“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
Vivian Kane, will you marry me? She stared at the words printed on the paper with a pounding heart. It was no surprise Micah wanted to marry her. It was the reason she’d come all the way to Missouri. However, the realization he would choose to propose anyway and used such a creative way to do it had stunned her to silence. It warmed her heart and also sent fear radiating through her, with the knowledge she was actually remarrying.
When she finally looked up at him again, his eyes were full of tenderness. “Vivian, I know our situation is unique with the baby coming. For that reason, I believe we should marry without too much delay. However, because both our hearts are still healing from losses, I don’t intend on rushing our relationship.”
She stared at him in confusion. “What do you mean?”
“I will be your husband in name only until our friendship blossoms into love. We will live in the same house, but I intend to court you for as long as it takes, Vivian.”
She smiled through her tears, thanking God for sending her a wonderful and patient man like Micah who understood how difficult it was for her to love again. The fear she’d had previously melted away as she nodded her head. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
His eyes twinkled as he dropped to one knee and pulled an oval turquoise ring out of his pocket. “This belonged to my mother and has always been very special to me. Will you wear this ring as a symbol of our engagement?”
She nodded as he slipped the ring on her finger, believing her heart wouldn’t delay much longer. It was already growing to love Micah Russell.
Vivian and Caroline relaxed in the parlor of the farm house, enjoying glasses of iced tea after a long day of wedding preparations. It had been a little over a week since Micah’s proposal and life had been busy ever since, planning for a small church wedding that Saturday.
Caroline was a wonderful seamstress and helped sew her wedding dress, using the beautiful satin fabric Mrs. Clark had gifted her. The white gown with lace embellishments around the neck, sleeves and bottom hem started taking shape in Caroline’s sewing room, looking elegant yet simple—just the way Vivian hoped it would. She planned to carry a bouquet of wildflowers down the aisle, reminding her of the fresh ones Micah brought her almost every day while she stayed with the Riley Family. For shoes, she planned to wear a pair of white moccasins from her trunk once belonging to her mother. It would be a nice reminder of her heritage and make it seem like she was there with her somehow.
When she wasn’t busy sewing with Caroline or standing for another fitting, she shared walks and picnics with Micah. They explored the path from the Riley’s home to his cabin, watched deer in the clearing, and skipped rocks by the river. They were growing closer with every passing day and Vivian was more excited about the wedding than she thought she’d be. However, certain days she felt a sense of guilt.
“You seem quiet this afternoon,” Caroline commented while taking out a sampler she’d been working on. “Are you anxious about the wedding? It’s only two days away after all.”
Vivian took a sip of her tea before setting it aside. “Maybe a little. I guess it’s all happening so fast and I haven’t had time to adjust yet.”
“I suppose it has you thinking a lot about your first husband, too. Am I right?”
She sighed, realizing Caroline could see right through her strong front. “Yes, Connor is never very far from my thoughts. Sometimes I have dreams he’s still with me and cry upon waking up to discover it’s not true. It makes me feel guilty that I’m beginning to find happiness with Micah.”
Caroline gave her a knowing smile. “It’s completely normal to still be grieving. I can’t relate to losing a husband, but my brother’s loss still aches from time to time. Have you talked to Micah about how you are feeling? If anyone could understand what it feels like to lose a spouse, it would be him.”
She nodded. “We have talked about our losses. He doesn’t keep me from talking about Connor and I don’t discourage him from talking about Mary Ann.”
“That’s good. It’s an important part of the healing process to talk about the ones we have lost.”
“Yes, I agree, but it’s a painful process.”
Caroline nodded. “I’m sure it is. I can’t imagine what it would feel like to lose Emmett. I almost lost him when we were first married and it was a horrible feeling.”
“You did?”
Her friend put the sampler she’d been working on aside and furrowed her brow, like the memory disturbed her. “We were married in Pelican Rapids and then started our journey home, but on the coach ride we were pursued by bandits. Emmett was shot while trying to defend us.” Caroline paused to wipe a few tears before continuing. “Emmett said he loved me and then I’ll never forget the look in his eyes right before he became unconscious. He didn’t fear for his own life. His only concern was for me. I’m sure at the end, your Connor felt the same way.”
Vivian nodded, tears pricking her own eyes. “Yes, I know he did. He was always trying to protect me.”
“It sounds like he was a wonderful husband—someone who would want you to find happiness and love again.”
She dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief. “I know. My mind keeps telling me that, but my heart needs some time to catch up.”
“That’s completely normal after all you’ve been through. Your heart needs this time to heal and I’m sure Micah understands.”
“Yes, he’s been very kind and patient with me.” She smiled softly, remembering their recent conversations about living arrangements in the house. He was sensitive in thinking how she would feel about the marriage so soon after her husband’s death. Vivian knew she couldn’t find a better match than Micah.
As their conversations quieted, Caroline started working on her sampler again, but put it down a few seconds later. “I was going to deliver some eggs in town tomorrow and pick up a few things at the general store. You should come along. We could purchase some more ribbon for wedding decorations and to tie around your bouquet.”
