[2016] A Widow's Love

by Christian Michael

  “I don’t know that I like you going on private rides with Harvey.” She pointed out May’s near slipup by calling Harvey by his first name. “From now on you will refrain from being anywhere with him without me. Do you understand?”

  May felt her cheeks heat in embarrassment. It was as if Genevieve was accusing her of something she hadn’t done. Something improper!

  “Miss, please don’t think that—”

  “Have I made myself clear?” Genevieve interrupted.

  “Yes, miss,” she said, bowing her head.

  “Good. You may go.”

  May left the room and hurried outside—her only sanctuary. She rushed to the shade of the garden and sunk down onto a bench near a small, man-made pond. The cool breeze fanned her warm face and she took deep breaths to calm herself down.

  She’d done nothing wrong by going on the ride with Harvey. So why did she feel so guilty?

  Running a hand over her face she realized that she may not have done anything wrong, but her thoughts betrayed her. She noticed how handsome Harvey was. She craved his attention. His kind words replayed over and over in her mind. She sunk her head into her hands, elbows resting on her knees and she prayed. Prayed that the Lord would take her feelings for Harvey away. That he would make a way for her to see him for who he was—her mistresses intended.

  But as she tried to think of him like that the only image that came to her was the look of concern on his face at the river’s edge. The way he’d made her laugh on their ride back. His easygoing nature when Genevieve wasn’t around.

  He was a different person when she wasn’t near, and that fact was the worst of all. If May were honest, he would say that she liked the Harvey without Genevieve much better than the Harvey with.

  And yet she had no place to even notice these things, let alone point them out to him. Just the thought had her fumbling in anxiety and embarrassment, her face heating at the mere idea.

  No, she would do as Genevieve asked and stay away from Harvey when at all possible. She would let their affections blossom and, when they were married, maybe she would set off on her own adventure.

  Chapter 5

  When Harvey introduced Max Dean May immediately knew he was a man accustomed to getting what he wanted. He didn’t appear arrogant or self-seeking, just confident and bold. Harvey explained that Max ran a series of rodeos throughout the state of Texas and she quickly made the connection between the prize bulls and cattle that Henry raised and Max’s rodeo.

  “How do you feel about horseback riding, May?” Max asked with good-natured humor behind his eyes. They were sitting in the sitting room enjoying a substantial tea service spread out before them, though Max had insisted on coffee.

  “I love it,” May responded, her smile showing how much she loved the activity.

  Harvey had invited her to join them though she knew the moment he asked that Genevieve would not be pleased. As the conversation had progressed Max seemed to want to include her almost more than he did Genevieve. Like now, his attention was focused on her.

  “I figured as much. You seem like the type of woman who could appreciate a good horseback riding adventure. He let out one of his booming laughs and she couldn't help but laugh with him.

  “You’ve got me pegged sir,” she said, smiling. When her gaze passed Genevieve’s her smile slipped. Her mistress was not happy with her congenial attitude toward the older man.

  But what was she supposed to do? Act like a sourpuss like Genevieve was? May turned her gaze to her teacup resting in her hands.

  “Harvey, you’ve got to take us on a tour of your property. I dare say Miss May and I would rather enjoy it.”

  May’s cheeks heated at his attention. He clearly had taken a likening to her while Genevieve’s aloof nature—as well as her opposition to anything that pertained to ranch life—had become apparent to the outdoorsy man almost immediately.

  Genevieve stood, setting her teacup down unceremoniously. “I’ve a heading coming on, do excuse me.”

  May rose as well. “I can attend to you, miss,” she offered.

  “Don’t,” was Genevieve’s sharp reply. Then she forced a smile and turned back to her. “I’ll be fine. Enjoy your horseback ride.” The way she said horseback made it sound like a curse word. Then she was gone.

  Max whistled low and said, “She’s a real piece of work.”

  Harvey cleared his throat and May’s gaze flew to him. He looked uncomfortable and she immediately wanted to ease the tension in the room.

  “So, Mr. Dean—”

  “I insist you call me Max.”

  “Max,” she added with a smile, “What do you look for in cattle for your rodeos?”

  Max’s eyebrows rose and he turned to Harvey. “She’s a smart one—asks good questions.” Then turning back to her he explained his process and what he was looking for. Harvey eventually joined in the conversation, looking much more at ease with the topic than he was Genevieve’s behavior.

  Eventually they decided to take a ride but Max insisted that May come along. She thought of what Genevieve had said about spending time with Harvey but, seeing as how Max would be with them and he wouldn’t take no for an answer, she agreed.

  They rode out to the top of a ridge overlooking a valley where the cattle were grazing and May asked questions of Max the whole time. Apparently her questions were astute and Max beamed at everything she spoke.

  On the way back she rode ahead to take advantage of the beautiful sunset view. Soon, Max made his way up next to her.

  “You, my dear, are a delight.”

  She blushed under his praise. “You’re just saying that Mr. Dean—um, Max.”

  He grinned. “If you ever want a job on a rodeo ranch you just tell me. I’d hire a smart, pretty lady like you any day. My Martha would love you. You remind me a lot of her actually.”

