Prairie Romance Collection

by Cathy Marie Hake

  “What did you do?” Oscar’s voice lowered.

  “I told her we ought to get married anyway. I needed a wife; she needs a husband….”

  Oscar roared. “And you’re still standing?” Oscar slapped him on the back. “My boy, you just might be what the good Lord has in mind to tame that one.”

  Rylan guffawed. “The good Lord better not.”

  Oscar sobered. “The reason I came over to see you was, I’m … I’m…”

  “What’s the matter, Oscar?”

  “My bills—I don’t know if I’m going to meet them. The women gave it a good-hearted try, and they raised some funds, but it won’t meet my debt at Pete’s store for the seed I ordered last year. Do you have any ideas how I can raise some cash and still live on the land?”

  Rylan scratched the day’s growth on his chin. “Not at the moment, but I’m certain the Lord will help us out here. You know the men made a suggestion to me earlier. I have vegetables that need canning, and I have no wife to can them. I don’t have the time to do it, either. I’d hate to see the food spoil. Do you think your wife and daughter might come over and do some canning for me?”

  “I’m sure they’d lend a hand, but how’s that going to help with my debt?”

  “It won’t, really. However, whatever they harvest and can that I don’t need, you and your family can have for payment. You might not have any cash, but your bellies will be full.”

  “I’ll speak to Raixa. Thank you.”

  “My pleasure. I’ve tasted your wife’s cooking. Having her put up vegetables for

  the winter will be a blessing for me.”

  After exchanging a brief handshake and good-byes, Rylan gathered his horses. The sassy smile of Judith Timmons shot back into his mind’s eye. Lord, she is beautiful. And what’s with those eyes? Yellow and brown… I’ve never seen anything like them. I could possibly find myself… Nope, I won’t go there. Sorry I teased her, Lord.

  He guided his buckboard out of the fairgrounds. A woman with slumped shoulders walked by the side of the road. “Whoa, boys, who’s that?”

  He paused before asking hesitantly, “Judith?”

  She turned, her eyes damp. His heart sank. “Judith, I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”

  “You don’t understand. My mother heard the rumors. She thinks it’s just wonderful. She didn’t believe me when I told her it wasn’t true.”

  “What? I spoke with your father. He knows I was just teasing you.”

  “Father knows?” She nibbled her lower lip.

  “Yes.” He leaned over the edge of the wagon. “Judith, are you heading home?”

  She nodded.

  “May I give you a lift?”

  “But it isn’t—“

  “Proper. I know. But everyone thinks we’re engaged anyway. You can end our engagement tomorrow, and no one will think the worse of you. Of course, you’ll have to contend with the others who are standing in line to propose to you.”

  She audibly sighed.

  “Please, let me make amends for teasing you.”

  She looked to her left and to her right. Rylan fought the desire to check if others were watching him, too.

  “All right.”

  She placed her slender hand in his. How can a woman’s hand be so small? Shifting, he made room for her on the seat of his buckboard.

  He sucked in the hot afternoon air, making the clicking sound that told his team to move forward.

  “I was fascinated with how well you worked your team,” Judith said. “I’ve never seen anything like that before.”

  “I’ve been practicing all year. I lost to Jim McCoy last time, and I was determined not to lose to him this year. Consequently, Jim is determined to beat me next year.”

  “Healthy competition?”

  “But of course, miss. A man has few things to compete with.”

  Judith giggled. The purr of her laughter set his insides doing flip-flops. What was it about this woman? He stared into her eyes.

  “What? Do I have dirt on my face?”

  “No, a little dust maybe. I’m just fascinated with your eyes. I’ve never seen any others quite like them.”

  She smiled. “They’re rare, but I’m told they are a family trait. My grandmother on my mother’s side is said to have had them, as well as my mother’s great-aunt Ruth.”

  “Interesting.”

  “When I was young I was teased by the other children. But when boys started noticing girls, things changed. Some were attracted because they were so different; others were afraid of them. One boy said they reminded him of tigers’ eyes. Not that the boy ever saw a real live tiger, but that’s how he described them.”

