White River Brides

by Frances Devine

  “Tell me, Lexie”—Aletha gave her a curious glance—“have you seen Reverend Hines lately?”

  “I saw him at church and the picnic like everyone else. Why?” And why would Aletha think Lexie would have seen him since then?

  “Oh, nothing. I just noticed he seemed very interested in you.” She cut a glance at Jane, who turned away.

  “That’s nonsense, Aletha. And I hope you haven’t said such a thing to anyone else.” Lexie wanted nothing more than to shake the silly girl. “That’s the way rumors get started.”

  Jane whirled around. “Then you aren’t seeing him? I mean he’s not courting you or anything?”

  Lexie laughed. “He came to our house to dinner the first Sunday he was here, if you want to call that courting. I assure you, I have no interest whatsoever in your handsome young preacher, Jane.”

  Jane’s face flamed. “Oh, he’s not mine. I mean, the very idea.”

  “So sorry to hear it.” Lexie knew she was being catty. “Now if you two will excuse me, I need to get my shopping done.” How many other folks thought she and Allen Hines were courting? Good gracious.

  She hurried through her shopping and went back onto the porch. Addy scooted around Aletha’s father, who was clapping his hand against his leg, keeping beat to the music, and slipped her hand in Lexie’s.

  She patted the girl’s shoulder. “I’m going to sit in the wagon for a while and listen. Want to sit with me?”

  They climbed up and she caught Willie’s eye above the crowd. He nodded and whispered to Tuck.

  The haunting strains of “Old Kentucky Home” always clutched at Lexie’s heart. They always played it when Tuck had to leave. Lexie had begun to think of it as Tuck’s theme song.

  When the last mournful note cried out, Tuck would put her violin in the case and say good-bye to her new friends until next time.

  “Miss Lexie, can we go fishing?” Tuck asked as the Sullivan farm came into view. “Or do we have to do lessons?”

  “Lessons.” They didn’t usually do schoolwork on Saturdays, but they’d gotten behind, and the following week wouldn’t be much better, with all the baking to do for the wedding.

  “Awww.” Tuck jumped down and kicked the wheel, then threw a contrite glance at Lexie. “Sorry.”

  “I should think you would be.” Lexie could tell her a thing or two about letting a temper have control. She hoped and prayed Tuck would learn to overcome hers while she was still young.

  “Do we have to do all of them?” Addy threw a pleading look her way.

  “As a matter of fact, if you will both be diligent with your math, I think we might postpone the rest until Monday night. After all, you’re both ahead in your other work.”

  “So we can go fishing?” Tuck’s eyes shone with hope.

  “To be honest, a good mess of catfish sounds really good right now. Think you can catch enough for our supper?”

  “Woohoo!” Tuck took off running to the house. By the time Addy and Lexie had put the wagon away, unhitched the horses, and walked into the kitchen, Tuck had all their supplies ready and waiting.

  Lexie hid a smile. “That’s nice, Tuck, but aren’t you hungry? We haven’t eaten since breakfast and it’s nearly one o’clock.”

  “I’m hungry,” Addy declared, rubbing her stomach.

  “Could we have something fast?” Tuck asked.

  The girls made short work of their meal and their lessons and before long, Lexie sat on the riverbank, her fishing pole in the water.

  “You know, Mr. Jack caught lots of fish when he was home last.” Addy’s voice was full of admiration.

  “Yep. He even fried them up good,” Tuck added, then yanked on her pole and tossed a medium-sized mud cat onto the ground. “I got the first one!”

  Lexie leaned back against a tree and breathed in the crisp autumn air. They wouldn’t be able to do this much longer. Perhaps not again until next spring. It could turn severely cold overnight in November. But for now, she reveled in the sounds and smells of fall. Woodsmoke wafted across the fields and hills. And the faint scent of spices drifted from some cookstove not too far away. Was that pumpkin pie? No…bread. She should bake some pumpkin bread tonight. It would taste good for breakfast.

  “Miss Lexie.” She started awake. How long had she been sleeping?

  “Look, Miss Lexie. Ten of them.”

  Lexie sat up and stretched and looked at the catch that had caused such excitement in Tuck’s voice. “Good job, girls. Those are going to taste mighty good for supper. Let’s clean them here before we go home.”

