by Sandy James
Sara figured their arrival in town was the perfect time to segue into a new topic. “I hope the store has received shipments. With all the snow holding us hostage, our pantry needs restocked.”
“That cold spell we just weathered ain’t unusual,” Caleb replied. “You’re gonna have to get used to being stuck in the house for long times.”
She nodded. “That’s the reason I want to be sure we have a stocked pantry. I don’t wish you to go hungry because your wife isn’t used to Montana winters. I only hope we’re not snowed in for Christmas next week. I would love to see Ty, Cassie, and their daughter. I must see to the welfare of my goddaughter.”
“Maybe then we can learn what they named her.”
After he stopped the wagon, he climbed down and came around to her side. Hands on her waist, he lifted her to the ground.
Caleb kissed her forehead. “You go on into the store. I need to see about some feed for the animals. I’ll be along directly.”
“Is there anything special you wish me to purchase?”
“Ain’t you got the list?” he asked.
Sara nodded. “I wasn’t sure if there was something that you’d forgotten to add.”
“I want you to buy yourself something, sweetheart.”
“Pardon?”
His smile warmed her from the inside out. “You ain’t never asked for nothing. I want you to buy something for you.”
“I don’t need anything, Caleb.”
“You’ve been wearin’ my momma’s clothes ever since we got hitched. Buy yourself something pretty you want just for you.” He plucked some money from his pocket and pressed it into her gloved palm. “This is for you.” He tapped the tip of her nose. “Don’t you go spending it on flour or sugar.”
“Thank you,” she murmured. “You’re so thoughtful.”
“You’re welcome.” Caleb strode down the boardwalk, leaving her to her thoughts.
She stood there a long time, watching him walk away. His step held a swagger, a cockiness that she admired and learned to appreciate since he made her feel safe.
How had she found herself so blessed as to have Caleb Young as her husband? She didn’t deserve such a wonderful man or such a wonderful life. She hadn’t earned it in any way.
But it was hers. He was hers.
With a quick prayer thanking her Maker for sending her to him and vowing to be the kind of wife he deserved, she went into the store.
***
Sara let her fingers brush over the soft material. The bolt of fabric had called to her from the moment she saw it. The hue was pink, and small red flowers made a delicate pattern she knew would make a beautiful Sunday dress.
Caleb had told her to spend the money on herself, but she was loathe to follow his orders. He was being far too generous, and those funds could easily be used to help replenish their supplies.
What she truly wanted was a book, one of the few the general store had to offer. The only thing she missed about Denver was that she could so easily find new stories or attend plays. While Caleb might entertain her through the lonely hours of being snowed in on the farm, she longed to sink into a good story.
Since it would be too decadent to spend her husband’s funds on a book, she’d shifted to searching through the bolts of cloth. Sewing would give her something to do, and the pink had immediately caught her eye.
“The color would be beautiful on you,” a familiar voice said as a hand settled on her shoulder.
“Drew!” Sara whirled to face him only to find herself gathered into his arms for a tight hug.
Finally releasing her, Drew held her by the shoulders and gave her a deliberate sweep from head to toe. “You’re looking quite fit, my dear. I feared you would suffer from the harshness of the winters in this territory.”
“I’m adjusting. I won’t say they’re my cup of tea, but…” She shrugged.
He chuckled. “So diplomatic. Had I not grown up near here, I fear I’d have some trouble becoming accustomed to the way the snow piles up. But smile, sweet Sara! Today, the sun is shining, and you’re free from our dour Caleb.”
“Dour? Caleb isn’t dour.”
“Oh, my. Are you saying having you as his wife has improved his disposition?” Drew’s wink made her face flush hot.
Sara turned back to the material. “He has a fine disposition,” she insisted. “Only today he gave me money to buy myself something special. He’s generous and kind and—”
Moving to her side, Drew put his hand over hers. “You need not worry so. I was merely teasing. I appreciate Caleb’s finer qualities, although I do believe he was growing sullen in his loneliness. You, I’m sure, are a breath of fresh air.”
