Realizing he’d been holding his breath, he let it out with a loud whoosh. He had to stop this foolish daydreaming. He was behaving like some love-struck girl instead of a man with a purpose in life.
Chapter 2
Perspiration poured down Reverend Smith’s face as he pounded the pulpit. A giggle, followed by a sharp slap, resounded from somewhere off to the side of the building.
Addy winced. Why couldn’t people correct their children in private? She sighed. At least they had children to correct.
No, she wouldn’t go there. Most of the eligible bachelors had been snapped up, and she’d turned several of them down anyway, including Reverend Smith, who’d married Carrie Sue Anderson six months later. But that was fine with Addy. None of them had moved her heart, and she wasn’t about to marry unless she was in love. And with a man who loved her, too.
A picture of deep-brown eyes and dark, wavy hair crossed her mind, and she drew in a sharp breath. She darted a glance around to see if anyone had heard. Now why had she thought of Jim Castle? Especially in the house of God. Drawing herself up, she focused on the preacher, who now spoke calmly about accepting God’s will for one’s life and avoiding the temptation to do things one’s own way.
Lord, are You telling me it’s not Your will for me to marry? I want Your will for my life more than I want anything else, but—A pang of guilt shot through her. If it really was God’s will for her to remain single, there could be no “buts.”
A few minutes later, the reverend closed in prayer, and one of the deacons led the congregation in a final song.
Addy headed for the door, and after she shook hands with Reverend Smith and Carrie Sue, she glanced around for Ma and Pa. She spotted Abby motioning from her and Rafe’s wagon and walked over.
“Addy, come to dinner. I have a humongous pan of fried chicken warming in the oven, and we need someone to help us eat it.”
“I don’t know. I have papers to grade.” She reached over and tickled little Dawson under the chin and was rewarded with a giggle. She’d much rather spend the afternoon with her sister and nephews than grade papers.
Abby waved her hand in the air and grabbed for Dawson, who nearly slid off her lap. “Oh, do it later. I promise we’ll get you home early.”
“Well, all right. Let me tell Ma and Pa to go on without me.”
“I already did. They left five minutes ago.” Abby grinned, patting the seat beside her. “C’mon, I’m driving.”
Laughing, Addy climbed up next to her then took Dawson onto her lap. “So that’s why Rafe and Davy are in the back. You knew I’d have to say yes or walk home.”
“Tuck always has a plan,” Rafe said with a laugh. He was the only one who still called her sister by the nickname she loved. Short for Kentucky, where they’d lived until they were four. Shortly after their mother died, their pa had moved them to the Ozarks—lock, stock, and barrel as he called it. A few years later, he was gone, too.
Addy shoved the memories away and bounced Dawson on her knees while she and Abby laughed and talked all the way to the Collins’ farm.
The first view of her sister’s home always took Addy’s breath away. The small frame house nestled at the foot of a flower-covered hill. A myriad of red, purple, white, and blue blossoms spread like a giant bouquet from the top of the gentle slope down to the edge of Abby’s backyard. A fence peeked out from behind the house. It protected Abby’s vegetable garden from critters. A henhouse stood beside the barn. Guineas waddled around freely, occasionally taking off in flight and perching on tree branches. A short distance away, a tiny stream danced over rocks as it rippled its way to the nearby White River. She wondered if the trains from the new railway would interrupt the tranquility that reigned here.
Abby climbed down and came around to take Dawson from Addy’s arms. She set him down, and he wobbled over to his brother.
“I love your home.” Addy hoped she didn’t sound as wistful as she felt.
“Thanks, sis. So do I. Every day I thank God that Rafe’s father and mother were generous enough to deed this section of land over to Rafe. A lot of young couples aren’t as blessed.”
She took little David’s tiny hand in hers and helped him toddle along, while Rafe did the same for Dawson.
Addy caught her breath at the tender smile that passed between her sister and brother-in-law. It never ceased to amaze her how her independent, tomboy sister had taken to marriage like a duck on a June bug. Not that she had changed that much. But she’d mellowed. Addy grinned. That was an expression they used when people got older, and Abby most definitely was not old in any way.
