Brides of the West: Josie's Wedding DressLast Minute BrideHer Ideal Husband

by Victoria Bylin

  “I’ll ask Flossie for permission to add the supports. After the party, some plaster, a dab of paint and the wall will look good as new.”

  Lenora rubbed Katie’s back. “Looks like several nails have been driven into that wall, with dirty hands, too.”

  Elise frowned. Why hadn’t she noticed how shabby the wall looked? A banner wouldn’t cover up those smudges and nail holes but a quilt would.

  David lifted the hammer. “I’ll take care of the nails.”

  With Katie nestled between them, he and Lenora put their heads together on how high to hang the quilt. Elise noticed a new spark in David’s eyes instead of that guarded expression he wore with her. Why did Lenora’s presence energize him, while she merely left him drained?

  Lenora Lucas had more style in her pinky finger than Elise had in her entire body. She wasn’t the stuff professional men’s wives were made of. A few minutes in the company of Lenora made that abundantly clear. David knew it, too.

  Elise plucked the banner from David’s hands, not that he noticed then plodded to the kitchen. The banner looked amateurish, proof Elise was more Flossie Twite than Lenora Lucas. She belonged in the kitchen, behind the scenes, ironing, cooking and scrubbing, not in the public eye. With a sigh, she draped the banner over the trash.

  David walked into the kitchen. “Lenora is about to leave. Don’t you want to tell her goodbye?”

  “Yes. And retrieve my child before Katie follows her home.”

  His brow furrowed. “What?”

  Elise hurried out. Took Katie from Lenora then thanked her for the suggestions. Though shoving the compliment between her lips took enormous effort.

  “You’re welcome. I can bring the quilt by the office tomorrow. Or, I can bring it here. Whatever is easier for you.”

  “Why don’t I meet you here at ten?” David said, coming up beside Lenora. “I’ll bring brackets, a packet of pins and a rod long enough to hang a quilt.”

  “I’d better go. My husband will be home soon, famished.” With a wave at Katie, Lenora sashayed off. “See you tomorrow, David.”

  No doubt David would meet the flawless Lenora with a cheery smile, instead of that guarded expression she found unnerving. She had an urge to throttle him. With a spatula or wooden spoon. Or both. Not that she would.

  “What a nice woman,” David said, watching her leave.

  “Isn’t she?”

  With Katie craning her neck, eyes glued on David as he followed her, Elise strode to the kitchen.

  Why didn’t he just go home?

  * * *

  David motioned to the banner laying on top of the trash. “What’s this?”

  “What does it look like?”

  David blinked. “If you didn’t like the quilt idea, why didn’t you say so?”

  “Who said I didn’t?”

  Her eyes were hard as quartz, face beet-red, chest heaving as if pursued by a posse bent on hanging. “You look…mad.”

  She glanced away. “Perhaps I am. Not at Lenora. She’s perfect.”

  “Then what’s wrong?”

  “If you must know, I’m mad at you. Mad you’re all smiles with Lenora while your face droops to your knees with me.”

  “I didn’t realize—”

  Leaning toward him, she planted fisted hands on hips. “And I want to know why. I want to know where you were those three weeks you were gone. I’m sick of pretending I don’t care.”

  He felt the blood drain from his face. She was asking the impossible, more than he could give. “I…I’m sorry. I can’t.”

  “Can’t or won’t?”

  He wanted to beg her to understand. But how could she trust him when he’d built an impenetrable wall that kept her out?

  Katie reached for him. With trembling hands he took her, holding the baby against his chest. The top of her dark head fit into the hollow just below his neck. Eyes closed, he ran a palm over her silky hair, inhaling her sweet baby scent.

  “David, what’s wrong?”

  “I have no right to ask this, Elise, but…I need you. Will you let me hold you?”

  Tears welling in her eyes, Elise stepped into the circle of David’s arm. He pulled her close, holding her tight, fighting for control.

  “Whatever is wrong, David, we’ll work it out. It’ll be okay.”

