Twice Promised (The Blue Willow Brides Book #2): A Novel

by Brendan, Maggie

  Jess took a long, deep breath, trying to see through the thickets, squinting against the sun’s rays. In the bright light, a gold locket flashed brilliantly in view and just as quickly disappeared. Was he hallucinating? If only he could just reach his brother . . . Why wouldn’t his legs move? He extended his arms to pull his brother to safety and thought he was in reach of him just a few feet ahead, but he couldn’t grasp him. He felt himself slipping, slipping, and the image of his brother became fuzzy until it faded away behind the boulders . . .

  The door snapped open, and Zach strode in, waking Jess. Sitting up quickly, he ran his hand through his thick hair, smoothing it. “I must’ve dozed off for a moment.”

  Zach plopped in the chair opposite him and picked up the half-full mug. “I don’t know how you sleep drinking that awful, thick stuff! Why didn’t you make some up fresh? That pot’s been simmering for a while.” He wrinkled his nose in disgust, then set the cup down. “We need to talk.”

  Jess started to rise. “I have nothing I want to say, so if you’ve come to plead the ladies’ case and—”

  Zach’s hand stayed him. “Can you hold on just a minute without getting all het up about it?”

  Jess breathed deeply. “Okay. Spit it out, little brother.”

  “I told them not to return everything as it was. I think they did a great job of sprucing up the place, and that was just one day!” He paused, then continued on when Jess didn’t interrupt. “Be honest with yourself. You’re madder by the fact that they did everything without asking for your approval than what you think the store looks like. Am I right?”

  Jess waved his hand, swishing away a fly. What had he thought? Zach was right, but Jess didn’t want to admit it. “Truth is . . . I guess it’s an improvement, but I do have my own system and ways I intend to run the store. Now I’ll never find a thing.”

  “You couldn’t ever find or keep up with anything in the first place, Jess. This will make it easier on you. In fact, it was one of the two reasons that I placed the ad in the first place.” Zach leaned back in his chair, looking more relaxed now.

  Jess shot him a look. “And the other reason?”

  “I told you—you need a wife,” he answered calmly. “Someone to look after you, ’cause you’re not doing such a great job yourself. Especially now that . . .” His voice trailed off.

  Jess stared back at his brother’s deep brown eyes, which crinkled at the corners when he was serious. “Little brother . . . I know you worry about me, and so does Granny, but I’m really doing okay in that department. My life is busy enough without having to worry about carving out time to give attention to a woman.” Besides, Jess felt no confidence that any woman would really want to be married to him. Why would she? He was messy, he lived in clutter, and he couldn’t seem to stay focused long enough to carry out his plans or remember all of his promises to customers.

  “Since the women are here, let’s make the best of it. You have to admit, they’re both quite attractive. And on Friday you can get to know them better when we have dinner with Silas and Annabelle.” Zach grinned. “Mmm, mmm, mmm. Annabelle makes the best apple pie around these parts.”

  Jess walked over to the kitchen area to place his coffee mug in the sink. “And what about you? We had a bargain that you’d court one of them yourself.”

  Zach got up from his chair and whacked his brother on the back. “I haven’t forgotten. But you have to pick first. Which one of them appeals to you more?”

  “Neither!”

  “Come on now . . . not even the least bit? Cora has those pretty dark eyes, and Greta’s are the color of a Colorado sky—or haven’t you even noticed?”

  He shuffled his feet and turned to Zach. “Oh, I’ve noticed them all right. One is timid and mealymouthed who doesn’t know sheep from chickens without someone telling her, and the other one is pushy and thinks she’s just a little lower than God with her gift of knowledge,” Jess said with a snicker.

  Zach laughed and shook his head. “You’re being too hard on them. They’re just trying to get your attention. Give ’em both a chance, will ya?”

  Jess wanted to change the subject. “Instead of cooking tonight, why don’t we lock up and go have a steak?”

  “Sounds like a good idea to me,” Zach said, grabbing his jacket and following Jess out the door and down the stairs.

  “Oh, I forgot to mention, Granny will probably pop in to check the ladies out for herself tomorrow.”

