Country Wishes

by RaeAnne Hadley

  “Of course not. I hate for such a wonderful evening to end. I know it must, but I’m glad you’ve prolonged it at least for a while.”

  They strolled hand in hand.

  She asked, “Did you see my aunt’s face when my uncle offered to split the bill? I had a hard time not laughing.”

  “I saw her frown. I’ll bet he hears about his offer either tonight or tomorrow. She appeared pretty sleepy when they left, so maybe she’ll forget to be displeased by morning.”

  “Oh, no, not her. He’s probably hearing about his offer to spend money now. She is so tight, but the store makes plenty of money. They should enjoy themselves more often.”

  “Saving is a good idea, but not if your skimping is unnecessary and you miss all of life’s pleasantries. Do they ever go on trips?”

  “Never have that I remember. I’ve lived there eight years and, except when Mama died, they’ve never even closed. They closed for her funeral but were open the days between her death and the service.”

  “I know the Mercantile is an important part of the community, but that seems extreme. Surely there’s someone who could have helped run the store for them.”

  “Not that I know of. Because of the bank, Uncle Willard is afraid to trust anyone with those records. Aunt Esther just doesn’t want to take a chance she’d have to pay someone.”

  “What will they do when you’re gone?”

  “I’ve worried about that.” She looked up at him. “I still intend to leave, Brent. I don’t want to be the old maid who stays to take care of the old folks. I hope that doesn’t sound spiteful or mean. I’m grateful for all they’ve done for me, but theirs is not the life I want.”

  “That’s good to know, Serena. You must know I have hopes for the two of us. As soon as my business is running and I’m free of secrecy, I’m going to have a serious conversation with you and your uncle.”

  She stopped walking. “Don’t say things like that unless you are serious.”

  He brushed a gloved hand along her cheek. “I’m dead serious, as you’ll understand when I return.”

  She resumed strolling. “I’ll be counting the days. Fourteen days until the tree ceremony, then ten more until Christmas.”

  Chapter Eight

  Friday morning, Brent hurried to the telegraph office to send a telegram to his partner.

  Payment is in bank. Stop Leaving Hopeful now. Stop Have good news. Stop

  His luggage was loaded onto his mule and his horse saddled. Before he left town, he had one more stop. He walked to the edge of the wishing well and rested his hands on the snow-covered top stones.

  Gloves were too bulky to fish coins from his pocket. He removed his right glove and dug out a coin. Closing his eyes, he dropped the coin into the well and made his wish.

  Let things work out so that Serena and I can marry.

  Clink. The coin hit the ice crusting over the water. Perhaps he should have dropped the bucket and broken through the ice before he tossed in the coin. Aw, he was being silly as a school girl. He didn’t believe in wishing wells in the first place. But, just in case, he didn’t want to miss a chance to insure his happiness with Serena.

  He didn’t stop to see her before he left. If he did, he’d likely not leave and he had to get underway. He waved as he passed and she waved back from the window. She must have seen him make his wish.

  She ran out without her coat. “I made this for you. You’ll need it on your trip.” She handed him a bright red scarf much softer and nicer than the one he’d forgotten to bring.

  He wound it around his head and throat. “Thank you. I do need it. I got off without mine when I came here. This one is much nicer than any I’ve ever owned.”

  She looked at the store then stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. “Be sure you come back, Brent Adams.”

  “I will, Serena Winters. Be sure you’re waiting for me.”

  Hugging her arms against the cold, she rushed back into the Mercantile. He climbed into the saddle then waved again. Seeing her watching through the store’s window created longing such as he’d never experienced. He wished his trip were already complete so he and Serena were reunited permanently.

  Two days later, he arrived at his mine. Pleasure filled him when he saw the changes since he’d left. He headed to the shack they used as an office. Smoke drifted up from the stove flue.

  The door opened when he stomped snow from his boots on the porch.

  Jess Winters grinned at him. “About time you got back from your gallivanting. I figured you’d wait until all the work was done.”

