A Chance at Love

by Beverly Jenkins

  When they drove up to the house, the air outside was fragrant with the smells of chicken frying. Loreli’s mouth began to water.

  “Uncle Jake’s got supper ready,” De announced.

  Surprised by that, Loreli asked, “Your uncle cooks?”

  Bebe glanced Loreli’s way as if the question was a silly one. “Sure. He cooks dinner, breakfast, and lunch for us, everyday.”

  Dede added, “He cooks good too.”

  “Oh, really?” An intriguing bit of information. She had no idea he was domesticated. Interesting.

  The girls jumped down from the buggy and an eager Bebe told her sister, “Come on. We have to tell Uncle Jake about all the things Loreli got us.” And off they ran, leaving Loreli to escort herself in.

  Inside the house, she found the apron-clad Jake Reed in the kitchen taking the last pieces of chicken out of the skillet on the stove. The girls were excitedly relating the details of their trip into town. Loreli was certain he couldn’t understand a word they were saying because they were both talking so fast, and trying to talk over each other.

  “Hold on,” he said laughing. “You’re going too fast.” Only then did he see Loreli standing in the doorway. He paused, then nodded. “Miss Winters.”

  “Reed.”

  “Sounds like you three had quite the time?”

  “We did,” she replied.

  “Girls, show Miss Winters where to wash up. Supper’s ready. You can finish telling me about the trip while we eat.”

  Loreli met his eyes. Was this an invitation for her to stay?

  Dede must have read the expression on Loreli’s face. “You are going to stay and eat with us, aren’t you, Loreli?”

  Loreli couldn’t say no to such a face, and besides, she’d had a grand time with the twins today and didn’t want it to end, at least not yet. “Yes, I’m staying. That chicken smells so good an army couldn’t drag me out of here.”

  Dede giggled as she and Bebe led Loreli out the kitchen door to the pump near the back porch. Loreli felt Reed’s eyes on her back every step of the way.

  When they got to the table, the fat golden pieces of steaming bird were piled on a chipped blue platter. Accompanying the chicken were green beans with cut up potatoes, corn, and cornbread. As everyone took their places, Loreli looked out over the scene and felt a contentment so ideal it scared her; she could learn to like this family living, but she reminded herself that her role here would only be a temporary one. Soon as Reed found a woman he deemed more suitable, she’d be out on her ear. This was just pretend.

  Reed’s voice broke into her thoughts. “Let’s bow our heads.”

  After everyone quieted, he recited a short grace, thanking the Lord for the food. Then plates were filled with the supper’s samplings and the girls launched into an exuberant retelling of the day’s big shopping trip.

  Bebe told her uncle, “We bought hats and shoes…”

  Dede added, “And dresses, and a carpet for our floor.”

  He stared at Loreli. “Carpets?”

  She shrugged. “Floors get cold in the winter.”

  His face tightened a bit. “What else did you buy?”

  Loreli got the impression he wasn’t as enthusiastic about the purchases as the girls.

  Bebe said, “We got capes and hairbrushes. Hair curlers, gloves…”

  Dede gushed, “We even got to move some money.”

  Jake found that confusing, but before he could ask what she meant, Dede said, “But do you know what was the best, uncle?”

  “No, De,” he said smiling in spite of himself. “What was the best?”

  “The roller skates. We got roller skates!”

  He looked across the table at Loreli as if she were responsible for buying the girls liquor. “That’s real nice, De. Real nice.”

  He then asked Loreli, “No elephants?”

  Not liking the dig, she shook her head, “No. Maybe next time.”

  As they continued the meal, the girls kept up a steady chatter about the day and their plans for their booty when it arrived. The adults viewed each other with an increasing coolness. For the life of her, Loreli couldn’t figure out why he was acting so put out, but since she knew he’d inform her soon enough, she did her best to ignore him and his mood.

  When the meal was done, the girls cleared the table and started washing the dishes out by the pump near the back porch. Loreli and Reed stepped out onto the front porch to talk.

