Garnet

by Caroline Clemmons

  Rosemary hugged Garnet’s shoulders. “The cake is from the Sugar and Spice Bakery. Cordelia donated the apple cider. The punch bowl belonged to Blessing’s mom.”

  Thalia stood behind the table. She sent Dinky Moon a stern look. “My job is to make sure no one dumps liquor into the bowl.”

  He held up both hands. “I’m cured, my love. I wouldn’t even consider doing something like that.”

  Everyone laughed. When his first wife left him, Dinky had become a sad alcoholic until Thalia had taken him in hand. Now he was back operating his newspaper, the Wildcat Ridge Journal.

  Thalia sent Dinky a loving glance. “I know that, dear.”

  Owen Vaile arrived with Hester on his arm. He wore his customary suit with a waistcoat that coordinated. Hester was dressed as usual in a loose dress. This one was soft pink and enhanced the glow of happiness on her face.

  Garnet smiled at the friends who’d come to prepare for the celebration. “I can’t tell you how much this means to me. You’re so kind and thoughtful. I almost tried creating a wedding cake but there just wasn’t time. I’m glad now.”

  Off to one side Owen and Adam examined papers. Her groom didn’t look happy. After he glanced at her, he signed where Owen indicated. Good, her café was safely hers into the future.

  Hester shepherded Garnet and Adam to the appropriate spots as Owen took his place facing them. Garnet heard the creak of chairs and shuffle of feet as people took their seats. Calm enveloped her—the marriage seemed very real.

  Joey and Hyacinth sat on the front row. Hyacinth swung her feet with a smile on her face. Joey was solemn and acted far too grown up for a boy of eight. With Adam’s help, perhaps Joey would learn to be his age and play.

  She couldn’t help feeling optimistic. Her lovely friends had made certain her wedding would be special. Adam had been congenial and cooperative. Today was a special day, no matter the reason behind the wedding.

  Owen cleared his throat. He appeared dignified and austere but she had learned he had a soft heart and a fun sense of humor. Proving her opinion, his eyes twinkled as he met her gaze.

  “Friends, we are gathered here today to celebrate the marriage between this couple.” His additional remarks were brief before he led into the actual vows.

  “Garnet, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love, honor, and cherish him, rich or poor, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others and cleaving only to him?”

  Garnet didn’t like lies or pretense. She had trouble reconciling her situation with the marriage vows. Taking a deep breath, she said, “I do.”

  “Adam, do you take this woman as your lawfully wedded wife, to love, honor, and cherish her, rich or poor, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others and cleaving only to her?”

  Adam looked into her eyes and smiled. “I do.”

  From that look alone, Garnet thought she would melt at his feet. His smile warmed her through and through, touching places she believed were frozen.

  Owen looked at Adam. “Do you have a ring?”

  Acting embarrassed, he fished in his pocket and pulled out her own ring she’d given him. She knew using the ring Mike had provided bothered Adam, but buying a new one was an unnecessary expense.

  Owen grinned. “You may kiss the bride.”

  Adam swept her into his arms and kissed her as if he loved and adored her. He must have practiced kissing a lot because he was excellent at it. Her knees went weak and heat shot through her.

  Applause and catcalls rose behind them. When Adam broke the kiss, he appeared as happy as any groom. She appreciated him acting his part.

  Hyacinth tugged on his jacket. “Are we married now?”

  He picked her up and pulled Joey beside him. “We are. Now I’m officially your uncle.” He looked into Garnet’s eyes. “We’re a family.”

  Garnet insisted she would take care of cleaning up but her friends paid no heed. The women washed the dishes and the men restored the tables and chairs to their correct places.

  Rosemary said, “You go on up to your rooms. When everything is spotless as you keep it, we’ll lock the doors behind us.”

  Garnet was humbled by her friends care. “Thank you, each of you, for a wonderful wedding.”

  Once they were upstairs, she looked at Adam. “Do you feel as awkward as I do?”

  He grinned. “Probably not. Let’s get the children to bed. I’ll tuck in Joey.”

