A Promised Land

by Kimberly Grist

  “I know what you heard. It’s not what you think.” His boots made crunching sounds as he matched her steps. “Please hear me out.” Jake stepped in front of her again. “Just give me five minutes.”

  Meriwether lifted her chin. “You’ve got until I reach the front porch and not a minute more.”

  His penetrating eyes searched hers. “Be reasonable. How can we have a conversation if you won’t stop and look at me?”

  “You’ve overcome greater obstacles, I’m certain.” Meriwether sidestepped Jake and picked up her pace.

  “You sure are stubborn.” Jake chuckled.

  Meriwether paused and posted her hands on her hips. “You find this funny?”

  Jake placed his hand on her elbow and swallowed. “No, sweetheart. I don’t and I’m sorrier than I can say.”

  Meriwether poked her finger in his chest. “I don’t want your pity, and don’t call me sweetheart.”

  She pivoted and resumed her pace. Drat this corset. She stumbled. Jake’s hand steadied her.

  “Listen, you have every right to be angry and hurt. But you’ve seen how my mother conducts herself. I told her I loved you and wanted us to marry. She got me riled up since she’s developed a notion she needs to look after your best interests.”

  “You love me? My best interests?” Meriwether stomped to a halt and faced Jake. “You expect me to believe that?”

  Jake reached for her hand. “My mother’s emotions swing like the pendulum of a clock. But once she develops a kinship with someone, she protects them like a mama bear. She’s gone from thinking you’re a gold digger to accusing me of being one. I was acting out of frustration when I said what I did. If you had come down the steps a minute earlier, you would have heard me tell her how much I love you.”

  Meriwether’s jaw dropped. “Your mother? Protective of me? That’s rich.” She lifted her skirt, hurried onto the porch, slammed the door behind her, and secured the lock.

  ~o0o~

  Cookie tapped on Meriwether’s bedroom door. “Good thing we keep a key hidden on the front porch, or I would have been locked out of my own house.”

  “I’m sorry.” Meriwether lifted her swollen eyes toward Cookie.

  “Oh my, you look a fright. Come on down to the kitchen with me and I’ll make a poultice for you. But first, you need to eat something.” She put her arm around Meriwether and led her to the stairs.

  “I’m not hungry. But I would appreciate a cold compress. My eyes are burning and my chest hurts.” Meriwether sniffed.

  “You’ve cried enough. Come on downstairs and we’ll talk about it.”

  Meriwether followed her into the kitchen and sat down at the table covered in a red-checkered cloth. “The soup smells delicious.” Meriwether looked toward the pot on the stove. “I didn’t think I would be able to eat.”

  Cookie filled two bowls and placed them on the table with crackers. She took her seat across from Meriwether and put her hands together in prayer. “Lord, it’s been an eventful day. We ask for your guidance on what’s to come and we thank you for the many blessings you provide. Amen.”

  “I suppose you heard what happened.” Meriwether took a sip of broth.

  “Two or three times at least, once from Mrs. Harrison and at least twice from Jake.” Mrs. Baker blew on her soup, then took a sip. “Pass me the crackers, child.”

  Meriwether took a few sips of broth, then summoned her courage. “What did his mother say?”

  “That woman is hard to figure.” Mrs. Baker shook her head. “One day she treats you like a Jezebel and the next day you’d think you were an angel sent down from heaven.” She crumbled crackers into her bowl. “She said Jake told her he loved you and wanted to marry you. But when she asked if it was you or the land he loved, Jake got mad.” Mrs. Baker chuckled. “Is it true he said you weren’t bad-looking and should be able to provide him with a bunch of children?”

  Meriwether offered a half smile. “And he would never consider marrying a woman like me if it weren’t for the land.”

  “Why didn’t you let Jake explain what happened?”

  “I gave him more time than I felt he deserved on the walk back to your house.” Meriwether stared at her spoon.

  Mrs. Baker grinned. “He said he had to run to keep up with you.”

  “What else did he say?” Meriwether’s voice cracked.

