Miserable in Montana (Yours Truly: The Lovelorn Book 16)

by Cheryl Wright

  “Ma told me...” she said with no prompting. He’d know all along it was that wretched woman. She had always blamed his parents for her husband’s wrong-doing, his addiction. When they were dead and buried, she’d blamed Luke. Her wrath was misplaced, and he was certain deep down she must know it.

  He reached over and captured her hand in his. “Your Ma has prejudices that are ill-founded.”

  She took another sip of coffee and stared at him over the rim of her cup. “Do you own a...” She swallowed hard as though she dare not say the word.

  “I own a saloon, yes.”

  She closed her eyes tightly, as though fighting back tears. But none surfaced. “Ma says you own a...brothel.” She said the last word quickly, as though saying it faster might make it a lie.

  “I inherited my parent’s business, that is true.” He squeezed her hand tightly, as the first customer of the day came into the café.

  “I have to get to work,” she said, fidgeting about on her chair.

  He held her hand in an effort to keep her there. “Stay,” he demanded. She stared at him, anger written across her face. “Please. I’ve cleared it with Bunny.” Marigold leaned back and sighed. She was clearly unhappy with the situation, but he needed for her to understand. “My father wasn’t...” He paused. Saying the words out loud made it true. “He wasn’t a particularly nice person,” he said quietly.

  The color drained from her face. “So it’s true. You’re a pimp.” Tears welled in her eyes as she said the dreaded word.

  He took a deep breath before answering. “It’s not like that,” he said. Before he could explain further, she fled to the kitchen. Where Bunny was. If she asked, he was certain Bunny would give up the whole story despite him asking her not to. She’d said all along if Marigold asked, she wouldn’t lie to her, and he didn’t blame her.

  He took another mouthful of coffee and slumped over the table. He couldn’t bare to lose Marigold. She was the love of his life, and had been since the day they’d met. The last thing he wanted was for her to have half-truths about his business. He also didn’t want to tell her about her depraved father. That was her mother’s job.

  He glanced up when she stood in front of him, a plate of hot food in her hands. The fact she even stood there gave him some hope, although if he was honest with himself, Marigold would feel obligated. She was being paid to do a job, and she would fulfill her obligations no matter what.

  “Thank you,” he said quietly as she placed the food in front of him. Her face remained expressionless.

  His heart shattered.

  ~*~

  It had taken all her effort to smile at the customers.

  Luke was long gone, and she’d felt both relieved and disappointed. They hadn’t resolved anything, and it left her feeling drained. Was Ma telling the truth, or as Luke suggested, did she only give Marigold part of the story?

  They’d known each other for such a long time, and never had she known Luke to be an unlawful person. He may have skirted the law at times, but she’d never know him to actually break the law. He’d never once harmed her, and to her knowledge, he’d never harmed anyone else.

  She had to admit though, he had been very secretive about his work. That had never sat well with Marigold, and now she knew why. She swallowed hard. Right now she was working, and she had to keep her composure for the sake of the customers. Besides, Bunny was counting on her.

  Taking her bucket of soapy water and a cloth, she went to the back of the café and began to clean down the tables ready for the noon rush. She piled soiled dishes on a tray, then cleaned down the tables, ensuring the chairs were clean, and the condiments were filled.

  Along with the soiled dishes, there were abandoned newspapers. Customers brought their newspaper with them, reading while they ate. A terrible habit as far as Marigold was concerned, but they did it regularly. She really wished they would take them back with them. They made a dreadful mess of the tables, not to mention her hands.

  As she went to close this particular one, her eyes fell to a column headed Yours Truly: The Lovelorn – it piqued her interest. As she scanned the column, Marigold discovered it was a column where desperate people could write for advice about their love life. Was she desperate enough to write to The Lovelorn?

  She quickly scanned the remainder of the short column. Most of the responses were quite good, and seemed appropriate, helpful even. Her mind made up, Marigold ripped the column out of the newspaper and shoved it into her pocket. Tonight she would write, and hopefully get advise on what to do about Luke.

  Trouble was, she’d already fallen hard for him, even if he only saw her as a distraction. Soon he would move on to someone less judgmental, she was certain.

  Chapter Six

  They had leftovers from the café again for supper – this time it was roast lamb and roasted vegetables. An absolute luxury for her and Ma. After they’d eaten, Ma helped her with the dishes, then Marigold sat down and re-read the newspaper article – more than once. None of the senders used their real names, and neither would she. Besides, she didn’t want the world to know she needed advice about her love life.

  Rehearsing her own letter in her head, she finally sat at the writing desk and penned a letter.

  Dear Lovelorn,

  I am beside myself with worry. This next birthday, just months away, I will turn twenty-six at which time I will officially be an old maid. I’m of medium height with long golden hair, and have been told I’m rather too thin. I’d probably fatten up somewhat with love and care.

  The only eligible men around here are bad boy types, and although they do appeal in some ways, I’m not sure I want to go down that road.

  I’m doomed to loneliness for the rest of my life unless I find a suitable man to marry.

  Can you help?

