The Substitute Bride (23 page)

In the corner next to the window, Elizabeth hunched on the floor, gagged, feet bound, hands tied behind her back. Her dress was torn and a section of her hair hung loose from its pins, covering part of her face, but praise God, she didn’t look hurt.

Frightened eyes locked with his. He yearned to run to her, to hold her in his arms, to tell her he loved her. But that would turn Vic’s attention onto Elizabeth instead of on him.

Vic found the deck of cards Ted had borrowed from the saloon. He cackled. “Looks like you’re prepared.”

“You all right, Elizabeth?” He’d tried to put all of his feelings for her in his tone, in his gaze, hoping she’d see and hear the depth of his love.

She nodded, made a sound he couldn’t understand.

Ted wanted to slap Vic silly for abusing his wife that way, for reducing his outspoken wife to grunts or nods.

Why hadn’t he told her he loved her before this? The truth rammed his gut. Hadn’t it all come down to his expectation that she’d leave him? Wasn’t that the real problem? One way or the other everyone, except God, had left him.

Vic finished his search. “I ain’t hurt her. Yet.”

Scowling, Ted leaned toward Vic, towering over him, every muscle geared to pounce. “If you’ve got a brain in that skull of yours, Hammer, you won’t take that gamble.”

Vic looked wild eyed, desperate, his fear palpable, though he tried to hide it with a smirk. “I’m not leaving till I get my money.”

Ted had bluffed Vic successfully before. Meeting Vic’s gaze with a steely one of his own, Ted crooked up the corner of his mouth. “Why not make this interesting?”

“Interesting? How?”

“You of all people should know what I’m talking about.”

“A game.”

Ted nodded again. “I haven’t played in, what? Nine years? But I reckon it’s like riding a horse. I’ll put up the thousand that’s owed you. And match it with another thousand. The bank’s just down the street.”

A crafty smile slid across Vic’s face. “Winner takes all.”

Elizabeth rocked her body, shooting daggers at him with those dazzling blue eyes of hers, now the color of stormy, wind-tossed seas. If he’d deceived his feisty wife into believing he’d returned to gambling, maybe he could do the same with Vic.

Struggling against her restraints, Elizabeth screeched, the sound muffled. Her eyes burned into him and her jaw worked against the gag, preventing her from giving him a piece of her mind.

If only she knew how much he loved her.

If only she knew she could trust him.

If only his plan worked.

Vic slammed his hand on the table and jerked Ted’s attention from Elizabeth to him.

“I ain’t got all day, ‘Hold ’Em’!”

Lord, help me divert Vic’s attention from the game to You.

“You’re right, Vic. Your time’s running out.”

Cursing, Vic’s gaze darted to the door of the ladies’club. “What do ya mean? ’Cause if you’ve got a trick up your sleeve—”

“You worry too much.” Ted leaned back, crossing an ankle over his knee, trying to appear calm as every inch of him wanted to cross the room and help his wife.

If Ted hoped to succeed, he’d have to remember every ploy he’d used as ‘Hold ’Em’ Logan. Keep voice calm, demeanor nonchalant, gaze nonemotional. Vic must never suspect Ted had no money. That the only contest would be a battle for his soul. That was the only way to get through to Vic and to rescue Elizabeth without bloodshed.

Vic scrubbed a hand across his drawn face.

“You look tired, Vic.”

His right hand danced near the gun’s handle. “Not too tired to pull this trigger.”

“Don’t you get weary of courting Lady Luck?”

Vic snorted. “Luck ain’t no lady.”

God, give me the words.
“So why do you do it? Why risk everything on the hand you’re dealt?”

“Same reason as you,” Vic said, glancing over his shoulder at Elizabeth.

Ted tensed, then relaxed when Vic swung his attention back to him. “I don’t gamble anymore. Lost my taste for it. Why not give it up? Find a new path.”

Vic hooted, the sound high-pitched, nervous. “Easy for you to say. You was a winner.” He toyed with the deck but didn’t deal. Could Ted dare to hope Vic was listening?

“I may’ve won pots, but I lost far more.”

Vic chuffed. “Like what?”

“My self-respect.”

“Crazy talk.” Vic waved the cards in Ted’s face. “I’d swap my good name, if I had one, for one big pot.”

“I did that,” Ted said. “I wouldn’t do it again.”

“Yeah, you say that now with the winnings in the bank.”

“You ever look a man in the eye after you’ve taken his last penny? Watched a young man fall apart right in front of you?” Ted shook his head, trying to dispel Alex’s face as he’d come after him. “The gamble isn’t worth the price you pay.”

Ted could see the wheels turning in the other man’s head. He leaned forward, rested his elbows on the table. “You’re losing far more than you’re winning, am I right?”