  “A lot has happened since I left both here and with me. What’s up and running?”

  “Everything is operating, except I let everyone off for Sunday. I know that’s not usual, but I figured you’d arrive today. Wanted to show you around and get your opinion.”

  He spotted the boardinghouse they’d built before he left. “How many men have you hired?”

  “Twenty plus those we had as guards and a cook and helper. So far, things are going well. Had to let one man go—real troublemaker. I hope he’s gone for good and not planning revenge. Now tell me what’s happened with you.” They went into the office and Jess closed the door behind them.

  Brent stuffed his hands in his pants pockets. “Right off I fell in love with your daughter. She’s worried about you and has no idea you’ve tried to contact her or her mother.”

  Jess pounded a fist into his other palm. “If that doesn’t burn me to a crisp. You think she’ll agree to marry you and move here?”

  Brent stared at the drawings laid out on the work table. “You bet I do. Right away she asked me if I knew anyone with your name. Sure was hard not to tell her you’re my partner. I felt like a polecat.”

  “Thanks for not giving in. I want to see her when she learns I care and have tried to see her all these years. When you go back, I aim to go with you. I’ll have it out with her aunt, the dragon.”

  “You’re right and Esther can be a fire-breather but she has a nice side, too. She’s almost like two people. Serena says her aunt’s unhappy and needs reassurance her uncle cares for her. Willard is pretty clueless about women.”

  Jess looked up from the sketches and chuckled. “And you’re an expert?”

  “You know better than that but I know more than he does. Serena is coaching him, though, and getting good results. I’d be willing to bet he doesn’t know what the aunt’s been up to all these years.”

  Jess rubbed at his jaw. “Could be. Always been her I dealt with. I sure resent what she’s done. At least she took good care of my Anna, sweetest woman who ever lived.”

  “I suspect Serena is the one who did most of that, but they did make room for the two of them in their home. And, I don’t see how Anna could have been any nicer than Serena. You’ll see when we go there. You choose someone to run this place while we’re gone?”

  “Good worker name of Nick Llewellyn. He mined coal in Wales and caught onto gold real quick. The other men like him. I’ve made him foreman and he hasn’t let it go to his head. Gets the job done.”

  “He married?”

  “No, I hope you don’t mind but I promised those who work on Christmas Eve and the week between Christmas and New Year a bonus. With most of the men single, there’s no problem of getting enough to cover everything.”

  “Good idea. I see some houses going up. Those ours?”

  “For the married miners. They have two bedrooms each. Might should have made them with three for big families.”

  “Yeah, let’s do that with the rest. Now why don’t you show me all the plans you’ve drawn up or the alterations you’ve made to mine.”

  Jess grinned. “You think I would dare make changes on your sacred drawings?”

  “Sure as shootin’ you would, especially when I’m off sparkin’ your daughter and can’t defend my opinions.”

  Jess laid a hand on Brent’s shoulder. “Come on this side of the worktable. We’ve got a lot to cover before you go bac
k to Hopeful. Every darn thing needs a decision, too. Sure glad you’re here to chime in. I’ve made so many guesses about how you’d want things done that my head hurts night and day.”

  December 12

  Long days were so busy they passed by with hardly time to register what date or day of the week it was. Brent marked off each one on the office calendar. He wasn’t taking a chance of him failing to keep his promise to Serena.

  Jess looked up from his desk. “You look like someone shot your dog. What’s wrong?”

  He wiped a hand across his face. “I can see we won’t get away in time for the tree ceremony in Hopeful. Serena sure wanted me back for that.”

  “Tell me again when it is.”

  “The 14th of December, which happens to be in two days. I promised her if I missed that I’d be there before Christmas.”

  Jess stared at a list he kept. He crossed off several things. “I don’t see why we can’t go. Nick can handle the rest of this. I’m eager to see my daughter.”

  “So am I. Let’s tell Nick and get packed.”

