November 1870
West Linn, Oregon
America
The Trail’s End was thick with patrons as Lucy Rogers, the saloon manager, weaved her way through the crowded main room. Since Pierre Girald bought out the previous owner and placed Lucy in charge, business had increased, the clientele grew politer, and the frequent calls to the Sheriff ended. It had taken awhile for the men who frequented the establishment to get used to a woman running the place, but Lucy made it clear not to trifle with her.
“How do you do, Miss Rogers?” Tim Hickson asked as Lucy passed by his table. Gone were the days when the men of The Trail’s End could call her Lulu. The only ones allowed to call Lucy by her nickname these days were friends. She found she had to establish boundaries to have the men take her serious as the manager.
“I’m doing well, Mr. Hickson. Is Gertrude taking good care of you?”
Lucy had given Gertrude her old job back as a server. Though weathered by age, the woman was good at her job, and kept the customers content. The previous owner had removed her from serving, citing the men who came to The Trail’s End didn’t want to look at women over twenty-five. He had used and discarded the women who worked at the saloon without a second thought. Lucy was determined to treat them differently.
“She’s doing just right by me. Thanks for asking, Miss Rogers.”
Besides Gertrude, Lucy had hired two new servers and a cook after Amelie Leclaire left the spot vacant. During their short time working together at the saloon, the unlikely pair became friends. After quitting her job at The Trail’s End, Amelie married Pierre Girald, and re-opened her bakery. The couple were expecting their first baby in late spring.
After checking on security and a few tables, Lucy left the main room. She made her way down the hall and into the kitchen to check on the new cook. Louisa was standing by the stove, stirring a fresh pan of vegetables and rice when Lucy entered the room.
“How’s it going in here, Louisa?” Lucy inquired as she strolled over to the counter behind the cook and leaned against it.
“It’s going fine, Lulu.”
“Glad to hear. Inform me if you need a break, and I’ll make sure you get one. What you’re cooking right now should cover the last of the dinner crowd.”
“Sounds good. I will finish this up and then clean all the pots and pans.”
With a nod of approval, Lucy left the kitchen and walked to her office at the back of the building. She entered the room, rubbing her neck with one of her hands as she groaned. It had been a long day. She needed just a few minutes to relax before finishing up her nightly chores before closing. Lucy moved over to her desk and sat in the leather chair behind it, kicking off her sturdy boots and placing her feet on the edge as she stretched.
Lucy wouldn’t dare behave in such a way if someone were around to witness. She used to pride herself on not conforming to societal standards for women, but as a new Christian who recently became engaged to the son of the town pastor, she liked to present as a respectable woman.
Whenever she had a solitary moment, her mind drifted to Matthew McCoy, the man who stole her heart four months prior. When she met him, while visiting First Congregational Church of West Linn, she had been captivated by the rugged, good-looking sawmill worker. He had a toned body, broad shoulders, and an irresistible smile. Matched with his auburn hair, fair skin, and jade eyes, her attraction was instant. Once he poured on the charm, she fell for Matthew fully.
There was a knock at the door, jolting Lucy from her thoughts. “Who is it?” she asked as she yanked her legs off the desk, swiftly pulling her boots back on her feet.
“It’s Elaine. A regular is asking for you.”
“Thank you. I’ll be out in a minute.” She should have known she wouldn’t be able to have even a minute's peace while at The Trail’s End. There was always something needing her attention. As Lucy strode into the main room again, Buford Barnes waved her over to the bar where he was sitting on a stool.
“There you are, Lulu. I was wonderin’ where you'd gotten off to.” She could tell from the way he was slurring his words he had one too many drinks tonight. Lucy would talk with the bartender about it after closing. She had made a clear effort never to over serve any of the customers, no matter what they promised or threatened.
“Good evening, Mr. Barnes. Might I remind you, I go by Miss Rogers now. What can I do for you?”
“You don’t have to be so formal with me, gal.”
“I didn’t mean to offend you, Mr. Barnes, but I no longer work here in the same capacity as I did before.”
“I’ve been comin’ here long before you even worked at this place, and I remember when you first started. Straight off the stagecoach from back east and you were beggin’ for a job. Now you think you're somethin’ cuz that French fellow put you in charge. I’ll have you know I’ve got a good mind to head over to Oregon City. There’s plenty of places happy to take my money.”
Changing methods of dealing with Mr. Barnes, Lucy poured on the sugar as she addressed him. She reverted to her former ways of talking with patrons and indulged, “Sweetie, I know you are a loyal patron to The Trail’s End. I wouldn’t want you going anywhere else. Why don’t I have Louisa fix you up a special treat? I have a delicious tart in the back from the Leclaire Bakery with your name on it.”
“That sounds tempting, Lulu. Sure, you get me a piece of that tart.”
A few more of the men hollered at Lucy as she walked by them. She politely answered their questions giving them the attention they desired while maintaining the proper distance. It would be a long night before she could get another break.
