Mercy's Promise (The Promise Series Book 1)

by Lynn Landes

  “We can both get blue ribbons, Mama!” Delaney reaches out and wraps an arm around her shoulder. “Mr. Glenn, what are you entering? You have to win too.”

  “I think I’ve already won the best prize, Delaney.” He murmurs softly.

  Anika's heart trembles as she thinks of the change in him. The past few weeks they have started studying their Bible together on Sunday evenings. Glenn has taken time to rest and sleep. His appetite has returned, and he has taken to spending time with Delaney. Fall allows them time together, and she has decided to trust Gods plan.

  “Did you hear that Daisy? Anika is baking. We will clean up you get started, so we can test taste for you,” Allen orders.

  Everyone laughs as Anika walks over to Glenn and plucks Delaney from his arms. “I thought you might say that. We must go to the cellar and see what supplies I will need to make my pie. But you have to promise not to tell anyone the ingredients.”

  “Why, Mama?”

  “It’s our secret family recipe.” Anika walks through the kitchen and towards the back door unaware that Glenn is following her.

  Delaney frowns and pulls her mother’s face back to her. “I thought we were all family,” her voice hitches as Anika stops walking.

  “Oh, Delaney, you must know I was only joking. You can tell anyone you want the recipe.”

  Glenn listens quietly to see how she will handle this. It occurs to him that Delaney is right. They are family and should be a family. He wants a future with them, now he just has to convince Anika that he is a changed man. With his families help, he is going to start courting her.

  “But Mama, Mrs. Batcher said that we are trash and that I can't call the Ward's my family.” Anika jerks as if slapped and sets Delaney on her feet and stoops to her knees.

  “Mrs. Batcher and I will talk about that on Sunday. I need you to hear me, we are not trash, Delaney, and the Bible speaks very clearly about gossiping. That means talking ugly about someone.”

  Glenn steps up behind her and speaks clearly, startling her. “In Isaiah 54:17 it says, ‘No weapons formed against you shall prosper and every tongue which rises against you in judgement, you shall condemn.’

  Stooping down eye level with Delaney he says firmly, “Some families are born together, and some are brought together by our Father, God. We are that kind of family.”

  Delaney throws her arms around his neck and squeezes tight. “That’s what I thought.” Anika wipes a tear and takes the hand he offers to pull her to her feet.

  “Now, let’s go to the root cellar. I don’t want you down there alone.”

  Anika smiles in relief. “Thank you,” she says as he Delaney runs out the kitchen door with a skip and smile.

  “Family supports each other, Anika. I meant what I said to her.”

  Unsure what to think Anika hurries out the door and puts some space between them. The truth is that Delaney isn’t the only one to hear nasty rumors. They are everywhere. In town, at the general store, even at church. She had hoped that time would show them to be untrue, but jealousy and envy are strong enemies to fight. Anger rippled through her heart as she watches her daughter play with the dog. Anika pulls her coat tighter around her shoulders and wonders if things will get better or worse.

  Chapter 26

  “Mama! Look!” Delaney bounces excitedly beside her on the wagon seat. Daisy and Allen laugh at her.

  A parade of horse-drawn carriages fill the grassy grounds. A cool breeze blows through, reminding them of the fall temperatures. Spread out before them are horses being led by owners, fields, wildlife and weathered barns. Tents were lifted to the sky, providing shelter for the visitors and sellers.

  “I wish I’d brought my camera,” Savannah sighs.

  “I'd forgotten how magical it is. It's like a magical city just arose, and we get to visit for one day!” Anika gasps glancing out at the massive hundred-acre field set up for the huge crowds they are expecting.

  “One day? No, we can’t possibly see everything in one day. We have hotel reservations for two days.” Daisy says with a grin as Allen lifts her from the parked wagon.

  “Two days!” Delaney claps her hands with glee and Anika laughs.

  Savannah hands down Quinton to her Mother and Anika hands baby Allen to his grandpa. Glenn lifts down Delaney and helps Anika down.

  “Let’s go make some memories.” Glenn whispers and Anika pulls away with a small smile.

  “This year we are lucky to not enter too many contests. First up are the fruit preserves, bread tasting contest, quilt, and pie tasting contest.” Daisy explains.

