The Bridal Swap

by Karen Kirst

  Her pretty lips lifted. “I’d like that.”

  “Great. My errands will go so much faster if you’re along.” She tugged on his sleeve. “Have you told her about the barn dance coming up?”

  He’d forgotten all about it. “No, I haven’t.”

  “Barn dance?” She looked intrigued.

  “They’re great fun.” Megan linked her arm through Kate’s. “There’s music and dancing, of course. Lots of food. A chance to visit with neighbors and friends. We always have a great time.”

  He could just imagine the attention she would attract. A beautiful, unattached young lady didn’t stay that way for very long in these parts. If he accompanied her, there’d be no end of speculation. The fact that his wedding had recently been called off would be fresh in the townspeople’s minds.

  Was he ready to endure that level of scrutiny? Furthermore, did Kate even realize what she was in for?

  “Kate’s accustomed to celebrations on a much grander scale, Megan. I doubt she’d be interested.”

  Kate’s eyes flashed, reminding him that beneath her gentle manners lay determination. This was a lady who knew her own mind. “As a matter of fact, I think it sounds like fun.”

  “So you’ll come?” Megan grinned from ear to ear. “You’ll escort us, won’t you, Josh? Nathan already has a date, and Caleb avoids social functions as a rule.”

  He wanted to refuse, but with both women staring up at him expectantly, it was difficult—if not impossible—to do so. “You do realize your name will be on everyone’s lips, don’t you? Especially if you arrive with me.”

  A tiny wrinkle appeared between her brows. “If it’s going to be trying for you, then of course we won’t go.”

  Touched, his words came out as rough as sandpaper. “I can handle it. It’s you I’m worried about.”

  Megan looked thoughtful. “Most folks around here are kind, God-fearing folks. It’s not their intention to make you feel uncomfortable, but, of course, they’ll be curious about you, as they would be about any newcomers. You should go, and if it’s awkward for you, then I’m sure Josh or Uncle Sam would take you home. Right, Josh?”

  “Of course.”

  Tucking a stray curl behind her ear, she grinned shyly. “What time shall I be ready?”

  Josh felt the impact of that grin clear down to his toes. He was in big trouble.

  Walking with Megan on the well-worn path through the woods, sharing thoughts on their favorite authors and books, Kate felt content. This is what life could be like, she thought. Spending time with friends who weren’t constantly comparing themselves to you, wondering whose clothing and jewels cost more or whose suitor was a better prospect. How refreshing not to be in competition!

  It wasn’t just Megan who made her feel this way. Megan’s mother, Alice, and her sisters, Nicole, Jessica and Jane, had all welcomed her with genuine kindness. And, of course, Josh’s family, except for Caleb, had treated her as one of their own from the first day. Even Josh, who’d had every reason to resent her, had gone out of his way to make her life pleasant.

  It wasn’t his fault she couldn’t think straight when he was near. Or that her heart melted with each unexpected smile. Or that her soul yearned to knit itself with his, to be his helpmeet the rest of her days.

  A deep sigh ripped from her chest. Odd how one man could represent her dreams come true yet still cause her such upheaval. A future with him was impossible. The sooner she accepted that, the better.

  “Is something bothering you?”

  Swinging her basket at her side, Megan maintained an easy pace. The sun had burned off the fog and chased away the nip in the morning air, the brilliant rays now warming her skin.

  Not ready to share her most private thoughts, Kate shrugged. “Nothing I can speak of at the moment.”

  She flashed a sympathetic smile. “Well, if you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here. I’ve been told I’m a good listener.”

  Pointing to a break in the trees, she said, “Here’s our first stop—Mrs. Irving’s place. She’s a widow, like Momma. Sweet lady. I’m dropping off some ointment for her.”

  Kate followed her onto the narrow footpath. Unlike Sam and Mary’s neat lawn, the grass here was nearly as high as her knees.