  Zach sniffed. “Now why am I not surprised?”

  On the way home, Cora had insisted that they stop at Mabel’s. She was certain that Mabel could pack a supper for them to take to the cabin. She was worn out—she’d never pushed and pulled or stacked anything in her life, and her arms were so tired that if she hadn’t been holding the basket of food, she’d let them dangle at her sides.

  “Once we have our supper, I plan to wash up and go to bed.” Cora lifted the thick cloth covering the fried chicken and bread. The smells were tantalizing, and her stomach was growling. She wasn’t used to having to find her own lunch, and the small sandwich hadn’t held up. Everything was completely turned upside down for her now, but she had faith that things would eventually improve for her. If she could tough it out.

  She was beginning to wonder if she could live in the quarters above the mercantile if it came to that. Visions of her parents’ home swam before her, making her heart lurch.

  Greta sighed. “That chicken smells heavenly. I’m glad you thought of this. After last night’s episode, maybe we can get a good night’s sleep and feel refreshed by morning. Though I wonder if Jess moved everything back.”

  “Hmm. He did seem very insistent about it.” Cora’s smile faded when she glanced over at Greta. “I’m sure he’s quite angry with us, don’t you think?”

  “Yes, but he doesn’t know yet that we’ll be an asset to him. He only needs to give it some thought.”

  They were nearly to the cabin door, and light was fading quickly as the sun dropped below the Bald Mountain peak. “Perhaps Zach was able to make him change his mind,” Cora said while Greta unlocked the cabin door. “I sure hope so.”

  Greta pushed open the timber door, and Cora walked in behind her and placed the basket on the table. Looking around with a critical eye, Cora said, “It’s not Mabel’s homey café, but it’ll do for now, I suppose. I never thought I’d be staying in a miner’s cabin.” Would this be the kind of life she’d be forced into? What would happen if Jess didn’t pick her? She would have to find some type of work. She couldn’t continue to work for Jess if he tossed her over for Greta.

  Suddenly her heart squeezed tight in her chest. She couldn’t go home. She couldn’t bear to be humiliated that way. Was she even sure she wanted to be Jess’s wife?

  “Me neither, Cora. But any bed looks good to me at this moment. Let’s just wash our hands so we can eat, then get to bed. Then we’ll both go to the outhouse and stand guard for each other.” Greta giggled.

  Cora wholeheartedly agreed. Though they were vying for the same man, she hoped they would still be friends. She wanted a good friend, but she needed to be careful until she knew Greta better. People were not always what they seemed.

  Zach saw Granny when she drew her wagon to a stop in front of the store. She was no stranger to early rising, and he wasn’t surprised that she was here before the brides had made it in this morning. He put aside the crowbar he was using to open crates so he could assist her. Jess was busy working on the books at his desk in the corner.

  “Mornin’, Granny! You’re out and about mighty early. Here, let me help you down,” Zach said as he reached for her hand.

  She cocked her head sideways to glance at him and smiled. “I’m always up early, you know that. And I suppose you know why I’m here.” She stepped onto the boardwalk and he released her hand.

  Ignoring her last comment, Zach asked, “Did you bring me a slice of pie? Or did Jess eat every last bit?”

  Granny was still spry at seventy
. She was fully gray-haired and pleasingly plump but with nice skin, which she protected with a straw hat. The only thing that gave her age away were the deep lines around the blue eyes peering up at him and the stoop of her shoulders.

  “Now you know I brought pie,” she answered, giving him a big squeeze. “Just reach in the back there. I have a whole rhubarb pie.”

  Zach did as he was told. He lifted the pie from a box in the back and peeked under the linen cloth. “Mmm, my mouth tastes it already. God bless you, Granny.”

  When Jess saw them come in, he laid his pencil down. “I thought you’d be coming today, Granny.” He walked over to kiss her cheek.

  “I had to. Needed to see for myself just what’s going on here.” She suddenly became still and clamped her lips together while she gazed about the store. “Heavens above! What happened here?”

