Overjoyed, Maddy couldn’t hold back her thoughts. “That’s wonderful, Jeremiah. Philip and I have prayed for you so many times. I rejoice with the angels in heaven. The Bible says they rejoice every time someone comes to know the Lord.”
Tears welled up in Maddy’s eyes, and she tried to blink them back. One escaped down her cheek.
He glanced at her face, and his gaze traveled the path the drop took. Then he reached up and wiped the moisture away with his cal-lused thumb.
Shivers cascaded down her spine and settled deep within her where a previously unknown warmth churned. The gentle touch of this man sparked a remarkable reaction in her. How would she ever be able to protect her heart now? Do I really need to?
Jeremiah leaned his face toward hers and didn’t stop until he was so close she could feel his warm breath. For a moment that lengthened into an eon, he stayed there, gazing tenderly into her eyes. She wondered if he could read her thoughts. What is he going to do?
Then he moved away. “Madeline, I wish we had more time to talk, but we must get up to see Philip. Sam and Caroline have been with him while we were at the hotel.”
Maddy fell into step with him, her thoughts in a jumble. She’d never been that close to a man, and he drew her interest as no man ever had before. For just a moment, she’d wondered if he was going to kiss her right out here in public. She was glad he hadn’t crossed that line, but a part of her wanted to feel his kiss. Somehow she had to forget her feelings about that and concentrate on talking to Philip.
Once she was in her room tonight, she could pull out the memory of this walk and relive every second.
Jeremiah helped Madeline climb the steps to the porch. Caroline stood in the open doorway.
“Has something happened to Philip?” Jeremiah would never forgive himself if he’d let his old friend down.
“No. It’s just that he’s so weak.” Caroline stepped back to let them enter. “Sam is in the bedroom with him. I came out for a breath of fresh air.”
For a moment, Jeremiah wondered if she’d noticed him and Madeline standing so close together. So what if she did? Soon enough everyone in town would find out how he felt about the woman by his side.
“Do you think it would tire him too much if we both went in to see him?” Madeline’s words sounded wistful.
Caroline gave a sad smile. “Even if it did, Philip wouldn’t want to miss seeing you.”
Her words made Jeremiah realize how much it would hurt Madeline to lose Philip. Probably as much as it would hurt him. He swallowed around the lump in his throat and blinked back the moisture in his eyes.
He ushered Madeline in front of him as they went to the bedroom. “Don’t worry. Philip gets tired easily, and today was a long day for him.” Although he tried to reassure her, somehow his words didn’t convince himself.
Sam noticed them at the door. “Come in. I know Philip wants to talk to the two of you anyway. I’ll join my wife.”
Madeline sat in the chair beside the bed and picked up Philip’s hand, holding it in both of hers, a tender smile on her lips. “I had to see how you were doing.”
The old miner turned his face toward her. In the lamplight, Jeremiah noticed that his skin seemed to be stretched over his skull. His cheeks were even more sunken than when Jeremiah had left earlier today. His stomach lurched. No! God, please let me have more time with him. I need his wisdom—especially now.
Philip gave a weak smile to Madeline, and Jeremiah could read the alarm on her face.
“Better…now that…yer here.” Philip took shallow breaths between the words.
Jeremiah worried about the old man’s complexion. It had turned chalky and dull. A vise squeezed his heart. I love this man. God, please. He didn’t know what else to pray. Philip had said that he didn’t have much longer in this world. Jeremiah knew the old miner would be eager to be with God, and finally, Jeremiah understood why Philip felt that way. So he couldn’t hold his good friend here on earth in his suffering.
Tears streamed down Madeline’s face, but she didn’t let go to wipe them away.
“Jerry…tell ya?” This time his breath held out longer.
She nodded. “About him becoming a believer?”
Jeremiah barely caught the old man’s slight nod.
“Yes, I’m so happy for him. It was an answer to our prayers.” Madeline’s words were soft, as if she didn’t want to disturb anyone.
And Jeremiah felt like screaming.
