Would-Be Wilderness Wife (22 page)

Simon smacked his ax handle into the palm of one hand.

To Drew's surprise, Catherine strode forward, eyes flashing. “Levi already paid your interest, Mr. Rankin, with his blood. And so, I believe, has your son, Scout. I demand that you show us the boy.”

“You demand?” Rankin laughed, the sound like the creaking of a badly oiled door. “You have no rights on my property. A man can treat his boy any way he likes.”

Catherine looked him up and down, standing tall and trim in her tailored brown wool. “And he can treat himself as he wishes, as well. You certainly have. Veined nose and bloodshot eyes—the effects of too much alcohol. Ample girth, too much food of the wrong sort. Shortness of breath and wheezing laugh, indications of an asthmatic condition brought about by excessive exposure to tobacco smoke. If you do not mend your ways, Mr. Rankin, I predict you will shortly die of heart failure.”

Drew took a step closer, fully expecting Rankin to light into her verbally, if not physically. Instead, the man squinted his eyes at her. “Who are you?”

“Catherine Stanway,” she replied. “Trained nurse and assistant to Doctor Maynard. And I strongly suggest you take my advice and see to your diet and surroundings immediately.”

Rankin glanced between her and Drew. “Is she crazy?”

Drew smiled. “Not in the slightest. Ma nearly died of a fever. She nursed her back to health in a couple of days.”

“Took care of Old Joe's rash, too,” James called. “For which we are all grateful.” He shuddered, as if even the recollection of the puffy skin was painful.

Scout crept up beside his father, one hand tugging at the man's sleeve. “She knew about my nose, Pa, before I ever said a word.”

Rankin frowned, rubbing one finger against his own nose. “So what it is you want, ma'am?”

Catherine lifted her chin, gaze still militant. “You will cease striking your son. I suspect you'll need his goodwill should something horrid happen to you.”

Rankin glanced at Scout as if he'd never considered that possibility before.

“You will drink at least eight glasses of water a day,” Catherine continued, “and take a turn around the yard three times, rain or shine. You will watch your diet, choosing vegetables over meat for a time. And you will stop drinking alcohol.”

Rankin grimaced. “I ain't no teetotaler.”

“If you wish to live,” Catherine said, “you will be.”

Drew took another step forward, towering over them all. Pride for Catherine vied with anger over what Rankin had done to his family. “And your business with us is over, Rankin. You leave the Wallins alone.”

“And the Wallins will return the favor,” Simon added.

Rankin looked from one of them to another. He must not have liked his chances, for he squared his shoulders. “I don't like your attitude, Wallin. Sheriff might have something to say about this bullying.”

Bullying? And this from a man who had perfected the art? But another voice spoke from behind them.

“As a matter of fact, the sheriff has quite an opinion on the matter.”

Rankin turned white as Deputy McCormick stepped out from behind a tree, rifle resting in the crook of his arm. He nodded to Drew.

“Wallin. We saw the smoke from out this way yesterday, but I couldn't come investigate until this morning. Thought I'd better check on all the farms in this neck of the woods. Any trouble here?”

Drew glanced at Rankin, who had all but disappeared into the shadows of his cabin, leaving Scout on the step, blinking at the light.

“Our barn caught fire yesterday,” Drew told the deputy. “You might ask Mr. Rankin if he knows anything about that.”

Rankin's piggy eyes were bright in the darkness. “Shame when hay just catches fire by its own self. Been known to happen.”

Scout dropped his gaze.

“True,” McCormick mused. “Funny how so many fires have sprung up out this way, though. Maybe you and your boy ought to move into town, where we can keep an eye on you.”

“A fine suggestion,” Catherine agreed. “It might improve your health, Mr. Rankin.”

Rankin's smile turned oily. “Thank you both for your concern, but we're doing just fine out here. I think Mr. Wallin is right. His family and I are finished with our business for now.” He gazed up at Drew. “Any interest on that loan is forgiven, seeing as how young Levi is such good friends with my boy, and your lady friend here is so helpful about my health. And you're all welcome at my table anytime.”

“Don't hold your breath,” Levi said, turning away.

“Actually, do hold your breath,” James suggested. “For say ten or twenty minutes. I guarantee it will improve the neighborhood immensely.”