Vic’s focus shifted to the floor. “Maybe. Still, this life’s better than what I had growing up, which was nothing.”

“You had a hard childhood?” Ted hoped the casual question would spur more from Vic.

Tapping the cards on the table, Vic stared into space. “Hard don’t even describe it.” He shook his head. “My parents came to this country full of dreams. Worked like dogs twelve-hour days, six days a week. For what? A single room in a dingy, drafty, decaying firetrap of a tenement with a single spigot on each floor and a bath down the hall?” Vic’s mouth turned down. “My parents died as poor as they lived.”

Ted eyed that gun. Still too close for comfort. He glanced at Elizabeth. She leaned toward them, listening to every word, probably praying. He wanted this over for her sake. But he couldn’t rush things. “Any good times growing up, Vic?” he said, hoping to soften Vic’s mood and get that gun out of Vic’s reach.

A smile played around his lips. “Yeah, we had some good times. Everyone was in the same boat. Neighbors would pitch
in occasionally, pooling their food. And music.” He grinned. “Pop had the voice of an angel.”

Ted heard the nostalgia in Vic’s tone. He’d try to build one more bridge. A bridge two men could find common ground to stand on. “You got a wife? Kids?”

“Don’t everybody?” Vic’s glistening eyes belied his tough-guy tone. “Four boys and two girls. They’re the reason I’m here to get what’s owed me.”

“I’m guessing they’d prefer your presence over a hefty pot. I’ve lived the life, Vic. I know how much you’re gone, how much of your kids’ lives you’re missing.”

Vic looked away. “You sound like my old lady’s nagging.”

“She cares about you. If you want to be a winner, place your bets on something that earns a wage, instead of paltry odds.” He leaned closer, locking eyes with Vic. “Live a life. Not a bluff.”

“I’m sick of your gibberish.” Vic slammed a fist on the table, then picked up the gun and raised the barrel to Ted’s chest. “I’m not here to talk. I want that money now!”

Worry gnawing in his gut, Ted’s gaze flickered to Elizabeth. He prayed for words to restore the calm. To save his wife. “You don’t want to use that,” Ted said, motioning to the gun. “You shoot me and you’ll get yourself hung.”

“So what?” But the words shook as they left Vic’s mouth.

“So what happens after that? After you die?” Ted raised the ante. “I’ll wager your parents taught you where that leads.”

Alarm slithered across Vic’s face. Only for a moment, but long enough for Ted to know the man didn’t relish hell. He cursed. “What did you do? Turn into some blasted preacher?”

“Not yet,” Ted said. As the words slipped past his lips, a peace slid through him. “But if the town will have me, I will.”

Not that anyone could stop a plan of God’s.

Vic’s jaw dropped. “Why? Why choose that miserable life when you could go back to gambling?”

“I’ve found bigger riches in a life led by God. That life my children can respect. That life lets me hold my head up.

“Truth is, I didn’t always win. But when I did, others lost. I saw the harm that caused. After a while, that eats at a man.” Ted jerked his head toward Elizabeth, every muscle ready to pounce. “You’ve got a defenseless woman tied up, threatening her life.” He leaned toward him. “Do you think God’s going to smile on that?” He lowered his voice. “You’re not a bad man.”

The words hung between them, heavy in the air. Just when Ted thought Vic wouldn’t respond, he saw a twitch in the other man’s jaw. A slide of his Adam’s apple. A few rapid blinks.

He reached across the table, connecting with Vic’s forearm, a light touch for some strong words. “God loves you, Vic.”

Vic shook his head, resisting the comfort, the grace. But then his face crumpled and the walls between him and God began to break. “God can’t stand the sight of me.”

“You’re wrong there. God never stops loving us. He’ll forgive us most anything. I know. He did for me. But He expects us to change.”

“And do what?”

Lord, soften him. Help me get through to this man.
“God gave you something, some talent you’ve overlooked. Farming isn’t really mine. I’m going to put my hand to the plow, but this time it’ll be to cultivate the hard ground of people’s souls.”

Vic’s eyes widened. “You ain’t kidding. You’re a preacher.”

A preacher. Ted smiled. He’d asked God for a sign. That sign was Vic’s softening. He’d answer God’s Call. Preaching was what he was meant to do. “I’m a man forgiven. God changed me. He’ll do the same for you. Return to your family. Give your children another legacy. Show them another way. Before it’s too late.”

Vic picked up the gun by the barrel and handed it to Ted, then gave a weak smile. “I am tired. Those riches you’re talking
about sound a lot more reliable than these.” He knocked the deck of cards to the floor. They scattered at their feet.

The door burst open. Dan Harper came in first followed by most of the men in town.

Someone handed Ted a rope. “No need for that. Mr. Hammer’s had a change of heart,” Ted said.

