by Lynn Landes
Anika's face loses all color, and she stops moving. Leaning forward she snaps, “That's Ms. Coltrane.”
“That’s a vile thing to say!” Savannah snarls. “You’re just lucky Glenn didn’t hear that.”
Rhemi glances around just in time to see Glenn enter the church hall. He is intercepted multiple times by well-wishers and friendly greetings. “No worries, he’s busy.”
Glenn walks in, and the moment he sees Anika's stunned, pale expression his blood starts boiling. He pushes towards her table. Martha watches Glenn moving towards the table and nudges her Mother. They intercept Glenn before he can get there.
“I meant no offense, Ms. Coltrane. My cousin, Martha explained your circumstances. I’m sorry to hear of your husband’s death. I’d be honored to show you a happier side of our town after the sale, of course. How would you like to ride in my carriage?” Rhemi replies and moves closer to the table.
Anika is thankful for the separation between them. “As I’ve said before, no thank you, Mr. Darlington.”
“Perhaps you misunderstood me.” He straightens his coat, flicking a piece of invisible lint off. “A ride with me could solidify your place in the community. My family owns the bank in town, and we would be happy to put a good word in for you.”
Anika looks at him, hoping to see sincerity in his eyes. He smiles at her, but his eyes don't quite meet hers, they are too busy tracing her figure. His idea of a ride and hers are most certainly not the same. “No, Thank you.”
“That’s it?” His smile flickers out and he glares at her, “No reason why?” Anika glances at Savannah, unsure of how to handle this. “I assure you, Ms. Coltrane, you have nothing to fear from one ride. Certainly, you’ve ridden plenty of carriages before,” he teases.
Fury lights inside her soul. He is drawing to much attention spending time at her booth. Though she doesn't wish to make enemies straight out of the gate, his disgusting jokes are making it harder by the second for her to control her temper.
Savannah waves at her mother behind Rhemi’s back and points at Allen, her father, silently signaling for help. Martha laughs loudly from across the room, drawing the attention of the people who are beginning to trickle in. She is draped on Glenn’s arm and staring up at him adoringly. Anika shoves away the jealousy, thinking of Delaney and continues working on the table.
“I’m sure there are plenty of ladies who would be honored to ride with you, Mr. Darlington. I am busy.”
Anika picks up another pastry, and just before she places it on the tray, Rhemi grabs her hand. It’s sweaty, clammy and he squeezes the bones together, causing her to gasp. Her eyes snap to his, and she hisses out a breath of shock. He leans in, ogling her breasts and Anika’s patience snaps.
Before she can talk herself out of it, she knocks over the jug of water causing it to cascade over the edge and onto the front of his trousers. He leaps back with a shout of outrage, releasing her hand and she can’t help but laugh.
“I don’t owe you or anyone else an explanation,” she smothers a smile and glances away. “You need to learn how to treat a woman.”
The church falls silent, and no one moves for a moment. Glenn walks away from an outraged Martha leaving her standing with her mouth agape.
“You’ll change your tune, Anika.” Rhemi hisses before snapping up a pastry and stomping from the room,
“Don’t bet on it,” Anika calls after him and rubs her throbbing hand.
Savannah bursts out laughing, “Score one for you, Ms. Coltrane.”
Her parents rush over. “Is everything alright?” Daisy asks.
“Nothing Anika couldn’t handle,” Savannah says. “Let’s help her clean up.”
Anika wipes her hand as if she can wash away the feel of his touch. She balls her hands into fists to stop the trembling and begins to clean up the floor.
Allen watches Glenn stalk Rhemi’s retreating form and hurries to stop him. “Don’t do anything rash, son. All eyes are on you. Don’t make it worse for her,” he whispers.
Glenn nods and glowers with rage as Rhemi nods at him before leaving the church. “Cocky bastard,” he hisses under his breath.
“Now isn’t the time, son.” Allen leads the way back to the table, stopping to visit with friends along the way.
“Are you okay?” Glenn asks and glances at his sister, Savannah. Before she can speak, Anika cuts her off.
