Daniel stood then, taking her into his arms and holding her close. Her heart beat steadily against him. Inching back, he looked into her eyes, recognizing the trust in their luminous blue depths. The touch of her hand on his shoulder was a warmth he welcomed. “You’re not inadequate,” he assured her. “And you have no reason to be afraid any more. You’re healthy and strong. The baby will be healthy and strong. And you’re going to make a wonderful mother.”
Her lower lip trembled. She swallowed and grasped his shirtfront as if holding on to him made his promises so. With one fingertip he caught a single tear glistening on her lower lash. She attempted to duck her chin, but he caught it with a knuckle and didn’t let her hide her emotions from him. He took away the support of his hand and used his knuckles to graze her jaw. She released a trembling breath.
“I was worried about you,” she confessed on a shaky note.
“I will always come back to you,” he said.
A line furrowed her forehead. “You can’t promise that. No one can.”
“I promise I will always use caution and not place myself in unnecessary danger.” She cared. She’d always cared, but as a friend. She’d come west to find a husband and he’d filled the bill. He wasn’t foolish enough to think he was any more special to her than he’d ever been. But he could live with their relationship if he didn’t expect more than she was able to give.
She raised herself on tiptoe and bracketed his face with her palms while she bored her cornflower-blue gaze into his. “You’d better not place yourself in danger.”
She’d lost everyone. He was her last connection with the good memories of her past. They had each other now.
He only had to move an inch or two to place a gentle kiss on her waiting lips, and she met the kiss. Too gentle, too brief for his liking. She gave him a wondering smile and they kissed again.
Friends didn’t share kisses like that one. The kisses confused him and pleased him at the same time. They gave him hope.
Daniel released her. “You need your rest.”
She reached for the dishes on the table, but he stopped her hand with his.
“I’ve got these. You go ahead. I’ll carry water up for you.”
She backed away and left the kitchen. Daniel stood an entire minute, allowing his heart to find a respectable cadence. Perhaps they were destined to be more than friends after all.
* * *
News traveled fast and stories grew larger and better. Pippa was the talk of the town, having taken the Murdoch brothers to task and making a show of being an unappealing victim. The other news that gave them ease came by telegraph. Ruffians had shot up the town of Morgan’s Creek, forty miles to the north. Half a dozen horses were shot in a corral and the saloon was robbed at gunpoint. One of the thieves had been wearing a bandage over his left ear and wrapped around his head, and that person’s description could easily identify him as one of the Murdoch brothers.
For all intents and purposes, it looked as though the Murdochs had moved on. Perhaps they’d keep going. The town council kept the sentries in place, just as a safeguard, but the atmosphere in town improved.
Leah asked Daniel if they might host a small dinner, inviting his good friends Will and Noah, and he thought it sounded like a fine idea. Noah declined the invitation, and Leah was disappointed. She barely knew the man, though he and her husband were close. Will and Dora arrived on time, however, and Valentine stayed later that evening to serve dinner and clean it up afterward.
“You set a lovely table, and your wedding china is beautiful,” Dora told Leah over dessert. “I see you have all the pieces in your china closet.”
“Daniel ordered the cabinet, and I look at the china every day,” Leah answered. “It reminds me of home. Of long ago, when my family was together and we gathered around the table with friends. Those were the best days of my life. We were carefree and innocent.”
“Where did you grow up, Dora?” Daniel asked.
“My grandfather taught at Geneva Medical College in New York. He died when I was very young, and my parents moved us, along with my grandmother, to Ohio. All of us—my father, my two younger brothers and I—worked for my uncle who owned a textile factory. We didn’t know many happy-go-lucky days there.” She set down her fork and looked directly at Leah. “My grandmother passed away, and a couple of years later the war came and my brothers went off.” She glanced at Will and back at her plate. “One of them survived and lives in Ohio. Then my father read about Cowboy Creek and decided it was time to start a new venture, so my parents came here and opened the general store.”
Everyone had a story. Dora’s was obviously wrought with difficulties, as well. Everything Leah knew about textile factories was unpleasant. She didn’t want anyone asking her questions about her experiences once the war had come, so she didn’t voice her curiosity.
“At one point I returned to New York and was a part of the Loyal League,” Dora told them.
“Collecting signatures to pass the Thirteenth Amendment?” Will asked, and turned to look at her. “You never mentioned that.”
Dora shrugged. “My group did a bit of traveling. I rode the train with Elizabeth Stanton and visited northern states. We disbanded a couple of years ago, but it was a good experience. I traveled to Illinois with a friend for a time, but after reading my parents’ letters about this new town, I decided to see what it was like. I came and I met Will.”
Will gave her a brief smile and sipped his coffee. Leah hadn’t seen any affection displayed between the two of them, but she knew little about warmth between men and women, save the kindness Daniel showed her, and that was the mark of friendship.
“Perhaps we could see how progress is coming along on the house,” Dora said to Will. She tucked her arm through the crook of his, her unusual square smile revealing her bottom teeth.
