The Bridal Swap (12 page)

The decision was simple.

Josh and Caleb rolled into Gatlinburg midmorning on Saturday. The downed tree had cost them half a day’s travel time, delaying their return. Josh was tired, hungry and in need of a bath and a shave. But he was glad to be back.

As eager as he was to pay a visit to Chad Fulton, first he had to see Kate. Knowing her, she was worrying about his prolonged absence. And he needed to see for himself that she was safe.

When the wagon came abreast of his future furniture store, he glanced over and got the shock of his life. What was Kate doing in there?

Yanking on the reins, he guided the team to the side of the street. Caleb shot him a sharp look.

“I need to speak with Kate.” He leaped down. “Would you mind waitin’ a spell?”

“Never mind.” He climbed down the other side. “I’ll walk the rest of the way.”

Josh made it to the door in four long strides. She glanced up at the sound of the bell, her eyes widening at the sight of him. A bell? Since when had Fulton installed a bell?

“Josh!” Straightening from her spot in the midst of a mountain of trunks and crates, she approached him with a welcoming smile.

“I’m so happy you’re back! When you didn’t return last night, I started imagining all sorts of terrible things.”

He hesitated, his befuddled brain trying to make sense of what he was seeing. “What are you doing here? Are you lost?”

She laughed. “No, I’m not lost.”

“Were you looking for Mr. Fulton? Do you need to speak to him about something?”

“My business with Mr. Fulton is complete.”

“What business?”

She splayed her hand wide. “I’m a new business owner.”

As her words penetrated, his gaze shot to her face. She looked nervous. Expectant.

“I don’t understand.”

“I bought this place. You are standing in what is now my portrait studio.”

Josh floundered for a response. Was he having a nightmare?

“I thought you were going back to New York in a couple of weeks.”

She crossed her arms in front of her like a shield, making her appear small and vulnerable. “I’ve decided to make Gatlinburg my home.”

Arms at his sides, he wandered past her farther into the room. The room that was supposed to have held his furniture was instead piled with camera equipment.

His heart felt heavy, like a lead weight in his chest. Each breath was painful. So much for his grand plans.

First Francesca had crushed his dream of a family. And just when he was about to realize his dream of a business, Kate stepped in to rob him of it.

A sigh ripped from his chest. He plunged his hands in his hair, mussing it further.

No. She wasn’t to blame. She’d had no clue what his intentions were regarding this place. It was his fault for not sharing them with her.

When she spoke, he had to strain to hear her quiet words. “I’ve already spoken with the Copelands. They will have a room to let next week. You’ll soon have your cabin back.”

Pivoting, he regarded her downturned face. “How am I supposed to honor my promise with you living in town?”

“Your promise?” Her head came up.

“To protect you.”

“I suppose I’ll have to release you of it. It isn’t your job to protect me.”

“I can’t accept that.”

Shrugging, she returned to the trunks. “What’s done is done. I’ve already made the arrangements.”

Rubbing the itchy bristle on his jaws, Josh said, “Look, I’m not in the best frame of mind right now. I’m in dire need of a decent meal and strong coffee. We’ll finish this conversation later.”

He needed time to sort through the implications of her decision. To figure out where to go from here.

“Fine.” She didn’t look up when he left, and it wasn’t until he reached the barn that he realized he’d left her there alone. What if Matthews waited till she started down their lonely lane to make his move?

Spying his brother already mounted on Chance, he waved him down. “Nathan, I need a favor.”

Chapter Twelve

T
hat did not go well. Hurt by Josh’s cold reaction to her news, Kate stared unseeing out the plate-glass window overlooking Main Street. Weren’t friends supposed to celebrate each other’s good fortunes?

Perhaps he’d been merely tolerating her presence here. After all, she’d indicated that her stay was temporary. And she was Fran’s sister. When Josh looked at her, he must automatically think of the grief Fran had caused him. The thought saddened her.

The bell jingled. In the doorway stood Nathan, looking more solemn than she’d ever seen him. Sweeping off his hat, he nodded in greeting.

“Mornin’.”

“Nathan.” She tried to muster up a smile, but couldn’t. “What can I do for you?”

“Josh wanted me to check on you and ask when you planned on coming home so one of us could escort you.”

“Why does he pretend to care?” she blurted out, blood rushing to her face. “I already told him not to bother.”

She turned her back, blinking fast to fight back tears and the unexpected rush of emotion. Nathan’s boots clomped on the weathered planks as he moved closer.

“Kate,” he began hesitantly, “I, uh, think there’s something you should know. Something Josh would never tell you himself.”

She wiped the moisture from her eyes and turned back. “What is it?”

Nathan’s kind eyes held a hint of regret. “He’s been making plans for quite a while to expand his business.”

“I know. He told me.”

“When Mr. Fulton decided to retire and close up his law practice, Josh approached him about purchasing this place. Fulton knew he was close to having the full amount, but refused to hold it. My father offered to lend Josh the money, but he wouldn’t accept it.” He sighed heavily. “I don’t know what is going on between you two, but I know my brother. He cares about you.”

