by Danni Roan
Marni clung to Braden’s hand as he helped her to her feet and for one moment allowed herself to dream of being a simple farmer’s wife. She wouldn’t worry about the hard times or lean years since she already had the money from the sale of her mill and home in the bank. No, it would be a joy to work beside a man like Braden Prater seeing things grow and bloom.
“Is there anything you’d like to see?” Braden asked as he tucked her small hand into his elbow. “I believe most of the prizes have been awarded already, but we can do the rounds again.” The man glanced at Marni from under his hat and smiled. “Then this evening, when the music starts, the ladies will serve all the baked goods with coffee so nothing goes to waste.”
“Really?” Marni said, surprised that the families wouldn’t take the delightful treats home with them. “If I had known, I wouldn’t have baked my own,” she teased.
A deep, cheerful rumble emanated from Braden’s chest washing over Marni like a warm hug, as they headed out into the fairgrounds. “But I’m glad you did,” he teased. “It was perfect after all of the other food.”
Marni smiled; delighted that he had enjoyed her cooking. “I think I’ve seen almost everything,” Marni replied. “Though we didn’t walk past the livestock sales area. “I never knew they could have so much going on in one place before,” she added.
“Would you like to see the animals?” Braden asked. “I’ve seen several good horses today. Do you like horses?” he asked with a worried scowl.
“I do like horses,” Marni assured. “I’ve not had much opportunity to deal with them though. Back home I walked back and forth to the mill. When Jordan and I first wed, we moved into the family home, but it was far too big for me when he had gone, and it made more sense to rent it, so I moved in with his mother.”
Braden dipped his head surprised that Marni was willing to move from a big house into a smaller one. Her practical, sensible decision was only making him want her more.
Walking toward the far side of the block, Braden escorted Mrs. Simms to where a large number of horses stood staked out on the now rather sparse grass, while stock raisers stood by chatting with each other or potential clients.
“Oh, isn’t he beautiful?” Marni said, stopping so suddenly that she nearly pulled Braden off balance. “What an astounding coat.”
Braden followed the young woman’s eyes to a horse he had already looked at twice that morning, but which he knew he couldn’t afford, at least not after the wagon wheel debacle. In time he would have saved enough money to replace Milly-Bell as the only working animal on the farm, but for now, he needed to keep those savings for troubled times.
“You like the roan?” he asked, staring at the leggy red and white horse with the white slash down one hip.
“Can I pet him?” Marni asked, her voice bubbling with excitement as she watched the horse cropping grass at the end of his tether.
“I’m sure that will be fine,” Braden said, walking toward the horse that raised his head toward them curiously.
Marni stopped in front of the horse raising her head but hesitating at the last moment. Of course, she had been around horses her entire life, but she had never had to hitch them to a wagon or handle them in any way, and this animal’s sheer size was intimidating.
Braden smiled as he watched the young woman hesitate, but he took her hand and raised it to the horse’s neck. “He’s a pretty calm horse,” Braden said, “Mr. Abernathy does a good job with all of his stock and breaks them gently. It makes for a more manageable and agreeable animal.”
“So none of his horses are mean?” Marni asked.
“Horses are all different, just like people,” Braden said. “Some are easier than others to get along with. You get horses that are surly, and others that are sweet as pie.”
“What do you think this one is like?” Marni asked liking the way the animal’s smooth coat felt beneath her palm.
“I’d say he’s beautiful,” Braden said, wishing he could tell Marni that she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.
“Do you think you’ll buy him?” Marni asked as the horse leaned into her.
“He’s a little out of my price range,” Braden said sharply. There was no room in life or budget for either Mrs. Simms or this fine horse. He was only a poor dirt farmer with little to offer a woman like her.
“Thank you for letting me pet him,” Marni said, turning to smile up at Braden. “I don’t think I would have felt comfortable on my own.”
