It was almost an hour before Jamie was able to tear himself loose of the overwrought Texan. Since the bully refused to leave town, Jamie pressed charges to keep Angelica safe. He let Clifford know he had no intention of marrying his woman when he was, in fact, sworn to another.
The sheriff locked Clifford Parksview behind bars, mostly to stifle his mockery of what he called “backward small-town justice.” He claimed his lawyer would have him out before nightfall, and the idea appeared to set Angelica to shaking all over again.
Jamie accompanied her to the telegraph office to wire a message to her Father before depositing her on the doorstep of her cousin’s house. He strongly advised her to deal with her own problems and keep him out of it.
Once outside, he raced toward the newspaper. Every minute he’d spent away from Tariana seemed like forever. She would imagine all sorts of things, and he feared for the tender heart he’d vowed to protect the night before.
When he barged inside, Miss Freedman was standing over Tariana, giving instruction. The newswoman turned to look at Jamie. “May I help you?” Miss Freedman asked.
“I was wondering if I could speak with Miss Gracin?”
“I’m afraid my young protégé has been inspired and is experimenting with an article for the paper.”
“What time are you done, Tariana? I’ll walk you home.”
Without a glance his way, she answered. “I know my way home, Mr. Sackerton. You needn’t bother.” Tariana continued to write feverishly on the paper in front of her.
Miss Freedman shrugged her shoulders and pointed to the door. “Thank you for dropping by, sir. You will probably want to be the first to read this strong, opinionated piece of news coming out later this week.”
Jamie fumed all afternoon. He’d wanted to take Tariana to lunch, to show her how much he cared, but all he’d gotten was trouble. He did feel sorry for Angelica, not understanding her way of life and the men who controlled it, but that was it. He hoped never to cross paths with her again.
Later in the day, he noticed the sheriff escort the troublemaker to the depot and put him on a southbound train. Guess his lawyer was faster than expected, or the man had given up on his quest. The whistle blew as the train pulled out, and Jamie felt relieved that Angelica was safe, and the scoundrel was headed back to his own kind.
Jamie worked on the top deck of The Misty Marion the rest of the afternoon. Re-creating that large piece of iron had been the best part of his day so far.
Just before quitting time, the blasted woman showed up on the dock. She stood patiently, waiting for him to start down the plankway.
Jamie groaned, weary of this cat and mouse chase.
Once clear of the vessel, she rushed over and threw herself into his arms. Tears erupted with the force of a waterfall. For lack of knowing what to do, he held her while his peers looked on, giving him the nod. They all wanted her – why hadn’t they made a move? He could care less.
He took out his hankie and passed it to her. “Dry up the tears, Miss Scinch and please go find comfort in someone else’s arms.”
“Oh, Jamie – you’re angry with me.” She pouted. “You asked me to make your girl jealous. I figured you owed me a payback.”
Jamie sighed. “I suppose I did. Now, we’re even. Have a good day.” He turned to leave, and she pulled him back.
“Things have changed drastically, Jamie. I need to get married, and you are the only one I trust in this town.”
“I am not marrying you, but I could find many prospects for you to interview that would like nothing better.”
“But we have history,” she argued.
He frowned. “A short history. I have been sworn to another, and will not trade love for a marriage of convenience.”
Angelica scowled. “You’re still chasing the preacher’s daughter? Talk is she’s locked herself in the newspaper office, and she won’t see you.”
The grapevine was in full-swing that day. He saw Petrie headed their way and beckoned him over. When he arrived, he took off his hat and bowed ever so slightly toward Angelica.
Jamie liked that the bloke had manners, at least. “Petrie, so glad you happened by,” he said. “I was telling Miss Scinch here, that your family owns a grand spread outside of town, and with her being from Texas, you both have cattle in common.”
“You know I hate the beasts, Jamie,” Petrie said. “That’s why I’m toiling on the ship.”