“’Fraid don’t have…much time. Have Jerry…tell the real reason I brung…ya out here. Only want…the best.” His words deteriorated to a wispy sound.
Madeline looked confused, and Jeremiah didn’t blame her. She glanced up at him as if in question.
What should I do now? Tell her the truth?
Philip stared at him. “Tell her…now.”
Talking appeared to have drained more life out of the old man. Jeremiah had to do what he asked. He hoped the truth wouldn’t chase Madeline away. The scene out under the stars flashed through his mind. He’d been sure she would have let him kiss her if he tried, but he respected her too much to take advantage that way.
He pulled another chair up beside Madeline and proceeded to tell her about his previous conversation with Philip. While he talked, he carefully watched her reactions, as well as the old man’s.
When she heard about Philip bringing her out to marry Jeremiah, Madeline’s eyes cut toward her dear friend. He gave another slight nod, his eyes begging her for forgiveness. Then her attention turned toward Jeremiah. Emotions flitted across her face, telling their own story. He hoped he read it right. Amazement turned into a question. Then acceptance, like she understood Philip’s motives. But underlying all of this, Jeremiah saw a flicker of a deeper emotion. One that mirrored what he felt for her. At least, that’s how it looked to him.
She leaned toward the old man and kissed his cheek. “I know you were doing what you thought was right.”
Her words eased some of the turmoil on Philip’s face.
“Thank you for all you’ve done for me.” She dropped to her knees beside the bed, still holding his hand. “I’ve grown to love you very much. I’m not upset with you.”
Removing one hand from his, she smoothed the wrinkles on his forehead. “You’re the reason I don’t want to return to Boston. I love you, and Pearl loves you. You’ve made Golden into a real home for us.”
“Love ya…too.” Philip’s lips stretched into a weak smile. “What ’bout…Jerry?”
Madeline took her time answering that question. Finally, she glanced up at Jeremiah with a twinkle behind the tears. “I’ve come to appreciate him in many ways.”
That wasn’t enough to satisfy the old man. “He…court ya?”
The earnestness in the question hit Jeremiah hard. He stood up, afraid Madeline would agree with anything Philip wanted just to make him rest easy. That’s not the way he wanted her. When—if— she agreed to marry him, he wanted it to be because she loved him completely, not because of a promise to a sick old man.
Madeline reached to move her skirt out of her way and tried to stand. Jeremiah offered his hand. She took it and arose to take her place beside him. Philip watched every movement.
She studied Jeremiah’s face and stared deep into his eyes. Was his heart and soul uncovered to her? He hoped she couldn’t see how desperately he wanted her to agree. She needed to see him as strong, not as a man who waited breathlessly for her answer.
Without taking her gaze from his, she smiled. “Yes, I’d be honored if Jeremiah wants to court me.”
Her sincerity rang through the room, lighting her eyes and making him feel as tall as a ponderosa pine. Want to court her? Not a doubt in his mind. She was the very woman he’d been looking for his whole adult life.
“I want to court you.” He placed the weight of his whole heart and life into each word.
Maddy couldn’t believe the turn of events. She’d come up here to Philip’s to tell him about her good fortune, but he fell asle
ep right after Jeremiah made his assertion. Did he really mean it, or was he merely trying to please the old miner? She hoped it was the former.
Ever since she met Jeremiah Dennison, she’d felt drawn to him, even though she’d fought those feelings because he wasn’t a Christian. That roadblock now had been removed. The fluttery feeling returned to her chest. Could the man possibly love her the way her father loved her mother? Even though she was a child when her mother died, she remembered the warmth and scope of that love that filled every room of their home. She wanted a chance to find out.
She glanced down at Philip. He looked so peaceful. She was glad they’d agreed with him if it gave him that peace. When she leaned over and tucked his quilt around his shoulders, he didn’t stir.
“Are you ready to go back to the hotel?” Jeremiah stood very close to her.
She turned her gaze up into his eyes that glittered like black jet. One curl drooped over his forehead. She wanted to brush it back, but it was too soon for such an intimate touch. “Yes.”
