The Bridal Swap

by Karen Kirst

  After tending to the horses in the barn, he walked with her to the cabin, somehow reluctant for the outing to end.

  “I had a wonderful time today.” She smiled over at him. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. I enjoyed it, as well.”

  “Will you work in your shop now?”

  He nodded. Wanting to tell her more, he said, “You know, I have plans to expand my furniture business.”

  Her face lit up. “Josh, that’s wonderful! I have no doubt you’ll be successful. Perhaps you can give me some pointers.”

  Her enthusiasm warmed his insides. “Well, I’m not quite there yet. But close. It’s something I’ve wanted for a while, and now that an opportunity has come along, I feel it’s the right time. In fact, there’s a place—” Spying something on her porch, he broke off. “Looks like someone left you flowers.”

  Her finely arched brows met in the middle. “What?”

  A niggling feeling of unease settled deep in his gut. He scooped up the bouquet of yellow daisies tied with a ribbon and handed them to her. Lifting them to her nose, she inhaled their fragrance. Then he spotted the folded paper.

  He picked it up and, handing it to her, waited for her to read it, even though it was none of his business. The color drained from her face, and her eyes darted to the woods and the yard.

  He stepped closer and gripped her arm. “What is it, Kate?”

  “Tyler.”

  Anger seizing him, he took the paper she held out.

  You are my life. I won’t rest till you’re home where you belong.

  Crushing the note into a ball, he paced away from her. The audacity, the boldness of Matthews’s actions—coming onto O’Malley property in broad daylight for the purpose of scaring Kate—spawned outrage and fury in his chest.

  Had no one seen him? Obviously not. His family wouldn’t have left this here for her to find.

  How was he supposed to keep her safe?

  He pivoted back. “From now on, I don’t want you going anywhere alone.”

  “But—”

  Going to her, he settled his hands on her shoulders. “I’m serious, Kate. If you need to go somewhere, let me or one of my brothers know. Or my father. The last thing I want is for you to encounter Matthews unprotected.”

  Her expression troubled, she stared up at him with trusting eyes. “All right.”

  “I have to make some deliveries in Sevierville next week. I’ll be gone for a few days.”

  He’d feel a whole lot better if she knew how to protect herself. Maybe he should teach her how to handle a weapon. “I just want you to be careful.”

  “I know,” she murmured. “The thought of being alone with him…” She trailed off, shuddering.

  Without thinking, he pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her. She came willingly. Pressing her cheek against his chest, she looped her arms about his waist. Her hair smelled fresh and clean beneath his chin.

  He didn’t speak, simply held her and rubbed her back in a soothing gesture. He felt her soft sigh deep in his bones. The world around them faded. The birds’ chirping and the cattle’s lowing receded. Holding Kate made him forget everything else.

  Like how dangerous it was to care for her.

  Later that evening, she was penning letters to acquaintances back home when she heard a thump on the porch.

  “Hello? Kate, are you in there?”

  Recognizing Mary’s voice, she set aside her fountain pen and rushed to open the door.

  “Mary! Can I take that for you?” She indicated the tray in her hands.

  “I brought tea.” The older woman brushed past her only to hesitate at the table. “Am I interrupting your correspondence?”

  Kate hurried to clear the tabletop of her stationery. “Not at all. My hand was beginning to cramp, so a break is most welcome.”

  Mary poured the steaming liquid into two cups and, placing one in front of Kate, settled into the chair opposite. Her expression was one of motherly concern. “Nathan let slip what’s been happening with Tyler, and I wanted to see how you’re faring.”

  Absentmindedly she stirred the honey into her tea. “I’ll admit it’s unsettling. I never would’ve expected Charlotte’s son to behave this way.” Setting her spoon aside, she sipped the bracing brew. “I’ve heard it said that everyone has a twin. Did you know his wife?”

  “In passing. Lily was a shy sort.” Sighing, Mary fingered the cross at her neck. “We were all shocked to hear about the accident. And poor Tyler. He may have recovered from his injuries, but he’s not been the same since.”

  “I wish he’d realize I’m not her.”

  “Don’t worry.” Mary patted her hand. “My boys will do everything in their power to keep you safe. More important, you’re never out of the Lord’s sight. He’s promised not to abandon you.”

  “Yes, I know you’re right.”

  God was faithful. Not like people who promised forever, then left. People like Wesley. And, yes, even Fran.

  “You’re not thinking of leaving anytime soon, are you? I’m enjoying having another female around. You’re like the daughter I never had.”

  The sweet acceptance shining in Mary’s eyes brought tears to her own. Not once had her mother looked at her like that. What would it have been like to grow up with a mother like Mary? To revel in the knowledge that she was special. That she was enough.

  Swallowing the emotion clogging her throat, she shook her head. “I still have a lot of work to do here. On the other hand, I don’t want to burden your family. Not only have I displaced Josh, I’m adding extra work for you—”

  She held up a staying hand. “One more mouth to feed hardly matters. And Josh has admitted he’d rather be in his old room for the time being. So, please, no more talk of being a burden. It’s a pleasure to have you here.”

