by Verna Clay
Lola's husband said, "I'm sending one of my hired hands to your pa's place next week to help with branding."
Luke slapped the man's shoulder. "That's much appreciated, Sam. Thank you."
Lola smiled and gestured. "I see your brothers and my son whispering across the room. Those boys are cooking up something. I better head them off at the pass."
During the ride home, Luke chuckled. "You don't know this, but Lola Skinner—Lola Pitts before she got married—was in love with my father for years."
Angel turned questioning eyes on him and he explained. "When Abby showed up as my father's mail order bride, Lola was fit to be tied. She went to school with my ma and pa, and after my ma died, she did everything she could to snag my pa and just about drove him crazy."
"She and her husband seem very happy."
"Yes, they are. Here's the funny part. Sam Skinner also went to school with them and was a couple of years older. Pa said the kids used to tease him and call him Skinny Skinner or Shorty Sam, and Lola was one of the worst. Well, after my pa married Abby and was no longer available, Lola turned to him for friendship because no one liked her because of her uppity ways. Anyway, come to find out, Sam had always carried a torch for her and their friendship turned to love. From what Lola's shared, Sam laid it on the line one day and said if she didn't love him enough to marry him, he was leaving town because he couldn't go on loving her from a distance. They married about a year after Pa and Abby got hitched, and since then she's become a different woman. Just goes to show the power of love because Jenny and I couldn't stand her before."
Angel sighed. "I'm so happy she found happiness." Turning shining eyes on Luke, she confided, "You've made me very happy, too."
Luke reached for her hand. "Angel, when we said our wedding vows I tried to convince myself otherwise, but I didn't want our marriage to end. When I first saw you at Porter's, I was lost to you."
Angel covered his hand with hers. "I was lost to you, too.
Chapter Fifteen: Family, Friends, Feast and Festivity
The day of the wedding reception dawned clear and warm. Angel woke early because of her excitement and gazed tenderly at Luke. She loved the way his hair curled across his forehead and that he smiled in his sleep. When she reached to push his hair aside, he opened his eyes and stared intently into hers. Finally, he said in his deep voice, "I love you, Angel." Rising above her, he stroked her face gently with his fingertips before lowering his lips to capture hers. Angel's conscience tried to rear its head, but she refused to listen to the words. Tell him. Tell him.
Now, riding beside Luke in the buckboard in the early afternoon, she contemplated her new life. Except for the inaccessible compartment of her mind hosting unwanted memories that kept trying to break free, it was perfect. In her heart, she knew Luke had a right to know the last of her secrets, but knowing and doing were opposite sides of a coin. She believed his love was strong enough to withstand her revelation, but what if it wasn't? I'll tell him soon, after I muster a little more courage.
When Luke pulled to the front of his parents' house, Rusty and James were talking to Charlie on the front porch. They waved and rushed to greet them. "Howdy, Luke. Howdy, Miz Angel," said Rusty.
James said, "The house is all decorated and looks real pretty."
"Hello boys." Luke ruffled their hair.
Angel smiled, "Hello my little brothers-in-law."
Rusty grinned and spontaneously gave her a quick hug around the waist. "You sure look pretty today, Miz Angel. Course you're pretty every day."
James grabbed Rusty's arm. "Com'on, let's go find Timmy Skinner."
Luke laughed as he watched his brothers dart around the many buckboards in the yard and run toward a group of children playing near the barn. "Stay out of trouble!"
"Sure thing, Luke," James yelled back.
Charlie greeted them. "Welcome, Luke and Angel. I hear tell Mr. and Mrs. Smythe's been bakin' fer days. The whole town's excited 'bout yer reception."
The front door burst open and Abby rushed out, followed by Cora MacGregor, Lita Brandon, Lola Skinner, and Mina Priestly. After receiving hugs from the women, Angel and Luke were hustled into the cabin among so many people there was barely room to walk. Mrs. Merriweather called out, "One, two, three," and the gathering yelled of one accord, "Congratulations, Luke and Angel Samson!"
Luke pulled Angel to his side and bent to kiss her forehead. Angel raised liquid eyes to his. "I'm overwhelmed. Never did I believe I could become part of a family and community again."
