If the Prospect Pleases

by Laity, Sally;

  “Nor I you.” Raising her lashes, she allowed herself one more searching look at those dusky blue eyes of his. . . . It would have to do for the rest of her life. Only with the greatest reluctance did she finally break eye contact. “Good-bye, Lucas,” she whispered, offering her hand.

  His fingers closed around it, but instead of giving a mere handshake, he raised it to his lips and brushed a feather-light kiss to her skin. Then, hesitating but an instant, he left, shutting the door after himself.

  The back of Annora’s hand burned with his kiss, and she pressed it to her lips as her heart contracted with exquisite pain. She tried not to listen to him stride down the hall. Then the stairs.

  Placing a palm over her pounding heart in a futile attempt to restore its more normal pace, she closed her eyes. At least that was our final good-bye, she thought consolingly. I could never endure another.

  A dull ache filled her as she made her way to the window. The sight of Lucas’s departure would likely be the final glimpse of him she would have in her lifetime. . . . And she was helpless against the need to fill her eyes with him one last time.

  ❧

  Where are you going? Lucas’s conscience railed before he’d made it halfway downstairs. You already lost one love. Let this one slip through your fingers, and you’re a blithering idiot! He halted so suddenly, a fellow descending a step behind crashed into him. “Sorry,” Lucas mumbled and moved aside to allow the man to pass.

  But she has another job. Plans. He mulled over what Annora had said, trying to recollect her exact words. Agreed tentatively, wasn’t that it? About to post her formal acceptance. Which means. . .she hasn’t exactly committed. In the darkness of his heart, that spark of hope was almost blinding in its brilliance. A slow smile emerged.

  Could be the lamest thing I’ve ever set out to do. “But I’m still gonna try,” he said under his breath. He retraced his steps to her room. Removing his Stetson, he raked his fingers through his hair. Swallowed. Drew a strengthening breath. Rapped.

  The look on her face was absolutely priceless when the door opened. “Lucas!” A pause. “Did you. . .forget something?”

  “As a matter of fact, I did. May I come in?”

  Obviously confused, she backed away. “What is it?”

  “You, uh, still owe me two days,” he blurted, saying the first thing that came to his mind.

  “What?” Her cheeks pinkened. . .a shade he quite liked.

  “Our agreement, remember? For a month. Well, according to my calculations, you left two days early.” Smug over the absurdly flimsy straw he’d grasped, his internal grin widened into a broad smile. “I want you to come finish out your time.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous,” Annora said in that plucky way he had grown to love. She crossed her arms.

  Lucas conceded that Miss Annora Nolan was not one who could be coerced. Only complete sincerity would cut through the reserve she wrapped around herself like a feather quilt. He dispensed with the humor and took her hand in both of his, gripping all the tighter at her subtle attempt to tug free. “Look, Annora,” he said soberly. “Truth is, I. . .don’t want you to go. I’m asking you not to take that other job.”

  “B–but. . .but I. . .” Myriad emotions played across her fragile features.

  Lucas hadn’t had an inkling that someone so vocal as Annora could ever be rendered speechless, yet apparently that was precisely the case. Having that first ever glimpse into the depth of her vulnerability, he knew how easily he could take advantage of her, if that was what he wanted.

  It wasn’t.

  He did want her to come back. . .but only by her own choice. And the only way to accomplish that entailed being completely honest, baring his soul. Time would permit nothing less. He shored up his insides and filled his lungs. “What would you think of staying on at the hotel for awhile?”

  “I don’t understand,” Annora said softly. “Why would I do that?”

  “Because, it would give me a chance to court you.”

  She paled, and her slender brows rose high. “Y–you want to court me?”

  He nodded. “I’ve been a rotten employer, I know—or at least, I was in the beginning. I figured a whole raft of prospects would apply for the job, giving me a chance to pick and choose the one most suitable. I never believed someone like you could possibly do—be—all that I needed. But you proved me wrong. You were and are far beyond what I ever could’ve expected.”

  As Annora’s emerald eyes softened, he pressed on. “The girls absolutely adore you. And I. . .” He feasted his gaze on her delicate beauty, the inner strength of character that gave wisdom beyond her years, and his whole being ached with tenderness. “I always surmised I would marry eventually, out of duty, so the girls would have a whole family again. What I didn’t expect was to ever love again in my lifetime. . .that is, until you came along. I’m in love with you, Annora Nolan.”

  Those beautiful eyes misted over. “I. . . Th–that’s really—” She blinked away the moisture. “Do you mean that?”

  “Do I mean it?” he asked huskily. With a soft moan, he smiled and drew her into his arms, not even trying to suppress the surging of his pulse throbbing against his ribs. . . against hers. “How could I not love you, my sweet Annora? You brought me back to life again. You made the house a home. You made my daughters laugh. You even made me look up again and see God. I want you to come back and be part of my life. Now. Always.”

