Where the Wild Rose Blooms

by Lori Wick

  Robert had a good laugh over this until he saw the pain in Eddie’s eyes.

  “You’re serious,” he said softly. Eddie felt a fool. “Eddie,” Robert leaned forward and went on gently, “I did a horrible job of expressing myself if you believed that.”

  “I’m sorry, Robert.”

  “No, Eddie. I’m not trying to wring some sort of apology out of you, I’m trying to tell you how I feel.” He stopped then and looked out the window, his mind racing. Moving from where he stood across the room, he settled on the sofa within a few feet of Eddie, who faced him on her favorite chair.

  “Let me put it this way,” he whispered caressingly. “If your feelings for me are even a fraction of what mine are for you, then you’re head-over-heels in love with me.”

  “Oh, Robert,” Eddie breathed, her heart in her eyes. “I only dreamed, but I never hoped to know this soon. I’ve loved you for months.”

  Robert’s eyes closed for an instant, and then he reached for her hand. Eddie never imagined that it would happen so quickly. She had wondered what she would do if he left and she still didn’t know his intentions. Eddie realized that her hand was being crushed, but she didn’t care. Robert loved her and she loved him. Eddie asked the Lord right then to help her be the wife He would have her to be. Robert hadn’t asked yet, but somehow she knew he would. With that she had a sudden thought.

  “What is it?” Robert asked when she sat up very straight, taking her hand from his grasp.

  “My father. You haven’t met my father.”

  “Are you worried that he won’t approve?”

  “Maybe a little. He can be rather strict, and sometimes quite unpredictable.”

  With those words they both heard voices, one distinctly feminine and the other a man’s. Eddie and Robert exchanged a look. Eddie’s face was worried, but Robert was quite at ease. He gave her a tender wink as the voices neared. A moment later Morgan Fontaine entered the room.

  “I hope you won’t think me presumptuous to ask your wife to join our conversation, Mr. Fontaine, but I feel this involves both of you.” It was hours after supper, and the three of them were seated in the living room.

  Morgan nodded equably to Robert’s remark. It had never occurred to him that his daughter’s guest would ask for her hand in marriage this soon. Assuming Robert had some sort of business deal to discuss, he called Addy and then sat back comfortably. Indeed, Morgan hoped it was just that. Over dinner he’d become very impressed with this young man and felt it would be a benefit to both of them if they could work together in some capacity.

  “I would like to marry Edwina.”

  Morgan was brought abruptly back to earth. He wanted to shout with outrage but worked at keeping his expression neutral. No easy feat this, with the way Addy was smiling from a brocade chair between them.

  “Does Eddie know how you feel?” she asked, pleasure highlighting her voice.

  “Yes, she does. I know it seems rather sudden, but she admitted to me today that she feared I would come and be interested in one of her sisters. It didn’t seem that there could be a better time to tell her what’s in my heart. I know I’m over ten years older than her 18 years, but Eddie tells me that doesn’t worry her. I believe I could take very good care of her.”

  “But you only just arrived.” Morgan finally found his voice.

  Addy looked at her husband with compassion but wondered if he’d heard a thing Robert said.

  “They’ve corresponded for many months now, Morgan,” she reminded him.

  Morgan looked at her as though seeing her for the first time. His gaze then became quite fierce.

  “How does Eddie feel about this?” He asked his wife, but his eyes swung to Robert. “Can you tell me that?”

  Robert remained silent. He hadn’t known what to expect. Eddie had given him the impression that it had been her father’s idea that he come, but now Mr. Fontaine seemed so offended. Before Robert could utter a word, Addy came to his aid.

  “I’m sure Eddie is still awake,” Addy said. “Would you like me to get her, Morgan?”

  “Yes.” He sounded relieved, as if Eddie would settle this misunderstanding once and for all. Addy rose, leaving an awkward silence in her wake. Robert was a guest and felt he should not try to make conversation. Besides, Morgan was looking very put out, so they just sat. A good ten minutes of this torture passed before Addy was back, bringing Eddie with her.