  “Fascinating. Truthfully, I think they are beautiful. They remind me of golden wheat when the sun is setting on the grains at harvesttime.”

  Judith blinked and turned her head, looking to their right.

  “I’m sorry, did I offend you again?” Rylan sighed.

  She placed her hand on his forearm. “Who hurt you?”

  “Her name is Margaret. She married my best friend. They didn’t have the decency to tell me they’d married. I read it in the newspaper the other day.”

  “I’m so sorry. No wonder you were in such a bad mood that afternoon.”

  “Pete said I nearly knocked you down. I’m sorry. I didn’t even know I banged into anyone.”

  “All is forgiven. You had reason to be upset.”

  “I reckon I did, but it doesn’t excuse my rude behavior to you. I guess I was feeling pretty sorry for myself. I’ve spent the last three years building up the farm, building the barn and house, all for Margaret, and now she’s not coming.”

  “I guess I’ve been feeling rather sorry for myself, too. I don’t want to be here. I want to be back home with my friends. Mother and Father are happier here, but I miss the evening socials.”

  “Is there a gentleman waiting for you?”

  “No. I have a bit of a sharp tongue, as you have seen.”

  Rylan chuckled. “But it comes with such a pretty face. Those men in Worcester must be fools.”

  “I thank you for saying so, but I’ve been hard on them. Especially when they’d talk about Daddy and the bank. So many lies were being said.”

  Her face whitened. “Oh, no!” She cupped her hand over her mouth.

  “Your father told me of his business troubles back east. I know what happened.”

  “Phew, I thought I’d blown it again. You’re right when you pegged me for having trouble with my tongue.”

  “Everyone has faults, Judith. I can’t imagine yours being so difficult a man couldn’t look past them.”

  “It’s like I was saying—it had more to do with Daddy’s business misfortune. Once people knew I was the daughter of Oscar Timmons, the invitations ceased. I guess that’s why I want to go back. To prove to everyone they were wrong.”

  “Why? What would it matter? I wanted to go back and see Jackson and Margaret, but then I realized it wouldn’t change anything. They would still be married. They still had betrayed me. It wouldn’t have made any difference, except for the possibility of me sinning with my fist.”

  “Ouch. Jackson better stay in Boston.”

  Rylan’s spirit lifted. “Thanks.”

  He eased the buckboard to a halt at the corner of the path to her home. “You’re easy to talk with, Judith. Thank you.”

  “You’re not so bad yourself. I suppose there really isn’t anything for me back east.”

  “Wanna reconsider my offer?”

  Chapter 5

  I should probably scare the pants off you and accept your foolish invitation.”

  Rylan chuckled.

  Just how forward should she be with this man? Judith wondered. He did fascinate her, and not just on the curiosity level. The man had genuine appeal, and she felt irresistibly drawn to him in a way she’d never before experienced. “You did say you needed a wife.” She wiggled her eyebrows.

  “And you need a husband
.”

  “Why?”

  His smile slipped. “Uh, uh.”

  “Seriously, why? Why do people think a woman needs a husband? I can cook, clean, take care of my house. I can even make an income for myself. Admittedly, it isn’t as much as a man could make but…”

  He placed his finger to her lips. “Shh. Save your passion.”

  Judith didn’t dare move. His finger seared her lips. Her insides felt like jelly.

  “I used to believe a man and woman should have a passion for one another. I loved Margaret, but apparently it wasn’t enough.”

  Judith cleared her throat. “Is it possible she wasn’t the right one? I used to believe that God designed the perfect spouse for me, and I simply hadn’t found him yet. But as time went by, that belief has dwindled. However, seeing my parents now, the love they have for each other, I’ve been wondering again if perhaps God may still have a perfect spouse for me.”

  Rylan leaned back and knitted his fingers behind his head. “I used to believe Margaret was the one. I did until a few days ago. But now, I don’t know. I just don’t know what to think anymore.”

