A Bride for Keeps

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A

BrideforKeepsA Nov el

Melissa Jagears

5


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2013 by Melissa Jagears

Published by Bethany House Publishers

11400 Hampshire Avenue South

Bloomington, Minnesota 55438

www.bethanyhouse.com

Bethany House Publishers is a division o

Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Printed in the United States o America

All rights reserved. No part o this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval

system, or transmitted in any orm or by any meansor example, electronic, photocopy,

recordingwithout the prior written permission o the publisher. The only exception

is brie quotations in printed reviews.

Library o Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Jagears, Melissa.A bride or keeps : a novel / Melissa Jagears.

pages cm

Summary: Ater three ailed attempts, Everett Cline is not happy when

anotheruninvitedmail-order bride steps o the train in his Kansas arming

community. But is she the wie hes been waiting or?provided by publisher.

ISBN 978-0-7642-1168-3 (pbk.)

1. Mail order bridesFiction. 2. FarmersFiction. 3. Frontier and pioneer

lieFiction. 4. KansasFiction I. Title.

PS3610.A368 B75 2013

813 .6dc23 2013023264

Scripture quotations are rom the King James Version o the Bible.

Wedding vows in chapter seven are rom The Book of Common Prayer.

The hymn in chapter ourteen is Fairest Lord Jesus, translated rom German to English

by Joseph A. Seiss, 1873.

Cover design by Dan Pitts

Cover photography by Mike Habermann Photography, LLC

Author represented by The Natasha Kern Literary Agency

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 7 6 5 4 3 2 1


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To my husband, who puts up with

a lot so I can write and believes in me

when I dont believe in myself.

I wish I was more like you.


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9

Chapter 1

Kansas

spring 1876

Everett Cline loosened his grip on the mercantiles door-

knob and let the door shut behind him. Kathleen Hampdenwaddled straight toward him, the white eathers in her hat

dancing like bluestem grass in the late March breeze. In the

three years shed been married to the stores owner instead

o him, couldnt she have bought a new hat?

He hadnt talked to her alone since the day she arrived in

Salt Flatts with those identiying white eathers hed been told

to expect, but he hadnt anticipated her being married to Carl

beore she stepped o the train. Why hadnt she thrown her

hat out a passenger car window and pretended shed never

been his mail-order bride?

Aternoon, maam. Is your husband around?

He glanced behind the long glossy counter cluttered with

candy jars and sundry items and saw that the door to theempty back room stood ajar. The two overowing shelves

that cut the store into thirds kept him rom being able to see

into every corner. The abric table was a jumbled mess, and


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A Bride for Keeps

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a ew potatoes lay on the oor in the corner, escaped rom

their bin. Were they the only ones in the store?

Mrs. Hampden stopped three eet rom him, the tang othe wood polish on her rag warring with the leather and

tobacco smells permeating the room. She was such a tiny

thing, even large with child. Perhaps it was a good thing she

had married Carl. I she worked outside as Everett did every

day, the wind would have blown her away sooner or later.

Mr. Hampdens away on business, otherwise hed have

rushed out at the bell. Especially since its you. Her cheeks

pinked.

Carl neednt worry about him. Stealing someones mail-

order bride was dierent rom stealing someones wie.

Everett dgeted. He has no reason to be concerned.

I know. She rubbed her swollen stomach. But hes still

worried your good looks might make me wish Id chosendierently.

The skin under his collar grew warm, and he pulled at the

strangling abric. He might be a decent-looking sort o man,

but a lot o good that did him.

I hope you have better luck today than you did with me,

and you know . . . the others. She bit her lip. Im sure this

time it will be or keeps.

He swallowed hard and eyed her. What was she talking

about? Surely another rumor about him ordering a bride

again wasnt circulating. Im araid I dont understand.

Its all right. Rachel told me. Her voice was hushed, as

i someone might hear.

He leaned down and whispered back. Told you what?About the lady coming on the aternoon train. She said

youd need prayer.

Rachel.


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Missa Jagars

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He ran his tongue along his teeth and nodded absently.

Surely his best riends wie wasnt pulling another one o

her matchmaking schemes. Shed tried to set him up withevery girl in the county since the day her sister, Patricia, had

let him or someone else. When matchmaking ailed, shed

pushed him into mail-order bride advertisements.

I shed gone and ordered another one or him, by golly

I hope I havent upset you. Mrs. Hampdens concerned

tone reminded him o her presence. I havent told anyone

since . . . well, you know how they are.

Yes, the townsolk. Everett clenched his teeth. Every un-

escorted woman who stepped o the train was asked i she

belonged to Everett Cline. When she answered negatively,

some young man in the gathered crowd would drop to his

knee and propose.

He stared at the saddle soap on the shel beside him. Whathad he come in here or?

I wish you luck. Mrs. Hampdens eyes looked dewy.

Everett squashed the elt brim o his hat in his clammy

hands. Third times a charm hadnt worked or him, and

hed never heard anything like the fourths a keeper. There

wouldnt be a ourth time or him. Well, th, i he added

being jilted by Patricia so long ago. Was there a saying akin

to fve ailures prove a ool? He was a hairsbreadth away rom

conrming himsel a dunce. You have nothing to wish me

luck or.

Oh, Everett, surely this time it will work.

Really, Mrs. Hampden, I dont know what youre talking

about.I can understand why you dont want to say anything,

but Im the last person in Salt Flatts who would tease you.

Hed let her believe whatever she wanted, because nothing


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A Bride for Keeps

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would happen. Thanks just the same. He smashed his hat

back on and hightailed it out the door, down the steps, and

toward the weathered wagon belonging to his neighbors.Was this why Rachel insisted they needed him in town even

though any train porter could have helped her husband load

the shipment she was waiting on?

He wouldnt believe it. She wouldnt do that.

Come on now, Everett, shed said. You cant avoid

town forever. Surely you have supplies to get.

He reached into his pocket, clasped his scribbled list, and

stopped in the middle o the road. Rachel wouldnt have gone

so ar as to invite another woman to Salt Flatts to marry him

without even telling him. Would she?

A horse sidestepped beside him, the boot o its rider graz-

ing his arm. Hey, watch what youre doing. The cowboy

glared down at him, the stench o bovine overpowering thescent o the cheap cigar wiggling between his lips.

Everett turned and scurried across the dusty road and onto

the boardwalk. He glanced at his list. Should he return to

the mercantile and ace Kathleen again or conront Rachel?

Neither would be pleasant.

Got me a letter to send, Everett? Jedidiah Langston

stepped out o the alse-ront post oce and stood next to

his son, eighteen-year-old Axel, who perched on a stool, ab-

sently whittling a stick. A smirk twitched the corners o the

younger mans mouth.

Everetts hand itched to swipe the boys lips clean o his

ace, but he shook his head instead. He hadnt personally

posted something or over a yearalways sent his mail inwith the Stantonsbut it seemed as i Rachel had decided

to mail some correspondence or him.

Surely youre hankerin or another bride by now. Helgas


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Missa Jagars

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been Mrs. Parker or plumb near a year. Seems to me its

about time you up and tried again.

Axel chuckled at his athers joke, and Everett scowled atthe mention o his thirdand absolutely lastmail-order

bride.

He crammed the shopping list back into his pocket. No

letter, gentlemen.

Axel needs a wie about as bad as I need him o o my

porch. Jedidiah glared at his lazy son, who only rolled his

eyes. Maybe your next one can marry him.

Axel sliced the tip o his pointy stick. Only i he orders

a stunner this time.

Any woman dumb enough to marry that boy would have

to work to support them both. Everett tipped his hat. Good

day, gentlemen.

Hed been Axels age eighteen years ago, but hed at leasthad some gumption, a promising uture, and an adoring girl

on his arm. Yet he was still single. A mail-order bride was

probably the boys only hope, though Everett doubted hed

ever try or one. Axels ma had once been a mail-order bride,

and when her marriage plans hadnt worked out, shed wooed

Jedidiah over real ast.

Mrs. Langston was hardly ever seen in town, and Jedidiah

never talked about her but in disdain. Axels parents animos-

ity toward each other didnt help the boys dispositionas

prickly as a cocklebur and as useul as one too.

Everett marched over to the train platorm and scanned

the crowd. Rachel was nowhere in sight, but her husband,

Dex, reclined on his wagons bench seat, hat pulled over hisace. His sot snores jostled the brim resting on his nose. He

couldnt know his wie had hatched another scheme. That

joker wouldnt have been able to keep a straight ace when


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A Bride for Keeps

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Rachel insisted they needed help. And hed be too antsy to

tease the daylights out o Everett now to be sleeping.

