A Necessary Woman

by A. E. Easterlin

  Jake grinned. Who was he kidding? A passive woman would bore him, and the woman he’d met earlier intrigued him. Besides, he’d never backed away from a challenge in his life.

  Nathan skewered him with a glance. “You want a wife, and Suzanna’s perfect for you. Sweet, capable, hard-working, and—God help me for revealing this—everything about her cries out for a man in her life. And you, my brother, have always comported yourself well with the ladies.”

  “What does Annie think of your plan to marry her best friend off to her brother-in-law and have me take her off to the wilds of Wyoming?”

  “She doesn’t want her to leave, of course. But in any case, lately Suzanna has been talking about making a move. She’s had enough of death and dying, wants to start fresh, see another part of the country that hasn’t been devastated by war, has even talked about going west on her own. She won’t mind a change of scenery, despite leaving friends behind.”

  “What of the men here? They must be blind not to have lined up at her door long before now.” Jake played devil’s advocate. “Beautiful women of gentle birth and deportment do not remain single for long, regardless of the circumstances.”

  “There’s no one here she’s interested in. She refused the town doctor—she’d had enough of doctoring during the war. Those who remain are mostly either too young, too old, or too damaged. Don’t you see, Jake? Suzanna has given everything she has to this town. Now it’s her turn. Trust me, she yearns for more.”

  “And you’re a married man and can’t give her what she wants.”

  Nathan returned his brother’s stare, heat flooding his face, then took a seat and gazed out at the tree line in the fading light. Dropping his hands to let them hang loosely between his legs, he slumped forward.

  “She deserves more than I can offer. And please do not insult me by saying marriage to a woman like Suzanna would be a hardship. I know you. You can see what’s right in front of your face. The minute you saw her, the idea took root in your mind. Not once during this conversation have you protested to any measurable degree, and I can see the wheels in your mind turning with my every word. You met her, liked what you saw, and if I’m not greatly mistaken, you’ve already entertained thoughts of Suzanna accompanying you to Wyoming.”

  Jake sipped the last of his bourbon and set the glass down on the porch railing. “Nathan, you know me better than anyone. I’ve never been a huge believer in fate. The west is a lonely place, and I’m tired of living like a monk. I determined to find a suitable wife, the kind of wife I could hold close in the night, with fire in her veins and courage in her heart. A woman strong enough to bear my children. I set my sights on finding an exceptional woman—a necessary woman. You say Suzanna is that woman. I’m inclined to agree. Yet in the same breath, you ask me to love her. Brother, learning to love a woman, and convincing her to love me, may be a tall order.”

  Nathan stood and clapped his brother on the back. “My heart tells me this union was meant to be. You need each other. You can each give the other what you most desire. This is right, Jake. I can feel it. Trust me on this.”

  “Let’s hope this exceptional lady is ready for what we have in store.”

  “You will be at your most charming tonight?” Nathan asked.

  “You doubt me, brother?”

  “Never,” Nathan laughed. “Never in a thousand years.”

  Now all Jake had to do was convince Suzanna Worthington he was the answer to her every prayer.

  Chapter Four

  Annie had invited her to dinner, and for whatever reason, Suzanna found herself looking forward to it. She refused to entertain the idea it had anything to do with her meeting with Jake Cantrell the day before. The Cantrells had insisted she meet Nathan’s brother, and the purpose of the dinner tonight was so they could be properly introduced.

  She’d finished her chores and taken an hour to rest. Though most of her clothing was worn and dated, a few nice gowns had survived the war, and she chose a lovely yellow silk with ruffles camouflaging the décolletage. Taking her cloak to wear against the evening air, she smoothed an errant curl from her upswept hair and sighed. Why on earth she was so excited, she couldn’t say. It was only a night with Nathan and Annie. And, of course, the other Mr. Cantrell.

  The big man with sparkling eyes and silver in his thick, golden hair.

  The one with temptation oozing from every pour of his impressive body.

  Humming as she left for her evening out, Suzanna gathered her reticule and laughed. It had been such a long time since she’d looked forward to a social evening—and tonight there would be an extra guest in attendance.

