After the Rain (3 page)

Although, looking at him, she couldn’t help but admire his appearance. Not classically handsome, he was attractive in his own right. Straight blonde hair, darkened almost to the color of dried grass in autumn, was trimmed to a tidy length. Olive green eyes with golden flecks stared at her so intently, she shifted in her seat. Even in winter, a time people would spend mostly indoors, his skin was darkened from the sun. Small lines spidered out from the creases of his eyes, and she wondered if they were caused from working in harsh weather conditions or were they remnants of the sorrow he’d felt when his wife passed.

His lips curled into an impish smile. “That was quite an introduction. I’ve never had a woman literally fall for me.”

Heat infused her face again until she looked at him and saw no mocking. His words had been an attempt at humor meant to put her at ease, and she did find herself relaxing in his presence. “If only you’d been wearing a suit of armor,” she quipped, playing along. “I’ve always wanted to be rescued by a knight.”

The smile spread on his face, exposing a line of straight, clean teeth and his chest shook with a suppressed laugh. “I suppose I should formally introduce myself. Randall McCade, your fiancée.”

“Nice to meet you, Randall McCade.”

“Rand. No one calls me Randall unless I’m in trouble.” He inclined his head toward the stairs, reminding her of Myrtle’s earlier scolding.

The embarrassment of her near fall was diminishing, allowing her to absorb the knowledge that she had made it to Weatherton. She was creating a new life for herself, one in which her child would be raised in a safe environment. Any fear or worry about Rand’s character was quickly being allayed. In his brief interaction with the Fosters, she could sense the mutual respect between all parties. Additionally, she’d always believed a person’s eyes conveyed valuable insight into their owner’s character. There was nothing in Rand’s green irises that flagged alarm.

A sigh of respite escaped her.

Rand must have mistaken the action for a negative connotation. “I’m sorry. You must be plumb worn out from the trip and the excitement of fainting. Why don’t I walk over to Mae’s Boardinghouse and secure a room for you? She will take care of you and we can postpone the wedding until you are fully recovered.”

His thoughtfulness warmed a part of her heart that had turned cold at the turn of events following Daniel’s death. Her mother’s betrayal and refusal to see Maxwell for who he was, plus Maxwell’s violent outburst at the farm, had stolen her faith in people. Increasingly, individuals were being placed in her life to restore that faith. Mrs. Broadmoor, Sarah and now Rand. Something told her Rand would play the largest part in that healing, but she couldn’t dwell on that now.

“I am tired,” she confessed, “but I’d rather necessities be done today so we can begin to establish a new routine.”

Referring to their wedding ceremony as a necessity made her wince. She should have found a better way to say what she meant. This marriage might be for completely different reasons than her one to Daniel, but the vows would not be taken lightly.

“Let’s see if you can stand up.” Rand slid one hand under her forearm and cupped her elbow with the other.

Successfully, she stood with both feet. “See, perfect as a ripe Georgia peach.”

“Not so fast though you are as pretty as a peach.” He threw her a wink. “Try taking a few steps.”

Lettie took a few steps forward, relieved when her legs supported and moved with her. “I told you I was fine,” she boasted.

Crooking his neck, he gave her a strange look that she couldn’t interpret. Their eyes locked for several moments. “All the walkways are still extremely icy. Yesterday, the temperature warmed just enough to thaw the ice before it dropped back to freezing and made a slick mess over everything. Would you have a problem if I track down Pastor Gibbons and bring him here to perform the ceremony?”

Chewing on her bottom lip, Lettie deliberated. “If it’s not too much trouble, I really want to marry in the church. I know it doesn’t matter where it takes place, but since ours won’t be a conventional marriage, I’d at least like to keep that tradition.”

Rand rubbed his chin. “How’s this. I’ll leave you here while I return to the train station to retrieve your trunks. Once I have them loaded in the wagon, I’ll return to pick you up and we’ll drive to the church instead of walking.”

Weatherton hadn’t looked too big from her vantage point on the train. Albeit she’d not been cognizant as she’d been transported from the train to the doctor’s house, but she was almost certain the walk from where she was to the church couldn’t be far enough to warrant all that moving of the wagon. “You don’t have to go through all that trouble. I can walk.”

“I’d rather not take chances,” he said, a cloud of darkness briefly shrouding his eyes.

There was something in his expression that made Lettie not want to argue or disagree, a sadness that seemed to envelop him and leave as soon as it came. “Your arrangement sounds sensible.”