  “She sounds like a wonderful woman.”

  “Oh, she is,” Max said, his gaze taking in the golden hues of the sun dipping below the mountains. “Strong and confident and has never met a horse she doesn’t like. The thing I admire about her most though is her companionship.”

  He nodded once to her and then hung back to talk with Harvey again. His words lingered in her thoughts though. She wanted to marry a man who would say the same things about her. That he would enjoy her companionship.

  She thought of the ride to the river with Harvey and flushed. Just because they’d had a wonderful time together didn’t mean anything—he was going to marry Genevieve and she had to remember that.

  ***

  The days of Max’s visit flew by. They were either out on the range looking into specific stock or spending time talking logistics. Then there was the fact that Max seemed more interested in offering May a job on his ranch than he was signing a deal with Harvey.

  Harvey laughed, just thinking about it. Max had taken to May and avoided Genevieve like she had the plague. Harvey’s plans had completely backfired on that account…and yet he couldn’t blame Max. Genevieve spent most days in the sitting room or complaining about something. She didn’t seem to like the ranch life one bit and could have done without seeing one horse for the rest of her life—or so she’d muttered at one point during a walk through the gardens one evening.

  Harvey stretched his arms of his head and turned toward the house. He was done with work for the day and thankful for that. It was Max’s last night with them and he would be heading out in the morning. This last night they wouldn’t deal with contracts or agreements but instead, Harvey wanted to spend some time with Max as a friend.

  It was actually something he’d taken from May. She seemed to embrace the man on a personal level and, though she wasn’t the one to barter a deal with him, she had gotten information from him that Harvey never would have been able to because he was focused on what he wanted. So much so that he ignored other, more important things at times. He could learn a lot from May.

  His stomach clenched. She wasn’t the woman he was to marr
y though.

  Groaning, he ran a hand over his face. Genevieve was nothing like the woman he would have seen himself marrying. In fact, May filled every one of his desires for a wife and more. But he’d all but committed to Genevieve. It was a conundrum he’d have to deal with later.

  “Harvey, my boy,” Max said, when he came into the sitting room.

  “Howdy,” he replied.

  Genevieve was off to one side at a writing desk. She didn’t even look up, and May was playing a game with Max at the small game table. She smiled up at him and his heart pounded faster in his chest. Even her smile warmed him from the inside out. He never felt that way toward Genevieve.

  “I believe it’s almost time for dinner,” May said, in anticipation of Harvey’s next question.

  He nodded and soon they all went to dinner. As had become usual, Genevieve hardly spoke and Max did most of the talking. Harvey listened and enjoyed the fact that May was confident enough to answer even in her mistress’s company. Having the attention of the wealthy businessman likely had something to do with it, but he was proud of her nonetheless.

  At the end of the meal Harvey looked toward the women. “Ladies, we’ll bid you goodnight.”

  They nodded and then he directed Max to the back porch where they enjoyed cigars and conversation while enjoying the view of the sunset behind the mountains.

  “Have you had a good visit?” Harvey asked when the crickets began to chirp and the suns glow had all but faded.

  “I have, son.” Max swirled his drink before taking a sip. “You’ve got a nice place here. I may have to bring Martha on my next visit. She’s really got to meet that May of yours.”

  The way he said “of yours” made Harvey’s heart pound. She wasn’t his.

  “It’s not quite like that,” he finally admitted.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’m to marry Genevieve.”

  Max took his time answering. “Are you sure that’s the right thing to do?”

  Harvey knew his answer should be yes but he couldn’t form the words. They wouldn’t come. But he knew he had to say them—if only to prove it to himself.

  “Yes.” He sounded more resolved than he felt. “I have to marry her.”

  Chapter 6

  May covered her mouth with her hand. She’d made her way to the back porch to see if either of the men wanted a slice of the pie she’d made earlier that day but she’d halted just outside the open door when she’d realized they were talking about her.

  She’d really only heard Harvey say he had to marry Genevieve and then she’d backed away quickly. Of course she knew this already—she was his intended—and yet part of her had started to hope. She hadn’t realized how big a part of her until just now with the realization that there was no way Harvey would ever see her as anything other than Genevieve’s maid.

  Nearly tripping over herself she backed away and ran to the small alcove near the stairs. She dropped to the bench seat and covered her face with her hands. How could she have been so foolish as to think that Harvey would consider marrying her? How had she allowed herself to hope?

  From the sound of it, he’d resigned himself to marry Genevieve so that meant she was nearly free. Then again, Genevieve hadn’t said she wanted to let May go when she married, but did May want to stay? The thought of tending to Genevieve’s every whim while still seeing Harvey seemed almost unbearable.

  No, she had to think of something else. Some other means of escape…

  Closing her eyes, she began to pray, lifting up her burdens to the Lord. It was the only peace she could gain—the peace of knowing that, no matter what, the Lord would guide her even if her heart broke in the process. She knew He could mend it.

  May wasn’t sure how long she sat there, but soon footsteps came down the hall and she sniffed, rubbing tears from her cheeks.

