Brides of the West: Josie's Wedding DressLast Minute BrideHer Ideal Husband

by Victoria Bylin

  As they worked, the clock ticked the minutes, then an hour, then two. The piles of pressed linens grew. If only she could get rid of the wrinkles in her life as easily. The rumples, creases and furrows created by her bad decisions or thrust upon her by others.

  Often she’d resisted those imperfections, longing to walk only smooth roads. Hoping to avoid pain, consequences, hard times that kept her awake at night.

  Yet, in the middle of all those difficult circumstances, she recalled blessings, too. Callie’s kindness, the unwed mothers who understood and supported her, the way others in town had grown in their faith, in their love, as she had.

  The biggest blessing had been David’s care, his gentle heart, the respect he’d given her at a time when she’d badly needed affirmation. The affection he’d showered on her almost daily, the laughter and smiles, all the little things that had brought such joy into her life.

  But above all else, she’d seen God work in her life. He’d brought good from her mistakes. Restored her friends, her family, blessed her in countless ways, one way in particular—her precious baby girl.

  Why had she let David’s absence, and his silence since he’d returned, crowd out what God had done for her? The mistakes she’d made were covered by God’s grace. After all He’d done for her, why didn’t she trust Him now, even in matters of the heart? She would not let the trouble between her and David destroy her trust in Almighty God.

  Joy slid through her. She had nothing to fear. God was in control of her life, in control of her and Katie’s futures.

  Across from her, David cleansed the filth others had left behind. She didn’t understand him, didn’t know why he’d abandoned her, but his demeanor told her something was wrong. Very wrong.

  Did David need to remember God loved him? Did he need to see someone cared? Did he need to see she cared? Her breath caught. In her anger, she’d not been a friend to David. This gentle man had treated her kindly when she had needed kindness most. How could she not do the same?

  Lord, give me the words.

  “David.”

  As if she’d startled him, he whirled toward her. “Yes.”

  “I’m pressing out wrinkles and you’re scrubbing away filth. I can’t help comparing it to what God has done in our lives.”

  His hand slowed then stopped. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

  “I’m saying that no matter how big a mess we make of our lives, God offers forgiveness and grace.”

  David’s eyes filled, glistening in the light from the gas fixture overhead. “I, ah, I needed to hear that, Elise. I’ve…I’ve…failed.”

  “You’re not alone. We all fail. None of us are good enough.”

  Turning away, he swiped at his eyes. Was he crying?

  She dropped the sadiron on the trivet and rushed to his side, but he moved out of her reach. “Are you okay?” she said.

  “I’m fine.”

  “You don’t look fine.”

  “Elise, would you just let it go? Please?”

  His chilly tone offered no opening. She wouldn’t take it if he did. She’d never force herself on a man who didn’t want her.

  Nor would she be trampled underfoot, not by David, not by anyone. “Don’t flatter yourself. What you do with your life is your business. Obviously you’re miserable. But you needn’t worry. I won’t question you again.”

  His face paled but he gave a nod then moved toward the door. “I need to discard this dirty water.” He let the back door slam shut behind him.

  If only he could discard what was bothering him. He’d needed to hear her words, even needed a friend, but he didn’t want her. Neither did she want anything from him. They were working together for one reason and one reason only—to give their friends a party.

  Scripture demanded she love everyone, even her enemies. She’d treat David kindly, pray for him, but she couldn’t do more. Each time she had reached out to him, he’d given her more pain. She wouldn’t make that mistake again.

  * * *

  A man can sleep his days away. The pattern David had fallen into after weeks of sleepless nights. He dragged out of bed around ten. Drank coffee until his mind cleared, avoiding his past, his patients, his future.

  Other than to get through another day, he had no plans except to hang the banner, consider how to fancy up the hall. Evenings spent with Elise, and upon occasion, Katie, were the highlights of his existence. He had no idea what he’d do after the wedding and reception. He couldn’t think about that now.