Matthew McCoy leaned against the wall of The Trail’s End, preferring to wait outside the establishment for his fiancée, Lucy Rogers, to get off work. He still wasn’t one for frequenting saloons and didn’t much care for the men who spent time in them. Matthew smiled as his mind drifted to the buxom blonde beauty that in two months’ time he would call his wife.
Never would he have thought he would be attracted to a former saloon server, or accept the fact she planned to keep working after they married. Matthew used to believe a woman’s place was at home cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the children. His opinion on the matter changed as he watched his childhood friend, Amelie—who he used to think he wanted to marry—balance working while being a wife. His thoughts shifted completely once he met and dated Lucy Rogers, the love of his life.
From the first time he saw her after church service, Matthew was smitten. He had never been drawn to a woman in the way he was to Lucy. From her enchanting blue eyes to her enticing smile, he couldn’t keep his eyes off her.
He chased after Lucy, waiting for her after work, finding reasons to be near the boarding house on her days off, and sitting by her at the church on Sundays. The more he got to know her, the fonder he became of Lucy. After a few weeks, he found the courage to ask her to allow him to escort her to The End of Summer Festival. When she agreed, he felt like the luckiest man alive.
The festival was in full swing as Matthew escorted Lucy into the center of town. Matthew glanced over at Lucy who was staring ahead at the festivities. What was she thinking? He was nervous, wanting to impress her. Matthew had never felt this way about a woman before, and didn’t know how to handle it.
“What would you like to do first? We could join the sack races or watch the pie-eating contest?”
Lucy turned to Matthew with a mischievous gleam in her eyes. “I have to warn you; I’m a fierce competitor. If we enter the sack race, I expect you to do whatever it takes to win.”
With a chuckle, he stated, “I'm certain I can hold my own. Why don’t we go find out?”
They made their way over to the field, and after two rounds, they were inside a sack, and waiting to race. The warmth from the proximity of their bodies radiated through him. He moved his hand to rest upon her own on the edge of the sack.
Her eyes fluttered up as she peeked from underneath her thick lashes. Her lips curved into an alluring smile. “You ready to win this race, cowboy?”
Matthew never considered himself a cowboy, but liked the sound of it coming from Lucy’s mouth. Nodding, he braced himself, expecting the starting shot to sound. As soon as the gun fired, all ten pairs in the race took off hopping.
Lucy and Matthew fell into a rhythmic pattern and took the lead; however, after a few moments, his sister, Debbey and her fiancé, William, were beside them. The two couples were neck-and-neck. Just as they were approaching the finish line, the edge of Matthew’s foot caught the side of the bag. Matthew and Lucy went tumbling to the ground. The wind was knocked from him. It took a few seconds before he realized he was on top of Lucy.
“Can you forgive me?” Matthew inquired as he looked into her mesmerizing blue eyes.
Lucy's eyebrows crumpled in confusion as she asked, “For what?”
“For not winning the race for you?”
He was staring at her mouth while waiting for her to speak. He wondered what it would feel like to kiss her plump pair of perfect lips.
As if sensing his thoughts, she licked them as she answered, “I can manage that.” With a playful smack, she added, “Besides, I'm betting you did it on purpose.”
Matthew denied her claim. “Why would I do that?”
“So you could get me in this position,” Lucy said as their bodies continued to touch, his weight pressing down on her.
He never knew a man could blush, but he could feel himself turning red. It hadn’t been his intention, but he had to admit it, her body fit against his own with perfection. Matthew wanted to kiss her but was afraid everyone was watching. He didn’t want their first kiss to be a spectacle for the whole town to see. It was all he could do to refrain from doing so.
Setting her aside, he scrambled to his feet and reached out his hand. “I think we should head over to the pie-eating contest.”
One of Lucy’s eyebrows arched as she gave him a knowing smile. He wondered if she knew the effect she had on him.
After the pie-eating contest was over, most of the families with small children left. The couples danced near the band. Matthew guided Lucy into the center of the group as he gathered her into his arms. As they moved to the music, Lucy appeared anxious; her eyes turned downward. It was unlike her. She presented as cavalier but she always remained calm.
“Is everything all right, Lucy?”
“I have danced little. I hope I’m doing well at it.”
“Rest assured; you’re a natural.”
Her eyes darted up to his and her entrancing smile returned. He realized at that moment, he would do whatever it took to keep that smile on her face. This time he couldn’t keep from doing what he wanted to all day. He leaned down and brushed his lips against hers. The kiss sent electricity sparking between them. He felt like his entire body was on fire.
Matthew heard the clink of the door opening, bringing him out of his reminiscing. He glanced over as Lucy exited through the front of the saloon with the key to The Trail’s End in hand. As she finished locking up, he said, “It’s wonderful to see you. I’ve missed you, Lucy.” He refused to call her by her nickname as all of her friends did. He liked her given name and insisted on calling her by it. What surprised him was she allowed it.
“I’m doing well, Matthew. Sorry I took so long finishing up this evening. The Trail’s End was crowded.”