  “I wish Mr. Jack was here to see them,” Addy said, her voice wistful.

  “Me, too,” Tuck said.

  Lexie’s thoughts echoed assent. Would he make it home for Will’s wedding? The thought of his glance on her lips sent a thrill through her. She had been so afraid he would try to kiss her. Was it possible he cared for her? But what about the woman he’d named his boat for? Or was that more of her imagination. Perhaps the boat had that name when he bought her.

  Hope rose in Lexie. She couldn’t deny to herself that she cared for him…a lot. Was it love?

  “Thompson, I’m thinking about selling the Julia Dawn.”

  The hefty seaman’s mouth fell open and he immediately shut it. “You don’t say.”

  “Yes, can’t bring myself to turn loose of the farm. I guess it’s in my blood. My family has always farmed. Until me, that is.” Jack tossed the rope he’d been repairing onto the deck.

  “So when do you think you might sell?” Thompson frowned and spat over the rail.

  “Like I said, I’ve not decided for sure. And if I do, I’ll give you and the rest of the hands plenty of warning so you can find other jobs.”

  Thompson, who had worked for Jack for years, wasn’t exactly a friend, but Jack respected the man and knew the other men felt the same about him.

  “Well now. Depending on how much you’ll be asking for her, I just might see my way clear to buy her meself.”

  Jack nodded. He knew Thompson had been saving for his own boat for a long time. He couldn’t think of anyone he’d rather turn the Julia Dawn over to.

  “If it works out that way, will you keep the hands?” Jack’s main concern was for Pap, who was getting up in years. He’d even thought of hiring him to help on the farm but didn’t know if the old seaman and cook would be pried away from the river.

  “Most of them.” Thompson nodded. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you about Sid Casey. Caught him with a bottle yesterday.”

  Jack pressed his lips together. The men agreed when they signed on with him not to bring liquor on the boat.

  “Give him a warning. If it happens again, let him go.” Jack believed in second chances, but if he allowed this sort of thing, it could get out of hand.

  Jack went to his cabin to look through his bills of sale for this trip. Paperwork was the one thing he thoroughly disliked about owning a business.

  He wasn’t sure when he’d first come up with the idea of selling the Julia Dawn. Even six months ago he wouldn’t have considered such a thing. But lately he’d been happiest on the farm. He knew he wouldn’t have any trouble farming. He’d helped his father from the time he was just a little fellow, following behind him and covering the seeds and plants his father had dropped into the earth. By the time he was twelve, he knew just about everything there was to know about raising crops. They’d also had a few head of cattle for beef and a few milk cows. And, of course, a hog or two.

  Lately the sight of Lexie, Tuck, and Addy waving good-bye had struck a chord inside him, and he’d begun to remember what it was like to be part of a home and family. He wasn’t sure what to do about the situation. It seemed almost impossible. First of all, even though he knew he was in love with Lexie, she was more than likely being courted by the parson, which sent daggers through Jack. Of course, he might be able to keep the girls, but would it be fair to Tuck and Addy to be raised by a bachelor? He didn’t know. And he didn’t know w
ho to turn to for answers.

  His ma would have told him to ask God. That was always her answer. He could see her sitting in her small rocker, with the big black Bible open on her lap. He could still remember the comfort he felt at those times, like being wrapped in love and security. But even though Jack had retained the moral concepts his mother had taught him, little by little, after his parents’ deaths, he’d grown far away from God. He was so thankful to be back.

  The Julia Dawn would be docking at Forsyth by tomorrow afternoon. He’d turned down several offers and cut his trip short so he could accept the invitation to Will’s wedding. Maybe that hadn’t been such a good idea. The reverend would be there, and Jack didn’t know if he could stand those looks the man gave Lexie. He sighed. One thing he did know. He needed to find out if they were courting or not. Because if they weren’t, he would waste no time letting her know how he felt about her.

  Chapter 18

  Lexie sat in the second row beside Addy and tried not to shiver. Even with the large potbellied stove loaded to capacity and the wood fire roaring inside, the tent was still cold.