Jamie winked. “But it is a good place to start a conversation with the lady. See how she feels about the critters. She’s had a rough day. Perhaps dinner?” His gaze covered them both as he passed Angelica’s arm off to the surprised young man. “I must be off. You two have a wonderful evening.”
He tipped his hat to Angelica and fled, never once looking back.
The door to the newspaper was locked, but Jamie could see the women moving around inside. He knocked, and when it was ignored, he pounded. “You’re behaving like a child, Tariana,” he yelled. “If things are to go well between us, we’ll need face-to-face honesty, not sulking in the corner like a coward.”
He watched as Tariana stormed toward the door. Her eyes seemed to bulge and shoot sparks his way like an uncontrollable fire. She slid the bolt, flung the door open, and slapped his face – in one swift movement. “Go home, Jamie Sackerton,” she said, “and we’ll pretend yesterday never happened. I will pray to God that we can return to the comfort of our former days.” She started to close the door, but he stuck his foot in the gap. “Go home, Jamie!” she repeated.
“I won’t leave until you listen to reason.”
From inside, Miss Freedman interrupted. “Miss Gracin? This is a place of business, and I will not allow such behavior here. Your day is finished. You may go home now. I suggest you settle this argument before you return tomorrow.” She passed Tariana her parasol and bag, and opened the door wide for her to leave.
As soon as they had cleared the building, Tariana turned on Jamie. “Now, look what you’ve done. You’ve compromised my position in the workplace. I would never do that to you.” Her pace quickened, and she flipped open the sunshade, nearly poking him in the face, then stepped into the street to cross over.
Jamie spotted a team of horses pulling a wagon, heading their way. Tariana appeared oblivious, and he yanked her back onto the platform in the nick of time.
The driver cursed the pair, and hit the lines on the backs of the animals, and sped away.
“Be sensible, Tariana. You nearly got yourself killed.”
“And who would care?”
That was crazy talk. Of course, people cared. He pulled her into an alley between two stores and pinned her wrists against the wall. “We will have this out, woman.”
“You’re showing your true colors, Jamie. All that gallant talk about respecting my independence…”
“This has nothing to do with your freedom to be all that God created you to be. This is about hiding behind your stubborn pride to justify your fears.”
“Enlighten me – what am I afraid of?”
“You’re afraid of me. Or to be more specific, us.”
“Well, it appears your Angelica fears that her Texan beau is aware that she is yours. That’s the way I see it.”
“You see wrong.”
“She came by to visit me earlier. Told me in detail about how you two met. Described the devious scheme right down to the 4th of July kiss she gave you. She said it was a joke at first, but lately, you’ve grown closer, and she has every intention of winning you for herself.”
Jamie fumed. “She does, does she? And I have no say?”
“Men are fickle, mere pawns in a game of chess for a determined woman.”
He lifted his brow and leveled a gaze on Tariana, who quickly added, “Her words, not mine.”
“And you honestly believe, that after last night, I’d settle for anyone other than you?”
“I was just a weak moment on your part.” Tariana lowered her head. He lifted her chin with his
finger and held her gaze.
“Moments I want to repeat for the rest of my life…with you, and no one else.”
“Why do things always get complicated?”
“Because we have not laid out the ground rules between us.” He witnessed her hesitation. Rules would not be comforting for her. “Tariana, all I expect from you is trust and honesty. If you return my love, I will be the happiest man in Oregon, but either way, it won’t deter me from loving you, forever, until death do us part.”
“Your death could have easily happened today!” Tariana exclaimed.
“Don’t get sidetracked,” he said. “If we learn to confront one another honestly, talk out our problems or misunderstandings instead of responding with tantrums, then you and I will be fine. We can tackle whatever setbacks life throws our way.” He clung to her hands. “I loved you last night, and that did not change when the sun came up.”
“I suppose I did over react, but she clung to you and has told everyone the two of you are headed for the altar. People are gossiping. How can I compete with that?”
