A Love of Her Own

by Maggie Brendan

  Back outside, Miss Margaret told April that she wanted to pick up some embroidery thread at the mercantile. “Would you like to go with me before we return to the boardinghouse? I think Louise and Natalie will have everything under control for supper. We have just enough time before Earl closes his doors.”

  Instantly April had an idea. “Miss Margaret, I’d just love to.” April took her arm, pretending she hadn’t seen the questioning look on Miss Margaret’s face. “I may have a thing or two to buy.” The two hurried to get to the mercantile before Earl locked up. “You ladies are in luck. What can I do for you?” he asked.

  “I need some scarlet embroidery thread for a piece I’m working on,” Miss Margaret said.

  “Right this way. I’ll see if we have any in stock.”

  Miss Margaret followed him to the other side of the store. April cast a glance around the store until she saw Mabel and rushed over to her.

  Mabel was getting ready to leave and was tidying up the sales counter. “Why, Miss April. It’s you again. How can I help you?” She seemed a bit more cheerful than the last time.

  “Do you remember the dress that Natalie had you hold for her?” When Mabel looked thoughtful and then nodded, April continued. “Could you go get it for me? I wish to buy it.”

  “I don’t know about that . . . Natalie has her heart set on it.”

  “I know she put some money down for you to hold it, but I’d like to pay off the remainder of the balance for her as a gift.”

  Mabel hesitated. “I guess I could let you do that. That would be a nice surprise for her.” She moved to go to the back.

  “I’m in kind of a hurry, if you don’t mind.”

  “I see. I’ll be only a moment.” Mabel scooted behind the curtained doorway to the storage room.

  April looked around nervously. She didn’t want anyone to see her purchase the dress. But true to her word, Mabel was back in a flash with the dress.

  “Could you please ring it up and wrap it for me before Miss Margaret walks back over here?” April chewed her bottom lip.

  “Yes. Step this way, Miss April.” Mabel folded the sage green dress, laid it between sheets of brown paper, and wrapped it up, then tied a sturdy string around it. April paid for the purchase and thanked her, hardly waiting for Mabel’s reply. She was so pleased that she could afford to buy the dress now. She hugged the package to her chest as Earl and Miss Margaret came to the counter and prayed they wouldn’t ask her what it was.

  21

  Dinner was one of the most enjoyable meals April had had since becoming a boarder. Miss Margaret’s big dining room table was filled with all her newly found friends. From the looks of the table laden with roast beef, potatoes, peas, rolls, and apple pie for dessert, one would have thought they were celebrating a holiday. Willard and May were able to join them, and some of the color had returned to Willard’s cheeks. April watched the affection May bestowed—she constantly patted him on the arm and listened intently to everything he said. Before his heart attack, their constant display of affection had nauseated April, but now she understood why. They were soul mates, and May had been so afraid of losing him. Miss Margaret had said that God spared Willard for a little while longer. April would consider herself lucky to be married as long as the two of them and have someone still be so in love with her.

  Wes sat directly across the table from her, with Natalie to his left. Watching Natalie, April had no doubt she had her eye on Wes, who was polite but didn’t seem to return her fondness. His eyes caught April’s and he winked at her, making her heart race. His rugged, tanned face spoke of hours working with his horses under Montana’s wide-open skies, and when he lifted his water glass, the backs of his hands were as bronze as his face. April recalled how his hands had gently guided the mare for Jane and how his fingers had tenderly stroked April’s face. She could almost feel his touch now, and she hoped her face didn’t reveal just how flustered she was. She picked up her fork and knife and attacked the roast beef but found herself no longer hungry, the meat forming a lump too big to swallow. She sensed Wes’s eyes on her.

  Willard paused in his eating to press his napkin to his lips and looked over at April. “Young lady, you are the hero of the day!”

  April could feel the heat in her cheeks. “I only reacted as anyone else probably would in the situation. Lenora did her part too.”

  Willard smiled back at her, then directed a question to Lenora, who sat between Louise and April. “I hear from Miss Margaret that Morgan is doing well, Lenora?”