She followed them inside and, as soon as she stepped through the door, felt a tug on her skirt. David gazed up at her, a sweet smile on his face, then lifted his arms. Laughing, she picked him up. “All right, Davy boy. You know Auntie Addy will do anything you ask.”
The words were hardly out of her mouth before he squirmed to get down. She set him gently on the floor and followed her sister to the large, comfortable kitchen. Wonderful aromas tantalized her senses.
“Let me wash my hands, and I’ll set the table for you.” She went to the washbasin that sat on a table in the corner. A moment later, she took dishes out of the cupboard and began to place them on the long table.
“Thanks, sis.” Abby fluttered around the kitchen, getting things ready. “Oh, set an extra plate. We have another guest coming.”
“Who?” Her stomach jumped. She knew exactly who.
Abby threw an innocent look her way. “Do you remember Rafe’s friend, Jim Castle?”
“Yes, of course I remember Mr. Castle. He was Rafe’s best man, wasn’t he?” Oh dear. Had he mentioned to Rafe that she hadn’t recognized him when he’d approached her in town? Or worse still, did he think she’d just been flat-out rude?
“There’s a horse coming up the lane. That must be him now.” Abby grabbed a thick cloth and opened the oven door then pulled out the pan of fried chicken.
A tap on the door was followed by Rafe’s voice welcoming his guest.
Addy groaned. How was she going to face him?
Jim lifted a drumstick and bit into its salty, crunchy goodness. His glance drifted across the table where Addy sat staring intently at her plate. He put the chicken leg down and cleared his throat.
She jerked her head up and met his glance then quickly brought a forkful of potatoes to her lips.
Okay, now he’d embarrassed her. He wasn’t sure how, but he’d try to rectify it. “Mrs. Collins, I believe this is the best fried chicken I’ve ever had.”
“Thanks, Jim, but why are you calling me Mrs. Collins? Did you all of a sudden forget my first name?”
“Okay then, Abby, I believe this is the best fried chicken I’ve ever had.”
“Thanks, but you should taste Addy’s.” She sent an amused smile in her sister’s direction. Jim wasn’t sure what was so amusing, but she was obviously having fun at Addy’s expense.
Rafe made a choking sound, and Addy frowned at him then shrugged and smiled at Jim. “They’re teasing me, Mr. Castle. No matter how often I try, my fried chicken always ends up burned on the outside or half raw on the inside.” She paused, as though for effect. “Sometimes both.”
As Rafe and Abby both laughed, admiration for Addy’s spunk rose in Jim.
“It’s not that bad, sis,” Abby said. “And your chocolate cake is the best in the county.”
Rafe nodded. “And your catfish is second only to Tuck’s.”
“Ha. A good thing you said that, Rafe Collins.” Abby’s smile rested on Rafe, showing affection laced with familiarity.
The lucky cuss. Jim hoped his friend appreciated what he had. He pushed his empty plate aside and leaned back in his chair.
“Don’t get too comfortable,” Rafe said. “I happen to know there’s blackberry cobbler for dessert.”
After the meal was finished and Jim and Rafe had been shooed out of the kitchen by Abby, they sat on the front porch.
“I’m really glad to see you back. I’ve missed our talks.” Rafe leaned his hide-bottomed chair back on two legs and stuck a piece of sour dock in his mouth.
Jim chuckled. “Still chewing on that dock I see.”
Rafe grinned and shook his head. “Tuck used to try to break me of the habit, but now she says I could be chewing on something a lot worse, like Squeezebox and his tobacco.”
“Is the group still together?”
Rafe shook his head. “Mr. Willie passed away last year, and the heart sort of went out of the rest as far as their music goes.”
“You mean Abby isn’t playing her fiddle anymore? It used to pretty much be the love of her life.”
“Oh yes, Tuck still plays for church socials every now and then, and of course we can’t have a family get-together without someone begging her for a tune. But Squeezebox Tanner and Tom Black bowed out completely.” Rafe winked. “And I’m the love of her life now.”
