CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
It was the evening before the wedding. Kirsty and Abby were alone at the homestead. No visitors. Just Kirsty and her soon-to-be-married cousin.
They sat outside, on the porch, each on a separate, wooden chair. The sun was beginning to set behind the hills to the west and the air was cool and clear. The sound of cicadas drifted on the soft breeze. The work around the homestead had been completed earlier than usual. Kirsty had decided to get everything done earlier in the day so that they could prepare for Abby's big day.
"You don't think we've forgotten anything, do you?" Abby asked, urgency tightening her voice.
Kirsty reached across and gently patted her cousin's knee. "We haven't stopped for the last two weeks. I can't think of a single thing we could have overlooked." Counting on her fingers, she continued. "We've made the dress; arranged the flowers; prepared your hair; got the buckboard all made up and pretty. And that's just a few of the things."
Abby groaned nervously. "I know I shouldn't worry." Flashing a concerned look at Kirsty she exhaled: "But I do. What if I've left out something obvious?"
"You're forgetting we've all been involved in this. Bridget and Logan and the children. We've been thorough." Kirsty giggled. "Bridget said she's as nervous as anyone."
The Shaughnessy family would be accompanying Kirsty and Abby into town the next morning. Kirsty was glad about that. Having others around during the journey into town would lighten the mood, Kirsty told herself. "Logan said the children can't wait. It's their first wedding." Mentioning Logan made Kirsty's heart quicken. "It's been a team effort."
"Do you think Lucas is nervous?" Abby asked.
"He's probably shaking in his boots," Kirsty said and laughed. Abby just frowned. Maybe that hadn't been the wisest thing to say at this moment, Kirsty reflected. "Lucas told Logan that everything is all set for the celebration at the town hall. He's put a lot of work into making it perfect. Logan offered to help out and Lucas accepted. Logan's becoming well-known around town. A regular busybody."
"The whole town is coming to the celebration after the wedding," Abby said, exaggerating.
"Maybe not the entire town," Kirsty countered. "But enough to make sure it'll be a day to remember." About a hundred people had been invited. Enough to fill the dancehall.
"What about the church?" Abby asked worriedly.
Kirsty sighed and gave Abby a reassuring look. "Stop worrying. It's all set there, too. Plenty of people have worked real hard to make sure this goes perfectly." She smiled at Abby. "It's going to be a wonderful day, Abby. Trust me."
Abby sighed heavily and settled back on her chair. Abby brushed a hand down the length of her blue, gingham gown. Her cousin looked momentarily lost in thought. Maybe Abby was running everything over in her mind, Kirsty told herself. Abby always had been an organized person. She liked everything to be well coordinated. But sometimes you just had to trust that things would go well. Trust in the Lord, Kirsty said to herself. If Abby did that, everything would be fine.
Tomorrow, Abby would be dressed all in white. She'd look amazing, Kirsty reflected. Hours of work had gone into the wedding gown. It had paid off. The wedding outfit, complete with lace veil, was plain but elegant, perfectly-tailored, and very beautiful. And, for Logan's daughter, Alice, a simple cream dress had been fashioned, thanks to Abby and Kirsty working with the little girl.
Kirsty leaned back in her chair and gazed out across the valley. She'd been so busy these past days, she hadn't had a moment to consider what her life would be like once Abby and Lucas had tied the knot. In fact, she'd done all she could to avoid thinking about the day after tomorrow. What it would be like to wake up alone, knowing that every morning would be like that.
As she'd done before, she pushed thoughts of her future firmly out of her mind, chiding herself for being so selfish. Tomorrow was all about Abby and Lucas. It would be the beginning of a wonderful future for her cousin. Kirsty had no doubt about it. Lucas was a good man. Kind and thoughtful. Kirsty knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that Abby loved Lucas.
Of course, at first, Abby would find it strange living in the home Lucas owned on the west side of town, near the bank where he worked. Over the past months, Kirsty and Abby had made visits to Lucas's home during his courtship of Abby. It was a pleasant, white-fronted home in a quiet, tree-lined street. Being prudent by nature, Lucas had bought the home a year before and furnished it tastefully, although Kirsty was sure it wouldn't take Abby long to put her own personal stamp on the place.
