by Danni Roan
“More like embarrassing,” Prim laughed. “But since then I’ve come to know the man a little better.”
As Prim sat chatting with her sister, Olive watched the man in the gray suit sipping his coffee. He hadn’t said much, but he watched everything happening around him with interest.
The new patron didn’t appear to be a salesman, as the two bags with him were soft-sided and slumped as if not overly full.
Noting that the man’s coffee cup was nearly empty, Olive hurried to his table with the heavy enameled pot and a smile.
“How was your meal?” she asked, filling his mug once more.
“Delicious,” the man said, his voice soft and cultured. “Might I enquire about a room for the night?” he asked, his gray eyes meeting hers.
“We have plenty,” Olive replied. “I’ll get Prim to put things together for you as soon as she has her family situated.”
“Did I hear correctly earlier?” the man continued, his eyes drifting to the table where the Perkins family sat, “Will there be a wedding soon?”
Olive turned, smiling at Prim with joy. “You heard right,” she said. “Primrose got engaged to Mr. Anderson Bowlings the other day.”
“Perhaps I might be of some service then,” the man said. “I’m Brandon Tippert a recently ordained preacher.”
Olive almost skipped with delight at the man’s words. “A preacher!” she exclaimed. “Just what Needful has been pining for and in the nick of time too.”
Olive slipped into the chair across from her guest, determined to let him know just how much he would be needed in their little Texas town.
***
Prim led Peri and her mother to the room she used upstairs in the Hampton House, filling them in on the activities of the town and explaining to expect such things as gunshots, galloping horses, and loud cowboys whooping it out of town.
She still couldn’t believe that they were there, and so wanted them to meet Anderson and her other friends, but she knew they were weary and tomorrow would be soon enough for everything.
As they entered the room Prim looked around at the bare walls and almost empty pegs on the wall. She had so little and yet her heart was so full.
“Perhaps this evening Anderson will join us for dinner,” she said. “I have no way of sending word, but he stops by as often as he can.”
A knock on the door surprised her and Prim opened it to find Mr. Hampton carrying a single rope and wood-framed cot.
“I brought you an extra bed,” he said with a grin, nodding at her sister and mother. “I thought if you girls were to share the bigger one, your Ma could have this.”
“Thank you,” Prim said touched by Orville’s thoughtfulness. “I’ll get a tick, and Peri and I can fill it.”
“That new fella that came on the stage will be staying a while too,” Orville said. “Seems like Needful is gettin’ a preacher and just in time too.”
Prim blushed, but her heart fluttered at the thought. With a preacher in town and her family here, she was sure that as soon as Anderson had the house ready they could wed.
“The Lord knew just what we needed,” she said smiling.
Orville grinned, catching a glimpse of Mrs. Perkins as she rocked gently on the edge of the bed next to her younger daughter.
“Life has a way of surprising ya,” he agreed.
By dinnertime, Prim was a bundle of nerves as she waited to see if Anderson would call. On one hand, she believed that the Englishman loved her, but she still felt inadequate and inferior. She couldn’t help but wonder if he would meet Peri and Mama only to reject them both.
Trying to get herself under control, she focused on stuffing the bed tick with dry grasses and other plants from the prairie with her sister.
“You seem nervous,” Peri said picking up on her attitude.
“Anderson is English,” Prim blurted.
“So what, I don’t care where he comes from, and you shouldn’t either.”
“No, but he’s used to a different life,” Prim said. “What if he realizes I’m not good enough for him?”
Peri reached out, grabbing her sister’s arms and staring her straight in the eye. “Primrose Perkins you’re as good as any person anywhere, and even if you aren’t as educated or well mannered as some of these fancy folks, you have nothing to be ashamed of. If this man is worth his salt, you have nothing to fret over.”
Prim nodded, hoping Peri was right. It was hard enough starting a new life in a new place, but with Mama’s frailties and their backwoods ways, she didn’t want to shame Anderson in any way.
“I don’t know why it bothers me so,” she admitted. “We’re both made in God’s image and that’s good enough. Still some days I just feel like I’m not good enough for him.”
“Maybe that’s because you’re the best thing for a man like that,” Peri said wisely. “Sometimes people what had too much need someone that had too little, so they can appreciate this wonderful world.”
Prim smiled as a tear rolled down her cheek and she reached out embracing her sister. “I’ve missed you, little sister,” she said hugging Peri tight. “I needed you.”
Chapter 8
The next three weeks were a whirlwind of activity as Peri settled into helping at the Hampton house while Prim prepared for her wedding.
Before she knew what was happening, she was standing with her sister at the altar as Prim pledged her troth to Anderson Bowling.
