Fire and Ice

by Leah Atwood

  He owed a string of apologies, but especially to his wife. First, he’d listen to what Patrick had to say.

  “I’d rather not talk while up here. If we work together, we can get it done in an hour and then we can talk.”

  “Okay. What do you need me to do?” Patrick asked, coming onto the roof.

  Sam handed out instructions, and for the next sixty minutes, they worked in complete silence. The only audible sounds were that of the hammer and the horses below. When they were done and back on solid ground, Sam breathed a sigh of relief, glad that the task was finished.

  “What did you want to talk about?” He leaned against an outside wall of the barn, anxious to get the conversation over with so he could go back to Maeve and make things right with her.

  Patrick rested against a post several feet away. “I’ve done a lot of thinking since I’ve been married. I guess I started before that actually, but being forced into a marriage made me think even harder about the choices I’ve made.”

  Crossing his arms, Sam became more attentive. “What have you been thinking about?”

  “The person I’ve become isn’t me, at least not the me whom I want to be. I want to be a better person, someone who will make Ma and Candace proud.”

  “You can.”

  “Things will be different from now on. I’m going to do my part around here. Maybe eventually, we’ll get the ranch going to where you can still go to university.” Patrick’s face was solemn but shone with sincerity.

  “That dream is gone,” Sam told him honestly. “My dream now is to see this place returned to how it was when Pa was alive. With your help, we can get it there, I know we can.”

  “Then let’s do it, brother. Saying I’m sorry doesn’t seem like enough to make up everything I’ve done, but I mean it. Had I not caused so many problems and slacked off, the ranch never would have ended up like this.”

  Sam couldn’t quite believe his ears. He wanted to believe his brother in the worst, or best, way possible. His dreams were within reach and having a true partner to carry the load would help achieve them in a much sooner timeframe. Taking a deep breath, he made the decision to have faith in his brother’s changing heart.

  He held out a hand. “Welcome back.”

  “There’s more,” Patrick said, accepting the gesture of peace by clasping Sam’s hand. “I want you to know I told Candace the truth about everything last night—my past, my reputation, Maeve’s presence.”

  “How’d she take it?” Sam couldn’t help asking, surprised at the lengths his brother seemed to be taking to turn his life around.

  “Surprisingly well, all things considered. She’s not thrilled about it, but we talked and want to make our marriage succeed. Candace is a good woman, but we have our work cut out for us. Goodness knows she deserves better than the likes of me, but despite how it came to be, I intend to be a good husband.”

  “That’s good to hear.” Sam pulled his hand back. “Real good.”

  “I’d also like a chance to speak with Maeve and apologize. After seeing the two of you together, I can’t say that I’m sorry for bringing her out here, but I do regret any pain and embarrassment I caused her.”

  Rubbing the backside of his neck, Sam thought for a moment before extending an olive branch. “Why don’t you and Candace join us for supper tomorrow night? We can all talk and have everything out in the open.” He would have invited him for that night, but he had some apologizing of his own to do first.

  “That would be nice. She and I have something else to tell Maeve and you, but we’ll wait until then. Let me check with Candace first to make sure it’s okay with her, and I’ll let you know tonight.”

  Patrick had never shown consideration for anyone prior to his marriage. Every word he spoke helped convince Sam of his sincere attempt to become a better man. “Sounds good.”

  “Did you have anything else needing done today?”

  “There’s some fence repairs I wanted to take care of before supper. I’ll be riding out in an hour.” Before he did anything else, he wanted to fix the tear he’d caused in his own marriage.

  “I’ll be here.”

  Sam nodded, then left for his little cabin. The door was closed and there were no signs of life. He opened the door and peeked around. Maeve wasn’t in there. He looked for the laundry pile—it was still there so she wasn’t doing that. Maybe she went up to the main house. Inhaling, he silently berated his behavior earlier, hoping she hadn’t told his family how he’d acted. Even if she had, he’d well deserve their ire.

  “Maeve,” he called out when he got to Ma’s house.