  Allen laughs at the look on Anika’s face. “Oh, wait for it. She’s just getting started.”

  “What about Chuck?” Delaney demands. “He needs a blue ribbon.”

  Savannah laughs and takes Delaney’s hand. “I love your attitude. We most definitely are bringing home a ribbon, dear heart.”

  Glenn removes the pram from the wagon. “This is a luxury,” Anika murmurs as they lay the boys inside.

  “Only the best for my boys,” Glenn teases.

  Anika stares at him in open mouth shock. Daisy nudges Allen and grins. “We will take Delaney to check on Chuck and grab a candy apple.”

  Savannah walks away with Delaney, following Allen and Daisy.

  “Glenn?” Anika tucks a blanket around the boys and glances up, “What is going on?”

  “Today we are going to relax and be together as a family. I want to make some good memories, win some ribbons and spoil you and Delaney. Do you trust me?”

  The sounds and smell reach her hears and heart stutters. “Yes, of course, I do.”

  “Good,” he presses a kiss to her forehead and smiles down at her. “Mrs. Henrietta will be at the hotel and Mom and Dad are going to take the boys to her, so we can stay and have fun.”

  Anika’s mouth falls open in surprise. “Glenn! When did you plan that?”

  “Mrs. Henrietta was happy to do it, especially when I told her she could ride on the train instead of a wagon. I booked a room for her and the children so we could relax. It's next to yours.” He starts pushing the pram forwards following the family.

  “Glenn, you’ve thought of everything.”

  “You have no idea, Ms. Coltrane. I can be downright conniving when I need to be.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind,” she replies with a laugh. A squeal of excitement from Delaney draws their attention.

  “Hurry, Mama. It’s time for Chuck to race!”

  The rest of the morning flies by, starting with Chuck winning second place. Delaney grudgingly accepts her yellow ribbon, with a promise from Allen that next year he would win first. She’s quickly distracted by a musical minstrel and his dancing monkey.

  As they stroll through the fields of tents and stalls, Anika can't help but feel like part of this family. Glenn is attentive and true to his word. Daisy and Savannah purchase various items from bread to preserves and even an oil painting for Savannah's room.

  The boys wake up and start fussing, luckily Anika thought to bring two glass bottles of juice for them. Now that they are stronger, they can handle some watered-down juice in between feedings.

  Allen and Glen wonder towards the stalls set up for the livestock to be judged. From chickens, pigs, hogs, and sheep to beautiful race quality horses. Anika, Daisy, and Savannah take Delaney to see the animals. Anika is laughing at Delaney and the piglets when a familiar voice calls to her.

  Dayton Patrick hurries to her side and grabs her hand, pressing a quick kiss to the back of it. He is dressed in denims and a hat with riding boots and looking quite dashing.

  “Dayton, it’s nice to see you,” Anika says smiling at him. Though surprised at his forwardness, she makes note that his nearness doesn’t affect her like Glenn.

  “I was hoping to see you. You’re in time for the horse race.” Dayton keeps her hand for the moment until she pulls away to look behind them at Glenn and Allen making their way through the crowd.

  “Horse rac
e? Do you have a horse in the race?”

  “You could say that?” He grins down at her, “I saved you and Delaney a seat up front.”

  “Dayton,” Glenn says walking up behind him. “Anika and Delaney will be sitting with my family, where they belong.”

  Anika bites back a smile and tucks an arm through Glenn’s surprising everyone. “Thank you for thinking of us Dayton, but Glenn is right. Though we’d love to cheer for you.”

  Dayton tips his hat back on his dark hair and stares back at them with a grin. “I don’t know about that, Anika.” His dark eyes tease Glenn, “You didn’t tell her you were racing me?”

  “What?” All three women say in unison.

  Dayton laughs out loud and slaps Glenn on the shoulder, “Good luck, Ward, you’ll need it to beat me. Excuse me, ladies.” He turns and hurries to his stall.

  “Thanks for that, Dayton,” Glenn calls to his back. Facing his family, he grins, “We should get you to your seats, I have to check on my horse. Dad will show you the way.”

  “Follow me,” Allen says pushing the pram and guides, Daisy, Savannah, and Delaney to the make-shift stands.

