Emily glimpsed the creases lining Jake’s forehead and suspected something wasn’t right. “More bad news? Is it about Andy?”
Jake shook his head and took her hand in his. “How is he today?”
“Iris took a couple meals to him and reported back that he ate.”
“A good sign.”
“I haven’t gone to see him yet.” Emily rolled one shoulder and gazed toward Jake’s cabin. “I don’t feel the need.” She looked at him, feeling less confident than of late. “Am I wrong?”
“All things considered, I’d say you’re spot on.” Jake set his arm around her shoulders. “But I need to speak with you. Aunt Susie waved me down as I waited for the ferry this afternoon. A telegram arrived from your father.”
“Poppa?”
Jake gave a single nod. “Let’s you and me take a little stroll through Deidre’s garden so I can share it with you in some privacy. I need to stretch my legs anyhow.”
As they headed toward the spring garden, aggravation sparked inside of her. “So Poppa has already sent a reply, and he doesn’t approve. Is that what you’re going to tell me?”
“No.”
“What then?”
Jake stopped and searched her face. “Em, your grandmother is ill.”
“What do you mean she’s ill? With what?”
Jake reached into his jacket’s inside pocket and pulled out a folded note. He handed it to Emily. “We’ll have to pack today and board the eight-fifteen train tomorrow morning. That’s the soonest the eastbound train makes a stop in Fallon. I’ve purchased our tickets.”
Her heart pounding, Emily opened the message and read the neat script. Emily must come home at once. Bestamor’s heart is failing. Discussion of wedding plans postponed. It was signed, Captain D. Sundberg.
She blinked back the sudden tears and stared up at Jake. “I’ll start packing right away.”
“Emily . . . ”
He folded her into an embrace, but she didn’t want to be still and coddled. She wanted to run and pack—maybe sprint all the way back to Wisconsin.
Besta? Her heart was failing? But she’d been so strong and spirited only weeks ago.
“Take a moment and let it sink in.”
“No, I can’t.”
Jake tightened his hold.
“Let me go!” She tried in vain to push him away. “Why isn’t there a train leaving this afternoon or tonight?”
“Shh . . . I’ll get you back home. I promise.” His soft voice and patient tone had a calming effect on her. “We’ll pray for your grandmother. I love you, Emily.”
“I love you too.” She swallowed hard. “But Besta . . . she can’t die!” She stared up into Jake’s face. “What if this is my fault?” She ignored the shake of his head. “Maybe I upset her by leaving Manitowoc.”
“No. It’s easy to think that way, but, trust me, torturing yourself does nothing to change things.”
Emily clutched the front of his jacket and dropped her forehead onto his chest.
“Go on and cry, honey. You’ll feel better once you do.”
Part of her wanted to. But oddly his permission only made her gulp back her tears. “Crying won’t do any good either.” She peered up at him. “I have to be strong. For Besta’s sake.”
“That’s my girl.” Jake smiled.
“What about Andy?”
“You worried about him?” He searched her face as if trying to look into her very heart.
“You’re the one I love, Jake. But I’m concerned about Andy being left alone in your cabin—a cabin containing a trunk of treasures from your grandfather. I don’t trust Andy.”
Jake’s features relaxed. He looked relieved. “Web’ll keep an eye on him. Dr. Fenske promised to check back in a couple of days. Once Andy is on his feet again, he can move into the bunkhouse with Charlie, Rez, and the other cowboys hiring on for the roundup.”
After a nodded reply, Emily rested her cheek against Jake’s heart and listened to its strong, steady beat. “The one I can’t help fretting over is Besta.”
“I know, Em. I’ve been praying for her ever since I got the telegram.”
“I realize my grandmother is elderly, but I’m not ready for God to take her home yet.”
“I understand all too well how you feel.”
Of course he did, given Mr. Ollie’s recent passing, not to mention his parents’ untimely deaths.
“Come on.” Jake steered her toward the house. “Let’s tell the others that we’ll be leaving.”
