by Alice Addy
“You do not deserve to see her. What you deserve is to be horsewhipped, and if I catch you coming around, trying to see Carol, I’ll do just that!”
Speaking quietly, Sam said, “Keep your voice down, dear, lest you wake the child. You’ve named her Carol? Why, may I ask, did you pick that name?”
“It’s none of your business, but I’ll tell you. It’s a name from my earliest childhood. I don’t know who it belonged to, but it’s a personal favorite. Maybe my mother was named Carol, I don’t remember. Now, go away.” She stood still, on guard, waiting for him to depart.
He extended his hand in an attempt to touch the child’s soft downy cheek. Eve cringed as the once beautiful, masculine hand, now dirty with ragged and unkempt nails, stroked the baby’s face. “She’s as lovely as her mother,” he uttered.
“Yes, Pearl was lovely and she deserved better, Sam.”
He looked up at Eve, a little perplexed, as if he had misunderstood her. He cocked his head, “Pearl?” He paused. “Oh yes . . . but I meant Carol was as lovely as you, darling. You’re her mother and I am her father. It is quite evident that she is mine. We have no choice now, dearest, but to marry. People will talk and we can’t have that. I will make a good husband and I’ll be a good father to our daughter.”
He tried to continue on, but Eve interrupted. “What? Have you lost what little mind you have left? She’s not our daughter. She is one hundred percent mine, and I’m marrying Ty Fenton, just as soon as it can be arranged. You’re insane and should be locked up. Why don’t you do us all a favor and just leave town? You could stop drinking and make a new life for yourself. Quite honestly, Sam, you look ghastly. Now, please excuse us, as I have things I must attend to before my wedding.”
Eve gave the pram a quick shove and muscled right past the staggering man. Her perfect day had been ruined. She needed to get Carol away from Hays City as quickly as she could. Eve would definitely be married by week’s end.
Sam stood watching the two loves of his life walk away. He couldn’t allow it. He wouldn’t allow some dumb cowboy to steal his family away from him. Ty Fenton had to be dealt with, and Sam needed a plan. After the sodbuster was out of the picture, Sam would have his chance. Eve would have no choice but to marry him and let him take care of her and their baby. This was a wonderful day. He’d go and celebrate with a few drinks, while he figured on the best way to eliminate Mr. Fenton, permanently.
*
Ty rode in, early the next morning, whistling and feeling carefree. Securing his horse to the rail, he stepped through the doors of the Hays City Mercantile and walked directly up to the counter, whereupon he slapped some bills down in front of the old man in the apron.
Grinning proudly, he said, “I want to see what you have in the way of weddin’ rings. You got any diamonds?” he asked loudly.
The proprietor laughed. “Eager, are you son? You won’t be in such a good mood, a year from now.” He slapped his boney knee, thinking he was quite funny. “Ain’t got no diamonds, no how, but I do have a pretty garnet ring. You want to see it?”
Ty, nodded. He needed something special for Eve.
“This here, is the finest ring in the store. Yes, sir. It’s two real, genuine garnets, nested side by side in an eighteen-carat settin’. Fully fa-ce-ted in a pilla’ design—whatever that means.” The old man was reading from a card. “My wife thought it was right nice and she’s got good taste,” he boasted. Holding the deep red stones up to the light, he handed them over to the young cowboy.
Ty smiled. “They have fire in them, just like my Eve. Her hair shoots copper sparks out in the sunshine. I think she’ll approve. Wrap it up with a sparklin’gold weddin’ band. I like the one with the flowers engraved on it.”
That made the merchant very happy, as those were the two most expensive rings he had in his entire store. “She’s one lucky woman, yessiree.”
“Thanks, old man, but I’m the lucky one. I can’t believe she’s in love with me. Eve could have her choice of men.”
The storekeeper looked surprised. “Eve Birdsong? This here ring is for Eve?”
Ty nodded. “Yes, she’s my fiancé. Why do you ask?”
“I’ve known her since she came here to Hays City. She was just a tiny little thing, and she weren’t well. It took a long time for the doc to fix her up. I cain’t charge you for her weddin’ band. Let me and my wife give it to you for a weddin’ present. It would be an honor, son.”