  Anika glares open-mouthed at everyone as they walk away, before racing after Glenn. She catches up to him at his stall. “Glenn, you don’t have to race him. This is ridiculous.”

  “Are you worried for me or Dayton?” he demands pulling her close to his chest.

  “Don’t be ridiculous, Glenn. He doesn’t stand a chance against you,” she says patting his firm chest.

  Glenn lifts her chin, “That’s right.” He kisses her firmly on the mouth and pushes her gently towards the stands. “Now go enjoy the race.”

  Anika stares at him, “Wait, Glenn,” he turns to look at her, and she grabs a fistful of his shirt and pulls him towards her. “I need to give you a good luck kiss.” Her hand wraps around the back of his neck, and she tugs him gently towards her. She waits for a heartbeat, savoring the manly scent and sharp inhale of his breath before capturing his lips. It begins softly, before gathering heat, causing Glenn to rumble with pleasure. His groan echoes in the stall, and she grins against his mouth, satisfied. She pushes back and snaps, “Now, go win me a blue ribbon.”

  His laughter follows her from the stall. “Yes, ma’am.”

  Anika joins them at a row of wooden benches and sits next to Savannah and Delaney. “This is a half mile race, called the Harness race. Don’t worry, Glenn has been riding since he was three,” Allen explains.

  “Yes, but Dayton is racing on Survivor, Allen. He’s the fastest horse in all of Kentucky and Virginia,” Anika glances at the racers lining up on the grassy field. It is an oval track of sorts, with people and wooden benches forming the barrier.

  “Where do you think Survivor came from?” Savannah smiles at the shock on Anika’s face.

  “Surely you don’t mean that he bought her from Glenn?” Anika gasps.

  “Not quite.” Allen points at Glenn's horse, “His horse, Samson, and Survivor are from the same broodmare.”

  “I bet five dollars on Glenn,” Savannah says munching on a bag of toasted walnuts. Delaney giggles and sticks her hand in the bag when offered.

  “Savannah!” Daisy starts to reprimand her only to be nudged by Allen.

  “Tell them, wife,” he orders. Daisy sniffs, “I bet ten.” They all start laughing at the shock on Anika’s face.

  “You’re all pirates,” she says with a smothered grin.

  Anika glances around the field and stares in awe at the over four hundred people in attendance. Things are about to get loud. Savannah whispers to Delaney who quickly covers her ears.

  Well-muscled horses line up in the grassy fields. From fillies to stallions no two are the same, and all are striking animals. The twenty animals line up, snorting, stomping the ground and raring to go. Anika is surprised to see the youngest jockey is just eighteen. Her eyes are drawn to Glenn and Dayton. Both men are striking, but Anika's heart and hands tremble as she watches the change come over Glenn.

  One minute he is smiling and relaxed and the next second, he leans low over Samson and murmurs in his ear. The instant the gun goes off they erupt in an explosion of energy. Anika watches with her hands clasped together. Her heartbeat matches the rhythm of the pounding hooves, and she can swear the very ground rumbles beneath them from the power of the majestic animals.

  In the crush of animals and men, Dayton fights to pull ahead. Some of the riders are in it for fun, others the prestige but most want the three-thousand-dollar purse. Samson is used to riding in a crush of men and animals from his time in the war. It doesn't bother him or his well-trained rider. Not even when a jockey next to him whacks at him with his whip. Glenn is ready for it and grabs his whip, holding it tight and steers Samson closer to the man's horse causing him to panic. The rider struggles to stay in his saddle with only one arm free to control his horse. Glenn releases him with a shove, and they veer to the side giving Glenn the opening he has been looking for. He leans forward and yells, Samson reacts instantly with a push of energy.

  Anika watches as four horses pull forward, instantly separating themselves from the pack. Glenn leans over, and it seems as if rider and man become one entity. Dayton pulls next to him as they close in on the finish line.

  Everyone leaps to their feet, cheering for their favorite rider. Both babies wake up, startled by the noise. They have no clue their daddy is closing in on the best rider on the east coast!

  Glenn grins at Dayton and kicks one last time, urging Samson to take the lead. They cross the line with Dayton just pulling ahead of Glenn by a few inches. The rest of the rider’s thunder across.

