Embers of Love

by Tracie Peterson

  “You pack quite a wallop, Miss Vandermark.”

  “Mr. Wythe! What are you doing here?”

  “I’m in Houston selling bulls for breeding. I recognized your sister-in-law and was crossin’ the street to say hello when she started hollerin’ for help.”

  “Oh, am I ever glad you were here,” Deborah replied. “Imagine – someone trying to rob us in broad daylight!”

  “Well, it’s not exactly that,” he said, waving a hand to the twilight skies. “Can I escort you ladies somewhere?”

  “We’re at the hotel just around the corner and down a block.” Deborah looked to Lizzie. “You weren’t hurt, were you?”

  “No, just scared.”

  Deborah nodded. “Me too.”

  Jake laughed. “You didn’t look scared. You looked mad.”

  “I was that, too. I tend to get angry when I’m afraid.”

  He took hold of Lizzie’s arm and then reached for Deborah. “I’ll keep that in mind for the future.”

  He led them toward the hotel, talking all the while about his new purchases and the affairs of the ranch since he’d last encountered them.

  “I never figured to see you two here. I did, however, give some thought to stopping off in Perkinsville on the way back north.” He threw Deborah a grin.

  The comment took her off guard. She wasn’t at all certain what to say, so she changed the subject. “Seems you’ve become my guardian angel once again, Mr. Wythe. I thank you for the help.”

  “No problem. What, if you don’t mind my askin’, were you two doing out unescorted anyways? Houston can be kinda rough.”

  Deborah tried not to sound offended. “I hadn’t expected trouble. I attended finishing school here some years ago and . . . I was remiss in considering the changes.”

  He nodded, looking as though he were pondering a great mystery. “I suppose you were well protected back then.”

  Deborah couldn’t deny that fact. She was never allowed to go anywhere without the escort of someone from the finishing school. “So how long will you be in Houston?”

  “I leave tomorrow. I’ve been here for a week already. I found a prime bull and some great heifers. I plan to strengthen our herd when I get back home.”

  By now, they’d reached the hotel and Deborah motioned Lizzie inside. Her friend paused, however. “Mr. Wythe, would you care to join us for supper?”

  Deborah held her breath. She had hoped they could get by without having to explain their trouble to G. W. and Rob. Neither would be happy with her.

  “It would be a pleasure, ma’am, but I’m afraid I can’t.” He looked to Deborah and boldly gave her a wink. “Although I’m mighty tempted.”

  Deborah looked away quickly. She tugged on Lizzie’s arm. “That is a pity, Mr. Wythe, but we do understand. We’ll bid you good day, and thank you once again.”

  He gave a little bow and chuckled. “You are welcome, Miss Vandermark, and don’t be surprised if I don’t turn up for a visit one of these days.”

  She nodded uncomfortably and hurried Lizzie up the steps to the hotel. Inside, she finally let out the breath she’d been holding. “Lizzie, what were you thinking inviting him to supper? We can’t let G. W. and Rob know what happened. If they saw Mr. Wythe and he mentioned the situation he found us in – why, we’d never hear the end of it.”

  “I don’t imagine we deserve to hear the end of it,” Lizzie said. Deborah continued pulling her up the stairs. “G. W. would want to know.”

  “Well, as my mama used to say, ‘Wantin’ and gettin’ are two entirely different things.’ ”

  They reached their room without further mishap. Deborah unlocked the door and all but pushed Lizzie into the room. It wasn’t until they were inside with the lock secured that Deborah let down her guard.

  “I was afraid G. W. and Rob might return and find us out there. Now we can just pretend that nothing happened.”

  “They’re going to know we went out. The fabric will be delivered in the morning.”

  Deborah looked around the room. “Oh bother – I forgot about the hat I purchased. I suppose it’s lost forever.” She frowned and began taking the pins from her own hat. “It was such a lovely hat, too. I suppose it’s a small price to pay.” She looked at Lizzie’s doubtful expression. “I don’t mind them knowing about our outing, as much as what beset us during that time. Still, if it doesn’t come up, there’s no sense causing them to worry. Now, let’s put it aside and talk about what you’re going to wear tonight. You have a big announcement to make.”

