Shadow of Second Chances: Shadow Series~ Book 6 (The Shadow Series)

by Barbara Goss

  “No. I’ll just let my mother know that I’m leaving. I’ll meet you at the buggy.”

  She closed the door and sighed. He looked so handsome! She had no idea how handsome he really was until he’d shaved.

  After they’d eaten, Peggy and Gavin sat and chatted for over an hour. They seemed to have so much to say to one another. He told her all about his sad childhood, and she told him about the foibles of being the youngest in the family.

  “Don’t look now, Peggy, but that busboy is giving us a look.”

  “What? Why?”

  “I think he’s waiting to clear our table. Shall we do something with this beautiful afternoon?” he asked.

  They stood and walked to the door. “What would you like to do, Gavin?”

  “I’d like to go to the park, and go over the plans for improving the camp with you. We’ll share ideas,” he said.

  She could see the excitement in his eyes whenever he talked about the camp. She prayed that Violet would give him the chance to apologize so he could make his dreams come true. He seemed as giddy as a young lad with a new toy.

  As they walked to the buggy he took her hand and said, “By the way, you look absolutely gorgeous today. Green is definitely the perfect color with your auburn hair. It looks stunning. I’m liable to not be able to concentrate on my camp plans at all today.”

  Should she tell him that she hoped he wouldn’t be able to concentrate, and that he’d kiss her again, instead?

  “Thank you, Gavin.”

  Once they were seated on the bench, Gavin pulled papers from his satchel. “Now, this is where the tents are now. What do you think about having the cabins facing the river instead of facing the fire pit and campfire?”

  “If we did that, we wouldn't be able to sit by the campfire at night and still watch the front of the cabins for fear of children wandering off—we’d be facing the back of the cabins,” she said.

  “Oh, you’re right. How about if we also moved the campfire?”

  “What if we put the cabins in front of the woods, so the river is on their left side instead of facing?” she asked. “We could leave the fire pit, and everything else the way it is.”

  “That would be perfect,” he said. “Jonas Armstrong is going to let us have a half dozen ponies every year for the children, so we need to build some sort of place for them. Where do you think we should put that?”

  “Over here,” she said pointing to an area near the shelter.

  “That might work,” he said, looking at her. “Although I like this area too. I like your ideas and input. I’ll propose them to Billy at our next meeting. We work well together, don’t we?”

  “I think we do.”

  He folded his papers and stuffed them back into his satchel. “I stopped at the hotel and got a room for the night so I can stay later, but I must leave early in the morning, as I have a house to paint.”

  “You paint houses?”

  “Yes, just during the summer. We teachers don’t get paid over the summer, so I paint houses to replace the income. I started painting years ago when I attended college at night, and when I really needed it to tie me over, and now everyone just continues to hire me, so I do it for the extra money, as well as to keep myself busy.”

  She nodded.

  “Jonas is having a horse show and auction today. Would you like to go? It starts at half past three.” Peggy asked.

  “I’d love to!” he exclaimed. “Wait, will Violet be there? I’m not ready yet to see her. I haven’t planned what I’ll say.”

  “No, she never goes to them. Even Ivy stopped going, since they all have small children, now. It will just be Jonas and his clients. People come from all over the state to see and purchase his prize horses. Caleb usually goes.”

  “Now, let me get this straight: Caleb is married to Julia, who is Billy and Miles’s sister?”

  “Yes.”

  “And Violet, Ivy and Rose—sisters of course.”

  Peggy nodded.

  “And what about your brother? Quinn, wasn’t it?”

  “He’s married to Rose.”

  “So the three families are sort of one big family. I get it now,” he said. “What about Anna? Who is she related to?”

  “No one. She’s had a sad past like you have, but she’s also a new person in Christ, too. It’s so wonderful to have second chances at happiness.”

  “Shall we proceed to the horse show, then?” he asked.

  “Certainly.”

  At the horseshow, Gavin was introduced to Caleb, and Peggy’s brother, Quinn. Quinn sat with Peggy and Gavin. The event was well attended, and they saw many of Jonas’s horses sold for good prices.

