Josephine

by Beverly Jenkins

  “Not forever. I love her, but the house is her house, and I want my own. Belle is content living there, but I’d want a house that had my china in the cupboards, my silver on the table and my vegetable garden outside.” She looked at him seated beside her. “Is that so selfish or wrong?”

  He whispered, “No.”

  “Good. I mean no disrespect to Mama.”

  “I know. Do you think you could live in a hotel?”

  The question confused her. “Why would I choose to live in a hotel?”

  “Because, my boisterous pest, that’s where I’ll be living. I’m thinking of building one.”

  “What? Where?”

  He shrugged. “Not sure yet. I want to wait until the war ends before deciding.”

  Jo didn’t know what to say. Finally, she asked, “Will there be room for a hairdressing shop?”

  “I already have your space incorporated into the design in my head.”

  She was more than a bit pleased. “Really?”

  “Yep. You don’t have to live in the kitchen to be with me.”

  She grinned. “I’m beginning to like this, Adam Morgan.”

  He replied with all confidence, “I knew you would.”

  Adam then asked something he had been meaning to get clarified. “Isn’t your birthday in January?”

  “Yep, the twenty-fifth. Why?”

  “Just trying to figure how long we may have to wait before we can marry.”

  The words took her breath away. She calmed herself. “I have to be at least eighteen, that I know.”

  “So, roughly six months?”

  “Yep.”

  “Do you think your parents are going to make us wait longer?”

  “I don’t know, Adam.” Then she added shyly, “I hope not.”

  He grinned. “Me, either.” He reached out and traced a finger down her silken cheek. “Today has turned out to be the best day of my life, Josephine Best.”

  “I think it’s been awfully nice, too.”

  He gently coaxed her closer until they were no more than a breath apart. When he lowered his head, she closed her eyes. The kiss was so sweet and so tender. He gathered her into his arms and she lifted her lips so the kiss could continue. Jo felt as if she’d been touched by magic. He made her feel treasured. She wanted nothing more than to be held by him in just this way until the seasons changed, but knew her mama was expecting them home. She murmured over her pounding heart, “Mama’s going to come looking for us.…”

  His lips left hers to place light, fervent kisses on her jaw, her cheek and little soft ones against her eyelids. “I know, but Lord, you’re lovely…”

  Jo thrilled to the sound of his husky declaration. Her whole world seemed to have come alive in response to his kisses. Now she understood how a girl could become overwhelmed and allow a boy to take liberties he shouldn’t. The soaring sensations and rising emotions were so exciting, Jo didn’t want to stop.

  They had to, however, and they both knew it. To that end, Adam literally picked Jo up and set her down a few feet away. “Sit over there,” he directed in a firm but soft voice. He fought to calm himself and to catch his breath; she attempted the same. It took them a few minutes.

  Adam told her, “Now, let’s get back on those horses. If we don’t, I’m going to kiss you again.”

  Jo responded with a knowing smile. “Is that so bad?”

  His eyes sparkled. “Yes, because if your mother finds out what we’ve been doing, she’s going to fry me and broil you.”

  Amused, Jo dropped her eyes for a moment, then said grudgingly, “Okay.”

  “But one more…”

  This time the kiss was firmer, more potent and when he finally drew away from her lips, her eyes were closed and every inch of her body seemed to be singing.

  “Let’s go,” he whispered.

  Still entranced, Jo stood and mounted her mare.

  Up in her room that night Jo thought about Adam. The memories of the feel of his lips on hers lingered within her much in the same way the fading scents of a fine perfume lingered in the air. She wondered where he’d learned to kiss so well. Did boys go to a secret school somewhere to be taught the intricate nuances? She knew the thought was silly, but Adam was very good at it. She gingerly touched her lips. They felt puffy and tingly. She wondered if all boys kissed the same. That was still an unanswerable question, but Jo didn’t worry about it. She certainly had no desire to go around making comparisons. She wondered if Trudy felt like this when Bert kissed her. Thinking about Trudy made Jo hope the two were all right and would return home soon. Their adventure had more than a few people worried, but Jo was convinced everything would turn out fine. As Jo turned over to go to sleep, she said a prayer for the safety of her father and Daniel, then wondered what her father would say when he found out about her and Adam.