  Sincerely,

  Miserable in Montana

  Marigold read it quietly so Ma couldn’t hear, then ripped the letter up. She wasn’t being at all truthful, so started over.

  Dear Lovelorn,

  I have fallen in love with a man who I’m told is not a good person. Ma says he’s a bad boy and I should keep my distance. She’s told me some terrible things about his father, and I’m afraid he may be following in his father’s footsteps.

  He hasn’t said he loves me, but he treats me special, even helped me get a decent job. I don’t want to give him up, even after what my Ma told me.

  What should I do?

  Sincerely,

  Miserable in Montana

  “What’s this then?” Ma’s voice caused her to jump, and Marigold covered the letter with her hands.

  She stared up at her mother feeling rather resentful. Perhaps she shouldn’t, but she was blissfully happy, and unaware of Luke’s saloon business before Ma opened her mouth. “It’s private,” she said, then scooped up the letter and shoved it in an envelope. She wondered how long it would take to get an answer.

  Even more important, how long before she forgave Ma for shattering her previously happy world with Luke?

  She wasn’t certain either of those would happen, but it was certainly worth the risk of posting the letter. She would do that on the way to work in the morning. More likely than not, Luke wouldn’t turn up in the morning anyway. She would leave a few minutes early to compensate for her short deviation.

  “What do you mean private?” Ma sounded annoyed. Marigold had never kept secrets from her before. They’d always been open with each other in the past, but now she wasn’t so sure. She had the distinct feeling Ma hadn’t told her the whole story. Something didn’t seem quite right. Rather than push for an answer, Marigold would try to go about her business as though nothing had happened.

  Only she knew that was not possible. Her world had shattered last night when she found out Luke owned a saloon, not to mention the brothel he ran on the premises. Everything Luke did for a living went against her Christian upbringing. She was surprised, and even annoyed he had attended church with her. How did he sit in
church, on his knees praying no less, when he knew what he did for a living went against the teachings of the bible?

  Marigold forced back a sob. The last thing she wanted was to cry in front of Ma. After all, she should feel nothing but hatred for Luke Jensen right now. Instead she felt disappointment, but even more, she still felt deeply for the man she thought she knew. And it tore her heart into tiny pieces.

  With a heavy heart, she headed for bed. Whether she would sleep or not, remained to be seen. No matter what happened, she had to work tomorrow. Finally she’d found a steady job with good money. Ma now had the life she deserved.

  Marigold changed into her nightgown and climbed into bed. Luke drifted through her mind as she fell into a light slumber.

  ~*~

  Luke waited outside Marigold’s front door for what seemed like forever. But she never appeared. He was on time, so he figured he couldn’t have missed her. It was unlike her not to go to work, and he had no intention of knocking. What if Maggie Davis answered? He wasn’t sure he’d be able to contain his temper. Instead he wandered down to the café.

  And there she was – Marigold was in the coffee nook preparing for the morning rush. Did she purposely leave home early to avoid him? His heart thudded. Was it over between them? He hoped not, he was far too much in love with her to lose her.

  Blast her interfering mother. He’d had every intention of telling Marigold about his job – the saloon and the brothel, but in his own time. He wanted to wait until she was in love with him, and didn’t want to give him up. Selfish? For sure, but he loved her beyond anything he’d ever imagined possible.

  Kissing her behind the church all those years ago, who would have believed her to be his soulmate? He wasn’t often honest with himself, especially when it came to women, but Luke now knew he couldn’t live without his sweet and innocent Marigold. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever met, and had a heart of gold.

  He intended to win back that heart and never let her go. His heart thudded again. What would he do if he couldn’t win her back?

  He stood at the entrance to the café watching her work. He wanted to go to her and wrap his arms around her, but Luke knew she would shrug him away. Not only because she was working, but because she was angry at him. As he opened the door wider, her head shot up. It was as if she sensed him there. It gave him a glimmer of hope.

  “Marigold,” he said breathlessly. He watched as she pulled her bottom lip in. It was a nervous reaction she sometimes had. He’d noticed it before, usually when she was undecisive about something. He took a few steps toward her, and she stepped back. Resigned to not holding her after all, he stared at her momentarily, then headed toward a small table at the back. He sat there most days, away from the crowd, where he could have a bit of peace and quiet.

  He’d not long removed his coat and sat down when she approached him, and his heartbeat quickened. “Coffee?” She knew he would and didn’t wait for an answer.

  He nodded anyway. “I missed you this morning,” he said softly.

  It was her turn to nod. “I had to post a letter so left early.”

  He stared into her face. Her beautiful yet saddened face. “What was so important?” She turned her face away from him. What was she hiding?

  He took a mouthful of coffee and watched her. She warred with herself trying to decide whether or not to tell him, Luke was certain. “It’s personal.” The moment the words were out, she turned and walked away, moving to another table and another customer. He knew he shouldn’t, but Luke felt a burning jealousy for the recipient of that coffee. He wanted her here with him, talking to him, spending her time with him, and not some stranger.

  He began to count under his breath. He’d not felt this way before, so it made sense this was brought about because of what Maggie Davis had told her daughter. Luke wasn’t certain yet what that was, but he knew it wasn’t good. At least not good for him. More than likely the woman had added her own version of events, and not the way they’d actually happened.