  “She’s not here.” Liza was hanging a shirt on the line with water-wrinkled hands.

  “Have you seen her?”

  “Not since this morning. If she comes by I can tell her you’re looking for her.” She retrieved a clothespin from her apron pocket and attached a pair of trousers to the line.

  “Thank you. I’d appreciate that.”

  Concentrating on where she may have gone, he didn’t even realize he’d been biting his tongue until he tasted the metallic flavor of blood. He rubbed his chin and took off for the stream. An instinctive whisper told him he would find her there. There was a shortcut from the main house to the water, which bypassed his cabin. He cut through, keeping an eye out for any sign of his wife.

  His breath stopped when he spotted her. Sitting at the bank of the stream, her knees were bent to her chest and her arms wrapped around her legs. Her shoulders slumped and a sporadic heave worked through her back. Remorse for hurting her tore through his heart.

  Cautiously, he walked to her, not wishing to startle her. Dried grass crunched under his feet with each step. He was several feet from her when she turned to look at him, her face blotchy. Several lines went down her face, telling the path of her tears.

  “I knew I shouldn’t have listened to my heart. Both times I did, it has caused me immeasurable pain.” She pivoted her gaze back to the water.

  Had she slapped him across the face, it couldn’t have hurt more than what she’d just said. He sat down beside her. “I’m sorry, Maeve. I wish I had the words to make it better, but I don’t. I was wrong to take out my problems with Patrick on you.”

  She swallowed before responding. “Your attitude I could have handled—I know the stress you’ve been under. But do you have any idea how much it hurt to see the man you love walk out on you?”

  Reaching out, he placed a palm on her cheek, tenderly guiding her face to look at him. “I wasn’t walking out on you. My pride was hurt, and I reacted poorly. I couldn’t walk out on you, or us—not when I love you more than life itself.”

  That’s when it struck him that she’d admitted she loved him. He had thought and hoped she did, but she’d never said the words. It was unfortunate that the admission had come out because he’d caused her pain. “Please accept my apology.”

  “You really hurt me, Sam.” There was no accusation in her tone, only profound sadness.

  “I know, and I wish I could take it back. There’s no excusing my behavior, but I’m not perfect. At times, I’m going to mess up, no matter how hard I try not to, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love you.”

  “When I agreed to marry you, I told myself it was for practical reasons, that even though we got along well, my primary motives were based on logic. But that was all a lie—I’ve loved you since that day you took the frog from Jeanette and covered for her.”

  Her second declaration of love made his heart burst. “What are you saying?” he asked breathlessly.

  “I forgive you. There will be times I do something to offend you, but as husband and wife we should talk about it and never let the sun go down on our anger.” She picked up a small pebble and rubbed it between her thumb and forefinger before tossing it aside. “And I was wrong in my reaction as well. For the last two hours, I’ve been sitting here convinced that you regretted this marriage. I even told myself you only asked out of obligation.”

&nbs
p; “No, no, no, my dear Maeve. I asked you because I love you. When I spoke up that you were my fiancée, it was because I’d already dreamt about it. Just as with you, I knew I loved you that day of the frog incident. I saw your face turn yellow when you peeked and saw the frog, yet you smiled and played along for Jeanette’s sake.”

  “I know that you love me and I trust you, but in a weak moment, I doubted all that I know and that wasn’t right.”

  He pulled her to him. “We’re going to be all right. There will be bumps and snags along the way, but we’re going to conquer every one of them as they arise because that’s what love does.”

  Finally, Maeve smiled. “Should we tell Patrick thank you for bringing us together.”

  Laughing because he’d had a similar thought, he nodded. “Speaking of Patrick, I have some news to tell you.”

  By the time he caught Maeve up on his conversation with Patrick, his mood felt a thousand times better and he could tell hers did as well. She was freely laughing, reaching out to him with light touches, and the sadness was gone from her expression.

  Reluctantly, he stood to his feet and helped her stand. “I wish we could stay here all day.”

