Love Inspired Historical November 2014 (56 page)

Leah tried to put on a serious face but her lips continued to twitch as she said, “Did you forget our house has a fireplace in it?”

He felt as if his mind was mottled. “So?”

“It's an open flame.” Leah giggled.

Molly clapped her hands in joy.

Although his thoughts had just been somber, Jake couldn't help but feel the laughter boom within his chest and from his gaping mouth. She'd tricked him. Or had he volunteered? Yes, he'd said it. She'd just weaseled a promise out of him; a promise that he would do all the cooking over an open flame. What she didn't know is that it was a promise he'd freely give again.

They almost felt like a family as they made their way back to the station. Right here, right now, Jake knew he was happier than he'd been in a long time, and that both scared and pleased him. This kind of happiness could only lead to heartbreak.
His
heartbreak.

* * *

It was a little after lunch the next day when Jake rode into Julesburg. The village was named after Jules Beni, the hard-drinking, French-Canadian fur trapper who had established it in 1859 as a trading post.

Jake frowned as he observed the group of rugged shacks interspersed with saloons. During his short months away from the town, it had grown even more dangerous. Men of all types stood on the walkways watching him enter.

He recognized Theodore Rand, one of the pony express riders, and tipped his hat in the young man's direction. Theodore was a good man, but Jake had no desire to stay in this den of thieves any longer than he had to.

In front of the trading post that also served as the home station, Jake got off his horse and tied it to the hitching rail. He made his way inside.

Jim Moore, another express rider, motioned to him once he was inside. Jim sat at a small table off to the right. Jim was big for a pony express rider, at five feet, ten inches tall and weighing about one hundred and sixty pounds. Jake noted that Jim's back was to the wall, not the door. Men learned fast in Julesburg not to sit with their back to the entrance. It wasn't safe.

The two men studied each other. They'd developed a friendship when Jake lived at the home station. Jake knew Jim to be honest and trustworthy.

“What brings you to our little station?” Jim asked, indicating that Jake take a seat to his left where he would also be facing the door.

Jake noticed he and Jim were the only two in the trading post portion of the building. He eased into the chair. “You aren't going to believe this, but I'm looking for a preacher.”

The sound of Jim's chair legs hitting the floor echoed through the quiet room. “Why? You havin' a funeral out at the Frontzs' place?”

The thought of getting married would seem like sudden death to some of the men of this rugged town. “Nope. More like a wedding.”

Jim eased his chair back once more. “Who's the lucky gal?”

“Her name is Leah Hollister.”

The express rider placed a piece of straw between his teeth. “And the gent?”

Jake cleared his throat before answering. “Me.”

The straw moved from one side of Jim's mouth to the other. “You?”

“Yep. I find myself in need of a wife and she needs a husband. Made sense to get married and solve both our problems.”

Jim laughed. “You don't see getting married as putting yourself in a world of different problems?” He swished the straw to the other side of his jaw.

Jake grinned. “I'll let you know.”

“When's the big day?” Jim asked, setting his chair down once more.

“Leah wants a Christmas wedding, so sometime around Christmas.” Jake looked about the trading post. It resembled the general store in South Platte but held different things, such as Indian rugs and pottery.

Jim stood and walked to the coffeepot. “Want a cup?” He held up a chipped mug that he'd pulled from a shelf over his head.

“Love some.” Jake stood also and stretched. With no one else around he felt free to browse the store. “Where's Beni?” he asked, picking up a pair of boots and looking at the size. Too small. He replaced them.

Jim poured the thick brew. “Went over to the livery, said he'd be back in a bit. You know how that goes. He could be gone for the rest of the day. Things have been slow with the storms coming through. Now that they've slacked off some, I'm thinking business will pick up soon. Beni must think so, too, since he's been off at the livery a lot lately.”

A sparkle caught Jake's attention by the counter. He walked to the glass case and looked inside. “I'm surprised Beni has a fancy case like this and that it hasn't been smashed up yet.”

Jim laughed. “Yeah, his wife brought it in filled with those pretty trinkets. Don't expect it will last long. See something you like?” He came over and handed Jake the coffee.

A flower pin with clear stones sparkled up at him. Leah had once mentioned flowers. Maybe she'd like something like that for Christmas. “Is the case locked?”

“Sure is.”

“How much do you think ole Beni will want for that flower pin?”

Jim slapped him on the back. “More than it's worth, I'm sure.”

Jake nodded. His gaze landed on a woman's ready-made coat hanging against the wall. He walked over and pulled it off its hanger. The fabric was a soft blue. Would Leah like it? It looked as if it would fit her. A price tag hung from the sleeve. He whistled low. Instead of putting the coat back, he handed it to Jim.