Closing her eyes, Kate pressed her palm over her heart.

Oh, no. It couldn’t be.

He must despise her! First Fran’s betrayal and now this…

“Wh-why didn’t he tell me?” she whispered.

“He wouldn’t want you to feel bad.”

No wonder he’d reacted the way he did! He must’ve been in shock. Seeing his dreams fall to the wayside a second time. Now both Morgan sisters had dealt him a cruel blow.

“Please, I need to be alone,” she managed, not daring to meet his gaze.

“He wouldn’t want you to blame yourself. You couldn’t have known.”

She stared at the floor, unable to come up with a response.

His boots shifted. Clearing his throat, he said, “I’ll be in town for a while. I’ll stop back by later and see if you need anything.”

The door closed behind him. The resulting silence was oppressive.

Kate sank to the floor and, burying her head in her hands, burst into tears.

Kate locked up the studio three-quarters of an hour later. She rushed down the street, head down, in an effort to avoid eye contact with passersby. No doubt her eyes were red-rimmed and bloodshot, and she wasn’t in the mood to answer questions her appearance would surely spawn.

Determination fueled her long strides. She had bought the store from Mr. Fulton. There was no reason why she couldn’t turn around and sell it to Josh.

He had his heart set on opening a furniture store. She would not stand in his way.

She found him in his workshop, standing idly behind his worktable and looking as if he hadn’t a clue what to do next. He’d changed out of his rumpled travel clothes and into a pair of pressed jeans and a shirt that matched his eyes. He’d shaved, his goatee neat as ever, and his hair was damp from a recent wash. The pleasing scent of soap mixed with the pungent odors of pine and varnish.

His awkward attempt at a smile brought a fresh wave of tears.

“You’ve been crying.” A wrinkle forming between his brows, he came around the table but didn’t move to touch her. “Matthews didn’t—”

“I know about your plans for the furniture store,” she said, hiking up her chin. “Nathan told me.”

A shutter descended over his expression. “He shouldn’t have done that.”

“He shouldn’t have had to. Why didn’t
you
tell me?”

“It doesn’t matter now. It obviously wasn’t meant to be.”

“You’re wrong.” She pulled the bill of sale out of her reticule and held it out. “I’m going to sell the space to you.”

His eyes widened. Palms face up, he shook his head. “Sorry, not interested.”

Planting one hand on her hip, Kate ignored his assertion. “You’ve been working toward this for a long time. I wouldn’t have bought it, had I known. Surely you believe that?”

“I do. And just as you don’t want to stand in the way of my dreams, neither do I want to keep you from yours.” He jerked his head at the paper she dangled in front of him. “Put that away. The place is yours.”

“Don’t be stubborn. I refuse—”

She broke off when he snatched the document from her fingers and, carefully refolding it, tucked it back inside her reticule hanging from her wrist. Hands on his hips, his eyes challenged her. “Does your studio have a name?”

“You will not have the final say in this.”

“I’m not buying the space from you, Kate.”

They stood nearly toe-to-toe, gazes locked in a silent battle of wills. Her mouth thinned with displeasure, a darker emotion similar to desperation lurking beneath the surface. This conversation was not going the way she’d planned. Why was he being so stubborn?

How could she enjoy her new venture, knowing she’d denied him his dream?

“This has been an upsetting morning for both of us.” Pivoting away from him, she stalked to the door, only to turn back at the last moment. “I’m not accepting this as your final answer. Take some time to think it over.”

She swept out the door before he could respond. Chances were she didn’t want to hear what he had to say anyway.

Not in the mood to return to her studio, Kate decided to take a stroll around the farm. Her focus was turned inward, and she didn’t look up as she usually did to drink in the beauty and majesty of the mountains towering above her. When she tired of walking, she entered the orchard and sank down at the base of an apple tree to rest. She’d brought a copy of Jane Austen’s
Emma
along, and, pulling it from her pocket, attempted to read.

But she couldn’t concentrate.

The defeat in Josh’s eyes tormented her. Somehow, someway, she had to make him agree to her suggestion.

“Kate?”

Twisting to look up the low rise, she spotted him. “I’m here.”

Josh came to her, bending at the waist to peer at her beneath the low branches. “You missed lunch. I was worried.”

Setting her book aside, she folded her hands in her lap. “I lost track of time. Besides, I’m not hungry.”

He slipped his hat off and, crouching low, moved to sit opposite her. He skimmed his hair with an impatient hand and dropped his hat in his lap. “I know my reaction to your new studio wasn’t what you’d expected. I was surprised.”

“I know. And I’m sorry for that. But I meant what I said earlier. I want you to have the store. This is your birthplace. Your family and friends are here.” She hitched a shoulder. “I can go anywhere to open a studio.”

“Tell me something.” His blue eyes quizzed her. “Why Gatlinburg?”

