A Promised Land

by Kimberly Grist

  “I’d love it. But I haven’t ridden in years. Hope I remember how.” She gripped Jake’s arm as he maneuvered the wagon over a rough patch in the road.

  “We’ll go slow. But I imagine you’ll take right to it.” Jake placed his arm around Meriwether. “I’m pleasantly surprised about the way the meeting went with your pa. How do you feel about it?”

  “Happy for the most part.” She leaned against his shoulder. I love how I feel sitting so close to him. It makes me feel wanted and protected. She cleared her throat. “Since the conversation was light, I enjoyed being with him. We still have some things to discuss, but it’s a relief to know we can be in the same room without arguing.”

  Jake’s shoulders shook with laughter. “Ever since I met you, I’ve been amazed by your independence and courage. I find it hard to believe you have a fear of blood. How did you cope in the schoolroom? Surely there was a time or two when someone was hurt?”

  “Even thinking about it can sometimes give me the feeling of lightheadedness.” Meriwether took in a deep breath, then clenched and released her fists. “Small injuries like a scraped knee aren’t a problem. There was one incident where a pupil stumbled and hit his head on the desk. I sent one child for the doctor and another for water and focused on applying pressure until another adult arrived.”

  “Sounds like you handled it fine.” Jake clucked to the horses, then gave her a sideways glance.

  “I thought I was okay and even congratulated myself on overcoming my phobia. But as soon as I stood up, it was as though a screen was closing in front of my eyes. Luckily I was able to place my head between my knees.”

  “Did anyone notice?”

  Meriwether offered a half smile. “No one seemed to since everyone’s attention was on the young boy. I do believe the doctor caught on though because he congratulated me on my presence of mind to know when I should bow my head to pray.”

  Jake chuckled and pushed his hat to the back of his head. His eyes twinkled. “Sounds like he had you pegged for sure.”

  “She don’t like mice either.” Zachary rubbed his eyes, stretched and took his seat behind Meriwether and Jake.

  “True. However, I don’t faint when I see them.” Meriwether grinned. “I scream.”

  Jake coughed, then erupted in an infectious laugh. Everyone joined in as the entrance to the ranch came into view. Zach pointed at the weathered wooden sign that hung between two posts. “I can read that. It says Meriwether Meadows. But why does it say Beulah Land? Who’s Beulah?”

  Meriwether’s mouth twitched. “Beulah is a reference to a verse in the Bible from Isaiah. One of Uncle Marcus’s favorite books was Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan, which also referred to the verse that heaven can be seen from Beulah land.”

  “I still don’t get it.”

  Meriwether extended her arm toward the setting sun. “My uncle loved to point out things in nature to reaffirm God’s promises. The name Beulah reminded him that in order to enjoy fulfillment and success, the land needs working or it will become desolate. The same is true when it comes to our relationship with God.”

  Meriwether swallowed. “Uncle Marcus was a wonderful example of a godly man who reminded me to walk in faith and to put my trust in God.”

  Jake patted her shoulder. “He was an honorable man and a pleasure to do business with. I’m sure he’d be happy to know you are living here and enjoying the ranch once again.”

  Zachary nodded. “It sounds like he’d have liked the cake sermon too.”

  Jake leaned back against the bench seat and burst into a full belly laugh. He wiped his tears with the back of his sleeve. “He sure would have.” Then he winked at Meriwether. ”Zach’s pa is going to be amazed at the progress he’s making. Not only is he taking an interest in his studies, but is actually paying attention during church.”

  “He’s going to be surprised about some other things too.” Zach leaned forward.

  “I’m almost afraid to ask, but okay, what else is he going to be surprised about?” Jake gave a quick nod toward his nephew.

  “Well, the fact you finally got a girl for one thing.” His mouth formed into a thin line. “And when he finds out she doesn’t want to sell the property after he sold his and Grandmama’s land—”

  Meriwether gasped. “You didn’t tell me that’s why he was selling his farm.”

  “Of course that’s why he’s selling. We don’t have the amount of cash lying around to purchase a property like this. But I thought you knew that already.”