Luke placed his lips on her ear and said above the mayhem, "You belong here, Angel. This is your home now." Placing his arm around her shoulders, he led her to his father's bed. Brant was sitting upright and leaning against pillows piled against his headboard. Surrounded by neighbors, he looked contented and happy.
Luke said, "Pa, it's good to see you up, but don't overdo it."
Brant laughed, "What? Me overdo something?" He glanced at Abby sitting on his bedside and laughed all the more when she looked at him askance. He said between chuckles, "So how's my favorite daughter-in-law? I hear tell you and Luke have been honeymooning."
Angel blushed and had barely mumbled a reply when Mina Priestly grabbed her hand and pulled her to a group of elderly women who congratulated her and then insisted she join their quilting circle the first Wednesday of each month at the church.
When Bessie Jane and Jack Smythe called out that supper was ready, Pastor Merriweather asked everyone to gather round Brant's bed. The pastor blessed the food and then nodded at Brant. With Abby standing beside him and her hand on his shoulder, he said, "I'd like to thank everyone for celebrating this momentous occasion with us. I couldn't be prouder of my son, and the fact that he's married such a sweet woman, has doubly blessed our family." Solemnly, he continued, "Everyone in this room has tasted sorrow and it makes us appreciate happy occasions such as this. So, it is with great joy that I welcome Angel Samson into our family, our hearts, and our community. Can I hear an Amen?"
The crowd shouted, "Amen!"
Brant looked at Abby, "Honey, is there anything you want to say?"
Abby smiled sweetly and glanced around the room. "Over ten years ago, I came to Two Rivers as a mail order bride. I felt so alone and frightened, but I was welcomed with open arms. I simply cannot imagine my life without my beloved husband, my children, and my friends. I love all of you and I thank you for your enduring friendships, through happy times and sad. And now, I'm blessed with another daughter." Abby smiled at Luke and Angel. "My cup is so full, it's overflowing." She dabbed at tears and Angel noticed several other neighbors swiping their eyes. Angel swallowed against the lump in her throat and dabbed her own eyes.
Brant said, "Well, I think it's time to celebrate. But first, I'd like to also welcome Mr. and Mrs. Smythe to Two Rivers and thank them for this feast they've so graciously prepared."
His words were followed by shouts of agreement and then he called out, "Let's chow down!"
The remainder of the day became a wonderful blur of family, friends, food, and festivity. That evening, after everyone except the Smythes had departed, Angel sat on the porch with Abby and Luke, reminiscing the day. Mrs. Smythe exited the doorway carrying a plate piled high with her famous pastries and said, "I saved these. We might as well finish them off."
Luke grinned. "I was just thinking about those pastries. You're a mind reader, Bessie Jane."
Angel said, "Thank you for making this day so memorable," and reached for a treat.
Abby laughed, "I'll put some back for Brant and the children."
Bessie Jane responded, "Already done. In fact, he's eating his now and talking with Jack. I left enough for the boys on the kitchen table."
Abby patted the chair next to her. "Well, sit down and rest, Bessie Jane. You deserve it."
"Don't mind if I do. In fact, there's something I've been meaning to talk to Angel and Luke about."
Angel munched her pastry and waited for Bessie Jane to f
it her rotund body into a rocking chair.
Nibbling on her own delicacy, the sweet woman said, "Angel, I was wondering if you'd like to work at the Mayflower Hotel Dining Room one day a week; more if you've a mind to. We sure could use the help on Sundays after church. I've heard wonderful things about your apple pies from your family. A baker's greatest joy is baking for others. You could even experiment with new recipes. So, what do you say?"
Angel's heart pounded. Baking with Mr. and Mrs. Smythe would be a dream come true. She shifted her gaze to Luke, not wanting to answer without knowing his thoughts. He only grinned and said, "Darlin', I can see in your eyes you're over the moon with the idea. It's entirely up to you, and I'm one hundred percent behind whatever you decide."
Angel let out a little squeal. "Yes! I'd love to join you."