  “Please sit down, Ed,” her father instructed.

  Eddie was careful to not look at Robert or sit anywhere near him. Morgan took this as a good sign and jumped right in.

  “Robert has asked for your hand in marriage. Did you know he planned to do this?”

  “Well, I wasn’t sure, but I thought he might.”

  “And how do you feel about this?”

  “I hoped you could come to some sort of agreement.”

  Her words were almost more than Morgan could bear. It was all happening too swiftly.

  “You’d like me to say yes.” Morgan speared Eddie with his eyes, and all she could do was nod. “And if I don’t?” he added.

  Eddie bit her lip, and a look of misery covered her features. She looked at the hands clenched in her lap for a moment and then back at her father. Her voice was just above a whisper when she replied, “Then I would tell him no.”

  Morgan couldn’t think. How had things gotten so completely out of his control?

  “You may return to your room, Ed.”

  Eddie did so without looking at anyone. Robert stood when she rose, and before he could be reseated, Morgan came to his feet.

  “I’m going to need time to think about this. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, Robert. Come, Addy.”

  Adaline dutifully rose and bid her guest good-night before she swiftly preceded Morgan from the room. The hallway was dark with the lantern behind her in Morgan’s hand, but Addy didn’t slow her flight. She nearly ran to the room they shared and waited only until the door closed before she turned on her spouse.

  “How could you do such a thing?” She spat the words in fury, huge tears filling her eyes. Morgan’s hard expression softened when he saw them, but Addy was far from through.

  “Why did you think he’d come here, Morgan—to buy land? How could you look into your daughter’s face and put her through that? She loves and trusts you, but you’ve asked her to pick between the two of you. And to leave them hanging! Neither one of them will get a moment’s sleep this night. Now, isn’t that a grand way to begin Robert’s visit?” With that she turned her back on him, a sob breaking in her throat.

  Morgan didn’t think Addy had ever spoken to him in such a way. Then Eddie’s face came to mind, and he knew his wife had gone easy on him. He’d known very well why Robert was coming to Georgetown. Why was he fighting this when all he wanted was Eddie’s happiness?

  Addy was still crying softly when Morgan placed the lantern on the bedside table and lit another. Leaving one of the lights for his distraught wife, he moved back down the hall to Eddie and Jackie’s room. The bed showed just one sleeping figure, and Morgan raised the light to find Eddie. She was in a chair by the window, and even though she’d scrubbed at her face with the sleeve of her gown, the evidence of tears was very clear.

  Morgan stood for a long moment and looked down at her. While he did so, another drop slipped down her cheek. Morgan reached out to cup her face with one hand, and his voice was rough.

  “Marry your Robert, Ed, with my blessing.”

  “Oh, Father, do you mean it?”

  “Yes. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier.”

  Eddie would have risen, but Morgan put a hand on her shoulder. “Get ready for bed now and go to sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow.” With that he was gone. He took the stairs on silent feet and moved through the kitchen to the door of the small room they had prepared for their guest. He knocked and waited.

  Only seconds passed before Robert came to the door. His jacket and tie were missing, but he was still dressed. T
he two men looked at one another for several heartbeats. Robert was much taller, but his look held respect.

  “She’s never had jewels or finery,” Morgan began, “but she’s had love. I would want no less for her.”

  “Love I can give her, sir, with all my heart.”

  “Then do so, Mr. Langley. I ask only that she be allowed to turn 18 and a half before the wedding.”

  Robert nodded, his mind moving. “That would be the end of February, wouldn’t it?”

  “Yes. Are you willing to wait until spring?”

  “More than willing, Mr. Fontaine. Anything you ask in order to make Eddie my wife.”

  Morgan nodded, and his hand came forward. The men shook, and Robert smiled.

  “Sleep well, Robert,” Morgan added softly before turning away.

  Robert’s smile widened. “I shall, Mr. Fontaine. I shall indeed.”

