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

by Brendan, Maggie

  “Pshaw! You could stand to have a little more meat on your bones, honey. Enjoy it, because it’s not every day there’s a party with a spread like this.”

  “I hope to have plenty of occasions like this and work it out somehow to give people opportunities to give back to our community. Perhaps Zach and I can change this once we’re married,” Cora whispered to Greta.

  Greta looked at her friend. “Cora, you amaze me. What a wonderful thought. I feel so empty-headed compared to the ideas that are constantly running around in your mind.”

  Cora smiled and picked up a piece of chicken. “Well, thanks, but I don’t have it all ironed out yet. I’m just planning in my head.”

  “There’s an empty table over there,” Jess told them. “Or we could sit outside. Which do you all prefer?”

  “Let’s sit inside, then we’ll have a good spot when the dancing begins,” Granny said.

  “Good idea,” Greta agreed.

  It wasn’t long before the party was in full swing with townsfolk and neighboring ranchers wandering about, talking and enjoying the feast the Cartwrights offered. People were introduced to Greta and Cora, and it was hard to keep the names straight. Greta was having a great time meeting new people, yet watching Jess across the room, talking with friends, made her come to realize how quickly she’d fallen for him.

  As she looked on, Agnes strolled over to his side and spoke to him, and he nodded. The fiddler rosined up his bow, and the band started playing. The next thing Greta knew, Jess was sweeping Agnes around the dance floor to a waltz. Clearly, he didn’t know whom he loved, if Agnes could just crook her finger and he’d come running. And she looked awfully pretty tonight.

  “A penny for your thoughts,” Granny said, stepping next to her.

  Greta smiled at the older lady. “Oh, I was just thinking how handsome Jess looked with Agnes . . .”

  “Were you?” Granny raised an eyebrow. “Or were you wishing Jess would quit ignoring you?”

  Granny was just too observant for her own good. “Mmm . . . too late for that. It seems Agnes has taken my place again, and Zach . . . well, he’s dancing with Cora.”

  “But that isn’t what’s bothering you, is it? By now you must know how Zach and Cora feel about each other. Jess knows that he has to be honest with Cora.”

  Greta shrugged. “It really doesn’t matter, Granny. I told Cora that I’d stay for their wedding, but after that I’m going back to Cheyenne.”

  Granny poked her in the side with her finger. “Don’t be too rash. I know my grandson loves you but is having a hard time telling his brother. It’s fear that drives him.”

  Greta bit her tongue. They stood on the sidelines, watching Annabelle and Silas twirl about, laughing as if they were all alone in the room. Greta suddenly realized she wanted a marriage like theirs.

  Greta was about to tell Granny as much when Cole asked her to dance, giving her a way to escape the conversation. “I’d love to, Cole.” He swept her around the room with a big smile plastered on his face.

  “Suzanne has agreed to let me court her, and I couldn’t be happier.” Cole’s face softened when he said Suzanne’s name.

  “That’s good news, Cole. I saw you two eating together, and she looked like she was hanging on to every word you said.”

  “Really? I didn’t know, but she and I enjoy talking together, and that’s a great place to start, don’t you think?”

  She leaned back to look up at him. “I do indeed, Cole—”

  “Can I cut in on my bride-to-be?” Zach interrupted.

  Cole halted their dancing and stepped back, holding Greta at arm’s length. “Sure, Zach.” He placed her hands in Zach’s and walked off the dance floor.

  Zach swung her around, holding her in a tight grip, his jaw working as he looked across the room. Greta followed his gaze and saw Jess and Cora dancing. You complete dolt! Why don’t you say something?

  “Are you having a good time?” Zach asked. “I see Caleb has been a winner with a few of the younger girls.”

  His palms were sweaty against hers. “It’s a very nice party, Zach. Is there something you want to—”

  “I’m having a wonderful time too,” he replied, but he kept his eye on Cora, who was now dancing with a rancher they’d all met earlier. He stiffened, then looked back at Greta. “I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate all that you do for us at the mercantile. You’ve changed things for the better, Greta.” He was being genuine without his usual trace of teasing.

