Reforming the Rebel (Cowboys and Angels Book 14)

by Kirsten Osbourne

  “Yes, there was a restaurant there he said was his favorite,” Patience explained.

  “Why isn’t Graham’s Grub his favorite?” Lydia wondered out loud.

  Patience grinned. “Mother!”

  “You know I’m only teasing, dear. Did you two enjoy yourselves?” Lydia asked, looking down at the quilt squares she was sewing together.

  Patience paused. She didn’t want to be dishonest, but she also didn’t want to upset her mother. “It was . . . interesting.”

  Lydia set down her sewing. “Interesting? What does that mean?”

  Patience decided to tell her mother the full truth. “It means . . . I don’t think we have a strong connection. I don’t plan to go on any other dates with him.”

  Lydia sighed. “It was only the first date, dear! You may feel differently once you get to know him a bit better.”

  “Trust me, Mother. I doubt my feelings will change.” Patience’s tone was so adamant that Lydia didn’t protest any further.

  “I can’t say I’m not disappointed, but I believe you if you say you don’t want to get to know him any better,” Lydia told her daughter.

  “Thank you, Mother. If you don’t mind, I’m exhausted. I’m going to go to bed now. Good night!” Patience kissed her mother on the cheek and went into her bedroom.

  Though she had spent her night with Alexander, John Jackson was the only man she could think about. Thoughts of John ran through her head day and night. Now she just had to figure out what to do about it.

  For the rest of the week, Patience and John continued to find ways to see each other in secret. Whenever John and Willie had a package for Graham’s Grub, John would write a note to Patience and manage to slip it to her when they delivered the package.

  Patience was the happiest she had been since moving to Creede. She felt like John understood her and wanted the same things out of life that she wanted. She fantasized about what they might wear to their wedding and what their future children might look like.

  One evening, John sneaked out of his parents’ house to meet Patience. He had a special gift for her. Whenever John wanted to see Patience while she was at home, they had developed a system. John tapped a specific pattern of knocks against the side door, which was closest to Patience’s bedroom.

  Patience opened her door and checked the hallway to confirm John would have a clear path. She then rushed toward the side door and opened it, letting John in. From there, they typically went to the storeroom, where it was dark, and their voices wouldn’t carry into other parts of the restaurant.

  That evening, Patience met John at the door and led him to the storeroom. Once he had pulled the door closed, John pulled Patience in and wrapped his arms around her. He bent down and kissed the tip of her nose, then pressed his lips against hers.

  Patience pulled back a little. “John! I still feel strange carrying on like this in my parents’ house.”

  John sighed. “I know I need to wait a little longer. But you have this effect on me, Patience. I can’t help myself!”

  Patience giggled. She felt a little out of control when she was near John, too. “How was your day?”

  “It was great,” John declared.

  “Why was that?” Patience asked.

  John pulled a small jewelry box from his pocket. “Because I decided to do this. Patience Graham, I’ve had feelings for you since I met you. I’ve turned my life around, and I have you to thank for it. Now, I can’t imagine my life without you. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” John opened the jewelry box to reveal a key.

  Patience covered her mouth with her hand. She had dreamed of a life with John, but she had no idea that he was going to ask for her hand in marriage. She wanted to shout, “Yes,” but then she thought of her parents and their disapproval. Was it wrong to accept a marriage proposal if your parents were strongly against it?

  “What’s wrong, Patience?” John was worried about the faraway look he saw on Patience’s face. He knew it only meant trouble.

  “I’m sorry, John. I was just thinking about my parents. Accepting your marriage proposal would make me so happy, and I want them to share in my happiness.” Patience tried to explain it to John, but she wasn’t sure she was doing a very good job.

  John nodded. “I know your parents are very important to you.”

  Suddenly, the stranger’s words flashed back to Patience. Perhaps since they were in the storeroom where Sarah had first appeared or perhaps because the mystery was still bothering Patience, she remembered what Sarah had said about needing to disobey her parents to be with the man she loved. “John, please excuse me for answering in such a long-winded way. The truth is I would love to marry you!”

