Twice Promised (The Blue Willow Brides Book #2): A Novel

by Brendan, Maggie

  “What do you mean?” Jess frowned.

  Greta sat back in her chair. “The message I received from the private who was with Bryan when he died was that only one man was worthy of my love—his brother. I had no idea what he meant, and after a year, I guess I didn’t think about it anymore. When I found out yesterday that you and Zach were Bryan’s brothers, I wondered which of you he had been referring to.”

  “I see.”

  “But don’t you see? If you have Bryan’s approval, then nothing can stop the way we feel for each other. Not Zach, Cora, or anyone else.”

  A tiny smile began to form on Jess’s lips. “I’ll have to talk to Zach, you know.”

  “Yes, you will. We have to deal with this openly.” Greta started to rise but lost her balance. Jess caught her to himself and didn’t let go.

  “I see you have my granddad’s cane, but where’s your locket? You always wear it.”

  “It now graces Granny’s neck.” She gazed up at him and watched his eyes soften.

  His nearness and the touch of his hands on her arms sent a shock right through her. She lifted her eyes to meet his. “Jess, I—”

  He shushed her with his finger to her lips. “I need you, Greta. You’ve touched a chord in my being that no one ever has before.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “What about Agnes? I thought you were in love with her once.”

  “I’ve come to understand that what I felt for Agnes wasn’t love at all. Love should be accepting each other—all our faults as well as the good parts—and wanting the best for each other. And that was definitely not what we had.” He paused, still holding her. “You love me in spite of my bad habits and encourage me to do the best I can as a mercantile owner. No one’s ever done that before, and as far-fetched as it seems, I love running this store. I feel like I’m offering a much-needed service. Does that make sense?”

  Her arms encircled his neck. “Perfectly. And I know I have my faults. I can be a little pushy at times.” When he grinned, she continued. “I want to be by your side—day in and day out. We complement each other, don’t you think?”

  “That, my dear, we can do.” He leaned down to brush her brow with his lips. His finger trailed down her lips to her chin, then her neck, softly caressing her skin. She breathed a deep sigh of contentment and closed her eyes, which he promptly kissed as well. “You smell so good. Have you had a chance to eat supper yet?”

  She jerked back. “Ach! Oh, goodness. I forgot Caleb is waiting on the front porch to take me back to Granny’s. I plumb forgot.”

  “I’ll come too. Granny’s never refused her grandson a meal.”

  Cora stepped into her dress, too nervous to work the buttons. She paused and caught her reflection in the mirror atop the bureau. She’d pulled her heavy hair up off her neck, using her favorite tortoise-shell combs, leaving a few tendrils to drift against her collarbone. The effect against the dress of yellow challis gave her a softer appeal. She smiled. Until now, she’d forgotten how much she missed dressing up, and tonight she was dressing up for the most important man in her life.

  Maybe I shouldn’t meet Zach. Lord, what should I do? she prayed as she leaned against the door of her room. I don’t want to hurt Jess or Greta, but I can’t pretend feelings that are not there. Her answer was swift as she recalled something the preacher had read from the book of Psalms on Sunday: “I will instruct you in the way you should choose.” Lord, I’m so grateful for the complicated and wonderful ways You brought a man like Zach to me.

  Finally, her nerves somewhat calmer, she finished the buttons, tweaked her cheeks to add a tinge of pink, and grabbed her reticule to go meet Zach. She was a little concerned that someone might say something about Zach being out to dinner with her, but Greta was indisposed for now . . .

  Yet in her heart she felt guilty being at Zach’s side until the truth was out in the open. Well, it would be settled once he talked to Jess. After all, Jess had summarily dismissed her tonight in his abrupt mood. Not very seemly for a man about to marry her, right?

  She took a deep breath and started down the stairs. Okay, Lord, I’m trusting You to work all this out.

  Zach had returned with the wagon, explaining it would be far easier to take a moonlit ride after they dined at the hotel. He led the way past the mahogany desk, and Cora glimpsed the elaborate bar at the other end, complete with a brass rail where men still in their business suits stood talking or sat playing cards. They walked on until they reached the dining area and were seated at a cozy table with crisp linen. Only then did Cora notice that Zach’s eyes never left her as he laid his hat aside.

