A Groom for Claire

by Patricia Pacjac Carroll

  She stared into his eyes. “It is.” Tears welled up in her eyes and dripped down her cheeks, yet she kept her gaze on him.

  “You can trust me. I won’t hurt you or the children.”

  “I know.” She wiped her eyes and regained her composure. “I know that about you. You’re a kind man and perfect for my family. I’m just having some struggles. With myself. But I know we’re to be married. I’m just not sure of the timing.”

  Ethan took her hand in his. “I’m a patient man.” He turned over her hand and traced the lines on her palm. “I like what I see in you. You’re a beautiful woman, smart and caring, and I’m attracted to you. Anything that you want, let me know. If possible, I’d give you the moon.”

  Her eyes darted to the door and then back to him. “Thomas used to say that to me. Did you know?”

  “No, I didn’t. If I had, I wouldn’t have used the phrase. I’m sorry if it upset you.”

  She pulled her hand from him. “He used to trace the lines on my palm. Just like you did.” Her heart was beating fast, and her cheeks were red.

  “I’m sorry. I won’t do that anymore. I’m not Thomas, and I don’t intend to be his replacement. I want you to grow to like me. I want to make my own place in your life. If you’ll let me.”

  She nodded. “I’ll try. I am trying. It’s just I look around and see Thomas. Memories we made in this house on the farm. How can I get away from them?” Her eyes brightened, and she scooted closer to him. “There is one thing. I’ve been afraid to mention it because I don’t want to disappoint the children.”

  “Name it.” Ethan smiled at her, wanting to give her anything if it brought her peace.

  “I’d like to leave the farm. Sell it, give it away. But leave and live in the city.” She took his hand in hers. “What do you think?”

  He sat back as if she’d punched him in the chest. “I couldn’t. One thing I have always wanted was to have a farm. To be one of the brave souls who ventured west to forge a new country out to the wild plains and make it successful. Owning a farm is something I have dreamed of.”

  She sat back as if punched in the gut. “But the city is so much safer. People don’t die in the city as they do on the farm. Kicked by livestock. Indians, bandits. Disease and the always present weather of droughts, tornadoes, and blizzards.” She stumbled on the last word and stared at him with shock in her eyes.

  Gently, Ethan took her hand in his. “Claire, there is no place that is safe from heartache except in the shadow of the Almighty. I’ve seen far worse in cities with senseless riots of men every bit as uncivilized as the Indians rampaging through the streets. Buildings are burned, and women and children are killed. Disease can flood a city like a river roaring out of its banks. And plenty of people starve. There’s no place to hunt. And if you don’t have money, you’re trapped.”

  Claire stared at him as if he’d stolen her last hope. “No.”

  He squeezed her hand. “Yes. I’ve seen how Tom looks at the land. I don’t think he’d leave.”

  She nodded. “You’re right.”

  “I’m here to help you. To carry the load with you. Like a team, we’ll make this farm work. I’m a hard worker. You’ll see.”

  Claire nodded as tears flowed down her cheeks.

  Ethan wiped her cheek with his thumb. “You can trust me, Claire.”

  She looked at him. Her blue eyes were red and watery. “I trusted Thomas and look at me now.”

  “He didn’t leave you willingly. I know that about the man. He was careful about his farm, and I know he fought with everything inside him to get back to you.” Ethan held both of her hands in his. “Already, my heart has a place for you and Tom and Leah. I believe I was sent here to take care of you. And if you’ll have me, I’ll love you and your children as if you were my family.”

  Claire just stared at him. “I don’t know. My heart is broken in pieces.”

  “Allow me to take you to the party tonight.”

  Claire stared at him. “I know the children would enjoy it. Alright, we’ll go.” She attempted a smile. “It’s time I move on. You’re right. I have no idea what living in the city would be like. I dreamed of escaping the hardship of farm life.”

  Ethan smiled. “Life is meant to be lived, not escaped. Trust me, Claire. Everything will work out. I know it will.”

  “I’ll wear the blue dress.” This time she gave a genuine smile. “I do admire the dress. Thank you for that.”

