Adaline didn’t know what Tabitha was talking about. Rarely did anyone ever outshine the bookshop owner.
“I wonder where your Aunt Roberta is?” Hunter asked, still standing close. “I would have thought they’d all come together.”
“Your Aunt Roberta, too,” Tabitha said, a slight giggle to her tone. “She’ll be along with Mother. The two are probably primping. This party is the most anticipated event of the year. I’m sure they want to make an entrance once everyone else is here.”
“I’m sure you’re right,” Hunter affirmed. “Think I’ll go inspect the food table and leave you two ladies to your girl talk.” He ambled away.
Still no Dalton. She looked in every corner and even upstairs. Where was he? Had he decided not to come? Did he think he had to stay in the sheriff’s office and watch the town? Her heart sank. Without him, the party wouldn’t be fun in the slightest. The room was so full, seeing who entered was nearly impossible.
“Are you waiting for someone special, Adaline?” Tabitha asked.
Was she? She didn’t want to fib, but what else could she do? Waiting for Dalton was a lost cause. Not only did he think of her as just a girl, but he still had feelings for Susanna. Maybe he’d never get over her. “Not really, just enjoying the moment. And I am waiting for Courtney. Because of the snow, I haven’t seen her for days. I’m not happy we’re living apart. I know it’s temporary until we’re truly settled, but I worry about her. She hasn’t made an easy transition to Logan Meadows.” Tabitha’s concerned gaze warmed her. “She’s the only little sister I have, and I don’t want to see her unhappy.”
Tabitha ran a hand down Adaline’s arm. “I understand your concern. Maybe we can dream up some ideas to help her settle in.”
A burst of laughter sounded at the entrance. Chase and the gang from the Broken Horn moved through the crowd, their faces red from the cold. Jake and Daisy followed while Tyler stayed close to Courtney’s side. Adaline liked Tyler. She was glad he’d taken an interest in Courtney and gave her someone besides family to confide in.
When she saw Dalton above the others, Adaline’s heart lurched into her throat. He was with Frank Lloyd, and the two were laughing about something.
When Dalton noticed Albert and Susanna at the refreshment table, he hurried their way.
They made room for him and struck up a conversation.
Tabitha smiled. “So. The secret love is Dalton Babcock. I’ve wondered about the two of you since you arrived in town.” She looked over at Dalton and his group and then back at Adaline. “Is he aware of your feelings?”
What could saying so hurt? Adaline was tired of keeping everything tucked away inside. Like Courtney, she needed a friend, too.
“Adaline?”
“He thinks me just a girl.” That’s all she would say. Mentioning Susanna did no one any good. She’d not make her friend the scapegoat.
Tabitha took Adaline’s hands and tipped her head. “You sure about that? I distinctly got another impression.”
Was she wearing her heart on her sleeve for all to notice? Her face warmed. “Positive.”
“Love is fickle, dear one. Don’t count yourself out until you want to be out. Look at me and Hunter. I’d never have thought we’d end up together—and here we are. Husband and wife and as happy as two little clams in the same shell.”
A spark of hope seared Adaline’s heart. The confident smile on Tabitha’s lips gave her courage. Did the bookshop owner know what she was talking about? Adaline wanted to believe she did, to have hope, but doing so was dangerous, too.
Chapter Fifty-Three
Dalton could hardly contain his excitement. Above and beyond his call to keep an eye out for Wil Lemon, especially tonight at the party, he’d finally have Jake where he wanted him. Jake had left the sheriff’s office by the time Dalton returned from filling the coffeepot. Speaking with him tonight would be Dalton’s first course of action. As Dalton entered the hall, he’d caught sight of Adaline, looking more beautiful than ever, across the room with Tabitha. Tonight was their night—but only after he spoke with Jake. Jake just might dash all hope, and Dalton better keep any thoughts of Adaline in check before he got ahead of himself. The only reason Dalton wasn’t imprisoned right now, but was here tonight to celebrate Christmas, was because Jake had been honorable, brave, and clever. Jake had risked his own neck in Newport to save his.