Married life was all about mutual discovery and love. It was about new beginnings and fresh challenges. And about joy and delight, leading eventually to family and long-lasting happiness. It all sounded so wonderful, Kirsty reflected. So, how come, deep inside herself, she felt an ache every time she reflected on those things?
Was the ache in her heart caused by how things stood between herself and Logan? Was that the reason why, during most of her waking moments, thoughts of Logan were never far away? He'd been to the homestead a few times over the last couple of weeks. And, each time had been more difficult for Kirsty than the last. She thought back to the way he'd kissed her hand when they'd been at the orchard. The memory of his soft lips against the back of her fingers, the warm caressing motion of his fingertips, was burned into her mind.
She hadn't mentioned the incident to Abby. But, every time Logan had come to the homestead, Kirsty had seen the way Abby had looked at her. There had been hope and expectation in her cousin's eyes. For his part, Logan had been the perfect gentleman, courteous and thoughtful and considerate.
While Abby and Kirsty had worked on the dresses, Logan had helped around the homestead. He'd thrown himself into just about every task. Everything from attending to the horses, the cow, the pigs and the chickens. He'd spent time showing Jack how to work the small molasses mill out back of the barn. With the horse tied to a wooden bar, and circling the small metal mill, Jack and Logan had fed the sugar cane from the farm into the mill. It was time-consuming work, but Jack had been thrilled to be involved in making sugar. The promise of making cakes had added to the delight.
Abby glanced across at Kirsty. "Are you thinking about him again?" she asked abruptly.
Kirsty felt her face turn red. "Is it that obvious?"
Abby nodded. "It is, really."
Kirsty sighed. "I don't know what to say about Logan."
"I can fix that," Abby said and grinned. "Handsome. Kind. Warm-hearted. And a good father to Jack and Alice." Abby lifted a brow. "Did I miss anything?"
Kirsty frowned. "I think you did." Gazing earnestly at her cousin, she added. "Husband?"
Abby's expression became impassive and wide-eyed. "Do you think he's going to ask you to marry him?"
Kirsty lifted her head and gazed up at the darkening sky. Emerging stars flickered like diamonds. They made her think of wedding rings. Dragging her gaze away from the sky, she turned to Abby. "He told me he wanted to restore my good name with the people of the town."
"No-one is talking about that any more," Abby said.
"Logan fixed it," Kirsty agreed. "I thought that, once everyone accepted that his stay here was innocent, that would be the end of the matter." Kirsty sighed. "But not for Logan. If anything, it seems to have made him even more determined to persuade me to marry him. Maybe, my trouble just put the idea of marriage in his head."
Abby twisted in her chair and faced Kirsty. "Is that a bad thing?" She spoke with a steady, patient voice.
Kirsty shook her head. "Of course not."
"Maybe he has feelings for you," Abby suggested. "Has he said anything about that?"
"He sure has," Kirsty confirmed. She smiled ironically. "There's one thing about Logan Kincaid. When he wants something, there's no stopping him. He speaks his mind."
Kirsty fell silent for a few long moments. She wondered what Abby was about to say. When her cousin did speak, Kirsty was relieved it wasn't anything to do with Logan.
"Lucas is lik
e that," Abby said and then, tilting her head, she smiled. "In his own way, of course. He's not a cowboy, like Logan. But Lucas can be determined. Whenever he chooses."
Kirsty reached her hand across and rested it on Abby's arm. "Lucas loves you very much. I'm so happy for you both." Kirsty was glad of the respite from talking and thinking about Logan.
"Thank you, Kirsty." Abby ran her gaze around the front of the homestead, taking in the yard, the enclosures for the animals and the barn. "I'm going to miss this place," she admitted. "We've had some fine old times here, you and me." Glancing at Kirsty she added: "Don't you think?"
Kirsty smiled warmly. "The best of times, Abby." A feeling rose in Kirsty's heart. She looked across at Abby. "Do you mind if I say a prayer, Abby?"
"Why would I mind that?" Abby replied.
"It's for you and Lucas. I just feel that it's the right thing to do."
"Go ahead." Abby closed her eyes and lowered her head.