  After the horseshow and auction, Gavin suggested they go to Dora’s for dinner, but Peggy invited Gavin to dinner at her house, instead.

  “My mother’s not feeling well, and I promised to cook something for her. Why not join us?”

  “If you’re sure it’s all right with your mother, I’d love to,” Gavin said.

  “And besides,” Peggy said, “I’d hate for you to think you needed to buy me meals all the time.”

  Peggy had made a stew earlier, with the vegetables simmering in the gravy on low all afternoon, so all she needed to do was to make a batch of biscuits.

  “I’ll help,” Gavin said.

  “Really? I’ll get you an apron.” She brought out two large aprons, and the two of them made biscuits. At one point, Peggy playfully smeared flour on Gavin’s nose. He took the butter and went to smear some on her nose, but she moved her head, and he got her lips instead. When she grabbed a towel to wipe her lips, he stopped her.

  “Allow me,” he said. He held her head in his hands and kissed the butter off, melting Peggy on the spot. She threw her arms around his neck and prayed he wouldn’t stop. He repeatedly kissed and licked her face and lips. He licked the butter, kissed, licked some more butter, and kissed until she thought her legs might give out, they shook so much from his kisses. She felt his tongue on her cheeks and her lips, and it felt heavenly, and so personal.

  “More butter?” she asked, breathlessly, when he finally broke the kiss.

  He continued to hold her head in his hands, as he stared into her eyes and stroked her face with his thumbs. “Peggy,” was all he said, before he gave her hug and released her. “Okay, back to work.”

  They enjoyed a nice meal, and Pearl Iverson seemed to enjoy Gavin’s company. He seemed to say just the right things to her, and ever the gentleman, he dried the dishes as Peggy washed them.

  “I enjoyed today so much,” he said as he set down the last plate.

  “I did as well.”

  “It’s still early. How about a walk down to the river?” he asked.

  “I was just going to suggest that,” Peggy said.

  As they walked to the park, Gavin listened to Peggy’s babbling about some incidents at camp, but his thoughts were elsewhere. He’d almost lost it in the kitchen when he kissed the butter from her lips and face. He had to pray, and he prayed hard that he’d be able to stop. Of course he was—he was falling in love, and you never hurt someone you loved. He could never hurt Peggy.

  He finally realized the difference between Violet and Peggy—Violet had been his obsession. He’d pegged her as the perfect wife for him while they were teaching. He idealized their relationship. She was perfect—beautiful, smart, a Christian, and a lady. She also strongly resembled his first wife, Alice. He became obsessed with marrying her, just because she seemed perfect. For a whole year he’d planned and envisioned having her as his wife, but he never loved her.

  He did love Peggy, though, and now he was able to tell the difference.

  When they reached the park, and had been seated on the bench, Gavin put his arm around her. The sun was just setting, and the moon was a faint crescent in the sky.

  Gavin kissed her for several seconds. He had never before enjoyed kissing this much. It wasn’t like in his first marriage, where kissing was simply foreplay. This k
issing wasn’t anything like that, rather, it was pleasurable, and the feeling he put into it was a sort of measure as to how much he cared for Peggy.

  “Peggy,” Gavin began, “I never knew feelings like I have could happen so quickly—but I think I’m falling in love.”

  “I love you, too, Gavin. I realized it Monday.”

  He took her into his arms and held her. “There’s only one problem,” he said. “Well, actually, there are several.”

  “Nothing we can’t overcome, Gavin.”

  “There’s my son…”

  “I don’t understand how he could be a problem.”

  “You’ll have to meet him. He’s a bit of a challenge, behaviorally. Although since I’ve been spending more time with him, he’s much improved. I’ll arrange for you to meet him next week.”

  “I can accept Timmy if you can accept my mother. I don’t think Mother will leave Abilene, and since you teach in Salina, our situation seems sort of impossible, but we’ll figure it out, Gavin, we have to.”

  “You’d move to Salina?” he asked.

