by Leah Atwood
Feeling bad for his harsh tone, he apologized. “I’m sorry for speaking so curtly. Miss Barnett is in need of new dresses but can’t afford them. I don’t want a big deal made about it and have her feel uncomfortable. Telling her they were purchased by her aunt seemed like the easiest way of seeing to her needs for now.”
“I understand. When will I get to meet her?” Tim asked.
“In a few minutes. Would you mind wrapping these up for me?” Eli laid the dresses across the counter.
“Sure boss. I’ll do it right away.” Tim moved behind the counter and immediately began packaging the items.
“Thank you. I’ll be back in five minutes.” He left the storefront and went back to the living quarters.
Cora had a towel in her hand, drying a dish. “All done,” she said, setting down a bowl. She kept the rag in her hands, wringing it.
With slow strides, he walked to her, stopping just in front of her. He took the towel from her hands and set it behind her on the counter. His hands covered hers and his heart shuddered. A simple contact, but it muddled his brain. All he could think about was how kissable her lips looked. The way she looked back at him told him her thoughts were in the same direction, but there was also a fear lurking.
Swallowing hard, he took a step back, his hands still on hers. “Ready to see the store?”
Chapter Six
Eli’s hand still touched hers, their fingers now laced as he led her out of the kitchen, leaving the living quarters for the main storeroom. His touch should have made her nervous. Her interaction with men had been sparse, especially in terms of romance. Never even a single stolen kiss. Yet, back in the kitchen several moments ago, she knew he’d wanted to kiss her. To her shock, she’d wanted him to and was disappointed when he’d stepped away.
That was crazy, wasn’t it? She’d only met him an hour ago, but there was an undeniable pull between them. Was her nervousness from the new situation she found herself in or from this instant attraction toward Eli? A combination of both would be the probable answer. She remembered her resolution from the train station. Giving herself a silent talk to booster that resolve, she focused on her surroundings.
The mercantile was decorated for the Christmas holiday and exuded cheer and joy. Pine branches were twisted into garland, accented with pinecones and red bows. The display in the center of the store held baubles for trees and small trinkets that could be given as gifts. At the center of the items, prominently displayed, was a nativity set. The figures were beautiful in their simplicity, appearing to be carved by someone not an expert at the craft. Yet merely by looking at them, she could feel the love put into the work.
“I crafted them.” Eli’s voice broke her attention away from the display. “They’re not perfect, but I wanted to make them myself, an expression of my faith for the reason we celebrate.”
She looked at him and saw his eyes trained on the nativity. He must have been watching her as she stared at them. “They are lovely, regardless. Sometimes, it’s the imperfections that grant the beauty.”
Her eyes misted, and she blinked the moisture away. The blessing of being matched to this man who proudly showed his faith was awe-inspiring to her. For years, she wished her own father could share her faith, but he wouldn’t have anything to do with it. Maybe then, he could have changed his life around, been a better pa. His lack of beliefs, and her attribution of that to his behavior, led her to make a vow years ago to never become involved with a man who didn’t share her faith. No matter how desperate she’d been to remove herself from the life she’d lived. She wouldn’t leave one misery for another.
“Yes, sometimes it is.” Eli looked at her with a peculiar expression. She got the feeling they were no longer speaking of the nativity.
Continuing to look around the store, she turned to see Aunt Patricia talking to a younger man at the counter. Actually, neither of them were talking but looking at her and Eli, expressions of amusement in their eyes and smiles.
“I trust Eli took good care of you while I was at my meeting?” Aunt Patricia came to her, gave her sleeve a gentle tug and motioned for her to come to the counter.
“Yes, he did.” She gave Eli an appreciative smile.
“How was your meeting, Mrs. Anderson?” The way in which Eli’s voice inflected alluded to his knowledge there was no meeting. Placing his hand on Cora’s back, he guided her to the counter.
She bit back a laugh as she watched a blush creep up her aunt’s neck. Aunt Patricia had been caught and knew it.
