A Love to Last Forever

by Tracie Peterson

  Gwen looked at Beth in disbelief. “When did you decide this? Does Nick know?”

  Hank and Dave began to laugh. “With a Gallatin girl involved, he probably hasn’t heard yet.”

  “Of course he’s heard,” Beth said, putting her hands to her hips. “I told him last night.”

  This only caused Hank and Dave to laugh all the more. Dave nearly fell off the bench as Hank punched him in the arm. “Do you . . . do you . . . hear this? She told . . . him,” Hank stammered out between gasps for air.

  Gwen looked at the men with clear annoyance. “Will you two settle down? I need to hear what Beth has to say.”

  “I think . . . she’s . . . said . . . enough.” Hank’s blue eyes seemed to gleam as he waggled his finger at Beth. Dave clutched his side, and Beth thought for a moment tears might stream down his face from the sheer hysteria of the moment.

  “Men.” Beth rolled her eyes and looked at Gwen. “I know it’s short notice, but we don’t want anything fancy. The pastor will be visiting in two weeks, so we decided that would be perfect. We just think it’s important for Justin. We want to give him a family, and the sooner, the better.”

  The shock had worn off her sister’s expression. “As long as you’re sure,” Gwen said. “As long as you love him.”

  Beth nodded. “I do. I love him very much.”

  “Will you still be able to come over and help us with Gal-latin House?” Gwen asked. “We still have most of the summer and fall, and we’ll be busier than ever.”

  “I’ll be here. Justin can come and help, too. Unless, of course, Nick wants his help with the horses.” She considered that as a strong possibility. “I don’t think there should be any problem.”

  “Just tell Nick what he’ll be doing,” Hank said, still snickering.

  Beth picked up a dry piece of toast and threw it at Hank. He dodged just in time, but it hit Dave in the face, causing Lacy to laugh.

  “Well, this day is off to a great start,” Gwen said, shaking her head.

  That evening Lacy was restless. She couldn’t keep from thinking about what Cubby had said. A part of her wanted to march right over to Rafe’s and demand answers, but she knew the futility and stupidity of such actions.

  Her biggest dilemma was Dave. Should she tell him what Cubby had said? Since he’d had so little time to really investigate George Gallatin’s death, maybe this would be the one lead he needed.

  “But he’s got the highwaymen on his mind,” she murmured. She walked to her bedroom window and pulled back the curtain to see the sun setting in the west.

  “Well, if I’m going to say anything to him tonight,” she reasoned, “I’m going to have to do it right away.” She knew Dave usually walked around the area at this time and then retired for the night.

  Biting her lower lip, Lacy paced her room for another five minutes before deciding to go tell Dave what she knew. If he discarded Cubby’s announcement or told her to forget about it, then Lacy would just handle things another way.

  Knowing her sisters would be getting ready for bed, Lacy tiptoed to the back stairs and crept down, praying no one would hear her and come to investigate. She reached the kitchen and breathed a sigh of relief, then lit a lamp and made her way through the dining room, just reaching the front door when she heard the bathing room door upstairs open. She hugged the side of the stairs and turned the lamp as low as possible without extinguishing it. When no one came down the stairs or called out, she felt confident that she’d gone unnoticed.

  The night air held a damp chill that suggested rain was soon to be upon them. The covered passageway to the addition where Dave was staying would keep her relatively safe from any light sprinkle, but a downpour would be a completely different story.

  When Lacy entered the building, she could see a light coming from under Dave’s door. Hopefully he was there and she could quickly pass on her news and be done with it. She knocked lightly and held her breath, noticing that her heart was racing. She heard movement in the room and squared her shoulders in preparation of what she would say.

  However, when Dave opened the door wearing nothing but his trousers, Lacy’s mouth dropped open. His muscular chest was all she could think about, and her reason for coming completely fled her thoughts. She wondered if the tuft of blond hair in the center of his chest was coarse or soft. The thought ran through her like a bolt of lightning, and her gaze snapped up to meet Dave’s eyes.