“Sorry to hear about Squeezebox and Tom.”
“It’s sad. Tuck tries to get Addy to join her on the piano, but she won’t play for anyone but family, and not very often.” He flashed a grin. “And speaking of Addy, I think our plan may be working.”
Jim shook his head. “I don’t know, Rafe. She didn’t seem to be that interested in seeing me again.”
“That’s what you think.” Rafe chuckled. “Why do you think she was so nervous? It took a little teasing to get her to loosen up.”
The door opened, and Addy stepped out. “Rafe, Abby would like for you to help her get the boys down for a nap if you’re not busy.”
Rafe cut a glance at Jim then back to his sister-in-law. “Sure I will, if you’ll stay out here and talk to Jim. Can’t leave company alone, now can we?”
Addy bit her bottom lip. “Of course, I’d be happy to keep Mr. Castle company until you get back.”
Jim stood as she stepped out onto the porch. When she eased into a rocking chair, perching on the edge of the seat, he sat back down. “Miss Sullivan…”
“I’m so…”
They both stopped and laughed.
“Please, Miss Sullivan, you first.” He was so happy to see a sparkle in her eye that he could have simply sat in silence and watched her.
“I only wished to apologize for not recognizing you the other day.” A pink blush washed over her cheeks. “I knew you looked familiar, but I was rather distracted. When it came to me who you were, I was already at home, so I couldn’t very well go back and apologize.”
“Of course not.” Jim leaned forward. “If anyone should apologize, it’s I. I should have identified myself. Instead, I startled you. It’s no wonder you bolted.” He cringed. That probably wasn’t the best word to use.
A smile tipped her lips, causing a tiny dimple to flash. “I did rather bolt, didn’t I?”
He couldn’t keep from grinning. This wasn’t going so badly after all. “So now that we’ve both apologized, could we put the incident behind us and start over?”
“I would like that very much, Mr. Castle.”
“So would I. And if it’s not too presumptuous of me, do you think you could bring yourself to call me Jim? After all, we’ve known each other long enough, it seems.”
“That’s quite true. We met at Rafe and Abby’s wedding. Very well, Jim, and since we’re such old friends, you may call me Addy.”
Her rippling laughter floated on the air like music, and he absorbed it into his heart and memory. Funny she didn’t remember they’d met before the wedding.
Chapter 3
Miss Sullivan, did you hear about the train coming in next week?” The gap between Eugene’s two front teeth yawned as he flashed a grin at Addy.
“Yes, I did hear that, Gene.” She smiled at the little boy standing beside her desk. “That’s exciting, isn’t it?”
Within seconds the entire class had crowded around her desk, voices raised in excitement and wonder.
Petite Margaret could barely be seen among the taller children, but her voice rang out loud and clear. “I wish I could ride on it. I think I’ll ask my mama to let me.”
“Aw, you dumb girl. It’s a freight train. You can’t ride in it.”
“Johnny Carroll, shame on you.” Addy frowned at the freckled-faced redhead, who was actually one of her favorites. “You apologize to Margaret right this instant.”
He mumbled an apology then stood with his hands in his pockets, waiting to see if he’d get more than a reprimand.
“That’s better. Please see that there’s no more name calling. Now, please take your seats, children.” She turned to the blackboard to finish writing the arithmetic problems. When she faced her students again, everyone was seated, anticipation on each face. She smiled. They knew her too well.
“Before we begin our arithmetic, perhaps we’ll have a short discussion of current events.” As murmurs began, she held up her hand. “In an orderly fashion, please.”
A hand popped up from one of the rear seats, followed by several others.
“Yes, Eugene?”
“Pa says the train can’t go any farther south ’Cause the tracks aren’t laid yet.”
“That’s right, Eugene. The White River Line from the north has reached us, but nothing can go farther south until the teams of workers from both directions meet. Then the line will be complete. Yes, Ronald?”
The boy jumped up, eagerness flushing his face. “They’re bringing supplies for the town and the railroad.”