Instead of answering the question, she picked up two brown packages tied with string. “These are for you, dear—a welcoming gift from me.” Aunt Patricia spoke the words to her but gave Eli a pointed look.
Shifting her gaze to the man she’d agreed to marry, Cora saw his cheeks flush before he quickly regained his composure. Strange. Then she figured it out, as though someone lit a candle to the situation. Eli hadn’t been honest either. The specifics weren’t known to her, but she gathered that Eli had purchased what was in the packages and for some reason, he didn’t want her to know.
For now, she’d play along. They must have their reasons. “Thank you, Aunt Patricia. That’s very kind of you.”
“Do you wish to go back to my house now and rest for a spell? You must be exhausted.” Aunt Patricia’s eyes clouded over with the look of a concerned aunt. Perhaps she was second-guessing her scheme of the meeting.
The weariness she’d had upon arriving had worn off as she’d become more comfortable in Eli’s presence. She didn’t want to leave him yet, but saying so would appear unseemly, wouldn’t it? This was one of those times she really wished her ma hadn’t died because then she’d have been able to teach her about such things.
“I feel fine, but I would like to see your home.” There, that should be a safe answer.
“I’ll walk you ladies home.” Eli grabbed the wrapped packages, taking charge. “Tim, I’ll be back shortly.”
Later that afternoon, Cora was in her temporary room. Thoughts of Eli circled her mind and she couldn’t help but smile, because surely, God was smiling down on her when he paired the two of them together. So far, she couldn’t find a single fault in him. From the way he interacted with her aunt, she knew he had a sense of humor, along with a kind heart. From the effort put into and words about the nativity scene he’d crafted, she’d seen evidence of his faith’s veracity. There was also the way he put her at ease. After only a short time, she felt comfortable in his presence.
And then he was handsome on top of all that. He’d described himself as average, but there was nothing mediocre about the way he looked. If the measure of a man were only by his looks, he’d be at the top. Sitting on the bed, she hugged herself in a dreamy state. She couldn’t wait to be Mrs. Farley.
She spread her hands over the patchwork quilt, marveling how soft the mattress underneath was. Back at Pa’s house, she’d had only a bed of straw atop a wooden platform to sleep on. Even covered with a thin linen, the straw would often poke her. Sleeping on this mattress, she would feel like a queen and she couldn’t help but wonder what the mattress she’d have at Eli’s would be like.
Her hand collided with the packages Aunt Patricia, or Eli as she suspected, gave her. The brown paper was still smooth and unrumpled. Carefully, she untied the strings and opened the gifts. Inside each was a beautiful dress. She held them up, letting out a gasp of delight. They weren’t fancy, of which she was glad. Made from basic patterns and designs, they were still beautiful.
Looking down at the dress she wore, every sewn-back-together hole and threadbare spot screamed to her. Without warning, she began to sob. Now it all made sense. Eli was an upstanding member of the community, and so must be his wife. How horrified he must have been when he saw the state of her attire and realized she had nothing else. That’s why he’d disappeared while she’d cleaned up from their meal. All the jubilation she’d felt moments before came crashing down, replaced with humiliation.
She coul
dn’t even be mad at him. If anything, his thoughtfulness endeared him to her even more, but what did she have to offer him? All she could offer was a little knowledge of working at a mercantile. Goodness, she knew precious little about being a wife, or mother—if the blessing came. She’d wanted so badly for this to work out, but how could it? No, it just wouldn’t be fair for him to attach himself to her. He deserved someone better, a woman who was better equipped to be the wife of such a fine man.
Another heavy sob wracked her. What would she do if she didn’t marry Eli? Maybe Aunt Patricia would let her stay with her indefinitely and Eli would let her work at the mercantile. She shook her head side to side. That would not work. There was no way she’d be able to work around Eli. He would surely marry one day and she wouldn’t be able to stand seeing him married to another, knowing she could have been his wife. For his sake, she could step aside, but her heart wouldn’t survive seeing him every day. Why did he have to be such a fine man? Why couldn’t he have one little flaw so she wouldn’t feel guilty should she marry him?
