by Lisa Prysock
He supposed he should go inside the house and have dinner, but with his dilemma plaguing him, he was not at rest to do so. Miss Ambrosia needed a test subject. She was trying out her cooking skills again and had made a special supper, specifically requesting his opinion.
Why couldn’t she invite some other fellow? Didn’t she know he was in a great deal of turmoil? He was fairly sure he didn’t have much of an appetite, but he didn’t wish to abandon Miss Stanton. He supposed there wasn’t anyone else available to taste test her food. Early February had arrived and with it, the restlessness of all those living at Silver Aspen and their longing for good weather and a busier social life. The Earl and his son, the Viscount, had been invited to dinner with Mayor Shephard in town. Jack had borrowed the cutter to take Esther to a romantic dinner at the café. They’d be returning to Cheyenne soon.
Miss Flora, Fern, and Prudence White had gone into town that afternoon to shop and hadn’t returned. Perhaps they too had decided to have dinner in town. The other wranglers, Edward and Patrick, were out there on the ranch guarding the herd from a pack of wolves they’d spotted on the northwest edge of the property a few days ago. That left the Stanton family at home alone for the first time in ages, except for Henry and Frankie. Those two were out puttering around in the barn since he’d just come from there.
He couldn’t let Miss Ambrosia down. Reluctantly, he went inside the main cabin with his heart full and aching. If he didn’t find the words at dinner, then he’d ask Lady Hazel to the Valentine’s Dance the next time he saw her. He’d made up his mind and as he reached for the door knob, he whispered up a silent prayer of hope.
“There you are, Wade. You’re right on time,” Miss Ambrosia said as he entered the dining room from the great hall. “Dinner will be served momentarily.”
He slid his hat off and nodded, doing his best to hide the burden of love he carried in his heart. “What’s that delicious smell?” he asked, trying to sound jovial and carefree even as he looked around for a glimpse of the beautiful Hazel. She drew him like a temptress, but he knew a transformation had come over her like none he’d ever seen before. Somehow, being tempted by her didn’t seem like such a bad thing.
“It’s a surprise.” Ambrosia Stanton tossed him a cheerful smile and smoothed her apron, extending an arm toward the sitting room. “If you’ll be so kind as to follow me, Mr. Jefferson, I shall serve you as soon as you’re seated.”
Wade chuckled as he followed her, wondering what Miss Stanton was up to now. “I guess we’re not eating in the dining room then.”
Ambrosia wore a saucy look in her eyes and a smile a mile wide. As they rounded the corner from the hall and went into the sitting room, he realized he’d been invited to a private dinner with Hazel, Mia, and Joshua. They were seated around a small round table drawn up close to the stone fireplace. Hazel patted the seat beside her as Miss Ambrosia led him toward them, inviting him to sit with them, making him feel welcome and appreciated. His heart did a small skip, wondering if she might feel the way he did?
As the flames did a romantic dance to keep the hearth warm, Miss Stanton pulled out the remaining chair at the table set beautifully with dinner service for four. “Please make yourself comfortable, kind Sir.”
“Thank you,” he managed to mumble, glad he’d remembered to remove his hat. “I hope I haven’t kept you waiting.”
He began taking in a few of the details. Ambrosia had placed fancy linen napkins on the best china plates in the house. The best silver adorned the table, along with goblets he’d never seen before. A white linen tablecloth topped with a smaller red lace one made the table look festive. He also noticed a vase of winter greenery, pinecones, and two lit candles in pewter holders for a centerpiece.
“We just arrived ourselves,” Hazel commented as she scooted her chair closer to Wade. Was he imagining that?
“Ambrosia has outdone herself from the divine smells on that cart,” Joshua said, leaning forward to peer at the platter in Ambrosia’s hands.
The cart beside the table which Fern often used to wheel delicious foods into the dining room from the kitchen was laden with various dishes. “First I shall present your salads, a grated cole slaw of cabbage and carrots.”