I owe Jake everything! But I’ll fight for my love. I’ll make Jake see I’m the one to make his sister happy.
Now was Dalton’s chance.
Jake and Daisy made their way across the room, hand in hand.
“Jake,” Dalton called, following quickly and halving the distance between them.
The couple stopped and turned. Daisy reached up on tiptoe and kissed Jake on the cheek before hurrying away.
“Dalton?”
“I hope I didn’t scare Daisy away.” He watched her go, actually relieved he wouldn’t create curiosity when asking to speak with Jake in private.
“No, she’s anxious to see what everyone is wearing, how they’ve styled their hair, and so on and so forth. At social events, I can’t keep her around for long.”
Dalton glanced around quickly and leaned closer. “I need a moment of your time before the shindig really gets underway. Can we speak in private?”
His brows drew together. “Fine. What about?”
“Not here.” Dalton hitched his head toward the stairway leading to the second-story landing. “Follow me.”
A hive of bees erupted inside of Dalton, knowing this was the moment. He wouldn’t back out now. The view of the community center from up there was splendid. He could observe the whole room, as well as Adaline and Tabitha standing below.
The two women leaned close together, talking.
He wondered about the topic of their conversation. The feel of her lips had been branded on his mind since his visit to the Red Rooster the day Tommy Hollyhock had returned. As brief as the kiss had been, he couldn’t get the moment off his mind. This talk with Jake was long overdue.
“This about Wil? Has the skunk been found?”
“No. But I have no doubt he’s still around. I’m keeping close watch. As are others.”
“If not Wil, what’s on your mind? I’m anxious to get back to Daisy. Some other cowboy might catch her eye.”
The last was said in jest, and they both smiled.
Dalton’s mouth went dry. “I wanted to speak to you about Adaline.”
Jake dropped his gaze to his sister downstairs, then lifted it at Dalton. “Adaline? What about Adaline?”
This was his moment of truth. Dalton had rehearsed in his mind a hundred times the words he wanted to say, now he just had to spit them out. Chickening out at this point was not an option. “I’m in love with her.” He waited for Jake’s reaction. A silly grin crept across Jake’s face.
“I’ve known that for some time. So?”
Dalton dropped his gaze to the floor. What did he mean? Jake knew he had feelings for his sister but hadn’t said anything to discourage him because of the age difference? At this point, just about everyone in Logan Meadows had either heard about or met Violet’s son, Tommy. The age difference between him and Beth was substantial. Dalton would mention them if the conversation didn’t go his way.
A burst of laughter from below drew their attention to a group of women where Susanna and Hannah, as well as Roberta, Brenna, Courtney, and Nell had joined Adaline and Tabitha.
They were chattering faster than a nest of squirrels working on a walnut tree. Adaline must have felt his gaze and glanced up.
He gave a slight nod and smiled, although he felt as if an apple had suddenly wedged inside his throat. “I’m not sure what to make of your response, Jake,” he finally got out. “You’ve told me what you think of Wil Lemon and Courtney. The age difference between me and Adaline is greater than theirs. I’ve fought the feeling as long as I can—or plan to. I need to kno
w how you’d feel about me courting her.”
Jake held out his hands, palms up. “Why? You don’t need my permission.”
“You risked your life to save mine. And with your father gone, you’re the head of the household.”
Jake scoffed. “Are you comparing yourself to Wil Lemon? With Wil, the age difference bothered my pa because of his dishonest character. A fellow like him is out to get what he can, no matter who he ruins. Rumors circulated he pushed a young woman over a cliff in Newport, but her parents have no proof, and Wil’s comrades gave him an alibi. She was nice and respectable, like Courtney. As long as Wil gets what he wants, nothin’ else matters.” A slow smile broke across Jake’s face. “Dalton, you must know you’re nothing like Wil. I’d be proud to call you brother. That is, if my sister will have you. Are the two of you moving that way?”
Were they? “You might say that. Or, at least, I hope we are.”
