He hardly wanted to propose with this kind of audience. His mother had her brows up expectantly as it was, and three of the men were bristling.
Jeremy took her other hand and brought it to his lips to press a kiss against her knuckles instead. “No, ma’am.”
All the men sagged, muttering.
Ma stood. “Well, thank you for visiting, gentlemen. I hope we can count on your support when it comes time to raise the roof on the church. Jane, see them out.”
Jane dropped her arms. “They know where they came in. They can see themselves out.” She turned and disappeared down the hallway.
Ma frowned after her, but Jenny hurried to escort the men. Each one of them cast Caroline a mournful glance as he passed.
“I’m glad none of them moved you,” Jeremy said, lowering her hand.
She shuddered. “Not for a moment. If Jane or Jenny want one, they can have him.”
“It may be a while before the tide turns,” Ma said, coming to join them. “Gossip like this spreads faster than the truth.”
Caroline turned to his mother. “And it is the truth, Mrs. Willets. If I had that kind of money, I wouldn’t have shown up at your door begging for a place.”
The words smacked into him like a pickaxe on a boulder. Why had he forgotten she’d only come to find him in desperation? Given any other choice, she would have stayed in Cincinnati.
Ma patted her hand. “I have the riding skirt tacked together in my bedroom. Why don’t you go try it on and see if it fits properly?”
With a grateful smile, she fled.
Jeremy picked up one of the chairs from the dining room. “I bet you’ll be glad when these callers finally decide it’s not worth the bother.”
“They might not even arrive at the door if you married her,” his mother retorted, hands on her hips. “Do you love her?”
He reared back. Was that what was keeping him from proposing? Did some part of him cling to his parents’ impossible dream of true love?
And yet, what he was beginning to feel for Caroline didn’t seem so very distant from that dream.
He glanced down the hallway. No one was in sight, but he dropped his voice anyway before answering his mother. “Maybe?”
Ma shook her head. “That’s not good enough.”
“Neither is much of anything I’ve ever done,” Jeremy teased, though her comment dug into him anew, “so I’m not sure why you’re surprised.”
She dropped her arms and swatted his hand. “You’ve done many noteworthy things over the years, Jeremy Dalton Willets. I remember the time Jenny fell from her horse, and Doctor Rawlins said we shouldn’t allow her to fall asleep. You stayed up with her all night, and you kept her from fretting.”
He’d forgotten about that incident. “Well, someone had to do it.”
“I don’t know any of us who could have done it better,” his mother insisted. “And who got Jason and Joshua to sit through their lessons when all they wanted to do was run off into the woods and explore?”
Jeremy wiggled his brows. “Bribery of a horse ride will get you far, dear lady.”
She shook her head again. “Only when you know you can trust the person doing the bribing. You have been the heart of this family since the day you were born.”
He swallowed, throat suddenly tight. “I never knew you felt that way.”
“Then I’ve been lax in my duties.” She leaned over and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “You are and always will be my darling boy. But, knowing you have a big heart, I want to make sure you share it with the right woman. Marriage lasts your entire life, if you’re fortunate. You want to wake up every morning and feel blessed by the person beside you. Blessed, and maybe a little humbled that they chose you.”
Her words tugged at him. He’d never thought he would find such a love after Deborah, but now, when he looked into Caroline’s eyes, he saw the possibility of such a future. If only she saw the same future, with him.
He made himself shrug. “She didn’t have much of a choice. She needed help, and I offered.”
“Well, she has plenty of choices now,” his mother reminded him. “She’s a sweet, upstanding young lady, Jeremy, who clearly sees the best in the world. If you don’t snap her up, someone else will.”
Jeremy blew out a breath as his mother marched down the hall for her room. She was right. Every day he found more things to admire about Caroline. She was willing to work at anything if it helped someone else. And she was willing to try things that scared her. He’d seen the way she’d looked at Calico the first time they’d gone riding. He found he could even tolerate her brother.