  “Where you plan on living when you’re married?”

  Brent grabbed some rolled papers and spread them in front of his partner. “Didn’t you see these plans for the house? It’s big and has space for you to live with us if you’ve a mind to.”

  “I appreciate that. Reckon I need my own place. Witnessing that billing and cooing would probably upset my stomach.”

  Brent laughed. “Your choice. You can change your mind anytime.”

  He rolled up the plans and put them back where he’d had them stored. “In the meantime, I guess we’ll have to live with my folks or find a place in Sabbath. Not ideal, but I want her input on the house.”

  “Your folks are easy to be around so Serena shouldn’t mind staying there for a while.”

  They found Nick and briefed him on their plans.

  Nick grinned. “Ask her if she has a friend for me.”

  “I’ll go visit my folks and let them know they may or may not have a couple of guests when we come back.”

  Sabbath was within walking distance but dusk was near and he’d be returning in the cold. He saddled his horse and rode to his parents’ home. He’d stopped by to see them several times since he’d returned. He looped the reins around the hitching post in front of their home.

  He was happy to have found a nice house his parents could enjoy without too much work. To insure that, he’d hired a woman named Opal Brooks to cook and clean and her husband Charlie to take care of the yard. His father wanted to garden when spring arrived but Brent planned for him to have plenty of help for the difficult chores.

  He rang the bell but didn’t wait for them to answer. When he walked in his mother hugged him.

  “I’m so glad to see you. When are you bringing your young lady here?”

  “That’s what I’ve come to tell you. Jess and I are heading to Hopeful early in the morning. I intend to bring Serena with me when I return.”

  His mother rested her hands on his arms and looked up at him. “I can hardly wait to meet her. If you love her, I’m sure we will.”

  His father looked out the window. “Looks like the weather may turn. You bundle up and take care.”

  “We will, Pa. There’s a farmhouse about halfway and they’re nice people. If it’s too cold, we can sleep in their barn.”

  After spending a couple of hours with his folks, he headed to the mine to gather his gear. Even though he worried about Serena’s response to his secrets, he could hardly wait to see her again.

  Chapter Nine

  Serena deliberately stayed busy. She’d volunteered to help plan the tree ceremony. With another couple of women—Mary Clark and Evangeline Evers—she’d made decorations to go with those from previous years. Some of the older ones had deteriorated and needed replacing. Plus, they didn’t want everything exactly the same each year. People needed a few pleasant surprises.

  Evangeline was a genius at coming up with clever yet inexpensive ways to boost the décor. The ceremony was fairly simple but important to the community. Sugar and Spice Bakery would once again serve cinnamon rolls and buns and donate what they said were their profits—but Serena suspected they gave more—to the church. The church women planned to sell hot apple cider and coffee.

  Serena tried not to think of Brent but she failed miserably. Everything reminded her of his time in Hopeful. She hoped he would be here in time for the ceremony.

  What were his surprises? She’d knitted him a hat to match his scarf and two pairs of warm socks. Not exciting presents but she didn’t know what he might want. He appeared to have money to buy whatever he needed or might wish to have.

  She worked at the store until time for her final meeting with Mary and Evangeline. Her aunt had been interrogating her daily. There was no other word for the way she acted.

  Uncle Willard had been more attentive to Aunt Esther and her aunt acted happier. If only she’d quit nagging Serena about Brent.

  “You see he’s not back and tomorrow’s the tree ceremony. I told you he won’t return. You can’t count on men.”

  “You count on Uncle Willard and so do I. He’s dependable in spite of the way you treat him.” Oops, she hadn’t meant to say that.

  Her aunt’s eyes sparked with anger. “Just what do you mean by that remark?”

  Serena wished she could take back her words. “You aren’t very nice to him. You must realize he’s trying very hard to make you happy but you don’t do anything to make him happy.”

  “What exactly do you think I should do?”

  “Cook his favorite foods. Tell him how nice he looks today. Kiss his cheek occasionally. Act as if you appreciate all he does.”