Jake slapped him on the shoulder and then pulled him into a bear hug. “Well, man, get busy. Nothin’ I’d like better than to hear you two are betrothed.”
Dalton swallowed. “There’s another problem. I’m not gainfully employed. I do have an offer back in San Francisco from the Fords. I’d take Adaline with me.”
Jake’s smile fell away. “San Francisco? No, I wouldn’t like her going at all. Not after just finding her. My father wanted us to be a family here in Logan Meadows. Together. San Francisco’s a long way away.”
Dalton hefted a sigh. “I know, I know. I thought as much.”
Jake pulled back, his eyes wide. “You giving up so easily?”
“No. But I don’t want to break Adaline’s heart, either. She won’t want to leave you and Courtney. She loves her family. And I can’t marry her and stay here if I don’t have a way to support her. She deserves to have the best. As you know, my employment ends in about twenty days. And then I’m once again living from day to day.”
Jake rubbed his chin for a long second. “Maybe I spoke too quickly. I guess Adaline’s happiness is more important than my own. I know I’d want to go wherever Daisy went, wouldn’t matter to me the location. I’m devoted to the folks here in town; the Logans gave me everything, but Daisy is my destiny. If Adaline is willing to move, who am I to stop her? To stand in the way of her happiness? I think such a decision should be up to her and you.”
Hope sprouted in Dalton’s chest. Maybe their love had a chance. And then again, she had been acting quite differently for a number of days. Perhaps his heart was about to be broken, not hers. Only one way to find out.
Gabe tuned up his guitar and Seth his fiddle.
People moved down the long tables laden with food, filling their plates.
Dalton assumed the dancing would commence and then, at some point, he’d be asked to announce who won the Christmas contest. He’d better get downstairs, test the waters with Adaline, and keep an eye on Courtney. He didn’t want anyone else dancing with Adaline even once. He wanted her all to himself!
Chapter Fifty-Four
Courtney surveyed the room as she nibbled the slice of spiced pumpkin bread she held to keep her hands steady. Was there any chance under heaven and earth Wil would actually stay away? Had he taken her words to heart and decided to let bygones be bygones? Knowing him the way she did, even if he had forgiven their past and had no intention of exposing her, he’d not likely miss out on a chance to ruin her in front of everyone—or a free meal.
By now, most everyone had eaten, and the time had come to delve into the delectable desserts. The sweets table was full to overflowing with choices, but Courtney’s nerves made even finishing the small morsel in her hand difficult. She set what was left on an abandoned plate.
Chocolate and white powder ringed Markus Donovan’s and Nate Preston’s mouths as they darted off.
Jovial laughter and talking floated on the air.
Win, dressed in his Sunday best, had joined Seth and Gabe on the stage with a mandolin. Until this moment, she hadn’t known he played. Eddie Brinkley ambled up with another violin. As they warmed up, sweet music filled the room.
So many aspects of Logan Meadows to discover. The thought of leaving now pulled gently at her heartstrings, and a sad aching pulsated inside. This town could have been home. Where she lived, loved, married, and died. If she were honest with herself, more likely than not, this would be her last night as a respected citizen.
“Here you are.” Adaline stepped out of the crowd. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere. Are you feeling all right, Courtney?” She briefly glanced around. “Why are you here all alone?”
Adaline looked beautiful. Little golden ringlets framed her face, and the dress she’d been given for tonight fit perfectly. She’d do well in Logan Meadows and was doing so already. Courtney’s heart stirred with sadness. She knew what she had to do. “I’ve been waiting for you.”
Adaline’s head tipped. “Well, good. I’ve wanted a word with you all week. How are you? I’m worried about you. I miss seeing you every day.”
All these other questions could wait. Courtney didn’t know when Wil would pop out of the woodwork with his exciting announcement. At least Courtney could soften the blow for Adaline by telling her now. “I have something I need to tell you, Adaline. And I want you to hear the words from me.” She searched her sister’s worried face.
“Yes? Go on.”
This was the most difficult moment of her life.
“Courtney?”
