[Desert Roses 02] - Across the Years

by Tracie Peterson

  He led her inside and they toured the lobby before going upstairs to the ballroom. “It’s over two thousand square feet,” Ethan told her.

  The blend of Spanish and colonial furnishings impressed Ashley. “I can just imagine the grand dances that will be given here.” She turned and grinned. “The movie stars will come and bring their rich friends and throw elaborate parties. At least that’s what Glenda told me. I only hope that it’s successful, for the sake of the Harvey Company.”

  “I pray it is as well,” Ethan replied. “Over a million dollars has gone into this creation. They need to find a way to make back that money.” He frowned. “But given fears for the economy, I’m not entirely sure it’s sensible to believe they’ll ever see a profit.”

  “Is it really that bad, Ethan? You aren’t worried, are you?” She looked into his eyes. “We still have the money Grandpa left me—and the house, of course.”

  “There’s really no way to determine at this point how bad things will get. I know just in talking with the railroad officials there are a good many railroads that will probably die out because of the crash. Some officials say they were anticipating something like this, although I don’t know how a person could ever predict a situation where certain stocks plunge from over a thousand dollars a share to less than ten dollars a share.”

  “All those dreams and hopes,” Ashley said, shaking her head. “I think of people like my mother, who have lived in luxury all their lives and now face poverty.”

  “The very wealthy probably aren’t facing poverty,” Ethan said. “It’s probably more a matter of degree. The degree of wealth they enjoy is less. But I would be willing to believe they’re still enjoying wealth, nevertheless.”

  “And the poor get poorer,” Ashley murmured.

  “Exactly.”

  “Mama!” Natalie came running at breakneck speed. “Grandma—I mean Grandmother Murphy—is here.”

  Ashley looked at Ethan and felt her entire body tense. Swallowing hard, she couldn’t think of a single thing to say. Ethan stepped in for her. “Tell your grandmother we’re on our way.”

  Natalie whirled around, the skirt of her lilac-colored dress ballooning out as always. “I’ll tell her.” She hurried from the ballroom and down the stairs—her shiny black shoes clattering all the way.

  Ashley looked at the floor. She’d been expecting her mother’s arrival, but now that the time had come, she felt like running in the opposite direction. “I hope she’s changed. Her letters sound as though she’s sincere in trying to be a better person. She still pries about my financial situation and about the sensibility of remaining in Winslow, but she doesn’t badger and demean me.”

  “Then we must give her the benefit of the doubt, no?”

  Ashley knew Ethan was right. Still, she had worked so hard to move away from the resentments of the past. Seeing her mother again might just force all those emotions to the foreground. “I don’t want to become the woman I used to be,” Ashley murmured. All around them people in various stages of animated conversation drifted past. “I didn’t care about the hardness of my heart. It suited me well and kept me safe.”

  Ethan nodded. “I know. I used to feel the same way. But we aren’t those people anymore. Just like we’re not the kids we were when we first married. God’s helped to bring healing to our family, and healing started with forgiveness. You forgave your mother for the past. You can’t go taking it back now.”

  She smiled. “No, I don’t suppose that would be right.”

  “Well, we certainly wouldn’t want to have God doing the same to us.” He grinned and put his arm around her waist. “Now, come on. We’ll go greet Mother Murphy and see what news there is of your brothers.”

  Ashley knew he was right and walked along in silence, praying for the strength to deal in kindness and love. She thought of the few letters she’d shared with her mother over the last months. Her mother’s financial state had been weakened by the crash, but there had remained enough money to begin laying new foundations. No one knew what the future would bring. There were both threats of depression and promises of prosperity. Only God knew the truth, and that suited Ashley just fine.

  Ethan led her to the main lobby, where solid walnut swing-back benches set a regal stage with their embroidered Moorish cushions. It was here that Ashley found her mother. Sitting in a rather queenly pose, with Natalie standing before her, Leticia looked for all the world like a ruling monarch. Natalie chattered away and surprisingly enough, it appeared that Leticia was actually listening.

