by Danni Roan
“You don’t say?” Grady teased.
“What didn’t she say?” a sleepy voice asked as Amy entered the kitchen.
“Oh, nothing important,” Rebecca half laughed. “Are you hungry?”
“Yes.” The young girl seemed more subdued.
“I’m making French toast. Why don’t you get yourself some milk and have a seat?” She smiled encouragingly. “Are your brothers and sister up yet?” she added, turning to the stove.
“Beth and Christopher are, but Jeremy isn’t,” the girl replied, heading to the icebox.
“I think I’ll go fetch the eggs.” Grady smiled, sliding a hand down Rebecca’s arm and making her shiver.
“Can I come?” Christopher slid into the kitchen with a grin, his dark hair slicked down as if it had just been washed.
“Sure,” Grady grinned at the boy, “then after breakfast we’ll all head off to school.”
***
“Sit down with me, Becky,” Polly Esther called as she settled at the table. “I think with the children here we’ll need to take a break now and again just to be able to keep up.” She grinned.
Rebecca laughed as she placed the last dish back in its proper place. “They do liven up the place.”
“I’m glad their folks agreed to let them come. They’ll enjoy doing chores and things with George. They live in town ya know. My daughter and her husband run a general store, so this country life is special.”
“Did you have a nice visit?” Rebecca asked, sliding into a chair with a cup of coffee.
“Oh my, yes.” Polly’s eyes sparkled with delight. “But how about you? How did you get on here with Grady and the Dixons?”
Rebecca could feel a slight blush tinge her cheeks as she replied, “We all got along splendidly and I think Mr. Gatlin and I are becoming friends,” she admitted. “Sara was so much fun and I met so many people while you were away.”
“You mean all the nosey parkers come ‘round sticking their nose in.”
Rebecca could not help but laugh which made Polly chuckle. “I’m sure they all meant well,” she replied. “It was actually quite pleasant.”
“That Grady’s a good man,” Polly spoke absently. “Sure am glad he took the kids along with him to school this mornin’.”
“He’s a very good teacher,” Rebecca agreed.
“I think he’d be more than that,” Polly said bluntly, raising an eyebrow knowingly.
Rebecca dropped her eyes to her cup, not knowing what to say.
“You like him don’t ya?” Polly asked.
“Yes of course,” Rebecca said.
“How’s he feel about you?”
“Uhm, I think he’s rather fond of me as well.” Rebecca squirmed in her seat uncomfortably.
“Some folks will tell ya I’m too blunt,” Polly continued, “and maybe I am, but I don’t see no need in beatin’ around the bush. I’m asking ‘cause I don’t see any reason you two can’t step out together if you want to.” Her blue eyes fell on Rebecca, their depths kind and knowing.
“I think that’s up to him.” Rebecca’s voice was quiet.
“Don’t you worry about that now,” Polly spoke, placing a gnarled hand over Rebecca’s. “You just follow your heart and see where it leads. I just want you to know that it’s fine by me.”
Rebecca smiled as Polly Esther’s words set to rest her concerns over her job at the boarding house. She had come here to work for the woman, but in her own way Polly was letting her know that if things changed, she understood.
“Miss Polly?” Grady spoke as he entered the kitchen that afternoon. “I was wondering if it would be a hardship for you if I took Rebecca to dinner tonight?” He scuffed his toe like a little boy, waiting for her reply.
“I think that’s a fine idea,” George spoke, standing from behind the cook stove where he’d been stacking wood.
Grady blushed, making George grin.
“Why you askin’ me anyway?” Polly grumbled turning from the pot on the stove. “You should be asking Becky.” She shooed the man toward the back door, winking at her husband.
“Rebecca?” Grady called, headed out into the yard.
“We’re over here.” Her voice rang out from near the hen house.
“Look, Mr. Grady,” Beth’s voice was full of wonder, “the chicks just hatched.”
“Apparently, we had one very sneaky hen while the Olson’s were away,” Rebecca laughed, her pale eyes bright with delight.