“I assume you have yet to see my husband,” she said, feeling the need to tease Drew for his outrageous compliments.
“No. Not today,” Drew replied.
“Then how can you judge his mood improved, sir? Perhaps I am a raving shrew he has yet to tame. You might find him quite weary of my company and in a temperament that makes dour appear a mild diagnosis.”
Drew’s boisterous laugh made heads turn their way.
Unaccustomed to being the center of attention, Sara felt her face heat in embarrassment. She turned her gaze back to the bolt of cloth. “Are you here to restock your pantry as I am?”
“In all honesty,” he said, “I was sincerely tired of being confined to the house with Gideon as my only company. I needed to be free for a spell, and Gideon felt the same. So here we are in town. I have read all my books at least five times, and because of the continuous snowstorms in the winter, there are no plays being presented. I yearn for warmer months so I can again find myself on the stage.”
“You’re an actor?” It dawned on her she knew little about Caleb’s brother or his brother’s companion.
“I am. Sad to say it’s quite difficult to ply my trade in such a small town.”
“Then why do you stay? Would you not fare better in California or back East?”
“I would, but I fear Gideon’s heart is tied to Montana.”
She understood. “And because your heart is tied to Gideon, you go where he goes.”
“‘For where thou art, there is the world itself, and where thou art not, desolation.’”
Gaping at him, she asked, “Is that Shakespeare?”
Drew nodded. “Henry the Sixth. I’m impressed. Are you familiar with Shakespeare’s works?”
“Some,” she replied. The door was open to share some of her past with Drew, but Sara hesitated. He was clearly well-traveled, and although Denver was worlds away, she worried that something she’d say might trigger a memory. The likelihood their paths had ever crossed was nil. “I would love to borrow some of your books.”
“You read?”
Sara nodded. “Caleb only has a Bible. While I enjoy reading the gospels, the rest of the book lacks for…um…”
“Plot?” A deep chuckle rose from his chest. “I shall bring all my books the next time we come to visit. You may read them to your heart’s content.”
“You’d do that for me?”
“‘Come, and take choice of all my library, and so beguile thy sorrow.’”
Since he was wont to quote the Bard, she answered in kind. “‘I can no other answer make but thanks, and thanks, and ever thanks.’”
“Very good, Sara! You, Cassie, and I shall have to remember to exchange quotes. She’s as adept as you, and I miss her company.”
The bell above the store’s door rang, and Sara glanced that way, hoping to see Caleb coming for her. Instead, a strange woman hurried inside. She was bundled against the cold, but her brown eyes were wide. She breathed hard, near to panting.
Sara knew that kind of panic and hurried to the woman as the shopkeeper’s wife, Mrs. Whyde, did the same. Drew followed close behind.
Taking the woman’s gloved hands in hers, Sara smiled, hoping to relieve the fear she saw so clearly. “There is no need to be afraid.”
“What’s wrong, gi
rl?” Mrs. Whyde asked.
“I…I…” The woman gave her head a shake and withdrew her hands. She seemed to gain a little more control over herself as she removed her gloves and set them on the closest cracker barrel.
Then she untied her knit cap and swept it off her head. Her hair was the color of wheat, and a long braid spilled from the cap down her back. “I’m sorry. I was just frightened for a moment when I exited the stagecoach and found myself alone. I’d hoped someone would meet me when I arrived.”
“Ain’t likely,” Mrs. Whyde said with an inelegant snort. “No one even knew when the next stage would make it across the mountain pass.”
“I figured as much, which helped allay my fear.” The woman took a deep, steadying breath. “I’m sure if he knew I’d be here today, he would’ve met me. It was just frightening to be in a new town so far away from home and realize I knew no one here.”
Sara smiled. “Well, then, let us remedy that problem by introducing ourselves. I’m Sara Fuller…um…Young. Sara Young.” She wasn’t sure she’d ever get used to the change in her name.
“Young? That’s splendid,” the woman exclaimed. “You must be related to the man I’m here to meet. Perhaps you can take me to him, if you’d be so kind.”
