Читать книгу Groom Wanted - Debra Ullrick - Страница 11
ОглавлениеChapter Two
Jake rode into the yard of his farm faster than ever before, unsaddled his horse and turned Dun loose in the corral. He ran to his house and stepped inside. One glance told him it was as bad as he had feared. Boots and jackets were sprawled on the bench and floor, dishes covered the table and newspapers surrounded his living room chair.
Every time Leah had come to his house, their visits had been planned and he always had a chance to spruce up the place first. This time that wasn’t the case because he hadn’t expected to see her today, much less invite her over. “Better hustle, Jake.” He snatched up his jackets and hung them on the hooks, then lined his work boots neatly underneath the bench.
Dishes rattled and clanged as he gathered the breakfast mess, tossed the dishes into the sink and covered them with a towel. After washing the table down, he flocked the pile of newspapers together and laid them in a neat pile on the coffee table he’d made.
Next he plucked his clean undergarments, shirts, pants and socks down from the clothesline he’d rigged near the cookstove, tossed them onto his unmade bed and closed the bedroom door behind him.
Banjo’s barking reached his ears. He peered out his living room window and saw Leah’s carriage coming down the lane.
He darted toward the wash basin and checked his reflection in the shaving mirror. His thick blond hair, part of his Norwegian heritage, stuck out everywhere. He snatched up his comb and smoothed the strands down, then headed out the door and met Leah and Abby right as they pulled in front of his house.
“Hush, Banjo.” His mottled-colored Australian shepherd tilted her head both directions, then darted onto the porch. Banjo laid down on the top step, placed her head between her legs, leaving her front paws dangling over the step, and let out a slow, pitiful whine.
Jake looked back at the ladies sitting in the buckboard phaeton with the parasol top, another reminder of the differences in their financial statuses in life. This phaeton was only one of the expensive carriages the Bowen family owned.
“Hi, Jake!” Abby waved.
“Howdy-do, ladies.” He nodded, then offered Leah a hand.
“Thank you.” She smiled up at him when she reached the ground.
He returned her smile, then helped Abby down.
“Thanks, Jake.” Abby looked around the yard. “Where’s Meanie?”
“In the barn. Had to put her in a stall.”
Leah tilted her head. “How come?”
“Kept running off. Down to Mabel’s barn. Eating all her grain. Caused all kinds of ruckus. Ornery old goat anyway.”
“Jake!” Leah gasped and her eyes widened. “That isn’t nice. Once you get to know Mabel, you’ll discover she’s really a very sweet lady with a soft heart.”
Abby giggled and darted up the steps, flopping down next to Banjo.
Jake couldn’t help but laugh. “Wasn’t talking about Mabel. Was talking about my pet goat, Meanie.”
Leah’s cheeks turned a nice shade of dark pink, the same color as the dress she had on, and her perfectly formed lips formed an O.
“Shall we get started?” He motioned toward his house. They walked side by side up the wide steps, past Abby and onto the porch. Jake opened the door and moved out of the way.
“You coming, Abby?”
Abby turned sideways. “Do you mind if I stay out here? It’s too nice to go inside. Besides, Banjo’s better company. Isn’t that right, girl?” Abby rubbed his dog behind her ears.
“Hey.” Leah planted her hands on her slim waist.
Abby glanced back and winked. “Just kidding, Lee-Lee. But I would like to stay out here on the porch, if you don’t mind. Even though the air’s a little nippy, the sun sure feels good.”
Leah looked up at him as if to question if it was okay or not.
Jake shrugged, seeing no reason why she couldn’t. “I don’t mind if you don’t.”
“I don’t mind. That’s fine, Abbs.”
“Would you like something to drink, Abby?”
“No. I had a cup of hot cocoa at Phoebe’s house right before we left, so I’m fine. But you two go ahead if you’d like,” she said, keeping her back to them as she continued to pet Banjo.
“You change your mind, just holler,” Jake said before he and Leah stepped inside his house.
“Where do you want to sit?” Leah asked him.
“The table. That way we can spread the letters out and be in plain view of Abby.”
