Adam's Heart

by Marianne Spitzer

  After a hearty breakfast and a refusal from Miranda for any help with the dishes, Becca, Winifred, and Adam rode to his home. Becca drew in a deep breath when she saw the large white home with black shutters and a wraparound porch. Colorful flowers bloomed along the front of the porch and along the side of the house. A large barn sat behind and to the left of the house. Becca followed Adam to the front of the house and dismounted.

  “Please go in and look around. I’ll take care of the horses and be back soon,” Adam invited. “It will soon be your home, get comfortable.”

  Winifred followed Becca into the house. The parlor was ample sized and furnished with used but serviceable furniture. Winifred bounced on the settee. “It is still sturdy. You can sew new cushions, and it will look lovely.”

  They noticed Adam had placed their crates in one corner of the parlor. “I’ll keep your things here until you find a place to live,” Becca offered. “Unless you’ve changed your mind and will stay with us.”

  “Absolutely not, newlyweds need their privacy,” Winifred said crossing her arms. “I will be all right wherever I am.”

  Becca nodded as she wandered into the dining room. The large wood table with six chairs had recently been polished and shone in the afternoon sunlight coming through the large window. A large cabinet with empty, open shelves just waiting to hold her grandmother’s china sat against one wall. “It’s perfect,” Becca said to herself, but Winifred heard and agreed. “It certainly is lovely.”

  They moved into the kitchen and admired the new stove and the water pump over the sink. Adam walked in the back door and smiled. “Ma thought a new stove was a good idea. I haven’t used it yet. Since I just moved in last week and it arrived the day before you did, I haven’t taken the time to cook.”

  “I will cook many meals, don’t worry about that,” Becca offered. “I see a lot of bread and cherry cobbler in your future.”

  Adam couldn’t hide his smile or his excitement at the idea of cherry cobbler. He turned and opened the pantry door. “I didn’t overstock the pantry. I thought you might want to do that, but Ma sent over twelve jars of cherry jam.” He bent over and pulled the trap door open that sat in the middle of the pantry floor. “Here’s the root cellar. When Pa built the house, he made it big enough that it can be used in case of bad storms. There are wooden crate seats and three lanterns down there.”

  He didn’t see Becca turn pale or take a step to keep her balance. Winifred did notice and slipped her arm around Becca. By the time Adam was ready to show them the upstairs, Becca was back to her smiling self.

  They looked at the three large bedrooms, and as they walked back downstairs, Adam pointed to a door down the hall. “Umm, the bathing room and water closet will be inside that room.” He kept walking back into the kitchen. “Would you like to see outside?”

  Becca agreed quickly, and Winifred excused herself. “Why don’t the two of you take a walk around? I can measure the windows for curtains while you’re outside.”

  “If you’re sure,” Adam said and held the door open for Becca.

  “I am,” Winifred answered but stood at the window to watch them as they headed toward the barn.

  Becca walked into the barn, smiled, and twirled around. “I love barns. I love the horses. There is something about the smell of horses and leather that makes me feel at home. I may be hundreds of miles from where I was born, but in this barn, I feel I’m home.”

  Adam took a step forward, “I hope I am part of the reason you feel at home here.”

  “Oh, you are,” Becca stammered. “I didn’t mean for you to think that seeing your beautiful home and land doesn’t make me feel at home. It’s just that I have loved horses since I was old enough to walk to the barn on my own and visit them. Mama always knew where I wandered off to when she couldn’t find me, and I did wander off often.”

  Adam took Becca’s hand. “I am happy you like it here. Let’s walk out near the cherry grove. There’s a bench we can sit on, and Winifred will be able to see us. She may come running in here any moment wondering what is taking us so long.”

  “No, she won’t. She knows I love horses, too,” Becca giggled. “But I’d love to sit and talk with you. We haven’t had much time alone to talk.”

  And I’d like to kiss you, Adam thought. We haven’t had time for any kissing either.

  They strolled hand in hand to the carved wooden bench nestled at the edge of the cherry grove. Adam waited while Becca sat and smiled up at him. He sat next to her, swallowed, then cleared his throat.