  “What?” she asked, spreading the napkin in her lap.

  “Oh, I was just thinking what a lucky man I am to have a beautiful woman as my dinner guest,” Zach answered softly, leaning across the table. “You look exquisite in that dress.” His eyes traveled down to her shoulders with a pleased look.

  “You’re not so bad-looking yourself,” Cora quipped. She loved to tease him and enjoyed their light banter as they placed their order for dinner. “I feel like a princess with her prince tonight. This hotel is beautiful. I really shouldn’t be staying here and will be glad to move to a more affordable room, if you can find one for me.”

  Zach took a sip of his water before answering. “It is a nice hotel and pricey, that’s true, but let’s not worry about that for now. I want this evening to be fun for us.”

  “As you wish.” She tried not to focus on his mouth and his warm kisses. She suddenly felt her face go warm, remembering their stolen kisses in the alley. “I must tell you, though, I was more than a little worried about us being together, even if Greta is laid up for a few days. I don’t want there to be talk about us until you can talk to her and Jess.”

  “You’re right.” His voice was low. “I shouldn’t act on impulse, but it’s hard whenever I see you. And you, Cora, will have to speak with Jess as well, you know.”

  “I know that, but it seems since he’s your brother, it needs to come from you first. I know the Lord will make the right opportunity for that to happen.”

  “I hope so. I’m not thrilled to talk to him about this.” Zach sighed. “Cora, are you certain you will be happy on a ranch away from town?”

  “Wherever you are is where I want to be. With faith as our centerpiece, Zach, we can accomplish a lot in our lives. I’ve already told you that I have a desire to do some type of missionary work locally, and it’d be nice to have an extra room in our home that can be available if someone is in need. Which reminds me—maybe I need to check on the Careys again soon.”

  Zach grinned. “I’ll remind you, I have a better memory than Jess. I’m trying to learn to trust in what the Lord wants for us. I really have never done that before.” He gave her a steady gaze, then looked up. “Here comes our dinner. I’m famished. How about you?”

  They enjoyed roasted chicken, peas, and whipped potatoes, and settled on huckleberry pie for dessert. Cora was having a wonderful time. Zach covered her hand with his, and the soft candlelight added just the perfect touch to create a romantic meal and enjoyable conversation . . . until Cole and Agnes Cartwright entered the dining room.

  Agnes made a beeline straight for their table. “Well, hello there. Looks like you’re having an intimate dinner for two, but the players are all wrong. I don’t think Greta will like this!” she said with pursed lips.

  Cole came up behind her and removed his hat. “Howdy, you two. Looks like we’re interrupting dessert.”

  Zach stood and clasped Cole’s hand. “We’re nearly finished. Won’t you join us?”

  “That would be lovely.” Agnes commenced to pull out a chair, but Cole took her firmly by the elbow.

  “No, we won’t intrude, but give my best to Greta,” Cole said.

  “I’ll be sure to do that. She sprained her ankle and is resting at Granny’s for a few days.”

  “Does she know you’re having dinner with Cora?” Agnes asked smugly.

  “Agnes, for
heaven’s sake, it’s none of your business.” Cole swore under his breath.

  Cora thought it sad that Cole had to supervise his sister’s behavior. “We’ll be sure to tell her later this week when she comes back to the store,” she replied, hoping she and Zach appeared to have nothing to hide. She stared directly at Agnes’s pinched face.

  “Good! I’ll drop by for a fitting then. Ta-ta.” She waved when Cole murmured a goodbye and steered his sister away to the other side of the dining room.

  Zach took his seat again, and Cora felt like the romantic evening had suddenly ended. But Zach seemed unaffected as he paid for their dinner, then leveled a smoldering look at her. “Don’t let Agnes spoil things. Our evening is just beginning,” he whispered.

