Glory’s Groom: The Alphabet Mail Order Brides Book 7

by Ball, Kathleen

  Her face heated. She couldn’t recall ever being called sweet before. Teddy sat next to her and started stacking the blocks. Glory tried to help but he didn’t want her to play with him. He stacked them in a haphazard way saving one block for the top. The special block she suspected was the one he put on top.

  “No wonder he likes this one the best,” she said, proud of her observation skills.

  “Well what’s the secret?” Kent asked.

  “I’m not going to tell you. You’ll have to figure it out for yourself.”

  Kent tilted his head and stared at her. “So, it’s like that is it?”

  “Exactly like that.” She couldn’t help the wide smile that spread across her face.

  Kent stared at her some more and then went back to cooking. Glory didn’t like having to pretend fighting later. She didn’t know how to fight, not really. If there was ever a confrontation, Faye, Harriet or Imogene would fight for her. They’d sheltered her.

  “I’ll need to write to Madam Wigg soon and ask about Xenia. Certainly the picture I saw on the wanted poster couldn’t be her. But on the off chance it is, they should know.”

  Kent laughed. “I find it hard to believe anyone from your school could be mixed up in train robbing.”

  “It is hard to imagine.” She went back to playing with Teddy. He loved to be tickled.

  It wasn’t long before Kent announced it was time to eat. He helped her up and held her chair out for her. Then he lifted Teddy and sat with him on his lap.

  “I’ll need to leave as soon as I’m done eating. Leave the dishes. I’ll get them when I get back.” His voice was very low but she heard him.

  “What are we going to fight about?”

  “I’m going to town with Willis tonight,” he announced loudly. He looked at her and nodded indicating it was her turn.

  “Why would you need to go to town at night?” She hoped she was loud enough.

  “I just am. You don’t need a reason.”

  “I think you’re wrong about that.” She stuck her tongue out at him.

  His lips twitched and she was afraid they’d end up laughing instead of fighting.

  “This isn’t some all-girls school. Men like to unwind in town. I’m sorry but I’m going whether you like it or not.”

  “You’d best not come back here smelling of perfume.” She jutted her chin out. She meant those words.

  Kent finished feeding Teddy and quickly finished his own meal.

  “Giving me the silent treatment are you?” He yelled.

  Teddy began to cry.

  “If you’re going to go, then go. You’re upsetting our son.”

  Kent kissed Teddy’s cheek and put him on Glory’s lap. Next he gave Glory a long kiss. “All right, I’m going.” He quickly gathered what he needed and shot out the door.

  Glory kissed Teddy and tickled him until he laughed again. That wasn’t so bad. She’d been afraid they’d have to say horrible things about each other. She couldn’t think of anything awful about Kent.

  She locked the door and drew the curtains closed. The only window they didn’t fix was the bedroom one. It seemed wiser to be able to defend the house if they didn’t have to worry about anyone shooting through that window. A chill went through her and she shivered. She prayed that Kent, Willis and Manor would all come home safely.

  Long after Teddy was tucked in, the wagon finally pulled up. It drove down to Joy and stayed for a few minutes before heading back to the barn. Glory’s heart pounded. It must mean everything went well. The wait for Kent seemed log but as soon as his boots hit the porch she had the door open.

  Kent picked her up and kissed her soundly. Then he put her back down and grinned. “By golly not only did we get Manor but James was there as well!”

  She widened her eyes and her heart leaped in excitement. “Oh Lucy must be in heaven. I’m so glad they were both there!”

  “Those two boys are so different. Manor is bright and he loves to talk, while James seems to be afraid of the world. I’m hoping when he really realizes he is safe here it’ll help him.”

  Kent pulled her close. His chest was so hard and she leaned against it she felt safe and loved. A jolt went through her. She really did love him. The way he ran his big hands up and down her back made her sigh. There was no place on earth she’d rather be.

