Bittersweet

by Jannine Gallant

“I passed Fay in the yard, and she told me you were ready. Doc certainly looked pleased to be escorting her to the wedding.”

  “They offered Emily and me a ride, but I told them you were coming for us.” She clipped a pair of pearl ear bobs in place and stuffed a comb and a handkerchief into a small bag. “I’m all set, and Emily’s things are downstairs.”

  He swung the giggling baby into his arms. “You’re almost as pretty as your mama, young lady. I’ll have to load up my shotgun to keep the boys away when you’re older.”

  “You’re probably right. She’s precious, isn’t she? I love that white dress on her.”

  “She is indeed.” Daniel followed Tess outside and helped her into the wagon. “I’m glad I put a clean blanket over the seat. I wouldn’t want you to stain your pretty dress.”

  “You’re awfully handsome yourself. I see you got your hair trimmed, and I don’t believe I recognize that suit.”

  “I bought it in Denver last fall. I haven’t had much call to wear it.”

  “I like it.” The dark gray suit accented the breadth of his shoulders and brought out the blue of his eyes. His teeth flashed white in his tanned face. Tess sucked in her breath.

  “I’m glad you approve. How was your week?”

  “Busy. I started canning. The garden is growing so fast I can barely keep up with it.”

  “Let me know if I can help.”

  “Don’t be silly. You have enough work to do. Aunt Fay and I will manage. The house just won’t be as clean as it could be while I’m busy in the garden.”

  “You could eat off your kitchen floor, Tess.”

  Pleasure filled her at his compliment. Sometimes the drudgery of housework overwhelmed her, and she wondered why she bothered. There was no one but Aunt Fay to appreciate her hard work. No loving husband to wrap her in his arms and admire her efforts. “I have a secret strategy when it comes to floors.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Shadow. Spills vanish like magic.”

  He grinned. “Remind me to get a dog.”

  She settled back in the seat and tipped her face up to the sun. “What a wonderful day for a wedding.”

  “You’re certainly in high spirits.”

  “I love weddings, and Rebecca is one of my favorite people. I wonder why she wasn’t at the picnic last month.”

  “She was helping at home with her younger brothers and sisters. Mrs. Sorenson was sick in bed with a chest cold.”

  “That’s right; I’d forgotten. Sometimes I feel cut off from the world, living the way we do. Days turn into weeks, and weeks into months, and soon a whole season passes.”

  “You can catch up with everyone today. I imagine most of the community will turn out for the wedding.”

  “You’re right,” she said as they entered town. “The church looks full to bursting. I hope we can find a place to sit.”

  Daniel tied the horses in the shade and helped her down. “It’s a good thing the party afterward is at the Sorenson’s farm. Everyone will have plenty of room to spread out there.”

  They found seats toward the back of the church on the aisle. Tess arranged her skirts and plopped Emily down on her lap. “Be a good girl for Mama.”

  Daniel touched her little bonnet. “She looks like an angel. How could she be anything else?”

  “I’m crossing my fingers. Oh, they’re ready to begin.”

  Rebecca glowed in a simple gown and flowing lace veil. As she and James exchanged vows, a lump formed in Tess’s throat. She remembered standing with Rory before the same alter, reciting her vows. A tear slid down her cheek. Daniel squeezed her hand, his eyes full of sympathy.

  “Are you all right?” he whispered.

  She nodded, but her hand tightened on his. They sat through the rest of the ceremony with their shoulders touching in the crowded pew and their hands clasped on the seat.

  Reverend Thomas gave the final blessing and pronounced the couple husband and wife. They kissed and strolled down the aisle arm in arm amidst the clapping and cheering of their guests. Tess spotted her parents in the crowd exiting the church and waved to them.

  “Do you want to say hello to your folks?” Daniel asked.

  “No, let’s go straight to the Sorenson’s. Emily is starting to fuss, and she’ll be happier away from this crush.”

  Emily quieted in the wagon. Tess held her close, taking comfort from her daughter’s nearness.

  Daniel cleared his throat. “I’m sorry that was so hard for you.”