A painful knot suddenly formed in Sara’s stomach, and she had the irrational desire to flee the store as quickly as possible. She swallowed hard, telling herself the fear was unreasonable. Young was a common enough name. Surely this woman had nothing to do with Caleb.
She mentally shook herself when she remembered the last time she’d seen Drew and Gideon they’d been praising the Morgan’s housekeeper, Daisy. They’d claimed they were searching for someone to be their housekeeper. This woman had probably come in answer to an ad the men had placed in some newspaper in a larger town.
“Who are you here to see?” Sara asked, expecting to hear Gideon’s name.
“I’m here for Caleb Young,” the woman replied. Her voice carried a light accent, one that Sara recognized as German.
A wave of nausea had Sara swallowing hard. “Caleb Young? Why are you here for Caleb?”
“I’m his wife.”
Chapter Fifteen
Caleb walked into the general store just in time to see Drew catch Sara before she hit the floor.
He rushed to her, jerked off his gloves, and laid his hand on her cheek. “Sara? Sweetheart?” Leveling at glare at Drew, he asked, “What happened?”
Drew glared right back at him. “Don’t ask me.” He inclined his head toward a petite blonde who looked as confused as Caleb felt. “I’m not the one who committed bigamy. You are.”
Since Caleb had no idea what Drew was talking about—which wasn’t at all unusual, considering Drew’s penchant for dramatic literary quotes—he focused on Sara. Her face was as white as fresh snow. Her fainting and the fact she’d emptied her belly on the ride into town could only mean one thing.
A smile spread from his face to his heart.
Drew let out a low growl. “Sara swoons and you smile? What in the devil is wrong with you?”
“She’s carrying,” Caleb calmly replied as he stroked his wife’s pale cheek.
Drew’s scoff came as a surprise. “Well, is that not lovely? Are both of your wives expecting your children?”
“What in the hell are you talkin’ about?”
With a nod at the blonde, Drew said, “This woman just introduced herself as your wife.”
The blonde’s eyes flew wide. “You’re Caleb Young?”
Caleb nodded, and his mind quickly solved the puzzle Drew had just tossed his way. “Dear Lord. You’re here from St. Louis, ain’t you? Did Reverend Hayes send you?”
Her lower lip quivered as she nodded. “It would appear I’ve arrived too late.”
With a heavy sigh, he held out his hand. “I’m afraid so. Miss…?”
“Kayla Backer.” She shook his hand, her fingers trembling as she pulled them from his grasp.
“She’s not truly your wife?” Drew asked, his gaze shifting between Kayla and Caleb.
The man was being outrageous, something he seemed to enjoy. Caleb and Sara had already told Gideon and Drew about the mix-up. “Stop bein’ a pain in my ass.”
“Ah, but that would ruin my sport!” Drew insisted. After a moment of thought he shook his head. “Poor Miss Backer. It never would have worked, you realize.”
“I beg your pardon?” Kayla said, cocking her head.
“You and our Caleb would never have suited,” he replied.
“And might I ask why you believe that?”
“Your names.” Drew grinned. “Caleb and Kayla are simply too similar. You’re clearly meant for another, my dear.”
Mrs. Whyde came hurrying from the back room, where she’d scurried after Sara fainted. She slapped the wet cloth she’d retrieved across Sara’s forehead. “The poor dear. The shock must’ve made her faint dead away.” She scowled at Caleb. “What kinda game are you playin’ with these women, Caleb Young?”
“I ain’t playin’ a game!” Rolling his eyes, Caleb tried to grab a hold of some patience, but there was none to be found. “Sara and I were married proper.”
Mrs. Whyde put her hand on Kayla’s arm. “Then why does this poor dear think she’s your bride?”
Thankfully, Drew stepped in. Since most of the women in town adored him, flocking to see him acting in the plays put on during the summer and fall, he had a way of charming them and bending them to his will. While he normally found that trait annoying, today Caleb was nothing but grateful.