  25

  Somewhere in the distance, an owl hooted from its perch atop a cottonwood tree, and a ball of yellow crested the top of dark mountain peaks as Zach halted the buckboard. They’d left the noisy streets of Central City behind, and he was the happiest man alive. The cool night air hadn’t diminished the heat coursing furiously through his veins as he pulled Cora next to him on the seat. Niggling thoughts of Greta and Jess threatened to cloud his mind, but he pushed them aside, determined to enjoy his first date with Cora, however secret it was.

  Cora snuggled against his shoulder, and they sat in comfortable silence, listening to the sounds of Clear Creek and the occasional hum of insects. She felt good in his arms, and he instinctively knew she was strong and capable enough to deal with whatever life handed her, as well as dependable.

  “You feel so good next to me,” he whispered, giving her shoulders a squeeze.

  “Mmm . . . I could stay in your strong arms always,” Cora murmured back.

  He stroked her head tenderly, then played with the thick curls as they twined about his fingers as if they had a mind of their own. He leaned down to nuzzle the nape of her neck, breathing deeply of the delicate scent of her skin.

  “I thought we were going to stargaze tonight,” she commented. “Is that the Big Dipper over there?” She pointed upward.

  “It is indeed. I marvel every time I see it,” Zach replied, tilting his head back to look into the clear night sky. “My dad taught us to appreciate God’s handiwork.”

  “The Bible says that God knows every star by name. Isn’t that incredible? If He knows each star, then how much more valuable we must be to Him,” she said almost reverently.

  “I just thought of something else my daddy taught us. I don’t know it by heart, but it goes something like this: ‘When I consider the heavens and the work of Your fingers, the moon and stars—what is man that You are mindful of him? You made him a little lower than the angels and crowned him with glory and honor.’ Now that’s a pretty powerful statement. How really insignificant I feel sometimes,” he said quietly.

  Cora moved in her seat, turning to face him. “Yes, but think of God’s incredible love for us. I think both of these Scriptures are from Psalms, but I’m fairly new to the Bible, so don’t hold me to that.”

  “You could be right. I must admit I haven’t regularly picked up my Bible, but what your parents teach you—you really never forget the words.” His lips brushed her brow. “Cora, I think you’re going to be good for me. Your fresh enthusiasm for God is contagious, you know.”

  “Tell that to my parents!” She laughed. “All joking aside, I do have a burning desire to learn more about the Lord. I grew up where His name was never mentioned. We celebrated Christmas for all the wrong reasons.” She shook her head.

  Zach stroked her hands with his thumbs. “You and I both have a lot of catching up to do, don’t we?”

  Granny got up from her rocking chair when her grandson, Greta, and Caleb rumbled up the drive. Jess set the brake on the buckboard and called out, “Are you up to two more guests tonight?”

  “Land sakes! I’m pleased as punch to have ya!” She stepped down the porch steps, her face beaming with the delight of a much younger person.

  Jess adored his grandmother, and he knew the feeling was mutual. Now it was his hope that she’d welcome Greta into the family as his wife. But just how was he going to tell her? He’d have to speak to Zach first, which was only right. With his hands around Greta’s waist, he swung her down to the ground, loving the feel of her slight frame when she leaned against him for support.

  “Caleb, give Stomper some fresh oats and water, then let him out to pasture until after supper.”

  Caleb said hello to Granny and began unharnessing Stomper.

  “Be quick, Caleb. I’ve had my stew simmering ’cause I figured you’d all be coming back.” She laughed. “Come on in.”

  During dinner, Caleb had two helpings of stew and corn bread, barely talking as he shoveled in his supper. Jess and Greta exchanged looks, and Jess smiled as she bit her lip to cover her laughter. He’d never be able to fill the boy up, any more than he could fill up Bryan.

  Looking down the long dining room table at Granny, Jess caught the twinkle of Greta’s locket against her dress. How thoughtful and unselfish for Greta to give the locket to Granny. On the ride over, Jess had told Greta that he’d do his best to trust in what she said, and he was happy he wouldn’t have to live in his brother’s shadow.

  Granny winked at him, making Jess smile. “Supper was great as usual, Granny.”

  “It sure was,” Caleb added, smacking his lips. “I’d do any extra chores you have in my free time just to get to sit at your table.”