  For a moment last night, he’d feared he’d break down in front of Elise. All that talk about God’s forgiveness and grace had all but undone him.

  With a cup of coffee in his hand, his gaze roamed his kitchen. Dishes stacked in the sink, crumbs on the floor, opened cans littering the counter. Most meals he’d eaten standing up, hurrying to leave the solitude he’d once relished, but could no longer abide, eager to flee his thoughts, his failures.

  Without direction, he was adrift. Shaken.

  Why not offer to help Elise’s mother purchase groceries and supplies?

  Around two, he gathered his courage, made the walk to the Langley house then knocked on the door. As much as he dreaded talking with Sarah, he’d do what he could to ease her burden. Even as he thought it, he suspected the burden he was trying to ease was his own.

  Wearing a bib apron around her middle and a smile on her face, Sarah opened the screen door and welcomed him in. Not the reception he’d expected.

  One glance at the familiar rugs on the floor, the paintings on the walls, the furnishings that had become more home to him than his own sent him back to happy times he’d spent here.

  “I’m glad to see you,” Sarah said, “It’s been a while.”

  He removed his hat, turning the brim in his hands. “I’ve been away.”

  “Well, you’re back now. That’s what matters.”

  With an uneasy nod, David met her gaze. “I came by to offer to shop for the reception. With Katie to look after during the day, you’re busy. I’d like to save you the trouble.”

  “That’s nice of you! Katie is a handful shopping. Still, turning a man loose in the grocery store, well…” She flashed a brilliant smile. “I’d feel better doing it. You can watch Katie.”

  “Oh, no, I’ll go.”

  “Nonsense.” Sarah flapped a dismissive hand. “You’re wonderful with Katie. I can get the shopping done and be back before you know I’m gone.”

  “I doubt Elise will approve.”

  “That girl is burning the candle at both ends. She’s worn to a frazzle with working at the office, at the hall, staying up half the night hemming her bridesmaid’s dress.” Sarah’s eyes turned dreamy then her pointed gaze turned on him. “She looks like a bride herself in that dress.”

  “Elise would look beautiful in anything.”

  “Oh, that’s sweet of you to say. You two make a handsome couple. I can’t wait to see you all gussied up for the wedding.” She folded her arms, staring at him, like she wanted to say more. “If your suit needs pressing, I’d be happy to do it.”

  David ran a finger under his collar. “No need for that.”

  “The shopping should wait until next Wednesday or Thursday. Want the produce, eggs and milk fresh.”

  “Please check to see if Elise objects to me taking care of Katie.”

  “Can she count on you?”

  “Yes, ma’am, I won’t let her down.”

  “You’re a good man, David. Always thought you were perfect for my daughter. But you’ve let her down.”

  David met her gaze. “I’m sorry.”

  “You can patch things up.” She gave an impish grin. “Like any good doctor.” She cocked her head. “Oh, Katie’s crying. Awake from he
r nap. Stay and play with her?”

  “Well, I…”

  “Who can resist that sweet baby?”

  Later, as David sat on the floor, rolling the ball to Katie, he wondered what Elise would think of her mother’s plan. But whatever happened between them, David adored the tot across from him.

  With both hands, Katie grabbed the ball, chortling as if she’d found a great treasure, then gave the ball an erratic swat that sent it veering off to the side.

  Soon tired of the game, she crawled to him then lifted a chubby hand. “Da-da.”

  A shiver slid through David. He wasn’t fit to be this child’s father. He’d only fail her. Fail her mother.

  “Oh, listen to that.” Sarah’s eyes misted. “She thinks you’re her daddy. You’re the closest thing to a daddy she’s had. Well, except for Mark, of course.”

  “Your husband won’t like to hear that.”

  Sarah smiled a Mona Lisa smile. “I don’t plan on telling him. When it comes to Elise, Mark’s on both ends of the spectrum, either too indifferent or too involved. He’ll get it figured out. In time.”

  If Mark Langley didn’t kill David first.

  “I’d better go.” Still he couldn’t resist gathering Katie up. He gave her a kiss then handed her over to Sarah.