  Insides quivering, Garnet managed to get Hyacinth to bed, heard her prayers, read her a story, and kissed her goodnight. She heard Adam and Joey talking when she went to her bedroom. Only it wasn’t just hers now.

  Quickly, she donned her nightgown and robe then hung her dress in the armoire. Seeing Adam’s shirts hanging beside her dresses reminded her she’d taken a big step. Would he abide by her wishes?

  Chapter Eleven

  Garnet lay with the cover up to her chin. She couldn’t suppress troubling memories of her first night here as Mike’s bride. She’d been terrified and he’d rushed through consummating their marriage.

  She’d cried in spite of trying not to. Since she hadn’t really known what to expect, to say she didn’t enjoy the experience was an understatement. The next time, he was gentler and she lost some of her fear. From talking to Dessie, however, Garnet knew her and Mike’s marriage was not like it was supposed to be.

  Mike was a little boy in a man’s body, always putting his needs and desires first. His big brother, Joe, had looked out for him all his life and Mike took it for granted. Perhaps Mike had done his best.

  The one time he tried to look after Joe had led to Mike’s death. Sadly, Dessie and many of their friends also died. Guilt and grief washed over her. Why was she the one to live?

  No, she was through crying. This was her life. She had her café and was taking steps to insure she kept Hyacinth and Joey with her. Deep, slow breaths helped calm her.

  Adam was smiling as he came in and closed the door softly behind him. “That Joey is a smart young man. He figured out this marriage was so you could keep him and Hyacinth here.”

  She knew her eyes widened and she sat up. She opened her mouth to answer him.

  Adam held up his hand. “Joey promised not to tell anyone. He won’t forget. He’s more mature than a lot of adults I’ve met.”

  “I know he is. I hope without the threat of his grandparents he can be more a little boy. He’s such a good child.”

  Adam unbuttoned his shirt. “He worries about you and his sister. I told him I would take on that job and he could concentrate on school and play. Made him happy and he settled down with a smile on his face.”

  She forced herself to look away while he peeled off his clothes. “Thank goodness. Oh, but what will he think when you leave?”

  Her new husband sat on the bed to remove his boots. “Don’t worry about it. Remember, I’ve taken on the job of worrying. Leave it to me while you concentrate on running the café and raising these children.”

  “I enjoy both of those things.”

  “I’ll help all I can but I also have to capture Lawson. You won’t be safe until he’s either dead or back in prison.”

  A shudder went through her at the mention of her cousin’s name. “I’d thought I was safe from him when he went to prison. That didn’t stop him last time.”

  Adam crawled under the cover. “Do you know how he learned your whereabouts?”

  She lay perfectly still on the edge of the mattress. “If he was in contact with any of the family, including his father, the word probably got around about where I’d gone.”

  Adam pulled her closer. “I’m not going to attack you so get off the edge or you’ll roll off.”

  “I-I didn’t want you to think I was a tease.”

  He lay with his hands beneath his head. “I doubt you’ve ever intentionally teased a man. However, all you have to do is look at him or swish by and that works.”

  “You mean you?” She was surprised to learn she’d attracted
his attention in that way. She’d tried to act professionally.

  “No point denying it. Now, go to sleep before I forget my promise. Those grandparents arrive tomorrow. Should be an . . . um, interesting day.”

  Interesting as in the Chinese curse, May you live in interesting times. “Goodnight, Adam, and thank you.”

  “No more thanking me. Goodnight, Mrs. Bennett.” With those words, he rolled over and faced the other way then went to sleep.

  ***

  Adam had feigned sleep last night so Garnet would relax. She worried about everything and not without reason. He’d lain awake thinking about what he’d created for himself. A wife, two kids, and a killer required his full attention. How was he going to stretch himself to accomplish what he needed to do?

  This morning he woke and pulled on his clothes. Garnet roused when he got out of bed.

  He shoved his feet into his boots. “I’ll go start the coffee while you dress.”

