by Karen Kirst
“I’m Alexander’s cook,” she said by way of rescue. Was that a hint of desperation in her voice? Were her eyes feverish?
Margaret’s smile appeared genuine. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ellie.”
“Cook?” Flo snorted. “She’s more than that. She’s his fiancée.”
Margaret gasped, her gaze falling to Ellie’s protruding middle. Alexander grimaced and tugged on his suit sleeve ends. Ellie’s cheeks burned thinking what conclusions his younger sister was jumping to.
“This is wonderful news!” she exclaimed. “Welcome to the family!”
Ellie found herself caught up in a tight hug. When Margaret released her, her eyes were suspiciously bright.
“Oh, Alex, I can’t express how happy I am for you. I thought I’d find you in a terrible state. You left Texas a ravaged man...and your letters, as infrequent as they were, didn’t inspire confidence that you’d moved on.”
Tears sprang from her eyes. Alexander looked at once discomfited and horrified.
“Please don’t cry—”
Margaret fell into his arms a second time. Ellie and Flo exchanged glances.
“All right, everyone.” Flo bustled over to the curious patrons. “It’s closing time. You can settle your bill with me.”
Following her example, Ellie caught Alexander’s attention. “Why don’t you two visit in your office? I’ll rustle up some tea and a snack.”
Gratefulness settled across his pinched features. “Thank you, Ellie.” Patting his sobbing sibling on the back, he said, “No doubt you’re exhausted, Margaret. There’s a couch in my office just a few steps away. You’re probably hungry, too.” He eased away. “Are you hungry?”
Ellie left them to prepare the drinks and food. While thrilled for Alexander—he’d been apart from his loved ones for far too long—she wondered how this extra wrinkle in their pretend engagement would impact them both.
* * *
“It appears I’m not the only one with news to share.”
Margaret had made herself comfortable on the couch near the windows. Her bonnet rested on the empty cushion beside her. His handkerchief was balled in her hand, her bout of tears passed and curiosity resurging.
Alexander had taken up a stance in the middle of the office, his hands buried in his pockets. The changes in his sister were marked. She’d blossomed into a becoming young lady with more than a passing resemblance to their late mother.
“About Ellie, I know what you must be thinking...”
“That you’re blessed to have a second chance at a family?”
“She’s a recent widow,” he explained, the tips of his ears burning. “She discovered she was expecting shortly after her husband passed in a tragic accident.”
Understanding tugged at her mouth. “You’ve bonded over your shared loss. That’s natural.”
Indecision churned his gut. Should he confess the truth? Fooling the locals didn’t bother him near as much as fooling his own flesh and blood. Pressing his hand against his middle, he chose to change the subject.
“I can’t believe you’re here. And that you traveled all this distance alone. What was Thomas thinking to allow it?”
She lifted her chin in silent reproof. “I’m twenty years old, Alex. I don’t need anyone’s permission to come and see my oldest brother. Nor do I need a caretaker.” Tugging off her gloves, she splayed her hand midair. A garnet and gold ring adorned her left hand. “As a matter of fact, I’ll soon be a married woman.”
“Married? To who?”
“His name is Lowell Draper. He’s a blacksmith. He’s very skilled at what he does. People drive from miles around to patronize his business.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” He began pacing. “Or why didn’t Thomas?”
Margaret rose to her feet and blocked his path, her demeanor solemn. Gone was the carefree girl he’d once known. “I shouldn’t have to share what is probably the most important news of my life in a letter.” She placed her hand on his chest. “I’ve missed you, Alex. We’ve all missed you.”
“I’ve missed you, too,” he scraped out, too many memories bombarding him at once.
“There’s more I have to tell you.”
He sensed it wasn’t a subject he wanted to visit. “What is it?”
Eyes darkening to navy blue, she hesitated. “It’s about the fire. And Cyrus.”
Pulling away, he stalked to the window and stared unseeing at the alley.