But just because his mother could see into his heart didn’t mean Caroline could or that she would like what she found.
He focused on returning the chairs to the dining room and setting the parlor to rights. The next time a fellow showed up at the door, he’d send him packing. Caroline deserved better than to be forced on display like a doll in the mercantile window at Christmas.
She met him as he was coming out of the parlor. Her head was cocked, and a frown hovered.
“Skirt not fit?” he asked.
She waved a hand. “It fits perfectly. Your mother is very good with a needle. I’m more concerned about you.”
Jeremy smiled at her. “Me? Why? No one’s challenged me to a duel in your honor. Yet.”
“No one’s offered to marry me yet either.” She met his gaze. “Please, Jeremy. Tell me the truth. Are you afraid of me?”
He stiffened. “What? No! Why would you think that?”
***
His brows were up, his shoulders too. Caroline had finally had a moment alone with Jeremy to ask, and she wasn’t sure whether to feel relieved that he was shocked she’d suggest such a thing or depressed that his hesitation stemmed from something more.
Something worse.
She couldn’t look at him any longer, dropping her gaze to the hem of her gown instead. “Well, I answered your ad for a mail-order bride and journeyed to the Jumping J, and you haven’t proposed for all you tell others we’re promised. I thought maybe I’d done something, said something…” She wasn’t sure how to finish, wasn’t sure she wanted to hear him say that she hadn’t measured up.
Instead, he took her hand and drew her into the dining room. No one would be using it for a few hours, so perhaps they’d have some privacy. As if he thought so as well, he took her in his arms. She leaned into the warmth, wishing it might be hers, forever.
“It’s not you, sweetheart,” he murmured, cheek brushing her hair. “You are everything I hoped for and more. I’m the one lacking. I’ve been so sure I’d hear no that I never gave you the chance to say yes.”
Caroline had to pull back so she could see his face. His green eyes sagged, as if he was still sure she was going to refuse him. “Why did you think I’d say no? I came all this way to marry you!”
“And now you know you have other choices,” he pointed out.
She shook her head. “Not one better than you.”
He gathered her close once more. “You have no idea how you honor me. Remember when I told you that Jacob and I brought two ladies to the drop?”
“Foolish girls who decided they didn’t like the ranch,” she said primly.
“They weren’t the only foolish ones,” he murmured. “I made the mistake of proposing to my lady. She demanded to leave.”
Anger tightened her hands into fists. “Well, she wasn’t just foolish, then. She was unkind and high-handed, and she clearly thought much too highly of herself.”
The chuckle rumbling out of him cooled her indignation.
“I see you’ve met her,” he teased.
“I have not had the dubious pleasure,” Caroline replied, “but if I do, I’ll happily give her a piece of my mind. On the other hand, perhaps I should thank her. If she hadn’t refused, you might not have written for a mail-order bride.”
“And I’m glad I did,” he assured her, “because you answered. Mr. Dalrymple mentioned that we sometimes believe stories that aren’t true. Maybe I’ve been looking at things the wrong way. Maybe her refusal really is a blessing.”
She fought the urge to burrow closer. “It’s certainly a blessing for me. You are kind and considerate, and you light up any room you enter. I never thought I’d ever find a gentleman who admires me like you do.”
His hand stroked her hair, and she closed her eyes and gave in to her longings. Her arms slipped about his waist, and her head rested against his chest.
“Every gentleman should admire you, Caroline. You are resilient, resourceful, and reliable. You say I light up the room? You fill it with warmth.”
Oh, how she wanted to be that person! Perhaps, by coming here and giving life a try, she already was.
Beyond them, a rap sounded on the front door.
She sighed as they broke apart. “Oh, not another one!”
He winked at her. “I’ll make sure this one doesn’t linger.”
He went into the hallway and opened the door, just as Joy came skipping down the corridor. She must have spotted Caroline in the dining room, for she came to slip her hand into Caroline’s.