“Wil’s coming here tonight. He’ll have some things to say about me.” Her throat tightened. “I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am. For all the trouble and heartache I’ve caused our family. The worry Papa suffered before he died because of me. I was a horrible daughter … and sister.”
Shock registered on Adaline’s face. “Stop speaking so! I won’t hear another word. The past is the past, where the past will stay. We must look forward only. I won’t have you speaking so harshly about yourself.”
People had moved farther away from where the two stood. This was her chance. “Please listen, Adaline. I don’t have much time. Wil’s going to expose me. Share with everyone the things we did together back in Newport. I tried to stop him every way I knew how. Nothing worked, not even begging. He demanded I steal from the Logans to pay him a hundred dollars for shaming him. If I complied, he promised he’d stay quiet. I just couldn’t.”
Adaline’s face blanched. She reached out.
But Courtney stepped back and wrapped her arms around her middle. “Please, let me finish while I’m still brave enough to speak. I’m not an innocent any longer. You were correct about me and him. Right all along. He never forced me. I could have walked away any time I wanted. But I didn’t want to. I wanted to be with him. Now, I feel differently and am so sorry for my actions.”
Adaline began to shiver. Even in the dim, romantic light of the candles and lanterns, the tears filling her eyes were visible. “What do you mean? He’s coming here tonight … to the party?”
“That’s my punishment for running out on him, and then making him a laughingstock. I expect him, but he hasn’t yet shown up.”
“Let’s leave! I’ll go with you!” She caught her sister’s arm and tried to pull her away.
“That won’t matter, Adaline. He’ll have his say, whether I’m here or not. My reputation will be ruined.”
“Does Jake know?”
Courtney dropped her gaze. Adaline would be angry she’d been kept out of her confidences, but she couldn’t help that now. “He does. He caught me and Wil in a compromising situation after Father died. I was so ashamed. They fought, and Wil tried to kill Jake and would have if Jake hadn’t gotten the upper hand. I finally came to my senses and saw what kind of a man Wil Lemon actually was. He’d have killed a man for protecting his sister.”
“That’s the night you finally agreed to leave Newport with us and travel to Logan Meadows?”
Courtney nodded, surprised her sister hadn’t already b
lown up. Adaline just looked sad. Courtney was sorry to be the one to extinguish the beauty shining in her eyes. “Yes. I’ll never forget the sight of Wil slashing at Jake with his knife. The look in his eyes froze my blood. Jake promised not to tell a soul, not even you or Daisy. But every moment thereafter, I was terrified I might be carrying Wil’s child. Then, the day of Jake and Daisy’s wedding, my prayers were answered.”
Adaline stared at her face, surely stunned speechless.
“My secret would have been safe if Wil hadn’t come to Logan Meadows. I wanted to tell you tonight. To prepare you. So you wouldn’t be shocked to death with everyone else. I’m so sorry I didn’t listen to you, Adaline.” Guilt pushed down on her shoulders and her heart ached. “I was foolish and stupid—and mean. I’ll never forgive myself.”
Adaline reached out and gently brushed away the scalding tear escaping Courtney’s eye. “Everyone makes mistakes, little sister. Not a person in this room doesn’t have regrets. You must forgive yourself. We’re all only human. We do the best we can.”
Adaline’s eyes were actually smiling. Courtney felt loved, even now, after her shocking confession. She stepped into Adaline’s arms, and the two embraced, letting everyone and everything else fall away.
Moments later, Adaline stepped back, her eyes watery. “Maybe he won’t come.”
“He’ll come. He’s just making me sweat.” She squared her shoulders. “And actually, since I’ve told you, I don’t mind. I feel stronger every minute he stays away.”
The band started up and two by two, couples populated the dance floor. Over Adaline’s shoulder, Courtney saw Dalton heading their way. Tall, with wide, straight shoulders, combed-back hair, and a sparkle in his eye, he looked devilishly handsome tonight. Jake had told him some about Wil, but not the whole story—never the whole story. Now she wished he had. His knowing would be one less look of condemnation and betrayal she’d have to endure when the time arrived.
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