Perhaps Mrs. Hampden had made a mistake and assumedtoo much. The town loved to conspire, and though Dex was

a joker, the Stantons wouldnt plot against him like that. No,

Mrs. Hampden had to be mistaken.

Everett stopped at the depots window and perused the

stations chalkboard schedule. Thirty minutes until the train

arrived. The bunch o wild owers hed picked beore leav-

ing home lay piled in his wagon bed. He snatched them and

headed or the cemetery.

Everett! a voice called out, and he turned to see Carl

Hampden hotooting it rom the livery straight toward him.

The tilt o his head and the look in his eyes reminded Everett

o a charging bull.

He stopped and tensed, hal expecting the man to reachor a sidearm. Carl?

Where are you going with those? He pointed to the

owers.

Everett released his stranglehold on the prairie bouquet

and kept his lips rom twitching up into a smile. He stood

but ten eet rom the mercantile entrance. Theyre not or

your wie, i thats what youre worried about.

Who are they or, then? Carl backed up, but the heat

hadnt let his gaze.

I dont exactly believe thats your business.

Carl leaned closer. Hed evidently had garlic or lunch.

What did it really matter i Carl knew? Theyre or Ad-

elaide Gooding.Who? Carl cocked an eyebrow.

Everett sighed. My rst bride.

Ah, I see . . . I guess. Carl relaxed. Well, carry on.


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Missa Jagars

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As i he needed the mans permission. He snatched Carls

sleeve and dug out his list. Would you gather these items

or me? Ill return within an hour.Carl olded the note and tipped his hat.

Everett strolled through town, keeping the jonquils tucked

by his side. Why did he keep taking her owers anyway? He

looked at the sad, accid mess in his hands. Because no one

else wouldand that was his ault.

He stepped through the gap in the waist-high stone wall,

marched straight up to Adelaides grave, and laid the owers

at her eet. Im araid theyre wilted, but theyre better than

what you have. Which was nothing. He lowered himsel

to the ground and stared at her headstone. He hadnt even

known what birth date to engrave or his rst mail-order

bride, but hed done his best. Even wrote an epitaph: Long-

awaited and Missed.Everett glanced around to make certain no one else was

near. Have you heard any talk about me lately? Seems Mrs.

Hampden thinks Im crazy enough to try marrying up again.

He grabbed a twig and scratched at the dirt. I wish youd

held on or a ew more hours. At least so I could have told

you that I . . . He tossed his stick. Had he loved her? He

would have. But he no longer had any stir o eelings or this

woman hed never met.

Closing his eyes, he conjured up the one image he had

o Adelaide. Wrapped in a rough woolen blanket, her ace

white as clouds, hair dark as a ravens wing, and her mouth,

crooked and sti as a ence post. The ever had stolen her

breath and his hope.The low hum o metal wheels against iron track rumbled

rom ar o. With the toe o his boot, he shoved a stray

jonquil back into his jumbled pile. Maybe i Id lived along


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the Mississippi, Id have had better luck ordering brides by

steamboat. He snorted, and a gray-green pigeon above him

ussed. So you dont think so?A whistle sounded. Rachels always wanted a pianoorte.

Please let it be a piano. But shed asked Mrs. Hampden or

prayer . . . and surely nothing she could order would be so

heavy shed beseech Gods assistance. The tremor o the ap-

proaching train pulsed through the soles o his eet.

What i there was another woman on that train coming

or him? He clenched his trembling ngers. Patricia had jilted

him. Then Adelaide arrived dead, Kathleen disembarked mar-

ried to the shopkeeper, and Helga let him or another man

with a better arm within a week o arriving. He couldnt

begin to imagine what a ourth mail-order bride might do. But

he wouldnt allow another bride to make a ool o him again.

Shed made a mistake. A huge, irrevocable mistake.

Julia Lockwood stared out the trains window, watching

the at Kansas land sail behind her, mile ater mile. Nothing

but waving grasses, clumps o trees, and a ew outcroppings

o rocks. The vacant prairie lands wouldnt conceal the past

she ran rom, and the man awaiting her wouldnt make it

betteronly worse. What had possessed her to believe this

was a good idea? She set her bag aside to stand.

Young lady, you are making me queasy with your ups and

downs, to-and-ros. The buxom woman across rom her

swished a an violently. Please, or once sit still.

Julia hesitated, hovering above her seat. Her nerveswouldnt obey the womans pinched-mouthed decree. Im

sorry. When I return, Ill try not to get up again.

The woman hued. Yes, do.


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Holding in her split pannier overskirt, she swayed easily

through the center aisle o the railroad car. A ew days o

travel had made her an expert at walking in a moving train.She grabbed a strap hanging rom the ceiling to make room

or a young rizzy-haired girl to pass.

The porter at the ront o the car straightened. May I do

something or you, miss?

Nothing, Henry. Unless you can make this car go aster . . .

or slower. She bit her lip. How much longer until Salt

Flatts?

Not too long. Just a hop and a skip. Well be there beore

you know it. His smile stretched across his ace, slicing his

dark skin with a glimmering white. I reckon youll be just

ne, miss.

Just ne? When shed agreed to marry a man with whom

shed never even exchanged a single letter? No. Not ne. Thethought o being close to any man again made her stomach

churn.

But one thing Id be doing is stop playing with that there

brooch. Youre going to be wearing o its shine.

She released her mothers portrait clipped to her collar,

her ngers red rom rubbing the gold ligree rame. Perhaps

I am a bit nervous.

I suspect you dont have to be anxious or nothing.

I only that were true. But there was nothing to be done

now. She couldnt very well jump o the train. Oh, why hadnt

she gotten o at the last stop? Stify, she returned to her seat.

The large woman across rom her glared rom behind that

ever-swishing an and sighed.Her husband leaned orward. You worried about meet-

ing someone?

Julia nodded, wishing her whole lie didnt depend on a


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A Bride for Keeps

18

man shed never met. Why had she handed some stranger

a hold over her? She wanted to see Rachel Stanton, the

woman shed corresponded with or the past ew months,but she should have come simply to visit Rachel. Instead,

shed panicked and promised her lie away in matrimony

when Rachel had mentioned her husbands riend would

be interested in a mail-order bride. Would Rachel and Dex

Stanton oer their hospitality i she didnt ollow through

with marrying Everett Cline? The sourness in her stomach

crept toward her throat.

A ella, I suppose?

Feeling color invade her cheeks, she shrugged.

Stop worrying. No ellad be sorry to see a girl like you

step o this train.

No. No lonely ellow would. That was part o the prob-

lem. Maybe she should have worn her day dress instead oher best silk.

Henry walked the aisle, touching headrests as he passed.

Next stop, Salt Flatts.

Her heart doubled its rhythm. A riend awaited her . . . but

so did a man. Last chance. Stay in the seat or meet her po-

tential husband? Hed want an intimacy rom her she wasnt

ready to give anytime soon. She wrapped her arms about her

waist and suppressed a moan. What choice did she have?

The locomotives gleaming chimney loomed. Its acrid

smoke rolled over the prairie land surrounding Salt Flatts,

marring the gray-blue sky. Everett paced on the crowded trainplatorm, wondering i Rachel had indeed set him up. He

scanned the crowd. No sign o her yet. Surely shed be waiting

or the woman she intended to oist upon him i there were


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Missa Jagars

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one. He blew out a breath and ambled toward the Stantons

wagon. Hed know soon enough.

The trains whistle scattered the birds pecking in the grassnext to the tracks, and the hissing iron monster slowed. Rachel

scurried across the road and up the plank ramp. Her three-year-

old, Emma, bounced on her hip and waved wildly at the train.

The pullmans door opened, and Everett stared at the line

o silhouettes behind the passenger car windows. Several men

disembarked beore a skinny woman stepped onto the rough

wooden platorm, her curly orange-red hair trailing across

her blemished ace.

Rachel looked straight at the tall girl, and Everett tensed,

but Rachel didnt hail her. The young woman scurried to a

waiting wagon and embraced an elderly man.

Everett rubbed at the tension in his neck.

More men poured out o the passenger car, and nally theporter exited and sauntered toward the depot. Everett released

his pent-up breath and chuckled at himsel. Hed allowed Mrs.

Hampdens oolish notions to mess with his head.

There you are. John, Rachels youngest boy, rushed to-

ward him. Are you ready or the surprise?

A surprise or John or a surprise or him? His breath grew

shallow, and he squatted to the boys eye level. Do you know

what it is?