  “Tell me, Rylan, what would you have done if Margaret came out here, saw the farm, married you, then left in less than a year? If she couldn’t live without proper society, things might have turned out that way.”

  “I don’t know. The thought never crossed my mind. I assumed she’d be happy here with me. Isn’t that what true love is—to be happy when you’re with the other person?”

  “You’re probably right. I haven’t experienced it yet. And while I’m getting older by social standards back east, living here doesn’t mean I’m at a loss for possible husbands.”

  Rylan chuckled. “No, I’d say you’re the prime choice for wife this year. How many proposals have you had? Not counting mine, of course.”

  “Ha, you’re not getting off that easy. Last count was around ten, I think. It might be closer to fifteen. It’s hard to keep track.”

  Rylan let out a slow, lazy whistle. “Someone better knock you off your feet soon, or you might hit the world record. You could be an attraction at the county fairs—the woman with the most proposals.”

  “Thanks a lot,” she huffed.

  He held his hands up in the air. “Just teasing.”

  Judith stood to get down from the buckboard. “Thank you for the ride home. Our engagement is officially over.”

  He gave an exaggerated sigh. “This one was shorter than the last. I didn’t even make it to a full three hours.”

  “At least you didn’t have to build me a house.” She jumped down.

  “Ouch! You’re a vexing woman. Beautiful, but vexing.” Rylan smiled.

  She reached up and touched his hand. “Rylan, pray about whether or not she was the right one. God will help settle it for you.”

  “I will. And Judith—” He paused. “Pray about your new home. Ask the Lord to show you the beauty of the area. We’re good, hardworking people here. All of us are trying to make a better life for our families.”

  “I will. And thank you, Rylan.”

  He tipped his hat and snapped the reins.

  “Lord, have mercy he’s a handsome man,” she mumbled.

  “I heard that.”

  Judith’s cheeks flamed.

  Rylan avoided Judith for days. Every time he saw her in the meadow, he’d steer clear of her. Every time he saw her in town, he’d cross the street and wave from a distance. The woman was not good for his system. She brought up feelings he hadn’t sensed in years. Feelings he’d had for Margaret and more. He’d tried to pray about Margaret and whether or not he’d made the wrong decision three years ago. He couldn’t help but wonder what life would have been like if he’d not moved west. If he’d stayed in Boston and married her. Would they have moved to New York, where his parents lived? Would they have stayed in Boston? Would he have been happy there? He felt so much pleasure working the land, digging his hands deep in the soil. Had it been best that he’d been delayed a year in bringing Margaret to Kansas? Was it what was best in the long run?

  He didn’t have an answer, and every time he thought about it, his head pounded.

  Then memories of Judith and their conversation would flood his mind. She would be a woman to wrestle with, so forward and open, yet also sensitive. She didn’t know it, but she was perfect for living in an untamed area. Her stubborn, defiant way fought well the hardships of nature. Unfortunately, those thoughts went on to suggest how perfect she’d be as his wife. He wanted a wife, needed a wife, but was he just grasping at the only available woman in the area? Or was the Lord above opening his eyes to another?

  It was futile. All this thinking was going nowhere. Unable to sleep in the farmhouse, he knew it was another matter to take to the Lord in prayer. Indian summer had set in across the region. The days were uncommonly warm, and the nights pleasantly cool. Rylan stripped to the waist and dove into the pond.

  The cool water washed away the day’s heat. He floated on the surface and allowed the warmth of the sun to warm his face and torso.

  “Caught ya.”

  Rylan splashed the water, rousing himself from his peaceful slumber. “What are you doing here?”

  “I followed you,” Judith answered.

  “You followed me?” Rylan treaded water and stared at his unexpected visitor.” I need to know why you’re avoiding me.”

  “I’ m not….”

  She placed her hands on her hips. “You know and I know you’ve been avoiding me. So ‘fess up. What did I do wrong?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Then why? I thought we’d become friends after sharing such intimate conversation with one another.”