  “By now everyone in town knows you’ve arrived and are my bride-to-be. You invited Cordelia to our wedding. You’re staying at my parents’ house, and you came here today to measure the windows for new curtains. Winifred is staring out the kitchen window watching us. We have a chaperone. Umm, well, we…”

  “Yes?” Becca asked.

  “Everyone assumes we are betrothed.”

  “Aren’t we?”

  “No.”

  Becca’s eyes widened, and she began to rise fighting back tears she felt pricking the back of her eyes. If Adam had changed his mind, she would not let him see her cry.

  Adam stammered, “No, wait, what I mean is we aren’t betrothed yet.”

  Becca sat back down, and Adam dropped to one knee.

  “Rebecca Broadmoor, I feel I know you from our letters and from the short time we’ve spent together, I know you’re everything I imagined you to be.” He reached into his pocket and removed a ring. “We can spend the rest of our lives learning more about each other. Would you do the honor of becoming my wife?”

  Becca stared at Adam and the ring he held.

  Oh no, she’s not answering. I sounded like an idiot. Please Lord let her say yes. He looked up and stared in her eyes waiting.

  A slow smile crept across her face. “Of course I’ll marry you. I wouldn’t want Cordelia to miss a social event on my account. I’d love to be your bride.” She giggled.

  He slipped the small ring with the tiny ruby on her hand. “It was my grandmother’s. When Ma and Pa moved here to homestead, Pa brought all the tools he thought he’d need and my Ma didn’t have room for many things.”

  Becca nodded, “She told me that.”

  “Well, she refused to leave the jewelry she received from her grandmother and mother. She wore them in a pouch she hung around her neck and told my Pa if he wanted her to go along, the jewelry was coming, too. He didn’t have a choice, and she wore the pouch day and night until they settled here.”

  Becca began to laugh. “That sounds like something I can see your mother doing. She does have a mind of her own.”

  “That she does,” Adam answered pulling Becca to her feet. He slipped his arms around her waist and pulled her close to share the kiss he’d wanted all morning. Their first kiss. She kissed him back until their concentration was broken by the sound of clapping coming from the house.

  Turning, they saw Winifred in the backyard clapping and waving her hands in the air.

  “I think she approves,” Becca said.

  They watched Winifred return to the house, and her face didn’t appear in the window. “I think you’re right,” Adam whispered in her ear. He took her by the hand, and they walked into the cherry grove for a bit more privacy. He kissed her again and once more to be sure she knew how he felt.

  Becca leaned against Adam’s chest and said, “We should go back. Your mother packed us a nice lunch. She wasn’t sure if you stocked enough food. She told me I should ask you to show me the falls the town is named after. I’d love to see them, and I think Winifred would, too.”

  Adam laughed. “I’m sure you’d enjoy the ride. It’s about a mile from here. We had a lot of rain the past two weeks so they should be at their best.”

  They held hands and walked back toward the house. “I’ll saddle the horses while you get Ma’s lunch and anything else we need. The water is cold and clear, so all we need are cups.”

  Becca nodded and hurried into the
house to show Winifred her ring and gather their picnic lunch. When she told Winifred that they were going to ride to the falls, she was as excited as Becca to see them.

  “Miranda told me trappers that first found the falls decided on the name Gentle Falls. It seems a bit odd for falls, but Miranda said we need to see them for ourselves. The mercantile owners opened a stage stop before the area drew in homesteaders and the name stuck,” Winifred explained.

  Becca picked up the picnic lunch, “Let’s go for that ride and see the falls. It’s part of the history of our home now.”

  Chapter Eight

  The three rode at a slow trot through the trees until they came upon a small stream meandering through the open field. Becca reined in her horse and sat listening. She expected to hear the roar of water tumbling over rocks, but the sounds of birds in flight, small animals scampering and leaves rustling were all she heard.

  “Where are the falls,” Becca asked.

  “Right there,” Adam pointed to a pile of rocks sitting in the stream. Water cascaded over them with a quiet burbling rather than a roar.

  Becca let out a laugh. “Your town is named after these falls?”

  “Legend had it that when the first loggers and trappers came to the area, it was a meetup spot each year or season. They needed a name and somehow chose Gentle Falls. It’s fitting, don’t you think?”

