The Engagement Charade

by Karen Kirst

  Margaret nudged him. “Isn’t that your cook?”

  Alexander shifted to the left. Through the whirling couples, he spotted her. “She must’ve changed her mind,” he murmured.

  He tried to make sense of Ellie in the arms of another man, smiling the smile he thought she reserved for him, her brown eyes wide and trusting.

  “Who’s she dancing with?” Margaret asked.

  He strained forward, his neck muscles knotting with tension. The man maneuvered her around, and Alexander relaxed somewhat. Nathan O’Malley was a married man. He brought his wife, Sophie, into the café on occasion.

  “One of the locals.”

  The song ended. Alexander took a step forward, only to halt when Nathan handed Ellie off to Duncan. He sensed Margaret’s perusal.

  “You care for her.”

  He reluctantly met her shrewd gaze. This side of his grown-up sister would take some getting used to. “I care for her well-being. She’s been an asset to the Plum and is a valued employee.”

  “A nice speech,” she countered. “One that doesn’t tell the whole story.”

  Alexander was spared having to defend himself when a young farmer approached Margaret for a dance.

  “Why, I’d love to.” Her smile dazzled the man, who led her into the fray like a buck who’d found his mate. He hoped Margaret relayed her engaged status before she blazed a trail of disappointed hopes.

  Turning his attention once more to his fake fiancée, he remained where he was as she danced with a succession of gentlemen, some married and some not. Telling himself it was concern spurring him to her side, he fetched a lemonade and waited nearby for the music to fade. Fortunately, her partner led her out of the chaos and into Alexander’s path.

  “Good evening, Ellie.”

  She stopped short, her smile fading. “Alexander. I didn’t think you’d be here.”

  Her implication was clear. Grimacing, he handed her the cold drink. “Margaret convinced me. I thought you’d chosen to stay in, as well.”

  With a murmured thank-you to her partner, Ellie left the press of people, all the while sipping her drink. Alexander followed.

  “June talked me into coming,” she admitted, a little line between her brows as she studied their surroundings.

  Since she didn’t seem inclined to look at him, Alexander took advantage of the opportunity to drink in her loveliness. Her dress was new. A becoming peach hue, it flattered her feminine curves. Her dark tresses spilled over her shoulders, the top section secured with a ribbon.

  The impulse to smooth her hair over her shoulder, to cup her nape and urge her close was difficult to resist. He yearned to hold her in his arms again and shut out the world. But he couldn’t. He closed his eyes and forced himself to think of a way to tell her his decision—the engagement had to end. Together, they could confide in Sheriff Timmons about her in-laws.

  Duncan’s quiet greeting pulled Alexander from his thoughts.

  “Ellie, do you know those two couples over there?”

  The concern tightening Duncan’s jaw became more pronounced when Ellie located the people in question and put a trembling hand over her mouth.

  “That’s Howard and Gladys Jameson, my late husband’s parents.” Her gaze shot to Alexander. “Ralph and Nadine are here, too.”

  Alarm threading through him, he searched the crowd and saw them near the tables. They weren’t taking part in the festivities, they were scrutinizing the dancers. Hunting someone.

  “I overheard them talking,” Duncan said. “They mentioned your name. Considering what Alexander told me, I figured they were your in-laws.”

  “Their presence here isn’t typical.” Ellie had gone pale.

  “You think they’re here to cause trouble?” Duncan shared a look with Alexander indicating he’d assist in any way necessary.

  “They don’t like that they’ve lost control of Ellie,” he said. “There’s no telling what they’ll do to try to get it back.”

  Alexander regretted his words when Ellie sucked in a sharp breath. He settled his hand low on her back and edged closer. “Try not to worry. I’m not going to leave your side.”

  She nibbled her lower lip. He hated seeing her distressed. “Do you feel up to another dance?”

  “You want to dance with me? Now?”

  “They think we’re engaged. We should put up a solid front.”

  Her eyes widened. “We’ve barely spoken.”