Margaret didn’t follow, but she didn’t remain quiet, either. “About six months after you left, one of Cyrus’s employees came forward. He admitted to overhearing Cyrus discussing the fire and his intent to kill you.”
Alexander balled his fists. The bitterness and hatred he’d managed to bury broke free again, choking him. “Let me guess, the sheriff didn’t believe him.”
The man hadn’t believed Alexander’s claims. To his knowledge, he hadn’t bothered to investigate the matter.
“On the contrary, Sheriff Andrews took him at his word and managed to find one other man to corroborate his story. Cyrus was arrested.”
He twisted around. “Cyrus Pollard. In jail. I never thought...” He passed a shaky hand down his face. “Was there a trial?”
“Yes. It took some time, about a year. The sheriff wanted to summon you to testify, but Thomas and I convinced him not to.” Her forehead bunched. “I wasn’t sure if that was the right thing. I’m still not. However, neither of us thought you’d come home.”
He stewed over the revelations. “I don’t blame you, Margaret. I’m not sure what I would’ve done if you had. To be in the same room as my wife and son’s murderer—” He broke off. “What was the outcome? Please don’t tell me he walked away a free man.”
She swallowed hard. He could tell this was difficult for her. “He was convicted and sentenced to jail for the rest of his life.”
“That’s not a suitable punishment for what he did. If I’d come back there, Margaret, I would’ve wound up behind bars myself.”
“Alex, Cyrus was killed by another inmate two months ago.”
Instead of satisfaction, Alexander just felt numb.
“Elias testified during the trial that he had no prior knowledge of the fire. He insisted he would’ve put a stop to it.” She sucked in a ragged breath. “He’s a broken man.”
“He’s not innocent in this, Margaret,” he bit out. “His actions played a part in the deaths of his own daughter and grandson.”
Fresh tears filled her eyes. “I grieve for them, too. Sarah was my friend. And darling Levi...”
She buried her face in her hands. Alexander wrapped his arms around her and held her as he should’ve done three years ago. The magnitude of his cowardice registered. He’d abandoned his own siblings and left them to deal with the aftermath of his personal destruction.
“I’m sorry, sis,” he murmured, his voice thick. “I was wrong to put my own needs above yours.”
Once she’d composed herself, she cupped his cheek and smiled tremulously. “We understand why you had to leave. I’m so very glad I decided to come. You look well, dear brother. And content. You can’t know how it gladdens my heart to know you’ve found someone special. Ellie must be a gem.”
“Margaret, I have a confession,” he said. “Ellie and I aren’t truly engaged. It’s a sham.”
Her head reared back. “Why? To what end?”
“It was a spur-of-the-moment decision. I only offered out of a sense of duty. Her in-laws are putting pressure on her, and I thought that by offering her my protection, they’d back off.”
“I don’t know what to say, other than I’m disappointed it isn’t real.”
“It’s not real. Not even close.” He ignored the niggling doubts.
“You loved Sarah. Of course you’d
be reluctant to risk your heart again. I don’t like to think of you alone, however, far from family and friends.”
“I’m fine on my own. As you probably remember, I’m content with my own company. I don’t need a wife or children. I had a family, and I lost them. There’s no replacing them.”
* * *
Ellie wished she could redo the past five minutes. She would’ve taken longer to prepare the tea. Or lingered in the kitchen with Flo in order to give the siblings extra privacy. But she couldn’t undo this moment, couldn’t un-hear Alexander’s declaration, couldn’t pretend she hadn’t seen the fierceness in his brilliant blue eyes or the obstinate set of his jaw. He’d meant it. Every word.
And Alexander knew she’d heard them. He’d belatedly noticed her in the open doorway. He’d looked startled and had opened his mouth to speak before closing it again and averting his gaze.