His hand barely touched the small of her back, but it sent tingles throughout her body. They went into the main room of the cabin. No one was there. Sam and Caroline must have gone back to the hotel.
Jeremiah stopped and turned toward her. Without thinking, she moved closer to him. “Madeline, I don’t want you to feel like you have to let me court you, but it’s been my desire for quite a while.” His probing gaze never left her face. “Do you really mean you want me to?”
So hopeful sounding, like he might be afraid of her answer.
She wouldn’t keep him in suspense. “I meant what I said. It wasn’t just to please Philip.”
A dazzling smile bloomed on his face. He reached for her, and she slid into his arms, laying her head on his muscular chest. All the imaginings of being in his embrace became reality. She felt protected—safe, happy. She could hear his heartbeat that answered her own strengthened pulse.
“You know that means I’m interested in marrying you, don’t you?” His words rumbled in his chest as well as into the air around them.
“I know,” she whispered.
He pulled back so he could see her face. “We’ve had a very busy day, with lots of things to think about. We can discuss this more when I come see you tomorrow.”
She nodded, hoping tomorrow would bring them even closer. Anticipation shot through her.
Before they reached the door, Sam arrived. “How is he?”
Maddy stayed quiet, letting Jeremiah take the lead. “He went to sleep, but he’s really weak. I want to accompany Madeline back to the hotel. Could you stay with him while I do?”
“When you were with Philip, I took Caroline to the hotel. I came back to tell you that I’d spend the night watching over him.” Sam clasped one of Jeremiah’s shoulders. “You go on home after you say good night to Madeline.”
Maddy read the indecision in Jeremiah’s face. Evidently, so did Sam.
“You need your rest, my friend.” The pastor’s compassionate tone enveloped Maddy. She hoped Jeremiah felt it too. “We don’t know what tomorrow will bring.”
Finally, Jeremiah agreed, and they headed out into the dark night. This time Maddy walked very close to him, welcoming his presence, the touch of his hand, his murmured words weaving themselves into her heart. Nothing could take away her happiness.
Chapter Twenty-eight
Madeline’s womanly softness in his embrace brought a longing to taste her luscious lips. He lowered his head until their lips were only a breath apart….
A loud explosion jerked him awake, piercing the warm, loving embrace. Jeremiah groaned as the dream faded and Madeline vanished like early morning fog in the warm sunshine. What had awakened him? Something in his dream?
He listened to the silence of the night, then burrowed his head deeper into his pillow, willing the mental image back, wishing it were real. Would her lips feel as soft and dewy as they looked?
Pounding on the front door started again, bringing back the familiar sound that had destroyed his vision. He jumped out of bed and grabbed the trousers he’d dropped on the floor. After buttoning the fly, he snagged the shirt hanging on the back of a chair and pushed his arms into the sleeves while he made his way through the house. His eyes didn’t detect any light, not even faint moonlight through the uncovered windows. He stubbed his toe on something and bit back an exclamation that, since yesterday, wouldn’t be right for him to utter, even in private.
He stopped trying to button the shirt and used his hands to feel his way through the dining room and living room, favoring his sore toe. Would be nice when he got used to all this space and knew where to dodge the furniture.
“Jeremiah, open up.” Sam’s voice accompanied another onslaught on his door. “I need to talk to you.”
Jeremiah pulled the new door open wide before starting to button his shirt. “What’s going on, Sam?” Then it hit him. “Philip. He’s gone, isn’t he?”
“I’m sorry to say he is.” Sincere regret threaded through Sam’s words.
Jeremiah dropped his chin against his chest and squeezed his eyes closed. Tears pricked at his eyelids and a few escaped. The loss hit him harder than he’d imagined it would. Then a previously unknown peace about his friend’s passing dropped into his heart. He would miss the old codger like the dickens. Philip had been such an important part of his life for many years. He had to blink to hold back the flood of tears that threatened.
“Does Madeline know?” His heart told him she would be devastated too.