  “Yes, he is doing well, and he may get to come home tomorrow. Thank you for asking,” Lenora said. “But I really do have to thank April for her quick wit—I’m afraid I couldn’t think straight and only got angry.” Lenora directed her gaze to April.

  April laughed unabashedly. “Lenora was quite the actress. And you should have seen her trying to attack the bandit.”

  “Let’s toast to April, shall we?” Mark said, lifting his water glass. Everyone at the table did likewise, and he said, “Here, here! To April, for her ability to handle not only a bad situation but a team of six horses as well.” Mark finished his toast, then clinked his glass against Louise’s, and the others did likewise. Happy chatter filled the room, and April felt that she was truly among friends for the first time in a long while.

  “All right, enough of that now. I’m thankful that Morgan survived, but I’m very sorry about Leon.” April saw that Natalie had leaned in close to Wes, touching his arm as they toasted. April quickly looked over at Miss Margaret. “Did Leon have any family?”

  “He has a sister still living in Bozeman, and his remains will be sent there to be buried,” Miss Margaret answered.

  “He was a nice guy and always friendly. I believe Billy took it kinda hard.” Wes looked in April’s direction, his face somber.

  April laid down her fork. “I have to agree. I want to talk to you later about how we might cheer him up.” She beamed at Wes, but he made no comment, nor did he give her one of his usual wide smiles.

  Natalie suddenly sat up straighter. “Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”

  Lenora changed the subject and glanced over at Beth. “Beth, you are doing wonders with Morgan. He listens to your instructions better than mine.”

  April listened to Lenora’s pleasant-sounding Southern voice, which brought to mind another Southerner she knew, Crystal Clark . . . which also reminded her that Luke had married Crystal and not her. But that was all in the past now, and she didn’t intend to look back.

  Beth gave a nervous laugh. “I do what I can. I’m afraid my father left no wiggle room when it came to his instructions on how to care for the sick. I find your husband has a great sense of humor, Lenora.”

  “Oh, he does, all right. He keeps me in good spirits, yet he’s the one wounded.” Lenora’s laugh was soft, just like the gentle tone of her voice.

  Louise, who had been unusually quiet, stood up. “I’ll make a fresh batch of coffee and we can all retire to the parlor. Perhaps Willard might be a little more comfortable there.”

  Mark rose. “I’ll come help,” he said, surprising Louise.

  “There’s no need,” she said nervously, moving to clear the dinner plates.

  Mark wouldn’t be deterred. “I can help with the cups and saucers.”

  Louise, let him help. April wanted to use Miss Margaret’s cane to nudge her. Louise glanced over at April, who gave her a quick look without being too obvious.

  “In that case, I could use your help,” Louise said. “Come with me.”

  Miss Margaret caught April’s eye and winked, a smile on her wrinkled face.

  “I think I’ll pass on the coffee if you don’t mind, folks,” Willard said, pushing back his chair. “But May, why don’t you go ahead without me?” He gave her a pat on the hand.

  May got up and hooked her arm through her husband’s. “You can’t get rid of me that easy. I’ll get you comfy and then read you some more of the adventur
es of Sherlock Holmes.” They said their good nights to everyone and strolled arm in arm down the hallway to their bedroom.

  Lenora thanked Miss Margaret for the meal and left to go check on Morgan. The rest moved to the parlor while they waited for Mark and Louise to bring the coffee.

  “It’s a bit drafty in this room. Wes, would you build us a nice fire so we can be comfortable and chat?”

  “I’ll be happy to do that for you.” Wes bent down to start the fire. April watched him scrape ashes into a bucket, then place several logs on the grate. Her eyes went directly to his taut muscles beneath the flannel shirt tucked into his jeans, and April got a good view of his trim waistline and slim hips. His hair nearly reached his collar, but it was nicely trimmed. He took a match from the tin box and struck it on his boot heel, making the spurs jingle. Moments later, a bright fire flickered, lending a soft ambience to the room and casting shadows along the walls. It felt cozy and comfortable to April. If someone had told her a few weeks ago she’d be enjoying a quiet evening in a boardinghouse in Montana, chatting by the fireplace with people of all backgrounds, she would have laughed in their face. It made her wonder why her father was so snooty when it came to his acquaintances. All she knew now was that she didn’t want to be just like her father anymore.