  John gave a happy-sounding laugh and lifted Patience off the ground. “You’ve made me so happy, Patience!”

  “Oh, John, it’s so lovely!” Patience declared. “When can we get married? I can’t wait to be your wife.”

  John shook his head in amazement. He had trouble keeping up with Patience. It seemed like moments ago, she was upset because her parents wouldn’t approve of their marriage. Now, she wanted to get married as quickly as possible. “I can’t wait either.”

  “I do have one question, though.” Patience pointed at the small key in John’s hand. “What is that?”

  John laughed. “I was wondering when you would ask about that. I explained tonight to my father that you and I have been seeing each other and that we plan to marry. He’s going to let me stay with him until we are married, and then, after the ceremony, you and I will move into a little house I bought on the outskirts of town. This key is for you.” John pressed the key into Patience’s palm.

  Patience felt tears gather in her eyes. She was so touched by John’s gift to her. It was perfect.

  “Now, I’m not saying this will be our home forever. I’ll have to keep working hard at the mercantile, but one day, I’d like to build you another house—a big house, something beautiful that you deserve. And that can fit all the dozens of children I’d like to have with you.” John raised one eyebrow to Patience to show he was teasing.

  “Dozens of children? Oh my!” Patience laughed.

  “I can’t help it, Patience. I’m completely in love with you.” John smiled at his future bride.

  “I’m in love with you, too, John.” Patience grabbed John’s hands and squeezed them, enjoying their wonderful warmth and strength.

  “I can’t tell you what a relief that is to hear. I’ve been pacing back and forth at the mercantile all day today. My parents couldn’t wait until I got out of the house,” John confessed.

  Patience grinned as she thought about John nervously pacing at the mercantile. Then her expression faltered, and she looked away.

  “What is it, Patience?” John tilted his head, trying to figure out what was wrong.

  “I’m sorry. It’s nothing.” Patience fixed her gaze on the floor. This was a happy day, and she should enjoy it.

  “Patience, we shouldn’t start our life together by keeping things from one another. What is it?” John asked gently.

  Patience sighed. She felt guilty bringing it up, but she knew John was right. She couldn’t hide things from her soon-to-be husband. “I have always pictured my parents standing beside me or at least near me at my wedding. I am so excited to marry you, but at the same time, it’s bittersweet because I know my parents won’t be there.”

  John nodded thoughtfully. “That’s a good point. I know what you mean. I am sad that my mother won’t be there. I am fortunate that I have Toria, of course, but it won’t be the same.”

  “Yes,” Patience agreed. She was glad that John hadn’t accused her of being difficult but instead agreed with her feelings. She knew how lucky she was to have found a man like him.

  “Do you think there’s any chance your parents may change their mind about me?” John asked hopefully.

  Patience shook her head sadly. “Unfortunately, I feel their minds have already been made up. And sin
ce the stabbing that took place last week, my parents have gotten more and more overprotective of me. No, I don’t see them changing their minds at the moment.”

  “I see. In that case, then, maybe we should make plans with Reverend Bing to marry quickly and quietly. Once we are married, your parents can’t object, right?” John explained his line of thinking to Patience.

  Patience nodded. “Yes, that sounds good to me. The sooner I am Mrs. John Jackson, the better. I just thought of something. Will your parents be able to attend?”

  John smiled at his soon-to-be wife. “Yes, they’ve both told me they would love to attend. My parents know what a wonderful young woman you are, and they are thrilled to have you join the family.”

  Patience felt guilty that she couldn’t say the same about her own family, but John was taking all of this in stride. “Then I agree. We should get married as soon as possible.”

  “I was hoping you’d say that. I’ve spoken to Reverend Bing, and I think we can get married next Saturday evening.” John told Patience, hoping she would like this plan.

  Patience felt a tingle of excitement spread through her body. Once she and John were married, they would be able to truly live as husband and wife. Although she was a little scared and unsure of what was ahead of her, she knew she wanted to take this next step, and John was the right man to take it with.