  Loreli decided not to allow him the first shot. “So, what sin have I committed this time?”

  “Did you have to buy so much?”

  “I didn’t buy frivolously, Reed. Everything I purchased the girls needed.”

  “Curtains?”

  “The house needs those.”

  “We have curtains.”

  “I know, that’s why I ordered new ones. Not sure they’ll fit, though. I didn’t have the window measurements.”

  He ran his hand across his hair. “And what is this about moving money?”

  “I’m having some of my money transferred to the bank here. I just talked the girls through what I was doing. They need to know about such things.”

  “That’s what husbands are for.”

  She folded her arms across her chest and asked challengingly, “Oh, really?”

  “Yes, really,” he responded.

  “And suppose they have no husband? Should they find some random man on the street and ask him to handle their finances?”

  He looked real uncomfortable in response to that. Loreli had him, and they both knew it.

  He came back with, “But did you have to buy so much? Once you’re gone I don’t want them thinking I’m going to continue spoiling them this way.”

  She sighed. “Reed, look. I purchased necessities only. There were no silk sheets or crystal goblets, just basic little-girl needs. Underwear, stockings, shoes.”

  “Expensive, I’ll bet.”

  “No, not really.”

  The wind picked up all of a sudden and a boom of thunder shook the surroundings. They both looked up at the darkening sky. “Storm’s coming,” Reed said. “We’ll have to finish this later.”

  “There’s nothing to finish. The things are bought, they’ll be here early next month.”

  His expression made her think he wanted to argue further, but all that he said was, “I have to put the animals in the barn. You may as well stay the night. You might not make it trying to beat this storm back to town.”

  Loreli wondered if he were really concerned for her safety or the safety of the marriage agreement they’d made. “You know, Reed, something happens to me and you’re free to find that real wife.”

  He groused back, “I can’t afford the one I’m getting.”

  As fat rain drops began to fall from the sky, he took off at a run for the barns. Smiling and shaking her head, Loreli stood and watched the storm roll in, then headed in to find the twins.

  He came back into the house a short while later soaked to the skin. It was now pouring. The heavy rain continued for the next two hours. Eventually Loreli took out a deck of cards and taught the girls to play solitaire. Their uncle sat by one of the lamps reading an animal-husbandry journal, and keeping an eye on the interactions between the twins and Loreli Winters.

  It was then that Dede looked up at him and asked, “Uncle Jake, are you and Loreli going to kiss?”

  He looked so dumbstruck, Loreli had to drop her head so he wouldn’t see her grin. When she’d composed herself, she looked up into his dark eyes and said, “She asked me the same question. Since I couldn’t rightfully answer, I told her she should ask you.”

  The sharp look he shot Loreli’s way made her chuckle inside. Her expression revealed no clue to her thoughts.

  Gently, he told his niece, “De, that’s not something girls your age should be concerned about. Okay?”

  She dropped her eyes, and nodded. “I’m sorry, Uncle Jake.”

  “No sorry needed. It’s adult business, is a
ll.”

  Loreli wanted to yell “Coward!” but she didn’t. Instead she smiled at Dede and was quite amazed when De flashed a devilish little smile right back. Well, I’ll be. Maybe Deirdre Case isn’t such a wallflower after all.

  An hour or so later, it was time for the girls to go to bed. After they put on their thin flannel nightgowns, they gave Loreli a hug and a kiss good-night. They repeated the ritual with their uncle, who then said, “I’ll be in in a moment to hear your prayers.”

  As the twins headed into their room, Loreli thought about the unfurnished space the girls shared, and a question she’d been brooding on all day. “If it’s none of my business just say so, but why is there so little furniture here?”

  “My father sold everything when my mother died.”

  “Why?”

  “To atone for his sins. He viewed her death as his personal punishment from God.”

  That was certainly not the answer she’d been expecting. “He was a preacher?”

  “Yes. He had this house built for her.” Jake didn’t want to talk about his father because of the harsh memories still haunting his soul.