  “Gavin, are you hinting at—”

  “Yes!” Gavin said emphatically, “but isn’t it too soon to ask?”

  “It most certainly is, but the feeling’s mutual, and we sure aren’t getting any younger. I would probably give you an affirmative answer.” Peggy said with a sly smile.

  Gavin hugged her to him. “Let me ask you that question then, but after Sunday. I don’t need another obstacle in our way.”

  “Whatever Violet does with your apology, or whatever she thinks of you, has no bearing, whatsoever, on how I feel about you.”

  “Are you sure, Peggy? Don’t forget your brother is married to Rose. It would make things rather strained, don’t you think?”

  Peggy sat and bit her bottom lip. “Then I’d move to Salina, and let Mother live with Quinn. There is a solution to every problem, Gavin.”

  “I’d still rather wait. Sunday night I’ll ask again, and be more prepared. I do have to buy a ring yet, you know.” He kissed her again and then said, “I’d better get you home.”

  They stood and started walking toward Peggy’s house, hand in hand. When they reached her porch, he took her into his arms and kissed her passionately, but gently and sweetly, like she was a precious possession, which is exactly how he felt about her. Her arms wrapped around his neck and she pressed herself closer to him. He broke the kiss abruptly. He loved her but enough was enough.

  “Goodnight, my love.”

  “Goodnight, Gavin.

  Chapter 7

  Peggy and Gavin walked into the churchyard holding hands. A large tent had been set up, and some of the adults were chaperoning games for the children. Tables were set up inside a large tent, and Peggy could see women setting out dishes and pots of food. Off to one side of the yard benches and chairs were scattered about where people sat and talked.

  “Well, here we are,” Gavin said. “Ask me if I’m nervous.”

  “Are you?” Peggy asked.

  “I can’t answer because my teeth are chattering too much.”

  Peggy laughed, then sobered. “I’ll be with you all the way.”

  “Let’s get it over with then. I see Miles and Violet over by the fence. They’re cheering on some kids running in the sack race,” Gavin said.

  “They’re cheering on Zoe and Alfie,” Peggy said. “Best wait until after the race to get her full attention.”

  “Right,” Gavin said. “Well, let’s find our own place to sit until then.” He led her to an empty bench near the tent. “Have I told you yet today that I love you?”

  “No, you haven’t.”

  “I love you,” he said and pecked her lips briefly. “I’ll lengthen that later when the minister isn’t looking.” He nodded when he saw Billy wave from a distance.

  “Well, the race is over,” Peggy said, squeezing his hand. “Let’s go.”

  They walked up to where Miles and Violet were standing. The sight of her did not cause his pulse to race, bells didn’t ring, and all he felt when she looked at him was a feeling of foreboding. She didn’t smile, but just stared at him as they approached.

  Miles nodded and put his arm around Violet.

  “Violet,” Gavin said with a nod. “Miles,” he nodded again. “I would like to speak with you both if I may?”

  Violet nodded. He noticed she looked a bit paler than she had before he’d approached. He must have frightened her terribly last year, and he felt dreadful that he could have that kind of negative affect on a person.

  “Have a seat,” Miles said. Violet and Miles sat on one bench and Gavin and Peggy on the other. Violet and Miles greeted Peggy amicably. The benches faced each other, and were perfect for a discreet conversation.

  Gavin looked directly at Violet, but still clutched Peggy’s hand in his. “I would like to apologize for my inexcusable treatment of you last year. I am truly ashamed. The fault was all mine, and I’ve been working diligently with Reverend Martin and Reverend Croft. It seems that Croft held the answers to my problems. I’m asking today if you can forgive me, and extend your hand in friendship.

  “I won’t bore you with the cause of my problem, or my cure, but rest assured, the problem is gone, and all I’m left with now are bad memories of my behavior for which there is no excuse.”

  Before Violet could answer, Billy Croft came up behind him. “I will also vouch for him, Violet. If that means anything,” he said.