John shook his dark head. No. Ma wont tell me. Would

you ask her?

Youre too impatient. Well nd out soon enough. He

rubbed the boys head and orced himsel not to walk straight

toward Rachel and ask. I John was anxious, then the sur-prise had to be or the amily, not him. Rachel wouldnt have

hinted to the children about a scheme to match him up with

a stranger.


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There she is. Rachels call ended in a high eminine

squeal. She handed Emma to Dex and darted into the crowd.

Dex threw him a glance beore covering up a grin with hisree hand. Too much amused twinkling danced in his best

riends eyes.

Hed been hoodwinked.

Everett slowly pivoted toward the train. A petite, ash-

ionably dressed lady wrestled an oversized valise through

the pullmans door and climbed cautiously down the stairs.

Her ivory skirt was extraordinarily ull in the back. A red

sash cinched her waist, enhancing its tininess. She ngered a

brooch at her neck and brushed at the veil whipping against

her orehead in the wind. Dark wavy hair ell rom under

her straw hat, raming her perect lips and tiny nose. He

had never seen a more beautiul woman. Not even Patricia,

the prettiest gal whod ever set oot in Saline County, couldcompare.

The woman gestured toward Rachel with a wad o papers

in her hand and a question in her shoulder shrug. Rachels

hands ung out, and she swallowed the woman in an embrace.

Though one was dressed in worn homespun calico and the

other in rufes o shimmering sti abric, they started chat-

tering like long-lost sisters.

He pushed down the jolt that traveled up rom his toes.

This stunning riend o Rachels would never need to become

a mail-order bride. She was not here or him.

Julia pulled away rom Rachels third warm hug, whichcouldnt calm the storm o emotions swirling within her chest.

Though she rejoiced to hold this dear riend in her arms or

the rst time, she couldnt help looking around the crowd


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Missa Jagars

21

or him. Her heart thudded at the base o her throat. I can

hardly believe Im here. I she hadnt seen Rachel waiting on

the platorm, almost bouncing with anticipation, she wouldhave slouched in the leather passenger seat, dug out the last

o her money, and rode the tracks a little arther.

Me neither. Rachel hugged her again. I never realized

how much I missed having a bosom riend until I started

writing you. Well take you home and talk all night and meet

the neighbors and . . .

Rachels banter was inectious, but her riendliness didnt

stie the need to know what her uture husband expected.

Wont Everett want to, uh, start things right away? A ew

hundred eet away a white steeple loomed over rows o build-

ings, making her eel aint. She tried to imagine riding straight

to the church and marrying, but she just couldnt do it. Do

you know what he has planned? Julia gripped Rachels arm,anchoring hersel rom rushing back to the train.

About Everett . . . Id not bring up the marriage plans

until he does, and hell probably give you plenty o time.

Rachel rubbed her lip and averted her gaze. What was she

keeping rom her? My advice is to act as i youve come to

court rather than run him to the altar.

Whos your riend, Mrs. Stanton? The sound o undis-

guised male interest caused a shiver to run across Julias back.

She wet her lips and turned toward a group o young men,

the one in ront a tall, scrawny thing with blond whiskers and

very pink lips. He looked down at her with an amused glint

in his blue eyes. Was this Everett? He was younger than she

had imagined and not entirely unpleasant to look at, but hisbody appeared ragile or a armer, and the ash in his eye

matched his unsettling roguish tone. You wouldnt happen

to be here or Everett Cline?


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A Bride for Keeps

22

What an awkward way to greet her. I, um . . . yes. And

are you he?

Rachel crossed in ront o her with hands jammed on herhips. Now, you all go on and get.

The young mans ace changed rom amusement to bewil-

derment. Dont tell me she really is here or Everett. The

our young men behind him snickered.

None o your business, Axel. I you please, nd some-

where else to be. Rachel pointed toward the depot, but the

group had allen dumb and sti.

Axel cocked his head. Then she is?

Rachel didnt answer, and he let out an impressed hu.

Was there something so appalling about Everett that Axel

couldnt believe a woman would marry him? Maybe thats

why he needed a mail-order bride. But surely Rachel wouldnt

have matched her with a dreadul man.Rachel stared at Axel as i he were only knee-high instead

o towering over them both.

Julia rubbed her arms, suddenly cold and hot at the same

time. Every eye in the small group o men ocused on her.

Men had ogled her beore, but this was ridiculous.

Excuse me, gentlemen. A man taller than Axel pushed

through the group, a girl with uy blond ringlets hooked

on his arm. You heard my wiend somewhere else to be.

Im sure you have better things to do than detain our guest.

The men behind Axel poked each other, talking under

their breath. Everetts name was the only word she caught.

Was he here? Why hadnt he shown himsel?

Axel smiled wide. I hadnt any aith in you, Everett, butyou pulled through. Shes a beauty.

Julia stepped to the other side o Rachel and tried to see to

whom Axel was speaking. Oh, why did she have to be so short?


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Missa Jagars

23

Axel tipped his hat toward her. I look orward to getting

to know you better . . . Miss . . . ?

She gave a tiny nod. Lockwood, and Im sure well haveplenty o time to get acquainted.

O course you will. Dex patted the boys shoulder dis-

missively and then turned to her. Its nice to meet you at

last, Miss Lockwood. Im Dex.

At last? The incredulous murmur o a deep male voice

sounded behind Dex.

Julia looked straight up at Rachels husband. The top o

her hat didnt even reach the bottom o his chest pocket.

Pleased to meet you, Mr. Stanton.

Call me Dex. And Im assuming youre rather interested

in the gentleman behind me.

She thought her cheeks had been hot a minute ago.

The nest neighbor any man could have.A tall shadow o a man walked toward her, but it was no

stranger who lited his hat. Theodore. No. It couldnt be.

All heat drained rom her ace and pooled on the platorm

at her eet. The ensuing shock o cold stopped her breath.

Hed said hed nd her no matter how ar she ran, but she

hadnt believed him.

She pressed her hand against her heart, galloping in vain

against her chest.

Pleased to meet you, Miss Lockwood. Im Everett Cline.

She blinked hard at him and reached or Rachel to keep

hersel rom alling, rom running.

He rowned. Is everything all right?

His voice was wrong and his hair parted on the let andthe ront tooth didnt overlap. She worked to wet her mouth

enough to speak. Mr. . . . Mr. Cline?

I believe so. His tickled smirk released the breath stuck


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A Bride for Keeps

24

in her lungs. The set o his jaw was similar, but not when he

smiled. Not Theodore. She released her vise grip on Rachel,

who looked at her as i shed lost her wits.Like Theodore, Everett had beautiul dark blond wavy

hair, a prominent brow, and laugh lines around the eyes. He

was certainly handsomejust like the man her ather had

chosen or her to wed.

How could she marry someone whose appearance re-

minded her o a man she never wanted to lay eyes on again?


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25

Chapter 2

Miss Lockwoods hands scrunched the abric o her rustly

skirt, her knuckles as white as the petticoat peeping out rom

beneath. Everett orced his eyes o the inch o undergarment

and tried to nd a place to rest his gaze, but each place dis-tracted him just as much as another. She sucked in a steady-

ing breath and smiledthe same kind o ake smile he was

attempting to keep plastered on his ace.

Im sorry, orgive me. I just wasnt expecting . . . well . . .

She nodded. Its nice to meet you, Mr. Cline.

Perhaps he wasnt as pleasing to the eye as Mrs. Hampden

had led him to believe. He orced a curve back into his lips.

Im pleased to meet you as well, Miss Lockwood. But I cant

say that I knew you were

Coming today. Rachel gripped his arm, her ngers goug-

ing his muscle. We hadnt told him exactly that you were

coming today.

Everett cut his eyes toward his neighbor, her hairline dottedwith perspiration, her cheeks ushed. She aimed a heavy-

lidded glare at him, the same one she gave her restless children

during church services.


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A Bride for Keeps

26

Miss Lockwood ngered her brooch. Oh, I see.

Everett pressed his lips together hard. Hed not call Rachel

out on her ruse in ront o Miss Lockwood, as it would onlyembarrass her. But how could his best riends continue the

towns joke at his expense? And at Miss Lockwoods as well?

But this wasnt a game. Hed heard her talking to Axel,

and he wished he hadnt. Judging by the look shed given

himwas still giving himshed likely leave on the next

train. Another woman within his reach only or a moment,

and this one so attractive it hurt to look at her.

How could he extricate himselright now? I, uh . . .

