Eve grinned. “As a matter of fact I do. Glendale is a half-day ride from here. I stopped there on my way here. You could go there, spend the evening and return Sunday evening.”
Mrs. Velarde placed a new cup of coffee in front of Jackson and a plate of sugar cookies in the middle of the table. She handed Eve a damp cloth. “Can I get you anything else?” She asked, wiping her hands on her white apron.
“No, thank you,” Eve answered. She scrubbed at the coffee stains and then picked up a cookie and bit into it. A soft groan issued from her throat before she finished chewing.
A smile touched Mrs. Velarde’s lips. “Then I will leave you to your conversation.”
“These are wonderful, Mrs. Velarde. Thank you.” Eve smiled up at the older woman.
She returned her smile, nodded and then left.
Eve turned back to Jackson. “So what do you think of that idea?” she asked and then took another bite of cookie.
He looked at the tabletop. “I suppose that can be arranged.”
“Do I get to go?” Peter asked, wiping a milk mustache onto his shirtsleeve.
Eve laughed. “Oh, no, dear. I’ve made arrangements for you to spend the night with George and his family. Julia said she has a kitten for you.”
Peter bounced on the seat. “Thank you, Aunt Eve.”
“Now wait a minute,” Jackson protested. “We should make sure with Eliza that this is all right with her.”
“Why?” Eve truly looked perplexed.
Jackson frowned. “Because she might not want a honeymoon and she might not want Peter going to the Harpers.”
Eve handed Peter another sugar cookie. “Every woman wants a honeymoon, Jackson, and as for Peter spending the night with the Harpers, they are friends. I’m sure she won’t mind.”
Jackson felt certain that Eliza wouldn’t like the idea that her sister was helping to plan their honeymoon. His head ached and he really wished he’d stayed in the smithy this afternoon. “Well, I think I’ll check with her at dinner, just to be sure.”
“Oh, don’t ruin the surprise,” Eve whined.
He looked at Peter, who was finishing up his cookie and milk. “I don’t know...”
“Well, I do. Eliza and Charlie didn’t have a honeymoon. She deserves one. And if you want to keep the gossips happy, you’ll give her one.” Eve took a drink of tea and then gently set her cup down. “Look, Jackson, this will be a good time for you and Eliza to have some quiet time alone. She’ll be thrilled to get away, and Peter here is happy to play with his friend. The gossips will focus on something else and when Eliza gets home they’ll be ordering dresses from her again. It’s a winning situation.”
Jackson studied his soon-to-be sister-in-law. He liked the notion that he could give Eliza something her deceased husband hadn’t. It would be a memory that couldn’t be compared to her life with Charlie. Still, planning this without Eliza’s input didn’t feel right. “But do we have to keep it a secret?”
Eve and Peter shared a smile. “Of course we do. She’ll be so happy.”
Jackson wanted that kind of happiness for Eliza, even if it were for a short time.
Chapter Eighteen
Two days later, Eliza slipped into her wedding dress. Thanks to Eve, her hair was curled and hanging around her shoulders. Rarely did Eliza wear it down, but today was special and she wanted to feel pretty. And she did.
“Jackson is sending a buckboard around to collect you in five minutes. You look beautiful.” Eve smiled in the mirror at her.
“I thought I was going to walk to the church,” Eliza protested. “I really don’t need a buckboard to take me. It’s not that far.”
“Sure you do. Mr. Miller will be driving and will help you climb aboard. Besides, Jackson has a special treat planned, so we aren’t going to the church.”
Eliza’s head began to spin. It seemed her sister knew more about her wedding than she did. Eliza studied the happy expression on Eve’s face. So far, the time had been moved up two hours. She was no longer getting married at noon; now it was to be 10:00 a.m. Not in the church as she’d planned but someplace mysterious. “Is there anything else I should know?” Eliza asked, watching her sister’s face.
Eve shrugged. “Not that I can say,” she answered, fiddling with one of her own curls.