“Cora dear, are you okay in there?” Aunt Patricia’s voice called out at the same time a knock sounded on the bedroom door.
“I’m fine,” she answered, but the words came out unintelligible through the sniffles.
The door creaked open and Aunt Patricia peeked in. Cora lifted her head, taking her time in looking to her aunt.
Immediately, Aunt Patricia was sitting on the bed by her side, hugging and consoling. “Would you like to talk about it?” she asked, handing Cora a handkerchief which she removed from her sleeve.
“I… can’t.” She stopped to wipe her nose and take a deep breath, attempting to stop the tears. “I can’t marry Eli.”
Aunt Patricia pulled her more tightly into her arms. “Why ever not? He positively adores you. Do you not find him suitable?”
“Just the opposite,” she confessed, sitting up straighter.
“That makes no sense.” There was no censure to her voice, only confusion.
“I know it wasn’t you who bought the dresses. Eli did but didn’t wish me to know that I embarrassed him.” Using a handkerchief, she dabbed at the corner of her eye.
“Oh my.” Her aunt’s hand fluttered to her chest. “You have it all wrong. Yes, Eli purchased the dresses, but not because he was embarrassed. I can’t speak for exactly what he was thinking, but I know Eli Farley and he is a man of integrity. He would never think to be embarrassed that your clothing is worn.”
“If only it were that simple,” she moaned, trying not to sound overly dramatic. “What can I offer a man like Eli? The scales would be tipped in my favor, gaining everything, but he, nothing.” She looked at her aunt, silently pleading for her to understand.
Aunt Patricia brushed back a strand of Cora’s hair that had fallen loose from its knot. It was a motherly gesture that made Cora’s stomach knot with bittersweet memories of her own ma.
“I could hurt my brother for what he’s done to you,” Aunt Patricia said, her voice full of uncharacteristic anger which turned to sadness as she continued. “After your ma died, I begged him to allow you to remain with me. For years, I tried until finally all I could do was pray.”
“You did? I never knew.” She wasn’t sure what to make of the revelation.
“Jed is such a stubborn, selfish man that I never wanted to inflate your hopes. Sometimes it is hard to admit he’s my flesh and blood. But believe you me, Eli Farley is an answer to prayers. I only wish I’d seen it sooner.”
“But what do I have to offer?”
“Sweet child, you mustn’t think so poorly of yourself. I know you don’t think money or status defines a person, any more so than the size of their foot or color of their hair. You must not go applying that thought to yourself and stop assuming that Eli will. I didn’t tell him everything about your situation, but he knew before offering marriage that you couldn’t bring anything of tangible value. But what you can bring is worth so much more.”
“What is that? I can cook and clean well enough I suppose, but he could have hired a housekeeper for that.”
“Your heart, Cora. Love Eli and let him love you in return. That is all he wants in a wife. Love is a splendid gift. This Christmas, allow it for yourself.” Aunt Patricia stood and walked to the door, stopping just before exiting. “Don’t forget he’ll be returning to share supper with us. There’s clean water in the basin you can use for freshening.” And with that, she turned and left the room.
Cora sat on the bed still, stunned into silence by what her aunt told her. Could it be so simple that all Eli wanted from her was love? That all she had to do was accept it?
Chapter Seven
Eli stood at the door of Widow Anderson’s house, waiting for someone to answer. Five minutes had passed since he’d arrived and he wondered if something was wrong. Niggling doubts tried to surface, making him question if Cora was having second thoughts. Maybe she saw him and thought him unmarriageable?
But why wouldn’t she want to marry him? She was in dire need of someone to take care of her and he could do that. Why would she turn him down? Stop it, he berated himself. His imagination was getting the better of him. They might not have heard the knock, so he rapped his knuckles against the door once again.