  “I assumed he was selling because he wanted to make his life here, and your mother was coming to help with the children.” Meriwether wrapped the cord of her reticule around her fingers.

  “It’s no secret we thought the opportunity to purchase the property was a dream come true. It was the catalyst which prompted him to make his decision.” His eyebrows narrowed. “But it’s not anything for you to worry about.”

  “Nothing for me to worry about?” Meriwether’s jaw dropped. “Didn’t you wire him and tell him he didn’t have to sell?”

  Zachary patted her shoulder. “Don’t worry. Since Uncle Jake’s going to marry you, Pa will get to keep his money and still be able to water his cattle. He’ll be as happy as a pig wallowing in slop.”

  CHAPTER 21

  ~o0o~

  “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

  Isaiah 40:31

  Meriwether sat on the steps of the front porch of the log home and ran a towel through her long curls. The dip in the creek had done little to improve her spirits. For a moment she closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of the morning sun on her face and the warm breeze through her hair. The firm light taps of boots announced Cookie’s arrival. “You didn’t eat much at breakfast, so I brought some coffee and a biscuit with honey, hoping I could tempt you.”

  Mrs. Baker handed Meriwether a small tray. “Is something bothering you?”

  “Thank you.” Meriwether breathed in the rich aroma of coffee and warm bread. Cookie sat down beside her and reached for a cup. “You haven’t said much about how things went with your pa the other day.”

  “We had a nice visit. I was surprised it went as well as it did.” She took a sip of coffee and studied the middle-aged woman whose blue eyes examined hers. “You know how charming Father can be when he puts his mind to it. Our conversation was pleasant. Although Zachary made sure he was well versed about some of my boarding situations.”

  “Good for him.” Cookie’s chubby cheeks rose as she chuckled. “Your pa should know the reality of the past four years, both good and bad.”

  “He received an earful from Zachary for sure. Especially when my father questioned me about wanting to settle here as opposed to living in town.” Meriwether took a sip of coffee.

  “Never did understand your pa’s opposition to living in the country. Your mother would have loved it.” Cookie took the biscuit from the tray. “What’s bothering you then? And don’t tell me nothing. I can tell by the circles under your eyes you’re not sleeping well.”

  “You know me too well.” She covered her mouth with her cup to hide a smile as Mrs. Baker polished off the biscuit. “Are you going to sit here and make me ask you a hundred questions? What’s got you so heartsick?”

  “I’m happier than I’ve been in a long time.” Meriwether took a sip of coffee and sighed. “I love living here and spending time with you and the children. Jake has been so attentive, and we’ve become really good friends.”

  Mrs. Baker huffed. “Anybody with eyes knows you two are more than friends. You agreed to let him court you, right?”

  “Yes.” Meriwether wrapped a long curl around her finger. “I’m concerned about Jake’s motivation for pursuing our relationship. I can’t help but think he wouldn’t have been interested if it weren’t for my inheritance.”

  “The obvious answer is you two would
probably have never met if it weren’t for the ranch. And if you do decide to get married, your property will bring a valuable asset to your marriage. But Jake’s not a pauper, child. He’d be able to prosper with or without your ranch.”

  Mrs. Baker gazed out at the field toward her home. “When Thomas and I got married and came out west, my father gave us two oxen for the trip and some additional cash. His parents donated the wagon and helped to purchase supplies. Both families did what they could to help us start out. But after that, except for the Lord, all we had was each other and a lot of hopes and dreams.”

  She turned toward Meriwether and took her hand. “Your uncle left this ranch to you because he wanted to bless you the same way as Thomas’s and my parents did. Don’t let this wonderful legacy become a burden. Although I can’t blame you for being cautious, as some might take advantage of a young girl out on her own.” She waved her finger. “I only want the best for you and I can’t imagine a better man than Jake. He’s a God-fearing, honorable man, and you two seem to suit one another.”

  Meriwether swallowed. “I’ve fallen in love with him, but I’m not sure he feels the same way.”