  Saturday morning, the Best family with Adam in tow parked their wagon among a sea of other vehicles, then walked the short distance to the gathering spot where the day’s rally was being held. The spot, a parklike area in the center of Detroit’s downtown, was also the place where the men of the First Michigan Colored Infantry had paraded before mustering off to the war. Jo remembered the multicolored banners, how smart her papa and Daniel had looked in their uniforms and how many of the families had cried when the men marched by.

  That had been then. Today, people of all races and denominations had come together to aid the fight in a different way. Fugitive slaves were fleeing their masters in droves and seeking shelter with the Union soldiers now campaigning across the South. The Army had made no provisions for such an overwhelming number of refugees, so the Union was establishing camps for the people to live in until a more permanent solution could be found. Because housing was only one of the needs, the rally attendees were being asked to donate whatever they could spare in coin, clothing and other essentials.

  While Cecilia and Belle went off to help the organizers, Jo and Adam threaded their way through the large crowd listening to speakers, adding their names to various petitions and generally enjoying the festivities. They saw some people from the church, and Jo recognized other faces in the crowd from the rallies and lectures she’d attended in the past. Another familiar face made Jo stop and say to Adam, “There’s a friend of yours over there.”

  When he turned to look across the crowd, he spotted a laughing Libby Spenser draped on the arm of a well-dressed young man. Adam said, “I see it didn’t take her much time to find someone else.”

  “Apparently not.”

  “Do you know who he is?”

  “Yes, his name’s Jasper Gleason. His father is a coal distributor. The family’s very wealthy.”

  “I wish Jasper luck.”

  “He’ll be fine. His mama is a very intelligent lady. She’ll have no trouble seeing through Libby and showing her the door.”

  Adam hoped Jo was right.

  As they continued their stroll past vendors hawking everything from popped corn to freshly caught fish, Adam reached down and folded his hand over hers. When he looked back at her, Jo felt like swooning. She’d never held hands with a gentleman publicly before, or even privately for that matter. The idea of what it represented made her feel very special and a little giddy.

  Lunch was provided by the churches in attendance, and the bountiful fare included chicken, coleslaw, pound cakes, coffee, lemonade, potato salad and pies and cobblers of all sizes and flavors. Jo cut herself a wedge of a delicious-looking cherry cobbler, to accompany her chicken and coleslaw, then followed Adam over to a grassy spot where they could sit and eat. Adam gently set his plate down, then removed his brown suit coat. He spread it on the ground. “Have a seat.”

  Jo didn’t protest. She knew how stubborn grass stains could be and she didn’t want any on her dress, even if it was old.

  While she and Adam ate in silence, they savored each other’s nearness and company.

  Adam asked, “What do you think would happen if I leaned over and kissed you?�
��

  Jo quickly looked around to see if he’d been heard by any of the people milling about or seated nearby. “You’d better not. Mama will kill us both.”

  “I could do it real quick so no one will see me.”

  Jo giggled. “Eat your lunch.”

  “No, really, watch—”

  Before Jo could blink he leaned over, gave her a quick, deep kiss on the lips, then leaned back. While she sat there stunned and seeing stars, he very casually resumed his meal. He shot her a wink, and she shook her head in disbelief and wonder. She also moved herself just a bit farther away from his side. The incorrigible Adam Morgan was a handful.

  nineteen

  At the end of the rally Jo, Adam, Belle and Cecilia headed back to the wagon for the long ride home. Adam had volunteered to drive and so maneuvered their wagon into the long line of vehicles threading their way up the road. It took him a while to get clear of all the traffic, but once he did they became one of a smaller group of people traveling west. It was a warm July evening and there were many hours of daylight left to see by.