  Natalie sat on the settee, and from her pining look at Wes, April knew she wanted him to sit with her, but he stood instead, one arm propped across the mantle, watching the blaze burn with a thoughtful look. April took the chair next to Miss Margaret.

  Beth sat down next to Natalie and heaved a weary sigh. “I didn’t realize how tired I was.” She leaned her head back against the settee’s wooden trim. “I guess I’m not used to standing as much as I did today.”

  Miss Margaret, who was happily settled in her rocking chair, gave Beth a sympathetic look. “I’m sure it was hard on you, after not working for a while since baby Anne’s birth. Mark is glad to have you working for him.”

  “Yes, I didn’t realize how much I missed it. And Nellie’s sister has agreed to watch Anne while I work. My life hasn’t been the same since my husband died from pneumonia.” Beth’s bottom lip trembled.

  “I’m so sorry, Beth,” April murmured. “I can’t imagine raising a child alone.”

  Beth dabbed her nose with her handkerchief. “Thank you. It will be difficult, but I know the Lord will provide. But I felt I had to get a fresh start in a different town, against my father’s wishes. Little Anne was only a month old when my husband took sick.”

  April’s heart twisted. How terrible to lose your husband so young and be left to find work with a baby to raise. “I can only imagine.” Natalie patted Beth’s wrist. “You have us now, and we are all more than willing to help in any way we can.”

  Miss Margaret nodded. “You can count on us. Anything you need, just let us know. We all adore little Anne, so it won’t be hard.”

  “Thank you all so very much,” Beth said with a smile.

  April looked up to see Louise and Mark enter, chatting amiably. He held a tray of teacups, and she carried a tray of coffee, sugar, and cream. Louise’s countenance seemed to have heightened, judging by the pinkness of her face. She filled the teacups, and Mark started to hand them around.

  “Is everyone going to the mayor’s event in the square this weekend?” Mark asked.

  “My son was telling me about that.” Miss Margaret stirred her coffee. “He said it’s something to do with land, I think.”

  “Mmm . . . I believe it is.” Mark reached across the tray, taking another cup from Louise.

  “I’m sure it must be newsworthy if Albert was asked to cover it in the newspaper.” Margaret sipped her coffee, pleasure filling her round face.

  “When are they doing this?” Wes asked. He moved to take a cup from Mark as he expressed his thanks.

  “It’ll be Sunday afternoon and should be like other political events. Usually the band plays anthems, and there are typically other speakers besides the mayor. It’ll be held on the square and decorated with red, white, and blue flags. The ladies usually set up lemonade and cookies for refreshments.” Mark’s hands seemed to be at home handing out the china cups. “It makes the entire event very festive,” he added. He followed Louise across the room to the vacant overstuffed chairs with a small table between them. April was so glad that Mark did seem interested in Louise and caught Miss Margaret watching them once or twice.

  “Well then, we should all attend as citizens. It may affect us.” Wes strolled nearer to April’s seat.

  “I agree. Now my interest is piqued.” Miss Margaret turned to Beth and asked if she knew how to play chess.

  “I do. Would you like to play a game?” Beth answered.

  “No, not me. I’ve never cared for the game, but Natalie likes it, don’t you, dear?” Miss Margaret smiled at her daughter.

  “I’m no expert, but I do enjoy the game.” Natalie rose to retrieve the board game and pieces from the secretary. “We can sit next to the fire, Beth. Drag your chair up close.”

  “All right. I can play a short while before I’ll have to go check on Anne. She was fast asleep earlier, but I’ll have to listen for her in case she wakes.” Natalie took a seat and they set the pieces up while Miss Margaret looked on.

  April was acutely aware of Wes’s nearness. She held tightly to her cup and saucer, afraid that her trembling hands would betray her. What had happened to her this last week? Hadn’t she sworn that another man would not own her heart?

  Wes leaned down and whispered in April’s ear, startling her. “Would you care to go for a walk, April? We can discuss your idea on how to cheer up Billy.”