Eliza slipped her feet into the cream-colored slippers that Mrs. Miller had sent over. Her gaze moved to the bridal bouquet that Eve had put together. The flowers were a rich purple. Eve had wrapped green ribbon around the stems pulling it together, and the cream-colored centers matched her shoes and veil.
“Hurry—I just heard Mr. Miller pull up out front.” Eve grabbed her by the arm and tugged.
Eliza pulled away. “I’m coming. No need to drag me out the front door. This isn’t a shotgun wedding, you know.” She walked to the table and picked up the bouquet. Her heart raced in her chest.
She followed Eve out of the house and took several deep breaths. The smell of flowers and sawdust filled her senses. The sun shone brightly and the birds chirped happily in the trees. It was a beautiful day to get married.
True to Eve’s word, Mr. Miller helped her into the buckboard. “You look lovely, Mrs. Kelly.”
Eliza swallowed. “Thank you.”
He helped Eve into the back and then climbed up beside Eliza on the bench. “Nervous?”
She attempted a smile. “A little.”
As he guided the horse out of town, Mr. Miller commented, “I don’t think you have a thing to be worried about. Jackson Hart is a fine man. Granted, I haven’t known him long, but I respect him just the same.”
“Thank you, Mr. Miller.”
He nodded and focused on directing the horse along a narrow path. A smile began to take form as Eliza realized they were heading to the clearing where she and Jackson had shared lunch and he’d surprised her with the rainbows of light.
Eve complained as they hit a rock. Eliza couldn’t make out her words but she was sure they weren’t ladylike. Their mother would have slapped her arm. For a brief moment Eliza allowed herself to think about their parents. Once more, neither would be at her wedding. Tears filled her eyes and she willed them away.
Today wasn’t a day for tears. It was a day of joy, and she would be happy. Jackson had planned the day to be special. She knew her husband would be a thoughtful man. He’d already proved it by planning the wedding in what she thought of as their special spot.
Jackson stood beside Reverend Griffin. He wore a dark brown suit with a white shirt and brown vest under a long-sleeve jacket. His trousers matched the jacket, and he’d chosen to wear black boots. His hair was combed down, and his blue eyes ran over her swiftly. Even white teeth flashed as he smiled at her.
Her heart beat even faster as he hurried to the buckboard and offered to help her down. His rough hands encircled her waist and he lowered her to the ground. He leaned forward and whispered, “You are so beautiful.”
Eliza inhaled the rich scent of leather and warmth that she’d come to recognize as Jackson’s personal scent. “Thank you.” Her voice sounded breathless in her own ears.
He released her and held out his elbow for her to take. Once she’d slid her hand inside, he covered it with one of his and then led her to where Reverend Griffin still stood.
The reverend smiled at her and the small group of people who stood around them. He cleared his throat and began the wedding ceremony.
* * *
Jackson listened to the reverend as he spoke of love and marriage. He knew that Eliza didn’t love him and, to be honest, he couldn’t say he was in love with her, either. But today, when she’d arrived in a cloud of lavender, his heart had done a little flip-flop.
Even now as she looked up into his face and spoke her wedding vows, his heart hammered against his chest. Coul
d she see it through his suit? He found himself focusing on the sea of rich dark coffee that was her eyes. Eliza Kelly was an attractive woman. He knew she was just as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. If he could fall in love with anyone, Jackson was sure he could fall for Eliza.
The reverend drew him from those thoughts. “Will you, Jackson Hart, have Eliza Kelly to be your wife? Will you love her, comfort and keep her, and forsaking all others remain true to her as long as you both shall live?”
Hadn’t he already promised to comfort and take care of Eliza? Yes, he had the day he’d agreed to bring her to Cottonwood Springs. But love? No, he’d not promised to love her. Could he do it now? He knew Eliza could be the one person he might allow himself to fall in love with. With that thought he heard himself saying, “I will.”
