The moon was up when Audrey locked up, then climbed to the third story landing. She already missed Copper and her wry comments. The house was lonely without her, and Audrey could hardly wait to write and tell her about the day’s unorthodox happening. The Padgets were blessed to escape the destruction with so little injury. They were now settled in the Widow Gleason’s spare bedroom.
Before settling down for the night, Audrey stopped by Willow’s room to see if she needed anything. She was awake, staring into space.
“Can’t sleep?”
“I’ve slept enough to last me months.” She shifted. “I’m fretting. Every little thing exhausts me.”
“Just relax and let us take care of you. It won’t be long until your strength returns, but you know Dr. Smith said you would have a long road to recovery.”
“It’s just so frustrating. Tucker has been patient, but I want to get married, Audrey. I love him so very much.”
Smiling, Audrey sat down on the edge of the bed. “Well, if Tucker’s agreeable, I don’t see why you shouldn’t have your wish as long as we don’t tax you in any way. The man practically lives here anyway; he might as well marry you and move in.”
A smiled touched the corner of Willow’s mouth. “That was an uncharitable observation, Miss Pride. And the doctor said—”
“That you must rest, and we’ll make sure that you do just that, but taking vows doesn’t take a whole lot of energy, does it? And Tucker will be overjoyed.”
“No…oh Audrey. Are you suggesting that I marry quickly and without any fuss?”
“That I am. And perhaps with a wedding soon, the wagon train will stay on a few more days. Your new friends wouldn’t want to miss the occasion. Now, do you want to talk all night, or do you want to plan a wedding?”
Willow struggled to sit upright while Audrey reached over and removed the pins from Willow’s hair. “Let me brush out the tangles while we visit.” Her mind flashed back to Eli and the way he had touched her hair the night of Willow’s miracle. Softly, almost reverently. Had he longed to loosen the pins and thread his fingers through her hair? Willow’s acceptance of the offer drew her back to reality.
“That would be ever so nice.”
It took a moment to locate the brush. Audrey sat down and proceeded to tame hair that was beginning to regain its glossy shine. “You have Claudine’s wedding gown. What else do you want?”
“If I remember right, there were some very nice silk dresses in that trunk. Do you mind going up to the attic tomorrow and locating them?”
“I don’t mind, but why do you need silk dresses?”
“They’re for you and Copper…ouch! You’re pulling.”
“Sorry.” Audrey worked the bristles free of a tangle. “What about flowers?”
Her friend sighed. “There hasn’t been a flower around here in years.”
True. The vegetable garden flowers had gone to seed. And with the flood following on the heels of the drought, a bloom didn’t have a slacker’s chance in this town.
“I could carry my mother’s locket on a Bible.”
“That would be nice.”
Willow yawned. “I’m sorry. I tire so easily.”
Laying the brush aside, Audrey helped lower Willow’s head to the pillow. “We’ll talk more in the morning. Do you want the window opened?”
“No. I know fresh air is good, but have you noticed an overpowering stench?”
“Rotting vegetation. Water standing in the ditches and fields has created an awful odor.”
The patient closed her eyes. “I’ve missed so much. So much I’ll never regain.”
“Not being able to recall all that rain is a blessing, my dear. I’ve never been so wet for so long in my life.”
“It can’t rain on my wedding day. It just can’t.”
Audrey laughed. “Lucky the bride the sun shines on.”
“And I am so fortunate.”
“We are both most fortunate. And now, my love, you need to rest so you’ll be fresh and bright-eyed when you see your true love in the morning.”
Willow murmured. “In the morning.”
Audrey blew out the light and stopped to rest her hand on Willow’s shoulder. “Sleep well, my friend. Come Saturday, we’re going to have a wedding.”
In her bedroom, Audrey pulled off her dress and slipped into her nightgown. She must find Redlin at first light and tell him about the wedding. He would be certain to delay the departure a few more days. The weather had held; a few days shouldn’t make a great deal of difference, even though Old Man Winter was breathing down his neck.
Her mind turned to her own life. Tucker had spoken to the school board, and they were willing to let her take Willow’s place. She would remain in Thunder Ridge.
She knew Willow and Tucker would welcome her here, but newlyweds needed privacy. With her income, she could find someplace to stay. But where? She knew almost everyone in town by now, and she couldn’t think of a single person with extra space but the Widow Gleeson, and her house was tiny and already full with the Padgets. Yet someone in the area would surely welcome additional income and company. Yvonne would need living space; perhaps the two could share a room.
The turn of events was both a curse and a blessing. She would stay in Thunder Ridge, teach school, and pray that with time, she and Eli would grow closer. The possibility wasn’t as farfetched as she’d once thought, but logic told her that she still had endless miles of bad road ahead of her.
Early the following morning, Audrey found the wagon master and relayed the wedding plans.
“Going to tie the knot, are they?”
“Yes. Willow doesn’t want to wait any longer. I’m accepting the teaching position. I thought Saturday would be nice for a wedding.”