Ty couldn’t believe his good fortune. “Thank you sir. I’ll be sure and tell Eve about your generous gift. The date hasn’t been set, but we’ll be married at the Church of the Good Shepherd, soon. We’d be most happy if you and your wife can attend. I’ll let you know.”
The old man was beside himself with joy. “Thank you, Mr. Fenton. Thank you. The wife will be real excited. Here’s your package.” He handed the ring box over to Ty and waved him on his way. As Ty mounted his horse, he heard the happy man shouting to his wife. “Hey, Bertha. Eve’s gettin’ hitched and we’re invited to the doin’s. Get my good clothes pressed.”
That same evening, after Ty helped Eve put Carol to bed, the two of them sat back in the kitchen, drinking coffee and planning their wedding. The hotel was quiet and all seemed right with the world.
“Sweetheart, I went to the mercantile today, and I got you something. I hope you like it. It was the very best they had.” Ty held out a small wrapped box and presented it to Eve.
Eve’s face was a vision of happy anticipation. She had a pretty good idea what was in the small box. It would, more than likely, be her wedding band. She took it gingerly, from Ty’s shaking hand, and proceeded to carefully unwrap it.
As she removed the lid, she gasped at what was revealed. The light from the lamp caught the fire hidden deep within the two red stones. They were nestled close together, reminding Eve of two lovers, entwined forever in a loving embrace. She started to cry.
“Oh Eve, darling. Did I do something wrong? Would you prefer a diamond? They didn’t have any. I asked. But I could send off to Chicago or Saint Louis.”
Eve smiled through her tears. “No, Ty. It’s absolutely perfect. I’m crying because it is so very beautiful and you picked it out for me. Every time I look at it, I’ll be reminded of us and of our love. Thank you, sweetheart. Thank you, so much. Will you put it on my finger?”
Ty grinned. “Will you marry me soon?”
“Yes, Ty. How about Saturday? Is that soon enough?”
“Whoopee!” he shouted.
“Sssh, darling, everyone’s sleeping. I take it you’re pleased?”
“I am indeed, but that means I have to leave in the morning for the ranch. Ma and Pa want to be here, and I have to give Ma a little notice. We need to post an invite for all your friends, like the owner of the mercantile. They’d be hurt if they didn’t see you wed.”
“I’ll take care of the wedding plans. Don’t forget. I’ve got some very talented friends here, at the hotel, and a wedding will be easy for them. You just get your ma and pa back here by Friday. Can you do that?”
“Honey, I can move mountains for you. Give me a kiss.”
She went into his arms, willingly, having waited to feel his embrace for the better part of the day. Her body ached for his touch. She embedded her hands in his rich, beautiful colored hair, as his curls wrapped themselves around her long fingers. Eve loved every inch of this man. She moaned softly, yearning for him to take her in that most personal way, in the way a man takes a woman.
Ty kissed her neck and breathed deeply of her scent. She smelled like roses. He couldn’t get enough of her. His lips kissed a trail down her neck, to just above her glorious twin mounds. She was still fully dressed, and that was as far as he could go with his lips, but his hands palmed her fullness. Gently, he kneaded her firm, perfect breasts, causing her to moan, softly.
He pulled her closer to his body, feeling her stomach rubbing and pressing up against his manhood. It was exquisite torture. Soon she would be his and t
hey’d be together, always.
Ty was enthralled with the softness of Eve’s hair. Carefully, he removed the pins holding up her curls, and let them scatter across the kitchen floor. Running his fingers through her hair, he worked it down about her shoulders and around her luscious bosom. Her heavy silken mass was magnificent, shining in the lamplight.
“Eve,” he murmured, as he buried his face in her copper-colored tresses. “You’re so beautiful. You take my breath away.”
She recaptured his lips and gently coaxed her tongue into the luscious haven of his warm, sweet mouth. It was her way of seducing him. She needed him in her bed, lying naked on top of her.
Eve pulled back and took Ty by the hand, as she slowly led the way up the stairs. “Come, darling. I need to feel you inside me.”
She didn’t have to ask twice.