“I’ll say grace,” Joshua offered as they bowed their heads and clasped hands while he prayed a blessing over the meal. Wade couldn’t help but think how soft and small Hazel’s hand felt in his. Protectiveness stirred within him unlike any feeling he’d ever had before except maybe the one to care for his sister after his parents had passed.
Next, Ambrosia placed a basket of golden-brown biscuits on the table. A bite of one melted in Wade’s mouth. “These are delicious, Ambrosia.”
“Oh my, heaven!” Mia smiled after tasting hers as she added butter.
“And now for the main course, roast chicken with stuffing, served on a bed of green beans and wild rice.” Ambrosia placed a generous portion on each plate, being careful not to spill a drop.
“Thank you for doing this for us.” Hazel smiled at her cousin’s stepdaughter. “I am taking notes for when I have my own kitchen someday.”
Wade couldn’t help but lock eyes with her in that moment. She was sending him a clear message. He was sure of it.
“Thank you, everyone. I hope you enjoy the meal. I’ll return with dessert. It’s strawberry shortcake, so please save room.” Ambrosia did a little curtsey. “In the meantime, I think now would be an excellent time for Wade to ask Lady Hazel to the Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Dance.” Then she handed Wade a drawing she’d made. “I took the liberty of making this to help you two lovebirds along, since you two are the last to know you’re madly in love with each other, and it’s driving us all furious with longing to see you together.”
Wade and Hazel couldn’t help but join Mia and Joshua with laughter. Then they studied the drawing. She’d managed to capture a likeness of both of them as he swirled her around on a dance floor. Above the dance floor, a ribbon banner decorated with hearts, birds, and flowers said, The Paradise. A band in the background on the center of the far wall played music, and Ambrosia had drawn instruments and music notes wafting up into the air.
She’d also drawn romantic couples all around them, some seated at linen-covered tables and others, kissing in recessed areas beneath suspended red hearts. In the background, she’d drawn a buffet filled with pies, cakes, tarts, fruit salads, meat and cheese trays, and more. At the bottom of the drawing, she’d written the question: Will you do me the honor of accompanying me to the Sweetheart Dance? From Wade to Lady Hazel.
“I thought he’d never ask,” Mia breathed. “Isn’t it sweet, Joshua?”
Mr. Stanton nodded, clasping his hand over his wife’s. “Indeed.”
Wade and Hazel both relaxed. If Mr. Stanton and his wife had put their stamp of approval on their relationship, they could both breathe comfortably for the first time in weeks. Wade’s questions and concerns dissolved into nothing. He was free to pursue the woman of his dreams. She’d already reached across the table and covered his hand with hers. There was no longer any doubt in his mind that his dreams were now hers, too.
“Yes, I will, Wade Jefferson,” Lady Hazel answered before he could find any words. “I would be most delighted and honored to accompany you.”
The End
Epilogue
Wade held Hazel lovingly in his arms as they danced to a song the band played. He spun her around, and pulled her close again.
“Have I told you how beautiful you look this evening?” he asked, admiring the purple silk gown she’d chosen for the Sweetheart Dance. He’d noticed the layers of ruffles cascading to the floor down the center of the gown, shimmery folds on each side, the bustle which enhanced her tiny waist draped to one side as she turned and swirled. Delicate cream lace peeked out from the edges of her sleeves and the square neckline.
She was a vision he’d never forget. He tried to memorize every detail, right down to her cream colored gloves, the ivory-handled fa
n dangling from her wrist, and the one-inch heeled, cream shoes. Perched on her blond curls, she wore a dark purple satin hat with a bit of purple veil over her eyes. He was sure everyone in the room thought her the most fashionably dressed woman, and she was in his arms. He knew he was only a simple ranch hand, and it was still hard for him to believe she’d chosen to be with him. As she’d transformed into a butterfly, he’d only wanted her more and more.
When he took her out onto the front terrace of The Paradise for a breath of fresh air under the silvery moonlight, he held out her lavender wrap so she could stay warm as they gazed out at the snow-covered vale. He wished he could put into words for her how beautiful Wyoming would be when spring came, but none of it would compare to the woman beside him.