  Dayton is laughing as Glenn jumps from his mount.

  “You had me worried for a second Ward,” he laughs.

  “I almost had you, Patrick, maybe next year.” Samson stomps his feet, and Glenn trots him away to be wiped down as the crowd of people surrounds Dayton. A blanket of flowers is placed over Survivor's back, and Glenn pats Samson.

  “You did good, boy.” He spots his family hurrying to meet him and dismounts.

  “Well done, son,” Allen says with a whack on his back and Daisy hugs him.

  “Thank you.” He looks to Anika and asks, “What did you think, Anika?”

  “I’ve never seen anything more magical, Glenn. You and Samson ride like you’re one being. It’s impressive.”

  “I agree,” Dayton says from behind surprising everyone. “In fact, I’d like to invite you to race in Kentucky. I’m building a new flat racing track. It bound to draw prized horses and seasoned riders from end to end of the East coast. Glenn, with a horse like Samson, all you need to do is win some titles, and the purse will be substantial.”

  “How substantial?” Glenn asks with an interested gleam in his eye.

  “First place will receive twenty-five thousand dollars.” A collected gasp flickers around the group. Dayton grins, “The fee to enter isn't cheap, but if you win, you can use the money to set up your breeding business again.”

  Glenn glances at his family, “I’ll think about it.”

  “Don't think too long, Ward. If you'd let a smaller rider on your horse, I wouldn't have stood a chance. Samson is magic. I'll talk to you soon.” With a tip of his hat, he leaves, avoiding Anika. It is easy to see she is where she belongs.

  A tug on his hand has Glenn stooping down to hear Delaney. She holds up her ribbon and says, “I’ll share my ribbon with you.”

  “Delaney, I don't need a ribbon. You are the best prize.” He scoops her up to her delight and giggles declaring, “I need food. I hear the pie judging is starting soon. Let me put Samson away, and we'll go eat.”

  Whatever is left of Anika's defenses fall away at that moment. What will she do?

  “I love him,” she whispers as he sets Delaney on her feet and leads Samson away.

  ‘Trust,’ the Lord whispers to her heart.

  Heavenly scents skip on the air, as the judges prepare to taste test the pies. Apple, pumpkin,
cherry, pecan and walnut pies so many to eat and so many to sample. Each entrant was asked to bring three pies each for the judges.

  “Welcome to our pie judging. We will be judging on three criteria, appearance, taste and crust. This is a blind tasting, which means we do not know who made which pie, though I’m sure you all know, please try to keep it to yourself.”

  Anika smiles at the other contestants, standing on the sidelines. Each pie is numbered. Delaney twists her hands and looks at her then back at the table.

  Anika’s pie is called Apple Pecan pie. It was her grandmother’s recipe. It is a traditional Pecan pie, but on the bottom of the pie, instead of pouring in chopped pecans, thinly sliced apples are layered with pecans sprinkled on top and topped off with the filling. Then to hide the apples, whole pecans are placed on top to create a beautiful golden top. The secret ingredient is the bourbon. Only a splash but it gives a richness that will make it stand out from the other pies.

  Glenn stands behind Anika and bounces one of the boys, nervously watching the first round. When she makes it to round two, he grins at Delaney who is beaming with excitement. Round two only has ten pies remaining. The judges drink water between each bite and are somehow able to maintain blank faces as they continue. After a heated debate, three pies are chosen for the final round. A pumpkin pie, a cherry pie, and Anika's Apple-pecan pie.

  Glenn hands the baby to his mother and steps behind Anika. She reaches behind her and he takes her hand in his. The three pies are judged on appearance first and she thankful that Delaney talked her into adding the piecrust leaves along the edges.

  Taste time, each judge is given a healthy slice. They taste, write and taste again. One of the judges takes a fork to the pie and scrapes back the topping on Anika's pie trying to determine what the unusual flavor in the pie is. Delaney hides her face in her mother's skirt, and Anika hugs her close. The third test is the crust. Anika's is a flaky pastry crust with a beautiful golden color.

  The judges talk and step in front of the table to confer and when they step back one of them holds Anika’s pie, with a blue ribbon! Delaney squeals and jumps up and down, while Glenn presses a kiss to her temple.