“Oh, you’ve done enough for me already.”
Her host grinned. “Nonsense. After all, how often do I get to meet a new friend from the south? It will be a bully idea to have a girl’s outing and will help you relax before the big day. We’ll even have a nice lunch at the diner while we’re out. My treat. What do you say?”
A slow grin spread across Vivian’s face as her friend stared at her in anticipation, waiting for her decision. “I say, let drive!”
Chapter Ten
“Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me.”
Psalm 27:11 NLT
Micah opened the gate to the small cemetery by the church and walked all the way to the right. Stopping by the last two graves, he placed some sunflowers next to the headstones—Mary Ann’s favorite. Then he sat in the grass with a deep sigh. “Sorry I haven’t been here for a while.” He closed his eyes, recalling his wife’s beautiful blond hair, green eyes and loving smile. She held their son in her arms. He wasn’t as fair as her, inheriting Micah’s dark hair. He knew they were both in heaven, but somehow coming to the place they were laid to rest and talking to them brought him some peace.
He opened his eyes again, pulling a few little weeds around the grave stones. “Life has been busy, but good. Someone new has come into my life…a woman I intend to marry tomorrow. This doesn’t mean I’ll ever forget the life I shared with you and our son, but it will be a new life and a new beginning. I’ll always love you both, but as you told me near the end, love never runs dry. There’s always more to give away. I had trouble believing that for so many years, but now my heart is ready.”
Micah sat there for a few more minutes in silence, listening to the birds and chirping of insects nearby. Then he kissed his fingers and touched both stones. “Bye for now. I love you.”
He
rose to his feet and walked out of the little cemetery, pausing to wipe away a few tears with his sleeve before latching the gate behind him. Then Micah returned to his wagon and snapped the reins for his team to take him the remaining distance to town. He had a few deliveries to make that day and wanted to pick out a new tie for the wedding. Along the way, his thoughts drifted to Vivian. He had seen her briefly the previous day. She and Caroline had been so busy preparing for the wedding, they hadn’t had much of a chance to talk. Then he had been busy with the printing press that morning, keeping him away from the Riley Farm completely. Now he missed her terribly. Perhaps he would have to stop by after his trip into town.
He stopped his team in the alley, near the back door of the business. Mr. Clark always liked to bring in all the large furniture deliveries through the back. Micah had just walked around the back of the wagon to unload when the sound of spurs caught his attention.
“What do we have here?” a voice asked.
“Ain’t that the half savage bummer, stealin’ our business again?” the second voice responded.
Then a third voice cut in. “Yeah, I think it is.”
Micah took a deep breath to calm himself before turning around. He tipped his hat toward Mr. Reed and his two eldest sons, Abe and Brant, choosing to ignore the offensive comment. “Good day. All due respect, but I believe there’s enough business for all of us in this town. Don’t you agree?”
Mr. Reed scratched his bearded chin. “Not the way I see it. I warned Mr. Riley’s slave about this last month, but it seems the message didn’t come across.”
Micah clenched his fist, feeling his temper flare, but tried to keep his voice calm. “His name is Solomon and he’s not Mr. Riley’s slave. He’s a free man who works hard to earn wages just like the rest of us. As to the other matter, Mr. Clark orders from us and I’m delivering that order. If you have a problem with it, you’ll have to speak with him.”
Mr. Reed’s eyes flashed at him. “You can count on that, savage, but this ain’t only got to do with Mr. Clark. This is also about you flauntin’ that new fiancée of yours around town. You never deserved my daughter and now you’ve decided to replace her with another savage like you.”
It was all Micah could manage not to punch the man square in the jaw, but he refrained, out of respect for Mary Ann’s memory. “I’m sorry you feel that way, Mr. Reed. For what it’s worth, I loved your daughter very much.”
He scoffed. “This is the last time Mr. Clark will be buyin’ anything from the likes of you.” He patted his sons’ shoulders. “Let’s go on home.”
Micah sighed as they disappeared around the corner of the building and knocked on the door to make his delivery. He’d have to tell Emmett about the encounter when he arrived back at the farm. He was used to Mr. Reed’s hostility, but he had a different look in his eyes this time—one that sent chills down his spine.
Vivian found herself in a joyous mood while shopping with Caroline. They looked over various ribbons that would work for her bouquet. She also couldn’t help becoming distracted by all the soft pastel fabrics near the back of the store. However, she decided to refrain from purchasing anything for the baby for the time being. She still had plenty of time to sew her layette and the wedding had to come first.
“What do you think of this color?” Caroline asked, holding up a roll of turquoise ribbon. “It matches your engagement ring.”
Vivian held her left hand up to it and grinned. “Yes, it’s perfect. We should find some white, too.”
“I agree. That will look nice on the pews with some turquoise mixed in. I’ll purchase two of each.”
“Will you at least allow me to pay for half?”
Caroline shook her head with a grin. “No, this is a gift from Emmett and I. We discussed the budget and we have actually stayed way under it so far. I have enough to buy one more thing. Perhaps a nice comb to go in your hair. I saw some pretty silver ones up at the front.”