“Really? Miss Independent is asking advice on how to usurp her position in the battle for my affections?”
“Your head is beginning to swell, Mr. Sackerton.”
“Tariana, we will show a united front. I will take you everywhere, be at your beck and call, and hopefully the Texan will soon lose her patience. You can help by introducing her to our friends. I saddled her with Petrie earlier. For her, a match is all about finding a safe place. She is afraid to go home, and I don’t blame her if Clifford Parksview is her destiny.”
“That bully is from her hometown?”
“The one, daddy, has slated for her to marry. Appears he doesn’t mind if his daughter is abused at the hands of a gold digger.”
Tariana grinned, and Jamie asked. “What’s going on inside that brain of yours?”
“I feel a story coming on. Women’s rights being squished at the hands of their oppressors. Arranged marriages are barbaric. I believe I will go tomorrow to interview the girl.”
“I don’t want you near her. Who knows what lies she will tell to set you off, storming again?”
“I thought you said honesty was the new rule. I choose to believe you and only you, and if the doubts rear their ugly heads, I will head your way so you can clear them up.”
“Perfect! You were listening.”
“Do you think me such a featherbrain that I don’t know a good deal when it’s standing in front of me?” Tariana asked. “I did not profess my love last night as I was taken aback from the effects of the kiss, but I possess a clear mind now. You should know, Jamie Sackerton, that while stumbling somewhere between friendship and matrimony, I am confident we will discover any necessary concessions rather pleasant.”
His heart could stand no more. Secured within the shadows of the building, he leaned in and claimed her mouth. “Be mine, Tariana.”
“The moment I turn eighteen,” she said glibly.
Jamie groaned. “Waiting will not be easy.”
“Well, I’m not going anywhere, Jamie, so you best hang onto the thought of us and I expect you to furnish a whirlwind courtship come next spring.”
“I shall definitely look forward to that,” Jamie said.
“And someday, we can tell our children, that I proposed to you in an alleyway, while hiding out from our nosy neighbors.”
They chuckled at the ill-behaved start to their future. “We will have many stories to tell of our past, but it’s the new ones we will make from here on in that I will cherish most,” Tariana said. “To think that one could marry her best friend – it still boggles my mind.”
Jamie leaned in and sealed the promise with a kiss.
Epilogue
Tariana and Jamie enjoyed a whirlwind courtship. One month following her eighteenth birthday, the couple began to plan their wedding. It would be less formal than the event Frances had organized for herself, even though her dress alone had kept conversations buzzing for months afterward. Surprisingly enough, Tariana’s wedding would be more extravagant than the wealthy Angelica’s rushed ceremony and swift departure with Petrie to start fresh on the coast. It seemed riches had lost its appeal for the Texan girl when she was faced with the prospect of a tyrant for a husband.
The New Northwest weekly newspaper became a must-have for most local residents. Tariana had proven her worth writing columns, and Miss Freedman printed almost every piece she handed in for approval. The woman-in-the-know claimed that Tariana had a soft touch with words and a tone that stirred emotions in people. She could proclaim justice for women in such a way that got people thinking and not reacting. The spinster assured Tariana this was a rare gift.
As a wife, Tariana would write her articles at home while doing chores. In her spare time, she scoured the streets, looking for inspirational news to report. Three days a week, she’d go into the office to help set up the press and do the final proofreading. Tariana was thrilled to continue working in the industry. She loved the written word and appreciated the value the paper served within their growing community.
Tariana sat erect in her chair while Frances fussed with her hair. Sprigs of baby’s breath weaved throughout the strawberry blonde curls on top while tresses cascaded down her back. Jamie liked Tariana’s hair down. Her eyes shone bright with excitement. It was a big step, but one she was ready to leap any obstacle to attain. When she slipped into the simple yet, elegant gown, her heart quickened. “Is this really happening?” she whispered.
“It is,” Frances said, “and if you are only half as happy as Michael and I, you’ll know God’s choice is always the best.”