  “I’ve seen the way he looks at you. He’s smitten for sure.” Mrs. Baker smiled. “When we married, I was seventeen and Thomas was twenty. We thought as long as we had each other, we could conquer the world. But our adoration was squelched as we endured hardships.”

  Meriwether’s jaw dropped. “But y’all seem so happy.”

  “Our commitment to one another and the Lord never failed. We have a wonderful friendship and a steadfast love, but it didn’t just happen. It was hard work.” Mrs. Baker patted her hand. “Friendship, good communication and trust are vital for a relationship to work. Has anything happened to make you feel like Jake’s not being honest?”

  “No. He’s been forthcoming about everything and even showed me the letter from his brother explaining how they intended to move the family out here.” Meriwether grimaced. “His mother has some ambitious ideas on how to update the log house.”

  “Don’t agree to marry him until you see which way the land lies with his mama.” Mrs. Baker shuddered. “Both men love their mother, but a few things I’ve heard them say makes me think she rules their household.”

  Meriwether’s jaw dropped. “On the one hand, you sing Jake’s praises, but on the other, you recommend waiting to see if I like his mother.”

  “I’m sure you’ll go out of your way to be accommodating, and that’s what worries me. Just make sure she takes all those highfalutin ideas with her to her own home.” Cookie elbowed her good- naturedly. “If it were me, I’d find a way to recommend she build as far away from this place as possible.”

  Meriwether placed her hand over her mouth and giggled. “Cookie, it’s not like you to say something inhospitable.”

  “Not at all.” Mrs. Baker’s eyes twinkled. “We only want Mrs. Harrison to be as close to town and all of its conveniences as possible.”

  Meriwether placed her hand on her stomach and laughed. “Don’t worry. I’m not letting her cover these walls in plaster and wallpaper.”

  Cookie squeezed her hand. “Seriously, it’s important you separate your value as a person from this land. You are an intelligent, hardworking, warm and giving young woman. Many young men would find those qualities attractive. Don’t sell yourself short.”

  Meriwether blinked rapidly. “I suppose my lack of confidence in my own self-worth has to do with the troubles I’ve had with my father.”

  “Your father loves you. He’s just a ninny. It’s time you recognized that and move on.” Cookie placed her arm around Meriwether’s shoulder. “Examine your motivation. What is it about Jake that makes you love him?”

  A dog barked, followed by the clip-clop of a horse. The rider’s body moved to the rhythm of the chestnut bay. Meriwether’s placed her hand over her brow to shield the sun. “Jake must have bought a new horse. What a beautiful color.”

  “Good Morning, fair lady.” Jake tipped his hat. “For a moment I thought you were Princess Meriwether.” He dismounted and took her hand. “But I can see I’m mistaken, for you can be no other than Rapunzel.”

  Meriwether put her hand to her head. Her hair was now dry and hung in waves to her waist. “I must look a mess.”

  He lifted a lock and wrapped it around his finger. His eyes darkened. “You’ve never looked more beautiful.”

  Her heart pounded. She placed her hand on his arm and spoke softly, “You are too kind, sir.”

  “Not at all, my lady.” Jake grinned. “I’ve come on a mission. According to my nieces—and they are quite the experts on the life of a fairy-tale princess—I’m to offer a gift to show my affection.”

  Meriwether blinked. “A gift?”

  “Yes.” He placed his hand over his heart. “But alas, the mercantile doesn’t sell golden slippers. A comb seemed too simple and a spinning wheel inappropriate.” He waved his hand toward the beautiful chestnut mare. “Happy birthday, sweetheart.”

  Meriwether threw her arms around his neck. “Jake, she’s wonderful.” His strong arms enveloped her in a warm embrace, and in that moment, Jake Harrison became an integral part of her heart.

  CHAPTER 22

  ~o0o~

  “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope.”

  Romans 5:3-4

  “I’ve put this business trip off for weeks, expecting my brother to be back by now.” Jake held a telegram in his hand. “I need to ride into town so I can respond and arrange transportation. I thought you might want to go with me. We can have lunch at the diner. But we’ll need to go on horseback to save time.”