CHAPTER 27
EMILY BEGAN PACKING at once. When Deidre gonged the dinner bell, she headed outside to the table, set with a pretty embroidered cloth. A pottery vase containing a spring bouquet made for a lovely centerpiece.
After Web asked the blessing, Jake explained the situation involving Besta, and everyone promised to pray. Emily could barely choke down her meal. In addition to worrying about Besta, Emily sensed Iris’s disappointment at the news of their hasty departure. Even so, Emily had to return home.
When supper ended, she reentered the guest bedroom and finished collecting the last of her things. Then she took up her knitting and headed for the back porch. She’d at least have a small gift for Deidre as gratitude for the past few days.
On the way out she met Iris. “I need to speak with you,” Iris wore a stern expression.
Emily backtracked. Inside the room they shared, Iris closed the door.
“I’m not leaving with you and Jake tomorrow.”
“But—”
“I’m staying on at the Ready Web.
“I don't understand.”
“Deidre and Web extended an invitation, and I feel I have more of a chance of finding a husband out here in Montana than back in Manitowoc.”
Emily didn’t argue. She wouldn’t overshadow her friend any longer.
“You must admit, I was right.” Iris pushed up her eyeglasses and blinked. “Jake was my destiny. I love it out here.”
“And what’s your grandmother going to say when I arrive back home without you?”
Iris lifted her slender shoulders. “The truth is, Em, if I don’t come back at least betrothed, Granny will be the one with heart failure.”
Emily’s gaze fell to the knitted sweater in her hands.
“But look at you, Em. Why, you’re practically engaged already. It’s only a matter of time before Jake speaks of marriage to you.”
Emily withheld the news that he already had spoken of marriage. “It’s bittersweet to find my true love only to lose my best friend.”
“No, God has given you a new best friend, Em. He’s given you Jake.” Iris sat on the end of the bed. “I knew the Saturday morning after the Memorial Day Dance when I interviewed him that he was in love with you. He couldn’t keep his eyes off you. Still can’t. He watches your every move, ready to protect you if need be.”
“I love him too, Iris.” There. She’d admitted it.
“I know.” Her eyes twinkled. “Why do you think that I concocted the crazy idea to follow Jake here? Truly my motives were twofold. But, Emily, I want a husband and family too. It’s what I’ve always wanted. When my parents died, I wanted it all the more. Can’t you please understand?”
She did. She nodded. “Yes, Iris, I understand.”
The next morning Web drove Emily and Jake to Fallon’s small depot where they boarded the eastbound train, heading for St. Paul, Minnesota. But to Emily it seemed like forever before the train rattled and swayed into North Dakota and then another eternity as it crossed the plains. Emily felt like she could run faster than this train moved.
She glanced at Jake in the seat beside her. He read the newspaper and every so often paused to tell her about an article he thought might be of interest. Thus far he’d been a perfect new best friend.
“I’ve been meaning to speak with you about something important, something we should come to an agreement about before reaching Manitowoc. I expect your father will have plenty of questions for me.”
“He certainly will.” To Emily’s great relief, Jake knew what he was in for.
Jake leaned closer. “I never did sell Granddad’s house.”
“You didn’t?” All this time Emily assumed Poppa purchased it.
“I kept seeing a vision of you in the music room, playing that beautiful piano, like you did at Granddad’s funeral luncheon.” A rueful-looking smile snaked across his face. “I couldn’t sign the papers when it came time.”
You mean I won’t have to live in Montana? Joy flooded her heart, but she disguised her response. “What was Poppa’s reaction?”
“Oddly he seemed to understand, although I gave no specific reason. I wasn’t sure how you felt about me and if my feelings were mere infatuation.” He gave her fingers an affectionate squeeze. “They’re not.”
Of that Emily was certain. But she was curious about one thing. “If I hadn’t followed you to Montana, would you have come back to Manitowoc? Or would you have written me?”
