“Fae, until now, I’d never thought I wanted a family. You’ve got me so confused and I’m sorry for making things even worse for you. You deserve better than what you’ve walked into.”
Before she knew what was happening, he was pulling her head down to his. Her lips met his and his other hand went behind her as he stood, bringing her up with him. He never stopped kissing her, even when her sewing fell to the wooden porch floor with a loud clink. He pulled her tight against him and she brought her own arms up to go around his shoulders for support when she realized her legs weren’t going to hold her.
He groaned low in his throat, then pulled his head back, still holding her in front of him as he looked down into her eyes. “Fae, I want to know if you’re sure you want a true marriage. If you want, I’d let you out of our marriage and you could walk away right now.”
She was having a hard time thinking and as she stared up at him, her heart still racing in her chest, she desperately tried to understand what he was offering her. Why would she want to walk away?
“I came out here with the intent of having a true marriage, Caleb. That’s all I’ve ever wanted from you.”
Before she could finish, he groaned again and brought his lips back to hers. When he lifted her in his arms and carried her inside, for the first time since she’d arrived, she finally believed she’d done the right thing.
Chapter 14
“We have no need for another school in this town. Our school offers more than some schools in the bigger cities, so everyone should be thankful for the education we are providing to the children around here.”
Martha Pembrooke stood in her pew and faced the other community members who’d shown up for the meeting at the church. Her face was flushed with anger as she turned to look at Fae. “And I think it’s ridiculous that this young lady marches into town and demands that we set up another school. My husband and I have supported this community for years and it’s a slap in the face to think that our efforts aren’t appreciated.”
Caleb put his hand on Fae’s back, offering his support. Winnie was the next one to stand up to speak. “Martha, no one is saying we don’t appreciate what your school has offered our community, however you need to remember that before your school opened, the little schoolhouse on our property served the town of Promise ever since my late husband and I settled this area. And once the private school opened over six years ago, attendance slowly dwindled until there was no need for it anymore. Promise has continued to grow and there’s a need for education for all the children surrounding this town. Not just the ones who can afford to pay for it.”
“I’m not trying to cause any problems. But I grew up in an orphanage where the woman in charge taught about the importance of inclusion and a chance for every child to have an education. And that’s what I wanted to bring to Promise. I hope that this town can be my home and I just want to offer a way to help. Once a school has been set up following her principles, my guardian, Madam Wigg, will be funding the operation of the school.” Fae stood beside Winnie with her hands folded neatly in front of her as she faced the townsfolk. He could feel her trembling under his hand.
Caleb looked around to see the reaction of the others. He knew that the Pembrookes weren’t well-liked by many in the community because of the way they’d thrown their status and wealth in the faces of others who were struggling over the years. And whenever tough times hit the area, they never offered to help anyone, even while others with less tried to do whatever they could.
But he also knew that Fae was new to town and even his name wouldn’t help her considering his own reputation. He hadn’t lived here in a few years, so while his father’s name would have carried some weight, he knew he was likely more of a liability to her case.
Dr. Jacobs, an old man whose wife had died years ago but who still serviced the whole area, stood up. “I don’t have any children of my own, but I think it should be up to the parents to have a choice of whether they want to have to pay for their children’s schooling. Having another school wouldn’t hurt anyone, from what I can tell.”
“I’ve already heard that Colt Hammond’s kids will be going to the new school if it opens, isn’t that right, Colt?” Martha glared at Colt. “So we’re already losing students.”
“I never liked having to pay for my kids schooling to begin with, not when a perfectly good school has been sitting on my property for years. So yes, if the option becomes available, my kids will be going to the new school.” Colt didn’t even blink under the older woman’s stare.
“I know there are many folks around here who just can’t afford the fees, Martha. And some have gone broke trying to get their kids an education. Most of the children you have in your school come from more affluent families in the area who will still be sending their children there. It isn’t fair to deprive the children whose families can barely afford to put food on their tables.” Lucy Reeves was a middle-aged woman who ran the boardinghouse. Her husband, Martin, ran the livery next door.
Caleb could have run around the room and hugged all of the townsfolk who seemed willing to listen to Fae’s idea.
“Well, how do you propose to pay for the teacher? Promise doesn’t exactly offer a great deal to entice anyone to come out here to the middle of the prairies to live. I’m quite certain the funding from this Madam Wigg won’t continue to keep paying for the school indefinitely.” Martha was standing now with her arms crossed in front of her, while her husband, Clarence, sat meekly beside her.
“I’m hoping in time, we could set up a school board that could help to do some fundraising. Madam Wigg will help as much as she can over the years to come, I’m sure. Other towns have been able to fund public schools, so I don’t see any reason why Promise can’t.” Fae’s voice sounded strong and sure, but Caleb knew how nervous she was. He could feel it in how she was holding her body beside him.
“And the land the school sits on will be free. We won’t be asking for any payment for that. Colt will provide wood in the winter to heat the school. So all that would be needed are books, some basic supplies, and a teacher’s salary.” Winnie smiled over at Fae and winked.