  Kent pulled back as she sighed and put a finger under her chin to lift it. The he lowered his head staring into her eyes before he took her lips. There was something in his eyes and she hoped it was love. Readily she opened her mouth to him as he deepened the kiss.

  “Your shoulder,” he whispered as he took his lips from hers.

  “It’s fine.”

  He kept his arms around her but stepped back. “It would be best to wait.”

  Disappointment washed over her and she wanted to protest but she didn’t want to seem too forward. She simply nodded. He made her feel things she’d never felt before. Feelings she never knew about before. As long as he loved her she could wait.

  He let go of her and pulled a necklace out of his pocket. “This was my mother’s. She wore it as far back as I can remember. I’d like you to have it.”

  It was a silver heart locket with intricate etching on it. “It’s beautiful. I’m surprised you didn’t give it to your first wife.” He put it around her neck and she fingered it as she smiled.

  “She would have pawned it the minute my back was turned. This necklace meant too much to me and I couldn’t bring myself to allow her to have it. She knew about it and was furious.” He smiled at her. “It looks mighty fine around your neck. I’ve always kept it with me.”

  “I’m honored that you gave it to me. Thank you. It’s beautiful.”

  He stared into her eyes. “Beautiful is the exact word I was thinking of.”

  Her face heated in pleasure. He did love her, she could tell. Now to get through the school raising tomorrow and hopefully the violence would stop.

  With any luck the school supplies would arrive soon. Madam Wigg’s dream had become hers. It was a very worthy endeavor. She was always for educating the less fortunate. She just might have changed the face of the west. Imagine, twenty-six teachers sent out west as teachers. It was a big legacy for Madam Wigg.

  “I supposed it’s bedtime,” Kent said, interrupting her musing.

  “Yes! We have so much to do tomorrow.”

  “Don’t hurt your shoulder again.” He took her hands in his. “I want to make our marriage real as soon as you’re able.”

  She bit her bottom lip as she nodded. “Me too.”

  Chapter Twelve

  The sound of hammering started early the next morning. Kent was anxious to get out there to help but Glory insisted they have breakfast first. After he rustled up some eggs and bread they were soon on their way.

  Teddy laughed and clapped in excitement and at the last minute he grabbed his favorite block. What was the secret of the block?

  Tables and benches were set up under one of the biggest trees around while men hammered and sawed. It was strange to see both black and white people working together. It was nice.

  “I wish I had been able to bring a dish to pass,” Glory said.

  “Next time,” Kent replied. “I want you sitting and resting today.”

  “Yes, Kent,” she replied as she smiled at him. “I do believe my shoulder is feeling better every day.”

  She probably meant to tease him but she was the one who ended up with a red face.

  “It looks as though everyone is here,” she observed.

  “Yes, and many you can’t see. If anything happens push the tables over on their sides and take cover.”

  “I’ll keep an eye out.”

  “That’s my girl.”

  A look of doubt crossed her face. “Am I your girl?”

  “You sure are.” He helped her to the tables and set Teddy on the ground near her. Then he bent and kissed her on the mouth in front of everyone. He was still chuckling about the look
of surprise and embarrassment she wore.

  He picked up a hammer and was soon helping to build the school. With so many people there and Parker taking the lead, it didn’t take more than half a day to get it finished. Kent kept expecting trouble but maybe the Pale Faces didn’t want to be out in the daylight. He enjoyed the happiness on Glory’s face as she talked with the other women and then turned constantly to check on the progress.

  Kent put down the hammer and walked to her. “Veronica could you watch Teddy for a bit?”

  “I’d be happy to.”

  Kent took Glory’s hand and escorted her to the school.

  “I didn’t think it would be so spacious,” she said.

  “It’ll be used for church services and meetings too.” The smell of fresh wood hit them as they walked inside.

  Her jaw dropped. “There are tables and chairs!”

  “One of the men had been working on them for a while now.”

  He took pride in the way she ran her hands over her desk. “I made that.”