  When her mother glanced up, Ashley managed a smile. Help me not to be afraid, Lord. Help me not to say the wrong thing. Their new relationship was so fragile—like one of the beautiful blue-and-white Chinese Chippendale jars that stood just to her right. One wrong move could send everything crashing to the ground.

  Her mother stood as they approached. Ashley grasped Natalie’s shoulders, more to steady herself than to keep Natalie from going elsewhere. “Hello, Mother. Did you have a nice trip?”

  “Indeed, I did. It was far more pleasant than the last trip I made to Arizona. I was able to secure a private car. It seems one of your father’s acquaintances holds a high position with the Santa Fe. Once he learned I was to make this trip, he offered his car to me.”

  “Grandmother said the room had velvet on the walls and that there were brocade chairs and very comfortable sofas,” Natalie declared. “And she had all her meals right there at a beautiful oak table with candles and everything.” It was clear to Ashley that Natalie was quite enthralled.

  “Oh, and I met the most marvelous gentleman, and he tells me he knows you both,” Leticia stated.

  Ashley looked at Ethan then back at her mother. “Who is this man?”

  “Marcus Greeley. Apparently his new book is well in the works. He’s come here to interview Ethan at length. He was quite enthusiastic about it. Apparently your Ethan is quite the celebrity—a true hero of the Great War. Mr. Greeley said his story and your subsequent separation will make a . . . let’s see, how did he put it? ‘A feast of words.’ ”

  “Truly?” Ashley looked at her husband. “Did you know about this?”

  Ethan’s face reddened. “I’d . . . ah . . . hoped he’d just forget about me.” He gave a short, nervous laugh. “I’d just as soon be left to my own devices.”

  “But, Daddy, you’re a hero and Mr. Greeley just wants to let everybody know.” Natalie reached out and took hold of her father’s hand. “I want everybody to know too.”

  Natalie’s words meant a great deal to Ashley. Over the months since Natalie had first learned the truth about Ethan, she had grown closer to him and more trusting of their relationship. Now they were back to being the good friends they’d been when Ethan had first come to Winslow.

  “I do hope you won’t have to give this man all the details of your . . . ah . . . separation,” Leticia Murphy said, looking to Ashley as if to convey her thoughts with a glance.

  Ashley knew her mother was worried about her involvement—the lies she’d told Ethan about Ashley’s death during the influenza epidemic. “I’m certain Ethan can think of a delicate way in which to relate the story.”

  Her mother grew notably more relaxed. “I’d appreciate that.”

  Ashley smiled, and to her surprise, her mother offered her a hint of one in return. Her face seemed softened somehow, yet she continued to bear herself in an elusive manner. Ashley thought her still the height of fashion in her two-piece dove-colored suit. The hat of matching color gave her a finishing touch of elegance.

  “And what news have you brought of my brothers and their families?” Ashley asked, trying to sound lighthearted. In the months since her mother had returned to Baltimore, Ashley had received and written several letters to her brothers. They were all happy to be reunited, chiding her for letting them worry and for letting so many years pass without knowing of her whereabouts.

  Her mother frowned. “They’re struggling,” she said matter-of-factly. �
��The bank isn’t faring well at all. Mathias fears they might well close their doors. His wife, Victoria, is quite beside herself. Parker and Richard find that their legal services are more in demand than ever, but people haven’t the financial means to pay. It’s a difficult time, to be sure.”

  Ashley nodded. “We haven’t felt the effects as much as you have back East, I’m sure. Ethan even tells me that the Santa Fe was on top of the situation and actually has come out of it in a fairly stable manner.”

  “It will take time,” Leticia stated, sounding far less desperate than she had when she’d first learned of the crash. “But most things worth having are that way.”

  Ashley wondered if her mother meant to include their relationship in that statement. How strange it seemed that a mother and daughter should struggle so much to share their lives. Ashley could only pray and ask God to ease the tension between them.

  “It was kind of you to let me stay at the house,” Leticia said. “I arranged for someone to take my luggage there. I hope you don’t mind.”