  Annora could not believe this was happening. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined Lucas Brent would think of her as a woman. . .a desirable one. She only knew that he was dearer to her than her own life. He was all she ever wanted, more than she could hope for.

  “I won’t rush you,” he said gently. “I’m willing to give you whatever time you need to decide whether or not this is something you want, too. And, to set your mind at ease, Noah realized he’d acted like a jerk, and he assures me he’ll never treat you disrespectfully again.”

  So many, many incredible notions were playing havoc within Annora as she stood gazing into Lucas’s soul. She focused on those well-formed lips that so often—and even still—had her wondering. . . Surprising even herself, she raised to tiptoe and ever so softly pressed her untried lips to his.

  Annora felt him smile as he tightened his embrace and answered her tentative invitation in a kiss of utmost reverence.

  She had expected to feel a bit apprehensive in his arms, even nervous. But instead she knew only peace, as if God Himself smiled down at the fulfillment of His glorious plan.

  “Is that a yes?” he whispered against her hair.

  A phrase he had once used popped into her mind as she smiled up at him. “ ‘If the prospect pleases. . .’ ”

  A chuckle rumbled from deep inside as he hugged her breathless.

  “I happen to love you, too, Lucas,” she somehow finished. “And I would be honored to become your wife.”

  Love, deep and abiding, glowed from Lucas’s eyes as he gazed down at Annora and slowly lowered his head, covering her lips with his in a kiss filled with unspoken promises.

  When it ended an eternal moment later, he smiled. “I know two little angels who are going to love hearing our news. You have just made three people very happy.”

  “You mean, four,” Annora whispered and slid her fingers into his big, strong hand.

  epilogue

  two years later

  The breath of early autumn wafted across the porch, stirring tendrils of Annora’s hair about her face. She tucked the loose wisps behind her ear and adjusted the blanket surrounding her two-month-old son, Matthew Lucas. Soon the days would turn too cool for the luxury of sitting outside for the mere pleasure of it.

  “May I please hold him, Mama?” Melinda asked as she bounded up the steps, sun streaks glistening in her dark, shiny hair.

  Annora smiled lovingly at her stepdaughter. The girl had sprouted like a weed during the long hot summer, and now at eight years of age, she seemed happiest when motheri
ng her new baby brother or helping about the house.

  “Sure, sweetheart.” Annora stood while Melinda took possession of the padded rocking chair and positioned herself comfortably. “Remember to hold his head,” she coached gently and placed the chubby infant in his sister’s arms.

  “I will. Oh, look,” she breathed, a dreamy smile widening her cheeks, “he’s starting to get some hair again!”

  “Yes, I noticed.”

  Chuckling to herself over how Matthew’s tiny face had seemed so much rounder after losing the thick black hair of birth, Annora lightly stroked the velvety copper growth, a shade lighter than her own. His eyes, however, were the same dusky blue as his father’s. “I’m going to go and see what Amy’s up to. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  Already absorbed in admiring the baby, Melinda only nodded.

  But even as Annora stepped onto the front path, the sound of an approaching buggy carried from the lane. Pausing, she raised a hand to shield her eyes, trying to make out the two occupants of the conveyance.

  Suddenly her heart leapt. Could it be?

  “Lesley!”

  Disregarding the propriety of her station as an old married lady and mother, Annora grasped her skirts in both hands and ran to meet the carriage.

  “Surprise, surprise,” her best friend said gleefully as her new husband, Michael Porter, drew up on the reins, halting the splendid dapple gray horse. Lesley clambered down every bit as unceremoniously as Annora and grabbed her in a huge hug.

  “I can’t believe this is real!” Annora gasped, trying to catch her breath. “And just look at you!” Easing the slender young woman to arm’s length, she assessed Lesley’s fashionable traveling suit and satin-trimmed bonnet, both in a rich sapphire blue that deepened the shade of her eyes and complemented her abundant honey-blond curls. Had it been anyone else, Annora would have felt conscious of her own everyday attire, but her incredible joy pushed such inconsequential thoughts aside.

  “Hey, am I ever gonna get a hug?” Michael’s deep voice teased as he tapped Annora on the shoulder.

  She turned, and meeting the sparkle in those chocolate brown eyes, she flung her arms around his tall, muscular frame. He was clad equally elegantly in a dove gray pinstripe suit and bowler. “Oh, it’s so wonderful that you’ve come here like this! You never mentioned a word of it.”

  “We wanted to surprise you,” Lesley replied. “Michael’s parents insisted on giving us a honeymoon trip to remember. . . so we immediately chose Wyoming. That way, we could not only take in the wonders of Yellowstone but visit you, as well.” She turned a delicate rose. “Of course, I realize our dropping in on you might very well be an imposition. . .in which case—”

  “Oh, I’ll not hear a word of that,” Annora said emphatically. “Of course you’re welcome to stay with us for as long as you like. Come on, both of you, and I’ll give you the grand tour, introduce you to my family—all but Noah, that is. He moved on to new adventures several months ago.”

