by Stephy Smith
****
As soon as she laid eyes on the man, she knew who he was. His face in the window flashed across her mind and when he turned his head she recognized his profile from when he’d killed her brother.
Zaidee steered Isaac to the kitchen. “Go get the sheriff. That’s the man who shot me and killed my brother,” she whispered. Isaac ran out the door.
She paused and took a deep breath. Stephen and Mr. Solomon came in. “The man Joseph is talking to is the one who shot me and killed my brother. Isaac has gone for the sheriff.”
Zaidee walked into the room with the coffin and sat in a chair. Clara, Lola, and Mrs. Solomon came to sit close by.
“My name’s Joseph Solomon, how may I help you?”
“I’ve come for the body of my sister, Miss Zaidee Rogers.”
“We have Flora Reese in wake here, not this Miss Rogers you speak of.”
The stranger produced a gun, partly hidden under his coat.
Zaidee shivered. Heart pounding, she met Mr. Solomon’s gaze, then stared at the little bit of gleaming metal that was visible until she saw his eyes cut in that direction. When he stiffened, she knew he’d seen the barrel of the gun aimed at Joseph. Mr. Solomon slipped away.
She glanced around. Mr. Solomon whispered something to Isaac, who turned and slowly herded the fake mourners from the room. Mr. Solomon then walked up to Joseph.
“Is there a problem, son?”
“Yes, there’s a problem,” the stranger said. “If your son doesn’t hand over the dead body of Miss Zaidee Rogers, his will be the next funeral you’ll attend.”
“By all means, take the body of Flora Reese. That’s the only dead body we have here.”
“Her name is not Flora Reese, it is in fact Zaidee Rogers. This Miss Reese does not exist.” He cocked the gun.
“Who did you say you were, sir?” Mr. Solomon asked.
“My name is Arthur Lawrence, uh, Emmett Rogers. I’m here to pick up my sister Zaidee Rogers’ body and take her home for burial.”
Zaidee heard the sound of approaching horses coming down the drive. The gunman’s trigger finger twitched, and Zaidee held her breath. In an instant, she squeezed the trigger of the gun secreted in her pocket. He fell forward.
And a second shot rang out.
Joseph drifted to the floor in a bloody heap. Zaidee ran to him, screaming for Doc. The sheriff and his deputies pushed into the house. Zaidee removed her veil. Tears fell on the beloved face of her Joseph. Stephen, Mr. Solomon, and Isaac carried Joseph upstairs. Clara, Lola, and Mrs. Solomon followed.
“That man’s the one who shot me. I’m Zaidee ‘Flora Reese’ Rogers. I watched him kill my brother Emmett Rogers in Charlotte, North Carolina. He also burnt down the school. He saw me when I screamed and hired three killers to track me. They followed me here.”
“I know the whole story, Miss Rogers. I received a telegram yesterday. Randolph Lawrence was caught. He told his story. His brother Arthur—this man here—is the one who he said killed your brother Emmett. The brute said Emmett wouldn’t help him pilfer the money saved for the school. I reckon that’s why he burned it. He hired Randolph, Harry Colburn, and another man to kill you. Randolph got scared some woman was going to shoot him and hightailed it out of here. Mr. Colburn didn’t fare so well. He was found dead by Isaac. The other one was found dead in a hotel room you rented in New Orleans. Randolph admitted he was ordered to kill him. Your good name has been restored to you, Miss Rogers. You’re now free to do as you choose without looking over your shoulder.”
The deputies loaded the dead body in the wagon. The sheriff led them down the drive.
“Joseph!” Zaidee ran upstairs and into her room. There, around the bed opposite hers, stood Joseph’s family, surrounding Doc and Joseph. She ran to the bed, and tears streamed down her face.
“Joseph, Joseph.” Her voice quivered. There was no movement from him. She tried to still her shaking hand. The blood rushed from her head. The room began to spin.
“Bless it, woman, can’t you see I’ve been shot?” His voice came from within the crowd. Doc was starting to bandage the graze across Joseph’s massive arm.