  By the time Marigold served his breakfast he was fuming. Not at her, his anger would never be focused on her. He was holding his temper in check, but only just. He reached out and grabbed her hand as she walked away. She said not a word, but turned to stare at him.

  “Is there a problem with the food,” she asked as though nothing was wrong. He stared up at her, then kissed the back of her hand.

  He shook his head. Words didn’t come, and it was as though there was a huge lump in his throat. Luke continued to stare, then stood. He scooped her around the waist with his hands, and held her close. “I missed you this morning,” he whispered, ensuring no one else heard the conversation.

  She rested her head on his shoulder, and Luke felt a modicum of relief. The fact she’d done that assured him they were not finished. That they still had a chance.

  Her arms slipped up around him, and he felt more certain than he was a few minutes ago. She still felt something for him. His heart pounded. He lifted her chin with his fingers, and faced her toward him, ready to take her lips. She stared up into his face.

  She was the most beautiful creature he’d ever laid eyes on. What was he going to do if he lost her? He felt hollow – similar to when his parents had been killed. He made up his mind then and there that he couldn’t lose her, and he had to do whatever it took to make sure it didn’t happen.

  He searched her face, and watched as she licked her lips. It was far too much temptation, and he swooped down and kissed her. Luke didn’t care how many customers were in café. Marigold was his girl, and he would kiss her if that’s what he wanted.

  She suddenly stepped back. “Luke,” she said softly. “I have work to do.”

  Disappointment filled him. Would he ever get to kiss her again? Or even hold her? His heart shattered all over again, but he let her go. He watched as she went from table to table looking after the customers. They all loved her, it was plain to see.

  But no one loved her as much as he did. And no one ever would.

  ~*~

  Each day they went through the motions. Luke collected her from home in the morning, he walked her to work, had breakfast then left.

  Somehow he had got to a point of holding her hand for the duration of their walk to the café. As they arrived, she pulled out of his grip, and despite her obvious denial, he’d seen the look of disappointment on her face once they were apart.

  Things were different between them, and it broke his heart. They were meant to be together, he knew they were. The first time he’d held her at the church dance all those years ago he’d known it. She’d been more than a little reserved with her parents watching them, but he felt it. She had fallen under his spell. He felt it in his heart.

  It was the reason he’d dragged her out behind the church hall. He wanted to make her his own by kissing her. At first it was like a game, but when they got to their destination, she stared at him so intensely, it was all he could do to resist. He backed her up against the wall, out of sight, with no chance of being seen. Then he’d placed himself in front of her, blocking her in, his arms either side of her. At first Marigold had looked terrified, but he’d reassured her he wouldn’t harm her, and she’d relaxed a little.

  “I’m going to kiss you,” he’d whispered, and then he did. At first she resisted, but then relaxed. He pulled her closer, and like any teenage boy, had reveled in the feel of her maturing body close to his. Suddenly she’d pulled away and stared up at him, her fingers to her lips. Then she ran.

  Until recently, he’d never managed to kiss her again despite their many brief encounters over the years.

  The thought of that day had seen him through all these difficult years without her. As much as he’d been given the tag of bad boy, he had saved himself for Marigold. If he lost her now, he’d be devasted. Life wasn’t worth living with out her.

  His head shot up as he realized she was standing in front of him. “I said, do you want more coffee?” She stood there looking down at him, her
eyes filled with sadness. He suddenly kicked back his chair and reached for her, almost causing her to drop the pot of coffee.

  “What I want,” he said, taking the pot from her, “Is to hold you, and to kiss you.”

  He watched as heat crept up her neck and then her face. He pulled her tightly to him, and just held her for long moments. He studied her, trying to decide if she was compliant or would deny him, then leaned down and kissed her, letting everyone in the room know that Marigold Davis was his girl, and he intended for her to be his wife.

  Her hand reached up and touched his cheek, then she rested her head against his shoulder. “I’ve really missed you, Luke,” she said quietly, and he pulled her closer still.

  Chapter Seven

  Finally, after all this time, the letter she’d been waiting for had arrived. Her letter from The Lovelorn.

  Each day, when she’d managed to elicit a short break, she ran all the way to the post office to check if her letter had arrived. She’d done that now for nearly three weeks, and finally it arrived. She shoved the unopened letter into her skirt pocket and ran back to the café. Bunny had allowed her this one luxury each day.

  Marigold had admitted to Bunny about the letter, and about her indecision about Luke. She’d opened her mouth to say something, then changed her mind. There was some dark secret that Bunny was withholding, she was certain of it. When she’d confessed what Ma had said about Luke, she was certain Bunny had something to tell her, but she kept her secret close to her heart.

  Although it annoyed Marigold, a promise is a promise, and if her boss had promised to keep someone’s secret, even if it affected Marigold, then she couldn’t complain. What if she’d shared a secret with Bunny and she told? She’d be more than a little angry about it. No, she couldn’t blame the woman for withholding vital information. Even if it did make her decision more difficult.