“Dear Lord, please don’t let Cora change her mind about marrying me. She’s something special and deserves a nice life. More than anything right now, I want to be the one to give that to her.” The quick prayer was heartfelt. It also brought a realization. He wanted to marry Cora, not just because he wanted to be married, or because she needed rescuing from the situation she’d been in, but because he wanted to spend his life with her. How was it possible to know that already? He wasn’t sure how it could be, but was certain of the knowledge.
Heavy footsteps approached the door, and within seconds, Widow Anderson was opening it.
The taut smile that didn’t reach her eyes caused him great concern. “Is everything fine with Cora.”
“Come here.” Widow Anderson ushered him down a step and around the corner of the house where they were afforded privacy from the street.
His gut tightened. Something definitely wasn’t right. “What’s going on?” He didn’t want to waste time on inane greetings.
“Cora is having a rough time. I don’t want to break confidences, but you should know she is struggling with deep-rooted insecurities. She has herself convinced she has nothing to offer you and therefore unworthy of you.”
“That’s ridiculous.” He expressed the words more loudly than he’d meant.
Widow Anderson sighed and rested a hand against his arm. “We know that, but she has thought so little of herself for so long, no doubt because my worthless brother has treated her as such.” She paused, as though realizing the venomous tone of her voice. “I’m sorry to speak so harshly of my family, but I can’t tolerate what he’s done to that poor girl.”
“What can I do for her?” His teeth grazed his bottom lip as he pondered possible actions.
“Be there for her. Shower her with love and let her see that she is worthy.”
“That shouldn’t be difficult. I already know she is special.” The beat of his heart increased just thinking about her.
Finally smiling, Widow Anderson shook her head in a positive motion. “You will be good for Cora. Let’s return inside, and I’ll inform her that you’ve arrived.”
“Mrs. Anderson,” he said before she reached the door.
“Yes?” Only her head turned around.
“If Cora is agreeable, how does a wedding after tomorrow’s church service sound?”
“Absolutely delightful.”
Two hours later, he sat in the parlor, alone with Cora. Widow Anderson had been a close chaperone, but now retired to her room. Eli knew the trust that had been placed in him and he wouldn’t take advantage of it.
Cora wore the new mauve dress and was resting on the settee. As he’d expected, she looked breathtakingly beautiful in it, especially agai
nst the dim light of the fire. The color brought out the sparkle in her hazel eyes and her skin looked smooth and creamy. He itched to reach out and feel her cheek, discover if it was as soft as it appeared. He moved from his chair and took a seat next to her.
“You are lovely tonight.” Taking her hand, he placed it between both of his.
“Thank you. And thank you for the dresses.” She ducked her head, hiding her eyes from him.
“You’re welcome.” The words came out before he realized he’d just admitted to purchasing the dresses. “I’m sorry I wasn’t truthful from the beginning.”
“I was upset at first and assumed you were embarrassed for your future wife to be seen in such rags.” The meekness and vulnerability in her voice broke his heart.
She started to say more, but he cut her off, needing to tell her himself how untrue that was. “That never crossed my thoughts, dear Cora. I had nothing but pure intentions in giving you those dresses—I saw a need and wanted to fill it. The only reason I wasn’t completely honest was because I thought you might not accept them from me. Please forgive me for any hurt I have caused you.”
Her eyes rose to meet his. Brown and green flecks in her irises blended, casting an illusion of amber. “You’re forgiven. Aunt Patricia helped me to see and understand.”
One hand released hers and on its own accord, found its way to her cheek. Just as soft as he’d imagined. “Marry me, Cora. Tomorrow after the church service.” The words rushed out, not romantic in the least, but he didn’t want to lose this woman who’d already captured his heart with her sweet humility and gentleness.
Jerking back, she broke all contact with him and his heart dropped to his knees. “So soon?” The fear in her voice was so thick it was almost tangible.
“Forgive me again. I’ve rushed in and upset you.”
“I… I thought you would want more time. What if… you ch-change your mind and realize… realize I’m not the wife you need.” The way she stammered should have caused him concern, but instead all he could think was that she looked so kissable.