“Don’t blame her for not wanting to wait.” He tightened a cinch. “Never know what tomorrow is going to bring. We can delay departure until Monday.”
Later she climbed the steps to the attic carrying a lantern. The room wasn’t as gloomy as she’d expected, but she still wished Copper was there to help with the task. She felt intrusive going through Claudine’s personal effects. Would Wallace have minded? Sorry, Judge. I’m only doing Willow’s bidding.
She set the lantern down on the planked floor, close to the trunk. Kneeling in accumulated dampness, heedless of the effect on her skirt, she timidly reached for the handle. When she folded the lid back, a scent of lavender wafted the air. Had Claudine packed these lovely garments away, knowing she would never wear them again?
When she lifted out the folded items of clothing, she found most of them unsuitable for what she needed. Finally she found a sky-blue silk that would do for her. The design of a pink silk would have been perfect for Copper, but it was the wrong color for her hair.
However, Audrey could wear it, and give Copper the blue.
On impulse, she dug deeper. Reaching the last layer, she found a dress of mint-green with deep flounces of cream-colored lace. She held it up to the light, searching for flaws and finding none. It was perfect, and she was sure it would fit Copper with very little alteration.
She carefully placed the discarded garments back in the trunk, and closed the lid. Folding the gowns over her arm, she made her way downstairs. The door to Willow’s room stood open, and she spotted Tucker sitting in a chair beside the bed. Audrey carried the dresses in and spread them on the coverlet. Willow’s eyes widened. “They’re perfect.”
“I thought so. Copper will look stunning in the green one.”
Tucker lifted a brow. “Who’s having a party?”
Willow grinned. “You are.”
“I am?”
“Bridesmaids’ dresses, silly.”
He stared at her.
Willow sighed. “Our wedding. You do plan to marry me, don’t you?”
“Of course I plan to marry you, and you’re getting stronger every day, but—”
“Oh Tucker! It will be ages before I’m strong enough to walk down the aisle as part of a big wedding. I don’t want to wait that long. I was thinking Saturday.”
Tucker sprang to his feet. “A week from this Saturday?”
Audrey intervened. “No, this Saturday. Josh has agreed to delay the wagon train departure until Monday, and there’s absolutely no reason to wait. You’re getting married this Saturday, Tucker.”
Willow nodded. “It has to be on the weekend because I can’t get married if Copper’s not here. Caleb can fetch her home. You don’t mind, do you?”
The groom broke into a wide grin. “Mind? I could be ready in an hour.”
“Saturday,” the bride-to-be reiterated, grinning at Audrey. “If I can keep my eyes open long enough to recite my vows.”
Tucker frowned. “You can’t overdo…the doctor said—”
“That she had to stay quiet and we’ll see that she does.” Audrey lifted the dresses. “I’ll hang them in Copper’s room to air. Looks like we have a wedding on our hands.”
Tucker reached for Willow’s hand. “Just tell me what to do, and what time to be there. I don’t know much about weddings. This will be my first one.”
“Mine too.” Willow flashed him a mischievous grin. “And our last one.”
He bent to kiss her, and Audrey slipped out of the room.
On Friday evening, Caleb brought Copper home from Beeder’s Cove. Audrey waited at the door, enthusiasm brimming. “It’s so good to see you!”
“It’s been a long week. The children are wonderful but quite exhausting. How’s Willow?” The two women shared an exuberant hug, blocking the doorway.
“Have you started classes yet?” Copper asked.
“Not yet. I’m working on lessons in my spare time. We should be able to start classes soon. We’re really running behind.”
Copper stretched out her arms and turned in a circle, “Oh, I’m so happy for Willow, I could just dance.” She winced and paused. “My ankle hasn’t fully healed. It still bothers me fiercely.”
Caleb cleared his throat. “Where do you want your bag?”
She turned and blinked. “Well, I want it upstairs, but if it’s too difficult for you, just leave it here and I’ll carry it up.”
He quirked an eyebrow. “I believe I can manage to take it upstairs. I thought you said your ankle was bothering you?”
“I didn’t say I couldn’t walk.”
Yvonne entered the hallway. “Copper, you’re back. How’s the teaching job?”
Copper smiled. “Wonderful. Come, let’s all have a cup of tea and I’ll tell you all about it.”
Yvonne laughed. “Beeder’s Cove seems to have agreed with you. I declare you’re prettier than ever.”
“And that’s outright flattery.” Copper slipped her arm through the young widow’s and walked her toward the kitchen. “What have you been doing while I’ve been gone?”
Yvonne’s voice faded as they walked away. “I’ve been trying to find employment, and a place to live. I can’t impose on Willow much longer, especially now that she’s going to be married.”
Shame filled Audrey. She hadn’t given much thought to the young widow’s plight. Her own future was uncertain enough, but Yvonne had no one to help her.
She paused in front of the door of Willow’s room and softly rapped. “May I speak to you and Tucker?”