  “He asked my advice on what to do next. He wondered how long he should wait before he tried to explain himself to you again.”

  “Do you think he has feelings for me?” Meriwether took in a deep breath. “That he loves me? He’s never told me so until today.”

  “I do. But your feelings are what matters, not mine. Are you committed to this relationship? Can you give him up that easy?” Cookie studied her as she finished her last bite of soup.

  “I want to believe him. But I’d like for him to prove his sincerity.” Meriwether bit her lip.

  “What would you have him do?” Cookie’s eyebrows rose.

  “I have no idea,” Meriwether answered with a heavy sigh.

  “You don’t have to say or do anything tonight, except to take care of your swollen eyes and face. Why don’t you take a nice bath? You can place the poultice on your face while you soak.”

  “That sounds heavenly. Your water closet has certainly spoiled me. I’d like to have one installed when I move back home.” Meriwether stared out the window at a group of cypress trees that obscured her vision of the log house.

  “Wait until your future mother-in-law moves out. You don’t want to give her any temptation to stay in your home any longer than you have to.” Cookie chuckled.

  CHAPTER 29

  ~o0o~

  “Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant”

  Psalm 119:76

  Jake leaned on the porch railing and stared at the Baker’s house. The light from Meriwether’s upstairs window illuminated the night. Male crickets singing their courtship song seemed to mock him with alternating chirps and trills as they called to their sweethearts.

  “You figure on going over there tonight?” Luke blew puffs of smoke with his cigar. “The Bible teaches us not to go to bed angry.” The rich aroma of cinnamon floated toward him in the form of assorted circles of smoke.

  Jake rubbed his hand over his neck. “I was thinking of trying again later in the week, hoping she’ll cool off some.”

  “One thing I learned when I was married was that women don’t like to be ignored.” Luke puffed, curled his lips and exhaled slowly, adding a spinning technique to a beautiful stream of small circles. “And most of the time when they say they want to be left alone, what they want is you to make the effort to talk things through.”

  Jake stared. “Are you pulling my leg?”

  “Nope.” Luke leaned back in his chair.

  “How do you know when they want to be left alone?” Jake’s heart wrenched as his brother’s eyes grew misty.

  “That’s tricky. If I had it to do all over again …Well, let’s say I’d give it another attempt tonight. At least she’d know you cared enough to try again.” Luke set his cigar on the ledge. “Come on, I’ll walk over with you for moral support.”

  The Bakers’ home was dark with only the upstairs window giving out light. “Looks like they’ve all gone to bed.” Luke paused in front of the house.

  Jake rubbed his chin. “I don’t want to disturb Mr. and Mrs. Baker.” Luke followed him as he walked to the side of the house. “You said women don’t like to be ignored? And the Bible teaches not to let the sun go down on your anger, right?”

  Luke matched his brother’s grin. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

  Jake nodded. “I know where Mr. Baker keeps his ladder. Come with me to fetch it right quick, before I lose my nerve.”

  ~o0o~

  Meriwether brushed out her hair in front of the open window making use of the warm breeze. Her eyes still burned a bit but were much better. The co
mpresses Mrs. Baker made did wonders. Maybe I’ll read for a while. She stood and walked to her bureau for her uncle’s copy of Pilgrim’s Progress.

  A tap-tap sounded outside her window. Her eyebrows narrowed. It’s probably the wind. She crept towards her reticule and reached for her gun. She held her breath.

  “Meriwether,” a deep voice called. “It’s me, Jake. Don’t shoot.”

  Hands shaking, she placed her gun on the bureau, then marched to the window. “Jake Harrison, have you lost your mind? You scared me to death. Do you realize I could have shot you?”

  “I’m sorry, honey. But I had to see you and try to make things right.” The ladder swayed and Jake’s hand grabbed the ledge.

  “Oh, for goodness sakes.” Meriwether sprang to the window and placed her arms around his shoulder. “Do you have your footing?”

  “Yes,” Jake’s voice was hoarse.