“Sounds good to me.”
Jake took Leah’s wrap and hung it on a peg near the door before Leah headed toward his kitchen table.
The slab table with pine legs and the kitchen chairs made out of lodgepole pine with slab seats looked shabby next to Leah’s fancy kitchen furniture. Never once had she turned her nose down at them, though. She even made a comment one time about what a great job he’d done making them, how nice his handiwork was and how beautiful she thought they were. It meant a lot coming from her.
“Want something to drink?”
“No, thanks.”
A quick nod, then he hurried around Leah and held out one of the chairs and waited for her to be seated before he sat in the chair on her right. He removed the stack of envelopes from his inside vest pocket and laid them on the table in front of him.
Leah scooted her chair closer to his, and her skirt brushed against his legs when she did. Lilacs and crisp spring air swirled around her. “Well, which one would you like to read first?”
He glanced down at the pile and thumbed through them until he came across one from Tennessee. “This one.”
“Any particular reason why you chose that one first?” Curiosity fluttered through her eyes.
“Yep.”
“Care to share?” She looked hopeful.
He debated whether or not to tell her. She might think he was strange if he did. Clasping his hands in front of him on top of the table, he drew in a deep breath and said, “Know this sounds odd, but ever since Michael brought Selina here, I’ve been hoping to find someone like her.”
She shook her head and grinned. “You sound like Michael.”
“Come again?” he asked, not understanding her meaning.
“Well.” She dropped her hands onto her lap. “Ever since Rainee arrived, Michael wanted someone just like her.”
“He did?” That was news to him. Shocking news at that.
“Yes.”
“Don’t get it. Selina’s nothing like Rainee.”
“I know. Everything in her letters indicated she was like her, but her friend had written the letters for her and lied so Selina would find a good husband. It was a deceptive thing for her to do, but I’m so glad she did. Selina is a remarkable person. And I’m so thrilled to have her for a sister.”
Everything Leah just mentioned made him rethink what he was about to do. What if he, too, got a woman who lied to him and wasn’t what she said she was? Or even worse, what if he found someone who interested him and she turned him down because he wasn’t what she expected? After all, he’d been turned down twice before. Could he handle another rejection?
* * *
Leah studied Jake’s face. It went from fear to confusion to sadness.
“Maybe I shouldn’t do this. Maybe I should just give up this whole crazy idea.” Jake plowed his hands through his bulky blond hair and sat back from the letters, staring at them.
“Why?” Leah couldn’t imagine what had caused him to change his mind so suddenly.
“Well, what if the woman who writes me is nothing like she portrays herself to be?”
Oh, that’s why. Leah let out a relieved sigh. “Jake, because Michael was needed on the ranch, he married Selina without going out to meet her. You don’t have to do that.”
“I can’t afford to leave, either.” Again his fingers forked through his hair. Only this time they went all the way down the back of his head until they reached his thick, muscular neck where they lingered.
“You don’t have to. You can have her come here.”
His hand dropped to the table. He frowned. “Why didn’t Michael do that?”
“Because Selina’s father wouldn’t let her leave until she was married. Michael had prayed about it and had peace so he married her sight unseen.”
Jake scooted back his chair, scraping it against the rough wood floor, and rose. Leah’s eyes trailed up his tall, broad frame, wondering what he was doing.
He went to the sink, which she noticed was stacked with what she presumed to be dirty dishes, though a large towel covered them. Nervousness permeated his every movement. “I know I already asked you this once, but would you like something to drink now?”
“Yes. Thank you. A glass of water would be great.” Her mouth felt dry as trail dust. She watched as he held the glass under the spout and raised and lowered the water pump handle in the sink. His broad shoulders and arm muscles bulged as he filled the glass. Only a few drips of water landed onto the dish towel. She hoped to find someone as tall as Jake. He had to be at least six-foot-four or -five. And at five-foot-eight-and-a-half, she was either the same height as most of the men she knew or taller. The thought of being taller than the man she married bothered her.