  “I’ll be right there.” She looked inviting pushing her hair away from her face and a sleepy look in her amazing blue eyes.

  Adam figured that was his cue to leave the room. He headed for the stairs, stopping to stick his head in Hyacinth’s room. “Time to get up, Princess.”

  The little girl mumbled, “I’ll bet real princesses get to sleep as late as they want.”

  “When school’s out you can sleep later. Today is when your grandparents arrive. Have to look sharp.”

  “I don’t want to see them. I wish they’d stay where they live and leave us alone.”

  “They’re arriving this afternoon and there’s nothing we can do but greet them.” He stopped at Joey’s room. “The start of a new day.”

  “I bet you’re surprised I’m already dressed.” Joey’s hair stood up like a cockscomb.

  “I know you’re a sharp boy. Soon as you comb your hair, come on downstairs.”

  The boy clapped a hand on his head. “Aw, I forgot my hair.”

  Behind him, Garnet said, “You sure did. I’m proud of you for already being dressed.”

  Adam descended the stairs ahead of his wife. She was right on his heels.

  He stoked the range embers and added coal. “What are you planning when the stage arrives? Are you closing the café?”

  She set the coffee pot on the range top. “Why should I? They know where we’ll be. They can find us.”

  “Have they been here before?”

  “Once, about a year after Dessie and Joe moved here. They didn’t approve of the town then. I’m sure they’ll like it even less now.”

  Rubbing his hands together, he grinned. “Doesn’t matter. We’re ready for them.”

  He turned her toward him. “When they get here, don’t jump if I touch you. We have to appear in love, and that means I need to touch you and you need to do the same for me.”

  She appeared to mull over his suggestion. “I suppose you’re right. Even though according to Dessie they’re not demonstrative, they’ll expect newlyweds to be. They’ll also expect me to know your birthday and how old you are.”

  “Good thinking. I was twenty-eight on June 20. How about you?”

  “On August 16, I was twenty-one.”

  “You grew up in Georgia, right? And I grew up in Colorado. Would you give me a call when they arrive?”

  That afternoon, Garnet rushed into the kitchen. “The stage just rolled in. Adam, I’m so nervous.”

  He moved a pan off the range. “I’ll come out with you.”

  The driver and the shotgun rider hurried to claim a seat. They only had half an hour’s stop and were always hungry and in a hurry. Several people stepped from the stage. All but two headed for the hotel.

  She peered out the window. “That couple must be the Millers. Don’t they look solemn? Maybe they’re just tired.”

  “I’ll bring the stage men their meal.” Adam disappeared into the kitchen.

  Garnet couldn’t stop watching the couple.

  The man was tall and thin and slightly stooped. His graying hair was just long enough to show under his bowler hat. He carried two suitcases. The woman with him was chubby, dressed in black, and wore a disapproving expression.

  When the couple was inside the café, the man set the suitcases by the door.

  Garnet walked over to them. “I’m Garnet, are you the Millers?”

  “We are.” The woman answered, her brown eyes narrowed. “You’re not wearing mourning.”

  “So many died at once, Mrs. Miller. Those of us left have had to proceed as well as we can. Most don’t wear black due to finances.”

  Adam appeared and set plates heaped with food in front of the stage driver and his shotgun rider. He quickly came to Garnet’s side and placed a hand at her waist.

  She looked up at him and smiled. “Mr. and Mrs. Miller, this is my husband, Adam Bennett. Adam, meet Eunice and Harold Miller, the children’s grandparents.”

  Eunice Miller stiffened even more, if possible. “You’ve already remarried? Have you no sense of decency?”

  The few diners still present viewed them as if they were on a theater stage.

  Before she could stick up for herself, Adam came to her defense. “My wife is the most honorable and decent of women. You are in a town that had an unimaginable tragedy. The residents had to move on quickly to survive. Don’t judge them by other standards.”

  Garnet bit her tongue to keep from telling this woman where she could go. Thank goodness Adam had spoken before she’d said something rude. “Will you be checking into the Ridge Hotel or did you plan to stay with us?”