  “See, I told you it was the wrong thing to let those two mess with our setup.” Jess cast his comment toward Zach. “They’re like two cleaning fanatics. Everything was just fine as it was until they came.”

  “Not at all—I really like it.” Granny’s thin lips widened to smile at her grandsons. “You said the ladies did it? I don’t believe I’ve seen it look this orderly since your parents died. How did you talk them into that?”

  “He didn’t!” Zach spouted. “Greta decided to make a few changes and Cora followed her instructions.”

  Granny folded her hands together and pressed them into her skirt. “Then she’s one smart young woman. I can’t wait to meet Greta . . . and the other one—”

  “Cora. They should be arriving soon.” Jess strode over to the counter and reached underneath for his apron.

  Granny watched Jess and Zach open another crate. One side held Country Rose dishes. The other held Blue Willow china. Zach picked up a cup and admired its delicate shape.

  “Tell me then, which of you is courtin’ who?” Granny asked.

  “Er . . . well . . . that’s for Jess to choose, and he doesn’t want to do that.” Zach shifted from side to side. Here it comes. She’s about to lambaste me for sending for mail-order brides in the first place.

  Granny sashayed over to look inside the crate, then clapped her hands together. “These dishes are so pretty—and I have an idea that just might work to help you boys decide. I’ll offer the young ladies some tea when they arrive. Zach, you will court the one who picks the Blue Willow, and Jess, you’ll court the one who picks the rose pattern.”

  Jess scratched his unshaven beard. “Well now, Granny, what if they both pick the same pattern? What then?”

  “Hardly likely, but if that happens we’ll move to plan two.”

  Zach laughed. “Which is?”

  Granny tapped her finger on her chin. “Hmm, I don’t know. But I don’t have time to stand here yammering with you if I’m to make tea before they get here.” She moved toward the stairs. “Jess, is that tray still in the cupboard where I left it last time?” she called over her shoulder.

  “Yes, ma’am. Want me to go get it for you?” Jess started after her.

  “No. I’ll set the hot water to boiling. You bring me up two cups from each of the china pieces. Oh, and Zach, look for that special tea you gave me. I think they’d like it,” she said, now at the top of the stairs. “And hurry up.”

  “Sure thing, Granny.” Zach knew once Granny set her mind to something, there was no way she’d change it. “What about you, Jess? Does this sound like something you could live with?”

  “Do I really have a choice?”

  “Not with Granny giving orders. I don’t want to cross her. No sirree.” Zach reached into a tin behind the counter for the special tea. “I’ll run this up to her and we’ll just act normal, minding our business, when they arrive.”

  Jess glanced down at his pocket watch. “It’s nearly eight o’clock now. Hope they didn’t wind up with bear trouble again. How long do you intend for them to stay out in that cabin away from town?”

  Zach paused on his way upstairs. “It won’t hurt them none. Maybe toughen them up a little. It’s really all we can afford now anyway.”

  “Hmm . . . don’t seem right to me. They seem like genteel ladies.”

  “Are you getting tenderhearted now, Jess?” Zach teased and continued on upstairs without waiting for a response.

  Jess’s tough exterior belied the kindness that Zach knew was in his heart—as well as the sorrow. “Time heals all wounds,” Granny always said, but Zach wasn’t sure about that.

  8

  The Colorado sun was bright, hanging high in the sky, and puffy white clouds floated overhead as Greta and Cora walked down the busy streets of Central City.

  “Goodness! We’re late!” Cora grumbled. “Doesn’t the mercantile open at eight o’clock?” she asked as she and Greta scurried down the sidewalk to work. “We dawdled at breakfast too long.”

  “I believe you’re right. But I think we’re only a few minutes behind. The walk takes longer than we thought. At least I had a good night’s sleep. How about you?” Greta glanced sideways at Cora. There were dark circles under her eyes this morning. Was she worried about something? Like who Jess would pick as his bride?

  Greta’s own pulse had beat hard last night as she’d drifted off to sleep. She’d found Jess very attractive with his deep-set brown eyes and thick, dark brows. He had a pleasant-sounding voice that seemed to resonate from somewhere deep within his chest. Better not get too attracted, she chided herself. Cora was very cultured and pretty. What if he picked her? How would she feel? And they were fast becoming friends. Greta would step aside and be happy for her, but then what would be left for her to do?