Rachel pulled her younger sons in ront o her and thrust

the older one in between him and Miss Lockwood. This is

my son Ambrose, and this ones John. Whether enthralled

by Miss Lockwoods angelic eatures or conounded by the

awkward adult conversation, the ten- and seven-year-old spit-ting images o their mother were abnormally quiet. And

the boy behind me is William. Hell be sixteen on Monday.

Howdy do, maam. William pulled o his hat and stared

as i hed never seen a woman beore.

Emma squirmed rom Dexs grip and launched hersel

into Miss Lockwoods arms.

My goodness! You must be Emma. She caught the three-

year-old and maneuvered her onto her hip. Your ma told

me about your gorgeous blond curls, so I brought you this.

She pulled a pink ribbon rom a hidden pocket.

Exactly how long had these women been exchanging let-

ters? Everett glanced at Dex, who seemed more ascinated

by a ribbon than a man ought to be.Emma grabbed the hair thing and leaned to put it within

her mothers reach. Mama, put up.

What do you say, Emma?


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27

Say pwease.

Rachel cleared her throat. Yes, you should say please,

but what do you say to Julia or giving it to you?Julia. His mouth silently tested out the name.

Emma placed the ribbon inches away rom Julias nose.

Pwease, put up.

Julia chuckled. A beautiul melodic laugh. Was there any-

thing about this woman that wasnt dazzling?

Tell Julia thank you.

Sank you.

Julia tapped the little girl on the nose. Youre very wel-

come. But well wait to put it in your hair until we get home,

all right? She smiled down at the child. A real smile. His

breath caught.

She looked over at him quizzically, and he straightened.

Did she expect him to say something? Surely with how shegawked at him with those right-lled, lash-ringed, intoxi-

cating dark brown eyes shed decided to have nothing to do

with him. But then what was she staring at him or?

Rachel wrapped her arm around Julias shoulder. Im

sure your trip has made you bone-weary. No sense standing

about the depot. We should start or home immediately.

I have to admit train travel wasnt as pleasant as Id hoped.

For a while there, I thought Id never make it.

Good thing you survivedDex coughed over a laugh

unmarried.

Julia threw a questioning glance at Dex, then Everett. Heat

rushed into Everetts ears, and he held back the desire to box

his riends. So help him i Dex made Julia curious enoughto ask what he was talking about.

The look Rachel turned on her husband would have stopped

a stampede o cows. She hued, then pulled Julia toward the


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28

platorm stairs. Why dont we head to the mercantile and

leave the menolk to load your trunks? Your dress is simply

stunning. Youll have to inorm us o all the latest ashions.Julia glanced back at Everett or one mesmerizing second

beore they crossed the street. Her curls bounced under her

small straw hat with each step, and her tiny body swayed

with the weight o the toddler on her hip. Never had he seen

anything more visually pleasing in his whole lie. No lady

who lived and worked on the Kansas prairie should look like

that. She was meant to be on the arm o some politician or

businessman, not a struggling armer.

William whistled. Shes the prettiest lady I ever did see.

Perhaps my womans meddling was better or you than

I thought. Dexs voice was ar too glib.

Once the women crossed the street, Everett glanced toward

Julias three trunks piled on the platorm. What did a womanneed with so much? I you dont mind, William, I think you

and Ambrose can handle her luggage. I need to talk to your

atheralone.

William tore his eyes away rom Julia and threw a quick

look at his ather beore nodding and catching Ambrose by

the shoulder.

Beore you go shaking your nger at me, in my deense,

I didnt know about this until last night, his riend blurted.

Then you had time to tell me something.

Dex shrugged. Well, with your record, I wasnt all red

out certain Id have to tell you anything.

Everett throttled his hat to keep rom throwing it at Dex.

Besides, youre without a wie, and shes looking to be-come one.

And whys that?

Something about alling on hard times.


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29

By the look o that dress, Im not sure Id agree.

Personal type, not nancial.

And . . . ?Dex shrugged again. Shes rom Boston?

Everett waved his hat at the eastern horizon. So I know

where shes rom, that she has some vague personal problem,

and her name. Which, by the way, Everett said through grit-

ted teeth, trying to keep his voice down, I didnt know until

ve minutes ago.

Well, youve also learned shes not too bad to look at.

His mind ashed to her pretty ace and dainty stature, but

Rachels sister had been a stunner too, and how his heart had

burst when Patricia pushed him aside or another. Thats

no reason to marry someone.

Oh yes, youre nally being sensible or once. No need to

seriously consider an attractive woman who wants to start anew lie out here with you. Dex rolled his eyes. For crying

out loud, Everett, Helga could barely speak English, and you

were going to marry her.

Everett crossed his arms and glared at him.

Youre simply worried shell leave like the rest o them.

And shouldnt I be?

Dex rubbed his hand along his jaw, staring at him as i he

could see into his soul. I suppose i any man should worry,

it would be you. But Rachel

Im not sure I can orgive Rachel or this.

Youve orgiven Mrs. Hampden and Mrs. Parker.

They were strangers. Youre my riends.

Perhaps what shes done is meddlesomeAnd oolhardy and embarrassing and underhanded

But done out o love.

Everett hued. Rachel loved him all right. I only she


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30

didnt love him so much she thought she could control his

lie. Couldnt she keep to running Dexs? He shook his head,

and a breathy chuckle escaped. Poor Rachel. Dex wouldntlet her run his lie either.

She regrets not asking you about Julia.

Everett narrowed his eyes, and Dex held out his palms.

Im not joshing. She came to me last night wringing a

dish towel so hard I thought shed start a riction re. She

knows what shes done is wrong, but maybe, in Gods way,

Hell make this crazy situation right.

He hasnt chosen to do so with any o my other mistakes.

Maybe you havent yet made the right mistake.

Everett pressed his lips together and kept himsel rom

shaking his head. No matter what Dex said, he wouldnt let

an ounce o hope wiggle in.

Look, a year ago Rachel decided shed match you up witha wie rom the advertisements since you were doing such a

poor job. You know her saying, I you want a thing done

right, ask me to do it.

Everett wouldve given him a courtesy chuckle had he been

calm enough.

But I made her quit ater I saw the strange inux o letters.

But something about Julia kept her interestedas a riend.

And there arent many lady riends to have out here. Rachel

wasnt going to set you up with her, but something in her past

letter made her think Julia needed to escape. And evidently

she did. She thinks shes here because you want her to be.

Everett stared at the store as i he could see Julia behind

its weathered planking. Did he want her to be here? Hedhad lie gured out. Or at least he had told himsel he could

live with the direction it seemed to be going. But this wasnt

a curve in the road, this was a ork.


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31

I you dont marry her, Ill question your sanity.

But he wasnt her only optionand he shouldnt be. I I

dont marry her, someone else will oer.Lots o someone elses.

William and Ambrose bounded over. But there was no use

discussing this anymore. Wishing she wasnt there wouldnt

make things any better. But then, what man in his right mind

would wish to have never seen such loveliness?

Come on, boys, lets go meet up with your mother. Dex

nudged Everetts shoulder as he passed. Go with it. See

where the Lord leads.

The Stantons headed toward the platorm stairs, and Ev-

erett orced his eet to ollow. This really wasnt too much

dierent rom the last time, right? She could change her mind

just as easily as Helga ater one good look at his arm.

Except hed written to the other women prior to themcoming to Kansas. Theyd known hard labor, grown up

in squalor or on a arm. But Julias tiny gloved hands and

little waist bespoke o a much dierent past. Homestead-

ing wasnt un; it wasnt easy. It wasnt sitting in a parlor

and serving tea.

But Julia would be better than no one at all. Wishing he

could stie the thumping sensation in his heart, Everett sped

up. No, shed be exorbitantly better than no one. To embrace

her, have children with herEverett kicked at a rock on the

dusty street. I he let those thoughts turn into emotions, hed

look like a ool the day she let him behind.

The next rock he kicked hit Ambrose in the cal. Ambrose

turned to glare at him.Everett raised his hand. Sorry.

The boy bounded up the stairs and ollowed his ather

inside the store.


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32

Everett stopped at the edge o the road and swallowed,

staring at the closed door. Dimple and Curly really ought to

be checked on. He walked to his team, ran his hand alongCurlys neck, then bent to inspect the oxs leg, staring at the

mud patch above its etlock. Looking at his animals wouldnt

make the woman inside go away. And he didnt really want

her to go away.

And that was the problem.

Are your oxen all right?

Everett nearly ell backward at the sound o Williams

voice inches rom his ear. They look ne.