  “What are you doing here?” he asked.

  “I . . . ah . . .” She stared down at the lamp in her hand.

  “You . . . ah . . . should put a shirt on.”

  Dave chuckled low. “I was getting ready to go to bed. I don’t usually wear a shirt. But I suppose it would be prudent.” He turned and walked back into the room, leaving Lacy at the door.

  She felt strangely uncomfortable. Why did this man have to make her feel so cotton-mouthed and dull-witted? Lacy chided herself for being so silly. There was no reason for this. She’d seen men without their shirts before. Rafe and Wyman were often minus theirs.

  When Dave came back with the shirt in place, she felt her senses return. “Look, I just came to tell you something I heard—something about my father’s killing.”

  He frowned. “Have you been out risking your life again?”

  She met his stern gaze. “No. This information came to me.”

  “Tell me about it, then.”

  “Cubby was helping me at the store when Hank went to Bozeman. He was trying to impress me and asked me . . . well, it’s not important what he asked, but he told me Rafe and Wyman were talking and that they said something about what had really happened the night my father was killed.”

  “What else did he say?”

  “Nothing,” Lacy said. “But that’s proof enough for me that Rafe and Wyman are hiding the truth.”

  “You said Cubby asked you something. What was it?”

  “It’s not important.”

  “I’ll be the judge of that,” Dave said, narrowing his eyes. “What did Cubby ask you that caused him to tell you something that could only lead to incriminating his father?”

  Figuring Dave wouldn’t take the matter seriously or help her if she didn’t come clean, Lacy drew a deep breath. “Cubby wants to court me.”

  Dave grinned and leaned back against the doorjamb. “He does, now, does he? What is he, fifteen?”

  “That’s not important. He wanted to impress me—to do something that would make me love him, I suppose.” She shook her head and looked up at the ceiling. “Don’t ask me why. It’s just not important.”

  “Of course it’s important. It speaks of a young man who would sacrifice his own father for the woman he loves.”

  Lacy looked at him and noticed that he hadn’t bothered to button his shirt. That tuft of hair was beckoning her again. She frowned. This was ridiculous. She looked at Dave’s grin and steadied her nerves. “You can be as amused as you want about this, but Cubby felt confident that Rafe and Wyman knew what really happened. They might very well know who fired the fatal shot. I thought you should know. I suggest you get Cubby to set them up and position yourself in a place where you can overhear the conversation. Then when they reveal the truth, you can . . . well . . . do whatever needs to be done.”

  “And if they don’t reveal the truth?” he asked. “Should I beat it out of them?”

  Lacy considered this a moment, then nodded. “If need be.”

  Dave laughed and straightened. He surprised her by turning her around and pointing her toward the door. “Go to bed, Lacy. I have an early morning, and you do, too.”

  She turned in his arms, careful to keep the lamp from burning either of them. “I’m not ready to go anywhere until I hear you say you’ll check into this.”

  Dave’s eyes seemed to devour her as he leaned closer. “If you don’t go, I’ll kiss you again.”

  Lacy felt her own eyes widen. She turned and hurried for the safety of the door. Dave laughed heartily behind her, but sh
e didn’t dare stop to say anything about it. Stopping would be her undoing, because in that moment she very much wished he had kissed her.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  “Are you ready?” Gwen asked Beth.

  Gazing at her reflection in the mirror, Beth nodded. “I think so. I’m nervous.”

  Gwen laughed. “That’s to be expected. Every bride gets the jitters on her wedding day.” She took hold of Beth and turned her from the mirror. “You look beautiful. The dress suits you quite well.”

  “Well, I wouldn’t have it, if not for your help.” She pulled at the folds of cream-colored silk and smiled. “I never thought I would have anything this grand on such short notice.”

  “I wasn’t sure you would, either, but Hank was able to get the material in Bozeman. It was as if God just had the fabric there waiting for you.” She smiled. “The sewing was the easy part.”