  “You’ve danced with several men but not with your fiancé.”

  She was apparently too distracted to note the hint of jealousy in his tone. Duncan wasn’t. He smirked at Alexander.

  “We can’t let them think we’re having problems,” she murmured.

  “Or that you’re uninterested in getting to know your future sister-in-law.”

  News traveled with lightning speed in this town. Everyone in attendance had likely known Margaret’s identity within half an hour of their arrival.

  Duncan promised to keep an eye on her in-laws while they danced. Alexander held out his hand and waited. She placed hers in his and allowed him to guide her to where the couples were preparing to dance to a new, slower tune.

  “I do want to get to know Margaret,” she told him.

  Alexander placed his hand on her waist. The last time he’d danced had been in a setting much like this, only the woman in his arms had been his wife. He couldn’t think of Sarah now, however, not when Ellie was so close, her light, fruity perfume teasing him and the memory of their kiss in the forefront of his mind.

  Enchanted by the molten depths of her eyes and humbled by the absolute trust she placed in him, Alexander didn’t have to pretend devotion. Goodness radiated from Ellie Jameson. She was the type of person who people wanted to befriend. He had to be careful not to let his physical attraction—wholly unforeseen and shockingly intense—overcome common sense.

  His thumb caressed her side, skimming her ribs. “I’m not sure my idea was the right one.”

  She stumbled. “You don’t wish to dance?”

  Steadying her, he guided her along the edge of the dancers, far from her in-laws. “I meant the engagement. I’m wondering if we made a mistake.”

  * * *

  It took her full concentration to follow the music’s rhythm while keeping her emotions hidden. His doubts compounded the hurt his earlier words had inflicted. Alexander regretted offering to help her. What a burden she must be...and now his sister had come after years apart, and he had to give awkward explanations for their relationship.

  She faked indifference. “Let’s call it off. Your sister already knows the truth, as do Duncan and Caroline. June knows now, too. The pretense has become tiresome, don’t you agree?”

  His eyes darkened. “Ellie, you know the outcome of my last attempt to protect someone.” Regret marred his features. “I’m not a lawman. I don’t want to give you a false sense of security.”

  “And I don’t want you to feel trapped. The Jamesons are my problem, not yours.”

  His fingers flexed on her waist. “Trapped is the last thing I feel.”

  The music faded. Alexander released her, and she instantly missed his comforting nearness.

  “There’s Shane now,” he murmured, his mouth close to her ear. “We should tell him everything.”

  Involving the sheriff made sense. Releasing Alexander from his duty, no matter how much she’d miss these moments with him, was the right thing to do.

  She nodded her assent and they wound their way through the crowd. Alexander clasped her hand in a firm hold and, despite her anxiety revolving around the Jamesons’ purpose for being here tonight, she felt safe with him.

  The sheriff was closer to the bonfire, standing with his wife and another couple. A pair of adorable twins were sleeping in matchin
g prams. Rubbing his wife’s back, Shane stooped to kiss the newborn in her arms. He looked enamored and very, very happy.

  Alexander apologized for the interruption and asked if Shane could spare a moment. Instantly switching to lawman mode, the ruggedly handsome blond man led them several yards away to a secluded spot.

  “What’s the trouble?” His intent gaze focused first on Alexander, then her.

  “Ellie’s received threats from her late husband’s family.”

  Without looking their direction, Alexander explained where they were standing. Shane surreptitiously checked them out.

  “What kind of threats?”

  “They had an abnormal connection with my husband, Nolan.” Settling her hand atop her belly, she said, “I’m afraid they will transfer that to my baby.”

  “They’ve already tried to pressure her to return to their cove,” Alexander inserted.

  Shane’s brows descended. “And they weren’t happy when you declined?”

  Ellie shook her head. “Their presence tonight makes me uneasy. They don’t want to make friends among the townspeople. In Kentucky, they refused to allow me to see my friends. I was only permitted to venture into town in the company of one of them.”