In the privacy of Eve’s room, and with a sleeping infant gently snoring, Eve and Ty joined together in that special physical union reserved for lovers. As they reached paradise, together, Eve slowly exhaled, allowing her nerves to calm and her senses to relax. She made no attempt to pull away from her lover, but enjoyed the comfort of his strong arms wrapped about her.
Ty nibbled on her ear. “You definitely have the look of a woman well loved, my darling. Your lips are swollen and your cheeks are flushed with the most becoming shade of pink.”
Eve looked up at him and smiled. “You definitely have the cocky look of a man who’s very proud of himself for just having pleased a woman. But it is true. I am very well pleased.”
“I’ll be leaving in a few hours sweetheart, but I promise to hurry back. We’ll be married this Saturday if I have to tie you up and drag you to the altar.” Ty was only slightly joking.
“No need for a rope, cowboy. This cowgirl is chompin’ at the bit to be your wife. Now . . . shut up and kiss me again.”
She was his one obsession, and Ty was more than happy to kiss her lips again and again. He took command of the kiss, his tongue invading her silky smooth mouth. A husky sound rose in his throat as he felt her body tremble with desire.
Letting his gaze roam over her body, he marveled in her perfection. Her skin was flawless and luminous in the soft glow of the lamp. Everything about Eve enticed him; sent his imagination soaring. Her innocence was highly seductive.
As he entered her body, he felt her warmth surround his flesh and hold him tightly inside. Stroke for stroke, Eve met his thrusts with equal force.
Soon, he brought Eve along with him, to that one, singular moment when their physical needs were met and their senses were overcome with the rapture of it all.
Little spasms continued to tremble through Eve’s body, as she closed her eyes in search of a dream—the dream of her future as Mrs. Ty Fenton and mother to Carol Fenton. Smiling, she drifted off.
When she awoke early the next morning, Eve discovered Ty was gone. She ran her fingers over the slight indention left in his pillow. He had been eager to take care of things at home and get back to Hays to make her his wife. She smiled and hummed a little tune as she dressed for the day ahead. She changed the baby and wrapped her in a soft gown Pearl had sewn. They had been fortunate to find a wet nurse for Carol, and the woman was always on time. The knock at the door, announced her arrival.
The happy chatter of the five friends, filled the hotel. Even some of the guests got caught up in the excitement of the impending nuptials. One lady, traveling alone, took Eve up to her room. In a beautifully wrapped box, lay a nightgown made of the finest silk. The lace was Belgian.
Eve gasped, as the woman lifted the precious gown to her. “It’s glorious, Miss Drew. Where did you buy it?”
“I was to be married . . . to the French Ambassador, actually. It was a gift from his sister. In the end, I had no need of it,” she said sadly, “but I just couldn’t throw it away, and I always hoped it would be of some use, someday. That day, Miss Birdsong, is today. I would be most happy if you would accept this small gift from me. I’ll never marry, and it would be sad to see this beautiful creation stay in the box.”
“I’m terribly sorry for your misfortune. I hope you weren’t hurt by not marrying the ambassador.” Eve didn’t want to pry, but she felt empathy for this lovely woman.
Miss Drew chuckled. “Oh, no dear. I was not hurt in the least. You see, I was never meant to have a husband and a family of my own. I would have been miserable. Luckily, I discovered that fact, before I married. He was upset, but he got over it soon enough. So you see, by accepting this gift, it brings everything to a happy conclusion for me. What do you say?”
“Well, I say thank you, naturally. It’s simply divine, and I will truly enjoy the look on Ty’s face when he sees it,” she giggled, caressing the soft silk to her cheek. “You’ll be coming to the wedding, I hope.”
“I’m afraid not, dear, but I’ll be thinking about you. Good luck.”
Eve kissed the lady’s cheek and rushed downstairs, eager to show her lovely gown to the girls.
Patty was busy finding just the right pattern for Eve’s dress and veil. It had to be of the latest fashion and perfect in every detail.
Dora was in the midst of a self-imposed crisis. She wanted to serve a wedding buffet, the likes of which had never been seen in Hays City, and there just wasn’t enough time, she lamented.
“I’m gonna’ hire me a couple o’ girls to help. It’ll come out o’ my share. I cain’t do it all by myself, ya’ know.”