How inopportune, she thought inanely as she set the tray on his desk, that mere moments ago she’d acknowledged she loved him. Her heart was still in a tender state. After her tense relationship with Nolan, she hadn’t thought herself vulnerable to such things. And before she could come to terms with what it meant, here was irrefutable proof that she was nothing but an obligation.
His embrace hadn’t felt like one, though. Ellie could almost feel the warm imprint of his hand on her stomach, the smooth, velvet-like heat of his mouth atop hers and the glorious sensation of his fingers caressing her hair.
Attempting to pour the golden liquid into the teacups without sloshing it over the rims, she wondered why exactly he’d deigned to kiss her. Had it been a whim? Had curiosity spurred him on—what would it be like to kiss the poor, penniless widow? Or perhaps loneliness had gripped him and he’d temporarily forgotten she was his particular burden to bear.
Her stomach roiled, and the back of her neck went hot. Not now, she prayed.
“Thank you for the tea.” Margaret appeared at her side. “I’m famished. I last ate more than five hours ago on the train. The driver I hired to bring me here was sadly lacking in rations.” Bending over the desk, she peered more closely at the snacks Ellie had prepared. “Is that blackberry preserves?” Snagging a biscuit slathered with the fruit concoction, she sank her teeth in and groaned. “Delicious. Alex, have a biscuit.”
Alexander meandered closer, going around the desk so that he was facing them both. Ellie couldn’t meet his gaze. She stared instead at the wall of books behind him.
“I’ve had my fair share of Ellie’s biscuits. Everything she turns out of that kitchen is worth raving over.”
“I’ll leave you to your conversation,” she said, her voice higher than usual.
Margaret protested. “Please stay. I’d like a chance to get to know you.”
“Didn’t you hear your brother?” she responded. “I’m not an important part of his life. I’m just another employee.”
Alexander’s sharp inhale was lost to Ellie. Not giving either a chance to waylay her, she rushed into the hallway and closed the door behind her. In the kitchen, she hurriedly exchanged her apron for her shawl.
Unaware of her upset, Flo smiled as she dried the last pot. “Isn’t it wonderful that the boss’s sister has come to see him? It’s about time. He’s been alone too long.” She winked at Ellie. “Of course, now he’s got you and the young ’un.”
“Flo, I’m going to go home if you don’t mind.”
She lifted a shoulder. “We’re done for the day. You know, last year the boss didn’t close for the harvest festival. You’ve wrought a lot of changes around here.”
Her heart throbbing like a painful bruise, Ellie schooled her features and headed for the exit. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“You haven’t forgotten about the harvest dance tonight?”
“I—I’m not sure we’ll be going. Alexander will want to spend time with Margaret, and I’m sure she’s fatigued from her trip.”
Flo bustled over. “But what about the new blouse and matching shawl June gave you especially for the dance?”
Ellie shot her a sideways glance. “It’ll keep. There will be other opportunities.”
Her squinty eyes narrowed. “You’re sort of pale. Are you feeling quite the thing?”
Alarm gripped her. If Alexander suspected she was ill, he’d come to June’s to check on her. She couldn’t talk to him.
“I’m not about to lose my breakfast, nor am I about to swoon. My back is sore and my ankles are swollen, however, and a nice long nap sounds divine right about now. T-to be honest, a leisurely evening at home sounds perfect.” She forced a laugh. “I have to face facts. I’m almost six months pregnant. Me dancing at this stage would only serve to provide comedy for the onlookers.”
“That’s not true,” Flo began to protest.
“Please tell Alexander I’ve decided not to go. The last thing we want is for him to worry about me when he should be enjoying Margaret’s visit.”
Flo stewed over this, her fingers plucking at the drying towel she held. “All right.”
Ellie patted her shoulder. “Thanks, Flo. I look forward to hearing all about it tomorrow morning.”
Leaving the café and Main Street behind, Ellie made it to June’s front porch swing before bursting into tears. The charade had seemed like a good solution to her problem. In hindsight, agreeing to Alexander’s scheme was the worst decision she could’ve made.