  At this, Alexander’s grip on her hand tightened and his expression became thunderous. “Sounds like a prison.”

  Shane looked none too pleased, as well. “It’s important you don’t find yourself alone with them, Mrs. Jameson.”

  “There’s something else you should know,” Alexander said. “Our engagement is a front to keep them at bay. I thought if they knew Ellie wasn’t alone, they’d be reluctant to act.”

  To Ellie’s surprise, the sheriff didn’t scoff at the revelation. “I agree. A fiancé—whether real or make-believe—is a good deterrent.”

  “We’re considering dropping the act.”

  “Don’t. Not yet, anyway.” His gaze narrowed on the couples. “I’ll inform Ben of your situation. We’ll be on alert to any shenanigans on their part.” He looked at Ellie once more. “And if they approach you, I want to know about it. Ben and I will pay them a visit if they do.”

  Ellie hated to impose on Alexander for any longer. She opened her mouth to speak, but he cut her off.

  “I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe.” A halfhearted smile graced his mouth as he gestured behind him. “What do you say, my dear? Shall we go put on a show for our audience?”

  Chapter Eighteen

  The sheriff’s advice didn’t evoke the slightest bit of resistance in Alexander. While ending the engagement was wise from an emotional standpoint, he was confident he could proceed with more extreme care than he’d employed up until this point. He must exercise control over his mind and heart, for Ellie’s sake. He’d managed to guard his heart for three years. What was another few months?

  “Don’t be upset,” he told her. “I’m not.”

  They’d left the sheriff and his family behind and were returning to the heart of the festivities. Alexander noticed that Howard and Gladys were in deep conversation. Nadine and Ralph, on the other hand, were observing the goings-on with stony expressions. Were they planning on approaching Ellie with more threats?

  “You’re essentially trapped by your own conscience,” she quipped. “No matter how much you might wish yourself free of this quagmire, you’d never act on it.”

  His sister’s approach prevented him from replying. Margaret looked from him to Ellie and back again, her smile smacking of self-satisfaction.

  “Ellie, I’m glad you decided to come.” Linking arms with her as if they were long-lost friends, Margaret said, “I saw the two of you dancing together. You make quite the handsome couple.”

  Ellie blushed. “Have you been enjoying yourself?”

  “Very much. I haven’t wanted for a partner all evening. Turns out farmers aren’t that different from ranchers. Excellent manners and eager to please.” Winking at Alexander, she said in a conspiratorial tone, “I have to say, I’m not accustomed to seeing my brother in the role of café owner. What’s he like as a boss?”

  “Speaking of manners, it’s rude to put her on the spot,” he protested.

  Ellie smiled, and for the first time since noticing her in-laws’ presence, the worry about her eyes dissipated. “Oh, I don’t mind answering as long as you reciprocate. I’d like to hear about Alexander’s ranching days.”

  Margaret laughed outright. “It’s a deal.”

  “When I first came to work at the Plum, trying to get your brother out of his office was like pulling teeth. He was most stubborn.” Her gaze found his, and he was struck dumb by the fondness he witnessed there.

  “Not surprising,” Margaret observed. “His stubborn nature must’ve followed him all the way from Texas. He can be quite dictatorial when he puts his mind to it.”

  “So I’ve learned.” Ellie’s smile widened.

  Alexander rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t dredge up indignation.

  “Anyway, he finally left his haven to join us lowly employees, and he’s proven to be a fair-minded, thoughtful boss.”

  “I’m glad to hear you say so. His ranch hands might argue with the label ‘thoughtful,’ however.”

  Thoughts of Billy, Fred, Sonny and Edgar rushed in. Suddenly he wanted to pepper Margaret with questions. How were his men? The ranch his father and grandfather before him had loved almost as much as their kin? Through her letters, she’d offered snippets of information here and there, but it didn’t compare to a face-to-face conversation.