  “I’ll tell Alex we’re going. How long does it take to ride into town?”

  Claire stood and looked out the window. “It’s a two-hour ride. Thank you for offering to spend the night at the hotel.”

  “We’ll be ready to leave by two. I’ll get the wagon fixed up.”

  Claire nodded. “Ethan, thank you.”

  Standing by the door, he looked back at her. That was the nicest she’d sounded toward him. “You just be ready.”

  ***

  Claire went to her room. How she used to love to go to parties. She always thought that she and Thomas made the most handsome couple. When he dressed up, he took her breath away. Then again, when he was out in the field on a hot day, and his shirt was off, she could barely keep from running out to him. She loved him so.

  She stared at herself in the mirror. “How do I turn off that love that can never again be and give it to another man?” It seemed impossible. Even now, thinking of going to the party only reminded her of how much she enjoyed showing off her husband to the world.

  Tonight, she’d be walking in with another man. Not that the women would find it odd as most of them would be doing the same, but she would feel the strangeness of it all. Worse, she felt as if she’d betray Thomas by doing so.

  “Thomas is gone.” She stared at her reflection. “And he’s not coming back.”

  The children came into the house all excited and talking about their ride. Claire set out their clothes and then saw Tom’s face. She put his shirt back and told him he could choose.

  “Thanks, Ma. I’m a man now.”

  “Yes, you are, but I’m still your mother, and it will be that way forever.” She laughed and patted him on the shoulder. “My, you have grown at least three inches.”

  Tom kissed her cheek. “You’ll always be my Ma. Thanks for letting us go tonight. I was praying you would.”

  Claire stopped on her way out of his room and looked at him. “Good. I’m glad to hear that.”

  Her son grinned at her. “I’ll be ready.”

  Claire’s next stop was Leah’s room. She opened the door and saw her daughter already dressed. “Aren’t you the fast one. You did wash behind your ears, didn’t you?”

  “Yes, Ma.” She grinned and ran to her. “I love the dress you made me.”

  “I thought you might want to wear the one that Ethan bought you.” She winked at her daughter.

  “Could I?”

  “Yes, why don’t you change and put it on. I think that would make Mr. Freemont happy.”

  Leah squealed and ran to her wardrobe and pulled out the new dress. “It’s so pretty. I’ve never had one like it. And Mama, he got me a bow the same color to go in my hair.”

  “I see that. Hurry and put the dress on, and then I’ll brush out your hair.”

  Leah did as she was told and then brought the pink bow to her.

  Claire pulled a handful of her daughter’s brown hair teased with streaks of gold and brushed out the tangles that always managed to be found. Finally, she put in the bow. “There, how does that look?”

  “Wonderful. I hope Jimmy Daws is there tonight.” Leah smiled at her.

  “Oh, don’t tell me you’re growing up so fast too.” She hugged her daughter. “You stay little for as long as you can.”

  “Oh, Mama. I’ll always be your little girl.”

  Claire smiled at her. “Yes, you will.” And as she said it, that knowing part of her said no. There’d be another little girl. Ethan’s. Claire felt her cheeks warm, but suddenly, she wasn�
�t opposed to the idea. Not at all.

  She and Thomas had wanted more children. They’d lost a daughter in between Tom and Leah, and another child two years ago. Funny, she hadn’t thought about that in some time.

  “Mama, you better get ready. I can’t wait to see you in your new dress.” Leah led her to the door.

  “I’ll be ready.” Claire went to her room. She darted a look toward the guest room where Ethan and Alex were getting ready. Again, she felt the warmth in her cheeks. Well, Ethan would marry her at some time.

  She wasn’t ready yet. The idea of a new husband was too much now. She hoped she could take Ethan at his word that he was patient.

  Now she had the added pressure that there would be more children. How would Tom and Leah react to that? And Tom, he considered the farm as his. What if she had other sons by Ethan? Would they get an inheritance? Would it be taking away from Tom?

  She threw out the troubling questions and took the dress from the hangar. Oh, it was lovely. She prayed it would fit. And when she put it on, she was delighted to know that it did. She wondered how Ethan would know her size. Then she figured she was of average weight and build.