  “What sins did he think he had to atone for?”

  “Pride, arrogance, and adultery.”

  Loreli asked very carefully, “He wasn’t faithful to your mother?”

  “No.”

  “But why sell everything?”

  “In one of the gospels of the New Testament, Jesus tells folks to rid themselves of all their possessions, and my father took the words to heart.”

  “So, he sold everything?” Loreli asked.

  “Everything. Beds, tables, chairs, sideboards. After her death, Bonnie and I grew up with only the things you see inside.”

  “But don’t you think her girls should have more?”

  “To be honest, I haven’t really thought about it, one way or the other?”

  “They’re children, Reed. Don’t you think you should?”

  He began to pace. Finally he said, “I won’t have you disrupting our lives this way.”

  “Disruption keeps you from being stagnant, Reed.”

  “Oh, now you’re calling me stagnant?!”

  She smiled. “If the shoe fits…”

  His handsome face went stony. “I have to see to the girls.”

  “I’ll be right here.”

  He stormed off. Outside the thunder boomed in concert.

  Before knocking on the girls’ closed door, Jake drew in a deep breath to calm himself. He knocked.

  Bebe’s small voice chimed happily, “Come in.”

  They were in bed. Bebe at the head, Dede at the foot. For the first time Jake attempted to see the room with fresh eyes. He realized the Winters woman was correct. There were no frills or other items associated with girls their age. He remembered the doll his sister dreamt of having when they were growing up but never received because his father thought toys a waste both economically and emotionally. Jake realized he’d been unwittingly subjecting the girls to the same kind of joyless life.

  Dede’s concerned voice brought him back. “Uncle, are you all right?”

  He smiled softly. “Yep. I was just thinking is all.” To change the subject he said, “Sounds like you two had a fine day with Miss Winters.”

  Bebe responded with a big smile. “Oh, yes, uncle. She’s so nice. She took us to the bank and we helped her move some money.”

  “You did?” he asked in a wonder-filled voice. “Did you actually get to carry it?”

  They laughed, and Dede said, “No. It’s going to come by wire. We just got to talk to Mr. Buxton and tell him what Loreli wanted.”

  Bebe said proudly, “She let me write the date on the slip.”

  “And I got to write in the name of our town.”

  “My, my. I’m very impressed.”

  Bebe said, “She said we needed to learn that a woman can take care of her own finances without a man’s help, approval, or…” She paused, searching for the word.

  “Interference,” Dede provided, proud that she’d remembered something her sister hadn’t. Dede then added sagely, “Loreli’s very smart, Uncle Jake.”

  “Much smarter than mean old Miss Millie,” Bebe said.

  Jake was confused. “What happened with Miss Millie? Is she going to sew your dresses for the wedding?”

  “She threw a book at Loreli, so we had to leave.”

  “What?”

  “Miss Millie didn’t like Loreli because she thought you were going to marry Miss Rebecca. That’s what Loreli said.”

  Jake went still. “How did Miss Millie find out about the wedding?”

  Bebe confessed softly, “I told her Loreli was going to be our new mama. Was it a secret, Uncle?”

  “No, it wasn’t a secret.” And it certainly wasn’t one now. More than likely Millie Tate had closed her shop immediately after the girls left and ran to tell Rebecca all she knew.

  Bebe looked worried. “I wasn’t suppose to tell. Was I?”

  He came over and stroked her head reassuringly, “You didn’t do anything wrong. Not a thing.”

  He then leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. “Go to sleep now. I’ll see you in the morning. Miss Winters is going to spend the night because of the storm.” He walked to the foot of the bed and gave Dede a kiss on the forehead as well. “Sleep tight,” he told her affectionately.

  “Don’t let the bed bugs bite,” they chimed.

  He grinned, turned down the lamp, and left them to their dreams.

  Chapter 6

  When Jake returned to the front room, the Winters woman was nowhere to be seen.

  “I’m out on the porch,” she called. “The rain’s stopped.”