Peri was happy for her sister and couldn’t help but laugh at the fact that Prim had indeed married a fancy man. Peri had teased her sister several times with hunting down one Mr. Daniel Gaines, the owner of Anderson’s rival ranch, and marrying him, but even after meeting the man there was no spark between them.
With the money, Peri had from her father, and a home to live in with Prim and her new husband, Peri was in no hurry to turn her heart over to any man. When and if she ever decided to marry, she knew now that it would be for love and not simple comfort.
Two days after the wedding Anderson returned to Needful to fetch Peri and his new mother-in-law. The man had been kind, generous, and helpful to the whole family as the love he obviously had for Prim prompted him to take her family as his own.
“Are you sure you’re ready for us to move into your home?” Peri asked boldly as Anderson turned the wagon toward his big house on the prairie. “You and Prim have hardly had any time alone together at all.”
Anderson chuckled, surprised at Peri’s boldness then wondering why he was surprised. The girl had more spunk than he would have expected and was outspoken at the best of times.
“We’re glad to have you,” Anderson admitted. “The house is plenty big enough for all of us.”
Peri smiled, jutting her chin stubbornly before speaking. “Well, I just want you to know that I still plan on working at the Hampton House. Olive needs the help and with Prim keeping the house and looking after Mama, there’s no reason I shouldn’t help.”
“You don’t have to do that,” Anderson protested. “The ranch is doing well, and I still have a good deal of the funds my father gave me to start the place.”
“I know I don’t have to do it,” Peri sassed looking past her mother at her new brother-in-law. “I choose to.”
Anderson shook his head but didn’t argue. He didn’t think arguing would do any good at all with a young woman like Peri. His Prim on the other hand, though determined and hard working, was sweet in so many ways.
“Well you just tell me if you need anything,” he said slapping the reins to the horse’s rump as they drove out of the little ragtag town of Needful.
Arriving at the big house that Anderson had recently built at his ranch, Peri climbed down then helped her mother from the buggy.
“Why don’t you go into the kitchen while I take your things upstairs,” Anderson offered. “Prim was preparing lunch when I left.”
“Thank you,” Peri said taking her mother’s arm and helping her up the stairs to the front door.
&n
bsp; They hadn’t seen the house since Anderson had it furnished and decorated, and Peri couldn’t help feeling excitement bubble in her chest. Though they had visited the home earlier, she still felt that she needed to pinch herself to make sure it wasn’t a dream.
“This is our new home Mama,” Peri said opening the door and heading down the hall to the kitchen where she turned to help her mother take one step down into the large room.
“Peri, Mama!” Prim said turning from the stove with a huge grin. “I didn’t hear Anderson pull up,” she finished hugging them both tight. “Mama,” Prim said taking her mother’s hand and leading her toward a bentwood rocking chair sitting by the large cook stove. “This is for you Mama,” Prim said looking back to smile at Peri.
Mercy Perkins shuffled to the chair, slipping onto the golden wood rail seat and pushing off with one foot as she began to hum the tune Coming Home.
“It’s beautiful,” Peri said stepping up next to Prim as they gazed on their mother’s happy face. “How did you ever find it?”
“I didn’t,” Prim said as a tear sprang to her eye, “Anderson had it here when we arrived after the wedding.”
“You married the right man,” Peri said with a smile. “Even if Mr. Gaines was only an illusion, it’s best that you didn’t marry him I think.”
Prim nodded, wiping the tear from her eyes. “God knew what he was doing bringing me to Needful,” she agreed, “besides aren’t you going to marry Mr. Gaines since he has the biggest ranch in the area?” she teased.
Peri laughed, shaking her head. “I’m not marrying anyone,” she said reaching for an apron. “I’m going to work at the Hampton House for a while.”
Prim moved to the shelves near the sink, taking down plates as Peri took over the cooking. “But you don’t have to work now,” she chided. “With Pa’s money, and this as your home, you can help me here.”
Peri twisted to look at her sister. “I know I don’t have to work,” she said, “but I want to. Olive and Orville need the help, and it will keep me out of trouble,” she added with a giggle.
“Who’s staying out of trouble?” Anderson asked walking into the kitchen and kissing Prim gently.
“Peri claims that working at the Hampton House will keep her out of trouble,” Prim said beaming at the man.
“What is that old expression?” Anderson said his accent smooth and thick, “Idle hands are the devil’s playground.”
Prim laughed as Peri stuck her tongue out at her.
“I see your mother likes the chair,” Anderson continued walking over to the older woman and kissing her cheek. His own relationship with his mother was strained at best and had almost come to a nasty end over his desire to marry Prim.
“Yes, and thank you,” Prim said as Peri finished the cooking and carried the heavy skillet to the table, measuring out portions to each of the plates.
“It really is a beautiful rocking chair,” Peri added. “Where did you ever get it?”