“I was just coming to ask if you’d like to go to dinner with me at the Grist Mill tonight,” Grady stumbled over his words as they watched Beth pick up one of the downy chicks.
“What about dinner and the children?” Rebecca turned to gaze at him.
“Ms. Polly seems to think she’ll be alright without you for a few hours.”
Rebecca smiled, suddenly very glad that Grady was interested in being more than friends.
“That sounds nice,” she finally agreed.
“Mr. Gatlin?” a voice rang out from the stoop. “I don’t understand this math problem you gave me?” Jeremy looked perplexed and Grad smiled. “Six?” he queried hastily.
“That will be fine,” Rebecca laughed. “You’d better go - a teacher’s work is never done.”
***
Rebecca’s stomach fluttered in her stomach as she walked up the stairs of the Grist Mill on Grady’s arm. It was strange how she could be so comfortable with the man and at once flustered as well.
“After you,” he said, pushing the door open for her.
The first person Rebecca saw as she stepped over the threshold was Pastor Dalton sitting at a table on his own, a paper in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other.
“Hello,” the old preacher offered jovially, “nice to see you here tonight.” He winked at Rebecca with a grin.
“Hello, Pastor,” Grady said, stepping up and offering his hand.
“Well Grady, what a pleasure,” the pastor said, his dark eyes glinting. “I see you’ve made some decisions.” His eyes fell on Rebecca, making her blush.
“Yes, sir,” Grady admitted. “I’m hoping we both have.” His voice rumbled low in his chest and goose bumps run along Rebecca’s arms.
“Good, good,” the pastor offered, “you two enjoy your meal. I can recommend the stew. The wife’s over to Jackson visiting her sister this week, so I get a bit of a treat.”
“Thank you pastor, we’ll keep that in mind,” Grady replied, placing his hand at the small of Rebecca’s back and guiding her toward a table the waiter indicated.
“Pastor Dalton is a special sort, isn’t he?” Rebecca said, slipping into the chair Grady held.
“I think he is,” Grady agreed, taking a seat and picking up a menu, “but I’m more interested in a far more interesting person.” His dark eyes reflected the smile on his face.
For a few moments, they studied their menus before placed their order. The atmosphere was quiet and intimate in a homey sort of way, and Rebecca started when Grady reach out and took her hand.
“I’m glad you decided to come out with me tonight,” he said, his voice low and husky. “We never seem to have enough time to talk”
“It is nice to have a bit of quiet,” Rebecca agreed, liking the way his hand covered hers.
“I’ve been thinking,” he began again, drawing her attention to his face and serious eyes, “I believe it’s time I ask the town to set me up in my own place.”
Rebecca’s eyes grew wide, wondering why he wanted to leave the boarding house; she knew in her heart how much she would miss seeing him each morning.
“You see,” a grin tugged at the corner of his mouth, “I’ve been thinking that if I were to get married, I’d better have a place of my own.”
Grady’s smile grew at Rebecca’s slight gasp and wide eyes but her words were delayed by the waiter returning with their food.
“I’m not trying to hurry things,” Grady carried on before she could speak, “but I’d like a chance to court you prop
erly and let you decide if you feel the same way I do.”
Rebecca’s heart swelled at the look of hope and fear mingled in Grady’s eyes, and she reached across the table to take his hand again. “I already know how I feel, Grady,” she answered, her voice a mere whisper. “I already care for you a great deal.”
Grady’s smile made her heart pick up its pace, even as her cheeks heated.
“There’s only one problem, then.” He leaned forward, studying her face.
“What’s that?” Rebecca asked, confused.
“What do we do about Billy?”
Chapter 14
“Hey, little buddy,” Grady called on his way to school Friday morning, spotting Billy hurrying toward him.
“Hey Mr. Buddy,” the boy grinned cheekily, his blue eyes sparkling with familiar mischief.
“Are you back to school today?”
“Yes, sir,” Billy replied, falling into step with the big man, who ruffled his hair.
“I need to speak to ya ‘bout Ms. Rebecca.”
“You do?” Grady’s eyebrows rose in surprise.