“Oh, Frances. There never was a choice of suiters for me…well, besides my obsession with Michael.” She giggled, recalling how immature she’d been just one short year ago. “It’s always been Jamie. He loves me for who I am. There is no need to play games with him, and we wouldn’t have ‘us’ any other way.”
“Just remember that your man may have dreams, too,” Frances said. “Marriage is a give and take relationship, from the day you marry until the day you die.”
“I’d give Jamie anything he wants or needs. He asks for so little. The man deserves my respect and support. After all his exploration into learning other skills, he is back at his father’s shop, The Sackerton Smithy and loving it. The business has expanded into creating all kinds of decorative items, not just servicing the practical needs of the community. I had no idea there are so many useful and frivolous things one can create with metal, and a bit of imagination. They can hardly keep up with the orders.”
“That is good news. And what of the honeymoon?”
Tariana laughed. “We are going against tradition, with a weekend ride in a small cruiser a friend of his owns, and then back to our property to finish up the house.”
“Working on your honeymoon? It’s unthinkable,” Frances practically shrieked.
“Being together is all that matters. Doing the construction of our home has only bonded us deeper. Think of the tales we will tell our children.”
“I suppose I’m not surprised. You never follow the conventional route. It’s a quality I’ve grown to love over this past year.”
“Good, because I would hate to disappoint my matron of honor.” Tariana wiggled impatiently in her seat. “Can we leave for the church soon? I might burst with joy before I get to say my vows.”
Mother stood at the door. “I was just coming to get you. The congregation has arrived and are waiting with bated breath for the bride to appear.” She came and kissed Tariana on her cheek. “I have not told you enough how proud I am of you, daughter. I pray God will bless this union, and that you will leave a wonderful legacy for other daring women to follow.”
“Thank you, Mother. It means so much to me to make an impact on the world around me – for God and for women.”
“And you shall,” Ada said. “But today, you have an impatient groom standing at the altar, waiting for you to complete his
life, as well.”
The three women linked arms and headed downstairs and crossed the threshold of Tariana’s childhood home, before walking the short distance to the church.
Ada Gracin was the first up the aisle. She took her place in the front pew with Cherise, Samantha and Evelyn.
The music started. Frances strolled casually toward the front of the church and stood opposite the groom at the altar. Tariana saw her wink at Michael, who stood beside Jamie, and her heart soared. They were so happy – and to think, she’d almost ruined it. Thank God, he’d forgiven her, along with Jamie, and her family.
The Wedding March began when she walked from the vestibule into the sanctuary. Tariana’s focus never deviated from Jamie. There would be time for well-wishers later, but for now, Jamie was all that mattered. All of the fuss with her morning grooming paid off, for she could see his eyes dance with pleasure at the sight of his bride. Tariana grinned – she could almost hear his heart laughing.
Yes, they would have a good life together. God’s plan had proven best, and in the future, she’d never overstep His guidance…at least, not on purpose. Funny the things one thinks on that long walk down the aisle, but what consumed her most at this moment was the happily-ever-after marriage that she and Jamie would begin after the blessed wedding ceremony.
The End
Yours Truly: The Lovelorn Series
YOUR'S TRULY: THE LOVELORN, a multi-author sweet historical romance series, puts an old-fashioned spin on the modern-day “Dear Abby”-style newspaper articles. Be sure to read all the books in this series!
Readers – look for these books in this series:
1 - Dear Lovelorn – Marie Higgins
2 – Brilliant in Boston – Lynn Donovan
3 – Secretive in Sacramento – Marie Higgins
4 – Lost in Laramie – Margaret Tanner
5 – Confused in Colorado – Cat Cahill
6 – Torn in Toronto - Wendy May Andrews
7 – Deserted in Dodge – Patricia PacJac Carroll
8 – Obsessed in Oregon – Marlene Bierworth
Obsessed in Oregon (Yours Truly: The Lovelorn Book 8) Page 10