  “I didn’t think it would be. But when they recited their vows, all I could think about was Rory. I couldn’t help remembering our wedding day and how lightly we said ‘till death us do part.’ Of course we never thought it would happen, not for years and years. Every minute of every day is a precious gift, one that can be snatched away.” She blinked back tears. “I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to get maudlin.”

  He wrapped his arm around her in a hard, fast hug. “I don’t mind. Do you want to go home?”

  “No, of course not. Just give me a minute to pull myself together. Talk about something cheerful.”

  “What did you think of the bridesmaid dresses?”

  Tess choked. “Weren’t they horrible, simply dripping with lace? I’m glad Rebecca has so many sisters she couldn’t ask me to wear one.”

  “You’re not much on ruffles, are you?”

  “No, I’m not.”

  “Sensible to the core,” he teased, “right down to your starched cotton drawers.”

  She laughed. “Have you been peeking at my clothes line?”

  “A man can’t help noticing these things.”

  “Shame on you, Daniel.”

  “I’m joking, but I did cheer you up.”

  “Yes, you did. Thank you for understanding.”

  He turned the horses off the road. “It looks like we weren’t the only ones to head straight over.” He stopped the wagon in a field alongside a dozen others. “You stay up there with Emily while I picket the horses. It will only take a minute.”

  “I’ll help you down,” Nathan Swift said, coming around the side of a shiny new buggy. “I would consider it an honor.” He lifted Tess down from the seat and set her on her feet.

  “Thank you, Nathan. If you could reach the bag in the back for me, I would be grateful.”

  “Certainly, but it will cost you a second dance. You’ve already promised me one.”

  She smiled at his teasing look, feeling a little shy. “I think I can manage two dances.”

  Daniel hurried back after staking out the horses and nodded a greeting to Nathan. Together, they walked across the yard to an area where tables and benches were set up for the wedding dinner.

  Tess sniffed a flower arrangement. “The roses smell heavenly, and everything looks perfect. I’ll have to compliment Mrs. Sorenson.”

  “She’s probably still at the church. No, here comes the wedding party now,” Daniel said.

  They stood in line to greet the bride and groom. When it was her turn, Tess gave Rebecca a big hug, sandwiching Emily between them. “You look beautiful.”

  “So do you.” The pretty brunette sparkled. “I wish you could have stood up for me along with my sisters.”

  Tess shook her head. “If you had any more bridesmaids, people would have thought it was a parade instead of a procession.”

  Rebecca laughed. “You’re probably right. Enjoy yourself today if I don’t get another chance to talk to you.”

  “I will, and congratulations. I know you and James will be truly happy together.”

  Daniel moved in to greet Rebecca, and Tess gave James her best wishes. She looked around for Nathan and saw him speaking to the groom’s father.

  “Shall we go find a place to sit?” Daniel asked.

  “Please. I would love to put Emily down. My folks are over at the table beneath the big pine tree.”

  “Of course they are.” Daniel guided Tess across an uneven patch of grass. “Nora always manages to find a bit o
f shade.”

  “Isn’t that the truth? With my complexion, I’m grateful.”

  “I don’t know, Tess. Those freckles on your nose are awfully cute. A few more couldn’t hurt.”

  His teasing eased the remaining ache in her heart. “Very funny. Hello, Mama. Take your granddaughter. Carrying her around is wearing me out, and if I put her down she’ll crawl off like a shot.”

  Nora reached for Emily, and Tess dropped onto a bench. “Hello, Lottie. I don’t see Simon anywhere. Who’s your escort today?”

  “I don’t have one. Hello, Daniel.” Lottie regarded him through lowered lashes. “I haven’t seen you since the creek flooded. You missed church last Sunday.”

  He took her hand and smiled down at her. “A couple of new calves tangled with a patch of needle grass. I spent the morning pulling thistles from their mouths.”

  She pouted. “Poor Daniel.”

  “Poor calves. I think they’re bringing out the food. Shall I get a plate for you, Tess?”

  “No, I’m going to wait a bit. You go ahead.”