“Come back, of course. I’d have invented some crazy excuse to see you again.” They shared a smile. Then Jake continued, “I’m wondering if you’d object to living there, in Granddad’s house.”
“Of course not.” She’d prefer it to ranching.
“Next door to your family?”
Emily grimaced in jest.
Jake chuckled. “I also plan to work for Mr. Schulz’s law firm and learn Wisconsin law.”
Emily sobered, thinking of all Jake would be giving up. “Won’t you miss Montana? The excitement of being a US deputy marshal?”
“I’ve thought about this good and hard, and I think eventually I’ll run for public office.”
“Sheriff?”
“I’m thinking more along the legislative lines. I know what federal laws work and don’t work, at least in eastern Montana. You see, I enjoy a mental challenge as well as a physical one.”
“Are you thinking of becoming state representative? A governor? Maybe president of the United States?”
He chuckled at her enthusiasm.
“Seriously, Jake, I’ll support your decision, whatever it is, and help in any way I can.”
“I hoped you’d say that because there’s bound to be some schooling involved.”
“A fortunate thing you’re in love with a teacher.”
“Fortunate is right. God sure is smiling down on me.”
His statement warmed Emily’s heart. How grateful she felt to see Jake at peace after he’d suffered so.
“Does Deidre know of your plans?”
“Yes, and she promised that she and Web and my baby niece or nephew would visit. Web even said it might do everyone some good if he got away from the ranch and left Charlie and Rez in charge for a spell.” Jake glanced around the passenger car then brought his gaze back to Emily. “We’ll talk more in detail about this in private.” His voice was low and hushed. “But Granddad left me enough money to get a good start. We should be fine financially during the transitional stages.”
“May I continue to teach school?”
“If you wish.”
She did. She’d worked hard for both her certificate and her position.
“Anything else that I didn’t address?”
“I don’t think so.” She did wonder over an official proposal of marriage and a wedding date, but of course they needed her parents’ blessing.
“What’s the first question that you think your father will ask me?”
“Easy.”
“And?” Jake arched a brow.
Emily tried to imitate her father’s deep voice. “Did you kiss my daughter?”
A snort of laughter. “Well,” he drawled, “at least I know the answer to that one. ‘No, sir. She kissed me first!’”
A dark, cloudy sky greeted them in Manitowoc on the night they arrived. The summer wind off Lake Michigan had a bite to it. Emily hoped it wasn’t a predictor of things to come. After collecting their baggage, Jake hired a driver to take them home. Emily would have stopped in at Sundbergs’ Creations for an update on Besta’s condition, but in the shop and back apartment in which her aunt, uncle, and cousins lived, not a single lamp shone through the windows.
Dread dropped like a rock inside of Emily. “What if Besta is gone?”
Jake collected her in his right arm and held her beside him while they passed the familiar scenery. When they rolled by the street on which Andy Anderson’s family lived, Emily thought of how she saw him, supposedly penniless, and how he’d lied about why he needed money. She wouldn’t speak of it to anyone, although Iris might let the news slip in the form of a letter to friends. Leaning her head against Jake’s shoulder, Emily thanked the good Lord she hadn’t caught Andy’s eye. Good thing Poppa scared him off when he did.
She smiled. She never dreamed such a thought could run through her head.
At long last the buggy pulled up into her parents’ drive. Lamplight shone through the gauzy drapes. Emily staved off the desire to leap from the conveyance and rush into the house. Instead, she allowed the driver to open the door for her and assist her descent. She thanked him properly and then . . . whirled around and ran for the house!
“Poppa? Momma?” She ran to the parlor. Empty. By the time she turned toward the sitting room, the less formal of the two, Momma met her with outstretched arms.
“My darling, are you all right?” She held her at arms’ length. “Let me look at you.”
“How is Besta? I’ve been so worried.”
“She’s resting now, but she gave us all a fright when she swooned at the dinner table.”
“Oh, my!” Emily headed for the front stairs when she glimpsed Poppa as he rounded the corner of his study. She smiled. Was he terribly angry?