“Can I buy this now?” he asked.

“Sure can. I'll make sure Beni gets his money,” Jim said, holding out his hand.

Jake laughed. He knew his friend would give the money to Beni. Even if Jim had second thoughts about giving it to him, Beni would get it, one way or another. Fishing in his pocket, Jake pulled out some money and handed the price of the coat to his friend.

He nodded. “I need to be getting back. Could I ask a couple of favors from you?”

Weariness entered Jim's reply. “Depends on what they are.”

“Nothing too hard.” Jake looked at the cash still in his hand. “Would you find out from Beni what he wants for that pin?” He handed some money to Jim. “If it's more than that, pay the difference and I'll pay you back.”

“All right.” Jim stuffed the money into his front pocket. “What's the second request?” He leaned against the counter.

Jake grinned. “If that preacher or another preacher happens to come this way, would you send him to South Platte? The sooner the better.”

Jim's stance relaxed. “That's it?”

Living in Julesburg wasn't easy. Men stole from and killed each other on a regular basis. Jake hated that his friend felt the need to keep his guard up, even around old pals. He slapped Jim on the shoulder. “That's it.”

Jim walked with him to the door. “I heard that the preacher might be coming back this way. I'll be sure and send him to South Platte for you, but are you sure you're ready to settle down?” he asked.

Jake nodded. The question echoed in his mind as he rode back to South Platte. Was he really ready to get married, settle down and have a family? Did he have a choice? With the care of Molly came great responsibility. Leah's pretty blue eyes came to mind. Jake reminded himself that he wasn't going to fall in love, not with Leah, not with anyone. Once more he mentally built an invisible wall around his heart to keep it from being broken.

Chapter Nine

A
week later, Leah leaned forward and listened as Will began to tell them about his latest ride.

“I really thought I was a goner this time.” He inched even closer to the edge of the soft cushions on the settee.

His eyes danced with excitement and the joy of having a good story to tell. Like all good storytellers, he let his statement hang in the air.

Unable to wait any longer, Leah asked, “What happened?” She felt like a little girl again, listening to stories of adventure. Leah was aware that everyone in the room wanted to know the answer to her question as much as she did.

“It was dusk, and I was going through one of the more dangerous areas. Usually I'm alert because of the Indians, outlaws and black bears that frequent around there. Anyway, I looked back over my shoulder,” he said, “and saw them coming...as hard as they could ride after me, yellin' and shootin'.”

Leah held her breath as she waited to hear more.

“Who were you running from this time, Indians or outlaws?” Ike asked in his soft tone.

“Bandits. I pushed Wild Boy as fast as his legs would go. We managed to stay out in front of them but their bullets whizzed about my head like angry mosquitos. It felt as if they would follow me all the way here, but after a few miles their horses must have tired because they fell back.” Will took a deep breath.

“Why would bandits be chasing you, Will?” Leah asked when it became clear he had no more to add to his story.

He grunted as he sat back. “I suppose they thought I was carrying cash in the mailbags.”

“Could be they just wanted his horse, too,” Ike added.

Everyone in the room nodded their agreement. Agnes sat in one of the big chairs mending a shirt for her husband. Ike stood by the fireplace staring into the flames. Leah imagined he was reliving one of his own wild rides. Mr. Frontz held a book with a ragged cover in his hands.

The front door opened and Jake entered the house. “Evening, everyone.”

Leah grinned. She'd been worried about him when he hadn't shown up for dinner.

“I saved a plate for you in the kitchen.” Agnes put her sewing to the side and prepared to stand up.

Leah stopped her. “I'll get it for him. You rest.” She hurried toward the kitchen, aware that her heart beat overtime.

The sound of a cowbell drifted down from the second floor. Leah glanced up the stairs. She wanted to ignore the sound, knowing it was Mr. Dalton summoning someone.

Agnes had given him the bell earlier, since they were both too busy to stay at his side all day. Leah had managed to stay away from the offensive man but poor Agnes had traveled the stairs many times. Leah sighed, knowing it was her turn to go up.

She heard Jake say, “Stay put, Agnes. I'll see what he needs.” There was gruffness to his voice that she hadn't heard before. His boots pounded up the stairs.

Thankful she didn't have to attend to the man, Leah entered the kitchen. The rich smell of fresh bread greeted her. She and Agnes had baked all day. Leah enjoyed baking; something about kneading and working with dough gave her a sense of accomplishment.

Taking Jake's dinner from the warm oven, Leah wondered what Mr. Dalton wanted now. She felt he was well enough to be on his way, but Agnes had insisted he stay upstairs one more day. She'd heard him the night before moving about upstairs. Leah had locked her room, something she'd never felt compelled to do before.