  “All right, get as close as you can and lean your body toward me and I’ll pull you in. We’ll let gravity do the rest.”

  Jake landed with a thump. His chest heaved up and down as he closed his eyes and caught his breath. “I thought I was done for when I saw you with that gun.”

  “I’m glad I recognized it was you.” She touched his face, and for a moment she was lost. “Why didn’t you knock on the front door?”

  “I didn’t think you would open it for me, and the rest of the house is dark. The Bakers must be asleep.” Jake scrambled to his feet and pulled Meriwether close. “I missed you so much.”

  “I missed you too.” She swallowed.

  He stroked her hair. “Please say you believe me when I say I love you and I want you to be my wife?” He placed her hand over his chest. “My heart stopped when I saw you standing there and realized you’d only heard part of the conversation.” He tilted her chin and stared into her eyes. “I love your honest and straightforward manner, the way your eyes flash when you’re excited, the color of your hair, especially in the sunshine.”

  His finger ran along her cheek. “I love the way you twist your mouth when you’re concentrating. You amaze me with your intelligence and your concern for other people. I love everything about you.”

  “I love you too, Jake.” Her mouth quivered.

  Jake knelt and reached in his pocket for the ring box. “Meriwether Victoria Walker, will you marry me?”

  “Yes,” Meriwether placed her hand to her heart.

  “That’s an answered prayer.” He blew out a sigh of relief as he rose to his feet and placed a ring on her finger.

  “It’s beautiful.” Meriwether sighed as she met Jake’s gaze. “God answered my prayer too.”

  He pulled her close. Their lips met. “Thank you for saying yes.” He stroked his finger along her cheek. “I’m going to do my best to make you happy.”

  The ladder tapped against the window. Meriwether gasped. Jake grinned and wrapped a long strand of hair around his finger. “That’s Luke telling me my time’s up.”

  Meriwether placed her hand to her throat. “Don’t you want to use the front door?”

  Jake shook his head, then kissed her hand. “One day when we’re old and gray, my lady, we can tell our grandchildren our own story of Rapunzel and how she lived happily ever after.”

  CHAPTER 30

  ~o0o~

  “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

  John 13:34-35

  Three months later…

  Meriwether placed her hand on her stomach and held her breath as Cookie laced the back of her dress. “All done. Turn around and take a look.”

  Meriwether twirled in front of the full-length mirror. Her grandmother’s and mother’s wedding gown was perfect. Mrs. Harrison had worked wonders altering the dress so she could wear it without a hoop. The ivory-silk taffeta ballgown made a soft swish. She ran her hand across the rosebud-trimmed neckline.

  “Your mother would be so pleased that you are wearing her bridal ensemble.” Cookie dabbed her eyes. “You look perfect.”

  “Not quite yet. We still need to add the veil.” Mrs. Harrison carefully removed the lace shawl and placed it on Meriwether’s head. The delicate design of floral sprays, garlands and scrolls made a perfect veil when partnered with the matching headdress decorated with white beads.

  Cookie adjusted the curls around Meriwether’s face. “You look beautiful, child.” She blinked rapidly. Meriwether brought Cookie into a hug.

  “No crying now. It will make your nose run.” Mrs. Harrison’s mouth formed into a thin line, then did a quick upturn at the sound of a tap on the door, followed by giggles. “The girls have a surprise for you. Is it alright if I let them in?”

  “Of course.” Meriwether dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief

  Sarah and Sissy entered wearing matching sage-colored dresses with puffed sleeves, making their green eyes seem darker. Sissy gasped. “You’re more beautiful than Cinderella.” Sarah nodded and held out a box. “We bought you princess shoes. Grandmama helped us pick them out.”

  Meriwether lifted the lid and gasped. “What beautiful slippers.”

  “They’re gold satin, isn’t that right, Grandmama?” Sissy clapped her hands.

  “That’s right.” Mrs. Harrison waved her hand. “Well, hurry and put them on. Let’s not keep my son waiting at the altar.”