“Yes, of course. Now let’s sell some pastries.”
Glenn grins down at her and she ignores him as she moves to greet her first customer.
Anika spends the rest of the day laughing, selling her food and meeting the church members. Most of the women are standoffish until the first pastry is bought. Glenn stays close to both ladies, making sure any available men treat them with respect. Delaney makes new friends, and the quilt managed to be raffled off for eighty-five dollars.
“Pastor Donegal, you must be thrilled with today’s outcome,” Daisy exclaims.
“Yes, our town folks really showed up today.” He clears his throat and glances at Glenn before looking at Anika. “The sale of the Quilt was a success, though it came with one stipulation.”
The family falls quiet as Glenn steps behind Anika to listen. “The purchaser asked that the creator of the quilt deliver it.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem,” Anika says glancing at Delaney who is happily munching on a cookie and twirling in her dress with a friend.
Glenn stares hard at Pastor Donegal before asking what they all want to know.
“Who bought it?” Anika asks sensing his discomfort.
“Rhemi Darlington,” he replies.
“That letch!” Savannah snarls.
“Savannah!” Daisy says, hushing her.
Anika laughs at the absurdity of this situation. “Eighty-five dollars is a lot of money. The children need it. I can handle one simple drop off.”
“Well, that's not all. He also requires that the creator of the quilt agree to a private carriage ride with him before he will pay.”
“Over my dead body,” Glenn scowls.
“Why is he so obsessed with that stupid carriage?” Savannah whispers.
Anika wraps her arms around herself in a protective gesture Glenn has come to know well. “That will be enough,” she snaps at Glenn. “Pastor, could we talk in private, please?”
“Of course.” He guides her into his office and Glenn follows only to be stopped by Anika.
“You’re making a scene, Glenn, go back to your family!” She hisses and shoves at his chest and tries to close the door.
Just before the door closes, he leans in and whispers, “I’m so proud of you, Anika, and how you stood up for yourself, today.”
Shock has her stopping in stunned silence. Glenn pushes into the room and closes the door.
“You will not be alone with that pig, I don’t care what he paid.” Glenn turns to the Pastor, “I will buy the quilt.”
Anika glances at the Pastor and blushes in embarrassment. “You will not. We just have to out-think him, Glenn.”
The Pastor grins with delight at this change of direction. “I like the way you think. What do you have in mind?”
“What exactly did he say?” she asks.
“He said and I quote, “he wants a ride with the creator of the quilt.”
Anika grins and smooths her skirt. “Very well then.”
“Not happening, Anika,” Glenn rumbles. “The church members are already gossiping, it will only get worse if you are alone with him.”
Pastor Donegal’s eyes narrow. “Is that so?” Glenn nods at him and crosses his arms over his chest.
“It doesn’t help when you act like a buffoon.” She snipes back at home and turns back to the Pastor. “Besides, I’m not the creator of the quilt. It was made by your mother’s sewing group.” She grins, “All nine of them, I merely assembled the final product.”
Pastor Donegal bursts out laughing at the shock on Glenn’s face. “Perfect. I will take those names from you.”
“You have a bit of a problem on your hands, don’t ya son?”
He turns back to the Pastor, “What do you mean?”
“You have to choose between holding onto the past or being thankful for what remains. It’s time to look forward to all God has in store for you.” He walks around his desk and stops in front of Glenn. “When you’re ready, God is waiting to heal you, son.”
Glenn drops his head, “I’m trying, but I don’t know how to get back, or even if I can.”
“Son, you are allowed to be angry, to scream, but you are not allowed to give up. Allow yourself time, and when you are ready, remember, he never left you. He is beside you, patiently waiting.”
“Thank you.”
Glenn joins his family outside as they ride together to the cemetery. After the wagon is parked, Glenn lifts Anika down.
“We’ll only be a moment,” Anika says softly. “Delaney?” She opens her arms and lifts her from the wagon.
Hand, in, hand they walk across the cemetery. A solitary little team. It's them against the world and shame strikes him hard. “We don't deserve them, do we?” he asks softly.