  Her breath hitched with each rapid beat of her heart and every step she took. Only a coward would ignore the reason.

  Jake Cantrell had been on her mind all afternoon—his granite features and square jaw. His imposing size and masculine presence. The image of the virile man on his giant white horse as he rode away from her caused a giggle to erupt. She pressed fingers against her lips. Had anyone heard her?

  She had to admit, most of the men who lived in close proximity paled in comparison. She’d read of Viking warriors and Norse gods, Greeks and Romans, romantic myths in big, dusty books that piqued her imagination and allowed her to forget the misery surrounding her. Jake put her in mind of those heroic men and their daring deeds. He certainly looked the part.

  Posh! What was she doing? Daydreaming again. Weaving fantasies in her mind. The man was here for a visit. He’d come to see Nathan, Annie, and little Jeremiah, and soon he’d be gone. No need to get any silly ideas about him, no matter how he stirred her maiden’s blood.

  Suzanna reached the Cantrell’s home, and nerves quivered in her stomach as she knocked on the door. She tried hard to remember social situations were a part of every southern girl’s upbringing—all she had to do was look pretty, make polite conversation, and take care he didn’t capture her heart.

  Annie swung open the door with a brilliant smile on her pretty face. She grasped Suzanna’s arm, pulled her in, and whispered excitedly in an undertone.

  “Jake told us he stopped by your house yesterday morning to ask directions. What do you think of him? Isn’t he a handsome devil? He’s older than Nathan, of course, but a fine figure of a man, nonetheless.”

  “Annie, stop. Your brother-in-law is here to visit you and Nathan and to meet your son. Don’t go getting any romantic ideas about him and me. I swear, everybody in this town acts like a matchmaker. It’s ridiculous. The right man will show up at the right time. I’m only here because Mr. Cantrell is family, nothing else.” Who was she trying to convince?

  Annie gazed from under her lashes and smiled a smug little smile. “I know you, Suzanna,” she sang her words almost under her breath. “And I know what’s good for you. You’re withering in front of my eyes. You refused Julian, and you have no interest in anyone else—not that there’s anyone suitable left. You’re available and Jake is single. You need a passionate man in your life, someone like Jake, to sweep you off your feet and kiss you until you’re dizzy.”

  “Annie,” she reproved, more than a little shocked.

  “I’m your best friend, and I know you better than you know yourself. I won’t allow you to shrivel up like an old spinster, drinking tea and taking in strays.”

  Suzanna rolled her eyes. “What a thing to say. Where is this prince among men, anyway?

  “They’re out back enjoying a libation. Are you ready for this?” She stopped her with both hands and inspected her from toe to top. “You look lovely. Jake will be beside himself.”

  “For heaven’s sake, Annie! You make me feel like beef on the hoof. This is merely a friendly dinner and a chance to become better acquainted with your family.”

  “Posh. Don’t tell me you didn’t notice what a fine specimen Jake is. He certainly had nice things to say about you.”

  “What nice things? I was doing the wash, for heaven’s sake. I must have looked a mess. All I did was direct him to your h
ouse. Nothing memorable enough to cause a lasting impression.”

  “Well, you must have said or done something, because he asked Nathan all about you. I overheard them while I was feeding the baby. Jake was quite taken with you. Said you looked like an angel in the sunlight. Wanted to know if you were spoken for.”

  “Oh! My goodness…” Suzanna took a long, deep breath and stared at her friend through widened eyes. The urge to escape overwhelmed her. Annie giggled quietly as Suzanna bit her lip. They could have been sixteen again. Her heartbeat sped as she thought of the ramifications of Annie’s remarks. Jake had asked about her!

  Just as they were about to join the gentlemen, the men walked inside. Gracious, they must look like two conspirators intent on carrying out some nefarious plan. Annie drew her friend forward and made the introductions.

  “Jake, I believe you know my dear friend, Suzanna Worthington. Suzanna, this is Jake Cantrell, Nathan’s brother. I know you met yesterday, but, well, formal introductions are necessary, are they not?”

  Annie glanced cheerfully at each in turn while Nathan discreetly smothered a chuckle.