“Yep, I was wondering if I could walk home with ya today so I could see her. I need to tell her something.” He dropped his head, his blonde locks tumbling over his forehead.
“I take it this is not good news,” Grady said seriously.
Billy rubbed his nose, then stuck his hands in his pocket. “I gotta tell her to forget about me.” He scuffed his foot in the dirt then looked up at Grady. “You don’t reckon it’ll break her heart, do ya?”
“That depends,” Grady offered, scratching his chin. “I think if you have a good reason, she’ll understand.”
The little boy in the baggy trousers tipped his head toward his teacher, a bright blue eye just visible through his hair. “Well ya see, I don’t think my ma’ll ever let me get married and leave home now, not since I’ve been sick.”
Grady nodded, giving the boy time to explain.
“She wasn’t even gonna let me come to school today, but Johnnie swore he wouldn’t let me out of his sight and that I’d wear my scarf all day…”
Grady Gatlin looked around him for any sign of the older boy, but did not see him and the scarf seemed to also be conspicuously absent.
“You didn’t really think Johnnie’d stay the whole time did ya?” Billy shook his head in wonder at his teacher.
“What about the scarf?” Grady asked, trying to force the smile from his voice.
“Charlie took it on to the school for me. You know I get too warm.”
Grady nodded, shifting the pile of papers under his arm as they approached the school.
“Anyhow, seein’ how ma ain’t gonna be able to part with me for a long time, I figure it’s best if Ms. Rebecca’s free. I wouldn’t want her pinin’ away over me forever or nothing.”
“That’s very chivalrous of you,” Grady smiled, laying a hand on Billy’s shoulder.
“I kinda feel bad about breakin’ it off,” Billy continued, then smiled brightly. “I know! How’s about you court her? You’re already friends and I know she likes you.”
“You think so?” Grady furrowed his brow as if his world rested on the boy’s next words. The sounds of children were growing louder as they approached the old school structure.
“I’m sure of it,” Billy nodded enthusiastically. “You ain’t as good looking as me, but she’s kind of fond of you already, so you should give it a try. It’s like Ms. Polly says, it’s better to lose your love then not to love at all.”
Grady laughed. “I’ll give it a try then, but only if I have your blessing.”
“Bless you,” Billy said seriously, his head already turning toward the noise of the school yard.
“Those are Ms. Polly’s grandchildren,” Grady said. “Chris is the about the same age as you,” he added, pointing out the small, dark-haired boy who was placing books on the desks. “They like to come down early and set up the classroom for me.”
“You promise you’ll look after Ms. Rebecca real good, won’t ya?” Billy asked, turning back to his teacher.
“Yes, I promise,” Grady said. “Now why don’t you go introduce yourself?” He smiled as he watched the tow-headed sprite dash up the stairs and into the building.
***
“Sure is a nice evening, Mother,” said George as he sauntered out onto the front porch where Polly sat in her rocking chair, her mending in her hands.
“It is, indeed,” she replied, shifting her hands and rustling something in her lap.
“Becky’s folks are puttin’ the young ones to bed. I’m glad they could make the journey to be here I thought maybe three weeks’ notice wouldn’t be enough. It was nice Althea and Thad could come to fetch them this weekend so they could stay for the wedding to.”
“We sure have a house full don’t we?” Polly grinned, “The Carol’s seem to enjoy the children.”
“Grandbabies sorta help ta settle a body,” George chuckled, leaving his place by the porch rail and reclining in his chair next to his wife.
“I was a little worried about Mrs. Carol,” Polly admitted, pushing her chair into motion with her toe. “She seemed a bit hard on Becky.”
George shook his head. “Some folks is never satisfied.”
They sat for a while, the only sound the gentle creaking of their chairs rocking in tandem, and the distant song of a whip-a-will.
“Pastor Dalton didn’t seem to have any trouble with her,” Polly said, her eyes sparking. “She kept asking him questions about the service.”
“Polly, I think Pastor enjoys a good brew-ha-ha,” George chuckled. “The important thing is she seems to have settled down a little. Becky’s pa’s just glad she’s marrying a good man who loves her.”