  Only a little over a week, then he could avoid Elise and Katie. Avoid failing them. His gut twisted. His faith in himself, in God, was as wobbly as Katie’s ball.

  Chapter Seven

  Last evening, the mood between Elise and David had gone from congenial to chillier than homemade ice cream, and gave Elise just as big a headache.

  Minutes before, her parents had left for a meeting at church, meaning Katie would spend another evening at the hall. She didn’t seem to mind, but Elise did. After being separated all day, Elise would like to play with Katie, read to her, give Katie her undivided attention.

  As she gathered the baby, her diapers and favorite blanket and tucked them into the carriage, she glanced at the banner lying on the counter that she’d lettered and painted with care. Congratulations Newlyweds! Remembering all the happy times she’d spent with Jake and Callie playing dominos, sharing their pasts over meals, she forgot her fatigue, her regrets with Katie, her frustration at David. Giving her friends a party was worth it all.

  With gentle hands, Elise folded the banner accordion style and draped it over the handle, then eased the pram out the door.

  The three-block walk to Twite Hall took longer than usual, as Elise used her body to shield the banner from the slight breeze. Outside the hall, she heaved a sigh of relief. The banner had made the trip without damage.

  As she entered the door, she met Flossie coming out. “Doc looks as forlorn as a puppy on a chain. Reckon he’s waiting for your direction.” She held the door while Elise pushed the pram inside. “Place looks great. You and Doc will give Jake and Callie a fine party,” Flossie said, “if you don’t kill each other first.”

  “Is the trouble between us that obvious?”

  “Transparent as that newfangled lemon Jell-O.”

  Flossie patted Elise’s shoulder. “You and I are two peas in a pod, Elise girl. Our tongues move faster than our minds. Don’t say something you’ll regret.”

  Tears filled Elise’s eyes. “I’ve lost the man I gave my heart to.”

  “When I was about your age, I sent a good man packing. Thought he’d done me wrong. I didn’t give him a chance to explain. Wondered ever since if my peeve was worth the price.” Flossie’s voice wavered but her gaze clung to Elise’s.

  “I’m sorry about all that, Flossie, but I’ve given David more chances than I can count.”

  “Give it prayer. Give it time. The Good Lord knows David’s heart. Not one of us has that gift.”

  Elise bit her lip to keep her tears at bay then gave a nod. She missed David with every particle of her being, missed the closeness they’d once shared. Something separated them.

  Not one to wave a white flag, still, she’d try for a truce. But how long could she rein in her tongue?

  Inside the hall, she parked the pram in the corner. Katie was sucking her thumb, eyelids drooping. The poor little thing had her days and nights mixed up.

  She found David beside the ladder, a hammer and box of tacks in his hands. Ready to hang the banner, to help any way he could. Not the actions of an indifferent man.

  “Hi,” she said, trying for that truce.

  His gray eyes lit, filling with warmth, tenderness. “Hi.”

  They stared into each other’s eyes, both drinking one another in as hungrily as a thirsty nomad in the desert.

  All those months when Elise was expecting Katie, David had been the oasis in her storm. After her birth, he’d come alongside her. Shared in the joy and wonder of new life, supported Elise, cheered her on, cared about her well-being. Cared about her. She wasn’t wrong about that.

  Whatever put this impasse between them, he’d once been solicitous, affectionate, she’d even thought loving. She owed him a modicum of patience.

  He set aside the tools then helped her roll out the banner on a table. “You did a great job, Elise. Jake and Callie will love this. Where do you want to hang it?”

  “Behind the bridal table, but first let’s put the linens on the tables.”

  As they unfurled then positioned the tablecloths, Elise studied David. Though he made every effort to appear vibrant, he was covering something as surely as these cloths covered the scarred tabletops. If only she dared ask. But his manner had erected a wall she didn’t understand and shouldn’t scale.

  She tamped down her rising defenses. Her past made her see everything as abandonment. She’d try to take Flossie’s advice, but she’d never been good at patience.