  “I’m so glad you feel that way.” Out of the corner of her eye, she watched as Jess cut in on Cora’s dance partner, and Zach’s fingers tightened around her hand until she winced. “Zach!”

  He glanced down at her. “Gosh, I’m sorry, Greta.”

  “What is wrong, Zach? If you don’t want to dance with me, just say so—”

  “Excuse me,” he said suddenly, leaving her alone on the dance floor. He strode to the other side of the room and tapped Jess on the shoulder just as the band struck up a new tune. “How about giving Cora a little variety in partners for a bit?” he asked.

  Greta saw the surprise on Cora’s face as Zach’s voice echoed across the room. Jess let go of Cora’s hands. She watched him ease away while Zach led Cora around the dance floor, holding her close. Greta, somewhat embarrassed, poured herself some punch and tried to fade into the background.

  Jess could feel a vein in his neck pulse with blood. What does Zach think he’s doing? I’m the one courting Cora. At least for the time being. He’d settle this tonight with Zach, one way or the other. Then he’d feel free to speak to Greta, who’d kept her eyes veiled around him tonight but danced with other eligible men, and Zach as well. He tried to pretend it didn’t matter, but it did. He wanted her in his arms, but for now, he didn’t want to embarrass Cora, so he’d have to act like her husband-to-be.

  After Cora had two dances with Zach, Jess decided he’d better cut in again before tongues started wagging. He set his punch down, then as naturally as he could, he waltzed right up to Cora and pulled her back onto the dance floor in a lively square dance where partners constantly changed. They were laughing and having fun until Zach, his face a dark thundercloud, stepped in.

  “Let go of her!” Zach ordered.

  “What?” Jess stared incredulously at his younger brother.

  “You heard me. I’ve had just about enough of the two of you dancing practically the entire night together—”

  “Zach, Cora doesn’t belong to you. Calm down.” Jess knew how impulsive Zach was, but this took him by surprise.

  Zach stepped back, flung off his coat jacket, and began to roll up his sleeves. “I’m gonna have to fight you for her and settle this! Take off your jacket.”

  The dance floor was emptying as people retreated and the music halted.

  “Lower your voice and quit acting like a fool. I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Jess tried to reason, yet he knew Zach was dead serious. But fighting him over Cora? What had happened to him and Greta? Had he missed something?

  Zach took a swing at him, but Jess ducked and avoided direct contact with his brother’s fist. “Zach!” He straightened. They hadn’t had a good go-round since they were kids. “This is not the place for this. Let’s take it out behind the barn.” He touched Zach on the sleeve and saw the anger in his eyes, but Zach followed him out.

  Granny got up from her chair. “I’m not gonna miss this! Come on, girls!” she said to Cora and Greta, and they scurried out after the brothers.

  “This can’t continue. Why don’t you tell me what’s on your mind, Zach.” Jess stood with his feet planted firmly apart. He wouldn’t take any chances that his brother wouldn’t try to punch him again, and he would be ready. Looked like he’d be having that heart-to-heart talk a whole lot sooner than he’d planned, but he certainly hadn’t thought it would be in the middle of the dance floor. Zach acted like a loose cannon at times. Jess sucked in a deep breath and tried to remain calm.

&nb
sp; Zach crossed his arms over his chest. “For starters, the truth is . . . I love Cora. Seeing you with her and planning to be married has been hard for me to watch. Cora and I have talked, and she feels the same about me, but tonight I just couldn’t take seeing her in your arms or keeping my mouth shut anymore!”

  Jess had been waiting for the worst, but this was not it. Relief flooded his body. “Then why did you pretend to court Greta and make plans?”

  Zach dropped his arms and ran his hand through his thick hair. “Because . . . I didn’t want to hurt you. You’re my big brother and I respect you.” He drew his lips together in a tight line. “If you loved Cora, then I decided that I couldn’t tell you the truth. But then Cora told me how she felt.”

  Jess leaned back against the barn wall. “So what about Greta? Have you told her how you feel?”