* * *
That night, while Angel reminisced her wonderful day and tidied her kitchen, Luke called from the doorway, "Honey, come to the library for a minute."
She turned questioning eyes toward him, but he was already gone. Curious, she hurried to the library. Luke wore a mysterious grin and motioned her toward the desk. "Sit down; I want to give you your wedding present."
"Luke, you don't have to give me anything, I'm–"
He chuckled, "Angel, don't argue. With all my heart, I want to give you this gift."
Angel sat in the chair he pulled out and Luke motioned with his hand. "Look at the desk."
Angel glanced down at several stacks of papers written in Luke's beautiful script. For a second she didn't understand, and then she read the heading on the one closest to her.
Yukon Adventure
Fifth Installment
Gasping, she said, "Are these your adventure stories?"
"They are. And the one on top is the continuation of the one you read in Bingham. Since the newspapers don't make it to Two Rivers, I brought the stories to you."
Angel squealed, "Luke, this is marvelous! Can I read it now."
"Angel, my love, you can read to your heart's content. I enjoy watching your delight more than I do writing the stories. Why don't you read it aloud to me?"
Reaching for the page as if it were a precious jewel, Angel lifted love filled eyes to Luke's and then shifted her gaze back to the page.
The filthy trapper aimed his rifle at Damon's heart and said, "What have we here?"
Damon merely shook his head. "Murphy, did you run into a bear on your way in?"
Murphy laughed, "Oh, him, yeah, but he run off when he heard the two o' yous fightin'. I almost run off with him." Murphy lowered his gun.
Damon said, "Marci, I'd like you to meet the best trapper in the Yukon and the orneriest man ever born, Mad Murphy, as the locals call him. And Murphy, this is my wife, Marci."
Marci stepped in front of Damon and held out her hand. "I'm pleased to meet you Mr. Murphy."
Murphy grinned, wiped his hand on his trousers, and reached for Marci's delicate one. Lifting her fingers to his mouth, he said, "Enchanté. Madame Dillard."
Angel giggled. "I am so impressed, Luke." Returning her attention to the story she continued,
Marci's eyes rounded and then she smiled, glancing at Damon. Damon saw a calculated look in her expression and wondered what she was up to.
She said, "Monsieur Murphy, since you heard the disagreement between my husband and I, it appears I can be quite frank with you."
Damon interrupted, "Marci, I don't think you should–"
Marci forged on. "Damon wants to return me to the civilized world, but I refuse to go. He feels I'm at risk in this wilderness. Since I won't leave him, what do you suggest to ease his mind?"
Mad Murphy glanced from Marci to Damon and back to Marci before saying, "Aw, hell, that's easy."
(To be continued)
Angel placed her hands on her cheeks. "Luke, please tell me the next installment is on the next page."
Luke laughed loudly, "It is, darlin'. Keep reading."
Chapter Sixteen: History Lesson
Angel frosted a cake and hummed softly to herself. This was her third month baking every Sunday at the Mayflower Hotel. Her specialties, of course, were her pies—her own and Sadie's from the train depot—but the Smythes were wonderful and allowed her to experiment. After a few blunders and lessons from Bessie Jane, Angel's latest creation was a cake she'd named Double Chocolate Decadent Delight. Every Sunday the dining room was full to capacity, with patrons waiting outside for a seat.
Angel made the final swirl in the frosting and finished her tune. She was living the perfect life, with the perfect husband, the perfect family and friends, and she had never been happier. Whenever the niggling that she should reveal her entire past to Luke reared its head, she pushed it aside, promising herself she would do so soon.
Bessie Jane entered the kitchen. "That cake's a beauty and I've already got a dozen orders for a piece."
"Well, I've got another one cooling. It should be ready when the next wave of customers hit."
Bessie Jane reached for plates to put slices of cake on and then filled a tray with the plates. Lifting the tray, she said, "Oh, I almost forgot, there's a gentleman, an out-of-towner, who wants to give his regards to the pie-baker. I told him I'd let you know. He's sitting at the single table in the far corner."
Angel was used to such requests and enjoyed speaking with patrons. She had come a long way in three months. No longer did she shy away from people.