Jake pushed through the kitchen door. “It smells wonderful in here.” He walked to the table and sat down on one of the stools.

Leah carried his plate to him. She placed it on the table and asked, “What did Mr. Dalton want?”

“A drink of water.”

She frowned. He could have gotten the water on his own. So why ask Jake for water?

Jake pulled the plate to him and picked up a slice of fresh bread. Just before taking a bite from it, he said, “I think he was disappointed it was me that came at his summons.”

“Oh?” Leah poured him a glass of apple cider.

He chewed and swallowed. “I think he's taken a shine to you.”

She said the first thing that popped into her mind. “He's vile.”

Jake nodded. “I agree.”

He picked up his fork and dug into the roast beef and potatoes. “After tonight, he'll be gone.”

Relief washed over her like water off a duck's back. “He's leaving, then?”

“Yep. I spoke with Mr. Frontz this morning and we've agreed that he'll be leaving in the morning.” Jake drank deeply from the cider.

Leah sat down on Molly's stool. “I know it's unkind of me to say, but I'm glad he's leaving.” She met Jake's gaze. Intense brown eyes looked back at her.

Jake sat his spoon down and leaned forward. “Leah, if any man ever treats you like he did yesterday morning, tell me.”

So he did know. She'd felt certain he saw the way Mr. Dalton had grabbed her and pulled her toward him. Now she knew for sure that he had. Leah dropped her gaze and nodded her head, even though she doubted she'd bring up such a personal matter with him.

He grunted. “If you are to be my wife, you have to trust me to take care of you. I can't do that if I don't know what is going on. I want to hear you promise you'll tell me.”

Leah sighed. He was right. Married couples shouldn't keep secrets. She raised her head and met his gaze once more. “I promise.”

A smile parted his lips. “Good. Now, would you like to know what I found out in Julesburg today?” He picked up his fork and turned to the roast beef.

What was it with men and their love of leaving a woman hanging with their words? He'd promised to check into finding another preacher to perform their wedding. Had he found one? She saw his lips twitch and realized he was deliberately not telling her. Leah gave in and asked, “What did you find out in Julesburg?”

Jake pushed his plate back and grinned. “Well, a preacher came through not too long ago. My friend said he thought the minister might be coming through again and has promised to send him our way, if he comes.”

At first Leah was excited but then she realized he said “if.” “What if he doesn't come back through?”

“Then we'll have to wait for Preacher John to come back.” As soon as the words exited his lips, Jake knew he'd said the wrong thing. She caught her bottom lip between her teeth and looked away.

He admired her for trying to put up a brave front. “Yes, a spring wedding would be nice, too.”

Why was Leah so set on a Christmas wedding? He picked up his dishes and took them to the wash bucket. Before turning around to face her, Jake finished off the glass of cider. “Well, don't give up hope. I'm trusting a preacher will show up before then.”

Leah offered him a wobbly smile. “Me, too.” She washed his plate and silverware, and rinsed them.

Jake picked up the dish towel and dried. “Tomorrow night I'd like to take some time and read to Molly from the Bible before she goes to bed. Pa read to us every evening before we retired and I thought I'd pick up where he left off.” He put his plate and cup away. Jake was glad Leah didn't object. He hoped by reading to his niece they would grow closer.

He and Leah hadn't talked about where she was in her relationship with the Lord and he wasn't sure how to ask. Jake knew they shouldn't marry if she wasn't a believer.

“That's a good idea, Jake.” Leah handed him the silverware. “I read every evening but hadn't thought to read the Bible to her. I should have.”

If she read from the Bible, surely Leah was a believer. Jake worked up the courage and asked, “So, you are a believer?”

Leah nodded. “Oh, yes. I've been a Christian since I was eight years old.” Her pride in her faith spoke volumes.

“I'm glad. Where do you think would be a good place to start reading to her from? She's only four, and I want her to understand what I'm reading.” He dried the fork and knife, taking more time than was actually needed.

She tossed the dishwater out the back door. “I'd start in Genesis. Molly won't understand most of it but you will be giving her a foundation, and if you continue with the readings, she'll learn.”

Jake hung the dish towel up and turned to face her. “We'd better get back in there before they come looking for us.” He opened the door to let her pass before him. He inhaled her clean scent as she walked past. Had she always smelled so fresh and wholesome? He pushed the thought aside. It wouldn't do to allow any type of feelings to grow for Leah.

* * *

Saturday morning dawned bright and sunshiny. Leah awoke to Molly jumping on the bed beside her. “I'm up, you little monkey.”