  Cecilia, seated on the bench next to Adam, said to Jo, “I have something for you.”

  “What is it?”

  Cecilia held out a letter. “It’s from your father.”

  Jo’s eyes widened and her heart began to pound. She took the letter and asked in a voice filled with wonder, “Where did you get it?”

  “From one of the men in their company. I saw him today at the rally. He’s been discharged and said William asked him to carry the letters home.” She turned to her daughter-in-law. “Belle, here are two for you. One from Daniel and another from your father.”

  Belle had tears in her eyes as she took the letters from Cecilia’s hands.

  Mrs. Best said emotionally, “I’ve already read mine.”

  Jo eagerly tore open the missive and began to read.

  My dear daughter, Josephine,

  Are you staying out of trouble?

  Jo smiled. It was her papa’s special greeting.

  I hope you are, as I am not there to rescue you and Trudy from any mischief-making. Your brother and I are doing well and we both miss you very much. How’s your hair-shop business? I am so proud of you and the goals you have set. So proud. I tell the young men here just how lovely and intelligent you are, and all wish to make your acquaintance. The food here is terrible, the hours long, the insects ravenous, but for freedom we endure. I received word from your mother that Adam Morgan is there. Daniel and I find that comforting news. We were surprised to hear about this courting business, though, but because your mother is there—and I am certain she will roast Adam like a turkey should anything untoward happen—I do not worry. Adam is a fine young man, but tell him I will be speaking with him when I return. Stay well, my dearest Josephine. You are in my prayers each night.

  Love, your father, William

  Jo had tears in her eyes when she was done.

  Adam asked softly, “Is he well?” but couldn’t help wondering when he’d hear from his own kin.

  Jo nodded and her heart swelled in response to the love now beaming from her mother’s eyes. “They’re faring well, Mama,” Jo stated happily. Today had been an absolutely perfect day.

  “Yes, they are.”

  Belle relayed the news that both her own father and Daniel were doing well, too. Hearing from the men filled the women with such joy and relief, they all smiled the rest of the way home.

  That evening, Jo stepped out onto the porch to find Adam sitting alone on the bench. He looked as if his thoughts were miles away. “Would you like some company?” she asked.

  He gave her a soft smile. “Sure.”

  Jo sat. She could sense his melancholy. “Is it anything I can help with?”

  Adam wasn’t surprised that she had read his mood so well; after all, she’d known him her entire life. “No. Just thinking on Jeremiah. Wondering how he’s faring, is all.”

  Jo had been so elated to hear from her father, she’d all but forgotten that Adam was still waiting for word from his brother. “I’ll keep him in my prayers.”

  “Thanks.”

  “So how can I cheer you up?”

  “Just sitting here is enough for me.”

  Jo smiled. It was enough for her, as well. “My papa mentioned you in his letter.”

  Adam turned her way. “He did? What did he write?”

  “That he was glad that you were here with us, and that he and Daniel weren’t so sure about us courting.”

  Adam’s spirits sank. “Oh.”

  “But,” Jo added.

  “But what?”

  “He went on to write that he thought you were a fine young man, and that he wasn’t really worried because he knows Mama will roast you like a turkey if anything bad happens.”

  Adam chuckled. “That’s an endorsement, I think.”

  “Papa also said he’ll be speaking with you when he returns.”

  Adam nodded. He had no qualms about facing William Best. Were Jo Adam’s daughter he’d want to quiz her young man closely, too. Adam had no doubts about being able to convince Mr. Best that his feelings for Jo were true, though; if he could convince Jo, he could convince anyone. “You think me kissing you out here will turn me into Thanksgiving dinner?”

  Jo giggled. “Probably.”

  “Do you want to go for a ride?”

  His bold request made her tingle with excitement. “I have to ask Mama.”

  “I know.”

  “Suppose she says no?”

  “Then we’ll ride another time. But suppose she says yes?”