Polly Esther reached across the slight gap between their chairs, squeezing his hand. “There’s nothing like knowing you have the love of a good man,” she said softly.
They rocked a while longer, watching the lights around town going off in a variety of shops and on in several living spaces over those same shops.
“The Grist Mill’s still busy,” George commented, looking across the street.
“They always seem to be busy on a Saturday night.”
“Plus young Rupert is making a special cake for the bride and groom,” George grinned. “I hope it’s as tasty as the one Bruno and Janine had.”
“George, that sweet tooth of yours is going to get you in trouble one of these days,” Polly laughed, pushing herself to her feet. “You coming in?”
“I think I’ll sit a spell, you go on.”
As Polly stepped away from her chair, a small square of paper fluttered to the seat and George reached out, snatching it from the air, and leaned toward the light streaming through the parlor window.
“What’s this?” he asked, making Polly turn around, a guilty expression flickering across her face as George read the small newspaper ad.
Dear Sir,
My name is Rebecca and due to unfortunate circumstances at home, I am seeking a husband in the western territories or states. I am a godly woman who is dedicated to the service and wellbeing of others, and feel I would make any man a good mate. I am not overly strong, but I can cook, clean and sew very well. Please write to Mrs. Merkle’s mail order bride agency with any interest you might have.
George’s dark eyes sparkled like stars as he raised a brow at his wife. “I seem to remember someone telling me not to meddle in certain affairs of the heart, dear wife,” he said, his voice full of consternation.
“I was not meddling, George Olson,” Polly chided in a gruff whisper. “I just figured since she said she wasn’t very strong no one would answer and that well, she could take the job here, and well…”
George rose to his feet, his eyes glinting like steel as Polly spluttered to a stop. “I think you done real good, Polly,” he finally smiled, reaching out to take her hand and leaning in to kiss her cheek. “Real good indeed.”
***
“Your sister
’s dress fits you fairly well,” Mrs. Carol said, adjusting the lace at Rebecca’s throat. “You aren’t as well rounded as she is, but it looks good enough.” The older woman pinched her mouth, then stepped back.
“You’re sure Mr. Gatlin understands your situation?” she asked one more time.
“Yes, mother,” Rebecca answered patiently. She was happy her parents could be here for her big day, but rather wished that her mother would leave her in peace.
The door to the parlor burst open, making her mother jump as the three Adams girls poured through the opening, engulfing Rebecca.
“Don’t you look lovely,” Prissy gushed. “You have a regal bearing.” She grinned.
“You’re beautiful,” Quil said absently, looking around the room for a snack. “It’s going to be a perfect day for a wedding.”
Sara pulled her tight, whispering in her ear, “You are going to love being married.”
“Oh, here you are,” Janine wandered in through the open door. “I brought some cookies,” she added doubtfully.
“What kind?” Quil brightened, stepping close to Janine.
“Are you feeling alright?” Mrs. Carol spoke over the girls’ excited chatter. “You’re weakness is not going to embarrass all of us, is it?”
“No mother, I’m feeling fine and I haven’t had an episode in a long time. From what Grady and the doctor understand, sometime they go away completely or only present themselves on occasions of stress.”
Sara sidled up to Rebecca, taking her hand protectively, “It doesn’t matter if you get sick again Becky, people all get sick, that’s why it says ‘in sickness and in health’ in the vows.” She smiled brightly, her eyes kind.
“You’d better come now,” Janine said, handing a cookie to Quil. “I saw the men walk into the church already.”
“Oh, these are good, Janine,” Quil muttered around the cookie in her mouth.
“Aquila Adams,” Prissy barked, “I swear that baby has made you forget all your manners.”
“But I’m hungry,” Quil moaned.
“Prissy, you see to it that Quil doesn’t eat the wedding luncheon before the ceremony,” Sara said shaking her head. “Mrs. Carol, if you’ll please walk ahead of us to be sure that no one kicks up any dust.” Her green eyes were fierce and the older woman scurried for the door.