Mr. Hampden says your supplies are ready.

Everett sprang up and tugged at Curlys halter. Be inside

in a minute.

William loped up the stairs, and Everett watched him go

inside. He had to ace her. Despite his stubborn reusal toorder another bride, he did need a wie. Around here, a girl

o marrying age had a handul o eligible men to choose

rom. He wasnt the only man stuck on a lonely arm need-

ing someone to take care o the house and animals in order

to have a chance at making his arm protable.

Maybe when hed written his mail-order brides hed

come across as too eager and desperate. No woman wanted

a man so weak he acted as i he needed her in order to sur-

vivethough some days out on the wind-scourged prairie

he certainly believed hed go plumb crazy without one. This

time he could exude condence rom the very beginning.

Maybe i he was more aloo, more sel-possessed, Julia

would be attracted instead o repelled. He whispered nearCurlys ear, Heaven help me, then pulled at his shirt,

marched up the stairs, and straightened his shoulders be-

ore entering.


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33

A crowd surrounded Julia. He walked to the ront o the

store and leaned against the counter. Where had all these

people come rom? The womenolk seemed to be oohingand ahhing over Julias ancy pleats, but the our men on

the outskirts o the group stared more at the woman wear-

ing them.

Carls attentive gaze rarely strayed rom Julia as he helped

her sort through bolts o cloth on the table. Everett drummed

his ngers. Must he inorm the shopkeeper to pay attention

to his other customers? The twenty people surrounding Julia

could surely help her move abric.

He could march straight over to Kathleen and smile at her.

No, too bold. Carld have his head.

A tap on his shoulder and the smell o moonshine pulled

his ocus o Julia.

Ned Parker stood behind him, looking toward the crowd.He spit at a spittoon without taking his gaze o her. His

spittle landed six inches rom the rim. Mighty ne-lookin

woman, eh? Dont think were going to get any help over here

unless we pull Hampden o her.

I think you might be right, but

Im just sorry Helga dont look like her. But then again,

the wies good enough or housework i nothing else.

The skin on his neck crawled. Everetts third mail-order

bride most likely wished she hadnt let him or Ned. The

man worked her like he worked his oxeninto the ground.

It would have been better or Helga i Everett had learned his

lesson ater Kathleen and not sent or another bride.

Ned spit, this time making it in the bucket. You dontknow anyone I can hire, do you?

No. Hed not advise his worst enemy to work or Ned

Parker.


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A Bride for Keeps

34

Ned rapped on the counter bell. What do I got to do to

get some service?

What do you think about this one, Miss Lockwood?

Julia ngered the ne pink-sprigged lawn, silky and untex-

tured. Combed yarns. Very nice eel to it. I think it would

make you a ne dress, Miss Lenowitz.

Wish I could have something as ancy as yours with those

rufes all the way to the top. Maybe you could help me with

my sleeves? The young lady looked as i she were debating

on abric or her rst ball gown, not a light summer dress.

Was the girl old enough or a debut? Did they even do that

in Kansas?

Julia swallowed hard. Even i they did, she couldnt help

this girlshe had no idea how to sew. Looking around atthe men and women surrounding her in homespuns and dyed

calicos, she knew that her dress probably cost the equivalent

o their entire closets. Every dress. She had nothing like what

they were wearingand all their work dresses and shirtwaists

showed signs o wear. Her silks and sheer lawns most likely

wouldnt last a month out here. Should she even be encourag-

ing this woman to buy this? It was the most expensive bolt

o abric on the table. Im araid Im not good at sewing

something this intricate. Perhaps I could lend it to you or

a pattern.

The girls eyes ashed, and several o the ladies sucked in

air and started murmuring. But Miss Lenowitz shook her

head. I couldnt ask you to part with a dress or so verylong. We dont come into town but once a month, and I live

in the opposite direction rom Mrs. Stanton.

What Julia really needed was to give Miss Lenowitz this


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35

dress in exchange or one o hers. But she wouldnt dare

bring up such a thing and embarrass the girl in ront o this

crowd. Nor had she the courage to admit shed come westwith not one work dress. But shed need several i she was

staying, wouldnt she?

I she were staying . . .

Julia absently played with a bit o lawn. Everett hadnt

looked her way since hed walked in.

At the counter, Everett strode away rom the man whod

leered at her since shed entered the store, grabbed some

candy, and walked toward a stand o hats. Put two molasses

chews on the tab, Carl, he called over his shoulder.

Miss? A man with a ragged beard and huge eyes swiped

o his hat.

She pulled her attention rom Everett and tried to keep

rom wrinkling her nose at the armers stench.Im here to buy my wie enough abric or a shirtwaist,

and I dont have a good eye. Would you mind picking one?

These women seem to think you have a knack or it. Shes

got green eyes with specks o gold in them and red hair, well

more orange-like, but she dont like me saying so.

Hmm, Im sure a deep green or blue

And I cant spend too much on it.

She nodded and shed out a teal calico with white-sprigged

daisies. This ought to bring out her eyes and complement

her auburn tresses.

A ne choice, Lincoln. The stores proprietor grabbed the

abric and escorted the armer to the counter, where the leer-

ing, impatient man threatened to ring the bell a second time.I dont believe the Hampdens have sold this much abric

in a week, Rachel whispered. Watch out or Mr. Hampden

will be oering you a job.


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A Bride for Keeps

36

Julia smoothed a creased corner o gingham. A job in the

mercantile? Now, that she could do. But not in Salt Flatts.

From this distance, Everett did indeed look a lot like Theo-dore, except he didnt have the same arrogant, sel-assured

posturemore like sti and agitated. He chewed candy and

stared out the window as i he had all day to watch the clouds

go by. Or was that just his way o reacting to how shed treated

him at the depot? Shed never been so rude to someone in all

her lie. Had she ruined all chances with him? I her mother

had been alive, shed be mortied.

I can get his attention. Rachel slipped a bolt o mauve

abric out rom the bottom o the pile.

Whose attention? Oh! I dont think we need to

Everett! Rachels call snapped him away rom staring

at his reection.With everyone looking at him, he let his sad image be-

hind and kept his ocus on Rachel as he snaked through the

crowd. Yes?

We were discussing whether or not Julia should buy this

rose-colored calico. I think she should since it brings out the

color in her cheeks.

His mouth dried into crumbles as the crowd turned to

stare at him. His quick peek at Julia showed that her cheeks

were indeed blooming with color.

Rachel grabbed the abric and placed it next to Julias

jawline. Itll be gorgeous on her, dont you think?

Julias gaze dropped to the oor. Whispers sounded behind

him. . . . Another one? . . . Cant be that lucky . . . Surelyshe didnt come out here or him.

They were right. He couldnt be this lucky, being that hed

never had any luck at all.


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37

Julias dark brown eyes met his with a halhearted smile.

Did she actually smile at him? Yes, Everetts voice

squeaked, looks just ne. He cleared his throat. I thinkyou ladies have a better opinion o what one should or

shouldnt wear. He looked toward the back o the store.

My stu is gathered. I you dont mind. He strode toward

the pile Carl had stacked on the counter and grabbed his

rst crate.

O course shed look gorgeous in the dark pink abric.

Shed look gorgeous in a eed sack. That image caused heat

to rush rom his head to his toes, so he pushed it away.

Carl, would you mind helping me with these? I have to

get over to the mill. He was very araid hed prove the town

right. I he ollowed her around like a goose and she chose

one o the men in the store making moony eyes at her, he

might as well abandon his arm and move arther westsoar west no mail-order bride would answer his advertisement

i he were dat enough to write another.

Julia paid a ew dollars or the rose calico and hugged the

sot package as she walked outside with Rachel.

Dex and his boys loaded the Stantons goods around her

trunks. He played with his sons as they threw things into

the back o the wagon, and Rachel absentmindedly covered

Emmas head in kisses as she barked orders or packing the

supplies so nothing would break. A lump throbbed in Julias

throat. The Stantons seemed wonderul, too good to be true.

But these were not the people shed be living with orever.

As nice as they were, the brooding Everett held her ate inhis hands. She didnt want the man physically interested in

her, so why did she care that he stayed as ar away rom her

as possible? Because he had to need her. At least or work;


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A Bride for Keeps

38

otherwise shed have to go with another plan to support

hersel. And she had no other plan.

She chewed on her lower lip and looked around the small,dusty town. She didnt see him. Where was he? Had he let?

Maybe that would be best. Marrying a stranger wasnt a

good idea at all. At the Stantons place, she would have time

to think o another option.

