Twice Promised (The Blue Willow Brides Book #2): A Novel (35 page)

Jess’s eyes focused on her with a soft caress, and he leaned forward. “I hope it will make you happy and that you and Zach will enjoy many a meal on them. We sure did growing up.” Without warning, the buggy hit a pothole, jostling all of them about, and Jess fell forward into Greta. She reached out to grab his shoulders, but he recovered quickly. “I’m sorry, excuse me.”

Greta’s heart rate went up at his nearness and the smell of his aftershave. She was sure that her warm face mirrored her feelings, so she adjusted her skirts and stared down at her hands in her lap. She wouldn’t make any more conversation with the men. If Jess or Zach wanted to talk, then let them, otherwise she would just sit quietly. They’d dug their own hole.

“Will Granny be coming to the barbecue?” Cora asked.

“Oh, Granny wouldn’t miss a party. You can count on that,” Zach muttered.

Greta stole a glance at Cora as she smiled at Zach, whose mouth and jaw twitched in agitation. “Good. I enjoy her company,” Cora said. “She always speaks her mind.”

“That’s true,” Jess replied, his eyes resting on Cora.

“I’m looking forward to our wedding ceremonies, and I’m sure we’d both want her there. Right, Greta?”

Greta nodded. Cora was giving them a taste of their own medicine, which would eventually force the truth out of them. She suppressed a giggle as Jess, his face pink, fingered the stiff collar of his shirt, and perspiration soaked Zach’s coat and tie.

Their discomfort served them both right! This was proving to be more fun than she’d thought.

Greta couldn’t help but notice that Jess’s eyes
hadn’t
softened when he looked at Cora. Maybe he didn’t care for Cora after all. She could only hope that were true, but what if he did, and Cora married Zach once he told Jess the truth? Would Jess be heartbroken? Would Greta be second-best? She sighed so deeply that all three of them looked over at her, so she smiled weakly and looked out at the moving landscape. There was no point in torturing herself. She would simply relax and enjoy the party and her Saturday off from work. Besides, Cole would be at the party and
he
liked her company. But it wasn’t Cole’s attention that she longed for.

———

Jess felt like a rabbit caught in an iron trap while Greta and Cora cheerfully chattered on about wedding gifts and ceremonies. Zach hardly said a word and sat stiff as a board—so unlike his gregarious nature. He’d hoped to have already talked to Zach, but he hadn’t had a minute of free time with so much to do at the store every day. Cora seemed so happy about her wedding dress, and he was doubly surprised that Greta had sewn one for her. She was full of surprises.

Looking at her this moment, he felt his throat go tight. She was as lovely as a rose with her dewy skin. Her pretty dress was fitted in all the right places—so much so that he had to drag his gaze away to look at the shops as they rode past. Cora looked nice as well, but Greta’s soft laugh and deep blue eyes made his heart want to sing. Granny was right. He felt awful for not setting Cora straight about his feelings. Would his brother despise him? He didn’t think so, but the truth could make for a strained relationship.

If Zach was so excited about marrying Greta, then why was he so sullen this morning? This was not like him at all. Jess squeezed his eyes shut briefly.
Lord, help me say what I have to say to Zach today. You said we shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free. Well, I feel no freedom whatsoever, and this pretense has to stop.

34

The Circle D ranch came into view as Caleb guided the team over a gentle rise a few miles outside of town. It was a sizeable ranch with several buildings and corrals. Greta thought it appealing with the tall evergreen, spruce, and pines edging the back of the big house, which was built from hewn logs. They rode under a tall iron archway with T
HE
C
IRCLE
D on a sign overhead, and a winding drive led to the Cartwrights’ home. A deep front porch ran the full length of the house, with a profusion of flower beds in beautiful array flanking either side of the broad steps. Though it was still afternoon, lanterns had been strung across the porch railings, reflecting a welcoming glow. People were already milling about the yard or in porch chairs with refreshments in their hands. Several waved as they continued to the pasture’s fence, where all the wagons and horses were to be hitched. A very inviting and pleasing setting with an air of excitement greeted them.

Caleb pulled the horses to a halt, hopped down, and tied the reins over the split-rail fence as others before him had done. Jess took Cora’s hand to help her down, and Zach offered his hand to Greta. She took it, noticing that he avoided looking directly at her. Once she was down on the ground, he offered his elbow, and they all walked over to the barn where the party was going on.