  Nothing would ever be okay. He jerked away. “No, it’s too late for that.” Refusing to look her in the eyes, he handed over Katie.

  The baby let out a wail. Elise patted her daughter’s back. “Everything’s all right, precious. Everything’s all right.”

  But everything wasn’t all right. Katie appeared as upset and baffled as Elise.

  “David, can’t you talk about it, at least to me?”

  She’d meant to comfort him. Yet her words merely added to his guilt. His pain.

  She sighed. “If you cared about me, you’d share whatever is troubling you. Obviously we have no future. You’ve made that abundantly clear. I hope God will help with whatever is troubling you.” She rushed out of the kitchen, carrying Katie.

  The finality in her face, the acceptance in her tone told him that he’d lost Elise forever. God would see Elise through. Odd how he knew that when he couldn’t feel God working in his own life. “Lord, take care of Elise. Help her find someone to love her.”

  Chapter Eight

  A knock.

  David rolled over and glanced at the clock, then staggered to his feet. Nine o’clock. Friday. He donned Levi’s and a shirt, fumbling with the buttons as he strode to the door.

  Green eyes somber, the smile missing from his face, Jake stood on the other side. “Looks like I awakened you.”

  “Yeah, come on in.”

  “It’s late. Even for someone taking time off from his calling.”

  David ignored the jab. “You saved me from missing an appointment. I’m grateful you’re here.”

  “I’ll fix coffee and give you another reason to thank me.”

  Once he’d finished his morning ritual, David shoved into his boots and let the aroma of coffee lead him to the kitchen.

  He accepted a mug from Jake, then leaned against the counter and took a sip. “You make good coffee. Thanks.” Though he’d need the entire pot to prepare for Jake’s answer, he asked, “So what brings you by?”

  “I suspect your three-week disappearance is connected to your refusal to practice medicine. But who knows. You’re not talking.” Jake’s gaze turned stony. “That silence is hurting Elise. Callie’s fretting mere days before our wedding—”

  “Elise paid Callie a visit.”

  “She stopped by on her way to work.” Jake folded his arms across his chest. “Elise is like a sister to me. I won’t tolerate you worrying her. Mend your fences.”

  “A man can want something he has no right to have.”

  “You’re talking gibberish. If you’ve got something to say, spell it out.”

  “I’m not good for Elise.”

  Jake glowered at him. “I have no idea what’s come over you, but you’re letting down a lot of folks in town, especially Elise. You’d better wake up before they discover they’re fine without you.”

  “They’ll be better off,” David said though the prospect of life without Elise left him empty, cold.

  Jake scrubbed his face with a hand. “I’d cut off my right arm for you. But, tarnation, man, I’m close to slugging you for putting the women in a tizzy.” He sighed. “Not that they’ve explained what’s got them riled.”

  Elise had confided in Callie, probably revealed he’d come close to crying like a baby, yet they hadn’t spilled their guts to Jake.

  “David, you owe Elise an explanation for your behavior.”

/>   “I know.”

  “Then give her one.” Jake clapped David on the back. “Callie found out about the reception. We’re grateful.”

  David released a gust, heavy with exasperation.

  “No secret is safe in a small town.”

  “Yours will come out, too.”

  Jake’s words ricocheted through him. Bad news traveled fast, even from a hundred miles away. He wouldn’t let Elise find out about Jillian from anyone but him.

  “Talk with Elise. I don’t want anything to put a damper on our wedding.”

  “I’ll talk to her.” A glance at the clock had David ushering Jake to the door.

  Last night he’d been a coward. He hadn’t been able to bear seeing Elise’s respect turn to disdain. Though he had no idea how he’d get the words passed his lips, he’d explain tonight.

  No, not tonight. Elise had another commitment. Soon. He’d tell her soon.

  * * *

  Elise cleaned the equipment Dr. Lucas had used stitching up a jagged cut in a patient’s thumb. The man kept muttering about a fishhook and knife. The moonshine on his breath told the real story.