  Gwen fanned the skirt out behind Beth. “The simple lines suit you, and corseted in as you are, your waistline looks hardly bigger than a minute. Nick will be in absolute awe of your beauty.”

  Beth toyed with the piece of lace she was using for a headpiece. “I hope he’ll like it as much as you think he will.”

  “It’s been my experience that men really don’t pay too much attention to such details anyway. Nick will see your face, and he will lose himself in thoughts of how much he loves you and how blessed he is to be your husband.”

  “Oh, I hope so. For so long, I’ve read stories about falling in love and marrying, and frankly, my story is nothing like them.”

  “Well, you’ve had your share of adventure,” Gwen declared. “I thought for sure when Justin arrived that everything would change.”

  “And it did,” Beth admitted. “But only for the good. I couldn’t see being angry at Nick for the past. He was just a boy, and the problems he created made it hard for him to take responsibility. Even I can see that.”

  “But are you sure you’re ready to be a mother and wife?” Gwen asked. Her gaze seemed to search Beth’s face for the truth.

  Beth smiled. “I love Nick with all my heart, and I already love Justin as much as anyone could love their own flesh-and-blood child. He’s so . . . easy to care about.”

  “That doesn’t mean there won’t be hard times.”

  “I know. Pastor Flikkema mentioned that when he talked to me alone. He said that Justin would probably have some resentment—even anger toward me at times. I hope he won’t, but if he does, we’ll just do our best. I know God has brought me to this place, and He will surely be faithful to see me through it.”

  “I believe He will,” Gwen replied. “Just know that I’m always here for you.”

  Beth looked around her bedroom. It was the last time she would be here—the last time she would call this room her own.

  “Come on. Everyone is waiting.” Gwen opened the bedroom door as Lacy approached from the other side.

  “You getting cold feet?” she asked.

  Beth laughed. “No. I’m ready.”

  “Here are your flowers,” Lacy said, handing Beth a bouquet.

  Beth took the wild flowers and looked first to Lacy and then to Gwen. “I love you both so much. I’m so glad you’re here to share this day with me.” Her sisters hugged her in unison, and Beth felt tears escape.

  “Now, now. None of that,” Gwen said, dabbing at Beth’s eyes with a lace-edged handkerchief. “This is a day of joy. Save the tears for another time.”

  Gwen and Lacy led the way down the back stairs. Beth followed, whispering a prayer for God’s blessing on her marriage. Her sisters made their way from the kitchen through the short connecting hall that opened into the large gathering room.

  Beth drew a deep breath and waited for them to take their places near the fireplace. She smiled when Justin appeared and held out his hand.

  “You ready to be my ma?”

  “Are you ready to be my son?”

  Justin grinned and took hold of Beth. “I was ready two weeks ago, but Pa said you had to have time to get ready. You sure are pretty, but I think you could have gotten ready quicker than two weeks.”

  Beth suppressed a chuckle and allowed the boy to lead her forward. Her sisters had done a remarkable job in preparing the house for the wedding. There were flowers everywhere, and the entire house carried their sweet summer scent.

  Walking down the makeshift aisle, Beth could see the happy faces of the well-wishers who’d gathered after church for the ceremony. Her attention didn’t remain on them for long, however, when she caught sight of Nick’s smoldering gaze. There was a smile on his lips and an expression that suggested he was quite satisfied with himself.

  When they reached Pastor Flikkema, the ceremony began. Justin handed Beth over to his father, then stood beside Simon to bear witness.

  Beth could feel the warmth of Nick’s hands beneath her gloves. She felt such a flood of contentment—of sheer delight. Now she would have the family and home that she’d always prayed for. Now she would have the forever love she’d always dreamed of.

  When the pastor announced that Nick could kiss his bride, Beth trembled. They had waited to share this kiss—to seal their marriage in this special way. Nick pushed aside the lace and gently swept Beth into his arms.

  Gone were the people who had joined them. Gone were her sisters and his brother. Gone were all the romantic notions and stories that had filled her head for years. There was only now—there was only Nick.