  –––––––

  G. W. had never seen his wife looking more radiant unless it was the day they’d married. Tonight she seemed to even outshine that glorious event. She and Deborah kept their heads together through a good portion of the meal, but finally as dessert was served, they seemed less preoccupied.

  “This chocolate cake is delicious,” Deborah said casually. “I think I would very much like the recipe. Do you suppose the cook would let us have it?”

  Her brothers shrugged. Rob stuffed another bite into his mouth and nodded. “It is mighty fine.”

  “Don’t speak with your mouth full,” Deborah chided.

  “She’s startin’ to sound more like Ma every day,” Rob said with a frown.

  “Speaking of mothers . . .” Deborah let the words trail off and looked to Lizzie.

  “What about them?” G. W. looked perplexed.

  Deborah elbowed Lizzie. “Go ahead.”

  G. W. frowned. “Does this have to do with that letter your ma sent?”

  Lizzie shook her head. “No. Not in the least. I . . . well . . .” She looked at Deborah before turning back to her husband. “We’re going to have a baby.”

  Nothing could have surprised him more. G. W. looked at Lizzie and then Deborah. Maybe he’d misunderstood. He glanced at Rob, who by this time was grinning from ear to ear. He punched G. W.’s arm.

  “Well, if that ain’t something. Congratulations there, big brother.”

  G. W.’s gaze was locked with Lizzie’s. She smiled ever so slightly – almost shyly. “A baby? For sure?”

  She nodded. “I’ve been pretty certain for a while now, but I wanted to wait. I hope you aren’t displeased. It is rather soon.”

  “I couldn’t be happier.” G. W. leaned over toward Lizzie and kissed her gently on the cheek. “A baby.”

  “Why, hello there.”

  G. W. looked up to see Mr. Wythe. He was grinning and holding a battered hatbox. “Mr. Wythe. It’s a surprise to see you.”

  “I just dropped by to bring this to Miss Vandermark. The clerk at the desk said you were in here havin’ supper, so I thought instead of leave it with him, I’d deliver it personally.”

  G. W. was confused. “How did you know we were staying here?” Just then he noticed the younger man’s black eye. “What in the world happened to you?”

  Wythe put his hand to his face. “Your little sister packs a wallop. That’s what happened to me.”

  A feeling of dread washed over G. W. He looked to Deborah for an explanation. “You have something to say?”

  She clamped her lips together and shook her head. G. W. then looked to Lizzie. “What’s this all about?”

  “You mean you didn’t tell your brothers what happened?” Mr. Wythe asked Deborah.

  “I didn’t see the need,” she said in a rather curt manner. “After all, no harm was done.”

  “Except for Mr. Wythe’s eye,” Rob threw out. “That’s quite a shiner.”

  “It was an accident,” Deborah declared.

  “Yeah, the man she intended to hit ducked. I just happened to be behind him.”

  “I guess you’d better have a seat, Mr. Wythe, and tell us the whole story. I’m not likely to get it out of my sister anytime soon.”

  The man laughed. “Wish I could stay, but fact is, I’ve got other business to tend to. Like I said earlier, I just wanted to drop this off.” He handed the hatbox to G. W. “I hope you’ll excuse me now.
”

  G. W. got to his feet. “Thank you for your . . . Well, I’m sure you were probably very helpful. Knowing my sister, I can only imagine what mighta happened. Of course, she was supposed to be safely asleep here at the hotel, but somehow I get the feelin’ that wasn’t how she spent her afternoon.”

  Mr. Wythe gave a chuckle. “I’ll leave it to her to tell. Evenin’ to y’all.”

  G. W. didn’t even wait until Wythe had departed the dining room. He turned to Deborah and Lizzie. “Somebody better start talkin’.”

  Deborah shrugged. “We went shopping.”

  “We? You mean Lizzie went, too?”

  She glanced at the now-empty dessert plate. “I did.”

  “I thought we had an agreement.” G. W. shook his head. “What happened?”

  “It wasn’t our fault,” Deborah began. “We were walking back to the hotel when a man tried to get my money.”

  “Deborah hit him and actually was faring pretty well when Mr. Wythe came along,” Lizzie added.