Jake turned and walked back toward her. What a fine male specimen he was. He would make some woman a good husband. Of that she was certain.
He set a glass of water in front of her and one in front of himself before lowering his bulky frame onto the chair. Worry creased his forehead. This time she thought she knew why.
Wanting to put his mind at ease, she laid her hand on top of his arm, and his hard muscle jumped under her fingertips. She removed her hand and rested it on the table in front of her. “Listen, Jake. Before you get too involved with someone, you could always make it clear you want to meet them in person and spend time getting to know them before either of you make any real commitment. And...” She sat back in her chair. “I don’t know what your financial situation is, but you could inform her that you would send her a round-trip ticket in case things don’t work out.”
His shoulders relaxed and the creases in his forehead disappeared. “That’s a good idea. Think someone would do that?”
“Of course they would. It’s done all the time. I know I’m going to. There is no way I’m going to marry someone without meeting him and without spending time with him and his family first.”
“You scared, Leah?”
Was she? “A little. But the sooner I get away from here, the happier I’ll be.”
“You sure about that? Won’t you miss your family?”
“Yes and yes. To be perfectly honest, the idea of staying here bothers me more than the idea of missing my family or the fear of the unknown does. I actually find that part rather thrilling.”
“What do you find thrilling?”
“The fear of the unknown.”
He narrowed his eyes and searched hers. “Why do you dislike it here so much?”
She shrugged, wishing she could confide in him about the nightmares and just why she hated this place as much as she did. But she didn’t want him to think she was being silly like Marie had, so she used her standard reply. “I miss New York City and the lifestyle I used to have back then. Plus, I want some excitement in my life. As crazy as this may sound, I crave adventure.” That part was true. She could use some adventure in her life.
“The Idaho Territory doesn’t provide you with enough adventure?” A hint of humor warbled his voice.
“No. It’s so boring here. Nothing exciting ever happens.”
“You don’t call the war with Nez Perce Indians exciting?” His blue eyes sparkled with mischief.
“There was nothing exciting about that war. Frightening was more like it.” She shifted in her seat. “But I don’t want to talk about that. Let’s take a look at those letters. Would you like to read them first, or do you want me to?”
“If you don’t mind, I’d rather you read them.” Jake opened the envelope from Tennessee and gave the letter to Leah.
Leah could hardly decipher the sloppy penmanship. “Hello, my name is Betsy. I’m a single mother of four young children.”
“Whoa.” Jake’s hand flew up. “Forget that one. Not ready to be a father yet. Especially to a herd of kids.” He frowned. “How old is she, anyway? Does she say?”
Leah scanned the letter. “She’s thirty-nine.”
His eyes widened. “Thirty-nine? That’s eleven years older than me. No, thank you.” He tugged the letter from her hands and ripped it into several pieces before setting the shredded pile far from him.
Leah took the liberty of going through his stack of posts. She couldn’t believe how many women were looking for husbands. “How about this one? The postmark is from Mississippi.”
He shrugged, then nodded.
“Dear Mr. Lure. Me name is Samantha O’Sullivan. I be twenty-seven years old, six feet tall and one hundred and twenty pounds. Me hair is fiery red and me eyes are brown. Me pa said I must be gettin’ married soon afore I become an ole maid. I dinna want to wed, but me pa said if I dinna and dinna write to you that he would toss me backside outta the house.”
Leah looked over at Jake and put on her most serious face. “I think she sounds just like what you’re looking for. You should write her back right away.”
“You—you do?” The shock on his face pulled a guffaw out of Leah.
“No, no. Don’t look so worried. I’m just teasing you, Jake.”
Relief flooded over his face and his taut lips relaxed. “Whew. Had me worried there for a moment.”
Leah sat up straight and in her best Irish imitation she said, “Blimey, Mister Jake. Ye must pick me. Aye, ye must, even tho’ I dinna wanna marry. And even tho’ me be gone in da head for even tellin’ ye such a thang in da first place, won’t ye please consider sendin’ fer me anyway and spare me from becomin’ an ole maid?”