  “I’ll have to ask Josh or Nathan to come by and tend this overgrown mess.” Megan sighed. Approaching the small, squat cabin, she said over her shoulder, “Whatever you do, do not eat her green tomato pie. It’s revolting!”

  Crybabies. Tomato pie. Southerners sure had some peculiar-sounding foods. Smothering a giggle, Kate pressed her lips together in a tight line. She wouldn’t dream of offending a friend of Megan’s.

  Having announced their arrival with a hard knock, it wasn’t long before a short, plump, snow-haired lady appeared in the doorway. She surveyed them both.

  “Miss Megan, did you bring your mother’s special ointment? I’ve been waitin’ since Sunday, you know.” She aimed a stern glance in Kate’s direction. “Who might this fancy young thing be?”

  Swallowing a smile, Megan gestured with her hand. “This is my friend from New York City, Miss Kate Morgan.”

  Sparse brows descended over alert blue eyes. “Kate Morgan, is it?”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she smiled.

  “I can’t say it’s a pleasure to meet you—” she paused to stare hard at her “—’cause I don’t know you from Adam.”

  Kate glanced at Megan. Sweet old lady? For certain?

  Mrs. Irving’s stern expression eased. “But we can remedy that, can’t we? Come on in, both of you.” Shuffling back, she beckoned them inside. “I’ve a loaf of banana bread already sliced and a pie cooling on the cupboard. It’s a favorite of yours, Megan! Tomato.”

  Megan sucked in a harsh breath, and Kate was hard put not to laugh. Surely it couldn’t be that bad!

  One hour later, having said their goodbyes and heading toward town, Kate gratefully accepted the peppermint stick Megan fished out of her pocket and held aloft. Perhaps it would settle her stomach.

  “I simply don’t understand—” Kate wrinkled her nose in disgust “—why anyone would think to combine tomatoes with sugar.”

  “It’s a mystery,” Megan groaned and clutched her stomach. “If Mrs. Irving wasn’t such a kind soul, I’d tell her the truth about that pie.”

  Laughter bubbled up and spilled over. Kate couldn’t help it. The whole situation struck her as funny. It wasn’t long before Megan joined her, and they were still laughing when they reached the edge of town.

  A tall, dark-haired man she’d seen at church was out on the boardwalk polishing the barbershop window. Glancing up from his work, he grinned and nodded a greeting.

  “Mornin’, Miss Megan.” His gaze switched to Kate. “Miss.”

  “How are you, Tom?” Megan stopped and Kate did the same.

  Still clutching the wadded-up cloth, Tom rested his hands on his hips. “Oh, fair to middlin’. You ladies out for a stroll this fine morning?”

  “Just running some errands.” Megan slipped her arm through Kate’s. “Tom Leighton, this is Kate Morgan. She’s newly arrived from New York. Kate, Tom owns the barbershop. He’s a friend of Josh’s.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Morgan. Welcome to Gatlinburg.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I hope I’m counted among your friends, as well,” he teased Megan.

  “Of course you are.”

  “And as a friend, you won’t mind my asking if you have an escort to the barn dance?”

  “Oh, well, Josh has agreed to escort both Kate and me,” she hedged.

  “He’s a lucky man. I wonder if you all would mind if I tagged along? Make it an even foursome?”

  “That would be wonde
rful.”

  Kate wondered at her friend’s lack of enthusiasm. Didn’t she like him? He seemed friendly enough.

  “It’s settled then.”

  They were making arrangements for Friday night when Kate happened to glance down the street. There, in a heated discussion with another man, stood Tyler. Alarm spread through her limbs, rendering her weak and breathless. Clutching the base of her throat, she pulled away from Megan.

  She should run before he spotted her.

  “Kate? What’s wrong?”

  “H-he’s there. I have to go.”

  “Who?” She whipped her head around to scan the street.

  “Tyler,” Kate whispered, afraid to say it too loudly. Although surrounded by people, the last thing she wanted was to face him again. His desperation frightened her.

  Tom stiffened. “Matthews is giving you trouble, Miss Morgan? Does Josh know?”