  Gavin noticed that Violet was gripping Miles’s hand tighter. She looked from Miles to Billy, and then back to Gavin. “I have forgiven you. It’s the forgetting that I struggle with.”

  “I understand, and I’m so sorry. I’d like to replace those memories with good ones, memories of my relationship with Peggy that is blooming into something beautiful, because she is the best thing that has ever happened to me.” He looked at Peggy and smiled. He looked back at Violet. “Your blessing will mean much to the camp, and to me. Please, Violet.”

  Violet gave Peggy a questioning look that Peggy picked up on, nodded, which she meant to convey that they were indeed a couple.

  Finally, Violet said, “I will let bygones be bygones on one condition.”

  “Anything,” Gavin said.

  “You give up your relationship with Peggy.”

  At Violet’s pronouncement everyone gasped.

  “No!” Gavin said. “Why?”

  “Because she’s Quinn’s sister,” Violet said. “Quinn is my sister’s husband, and you and she would be at all the family gatherings, and I don’t think I could possibly endure that.”

  “Violet…” Miles was as shocked as anyone.

  Gavin was speechless. Give up Peggy? How cruel of her.

  “So what you are asking is that I give up Peggy, or the camp, right?”

  “Right,” she said.

  “We could stay away from all the family gatherings,” Peggy said. “We are thinking of moving to Salina, anyway.”

  “So you’re already betrothed?” Violet asked.

  “I planned on asking her tonight, when this was all over,” Gavin said.

  “I’m sorry,” Violet said. “Every time I see you, Gavin, I’d be reminded, and I really can’t have your presence at family events, spoiling every affair.”

  Gavin looked at Billy, who simply shrugged.

  “I refuse the offer,” Gavin said to Violet. He turned to Billy. “The camp is yours.”

  Gavin took Peggy’s hand, and they walked to his buggy and left the picnic.

  Once in the buggy, Gavin sped away toward the river. He didn’t say a word, and Peggy was too shocked to speak. He drove so fast that the noise wouldn’t allow a voice to be heard above it, anyway.

  When they reached the river, Gavin stopped and jumped down, came around to Peggy’s side of the buggy, and rather than put his hand out for her to take, he put out his arms. She fell into them and clung to him. He swung her around several times hugging her tightly.

  He stopped, kissed her
forehead and led her to the bench, sat her down by gently pushing her shoulders, and then he got down on one knee. “Peggy, I love you. You are the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Will you marry me, please?”

  Peggy felt her eyes fill with tears. “No, I can’t marry you, Gavin, even though you’re the best thing that ever happened to me, too.”

  Gavin sighed, and plopped down on the bench beside her. “I guess this isn’t my day. Why, Peggy?”

  “Because I love you, Gavin, and I know how much that camp means to you. I don’t think it’s fair of Violet to put us in this position, but she wins. I can’t let you give up something that means so much to you.”

  “But don’t you see? You are making me give up something that means so much to me—you! Peggy, I love the camp, but it’s a thing. You’re a person, and the most wonderful person I’ve ever met. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, not the camp. Don’t let Violet split us up.”

  Peggy was tempted to give in. She swiped at her tears. “I feel flattered, and your choosing me over the camp makes me love you even more than I did, but I’m afraid that once the honeymoon is over, you’ll regret your choice.”

  “Sweetheart, I’m not a child who doesn’t know what he wants out of life. Since I met you I’ve hardly thought about the camp—at least, not as much as I used to. I think about nothing now but you. Please reconsider. Let’s get married. We’ll show them all. We can elope tonight, if you’d just say the word.”

  Peggy stood and paced in front of the bench. “I’m trying to figure out why Violet is doing this. Is she trying to get even with me for my scheme with Miles? Or is she just punishing you by denying you any happiness? I don’t buy the family get-together thing, because when Quinn hears about this, there’ll be a lot more than discomfort in the family, you can bet on that.”

  “I don’t know what her motive is, but it isn’t going to separate us, Peggy. I’m begging you to marry me. Forget about the camp—we can start another one in Salina if we want to. I need you to say yes, meet Timmy, and take the leap with me.”