“Well, that’s good news. Coulda been worse. I’m sure my friend Dane Bradbury’ll be glad to hear you’re still around and working out at the island.”
Eden’s heart tripped over itself. Her lips parted in shock.
“He was of a mind you’d left your job and gone away,” Jeffries elaborated. “Leastwise, that’s what Rutherford led him to believe.”
“Well, I never!” Birdie exclaimed.
“Yep. Old Dane was real put out about it. Figured he’d take more contracts up north for a spell, instead of comin’ all the way down here all the time.”
Eden swapped a look of astonishment with her housekeeper, but neither spoke.
“Humph. What do you make of that news?” Birdie asked a few minutes later as the current aided their return by boat to their house across from Rackleff Rock.
“At the moment, I’m furious.”
“Does your arm hurt bad?” Chris’s childish face scrunched with worry.
“Not too bad, sweetheart. I’m sure it’ll be better soon.”
Birdie paused from her work at the oars and let out a snort. “Maybe Mister High-and-Mighty will put on a magnanimous show and fill in for you for the rest of today, at least.”
“Maybe.” Eden didn’t care to see the man just yet, nor did she want to discuss the matter in front of Christian. Averting her attention to the passing riverbank, she settled back into her other misery and let irritation turn to despair. It was all over for her and Dane Bradbury…friendship or anything beyond. God had closed that door for sure. Still, it pleased her to know that because of her, Dane had made a special effort to secure loads to and from their port.
Later that night, after Christian had gone to bed, Eden relaxed in an overstuffed chair in the parlor, her feet propped on a footstool. Birdie brought her a cup of tea then lowered herself into a padded rocking chair nearby. “So, what are you going to do about it?”
“About what?” As if she didn’t know.
The housekeeper tucked her chin and stared without saying a word.
Eden sighed. “Oh, Birdie, I had no reason to expect Captain Bradbury to keep coming by.”
“Oh, didn’t you, now?” the older woman chided.
“And if he’s decided not to bother in the future, I don’t see what I can do about it.”
“You could send him a message. Haydon Jeffries is sure to know other captains who get up into his part of the country. Sooner or later it would reach your captain friend.”
Eden shook her head. “But why? It’s not as if there’s anything between us. You know how I feel about fanning a flame I’ve no right to encourage.” Lifting her cup, she took a sip of tea.
“That’s the second time you’ve uttered that kind of nonsense,” the older woman challenged. “No right, my foot.” She grimaced.
“Well, I don’t.”
“And why not, I’d like to know?”
Eden set her drink on the table next to her and looked directly into Birdie’s eyes. “Because, I had my chance years ago, and I wasted it. I didn’t wait for the Lord to bring the right man into my life.”
Birdie threw her hands up in frustration. “I know being way out here we haven’t been able to get to church a lot of the time, but I see you read your Bible often enough. I just wonder if you ever pay attention to what you’re reading.”
“What do you mean?”
“Isn’t the Old Testament full of accounts of how the Lord directs the steps of His children?”
Eden could not argue with that.
“And doesn’t it tell us in Ecclesiastes that there’s a time for everything? A time to live, a time to die, a time to reap, and a time to sow—and a time to love?”
“Yes. It does say that. But I ran ahead of God, don’t you see, Birdie? I didn’t wait for His time. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.”
The housekeeper blew out a whoosh of breath and leaned forward. “Then let me ask you this. Haven’t you read stories in the Bible about people who made wrong choices, admitted their wrongdoing, and then were forgiven by God? Hasn’t He worked out this situation to your good by putting you in the right place when He brought the right man across your path? Ever think about that?”
Eden hadn’t considered that particular possibility. But now that it stared her in the face, it seemed as if shades fell from before her eyes. She knew for a fact that she’d grown to love Dane Bradbury. And she knew also that it was worth every risk to find out if God truly did have more than mere friendship in mind for them at some point in the future.
A slow smile broke forth. “Would you please fetch me some writing paper, Birdie?”
Chapter 9
Early November winds teased the tall pines bordering Louisa Bradbury’s clapboard dwelling in Seattle as Dane exited his sister-in-law’s front door to walk the three blocks’ distance to his own rooms, whistling as he went. Sale of the Solitude to a shipping line in the city had brought in enough cash to pay off the balance of Paul’s old debts.
But that in itself had not put the spring in Dane’s steps.
To think Louisa had started keeping company with a well-reputed widower from her church, a relationship which had every appearance of becoming permanent! That possibility had never entered Dane’s mind. Somehow he felt Paul would have been happy for her, knowing the wife he loved would be well cared for from now on, and that their children would lack for nothing.
Breathing the first really free breath he’d taken since his older brother’s death two years earlier, Dane turned up his coat collar against the chill. Let the more dedicated mariners put up with capricious weather, rough seas, and the hazards of shoals and sandbars. As for him, the future held promise enough. His former employer had been more than eager to have him back in the shipbuilding business—one he was good at and thoroughly enjoyed. Dane would receive a steady income, all of which would soon be his.