  It was not with a light tread that Morgan took the stairs. He knew he’d done the right thing, but his heart was heavy. Boulder. His daughter would be moving away to Boulder in six months’ time. Morgan stopped in his path. Or would she? Why did Robert have to live in Boulder? He and Eddie could settle here.

  It was with a much lighter step that Morgan covered the remaining distance to his bedroom. First he had to thank Addy for helping him to see how harsh he’d been, but then he had some planning to do. It would take no small amount of talk to bring Langley around. It crossed his mind to make the marriage conditional on the move, but he knew that would not be fair to Ed. He wasn’t daunted, however; he was quite a salesman and knew his strengths. He was certain he could make Robert see that he and Eddie needed to live in Georgetown.

  “Did he change his mind?” Eddie asked Robert anxiously when he came in the door, but he only took her hand and led her into the living room.

  That morning Morgan had gone off to work early, but he’d left word with Addy that he wished to see Robert at his earliest possible convenience. All the girls were expected to work in the store on Saturday mornings, so when they left Robert had gone with them. Eddie had remained home. She wanted to do some baking, and she and her mother were already making wedding plans.

  “No,” Robert spoke when they were seated on the davenport. “He did not change his mind, but he wants me to move to Georgetown.”

  Eddie sat back in surprise. “He what?”

  “He wanted to know if I’d ever considered setting up a bank here, or going into some other business in town.”

  “Did you tell him you’d think about it?”

  Robert shook his head. “That wouldn’t have been fair, Eddie. Moving to Boulder was not some whim on my part. I think the town has great potential, and that’s where I want to live. I assumed you’d be fine with the idea, but we’ve never discussed it.”

  “I am fine with the idea, Robert. I mean, I’ll miss my family, but I never dreamed you’d want to live here.” She paused. “Was he terribly upset?”

  Robert smiled. “Oh, no. He’s still certain he can talk me around.”

  Eddie sighed. “It’s not going to be a very nice visit for you, is it?”

  “On the contrary,” Robert replied while looking into her eyes. “I’m sure it’s going to be a wonderful time.”

  And without a moment’s warning, he leaned forward and kissed her. Eddie’s eyes became very soft and warm, and Robert gently shook his head.

  “You don’t know how tempting you are, Eddie.”

  “Isn’t that good?”

  “It will be when you’re my wife, but right now it’s a lot of work.”

  Eddie’s look became very serious, and she gently placed her hand on Robert’s coat sleeve.

  “I won’t do anything to make it harder for us, Robert.”

  “That I can believe, but I think that Boulder will be the best place for me in the coming months. Have you and your mother decided when I can come back and make you my wife?”

  “I think so. The snow can be pretty heavy in February and March, but we’re going to try for March 14. How does that sound?”

  Robert pulled a small book from his breast pocket, and Eddie saw that it was a tiny calendar.

  “Twenty-four weeks from today,” he finally commented quietly. “Nearly six months.”

  Eddie couldn’t tell what he really thought. “It doesn’t have to be that day, if you’d prefer another.”

  “No, I think this is fine. Would you rather I come ahead of the wedding and then leave right after we’re married, or come the day before and plan to stay longer afterward?”

  Eddie didn’t have to think very long. “I’m afraid something will keep you from getting here for the fourteenth, so I’d rather you come early.”

  “What would keep me from coming?”

  “The snow.”

  Robert heard the fear in her voice and put his hand over hers. She was his Eddie. Their letters were always so full. They had spent less than 48 hours in each other’s presence, but he knew this girl. She had told him all about herself, and he likewise, on the pages of their letters. They’d shared every dream and prayer on those pages, and it was no surprise to Robert that he was already in love.

  It was an added blessing that her hair was thick and shiny and that her blue eyes were huge and rimmed with long, dark lashes, but the girl he loved, he loved from the pages of her letters.

  “I thought I heard you come in, Robert,” Addy spoke now as she joined them. She sat on the davenport, taking Eddie’s other side, and put a loving hand on her daughter’s arm.

  “Did you discuss the wedding date?”