From her vantage point, Caroline could see a man was standing on the porch. He was tall, and the tailored suit that was so out of place on the prairie failed to hide his considerable girth. A fringe of a gray mustache and beard hid his mouth. He pulled off his top hat to reveal a bald head.
“Sorry to intrude,” he said with a nod to Jeremy. “I understand that Miss Cadhill is staying here.”
“She’s taken,” Jeremy said. “A shame you came all this way for nothing.”
The man widened his stance as if refusing to budge one inch. “But I’m a friend of the family.”
Caroline stepped out of the dining room, bringing Joy with her. “Have we met?”
His face broadened into a smile. “Not formally. I’m Frederick Dickerson. I worked at Cincinnati Savings and Trust.”
Fear lanced. “Are you bringing me word about Father? Did something happen?”
He shook his head. “No. He’s still in jail as far as I know. I’m sorry about what happened. I had to tell the authorities what I’d seen.”
This was the man who had been a witness against her father? It was all she could do to keep the smile on her own face when she wanted to order him off the property. Then again, perhaps he’d been mistaken. He seemed so contrite, bleary blue eyes turning down at the corners.
“Why did you come to the Jumping J, then?” she asked.
Joy squeezed her hand as if pleased to hear her use the name.
“I understood you and your brother had come West, so I wanted to pay my respects while I was in the area. I didn’t know you had family out this way.”
Jeremy offered his hand as well. “Jeremy Willets.”
“And I’m Joy,” his sister said, dipping a curtsey as the two men shook hands.
“Come in, Mr. Dickerson,” Jeremy said, stepping aside. “We can all be more comfortable in the parlor. Joy, fetch Ned.”
His mother must have heard their voices, for she came down the hall and joined them in the parlor. Caroline made the introductions.
“Fine ranch you have here, ma’am,” Mr. Dickerson said to Jeremy’s mother as he perched on a chair. “Herd of cattle, crops. You’ve done well for yourself.”
“We have made a way in the wilderness,” Mrs. Willets agreed with a smile. “And what brings you to the far West?”
Before he could answer, Ned walked into the parlor.
“You wanted me, Mrs. Willets?” He met Mr. Dickerson’s gaze, then jerked to a stop, blanching.
Mr. Dickerson stood. “I should be going. I’m staying in Puget City. I hope to hear from you soon, Ned. Ma’am.” He bowed his head to Mrs. Willets and brushed past Ned for the front door.
Mrs. Willets frowned as the door shut behind him. “What was that all about?”
Caroline rounded on her brother. “You know, Ned.”
Her brother visibly swallowed. “He worked with Father at the bank.”
“So he said,” Jeremy supplied. “But you turned white when you saw him. Why?”
Ned hurried to Caroline and seized her hand. “We have to leave. Now. The men who threatened you in Cincinnati? They work for him. He’s the one who forced Father to take the money. Father gave it to me to hide. And Dickerson wants it back.”
***
Caroline swayed, and Jeremy caught her arm to steady her.
“I think you better explain yourself, Ned Cadhill,” Ma said, eyes narrow and voice steely. Ned had obviously dropped in her estimation, and she would likely have used his middle name had she known it.
Ned’s gaze was wide and panicked, but Caroline roused herself before he could speak. “Your father, Jack, Jane, and Joanna should hear this as well, Jeremy.”
“Not Joanna,” Ned put in, voice trembling. “Please.”
Caroline hesitated and glanced at Jeremy.
He’d seen the way his sister looked at Caroline’s brother. “Not Joanna,” he agreed for his sister’s sake. “Not yet. But I’ll fetch the others.” He made sure Caroline was safely seated once more before leaving. Every step seemed a sacrifice when he should be at her side.