  “It’s a shame your brother Thomas couldn’t come. I would’ve liked to meet him,” Ellie said. “Are he and Alex very much alike?”

  “He insisted he couldn’t leave the ranch.” Her tone indicated she didn’t agree with his decision. Did that mean Thomas was nursing resentment toward Alexander? He wouldn’t blame him. He’d dumped the ranch in his younger brother’s lap without permission. Riddled with grief, he’d fled his hometown and state and hadn’t looked back.

  Tipping her head to the side and studying Alexander, she said, “Physically, they both resemble our father. Their personalities are quite different. Alex has always tended to be a loner, comfortable with his own company. He knows what he likes and does it. Thomas is more social and can be as temperamental as a steed with a burr under his saddle.”

  “What Thomas needs is to marry and produce heirs,” Alexander supplied.

  “He’s proposed to a wonderful woman. For whatever reason, he’s leery of seeing it through. I’m afraid he’s going to lose her if he waits too much longer.” Margaret showed Ellie her ring. “I’m getting married in December. That’s partly why I chose to visit—I’d hoped to convince Alexander to attend my wedding.”

  “A Christmas wedding,” Ellie breathed, “how romantic.”

  Suddenly, he had two pairs of expectant gazes directed at him.

  “You aren’t thinking of missing your only sister’s nuptials?” Ellie charged.

  He caught the hint of vulnerability on Margaret’s face and wished he hadn’t. “I’m afraid it’s impossible.”

  Margaret’s posture sagged.

  “If you’re worried about the café,” Ellie said, “I’m sure we can find someone to help out in your absence.”

  “It’s you I’m worried about.” Had she forgotten the sheriff’s instructions? The threat to her and the baby?

  Her expression softened. “I’m not incapable of seeing after myself.”

  “Let’s discuss this later, shall we?” He’d set his mind against ever returning home. Drawing out the discussion would only hurt Margaret. It was her first day in Gatlinburg. She deserved to enjoy herself. “I find myself in need of food and lots of it.”

  Ellie glanced at the quiet woman beside her, sympathy marching over her features. “I could eat
. How about you, Margaret?”

  “Sure.”

  Alexander searched out their nemeses and saw they were making their way to the church where wagons were parked. Relieved, he set out to cheer his sister. Recalling her love of sweets, he tempted her with assorted pies to follow up their main meal of roasted chicken and potatoes. When they’d found empty seats, he left them to procure drinks.

  Four others were in line before him. The girl at the front paid and turned, a mug of hot apple cider in one hand. Her gaze encountered his, and her jaw sagged.

  “Mr. Copeland!”

  “Good evening, Sally.” He offered her a gentle smile. “I’m glad I ran into you.”

  Her brows hit her hairline. “Y-you are?”

  “I brought your final pay with me.” Fishing the envelope from his suit jacket, he handed it over.

  Head bent, she studied the blank exterior. Finally, she lifted her head. “Thank you, Mr. Copeland.” Glancing at the others who were subtly listening in, she said, “Do you have a minute to speak privately?”

  “Of course.”

  They made their way to the end of the refreshment area.

  “What’s on your mind?”

  “I owe you an apology. I treated you with disrespect, and I shouldn’t have.”

  “Apology accepted.” He inclined his head. “And I apologize for interfering.”

  “Ellie was right. You did it to protect me.”

  “She spoke to you?”

  “She came to see me that night.” Her expression turning sheepish, she said, “She helped me realize the truth. Ben’s not the man for me.”

  “She didn’t tell me.”

  “Mr. Copeland, do you think...that is, my folks aren’t happy that I quit. I understand if you don’t want to hire me back—”

  “I’d be greatly relieved if you’d agree to come back, Sally. You’re efficient and hardworking, but most important, you care about the customers. They miss you, and so do I.”

  Blinking rapidly, she looked elsewhere. “I’ll be there tomorrow morning.”

  “Good.”

  A lad about Sally’s age rushed up. “Hi, Sally, would you like to dance?”