Everett exited the sawmills large ront doors at the end o

the road, his hands tucked in his pockets as he strode her way.

Besides the roguish shock o dirty-blond hair alling across

his orehead, he seemed to grow less and less like Theodore

with every minute. Had her imagination grasped at straws

earlier in an eort to sway her rom saying vows to a stranger?

I her mind was that desperate or an escape, perhaps she

would be wise to reconsider.

She staggered down the stairs. What wagon should shehead toward? Although Rachels company thrilled her, Everett

was her opportunity to make a lie here. Shed not given him

any time to prove himsel, and she wouldnt let ear rule her,

no matter how hard it tried. With her heart pounding, she

intercepted him.

Mr. Cline?

He stopped short, his eyebrows held in question. The mus-

cles lling his shirt and the scru along his jaw gave him a

rugged, handsome look that caught her breath.

She cleared her throat. She should have thought o some-

thing to say beore she stopped him. I bought the rose calico.

He gave a slight nod, and she rambled on. I think it would

make a good work dress. Something more . . . more suitablethan this one. She picked at the lace at her collar. Do I

ride with you?

His eyebrows shot higher, but then descended, smashing


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39

his eyes into slits. Uh, I didnt think to ask what were doing

this evening. Theyre the ones making the plans. He strode

away without even oering his arm.Everetts coming or dinner, right? Dex hollered to his

wie.

Rachel held Emmas hand as the little girl jumped down

each stair. O course.

Everett kept his sti back toward her. She wants to know

i shes riding with you or me.

Did he not want her to ride with him? A young couple

walking along the boardwalk looked toward the three o them

hollering and then at her. Did Everett have to speak so loud?

Rachel cocked her eyebrow. Well, o course, itd be best

i she rode with you. Wouldnt be ladylike to throw her in

the back o our wagon with the supplies and trunks and all.

Everett pivoted and returned to her, his eyes bland. Yourewith me.

As i she hadnt just heard that much. Everyone on Main

Street knew she was with himand that hed had to be brow-

beaten to take her. Had she misunderstood the proposal hed

had Rachel send? Maybe there was no hope hed marry her,

even i only or a armhand. Granted, she wasnt built like

most o the ladies shed seen in the hour shed been in Salt

Flatts. But size shouldnt matter. She bit her lip.

Dex cleared his throat and glared at Everett.

Everett pulled his hat o and oered her his arm, a slight

redness creeping up his neck. Im this way. Maybe he was

just nervous. She could sympathize, since shed been trem-

bling since she woke up that morning.She tightened the hold on her package and slipped her

ree arm into his. The man radiated tension, rom the exed

muscles in his orearm to the set o his jaw. I something in


36/52

A Bride for Keeps

40

her letters to Rachel had been disagreeable, he wouldnt have

asked her there, right? Maybe shed ound a man who didnt

nd her attractive. She took in a steadying breath. That wouldbe a good thing.

He tossed her package in the back and handed her up onto

the wooden plank seat, his hands tarrying at her waist or

less than a second.

John yelled at her rom the back o his wagon. See you

at home!

She waved at him as Everett slid onto the bench, keeping

a large gap between them. Farther than decorum dictated.

The wagon jerked orward, and she nearly slid o the seat.

She righted hersel and clenched the rough wooden plank

beneath her. Shed never ridden on a arm wagon beore.

How was she to keep her seat in a ladylike ashion? As the

Stantons wagon passed them, she dared to wave at Emma,who peeked over her mothers shoulder. Their wagon let a

cloud o dust, the childrens gay laughter mixed in with the

powdery earth.

Glancing behind her, Julia caught several men staring at

her rom the boardwalks, a ew pointing and laughing. She

smoothed her bunched skirts with only one hand while glanc-

ing at Everetts stony ace. Why was the man shed come to

wed the only person who reused to look in her direction?

They hit a rut, and she grabbed or her hat as she bounced

o the seat. Everetts arm shot around her side and pulled

her back beside him. His touch let an icy hot imprint about

her waist. She slid to the opposite side o the bench seat. She

didnt want to eel anything like that again.Yah! he shouted at the oxen without giving her the slight-

est glance. He kept his gaze trained orward. She waited or

him to talk rst, but his jaw stayed rigid. Maybe hed talk


37/52

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41

ater theyd gone a distance. She tried to calm hersel by

watching the tall green grasses wave in the orceul wind,

rippling this way and that, chasing each other to the lineso trees scattered in the distance. The tremors in her chest

settled with the swaying o the seat as she picked imaginary

lint rom her skirt. More prairie disappeared behind them.

She couldnt stand the silence any longer. So, Mr. Cline.

Wheres your property?

He pointed ahead o them at a line o trees. My land is

adjacent to the Stantons, about an hour and a hal southwest

o Salt Flatts. The Stantons live to my east and the Parkers

just to the south.

When he didnt elaborate urther, she examined his ace.

His lips, though hard-pressed, kept moving around, like words

wanted to come out but wouldnt. Silent tension, hard as a

block o ice and about as movable as the man beside her, lledmore time than she could bear. She didnt want to start rat-

tling o about hersel since he didnt seem at all interested.

She watched the oxen and Everetts movements, waiting

in vain or him to talk again. More quiet minutes ticked

by. She had to make him talk. She didnt know how long

the Stantons hospitality would last, but she couldnt waste

several days in silence with the man. In act, she wasnt sure

she could handle another hour o it now. What do you use

your land or?

Ive several acres o grain and corn. Looking to get more

cattle once I get more hedgerow readied. Have a dairy cow and

her heier at the moment. Ater another period o silence,

he said, I do a lot o hunting on the property.Will you teach me to drive the oxen?

Everetts head snapped her way. I suppose you could

learn.


38/52

A Bride for Keeps

42

She smiled. Looked like he did want a worker. When do

I get to see your place?

Soon, I suppose. Im having several neighbors over in aew days. Theyre going to help me put up a barn.

Thats nice.

He icked the reins and glanced at her dress. Im sure our

get-togethers cant compare to anything youre used to back

in Boston, but theyre un nonetheless.

Im sure it will be exciting. When they abruptly dipped

into a wheel rut, her grip on the seat slid, and she gained a

splinter. Thankully, her gloves kept it rom lodging deep into

her skin. I know this isnt the city.

No, its not. Its a rough lie and requires hard work.

I can work.

He eyed her, and she shot him her most winning smile.

Pulling his collar away rom his neck, he looked her straight inthe eyes. Im sure you can do whatever you set your mind to,

but I have to warn you, its not easy. He glanced at her rom

under his heavy eyelashes. Im sure you had servants or cooks

or some manner o paid help back in Boston, but I havent the

money. The women here have to do everything rom mending

to cooking to cleaning to arm chores. Sometimes, with big

projects like a barn, neighbors pitch in, but homesteading is

all about sel-suciency because everyone needs to survive.

And i you dont sow enough, harvest enough, can enough,

stockpile enough . . . you may not.

You may not like that. And thats He cleared his

throat. Thats ne. And I cant promise I can help you ad-

just since Im racing the rst rost like everyone else aroundhere. And i you marry me, so will you. I want you to know

that I hold you under no obligation i you decide thats too

much. Just . . .


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43

He squirmed, and she gripped her seat tighter. Was he

trying to convince her to orget this whole arrangement? She

wasnt too comortable with the idea o marrying a stranger.Getting married at all, actually. But maybe a man not wanting

a wie was exactly what she needed.

Just, well, theres no need to drag on anything i its not

what you want. He looked o in the distance, and she could

barely make out his words. But i you want to work hard

and marriage is why youre here, then Im willing to oer

that. For God knows I need a helper.


40/52

44

Chapter 3

Julia swayed in the wagon seat next to Everett, her gaze glued

to the waving prairie, her hands clamped onto her wooden

seat. Marriage. Funny how hearing him vocalize his proposalmade her heart skitter in earshed come here or this very

reason, known thats what he wanted, but somehow it hadnt

seemed real. But now hed asked, and shed have to answer

aloud. But words wouldnt come.

You dont have to say anything now.

She let the tension in her body ow out with a slow, con-

trolled exhale. Shed never been so thankul to have someone

read her thoughts.

Everett pointed to a araway stand o trees so close together

they entwined with one another. Dex and Rachels place is

just beyond that hedgerow.

She nodded, the only answer she was capable o giving.

The wagon swayed at an agonizingly slow pace until theynally passed the line o hedge. Julia watched as William

heted her largest trunk rom the back o the Stantons wagon

and hauled it toward the barn. The peace o knowing she had


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45

a place to stay while she worked up the courage to discuss

Everetts proposal in more detail washed over her.

