The 12 Brides of Summer Novella Collection #2

by Mary Connealy

  Gideon reached across the table and laid his hand on top of one of Naomi’s. “Please say yes. I need your help.” His blue eyes darkened, leaving her no doubt of his sincerity. “I’m not asking you to do this out of the goodness of your heart. I can offer you more than the clothes you’ll need for this charade.”

  He lowered his gaze for a second, then looked at Naomi again. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I couldn’t help overhearing your conversation with Esther. If you’ll pretend to be my fiancée, I’ll pay for your mother’s surgery.”

  Naomi’s breath caught as hope surged through her. Was this the miracle she’d prayed for? It felt like it, and yet she wasn’t certain. “I’d be living a lie. That would be dishonest.”

  Gideon shook his head. “I won’t deny that there would be some deception, but no one would be hurt by it. My mother will be happy, and your mother will have a chance to have her sight restored.” He squeezed Naomi’s hand. “Say yes, Naomi. Please.”

  She was tempted. Oh, yes, she was. There was no denying the appeal of attending the opera, perhaps even dining at the InterOcean with Gideon. The clothing that he promised would be beautiful, but what attracted her most was the idea of spending more time with Gideon. Naomi enjoyed his company more than any man she’d ever met, and even when they were apart, Gideon was never far from her thoughts. Though she’d told no one, she’d dreamed of strolling through the park, her hand on his arm. If she accepted his proposal, that could happen.

  Naomi closed her eyes for a second, trying to marshal her thoughts. Was Gideon right in saying that no one would be hurt? If so, she owed it to her mother to agree. Hadn’t she said she’d do anything within her power to save Ma’s eyesight? Besides, the pretense would last only a few weeks, for as much as Naomi enjoyed Gideon’s company, she could never marry him, even if he asked her.

  From early childhood on, Naomi had known that the man she married must have a strong faith. Gideon did not. Their one serious disagreement had come the day Gideon had said that he hadn’t attended church services in years and had no intention of ever doing so again.

  “Why should I worship a God who doesn’t love me?” he’d asked, and nothing Naomi had said had changed his mind.

  As the memory of Gideon’s declaration echoed through her brain, an idea began to take root. Perhaps this was the miracle she’d prayed for, a way to pay for Ma’s surgery, but perhaps it was more than that. Perhaps Naomi was being given the opportunity to make a difference in Gideon’s life.

  She nodded slowly. “All right, Gideon. I’ll do it. I’ll be your pretend fiancée on one condition: I expect you to go to church with me.”

  Gideon strode down Seventeenth Street, scarcely glancing at the opera house and the other buildings that dominated this section of the city. He had far more important things to worry about than what Arp and Hammond had displayed in their front windows. Relief that Naomi had agreed to his plan mingled with regret. He hadn’t expected her to add a stipulation to their agreement, especially not that one. For the briefest of moments, Gideon had considered rescinding his proposal, but he did not, for he knew of no other woman in Cheyenne who could play the role he needed.

  Gideon had met a number of single women whose mothers considered him a good catch, but they’d bored him. Even if one of them would agree to a pretend engagement, Mother would never believe he planned to marry her. Miriam Taggert was the exception. She was intelligent and entertaining, but unless he was mistaken, Barrett Landry intended to court her. Gideon wouldn’t interfere with that. Besides, Naomi was a better choice. She was fun, she was feisty, and Mother would like her. If only she hadn’t insisted on attending church.

  He pushed open the door to Mullen’s Fine Jewelry and blinked to adjust his eyes to the relative darkness.

  “It’s good to see you again, Mr. Carlisle.” The proprietor whose massive handlebar mustache was as famous as the quality of his merchandise greeted Gideon. “I trust your mother liked her brooch.”

  “She did indeed, but today I want something different. I need a ring for my fiancée.” Though it felt odd saying the word, Gideon knew he had to get used to it if the charade was going to be a success.

  Mr. Mullen nodded as he led the way to one of the back counters. “Do I know the lucky lady?”

  “I doubt it, but she’s special.” Even if Sunday mornings were painful, the rest of their short betrothal would be enjoyable, because—as he’d told Mr. Mullen—Naomi was a special woman. “I want something special for her.”