“Emily . . . ” He came forward and hugged her tightly. He smelled like fresh linens and spice. He held her by the shoulders then and gave her a mild shake. “Don’t you ever pull a stunt like that again, you hear?”
“I hear, and I promise. I learned many valuable life lessons. Believe me!”
“You’ll have to tell us all about it.”
Momma interrupted. “But you must be famished. I’ll fix us a pot of tea and a snack for you.”
Jake entered the opened front door and removed his hat. “Mrs. Sundberg.” He politely inclined his head. “Captain.”
Momma smiled at him before looking back at Emily. “I’ll fix two snacks.”
Poppa shook Jake’s hand. “Thank you for seeing my daughter home safely.”
“Entirely my pleasure.”
“So I’m to understand.”
Emily expelled a weary sigh. Leaving her parents and Jake behind, she climbed the stairs to check on Besta. Just as Momma said, the elderly woman slept peacefully. She appeared just the same as when Emily had seen her last. How could her heart be failing? How could she be dying?
As if sensing her presence, Besta turned her head and opened her age-lined blue eyes. “Emily!” She smiled. “Alt er vel nå som du er hjemme.” All is well now that you are home.
“Ja, Besta. Sov godt—sleep tight.” Emily bent and placed a kiss on her grandmother’s cheek then tiptoed from the room. In the hallway relief overwhelmed her to the point of tears. But downstairs, she could hear Poppa’s booming voice—not the words he spoke, but she figured she ought to rescue Jake just the same.
Emily descended the stairwell. In the parlor Poppa was lighting a third lamp when Emily entered. She glanced at Jake. He appeared none the worse for wear. Crossing the room, she sat beside him on the settee and arranged her skirt.
Poppa clasped his hands behind his back. “How was your trip?”
“Fine.” There was so much more to say, but, in truth, she longed for news about her grandmother. "What did the doctor say?”
“He said her heart is failing. She’s growing weaker by the day.”
“Just like that?” Emily found it difficult to believe.
“Evidently she’s had symptoms but never mentioned them.”
Momm
a walked into the parlor, carrying a tray on which her polished tea service sat. She set it down on a nearby table. “Daniel, pour out, will you? I’ll bring along the snacks.”
Emily didn’t feel much like eating, but she gratefully accepted the cup of tea her father handed her. Jake declined the offer.
“Eden and your cousin Jacob are on their way as we speak.” Poppa sat down in an armchair. “I expect them some time tomorrow morning. Grandpa Ramsey decided to accompany the fellows. Over the years he and your grandmother have become friends.”
“Grandpa Ramsey’s making the trip?” More proof that Besta’s condition was serious.
Momma returned with plates of sliced peaches, bread and butter, and cubes of cheese. “I’m so relieved you’re home safe, Emily. And Jake? Thank you for protecting her and Iris.”
“Again, it was my pleasure.”
“I presume Iris is settling in at home with Mrs. Hopper?”
At Poppa’s inquiry, Emily shook her head. “I’m afraid she refused to come back home.”
Momma gasped and Poppa sat forward, a frown pushing his thick brows inward.
Emily explained the situation.
“My sister and brother-in-law,” Jake said, “will do their best to keep an eye on her.”
“No small task, believe me.” Poppa smirked. “How does Iris expect to get home?” He took a swallow from the teacup he held and looked first at Emily and then at Jake.
“I guess that’ll be something Iris has to figure out on her own,” Jake said. “Hopefully, she’ll make the right choice when it comes down to it.”
“Let’s hope and pray she does.” Momma smoothed away the worried lines from her forehead. “A pity her grandmother pressures her to marry. She’s liable to snatch up anyone just to cease the nagging.”
“And speaking of choices . . . ” Poppa set aside the teacup. He wore that certain look that told Emily the interrogation would soon begin.
“So tell me, Jake . . . did you kiss my daughter?”
Emily sent a glance upward then caught Momma’s grin.
“Yes, sir, I did.”
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