  Meriwether nodded. “I’ll need to change. But I would love to ride along with you.”

  “I’ll saddle your horse and meet you out front.” Jake winked and placed his hat on his head.

  Meriwether quickly dressed into her new split skirt with matching vest and tugged on her riding boots. She hurriedly braided her hair to better fit under her suede hat. Her shoes made taps across the wooden floor. “We’ll be back this afternoon. The girls are in the parlor practicing their addition. I told them they could work their puzzles or play quietly until we get home. Zach’s with your husband.”

  Cookie pulled a list from her apron pocket. “Please pick up a couple of things for me at the mercantile. If you don’t have time to wait, I’ll ask Thomas to drive over later this week to pick them up.”

  “I’ll take the list to the mercantile while Jake sends his telegram.” Meriwether wrapped her arm around Cookie and kissed her cheek, then hurried onto the porch.

  “Don’t you look pretty.” Jake whistled. “Your outfit reminds me of something Annie Oakley would wear. Although she’d be carrying a rifle.” Jake boosted her into the saddle.

  “I imagine she has a pistol or two.” Meriwether grinned.” She probably has a special holster sewn into those fancy boots of hers as well.”

  Jake swung his leg over his stallion and Meriwether followed him to the trail. She was surprised how quickly she took to the saddle again. Jake had patiently worked with her a little each day until she relaxed and enjoyed the ride. “We should make it to town within about thirty minutes,” he said.

  “Was the telegram from your brother?” Meriwether shot Jake a glance and caught the quick set of his jaw.

  “No, the message was from the buyer for my cattle. He wants me to confirm our shipping date. I’ve already put the guy off once and he’s getting a little antsy.” Jake rubbed the back of his neck. “He wants them delivered to St. Joseph Stockyard before the week’s out.”

  “I went to St. Joseph with my uncle and aunt years ago.” Meriwether shifted in her saddle to get a better view of Jake’s face. “I enjoyed the streetcar. My uncle and I rode it for hours one day. The conductor bragged the town of St. Joe had more miles of electric railway than New York City.”

  “It’s true that
most everything imaginable is easy access—banks, laundry, doctor, dentist, shopping and entertainment. But after four or five days, I’m ready to come home.” Jake pushed his hat to the back of his head.

  “My aunt did a lot of shopping while my uncle and I explored the city.” Meriwether smiled. “But the one place I remember the most was a tiny shop where my grandfather bought the locket that I inherited from my mother. My aunt spent at least an hour there talking with the owner’s wife about a lace pattern while my uncle had his watch repaired.”

  “Must have been kind of dull for you as a young girl.” The corners of his eyes crinkled as he shook his head.

  She waved her . “I wasn’t bored at all. The shop was full of beautiful things, and I was mesmerized by a wall of clocks. One featured figures dressed in bright colors, dancing in a circle when the hour struck.”

  “I’m surprised you didn’t come home with one.” Jake chuckled.

  “You think I was so spoiled that I got whatever I wanted?” Meriwether raised one eyebrow.

  “From everything you’ve said about your aunt and uncle, it certainly sounds as though they spoiled you a little.” Jake clucked to his horse. “Notice I said a little.”

  She gave him a lopsided grin. “Well, I didn’t get the clock. I was a little disappointed at the time. I’d forgotten all about it until you mentioned your upcoming trip.”

  The sound of the horses’ hooves pounded on the hard clay path as they rode in amicable silence for the next few minutes. Meriwether enjoyed the view of the sprawling green pastures and the rich aroma of clover as the town came into view.

  Jake untied his neckerchief and wiped the sweat from his brow. “There’s something I want to talk to you about. I expect my mother and brother to arrive any day now. I wanted to be there when you meet them. But the way things are going, there’s a good chance they may arrive while I’m gone.”

  “I’m sure the children will be thrilled to see their father and grandmother.” Meriwether’s eyebrows narrowed as she studied Jake’s face.