“Thank you, Ronald.” She motioned to Annie Bolton, a tall girl in the front row. “Annie?”
“It’s not just supplies. My pa said they’re bringing more railroad men to help finish the tracks.” She nodded and sat back down.
More railroad workers? Addy frowned. Most of the men were respectful, but some of the newer employees were of a rougher sort. She hated to contemplate the two saloons with more patrons. Occasionally fights spilled out onto the boardwalks. So far, the ones participating in these brawls had been quickly and speedily escorted to the town’s improvised jail. But if the town became overrun?
“Well, thank you, Annie.” She gave the girl what she hoped was a bright smile. “More citizens for Branson Town. That’s very exciting.”
“Not as exciting as the train, though,” Eugene said.
Johnny Carroll raised his hand.
“All right, Johnny, you’re the last one for the day. We need to get on to our regular subjects.”
“I was just wonderin’, Miss Sullivan. Do you think we could take the day off school to see the train come in?”
Now that wasn’t a bad idea. “Perhaps. I’d have to check with the school board. They might agree if we make it a school project.”
A groan resounded across the room.
“You mean we’ll have to do a report about it?” The woebegone expression on Johnny’s face was so comical Addy had to press her lips together to keep from grinning.
“Yes, but perhaps we’ll make it a group report. You can all write down a few things that impress you, and then we’ll put them all together.” She included the class in her smile.
Annie’s hand shot up once more. “Like a story?”
“Exactly. We’ll even illustrate it and put it up on the bulletin board for parents’ day.” As their faces brightened, she hastened to add, “But remember, we have to get permission from the school board first.”
One good thing about the formation of the new Branson School District was that it relieved her of certain responsibilities. Such as disappointing her students if the answer was no.
The children were on extra-good behavior the rest of the day, not wanting to risk the possibility of missing the grand, history-making event. Addy didn’t blame them. Bolts of excitement charged through her as well.
Of course, to be honest, the near certainty that Jim Castle would be there when the train chugged into the station might have been responsible for a good deal of her eagerness. She frowned and attempted to push the thought away…without success.
She’d been surprised at the depth of her attraction toward him that Sunday at her sister’s. She’d anticipated seeing him again, believing he felt the same, but nearly three weeks had passed, and she’d seen him only in fleeting moments around town. Usually he tipped his hat and went on his way. Twice he’d paused long enough to exchange civilities.
More than likely she’d only imagined his interest. Embarrassment washed over her. Had her interest in him been obvious? How humiliating if he’d noticed. She’d make sure to be polite but cool the next time she saw him.
That afternoon, when she’d dismissed the class and closed up, she headed for Dr. Gregory Stephens’s office. As chairman of the school board, he’d be the one to which she should broach the subject of a field trip to see the train come in.
At the sight of Jim Castle’s tall form striding toward her, she almost turned around and went back to the school, but he’d already spotted her and smiled as he came near. “Addy, how nice to see you.” He reached for her hand, and the next thing she knew it was enveloped in his.
Warmth flowed through her fingers, all the way up to her shoulder. She cleared her throat. “Hello, Jim.” Oh no, her voice shook. So much for being cool and distant.
Her hand trembled in his. She must get away before he noticed. She spotted the doctor coming out of Brown’s Mercantile, an honest excuse to escape. “I’m sorry, I have an appointment. It was nice to see you again as well.” Slipping her hand from his, she hurried across the street and approached the doctor.
Well, she would have an appointment if Dr. Stephens wasn’t busy. It was only a little fib. Still a pang of guilt shot through her. A lie was a lie.
Disappointment tugged at Jim as he saw the tall, broad-shouldered doctor take Addy’s hand and smile down at her. Were they a courting couple? The expression on the doctor’s face sure indicated it.
Of course, it was probably for the best. Jim had known from the beginning there was no chance for him with the lovely Addy. Which was why he’d avoided her since the Sunday dinner at Rafe’s house. Rafe must not know about the doctor or surely he’d have mentioned it.
White River Brides Page 32