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Elmwood, Missouri
Leonard Overton looked in the small mirror that hung on the wall of the sheriff’s station, appraising his appearance with an eye more critical than usual. He ran his hand over both cheeks—smooth. That was good. He’d shaved last night and then again this morning, almost turning his skin raw from the worn razor he was still using.
He’d washed his light brown hair and, free from grease and dirt, the blonde highlights the summer sun had tinted it really stood out. It wasn’t that he never washed his hair—he did so at least once weekly—he just wasn’t used to scrutinizing his looks quite so much. He thought his appearance fine, but that was only his opinion. What would a woman like Lucille make of it?
Leonard smoothed down his shirt and made sure it was tucked all the way into his pants. His six-foot frame was muscular as well as lean, and he didn’t want to appear bloated just because his shirt was billowing out around him. He’d worked hard to lose the extra weight he’d carried most of his adult life, and when Lucille showed up he wanted her to see that he’d managed to keep it off the last few months she’d been gone.
Her sudden disappearance had at first worried him, then angered him. They’d never courted or exchanged vows of intent, but he had thought she liked him just the same. He’d sure liked her. When he’d learned from Irene Bailey—now Irene Harcourt—that Lucy had gone from Elmwood without any intention of returning, he’d fallen into a dismal mood.
Though he’d never confessed to Lucy that his heart was hers, he’d planned to one day. He’ just been building up to it. He hadn’t realized until she’d left what an error that had been. By waiting and planning for so long, he’d lost the only woman he’d ever truly fancied. He had no intention of losing her again. This time he would not wait, he would act. It was already a miracle God had brought her back to him, and he would not waste it.
Sheriff Amos Hanson watched Leonard from his desk, squinting his eyes as he tilted his head back. “What’s with you today?” he asked.
Leonard looked at him and shrugged. “Nothing,” he said.
He hadn’t told anyone in town about his plans to wed Lucille. She’d said in her letter not to, that she wanted to wait until her arrival and do it in person. He knew that Irene, in particular, missed her terribly, and he couldn’t wait to see the looks on everyone’s faces when he and Lucy showed up at the church.
All he’d told Irene, Summer, Meadow, and Belle was to meet him there at four-thirty. Their appearance at the church would be a surprise to Lucy, but it was one he was certain she’d love. Irene and the trio of sisters had asked questions, but he’d given no answers, and he was certain their curiosity was killing them.
He checked the time again and saw it was almost three. He had to hurry if he was going to meet her at the station. He’d been unable to send a reply to her telegraph or letter, as she’d said in both that she would be traveling and hadn’t any idea where he might send his reply, but she had indicated a date and time to meet her. Her train was probably coming down the tracks for Elmwood right this second.
“I’ve got to go,” Leonard said in a hurry.
Amos raised one dark eyebrow at him. He had that look that said he knew he was up to something. “Go where?” he asked.
Leonard shrugged. “I’ll tell you about it later.”
Amos leaned back in his chair, pursing his lips. Curt Gilbert, the sheriff’s other deputy, wasn’t around just now, but if he had been, Leonard was certain the two would have exchanged one long look.
“This got something to do with the church?” Amos asked suddenly, and Leonard started.
“How do you know about that?” he asked, his throat going dry. He had specifically not invited Amos’ wife, Victoria, so that he would not have to explain himself to Amos. Anyways, he did not think that Victoria and Lucille were bosom friends in the same way the other women were. He did not want the entire town there, after all, just Lucille’s closest friends. It would be a welcome surprise for everyone involved.
“Meadow mentioned to Booker that you told her and her sisters to go to the church today for some reason.” He again lifted an eyebrow at him, looking suspicious.
Leonard hesitated then let out a sigh. “Remember that idea I had about finding a bride?” he asked, and Amos nodded. “Well... I did it.” He nodded his head, hoping his simple, to the point statement would be enough to satisfy his friend and boss.
Amos’ eyes widened and he slowly broke into a grin. “You old rascal,” he said standing up. Leonard thought about objecting to the ‘old’ part—he was only twenty-three, after all—but then figured Amos meant nothing by it other than as a figure of speech. “Why didn’t you say something? I’d have thrown you a proper celebration. Why so secret?” He clapped Leonard on the back, making him cough.
Leonard’s cheeks grew pink and he looked again at the clock. “She asked me not to say anything,” he said. “Not till she arrived, at least.”
Amos’ smile dropped away. “Why is that?” he asked, the suspicion back in his voice. “Who is this girl? You’ve got to be careful with the women who answer these ads, you know. They’re not all to be trusted.”
Leonard started moving for the door. “I’ll bring her by later sometime,” he said as if that answered the question. Amos made a move towards him but Leonard was faster. He let the door bang shut behind him and hurried for the train station.