  “Me too, but we always have this evening. We can have a picnic supper here and watch the sunset this time.”

  “There is nothing I would love more.” Leaning over, he gave her a heartwarming kiss full of love and hope for their future.

  Chapter 12

  “You tracked more dirt in.” Maeve sighed and grabbed the broom again. She brushed the floor in quick strokes, sweeping the dirt into a pile.

  “I’m sorry.” A sheepish grin marked Sam’s face, and she found it impossible to be aggravated with him for the extra work caused.

  A burst of playfulness came to her, and she swatted his shin with the broom. “Just for that, you can bring in more firewood.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He winked and gave her an exaggerated salute.

  Laughing, she nudged him toward the door. “Hurry up. Patrick and Candace will be here any minute.”

  Sam’s expression sobered. “Are you sure you’re okay with this supper?”

  “Yes.” She touched his arm with a feathery caress. “I think it’s wonderful even if it may be a bit awkward at first. Seeing as how we’re all family now, we should be able to get along with nothing between us.”

  “You’re an amazing woman, Mrs. Holden. Not too many ladies would be willing to accept their ex-fiancé and his new wife into their life.” An unsuppressed gleam of admiration shone in his eyes.

  “True, but not every woman is lucky enough to fall in love with their ex-fiancé’s brother either. God always has a plan, but this one took a few extra steps we didn’t know about beforehand.”

  “Amazing and wise—I’m a blessed man.” Sam leaned over to dust a kiss against her cheek.

  She nudged him away but gave him a bright smile and laughed. “Off with you. Get the wood before they get here and be careful not to track dirt in this time.”

  When he left, she hurried back to the cookstove to check on the meal. Everything looked perfect. The roasted chicken had reached golden perfection and the fragrant scents of the herbs filled the cabin with a welcoming aroma. A pot of green beans and potatoes with some bacon added for flavor simmered on a cooler area of the stove. She pulled the biscuits from the oven and they looked light and fluffy, just as Sam liked them. Finally, there was an apple pie for dessert that she hoped tasted as delicious as it appeared.

  Earlier in the day, she’d gone to the main house and borrowed plates from Ma Holden, so she didn’t have to use the tin dishes, which was all she had in her home. She pulled the plates down from the shelf on which she’d set them and placed them around a small table. The door opened, and Maeve turned to see Sam standing at the door, kicking a foot against the base before entering to brush off the dirt. In his arms, he carried a load of wood, which he brought in and placed at the edge of the fireplace.

  Sam had barely closed the door behind him when there was a knock at the door. He glanced at Maeve and she nodded, indicating that he should open the door. She hurried to stand beside him so that she could also greet their guests.

  An uncomfortable silence followed Patrick and Candace’s arrival. Although Maeve had formed a tentative friendship with the other woman, there was a strain between them. From Maeve’s viewpoint, it came from not knowing how to act or what Candace thought about her now. Was she angry for being lied to? Candace was such a quiet girl, it was hard to know what she was thinking.

  It’s definitely good we have this time together. I’d hate to continue on like this indefinitely.

  Patrick broke the silence. “Thank you for welcoming us into your home.”

  Looking at him, Maeve came to the conclusion that he looked different. He appeared more subdued, less conflicted than when she’d first met him over a month ago.

  “You’re welcome.” Sam took hold of his brother’s upper arm. “Come outside with me for a minute. There’s something I’d like to show you.” He turned back to her and flashed a knowing smile.

  Would she ever figure out how Sam managed to read her mind? She was grateful for a few minutes alone, during which she could speak with Candace privately.

  “Can I help with anything?” Candace asked in a small voice once the men were outside.

  “Everything is almost ready. I just need to place it in serving bowls. I waited until you got here so the food would stay warm.” She walked to the stove, waving a hand for Candace to join her. She placed the chicken on a platter then grabbed a bowl for the vegetables.

  “You must hate me for taking your fiancé.” A quiet sniffle followed Candace’s sudden expression.