  She turned and stared at him. “On my, it’s so beautiful. Now if only the supplies would get here. Thank you so much, Kent.”

  He led her outside and took her to a wagon that was covered with white canvas. A few of the hands took the canvas off and Glory’s jaw dropped. “All of the supplies I asked for are in the wagon. How did they get here so fast? There’s books and slates and chalk. Paper and pencils and even a quill pen with a bottle of ink.” Tears filled her eyes. “I miss the school and orphanage and all the girls and especially Madam Wigg.

  “Here’s the letter that came with the supplies.” Kent handed it to her and watched as she read it.

  “It’s a letter of encouragement, telling me how proud of me she is. She did ask if Xenia had been seen in these parts. Do you think I should tell her about the wanted poster?”

  “You don’t know for certain it’s your friend on that poster. I wouldn’t upset the older woman just yet.”

  Glory nodded. “You’re right. Let’s get everything moved into the school.” She reached for a pile of books but Kent swung her up in his arms.

  He walked to the rest of the women. “Make sure she stays put. Her shoulder still isn’t healed.”

  “Don’t you worry, Kent,” Georgie said. “We’ll keep an eye on her.”

  “I appreciated it.” He tipped his hat to all the ladies before he headed to the wagon with the supplies in it. He helped to unload it and then he stood back and admired the school.

  Parker walked toward him and gave him a friendly slap on the back. “Looks good.”

  “It sure does.”

  “Don’t you worry, I found a whole group of ex-soldiers without jobs. They will be guarding the ranch and the school.”

  “That’s a relief.”

  “Kent,” Georgie said as she hurried toward him. “Can I speak to you?”

  He furrowed his brow. “Of course you can.”

  “You know I was going to take the piece of fabric that Glory cut and sew it for her. I’m going to have to make some drastic changes.”

  “Why?”

  “One sleeve is six inches longer than the other. If I didn’t know better I’d say a drinking woman had cut out the pattern. Unless I shorten the hem quite a bit the bottom won’t look right. Part of the hem is much shorter than the other.”

  “I thought the school taught her to sew?”

  “We’ll if they did she didn’t pay attention. If you could get other fabric to me I’ll make her one. And Kent, I’m not trying to stir up trouble. Actually I want to do the opposite. Glory can only make cookies and bread. I let her borrow my cook book so encourage her.”

  Parker laughed heartily. “Kent I have a feeling you’ll be losing some weight.”

  He chuckled. “I think she mentioned she had a private place within the school where she would go and read. Maybe it was during sewing and cooking classes.”

  Parker roared louder. “She tries,” he finally was able to get out.

  “That she does. Let’s go eat,” Georgie suggested.

  Kent’s lips were twitching. “Might be the last good meal I get for a while.”

  * * *

  A few days later Glory went from being ecstatic to being so frustrated she wanted to cry. They decided that school would start next week. Every day she’d gone in and set things up and daydreaming. She had to admit she was a good teacher. Her approach was a combination of nurturing and being firm when she had to.

  She envisioned her students watching her with eagerness. She was giving them a precious gift. The gift of reading. They hadn’t figured out the adult classes yet but it would all fall into place. She glanced out the window. Monty had taken his post outside of the school guarding her and Teddy.

  Teddy walked along the benches. He held on and went all around the room. Hid face lit up when she told him how proud of him she was. There was an area in a corner that was sectioned off. This was for Teddy while she taught. It was big enough for him to play and a small bed for naps and such.

  It was a brilliant idea and Kent let her know daily it was his suggestion. Some towns only wanted unmarried women for teachers but this community was different. She’d been invited down to Joy every day so far. Meeting Manor and James for the first time brought tears to her eyes. The poor boys seemed a bit bewildered. Neither could sit still but that was probably expected being uprooted time and again. She met with different families and had tea with the mother while she got to know the students. She already had an idea from when she taught them under the tree but this was real school.