  Looking ashamed, Zach glanced at Greta. “No, I’ve been too chicken until today, but I’d promised Cora that I would. Please forgive me, Greta. I’m sorry for what I’ve put you through . . .” His voice trailed off, and Greta nodded. Jess noted that she held Cora’s hand.

  Zach continued in a husky voice. “I should’ve never sent those letters in the first place without telling you, so I’m to blame for the mess I got us in. However, if I hadn’t, Cora wouldn’t be here now.” He gave Cora a grateful smile, and she returned it with one of her own.

  “Zach, I have a confession to make. I planned on telling you tonight and have been praying over this. I’m not in love with Cora . . . and I didn’t tell her the truth either. I guess I was hoping things would work out—but I was wrong.” He looked over at Cora and said, “I’m sorry,” then directed his gaze back to Zach. “I’ve wanted to talk to you too, but after all that we’ve been through this last year or so, I was hesitant for fear of causing you more pain. We’ve both had so much grief with losing Bryan, then Mom and Dad.”

  Zach stood motionless, a stark look on his face. “You mean . . . you never intended to marry Cora?”

  Jess shifted on his feet and pushed away from the barn wall. “Not exactly. In the beginning I did . . . but the truth is I know now that I love Greta.” He heard a sharp intake of breath from Greta, but he continued to focus on his brother. “And she cares for me too. I didn’t want to cause a breakup since you seemed smitten by her. And the other reason is because Greta was engaged to Bryan before he died. I didn’t think I could compete with him, dead or alive.” Jess paused and let Zach absorb that piece of information.

  Zach let out his breath in a whoosh. “Looks like we’ve both acted pretty foolishly, haven’t we? And at the expense of two beautiful brides neither of us deserve.”

  Jess gave him a direct look. “Yes, and I wouldn’t blame either of them if they walked out now.”

  With his comment, Granny humphed. “Most logical thing I’ve heard from you two so far,” she interjected quietly. “Why don’t you just square your mistakes and get on with living?” She turned aside, acknowledging Cora and Greta. “It appears that the two lovely brides are still here waiting.”

  “Granny’s right, Zach. We both know how short life can be. And if Cora and Greta will still have us, we have a great future to look forward to.” Jess stepped forward, closing the space between him and Zach, and stuck his hand out.

  A brief moment passed, and then Zach extended his hand to shake Jess’s, his head slightly bowed. While their hands were still clasped, Jess drew Zach to his chest, holding him, then clapped his hand over his shoulders while tears flooded his eyes.

  35

  Greta sat next to the window in the room she shared with Cora, snuggled in her robe, sipping a delicious cup of hot tea. September was a spectacular time in the Rocky Mountains, the aspen trees spotting the foothills with bursts of color almost overnight. Jess had told her to brace herself for the harsh winter to come, when they’d be shut off from the world.

  Reflecting on the changes in her life since leaving Cheyenne filled her with anticipation and excitement. Though Jess was worried she wouldn’t want to live above the mercantile store, she assured him more than once that his apartment suited her just fine. She was more interested in helping him run his store, and once Zach built his cabin, he and Cora would move there. Jess had booked a room for them at the hotel for a few nights once they were married, then he’d move her belongings to the apartment. Zach would be staying with Cora at the hotel now until their place was finished.

  She shivered with delight. She would become Mrs. Jess Gifford! She loved the sound of it, and tonight she would be in his arms. She couldn’t wait, even though she had been up very late last night with her sister Anna, who had shown up for a visit. The timing couldn’t be more perfect, and it thrilled her that a member of her family would be present for the marriage ceremony.

  Cora marched over to her. “Are you still sitting there? You’re going to miss your own wedding!”

  “Never fear that to happen! Here, let me button you up.” Greta set her cup down, and Cora turned her back to her. “I’m glad that the gown fits so well.”

  When Greta was finished with the buttons at the back, Cora turned around. “And I’m honored that I have a friend who would make such a beautiful gown for me.”

  “You deserve it. And now it’s time I slipped my own dress on. I’m glad we decided on a double wedding. So far everything else we’ve done has been in twos!” She laughed and Cora joined her. Greta untied her robe and walked to the closet for her blue dress.

  “Maybe we can start our family at the same time too!” Cora blushed.