  She could only nod.

  Megan gasped, “What? Why didn’t anyone tell me?”

  “How about I take the two of you ladies home?” Tom suggested quietly.

  “Would you mind?” Megan said, visibly upset.

  “I’d actually feel better knowing you got home safely.” Turning to the door, he flipped the sign to indicate the shop was closed. Extracting a key from his pocket, he locked it. “Let’s go.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Josh tested the cabinet doors to make sure they opened and closed smoothly. Standing back, he surveyed his work. All that was left to do was to stain and polish it.

  A sense of accomplishment filled him. Not every man was fortunate enough to do what he loved. He was so close to achieving his dream. Three more orders—one cedar hope chest for Mrs. Calhoun, one dining set for the Millers, another display shelf for the mercantile—and he’d have the money to buy the store.

  He was fairly confident the shop would be his. To his knowledge, no one else had come forward to buy it. Fulton would’ve spoken up if another prospective buyer had shown an interest.

  A shadow darkened the open doorway, and Josh was surprised to see Tom Leighton standing there. Apprehension winged through him. His friend had a business to run, so the only reason for him to be here was if something was wrong.

  When he moved aside to let Megan and Kate enter, Josh’s pulse jumped. His gaze locked onto Kate’s face, and he noticed her pallor right away. She looked shaken.

  “What’s happened?” Stepping around the pie safe, he strode to her side and took her slender, cold hand in his.

  “I saw Tyler.” She sought to reassure him. “In town. But he didn’t see me, thank goodness. I was simply startled.”

  “Will someone explain to me what’s going on?” Crossing her arms, Megan jutted out her chin. Most of the time, his cousin was easygoing and sweet as molasses. But she was an O’Malley. And every one of the O’Malleys possessed a stubborn streak. “Is Tyler the reason you’re teaching Kate about guns?”

  Catching Tom’s pointed glance at his and Kate’s joined hands, Josh dropped hers and slipped his into his pocket. “Look at her, Megan. Does she remind you of anyone?”

  Frowning, her eyes full of questions, she studied Kate. “I don’t—”

  “Lily Matthews,” Tom spoke up, incredulous.

  Megan gasped and, covering her mouth, stared wide-eyed at Kate, who was beginning to look embarrassed from all the attention.

  “Now you understand his fascination with her. His brain is so muddled with alcohol and cure-alls, he can’t separate fantasy from reality.”

  “Cure-alls?” Tom said. “Is he sick?”

  Megan lowered her hand. “I’ve read those can contain addictive substances. Cocaine is only one of them.”

  “I don’t know if he’s sick or not, but his place is like an apothecary shop. Bottles everywhere.”

  “I wonder if Charlotte is aware of all this,” Kate murmured.

  “I’m sorry you have to endure this.” Megan laid a hand on Kate’s arm. “Are you thinking of going home sooner than you’d planned?”

  Josh held his breath, suddenly feeling as if he were standing at the edge of a deep ravine. He shouldn’t care one way or another. Stay or go. Kate meant nothing to him. Or did she?

  Squaring her shoulders, her gaze sought his. “No, I’m not leaving.”

  Releasing his pent-up breath, he ignored the way his heart danced a jig in his chest.

  Tom settled his hat on his head. “We’d best get going, Megan. I need to get back.” Tugging on the brim, he said, “Good day, Miss Morgan. Josh.”

  “Thanks for seeing them home safely,” Josh told his friend.

  “Anytime.”

  “I’ll see you soon.” With a final squeeze, Megan released Kate’s arm and turned to follow Tom outside. Poking her head back inside, she smiled. “I’m glad you’re staying.”

  “Me, too.”

  When she’d gone, Josh studied Kate. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

  “I’m fine except for a small headache. I think I’ll go rest for a bit.”

  “I hate that he’s doing this to you.” He slid his knuckles down her cheek, then pivoted away to retrieve his hat from the hook by the door.