Braden smiled gazing into her lovely face before offering her his arm once more as they walked among the livestock for sale, examining horses, cows, and even goats. Perhaps he didn’t have a prayer of winning a girl like Marni Simms, but at least he could enjoy today and the feeling of being the luckiest man on earth.
“I thought you said you grew up on a farm?” Braden asked a short time later as Marni fawned over a brood of chicks. His eyes sparkled at the delight on Marni’s face as she held a fluffy yellow peep in her hands.
“Not for long,” Marni confessed. My father was a farmer, but he was forced to sell out and move to town to find work after a wildfire destroyed our crops. “I was only eight when we moved to town, but what I remember of the farm I loved. Mother never was happy living in town,” she finished a bemused expression marring her brow. “She never said anything, but you could always tell.”
“You’re welcome to come out to our farm anytime,” Braden spoke, his lips moving before his brain had a chance to catch up. “It isn’t much, but it’s home.”
“I’m sure your place is lovely,” Marni said, the idea of visiting his farm making her heart flutter. What would it be like to walk through the fields on Braden’s arm, listening to him talk of crops and growing things? She knew that she would find everything interesting as long as he was with her.
Braden dropped his head as a wave of disappointment rolled over him. Next to the Milton Farm, or Lorna Lie’s family farm, his home and fields were humble. “I think you’d be very disappointed in our farm,” Braden said. “It is obvious you are used to fine things, and Miss Milton’s farm is elegant. I’m sure she’s matched you to someone who can provide you with the finer things of life that you deserve.”
Marni placed the chick back in the crate with its fractious mother and turned to study Braden’s face. She knew the man was hard-working, honorable, and a good farmer judging by the size of his pumpkin. Why would he feel inferior to Miss Milton or anyone else for that matter?
“What matters is that you do your best,” she said, laying her hand on his forearm and feeling the muscles ripple beneath her touch. “Just because someone has a fancy house or big farm doesn’t make them any better than anyone else. It is the heart of man, their spirit that defines each of us, not what we have or don’t have.”
Braden gaped at the young woman, shocked, and pleased by her words. Could she really feel this way? Her eloquent words shot straight to his heart, and he knew that he loved her. As ridiculous as it was his heart belonged to Marni Sims, and though he knew she wasn’t for him, he gave his heart free rein.
“You’d think differently if you had to live through lean years, or spent days watching for rain, only to lose half your crop to a downpour that drowned the seeds. Farming can be a difficult life.”
“Any life can be difficult,” Marni replied her eyes taking on a faraway look, as she clung to his arm. “I may have married well in my home town and moved into the family’s large home, but that didn’t keep sorrow and loss from touching me. My mother was never happy living in town. Her heart pined for the open fields and wild mountains, even though she had enough food on the table, her heart was never full. Happiness isn’t bought,” she added. “Happiness is in here,” she finished laying her hand over Braden’s heart.
Braden placed his hand over Marni’s, feeling his heart pound through her small hand. He wanted to kiss her, to declare that he would love her forever if only she would let him, but he knew that despite her beautiful words, she wo
uld never be happy with what he could offer her. She was promised to her perfect match, everyone knew that Miss Ella always got it right. He couldn’t claim this woman who had stolen his heart, but he could protect her, even from himself.
“Those are nice words,” he said, peeling her hand from his chest. “I’m sure that whoever Miss Ella has for you will fill your heart with that happiness. Now if you’ll excuse me I need to check on Ma and Pa,” he finished releasing her and walking away.
Marni felt the tears sting her eyes as she watched Braden Prater turn and walk away, his broad shoulders straight and stiff, as he carried her heart with him. Sniffing she turned and hid her face from the rest of the world. She knew that she had lost her heart to the simple farmer, but he wasn’t meant for her. He couldn’t even believe that she could love him for who he was and not what he had.
Miss Ella looked across the field to where Braden was walking away from Marni. “Oh dear!” she gasped seeing the young woman turn her face away from the man’s retreating form. Something had gone amiss in her plan, and she needed to rectify it immediately.