Chapter Seventeen
“Why, Ellie, whatever is the matter?” June padded over to the swing and sat beside her. The scent of rose water enveloped her, putting her in mind of her grandmother.
“I’m in love with Alexander,” she wailed, fresh tears flowing.
“Of course you are, dear.” Confusion colored her voice. “You’ve agreed to become his wife.”
“How I wish that were the case.” Wiping her tears, she risked a glance at the woman she’d come to admire and trust. Alexander had revealed the truth to Duncan and Margaret. Ellie was about to burst with the need to confide in someone.
“I’ve sensed you’ve been troubled about something. Why don’t you tell me what’s going on?”
The entire story came pouring out. While dismayed about Gladys and Nadine’s behavior, June was gravely worried about Ellie’s state of mind.
Patting Ellie’s hand, she said, “You’ve suffered a great deal at the hands of your late husband and his folks. I hate to think of you suffering further.”
“Alexander couldn’t have known I’d fall for him. He was simply trying to help.”
“Are you certain he doesn’t return your feelings?”
Pushing out of the swing—a feat her growing girth was making more difficult—Ellie crossed to the railing and soaked in the countryside arrayed in the fullness of multicolored glory.
“I’m positive.”
“There’s no chance—”
“None.”
“Have you considered telling him how you feel? Perhaps he’d be interested in a marriage of convenience.”
Ellie half turned to gawk at the older lady.
“What? It’s a common enough thing. Practical marriages benefit both parties. You need a husband and father for your child.”
“The problem is Alexander doesn’t need or want me.” Sorrow weighed on her soul. “I can’t repeat history, June. Being married to Nolan was a miserable experience. Even if Alexander did agree to such a marriage, I couldn’t survive living with him day in and day out, knowing I have feelings for him while he considered me nothing more than a responsibility.”
June was quiet for long moments. “What about after the baby comes? Are you going to be able to continue working with him?”
The prospect of leaving the Plum, of not seeing Alexander every day, made her heart ache. “I don’t think I will,” she admitted in a low voice.
<
br /> June came and wrapped her arm around Ellie’s shoulders. “You don’t have to make a decision today. Come, let me prepare you some warm milk. You’ll feel better after a nap.” She let June steer her toward the door. “And once you’ve rested, I’ll do your hair for the dance.”
Ellie stopped. “I’m not going.”
“You could do with an evening of fun, young lady. You can tag along with me and my friends.”
“But—”
“Soon enough you’ll be on this little one’s schedule.” Her periwinkle gaze winked with a teasing light. “Enjoy your free time while you still have it.”
* * *
He’d done the very thing he’d promised not to.
Alexander watched as couples performed a country reel, his mind replaying his and Margaret’s conversation and Ellie’s crestfallen expression. He’d been almost relieved that she’d left. He’d meant what he said, but there were doubts. Secret longings he couldn’t afford to nurture. It frightened him to think what might happen once he met Ellie’s child. Already he could picture himself involved in his or her life...a second chance at fatherhood.
Quelling that thought, he searched the crowd for the sheriff. He’d already hurt Ellie with his comments. Cutting things off now would prevent future hurt. There’d be no more ill-advised embraces. No more confusing emotions. They could revert back to their former ways—he’d steer clear of her and leave her safety to the professionals.
“I’m glad you agreed to come, Alex.” Beside him, Margaret swayed to the music, no trace of fatigue on her face. “You were frustratingly stingy with your descriptions of Gatlinburg. The scenery is breathtaking, and the residents I’ve met so far seem friendly enough.”
A fat, orange-tinted moon cast weak light over the high mountain slopes. Torches throughout the field emitted patches of light. Off in the distance, a large bonfire created a gathering spot for those who’d rather socialize than dance. The evening was pleasant and on the nippy side, perfect for celebrating the harvest.
All around him, people were enjoying themselves, as he would be if Ellie were with him.