  Claire chided herself in not trying it on to see if it fit before. Thankfully, it had. She brushed her long dark hair until it shone. Then she fixed her curls so that they flowed over her shoulders. She hoped Ethan would be pleased.

  Finished dressing, she opened her door and walked into the main room. The men were sitting around the table. Alex had his belongings packed and by the door.

  Ethan saw her and jumped to his feet. “Claire, you look beautiful.” He blushed. “Not that I haven’t thought that all along, but you look, wonderful.”

  “Thank you.”

  Leah came from the kitchen. “I tested the cookies you made. They’re good, Mama.”

  Looking at her daughter, Claire shook her finger. “I said we were to wait until we got to town.”

  “I couldn’t, Mama. Besides, what if we brought them all the way to town and they didn’t taste good. That would be such a terrible thing.”

  Ethan laughed. “I think you’re right, Leah.” He went to Claire and extended his arm. “May I escort you to the wagon?”

  “Yes, you may, and I must say that you look very nice, too.” Claire straightened his tie. “Tom, are you ready?”

  Alex opened the door. “He’s outside with the wagon.”

  Claire pointed to his bag. “Are you leaving us?”

  “Yes, I figure its time for me to see what your town has in store for me. I think you and Ethan need some alone time. Thanks for having me. I’ll come and visit if that is all right.”

  “Please do.” Claire squeezed Ethan’s arm and looked up at him.

  Ethan nodded. “If you need anything, let me know, Alex.”

  “Sure will. I fixed up the wagon so everyone can sit inside.” Alex pointed to the steps he put at the back of the wagon. “All aboard.”

  “Can I ride beside you, Uncle Alex?” Leah looked up at him and smiled.

  “Well, I can’t resist that, can I. Sure. Let me put you up on the seat.” Alex almost tossed her into the wagon seat.

  Ethan helped Claire inside the wagon and waited for Tom. After the boy climbed in, Ethan went inside and sat beside Claire. He noticed Tom looked at him with a bit of a frown, but then he sat at the back of the wagon.

  Tom looked at him. “How are we getting back?”

  Alex stuck his head back inside the wagon. “I’ll see to that. Don’t worry.”

  Ethan sat next to Claire and admired her. He couldn’t be more pleased, and when he gave her the cameo, it would look perfect with the dress. He planned to give it to her after he asked her to marry him. After all, it was a perfect gift for a wife.

  Chapter 12

  Claire stepped out of the wagon and was happy to see that many were at the church. It was a wonderful way to start the new year in the house of God. She’d always liked that. Even as a child as they’d done in Ohio.

  Pastor Collins greeted them but looked a bit unhappy, seeing two men escort her into the church.

  She ignored him and went to Jenna. The cute blonde was standing by the cookie table, nibbling on a cookie while holding another in her other hand.

  “Jenna, I’m so glad you’re all right.”

  Her friend smiled while putting one hand behind her back, she stuffed the rest of one cookie in her mouth. After hurriedly chewing, she swallowed and nodded. “Claire. So glad to see you. I’ve missed our visits.”

  “I have too.”

  Jenna looked at Ethan.

  Claire held Ethan’s hand. “Oh, this is Ethan Freemont. The gentleman who has come to be my groom.”

  Jenna grinned and shook his hand. “Glad to meet you.” She stared at Claire. “Is that a new dress? It’s beautiful.”

  “Yes, Ethan bought it for me. All the way from St. Louis.” She tightened her grip on Ethan. It hadn’t occurred to her before now that she was bringing him to a church filled with desperate widows.

  “None of the men I wrote to have shown any interest.” Jenna frowned and then looked around Ethan at Alex.

  Claire remembered her idea and pulled Alex from behind Ethan. “This is Ethan’s friend, Alex Gantry.”

  Jenna curtseyed. “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Gantry.”

  Alex grinned and took her hand. “The pleasure is mine. I saw how you enjoyed the cookies. They’re a favorite of mine. Maybe you can show me which ones are the best.”

  Jenna grinned at Claire and then back to Alex. “That will truly be my pleasure.” And they were off to the cookie table.