“Oh, my. I don’t think he should be allowed out of bed for a week or more, Doc. It looks pretty bad, and he may fall and tear it open again. It must have knocked him off balance when it hit.” Zaidee smiled. The others started laughing. “I think we should keep him on a diet of broth.”
Joseph reached up with his good arm and pulled her down to him. His lips found hers, and he kissed her with such vigor it left her speechless. He hugged her to him, refusing to let her go.
“Where did you get that gun?” Joseph’s breath fanned across her neck.
“I borrowed it from Isaac. I told you I could shoot. I’m not used to having to carry a gun, much less use it.”
“It sure scared the fire out of me.” Mrs. Solomon’s voice was rushed.
Open-mouthed, Joseph, Stephen, and Mr. Solomon stared in disbelief. “You caused my mother to cuss,” Joseph said.
Red-faced, Clara said, “I was pretty shocked myself when I heard that shot and saw Zaidee’s skirt fly up. I jumped into Lola’s lap.”
“I’d a ran if Clara hadn’t been sittin’ atop me,” Lola said.
“I didn’t know who fired the first shot. I started for the women to push them out of the way, by then Joseph was on the floor,” Stephen said.
“I wet my pants.” Mr. Solomon smiled.
Chapter Eighteen
Zaidee descended into the basement, where the children and other adults had gathered, her head held high, a tug at the corners of her lips. The children’s squeals and laughter mixed with the hums of adults’ voices delighted her. She paused on a bottom step and listened for a few moments. Then she cleared her throat to gain everyone’s attention.
“Mr. Joseph received a flesh wound, but he’s fine. I want to thank everyone for the great job you did for Flora’s funeral. It was a success. We can now open the curtains to let in the light. The children can play outside, and we’re all free to walk the grounds without fear or threats.” She swallowed the lump in her throat. “My name is Zaidee Rogers. You all may call me Zaidee. Please forgive me for the ruse. I had to do it to save myself. Now that it’s over, I believe this calls for a celebration. You all know what to do.”
Whoops and hollers echoed in the basement. She didn’t know if it was because everyone could leave or the idea of a celebration that caused so much excitement. Veils flew through the air, ties fell to the floor, and the occupants of the cellar flooded the staircase to return to their regular routine and to prepare for the feast.
Zaidee waited until the last person left the underground room. She walked up the steps and was greeted by the twins.
“Are you still going to be our teacher?” Hezekiah’s lips quivered and tears streaked down Ezekiel’s cheeks. The sadness on their tiny faces invaded Zaidee’s heart.
“Well, of course I will. What makes you think otherwise?” Zaidee ruffled the boys’ hair.
Ezekiel’s face brightened.
Hezekiah wrapped his arms around her legs. “We thought you would stay here with Joseph. He’s always making those strange frog eyes at you.”
Ezekiel giggled. “Yep, them strange frog eyes.” He covered his mouth as he brought shoulders up to his ears.
Zaidee bent down and hugged the boys and then laughed. “You two, change your clothes and then go play. The sun has come out, and you can go outside with the rest of the children. There’ll be no school today. I’ll read you a book after lunch.”
Running down the short hall, the boys called over their shoulders, “Thanks, Zaidee.”
Lola appeared with a tray. “That man of yours, a body would think he’s gut shot like you was the way he’s carrying on.”
“I’ll take the tray to him. You and Clara gather a bunch of fresh flowers. If he’s that bad, we’ll treat him that bad.” Zaidee took the tray and began to stroll to Joseph’s room.
; Lola’s jovial voice filled the air. Clara carried fresh water. The three met at the bottom of the stairs.
“We can have Isaac and Stephen sit by his side and we’ll let our hair down and run through the fields,” Zaidee said. Lola and Clara’s eyes lit up.
“May I join in?” Mrs. Solomon leaned against her shoulder from behind. Faith and Grace stood beside Mrs. Solomon and said they wanted in on the game.
“Gather all the women and have them let their hair down. We’ll meet at the back door in ten minutes.” Zaidee started up the stairs with the tray.
“Zaidee, I need to talk to you.” Joseph’s husky voice replaced the silence when she entered the room.
“I’m sorry, Joseph. You’ll have to wait a few minutes. I have to meet with the women. Stephen, would you help Joseph into the chair? Move him to the window. I believe he needs some fresh air.” Zaidee set the tray on the dressing table and disappeared through the door.