“Anything else that can’t be covered by the money Madam Wigg is sending will be paid for by me.” Caleb heard the gasps from some of the townspeople in attendance, especially that of his wife who quickly turned her head and looked up at him in surprise.
“How will you be able to afford that, Caleb Bailey? You’re nothing more than a scoundrel who wastes his money drinking and gambling.” Martha Pembrooke quickly stopped talking as soon as he turned his eyes to hers. He clenched his jaw tight to keep from saying exactly what he thought of the woman. Now that he was a businessman in this town, he had to act like one.
“My father had some money that he has left to me. I won’t get all of it for a few months now, but when I do, I will be donating as much as needed into a trust with the money from Madam Wigg to ensure the school will be able to run for many years to come. And all of the children can have the chance to learn.”
He resisted the urge to go over and laugh directly in Martha Pembrooke’s face. That woman thought she could say and do whatever she wanted simply because she had money. Well, now he did too. While he’d never be as rich as she was, he had enough coming from his father’s estate that he could make sure the school was always funded. And by the time he paid off all his gambling debts, it wouldn’t leave much else, but he had the mercantile and that was enough to keep them fed and a roof over their heads.
He smiled down at Fae, his heart swelling with happiness at the look on her face. She had tears in her eyes and she opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out.
“I’ve already ordered books and supplies for the school, which will go on an account at the store for me to pay off once I have the money. And Colt and I have agreed to build desks, benches, and anything else that will be needed. We’d welcome any help that anyone else would like to offer.”
He knew he should have told Fae all of this befor
e, but he’d wanted to surprise her and from the look on her face, he’d accomplished that. She was still staring at him in shock.
“What about a teacher? Have you found anyone willing to come live out here?” Martha’s face was so red, Caleb worried that Dr. Jacobs might be needed.
“I have a niece who has done her teacher’s training. She’s working out east and has mentioned many times how much she’d love the chance to come west and see more of the country. I can get in touch with her, if you haven’t found one already.” Lucy Reeves excitedly came over to stand by them. “I’d love the chance to have her out here with me for a while.”
Fae nodded and smiled at the woman. “If you want to contact her, then I think she’d be perfect for the job.”
“So, no one is going to listen to my objections then? We’re all just going to go ahead with this young girl’s notion, without thinking it all through?” Martha was angrily tying her bonnet under her chin. “I’d at least have thought we could have a vote, but I see we’re all too eager to follow along with this nonsense.”
Dr. Jacobs looked around the room, then stood again. “Should we take it to a vote?”
Everyone nodded in agreement.
“All those in favor of setting up the old public school, raise your hands.” Rows of hands went up.
“And all those against setting the school up?”
Martha and Clarence Pembrooke put their hands up. When they saw they were the only ones, Martha grabbed her husband’s arm and stormed out of the little church in a flurry of skirts. “Don’t expect any support from us.”
The door slammed behind them, but no one noticed. Everyone had come over to shake Fae’s hand and congratulate her on taking on this project and getting it going. She’d only been here a couple of weeks, but Caleb could see she’d already gained the loyalty and love of just about everyone in town.
And he realized with a start, that he was just as smitten.
Chapter 15
“Fae, you’re going to play yourself out. You’ve been out here every day cleaning and working so hard. I still can’t believe how much we’ve done.”
Fae looked up and smiled at Winnie. She was down scrubbing the floors again, getting them ready for the new desks to be brought in as they were finished. Caleb had closed the store early today and was outside with Colt and a few other men from town building desks and benches to bring in.
“Well, you’ve been here every day too, Winnie. I couldn’t have done any of this without you.” She stood up and pushed on her back to get the kinks out. “And today, when everyone else started showing up, I couldn’t believe my eyes. This community is unlike any other, the way they can all come together when needed. I wish there was a way to repay them.”
Dr. Jacobs, Martin Reeves, and a few farmers who she’d met as they’d come into the mercantile over the past couple of weeks, had all arrived this morning with lumber donated by Harvey Reynolds at the sawmill. It seemed like once the idea had been planted, everyone wanted to be involved.
“Fae, you’re giving these people a way to send their children to school again, without needing to go broke doing it. They’re the ones who feel like they owe you.” Winnie walked over and continued washing one of the new panes of glass. “But I was thinking that tomorrow after church we could offer a picnic lunch out here for anyone who has helped. At the rate we’re going, this school is going to be ready by the end of next week. Then we just need to wait for the new teacher to arrive.”
“Oh, a picnic is a wonderful idea, Winnie. I can make some pies tonight when I get home, and I have a ham I was going to make for tomorrow.”
“Now don’t be overdoing it. Go home and enjoy the time with your husband. You’re a new bride and you haven’t had much time to spend alone together between the store and working out here at the school. I can make enough food for everyone.”
Fae’s cheeks heated as Winnie talked about spending time alone with Caleb. Ever since the night when she’d caught him outside, he’d been staying home in the evenings with her and they were sharing their bed. It was exactly how she’d always dreamed being married would be.