  The jeweler reached beneath the glass and pulled out a tray of rings. Though most were diamonds in various shapes and sizes, there was also an assortment of pearls and colored stones. And, as had been the case when he’d chosen his mother’s brooch, each piece was beautifully made.

  “These are my finest pieces,” Mr. Mullen said, “but if none of them suit you, I can make something different.”

  Gideon had no time for custom jewelry. He planned to slip a ring on Naomi’s finger tomorrow before she had a chance to reconsider their agreement. He glanced at the tray, smiling as one caught his eye. “That’s the one. It’s perfect.”

  Ten minutes later, Gideon was headed home, the square ring box tucked inside his pocket. As he walked north on Ferguson, his pace decidedly slower than when he’d left the bakery, he paused at the corner of Eighteenth Street. It wasn’t difficult to understand why this location had gained the nickname of Church Corner, since it boasted churches on three of the corners.

  Looking at the buildings, he wondered which one Naomi expected him to attend. Though his muscles tensed as he clenched his fists, Gideon tried to dismiss the sinking feeling that filled him at the thought of entering the house of God. That was far more dishonest than his pretend engagement.

  Gideon hadn’t set foot inside a church since the day God refused to answer his prayer. How could he praise a God who let his father and three brothers die of typhoid? Gideon couldn’t, and he refused to be a hypocrite by attending weekly services as if he were a true believer. But now, thanks to Naomi, he had to do exactly that. He could only hope there would be no lightning bolts when he walked through the doors.

  Chapter 4

  Naomi was humming as she entered the small apartment she shared with her mother. It might consist of only two rooms and a tiny kitchen, but that had always been enough for them. She had heard others speak of feeling as if a great weight had been lifted from their shoulders, but she hadn’t experienced that until this afternoon. For the past year, her worries about Ma had overshadowed everything, even the beauty of spring. Now those worries were greatly reduced, all because of Gideon.

  “You sound happy,” Ma said, raising her cheek for a kiss as she stirred the beef stew whose delicious aroma was filling the apartment. “I haven’t heard you hum in weeks.”

  “I am happy.” Rather than setting the table for supper as she normally would, Naomi grabbed her mother’s hand and led her to a chair. She wanted Ma to be sitting when she heard her news.

  “Our prayers have been answered,” she said. “I found a way to pay for your surgery.”

  Though the growths had clouded Ma’s eyes, there was no hiding the excitement that shone from them. “So soon? What happened?”

  “I’m going to be an actress.”

  The excitement faded, replaced by confusion and disappointment. “I don’t understand. You’re a baker. How can you be an actress? You don’t know anything about the stage.”

  Naomi realized the term she’d used so casually had created a problem when that hadn’t been her intention. “Not on the stage. This is more of a private performance. Do you remember me telling you about Gideon Carlisle?”

  Though she still seemed perplexed, Ma nodded. “The handsome young man who’s having his portrait painted.”

  He was that and more. Much more. But Naomi had no intention of admitting how often her thoughts turned to Gideon. Instead, she patted her mother’s hand as she said, “Gideon’s faced with a dilemma.” After
she explained about Mrs. Carlisle’s visit and edict, Naomi concluded, “So I agreed to pretend to be his fiancée while his mother is here.”

  Once again doubt colored Ma’s expression. “Are you sure that’s the right thing to do?”

  “I am. I believe God gave me this opportunity to help you, but I need you to help, too. No one must know that it’s a temporary engagement. We’ll break it off quickly once Mrs. Carlisle leaves, but in the meantime it has to seem real. That means you’ll have to be an actress, too.” It was true that Ma didn’t leave the apartment very often, but once word of Naomi’s supposed betrothal spread, it was likely that friends and acquaintances would visit.

  “I’ll try.” Ma removed her spectacles and rubbed her eyes, then opened them wide as if trying to imagine what it would be like to see clearly. “You’re right, Naomi. This opportunity seems like a miracle, but I wish it was a real engagement. More than anything, I want to see you settled with children of your own.”