  Harold Miller fiddled with the brim of the hat he held in front of him. “No need for the extra expense of a hotel when we can stay here with the children.”

  Garnet gestured toward the kitchen. “Let me show you to your room. The stairs are in the kitchen.”

  Adam poured the stage’s men more coffee.

  She heard Cyrus Carson, the driver, say, “Go on and take care of family business. If anyone else comes in, I’ll give a holler.”

  Adam joined her and the Millers as they trekked upstairs. “I’ll take one of those cases for you.”

  Harold Miller said, “I’ll let you. You look up to the task.”

  Garnet showed them where they’d stay. “I don’t know where you stayed before but you’ll sleep here in Joey’s room. If you’ll give me a few moments, I’ll have fresh sheets on the bed for you.”

  Eunice’s face looked as if she’d swallowed something bitter. “You mean the children don’t share? Look at this fancy room, you’re spoiling them. It’s a good thing we’ve come to get them.”

  Garnet faced them, ready to give these people the sharp side of her tongue. Standing behind them, Adam shook his head slowly. In the few seconds it took for his action to register, she regained control.

  “Why don’t you have a seat in the parlor? Adam, would you show them where that is in case they’ve forgotten?”

  He sent her a smile. “Right this way, folks. You’ll find ours is a comfortable place.”

  Cyrus hollered, “You’ve got customers.”

  Garnet abandoned the sheets and rushed to the café. Certainly her business came before those awful people.

  Adam came back to the kitchen. “I gave them the sheets and told them you need my help.”

  “Thank you, I do, especially for controlling my temper.” She dished up bowls of stew.

  He put biscuits in a basket and covered them with a napkin for her. “We can get into the custody situation when the café closes.”

  Garnet watched for the children after school. Since they were aware this was the day their grandparents arrived she hoped they wouldn’t dawdle.

  Joey and Hyacinth came into the café walking as if going to the guillotine.

  Garnet leaned over them to speak privately. “Your grandparents are upstairs. Remember, be polite. No matter what they say, you are staying here with me. Do you understand?”

  Joey looked at Hyacinth then back at her. “You pro
mise?”

  Could she? “I give you my promise I will do everything in my power to keep both of you here with me. But, these are still your grandparents and must be treated with respect.”

  Hyacinth scrunched her face as if about to cry. “Do I hafta see them? Couldn’t you go with us?”

  “You know I have to serve our customers. Now, go say hello to Adam and then go upstairs and see your grandparents.”

  Her heart ached for the children. They were so afraid. So was she. What if Owen was wrong and she couldn’t keep Joey and Hyacinth? Then, her heart would break

  Chapter Twelve

  Garnet turned the sign to Closed with relief. Since the Millers had arrived, she had been curious about how things were progressing upstairs. When she entered the kitchen, she found both children at the table. The Millers sat with them instead of waiting in the parlor.

  Joey had a pencil and a sheet of the brown wrapping paper she saved for the children. “Grandpa, I hafta practice my spelling words.”

  Hyacinth held her doll. “Molly likes to watch me write my name and letters.”

  Garnet started setting up for the following day. She discovered Adam had almost finished washing up and had set out some of the things she’d need.

  She leaned into him. “Thank you.”

  He hugged her shoulders and planted a kiss on her temple. “Hold fast. I’ll help all I can.”

  When they were through in the kitchen, she walked over to see the results of the children’s homework.

  “Very good, Joey. Hyacinth, your little G and Q need more practice so they don’t look the same. Remember the curly tail is different for each.” She demonstrated for her. “You’re getting so much better, though. I’m proud of you both.” She kissed each child on the head.

  She served supper with Adam’s assistance. They had ham, green beans she’d canned last summer, potatoes, carrots, and apple pie. The children drank milk and the adults had coffee. After they’d finished, she and Adam tidied the kitchen while the Millers visited with the children.

  She finished and turned to her guests. “After the children do their school work and we eat, we usually play a game. Perhaps you’d be more comfortable if instead we went upstairs to the parlor this evening.”