Reverend Griffin nodded and then continued. “Jackson, please repeat after me. I, Jackson Hart, take thee, Eliza Kelly, to be my wife, and before God and these witnesses I promise to be a faithful and true husband.”
Jackson had no trouble repeating those vows after the reverend. He kept his eyes locked on Eliza’s sweet face. He wanted her to know that he intended to keep his promises.
Then the reverend continued. “Jackson, do you have a ring?”
“Yes, sir. I do.” Jackson pulled the ring he’d fashioned from metal and stone from his pocket. He prayed Eliza would love it.
A soft gasp escaped her as the light hit the stone and small rainbows splashed her dress. She looked up at him and mouthed, “Oh, Jackson, it’s beautiful.”
The reverend continued. “Good. Now, once more repeat after me. With this ring I thee wed, and all my worldly goods I thee endow. In sickness and in health, in poverty or in wealth, ’til death do us part.”
Jackson looked into Eliza’s face. Her brown eyes shined up into his. Trust radiated from her face. She was willing to take the chance on him that he would be a good husband. He repeated the last part of the vows with joy in his heart.
Her hand shook as he slowly slid the ring onto her finger. She smiled as the sun hit the stone, casting minirainbows upon them. He wondered if she thought this, too, was a promise from God.
“You may kiss your bride.”
Jackson swallowed. This was their wedding day and he wanted this kiss to be special. He wanted Eliza to know that he would try to be a good husband to her. For a brief moment Jackson wondered if a woman could sense those things in a simple kiss. He prayed Eliza could.
Chapter Nineteen
Eliza’s breath caught in her throat. Jackson lifted the half veil. Her eyes drifted shut as his head blocked out the sun. She felt his large hands caress the side of her neck and lower jaw as he tilted her face up to meet his. For one breathless moment their mouths met. A slight tingle entered her lips.
Just as quickly, he pulled away and smiled down at her. She missed the feel of his hand upon her face but didn’t have time to focus on that. Noise erupted about them.
She felt her cheeks fill with heat as the men whistled and tossed their hats into the air. Rebecca and Julia Harper ran up to give her hugs while the men all pounded Jackson on the back and pumped his arm in strong handshakes. Congratulations filled the air.
“Lead the way back to the church, son,” Reverend yelled over the noise.
Jackson grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the buckboard. He quickly scooped her up and set her on the wagon. She smiled and tossed her bouquet over her shoulder as he climbed into the other side.
When Eliza sat down and looked back at the crowd, she saw that nine-year-old Anna Harper had caught the flowers. The young girl’s face paled and then a light pink blush filled her cheeks.
“Ready?” Jackson asked as he released the brake.
She nodded. The congregation was scattering to their wagons to join them at the church for cake and punch. Eliza sighed.
Jackson looked over at her. “Are you sorry you married me?” he asked, then stared straight ahead.
Eliza straightened her hat. “No.” Shyness enveloped her like a warm blanket.
She glanced through her eyelashes at him. “Are you?”
He shook his head. “No, I believe we did the right thing.”
Jackson pulled the team up to the church and turned to face her. He opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by the small crowd descending upon their wagon.
Jackson set the brake and jumped down. He hurried to her side and gently lowered her to the ground. The women pressed in on them, forcing him back a few steps. Eliza missed him almost immediately. She could only imagine her frustration had she actually been a young bride in love.
Mrs. Walker grabbed her and hugged her tight. “We are so happy for you. I hope you didn’t mind our meddling too much but well...we were only doing what we felt was right.”
Jackson made a snorting sound behind them.
Eliza patted the woman’s shoulder. “It’s all right, Mrs. Walker. I’m sure we will be very happy.”
Tears filled the older woman’s eyes and she made a swipe at her cheeks. “I believe you will be.”
Others crowded around and began moving toward the tables and chairs that had been set out on the lawn of the church. For the next two hours, Eliza felt like the belle of the ball. She was hugged and wished well more times than she could remember.