  Winifred dropped to the ground and walked to the stream. “I think I’ll walk across the stream and write back to a few of those snotty women who laughed at me when my fiancé left me. It will give them more to laugh about, and I’ll be scandalized in genteel society. Imagine walking through a waterfall. They will think I lost my mind,” she smiled at Becca. “Of course, I will also write and tell them I am blissfully happy. That will shock them, and I believe I can be happy here. Thank you, Rebecca, for insisting I travel here with you.”

  Adam and Becca smiled at Winifred as she prepared to remove her boots and walk in the stream. They walked further down the stream, and Adam explained that a few miles away the stream split to form this gentle stream and falls, but the wider portion continues south and forms rapids. “It’s a beautiful sight, and after we’re married, we’ll take a day and enjoy the views along the stream.”

  “I’d like that,” Becca answered and snuggled closer to Adam.

  “When do you want to get married?”

  “I am not sure. I think your Ma will want some time to plan. I heard her and Winifred talking about a reception, food, cake, all the trimmings.”

  Adam nodded, “That sounds like Ma. There’s a barn dance tomorrow night at the Ramfeld farm. We could announce our engagement and plan a wedding in two weeks. I’d marry you tomorrow, but Ma wouldn’t be happy.”

  “Neither would Winifred. She’s like a second mother to me and would never approve of me running off to marry you tomorrow.” Becca explained while she laid her head on Adam’s broad chest. She sighed and looked up at him. “Betrothed or not, we should get back before Winifred comes looking for us.”

  Adam took her hand, and they walked back to wear Winifred sat putting her boots back on. “There you are. I was going to start looking for you soon.”

  Becca smiled at Adam, “I knew she would. Is anyone else hungry? We came for a picnic didn’t we? We can also celebrate our engagement. Oh, Winifred, we’re going to get married in two weeks.”

  Adam shook out the blanket before placing it on the ground, “I’ll speak to Pastor Reynolds at the barn dance tomorrow night. He and Mrs. Rachel always come to the dances. She loves to spend time with the ladies, and he enjoys watching the young men sneak off to try and do a bit of sparking or drinking. He waits for them to come back and stares at them until they swear to him they will never take another drink or kiss a lady before they marry. He has the best sense of humor especially for a pastor although he can preach fire and brimstone when needed.”

  “A little fire and brimstone preaching never hurt anyone,” Winifred said. “It sounds as if you two will have a good time.”

  “You are coming along,” Becca insisted. “I won’t allow you to sit home and feel alone and unwanted.”

  Winifred dropped her head and turned red. She was embarrassed at what happened to her and felt everyone would see her as the jilted cousin of the lovely bride-to-be.

  Becca wrapped her arms around her. “I knew you’d feel bad. I can see you already do. Tomorrow night, you are going to enjoy yourself. It’s time to start feeling happy again.” She kissed Winifred on the cheek, and Winifred smiled.

  “All right, I’ll go. I suppose I’m not the only spinster in town.”

  Adam at a loss for what to say, suggested, “You can meet and visit the ladies of Ma’s quilting circle. Since you will be living here, you need to meet everyone, too.” He offered an encouraging smile hoping it might lift Winifred’s feelings. He no longer felt the hostility coming from her that he did at the train station and wished he could have a word or two or maybe a punch at that no good scoundrel who caused Winifred to think poorly of herself. She wasn’t an unpleasant person as he first feared, she just mothered Becca and Adam could understand that protectiveness.

  Winifred nodded, and Becca announced, “Good, that’s settled. Now, who would like a meat pie or a chicken leg?”

  The sun was well past the mid-point in the sky when Adam said, “We should head back to the house. Don’t you ladies have some things you’d like to do before we head back to Ma’s?”

  “I measured all the windows while you were kissing Rebecca,” Winifred said staring at Adam.

  “Umm, that’s good,” he stammered. Was there anything else you need to do?”

  Becca said, “I would like to check the pantry once more and see if you have everything I’ll need. We can get what I need at the mercantile before the wedding.”

  ~ * ~

  The following afternoon Becca laid out two of her dresses on the bed. Both were her favorites, and she saved them for church or special occasions. She decided the green with lace around the neck and sleeves would be a perfect wedding dress and hung it back up. She’d wear the blue one with the tiny pink flowers scattered across the skirt. Tonight the entire town would know she and Adam would wed. “I hope Cordelia is there to hear it and believes it,” she wondered aloud. “I still think that woman will be trouble.”