His parents glanced at him in surprise. “That's a stupid thing to say!” His mother hisses at him.
“Mom!” Savannah gasps.
“They need us, just as much as we need them. God is amazing, son. You have your eyes on the mess, instead of the message. Look at them, they are not defeated.” Daisy turns to climb from the wagon.
Allen jumps down and lifts her before she can move. He tells his son, “They are victims of tragic circumstances, just like the rest of us and no one should have to walk through a storm alone.”
They walk away and Glenn smiles through tears at his sister. “Well, Hell. I guess they just gave me what for.”
“Yes, they did. Now help me down.”
Anika watches Delaney lean down and wipe the dirt off her sister’s mound. She takes a flower from her dress that Clara had pinned on earlier in the day and places it on top. Anika doesn't wipe the tears that flow away. There is no shame in mourning a life cut short. Dropping to her knees, she refuses to look at Saul's grave. Delaney wraps her arms around her mother's head and holds her tightly to her small chest. Anika sobs for what is lost and gives thanks for what remains.
“Thank you, Angel. I needed this. You are my greatest treasure, Delaney.” Anika sniffs and jerks at a noise behind them. Delaney’s eyes fly open wide when she realizes that the Ward family surrounds them.
Allen, Daisy, Savannah, and Glenn all watch quietly.
“Mama, look!” She says with tearful joy. “We have a new family, now.”
Daisy clutches Allen’s arm and turns her face into his arm to hide her tears.
“That’s right, you do,” Allen declares hoarsely.
Glenn is stricken by the child’s words as if God shot them straight into his soul. He realizes how selfish he has been. Anika looks at her daughter and smiles.
“God is Good, isn’t he Delaney?” Anika whispers.
“Yep. I’m ready to go home now.” Delaney says.
“Yes, let’s go home.” Glenn offers her his hands to help her stand up as Savannah teases Delaney and races her back to the wagon.
Allen and Daisy watch as Anika takes his hand and they smile when Glenn doesn’t drop it until they get back to the wagon.
“God is good,” Daisy whispers.
Chapter 14
“Watch, Mama!” Delaney calls and waves from the back of a pony.
Anika smiles and waves back calling out, “That's my girl.” Allen is leading her around, for her lesson just as Glenn and a customer exit the barn near them.
“I’m thrilled, Glenn. She will be a fine addition to our stables.” Dayton Patrick shakes his hand just as Allen calls out to her.
“Just a few minutes more, Anika and she is free to go.” Allen leads Delaney and the pony back into the barn to start the cooling down process.
“I’ll wait here.”
“Good morning,” Anika smiles at Glenn and his handsome friend. Dark hair, well dressed, in denims and a wide brim hat, he bows slightly.
“Anika, I’d like you to meet Dayton Patrick, he owns Patrick Plantation in Kentucky.”
“Not the Patrick Plantation, home of Survivor?” she gasps. Dayton grins and pushes his hat back on his head.
“You know of Survivor?”
“My Daddy used to say that he was the only horse that could take several thousand people on a ride at the same time if you were lucky enough to see him race.”
Dayton laughs along with Glenn and stares at the young beauty. “Your father sounds like my kind of man,” he teases.
“Thank you, he was an avid horseman.” Delaney runs up and throws her arm around her mother’s waist interrupting them.
“Mama, did you see me? Mr. Allen says I can learn to trot next!”
“I did see you. You’re a natural. Delaney, this is Mr. Patrick.”
Delaney curtsies, “It’s nice to meet you. Mama can we have lunch now?”
“Of course. Excuse me, gentlemen, it's time for lunch. It was nice to meet you, Mr. Patrick.”
“Who is that?” Dayton asks after they walk away.
“Anika Coltrane, a widower, and my current nanny.”
Allen watches from the door of the barn and steps out, “Why don’t you stay for lunch, Dayton and we can over the final details.” Glenn glares at his father when Dayton replies with a laugh. “I’d love to.”
Daisy sets an extra place at the table and hurries upstairs to tell Savannah that they have a handsome guest.
“Really, Mother. I’m a little old for you to play matchmaker.”