  “I know, Ma. I know.” But that wasn’t going to happen. Not with Gideon.

  “Good morning, Naomi.” Though Gideon smiled, the smile didn’t reach his eyes when he knocked on the door early the next morning. “I hope you haven’t changed your mind.”

  It was an unusual greeting, but Naomi couldn’t blame him. She’d wakened this morning wondering if their engagement had been nothing more than a dream. “I haven’t changed my mind,” she said, watching relief wash over him as she shook her head. “Come inside and meet my mother.”

  As she led him toward the table where Ma was still seated, Naomi could only imagine how the apartment appeared to a man who lived in a mansion. The main room, which served as dining room and parlor, was small, its furnishings shabby, but at least it was clean.

  If the modest surroundings bothered him, Gideon gave no sign. He smiled at Ma as he said, “I’m pleased to meet you, Mrs. Towson. Although our arrangement is unusual, I can assure you that I will do everything in my power to ensure that Naomi is not hurt by it.”

  Ma peered through her thick spectacles for what felt like an eternity before she nodded. “I trust you.” The approval surprised Naomi. In the past it had taken her mother weeks to pass judgment on the men who wanted to court her daughter.

  Rising from her chair, Ma looked at Gideon. “If you would like some time alone with Naomi, I’ll be in the kitchen.”

  Gideon nodded. “There is one thing I want to do before we go to Madame Charlotte’s. Perhaps you’d like to sit down.”

  Naomi flushed, realizing she’d been remiss in not offering him a seat. But when she settled on one of the chairs in the parlor area, Gideon remained standing. A second later he descended to one knee in front of her, looking so much like a genuine suitor that Naomi’s breath caught.

  “I would be honored if you would wear my ring,” he said, pulling a square box from his pocket.

  Though she hadn’t thought of a ring, it made sense that she would need one as a tangible sign of the engagement. As Gideon lifted the lid, Naomi gasped. Not even in her dreams had she imagined such a magnificent piece of jewelry. “I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.” Three perfectly matched stones, a ruby, a diamond, and a sapphire, were set in a simple gold band.

  Gideon’s relief was evident. “I hoped you’d like it. When I saw the red, white, and blue stones, I thought they’d be a nice reminder of this particular Fourth of July. It seems my timing was perfect, because Mr. Mullen had just finished the ring an hour or so before I came into the store.”

  Naomi stared at the ring as Gideon slid it onto her finger. “I don’t know what to say. It’s magnificent.” Looking at it she could almost believe the engagement was real.

  “Let’s see if we can find some gowns to go with it.”

  They walked the three blocks to Élan, Madame Charlotte’s dress shop, and Naomi felt as if she were living a dream. Here she was, simple Naomi Towson, strolling with her hand on cattle baron Gideon Carlisle’s arm, his ring on her finger. Only in her dreams would that have happened.

  Gideon rapped on the door to Élan, and one of the most striking women Naomi had ever met opened it. Though Madame Charlotte was about the same height as Naomi and had the same dark brown hair and eyes, the similarities ended there. Madame Charlotte’s almost regal posture and the perfectly fitted gown made her look like a creature from a different world.

  “Good morning, Mr. Carlisle.” Though it bore no hint of a French accent, Madame Charlotte’s voice was low and cultured. She smiled as she greeted Naomi, and while her eyes assessed her, Naomi saw no disdain for her clothing. “It will be a pleasure to dress you, Miss Towson. I have a few garments I think will suit you.”

  The dressmaker motioned Gideon to one of the chairs in the main room before leading Naomi into a dressing room where she’d hung three gowns. Though she called them simple day dresses, the intricate detailing of the seams and the addition of double box pleats around the hem made them anything but ordinary.

  An hour later Naomi’s head was spinning when she left the shop. As Madame Charlotte had predicted, two of the dresses needed only minor alterations, and one was a perfect fit. She’d insisted that Naomi wear that one. With its beautifully draped skirt edged in what the modiste told her was French lace, its small bustle, and the signature pleats, it was the most beautiful garment Naomi had ever owned. And the fancy gowns Madame Charlotte was planning to make for her were beyond anything she’d ever dreamed of.