****
Joseph, Stephen, and Mr. Solomon peered out the open window. They caught a glimpse of the women huddled below. The group headed for the fields, and Joseph wondered what they were up to. They had all let their hair down, and he winced when he noticed they were all barefoot.
They lined up along the end of the rows. As one, the group of ladies turned and waved at the window. Isaac took a stance at the end of the line. He held a white handkerchief high above his head. A loud pop echoed as he lowered it and the women took off running down the rows of cotton.
“Oh no.” Joseph’s voice was low. Thumps pounded in his chest. His breath caught in his throat.
The laughter from the field grew louder as the last two runners crossed the finish line. He was a little shocked that they just happened to be Lola and his mother. They both collapsed on the ground. They held their sides, and their cheerfulness reached the window. The rest of the women joined them.
Shaking his head, Joseph turned in time to see a smile creep across his father’s face. Then he glanced at Stephen, who fought to contain his enjoyment. Joseph relaxed.
Mr. Solomon rested a hand on Joseph’s shoulder. “Son, you’re in for a long ride. Hang on and get ready.” Stephen nodded in agreement. “I didn’t know your mother had it in her to do something lively like that again.”
Stephen and Joseph exchanged looks. “Again?” they said in unison.
“You don’t think she was born old, do you?” Mr. Solomon raised his eyebrows.
The other six brothers and two brothers-in-law raced into the room. They all blurted out in unison, “Did you see what Zaidee talked our wives into doing?”
“It doesn’t appear she held a gun on any of them. Look at those crazy women rolling around on the ground. Why, they’re laughing and having fun like a bunch of teenagers. I haven’t heard your mother laugh like that in a long time. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to see if she needs help getting back to the house.” Mr. Solomon shook his head and turned to leave.
“Well… Let’s go get our women.” Stephen followed his father.
The wives greeted their husbands, who met them as they made their way back to the house. Joseph shook his head as he glanced at his mother’s long, gray hair blowing in the breeze.
She edged closer to Zaidee. “Thank you.”
Joseph’s stiff shoulders relaxed at his mother’s words.
“I didn’t do anything to require a thank-you.” Zaidee smiled.
“I haven’t done anything exciting in a long time. You taught me to—Clara, what was it Sarah used to say?”
“Angels don’t grow wings from running, you have to learn how to fly. I haven’t felt that carefree in a long while. Oh my… We all just grew wings!” Clara jumped up and down. “Now I know what that means.” The laughter echoed through the fields and trees.
Joseph met Zaidee at the edge of the field. “What have you done to my mother and the others? Do you plan on returning them to normal any time in the near future?” He draped his good arm around her slender shoulders. “I thought my father was going to keel over—instead he laughed.”
“Your mother is a good lady. I like her and your sisters and sisters-in-law. You have a good family, Joseph.”
His heart skipped a beat and then picked up as he thought out the words he wanted to say.
“Would you like to be a part of my family?”
“I don’t understand what you are trying to say, Joseph.”
Joseph stopped near a statue of a cherub surrounded by roses in the garden. The strong, sweet aroma of the flowers floated in the air. His hand shook as he encased her tiny one. He dropped to one knee. Drawing in a deep breath, he then cleared his throat.
“Zaidee Rogers, I love you with all my heart. I would be honored if you would be my wife. Will you… marry me?”
Zaidee’s eyes filled with tears. Joseph’s heart raced. What had he said wrong? The lump in his throat refused to go away. Her pause peppered his forehead with beads of sweat.
“Yes, Joseph Solomon, I will.”
Joseph stood. He reached out and pulled her close to him. He kissed her with a deep hunger. The cheers of family and friends broke the spell of the moment.
“It’s about time.” Stephen wrapped his arms around Clara. “You were just about to drive me out of my mind.”
Clara smiled up at Stephen. “Just like a Solomon.” She slipped her arm around his waist.
Joseph glanced at his mother, who nodded in agreement.
“The fellows are preparing a feast. We need to get the side dishes ready.” Zaidee held tight to Joseph’s hand as she dragged him along behind her.