  She knew Sarah’s pa and stepma had tried to convince her to wait and be married in the spring, but the girl was determined to spend Christmas with Will this year. The first week in November was a little early for a cold snap to set in, but here it was, just as they had feared.

  Lexie only hoped the Jenkins’ huge barn would be warmer for the dinner. Of course, once the square dancing started, everyone would warm up pretty fast.

  Tuck leaned across Addy. “Miss Lexie, my hands are so cold they’re about to drop off.”

  “Well, put your mittens on.” She’d like to put her gloves back on, too, but the sight of Will’s frozen face as he stood next to his friend Hal took her mind off her chill. She hoped Will made it through the ceremony without passing out.

  “Can’t. I didn’t bring ’em.” Tuck straightened and then whispered to Jack, who sat on her other side. Lexie was pretty sure she’d told the twins to wear their mittens.

  The sound of Frank Sawyer’s french harp sang out, and everyone scurried to get in their seats. How in the world did he make a harmonica sound so sweet?

  Sarah’s sixteen-year-old sister, Betty, walked down the aisle in a pretty ruffled dress. She reached the front and stepped to the side. Mr. Sawyer hit a long note and then started playing “The Wedding March.” Everyone rose as Sarah stepped in though the tent flap on her father’s arm.

  Lexie felt tears well up. Sarah looked so lovely and so incredibly happy as she walked down the aisle toward Will. Lexie glanced at her brother. The frozen look was gone and his face shone with joy. She breathed a sigh of relief and grinned. Apparently the sight of his bride was enough to revive him. Lexie didn’t blame them for not wanting to wait.

  She took her seat and her eyes met Jack’s. Warmth flowed through her at the look of longing in his eyes. Quickly she averted her glance. What would it be like to walk down the aisle to Jack? She shoved the thought away and focused on Will and Sarah as they promised to love each other forever.

  As soon as the rice had been thrown and Will drove away with his bride, everyone loaded into wagons and buggies and headed for the Jenkins’ place. Some of the younger men and boys rode horses in hopes of getting there before Will and Sarah. Lexie wasn’t sure what they were up to, but she was sure Will and Sarah would survive.

  But when Lexie, with Jack and the twins, rode down the tree-lined lane and stopped among dozens of buggies and wagons at the edge of the Jenkins’ yard, there was no sign of Will and Sarah. Lexie climbed down from the wagon. “Jack, will you keep an eye on Tuck and Addy? I’m going to help get the food on the tables.”

  “Sure, we’ll find something to do, I’m sure.”

  “Aw, we don’t have to be looked after.” Tuck frowned. “Can’t we go play?”

  “After dinner we’ll see. But I would like for you to stay with Mr. Jack for now.” Lexie gave them each a questioning look.

  “Yes, ma’am,” Addy said.

  Tuck sighed. “Oh all right.”

  Lexie looked at Jack and found him grinning. She laughed and shook her head, then went to join the women.

  She headed across the grassy yard toward the two-story white-framed house and met Wanda Jenkins coming out the front door. “Oh good, Lexie, you’re here. Your aunt Kate is taking the pies in, if you’d like to help her.” People had been bringing baked items over for a couple of days.

  “Sure, but I don’t see Will and Sarah. Are they here yet?” Lexie asked.

  Mrs. Jenkins shifted the tray of bread she carried and leaned toward Lexie’s ear. “Mr. Jenkins overheard some of the boys talking about a shivaree. He warned Will to stay away for a while. I expect they went to your aunt’s place.” She chuckled. “By the time they get here, those boys will be too busy eating and flirting with the girls to pay any attention to them. At least, that’s what I’m hoping.”

  “There’s the happy couple.” Mrs. Jenkins, beaming from ear to ear, directed Sarah and Will to the head table where a three-layer chocolate cake stood.

  “Hey, don’t we get anything to eat besides cake?” Will complained with a grin.

  “Yes, you do, son, but someone will serve you. Sit yourself down right here beside Sarah Jane.” She beamed as she bustled off to fill plates for the newlyweds.

  With so many women getting things ready, it didn’t take long and finally Lexie sank down gratefully beside Addy, who grinned at her between bites.

  “I see you three waited for me.” Lexie gave a make-believe frown in their direction.