“I won’t be long, thirty minutes at the most.”

Lettie darted her gaze. “Should we tell the Fosters?”

Casting another wink her way, Rand held up a single finger. “Wait,” he mouthed.

Tilting her head, Lettie looked at him with raised eyebrows. Ten seconds later, footsteps could be heard coming down the stairs.

“That was a beautiful clock you purchased, Myrtle. I declare, you have the best decorating sense of anyone in the west. A fine piece of craftsmanship, indeed.” Flynn gave his head a definitive shake.

“I thought you would approve, darling.” Myrtle directed an adoring gaze to her husband.

Lettie knew their conversation was for show, yet there was genuine affection behind Myrtle’s gaze. Once upon a time, she had looked at someone that same way.

Stop it
, she silently chided herself.
Daniel is gone and there is no bringing him back.

She felt like her emotions were on that roller coaster from New York she’d read about, at a place called Coney Island that Daniel had wanted to take her to someday. Up and down. One minute she couldn’t think straight for fear of what lay ahead, the next laughing and feeling comfortable in Rand’s presence. Advice that Sarah gave her came to the forefront of her mind.
Be open to what the Lord has in store for you.
Focusing on Daniel’s memory was not being open. She had to stop thinking about him and embrace the life she was living.

Rand informed the Fosters of the plan, and Flynn offered to help retrieve the trunks. They hadn’t walked through the door and Myrtle was already whisking her into a less formal sitting area.

“Have a seat anywhere, dear. I still have some warm tea resting on the stovetop and I’ll prepare us a cup. Would you like any cream or sugar? Maybe a drop of honey?”

“A drop of honey would be lovely, thank you.” Bracing one hand against her back, she lowered herself onto a settee which had ornate carvings etched into the wood frame. Six months into her pregnancy, she wondered if her body would ever feel normal again. She took a deep breath and found herself fighting a yawn.

“The tea will soothe you,” Myrtle assured her, walking back into the room. “Having children is a rewarding experience, but it does wreak havoc on a woman. When are you expecting your little one’s arrival?”

“Sometime in May. My husband passed before I knew I was with child,” Lettie told her, finding a way to tell her the child was legitimate.

Myrtle frowned. “You poor thing, it’s no wonder you swooned on us. So much is happening so quickly, you can’t help being overwhelmed.”

Lifting the small cup to her lips, Lettie took a small sip. “The last few months have been a journey, but I have to keep faith that there is a greater plan.”

“That is a marvelous attitude to have. There’ve been events in my own life in which I questioned why, but I never gave up. Tomorrow always brings a new day.”

Against her will, Lettie’s bottom lip began to quiver. “Some days are harder than others.”

“That is natural. My first-born son died when he was only five. There were days I didn’t want to go on, but as time went by, those days came less and less. I got by with the help from the three F’s.”

“The three F’s?”

“Family, friends, and faith.”

“At least I have faith. One out of three must count for something,” Lettie muttered, not realizing she spoke out loud.

“You’re wrong, dear. You have a friend right here.” Myrtle reached over and patted her hand. “And when you marry Rand, he will become your family. He’s a good man. He’s only been in Weatherton about two years but has earned the respect of everyone. Doesn’t talk much about his past, but he wouldn’t be the first to come west to escape.”

Lettie bit the inside of her cheek before she could reveal information that wasn’t hers to share. She hadn’t known Rand had been here that short of a time, but she could piece together enough to decipher that he had moved from wherever to escape the memories of his wife.

The men entered the house through a rear door, snowflakes dusting their coats.

“Another storm is coming,” Flynn announced, brushing off his long, black felt duster.

“I don’t mean to rush you, but if we’re going to see the preacher today, we need to go now before the snow has fully arrived.” Rand looked at her with a questioning gaze.

“I am ready.” She stood from her seat. “Thank you for your hospitality,” she told Myrtle.

“Wait, Flynn and I are coming with you. You’ll need a witness, correct?” Myrtle jumped up from her seat, quickly gathering the empty teacups and saucers.

Lettie hadn’t thought of that. She looked to Rand for the answer.

“Yes, we will. We’d be honored to have you there.”

“Then let’s go.” When Myrtle cast a smile her way, Lettie felt she had, truly, found a friend.

Pastor Gibbons stood in front of the altar instead of his usual spot behind the pulpit. Rand stood facing him with Lettie at his side. Myrtle stood beside Lettie and Flynn beside him. When he’d married Mellie, he’d held her hand during the ceremony. At the beginning of this wedding, he had reached for Lettie’s hand but withdrew before making contact.

