the big question.”
***
The next night, Jack sat across from Abigail at the same restaurant. Once again, they were drawing the attention of the people in the diner. He could almost see the people leaning in to hear what they were saying.
“Have you had anymore visits from council members?” he asked.
Tonight, she wore a blue gown that accentuated the color of her eyes, making them shimmer in the light of the restaurant. God, this woman was beautiful, smart, and more woman than he had ever dreamed of.
“No, but sales in the store have dropped off dramatically. I think many husbands are telling their wives not to shop at my mercantile, that very soon the problem will be resolved.”
“That doesn’t make sense to me,” he said. “If we make you close the mercantile, where will the people shop? You’re our only store within twenty miles.”
She shook her head. “I don’t know, but business is slow.”
“The city council meeting is coming up on Wednesday. I’m almost certain they’re going to vote to shut you down.”
She shrugged. “I’ve already lined up a lawyer in the next town over, and he will have the paperwork ready to file a motion to reopen the store.”
Jack sat stunned. This was quickly spinning out of control, and either direction would harm the city he cared about, the one he represented. He’d run for mayor to keep the crazies from taking over and putting even more restrictions on the town, including the desire to shut down the saloon. Tim Barton would love nothing better than to close his business and run him out of town. Just like he wanted to do to Abigail.
“Sounds like you’re prepared.” But was she ready for the backlash from the townspeople? For the men to be up in arms about her trying to usurp them and the women to meekly follow their husbands? He’d seen retaliation before in this town, and it was never pretty.
The next town over was filled with people who’d for some reason or another garnered the attention of the elite men of New Hope and been escorted to the city limits. He had to try one more time with her.
“It’s not too late to sell. That would end all of this, and then you could either start up another store somewhere else, or you could return to that fancy college in Boston.”
She bristled at his words. “Why don’t you concentrate on selling the saloon? I’m contented to be running my business. I just want to keep it in my family and possibly hand it off to my children. You, you don’t even like what you’re doing. You’re the one who should be selling the saloon and concentrating on doing what you love.”
He sat there stunned for a moment. One thing about this woman, she would always be honest with him and tell him exactly how she felt. There would not be any soft peddling from her. “It’s because of the exact same reason that you don’t sell your business.”
“Except, I love the mercantile and you don’t love the saloon.”
“No. I don’t.”
“Have you at least considered hiring a manager to run the saloon and then renting out a building for the pharmaceutical company? The town needs both businesses.”
He thought about what she’d said. He’d considered hiring a manager and had felt guilty for not wanting to be behind the counter watching. That was the problem with owning a saloon. You had to watch the patrons, watch the bartender, and watch the money flow. You were vulnerable to thieves. “I’ve considered it, but was always afraid the manager I hired would steal me blind.”
“It’s a possibility, but we’re only given so much time on this earth, and if you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, then what’s the point?” she said, gazing at him with empathy. The woman knew how to reach in and twist his heart.
God, she was so right, yet he hated to give control of his family’s business to someone else.
“How much would you charge to rent that room next door to the mercantile?” There he could keep an eye on her and make sure nothing happened. He wasn’t certain he would do this, but he’d always dreamed of opening up a pharmacy for the people in town, and this way he could keep the saloon and own the pharmacy. He’d have two businesses to watch over, but at least he’d be doing what he loved.
“I’d let you have it for twenty-five dollars a month.”
“I’ll consider it,” he said, thinking this definitely needed further consideration. “The key is to find a competent manager of the saloon.”
“Yes,” she said. “I may know someone you could consider, but she’s a woman.”
He laughed, loving the way Abigail tested him
and tempted him as well. “I think that might cause problems. It’s against city ordinance twenty-five.”
“She’s an excellent manager. She tended bar in Boston.”
“What?” he asked surprised. He knew some women worked in factories, but letting a woman behind the counter of a bar was like asking a drunk to manage your liquor supply.
“Yes, her mother quit sending her money, so she went to work in the bar for a couple of nights.”
Shaking his head, he stared at her. He could solve her problem so easily. All he had to do was ask her to marry him, and if she accepted, the town would willingly let her continue to operate her family business…under his name.