Rankin slammed the door on them, leaving Scout standing on the step. Catherine immediately drew him aside, and Drew heard her start to question the boy about his own health.

McCormick waited as Drew and his brothers gathered around him, then spoke with a low voice as if mindful of Scout and Catherine not too far away. “I take it you have reason to believe Rankin burned your barn.”

“Among other things,” Drew murmured. “But we have no proof to offer you. It's our word against his.”

McCormick's smile was grim. “No question in my mind which a judge would believe. I'll keep watch here for a while until you get home. And the sheriff and I will be keeping an eye on Rankin.” He glanced at the house and shook his head before returning his gaze to Drew's. “That's some lady you have there. Never thought I'd see any miss who could stand up to Rankin.”

“I never thought I'd see a lady who could stand his smell,” James added. Simon cuffed him on the shoulder.

“I expect she'll need to return to town soon,” McCormick continued, ignoring them. “Do you want me to fetch Miss Stanway back with me?”

His brothers were all watching Drew, waiting for his answer.

“Not just yet,” Drew said. “First, I need to propose.”

He wasn't sure which of them had the biggest grin.

Chapter Twenty-Four

T
he air smelled cool and sharp as Catherine walked back through the wood with Drew and his brothers. Rain would be here soon, but she didn't mind. She felt as if they'd achieved a victory, both in removing Mr. Rankin's threats from over Levi's head and in letting him know they would brook no further nonsense.

She glanced back over her shoulder where Scout Rankin walked just behind her. Seeing her look, he straightened from his slouch and managed a smile. She'd thought it best to keep the boy at Wallin Landing for the day to give his father time to calm down and think about what she and the others had said. And perhaps he and Levi could mend their differences. The boy had already confessed that he'd tried to stop his father, to no avail.

Beyond him, Drew smiled at her as well before she turned front again, cheeks heating. He looked as if he wanted to say something to her, but this walking single file through the woods certainly wasn't conducive to conversation. She could hardly wait to return home.

Home.

Her smile deepened as the woods opened up to reveal the cabin and barn, the horses trotting about the pasture, the chickens pecking in their yard. Mrs. Wallin had set the large cast-iron kettle on a fire in the clearing, and the pile of shirts and trousers next to it said she was about to start the laundry.

Beth had made her own path from the tub to the ruined wall Drew had opened in the pool, where the spring bubbled below the level of the break. The way her face brightened at the sight of her brothers told Catherine how little she'd liked waiting. Catherine knew the feeling. She'd waited for her father and brother to come home, and they never would. This time, she'd been the one to help.

Lord, I thought I was the healer, but I've been blind. Everything I've done was to try to take control because I doubted You. You didn't send my brother and father to their deaths—they chose to fight. You didn't force me out of Sudbury—I ran. I can see You've given me a chance with Drew. Please help me find a way to tell him how much he's come to mean to me.

She glanced back again and caught her breath as Drew moved into the sunlight. His head was high like the trees he felled, his smile brighter than the spring sun. Something fluttered in her stomach, and she let Scout pass her so she could wait for Drew to reach her side.

He came to a stop beside her and lowered his ax. She couldn't look away as he bent his head to hers. “Thank you,” he murmured before he kissed her. His arms came around her, fierce, protective, as if he'd never let her go. She nestled against him, returned his kiss and trembled with the joy that tumbled through her.

“Ahem.”

Catherine blinked and realized James was standing next to them, hands clasped behind his back. Seeing he had her attention, he wiggled his blond brows.

“It appears, Miss Stanway, that you have compromised my brother's reputation, and I want to know what you intend to do about it.”

Catherine glanced at Drew even as her cheeks heated.

Drew frowned at his brother, but she saw merriment in his eyes. “You better hope she doesn't need a gun to get me to the altar, because we both know her aim is questionable.”

“Oh!” Catherine cried in indignation. “I can hit the broad side of a barn.”

James snorted, then hurriedly turned the sound into a cough.

“I'm not worried,” he told Drew when he'd recovered. “I figure Simon will be the one standing up beside you. I'll be safely in the throng of well-wishers.”

“No throng would be safe with you in it,” Drew countered. “Now, go on. Catherine and I weren't finished talking.”

“Oh, talking he calls it,” James said, but he bowed and sauntered back to where his other brothers were telling Beth and Mrs. Wallin about their reception at the Rankins.