  “A pleasure, Mr. Cantrell.” Suzanna nodded and smiled.

  “Miss Worthington,” Jake acknowledged, and bowed slightly from his waist.

  My, he did have broad shoulders. Even without his oilskin coat he was a rather large man. Arms, chest …everywhere.

  Annie cleared her throat.

  Nathan expelled something insultingly close to a snort.

  Suzanna watched in horror as Jake’s lips began to twitch, and cast her gaze from one to the other. Had she missed something?

  Nodding politely, her eyes were captured by the compelling silver-blue orbs whose gaze bored into hers. All at once she couldn’t breathe, couldn’t speak, couldn’t move. Her lips parted, her cheeks burned, and the flush of a woman’s passion warmed her body. From a glance. One single, penetrating glance.

  This man unnerved her. What on earth was happening? Trapped like a rabbit in a snare, she blinked and struggled to regain her composure.

  Be calm, fluttering heart. It wouldn’t do to let him see her reaction to his compelling look. She pretended to be unaffected—valiantly—and inclined her head in regal acknowledgement of his introduction, all the while lifting a desperate prayer to ignore the quick, hot piercing of desire in her most secret place. Dear Lord! Not since Jason had she felt such a reaction to a man. The slight twitch of his mouth and the way his breathing deepened told her he’d noticed her response.

  A small comfort that Jake was not immune to her, either. Shoulders back, he widened his stance and crossed his big arms over his chest. Had Nathan and Annie not been present, she had no doubt he would have taken her in his arms and captured her in a kiss.

  This meeting was more of an inspection than an introduction. A glinting gaze traveled the length of her while she enjoyed a similar examination. Suzanna practically purred as a mischievous smile claimed his mouth. Jake was a man who knew when a woman wanted him. And Suzanna, a daughter of the south, had been schooled to recognize the signs of a man’s interest. As if the gauntlet had been thrown, the couple exchanged challenging smiles.

  It didn’t take a genius to understand Nathan and Annie had deviously invited her here to meet a prospective husband. They weren’t going to rest until they saw her wed.

  Mr. Cantrell had evidently been approached first. Annie, bless her heart, had planted the seeds with her comments about the man, and hoped Suzanna would find her brother-in-law interesting enough to entertain his suit. She wasn’t altogether sure if she should be offended or flattered. Her friends conspired from a heart of love. But this larger-than-life cowboy with his tempting grin and passionate eyes?

  Never one to lie to herself, Suzanna admitted Nathan and Annie acted with her best interests at heart. Successfully so. For she was undeniably interested. From all indications, so was Mr. Cantrell.

  A strange feeling of inevitability stole over Suzanna. A sense of rightness—not only of this moment, but of Jake and her together—wove through her consciousness like a warm blanket on a cold evening. Never before had the word “destiny” been so clearly defined in her mind. She felt a calm. A certainty. Like this meeting had been preordained, and everything that transpired before was merely a prelude of things to come. A brief vision of her future flashed inside her eyelids. Jake played a starring role.

  Awareness intruded. Nathan cleared his throat to gain their attention, while Annie fanned her face, hiding her mouth behind trembling fingers. Suzanna frowned, having a difficult time breaking the spell.

  Jake remembered the manners his mother had taught him and came to the rescue, politely taking Suzanna’s hand in his. While he bent over her fingers, he inhaled and pressed a moist kiss upon her knuckles. The fragrance of leather and soap wafted up to her, wrinkling her nose.

  Glancing up from her hand, he smiled for her eyes only.

  “Delighted,” he whispered. A grin widened his mouth. Teasing her. Tempting her.

  Shaking her head, Suzanna blinked, “Annie, whatever you’re cooking smells wonderful. I’m quite famished.”

  Annie took the hint. “Would you like some refreshment before dinner, Suzanna?” She led her toward the settee.

  “I’m content to wait and enjoy the meal. I smell my favorite aromas coming from the kitchen. Fried chicken and mashed potatoes?”