  With the tablecloths in place, they loaded a tray with candleholders. Elise counted the number of tapers to buy then followed David as he carried the tray into the kitchen.

  Neither spoke as they knocked off dripped wax, a tedious chore. Once she’d found moments of silence between them comfortable. Now the tension of unspoken hurts left her shaken. If she spoke, she’d lash out at him. Better to keep silent.

  Elise drew a sink of hot sudsy water then washed the candleholders. David dried. As she laid a dripping candleholder on the towel, David reached for it. The tips of their fingers touched. Barely. Yet the shock of his touch zipped through her. How could she feel such attraction to a man this distant?

  A cry from the pram hurried Elise out the kitchen door, relieved for the excuse to leave David’s side.

  “Ma-ma!”

  “Here I am, sweet girl.” Katie grinned, the gaps in her tiny white teeth reminding Elise of a smiling jack-o’-lantern. “Did you have a good rest? Grandma says you’re fighting your nap.”

  Toting her daughter on her hip, Elise placed the now sparkling candleholders on the tables.

  Finished in the kitchen, David strode to them. Katie reached for him, arms wide. “Da-da!”

  Katie’s greeting lurched inside Elise. Did Katie believe David was her father? Or was she merely babbling?

  David’s face paled. He lifted his hands, as if to take Katie into his arms, and then turned away, fiddling with the tablecloth, smoothing a nonexistent wrinkle.

  Once he’d taken every opportunity to hold and play with Katie. Her daughter’s woebegone face tore at Elise. To hurt her was one thing but to hurt Katie, an innocent baby was inexcusable. She’d do everything in her power to give Jake and Callie a lovely reception, but couldn’t abide the prospect of working with this cold man in this awkward, stilted silence.

  To be fair, David worked hard, was civil, even generous—and as closed as a safe’s steel door, giving no clue to what lurked inside. That aloofness, that silence told her what she already knew. No fancy
words could dress up David’s desertion. His behavior toward Katie left no doubt, the feelings they’d once shared were as dead as cold ashes in an unlit stove.

  As David stepped onto the bottom rung of the ladder, the banner in one hand, Lenora strutted into the hall, her fashionable dress impeding her steps.

  Elise glanced down at her own dark skirt, practical, but frumpy. She might’ve fought for David, pushed him to explain what was behind his behavior, but she wasn’t doctor’s wife material. Better to remember, Flossie lived in a fairy-tale world Elise put no trust in.

  “Jeremiah’s on a house call,” Lenora said. “Thought I’d see how preparations for the party were coming.” She glanced at Katie. “Oh, precious baby, are you helping mommy?” Lenora reached her arms and Katie tumbled into them, as if Lenora was a long-lost friend. Katie babbled a reply. “Is that right? Well, you have had a busy day.”

  A grin wide on her face, Katie clapped her hands, obviously impressed by this genteel lady.

  Lenora pivoted, taking in the room. “The tables look lovely.”

  “Thanks. They need some color but I’m not sure what to do.”

  “Hmm, I see what you mean. Perhaps the day of the reception you could sprinkle rose petals down the center of the tables.”

  “That’s a great idea. And simple, too.”

  Swaying Katie back and forth in her arms, Lenora studied the bridal table. “A bouquet of fresh flowers would dress this up.”

  “Mildred Uland offered to provide flowers from her garden.”

  A smile lit Lenora’s face. “You know what would be pretty? I have a double wedding ring quilt, a wedding present from my cousin. The design and pastel colors would be a lovely backdrop for the bridal table.”

  Elise blinked. “You’d allow us to tack your wedding gift to the wall?”

  “You could turn over the hem, use pins to form a pocket wide enough to slip a rod through.”

  With a nod of understanding, David studied the wall. “I could attach braces to hold the rod. What do you think, Elise?”

  Elise glanced at the banner in David’s hand. Lenora’s suggestion would look far nicer than her hand-lettered sign. “The quilt would be pretty.”