  “Yes, do,” Lesley agreed. “I’m dying to meet Lucas and the girls—to say nothing of your first little one.”

  Still smiling, Annora linked arms with Lesley and began strolling toward the recently painted house with its added rooms and neatly trimmed shrubbery, while Michael climbed back into the buggy and followed behind them.

  “So, your wedding went smoothly?” Annora wanted to know. “Oh, I so would have loved to have been there, but with a new baby. . .”

  “Yes, it was fine—except for the weather and the cake,” Lesley said. “It poured so hard that day I wondered if anyone would bother to show up, but fortunately most Philadelphians aren’t in the least put off by a little rain. A nice crowd attended—drooping hats and all. The cake, I’m afraid, didn’t fare quite as well.”

  “Whatever happened?”

  Lesley smothered a giggle. “When it was being carried to the church basement, a gust of wind caught the umbrella and tore it out of my mother’s hands, leaving the icing to the mercy of the elements.”

  “It was rather pathetic,” Michael piped in. “Especially after Mom and Dad Clark’s hard work to make it special.”

  “I would imagine,” Annora said. “But I’m sure it still tasted all right.”

  “Yes, that it did,” Lesley said, nodding. “But what surprised me most, believe it or not, was how really sweet and helpful Mirah Thornby was throughout the entire occasion.”

  “You’re not serious,” Annora protested.

  “Oh, but I am. It’s amazing how a year and a half of marriage and an extremely difficult confinement can bring about some rather vast changes in a person. She was so thankful to deliver her healthy little daughter, she went through a transformation, finally confessing to her parents her horrid treatment of you. Mirah and the Baxters prevailed upon me to bring along their letters of apology. I have them in my valise.”

  Humbled and thankful for the answers to her prayers, Annora’s spirit lightened considerably.

  A look of wonder settled over her friend’s fine features as they reached the porch and went up the steps. “Don’t tell me that pretty little charmer is Melinda?”

  “She sure is,” Annora said proudly. “And a better, more loving helper a new mom could never find.” Crossing to her, she laid a hand on the girl’s shoulder. “Sweetheart, I’d like you to meet my very best friend in the whole world. This is Lesley Cl—I mean, Porter,” she corrected, “and that’s her husband, Michael, coming up the steps. Les, Michael, this is my daughter, Melinda. And this,” she added, gently picking up the slumbering infant, “is Matthew Lucas.” She placed him in Lesley’s outstretched arms.

  “Ohhh,” Lesley crooned, caressing the tiny cheeks with her fingertips. “He is absolutely precious. You are so fortunate, Nora.” She hugged him close, burying her nose in the soft bundle as she nestled him lovingly against her.

  “I gather that must be the man of the house,” Michael said, tipping his head in the direction of the barn.

  Annora turned to see Lucas striding toward them, holding flaxen-haired Amy by the hand. Her heart nearly burst with pride at the sight of his manly bearing, the light of love in both his and their daughter’s faces.

  “Thought I heard someone drive up,” Lucas said, removing his Stetson and raking a hand through his hair. He swept a glance over the gathering as he and Amy reached the porch.

  “Lucas, I’m sure you’ve heard me talk often enough about Lesley and Michael, my dear friends from Philadelphia.”

  “Ah. . .the ones who played such an important role in bringing our beautiful Annora into our lives. Finally I have the pleasure of meeting you. It is an honor.” Flashing a warm grin, Lucas took Lesley’s gloved hand and then Michael’s.

  “We feel the same, I assure you,” Lesley said, blushing becomingly.

  “Annora deserves whatever happiness the Lord brings her way,” Michael offered.

  “Oh, now, you two,” Annora cajoled. Placing her hands on Amy’s shoulders, she inched the little girl forward. “And this is Amy, our little horsewoman.”

  “You like horses?” Lesley asked, stooping to smile at the winsome beauty.

  “Uh-huh. My pa bought me a pony. His name is Star.”

  “Well, you’ll have to show me your pony soon, all right?”

  She nodded. “Sissy has one, too, named Moonbeam. And Pa has lots of horses.” She gestured toward the fenced pastureland occupied by an assortment of energetic colts and serene mares.

  “I glimpsed a few as we came down the lane. I can’t wait to see them all.”

  “Well, that will have to wait,” Annora declared. “I’m sure you’re both tired and thirsty. Let’s go have some refreshments. The Lord has blessed us with this very special day, and we’ve got a lot of catching up to do.”

  Annora smiled up at Lucas, this wonderful man who had gifted a lonely girl with his love and his family, and she slipped into the crook of his arm. He gave her a squeeze, and together they led the happy group inside.

 
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