  “I’ll come with you,” Lottie offered, looping her arm through his. Daniel bent to hear something she said, and his laughter echoed across the yard.

  “How can she be so obvious?” Tess scowled. Disquiet edged out every bit of good will she felt toward her sister. Leaving Daniel alone with Lottie was a mistake.

  Nora kissed her granddaughter’s chubby cheek. “It’s her way. Daniel doesn’t seem to mind.”

  “He hardly has a choice, the way she’s clinging to him.”

  “What was that, dear?”

  “Nothing, Mama.” Tess met her father’s knowing gaze and turned away, tamping down her jealousy. “I think I’ll ask Hank and Mary to join us.” She glanced around the yard. “Have either of you seen Aunt Fay?”

  “She’s around somewhere. Don’t worry about Emily,” Nora said. “I’ll keep her entertained while you’re socializing.”

  Tess discovered Hank on the far side of the house, talking to Nathan. Both men smiled at her approach.

  “Am I interrupting?”

  “Not at all,” Hank answered. “Don’t you look pretty today.” He winked at Mary as she joined them. “If it weren’t for my wife, I’d be first in line to sign my name on your dance card.”

  Tess smiled. “There’s not much of a line.”

  “Then these young men don’t know a pretty girl when they see one. Maybe they need to have their eyes checked.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with my vision,” Nathan said. “I don’t mind showing these Colorado boys how to treat a beautiful lady.”

  Hank laughed and slapped Nathan on the back. “I knew you were a go getter the minute you rode into town. There are a few people around here who should follow your example. Some folks don’t have a grain of sense when it comes to matters of the heart.”

  “Are you talking about anyone we know?” Nathan asked.

  “That would be telling. Let’s get some food while there’s still some left. I see Daniel at the head of the line, and when he finishes, the pickings will be slim.”

  Tess followed Hank and Mary with Nathan at her side. She felt his gaze on her and glanced up shyly.

  “I hope I didn’t embarrass you,” he said.

  “No, it was a nice compliment.”

  “I meant every word. You look beautiful.”

  “Thank you, Nathan.”

  “The food smells wonderful. Are you hungry?”

  “Not really, but I’ll get something while Mama watches Emily. When you have a baby, you learn to eat when you can.”

  “I imagine you do.”

  Tess filled her plate from the tempting array. The aroma of roast pork and the sight of so many delicious looking salads increased her appetite. Still, she stared in dismay at her heaped plate when she reached the end of the line.

  “I don’t know why I took so much.”

  “If you can’t eat it all, I’ll finish it for you.”

  She looked at Nathan’s overloaded plate and laughed. “How could you possibly eat more than you already have?”

  “You just watch and see,” he said with a grin.

  They joined the others at the table beneath the pine tree, and her eyes were drawn to Daniel. He sat beside Lottie, talking quietly with her. He looked up, and his gaze met hers. It was several long heartbeats before she looked away.

  Tess took Emily from Nora and occupied herself with the task of feeding her daughter. Between Emily’s demands and the cheerful confusion at the table, she didn’t have time to examine her feelings closely. It wasn’t until they cleared away the food and Emily fell asleep on a quilt that she was able to sit back and think about the way the afternoon was progressing. Nathan was attentive, Daniel distant. Her heart ached.

  When the dancing started, Nathan led her out onto the scraped patch of earth substituting for a dance floor. Daniel danced with Lottie. Tess tried not to care and smiled up at her partner.

  Nathan was very handsome. His eyes were dark and warm, and his teeth gleamed beneath his mustache. She saw several other girls watching him and knew she was lucky to have his interest. But she couldn’t enjoy his attention. When Daniel and Lottie waltzed by, she clamped her teeth together.

  “Did I step on your foot?” Nathan asked.

  “No, of course not.”

  “You looked like you were in pain.”

  Her cheeks heated. “You dance beautifully. Dare I ask where you learned?”

  “From my mama, of course. Don’t they teach all little boys to dance?”

  “Maybe, but none of the ones I know have your smoothness.”

  “My mama had a style all her own. I’ll tell you about her someday.”

  “I would like that. I don’t know anything about you.”