Drew had kept his arms around her, and she did not mind. His warmth seeped into her heart like water on parched earth.

“Deputy McCormick wondered if you wanted an escort back to Seattle,” he murmured. “I told him I had something I needed to ask you first.”

Her heart started beating faster. “And what would that be?”

He pulled back to meet her gaze. “Catherine, nothing would make me happier than for you to agree to be my wife. But I've long known that whoever marries me marries into this family. Ma has her way of doing things. Beth could talk the paint off a wall. Simon must have the last word, James the last laugh. John thinks he knows everything, and Levi hasn't realized how little he knows. We're not the easiest bunch to get along with.”

“You're not the most difficult, either,” she countered. “You love each other, support each other.”

“Argue with each other, fuss at each other.”

“Work together toward a common goal. I envy you that. But as much as I love your family, Drew, I cannot marry you for them. That wouldn't be fair to you.”

He released her. “Is there nothing I can say, nothing I can do, then, to win your heart?”

Catherine cocked her head. “Do you want to win it, Drew? I know the burden you've put on yourself to keep this family safe. Even with your brothers taking a bigger role, are you willing to add more to the family—a wife, perhaps someday children? Are you willing to speak for yourself, Drew?”

* * *

That was, of course, the key question. He wasn't sure why he was surprised she'd asked it. Certainly his family thought nothing of him taking a wife. Look how they'd campaigned on Catherine's behalf.

He knew every argument against her, every reason a marriage wouldn't work. Yet when he tried to imagine life without her, the future looked dark, empty.

“I want to speak, Catherine,” he told her. “But I feel like that Miles Standish fellow. I'm not the most eloquent man. I can't play a love song like Simon or quote from some book like John. But if it's pretty words you want, I'll try.”

She took his hands, fingers spreading to wrap around the edges of his. “Then perhaps I should go first, before I lose my courage.”

Anything that scared her ought to terrify him. “All right,” he managed to say.

She took a deep breath and met his gaze. “You know I love this family, Drew, but everything that's happened over the last week has proved something to me. When we were all in danger, it scared me to think of losing my family. But what truly made me fearful was the thought of losing you.”

She squeezed his hands. “What I'm trying to say is that I love you, Drew Wallin. You are a fine, noble, honorable man. Any woman would be proud to stand beside you.”

She seemed to think he should just smile and nod in agreement. But his brain had seized on one statement and wouldn't let go.

She loved him.

Against all odds, this clever, talented, amazing woman loved him. He finally understood what James meant about it being a gift, for he knew he could never earn her love, but would always be grateful for her.

He was pretty sure a smile and nod was not the appropriate way to respond to such feelings. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her.

* * *

Catherine closed her eyes, glorying in the feel of Drew's arms around her, his lips caressing hers. The sound of the Landing, the clamor of her heart, the lingering smell of smoke faded away, until he filled all her senses. He had not said the words, but she could feel his love in the way he cradled her against him, hear it in murmur of her name. She had traveled thousands of miles to find a new life, and the journey had led her home, to him.

Slowly, he raised his head, and she smiled at him. She thought it must be a besotted sort of smile, a bit crooked and trembling about the edges. His matched it.

“I promised myself I would do things properly this time,” he said, “but I seem to have a hard time being proper where you're concerned.”

Catherine laughed. He released her to go down on one knee on the ground, gaze lifted to hers.

“Catherine Stanway,” he said, deep voice echoing around the clearing. “I love you. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

“Say yes!” Beth cried, and was quickly hushed.

Drew's cheeks darkened. Catherine cupped his face with her hands, feeling the hint of stubble peppering her palms. “Yes, Drew. Yes. A thousand times yes. Nothing would make me happier.”

He rose and gathered her close once more. “I'll fix up the cabin, whatever you want. And I'll build you a dispensary so you can nurse from the Landing. Someday, when we have a hospital, you can lead it. You have a gift, Catherine, and I want to see you use it.”

He might not be a poet, but he'd just found every word she needed to hear. “Thank you,” she murmured. “For understanding, for making me part of your family. I'll be a good wife for you, Drew. I promise.”

He smiled. “How could you be anything else?”

“Simon!” James called. “Fetch your fiddle. Methinks I detect cause for celebration.”

Catherine glanced over her shoulder at her new family and found them all grinning at her. Mrs. Wallin wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.