  With the room set to rights, Elise strolled to the waiting room. No appointments the rest of the morning. Perhaps she’d take a long lunch and run home to see Katie.

  Hat cocked at an attractive angle, Lenora swept through the door, skirts swishing around her booted toes. “Good morning, Elise.”

  Elise greeted her with a smile. Lenora had been popping into the office to chat, as if she had time on her hands. With no children, she probably did. Elise’s smile slipped. Could Lenora want her job? If she did, she was the boss’s wife. What chance would Elise have of keeping the position?

  “David’s hung the quilt.” Lenora beamed. “The entwining rings of soft colors are perfect for a wedding.”

  “Callie will be pleased.”

  The door opened. David walked in, arm around Flossie, and holding a blood-soaked cloth to her forehead.

  “Flossie tripped and hit her head.”

  Elise zipped into action. “Lenora, will you hold on to Flossie’s other arm? Let’s get her on back.”

  “Land’s sake, I’m as clumsy as a toddler, falling over my own feet. Katie would do far better,” Flossie said.

  “Katie isn’t walking yet,” Elise reminded her.

  “My point exactly. Now most babies walk around a year. Some earlier. Earliest I ever heard tell of was Loretta’s husband, Hal Frederick. Reckon that get-up-and-go is why he’s sheriff of Peaceful.”

  For all her bravado, inside the surgery room, Flossie plopped into a chair, as if her legs gave out from under her.

  Elise eased back the cloth, revealing a deep gash bleeding profusely. “What do you think, Doctor?”

  “It’ll require stitches.”

  “If so that’ll be the second time today.” She replaced the soaked cloth with a clean one, then turned to David. “Will you handle it?”

  He shook his head. Elise wanted to demand why not, but bit her tongue.

  “Lenora, will you please tell your husband he has a patient?” he said.

  A soft moan was her reply. All eyes turned toward Lenora. Pale as paper, she swayed on her feet.

  In a couple steps, Elise reached Lenora and gently pushed her into a chair. “Put your head between your knees.”

  David grabbed the smelling salts and stuck them under Lenora’s nose, keeping an eye on Flossie, who thankfully, was handling her injury far better than Lenora.

  “I’ll get Jeremiah.” David hurried off, returning within seconds with the doctor close behind.

  Dr. Lucas laid a hand on his wife’s shoulder. “You don’t look too good.”

  “I’m fine.”

  “I know how you get at the sight of blood.” He glanced at David. “I’d appreciate it if you’d take care of Miss Twite while I get my wife to the waiting room.”

  “I can manage.” Lenora rose then stumbled.

  “Let me help.” Dr. Lucas put his arm around his wife and walked her out.

  Adam’s apple bobbing, David’s gaze darted around the surgery room, as if getting his bearings, then scrubbed his hands and prepared the needle. Elise helped Flossie lie down on the table.

  As he cleaned the wound with antiseptic, Flossie hissed at the sting. “I’m sorry, this is going to hurt.”

  “I’m a tough old bird.”

  Since his return, David hadn’t seen a patient, hadn’t kept hours or made a house call until now. Elise prayed all would go well. While he stitched the gap, she held Flossie’s hand. The woman squeezed so hard she cut off the blood supply, but thankfully, David was quick.

  While David washed his hands in a fresh basin of water, Elise came up beside him. “You did a wonderful job.”

  “You could’ve handled that.”

  “If I’d had to perhaps, but you’re the doctor.”

  In his eyes she read denial, even apprehension. What had happened to make an excellent doctor question his skill? Whatever had, Elise hoped this first step, hopefully of many, would return David to the practice. His patients missed him.

  With powders for pain, instructions for cleaning the wound and a promise to rest, David helped the middle-aged woman to her feet. “I’ll see that she gets home.”

  “I should go back to work, Doc,” Flossie said.

  David shook his head. “Tomorrow. I’ll handle the hall today.”