He enjoyed being with her, yet she was different from other women. And maybe that was what drew him to her. When he was with her, he had more fun. They sparred, they laughed, and she made him see life from a woman’s perspective. They were both good business owners who could help each other. It just made sense to ask her to marry him.
Never before had he even considered marriage, let alone on the spur of the moment asking for a woman’s hand. But suddenly, it was something he wanted more than his next breath.
Gazing at her across the table, he licked his lips, suddenly feeling nervous. He knew how she felt about love and marriage, but still, he hoped she would see the practicality of marrying him. The men of New Hope would be happy. He wouldn’t have to run her out of town, and there would be no lawyers involved.
Plus, he enjoyed being with her, and kissing her was better than any alcohol he’d ever sampled.
He cleared his throat, his nerves rising up and causing his stomach to roil like a ship in a storm. “Abigail, I enjoy being with you. We have fun together, and I think you’re the smartest woman I’ve ever met. We’re both good at running our businesses and we enjoy it, but you’re in a really bad predicament. And me, I need someone to remind me of what’s important in life. I should have already been seriously considering opening up a pharmacy.” He took a deep breath, watching her eyes widening. “Would you do me the honor of marrying me? I think we’re good together. Your business would be your own. I would never interfere. Together, we would make great decisions. What do you think?”
A frown formed on her forehead as she drew her mouth down. “I enjoy being with you. I’ve never enjoyed being with a man before now, but I need to know. Do you love me, Jack?”
A lump formed in his throat. What could he say? He didn’t really believe in love. He’d never seen the emotion in action between a man and woman. He’d witnessed a mother’s love, but not a couple’s, and well, he wouldn’t start off their relationship by telling her a lie. “I enjoy being with you. I think we’re good together, but I don’t know if I believe in love.”
“So you don’t love me.”
“I don’t believe in love. I don’t know what that emotion feels like. I care for you.”
She rose from the table, her face an unreadable expression, her lips drawn tight. “Like I’ve told you, I’m not marrying unless I’m in love and the man returns my love.”
“Do you love me?” he asked.
Her face contorted in a painful grimace, and he could see tears welling up in her eyes. Abigail Vanderhooten was not a weak weeping female, yet his words were causing her pain.
“Yes, I was beginning to fall in love with you,” she said.
He started to rise and she held up her hand. “No. Please stay. I need the walk back to the store to gather myself.”
“I’m not letting you walk home alone.”
“I’m not letting you walk me home,” she retorted. She dug into her reticule and threw down some bills on the table. “Here’s for my part of dinner.”
“Come on, Abigail. You’re not paying for dinner,” he said.
“Oh, yes, I am. As business owners, I won’t let another businessman buy my dinner,” she said and walked out the door.
His heart sank to his feet, and he knew he was the biggest fool. Why did he feel like he’d just let the best woman he’d ever met walk out of his life? Why did he feel like he’d made a huge mistake? Why did he want to run after Abigail and bring her back and kiss her senseless?
Chapter Eight
As soon as the store opened for business the next day, Jack was at the mercantile. Hell, he’d buy out the whole store, if only Abigail would talk to him. He opened the door and strolled inside.
Bella came out and greeted him. “Good morning, Jack,” she said, her voice cold.
Somehow, he had to see Abigail and convince her that even if he didn’t love her, they could live together happily. “Where’s Abigail?”
“She’s busy this morning.”
“So she’s here and refuses to see me.”
Bella smiled. “Yes, Jack, you’re right.”
With a big sigh, he glanced down at his shoes then back up at Bella. “Tell her I’m not leaving until I speak to her.”
“She told me you would say that, and she said to tell you you’re only making things worse. Go away. She’s not coming out.”
He frowned. “You tell her I’ll be back later.”
Bella shrugged. “She said you would say that, and she wants you to know she will never change how she feels about marrying for love. So, it’s best she ends it right now.”
Jack felt like someone had carved her initials on his chest or ripped it wide open, exposing his organ to the fresh air. He hadn’t expected it to hurt this much if she told him no. He hadn’t expected to feel so much pain. “Tell her I came by.”