  April was caught off guard and looked up at him in surprise. “I’d like that very much.” She rose from her chair and caught Natalie’s deflated face when she looked up from the chessboard. “I’m sorry,” April mouthed.

  “Better grab your wrap. It’s chilly.” Wes strode past Louise and Mark and followed April into the foyer, where she donned her woolen cape. Wes wore his brown duster and cowboy hat. He placed his hand on the small of her back when she walked through the door to the porch. She felt a tingle down her spine and took a quick breath.

  The glittering stars filled the velvety black sky like a million diamond fragments, and the moon shone brightly. It was the perfect night for an intimate stroll. Laughter and music could be heard from the saloon down the road on the other side. April drew her cape together against autumn’s chill as she and Wes walked toward the quieter streets of town. Except for a passing wagon or the few people out walking to various destinations, all was quiet, punctuated only by Wes’s spurs jingling with each step on the sidewalk.

  After a few minutes, Wes broke the silence. “I wanted to tell you how proud I was of how you handled the robbery situation and the stagecoach, April. But I’m not surprised at all. You’re strong as well as a good horsewoman.” He paused and looked down at her face. The moon lit one side of Wes’s face, making his light-colored hair appear as blonde as hers. His square jawline was clearly outlined, and April controlled the urge to reach up and touch it.

  “Everyone is making it a big deal, Wes, but honestly, I just reacted.” She laughed. “Maybe I’m better under pressure.”

  “Nah, don’t think so. Just look when I pressured you the other day with that kiss. I’m afraid all I did was aggravate you, and that was not my intent, I assure you,” he said hoarsely.

  April felt a twinge of regret. “Wes, I . . . I really like you, a whole lot. But what good would it do to be more than friends? You already know that I intend to go back to Colorado. There are some big differences about us too.”

  “Meaning, you’re from a wealthy family and I’m just a would-be rancher and horse trainer?”

  She directed her gaze to his, and their eyes held. Her heart sped up. “That’s partly true, but I don’t want to hurt your feelings.” April moistened her lips, and his eyes narrowed. “Wes, don’t you see that Natalie’s set her heart on you?”

&nb
sp; Wes leaned against a hitching rail and folded his arms across his chest. “I did notice, but I don’t feel that way about her. Anyway, I want to talk about you. Are you telling me I don’t even have a chance with you because you’re looking for a rich man?” His face hardened.

  “That’s not what I meant at all, so don’t get your spurs all tangled up. I never said that I was looking for anyone,” April said. “There would have to be lots of compromises for both of us to deal with.”

  Wes let his arms drop to his sides. “So you have given this some thought, or you wouldn’t have said that. We can work those things out.” He gave her an endearing half smile that charmed her, and she saw a dimple in one cheek that she hadn’t noticed before.

  “I’m very neat and like things simple but nice,” April reminded him.

  “I’m a clutter bug, but I would try harder.”

  “I want a home large enough to have friends or family stay over.” April waved her hands.

  “I can add on to the ranch house.”

  “My father won’t like you.”

  “I’ll respect your father.”

  “I want to train horses too.”

  “We’ll be partners.”

  “I can’t cook.”

  “I can.”

  “I’m spoiled.”

  “I’ll rein you in.”

  “But I love Colorado.”

  “You’ll grow to love Montana and we can visit Colorado.” Wes shifted on his feet.

  “Hmm . . . that sounds like a proposal to me.” April licked her lips, then pressed her hands into the folds of her cape.

  Wes reached for her hands and pulled her to him. He smelled clean but manly as she felt the taut muscles in his arms. She liked the feel of them wrapped around her, and her gaze flew to his lips, which were curled in a sensuous smile. “I’d like to work on that, April,” he said huskily.

  April’s heart beat wildly against her ribcage. Tenderly he reached out, stroked her cheek, and moved a strand of hair from her face, and she heard his breath quicken. His gaze bore through her, and she tilted her face up to his with a clear invitation. That was all he needed. He tightened his grip around her and leaned down to press her upturned lips in a tender, deep kiss.