Ted ran to Elizabeth’s side, weak-kneed and shaken now that the standoff was over, praising God no harm had come to his wife. The idea of losing her tore through him. It would be like losing his own heart.

He untied her gag, then her hands and feet and tugged her to him, holding her tight, never wanting to let her go. “Oh, Elizabeth, my brave wife. I’m sorry you’ve had to go through this.”

She pressed into him. “I’m sorry that for a few minutes there, I thought you’d returned to your old life.”

“I’d never go back to that life, Elizabeth. Not when I have everything—everyone—I want right here in New Harmony.” He kissed her. “You.”

E
lizabeth’s nightmare was over and Vic Hammer had a new beginning. Thanks to Ted and thanks to God.

“I’m sorry for treating you like that, Mrs. Logan. It weren’t right,” Vic said, then clapped Ted on the shoulder and headed out the door, a glow on his face. Looking as joy filled as Elizabeth felt when she’d found God.

She walked to Ted, smiling up at him. “You did it,” she said softly. “You saved his soul.”

“I had a lot of help…” Ted glanced heavenward. “From the Good Lord.” When Ted had asked for a sign from God, he’d had no idea what he was asking for.

“You talked to Vic in a way he understood. By using your past, you got through to him. If I ever had a doubt, I don’t now. You should become a preacher.”

Ted took Elizabeth’s hands in his. “Are you all right with that? Being a preacher’s wife isn’t an easy life.”

She grinned. “It can’t be worse than skirmishing with the chickens.”

The joy of a new future shining in his eyes, he brought her clasped hands to his lips and kissed her scraped knuckles. “It’s so much better, Elizabeth, so much better.”

Outside, half the town gathered, waiting for Ted and Elizabeth to emerge from the ladies’ club. But they’d have to give them another minute. She had one more thing to say. “I think I always knew about the gambling.”

“How?”

She searched for the words to explain her hunch that he hid something. Something big. As she’d grown to love him, she realized that if he did, he kept that secret from her for a reason. A reason she couldn’t face. So all these weeks, she’d pushed those feelings aside, until her father had arrived and forced her to face the facts.

But that was in the past. They had a new beginning. It no longer mattered. She smiled. “You married me, didn’t you? That was the biggest gamble of all.”

He laughed, then sobered. “You have every right to be angry. I kept my past from you. I was wrong. I was…afraid. Afraid I’d lose you.”

Leaning into the strength of his arms, into the sanctuary of his broad shoulders, she smiled into his eyes. “You couldn’t lose me, Ted Logan. Remember those vows we took? I’m here to stay.”

He nuzzled her hair. “I love you, Elizabeth Logan.”

Heart soaring, joy burst in her chest and she threw her arms around his neck. “I love you!”

The door opened. Papa and Martha crowded up beside her, followed by Rebecca and Dan with their children and Robby, Anna and Henry in tow. She caught a glimpse of all the good folks of New Harmony who’d been praying at the church heading to the ladies’ club. These were her friends. Hers and Ted’s.

As they entered, the men doffed their hats, looking proud of
themselves while the women clung to their husbands and babies as if they feared a big gust of wind would blow them away. Vic Hammer’s redemption had to surpass Ted’s gambling, the town’s biggest news until now.

Turning toward their neighbors, Ted’s intense gray-blue eyes drifted from one friendly face to another. “It’s time for all of it to come out. Past time. I remember someone commenting on my name when Rose and I moved to town.” His gaze settled on Oscar Moore. “I believe it was you, Oscar.” He let out a long breath. “Does the name ‘John the Baptist’ Logan ring a bell?”

Oscar’s brow furrowed. “That no good swine—”

“Was my father.”

The silence tore at Elizabeth. Her heart ached for the man who stood before them stripped bare, all the masks ripped away. Shocked, confused, people looked from one to the other, then at Ted.

Oscar scratched his jaw. “You’re
Logan’s
boy? That phony preacher who stole the church remodeling fund?” He shook his head. “I can’t see it.”

“Nope, you ain’t his,” Orville Radcliffe said. “You may carry his name, be his by blood, but you’re nothing like your pa.”

Will Wyatt moseyed over and laid a hand on Ted’s shoulder. “You’re one of us, Ted. Everyone in this town respects you. The way you took care of your younguns after Rose passed. The helping hand you give when it’s needed. Why, you’re someone folks come to for a dose of God’s wisdom.”

Pastor Sumner stood beside her husband. “Ted, it’s time they knew.” He turned to his parishioners. “Where do you think the money to rebuild the church came from nine years ago?”

Folks surged forward and pumped Ted’s hand, slapping him on the back.

Ted held up a hand. “I’ve talked to Dan. He’s willing and able to handle my eighty acres for a half share until I can get a buyer. You were right about that, Elizabeth. I’m no farmer.” Ted tugged Elizabeth close and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “You were right about a lot of things,” he said softly.