Everetts wagon jerked to a stop, and she clenched the seatto keep rom hopping down unassisted. She could see the

question she hadnt yet responded to lingering in Everetts

eyes as he held out his hand. He supported her elbow as she

navigated her way down. Her eet ound solid ground, yet

she elt as i she were sinking as she stared up into his cold

blue eyes, a touch o heat in his cheeks.

Thank you, Mr. Cline.

He swallowed and dropped her hand, yet stood staring at

her. She quickly clasped her hands together. Hed said she

didnt have to say anything now; had he not meant it? But

how much more time did she need to rame a reply? Hed

not wait orever.

I cant stay or dinner. I have to get home.Oh. Julia sighed with relie. Shed at least have tonight.

Good-bye, Miss Lockwood. The tone o his voice de-

scended, sounding nal and resigned. He hoisted himsel

back into the wagon and was o beore she could think to

bid him arewell.

Rachel walked up beside her and jammed her hands on

her hips. Wheres he running o to so ast?

He said he wasnt staying or supper.

Hmm. Rachel wrapped her arm around Julia. It will

just take some time. Youll be talking marriage any day now.

Yes. Already. A hal hour ago. How she wished she never

had to talk about marriage. But that wasnt an option.

The cool night wind threatened to blow out the lantern in

Rachels hand, though she shielded the light with her body.


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46

She held the door open with her backside and tilted her head

toward the barns dark interior. In here.

Julia pulled her skirts up as she crossed the threshold butdidnt release the abric. The smell o manure, hay, and mice

cautioned her against letting her dress drag on the oor. She

could imagine Theodores look o disdain i anyone had even

suggested that he were to sleep in such a place. She tried to

discreetly cover her nose.

A circle o illumination around Rachel closed in around

them. Im sorry to have to put you here. Weve had guests nd

these accommodations not to their liking. Rachel sighed.

But unlike the boys lot, you can stand up without hitting

your head. I do so hope you can bear it or a while.

Rachel, you told me Id be out here, and I came anyway.

I can handle it. Julia squeezed Rachels upper arm to assure

her. To assure hersel. The sudden lowing o a cow causedher to jump.

Rachel giggled. Sure you can.

I can. She had no choice. She loosened her grip on Ra-

chels esh.

Rachel headed to the ladder at the back o the barn, then

hitched her skirts and climbed, keeping the lantern extended

rom her side. Mornings are still quite brisk in March. Itd

be best to sleep in the lot. The air is warmer. Plus, theres

no chance Daisy could wake you with a wet tongue to the

ace up here.

Is Daisy the dog?

No, the cow. Dixies the dog.

Julia gathered her skirt material with one hand, stepped upto the rst rung, and stopped. Did the boys put my trunks

up top?

Rachel peered over the edge o the haylot. Goodness,


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47

no. I orgot. Youll want to get yoursel a nightgown. Its

there in the corner. But I see Ambrose brought the quilts up

here like I asked.Rachels lamp dangled over the edge o the lot, giving Julia

enough illumination to nd her trunks. But she had to eel

the abrics to nd her nightwear. Something small scurried

over her shoe, and she rushed back to the ladder, suppressing

the childish squeal that bubbled in her throat. Would there

be more rodents up there? She had whapped quite a ew mice

with a broom beore, but never in her bedding. A shiver shook

her entire rame as she clung to the ladders rungs. At the

top, she pulled hersel and her voluminous skirts onto the

straw-littered oor.

This is the best I can do. Rachel gestured to a corner.

Several quilts spread on top o a attened pile o hay ormed

a bed. Shards o moonlight ltered through cracks in theexterior wall.

Julia removed the straw clinging to her skirt. Really, you

neednt apologize anymore.

Rachel set the lamp on a box. Im sorry. She covered

her mouth, but not quickly enough to conceal her amused

smile. Ill bid you good night, then. Make yoursel at home.

But dont all asleep with this lit. Dont want a re. Rachel

walked o into the darkness, but at the ladder, she stopped.

Just so you know, Everetts coming in the morning to help

Dex and William round up calves or branding.

A ew minutes later, the barn door creaked open and

slammed. The lamps eeble light couldnt reach the our

walls o the barn, and a mouse, perhaps, scampered acrossthe beam above her. Gooseesh ormed on her arms, and she

hugged hersel. Undressing quickly, Julia laid her crumpled

clothing across a pile o hay and slipped into her nightgown.


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48

Thinking it unwise to bring the lamp any closer to her sleep-

ing area, she blew out the ame and elt her way to the pile

o quilts.The sound o animals moving and making noise would

take getting used to, but they didnt disturb her sleepher

brain did. How many disparate eelings had coursed through

her within so ew hours? The eeling o belonging while chat-

ting with Rachel, immediate love or the children, discomort

as she rode beside taciturn Everett. Unrest in her soul. She

relived everything shed done today since shed awoken, re-

played everything shed had the nerve to say to Everett and

the ew words he spoke in return, how he sat stify on the

wagon seat, his sun-darkened ace intent on his oxen and his

square jaw clamped shut. His dark blond hair opping with

the ruts in the road, intermittently giving her a peek at his

eyes, the color o roiling ocean waves during a winter storm.She sighed and rolled over.

Could his disturbingly amiliar looks be a sign that she

shouldnt pursue marrying him? She trusted Rachel hadnt

encouraged her to marry a disagreeable man, but what did

she really know o him? He didnt seem drawn to her, he

barely spoke, and his proposal sounded more like a work

agreement than a marriage.

But wasnt that exactly the kind o man who would agree

to her own proposal?

The corners o the haylot came into ocus with the dawn

as Julia shivered under the quilts.A rooster crowed. Again. She swore hed been aiming his

morning vocal display at her or the last hal hour. A dogs

bark made her jump. The barn door creaked.


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49

Julia? Rachels voice called sotly. Are you awake?

She moaned despite her teeth chattering.

I came in as late as possible to let you sleep.She pulled the quilt tight around her shoulders beore

scooting to the edge o the haylot and leaning against an

upright beam. Ater rubbing her eyes, she ocused on Rachels

cheery ace below. Yes, Im up. Your chicken woke me.

Big Reds quite good at crowingwont let you orget it

either. She walked over to Daisy and seated hersel at the

cows side. I Id waited any longer, Daisy here would have

woke you with some pitiul lowing.

Julia tried to make her gravelly voice heard over the sound

o liquid spraying metal. I need to learn how to do that. No

better time to start learning to be a armers wie than now.

Rachel stopped to stare at her. Youve never milked a

cow?Julia shook her head. City girl. From Boston. Remember?

Right. Rachel returned to her chore. Didnt stop to

think you hadnt milked a cow beore.

Julia stood, stretched, and then rushed through changing

clothes. She had no brush in the lot to x her hair, so she

settled or nger combing. Ill help you. Climbing down

the ladder carrying a lantern and not stepping on her skirts

was tricky.

I you dont mind, go ahead and take the lantern to the

porch. It needs relling.

O course. Shed wait and let her help, wouldnt she?

Rachel couldnt milk a cow that quickly, but the barn door

reused to budge. Julia kicked at the bottom corner. I shecouldnt open a simple door, how would Everett believe she

could do the work around the arm that needed to be done?

Using all her weight, she rocked the door back and orth.


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A Bride for Keeps

50

With a nal push, the bottom hopped over a dirt rut and ew

open. Her eet entangled with each other and she tumbled

to the moist dirt outside, the lamp rolling rom her grasp.Whoa, there! Dexs hands encircled her upper arms.

She bit her lip as he hoisted her to standing. His ace,

aglow with suppressed laughter, appeared through the hair

obscuring her vision.

With a big pu o air, she blew the errant strands away.

The door was stuck.

Switching the placement o his hands, Dex turned her to

ace the door. I saw that, but . . . He reached around her

and took hold o the handle. I you lit it ever so slightly,

he pushed up a bit and pulled the door toward him, no

tumbling in the mud required.

She laughed, but her ace still burned. Ill have to remem-

ber that. She bent over and grabbed the lantern handle.Good. Dex glanced over his shoulder. Ill be right back,

Everett. Dex let himsel inside the barn, the door giving him

not even a modicum o a problem.

A violent chill traveled the length o her body. She didnt

have enough time to wait or her raging hot ace to cool beore

she would look rude or not acknowledging Everetts presence.

Prepared to see him laughing at her, she turned, but was

surprised at his expressionalmost like he was in pain.