  “I feel like Cinderella getting ready for the ball,” Naomi told Gideon as they strolled slowly down Ferguson Street.

  “Don’t worry,” he said, his blue eyes sparkling with mirth. “My coach won’t turn into a pumpkin.”

  But the engagement would end. That was how it had to be.

  Gideon smiled as he handed Naomi into the carriage. The past two weeks had been more enjoyable than any he could recall. Though Naomi still worked in the bakery, Esther had agreed that she was only needed in the morning. That gave them afternoons to spend together.

  Believing it was important that his colleagues saw him with Naomi before Mother arrived, he and Naomi had done the things any courting couple would. They’d taken walks through the parks and drives through town, and of course, they’d attended church services together.

  Those hadn’t been as bad as Gideon had feared. Instead of thunderbolts the sermons had touched on God’s love. The way the parishioners had nodded had made Gideon wonder if he was the only one who didn’t believe in God’s love, but he wouldn’t think about that today. Today would be the first true test of his and Naomi’s acting abilities, for today was the day his mother arrived.

  Though Naomi smiled when they arrived at the depot, she was unable to hide the faint trembling of her hand. Gideon gave her a reassuring smile, hoping to allay her concerns. “It’ll be fine,” he said.

  She nodded and gestured toward the construction site. “I’m glad we’re getting a new depot.” It was an obvious attempt to change the subject from her nervousness.

  Gideon agreed, both with her sentiment and the diversion. “It’ll be more suited to a city of Cheyenne’s stature.” The old depot was a simple wooden structure, whereas the new one would be an impressive red sandstone edifice. “I’m surprised it took the Union Pacific so long to agree to build it, but there’s no doubt that it will be beautiful when it’s finished. Who knows? We may even have statehood by then.”

  A whistle announced the approaching train, and Naomi turned her attention to the passengers emerging from the iron horse. She wouldn’t recognize Mother, but Gideon did. His smile broadened when he saw the familiar figure descend the steps. Mother looked no older than she had when he’d left home, but it appeared that she’d gained a few pounds and was now decidedly plump. Though her clothing was covered with dust from the long journey, she showed no sign of fatigue.

  “Gideon!” Mother cried, opening her arms to greet him.

  He suffered the hug and the cloud of perfume that surrounded him when she wrapped her arms
around him, then turned toward Naomi.

  “Mother, I’d like you to meet Miss Towson. Naomi has done me the honor of accepting my ring.” He remembered Naomi’s concerns about dishonesty and chose his words carefully.

  For a second, Gideon thought his mother had misunderstood him, but as a grin spread across her face, he realized it had simply taken her a while to believe him.

  “Is it true? You’re really getting married?”

  Rather than lie, he said, “That’s the normal end of an engagement.” Perhaps he was prevaricating, but Gideon didn’t want to contribute to Naomi’s discomfort. She gave him a quick smile as his mother approached her.

  “Oh, my dear, let me look at you.” Ignoring the other passengers who were still disembarking, Mother tipped her head to one side and gave Naomi a thorough appraisal. To his fiancée’s credit, she did not flinch but simply smiled as if this were a common occurrence.

  “You’re a lucky man, Gideon, to have found yourself a girl as pretty as Naomi,” Mother said when she’d completed her inspection. She turned back to Naomi. “You will let me call you that, won’t you?”

  “Certainly, Mrs. Carlisle.”

  Unsure what his mother would do or say next, Gideon gestured toward the baggage being unloaded from the back of the train. “Let’s get your trunks into the carriage. I imagine you’re tired from your journey and would like a chance to rest.”

  “Nonsense! I want to get to know my future daughter-in-law. Take us somewhere we can have a cup of coffee while we get acquainted.”

  Though the logical destination would have been Esther’s bakery, Gideon didn’t want to run the risk of other customers recognizing Naomi as the woman who used to serve them. Gideon wasn’t ashamed of Naomi’s work—how could anyone be ashamed of the delicious cakes she baked?—but he didn’t want Mother to realize how sudden their engagement was. And so he took them to Mr. Ellis’s Bakery and Confectionary.