  Maeve laid down the spoon she’d just picked up and turned to her sister-in-law. “No, not at all. If anything, you saved me from having to break the engagement myself.”

  Candace hesitated before speaking. “May I ask a personal question?”

  “I suppose so.” If it was too delicate an inquiry, she would simply decline to answer.

  “Do you love Sam?” The question was asked so softly it was barely audible. As soon as the words left her mouth, Candace averted her gaze, as though she was embarrassed to ask such a question.

  “Yes,” she answered with unequivocal assurance.

  “Good. I’m glad everything turned out well for you.” Candace’s shoulders began to shake, and a hiccup caused her chest to bounce.

  “What is it?” Maeve asked, stepping forward and wrapping an arm around her. Sometimes a woman just needed someone to talk to, and it was obvious that it was such a time for Candace.

  “What if I never love Patrick, or worse yet, I fall in love with him, but he never loves me? What if he reverts back to his old ways?”

  Maeve’s heart broke for her—she could empathize with all Candace’s fears. “If there is one thing I’ve learned so far in life, it’s that nothing happens without a reason. When things arise that confuse or scare us, that’s when we need to have faith the most that there is a greater plan.” Wasn’t that the truth she’d learned in the most difficult way?

  “Do you think Patrick really has changed?” Hopefulness appeared in her eyes dashed immediately after by a frown.

  “I don’t know him well enough to make that judgment, but Sam seems to think he is sincere in his efforts.”

  Candace stared off into the other side of the cabin for a few moments before looking back at Maeve. “I might be naïve, but I’m not dumb. I suspected that first night I met him that he was trouble, but I was so flattered by his attention that I ignored my misgivings. My mother died when I was only a baby and pa, well, suffice it to say he didn’t want much to do with me. I think the only reason he forced Patrick into marriage was because he saw an easy way to get rid of me.”

  That explained her timidity. A bond between them formed, both having experienced the pain of losing a mother too soon. “I lost my ma the summer I turned fourteen, but fortunately I had a great fathe
r. Still doesn’t replace having a mother around though. But you know, I look to Ma Holden as a second mother to me.”

  “Is it okay to confess she intimidates me?”

  Shaking with suppressed giggles, Maeve covered her mouth until she calmed down. “I’ll tell you a secret. Underneath that tough demeanor she portrays, Ma Holden is as soft-hearted as they come. Take some time to know her and you’ll quickly find the truth.”

  Finally, Candace smiled. “I’m glad you’re here. I haven’t had many friends, but I’d like to count Liza and you among them.”

  “Certainly as long as it’s reciprocated.”

  “Of course.”

  For the next few minutes, they worked together to move all the food to the table. When everything was set, and there was nothing left to do but pray over their meal and eat, Maeve called the men in from outside. The meal and conversation were much more pleasant than she would have ever anticipated. By the time they finished eating their pie, she was sorry to see the evening coming to an end.

  Patrick looked at Candace, who gave a subtle nod. He stood and cleared his throat. “We have a surprise for both of you. Actually, it was Candace’s idea, and we spent yesterday morning putting it into action.”

  “What is it?” Sam asked.

  “We’re giving you a wedding party.” Patrick paused and laced his fingers together. “It’s all set for the first Saturday in November.”

  “But we can’t afford to give a party right now,” Sam objected. “And who would even come?”

  Maeve had similar thoughts, but kept them to herself. She’d seen how most of the town avoided the Holden family.

  Patrick smiled, obviously pleased with himself. “It’s taken care of, funds and all. The only thing required of you and Maeve is to show up.”

  “But how? Why?” Sam’s reaction was borderline entertaining, he was so surprised.

  The smile on Patrick’s face faded and his voice took on a serious nature. “I’ve been blind to how my behavior has affected this family, never understanding you all have been ostracized on my account. It really struck me the day of your wedding, and I realized it just wasn’t right. Liza is of marrying age now—will she miss out on a happy marriage because no suitable man would marry the sister of the town’s fool?”