Halfway there, he saw the slim figure of a woman walking towards him. Her hips swayed from side to side with the grace of a professional dancer, and her long legs kept an almost musical rhythm with each step she took. She had dark red hair that hung just below her shoulders, and the cream-colored skin he remembered had become a lightly toasted brown. She had an unusually large purse strapped over one shoulder, and in her hand was a small suitcase.
He stumbled when he saw her, the breath sailing right out of his chest and staying gone as if he’d forgotten how to breathe. “You’re early,” he said, then realized that sounded like an accusation. He hurried to try again. “I’m so happy to see you,” he said, taking the suitcase from her hand.
She smiled warmly at him, her powder pink lips soft and moist looking. He wondered how she kept them from drying out in this summer heat and hoped that once married, he might learn the secret of those lips. When he’d posted his ad for a bride, he’d never dreamt she would answer. He’d only wanted to mend his broken heart—a heart she’d torn in pieces without even knowing it.
“I’m not early, you’re late,” she said. “The train arrived at two, and I’m quite angry with you for standing me up.” He frowned until he caught a twinkle in her eye and realized she was only teasing him. She started to laugh, and the sound was sweet and melodic. “I’m not really angry,” she told him, taking his arm. “The train was an hour early. It wasn’t your fault.”
The second she touched him it was as though they’d never parted. His skin burned under her fingertips as they dug softly into his arm, grasping him as if they belonged together. Her eyes sparkled, and he almost laughed out loud at his good fortune.
“You should have waited for me,” he said.
“Why?” she asked. “I’ve spent half my life in this town and can assure you I’m perfectly suited to finding my way around. My memory of Elmwood’s streets has not deserted me in the few months I’ve been gone.”
“It’s been half a year,” he said, sounding far more solemn than he’d meant to.
She paused and looked at him with wide blue eyes. “You haven’t changed your mind about me, have you?” she asked, tensing.
“Of course not,” he said and took a deep breath. “In fact, after you left, I swore to myself that if I had this chance again... I would not waste it. I let you slip through my fingers once before, but this time I’ve caught you for good.” He meant for it to sound playful, but she looked alarmed.
They had stopped walking. A few people looked in their direction, but he thought it mattered little now if she were spotted. By the hour’s end, they would be married and the whole town would know about it.
“Catch me? What are you talking about?” she asked, suddenly pulling away from him. Her eyes grew wide and worried. “What have you heard? You can’t arrest me for rumors.”
He blinked, confused. “What do you mean?” he said with a shake of his head. “I only meant that I wanted to tell you how I felt about you. That I’ve always cared for you. This isn’t...” He gulped. “It isn’t just a marriage of convenience for me.”
The blush rose in his cheeks.
“Oh,” she blinked and gave a nervous laugh. “Of course. I... I’ve always cared for you as well.” There was something false in her voice. It was too high, too tense. He wondered again at her sudden reaction.
“What did you think I meant but what I said?” he asked her. “What rumors were you talking about?”
Her cheeks burned red. “Nothing. I just... I’ve had a long journey, and I’m tired. I’m not thinking clearly.”
He was certain that was all true, but there was still something in her face which he didn’t trust. He told himself he was being silly and pushed it away, leading her towards the church.
“I’ve been reading the newspapers,” she said after a few minutes of quiet. “One of them said Marshal Decker had been through here pursuing the Beauty Bandits. I fear he’s making accusations against any woman he crosses paths with.”
Leonard shrugged. “Marshal Decker came through here a few months ago and questioned us about the robbery we had out of our own station, but that was all. He accused no one of anything and we haven’t heard or seen from him since. Personally, I don’t think he knows what he’s doing.”
The tension in her shoulders eased. “Good.”
He gave her a quizzical look. “Good?” he asked.
She looked flustered. “I mean... I hate the thought of an innocent person being arrested. I’d much rather Marshal Decker wait and get the right person than go after just any woman.” There was a brief pause. “Are you certain he mentioned no one by name?”
“Not that I recall,” Leonard said. She nodded and remained silent, a faint smile spreading across her lips. He could tell she was still worried about something though.
“You’ll feel better once we’re at the church,” he said.
She looked at him with round eyes. “The church?”
“Yes. I have a surprise for you... I’ve invited Irene, Meadow, Summer, and Belle to the ceremony.” Her mouth dropped open. “Don’t worry,” he added quickly. “I told no one the reason. I have not ruined the surprise. I’ve simply asked them to meet me there.”
“Now?” she gasped. “You mean we’re going to the church now?”
He cocked his head to the side. “Yes,” he repeated, his heart hammering and then sputtering in his chest. “Unless you prefer to wait, of course. Reverend Lerner can perform the ceremony at any time. I only thought—”
“No,” she said quickly. “Now is as good a time as any. Let us go.”
He hesitated, uncertain now despite her affirmation, but allowed himself to believe she was merely tired as she’d said she was. Any oddness in her behavior would no doubt vanish by the morning.
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