Kirsty closed her eyes and spoke, letting her heart find the words.
"Lord. Bless Abby and Lucas. They're about to embark on a lifetime journey together. You have brought the joy of marriage into their lives. Grant them Your love and protection. We ask for Your blessing and trust that love will fill their hearts all the days of their life. Give them the strength to face the trials ahead and to reach out for all the joys You provide. Make firm the bonds of their love for each other. We ask for this in Your name. Amen."
"Amen," Abby affirmed.
Lifting her head and opening her eyes, Kirsty saw her cousin's moist gaze staring back at her. Kirsty rose from her chair and Abby did the same. Kirsty hugged Abby. Both women shared a quiet moment, holding one another, sharing the emotions brought forth by the prayer.
Kirsty leaned her head back and gazed into Abby's eyes. "You don't go crying now," she said. "You'll set me off." Kirsty drew in a deep breath. "Tomorrow is your big day. And it's going to be the most perfect day you've ever had." She shook Abby gently. "You hear?"
Abby nodded her head and forced herself to smile. "I love you, Kirsty. I always will. You know that, don't you."
"And I love you, Abby."
"You'll come and visit me and Lucas, won't you?"
"You try and stop me," Kirsty declared.
As both women made their way back into the cabin, Kirsty asked herself if she and Abby were going to get even one minute of sleep tonight.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
"Are you all ready to go?" Miss Hannigan called out from downstairs. In the children's room, Logan finished fussing with the buttons on Jack's little waistcoat. Tilting his head, and examining Jack, Logan nodded. "You look good, Jack," Logan declared.
Jack smiled and looked at himself in the mirror.
"What about me, pa?" came Alice's voice from the other side of the room.
Logan strode across to Alice and halted, thrusting his fists against his hips. "Didn't I already tell you you're the prettiest princess in Montana?" he asked and gave Alice a broad grin. "Don't tell me you've already forgotten what I said."
Alice fussed with her white dress and then peered up at Logan. Kirsty and Abby had done a fine job making the dress with Alice. Logan had to admit his daughter looked real pretty. Judging by her delighted expression, Alice thought the same.
There was a knock at the door. It opened slightly and Miss Hannigan thrust her bonnet-covered head into the room. "Are you all ready? It's getting near the time. The wedding starts at two o'clock. We don't want to be late."
Miss Hannigan was going to accompany Logan, Jack and Alice to the church. Lucas, having known Miss Hannigan from business affairs at the bank, had invited the owner of the boardinghouse.
"Let's go," Logan said to the children and hurried them out into the hall and down the stairs, following close behind Miss Hannigan.
Pausing at the foot of the stairs, Miss Hannigan examined all Logan and the children. Smiling, she declared: "You all look wonderful."
Miss Hannigan was wearing an elegant brown gown and matching bonnet. "You look mighty elegant yourself, Miss Hannigan," Logan said. Glancing down at Jack and Alice, he added: "Don't you think Miss Hannigan looks nice?"
The children nodded and smiled. "Yup," they both said in perfect unison.
Miss Hannigan let out a deep sigh of contentment and waved a cooling hand in front of her face. "Thank you." Maybe compliments had been in short supply for Miss Hannigan in recent years, Logan reflected.
Then, after one final rush, checking they had everything, they were outside, and making their way toward the church. Logan held the hands of the children, while Miss Hannigan walked alongside Alice.
It was a sunny Saturday afternoon. The air was cool and the sky clear of the slightest hint of cloud. A perfect day, Logan told himself. Perfect for a wedding.
Making their way out across Main Street, Logan saw final preparations being made over at the town hall. A man on a ladder was hanging decorations over the open double doors. Logan had helped Lucas arrange the celebration. There would be food and music and dancing. He was sure it would be a memorable afternoon, and evening, for everyone concerned.
Most of all, Logan was looking forward to spending some time with Kirsty. He'd seen her a few times during the past couple of weeks. At times she'd seemed distant, as if she'd made a decision to keep herself away from Logan. He'd just busied himself around the homestead. Anything to avoid feeling awkward around Kirsty. Thinking about the way he'd kissed her hand when they'd been at the orchard, and the way Kirsty had reacted, Logan figured it hadn't been one of his brightest ideas.