  “Thank you.” She lowered her gaze, emotions near the surface. “You don’t know how much that means to me.”

  Sensitive to her mood, Mary guided the conversation to safer topics, asking questions about her life in New York and answering Kate’s questions about Gatlinburg and its history. The town was originally called White Oak Flats—that surprised Kate. Mary pointed out that it was named after all the white oak trees in the area.

  She was preparing to leave when Josh arrived.

  Standing tall and broad-shouldered, hat in his hands, Josh was more handsome than any man had a right to be. “Evenin’.”

  “Hi.”

  “Got a minute?”

  “Certainly.” She moved back to give him room to enter.

  His gaze swung to Mary. “Want me to take that back to the house for you, Ma?”

  “No, I can manage.” Her smile encompassed them both. “Did you find your supper?”

  “I did. As always, it was delicious.”

  “Thanks again for the tea,” Kate said as Mary passed by. “And the conversation.”

  “Anytime, dear. See you in the morning.”

  “Good night, Ma.”

  “Good night.”

  Tossing his hat on the cupboard, he took a step forward. Kate’s pulse picked up speed. She couldn’t help but remember what had happened the last time he was here. Would he kiss her again? Should she let him?

  Her inner voice of reason gave a resounding “No!” Look at what happened the last time she allowed a man to take such liberties! Her heart argued that Josh was nothing like Wesley. He would never in a million years overstep the moral boundaries. Josh O’Malley loved God and lived to honor Him.

  “I came to tell you that I’ve decided to teach you to shoot a firearm.”

  What? Kate tried to make sense of his words. “Excuse me?”

  “Tomorrow morning, you and I
are gonna take a little walk out to where I have my targets set up. I have a gun picked out for you. It’s not all that difficult. Just takes practice, is all.”

  Laughter bubbled up. “Me? Fire a gun? You must be joking.”

  His brows lowered. “Why would I do that?”

  “A lady does not speak of weapons, much less handle one.” The mere idea was preposterous. Who did he take her for—Annie Oakley?

  “Besides, where do you propose I conceal this weapon on my person?” She spread her hands wide. “In my reticule?”

  Clamping his lips together, Josh said, “I’ll get you a holster to wear around your waist.”

  Kate blushed. “That’s hardly fashionable.”

  “This isn’t about fashion, it’s about safety.”

  “I understand your point, Josh, but it simply isn’t proper.”

  “This isn’t New York City,” he bit out. “Out here, survival is more important than propriety. Matthews was bold enough to come here in the middle of the day. There’s nothing stopping him from coming back. What happens if he catches you alone? What will you do then?”

  She didn’t have an answer.

  “Look, I’d rest a whole lot easier knowing you have a way to protect yourself.”

  “But—”

  “No ‘buts.’” Snatching up his hat, he moved to the door. “I’ll stop for you bright and early. Be ready.”

  Chapter Ten

  Standing in the thick grass, dew wetting her ankle boots and fog blanketing the meadow, Kate listened as Josh explained how to use the gun, which he’d described as a nickel-plated .44 Schofield revolver. But no matter how hard she tried to focus on his words, her attention was caught by the movement of his firm lips framed by the neat, golden-brown mustache and goatee. His quiet, confident voice resonated in the hushed silence of the early morning.

  They were alone in what seemed like a magical place, cut off from the rest of the world. Even the animals had yet to stir. Her entire being focused on the man before her.

  Josh O’Malley was a fine, honorable man. A family man. Hardworking. Caring.

  Money and material gain weren’t important to him. Neither was climbing the social ladder. Serving God and others was.

  Her lungs squeezed with regret as she watched him now. She could not have him. Even if he wasn’t in love with her sister, he wouldn’t want her. Not if he knew her secret.

  “Are you ready to try it out?” His voice broke into her thoughts.

  His serious gaze was pinned to her face, questioning. Could he tell she hadn’t been paying attention? He’d shown up at her door just after dawn, all business, looking as if he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders.

  Clearing her throat, she nodded, despite her sudden nervousness. “I’m ready.”

  One brow quirked up, but he didn’t comment. Moving to stand beside her, Josh transferred the gun to her hand, his warm fingers closing over hers as he demonstrated how to hold it. Her mouth went dry. Was it the fact that she was holding an instrument of death for the first time or was his nearness making her feel light-headed?

  “Do you see the target there?” Letting go, he pointed to the trees not far distant.

  Again, she nodded.

  “Hold your arm steady, aim and pull the trigger.”

  He sounded so matter of fact about the process. Could it really be that simple?

  Raising her arm, she pointed the gun barrel forward. It was heavier than she’d expected. Trembling, she squeezed her eyes shut and pulled the trigger. The blast startled her, and, gasping aloud, she opened one eye to see where the bullet had gone.

  “Kate.” He sighed, his breath stirring her hair. “You’re supposed to keep your eyes on the target. How do you expect to hit it if you can’t see it?”

  “This may be second nature to you,” she said, hiking her chin up a notch, “but the only weapons I’ve seen up close are the ones behind glass displays at the museum. I never imagined I’d be holding one, much less learning how to shoot someone.”