  G. W. shook his head. “It ain’t safe for a lady to walk around unescorted down here. Please promise me you won’t go out alone again.”

  Lizzie put her hand atop his forearm and nodded. “I promise.”

  As they walked back to their rooms, Deborah took G. W. aside. “I’m really sorry. I know you’re mad at me, but I’m asking you to forgive me.”

  G. W. eyed her for a moment. “I don’t know what I would do if something happened to one of you. You’re the smartest one of us, yet sometimes you don’t use the sense the good Lord gave you.”

  “You’re absolutely right,” Deborah agreed. “I suppose I get in my mind that I can do a thing without the help of anyone else. I’m sorry. It won’t happen again. I promise.” She squeezed his arm. “Please forgive me.”

  “Of course I forgive you.” He smiled and led her to the room. “We’ll knock on your door in the mornin’ when it’s time to go down for breakfast. Then we’ll take you out shoppin’.”

  Deborah stretched up on tiptoe and G. W. bent down for her to kiss his cheek. “Good night, brother of mine.”

  G. W. waited as she opened the door. He peaked in at Lizzie and motioned her to the door. Lizzie stepped into the hallway with him, and after a quick glance down the hallway, she wrapped her arms around him. G. W. pulled her close and lifted her face to meet his. He felt her melt against him as he kissed her.

  “I’m so happy,” he declared.

  “I was worried that you’d think it too soon,” Lizzie said, pulling back just a bit.

  “God’s timing is never too soon or too late. This baby will be right on time.” He grinned and kissed her once more on the forehead. “I’m gonna miss you tonight.”

  He released his hold on her and she stepped back. “No more than I’ll miss you.” She opened the hotel room door and paused. “Maybe I can convince Deborah to share Rob’s room. I’ll start working on her tonight.”

  G. W. laughed and waited until she’d closed the door. Maybe they should just splurge on an extra room.

  CHAPTER 28

  Christopher was surprised and concerned to find Euphanel Vandermark sitting in his waiting room when he finished with one of his patients. He reached out to help her up from her chair.

  “Are you ill?”

  She shifted her basket to her left hand and reached in with her right. “Not at all, Dr. Clayton. I’ve come with a plate of cookies and an invitation.”

  He eyed the gift and couldn’t suppress a smile. “What a pleasant surprise. Now, what is it you’re inviting me to?”

  “Thanksgiving dinner. I hope you haven’t already made other arrangements.”

  “Not at all. I would love to share your table. Is there something I can bring?”

  “Just yourself,” Euphanel replied. “I know the family will be delighted to see you. Especially Deborah.”

  He considered her comment for a moment. Deborah had been on his mind a great deal lately, almost against his will.

  “I understand she’s in Houston.”

  She nodded. “They’re due back the day before Thanksgiving. Sissy and I have already started workin’ on the arrangements. She’ll be with her own family and friends for the day, but we’ll get much of the work out of the way the day before. I wanted to arrange it so that Deborah and Lizzie didn’t feel obligated to jump right in and work.”

  He smiled and reached under the cloth to sample a cookie. “I’m sure they’ll want to help, no matter how much you’ve managed to set in place.” He bit into the cookie and found a wealth of spices and nuts. “Mmm, this is wonderful.”

  “I’m glad you like them. They go well with coffee. They’re a pumpkin nut cookie that Sissy created. Our family is quite fond of them.”

  “I can see why.”

  “Well, I should let you get back to work,” Euphanel said, turning for the door.

  “I’m not exactly overwhelmed at the moment.”

  She stopped and looked at him over her shoulder. “Is there somethin’ on your mind?”

  He was taken by surprise. “Why do you ask?”

  Euphanel turned and her expression reminded him very much of his own mother. “You just seem to . . . well, you seem deep in thought.”

  Christopher acknowledged her perception, but he wasn’t all that comfortable in sharing the truth. “I just appreciate your kindness. I miss my family, and you’ve helped to fill that void by allowing me to be a part of yours.”

  “And, of course, there’s Deborah.”

  He looked at her and shook his head. “What do you mean?”