“Mother, is everything all right?” Josiah asked looking at Ella with concern. “You seem upset.”
“I’m fine,” Ella replied smiling at Josiah who had joined her for lunch. “I’m afraid things are not going according to plan though,” she said, watching Braden as he joined his parents.
In the trees behind the Prater wagon, Miss Ella caught a glimpse of Lorna Lie seated with Sam and she grinned. Perhaps a little friendly rivalry was just what Braden needed to see things straight.
“I need to find Minnie,” Miss Ella said smiling at Josiah. “Between us, we’ll get things straightened out,” she grinned.
“Mother, what are you up to?” Josiah asked suspiciously, seeing an all too familiar predatory light twinkle in her eye. “I’m sure whatever it is it is not good.”
“You worry too much, Josiah,” Ella said with a grin as she slapped his arm playfully. “You need to trust your dear old Mama. You might know farming, but I know the ways of the heart.”
Chapter 20
A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. Proverbs 16:9
“Lorna Lie, can I speak to you?” Miss Ella said, tapping the blonde girl on the shoulder. “I need your help with a little problem.”
“Me?” Lorna Lie gaped, “no one ever wants my help,” she said, flicking her eyes back to Sam who she had been trailing since lunchtime.
“Well I do,” Ella said with a sweet smile. “I think it will benefit both of us,” she added nodded at the distracted Sam.
“Oh. All right,” Lorna Lie said. “What can I do?”
Marni took a deep breath then turned back toward Miss Ella’s carriage. She would spend a few minutes there putting herself back together and donning a brave face.
As she made her way toward the conveyance Marni caught a glimpse of her benefactor speaking to the golden-haired Lorna Lie and she smiled. Perhaps the matchmaker could help the young woman win the heart of a rather clueless miller’s son.
A giggle bubbled in Marni’s chest at the situation. It seemed that the whole town could see that Lorna Lie was head over heels in love with Sam. Everyone except Sam and his father it seemed.
Releasing a sigh Marni determined to put all thoughts of Braden from her mind and rely on Miss Ella to make sure she found a situation where she could be happy. Perhaps her own heart was deceitful and trusting Miss Ella was the best thing she could do for everyone involved.
The bright sun on her face made Marni lift her chin, soaking in the warmth of the golden orb as it smiled down on the bright burst of autumn colors. God was in His heaven and watching over her. She was sure that everything would come out right in the end.
Stopping to truly soak in the beauty of Pelican Rapids, Marni paused from worry and care, taking in the activity and joy of the community on this lovely day. On the wide, slow arch of the river that had given the town its name, couples were rowing little skiffs along the shore, while children dragged their hands in the cool water.
A game of horseshoes had picked up along one side of the clearing, and men’s voices joined the ring and clink of the shoes on steel, with good-hearted jibes, and insults for their competitors.
Bright sunlight glinted off the river, dancing in gems of gold as they glittered among the scarlet trees along the bank now dropping leaves like fluttering prayers falling to earth.
Pelican Rapids was beautiful. Marni breathed deeply of the crisp smell of fall, mingled with the scent of popcorn and roasting nuts, delectable baked goods, and rock candy. She wrinkled her nose at the sharp snap of apple cider that was being pressed into brown jugs as farmers turned the last of their harvest into stores for the long winter ahead.
“Marni,” Miss Ella called hurrying toward her. “I wondered where you had gotten off to,” the matchmaker said. “Why don’t you come along with me, and we’ll help prepare the coffee and cakes before the dancing begins. I know you’ll be danced right off your feet in no time, so you’d better get ready.”
Marni nodded, not wishing to dance with anyone but Braden, yet knowing she needed to trust her friend. Everything would come out in the wash, as her mother used to say. Surely, all would be well at the end of this venture if she would just hold to a bit of faith.