After eating cake and drinking punch, she and Jackson opened wedding gifts in front of everyone. As soon as the last package was cleared away, Jackson announced their departure. “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming but if we are to make it to our destination today, Eliza and I must be leaving.”
His words were met with several disappointed “awws” and a few wolf whistles from the men who weren’t so gentlemanly.
Eliza stared at him, wondering what he was up to. She’d expected to spend the afternoon with family and friends. He took her hand in his large one and began walking to the buckboard.
“Peter!” he called.
The little boy came running. “I thought I was staying with George,” Peter said as he slid to a halt in front of them.
Jackson ruffled the boy’s hair. “You are, but don’t you want to say goodbye?”
Confused, Eliza hugged Peter.
“Bye, Ma. Have fun.” His words brought laughter from their friends and neighbors. He waved to Jackson. “Bye, Pa!” Then he returned to his marble game with the group of boys he’d been playing with earlier.
Jackson helped her up onto the wagon, hurried around to the driver’s seat and then turned the horse toward the smithy. The crowd behind them yelled goodbye and waved.
Anger boiled to the surface. She was tired of not knowing what was really going on. Once they were out of earshot, Eliza demanded, “Jackson Hart, what are you doing?”
“Taking you back to the house, where you can pack an overnight bag. I’ve been told we’re expected to go on a honeymoon.”
She noted that his shoulders had squared at the use of his full name. “By who?” Eliza asked, searching his face as his jaw hardened and his hand gripped the reins tighter.
He pulled the wagon up in front of the house.
Eve came bounding down the stairs with Eliza’s travel bag. “I packed a few things for your trip,” she told Eliza, handing her the satchel.
Jackson jumped down from the wagon and stomped off to his room.
“What’s wrong with Jackson?” Eve asked.
Eliza narrowed her eyes at her sister. “Did you tell him I wanted a honeymoon?”
Eve giggled. “Of course I did. He would have never thought to take you to a nice hotel if I hadn’t suggested it and made the arrangement for Julia to take Peter.”
She sighed as the anger drained from her body. “And did you tell him to keep it a secret from me?”
Realizing her sister wasn’t hap
py, Eve planted her hands on her hips. “Would you have gone if we hadn’t kept it a secret?”
Eliza watched Jackson walk back across the yard. He’d changed into a pair of blue pants and the blue shirt he’d been wearing the last time they’d traveled together. “I’m not sure,” she answered honestly, “but I would have liked to have known I was going on a trip.”
Jackson tossed his own bag into the bed of the wagon. He pulled himself up and looked to see if she was ready to go. His blue eyes reminded her of sapphires.
“I need to change.” Eliza scrambled from the wagon before he could dismount again and help her. “I’ll be right back.” She grabbed Eve’s hand and pulled her back inside the house.
Once in her room, Eliza pulled her hat off and began removing her wedding dress. “I really wish you had let him decide if he wanted to take me somewhere. Where are we going, anyway?” she demanded, kicking off her slippers.
“Can’t tell you that—it’s a surprise,” Eve said in a teasing voice.
Eliza handed her the wedding gown and moved to her armoire and pulled out her yellow dress with little orange flowers on it. She pulled it over her head and then hurried to the mirror and pulled her hair up into a ponytail. She tied a matching yellow ribbon around the band, holding her hair into place. “I guess I’ll find out soon enough,” Eliza mumbled to her reflection.
“I packed your blue dress, your pink dress with the white flowers and a silk nightgown.” Eve picked up the purple slippers and carried them to the armoire.
“Thank you. So I take it we aren’t going to be gone long?” She heard the question in her voice and wondered if her sister would answer.
Eve grinned at her. “Only until tomorrow evening. Relax, Eliza, have some fun. You don’t get married every day.”
* * *
They arrived in the town of Glendale just before sunset. Jackson studied the town with unease. It was much bigger than Cottonwood Springs, and the people hurried along the streets as if they didn’t know one another. Big trees and lots of flowers decorated Main Street.
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