  Cora’s heels rang out on the sidewalk. “To tell the truth, I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow, but I kept waking up all night.” She nodded at passersby.

  “This wonderful morning air will get us going. It’s going to be a great day! I can feel it,” Greta exclaimed, and Cora eyed her. Greta felt invigorated with the dry mountain air, enjoying its crispness. Whatever the outcome, she would make the best of it.

  “I can’t wait to explore the town.” Cora slowed her pace as they neared the store.

  Jess, in the corner at his desk, barely gave them a glance when they came in, and Zach had his back turned away as he stoked the fire. A wonderful scent of apples and fragrant spices set Greta’s nose to twitching.

  An older lady came down the stairs, carrying a tray and greeted them with a hello. She placed the tray on the counter and walked up to them with an outstretched hand. “You must be Greta and Cora. Jess and Zach have told me about both of you. You can call me Granny.”

  Greta instantly liked the older lady with her broad smile and sincere eyes. She shook her hand and said, “I’m Greta and this is Cora.”

  “How do you do, Miss Granny,” Cora said, taking her hand briefly.

  Granny laughed. “No ‘Miss,’ dear. Just ‘Granny’ will do nicely. I’ve made us a fresh pot of tea. Won’t you have some before you start whatever it is that my grandsons have laid out for you to do?”

  Cora shot a look at Zach, but he didn’t turn around. “Do you think that’ll be okay? We’ve had our breakfast.”

  Granny waved her hand. “’Course it will. We can chat and get to know one another,” she said, then lifted the china pot to serve the steaming liquid.

  As Granny poured, Greta took Cora’s purse along with hers and stored them behind the counter, then grabbed two aprons. She slipped one over her head and handed the other one to Cora. She wanted to appear professional in case a customer came in. From this vantage point she could see through the glass widows that spread across the storefront and would know when someone was about to enter. She made a mental note to clean the dirty glass today. How could Jess live like that—barely being able to see out the window?

  She shook her head and watched Granny pour the tea into two different cups on the tray. Immediately her eyes landed on the Blue Willow, and she felt a pang in her heart. That had been her mother’s
favorite china. The other cup had a pretty Country Rose pattern.

  “Help yourselves, my dears.” Granny gestured at the teacups as she glanced over at her grandsons. “There’s sugar, cream, and lemon if you so desire.”

  ———

  Jess paused and turned the ledger so he could watch the three women without being seen. Greta’s eyes had a luminous, soft glow. She used one slender hand to push her hair back over her shoulder. Gone were the rows of braids, and her hair fell in soft folds against her back. He felt himself staring openly at her when suddenly she sprang from behind the counter and flew out the door. He watched in horror as the stagecoach came barreling down Main Street, and it looked as though Greta was going to run directly in its path. Was the situation here so awful that she wanted to get it over with quickly? Had he been too mean to her yesterday? He felt his heart stop, but somehow his legs carried him into the street.

  Greta was near the wheel of the stage as it sped by, spewing dust and debris in its wake as she bent down to retrieve something. Jess couldn’t imagine what. When he reached her, she straightened and turned around to face him. A dog! She’d risked her life for a dog? What kind of woman was this?

  Her face, dress, and apron were covered with flecks of mud, but she was smiling as she held up a little ball of fluff to her cheek. “Sweet little one. Don’t you know you can’t run at a moving stage when you’re just a tiny little thing?” The puppy licked her face and wiggled in her arms.

  “Greta, have you lost your good senses? You could’ve been killed! And all for a puppy!” Jess stood with his hands on his hips.

  She lost her smile but continued to hold the squirming creature. “The little thing would have been crushed, so I had to act quickly. I could see through the window, though I don’t know how because the windows are so dirty!”

  Her comment grated on his nerves, but her startlingly blue eyes held him in place. For a brief second he envisioned her looking out the window, those incredible eyes searching for him or waiting for him to return from a buying trip.