A Promised Land

by Kimberly Grist

  Within minutes the mercantile owner summoned his wife to assist with showing her the dry-goods section of the store. Meriwether marveled at the multiple bolts of cloths that appealed to her. She had promised Cookie she would purchase some new material while she was here, since her current wardrobe was in dire need of replacing. Ultimately, she found herself drawn to two ready-made dresses as well as some additional fabric.

  “I like the blue one.” Sarah pointed at a navy and periwinkle pattern.

  “This one’s pretty too.” Sissy placed her hand on a floral pattern in dark purple.

  “You’re right. I’ll get them both.” Meriwether blew out a breath as she handed her selections to Mrs. Simpson.

  “But now comes the most difficult decision.” The girls grinned as they approached the candy counter featuring peppermint sticks, jelly beans, rock candy, licorice and lemon drops.

  Heavy work boots shuffled behind them. “Did you get all your shopping done?” Jake patted the girls’ heads. “Take your time. Zach’s in the wagon and I need to check to see if we have any mail.”

  “We’re almost done.” Meriwether met Jake’s smile and motioned toward the colorful display of candy in glass jars. “I believe the choosing is almost as much fun as the partaking.”

  ~o0o~

  Every seat was filled at the large wooden tables in the crowded diner. Meriwether scooted closer to the wall to make room for the girls on the bench. She admired the large window, which showered the room with sunshine, highlighting the blue floral oilcloths on the tables.

  Jake recommended the sauerbraten. “It’s a German-style pot roast. It’s tangy, sweet and full of rich flavor. The kids like it with mashed potatoes, but it also comes with potato dumplings,” he said, pointing toward the menu.

  “I’ve never met a mashed potato I didn’t like.” Meriwether giggled. “But I think I’d like to try the dumplings.”

  “That’s my girl.” Jake winked. Did he just refer to her as his girl? She blushed and folded her napkin in her lap.

  Jake pulled at his collar. “Did you find everything you needed at the mercantile?”

  “Yes, Mr. Simpson said he would have everything ready by the time we get through with lunch.” She took a sip of coffee. “I hope to have a return response from my father as well.”

  A flush swept across his cheeks. He patted his pocket. “Which reminds me, kids. I got a letter from your daddy. He arrived safe and sound and already has an offer on your grandma’s property. He’ll be back in a matter of weeks, and our mother will be coming with him.”

  Sarah beamed. “You’ll like Grandmama, Miss Walker. She can help you with your sewing, and you won’t have to buy ready-made dresses.”

  “Your grandmother must be a miracle worker.” Meriwether laughed.

  Sissy wrinkled her nose. “We just got to figure out a way to keep her sewing and out of the kitchen. She burns everything.”

  “Sissy, don’t talk about your grandmother like that,” Jake scolded. His eyes twinkled. “Even if it is true.”

  Everyone laughed except for Zachary, who remained stoic.

  “Well, I noticed you didn’t tell Sarah not to talk about my lack of sewing skills,” Meriwether teased.

  Jake reached for her hand. “I can’t imagine anything you can’t do once you set your mind to it.” Meriwether felt her cheeks flame.

  Zachary scowled. “Uncle Jake? Aren’t you going to tell them the rest?”

  The waitress arrived with their plates. “Here you go, Miss, I believe you had the dumplings and the little ones had the mashed potatoes.” Meriwether placed her napkin over her mouth to cover a grin as the waitress smiled and lingered over Jake’s plate.

  “Whose turn is it to say the blessing,” he asked.

  Sissy smiled. “It’s Zachary’s turn.”

  Zachary bowed his head. “Dear Lord, thank you for this meal and for Uncle Jake who is taking care of us while our father is away. Please bring him and Grandmama and every…thing and well, you know…back safe too. Amen.”