Jack grumbled at being forced away from his work, and Jane looked openly curious as Jeremy led them and their father back to the house a short time later. Caroline was still sitting on the sofa, fingers worrying in the lap of her gown. Ma was on a chair a short distance away, watching the door. And Ned was pacing fast enough to wear a track in the plank floor.
He stopped as they came in. Jeremy sat next to Caroline, draping an arm about her shoulders. She smiled at him. Her lips trembled.
“So, what’s this all about, son?” Pa asked, looking to Jeremy.
Jeremy squeezed her shoulder. “Would you like me to explain?”
Caroline drew in a breath. “No, I’ll start. You all know that my father was a clerk in a bank, and that he was convicted of embezzlement and sent to prison. Ned disappeared, and I came here out of desperation.”
He could feel what the story was costing her. Every moment, she grew more tense, as if she thought they would throw her out. She looked to her brother.
Ned stood taller. “What Caroline didn’t know was that Father was being threatened. Fred Dickerson, who worked with him at the bank, told him that he and his men would harm me and Caroline if Father didn’t do what he asked. Father tried telling the bank manager, but the man told him he was making it up and not to blame an upstanding employee for his mistakes. Dickerson supposedly has friends in high places, but I wonder if that’s a story too.”
“If he could threaten your father, he could certainly lie about his background,” Pa agreed.
Ned nodded. “Father certainly believed his threats. He did what he could to amass a large amount of money by the date Dickerson had set, only, in the end, he couldn’t bring himself to hand it over.”
He turned to Caroline, eyes pleading. “He didn’t want to steal, Caroline. Please believe me. He told me where he’d stashed the money, then turned himself in to the police. He’d hoped they’d believe him, but the bank blamed him. They took our home, our savings, everything. And I couldn’t give them the money, or it would have been further proof that Father was guilty.”
“So, the bank was made whole,” Pa interrupted.
Caroline nodded. “At our expense. Oh, Ned. What did you do with the money?”
“What Father would have wanted,” he snapped. “I gave some to Miss Wilmont’s Academy for scholarships so more girls could learn. I gave some to the mission by the river to help the poor. But someone must have suspected where the money came from and spoken to the bank, because Dickerson found me. He threatened to hurt you unless I gave him all of it. Well, I didn’t have all of it anymore, did I? So, I ran.”
“And I came here, never knowing I’d bring trouble to your door.” Caroline looked around, then focused on Jeremy, her face pinched and pale. “I am so, so sorry. Ned and I will leave. Perhaps if we give Mr. Dickerson whatever’s left, he’ll go away.”
Ned grimaced. “Nothing left, sis. I gave the rest of it to your minister to build the church.”
“That’s where the money came from,” Ma said with a shake of her head. “I’m not sure we should let Mr. Dalrymple keep it. It’s stolen funds.”
“Mr. Dalrymple has already paid for the house and land,” Pa said. “And the bank received back the money Caroline’s father took. As far as I can see, the money used to pay for the church land came from the sale of Caroline’s family home and belongings.”
“You’re very kind,” Caroline said, and all of her was trembling now. “You’ve all been so kind. We should leave before something worse happens.”
Ma and Pa exchanged glances. Jack had his arms crossed over his chest. Jane’s face was puckered.
Jeremy rose. “No. I say Caroline stays.”
She made a squeak of a protest, but he knew what was right. He also knew what he wanted. He nearly laughed at the realization. He’d been so focused on avoiding the pain of his previous proposal that he’d been blinded to one simple fact.
Caroline accepted him just as he was, and that made him want to be the best for her. Theirs may not have been love at first sight, but he didn’t question that love had grown. It pulsed through him now, strengthening his resolve.
A future without Caroline at his side was unthinkable.
Which meant there was only one thing left to do. He went down on one knee in front of her and took her cold hands in his. Those big brown eyes held his just as she held his heart.
“I wrote away for a mail-order bride because I was convinced I’d never find the kind of love my parents had,” he told her. “I was wrong. I love you, Caroline Cadhill. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?”