The Husband Hunt (Smoky Mountain Matches)

by Kirst, Karen

  Abhorrent, ha! If she only knew. “Hold on a second.” He moved in, his boots bumping hers. “Why does it matter so much why I kissed you?”

  She inhaled sharply. “Y-you’re right, it doesn’t matter.” Her boots shuffled in the dirt, her braid whacking his chest as she turned to go. “This conversation is over.”

  “We’re not finished here, Soph.”

  “Oh, yes, we are.”

  She stalked off. There was nothing he could do to stop her—short of physically restraining her—and while he was tempted, it would only make her madder and less inclined to talk. It went against the grain to leave things unresolved, but at this point he didn’t have a choice. Better to give her a chance to calm down.

  Once they’d both regained proper perspective, they could put this event behind them and go back to the way things used to be.

  * * *

  Somehow Sophie summoned the wherewithal to smile and pretend all was right in her world in front of Sam and Mary O’Malley. While she waited for her brother to gather his things, she answered their questions about the party with surprising equanimity. If they noticed her fidgeting or her frequent glances out the window, they didn’t let on.

  The older couple were dear, special people, including her in their family gatherings as if she were one of them, going out of their way to lend a hand whenever she had a need. Leaving them behind would rip a hole in her heart similar to the one her granddad’s passing had carved. It would hurt Will, too.

  Which is why you have to put Nathan out of your mind and concentrate on finding yourself a husband.

  She managed to hustle Will out of there before Nathan arrived, listening with half an ear during their walk home as he told her about his evening.

  Only when absolutely certain he was asleep did she allow her composure to slip. Sinking onto the couch, she curled up on her side, yanked the quilt over her face and let the hot tears of self-recrimination fall.

  You are a first-class fool, Sophia Lorraine. He will never want you for more than a friend. He will never love you.

  The memory of his kiss taunted her. The anger he’d clearly felt at being forced into that position had melded into awful resolve, those unusual eyes of his glittering and hard as he bent his head to hers. So his careful handling of her had come as a complete shock. The gentleness in his hands, the soft pressure of his mouth... Sophie’s world had gone topsy-turvy and she’d had to grab on to him to keep from falling.

  Oh, Father, how am I supposed to marry another man when Nathan possesses my heart?

  Helplessness and frustration swamped her. Why are You allowing all this to happen, God? Why did You take Granddad away? Why aren’t You doing something to stop Cordelia? It’s in Your power to intervene.... Why don’t You?

  She lay there until there were no more tears left to cry, until she was too spent and weak to get up and change into her nightclothes. Lids heavy, head aching, she closed her eyes and had nearly drifted off to sleep when a verse from Proverbs she’d memorized as a child came to mind.

  Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

  Sophie understood that God was in control, and that He had a plan for her life. Sometimes, though, it was hard to trust. Hard not to try to take matters into her own hands. Hard to wait.

  Help me, Father. I don’t know what to do or which way to turn.

  Slipping into a fitful sleep, she tossed and turned until the wee hours of the morning before finally settling down. Persistent knocking some time later jolted her upright. Shoving her mussed hair out of her eyes, she gasped when she noticed midmorning sunlight streaming through the window.

  Will sat calmly at the kitchen table, eating his breakfast.

  Throwing off the covers, she demanded, “Why didn’t you wake me? And what are you eating?” She’d fixed his breakfast every morning since the day he was born. The boy didn’t know how to cook.

  Sipping his milk, he held up a cinnamon roll. “Miss Mary sent these home with me last night.” His chin rose. “And I’m not a little kid anymore. I can get my own breakfast.”

  She quickly folded the quilt into a neat square. “But the chores—”

  “I already fed the chickens and gathered the eggs. I can help out around here, Sophie. Together, we can keep the farm going.”

  This from her ten-year-old brother? “I know you’re worried—”

  Another rap on the door startled her. “Please don’t let that be Aunt Cordelia,” she muttered. Finding Sophie still abed at this hour and Will fending for himself would underscore Cordelia’s concern. Give her ammunition to use if this went to court.