  CHAPTER 14

  ~o0o~

  “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

  Joshua 1:9

  The horses plodded along, creating a relaxing rhythm as they traveled toward home. With the town at their back, Meriwether placed her return telegram from her father in her reticule. She sighed as she took in the sight of the trail of bluebonnets scattered with tiny Indian paintbrush—a perfect display of pink and purple. Jake leaned forward, clucked at the horses and seemed lost in his thoughts.

  “Thank you for driving us into town today. I enjoyed it so much.” She glanced in the back of the wagon. “The children are already asleep.”

  “No wonder it’s so quiet.” Jake looked over his shoulder and chuckled.

  “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to, but what’s in the letter that has Zachary so concerned?” Meriwether pulled on the strings of her purse. “No one is sick or hurt, I hope.”

  “Everyone is well, and it’s not…bad news.” Jake readjusted his hat and nodded toward her purse. “Which reminds me, you seemed upset with the reply from your pa.”

  She wrapped the cord from her reticule around her hand. “The contents weren’t surprising. A confirmation of an appointment time and a reminder that payment is due at the time of visit.” She offered a half smile. “It’s very business-like.”

  “Do you think someone replied on your father’s behalf?”

  Meriwether shrugged. ”I’m not going to read too much into it. It was only a telegram…and on a positive note, it came with a speedy and positive response.”

  Jake tugged on his collar. “I wanted to speak to you about something last night, but it didn’t seem like the appropriate time.” Meriwether felt her heart pound. He pulled her closer to him and gave her a wide grin. “I like the feeling of you by my side.”

  His gray eyes crinkled at the corners, the color taking on a dark green hue. Why does the man have to be so gorgeous? She felt her heart flutter.

  He inclined his head toward hers. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know you these past few weeks. You’re smart, sweet and funny—truly as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside.” He glanced at her lips.

  What would it be like to kiss him?

  Jake reached for her hand. “I’ve been wanting to ask you a question.”

  “What sort of question?” She blinked

  He leaned closer. “Would you allow me to court you?”

  Meriwether swallowed past the lump in her throat. She liked the feel of her hand in his large, strong ones. Rough from ranch work, yet gentle. She felt warm, safe, protected. “Are you teasing me?”

  “I’ve never been more serious about anything in my life.” He kissed her fingers. “This may seem sudden to you, but I promise I will treat you right. You’ve probably already figured out patience isn’t my strong suit, but I’ll give you all the time you need. I’ll court you proper like you deserve.”

  The cool breeze of the late afternoon spring day did nothing to reduce the heat from her cheeks. “I thought that’s what you were already doing. What are you asking?”

  His eyes lowered to their interwoven fingers. “I want to marry you.” His voice grew husky. “That is, if you’ll have me?”

  Meriwether gasped and placed her hand to her throat. “You do?”

  He shook his head and clucked to the horses. “You really have no idea how special you are? When I’m with you, I feel content. When we’re apart, I look forward to the next time we’ll be together. I’ve prayed about it and truly believe you and I were meant to be together as man and wife.” His brow furrowed. “Will you at least think about it?”

  Meriwether placed her hand on his arm. “I don’t have to think about it. I can’t think of anything that would make me happier. Although I haven’t prayed about it yet, perhaps we can do so together as we continu
e this courtship.” She glanced away. “I’ve never been courted before.”

  Jake gave her a sideways glance. “Can’t say I’m sorry to hear that.” He reached for her hand. “Please know my intentions are honorable. All I want is to make you happy.”

  ~o0o~

  After dinner, Meriwether washed the dishes as Jake dried, which had become their evening ritual. She gave the last plate a good swipe. A soap bubble burst into flight toward the open window. Pops of lights from a family of fireflies brightened the evening sky. “The lightning bugs are out early this year,” she said as she passed him the plate.

  Jake nodded and dried the last dish. “Before we join the others, there are a few things we need to talk about.” He patted his vest pocket. “I don’t want there to be any secrets between us, and there is something I need to show you.”