Joseph watched as the ladies busied themselves. The friendly, comfortable peacefulness glowed through the plantation once more. Life was good, he mused, as he glanced around at the smiling faces.
Chapter Nineteen
With each passing day, Zaidee grew more anxious as her wedding day approached. It wouldn’t be long before she would be Mrs. Joseph Solomon. Butterflies seemed to visit her stomach more than they did the flowers in the garden. Her mind focused on the day she would surrender herself into his arms forever. She couldn’t remember the last time she had been this happy with her life.
Joseph’s mother sent for her. They had spent days altering the wedding dress. Faith and Grace used up most of their time decorating the gardens. Zaidee couldn’t wait to see where the nuptials would be held. A large, white gazebo Leroy and Isaac erected for the couple to exchange their vows was placed close to the tree line.
Neither Zaidee nor Joseph had been allowed in the area while his family prepared for their wedding. Zaidee was happy she had agreed to let them make the arrangements. At night, she took long walks with Joseph in the moonlight. In the day, they sat on the gallery and enjoyed lemonade. Her inner self lightened as they discussed and planned their own little family of what Joseph claimed would be “ten children.” The days passed by fast.
On their wedding day, Zaidee slipped into the beautiful dress. All the ladies were dressed in lovely gowns that rustled when they walked. Glowing faces on men, women, and children brightened the halls and rooms throughout the mansion.
A commotion broke out in front of the house. Zaidee ran from her room and met Joseph on the gallery. They peered over the edge to see what disrupted the serenity of the day. There below were Mrs. Solomon, Clara, Lola, Faith, and Grace catching chickens.
Mr. Solomon waved his hands in the air. His voice boomed with delight as he begged them to stop killing his chickens. When the last one was caught and sent to the butcher, Mrs. Solomon turned to her husband. Their laughter floated in the air. They hugged each other. Mr. Solomon gazed at his wife. “Nice plan. We should do things like this more often.” He linked his arm with hers, and they disappeared under the gallery.
Zaidee glanced at Joseph and fought to keep from staring. His solid form, encased in the well-fitted suit, caused her to hold her breath. His intense gaze sent a shiver of desire running through her body. She patted his arm and then walked back to her room.
A little while later, Lola and Clara came for her. They led her out the door. For the first time, she scanned the gardens. The beautiful sun lowered in the clear blue sky. Its rays shimmered off braided, multi-colored satin streamers draped from the trees to the gazebo. The fresh, sweet aroma of roses lingered in the air. Soft rose petals sprinkled the aisle where Hannah and Emma allowed them float to the cushiony green grass.
Zaidee caught her breath. Her chest filled with love at the sight of the garden. A movement in the center of the gazebo caught her eye. Joseph stood with his head held high. His eyes sparkled as he waited for her to join him. The dimples in his cheeks deepened to accentuate his upturned lips. Her body quivered. She was so close yet far enough away, she thought her legs would buckle before she reached him. Holding tightly to Stephen and Mr. Solomon, the three moved forward. Clara, Lola, Faith, and Grace followed.
Reaching Joseph, Zaidee released her hold on her two escorts. Standing tall and proud beside the man she loved, she listened to the words Isaac read from the book he held. Joseph’s ‘I do’ then hers raised her confidence. She let out her breath as Isaac’s final words of “husband and wife” echoed in her ears. Zaidee instantly turned to Joseph. He lifted the veil. His lips brushed hers. Tugging on her arm, he led her back down the flower petal-cushioned aisle.
Once they were out of sight of the crowd, they both let out a sigh. She removed the veil and set it aside. Joseph lowered his head. His lips met hers with a crush of desire and lingered on her lips. Then he pulled away. “It’s time we return for the feast and dance.”
Tasty, tender fried chicken melted in her mouth. Salads and desserts tickled her tongue. The feast buzzed with typical murmurs, laughter, and enjoyment of family and friends. Skirts rustled as the ladies rushed to clean up the remainders of the banquet.
Zaidee was puzzled as to why tears still fell from women’s eyes. She covered her mouth with one hand in an attempt to stop the giggles.
“Didn’t the handkerchiefs get washed?” she asked.