“I don’t know if anyone told you or not, but we always have a dance. It’s a wonderful chance for neighbors to catch up after long days of work in the fields bringing in the harvest. I’m sure several important deals will also be sealed today as people see what is offered in the area. That nice Mr. Abernathy for example, he’s sure to sell some of his fine horses and build relationships with the businessmen of the community.”
“You have a very industrious town,” Marni agreed following Miss Ella toward the tent where the prize-winning baked goods were exhibited. “I see Miss Minnie won the cake contest,” she said, stopping and pointing at the large chocolate cake covered in fluffy white frosting and decked in coconut.
“Don’t tell but Minnie wins every year. I don’t know where she gets her inspiration, but no two cakes are the same, and she keeps her secret no matter how much we all pester her.”
Marni laughed and the sound flitted into the sky as if on the wings of a bird, carrying with it the heaviness of her heart. Yes, trusting Miss Ella was better than trusting her own heart.
“There you are,” Miss Minnie chided as Ella and Marni joined her near a large fire. “I’ve got some coffee started, but I can’t carry everything myself. Pastor Lawrence is getting the musicians organized here behind the tent, so’s we won’t have to do much but serve cake and coffee.”
“What can I do to help?” Marni asked feeling the excitement of the moment as the sound of instruments being warmed up seemed to draw more and more of the town revels in their direction.
“You lay out the coffee,” Minnie said, indicating a stack of freshly washed cups. “And watch that the children don’t stick their finger into my frosting,” she added. “I wouldn’t want anyone to think they didn’t get their fair share.”
Marni giggled at Minnie’s fierce look, but then scowled as she watched Lorna Lie leading not Sam, but Braden toward the tent, chattering at him like a tree sparrow in spring.
“Isn’t that Lorna Lie?” Marni said, as the couple approached.
“Yes, I think she’s finally concluded that Sam Abrams is just too set in his ways for her. After that picnic, she packed and all the hints she’s tossed his way. I think she’s given it up as a bad job,” Miss Ella replied biting her lip as she took in the expression on Marni’s face.
Marni nodded, her heart sinking with each step Braden took toward the players as she missed Ella Milton’s roughish grin.
Chapter 21
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:18
“Oh Marni,” Ella Milton called as Marni placed the heavy coffee pot she had been pouring from for the past ha
lf hour back on the fire. “Won’t you please dance with Sam?” the older woman asked. “He doesn’t seem to know what to do with himself,” she added with a smile, nodding toward where the young man stood looking confused
Marni turned looking in the direction Miss Ella indicated and took pity on Sam Abrams.
Shaking her head Marni sighed looking at Sam where he stood on the edge of the dance area and gazing at Lorna Lie dancing with Braden. Marni couldn’t fault Sam for looking so bemused, if truth were told, she would have to admit that she wanted to trade places with the blonde girl this instant.
“If you want me to,” Marni hedged, moving in Sam’s direction as Ella nodded enthusiastically.
A moment later she found herself whisked into the lively dance as Sam raced through the steps only to slow when they neared Braden and Lorna Lie.
“You know Braden, my daddy thinks he has a new way of improving the farm,” Lorna was saying, “and with your pumpkin growing secrets, well I’m sure you two would be able to do anything.”
The couple made the turn into the next steps as another couple separated Marni and Sam from Braden and Lorna Lie.
“What do you think that was about?” Sam asked looking troubled. The man, exceedingly handsome with his dark hair and light eyes, seemed perplexed.
“Small talk,” she replied. “You know Lorna Lie and Mr. Prater have a great deal in common, both coming from a farming family.”
“Just ‘cause people have things in common don’t mean they are right for each other though,” Sam said, glaring at Braden. “You and me, we both worked a grist mill, but that doesn’t really mean a thing.”
Marni smiled kindly at the young man, but scowled when Lorna Lie leaned in close, whispering something in Braden’s ear. She couldn’t fathom why the other girl had decided to target Braden Prater when she was so smitten with Sam and an unfamiliar irritation seemed to grow in her chest.