  Ashley smiled. “Not at all. I’m really glad you were able to come.”

  Leticia looked at her for a moment, then transferred her studying gaze to Ethan. “And when is this wedding to take place?”

  “Sunday!” Natalie declared before either her mother or father could speak. “I get to be in the wedding with them. Isn’t that wonderful, Grandmother? I have a new dress and even new shoes.”

  Leticia peered down her nose at the child momentarily, then offered a smile. “I imagine you’ll be the prettiest girl in the room.”

  Natalie shook her head. “No, Mama will be. She has a new dress too, and she looks really pretty in it.”

  “Mother, I would imagine you’re tired,” Ashley interrupted, embarrassed by her daughter’s comments. “Would you like me to take you back to the house? We have a car now.”

  “Gracious, no. I intend to tour this lovely facility. If Natalie would do the honors, I would like that very much.”

  Ashley was surprised that her mother was so openly friendly toward her granddaughter, but nevertheless she was glad to see it. “Natalie, would you like to show Grandmother around La Posada?”

  “Sure.” She went to her grandmother’s side and took hold of her arm. “Come on, I’ll show you my favorite room. It’s the lunchroom and it has the most wonderful tiles for decoration. And there’s a big hutch where they display beautiful plates. You’ll really like it, Grandma.”

  Ashley was surprised her mother didn’t correct Natalie’s use of “Grandma.” Instead, her mother seemed quite content to let Natalie lead the way, chattering about the contents of the room and why it was the best in the resort.

  Just then, Mary Colter and Marcus Greeley walked into the room. There were several men with them—men whom Ashley didn’t recognize. No doubt they were either reporters or railroad officials. Either way, the party looked very important.

  “Mr. Reynolds,” Mary declared as she approached them, “I don’t suppose I shall ever get used to calling you that.” She smiled and nodded at Ashley. “Mrs. Reynolds.”

  “Miss Colter, it’s good to see you again. La Posada is magnificent. I’m truly amazed at what you’ve done here.”

  “Not bad for a piece of ground that used to house the roundhouse, eh?” She smiled. “Now, my boy,” she said, looking at Ethan, “will you be joining us at the Grand Canyon? We’re making plans for an additional hotel, and I’d love to have you working on the project.”

  Ashley noted that everyone seemed eager for Ethan’s answer. He put his arm around Ashley and finally spoke. “I’m quite content to remain here in Winslow. There’s a great deal I wish to accomplish right here, but I thank you for the offer.”

  “Well, the good ones—the ones who give you little trouble and do as they’re told,” Mary said, looking at the men beside her, “those are the ones you always lose first.”

  “Ashley and I are being remarried on Sunday. We’d love for you to join us,” he told the group.

  “I’m sure we wouldn’t miss it,” Mary said. Then spying someone across the room, she took her entourage, minus Marcus Greeley, and moved off in pursuit.

  “So I suppose you know why I’m here,” Marcus said with a grin.

  “I do. I’d rather hoped you’d forgotten me,” Ethan replied.

  “Are you kidding? Your story is going to be the selling feature of my book. Even women will want to read a copy of Those Who Fought. They’ll be swooning with excitement over your reunion with your wife and child.”

  “Those Who Fought. Is that the title?” Ashley questioned, hoping to take the focus off of Ethan. She knew her husband was embarrassed at the prospect of his life being poured out onto the pages of a book.

  “Yes, the publisher liked the sound of it and so did I. People are quite willing to hear the tales now. And, in spite of our growing isolationist mentality, I believe the general public desires to honor those who gave so much on the battlefield.”

  “I’m sure you’re right,” Ashley replied, looking at Ethan. “If you don’t mind, however, Ethan and I need to see to my mother’s luggage. She was having it delivered to the house, and I don’t wish to leave it sitting on the street.”

  “Of course,” Greeley answered. “I’ll look forward to seeing you for the interview tomorrow.”

  Ethan nodded, even as Ashley pulled him away. “I thought perhaps you’d like a reprieve,” she whispered as they walked from La Posada and crossed the street on their way home.