Then he led her to an elegant bench where she could sit down for a moment to rest her feet. He knelt down beside her on bended knee and took her gloved hand in his. Reaching in his dark suit coat, he found the little box with the ring inside. He opened it and placed it in her hand, then looked up into her emerald eyes.
“Will you marry me, Lady Hazel Jane Brayden?” He paused and looked at the lovely diamond that had belonged to his mother. He’d carried it all these years, hoping he’d eventually meet the right woman to become his wife. Now all of his hopes and dreams lay at her feet. He drew in a breath and continued. “I know I don’t deserve a fine lady such as yourself and that we come from vastly different worlds, but I promise to love and serve you all of my days. I will do my best to put your happiness and security above my own, and to provide and care for you. Though it will be a humble living compared to what you are accustomed to, I believe we can build a home filled with happiness and love as we minister to the orphans the Lord brings us.”
“Oh Wade, yes, of course I’ll marry you. I believe ‘tis not money nor grandeur which make a happy home, but those who live within it with hearts filled with the light of Jesus. He has given me that light for my path and filled my heart with His great love. I also believe He chose you for me long ago. I could never be happy with anyone else, though at one time I thought I might.”
Wade leaned forward and nestled his head for a moment at her knees, overcome with joy. He hadn’t expected her to say yes. He wasn’t sure she’d want the relationship to grow, but he had his answer now.
Standing, he kept her hand in his as he found a seat on the bench and wrapped an arm about her, pulling Hazel close to his side. “I am deeply happy to court you, and court you I will. We can be married after the house is built. It will take me all of spring and summer to finish it. Will you be content to wait for me until then?”
She nodded. “Yes, Wade, I will. It will give me time to invite my father and stepmother to the wedding, and the parents who raised you and Esther. Besides, Esther and Jack will marry in early summer now that they have your blessing, and we mustn’t take anything away from their moment.”
He smiled, thinking once again how thoughtful of a bride she’d become. “Yes, you are right about that, my little turtledove,” he crooned. “And I agree that we should send the proper invitations, but let’s keep it small, a few close family and friends.”
“Sounds perfect.” Hazel’s green eyes lit up and she smiled. She looked far away as they envisioned it. “I think in early September, when the leaves are turning their beautiful colors, but the grass is still green. It gives me plenty of time to order my wedding gown, the veil, and see to all of the proper details. I think I shall carry a bouquet of lily of the valley, sweet pea, and white roses, tied with pale pink and lavender ribbon. I’d like to order a long, simple, white silk gown with a three foot train and a blue ribbon around the waist. I’ll weave my braided chignon with another blue ribbon, and I’ll wear a veil, of course.”
“You’ll be the vision of my dreams, my turtledove, no matter what you wear.” Then he kissed her, and it seemed to him that she melted in his arms, clinging to him for a long while. They had the promise of their love to carry them through, and much hope for a bright future.
In June, Esther Louise became Mrs. Jack Morton in a beautiful church wedding held in Cheyenne. Hazel and Wade traveled to celebrate their special day with them. In the middle of August, Mia delivered a healthy baby boy and the Stantons named him Landon. Her father and brother, Charles and Alfred, finally felt it was time to return to England a few weeks after they’d laid eyes on the only other heir to the Morley title.
Wade’s grand farmhouse was finally finished in August, a two-story Victorian with a wrap-around porch, all of it paid for in cash. He’d carved the sign for the orphanage with his own tools, and soon Belle could boast they now had a home for orphans of the western frontier.
In September, Lady Hazel walked down the aisle to marry the love of her life, the Earl of Buntington escorting her on his arm. Countess Riggs made peace with Hazel and also attended the wedding. All was forgiven on both sides, and the Earl was happy to see his daughter married since she remained the only heiress to the Saxheim Manor estate and title.