  Greta giggled. “That would be an extra blessing from God, wouldn’t it? Now it’s your turn to help me. I hope Jess likes my dress. I’ve kept it fresh and pressed just for this day—’’

  They were interrupted by a sharp rap on the door. “Greta, it’s me, Anna,” the voice on the other side called out.

  Greta smiled. “Coming.” She opened the door to find her little sister dressed in her Sunday best for the wedding. “You look very pretty, Anna. Are those flowers for us?”

  Anna stepped into the room and held out a nosegay of blue primroses tied with long, trailing white ribbons. “Yes, the primroses will complement your blue dress nicely. And these are for you, Cora.”

  “They’re so pretty, Anna.” Greta gave her a peck on the cheek. “Dank U wel. I should’ve known you would remember to get flowers.”

  Cora accepted the bouquet of large yellow lilies. “Anna, where did you find these?”

  “Granny and I went out earlier and picked them. She knew right where to look. I hope you like them. She said the lilies are called avalanche lilies because they grow at alpine slopes after the snow recedes. Jess supplied the ribbon.”

  “Cora, there’s something you need to know. Anna is a plant enthusiast of sorts.”

  “Ja, I am,” Anna agreed. “And I have a lot to learn about the plants that grow in Colorado. Oh, there are so many of them.”

  Greta nodded. “They’re beautiful and perfect.” She held the bouquet at her waist, pretending to be walking toward a make-believe altar, and the other two cackled.

  Anna circled around them, appraising their clothes. “Both of you look beautiful! I’m so glad I came. If Catharine wasn’t expecting, she would’ve come with me for a visit,” Anna remarked.

  “I’ve heard so much about her,” Cora said. “I hope I can meet her sometime.”

  Anna seemed animated and excited. About the wedding? Greta didn’t think so. She knew Anna better than that. “Anna, you’re in very high spirits today, and it’s hard for me to believe that it’s because of my wedding.”

  “You’re right. Although I’m very happy for you, I’ll be traveling to Denver to stay permanently. I’m going to be a mail-order bride to a man there who is a jeweler and clockmaker,” she bubbled.

  “How exciting! You little nymph—you didn’t tell me last night.” Greta poked her arm. “I’m very happy for you.”

  Anna blushed. “It was late and I wanted to keep the topic on your wedd
ing, not mine.”

  “Congratulations, Anna. I hope you’ll be very happy,” Cora said.

  “Oh, I know I will! And the best part is that Greta and I will only be separated by a few hours by train.”

  “Girls, we’d better go or we’ll be late to our own wedding!” Cora said, excitement flushing her cheeks.

  Greta laughed. “Oh, Cora, St. James is just next door, so there’s no fear of us being late!” she chided.

  “Just the same, she’s right,” Anna said. “Granny is already at the church, greeting your friends with the Reverend Edwards and making sure everything is ready. So what are we waiting for?”

  Jess stared at his reflection in the mirror and straightened his tie, smiling. The new haircut made him look younger, and he hadn’t forgotten to shave this morning. Would Greta think he was handsome? He ran the comb through his hair one last time with a trembling hand. It wasn’t every day that a man took a wife. He’d donned his church suit and had allowed Granny to pin a blue primrose on his lapel, and he noticed she’d pinned a yellow lily on Zach’s. He and Zach weren’t used to all this fuss but let Granny have her way. It’d be their only wedding. He could hardly wait to become Greta’s husband.

  Granny had told him that Greta had planned on going back to Cheyenne if things didn’t get worked out between him and Zach. It scared him to think he might’ve lost her. Thank God he and Zach had cleared the air.

  “Jess, you look handsome enough. Staring at your face won’t change anything!” Zach teased. “Anyway, I think we need to get to the church before the brides do.” He pulled on his suit coat. “We don’t want to be the ones to keep them waiting again, do we?”

  Jess turned around and plucked a piece of lint from Zach’s coat. “No, we don’t. We may not be so lucky the second time . . . Zach, I want you to know that even though I was totally against what you did writing those letters and then not telling me the ladies would be arriving, I’m grateful.”