She laughed and so did Jake, but his laughter had a nervous flutter to it.
Seconds later, Jake shredded that letter, too. “Next.”
Leah continued reading the responses he’d received. Each one was worst than the first, but Jake didn’t shred any more of them— He just stacked them in a pile. She opened the last one and a photograph slipped out. Leah picked it up and her mouth fell open.
“What you got there?” Jake asked.
Leah slid her attention from the photo and onto him. “She sent you a picture.”
“Who did?”
Leah handed the picture to him and looked at the signature at the bottom of the letter. “Evie Scott. She’s very lovely, isn’t she?”
“Yep, she’s pretty.” He said it with very little enthusiasm.
Was the man blind or something? The woman was striking, and yet Jake seemed unfazed by her beauty.
He laid the photo on the kitchen table. “Don’t care what a person looks like. I care about the type of person they are in here.” He pointed to his heart. “What’s her letter say?”
Leah drew in a breath and read the letter. “Dear Mr. Lure. My name is Evie Scott. As you see, I have enclosed a photograph of myself. I am twenty-two years old, five-feet-seven inches tall. Ever since the War Between the States, men have been scarce out here in Alabama. It is my desire to marry and to raise a family. I am willing to travel out West and marry straightaway, or if you so desire, we can spend time getting to know one another first before a commitment is made by either one of us. Of course, I will expect proper accommodations for a lady of my standing and—”
“Whoa. Stop right there,” Jake interrupted.
Leah looked at Jake. “What’s the matter?”
“Heard enough. She’s not someone I’d consider marrying.”
Leah tilted her head and frowned. “Why? She sounds lovely.”
“Obviously, she’s a woman of rank. I want a wife I can feel equal to. Not someone who comes from money.”
She came from money, so why had he asked her to marry him? Wait a minute. Did he think she had turned him down because he didn’t have money? That bothered her. A lot. She didn’t care about that. But she didn’t want to ask and embarrass him, either. So she’d let it go. For now, anyway. “Okay.” Leah placed the photo in the letter and put it back into the envelope. “What now?”
“Nothing.” He shrugged. “I’m in no hurry to get married. I’ll wait to see if anyone else answers my ad.”
“Oh, okay.” She nodded.
Neither spoke.
“Leah.” Abby chose that moment to appear at the door. Leah looked over at her sister. “We’d better get on home or Mother’s going to wonder where we are. She may even send out a posse or the cavalry looking for us,” Abby said with her usual dramatic flair.
“What time is it?”
Jake pulled out his pocket watch and told her the time.
“Sweet twinkling stars above. Abby’s right.” Leah scooted her chair out. “I’ve got to go. Mother will be worried.”
Abby darted down the steps. Banjo followed her, leaping and hopping at her heels.
“Meant to ask you, where’d that expression come from, anyway?” Jake asked, following her out. “You’re the only one I ever heard say it.”
“Say what?”
“‘Sweet twinkling stars above.’”
“Oh, that.” Her face lit up. At the edge of the porch she gazed up at the sky. “When my father was alive, many warm summer nights we’d grab blankets and go lay outside. Father used to tuck me under the crook of his arm and we’d stare up at the stars. Father used to say that back in New York you couldn’t see them as clearly as you could here. He even made up a song about sweet twinkling stars above and used to sing it to us.”
“How’s it go?”
Leah turned her attention onto him, then to where Abby was, near the phaeton playing with Banjo.
“Sweet twinkling stars above; there to remind us of our Heavenly Father’s love. Each one placed by the Savior with care; as a sweet reminder that He will always be there. Oh, sweet twinkling stars above. When my children gaze upon you remind them, too, of my love. Each twinkle is a kiss from me; a hug, a prayer, a sweet memory. Oh, sweet twinkling stars above.” Leah stopped singing in the softest, sweetest voice he’d ever heard. One filled with reverence and joy. And yet, her face now only showed sadness. “Okay. Now you know. And I need to get going,” she blurted as if her tongue were on fire, and down the steps she bolted.