Vivian agreed and they walked arm in arm like sisters up to the glass display case. She looked at the options, conscious of the prices. She wasn’t used to people buying things for her and didn’t want to take advantage of her friend’s kindness. After a few minutes, she found a reasonably priced one with a unique star pattern on the top.
They had just finished making their purchases when Vivian heard someone stepping in from the back room. She looked up as Mr. Clark came in with her fiancé following close behind. “Micah, I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”
“I had a few errands to run. I thought I’d get them out of the way before our wedding. What brings you and Caroline to town?”
“A few last-minute purchases for tomorrow.”
He smiled and kissed her hand, making her heart flutter. “Yes, tomorrow. I can hardly believe the day has almost arrived.”
She tried to hide her blush after his sweet gesture. “Will I see you tonight for supper at the farm?”
He nodded. “I’ll be there. It will be the last time we see each other before the wedding, since I can’t see the bride the day of. Speaking of that, I better skedaddle. I have more errands to run before then.”
She chuckled. “I’ll see you this evening then.”
They said goodbye and Vivian left the store smiling. The spark between them was definitely growing and she didn’t mind one bit.
Micah spent about ten minutes in the general store after Vivian and Caroline left. He squared up with Mr. Clark for the furniture delivery, mentioning his unexpected confrontation with Mr. Reed. The store owner said if it happened again, he might have to send for the sheriff. The Reed family had been causing more and more trouble around town.
After Mr. Clark left, Micah picked out a new tie and some candy for the Riley children. He made his purchases, bid Mrs. Clark farewell and headed toward the store’s back entrance. He smiled while walking outside and hitching the back of his wagon, thinking of Vivian. His feelings for her were growing every day and he couldn’t wait to see her walk down the aisle tomorrow.
Still daydreaming about his fiancée, Micah didn’t notice the shadow of a man behind him until it was too late. He heard a loud thud and fiery pain radiated through his head as he fell to the ground.
Chapter Eleven
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 NKJV
Vivian worked alongside Caroline in the kitchen that evening, preparing fried chicken, country gravy, roasted garlic potatoes, green beans and flaky biscuits. Vivian couldn’t stop smiling as they worked, while sharing pleasant conversation and laughter at the same time. They had become close like sisters during the weeks she’d been a guest in Caroline’s home.
The evening was a special occasion for them both since everything would change when Vivian moved into Micah’s cabin after the wedding. She’d still visit Caroline all the time and share suppers together at least once a week. They would be neighbors after all, but Vivian would have her own household to look after.
Caroline smiled as she started setting the table. “Thank you for sharing your fried chicken and biscuit recipes with me tonight. Emmett’s been spoiled with all these new southern foods. Maybe now I’ll be able to make them for him.”
“Sure, you will! You were a good cook before I came here, Caroline. I really didn’t teach you that much.”
Her friend chuckled. “You should have seen me when I first came to Niangua. I could barely make flapjacks until Ma Riley taught me how to cook.”
“Well, I never would have known if you hadn’t told me.”
They continued making small talk as Vivian helped her place all the food in the center of the table. Then Caroline sent her son, Will, to tell everyone it was time for supper.
Over the next few minutes, the family started to trickle into the dining room. Felicia came in first and sat down before her ma prompted her to wash up. Soon after came Emmett and Thomas.
Ma Riley came in last, holding Elliot, who’d been napping. While everyone found their seats, Vivian eyed the doorway, expecting her fiancé to enter any second.
Then Emmett spoke up. “Did Micah say he was coming back for supper?”
She turned her head and stared at him in surprise. “I thought he was out in the shop working with you.”
He shook his head. “No, I sent him out to make deliveries this afternoon and then he was supposed to meet with Mr. Cooper about the printing press. I figured he came straight inside to see you after returning from town.”
Vivian’s heart started to pound. “The last I saw him was in town in the early afternoon at the general store.”
“I didn’t see his team outside. Maybe he went straight home to work on the printing press instead.”
“No, Micah told me he was coming for supper tonight.”
Emmett rested his elbow on the table and rubbed his chin, eyebrows knitted together. “For as long as I’ve known Micah Russell, he’s always been on time or five minutes early.” He pushed his chair back from the table and stood. “You all have dinner without me. I’m going to take a quick trip to his place and make sure everything’s all right.”
Vivian started to stand with him, noticing the concern in Emmett’s eyes. “I’m coming with you.”
He put his hand out to stop her. “No, please stay here with my family and enjoy your dinner. It’s growing dark outside. Besides, it’s most likely nothing to be concerned about. I’ll be back soon.” He made eye contact with his eldest son. “Thomas, will you come with me? I’ve been meaning to talk with you about your college choices. This seems like a good time.”
“Sure, Pa,” the young man responded and followed Emmett out of the dining room.
Caroline patted Vivian’s hand, offering a reassuring smile. “I’m sure everything’s fine,” she said and then turned to Felicia. “Will you say grace over the food, please? Make sure to say a special prayer for traveling mercies for Pa, Thomas and Micah, too.”
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