Except for the fact that she wasn’t sure she’d ever have his heart.
While he’d finally taken down one of the walls that had been around him since the day she’d arrived, she still felt like he was holding himself back. It was almost like he was hiding something from her.
And that scared her because she knew her heart was already in danger. He might still not believe he was worthy of loving, but that didn’t stop her heart from falling anyway.
“It’s so nice to have Caleb back in town. When the boys were young, he was always out here with Colt and they’d go fishing or spend the day exploring all around Promise. After his ma died, though, Caleb just started to pull away from everyone. I think his father was especially hard on him because Caleb was quite stubborn, as I’m sure you’re finding out.” Winnie laughed as she dried the window sill she was working on.
“He can be stubborn, but lucky for me, I’m just as stubborn. So I’m not the type to let him get away with it.” The women both laughed, the sound echoing in the empty room.
“That’s exactly what he needs. I never believed any of the things people were saying about him. Caleb was always a good boy, he just seemed so lost and started going down a wrong path when his ma passed. He used to fight something awful with his older brother, Kane. I never liked to say it, but it was clear to most everyone around here that Mr. Bailey favored Kane because he was so good in his studies and always wanted to be a doctor. Kane was the good boy who did everything his father said, while poor Caleb always seemed to be getting in trouble. I think eventually he just started to believe he was as bad as everyone always said.”
Fae listened intently, grateful to finally have more insight into her husband’s past. He barely spoke about it except for the odd comment about his brother the doctor, or to say something about how he’d always been trouble. Yet, the way he acted around her never showed anything of that side. He didn’t think he was a gentleman at all, and while she’d have agreed with that sentiment when she first met him, she’d learned that wasn’t the real Caleb.
That just seemed to be the man he wanted everyone to believe he was.
Yet, she’d watched him donate money to start a school, come out and help build desks and other furniture, order books and supplies without being asked. Just last night, he’d presented her with some new fabric he’d ordered just for her. He’d told her to use it to sew herself a dress that she could use to show off to the other women in the area, so they’d want to make use of her services.
A man who did those things wasn’t a bad man, even if he wasn’t ready to let go of that image.
“Oh, I can’t wait to go to school here. I wonder what Miss Reeves will be like? I bet she’ll be beautiful, just like you, Mrs. Bailey.”
Delia came bouncing in through the front door, her boots clunking loudly on the wooden floor as she spun around in excitement. She rushed over to Fae, putting her arms out for a hug. Fae sat back on her heels and pulled the little girl in tight. In the past few days working out here, she’d realized just how much the young girl was missing having a mother around. Fae could understand that, so she was more than happy to give the child whatever comfort she could offer.
“Where did you leave your brother? I thought you two were in charge of washing the back step.”
“We finished that a long time ago. Owen’s out with Pa and Mr. Bailey. Everyone else has gone home for the day. He thinks he’s big enough to actually help the men and said he’s not doing any more of the lady’s work.” Delia shrugged as though she just couldn’t understand her brother.
“Well, young lady. You can come up to the house with me. We have some lady’s work to do, so we can have supper ready for everyone.” Winnie came over and shooed her granddaughter toward the doorway. “I think we’ve done just about enough for today, so if you want to finish up here, then come to the hou
se to have a bite to eat before heading home, I’ll make sure you’re well fed.”
“Oh, Winnie, you don’t need to do that…”
“Fae, I’m not going to argue with you. I’ll meet you up at the house when you get there.” Winnie waved as she walked out the door, leaving Fae on the floor shaking her head. The woman wasn’t one to be argued with, and to be honest, Fae was grateful to not have to cook when she got home. Her entire body was aching, and she didn’t think she could even keep her eyes open much longer.
When she finished the floor, she sat back and looked around. Everything was almost ready. The new windows were in, replaced by glass that Caleb had in stock at the mercantile. Thankfully, the chalkboards had all still been salvageable when they started cleaning up, so that was something they hadn’t had to order. Once the finished desks and benches were carried in, there wouldn’t be much else to do.
“I don’t know how you manage to look as beautiful as you do even after spending an afternoon on your knees scrubbing the floor, but you’ve somehow done it.” Caleb walked in the door and crossed the floor toward her.
“No, be careful! Don’t track any dirt in!” She quickly stood up and held her hands up to stop him. As she went to step carefully on the wet floor, her foot slipped, and she started to fall. But Caleb easily reached out and grabbed her, pulling her toward him with a grin on his face.
“If you wanted to be in my arms, Fae, all you had to do was ask.”
She rolled her eyes and nervously reached up to pat at her hair. She could feel pieces sticking out in every direction beneath the kerchief she’d used to try holding it in place while she worked.
Caleb brought his thumb up to wipe at some dirt along her cheek. “Even with dirt on your face, you’re still the most stunning woman in Promise.”
“Caleb, I think you’ve been working in the sun too much today. And since you’ve taken your hat off, you’ve most likely suffered from the heat.”
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