  “Just a minute!” she called, smoothing her hair and straightening her wrinkled shirt as best she could before opening the door.

  “Nicole?” Nathan’s eighteen-year-old cousin rarely darkened her doorstep. Anxiety sharpened her voice. “Is something wrong?”

  Assessing violet eyes scanned Sophie from head to toe, bow-shaped mouth pulling into a grimace at the sight of her disheveled state. “There’s no emergency, if that’s what you mean. I’m here to offer my services.”

  Still groggy, Sophie was having trouble connecting her thoughts. “I, uh—” She moved aside. “Why don’t you come inside? I was about to fix myself some coffee. Would you like some?”

  Giving a quick shake of her head, the movement setting her raven ringlets to quivering, Nicole entered the cabin. “No, thanks. I don’t drink coffee or tea. It stains your teeth.”

  “Oh.” Come to think of it, Nicole’s teeth were white enough to blind a person. “How about some milk?”

  “I’m not thirsty.” Her gaze landing on Will, she nodded uncertainly. “Good morning.”

  “Mornin’, Miss Nicole,” he said, wiping his mouth on his sleeve. Hopping up from the table, he told Sophie, “I’m going to muck out the stalls now.”

  Sophie stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. “What did I tell you about using your napkin? And I’ll clean out the stalls.”

  Shrugging off her hand, he backed away, his features earnest. “I want to help.”

  She slid a glance at their guest, who was busy inspecting the cabin. Now wasn’t the time to have this conversation.

  “Okay.”

  Grinning as if she’d given him a gift, he lifted his faded tan hat off the hook and slipped outside.

  Sophie tossed kindling in the firebox and prodded the pile with a short poker, praying her brother wasn’t bound for disappointment. He cherished this place as much as she did, and if she couldn’t find a way for them to stay...

  With the kettle on to boil, she went to join Nicole. “Please, have a seat.”

  “I can’t stay long. I promised Ma I’d make this visit quick. Today is laundry day.” She sighed long-sufferingly.

  Even dressed in casual clothes—a deep purple paisley skirt and coordinating blouse—she managed to look sophisticated. Maybe it was the elaborate hairstyle; some sort of fancy ponytail with shiny curls cascading down. More likely, it was the innate confidence oozing from her pores. Nicole was a natural beauty, and graceful to boot.

  Sophie had been a little in awe of the other girl since childhood. It wasn’t that Nicole had ever been hateful or unkind—she hadn’t joined in with the other girls’ taunts—but she’d never gone out of her way to befriend Sophie, either. Seemed to her, Nicole held herself apart from everyone else.

  “So what can I do for you?”

  “Actually, it’s what I can do for you. You see, I overheard my cousins talking last night about your predicament. I can help you.”

  “My predicament?”

  Her black brows winged up. “Your plan to snag a husband?”

  Sophie’s breath left her lungs in a whoosh. How coul
d Nathan do that to her? It wasn’t his place to tell anyone. The last thing she wanted was for the whole town to know that poor Sophie Tanner was desperate for a husband.

  “That’s not something I’d like to get out.”

  Swinging her reticule from her wrist, she began to walk a circle around Sophie. “Oh, don’t worry. My lips are sealed.”

  Sophie’s brows collided. What in the world? “Um, Nicole?”

  Her gaze carefully scanning as she completed the circle, she frowned and tut-tutted and sighed. “Let’s be frank, shall we? You’re going to need a complete overhaul. Luckily for you, I’m gifted in that area. I can supply you with a new wardrobe. Show you how to dress, how to style your hair.” Excitement lightened her eyes. “I have a nearly completed dress that I believe will fit you. I just need to take your measurements.”

  Sophie watched, nonplussed, as Nicole pulled open her reticule and retrieved a cloth tape measure.