Dora had her own little house in town, which seemed surprising since she only occasionally helped out at the store and didn’t appear to have another income.
“Have the Murdochs been spotted?” Dora asked. “I’ve heard nothing.”
“They seem to have hightailed it out of our area,” Will replied.
“Well, that’s good news.” Dora patted his arm through his sleeve and turned her attention to her cup of tea.
“Just in time,” Daniel replied. “Burrows was pushing to lift the no-gun law. The last thing we need is for the citizens to be walking around armed. Though we came close for safety’s sake.”
“I feel safer knowing there are sentries out there,” Leah confessed.
“That’s not changing for the time being,” Will added in a reassuring tone. “Until we’re sure they’ve moved on.”
“Thank you for dinner,” Dora said. “Once Will and I are married and the house is furnished, we’ll have you over.”
“I’ll look forward to it,” Leah replied. “I wish Noah would’ve come.”
“Maybe next time,” Daniel said.
Valentine appeared silently and removed their plates.
Dora watched the woman’s efficient movements, and after she’d returned to the kitchen, she leaned toward Leah. “You must tell me how you located such an efficient woman. I’m going to want help just like her.”
“Miss Ewing isn’t in our permanent employ,” Daniel said. “She’s here so Leah doesn’t tax herself and is able to rest. Once the baby comes, and both Leah and the baby are doing well, we won’t need her, unless Leah wants to keep her on.”
“Perhaps she’ll be able to work for us then,” Dora said excitedly.
“That will be up to her,” Leah replied. “I know she likes to keep busy, and I’ll feel bad to see her go, but I won’t be able to justify the help once I’m on my feet again.”
“You don’t have to justify anything,” Daniel said to her. “If you want her help, it’s you
rs.”
Dora glanced from Daniel to her fiancé. “That’s so romantic. Isn’t it, Will?”
Leah’s cheeks warmed. She met Daniel’s gaze and let hers dart away. “It’s practical and it’s extremely generous. Thank you, Daniel.”
“Anything to keep you safe and well.” She looked back at him, and the warmth in his gaze took her breath away.
Dora drew their attention by setting down her glass with a thunk. Her blue-eyed gaze flicked over her dinner companions, surprising Leah with an undercurrent she couldn’t put her finger on. Admiration? Jealousy?
“I suppose it’s too dark to see the house tonight?”
“Yes,” Will replied. “If you’d like, we can go in the morning.”
She leaned into him and rested a hand over the front of his shirt. “Thank you. I’d love to.”
Will’s stiff expression surprised Leah. Dora certainly seemed to make him uncomfortable, though their interaction was polite and Dora seemed enamored with him. Perhaps her demonstrations in front of Daniel and herself embarrassed him. He’d always been a private person.
After they’d gone, Valentine squared away the kitchen and let herself out. It was late, but Leah joined Daniel in the library. Owen had built a wall of shelves, three-fourths of which were empty. Seeing them reminded her she could purchase him books as gifts.
“Thank you for planning tonight’s dinner,” he said.
“You’re welcome. I’m only sorry Noah didn’t accept our invitation.”
He tilted his head. “Don’t take it personally. He doesn’t leave his place often.”
“It’s a testament to your friendship that he came to our wedding, then, isn’t it?” She admired the strong line of his jaw, the breadth of his shoulders.
“I suppose it was.”
She let her lips curve up in a saucy smile. “I guess you’ll have to take me to visit him then. I want to know the important people in your life.”
Daniel crossed to where she stood. He rested his fingertips against her cheek, and she looked up into his eyes. “That’s a good idea. There’s a good fishing spot near his place. We could go fishing and drop by.”
“Fishing?”
Daniel nodded.
“I haven’t been fishing...well, probably since the last time I went with you and Will.”
“The river is pretty,” he mentioned. “I can bring the canopy.”
“That’s too much work. I’ll wear a hat.”
“I have a canvas folding chair.”
She raised her eyebrows. “That you can bring.”
He grinned. “We’re going to do just fine together, Leah.”
She studied him with contentment, then smiled back. They’d been friends for many years. Daniel was good-natured and kind. She rested her head against his chest, where she heard the steady beating of his heart. He wrapped his arms around her and held her in his warm embrace. He was safe and dependable. She regretted the times she’d looked over him, neglected him in her search for security and a solid marriage. “You’re not the same person you were back home, Daniel.”
“How do you mean?”
“You frightened me with your talk of ranches and cattle and heading west,” she admitted. “You never sat still. You were always planning, working, looking to the future.”
“I don’t think I’ve changed at all.”
She eased away and looked up at him. “How is that?”
“I still talk about horses and cows, I did come west, and I’m still planning and building and looking to the future.”
“I suppose so.” She shrugged. “I guess because I didn’t want those things, your big talk scared me. I wanted to live in the city and have a safe, comfortable life.”
Stiffening, he released her and took a step back. “You will be safe and comfortable here. I’ll see to it.”
She felt bereft without the solid strength of his arms. She hugged herself and nodded. “Yes. Yes, we’ll both be safe and comfortable here.”