“I love it here. These mountains speak to my soul. I see God’s fingerprint everywhere I look.” She spread her hands wide. “There’s a feeling I have when I’m in the forest that I haven’t experienced anywhere else. When I’m surrounded by endless trees and hushed stillness, I don’t ever want to leave. You probably think that’s ridiculous.” She laughed self-consciously.

“Not at all. In fact, I feel the same way. Still, life is different here.”

“I’m aware of that.”

He stared hard at her. “I think, after a time, you’d miss the creature comforts of city life.”

“I’m not Francesca.”

“I know that,” he responded evenly. “But you and she had the same upbringing.”

“Simply because we are siblings doesn’t mean we share the same values. Do you and your brothers all have the same opinion about everything?”

He set his jaw. “No, we don’t.”

“You see?”

“I don’t think you comprehend the reality of living without servants to cater to your every need. Out here, dinner doesn’t just appear on the table every night. If you want something to eat, you gotta go out to the garden and pick it yourself. You have to choose one of your livestock or hunt down a wild animal and, once you’ve killed it, bleed it dry, skin, carve and cook it.
Then
you get to eat.” His serious gaze challenged her. “Do you know how to cook?”

Lifting her chin, she retorted, “As a matter of fact, I do.”

“Honestly.”

Kate had made friends with the head chef, who’d agreed to teach her the basics. While her skills weren’t those of a professional, those staff members who’d sampled her food said she had talent. Her mother wasn’t told, of course. The daughter of Patrick Morgan doing menial work? Perish the thought!

“You think I’m lying?”

“Of course not.” Shifting, he stroked his goatee. “Look, I’m sorry. It’s not my intention to upset you. All I’m trying to do is make you see reality.”

“This conversation is pointless. I’m not staying here because you are going to buy the store back from me.”

“That’s not going to happen.”

Exasperated, Kate threw up her hands. “You’re not making any sense! You don’t want me to stay and yet you won’t buy the building so that I can leave.”

He stilled. “I never said I didn’t want you to stay.”

Her heart paused midbeat, then thudded wildly. “What do you mean?”

“I’m concerned that you won’t ultimately be happy here. This is all brand-new and different from the city. For you, Gatlinburg might be a nice place to visit, but not to live in.”

“Perhaps you’re right.”

“Really?”

“But there are no guarantees in life. Who knows? I might never get tired of country living.”

Presenting her with his profile, he stared off into the distance.

“All I know is I’m no longer satisfied with my life in New York. I’m ready for a change.”

“I just can’t believe you’d be happy here.”

“You have no idea what my life is like.”

He looked at her then. “I know you’re surrounded by luxury. You saw the way people stared at you the day you arrived. They only see clothes and carriages like that in magazines or when wealthy folks like you pass through these parts, which isn’t often. You honestly think you’d be happy living in a two-room cabin the rest of your life?”

“You didn’t doubt Francesca’s ability to be happy here, so why do you doubt mine? What makes me so different?”

Kate gazed at him, a wounded look in her eyes. Her lower lip trembled, and he itched to smooth it with his thumb. If he rattled off the many wonderful qualities she possessed that Francesca lacked, she might think he harbored feelings for her. Which was ludicrous. He’d learned his lesson—no more foolhardy decisions.

“It didn’t occur to me how much I’d asked her to give up until you arrived. Watching you at the supper table that first night…how out of your element you were… We come from different worlds, you and I.”

“You’re speaking of material wealth. Yes, we have ladies’ maids and butlers and kitchen staff. Fine art lines the hallways. Bohemian crystal bowls and vases grace Italian marble tables. My mother has fresh-cut roses delivered to her suite every day of the year. It’s an extravagant lifestyle. Do I enjoy the delicious meals and having an entire library at my disposal? Of course. Does it make me happy? No.” Her voice dipped. “I’m lonely there, Josh. I don’t have many friends.”

Her words came out in a quiet hush, yet there was no disguising their sadness.

He almost reached out and tugged her close for a hug. Somehow, he held back. “I can’t imagine why not,” he murmured, his voice thick.

“It’s an issue of different values and interests.” She sighed. “Spending time with your family and cousins has given me a glimpse of what home and family should be.” Her green gaze settled on his with confidence. “I can live without the extras. I don’t want to live without the things that really matter.”

“Are you sure about this?” Megan regarded her with wide eyes. “You have such exquisite clothes. Why would you want to wear one of my dresses? Not that I mind, of course. I simply don’t understand.”

Standing in her bedroom, Kate smoothed the lightweight cotton material, then pressed her hands against the flat of her stomach. She inhaled, expanding her lungs as far as they would stretch. Her stiff, confining corset lay abandoned on the bed.

“Believe me, if you had to wear that tortuous article day after day, you’d understand.” She twirled in a circle to watch her skirt flare like a bell. With a wide grin, she said, “I feel so free!” Sobering, she sought her friend’s gaze. “But how do I look?”

Moving behind her, Megan gathered the excess material around Kate’s waist and pulled it taut. “I’m taller than you.”