“My dear Mrs. Whyde,” Drew practically purred. “You think so poorly of our Caleb. This is all a simple misunderstanding. When I have some time, I’ll stop by for some tea and biscuits and explain the whole, wonderful tale. I dare say we’ll share a laugh or two over his predicament.”
Mrs. Whyde looked up at him with slumberous eyes, as though she’d fallen under his spell. “That would be lovely.”
Kayla was wringing her hands, and Caleb felt as low as a grasshopper’s belly. He had no idea what to say to the poor woman, but his main concern was Sara. When she began to stir, Caleb heaved a sigh of relief.
Her hand went to the wet cloth, and she tugged it away. Blinking, she stared into Caleb’s eyes. “What…? Where…? Caleb?”
“You fainted, sweetheart.” God help him, he couldn’t stop smiling. Despite his fears that he would never have a family, the Lord had blessed them with a child.
“I fainted?” A disgruntled frown bowed her lips. “Only weak women faint. You must be mistaken.”
“You should take her in back and loosen that corset,” Mrs. Whyde insisted.
“No, please.” Sara handed her the cloth. “I don’t wish to be a bother.”
Drew patted her hand. “Are you feeling better, my dear? The shock was simply more than you could bear.”
“Shock?” What shock?
Sara’s head took a long time clearing. Everything was fuzzy, and she couldn’t understand what prompted her to faint. Yes, she wore a corset. But since she now dressed herself and had no one to tighten the laces, the corset wasn’t uncomfortably tight. Surely not enough to cause a swoon.
“Sara,” Caleb said, his voice soft and tender, his eyes full of sparkle. “I think you might be carrying.”
“Carrying?” Her realization came flooding back and with her remembrance came a hot flush over her face. While she was pleased to see that her husband was happy about the news, she wanted to share their joy in private. “We shouldn’t discuss such things in a public place.”
“Especially when your betrothed is listening in,” Drew quipped.
The rest of her memories roared back to life. Drew was correct. The shock of Caleb’s true bride arriving had caused the swoon.
Sara squirmed in her husband’s arms. When he only squeezed her tighter against him, she scolded, “Your bride has arrived. We must see to her welfare.”
Caleb let her down easy and sheepishly glanced at the blonde. “You
’re my bride, Sara.”
The blonde appeared close to tears. “I shouldn’t have come here. I knew it. I just knew it. And then the winter storm delayed me and… I’ve made a horrible mistake.”
Sara’s heart went out to the woman. She’d stood in the same shoes months ago, arriving in a strange town with nothing but hopes and dreams. God’s grace had put Caleb in her path. But that gift had cost this new woman. This beautiful lady was the one who’d been sent to marry Caleb, and now Sara enjoyed the stability of life with a man she loved.
She’d stolen this woman’s life.
The woman was wringing her hands, so Sara went to her and took her hands in hers. “Please don’t fret. What is your name?”
“Kayla,” the woman replied. “Kayla Backer.”
“Well, Kayla Backer… Let me be the first to welcome you to White Pines.”
A tear slid down Kayla’s face. “But I’m not welcome here.” Her gaze shifted to Caleb. “I was supposed to be his bride. Reverend Hayes assured me that…” She tugged her hands away and wiped away the tear. “What does it matter now? I have foolishly cast my future to the wind, and now I must find a way back to St. Louis.”
“I’ll buy you a ticket,” Caleb insisted, forcing Sara to glare at him.
Drew cuffed Caleb on the shoulder. “Stop being so inhospitable. You’re a lucky man. Most of the single men in the territory would give their right arms to find a wife. You, my friend, have acquired two.”
“Stop it.” Caleb roughly brushed away Drew’s hand, a low growl rising from his chest. “Kayla ain’t my wife. It’s all a misunderstanding.”
“Kayla,” Sara said. “Such a pretty name. Please do not worry so. You have not cast your future to the wind, as you say. There is much truth in Drew’s teasing. White Pines is full of men seeking a wife. Good men. God-fearing men. You will have no lack of suitors. Why, I dare say, they shall be lining up to court you.”