But she’d said something wrong, because he moved to his desk and seated himself behind it.
* * *
Daniel wished Leah a good night after she’d selected a book and told him she was going to her room. It had been a nice evening. She was an excellent hostess and a pleasant companion. It had been thoughtful of her to invite Will and to consider Noah. These past few days he’d been lulled into the pretense that theirs was a normal marriage.
He’d never hoped to fool himself. He shoved a hand through his hair, frowning as he replayed their last conversation. Leah hadn’t meant to expose her disappointment in how her life was turning out. She’d wanted to live safely and comfortably in the city. She had never wanted to move to a cow town in Kansas and live within sniffing distance of the stockyards. Life had dealt her a cruel blow, and she was only here because of Cowboy Creek—because he was her last resort. Her second choice. Just as he’d always been.
It wasn’t that she wasn’t gracious or grateful, and it wasn’t that she wasn’t trying her very best, because she was. The problem was that underneath the average everyday facade of their marriage was the bitter truth.
Leah had settled for being his wife and there was nothing he could do to change that.
* * *
At breakfast the following morning, Daniel surprised Leah with an invitation to go fishing.
“Now? Don’t you have to go to work?”
“I’m the boss, remember? I haven’t taken many days off and it’s about time I enjoy myself more.”
“In that case I’d love to.”
“While you get ready, I’ll go get a buggy and buy a lunch at the Cowboy Café. Nels Patterson makes mouthwatering chicken salad. He always sells his sandwiches at the county fair.”
She dressed in a cotton dress, comfortable shoes and gathered a wide-brimmed hat. She tucked a book in a small basket as the sound of the horse and buggy drew close. Daniel helped her up to the seat.
“I didn’t bring the canopy because there are trees along the bank if you need shade.”
“I won’t wilt in the sun,” she assured him with a smile.
He did carry the canvas folding chair and settled her comfortably where she could watch the sun sparkling on the water and hear the sounds of the frogs and birds. He squinted at her from beneath the brim of his hat. “I brought a pole for you.”
“That only makes more work for you,” she said.
“I don’t mind.” He baited the hook, threw the line into the water and handed her the pole. “It’s more fish if you catch any.”
He took his pole and walked a short way up the riverbank. Leah appreciated the peaceful beauty of these moments. There had been a time when she couldn’t imagine herself doing something so ordinary, a time when she’d longed for life and a home in the city. Recent years had shown her days like this were the true treasures. The sun warming her through her dress and the water lapping against the bank combined to lull her into a sense of contentment. Within minutes Daniel caught the first fish, a glistening trout, and strung it on a line in the water. He turned, his handsome grin earning her notice.
She came dangerously close to letting down her guard. She was feeling emotional. It was normal, what with the baby and with all she’d been through, now with finding an old friend—someone who shared her good memories. But she couldn’t afford to get her heart involved when it came to this marriage. She was smarter than that.
Right now Daniel was her rock, seeing her through this pregnancy, through this difficult time in her life. She’d put her trust in his friendship. Eventually she would be able to pull her weight. Once the baby came she’d be a full partner and help him in his dream of building Cowboy Creek. But caring too much about a person was risky.
She caught a small fish on her line, and he got a couple more.
He stored them all in a pail of water under the buggy and spread a blanket in the shade.
“Shall we drop by and see what Noah’s doing this noon?” Daniel asked.
“I guess we had planned that, hadn’t we?” She unpacked the hamper. “Do you think he’ll mind if we interrupt his work day?”
“He’ll mind. But he doesn’t accept our invitations and he sure won’t invite us, so we’ll go uninvited.”
“He must get lonely out there on his land all alone,” she remarked. “Had you hoped he might show interest in one of the brides?”
“Will and I discussed the possibility. Pippa is too outgoing and...”
“Overstimulating?” she supplied.
Daniel nodded. “She’s great fun, smart, talented—I’m sure she’ll make a good match soon—but I don’t think she’s suited to life on a farm.”
“I think you’re right. Prudence hasn’t shown interest in much other than work. She’s had dinner with a few of the locals.”
“What of Hannah?” he asked. “I rarely see her.”
“The poor girl’s been under the weather much of the time. I’ve made a point to check on her at the boardinghouse, just to make sure she’s eating and taking care of herself. Aunt Mae is doing her best to watch after her, as well.”
He looked concerned. “I hope it’s nothing serious.”
“It seems like exhaustion, and she assured me she’s gone to seek the doctor’s care.”
“Will and I spoke briefly about bringing it up to the council to send for more brides. We need to talk about it again.”
“You’ve had a lot on your mind,” she reminded him.
He accepted the jar of lemonade she handed him and unwrapped a sandwich. “You seem to be feeling well.”
“I am.” She rested the hand holding her sandwich on her lap and looked up. “I feel surprisingly well, actually. I never felt this way before. I can’t explain it.”
“You don’t have to. It’s one of those mysterious woman things I wouldn’t understand.”
Want Ad Wedding Page 14