Eve knew she could and would, if she had to, but the extra help would be nice. Dora was a hard worker and a very good friend. She would miss her, terribly.
Emily was in charge of all the flowers and Cassie was going to help her decorate—not only the church, but the hotel, as well. Cassie was also in the midst of sewing a gown for Carol. It would be trimmed with little embroidered flowers to match those in the church. Emily had purchased the most adorable bonnet for the baby.
Eve took some advice from Dora and hired a girl to help her with the cleaning and extra sprucing up of the hotel.
One of the guests asked if he might be allowed to play the organ for the ceremony. Eve gladly accepted his offer. She loved the sound of the big pipes. As it turned out, he was the principal organist in the cathedral, in Boston, and he was on his way to visit his brother in Colorado. They were exceedingly fortunate to have him in their midst.
The little Church of the Good Shepherd had been Eve’s church since she came to Hays City. Aunt Frieda took her there, every Sunday. Frieda had always thought the church should have a brass bell hanging in its empty tower; therefore, she took it upon herself to raise money for the purchase of one. Sadly, she didn’t live long enough to see it. However, unbeknownst to Eve, the pastor and the deacon worked for three days straight, to hang the new bell in the belfry. It would ring for the very first time in celebration of Frieda’s daughter’s wedding, and that was somehow the way it should be.
Everything was near ready for the big day. The wedding was the main topic of conversation around town. It seemed that everyone was coming to see little Evie take a husband. She was well loved by the citizens of Hays City, and that spoke volumes about her character and the character of Frieda and Whiskey.
Ty and his parents arrived, right on schedule, just before noon on Friday. Eve gave them the best room—and the last room—in the hotel. “Sorry, Ty, but you’ll have to bunk with the preacher or the sheriff. Of course, there’s always the livery.” She winked, thinking of all the nights they had shared in the company of quite a number of horses.
His parents were very impressed by what Eve had done. The hotel was obviously successful and well appointed. She had surrounded herself with women of good quality. Eve was intelligent and hard working. She’d make a good wife for their son.
The Fentons had just finished unpacking their bags, when a soft rap at the door got their attention. “Ma? May Eve and I come in? We’d like to show you and Pa something.”
John opened the door and gasped. Standing with his mouth hanging o
pen, he managed to speak, “Son?” Looking from Ty to Eve and back to Ty again, he asked, “Is this child . . .?” He couldn’t finish his question; he was so stunned.
“John, what’s the matter? Let Ty and Eve in, dear.”
As Cora Fenton looked upon the threesome that waited at the door, she too, was overcome with surprise. “Who is this, Ty?”
Eve chose to answer, for their reaction to Carol was very important, so important, in fact, that her marriage might hinge on their reaction. “This is Carol, my daughter.” She waited . . . and waited . . .
“I don’t understand,” Cora muttered. “When you came to the ranch, I had no idea you were . . .”
“I adopted her,” Eve hastened to say. “A very dear friend of mine died in childbirth and she wanted me to raise her daughter as my own. Naturally, I agreed. You knew that I was adopted. I arrived here on the Orphan Train, from New York City, and I swore that no child would endure what I experienced, if I could prevent it. Do you have a problem with that?”
Eve noticed the shocked looks on all their faces, including Ty’s. Had she misjudged him? He knew that Frieda wasn’t her real mother. Did they consider a child from an Orphan Train somehow inferior? Would they accept her baby?
Eve clutched Carol tightly to her breast and retreated down the hall. She’d have to think. This was not the way she had envisioned introducing Carol to her grandparents. If this were their attitude, she and her child would be better off staying at the hotel with friends.
By the time Eve reached her room, she could not see clearly through the tears flooding her eyes. Her heart was broken and she feared it might never mend. She sat in Frieda’s rocking chair, nuzzling her precious bundle, marveling at the softness of her cheeks and the silkiness of her jet-black curls. How could anyone judge this infant harshly, she wondered?
Eve didn’t hear the Fentons enter her room. They stood back and quietly watched the beautiful woman and child, slowly rocking, contemplating their future.
“Eve, darling,” Ty whispered, breaking the silence. He drew back, suddenly, when he saw the abject sadness on his true love’s face. “What’s wrong, sweetheart? You ran out of the room for no reason.”