Good morning, Everett. Was he araid shed hurt hersel?

Im all right.

Good morning, Julia. Good to hear.

She ducked her head and hurried past him, intent on setting

the lamp near the house and then running back to Rachel. Shedknown he was coming today, but she thought shed have plenty

o time to ready hersel to see him. Ready hersel to talk to

the man shed decided shed marry i he agreed to her terms.


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51

But she wasnt ready, not yet. Or was she only ooling

hersel into thinking that shed ever be ready?

Everett stayed outside the barn, his mild gaze clinging toher back, sending more heat to her ace. Would that her

reddened cheeks were already hidden on the other side o

that barn wall!

She put the lantern on the porch and returned to the barn,

hoping she was strong enough to push up eortlessly on the

door. She gave him a slight nod and headed past him.

He took a step in ront o her beore she grabbed the handle

and pulled the door open or her. Let me.

Rachels voice reverberated rom the dim interior. Everett?

Here already? I hope you havent eaten breakast.

We both know whatever I scrambled up back home

wouldnt keep me rom eating whatever youre oering.

Julia ducked under his arm and into the barn. She mightnot know her way around a arm, but she could cook. Per-

haps making him breakast might cause him to think better

o her.

Rachel stood, beckoned him in, and pointed to the milk

bucket. I havent nished milking. Julia wanted to learn how.

Mind showing her so I can start cooking?

Shaking her head was impossible, or Everett would see

her, so she widened her eyes and mouthed a big No! She

was sure Rachel understood the gesture, but the womans

smile only grew.

Dex came around the stall corner with a ew harnesses

in his grasp.

Rachel laced her hand through her husbands nearest arm.Come, Dex. Theyre getting the milk. Ill have breakast

done shortly so you two can get to work.

He grunted in armation and exited the barn beside her.


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52

Julia swallowed hard and kept her hands tucked into the

olds o her skirt. She stepped orward and then turned to

ace Everett.He bit his lip.

You dont have to teach me now i you dont want to.

Do you want to learn, or is Rachel pushing you into it?

Oh no. She shook her head. I want to learn.

All right, then. He walked over and settled himsel onto a

three-legged stool and leaned into Daisys side. Come here,

and you can watch.

Julia squatted next to him.

He dropped his gaze. You place your hand up top here

and walk your ngers down like this. Aim the milk into the

bucket. He alternated squirting milk rom two teats. His

swit movements lled the bottom o the pail. It didnt look

dicult. She was embarrassed or asking.He stroked Daisys ank and stood. Your turn.

That looks easy.

It might be harder than you think.

Julia settled hersel beside the cow and reached under.

Daisy sidestepped. The cow was a giant compared to her.

Fear o doing something wrong and being stepped on crept in.

She just startled. Your hands are probably cold.

They were, in act, icy. Julia rubbed her hands together

beore creeping back to Daisys side. Tucking the bucket be-

tween her knees like Everett had, she attempted to keep the

material o her skirts covering her bare eet. Why hadnt she

taken the time to put on boots? She reached under to grab a

teat and pulled. A dribble plopped into the bucket. Pullingharder with her other hand, the same amount o milk came

out, and the trickle hit the ground.

She turned to Everett or advice.


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Missa Jagars

53

Kind o walk your ngers down. And watch where youre

aiming.

She tried again with more success and then applied hersel.She would ll the bucket. But ater a ew minutes, her hands

ached, yet she hadnt gotten close to the amount Everett had

milked in less time.

He stooped and elt the cows udder. Feel. Its not sot.

You go until the udders sot.

Julia blew the hair rom her ace.

He let out a sharp exhale. His eyes shut, and he ran his

hand down his ace.

Why hadnt Rachel shown her how to do this? The man

was exasperated with her in less than a ew minutes. Was

he as embarrassed or her as she was hersel? Her lips were

dry, so she licked them. A swallow couldnt wet her parched

throat. Ill get it done. She went back to the cow with avengeance.

He coughed and stood. Easier. Smoother.

Finally guring how to use her thumb to the best advan-

tage, she let go o her trapped breath and lled the bucket

at a slow, but steady pace.

Doing good.

A smile crept onto her lips. She was doing well. The steadily

rising liquids warm earthy smell made her empty stomach

rumble. She looked to see i Everett heard, but he was no

longer standing beside her.

She kept at the milking until the udder elt sot like he said

it was supposed to. Standing to stretch her back, she waited

or her arms to recover enough to het the bucket to the house.She patted Daisy. Thanks, girl, or putting up with me.

She scratched at the cows spotted side. Why had Everett

let? Rachels incredulity at learning that she didnt know


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A Bride for Keeps

54

how to milk a cow came back to her. Maybe he thinks I

cant do this.

Daisy answered with a low cry that ended with a bleh.Julia tickled her behind the ear. You think so too, eh?

She heted the bucket. But look here, Ive got a ull pail. Ill

get better, i youre patient with me, that is.

But would Everett be patient enough? He said he wanted

a helper, but he didnt seem eager to have one.

Everett shut the barn door behind him without a sound.

Didnt she know she was indecent? Hair tumbling about her

shoulders. Not even wearing stockings. When she blew that

strand o bed-mussed hair rom her ace, hed been wildly

tempted to tuck it behind her ear to see how the brown wavy

strand elt between his ngers.

Hed been too close to her. Had she heard his heart thump-ing when shed licked her lips? It was unair how her looks

messed with his head. Hed stood and waited until she seemed

to milk well enough that shed drain Daisy tolerably. Then

he had to get out o there. Though beore he let with Dex

to round up the calves, hed have to come back to make sure

shed milked the cow dry.

Smoke rose rom the Stantons chimney, and the smell o

ried pork called to his near-empty stomach. Inside, he sat

across the table rom Dex, who was twisting dogbane plant

bers into rope, his booted oot propped on the wall beside him.

Rachel hummed as she piled crisp bacon on a plate, slapping

little hands attempting to grab slices while they still sizzled.

Whats wrong with you?Everetts head snapped up at Dexs question. Nothing.

Dex grabbed more bers to splice into his cord. Then

why are you already in here?


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55

Rachel set the plate o meat in the middle o the table.

Talk to her. She wont bite.

Couldnt Dex have brought this up outside? I reckon Ijust dont have much to say.

Honestly? Rachel put her hands on her hips. Youre all

o a sudden reserved?

To prove it, he kept his mouth shut. He wouldnt remind

Rachel in ront o the children how all o this was her ault.

Rachel stood, waiting.

Dex waved his cord at him. Find something to say to her.

Rachel returned to the cookstove and cracked eggs into a

bowl. Its not like shes stupid or repulsive.

Wishing there was a way to close his ears, Everett settled

or closing his eyes.

Dex cleared his throat. When he gave in and looked at his

riend, a glint in Dexs eye ashed. Well, maybe just a bitrepulsive.

He groaned. It would help i she were.

Rachel brought a stack o plates and silverware to the table.

John, please set the table. Ambrose, get the napkins. She

turned to Everett. Youre staying or dinner tonightno

arguing. Wont hurt you none to talk to her over dinner.

Im sorry, Rachel. I Im still here Ill take lunch, but Im

expecting my lumber this evening or tomorrow. Want to make

sure they put it in the right spot.

Dex let o ddling with his rope. So you done bought

everything? Enough or a house?

Everett nodded. Yes. But next week, well just put up the

barn. Ill do the house mysel.Why not let us help you put up the rame while were

there?

Not sure what I want yet. Everett glanced around the


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Stantons three-room home. The living area elt large until

the entire amily crowded in. The kids lot above and the

bedroom behind the table werent much in space, but nicelydone. To make a house as nice as this one, hed need time. I

Julia did marry him, theyd have to make do with his rickety

cabinnot that shed be willing to live in such a place, espe-

cially since his animals would have nicer housing.

The door creaked open. Julia entered, ancy leather shoes

on and hair coiled at her neck. Her ace glowed as she set

the bucket by her eet, sloshing milk on the oor. I did it,

Rachel. What do I do now?

Rachel instructed her on how to strain the milk. Something

any child in Kansas knew how to do without being told. Julia

didnt belong here, but rather in some ancy house, in a big

city like New York or Bostonwhere she came rom.

Why had she let? No matter what the answer, it wouldntchange acts. Julia might nd a ew arm chores exhilarating,

but they would turn into drudgery all too soon. Hed nd

out how committed she was to the idea o being a armers

wie at the barn raising. One glance at his arm, and shed

surely run.

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A Bride for Keeps