Beth rushed up to them. “Oh, a wedding! You must let me help. We'll need flowers and a cake and a special dress. I saw the latest prints in
Godey's
, yards of lace and long veils of the sheerest net.”

“Beth,” Drew started.

“And a quilt! Ma has to make you a quilt. I'll help. It might take a few months.”

“Beth,” Catherine warned.

She was patting the tips of her fingers together, eyes bright. “Oh, there are so many people to invite—all the Mercer belles and Mr. Yesler and Doc and his wife. We'll need to talk to Mr. Bagley, of course. I wonder if the brown church will be big enough. Maybe we'll have to see if they'll let us use the white church.”

“Elizabeth Ann Wallin,” Mrs. Wallin said. “Leave them be.”

With a blush, Beth hurried off, humming to herself.

Catherine shook her head. “It seems we'll have no trouble planning a wedding.”

Drew chuckled. “I had no idea it was such an undertaking. Months, she said. I hope you'll have pity on me, Catherine, and not make me wait that long.”

Catherine smiled. “You speak to the Reverend Bagley and see how soon he can fit us in. So long as our family is around us, I'd be happy to be married at any time.”

* * *

And so, two weeks later they gathered at the brown church. After being at the Landing, Seattle looked crowded to Catherine, the muddy streets teeming with people, but perhaps that was because she had so many attendants at her wedding. She still found it hard to believe—her, marrying a brawny lumberjack. It was nothing she could have imagined and everything she'd ever wanted.

She stood at the back of the church, pews of carved dark wood stretching on either side, beams open above like the boughs of a forest. She wore Mrs. Wallin's blue-and-green dress, which she now knew had served as the lady's own wedding gown more than thirty years ago. The skirts might be narrower than she was used to, but the fine material and love behind it made it the most beautiful dress she'd ever worn.

Maddie, wearing a jade-green dress she'd sewed for the occasion, was standing between her and the altar. Behind Maddie stood Allegra in a similar gown, Doctor Maynard's wife, Susanna, in darker green, then Beth in her first social dress, paid for courtesy of Maddie's laundry earnings. Waiting at the front, Drew stood with his brothers beside him, hair slicked down, all in dark suits and high collars. Only James looked comfortable in them.

It was most likely the largest wedding party Seattle had ever seen, but she would have had it no other way.

Next to her, Doc Maynard squeezed her arm. “I'm honored you chose me to give you away, Catherine.” His eyes twinkled. “But then, I seem to be always giving you away to these Wallins.”

Catherine smiled. Doc had already packed up a number of supplies and instruments for her to take with her to the Landing for her dispensary.

“A lady should have family beside her when she weds,” she said now. “And I am blessed with the most wonderful family, even if we don't share the same mother and father.”

“Ah, but the good reverend would remind us we do share the same Father,” he replied with a wink. “And I think we've kept Mr. Bagley and your charming groom waiting long enough.”

Catherine nodded. They started down the aisle, the congregation standing as they passed. She spotted Sheriff Boren and Deputy McCormick, boardinghouse owner Mrs. Elliott and all the women who had come with her on the Mercer expedition, some married and some, like Maddie, determined to remain single.

Unless You send them someone like Drew, Father. Someone who can find the way to their hearts. Thank You for being patient with me, for helping me understand. My family chose to leave me. I can choose to stay.

Reverend Bagley beamed at her as she reached the front of the church. “Who gives this woman to be married?” he asked, adjusting his spectacles on his thin nose.

“I do,” Doc Maynard said. “And if you don't recognize me by this time, Daniel, I'd say you need to polish those glasses.”

The minister frowned at him as the congregation laughed.

As the room quieted again, Drew moved to Catherine's side. Looking up into his eyes, she felt as if his arms, and his love, were holding her even now. Her heart was so full she barely heard the words of the ceremony.

Thank You, Lord, for this gift. I will never take it lightly.

“I now pronounce you man and wife,” Mr. Bagley said. “You may kiss the bride.”

Drew took her in his arms and pressed his lips against hers, sealing their promise. Her husband, his wife, forever, no matter what happened.

A cheer went up behind him. As he broke the kiss with a smile, Catherine could see James and John clapping each other on the back, Simon actually grinning from ear to ear and Levi doing some sort of dance with his crutch along the front pew.