  “I don’t understand. Why would you want to help me? I can’t possibly afford to pay you for your labor or the materials. Unless you want me to do chores for you?” Even if she agreed to this, how would she find the time?

  Tape measure held aloft, Nicole smiled widely, transforming her countenance into something almost...sweet.

  “All I want in return is credit for your transformation. Showing up for Sunday morning services together should do the trick, I think. If I’m ever going to achieve my dream of owning a boutique in the city, I’ll need more revenue. When people see the new you, my hope is that the dress orders will come pouring in.” Tugging Sophie’s braid, she confided, “Besides, I’ve wanted to get my hands on you for years!”

  “But the cost of the materials—”

  “You’re forgetting I have a wealthy new brother-in-law. One who is very generous to his poor relations.”

  As Nicole took her measurements and hastily scribbled them on a scrap of paper, all the while chatting about color palettes and accessories and hairstyles, Sophie’s mind whirled with the implications. What would she look like when Nicole was finished? What would people think? If she were honest with herself, the only person’s opinion that truly mattered was Nathan’s, and at this point, she didn’t think changing her hair and wearing a skirt would impact him in the slightest.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Sitting on a hard pew waiting for Reverend Munroe to take his place in the pulpit, Nathan resolved not to think of the incident for at least the next twenty-four hours. What had happened at that party had haunted him nearly every minute since. Waking or sleeping, the memory of their embrace refused to leave him be.

  Help me focus on the goal here, Lord. To find Sophie a suitable husband and appease her aunt.

  Across the aisle, Landon Greene slanted him a smirk; a silent reference to the very thing Nathan was trying to avoid thinking about. Although Landon had been escorting April through the gardens at the time, he’d certainly heard about it. Juicy gossip like that didn’t stay contained for very long in this small town.

  Beside him, Caleb’s uneasiness was showing. Bent forward, elbows resting on his knees, he glared at the knotty pine floorboards as if they were responsible for him being there. He’d surprised them all when he’d arrived at the breakfast table dressed for services. Nathan couldn’t recall the last time his younger brother had bothered to come. On the other end of the pew, their ma wore an expression of pure pleasure. Pa just looked anxious.

  The rear doors opened and Nathan heard footsteps as late arrivals passed through the alcove and rounded the corner into the high-ceilinged space where the congregation gathered. Then a gasp echoed off the walls, unrest reverberating through the gathering.

  Caleb twisted around, then elbowed him in the ribs, his hooded gaze entreating. You have to see this.

  Nathan complied. At first his mind didn’t register what his eyes were seeing. He recognized Nicole, of course, and the smug set of her features. But the lovely, elegant young woman beside her? It took a minute to place her. And when the truth finally penetrated, his jaw hit the floor.

  She was... She was... He floundered for a fitting description. Every man’s dream.

  His lungs tightened. His childhood friend, the rumpled and at times downright dowdy tomboy, had transformed into a sweet, beautiful, poised lady. The cute caterpillar into a graceful butterfly.

  Sophie was downright stunning. Mouth-drying, eye-popping, toes-curling-in-his-boots stunning.

  Gone were the dark colors, the ill-fitting shirts and pants and clunky boots. In their place, a luxurious two-toned creation that hugged her slender frame and showcased her feminine curves, trim waist and the slight flare of her hips. The golden flower-print jacket with high, stiff collar and triangular opening at the throat spilled over her waist in gentle folds, and beneath it peeked a ruffled matte-rose skirt that skimmed the tops of cream-colored kid boots.

  Running his gaze back up, he zeroed in on her honeyed hair, which had been swept to the side and smoothed into a sophisticated bun at the base of her neck, tendrils caressing delicate ears adorned with earbobs—earbobs!—and sleeker-looking cheekbones. Shimmering hair framing her face softened her features, made her sapphire eyes appear even larger, her pink mouth lush and beckoning.

  This vision couldn’t be his friend. Surely not.

  The single men in the crowd wore matching expressions of awe.

  Nathan snapped his mouth shut. Did he look as conked-on-the-head as they did?