  Some of their stories were heartbreaking. Many still had missing family members. How could a person honestly believe that they could own another person? She tried to understand it from the slave owners view point but she just couldn’t imagine it. Parker and Georgie had been so generous to everyone. From the jobs he gave to the men who served under his command to people who couldn’t afford to feed their families to the freemen who now lived in Joy.

  It gave her a happy sense of purpose to know she was being of help too. She had a new dress to wear for her first day. Georgie had somehow burned part of the fabric to the dress that had been ready to sew so she came back for more material and the dress was perfect. It was green her favorite color. She’d have to ask Georgie to teach her to sew but she’d wait until after school started. Her shoulder was on the mend.

  Cooking was going to be a disaster and she dreaded it. Helping Kent in the kitchen was teaching her a few skills. He liked to talk about cooking and the reason he did everything. There was never a moment of silence. She’d have to tell him the awful truth and it would probably have to be tonight. Well, maybe not. She could try to cook. She’d read the cookbook three times. She was probably good to go.

  “Mama,” Teddy called pointing out the window.

  She went to the window and quickly stepped back so she wasn’t seen. Monty was talking with men she didn’t know. Her stomach dropped as she grabbed her pistol out of her bag. She wasn’t a good shot yet but she suspected that when her shoulder was completely healed she’d be much better. Kent hoped that the threat of a gun would keep danger at bay. And he’s trusted Monty.

  The men kept glancing at the school and she didn’t like the gleam she saw in their eyes. Then they all laughed and left. Monty stood where had been. Kent trusted Monty, so had she. Should she confront him or wait? Waiting could be a death sentence but a confrontation was bound to get them hurt or worse.

  They wouldn’t go straight home she decided. Kent was at the corral and she needed to tell him. She saw Monty coming close to the window and she pretended to dust the tables. He tapped on the window and her heart skipped a beat. She smiled and waved.

  Next she got their belongings together and with the pistol in her pocket she carried Teddy out of the school. She took her time locking the door, needing to compose herself. By the time she was done she felt more in control.

  “We’re going to meet Kent at the corral. Teddy wants t
o see the horses.”

  “See horses!” Teddy said in glee.

  Monty didn’t look pleased.

  “Plus it’ll give you a break. It must be boring watching over me and sweet little Teddy. I bet you’d rather be with the cattle.”

  His eyes widened as if taken off guard. “Yes, getting back to the cattle will come soon enough.” He didn’t say another word. He led them to the barn and kept walking.

  She carried Teddy to the corral and was warmed straight through by Kent’s smile. His smiles and his eyes had been making promises to her that she wasn’t certain of but thought she’d like them.

  “My favorite family,” he said as he kissed her cheek and then Teddy’s. “Not ready to go inside yet?”

  “You know how much Teddy loves to watch you with the horses.” She smiled and leaned into him. “I think Monty is the spy,” she whispered while she still smiled.

  Kent stared at her for a moment. “Here give Teddy to me so he can pet the horses.” After he had Teddy in his arms he led them to the opposite side of the corral. “What are you talking about?” His voice was low.

  “Which one do you like the best, Teddy?” She leaned and put her head against Kent’s arm. “He had some sort of meeting in front of the school.”

  He gave her a look of alarm. “What?”

  “There were four men who didn’t belong on the ranch talking and laughing with him. They kept glancing at the school.”

  “Your gun?”

  “In my pocket.”

  Kent smiled. “Good.” Kent took Teddy’s hand and showed him how to pet the horse nicely. “You know, Veronica asked if you could stop by her place. Willis is there now so we might as well go.”

  “Here let me hold Teddy.” She took him into her arm. Kent would need his hands free if trouble started.

  They walked to the Sandler house and were welcomed inside. Glory sat Teddy on the floor near Bridey. Her hands shook as she rejoined the other three adults. She stood in the circle of Kent’s safe arms while he retold her story.

  Max ran his fingers through his dark hair. “No need to worry. Monty is one of us. We hired him to ferret out the spy. He must be making headway if those men were willing to meet with him.”