  “Thank you. I still fail to see why he needs my story. There are so many others that need telling.”

  “Yes, but you have to admit, our story has so many twists and turns. There probably isn’t another like it. You came back from the dead. How many men can lay claim to that?”

  They paused and turned back to look at the hubbub surrounding the grand resort hotel. The grounds were full of people, and a general atmosphere of festivity lent a spirit of delight to those who attended. Even if their financial world had fallen apart, the partiers seemed quite good at masking their situation. From what Ashley could tell, these beautiful people were quite content.

  To her surprise, Ethan took her into his arms right there on the side of Second Street. “Ethan!” Ashley declared. “What do you think you’re doing?”

  “I’m going to kiss my wife,” he said softly.

  “But it’s broad daylight and we’re standing in the middle of everything. Someone might see you.”

  Ethan chuckled. “Let them watch. I’m not ashamed. Are you?”

  Ashley looked past his gold-rimmed glasses to the dark brown eyes that studied her so intently. “I will never be ashamed of you. I still can’t believe you’re really here. Sometimes when I wake up in the morning, I struggle to believe that everything that has happened isn’t just some sort of dream.”

  “Well, soon you’ll have the proof beside you in your bed.”

  Ashley felt her face grow hot and looked past Ethan to the hotel. “We’ll have to stay there someday. You know, to just be spoiled and pampered. I happen to know that the Harvey Company takes very good care of you.”

  Ethan laughed. “I know that to be true as well. In fact, I’m entitled to a free stay. Part of the bonus for working on the project. We could spend our honeymoon there. You know, give the house over to your mother and Natalie and have some time just to ourselves.” He pulled her closer to him.

  “I think I’d like that,” Ashley murmured, looking back at her husband. “Oh, Ethan, I’m so very happy. Please promise me we’ll always be this happy.”

  Ethan frowned. “You know I can’t do that. There will likely be hard times—we have to accept that. To do otherwise would be unrealistic and set up expectations that would only serve to disappoint us in the future.”

  “I know what you say is true,” Ashley replied, “and I know God will be with us no matter what. But I wish I could have some guarantees.”

  Ethan laughed again. “Life doesn’t come with g
uarantees, but it does come with choices. And I choose you, now and for all time. All I want from this point forward is to enjoy the years to come with you at my side.”

  He kissed her tenderly, leaving Ashley breathless. How could it be that after so many years of marriage, separation, and the belief that he was dead, Ashley could still find herself so quickly stirred by his touch?

  They began walking up the street, heading for home. “By the way,” Ethan said, reaching out to take hold of Ashley’s hand, “how do you feel about having more children?”

  Ashley was taken aback for only a moment. “I suppose,” she said, “we shall need to buy more ponies.”

  Ethan stopped abruptly before laughing out loud and pulling her close. “And build a bigger house.”

  “Oh, we could get by for a time,” she replied. “After all, it takes several months to bring a child into the world.” She flushed and looked away. Having another baby was her secret desire. How funny that he should have brought up the matter.

  “So you don’t mind the idea of giving Natalie a brother or sister?” he asked seriously.

  Ashley looked up and saw the longing in his expression. Perhaps he had feared she’d refuse such an idea. She immediately felt sad for the time he’d missed with Natalie. No, she thought, I can’t live in regret. I can’t keep thinking, “if only.”

  Ashley reached up and gently touched Ethan’s bearded cheek. “I would like very much to create new life in our new life together. I think it would be marvelous to have a whole houseful of children.”

  “So long as they’re your children,” Ethan whispered.

  “So long as they’re ours,” Ashley corrected. “So long as they’re ours.”

  ****

  The remarriage of Ethan and Ashley Reynolds was a quiet and simple affair in spite of the large number of people who turned out at Faith Mission Church that Sunday. Natalie, again everyone’s darling, did a combination of sliding and hopping down the aisle in her animated fashion. Her cream-colored gown gave her a rather angelic appearance, Ethan thought.