“Old? Please, you’re beautiful and smart. Any man would be lucky to marry you. Now change and join us for lunch.”
Anika laughs and takes the now sleeping baby from her. “I'll be right down. Don't wait for me,” Anika calls out hurries to help Delaney get cleaned up. When they enter the dining room, she's surprised to see a seat next to Dayton. He stands up quickly and waits for her to sit down. Delaney glares at him and moves to take the place next to Savannah who covers her grin with her hand.
“You didn't have to wait for us,” she sits quickly. Glenn offers thanks before they begin passing the food around.
Dayton holds the bowl of rolls out to Anika, “Where are you from Mrs. Coltrane?”
She hesitates and glances at Glenn who avoids her eyes. “Virginia.”
“Call me Dayton, please. Virginia? I thought I caught an accent,” he teases. “Do you ride?”
“What kind of Virginian would I be if I didn’t?” She laughs.
“My mama is the best, especially when she wears her denims,” Delaney declares causing Anika to blush and the family to laugh.
“Savannah can ride as well,” Daisy intercedes and nudges her with a foot under the table.
“Tell us, Dayton, which horse are you looking at buying?” Savannah asks, taking the hint from her mother.
“Starlight has potential, but I'll have to come back in a few months and see how she is growing.”
“You're buying my pony?” Delaney asks in a heartbroken voice.
“I,” Dayton hesitates and looks at Anika in surprise.
“Delaney, Starlight isn’t yours, she belongs to the Wards,” Anika explains. Delaney glances down at her plate and sniffs. Daisy hugs her close and stares at Allen with a glance of concern.
“We breed horses to sell, Delaney, we can’t keep all of them, sweetie,” Glenn tries to explain.
“Yes, Mr. Ward,” she replies without looking up.
“Delaney, do you remember the story of Survivor, the pony from Kentucky?” Anika asks.
“Yes, Mama,” her eyes light up as she looks at her mother.
“Mr. Patrick owns her, and he's looking
for a new horse to train. Is that right?”
“Absolutely, but it takes time to know if a pony is going to show the traits of a racehorse.”
Delaney claps her hands together in excitement, “Oh, Starlight is fast, Mr. Patrick.”
“Maybe you could show me after lunch, with your Mother, of course?”
“Mama?”
“That would be up to Glenn,” she replies with a smile.
“That sounds fine. I have work on the south fence, Dad can help you.” Anika smothers her disappointment and listens as Delaney talks excitedly about the horses.
“Sounds like you have a budding racer on your hands, Mrs. Coltrane,” Dayton says.
“I’m afraid you may be right,” she replies with a laugh.
“It would be a good idea for you to see Starlight stretch her legs, Dayton. Why don’t we all go?” Allen suggests.
Glenn clears his plate and carries it to the kitchen leaving the family to finish up.
Savannah watches her brother leave with a frown and looks at Anika who is watching Glenn’s retreating back. Anika covers the disappointment quickly and returns to the conversation as Savannah watches and wonders if all men are stupid or is it just her brother?
“Lead the way, Miss Delaney,” Dayton teases after lunch is over.
“Delaney runs almost as fast as Starlight does,” Allen teases.
“Savannah, are you coming?” Anika pleads silently with her eyes.
“Of course, I wouldn’t miss Delaney showing off.”
Dayton walks ahead opening the door for the ladies and joins Allen on the walk to the barn. Anika turns twice to look for Glenn, only to have to hide her disappointment. Savannah nudges her, and she realizes Dayton was speaking to her.
“Have you been away from Virginia long? What is your family name?” Dayton asks as he slows down to walk beside her.
Anika wraps her arms around her midriff and looks at him. “I have. My Father was Thomas Bowden.”
“Thomas Bowden, the attorney general for Virginia?” Dayton asks stunned by the new revelation.
“You knew him?” Anika eyes him in shock.
“Of course. I had the pleasure of meeting him in Washington.” He also remembers a mention of his death in the newspaper. “I'm so sorry for your loss.” His voice holds true compassion, and Savannah wraps an arm around her shoulder in comfort.