“You know I would wait forever for you.”
Lucy rolled her eyes. “Flattery doesn’t work with me. When will you stop trying?”
“Probably never,” he stated with a shrug.
“How was work today at the mill?”
“Same as usual. The expansion has helped with productivity. The new men are learning how we do everything.”
“You know, they’re able to understand because you are a great leader, Matthew. Mr. Moore made the right decision when he promoted you to a supervisor.”
James Moore was a founding father of West Linn and the son of Major Robert Moore, one of the first pioneers of the Oregon Territory. James Moore helped rebuild the town after the original settlement was destroyed by the fire of 1860 and flood of 1861. He invested in restoring the town by opening a ferry company and a sawmill. His newest project was the Willamette Falls Locks. Matthew’s family, the McCoys, along with the Leclaires, were the other founding families.
“How are the wedding plans coming?”
She didn’t make eye contact as she dodged the probe. “How is the house coming?”
“The house is finished. I told you they would have it finished by the time we got married.” After stopping Lucy, he pulled her around to face him. “You didn’t answer my question.”
“It’s going as expected.”
“And what does that mean?”
“I mean Amelie and your sister have been helpful with planning everything. . . ”
Matthew could tell she was leaving something out. “But?”
“I have been met with veiled hostility by a majority of the rest of the town. I think they don’t like the pastor’s son marrying my type.”
“What do you mean by ‘your type?’” Matthew asked with a defensive tone.
Preconceived ideas about Lucy had been an ongoing problem since he began courting her. It started with the women in town who wanted the chance to win his favor snubbing her at social events. Then it progressed to the church women after they became engaged. No one was outright rude to Lucy, but they made it clear they didn’t think she was good enough to be the fiancée of the pastor’s son.
He felt her stiffen under his touch. “It’s obvious they think I’m a disreputable woman because I work at The Trail’s End.” She crossed her arms protectively. “It’s funny, they can forgive Amelie for working here, but they can’t give me the same grace.”
Pulling her close, he wrapped his arms around her. “It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. I know who you are; you’re brave, kind, and loyal. I’m so glad you agreed to be my wife.”
After a few moments of resting in his embrace, Lucy pulled away and walked towards the boarding house again.
“I’m meeting with Amelie and Debbey at the bakery tomorrow to go over the details for the wedding.”
“Whatever is left, they will help you figure it out.” Then with a snicker, he added, “After all, Debbey is an expert after planning both Amelie’s and her own wedding over the past couple of months.”
As they reached the steps of the boarding house, Matthew stretched out his hand and grabbed Lucy’s arm. “Aren’t you going to kiss me goodnight?” he teased.
With an arched eyebrow, she smirked. “Do you think I would ever leave you without one?”
Leaning forward, she placed her hands on his chest and tilted her head up as his mouth came down to meet her own. A familiar warmth spread across Matthew, and he didn’t want the kiss to end. Reluctantly, he released her and watched as she sashayed up the steps, and into the building. He couldn’t wait until he made that woman his wife.
Before Lucy could make it to the stairs leading to her room, Mrs. Tait, the boarding house owner and operator, stopped her with her scratchy voice. “Miss Rogers, I have a piece of mail for you. It’s post marked from New Orleans just like the previous one.”
She froze to the spot where she stood. She thought the last letter she returned would have kept more from coming. What was she going to do?
With dread in her heart, Lucy turned and walked over to the front desk. Not saying a word, she put out her hand. The plump Mrs. Tait placed the envelope in Lucy’s palm. “It’s from the same fellow as before, isn’t it?”
Shocked at her candor, Lucy’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “How can you tell it’s from the same person?”
“The handwriting. I got an eye for detail, and it looks just like the one you had me mark return to sender.” Mrs. Tait had a disapproving look on her face. “I still don’t like being involved in your deceptions, Miss Rogers.”
Lucy stiffened at the rebuke. She wanted to defend herself. It had been Mrs. Tait’s idea in the first place; however, she didn’t want to upset the elderly woman. Instead, she opted to apply flattery. “I appreciate your help, Mrs. Tait. I cut ties with my past for a reason. I don’t want it catching up to me.”
“Maybe you should tell your fiancé. Perhaps he could help you get this fellow off your back once and for all.”
The idea was tempting, but Lucy didn’t want Matthew to know about her past. She liked the way he looked at her now. If he found out about her life in New Orleans, she worried he would never look at her the same way again. Worse, there was a real probability he would end their relationship. She loved him too much to take a chance by telling him.
“I can handle this on my own, Mrs. Tait. Mark this letter the same as before, but this time, add a note I no longer reside here.”
While she shook her head, Mrs. Tait mumbled under her breath about making wrong choices and the consequences. Lucy ignored the comment, tapping her fingers on the front counter as she waited for her to do her bidding.
Begrudgingly, the woman set about the task. Once Lucy was satisfied, she went upstairs to her room, saying a silent prayer there wouldn’t be any new letters to follow.