  “If it makes you feel any better, I taught Megan and the girls to shoot.”

  Her mouth fell open. “Nicole, too?”

  His lips lifting in a slight grin, he gently tapped her chin closed. “Like you, Nicole had her reservations, but she turned out to be a good shot. I have every confidence you will be, as well.”

  “I haven’t seen any of them carrying a gun.”

  “Gatlinburg is a relatively safe place. We all know and look out for each other. The girls do carry weapons if they leave sight of their house for any length of time. Strangers travel through this area on a regular basis, and I feel better knowing the girls have a way to protect themselves.”

  But Kate wasn’t worried about strangers. Tyler’s face flashed through her mind, and, remembering the desperation carved into his features, she shivered. He wanted her. She couldn’t help wondering what he might do once he had her.

  “Don’t worry,” Josh murmured as if reading her thoughts. “I’ll make sure you feel confident using this thing.”

  Positioning himself behind her, his arms came around her, his hands closing over her wrists. “I’ll steady your aim, and then you pull the trigger.”

  Encircled by his arms, close enough to feel the rise and fall of his chest, Kate couldn’t think.

  Slowly he lifted her arms until they were even with the target. “Okay.” His mouth hovered near her ear. “I’m ready whenever you are.”

  With all the concentration she could muster, her eyes wide open this time, Kate squeezed the trigger. The shot veered too far to the left. After several failed attempts, she lowered the gun.

  “It’s harder than it looks.”

  “Don’t give up. It takes a lot of practice.” He moved back. “We can come out here every morning until I leave.”

  Examining the gun in the palm of her hand, she said absentmindedly, “My parents will never believe this.” Her mother would be appalled. This was one aspect of her trip best kept private.

  Josh took the gun from her. “Tell me about them.”

  She raised alarmed eyes to his. “My parents?”

  “Yes.”

  “What do you want to know?”

  “I want to know why they didn’t invite you along on their trip. And why is it Francesca spoke so fondly of them and yet you appear sad, almost regretful when the subject is brought up?”

  The blood in her veins turned sluggish, and dread spread through her like poison. How could she admit the truth? That she was an outcast? Unwanted? What would he think of her then?

  But his eyes held a wealth of kindness, a subtle knowing, as if he’d guessed the source of her unhappiness. Perhaps she should tell him. Shatter any illusions he had about her so-called charmed life.

  Unsettled, she started walking, slowly, haltingly. He fell into step beside her, his quiet, solid presence a comfort in itself.

  “Francesca’s relationship with our parents is vastly different than my own. She fits their idea of the perfect daughter.”

  Walking beside Kate, Josh noted the dejected slump of her shoulders, the resignation in her voice. Her words confused him. “And you don’t?” he asked, disbelieving.

  “Not at all.” Her attempt at laughter falling flat.

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Fran does everything right. She’s their pride and joy. I, on the other hand, am a source of consternation. Father is mostly indifferent, but my mother and sister can’t understand why I’d rather read a book or tend flowers than pore through fashion magazines and dissect the latest gossip.” Apprehension wrinkled her brow. “Now that Fran is settled, my mother will convince Father it’s time to search for a suitable husband for me.”

  A hard
knot formed in his gut at the idea of softhearted, lovely Kate being paraded before a string of fortune hunters. Something suspiciously like jealousy surged through him. “You’re an adult. Surely they don’t plan to choose your husband for you?” His jaw hardened. “After all, Francesca married her heart’s desire, didn’t she?”

  Kate threw him a measuring glance. “Percy has all the right credentials. Besides, they’ve been attached since the year she turned seventeen. My parents had no reason to launch a manhunt. As I have no such attachments, I’m certain they’ll take it upon themselves to assist me.”

  Francesca and that man attached? For years? Josh went numb. He’d had no clue.

  “They’ll be relieved to marry me off.” She sighed. “In their eyes, I’ve always been trouble.”

  He stopped short. Kate? Trouble? Never! “No, Kate—”

  “Yoo-hoo!” a familiar voice called from the trees. “Josh! Kate!”

  Megan. He swallowed back his frustration as they both turned to greet her.

  She arrived at their side, winded but smiling. “Aunt Mary said you’d gone for a walk. I’m glad I found you,” she said, as she shoved unruly curls out of her eyes. “I was on my way to town and wondered if Kate would like to join me.”

  Josh looked at Kate. “Go if you want. I’ve got a pie safe to finish before the day is out. We can practice again tomorrow morning.”

  “Practice?” Megan’s gaze volleyed between them. “You’re teaching her to shoot?”

  “I am.”

  “Why?”

  “Kate needs to know how to protect herself, don’t you think?” It wasn’t often he kept things from Megan, but he didn’t want to unduly alarm her or her sisters.

  Her steady gaze left his to probe Kate’s. “I suppose.” She didn’t look convinced, but she said no more about it.

  “Where are you headed?” he said.

  “Momma asked me to deliver ointment to Mrs. Irving, and she gave me a list of things we need from Clawson’s.” She turned to Kate. “So what do you say?”