  Jo smiled and hurried into the house.

  She returned promptly and the gleam in her eyes told all. “She said yes!”

  Adam grinned.

  “But she says be back within the hour because it will be dark soon.”

  “Then let’s go.”

  Because Jo and Adam were now more than just friends, Jo was certain it would have taken her several hours to convince her father to let her ride unchaperoned like this with Adam, but her mama was a bit less old-fashioned and trusted Adam and Jo to behave themselves. For once, Jo was glad her papa wasn’t around.

  Seated astride Daniel’s stallion, Adam rode beside Jo and said, “You know, an hour is not going to be nearly long enough.”

  Jo grinned. “I know, but I promised Mama we’d be back by then.”

  “Well, I’m selfish.”

  They found a quiet spot beside the river, then dismounted and picked out a shady spot to sit. After a few moments of silence, he asked her, “Did you ever think back in those days when we played along these banks that you and I would be here like this today?”

  “No,” Jo said truthfully. “Never. You were just one of my brother’s friends.”

  “And you were just his little sister.”

  Jo met his eyes. “Both of those things are still true.”

  “Yes, they are.”

  Adam reached out and softly stroked her cheek. “Little Jojo, all grown up.”

  He kissed her. The past quickly vanished to be replaced by the sweet, fresh love of today. Adam had awakened this morning wanting to kiss her this way, wanting to hold her in his arms. Her lips were as sweet as honey, and the smell of her vanilla perfume filled his nose and muddled his senses.

  The male in Adam wanted to do more than kiss her, much more, but the man in him knew doing so would be wrong. Jo wasn’t a fast girl, she was an innocent, and because of that, pressuring her wouldn’t be fair. Adam contented himself with feeding on her thrilling kisses; he loved her enough to wait.

  Being a gentleman was difficult, however, and she was as tempting as a piece of sweet potato pie. So to make certain he didn’t overstep any bounds, he reluctantly drew away from her lips. Upon doing so, he saw that she had her eyes closed. He kissed each lid delicately. “We have to stop.”

  Jo felt like a shimmering ray of sunshine. “Why?” she whispered.

  He chuckled and touched his finger to her beauti
ful lips. “These lips are the reason. They’re about to push me over the brink.”

  Jo grinned saucily. “Really?”

  “Don’t gloat.”

  “I’ve never had anyone tell me that before.”

  He kissed her again, soundly, softly. “Now put your lips away.”

  “No,” she countered with a teasing voice and boldly kissed him again.

  Adam groaned and pulled her onto his lap. “You are such a pest.”

  The kisses began again, and when they finally came up for air, Jo asked dreamily, “What time is it getting to be?”

  Adam kissed her ear. “I don’t know or care.”

  His voice sent a ripple through her skin, and Jo somehow found the words to say, “Mama will.…”

  Knowing she was right, Adam reached down and opened up his pocket watch. “We’ve got just enough time to get back and beat the witching hour, but we have to leave right now.”

  “I don’t want to.”

  “Neither do I, but I want to be alive on our wedding day.”

  Jo had her arms placed loosely around his neck, and all she could do was marvel. “You really do want me to be your wife, don’t you?”

  His eyes were affectionate. “You’re just figuring that out, are you?”

  “Well, no, but yes. I mean—I don’t know what I mean.”

  “As long as you agree to be my wife, it doesn’t matter. How I feel about you is hard for me to explain sometimes, too.”

  She kissed him again, infusing it with all that was in her heart. When she drew away, he had his eyes closed. He opened them and said, “That, my pest, was a kiss.”

  She smiled. “Good.”

  “You’re a quick study.”

  “I’ve a great tutor.”

  He laughed. “Up. Otherwise we’ll not make it back in time.”

  Jo stood, but Adam had to have one more kiss. She obliged him happily, and only afterward did they mount their horses and ride home.

  Mrs. Best was standing in the doorway when they rode up, but she couldn’t fuss. They’d made it back with five minutes to spare.