  Jake opened the screen door and stepped out. The moon cast a bright light over the night. The air was fresh with the smell of rain. Loreli turned back to look at him and even in the dark he was moved by the faint scents of her cologne and how much of a woman she was. To a plain-living man like himself she was as exotic as a sapphire in a pile of coal. She sparkled, glowed, and seemed intent upon turning his world upside down. Stagnant, she’d called him. Admittedly he didn’t like change and upheaval, at least not in his private life, but that didn’t make him stagnant, did it?

  “The girls heading to sleep?” she asked.

  “Yes. They told me about the visit with Millie Tate.”

  “Not a very nice woman.”

  “De said she threw a book at you?”

  She chuckled. “Not actually, but it certainly seemed that way. She said she was a good friend of your Rebecca.”

  “She’s not ‘my Rebecca.’”

  “Well, apparently some folks see it differently. When are you going to tell Rebecca about…us, this?”

  “Tomorrow, first thing,” Reed replied.

  “She’s probably going to be angry. I know I would be if I thought a man was courting me and he turned around and married someone else.”

  Jake didn’t expect tomorrow to go well. “The girls don’t like her.”

  “I know.” Loreli looked out over the moonlit night and said quietly, “Well, I hope it won’t be too painful for her.”

  “For her?”

  She turned back so she could see him. “Yes, her. You’re not going to be the one with the broken heart, Reed, she is.”

  He didn’t want to think about it. The confrontation with Rebecca would come soon enough. A short silence filled the air.

  “I’ve decided to close the discussion we were having about all the things I bought. I’m not going to argue with you on such a beautiful night.” The storm had swept away the heat and humidity and replaced it with a cool, skin-brushing breeze. “I love it when it rains.”

  “Why?”

  “Oh, when I was about the twins’ age, my pa and I were in Kentucky somewhere and we were walking to the next town. We’d just gotten run out of the last one, and it was hot, dusty, and humid. Seemed like we’d walked for miles. I was hungry, my clothes were filthy and sticking to my
skin, and then it started to rain. I never felt anything so good as that water in my life. I was so happy I started to dance right there in the muddy road, and my pa laughed and laughed. Rain always makes me think of that day and of him.”

  Jake felt her smile touch him in the same places that the twins’ smiles did. That filled him with alarm. Surely he couldn’t be developing feelings for this impossible woman? “Why were you two run out of town?”

  “Pa made a bet he couldn’t cover. The men he owed wanted to string him up right then and there, but they didn’t.”

  “What stopped them?”

  “My pa being who he was.”

  She must’ve sensed his puzzlement because she explained further. “My pa was Hamilton Beauregard Winters, the only son of Horace Beauregard Winters, one of the wealthiest slave-owners in the state of Kentucky.”

  “Your pa was White?”

  “Yep, and he had the audacity to fall in love with my mother and be wealthy enough to live with her openly during a time that should have gotten them both killed. But because my pa was a Winters, folks left them alone.”

  “How did his father feel about that?” Jake asked.

  “Disinherited pa the day my parents set up housekeeping. Pa didn’t care. Back then he had more than enough money to take care of us.”

  “Then how did you wind up living such a hard life?”

  She quieted and Jake wasn’t sure she planned to answer until she said, “After my mother died, he couldn’t bear to stay in the same place, so we drifted around. He ran his thoroughbreds in races for a few years, but eventually had to sell them to cover gambling debts, and after that, he drank or gambled away everything else he owned. He died when I was fourteen, but his grief over losing my mother killed him long before.”

  The story made Jake view her differently. He could no longer see her as just another gambling queen. It was apparent from her voice that she’d known pain and heartache. “He must’ve loved her very much.”

  “He did, and continued to do so until the day he died.”

  A silence settled over them again, letting the soft, chirping sounds of the night rise to their ears. He realized he wanted to know more about this fascinating woman, then hastily pulled his mind away from those thoughts. He didn’t need to know any more than he did now. “You can sleep in my room tonight. I’ll bunk in the barn.”