  Annie giggled. “A southern staple! What would we do without our chickens and root cellars? I’d love fresh vegetables, naturally, but such luxuries are still so hard to come by. Nathan did bring me some carrots from the Henderson’s garden, so I think we’ll all enjoy the meal.” She turned to Jake. “Caroline Henderson and I trade whatever produce we have available when we entertain.”

  The women continued to speak quietly, making conversation, as friends are wont to do.

  Jake sat quiet as a church mouse, his gaze upon the women. Suzanna pretended to be unaware of his perusal, but she kept him firmly in view as she and Annie chattered away. He watched every movement she made while she and Annie talked.

  All the while, Annie constantly interrupted with some obvious exaggeration of one attribute or another her friend possessed. Suzanna began to squirm, feeling uncomfortable with her friend’s blatant attempts at matchmaking. She glanced at Jake, expecting him to look rattled.

  Nothing. Easy and relaxed, a polite smile on his face, he seemed to appreciate each not-so-subtle hint. Finally, his gaze caught hers, eyes steady, a conspiratorial smile forming on his mouth.

  Having had enough, she stood and smoothed her dress. “Annie, let me help you get the food on the table. Nathan and Mr. Cantrell look positively ravenous.”

  The smile grew into a wolfish grin. Lord have mercy, she had to watch her choice of words. Blood rushed to her face—he’d mistaken her innocent remark for innuendo.

  Nathan rolled his eyes, saying almost under his breath, “Yes. But not for food.” Which only made it worse.

  Annie grabbed her wrist and led her toward the kitchen. “We’ll only be a minute, gentlemen. Why don’t you be seated? Nathan, would you pour the wine while we bring in dinner?”

  Suzanna placed a platter of fried chicken at the head of the table. Jake leaned over and inhaled deeply. “Annie always could fry the best chicken in the south. This smells delicious.”

  “Yes, it does,” she agreed. “You must forgive Nathan and Annie, Mr. Cantrell.”

  “Jake,” he politely corrected.

  “Jake.” She smiled. “They worry about me, and somehow they’ve gotten the idea it’s up to them to see I’m married off. It’s quite obvious what’s going on—please, accept my apology. I’m sure this must be embarrassing for you.”

  “Suzanna, I assure you, making the acquaintance of a beautiful woman is far from embarrassing. You have nothing to apologize for. Quite the contrary. You see, there aren’t many women of such impeccable character or genteel demeanor where I come from.”

  “Oh?”

  “No, ma’
am. I consider making your acquaintance a privilege.”

  Jake politely pulled out her chair. Once he’d seated her, he leaned against the back of his chair and faced her. “I must confess, when I came upon you the other morning, I thought I’d accidently happened upon a being from heaven…the sunlight shining in your hair, your dress blowing about you in the breeze. You quite took my breath away.”

  Suzanna cocked her head. For a westerner, he had the tongue of a southern gentleman. After so many years of sadness and pain, to flirt and play was a welcome relief. Enjoyable even, and she afforded him a genuine smile.

  “Is that so?”

  “It absolutely is so. Nathan says you are an estimable young woman. With many talents. The kind of woman who will someday make some lucky man a fine wife.”

  The ever-present smile was still there, but something in his eyes told her he was not just making conversation. Strange, she didn’t find the idea at all repugnant.

  Annie and Nathan joined them in the dining room. Once everyone was settled and a blessing spoken over the meal, Suzanna smiled around the table. “Jake, I know Annie and Nathan are delighted you’ve come. The birth of a baby is a wonderful event, and little Jeremiah is such a darling. Tell me, do you like children?”

  Jake nodded, his mouth full of chicken. He chewed and swallowed before replying, “I do, Suzanna. I’d like a baker’s dozen, if my wife agreed. There’s a great deal of pleasure in having a family, from the getting to the growing. I’m looking forward to both particular delights in the near future. And you? Annie tells me you have a similar desire for a family.”

  Goodness! Had she heard correctly? The getting to the growing? These westerners were a bold lot, not at all like the polite society of the south. Was he teasing or trying to throw her off balance?

  “Why, yes. I love children,” she calmly replied, “and hope to be blessed with a houseful someday.”

  He speared another forkful of food. “Then we have that in common.”