  “Do you want to know me better, Tess?”

  She smiled. “I would.”

  “Then we should spend more time together. The Independence Day celebration is coming up. Will you let me escort you to the festivities?”

  She hesitated. Her gaze darted past Nathan, finding Daniel in the crowd. He faced away from her, and Lottie’s hand rested possessively on his shoulder. Her back stiffened with anger, and she returned her attention to Nathan.

  “I would enjoy that.”

  “Good.” His grip tightened on her waist, and he pulled her a little closer. “We’ll plan on it.”

  The music stopped, and they rejoined the others. Tess danced with her father, Hank, and several other men of her acquaintance, but her most frequent partner was Nathan. The afternoon was waning when he asked to drive her home.

  “I don’t know. Daniel brought us.”

  “He doesn’t look as if he would mind,” Nathan said. “He seems pretty well occupied with your sister.”

  She bit her lip. “I noticed.”

  “Ask him. I’ll dance with Lottie while you talk to him.”

  She nodded, not knowing how to refuse his request. She didn’t really want to leave with Nathan. Lottie whirled away in his arms, leaving Tess and Daniel alone together.

  After a minute of silence, he held out his hand. “Shall we?”

  She took his hand. They danced easily together. His touch at her waist felt natural, and she relaxed against him. Dancing with Daniel was like wearing a pair of comfortable slippers, warm and familiar. By contrast, Nathan was a new pair of shoes. The novelty was intriguing, but she couldn’t be sure of the fit. Tess stiffened in Daniel’s hold, thinking of the attention he’d showered on her sister. It was time to cast off those slippers and break in the shoes.

  He glanced down at her, a question in his eyes.

  “You seem to be having a good time,” she said.

  He nodded. “Aren’t you?”

  “Yes.” Tess hesitated for a moment then blurted, “Nathan asked to drive me home.”

  Daniel’s brows drew together. “What would you like me to say? Congratulations on your new beau.”

  Tess stopped moving, and he backed up
a step. She stared at him in silence.

  “Sorry,” he offered after a long pause.

  “You should be. Why do you care? Now you’ll be free to drive Lottie home.”

  “I never said I wanted to drive your sister home.”

  “Actions speak louder than words, Daniel. You haven’t left her side the whole day.”

  He looked away.

  “Let Swift drive you home if you wish. You’re free to do as you please.”

  She frowned at him, her heart aching. “If I do, are you going to ignore me for another week?”

  “I promise I won’t.”

  “You had better not, Daniel.”

  He held his hands over his chest. “Cross my heart.”

  She laughed, her pain easing. “Oh oh, Mama is waving furiously at me. That must mean Emily is awake.”

  He took her arm. “I’ll walk you over.”

  Emily yelled and pushed away from her grandmother. By the time Tess changed and nursed her in a back bedroom, a few of the guests were leaving.

  “Do you want to go?” Nathan asked.

  “Fay, tell her she can’t leave yet,” Nora said. “Rebecca is getting ready to throw her bouquet. Go on out there, Tess. I’ll hold Emily.”

  “Catching the bouquet is for single girls, Mama. I’ve been married.”

  “You’re not married anymore. Go on.”

  Reluctantly, Tess joined the group of excited girls, feeling out of place. She stood toward the back behind Lottie and waited. Rebecca turned around and counted to three. She gave her bouquet a hard toss, and it flew through the air.

  “I have it,” Lottie cried, jumping to grasp the bouquet by its trailing ribbons. The flowers slipped through her fingers and landed squarely in Tess’s arms.

  A cheer went up from the crowd, and Rebecca hurried back to give Tess a hug. “It looks like you’re next.”

  “I didn’t mean to catch it. One of your sisters should have.”

  “It doesn’t matter. Fate sent it into your arms.”

  Tess looked toward the group of family and friends coming her way. She meant to seek out Nathan, but her gaze collided with Daniel’s. His eyes were sober.

  “Nice grab, Tess,” Lottie said. “I don’t stand a chance with you around.”

  She tore her attention away from Daniel. “I didn’t have much choice. The bouquet fell into my arms.”