Bessie Jane carried her tray to the dining room and Angel removed her apron and smoothed her hair before leaving the kitchen. Several of the locals said a friendly hello and she smiled at them, stopping to say a few words before walking toward the table with the man wanting to give his regards. Since his back was toward her, she stepped around his chair.
The cowboy smirked, "Hello, Angelina Blackwell. Didn't think I'd find you, did you?"
Angel stood riveted, panic sending blood to her head and making her dizzy. She wanted to turn and run, but that would only call attention to herself and her connection to this evil man—the man she had hired to escort her to San Francisco. He lifted a bite of apple pie to his mouth, savored it, and said, "Excellent."
"What do you want?" she whispered, and clamped her teeth together to keep her chin from trembling.
The man's gaze perused her body from head to toe. "Isn't it obvious? I want you. You've turned into an itch I intend to scratch. After you ditched me in Denver, I went all the way to San Francisco looking for you. Then I started backtracking. I was just about to give up when I overheard this weasel in a saloon in Dallas going on and on about a beautiful woman named Angel. Seems she'd advertised for a husband to escort her to California and the man was heartbroken she hadn't chosen him. After I plied him with more booze, he spilled his guts about dining with her. A few inquiries at the restaurant yielded more information. It's amazing how much waiters overhear. And really, Angel, once I was on the trail, tracking you was easy."
Angel thought she might throw up. She rasped again, "Wh-what do you want?"
The mercenary said, "I already told you. I want to spend quality time with you. After that, you're free to return to your husband. In fact, I won't kill him if you do exactly as I say. If not, I'll make you a widow again, Mrs. Blackwell; I mean, Mrs. Samson." The man leaned forward and said with sincerity, "I have no qualms about killing lover boy. Do you understand?"
Angel knew he meant what he said and her terror was so great for Luke she became immobilized.
He repeated, "Do you understand?" and lifted another bite of pie to his mouth.
Angel forced a nod.
"Good. Now listen carefully. In five minutes I'm leaving the dining room. Five minutes after I leave, I want you to walk across the street to the back of the stable. I have two horses saddled and ready to go. I watched your husband head out for his ranch after church. We'll make tracks before he returns."
Angel's eyes got big.
"I suggest you smile and thank me for my compliments on your pie. You're looki
ng way too serious and it would be foolish on your part to draw attention to us. Believe me when I say, I don't have a conscience and I will kill Luke Samson if you push me."
Somehow, Angel forced a smile.
"That's much better, sweetheart." He pushed his chair away from the table, reached for his hat, nodded, and said, "Best pie I ever ate. See you in five minutes, Angel."
Wearing the same forced smile, Angel walked back to the kitchen, knowing full well the evil man would kill Luke and maybe others if she didn't obey. Automatically, she began putting more cake slices on plates. When Bessie Jane returned to replenish her tray, Angel pretended absorption in washing the cake tins so as to give nothing away in her countenance. Bessie Jane loaded up more slices and said, "Honey, I think the dining room is going to have to be enlarged." Hurriedly, she left the kitchen.
Blinking back tears, Angel dried her hands, gave a final glance around, and slid out the back door. Walking swiftly across the street, she hastened to the back of the stable.
* * *
Luke rounded the street corner in his buckboard and directed his horses toward the front of the hotel. He had decided to return early so he could hang out in the kitchen with Angel. She was a different woman now, joyful and contented, and he loved the fact that he had been instrumental in her change. Everyday, he thanked the heavens that he had read her advertisement for a mail order husband. He loved her beyond measure.
Movement caught Luke's eye and he was surprised to see Angel disappearing around the side of the stable. Drawing his horses to a halt, he looped their reins around the hitching post. Maybe she was taking food to the stable boy. He walked across the street and stuck his head in the side entrance, but didn't see anyone. He decided to check the alleyway running behind the stable and was surprised to see Angel standing beside a man holding the bridles of two horses. His heart raced when he saw tears streaking her cheeks. Stepping back so as not to be seen, he reached for the derringer hidden above his boot and then shoved the gun under his belt. Stepping back into the alleyway, he said, "Angel, what's going on?"