“I will.”
He walked out and back down the street to the saloon. He’d forgotten one very important element when he’d asked her to marry him. He’d forgotten she was a naïve girl who believed in fairy tales. He’d forgotten she wanted to marry for love. Now, he’d ruined everything.
***
Bella walked back into the parlor behind the main store. “Did you hear?”
“Yes, I heard,” Abigail said. “He doesn’t understand.”
“You’re right, but you’re not going to be able to hide from him forever. For one thing you will have to see him Wednesday at the meeting.”
Abigail was miserable. Sitting here, listening to Bella and Jack talk, she’d wanted to run out there and tell him it didn’t matter. She had enough love for both of them, but she couldn’t do it. If he didn’t love her now, he never would. And though her heart was breaking, it was better if she let him go.
“I know. But at the moment, I need some time. I need some time to pull myself back together and get over him.”
“I’m sorry. I thought he was going to be the man you married.”
Abigail blinked away the tears. “I know. I was beginning to believe it as well, but I couldn’t do it. After everything we’d discussed, he did the one thing he knew I wouldn’t accept. He wanted our marriage to be a business arrangement. I’ll go broke before I agree to that kind of life. I’ve seen way too many women suffer through their marriage when their husbands acquired their wealth.”
“Like my mother,” Bella said, shaking her head.
“Exactly.”
Bella sank onto the couch. “Father said the best business decision he ever made was marrying my mother. And if he could find me, I know he would have the perfect man for me by now. We would join together to form the Bella and Mystery Man Family Trust, and my new husband would have total control over my funds. I don’t want my inheritance if that’s the only way I can obtain it, marriage to the man of my father’s choice.”
Abigail sat on the couch next to her. “You ran away from Boston, didn’t you?”
Bella’s big brown eyes glanced at her sadly. “Yes. I wasn’t going to be forced into a loveless marriage. I had to get away.”
Wrapping her arm around her friend, Abigail squeezed and released her. “I’m so glad you’re here with me. You’ve helped me so much.”
“You’re not mad at me for running away?”
Abigail shook her head. “You know better than that.
You did what you had to do to keep from being forced into a loveless marriage. Let’s just hope your father doesn’t figure out where you are.”
Bella nodded. “I’ve been worried, especially if your situation goes to trial. This could be headline news across the country.”
A shudder rippled through Abigail at the thought. A long prolonged trial was not something she wanted. But if they insisted on closing her down, then that was what they would get. “I just hope we both don’t starve when they close me down on Wednesday. I know that’s what’s going to happen, and even though I have the lawyer from Mineral Wells coming to the meeting, it will take days, weeks, for him to get the store reopened.”
“We’ll make it,” Bella assured Abigail, patting her on the hand.
“There’s some money in Papa’s bank account, but who’s to say they’ll let me near it. And I have some stashed here in the house just in case of an emergency, but it depends on how long it takes to open the store as to whether or not we’ll starve.”
Bella laughed. “Come on. We’re not going to go hungry.” She held her arm out and gestured to the room. “We have a whole store full of the ingredients we need to make something, even if it’s nothing more than cake.”
Abigail giggled. “We’ll be fat and broke.”
“But we’ll be happy,” Bella said with a laugh.
A tear rolled down Abigail’s cheek. At the weirdest times she would start to cry over Jack. She wasn’t backing down or giving up on her ideals.
“Oh, Bella, I didn’t know falling in love would hurt so much. I’m in love with a man who has no clue about what he feels. Don’t ever experience this feeling, unless you’re certain the man wants you too.”
***
Jack walked into the mercantile and watched Abigail. She smiled and laughed with Mrs. Fitzgerald, talking about the weather and asking about her children. Jack just wanted the woman to get her supplies and get the hell out of the store, so he could have Abigail all to himself. He wanted to explain to her why he couldn’t tell her he loved her, and then he wanted to kiss her and ask her to please reconsider.
Wild Western Women Ride Again: Western Historical Romance Boxed Set Page 28