  “What’s this now?” Max’s decidedly Texan accent broke into her thoughts. She felt embarrassed having him find her like this.

  “It’s nothing,” she said, swiping again at the tears. Then a thought occurred to her. “Max, were you serious when you said I could come work for you?”

  He looked startled, as if he’d expected anything but this from her. “I was. Why, darlin’ are you looking for a new job?”

  She nodded, standing up with renewed purpose. “I am. Could I go with you?”

  His eyebrows narrowed and he looked as if he was going to protest but instead he nodded. “Of course. I’d be happy to have you. Martha would be thrilled I’m sure.”

  She nodded once, suddenly thinking of all that she’d have to prepare to leave in the morning. “Thank you.”

  He narrowed his eyes, reaching for one of her hands and holding it between his own. “Just make sure you’re not running away from something you should stay and fight for.”

  She swallowed. “I’m not,” she assured him. And she wasn’t, she was making a smart choice for her future.

  ***

  Harvey woke before the dawn, his thoughts troubling him. He’d told Max he had to marry Genevieve and yet, with the morning’s light it seemed absolutely foolish. He was forcing himself to marry a woman he didn’t love. In fact, he hardly even cared for her company on a good day.

  No, when he thought of who he wanted to spend the rest of his life with May’s face was always the one that filled his thoughts.

  But what would she think about that?

  He pushed out of bed and dressed quickly. He needed to be outside to clear his head. Max wasn’t leaving until midmorning so he had time. He knew Genevieve wouldn’t be awake either. She hardly ever got up until mid-morning anyway. He sighed—of course he couldn't marry her.

  Shaking his head, Harvey nearly laughed at the thought. How had he been so blind? He’d wanted to marry a woman who could help his business and yet here he was, not seeing the truth behind it all. As much as May would help him in business—she had a head for it—the fact that she was someone he wanted to spend time with was infinitely more important. He felt foolish for only now realizing that.

  The cool morning air greeted him and he let out a contented sigh, stepping from the porch and walking toward the garden area near the house. He thought of the many adventures he had been on that week with Max and May. They got along so well it was humors to watch, like father and daughter.

  Just as he was rounding the corner to where his favorite bench was he stopped in his tracks. May was there, sitting on the bench. She had a thick shawl draped around her shoulders and a bag at her feet.

  “May?” he said, hating to disturb her.

  She started, her eyes growing wide on his. “Harvey?”

  “Looks like we both had the same idea,” he said, sitting down next to her, “Though I didn’t bring my satchel. What’s that for?” he asked with a laugh.

  She looked uncomfortably at him then turned her gaze toward the mountains. “I'm leaving. With Max.”

  His heart thudded to a halt. “What?”

  “I'm leaving. Today.”

  “You can’t go,” he said lamely.

  “I can’t stay and watch—” she halted her words, color filling her cheeks. “I can’t stay.”

  He wanted to know what she had started to say. Couldn’t stay and watch what? Him marry Genevieve?

  Was it too much to hope that she had feelings for him as well? His heart picked back up again, this time racing ahead. He had to say something, even if that meant that he made a fool of himself, he needed to be honest with her about his feelings. About everything.

  “May,” he boldly took one of her hands in both of his and met her gaze without hesitation. “I haven’t been completely honesty with you.”

  Her brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”

  “I initially sent for Genevieve to come out West because I thought it would be a smart business move. I wanted a wife that would help me look stable for potential business partners. Max being one such partner.” He felt ashamed admitting this to her and yet her gentle gaze held
no judgment which spurred him to continue. “But I’ve realized that she’s not the type of woman that I want to marry.”

  May’s breath caught. “She isn’t?”

  “No.” He shook his head emphatically. “I—I see you and how you fit here on the ranch and I can’t imagine Genevieve ever truly fitting in here.”

  May’s cheeks flushed again and she dropped her gaze but he wanted—no, needed—to look into her eyes for what he would say next.

  He gently lifted her chin until she looked at him. “I’ve realized that you are the woman I want to marry.”

  She shook her head. “Do you really mean that?”

  “I do,” he said, gently tightening his grip on her hand. “I’m going to tell Genevieve. Today!”

  He felt wild with excitement at the mere fact that he was free. The thought of marrying Genevieve had felt like a lead weight to his soul but with May in front of him anything seemed possible.

  “Will you marry me?”

  She gave him a coy smile that was at once sweet and playful but nothing like Genevieve’s flirtation. “I don’t know. I’ve already accepted a position to work for Max.”

  He laughed, daring near to her. “Do you think he’ll let you go back on your word if I promise to have him and Martha back to the ranch as guests?”

  She pretended to consider then leaned closer to him as well. “I think that sounds like a fair trade.”

  Then the world slowed as the sun rose above the mountains, its first golden rays reaching to where they sat, and Harvey closed the distance between them, sealing his promise with a kiss.

  The worries of telling Genevieve and the thoughts of growing his business faded as his lips met hers. There would always be things he’d need to take care of, but in this moment there was only two hearts that had found one another through the most bizarre of circumstances—united in a way only God could do.