  Chapter Seven

  “Did you order the flowers?” Toria sampled the chocolate frosting she had made the evening before and shuddered. This wouldn’t do. She got out another bowl and began to make the recipe again.

  “Yes, I did, dear,” Mortimer called out, already exasperated and sick of wedding planning.

  “What about a new suit jacket for yourself? The one you keep wearing has holes in it!” Toria called as she walked to the pantry to get more flour, one hand at the small of her back to help support the weight of the baby.

  “Yes, Toria,” Mortimer replied dutifully.

  Toria adjusted her apron and walked over to Mortimer, who was seated at the kitchen table, reading the newspaper. She kissed him. “I’m sorry. I know I’ve been absorbed by planning this wedding.”

  “Yes, you have. And you’ve been so distracted, you’ve forgotten about another special date.” Mortimer didn’t like to complain, but he felt it was important to remind his wife of what she had forgotten.

  Toria frowned and thought about it. Suddenly, realization and guilt dawned on her. “Your birthday! Oh, Mortimer, I’m so sorry!”

  Mortimer leaned back in his chair. “It’s all right. I know you’ve had a lot on your mind. If Patience’s parents were more involved in this whole . . . thing, I don’t think you would have had to do as much.”

  “I think you’re right,” Toria agreed. “I don’t mind doing the work because it will ultimately benefit John, but it would be nice if there were others to share the work. We can’t really do anything about that right now, though.”

  “Well, the wedding will be over in a few days, and then we can get back to our regular routine. Of course, my birthday will also be over in a few days . . .” Mortimer pointed out.

  Toria ran her hand through her hair. “I have an idea. This Friday, don’t make any plans after work.”

  Mortimer wrinkled his face. “Toria, since when have I made plans after work?”

  Toria laughed and kissed her husband again. “You’re right. Good point.”

  Before John and Willie left that morning for their deliveries, Toria explained her plan to them. “After we have closed the mercantile and made all the deliveries for the day, I have made a reservation for all of us at Graham’s Grub. Mortimer doesn’t know. It’s a surprise. I’ve made arrangements so Lydia will make his favorite dinner and dessert.”

  John hesitated. “I know you think this is a good idea, but I have a feeling the Grahams’ minds are already made up. I don’t see how a dinner at their restaurant is going to change anything.”

  “You may be right, John, but I’m going to ask you to trust me on this one.” Toria’s eyes sparkled. She thought she would be able to help John and his soon-to-be-in-laws get along better. If she couldn’t, John and Patience may have some difficult times ahead of them.

  All week, as Patience and her parents prepared for Mortimer’s surprise birthday dinner, Patience was secretly thinking about the wedding that would take place the following day. Reverend Bing had agreed to marry them on Saturday evening, and Toria was making all the arrangements for everything Patience could possibly need. Flowers, baked goods, suits, everything!

  The only thing Patience didn’t have was a wedding dress. Toria had offered to make one for her, but with so little time, Patience didn’t feel it was right to ask her future mother-in-law to work around the clock to finish it. She also didn’t have enough time to order a dress from a catalog. Patience had always dreamed of wearing a wedding dress, but she had a nice white blouse she could wear instead.

  John and Patience continued to see each other nearly every day. Neither of them could wait for the upcoming wedding. Patience couldn’t wait to truly become man and wife in every sense of the word, and she had a feeling John couldn’t, either.

  On Friday evening, Mortimer’s birthday, Toria helped him lock up the building after work.

  “I know you said I shouldn’t make plans, but I thought we would stay in tonight. Where are we going?” Mortimer asked, surprised.

  Toria smiled. “I have a little surprise for you. We’ll take the wagon.”

  John and Willie were already at the restaurant, but John had left the delivery wagon so Toria and Mortimer could use it. Mortimer flicked the reins, and they set off for Graham’s Grub.