  Jack grinned. “We couldn’t control ourselves. The smells were getting to us.”

  “Yep.” Tuck swallowed. “I could smell those ribs before we even got here.”

  “Umm-hmmm,” Addy agreed. “You should get some ribs before they’re all gone.”

  “Yes, I can see how good they are by the sauce all over your face.” Lexie smiled and handed Addy a napkin, then started to rise.

  Jack touched her arm. “Wait here. I’ll get your food for you.”

  “Oh, no,” she protested. “You don’t need to do that.”

  “But I want to. You look all done in.” He placed a hand on her shoulder and she trembled.

  “Well, I have been running pretty hard since I awoke this morning.” She gave him a smile of gratitude. “If you’re sure you don’t mind…but I only want a little.”

  He nodded and headed for the food tables. Soon he was back with a refill for himself and a full plate for Lexie.

  “Gracious. That certainly isn’t a little. I can’t possibly eat that much.”

  “Oh, sure you can. Try and see.” He placed the plate in front of her then laid the napkin and silverware beside it.

  But instead of his sitting in his former spot, on the other side of Tuck, Lexie found him next to her, their shoulders nearly touching.

  “Auntie, the house is spotless. Please sit down. You’ll worry yourself sick.” Lexie put her arm around Aunt Kate and coaxed her over to a chair by the kitchen table.

  “But they’ll be here soon. I want to make sure there’s a bite for them to eat. They’ll probably be hungry.” She started to rise, but Lexie gave her a gentle shove back into the chair.

  “Hungry?” Lexie laughed. “After all the food Will packed away yesterday, he shouldn’t be hungry for a week.”

  “I wish they could afford a longer honeymoon.” Aunt Kate’s forehead puckered.

  “Maybe they can take a longer one later. I’m sure they’ll be happy right here as long as they’re together.”

  “But it would be nice if they didn’t have an old woman to get in their way.”

  So that’s what was bothering her. “Aunt Kate, first of all you’re not old. And second, you know how much Will loves you, and Sarah does, too. They would never consider you in the way.”

  “But I feel in the way.” She placed her face in her hands.

  Startled, Lexie hurried over and knelt beside
her aunt’s chair, gently tugging her hands from her face. “I think Will and Sarah would be heartbroken if they knew you felt that way.” Lexie rubbed Aunt Kate’s back in little circles. “But I can understand. I would feel in the way, too. Would you like to stay with the twins and me for a few days? It would be fun, and Tuck and Addy would love having you there.”

  “Oh, Lexie, I wouldn’t dream of intruding on you and the girls.” But hope filled her eyes.

  “It wouldn’t be an intrusion. I just invited you.” Lexie kissed her on the forehead. “You can stay as long as you like and come home when you’re ready.”

  “But what will Jack say? He might think it presumptuous of me. After all, you live in his house.” Aunt Kate’s face turned pink at the mere suggestion anyone would think she was rude.

  “I’ll talk to him when he and the girls come to pick me up this afternoon. Then Will can drive you over later.” It would be nice to have Aunt Kate with her and the twins. Lexie hadn’t realized when she left home how much she’d miss her.

  “Well, perhaps in the morning would be better. That will give me a chance to finish up a few things here and to show Sarah where everything is.”

  “Very well, if that’s what you want to do.” Lexie stood. “Now I need to get my things together. Then I’ll heat up some of that vegetable soup for our lunch. It’s still an hour or so before they’ll be here to get me.”

  “That will give us some time to talk.” Aunt Kate smiled up at her and love filled her eyes. “I’ve been so busy getting things ready for Will and Sarah I feel I’ve lost contact with what’s going on in your life, Alexandra.”

  Lexie gathered her things and returned to the kitchen. In a few minutes the kitchen was filled with the delicious smell of Aunt Kate’s vegetable soup simmering in the iron dutch oven.

  Soon Lexie and Aunt Kate were seated at the table over steaming bowls of soup and thick, crusty slices of hot toasted bread.

  “I don’t need to ask how you and the girls are getting along,” Aunt Kate said. “I can see the happiness on your faces.”

  “Addy and Tuck are such a joy. Every day I discover something else wonderful about them.” Lexie laughed. “Not that they are perfect. You already know that.”