“Something cooking smells good,” Cora commented to no one in particular.

“Sure does,” Caleb agreed. “I hear my stomach rumbling.”

“What you smell is the roast beef and the pork that’s been smoking over the pit for a couple of days, just past the barn in the clearing there.” Jess paused to point out the open fire pit, where several cowboys attended the meat with long-handled forks. They basted it with what looked like a shortened mop dipped in sauce as it turned on the spit.

“Cole has his own recipe and is known for his sauce,” Zach added.

“Well, I’m not waiting. I’m going after a dish right now. See you around,” Caleb said, heading off to the fire pit.

“I can’t wait to have a taste.” Greta allowed herself to watch the back of Jess’s head in front of them, wishing he were holding her arm and not Cora’s.

Music and laughter could be heard coming from the barn, and Cole came striding across the lawn to greet them with his infectious smile. Greta thought he looked great. He was an attractive catch for the ladies—tall and well built; wearing well-fitted jeans, a vest, and a blue plaid shirt; and sporting a cream-colored Stetson. She was surprised he wasn’t courting someone already.

“Welcome to the Circle D,” he bellowed, shaking the men’s hands. “I’m mighty proud to have you! Jess, Zach.” He cocked his head at them. “And don’t you ladies look ravishing. You’ll be beating the men off with a stick—mark my words.”

“You really know how to flatter a lady,” Greta purred, stealing a glance at Jess out of the corner of her eye. He wasn’t listening but was watching Agnes approach.

Cole leaned close to Greta and whispered, “I asked Suzanne to come tonight. I’m glad you told me about her.” He winked. “She’s around here somewhere.”

“That’s wonderful, Cole. I knew you’d like her. I did.”

“I like her a whole lot,” he said. Greta gave his hand a conspiratorial squeeze.

“Welcome! Welcome, my dear friends!” Agnes gushed, stretching her hands out to them.

“How are you, Agnes?” Zach asked. “Looks to be a nice party, as usual.”

“It will be now that my two favorite Gifford brothers are here,” she said, hooking her arms through theirs.

Jess held her at arm’s length, studying her dress. “Greta did a great job on your dress, and it’s perfect for you.”

“I agree, Agnes. You look wonderful. Thank you for inviting us,” Cora said.

“Well, I look good because of Greta’s skill with a needle.” She nodded at Greta.

Greta admired her handiwork and had a moment of pride but pushed it away. “Thank you,” Greta murmured. “I aim to please my customers.”

“Then you shall have many more.” Agnes smiled back. She turned to the brothers. “Come with me and I’ll show you the wonderful spread we have laid out. The dancing is later, of course!” She called over her shoulder, “Cole, bring Greta and Cora and follow us.”

Greta gave Cora a knowing look as Cole bowed slightly with a grin. He held his arms out to the two of them. “She loves to hand out orders, but this time I truly don’t mind having two beautiful women on my arms.”

True to Agnes’s word, four tables were strung out on one side of the largest barn Greta had ever seen, which left plenty of room for dancing. Every kind of dish Greta could imagine made the makeshift tables sag under the weight of it all. There was fresh corn on the cob, green beans, fluffy rolls, corn bread, pickled beets, sliced tomatoes, chutney, creamed potatoes, and carrots. At the farthest end of the table were platters of fried chicken, barbecued beef, and pork, which had just been taken off the spit. Beverages were at the other end, and there was a separate table for desserts, making Greta’s mouth water. A variety of pies, cakes, and cobblers sat waiting to be devoured.

“Well, there you all are! If it’s not my handsome grandsons and their brides-to-be,” Granny exclaimed as she walked over to them. “Seeing all of you brightens my day. Where is Caleb? You did bring him, didn’t you?” she asked, giving Zach a hug.

Jess received his grandmother’s embrace as well. “Of course we did. He’s checking out the barbecue about now.”

“I’m not surprised.” Granny laughed. “Both of you ladies look lovely today. I especially like that hat, Greta—”

Agnes interrupted. “Excuse me, Granny. All of you help yourself to a plate of food while I greet the other guests.” She walked away to stand near the barn’s huge doors as the Potts and Barnes families arrived. Directly behind them were Annabelle and Silas Mead with their children.

“My sister is in her element when she’s entertaining folks.” Cole reached for the plates on the table and handed them around. “Why don’t you all fill your plates? You can sit inside or over on the front porch.”