  Many people milled about on the street outside the restaurant. In the days after the stabbing, business had slowed a little, but now the crowds had returned in greater number.

  After Mortimer parked the wagon, Toria led him by hand into the restaurant. At the entrance, Patience greeted them.

  “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson. I mean, Mortimer and Toria.” Patience flushed, remembering that the Jacksons had asked her to call them by their first names. “Follow me right this way.”

  Mortimer arched an eyebrow at Toria. “What have you got up your sleeve?”

  “Nothing,” Toria replied with an innocent smile.

  Patience led the Jacksons to a small private room near the back of the restaurant. In the room, John, Willie, and Beatrice and Arthur Jameson, along with their small daughter, Sally, were waiting for them.

  Mortimer beamed with joy. “What are all of you doing here?”

  “We’re here to celebrate your birthday, of course, dear.” Toria took his arm and guided him to his seat at the head of the table. “Happy Birthday!”

  As the others gave Mortimer their well wishes, Toria excused herself. She had another motive for scheduling Mortimer’s dinner at Graham’s Grub, and she was about to act on it.

  She walked through to the main dining area of the restaurant, where she saw three familiar men drinking out of the same flask at a table. The men were laughing loudly and carrying on despite the fact that there were families with small children around. Toria frowned at their antics, trying to place their faces. It came back to her with a jolt. These were the men who had carried on in the mercantile, trying to convince John to go drinking with them. She quickly passed by them, avoiding eye contact. She still believed these men were trouble and didn’t want to get involved in any way.

  Toria saw Lydia Graham near the front of the restaurant. “Hello, Lydia,” Toria said warmly. “I was wondering if I could have a word with you and your husband.”

  Lydia looked puzzled. “Of course,” she replied. She couldn’t refuse the polite request of one of her customers. She gestured for Toria to follow her back into the kitchen.

  “Hello, Robert. Good to see you both,” Toria began. “I wanted to talk to you about a sensitive topic.”

  Lydia and Robert were horrified. What was Toria about to say? Lydia’s mind went to Patienc
e first. Had the girl gotten in some type of trouble? And if she had, how was Toria the first to know?

  Toria saw the expression on their faces and fought off laughter. “Oh, it’s nothing like that, I promise! I wanted to talk to you because I know my John has strong feelings for your daughter, Patience. My understanding is that you’re both concerned that he has a reputation for drinking. I can assure you that I have not seen him take a drink in over three months. What’s more than that, he’s a good, decent, hardworking man.”

  Toria continued. “I know you want what’s best for your daughter. That’s what we all want as parents. I just wanted to tell you that the John I know is a wonderful young man who deserves a chance. I hope you’ll give it to him.” Toria finished her impassioned plea and took a deep breath. “I appreciate you taking the time to hear me out. I’m sure you will make the choice you feel is best for your daughter. I needed to defend my stepson, though, because I know rumors and gossip can be damaging to a young man.”

  Lydia and Robert looked surprised, but not upset or angry. “We appreciate you coming to talk to us, Toria. Thank you.”

  Toria could tell that neither of them was going to say any more on the subject, so she thanked them again and excused herself.

  When she got back to the table, servers were pouring punch for everyone at the table, and the group had begun to order food. Patience took their orders, writing them down on a small pad of paper.

  Toria smiled and squeezed Mortimer’s hand as she sat back down.

  “Are you all right, dear?” Mortimer whispered.

  “I’m just fine. Thank you for checking,” Toria replied.

  Mortimer had a feeling his wife was up to something, but he decided to let it go and enjoy his birthday festivities instead. That was what marriage was all about sometimes. Deciding which things to fight over and which ones to let go. All in all, Mortimer was very lucky to have a woman as smart and hardworking as Toria by his side.

  Mortimer relaxed and watched his friends and family laugh and catch up. He wished that Patience didn’t have to work that evening, but soon enough, she would be an official part of the family. He had never had a daughter before. He wasn’t sure exactly how it would work, but he was sure that Toria would figure it all out and explain it to him. She was very good at that.