  Meriwether took a seat on the bench at the worktable and watched as he positioned himself on a ladder-back chair beside her. A muscle jumped along his jawline. “I meant it when I said you are the only person I’ve ever imagined spending the rest of my life with.”

  He leaned forward and clasped both of her hands. “First, about this property, I don’t like the idea that people are going to think I’m interested in you because you own this land.” He blew out a breath. “As much as my family needs the water rights, I want you to know I respect you too much ever to manipulate you in any way to obtain them.”

  His gaze held her captive. One side of her mouth lifted. “We could always agree and tell them it was a joint venture, and I’m only interested in your cattle.”

  His jaw dropped. “You and I’ve discussed how I misjudged you at first.” He chuckled. “But as each day passes. I’m amazed by how wrong I was.” He stood and began to pace. Meriwether was surprised how quickly she missed the presence of his hand.

  His work boots hammered the wooden floor back and forth across the full length of the kitchen before hesitating in front of her. “When we heard this estate was to be inherited by Mr. Meriwether’s niece, who also happened to be a school teacher, we made some poor assumptions. Even after I met you, I couldn’t imagine a single woman wanting to settle in a remote area like this. I figured it would only be a matter of time before you took the money and left. That is the message I sent my brother.”

  Jake knelt beside her and placed one hand softly on hers. “I’ve sent another letter since, letting him know you were staying and how you were pitching in and helping with the kids.”

  He kissed the palm of her hand. “Sometimes I wish I’d never worked out the lease with your uncle, and we wouldn’t have this problem. But on the other hand, if things were different, we might not have met, which would have been infinitely worse.”

  He resumed his seat and clasped her hands again. “Am I making any sense?”

  Meriwether studied Jake’s troubled face. “What exactly is in the letter?”

  Jake scrubbed a hand against his cheek. “My mother closed on her home much earlier than anticipated and is making arrangements to travel with my brother to live here. They should arrive within a few weeks.”

  “That’s wonderful news, isn’t it?” Meriwether smiled and placed her hand over her heart.

  “I suppose it would be if I had some place to put the grand piano that she can’t seem to part with.” He shook his head. “The second letter must not have arrived yet. You see my brother must still think we’ve got access to this great big house.” Jake threw his hands up in the air. “And my mother has a house full of stuff she’s not about to let go of.”

  “I’m sure we can figure out something. You are planning on adding on to your original ranch house, which is why you placed the order at the mill today, isn’t it?”

  He rubbed his jaw. “You don’t know my mother. She’s got grandiose ideas and wants to plaster these walls and throw wallpaper around all kinds of things.” Jake shuddered.

  Meriwether surveyed the room. She loved every wooden beam. But she also understood it ran counter to the current fashion of affluent homes, which often contained multi-layered window treatments, crimson wallpapered walls, ruffles, frills, and uncomfortable furniture.

  “There’s more.” Jake retrieved the letter and handed it to her. “My brother has convinced my sister and brother-in-law to sell their place and move out here too. They have three boys.”

  Meriwether placed her hand over her mouth and giggled. “Goodness, Jake. This is a large house, but there are only four bedrooms. Where in the world will you put everyone?”

  Jake pulled her to her feet. He ran his finger along her cheek. “Honey, this is your home. I have a two-bedroom cabin where four of my ranch hands are currently living.”

  CHAPTER 15

  ~o0o~

  “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

  Hebrews 10:24-25

  Meriwether’s skirt swooshed when she spun in front of the hall mirror. She was pleased with her new two-piece ensemble, a rich chocolate print, highlighted with small pink and blue flowers. Smoothing the fitted bodice, she admired the slight flare below the nipped waist. She tied the bow to her straw bonnet under her chin. “I’m glad I let Mrs. Simpson talk me into this new hat. My other one is a relic,” she said to her reflection.

  “I am glad too. You look real pretty.” Jake appeared in the mirror.

  Her hand went to her throat. “Goodness, you nearly scared the life out of me. I didn’t hear you come into the room.”