  With a hard kick, Rylan swam toward shore. He didn’t want to hurt Judith. She turned her head and looked toward the thick forest as he stepped out of the lake. Quickly he gathered his tossed shirt and covered himself. “Judith, my avoidance had nothing to do with you.”

  Golden eyes searched his own. Perhaps it had everything to do with her. He squashed the thought. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

  “Rylan, I don’t understand. You’re the only friend—or almost friend—I have in these parts and—“

  “Shh. I’m sorry. It has nothing to do with you and everything to do with me and my feelings for Margaret. I need to get a handle on them.”

  “But what does that have to do with your avoidance of me?”

  Because you are threatening my sanity, he wanted to shout. “I need time. Time to work through my hurt emotions before…” He let his words trail off. Did he want to label his feelings for Judith? No, it wouldn’t be right.

  “Before?”

  Rylan drew in a deep breath and expelled it slowly. “Come over here and sit down.” He pointed to a fallen tree that made a perfect bench at the pond’s edge. He combed the wet strands of his hair back with his fingers.

  Rylan paced back and forth in front of the log bench then stopped and faced Judith. “I hadn’t told anyone until that day of the fair about Margaret and Jackson, and you know more than most. It’s hard for a man to admit he’s no good at love, and that something he’s been working for, planning for, and praying about for the past three years burned up as fast as grass in a prairie fire.”

  “Which is why I thought we had developed a friendship.”

  “Yes, but it wasn’t just friendship, was it?”

  “Of course it was.”

  Rylan came to her and sat down beside her on the log. “Judith, I’m attracted to you, and you’re attracted to me. We can’t deny that.”

  “I’m not … well, maybe a little.”

  He knitted his eyebrows and locked his gaze with hers.

  “All right, maybe more than a little.” She looked away. A soft glow of pink rose on her cheeks.

  “I can’t, Judith. Not until I’m over Margaret. I can’t even sleep in my own house yet.” “What?”

  Judith couldn’t believe her ears. The man hadn’t slept in his
house since the day he’d nearly run her over, the day he’d learned of Margaret’s betrayal.

  “The house was my wedding gift to her.”

  “What makes the house so specifically for Margaret?”

  “You mean besides the fact that I built it for her?”

  “Let’s do this. Let’s remove Margaret from the picture. A man builds a house for shelter for himself and his family, correct?”

  “Of course, that’s what I just told you.”

  “No, you said you built it as a wedding gift for Margaret. Are you telling me you never slept in the house before you got the news?”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. Of course I slept in it, ate in it; it’s my house.”

  “Exactly. It’s your house, Rylan, not Margaret’s. You may have built it with her in mind, but you also built it for yourself.”

  He folded his hands in his lap. “True. But so much of the house is her.”

  “How so?” She fought the desire to reach out and touch him.

  “The wallpaper in my bedroom is covered with her favorite flowers, lilacs.”

  “You wallpapered?” And with my favorite flower. I wonder if he has some more?

  He jerked his head up and probed her with his glance. “Only the one bedroom. I wanted one room of the house feminine for her. Most of the house would be a working farmhouse and the children’s rooms, of course.”

  She smiled. “How many children were you hoping for?”

  “A dozen, but I’d settle for six.”

  “A dozen! Are you raising children or farmhands?”

  Rylan grinned. “Both.”

  Judith couldn’t resist a chuckle. “What else in the house is specifically for Margaret? Is it something that can be removed? Wouldn’t that be easier for you than sleeping in the woods?”

  Rylan was silent for a moment then got up to pace again.

  Judith knew her attraction to him was strong, but more than her feelings had created her desire to see Rylan through this problem. She wanted to help him work this out. He’d helped her so much with his admonition to give this wilderness a chance. She still didn’t want to give up her longing to live back east, but an overall appreciation for the area and its people daily grew within her. But the idea of her and Rylan having a personal relationship deeper than friendship was one idea she buried deep. He wasn’t ready, and she wasn’t ready. The mere thought of being that close with this man kept her awake to the wee hours of the night.