  Ethan cleared his throat. “I doubt if we’ll see Alex for the rest of the night.”

  Claire laughed. “Or Jenna. I think they hit it right off. Who knows, they might make a nice couple.”

  Leah tugged on her dress. “I’m going to play with Sally.”

  “All right. I don’t want you going outside, though. Stay in the church.”

  Leah ran off while Tom was already with the older children.

  “I guess that leaves us alone.” Ethan looked at her. “Will there be dances?”

  “Yes. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all. I look forward to dancing with you and getting to know you.” He smiled at her and fixed one of her curls that had been swept in her face. “You’re beautiful, Claire. More than I had ever hoped for. I hope I don’t disappoint you.”

  Claire stared at him. Her heart was in a flutter. Although she decided it was over the excitement of the party. Yet, when she looked into his warm, brown eyes, her heart beat increased. “Not at all. I’m quite pleased.”

  She wondered where that had come from. She’d barely thought of the man in the week that he’d been in her home. In fact, she’d thought about Thomas. Yet, now, she was intent on keeping Ethan beside her.

  Already, Elma had stared at him with the look of a cougar on the prowl. Then Leona had started walking toward him until Claire had put her hand in the crook of his elbow.

  Before she knew it, the fiddlers began playing, and a fast dance began.

  Ethan bowed before her. “Shall we?”

  “I think so.”

  He grabbed her hand and swung her around. Soon they were dancing with other couples.

  For a moment, Claire forgot her sorrow. Ethan’s warm hands around hers. His nearness and the tender smile on his lips. She followed his lead and danced around the room. Laughter echoed in the church while, for a moment, the town of Last Chance put behind the heartache.

  Laughing, Claire and Ethan danced a few steps after the music stopped. Then Ethan took her to a couple chairs by the dessert table. “Are you thirsty?”

  Claire shook her head. “Not yet.” She was still laughing, and it felt so good. “Did you see Alex and Jenna? He was twirling her around like a top, and then she couldn’t walk straight. Preacher Collins must have thought she’d been drinking because he’s now talking to them.”

  Ethan laughed. “Alex loo
ks like he is having a good time.”

  “I hope he treats her well. He’s such a friendly man, but I get the feeling he’s not serious about much of anything.” Claire sat down and breathed in deeply.

  Ethan sat beside her. “I think Alex can settle down.”

  Claire grinned. “He just needs a good woman, is that it?”

  “Maybe. I’ll have a talk with him if you want me to.” He looked at her with concern.

  For some reason, that struck Claire as funny. She tapped his shoulder. “No, sir. They are adults and can take care of themselves.” She shook her head. “Want to hear something funny? Thomas used to tell me to mind my own business. Maybe I am finally taking his advice.” Her smile faded. Thomas. Why did he have to die?

  Ethan must have seen her mood change. “It sounds like he was a wise man. But we’re here now. You and me. I see they’re getting ready to start the next dance. Shall we?”

  Claire bit back tears and nodded. He was right. She had to put Thomas out of her mind. Whether he’d had a choice or not, Thomas had left her. Ethan was here now, standing before her and ready to commit to a life with her.

  She took his hand. “Thank you.”

  The fiddlers played a slow waltz. His hand went around her waist, and she shuddered. Not from fear but want. It had been so long since—. She stopped the thought and looked into Ethan’s eyes.

  Brown, like the rich dirt on her farm. Caring. Gentle. Yet, she felt the strength in the man’s shoulders. He may have worked in a library, but he was no weakling. Tom had told her that Ethan had plans for the farm.

  That impressed her. Tom had seemed eager to talk to Ethan. For that, she was thankful. Leah loved the man. It would seem that Claire was the only one not sure of the future with Ethan.

  Yet, she did know. He would be her husband. She’d asked him to come to her farm for that reason. To help her family. And he had in such a wonderful way. Ethan had seen that they were well set for food, and he’d delighted the children with the gifts.

  They danced, and she heard the swish of her new dress. Ethan had truly done everything in his power to win her over. Still, she was reluctant to marry him. To marry him meant that she would have to care about another man and risk her heart.