  Jake chuckled. “Too busy admiring how nice you look in your new dress?” Meriwether felt her face flame. Jake tilted her chin toward him. His eyes twinkled. “I don’t blame you for being preoccupied. You sure take my breath away.”

  “You must think I’m silly, but it’s been so long since I’ve had a new dress.” Meriwether smoothed her hand over her skirt. “Even though it’s a simple calico, it makes me feel like a princess.”

  Jake gave a mock bow. “Not at all, my lady. Would you allow this lowly ranch owner to escort you to church and then to a picnic? The food will be simple but delicious, and the scenery will be nearly as beautiful as the lady herself.”

  Meriwether giggled. “I would be delighted, kind sir.”

  Zachary opened the front door. “Uncle Jake, everyone and everything is in the wagon, and Mr. and Mrs. Baker already left. Are you coming?”

  Jake reached for his Stetson and nodded at his nephew. “We’ll be right there.”

  He extended his arm. “Princess Meriwether, your carriage awaits.”

  ~o0o~

  The church was crowded. The doors were open in order to take advantage of the cool breeze. Meriwether positioned the girls on her left, while Zachary chose to sit to Jake’s right. They hurriedly took their places as the pianist played the first hymn.

  After the singing, everyone sat once again on the pews. Several women kept time with the preacher’s voice by waving their handheld fans against the heat of the room. Numerous ladybugs flew back and forth as they searched for a place to rest on the whitewashed, clapboard sanctuary walls.

  Sissy and Sarah pointed at a speckled-domed beetle that landed on the bonnet of the woman in front of them. The hat was at least eight-inches high with elaborate ribbon trimmings and white cock feathers. Meriwether smiled, but placed her finger over her mouth.

  Reverend Reed held his well-worn Bible out before him, opened the pages and pulled out a paper with flair. “How many of you like to eat cake?”

  Heads popped to attention, backs straightened, and shoes shuffled. Sissy hopped to her feet. “I do.”

  “Well thank you, young lady. Either you’re the only one paying attention or else I’ve caused everyone else to go into shock. Let me try this again.”

  The white-haired preacher held up the paper victoriously and smiled at his wife. “Ruth didn’t realize it until now, but I took this out of he
r recipe book this morning. I picked it because it’s one of my favorites.”

  He waved the paper in the air. “Now this time answer as if you might get to sample a delicious dessert. If you like cake, can I get an amen?” Reverend Reed put his hand up to his ear.

  Amongst a few chuckles, the congregation answered in unison, “Amen.”

  The pastor’s weathered face beamed. “Thank you, and now if you will turn with me in your Bibles to Romans 8:28. ‘And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.’”

  Sarah placed her hand on Meriwether’s arm, “Isn’t that one of the comfort verses?”

  “It is,” Meriwether ran her finger along the verse, then placed the open Bible between the two girls to share.

  The preacher put on his reading glasses, then held up one finger. “Now bear with me for a moment. I’m going to read a list of items from this recipe, and I want you to raise your hand if any of these ingredients appeal to you by themselves. If you’re listening, say Amen.”

  Reverend Reed placed his hand behind his ear. “Here we go. Three ounces of unsweetened chocolate. Who enjoys the taste of chocolate without sugar?” He shook his head. “Not me.”

  “Let’s try another. How about three cups of all-purpose flour? Who would like some grated nutmeg? Or a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of salt? Anybody here have a hankering for ten large eggs or three sticks of unsalted butter at room temperature?

  He scratched his chin. “My point here is, life can be a lot like cake.”

  Zachary chuckled. Meriwether’s eyebrows raised. A quick glance and a shared smile with Jake indicated he had noticed the boy’s amusement and intense gaze on the pastor. “All things aren’t good. Death is terrible. War is horrific. Blasphemy is horrible. But God in all His wisdom and love is able to mix the good and bad experiences, then blend them into something meaningful—even delicious like our cake.” He wagged his finger toward the congregation. “Not only that, He promises to do so.”