  The logical part of his brain assured him this was a good thing. She wanted a husband, didn’t she? She’d worried she wouldn’t be able to secure a gentleman’s interest, hadn’t she? Well, looking like this, all elegant and poised and like a brightly wrapped package, there would be no shortage of eager candidates.

  Regardless of his reservations, Sophie was determined to pursue her current path. And there wasn’t a doubt in his mind she’d be successful.

  * * *

  Sophie resisted the urge to flee.

  Nicole had insisted on arriving right before services to achieve maximum effect. Judging from the seamstress’s smug pleasure and the congregation’s reaction, they’d achieved it.

  Being the singular focus of a crowd this size proved unnerving.

  This is what you wanted, though. A chance to change others’ perception of you. Remember Nicole’s instructions—shoulders back, head up, no reaching for the braid that is no longer there. Exude confidence.

  Easier said than done.

  Starting down the aisle—Nicole had insisted in that irritating way of hers that Sophie join her and her sisters in the second row—she mentally cataloged the varying expressions.

  Many of the young women smiled encouragingly, obviously pleased for her, while others appeared jealous. Jealous. Of her. She could hardly fathom it.

  Seated between her parents, April Littleton’s initial slack-jawed disbelief changed to thin-lipped fuming. Sophie bit the inside of her cheek to stop a satisfied smile from forming. Pride goes before destruction, she scolded herself. A haughty spirit before a fall.

  Kenny Thacker’s reaction had her smothering a giggle. He and Preston Williams and all the other guys who viewed her as a buddy gaped as if she’d grown a set of horns. Landon, on the other hand, eyed her with awe-tinged appreciation. And a hefty dose of speculation. He wasn’t the only one, either.

  She sobered. Did this mean her husband hunt might be successful, after all?

  They were nearing the O’Malley sisters’ row when her gaze encountered Nathan’s. At the curious mix of emotions on his face—wonder, admiration, wariness, regret—she faltered. Why regret?

  Nicole linked her arm with Sophie’s and unobtrusively guided her forward to sit, unfortunately, directly in front of Nathan and his brother.

  * * *

  It was a long, excruciating service.

 
Sophie sensed the attention directed toward her from the general congregation, but it was Nathan’s gaze burning into her scalp that made her want to squirm. Aware of his every shift in the pew, every scuff of his boots against the floorboards, every huff and sigh, the reverend’s words flew in one ear and out the other. Forgive me, Lord, I simply cannot concentrate today.

  When Reverend Munroe at long last uttered the closing prayer, she’d barely made it into the aisle when the people descended to exclaim over her dress and her hair, much to Nicole’s delight. The compliments boosted Sophie’s confidence. For the first time in her life, she felt beautiful. Accepted. It was...nice.

  Pauline’s sincere compliments and quick hug sparked feelings of guilt. The woman was unfailingly kind. She didn’t deserve Sophie’s jealousy. It wasn’t Pauline’s fault she represented everything Sophie could never be, everything Nathan admired.

  As the ladies dispersed and the men crowded around, she watched the tall blonde smile uncertainly at Nathan and utter a brief greeting before proceeding up the aisle.

  He stood slightly apart, his expression stony, clearly uncomfortable and on edge, alert to possible danger. Ever her protector.

  Cordelia parted the men with a single, superior arched brow. Her inscrutable demeanor made it difficult to ascertain whether or not she approved of Sophie’s new look.

  “I have to admit I’m surprised, Sophia. You look the part of the proper young lady. Was this your plan all along? To stun the men into offering for your hand?”

  Sophie stiffened. Embarrassment rooted her to the spot.

  Beside her, Kenny acted scandalized. “First you’ve gone and changed your looks, and now you’re angling for a husband? I thought you weren’t like the other girls. What will I do without my fishing buddy?”

  Smirking, Preston bunched his biceps. “At least now we know who’s the local arm wrestling champ.” The guys chuckled.