  Euphanel looked thoughtful. “I suppose I shouldn’t say anything. After all, I’ve only got my own intuition to go on.” She shrugged. “But in my opinion, it’s obvious the two of you were meant for each other.”

  Stunned, he felt his eyes widen. “I . . . well . . . Deborah is a wonderful young woman.”

  “She is that, and I believe she thinks you a wonderful man. You have a great deal in common.”

  Christopher didn’t know what to say. How could he explain to Deborah’s mother that he had lost his heart to her daughter but intended to do nothing about it?

  “You know, Dr. Clayton, if you don’t put your claim to her, someone else will.”

  He frowned. “It isn’t that easy.”

  “And why not? Have I misunderstood how you feel about her?” She fixed him with a puzzled look. “Do you plan to go through life alone?”

  “Not at all. But there is the matter of my family. My father is unable to work. My mother cannot earn enough to properly care for the family. There are a lot of mouths to feed and bodies to clothe. Without my help, they wouldn’t be able to make it very well.”

  “And you think this would be a problem for Deborah? Why, she would fully support you in such a matter. She’s doin’ much the same for her own family – only we aren’t in as great a need.”

  “But without a wife and children of my own, all of my extra money can go back to them. A wife would eventually want and need things of her own. Children would most certainly come along, and they, too, would have needs.”

  “Still, it would be a shame to let true love pass you by. There has to be a way to have both. My guess is that you could probably ask Deborah to wait for you, and she would.”

  He couldn’t help but grin. “You truly think she cares for me that much?”

  “I do, but like you, she has it in her mind that she must sacrifice herself for us. It’s nonsense, but still, it’s her belief. You see, she went away to school to help the family. Had I realized what her deepest heartfelt thoughts were on the matter, I might have refused her.”

  “But why?” Mrs. Vandermark’s comment truly confused him.

  “Because she’s wrong. Her efforts have benefited us, no doubt about it. I greatly appreciate her desire to improve our business arrangements and handle them efficiently. However, in speaking with her recently, she left me with the impression that she believes she can’t marry and risk leavin�
�� us. I told her she was wrong. Perhaps if you give her something more to consider, her opinions will change.”

  “But it might be years before I could actually wed,” he replied.

  “All the more reason to secure her hand.” Euphanel smiled and resumed her walk toward the door. “Pray about it, Dr. Clayton. I think you’d make a wonderful son-in-law.”

  –––––––

  Deborah felt a sense of peace and happiness wash over her as her family gathered to celebrate all that God had done for them. Thanksgiving was not taken lightly in this family. Not only was it a time to celebrate a good year of harvest, but it had always been a celebration of God’s goodness. For as long as Deborah had memory, she had shared in the family tradition of naming the thing or things she was most grateful for. Each member of the family would tell about the blessings of the year and how God had answered prayers. Mother even encouraged them to keep a journal about it and then share the biggest blessings at the table.

  This year was certainly no exception. With the table nearly bowing from the plates heaped high with food, Mother turned to Arjan and nodded. He stood and cleared his throat. “As you know, your father started this time of sharing on Thanksgivin’. I have been blessed to be a part of this family and carry on that tradition.”

  Deborah glanced at Lizzie. She’d not yet told Mother and Uncle Arjan about the baby. G. W. had suggested she wait and deliver the news during their dinner. Deborah felt almost giddy with delight. They’d had such a wonderful time in Houston, shopping for the baby’s needs, as well as Lizzie’s. Deborah couldn’t help but wish she might also bear a child one day.

  Of course, I would need a husband first, she told herself. She glanced across the table to where Dr. Clayton sat. He seemed to be watching her and offered a bit of a smile before turning his attention back to Arjan.

  Deborah felt her heart skip a beat. Goodness, but what is wrong with me? I find myself unnerved by the silliest things.

  She looked up and found Mother getting to her feet as Arjan took a seat.

  “I’m so thankful for all of you. My children have always been a delight to me, but now I have the joy of adding another daughter to the family. What a blessing Lizzie has been to me. Deborah, you have also blessed me with your love and care for this family. Even though it’s never been your burden to take on, I want you to know that I appreciate and understand your efforts. That said, however, you must also know that I will never stand by and allow for you to let life pass you by.”