  “Yes. Robert thinks it’s fine. Mother, did you know what Father was going to talk to Robert about this morning?”

  Addy sighed. “He mentioned it last night. I didn’t encourage him, but he seemed to think it was a great idea. Has it ruined your stay, Robert?”

  “No, Mrs. Fontaine, but I did have to tell him no. I want Eddie to come home as often as she likes, and I hope you’ll visit us in Boulder, but I really do believe that’s where the Lord wants us.”

  “Maybe someday we’ll have a home and you can even stay with us,” Eddie told her mother and then turned to smile at Robert. He was looking rather surprised.

  “I think someday might be sooner than you think” was all he said.

  “What do you mean?”

  Robert hesitated and Addy stood.

  “I think it’s time I left you alone.”

  Robert swiftly came to his feet. “No, no, Mrs. Fontaine, please don’t go; I just can’t believe I forgot. Excuse me a moment, ladies.”

  He slipped from the room, and mother and daughter exchanged looks. They didn’t have time to talk about it, however, because Robert was right back, a roll of paper in his hand.

  “I brought house plans with me. There’s a man in Boulder ready to go to work, but I didn’t want him to start until I’d checked with you, Eddie.”

  “Oh, Robert!” Eddie exclaimed when the plans were opened. “It’s wonderful.”

  All three heads bent over the pages as Robert’s hand walked them through the downstairs. The entryway was large and ornate. Oak stairs, leading to the second story, rose just 20 feet from the wide front door. Immediately to the left of the entryway was a formal living room. The dining room was off that, and the entire back of the house was pantry and kitchen. A hallway could be taken from the kitchen to arrive at Robert’s study or back to the main staircase. You could also reach the top floor from a narrow set of stairs that rose from the kitchen. The second story was beautifully laid out as well and sported four bedrooms. Robert’s and Eddie’s rooms were across the front of the house, with tall windows looking to the east, and the other rooms looked like they would be airy and spacious as well. Robert had designed the house himself, and Eddie was thrilled.

  “What do you think?” Robert wanted to know.

  “I think it’s wonderful.”

  “It’s not too late to change something. Do you have any suggestions?”

  Eddie thought a mo
ment, and both Robert and her mother were sure she would say no. She surprised them.

  “It might be too costly, but would it be possible to put in another fireplace? Right here in the entryway?”

  “A fireplace in the entryway?” Robert’s tone spoke of his doubt.

  “Well,” Eddie became rather self-conscious. “It’s probably too expensive, but that area is so large and what better place to warm up than when you’ve just come in from the cold.”

  Robert looked at Eddie and then back at the plans. Put like that, he could see that it was a marvelous idea. He turned back to look at her, his eyes intent now on her face. Addy decided it was time for her to leave.

  “We don’t have to, Robert,” Eddie spoke when they were alone. “I won’t be upset if you don’t like it.”

  “I’m not building this house for me, Eddie. Before I met you I wasn’t even interested in a home. Are you certain that’s all you want changed?”

  Eddie nodded, and Robert took her hand.

  “You’ll have your extra fireplace, Eddie. Count on that.”

  Eddie linked her fingers with Robert’s and thought about his words. Yes, she was certain she could count on having the other fireplace, but suddenly it occurred to her that it was Robert who could be counted on. A sudden peace stole over her. God had sent her a wonderful man.

  Eddie’s thoughts were still dwelling on the wonder of it all when Robert put an arm around her and pulled her close.

  8

  “Is that Clayton Taggart’s voice?” Jackie whispered furiously as she darted into the kitchen.

  “Yes” was Eddie’s casual reply. “He came to meet Robert.” She was making some refreshments for her guests and continued to do so calmly.

  “But I thought he was out of town!”

  “He was, but he made a special trip home because I told him Robert would be here.”

  Jackie dropped into a chair as though the world had come to an end. Seeing her face, Eddie wiped her hands and sat down across from her sister.

  “Jackie, will you please tell me why you have such a problem with Tag?”

  Jackie sighed. “I just don’t like him.”