  “We already put a penny in one for good luck.” Sarah handed her a shoe. Sissy wagged her finger. “Don’t go running off and lose one. Uncle Jake’s not good at finding things.”

  Meriwether giggled as she exchanged her ivory slippers for the shiny gold ones.

  “May I come in?” Meriwether’s father peeked in the partially opened door. “You look beautiful, so much like your mother.” He stepped forward carrying a velvet box. “I wanted to surprise you.”

  Meriwether’s mouth dropped. Her fingers trembled as she opened the box displaying a single strand of pearls. “They’re lovely.”

  Her father cleared his throat. “Mrs. Harrison helped me pick them out.”

  “Thank you, Father.” She swallowed. “Mrs. Harrison has been extremely busy,” she said as her father wrapped her in a tentative embrace. Meriwether sniffed as she held out the pearls. Her voice cracked. “Would you help me with the clasp?” She carefully lifted her veil as her father fastened the necklace. His image met her gaze as she touched the pearls and blinked back tears.

  “I hope those are happy tears, daughter?”

  Meriwether nodded and sniffed.

  “Well, I’m glad, although I would much prefer to see you smile.” He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket.

  “It would help to eliminate that red nose.” Mrs. Harrison frowned. “Now enough of that or you’ll have me crying, and that would certainly ruin my reputation.”

  Beautiful notes from a piano filled the air. “I believe that’s our cue.” Her father extended his arm. Cookie handed Meriwether her bridal bouquet they’d fashioned together. It was her mother’s Bible wrapped in ivory tulle. In the center was a cluster of silk roses and her grandmother’s locket, securely fastened in blue ribbons.

  Cookie opened the door and handed the girls their flower baskets. “We’d best get to our places. Or else your uncle will think Meriwether’s changed her mind. You girls stand with your Aunt Mary. Me and your grandmama need to take our seats.”

  ~o0o~

  Meriwether’s knees shook as she waited with her father to proceed into the sanctuary. Jake’s sister, Mary, went first, followed by Sarah and Sissy who removed dried rose petals from their baskets and scattered them along the path. Meriwether trembled as she took the first step until she met Jake’s gaze and her nerves subsided. He looked so handsome in his dark sack coat, vest and black bow tie. The sparkle in his gray eyes warmed her heart.

  Reverend Reed’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “Friends, it is my honor to welcome you. We are gathered here on
this day to join in marriage Meriwether Walker and Jacob Harrison. Who gives this woman to be married?”

  “I do.” Her father placed her hand in Jake’s, then took his seat next to his wife and Mr. and Mrs. Baker. Meriwether’s eyes met Jake’s, and her heart soared.

  Mary took her bridal flowers, then squeezed her hand briefly as she stood in place beside her as matron of honor.

  “The Bible teaches that two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. If either falls, one can help the other up. Marriage is often described as getting hitched. Which makes me think of two horses yoked together pulling a wagon.”

  The congregation chuckled.

  Reverend Reed opened his Bible. “Did you know two horses working together can accomplish not twice, but three and sometimes four times the work as one? Marriage will require work, but you will find fruit as you labor beside one another. God has brought you together, not only for your own enjoyment, but also to work for His glory, and for the good of others.

  “Jake and Meriwether, as you walk together, there will be potholes and winding paths. You may falter and you may fall, but you have each other to hold the weaker one up at those times.”

  The pastor read 1 Corinthians Chapter 13, before turning his attention to the marriage vows. “The ring is a symbol of the love you have for each other. Its unending circle represents the eternal quality of your love. And the gold in these rings symbolizes the purity of your love. Now you may seal your promise to each other by giving and receiving the rings.”

  Luke reached into his pocket and retrieved the ring. Reverend Reed continued, “Jake, place the ring on Meriwether’s finger and repeat after me: I, Jacob, take you, Meriwether to be my wedded wife— To have and to hold from this day forward; for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health. To love and cherish ‘til death do us part. According to God’s holy ordinance, and with this ring, I pledge you my love.” Jake repeated in a strong, smooth voice, then placed a gold band on her finger.