Elizabeth looked deep in his eyes. “And wrong about so many others.”

“Never wrong. Different. Different is refreshing.” He studied her face. “Once we sell the farm, I want to help Seymour repay Vic.”

Unable to speak, Elizabeth hugged Ted, her eyes brimming with happy tears.

“Ted, as the chairman of the elders,” Will said, “I’m here to ask you to fill the pulpit this next week while Jacob’s off preaching at their home church.”

Onlookers smiled and cheered their approval. Through the open doorway and windows, thunder rumbled off in the distance. Every eye and ear tuned in to the sound of the promise of rain, bringing smiles to their faces.

Papa stepped closer, tugging Martha alongside. “Ted, I can’t let you repay Vic. It’s time to take some responsibility for my debts. I saw the transformation in Vic. I know the only way I’m going to live the life I want with Martha, here, is if I stop living for myself. Stop trying to bring in easy money, hoping to be a big man.”

He motioned to Hubert Sorenson. “I’ve talked to Sorenson. The store’s too much for him and he’s willing to sell it on contract. As soon as the paperwork’s completed, Martha and I will own Manning Mercantile.” He gave her a crooked grin. “Along with a series of payments for the rest.”

“Papa, you and Martha are staying?”

Seymour tugged Martha close. “I think we can make a go
of the place, especially with a smart bookkeeper of a daughter to keep us on track.”

Elizabeth nodded and squeezed her hands together in a voiceless plea. Had Papa stopped gambling?

Seymour grinned. “We’ll take ownership of the store as soon as we get back from our honeymoon.”

Elizabeth enveloped them in a big hug. “I’m so happy.”

“Speaking of weddings—” Ted ran a palm down her face. “Sometimes I marvel that it was you who came to New Harmony, the one woman in the universe who fits up against me perfectly. Who makes every plain day an adventure and treats my children like they belong to her. I’ll admit you came to me in the strangest maze of circumstances.” He chuckled. “Neither of us was exactly excited about the ceremony.”

She laughed. “I marvel how God brought me into Sally’s path when she lost her nerve.”

“You were never the substitute bride. Elizabeth, you are the genuine article.”

“I marvel that the man waiting at the end of the line, sight unseen, has given me more happiness—and grief—” she added with a laugh “—in the past two months than I’ve had in the lifetime before I met him. I love you, Theodore Francis Logan.”

Ted raised her chin and looked deep into her eyes. “I love you, Elizabeth Manning Logan. I’ve got one more thing to say—”

“Get on with it, Ted. My bunions are killing me,” Oscar grumbled. “I never heard a man go on so.”

The room erupted with laughter.

“I will if our friends will hold their horses.” He bent down on one knee and took her hand. “Elizabeth, will you do me the great honor of renewing our wedding vows?”

Tears stung her eyes. “Yes. I’ll even agree to obey this time.”

“And why is that?”

“Because I know you’d never ask anything of me that wasn’t for my good and in obedience to God.” She laughed. “Though I hope that vow won’t go to your head, ’cause if you turn bossy—”

“She’ll put you in your place,” Oscar finished.

Ted grinned. “I’d never try to boss a woman who wears the pants as well as you do.” He laid a tender hand on her cheek. “No more lies between us.”

“None.” She pursed her lips. “Well, almost none.”

Ted rolled his eyes heavenward. “What now?”

“I’ll speak the truth, except for the number of meals that go into the slop jar.”

He chuckled and gathered her in his arms. “Jacob and Lydia are waiting at the church, ready for the ceremony as soon as we can get there. The café is decorated. After one false start, Agnes is expecting us to gather in for our reception. So if you haven’t any objections, I’d like to renew our vows now.”

“I’m not thrilled with my dress, Ted Logan,” Elizabeth said. “Ripped cotton twill is hardly the stuff of weddings.”

Rebecca grinned. “I finished that second dress I owed you, Elizabeth. It’s yellow dimity, not a true bridal gown, but right pretty.”

Elizabeth smiled. “In that case, Mr. Logan, I’ll marry you again. Today.”

“You’ve made me the happiest man in the world!” He lifted her off her feet and swung her in a circle until she was breathless and a bit dizzy.

Lightning streaked in the sky and the first real downpour in months soaked the ground. Rain meant the crops would grow.

With a smile on her face and her children crowding around her, Rebecca opened the door wide, letting in the sight and scent of rain. “A rainy day is the luckiest day for a wedding,” she promised.

Elizabeth knew luck had nothing to do with it. “Thank You, God,” she whispered, smiling through her tears at Ted. “Thank You for answering my prayers.”

“And mine,” Ted said, glancing to the sky.

Then for all the days they’d shared and all the days to come, he sealed their love with a kiss.