  “Well, thank you both. Caleb, I might be able to accommodate you. I’ve been wanting to paint my porch for some time now.”

  “I could probably get that done in two weekends.” Caleb leaned back in his chair and covered a belch with his napkin.

  “I might let you leave around four on Saturday, but you’d have to go to church on Sunday. You could paint after lunch,” Jess remarked.

  “Think you can handle the job, Caleb? I’ll buy the supplies,” Granny said.

  “I know I can,” Caleb bragged.

  “Then, young man, you’ve got yourself an extra job and supper anytime you’re hungry!” Granny rose and started clearing the table, and Greta made a move to help.

  Granny tapped Greta on the shoulder. “Oh no you don’t. You just rest that foot. Jess, why don’t you and Greta enjoy the porch swing before I have to take it down when the porch is painted? The weather’s mighty nice now.”

  Greta gave the older woman a brief hug as she stood. “I told Jess you are going to spoil me rotten.” She caught Caleb’s eye. “Do you think you could wash the dishes for Granny?”

  Caleb swallowed. “Wash dishes?”

  “Don’t you worry none,” Granny said. “I’ll wash, you dry. Fair deal?”

  Caleb cocked his head at her. “You wouldn’t have something sweet to nibble on, would you? Jess works me pretty hard,” he answered with a grin.

  Granny paused with the plates stacked in her hands. “You and I are going to get along just fine. I’ve been known to have a sweet tooth all my life,” she answered with a laugh.

  Jess tucked Greta’s arm under his. “I think we can leave them alone to battle it out, don’t you?” Greta nodded. He couldn’t wait to be alone with her again before he and Caleb headed back to Central City. He guessed Zach had come home after he and Greta left and fixed his own supper or went to Mabel’s again. At least he wouldn’t have to complain about Jess’s cooking tonight.

  “Granny’s right. It’s a beautiful night and all the stars are out,” Greta commented once they were settled on the swing at the end of the porch.

  Jess pushed his foot against the floor to set the swing in motion, and it creaked against the rope. “I can tell that the evenings are beginning to get just a little cooler than before. But fall is my favorite time of year, and I enjoy being here on Granny’s porch with you next to me. How’s your foot feeling? Better, I hope?”

  She looked at him, her eyes wide in the darkness with only the moon’s glow for light. “It really is much better. I want to g
et back to the store, but Granny and I need to finish up the dress for Agnes, so could you plan on having Caleb pick me up Friday morning?”

  Jess rested his arm on her shoulders. “I’ll do even better than that. I’ll come get you myself.”

  “Jess, until you talk to Zach, it’d be best to let Caleb come for me, don’t you think?”

  Her nearness made it hard for him to think about anything else. “I guess you’re right.” How in the world could he have been so against having a mail-order bride? Greta was so lovely with the moonlight bouncing off her hair, making it appear almost silvery against the pale skin of her shoulders. He lifted her hands and kissed her palms, noting her neatly filed nails. She scooted closer to lean her head against his shoulder, releasing a breathy sigh.

  “Happy?” he asked.

  “Contented at the moment. The motion of the swing makes my eyes heavy. Guess I’m as bad as a baby in a cradle,” she said.

  “Then that calls for a good-night kiss for my baby,” he said.

  She lifted her head to meet his kiss, and hers was warm, sweet, and inviting. Jess lingered there, nibbling at her lips. He could never get enough of them, and he felt his blood turn to water with every kiss she returned. At long last, he released her and closed his eyes. He leaned back against the porch swing with one arm still about her shoulders, caressing her silky hair.

  She began to trace the outline of his brow, then his eyes, and continued on to touch his lips, ending with a kiss on his neck just above his collar. “And your baby thanks you.”

  Once Greta was ensconced in the four-poster bed under a light chenille coverlet, she finally opened Catharine’s letter.

  Dearest Greta,

  Everyone here is doing well, and the twins are growing up fast. They keep me very busy, as you recall, so this will be a quick letter. The wheat crop looks promising for harvest soon, and Peter sends his love. Anna is doing well living with Clara, and it seems that Clara is happier having Anna as a companion.