  His warm lips met hers in such a tender fashion that Beth couldn’t help but sigh against him. She felt her knees weaken as Nick deepened the kiss. His touch was unlike anything she’d ever known. It gave her a sense of overwhelming pleasure—of love and of coming home.

  The congregation applauded and cheered the union. As soon as Nick pulled away from their embrace, Beth’s sisters flocked to her side and kissed her cheek. Next, Simon was congratulating her.

  “I’ve never had a sister before,” he told her. He kissed her cheek and smiled.

  “It can be a real trial,” she said, laughing. “I guess we’re both in for a few changes.”

  “They will all be good ones,” Simon promised. “I’m sure of it.”

  “What about me?” Justin asked, tugging on Beth’s skirt.

  She looked down and smiled. “You’re one of the best parts of this day. See, I didn’t just promise God that I would be a good wife to your pa. I promised I would be the best mama I could be for you.” She opened her arms to him. “I love you, Justin.”

  He wrapped his arms around her waist and hugged her close. “I love you, Mama.”

  Beth’s eyes welled with tears. She caught sight of Nick and realized that he, too, had damp eyes. The blessing of the day was upon them. They were now a family.

  Lacy watched Beth for a few more moments before slipping out of the house. She was happy for her sister, but something about the day caused an aching in her heart that Lacy couldn’t quite explain. Everyone had someone to love except for her.

  But I never wanted love, she told herself. I don’t want to deal with the pain that comes when you love someone and lose them.

  She thought of the countless times she’d cried herself to sleep, longing for her mother. All of her life she had felt the emptiness her mother caused when she died. Lacy had tried her best to harden her heart. Anger sometimes eased the pain, but only momentarily.

  Moving out across the grassy lawn, past the vegetable garden and the hot springs pool, Lacy followed the road to the cemetery. The warmth of the July sun bore down on her, but Lacy gave it little thought. The tall pines that sheltered the graves would offer her shade and keep her cool. She often thought this was the most perfect place for sorting out her thoughts. It comforted her, even though it reminded her of death and sorrow.

  “I suppose I’m strange that way,” she said, walking to her father’s gravestone. She had placed flowers there earlier when gathering blossoms for Beth’s bouquet. Somehow it just seemed appropriate.

  �
�Pa, I’m still trying to get you justice. I’m hoping God has told you as much.”

  She glanced up through the trees to the cloudless blue sky. “I just want you to know that I’ll never give up. Even if everyone else forgets—I won’t.”

  Across the valley, the mountains stood in majestic splendor. The snow was gone now, but only for a short time. Lacy knew that soon enough it would return, and the chill of winter would be upon them. Frankly, she liked the cold. When the winter storms came, there was less traffic—fewer people. She liked that. She could imagine herself leaving Gallatin House to head up into the mountains. Sometimes Lacy even entertained herself with thoughts of just writing her sisters a letter and taking off. Maybe now that Beth was married, she’d do just that.

  She’d heard Hank talk about whether they would remain in the area or move north to accommodate the railroad. There had even been discussion as to whether or not Gallatin House was even needed. The store was doing a great deal of business and would no doubt continue to do so whether they moved it or not. If they did move, Gwen and Hank could tend the store, while Beth and Nick would have the blacksmith shop. There really wouldn’t be a place for Lacy in either of their families.

  How sad it would be when everyone went their own way. Lacy couldn’t imagine life without her sisters being there to advise her. Not that she’d always listened.

  She smiled. “I suppose I really don’t listen much at all.”

  She heard someone coming up the road behind her and turned. Dave Shepard tipped his hat as he came closer. “I hope you don’t mind the intrusion. I saw you head over here.”

  Lacy felt her heart skip a beat. Her feelings for Dave confused her. She found him annoying and demanding, yet at the same time, there was something about him that caused her to catch her breath.

  “I don’t mind,” she said, moving to a stand of aspen trees. The green leaves fluttered almost musically in the breeze. “I just came here to think.”

  Dave eyed her as if to challenge her statement, then looked off toward the mountains. “You think too much.”