Willow’s voice floated back. “Why so formal? We’ve never stood on formality before. Come in.”
She entered and approached the bed. “Copper’s back. She’ll be up to see you soon.”
“Good—I can hardly wait to talk to her.”
Audrey sat down. “I just realized Yvonne is in a terrible spot. She has no way to support herself, she has no family in this area, and like me she doesn’t want to impose on you any longer than she has to.”
“You’re not imposing, either of you,” Willow said. “I want you here. Tucker wants you here.”
“I do,” Tucker said.
“Perhaps so, but we feel we are imposing, so please hear me out. With me taking Willow’s teaching position, I was thinking I would talk to Kirkland about giving the funeral parlor job to her.”
Tucker grinned. “What makes you think she’d want it?”
“Kirkland isn’t so bad, and he clearly will need an assistant on occasions. It wouldn’t be much, but it would help Yvonne. Should I ask without consulting her?”
“You could ask,” Willow said. “But it would be up to her whether she wanted the job. She is more than welcome to remain here.”
“Good.” Audrey smiled. “I’ll speak to Kirkland first before I raise her hopes. I feel much better. Thank you.”
“Ladies, it’s getting late.” Tucker leaned to kiss his future bride. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
He left, and Willow smiled at Audrey. “I hope this works out for Yvonne. She’s a wonderful, caring woman.”
“She is. Now I must get some rest because I have a busy day tomorrow. We’re going to have a wedding.”
Willow frowned. “You’ll have help, won’t you?”
“More than I need since the wagon train is staying until Monday. Copper is going to make the cake. Now your job is to pray for sunshine.”
Silas Sterling was buried Friday morning. Saturday morning the sun burst forth from a fresh-washed sky. At one o’clock the townspeople began to gather in Wallace’s parlor. Eli and Caleb had brought benches from the church and borrowed every kitchen chair in town. Copper had taken silk roses from one of Claudine’s hats to fashion a bridal bouquet. An arch for the bridal couple dominated the doorway—compliments of none other than Eli.
Audrey fingered the lovely white carving.
“Do you like it?”
She didn’t have to look to know the love of her life was standing behind her. She could feel him. Drink in his unique scent.
“It’s lovely.”
“It was mine and Genevieve’s. I made it.”
“For her.”
“For our wedding.”
“She was a very fortunate woman.”
She felt his arms on her shoulders, slowing turning her. For a moment he captured her gaze, and time stood still. “I know you feel that I am cold and uncaring.”
“No…”
“Well, I am,” he said. “Or I like to tell myself that I am.” A grin broke across his face. “Tate says that I need a woman in my life.”
“Really. Perhaps the Widow Gleeson?”
“Perhaps.”
“Or Meredith Johnson?”
“Better. I do have the pick of the litter, don’t I?” Still grinning, he lightly touched his lips to hers. For a moment she lost balance, so much so that he had to steady her. Gazing deep into her eyes, he said softly, “Wait for me.”
The petition ricocheted through her mind. It wasn’t necessary to clarify the plea; she knew what he was asking. Saw it in his eyes, heard it in his soft appeal.
It didn’t take a moment for her answer. “I plan to. Forever, if that’s what it takes.”
“It won’t.” He lowered his mouth and kissed her fully, then eased her aside as the bride entered, leaning heavily on Tucker’s arm. Her face was radiant with happiness. Caleb stood ready to follow behind with Copper.
Tate proudly led the procession, carrying the rings on a pillow.
Eli smiled down at Audrey and held out his arm. She placed her hand in the crook of his elbow, matching her steps to his. Her heart beat so loudly she was sure he could hear it. She’d waited a lifetime for this moment—this man. She could wait awhile longer.
The reverend read the vows. The ceremony was quick, but poignant. In a matter of minutes, Willow was Mrs. Tucker Gray.
The bride looked tired, but happy. She pleaded to remain downstairs at least long enough to share a piece of cake with her husband. Who could deny a bride?
Audrey slipped outside to absorb her happiness. Eli had asked her to wait for him. That she could do. However long it took for him to accept his past, she could wait.
A buggy rounded the corner and stopped in front of the house. Latecomers. They’d missed the nuptials, but cake and punch were being served. Two men got out and approached the stoop. They weren’t dressed in finery. Just plain work clothes, and soiled work clothes at that.
“Is this the Madison place?”
“Yes…though the judge recently passed away.”
“Are you a relative?”
“Acquaintance. May I help you?”
He held out a piece of paper. “Clifford Brown. I work for Amarillo National Bank, and I’m here to auction off the house.” He held up a sheet of paper. “Here’s the eviction notice.”
Audrey’s heart hit her stomach. Auction off? Eviction notice? She closed her eyes, willing the men away. This day was too perfect, too surreal to desecrate. When she reopened them, the two men were still there.
With a sinking sensation, she realized that not even a wedding or a promise from Eli could stop trouble.
Not in this disaster-prone little community.