Molly ran to the closet. She climbed onto the box that she used to get her dresses down.

Leah knew the child was excited because Jake had promised to take her ice skating. According to him it was going to be an afternoon of fun. Leah had her doubts, since she didn't know how to skate. “Molly, we're not going to the river until after lunch.”

Molly ignored her and pulled down her favorite blue dress.

“If you wear that one, you might tear it. Why don't you wear the brown one?”

The little girl shook her head. Over the past few days, Molly had become more stubborn and forceful in what she wanted to do.

Leah tossed the covers off and immediately felt the coolness of the room. “Let me rephrase that. Molly—” she allowed a sternness to enter her voice “—wear the brown one.”

Again the four-year-old shook her head.

“All right, then, I guess you can stay with Agnes while we go skating.” Leah walked around the child and pulled down her own brown dress. It had seen a lot of wear and if she happened to rip the hem, it could be easily repaired.

Molly stomped her foot and held up the blue dress.

“You can wear the blue, if you want to. But you will not be going skating in it. Either put on the brown dress or stay home.” Leah turned her back on the little girl and pulled on her own clothes. She refused to argue with Molly.

She heard Molly return to the closet. Fighting the urge to look, Leah sat down at the dressing table and began to put her hair up. Since she was wearing her brown dress, Leah chose a blue ribbon to weave into her hair. Brown wasn't her favorite color, either, but it was sensible to wear on an outing that could result in damage.

Molly came to stand beside her.

Leah turned to her and saw that the little girl had put on the brown dress. Her bottom lip stuck out in a pout. “Since you are being a good girl and doing as I asked, I'll let you wear the pink ribbon today.”

Molly nodded, but her expressive brown eyes spoke volumes regarding her unhappiness. She cradled her doll in her arms as Leah pulled her hair up in a ponytail.

They finished dressing and went downstairs. The doll's head bumped on each step. Molly seemed to have forgotten her misery over the dress and skipped to the kitchen.

Leah heard Agnes say, “Don't you look pretty this morning.”

She pushed the kitchen door open and inhaled the sweet scent of baking ham. Her gaze moved to Agnes, who held Molly in her arms.

“I'm sorry we're running so late this morning,” Leah apologized.

Agnes smiled. “You aren't late. Today is Saturday. We agreed that you get to sleep in today and I get to sleep in tomorrow.”

“Yes, but I meant to come down sooner.”

The older woman sat Molly down and waved her comment away. “I saved you both a plate of eggs and bacon. Go ahead and sit down while I get them for you.”

Molly scrambled up on her stool. She smiled broadly as Agnes set the plate down in front of her.

“I declare, I think small fry is growing,” she announced as soon as Leah had finished saying grace.

Molly tucked into her breakfast as if she hadn't eaten in weeks. She took a moment to grin up at Agnes.

Leah nodded. “I'm afraid so. I'm going to have to make her some new dresses at the rate she's shooting up.” She wondered if she should mention to Jake that Molly needed two new dresses.

Agnes pulled a chair up and sat down, too. She cupped a mug of coffee between her palms. “What time are you heading out to the river?”

“Shortly after lunch. Why? Do you need me to do something for you?” Leah buttered a slice of bread and handed it to Molly.

“No. I was just thinking that if you and Jake don't mind, perhaps Charlie and I could join you. It's been ages since I've been ice skating.” Agnes rolled the mug in her hands. Her gaze locked on the liquid within.

Leah reached across and laid her hand on Agnes's arm. “I think that's a great idea. The more the merrier.”

Happiness filled the older woman's eyes. “I'm glad you feel that way. I thought maybe we could slice up this ham, some bread and maybe cheese and take that with us.”

Molly clapped her hands and reached for another slice of bread. She held it up for Leah to butter.

“If you keep eating like this, I might have to get you bigger shoes, too. You are going to fill your little ones up with bread and butter,” Leah teased her, handing back the bread. She returned her attention to Agnes. “I wish there was a place to sit out there. It's going to be cold on that ice, and I'll be honest, I'd rather watch than skate.”

Agnes tapped her fingers against the cup. “I'll see what I can get the boys to come up with.” She raised her gaze to look at Leah. A teasing grin touched her lips. “I'll dig out my skates and we can share them, I believe our feet are about the same size and then you can at least try it.”

Leah laughed. “We'll see.” She took a bite of bacon and eggs, then sighed. Agnes's meals always tasted better than her own.

Molly slipped off the stool, taking her doll with her. She went to a low cupboard and pulled out a pretty white tea set with pink flowers on it.

“Are you supposed to be playing with that?” Leah asked, worried the child would break it.