“There’s a man everyone calls Bear who lives in the woods and makes all kinds of furniture,” Anderson replied. “He’s quiet and reclusive but very talented.”
“You were lucky to find him then,” Peri said placing the frying pan back on the stove.
“Did Peri tell you she plans on working at the Hampton House?” Prim asked as she helped her mother to the table.
“Can you ride?” Anderson asked. “If you’re determined to continue as a server, I’ll furnish you a horse, and Jacks can see to it you get to town each day.”
Peri smiled, wrinkling her nose at her sister. “See, I’m not the only one who thinks it’s a good idea,” she sassed at her sister.
Taking a seat at the large well-built table, the family joined hands and Anderson blessed the simple meal of eggs, bacon, potatoes, and fried bread pieces.
“What did you say this was called?” Anderson asked lifting his first fork full.
“Mama called it fox bait,” Peri replied with a giggle. “But the last fox bait I saw was a mouse hidden in a hole where Pa had buried his money.”
Chapter 9
Tuesday was Peri’s first official day at work and she hurried into a gray dawn toward the big barn where she had been promised her mount would be ready.
“Miss Peri,” the tall lanky form of Jacks emerged from the darkness of the barn leading a gentle-looking mare and a tall buckskin gelding. “I know you probably don’t need it, but Mr. Bowlings asked that I see you to town the first few days. I hope you don’t mind,” he finished with a slight nod.
“I don’t mind Mr. Jacks,” Peri said. “I’m not familiar with the area, and it only makes sense with me being a stranger that someone shows me the way.”
Jacks nodded again his dark eyes lighting with approval at the girl’s attitude. He had been hired by Anderson as his chief wrangler and ramrod for the Double Branch and had been with the younger man since the beginning. A quiet man, he hadn’t said much about Anderson marrying Prim, but he was glad there was a family in the big house.
Holding the reins to the little mare, he helped Peri into the saddle, but she sprang onto the leather seat easily arranging her skirts to cover her legs.
“I think you’ve done that a time or two,” he said with a grin tossing his lanky frame into the saddle of his own mount.
“I rode our old mule Bruce quite a bit,” Peri admitted. “It was a good way to get out of Rockington when I was mad at the people who wouldn’t give me a job.”
Kicking her horse into motion, Peri hurried to follow Jacks as he headed down the beaten path to Needful. “What’s my horse’s name,” Peri asked as they made the first turn toward town. “She seems very tame.”
“Never gave her a name,” Jacks replied. “Most cowboys don’t name their horses, or at least not all of them, and this little lady was purchased for when Anderson’s mother might call. Though I’ve never heard of her riding.”
“Can I name her?” Peri asked excitedly.
“If you like.”
Peri tapped her lips with a finger as she tried to think of a name.
Eastern sky brightened as the sun cast its first rays of light over a waking earth and Peri looked down at the mare’s dark brown coat. In the surrounding trees, the song of a sparrow welcomed the dawn, and Peri smiled. “I’m calling her Sparrow,” she said looking at the dower face of her companion. “She’s brown like they are and doesn’t seem to mind an early start,” she finished.
Old Jacks chuckled despite himself kicking his horse into a trot and grinning when he heard Sparrow pick up the pace as well.
***
Needful was already up and moving by the time the two riders pulled to a stop in front of the Hampton House.
Swinging down Peri looked around her at the town and her new home.
“I’ll put Sparrow up in the barn for you,” Jacks said. “I’m sure Orville will be happy to saddle her again for you when you’re ready to come home. If it gets too late, I’ll come to fetch you, so you don’t have to ride home in the dark.”
“Thank you,” Peri said absently watching as a small group of children entered the house on the far side of the Jail. Prim had told her that a man named Ben was teaching and that he gathered the children together at one house or another each day.
Today it looked like it was Daliah Gaines’ turn to host the group, but soon the church would be built and the children would attend classes there.
Turning and walking to the front door, Peri stepped into the busy boarding house and restaurant, hurrying to the kitchen for an apron.
“Good morning Rosa,” Peri said with a smile for the petite Mexican woman who cooked for the establishment.
Olive and Prim had introduced them on the first day in Needful, and though Peri could see a feeling of sorrow in the young woman she didn’t fully understand, she liked her.
“Oh, I am so glad you are here,” Rosa said. “Olive is mucho busy,” she shook her head scowling. “I mean very busy,” she corrected.
“I’
ll get started right away,” Peri said with a grin feeling a jump in energy as she walked back into the bustling dining room with a tray of bacon, eggs, and grits.
Looking around she called to Olive who pointed at several patrons who were waiting on their meal. There were several familiar faces seated at the tables, and she couldn’t help but grin as she spotted Dan and Spencer Gaines sitting together at a table over a piping hot breakfast.
“I see you two are on your own today,” she teased as she returned from delivering breakfasts.