Hazel and Wade took in twenty-nine orphans over the years and had three children of their own, James, Edward, and Jane. They chose their names carefully after months of deliberation. James was named for Hazel’s father’s middle name, Edward after Wade’s father’s middle name, and Jane for Wade’s mother’s middle name and Hazel’s middle name. James inherited Saxheim Manor and the title of Hazel’s father, though it was hard for him to leave his Wyoming cousins behind, Ambrosia, Landon, Virginia, Alfred, and Hugh. Edward took over the farm and the orphanage. Jane became a school teacher in Wyoming.
Hazel never forgot the tribulations and trials she’d learned from losing her own mother and became the strength of Belle’s orphanage. When particularly difficult cases came to their doorstep, she always knew exactly what to do to help resolve the inner turmoil, shining a bright and patient love on the children. She and Wade lived long, happy lives all of their days. They were considered the parents of many and held rewarding relationships with all of the orphans they took in under their wings.
Author Biography
Lisa M. Prysock is an award-winning, bestselling, Christian and inspirational author of twenty-three novels. She and her husband of more than twenty years reside in Kentucky. They have five children, grown.
She writes in the genres of both Historical Christian Romance and Contemporary Christian Romance, including a multi-author Western Christian Romance series, “Whispers in Wyoming.” She is also the author of a devotional. Lisa enjoys sharing her faith in Jesus through her writing.
Lisa has many interests, but a few of these include gardening, cooking, drawing, sewing, crochet, cross stitch, reading, swimming, biking, and walking. She loves dollhouses, cats, horses, butterflies, hats, boots, flip-flops, espadrilles, chocolate, coffee, tea, chocolate, the colors peach and purple, and everything old-fashioned.
She adopted the slogan of “The Old-Fashioned Everything Girl” because of her love for classic, traditional, and old-fashioned everything. When she isn’t writing, she can sometimes be found teaching herself piano and violin, but finds the process “a bit slow and painful.” Lisa enjoys working with the children and youth in her local church creating human videos, plays, or programs incorporating her love for inspirational dance. A few of her favorite authors include Jane Austen, Lucy Maude Montgomery, Louisa May Alcott, and Laura Ingalls Wilder. You’ll find “food, fashion, fun, and faith” in her novels. Sometimes she includes her own illustrations.
She continues the joy and adventure of her writing journey as a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and LCW (Louisville Christian Writers). Lisa’s books are clean and wholesome, inspirational, romantic, and family oriented. She gives a generous portion of the proceeds to missions.
Discover more about this author at www.LisaPrysock.com where you’ll find free recipes, devotionals, author video interviews, book trailers, giveaways, blog posts, and much more, including an invitation to sign up for her free newsletter.
Links to Conne
ct with Lisa:
https://www.facebook.com/LisaMPrysock
https://twitter.com/LPrysock
www.LisaPrysock.com
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00J6MBC64 Amazon Author Central
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lisa-m-prysock
https://www.facebook.com/groups/500592113747995/ (Lisa’s Facebook reader & friends group)
Other Titles by Author Lisa M. Prysock
To Find a Duchess, an Inspirational Regency Romance
The Christian Victorian Heritage Series:
Hannah’s Garden: a Turn of the Century Love Story
Abigail’s Melody
The Lydia Collection
The Redemption of Lady Georgiana
Protecting Miss Jenna
Persecution & Providence
Arise Princess Warrior, a 30 Day Devotional Challenge
The Shoemaker, an Old-Fashioned Regency Christmas
Story
Whispers in Wyoming, Contemporary Western Romance
Dreams of Sweetwater River
Marry Me Katie
No Place Like Home
All That Glitters
The Legend of Lollipop
Holly for Christmas
Becoming Princess Olivia
Brides of Grace Hill, Generational Series Historical Saga
Geneva
Annabelle
Victoria
Tracy Jo, Coming Soon...
Brides of Pelican Rapids, Mail Order Bride Series
Lottie’s True Love
The Belles of Wyoming
The Prairie Princess
Hazel’s Tribulations
Holliday Island Resort