Too bad all this couldn’t have transpired a couple months ago, he thought. I could have approached Eden and declared my love. Maybe she wouldn’t have gone away. But there wasn’t much point in ruing what could not be changed. Life would go on, even if it would be an incredibly empty one. He’d learn to accept it, in time.
At least he had some very poignant memories of the woman who had stolen his heart. He would draw on them for comfort in the lonely years ahead.
Smiling to himself as he reached the butcher shop, he jogged up the stairs to his small apartment on the second floor.
A grinning Riley Baker leaned against the doorjamb, his pose nonchalant, his hands in his pockets. “Ahoy, mate.”
Dane grabbed the redhead in a bear hug, thumping a rawboned back beneath the first mate’s heavy coat. “What brings you to my neck of the woods? Thought you’d signed on with a coastal steamer.”
“Yep, that I did. One of the roosters on an incoming tub gave me a letter to bring to you.” He handed over an envelope.
“Thanks.” Dane pocketed the missive without looking at it. “Want to come in for some coffee?”
“Can’t. Have to get back to the ship. We’ll be weighin’ anchor within the hour.”
“Maybe next time, then.” Dane put his key into the lock while Riley started down the steps.
The sailor stopped partway and turned. “How’s the new job? Or maybe I should say old job. Miss bein’ a ship’s captain?”
Dane tipped his head. “I don’t report for a couple weeks, actually. But I admit, it does seem strange not to be rocked to sleep at night by the ocean. Otherwise…” He grinned, letting the unspoken words dangle.
Riley nodded. “Well, here’s hoping everything works out for you. Let me know when the first ship you design is ready for its maiden voyage. I’ll be your officer anytime.” With a parting wave, he took the remaining steps two at once.
Inside, Dane stoked up the fire to dispel the cold. When he looped his coat over a hook on the hall tree, he remembered the letter and retrieved it.
The envelope bore nothing but his name.
>
And the Coquille Light insignia.
In the middle of her afternoon watch, Eden heard someone mount the outside steps. Another delivery, she surmised, with a new shipment of kerosene and supplies due any day. She opened the door.
Her breath caught in her throat. “Dane!” she gasped. “I–I never saw the Solitude sail in.” Her hand reached to check her hair. She must look a sight after scrubbing windows and polishing brass. And her work apron had to be frightfully soiled. She fumbled with its ties and managed to take the thing off and dispose of it on its hook.
The captain just grinned. “I came on a coastal packet this time. As a passenger. May I come in?”
“Y–yes, of course.” She moved aside, closing the door on the cool draft when he entered, then frowned in puzzlement. “But, why would you buy passage? Where’s your sternwheeler?”
“I dumped her,” he said so casually he might have been talking about the weather. “The old gal was hardly seaworthy anymore—especially this time of year. She’d served her purpose.”
“Oh.” Not knowing whether to congratulate or console him, Eden gave a nod instead and attempted a light laugh. “I–I thought you were the deliveryman, just now, bringing supplies.”
“Not this time.” He sobered, his gray gaze lingering on hers, on her nose, her lips. “How’ve you been?” he asked at last.
The intensity of his gaze banished the usual ease she’d always felt around him, but she struggled to keep from letting it show. Hoping overt cheerfulness would help restore her composure, she tried for a breezy tone. “Fine, just fine. Oh, my position as assistant keeper here is permanent now. The board approved me. I’m official.”
“That does not surprise me. You’re more than competent.”
“But what will you do, without a vessel to pilot?” she had to ask.
He tilted his head then shrugged. “I’ll be starting a new job in Seattle, building ships. Someday I hope to design and build my own, but that’ll take awhile, of course.”
So their friendship would be ending after all. He’d be in Seattle. She’d never see him again. The grim reality of it encouraged Eden to be completely candid. She swallowed, unable to maintain her gaze. “It’s…wonderful to see you. I was disappointed to have missed you last time. What brought you by?”
“Your letter.”
A jolt went through her. She knew only that she’d written from her heart.
“I…had to come, Eden. I couldn’t stay away.” Dane took a step closer, his presence seeming to fill the fog trumpet room.
At his husky tone, her insides began doing crazy things. He’d come because of her! She drew a shaky breath, knowing she should step back, give herself more space. Knowing she wouldn’t. She raised her lashes.
And met a most incredible smile.
And eyes that wouldn’t release hers so easily this time.
“I brought you something,” he said. “Something I bought quite some time ago but never had a chance to give you.” Reaching inside his coat, he drew a small, wrapped package from an inner pocket.
As Eden took the gift, her fingers brushed his, sending a tingle through her being. “You don’t need to buy me things,” she blurted out.
“Why not?”
She had no answer. It was hard enough to keep breathing with him staring at her the way he was and her feeling so awed because he’d come all this way just to see her. She opened the outer paper, revealing a small box.