  Her aunt rested her fists on her hips. “If and when you’re married you can criticize the way I treat my husband. In the meantime, keep those opinions to yourself. You should be worrying about finding a man of your own instead of pining for one you’ll never see again.”

  Serena met her aunt’s gaze. “You should be thinking what you’ll wear to my wedding instead of criticizing Brent and me.” What had possessed her to make such a brazen statement?

  She turned and walked to the opposite part of the store and straightened shelves. As she tidied the folded men’s shirts and pants, she fought to make sense of her feelings. In spite of her aunt’s warnings, she’d fallen in love with Brent. Unless she was mistaken, he’d come to care for her. He’d all but proposed before he left.

  She had to take him at his word. He’d return by Christmas. She hoped one of the surprises was an engagement ring.

  Aunt Esther came to stand beside her. “I only say these things because I hate to see you disappointed, Serena. Face the fact that once a man leaves, he forgets all about promises. Out of sight, out of mind.”

  She turned slowly and stood toe to toe with her aunt. “Not him, Aunt Esther. He’s a man of his word and he said he’ll be back before Christmas.”

  “Every woman thinks the man she loves is different.”

  “I don’t know why you would say that. Uncle Willard has never left you. You’ve never had to worry about your next meal. You’ve never been alone and lonely.”

  Instead of looking haughty or angry, her aunt appeared sad. “What would you know about how I’ve felt?”

  “Aunt Esther, I can’t say how you felt.” She hugged her aunt then stood back to face her but with her hands on her aunt’s shoulders. “I was talking about situations. I don’t understand why you keep saying Brent will desert me. He won’t. I trust him.”

  “I hope you’re right. Otherwise Christmas will come and you’ll be alone except for Willard and me.” Looking sorrowful, Aunt Esther walked away.

  Serena was happy when six o’clock arrived and she could take the rest of the decorations she’d made to meet with Evangeline and Mary. The store was decorated with similar ornaments and streamers that added a festive and cheerful air to the business. Most of the other businesses had decorated their windows a
nd doors.

  The temperature had dipped but the three women didn’t let the cold stop them. They strung decorations in the area where the tree ceremony would be held the following evening. A ten-foot tree had been cut and lay on the snow where it would be raised.

  She clapped her hands when they’d finished. “Doesn’t it look magical?”

  Evangeline slowly turned in a circle as she scanned their efforts. “These are the best decorations we’ve ever had. I hope people notice and are pleased.”

  “How could they not notice?” Mary retied a steamer on the wishing well. “I look forward to seeing our work in the daylight.”

  Serena gathered up stray bits of ribbon. “Now I’m going home to bed so I’ll be ready to celebrate tomorrow.”

  Mary yawned. “Me, too. See you at four tomorrow afternoon.”

  Evangeline twirled. “I hate to leave but you’re right, Serena. I’ll be too sleepy to enjoy the day unless I go home now.”

  The next day, Serena wanted to dance through the store. Brent might come today. If not, he’d be here soon. She knew he would.

  In preparation for the tree ceremony, she wore her green dress. She’d included one of the quilted petticoats and a pair of quilted pantalets since she’d be outdoors for a couple of hours this evening. She couldn’t keep herself from glancing out the window every few minutes.

  Uncle Willard chuckled. “You can bet Brent will come in here to get you first thing when he arrives in town. He told you he might not make it for this thing today. I’m sure he’ll come soon as he can. Be patient.”

  “I’m trying, but I can’t help myself. At least I know he’ll be here by Christmas.”

  Most businesses in town closed for the tree ceremony. As one of those in charge of preparations, Serena went early to be sure all the decorations had survived the night. Mary and Evangeline met her there.

  Millie and Reg Hardy were setting up the sweets table. Next to them, the church ladies had a small brazier going with coffee and apple cider heating. Behind them, several ladies from church had set up a dishwashing station so there would be enough cups.