Logan, the children and Miss Hannigan made their way up the street which led to the church. A crowd of about a hundred people had gathered in the yard at the base of the steps up into the church. They were all waiting for the arrival of the day's most important person. The bride.
Logan saw a figure emerge from the inside of the church and take up position at the open doors.
Even from where Logan was standing he could see that Lucas appeared terrified. Logan waved up at Lucas and the bridegroom waved tentatively back at him. Another figure emerged from behind Lucas. Pastor Joseph leaned his head close to Lucas and spoke. Lucas nodded and then followed the pastor back into the church. It would be best that Lucas didn't see his bride's arrival, Logan told himself. The pastor was keeping things well under control.
Having had a chance to get to know Lucas better over the last week or so, Logan had concluded that the young bank employee was a good man. A gentleman, in every sense of the word. Lucas had a good heart. He'd make a fine husband for Kirsty's cousin.
Logan recognized some of the faces in the crowd of wedding guests. The Buchanan family. The Baxter brothers and their wives. During the last weeks he'd gotten to know many of the people in town. House hunting, and searching for land to buy, had meant he'd had to speak with lots of different individuals. He'd also spent plenty of time in the local cafe, feeding the children cakes. And at the mercantile, buying candy sticks.
Most days, when they weren't at school, he'd been accompanied by the children. And that was the way he preferred it. It seemed like word had gotten around about Logan's situation. His status as father to two delightful children, and unmarried, had led him to become the focus of great interest amongst the young ladies of the town. The ones who were on the lookout for a husband. Logan had politely resisted all expressions of interest. As far as he was concerned, he was still courting Kirsty. Nothing had changed his mind about that.
Gradually, as the days had passed, Logan had been welcomed back into the life of the town. He was starting to feel like he belonged. Again. Starting to believe that his idea of returning to Inspiration had been a good one.
Only one person would make him feel complete. Reassure him that he had a real future here. And that was Kirsty.
Logan thought about the evening to come. He had plans. There were things he wanted to say to Kirsty. He hoped he'd get the chance to speak with Kirsty alone.
"There the
y are," Miss Hannigan exclaimed. Logan heard the rattle of carriage wheels. Turning, he smiled when he saw two buckboards heading up the street. Behind him, the crowd of wedding guests lifted their voices in greeting. The sound of quiet applause drifted on the air.
He recognized the Shaughnessy family on the first buckboard. Logan had met the family when he'd first arrived back. He'd spoken with Bridget when she'd visited the MacAnliss homestead last week. She was a delightful, high-spirited Irish woman. Logan liked her a lot.
Their carriage drew to a halt. Abby and Kirsty's carriage halted alongside that of the Shaughnessy family. Logan felt the impulse to go across and offer to help, but he restrained himself. He didn't want to intrude on Abby's big entrance. Nor did he want to crowd Kirsty. Logan was sure she had plenty on her mind, already. The last thing she needed was him sticking his nose where it wasn't wanted, he told himself.
"She looks radiant," Miss Hannigan enthused breathlessly.
"Abby's pretty," Alice announced like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Logan nodded. "She sure is."
When Abby stepped down from the flower-bedecked buckboard, an appreciative roar rose up from the gathered guests. Logan turned and saw all the smiling faces. Whenever anyone got married, it was a special day in Inspiration. Today was no exception.
Logan saw Kirsty fussing with Abby's white wedding dress. All the work had been worth it, Logan reflected. The dress was beautiful. Abby held a bouquet of flowers in her gloved hand. Her eyes were bright with joy. Logan felt happy for Abby.
Kirsty was dressed in a pale blue dress, one he hadn't seen her wear before. She looked stunning. Her hair was tied up beneath a neat-fitting blue bonnet. Logan's heart began to ache slightly as he let his eyes take in the sight of Kirsty's elegant, poised beauty.
A voice called out from the top of the stairs. Pastor Joseph beckoned to the waiting guests. "Please. Make your way into the church. The ceremony is about to begin," he declared in a clear voice which echoed across the yard.
The Cowboy’s Frontier Courtship Page 13