“Ladies first. Granny, Cora, and Greta, you go on ahead,” Zach said, giving Greta a nudge.

“I’m not bashful. Come on, Granny, let’s fill our plates. I’m famished.” Greta made Granny go ahead of her, and Zach and Jess took up the rear. There certainly wasn’t enough room on her plate to take a taste of everything, but Greta loaded her dish. “Granny, I should be embarrassed at the amount of food I have.” She laughed.

“Pshaw! You could stand to have a little more meat on your bones, honey. Enjoy it, because it’s not every day there’s a party with a spread like this.”

“I hope to have plenty of occasions like this and work it out somehow to give people opportunities to give back to our community. Perhaps Zach and I can change this once we’re married,” Cora whispered to Greta.

Greta looked at her friend. “Cora, you amaze me. What a wonderful thought. I feel so empty-headed compared to the ideas that are constantly running around in your mind.”

Cora smiled and picked up a piece of chicken. “Well, thanks, but I don’t have it all ironed out yet. I’m just planning in my head.”

“There’s an empty table over there,” Jess told them. “Or we could sit outside. Which do you all prefer?”

“Let’s sit inside, then we’ll have a good spot when the dancing begins,” Granny said.

“Good idea,” Greta agreed.

It wasn’t long before the party was in full swing with townsfolk and neighboring ranchers wandering about, talking and enjoying the feast the Cartwrights offered. People were introduced to Greta and Cora, and it was hard to keep the names straight. Greta was having a great time meeting new people, yet watching Jess across the room, talking with friends, made her come to realize how quickly she’d fallen for him.

As she looked on, Agnes strolled over to his side and spoke to him, and he nodded. The fiddler rosined up his bow, and the band started playing. The next thing Greta knew, Jess was sweeping Agnes around the dance floor to a waltz. Clearly, he didn’t know whom he loved, if Agnes could just crook her finger and he’d come running. And she looked awfully pretty tonight.

“A penny for your thoughts,” Granny said, stepping next to her.

Greta smiled at the older lady. “Oh, I was just thinking how handsome Jess looked with Agnes . . .”

“Were you?” Granny raised an eyebrow. “Or were you wishing Jess would quit ignoring you?”

Granny was just too observant for her own good. “Mmm . . . too late for that. It seems Agnes has taken my place again, and Zach . . . well, he’s dancing with Cora.”

“But that isn’t what’s bothering you, is it? By now you must know how Zach and Cora feel about each other. Jess knows that he has to be honest with Cora.”

Greta shrugged. “It really doesn’t matter, Granny. I told Cora that I’d stay for their wedding, but after that I’m going back to Cheyenne.”

Granny poked her in the side with her finger. “Don’t be too rash. I know my grandson loves you but is having a hard time telling his brother. It’s fear that drives him.”

Greta bit her tongue. They stood on the sidelines, watching Annabelle and Silas twirl about, laughing as if they were all alone in the room. Greta suddenly realized she wanted a marriage like theirs.

Greta was about to tell Granny as much when Cole asked her to dance, giving her a way to escape the conversation. “I’d love to, Cole.” He swept her around the room with a big smile plastered on his face.

“Suzanne has agreed to let me court her, and I couldn’t be happier.” Cole’s face softened when he said Suzanne’s name.

“That’s good news, Cole. I saw you two eating together, and she looked like she was hanging on to every word you said.”

“Really? I didn’t know, but she and I enjoy talking together, and that’s a great place to start, don’t you think?”

She leaned back to look up at him. “I do indeed, Cole—”

“Can I cut in on my bride-to-be?” Zach interrupted.

Cole halted their dancing and stepped back, holding Greta at arm’s length. “Sure, Zach.” He placed her hands in Zach’s and walked off the dance floor.

Zach swung her around, holding her in a tight grip, his jaw working as he looked across the room. Greta followed his gaze and saw Jess and Cora dancing.
You complete dolt! Why don’t you say something?

“Are you having a good time?” Zach asked. “I see Caleb has been a winner with a few of the younger girls.”

His palms were sweaty against hers. “It’s a very nice party, Zach. Is there something you want to—”

“I’m having a wonderful time too,” he replied, but he kept his eye on Cora, who was now dancing with a rancher they’d all met earlier. He stiffened, then looked back at Greta. “I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate all that you do for us at the mercantile. You’ve changed things for the better, Greta.” He was being genuine without his usual trace of teasing.