The waning stars provided enough light for him to detect Sam shaking his head. “Not yet. I want you with me when I tell her. According to Philip, you’re courting her. He said you should be there to comfort her.”
Jeremiah wanted to laugh at how quickly the word had gotten out, but the ache in his heart prevented mirth. Strange how that peace and the ache could coexist.
He stepped back. “Come in while I finish dressing. What time is it?”
Sam closed the door, and everything went totally black.
Jeremiah lit a match to find the kerosene lamp, then applied the flame to its wick, adjusting it so smoke wouldn’t leave soot in the chimney. “Come on back. We can talk.”
He set the lamp on the chest of drawers and grabbed a pair of socks from the top drawer. “It’s got to be the middle of the night.”
“Last time I checked, it was about 3:00 a.m.” Sam stood, arms crossed, in the doorway. “Should be about 3:30 or 4:00 by now. Philip told me about your conversation after church yesterday.” He stepped forward and held out his hand. “Welcome to the family of God.”
Jeremiah shook it. He realized it was special to acknowledge his new faith to his friend. He felt accepted in a way he’d never experienced before.
Quickly he reached for his boots. “Sounds like he was talkative last night.”
Sam laughed. “He tried. Wheezed out a few words at a time, and I caught the gist of it.”
“What else did he say?”
“A lot, really.” Sam paused before he continued. “Said he wants to be buried today. Said you and Madeline should talk to that lawyer from Boston. Said he really loved you and Madeline and little Pearl. Other things too.” His voice sounded husky before he finished.
Jeremiah got a bandanna out of the same drawer as the socks. He wiped his eyes before stuffing the handkerchief in his hip pocket. Picking up the lamp, he led the way to the front door, opened it, then turned down the wick to extinguish the flame and set the lamp on the table by the door.
“Wanna stop by the cook shack to grab some coffee?” He headed outside. A faint tinge of light outlined the horizon to the east.
Sam mounted his horse and turned toward the barn. “No thanks. But go ahead if you need to.”
Jeremiah headed to the barn as well. “Let’s get to the hotel as fast as we can.”
For some reason, Maddy slept fitfully, waking at the smallest sounds. She heard the top step on the stairs squeak, then scuffing foot
steps down the hall toward her bedroom. When they stopped, she held her breath.
She’d never been afraid in this hotel, but she didn’t like the idea of someone skulking outside her door. Every night she used the key so she and Pearl would be safe. Even so, tonight she sat up in bed and pulled the covers around her chest, waiting for another sound.
“Madeline.” The whispered word barely made it through the door.
What does Caroline want at this time of night? Or morning? Predawn light had brought a glow to the horizon outside her window.
Maddy slipped from under the covers and went to unlock the door. After opening it only a slit, she peeked with one eye at her landlady. Caroline wore a dressing gown and a mobcap on her head, as if she’d just gotten out of bed herself.
“Yes? Did you want something?” She kept her tone low so she wouldn’t awaken Pearl.
“Can you come out into the hallway so I can talk to you?” Caroline still kept her voice breathy.
Maddy moved the door enough to slip through, then closed it. Caroline’s eyes were serious, and her usually smiling lips formed a tight line.
“What’s wrong?” That’s all Maddy could think to say.
“I’ve come up to sit with Pearl. You need to get dressed and go down to the parlor. Jeremiah would like to talk to you.”
When she first heard his name, her heartbeat quickened. Then questions rolled through her mind. Why would Jeremiah be here at this time of night? And why was Caroline upset?
She turned and led her friend into the room. After lighting the lamp, she stepped behind the folding screen beside the wardrobe and quickly dressed. When she came out, Caroline sat in the rocking chair.
“Is something wrong?”
“Don’t keep Jeremiah waiting.” Caroline shooed her toward the door. “Don’t worry about Pearl. I’ll stay as long as I’m needed.”
Maddy hurried down the stairs into the parlor. Jeremiah stood with his hands clasped behind him, staring out the window at the early morning. He must have heard her, because he turned. His eyes glistened with tears.
Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico Page 25