  “Where are you going?” Unease crept into her features.

  Putting it on, he paused in the open doorway, right hand resting on his pistol. “To end this once and for all.”

  “Please don’t.” She put a restraining hand on his arm.

  Her concern touched him. “I have to.”

  “Not for me, you don’t. I don’t like the idea of you putting yourself in danger on my account. He didn’t approach me today. He didn’t even see me.”

  “I refuse to stand by and wait for him to make his next move.” He held up a hand as she started to speak. “Don’t worry, Kate. I’m just gonna talk to the man.”

  If he could find him, that is. And if he was sober.

  Josh didn’t hold out much hope, but he had to try.

  He left her with the admonishment to get some rest, then mounted Chestnut and headed into town. There was no sign of Matthews, and when he asked around, no one had any idea where he’d gone.

  He wasted an entire afternoon searching. No sign of him anywhere. Frustrated, Josh headed home.

  Riding into the yard, he noticed Kate waiting for him on her porch. Her face lit up the moment she saw him, her generous mouth curving into a smile of relief and happiness.

  He felt the effect of that smile clear down to his toes. A man sure could get used to a welcome like that. He allowed himself to pretend, only for a moment, that he was important to her. Wouldn’t it be nice to see this exact expression on her face each time he returned home?

  It would, if this were a fantasy world. But he lived squarely in reality.

  He wasn’t important to her, not in the way he was imagining. They were friends, that was all. And that was the way it had to stay.

  Every morning for the following week, Josh took Kate out to practice shooting. Not an expert by any means, she managed to hit the target one out of every three attempts. He was a patient teacher, praising her progress, slow though it might be.

  So the morning he left, Kate not only missed their time together. She missed him.

  His smile. His laugh. The careful way he watched her when he thought she didn’t notice.

  It was wrong and foolhardy, she knew. But they were friends, and it was perfectly acceptable to miss a friend.

  One thing she refused to do was sit around and mope about the situation.

  After breakfast, she volunteered to help Mary with the week’s supply of baking. Instead, Mary asked if she’d mind picking up some items at the mercantile. Eager to stay busy, Kate agreed. Too late, she remembered Josh’
s warning not to go anywhere alone.

  She decided to seek out Nathan. Naturally, he was in the dairy barn.

  “I’m sorry, Kate.” He paused in forking hay into the stalls. “I can’t spare the time now, but I’m free after lunch. Can you wait until then?”

  “Sure.”

  She left him to his work, uncertain if she should put off the errand. Perhaps Mary needed those things as soon as possible. And if she took the main road, the walk to town would take all of ten minutes.

  It was early. Tyler kept late hours at the saloon. He was probably still passed out in his bed.

  Her mind made up, she retrieved her reticule and a shawl. A cool breeze swept through the trees, raising goose bumps on her skin despite her long sleeves and multilayered skirt. On her way out the door, her gaze fell on the holster belt and firearm lying on the side table. Josh’s doing. The man actually expected her to wear the contraption around her waist with a loaded gun strapped in. Inconceivable!

  With a shake of her head, she shut the door and headed for town.

  Josh slapped his hat against his thigh in frustration.

  They’d been making good time. The weather was clear, the dirt roads dry in most places. Now this. A downed tree blocked the road, its trunk the span of his outstretched arms. Dense forest lined either side, so they couldn’t go around it.

  He and Caleb frowned at each other. What now?

  His glance flicked to the furniture packed neatly in the wagon bed. The sooner he delivered it, the better. Two tarps covered the table and chairs in case of rain, but the protection wasn’t foolproof.

  A lot hung on this delivery. The money from the sale would make it possible for him to buy the empty store. His dream was so close to becoming reality.

  Digging in his supplies in search of a saw or an ax, he imagined Kate’s response the first time she entered his furniture shop. Judging from her comments, she admired his work.

  “I have a feeling we’re gonna be here awhile,” said Caleb as he joined the search, rifling through the satchels on his side of the wagon.