A lighthouse pendant watch glinted up at her from midnight velvet lining. In view of the talk she’d had with Birdie, the timepiece seemed almost symbolic. She would treasure it always. “It’s…beautiful.”
“Not as beautiful as the woman standing before me.” Reaching out a hand, he lifted her chin with the edge of his index finger. “You know I love you, don’t you, Eden?”
Inexpressible happiness at hearing those words sent warm shivers down to her toes. “I…hoped you did.” She moistened her lips. “Maybe I always hoped it…because I’ve come to love you, too.” The whispered declaration gave her boldness, and she smiled.
“Oh, my dearest,” he murmured, drawing her into his arms, the beat of his heart surging against her own. “I thought you were lost to me forever. It was as if the sun itself vanished from my life. All I had was the memory of a light in the night—one that pales in the glow of those incredible eyes of yours.”
No one had ever spoken that way to Eden, and her heart contracted in exquisite pain.
Dane eased away slightly and searched her soul, then his warm breath feathered her neck as he lowered his lips to hers. The tender kiss held an ocean of promises. Eden wanted to bask in it forever and raised to her tiptoes, slipping her arms about his neck to deepen the kiss.
The door opened at that moment, admitting Chris and Birdie.
“Well, well,” the housekeeper said, not quite able to suppress her smile.
“Precisely,” Dane said, releasing Eden but drawing her against his side with one arm. “I’d like you two to be the first to know I’ve just declared my undying love to the beautiful assistant keeper of this river light.”
“Mama?” Chris asked.
“That’s right, buddy. I’m hoping she’ll consent to become my wife sometime in the near future…if she’s agreeable to giving up the assignment she’s worked so hard for, that is. And if she’ll deign to come to Seattle to live.”
“Will you?” the three asked as one.
She could scarcely speak. The housekeeper’s spare time lately was being monopolized by her old friend, Haydon Jeffries. And the position Eden had set so many hopes upon didn’t seem to matter anymore. Something far better glowed on her horizon—the light of a love she’d thought could never be, for her, for them. Some important details remained to be worked out, but she had every confidence that if God had been able to bring the unbelievable to pass already, He could easily handle the rest…in His time.
“Well?” three pairs of questioning eyes regarded her.
“Yes!” She finally declared. “A thousand times, yes.”
Dane hugged her so hard her ribs nearly cracked. “I don’t know what I’d have done if you’d said no,” he admitted with no little relief.
Christian jumped up and down.
Birdie simply beamed. “I just baked a cake, Eden-girl. Let’s go celebrate.”
“Yes.” Smiling, Eden pulled her son into their circle of love. “If ever there were a perfect time for celebrating, this has to be it.”
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
ANDREA BOESHAAR
Andrea was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Married for twenty years, she and her husband Daniel have three adult sons. Andrea has been writing professionally since 1984, but writing exclusively for the Christian market since 1991.
As far as her writing success is concerned, Andrea gives the glory to the Lord Jesus. Her writing, she feels, is a gift from God in that He has provided an “outlet” for her imagination. Andrea wants her writing to be an evangelistic tool, but she also hopes that it edifies and encourages other Christians in their daily walk with Him.
LYNN A. COLEMAN
Raised on Martha’s Vineyard, Lynn now calls the tropics of Miami, Florida, home. She is a minister’s wife who writes to the Lord’s glory through the various means of articles, short stories, and a web site. She has three grown children and six grandchildren. She also hosts an inspirational romance writing workshop on the Internet, manages an inspirational romance web site, edits an inspirational romance electronic newsletter, and serves as president of the American Christian Romance Writers organization.
PAIGE WINSHIP DOOLY
Paige is the author of seventeen books and novellas. She enjoys living in the Coastal Deep South with her family, after having grown up in sometimes extremely cold Midwest. She is happily married to her high school sweetheart and loves their life of adventure in a full house with their six homeschooled children.
SALLY LAITY
Sally has written both histori
cal and contemporary novels, including a coauthored series for Tyndale House, nine Heartsong romances, and twelve Barbour novellas. She considers it a joy to know that the Lord can touch other hearts through her stories. Her favorite pastimes include quilting for her church’s Prayer Quilt Ministry and scrapbooking. She makes her home in the beautiful Tehachapi Mountains of Southern California with her husband of over fifty years and enjoys being a grandma and a great-grandma.
DIANN MILLS
Award-winning author DiAnn Mills is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn’s first book was published in 1998. She currently has more than fifty books published.
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists and have won placements through the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Carol Awards and Inspirational Reader’s Choice awards. DiAnn won the Christy Award in 2010 and 2011.
DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Romance Writers of America, and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is also the Craftsman mentor for the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild.
She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.
If you enjoyed
The Lighthouse Brides Collection
Look for
The Immigrant Brides Collection
The Prairie Romance Collection
The Bartered Bride Collection
The Stitched with Love Collection
The Texas Brides Collection
The Farmer’s Bride Collection
Available wherever books are sold.
Lighthouse Brides Collection Page 39