  For once Flossie was docile and let David assist her out the door.

  Elise restored order, and then walked to the waiting room to check on Lenora. Her color had returned but her eyes shimmered as if she might cry.

  “Are you okay?”

  Lenora shook her head. “I’m such a failure.”

  “Failure?”

  “Unlike me, you handled that injury admirably.”

  “Getting woozy at the sight of blood doesn’t make you a failure.”

  “You’re not afraid to battle disease, patch up injuries and get your hands dirty helping others.” Expression bleak, her gaze dropped to the spotless gloved hands clasped in her lap.

  “My mother doesn’t handle emergencies well. Lots of folks don’t.”

  “My problem is more than that.” Lenora glanced toward the back hall, and then lowered her voice. “I find sickness, injuries…frightening. I…I’m scared of…suffering.” She lifted brimming eyes to Elise. “I want to avoid the ugly side of life. I’m not the wife my husband needs.”

  How ironic that Lenora, a doctor’s wife, hated doctoring. “Of course you are! It’s obvious how much he loves you. He married you for your strengths, not your weaknesses.”

  Lenora shook her head, the plume on her hat swayed erratically. “I can’t bear to hear about his ailing patients.” She shivered. “Can’t bear he could bring home some contagious disease.”

  “Lenora, you’re friendly, talented, elegant. I can see in his eyes that your husband is proud of you.”

  “In comparison to you, I’m…frivolous. I fill my mind and time with decorating, fashion, music and art.” With a dainty hankie, she swiped away tears leaking from the corners of her eyes. “I need to go before Jeremiah catches me weeping in his waiting room.” She rose, straightened to her usual elegant posture and gave Elise a smile. “Thank you,” she said then left the office.

  Elise sank into a chair. She’d feared Lenora coveted her job, a job Elise loved, when Lenora wouldn’t work here, not for love or money. This picture-perfect, amiable, refined woman with an impeccable past and not an impetuous bone in her body wasn’t perfect after all. Or at least she thought she wasn’t. Why, she suffered with feelings of inadequacy as Elise did.

  Thanks to Lenora, Elise now saw she possessed s
kills, skills that might make her a good doctor’s wife. Her heart tumbled. Not that it mattered now.

  Still, Lenora had proven what Callie had also told her.

  Not everything is as it appears.

  Much lies below the surface. Hidden.

  Her breath caught.

  Like David.

  Chapter Nine

  Saturday morning, Katie had awakened with a fever and croupy cough. Four days caring for a sick baby had claimed Elise’s every moment, bringing preparations for the reception to a halt.

  Back at her desk early this Wednesday morning, Dr. Lucas, a thoughtful, generous man had insisted Elsie take off not only the rest of the day, but the remainder of the week.

  Now with her hands loaded with a stack of white dinner plates, Elise trudged toward the buffet table, all but staggering under the weight. Then set them down with a soft moan and rubbed her aching back. At last, serving pieces dotted the buffet, the tables were set and the cake and gift tables decorated.

  Mama would call her stubborn for handling this alone. But David and Jake were gathering folding chairs for the ceremony. Though David had insisted he’d be back to help, he hadn’t arrived. Not that his presence would give her peace of mind, but she could use his brawn.

  With a satisfied sigh, she surveyed the room, pleased with the result. The tables looked lovely with silverware, glasses and candles. She’d add the rose petals Saturday before the ceremony and the centerpiece of flowers Mildred would arrange. Lenora had adorned the bridal table with swags of organza. Hanging behind the table the double wedding ring quilt’s snippets of pink, blue, green, lavender, yellow—a rainbow of colors—transformed the stark space into a lovely setting for the bride.

  As she pictured Callie’s delighted reaction, Elise smiled. That smile faltered. This lovely quilt was a reminder of what Elise had lost. Would she ever share the joy of a wedding with a man she loved? Ever find a man who loved her and Katie? If she was to go through life alone, was she enough? Enough to be both a father and a mother to Katie?