  Winifred knocked on her door and entered wearing a pretty burgundy dress with lace accents down the bodice.

  “You look lovely,” Becca gushed. “I was afraid you’d wear that awful gray dress you bought the afternoon you received the note from that cad and decided it was all you’d wear for the rest of your life.”

  “I have to admit that gray cotton would look better sewn into grain sacks, but it served its purpose at the time. I can always wear it gardening or milking cows,” Winifred answered with a broad smile across her face.

  “You might scare the cows,” Becca answered and both women dissolved into giggles. “Seriously, Winifred, this is a new town. You never know when you might catch someone’s eye.”

  “You pray for that, Rebecca. If it’s God’s will, then it will happen. I’ll do my best by staying out sight in that gray dress.”

  Both women giggled again until Winifred suggested it was time for Becca to dress. Roy would take them and Miranda to the barn dance in thirty minutes. Winifred helped Becca with her hair, pulling the sides up and back allowing her long honey brown curls to tumble down her back.

  “You look lovely,” Winifred said walking a circle around Becca.

  “I hope Cordelia is there to see me with Adam. She worries me. I don’t know why, but I am uncomfortable when I think about her,” Becca confessed.

  “She better be on her best behavior, or I just might forget I’m a lady,” Winifred offered with a wink.

  “I’d love to see that. You are, after all, the one who taught me how to act like a lady after Mama died. Maybe I could get another lesson.”

  “Maybe, maybe not,” Winifred returned her smile and
headed for the door. “Ready?”

  The wagon ride was short and filled with laughter and chatter. The Ramfeld farm bordered the Greiner farm to the north-west, and it seemed like a matter of minutes before the wagon stopped in front of the large barn. Becca and Winifred helped Miranda carry the food they prepared into the barn while Roy took care of the wagon. Adam stepped out of the barn and took the large bowl of potato salad from Becca. They followed Miranda and Winifred, and he placed the bowl next to the platter of fried chicken Miranda set down and grabbed one of the cookies Winifred had on the plate she carried.

  Adam took Becca’s hand and said, “I’d like to introduce you to Mr. Ramfeld and Trey. They’re our closest neighbors and Trey, and I have been friends for as long as I can remember. Once the introductions were over, the four stood there talking until more town residents arrive by horse, buggy, wagon, and one old-timer on a mule.

  Becca cringed when she saw Cordelia enter the barn with an elderly couple. The gentleman was dressed in a three-piece suit, and the woman she assumed was his wife was overdressed in a dark green satin gown. Cordelia also wore satin but of a deep red that made her stand out more than usual.

  Adam whispered, “Mrs. Willoughby believes she is the most important woman in town since her husband owns part of the bank. It seems Cordelia feels the same. Try to ignore both of them this evening. Pastor Reynolds said he would announce our wedding plans before the dancing starts. Two weeks from today right?” He smiled at Becca, and she nodded while keeping one eye on Cordelia who stared unabashedly at Adam.

  Within thirty minutes half of the town arrived, and the people filled the barn and spilled out into the yard. Pastor Reynolds nodded at Adam and then stepped up on a crate next to where Phineas Picklesimer waited to play his fiddle. Luke Tremble, part-time deputy and one of Roy’s farm hands, sat next to Phineas plucking quietly on his guitar. Henrietta Picklesimer, the former Widow Biggs, tapped her foot waiting for the music to begin.

  Pastor Reynolds cleared his throat and clapped his hands. “Can I get everyone’s attention please?” The barn quieted down, and he spoke again. “First, I’d like to thank the Ramfeld family for hosting tonight’s dance. I’m happy to see so many of you here. Remember to enjoy yourselves but not too much. I hope to see all of you at church tomorrow morning. I will hold service an hour later than usual to give all of you a little extra time to sleep.” The crowd erupted in applause. He waved his hands and spoke again. “I have one more announcement.” The crowd quieted. “Two weeks from today at two in the afternoon I will have the honor to marry Adam Greiner and Miss Rebecca Broadmoor. A reception will follow at the new town hall’s community room. All are welcome.”