Jake caught up to her and they walked side by side until she reached her carriage. She stopped and faced him. All of a sudden, something barreled into her backside and sent her flying forward. Her face smacked into a firm wall. Her arms flung out, clutching onto something solid. Something warm. Something very muscular.
* * *
Jake stared at the top of Leah’s head plastered against his chest. Her hands clung to his upper arms as he caught and held her there. He froze in place and the air around him suddenly disappeared. Having her this close to him, her hands touching him and her head so near his heart, caused his pulse to buck and kick like an untamed horse. That had never happened to him before. Course, she’d never touched him that closely before, either. Still. What was going on?
“Um, Jake, could you help me up, please?”
Jake blinked. “Oh. Yeah. Sorry.” As soon as she was steady on her feet, he released her.
“What just hit me, anyway?” Leah ran her hands over her skirt.
“Meanie’s what hit you,” Abby said from behind Leah.
Abby had Jake’s pet goat by the collar, yanking it away from her sister.
“Meanie! How’d you get out?” Jake grabbed the goat’s collar and tugged her close to his leg. The animal stretched her head toward Leah and started gnawing on her skirt.
Jake yanked the cloth from the nanny’s mouth and tapped her on the tip of the nose. “Stop that, you ornery old goat.” Meanie latched onto Jake’s fingers and shook her head fast and hard.
Banjo barked and bit Meanie in the backside. The goat chomped down harder on Jake’s fingers. Jake struggled to pull them away while simultaneously holding the goat and knowing he looked like a blooming idiot. “Down, Banjo!”
The dog immediately dropped onto his belly.
Jake tugged, trying to free his now-throbbing fingers. One more yank and they were free. Shaking his hand, he glanced over at Leah. “Gonna hang that brother of yours. Should have never let Michael talk me into taking this goat off his hands.”
Leah covered her mouth with her hand and her eyes crinkled into a smile.
“Go ahead and laugh. We both know you want to.”
Her laughter pealed across the farmyard. It only took a second before he and Abby joined her.
With a hard jerk on his arm, Meanie broke free and took off in the direction of Mabel’s house. Banjo ran after her, nipping her heels and dodging the goat’s quick kicks.
“Oh, no! Not again.” Jake darted after them, hollering over his shoulder, “See you ladies tomorrow. Got a dog to stop and a goat to catch.”
Their laughter followed him.
It took a quarter mile, but he finally caught up with Meanie and the dog, corralled them both and headed back to the house. He fully expected Leah and Abby to be gone, but they weren’t. Keeping a tight hold on Meanie, he walked up to Leah’s rig, panting from the exertion. “Something wrong?” he asked between gasps of breath. He struggled to keep the nanny from breaking free again.
“You said you would see us tomorrow, but I can’t come by tomorrow.”
“Won’t be here even if you did.”
“Huh?” Leah tilted her head in that charming way of hers.
“Guess Michael didn’t tell you, then.”
“Tell me what?”
“Starting tomorrow, I’ll be working for him.” He jerked on the goat’s collar to keep her under control.
Leah’s eyes widened. “Y-you are?” She glanced around his spread and then turned her attention back onto him. “But who’s going to take care of your place?”
“Only gonna work part-time, until Smokey gets back from taking care of his folks’ affairs and Michael feels comfortable leaving Selina home with the twins. Can you believe it? Michael. A father? To twins?”
“It’s hard to picture Michael a father. But I’m so happy for my brother and Selina. It’s hilarious watching him with those babies. Every little whimper and he rushes to their cradles. Selina has to almost wrestle him to the ground to keep him from picking them up all the time. He’s paranoid to leave them and Selina alone.
“Mother, Abby and I promised him we’d help, but with Lottie Lynn and Joseph Michael only a few days old, he doesn’t want to leave them or Selina. And if he does, it’s only for a minute or two. I can understand that.” She looked at Jake and her smile lit up her whole face. “I’m glad you’ll be at the ranch, though. It’ll be fun having you around.”
Jake’s insides grinned at her announcement. Maybe being a hired hand on the Bowen ranch just might be a fun thing after all.