Once the pastor began, Rand forced all thoughts of Mellie from his mind. He’d made a decision, and he had to honor it. Thinking of his first wife while marrying his second was uncouth—he owed it to Lettie to focus on her. His eyes sure didn’t mind focusing their attention on her. Behind her obvious exhaustion, existed an attractive woman with a wholesome beauty. Silky strands of auburn hair were pulled back into a twisted knot atop her head, allowing full view of her endearing heart-shaped face. A determined strength shone in her cinnamon eyes, almost disguising her nervousness. She was neither petite nor large but slightly taller than most women he’d known.

Pastor Gibbons finished reading scriptures, and the time had come to recite vows. Rand turned sideways so that he faced Lettie. Reaching for her hands, this time he took hold of them. He clasped them tightly to still her trembling fingers. One at a time, they repeated after Pastor Gibbons.

“I now pronounce you man and wife.”

He’d done it. He’d satisfied his promise to Mellie. Now his future was dedicated to fulfilling the vows he’d just declared to Lettie. The prospect of spending his life with her didn’t appear as daunting as it had this morning before she’d arrived. From the moment he’d rescued her from hitting the ground, a protectiveness toward her had wrapped itself around his heart. He would do whatever he could to provide her with a happy, safe and content life.

With the knowledge of an approaching storm, congratulations were kept to a minimum. The small group went to the door and when Rand opened it, a strong gust of wind blew snow into the church. Visibility was greatly diminished through the blanket of precipitation rapidly coming down.

He closed the door and turned to the others, a grim look on his face. “The storm blew in quicker than we expected.” Looking toward Lettie, he broke the news. “We’ll have to stay in town tonight. Returning to the ranch would be too dangerous.”

His heart constricted with sympathy when he saw Lettie’s stricken face. “What will we do?”

“We’ll hurry to make it to the boarding house. It’s only a few buildings down from the Fosters, but we must take them home first.”

“Nonsense,” Myrtle spoke up. “We have a spare bedroom downstairs. The man who built the house when Weatherton was only a handful of people had a lame leg and couldn’t walk up steps.”

“Myrtle, darling, the storm is only getting worse. I don’t think they need a history of our home, but they are welcome to stay with us.”

“We couldn’t impose. The boarding house will suffice.” He should have paid closer attention to the weather. Everyone in the state knew how rapidly a blizzard could approach.

“Fiddlesticks. Ever since Gretchen married, the house is much too empty. As my husband kindly pointed out, we don’t have much time.”

Lettie looked at him with pleading eyes, and Rand realized that she would prefer staying with the Fosters. A bond of friendship had swiftly formed between the two. Staying with Flynn and Myrtle would be a small price to pay to set his new wife at ease. Actually, other than being an imposition, he would prefer spending the night at the Foster’s house rather than the boarding house a well.

“If it’s no trouble, we will be happy to stay with you for the night,” Rand relented, reversing his previous stance. Lettie’s shy smile confirmed he’d made the right decision.

The wind howled through the air.

“Is everyone ready?” Flynn asked.

A variety of yes’s filled the church.

Rand wrapped one arm around Lettie’s shoulder, an attempt to protect her from the elements as they ventured out the door. Pastor Gibbons turned to the right, making the short trek to the parsonage beside the church. Hurriedly, Rand led Lettie to his conveyance, Myrtle and Flynn following directly behind them. Struggling against the storm, Rand managed to get them back to the Foster’s house, but he still had to get his team sheltered.

“You shouldn’t try to make it to the livery,” Flynn advised after seeing the ladies safely inside. “Visibility is lessening by the minute. Bring them around back. We can put them in my outbuilding for the night.”

Not an ideal solution, but Flynn gave sage advice. If he tried to board them at the livery, there was a possibility he’d not make it back. At least Flynn’s suggestion provided a measure of protection for his horses.

“There’s a barrel of oats in the corner. Help yourself.”

Not questioning why there were oats when Flynn owned no horses, Rand went about securing his horses in a small building, feeling confident they’d stay in place. He was grateful he’d taken the time to train them so they wouldn’t stray when their reins were dropped to the ground. By the time he finished, his hands were frozen under the thick leather gloves. The temperature was that cold. He couldn’t see the house, but he saw a glowing light. He followed it and once closer, discovered someone had placed a candle in the window to direct him back.

Finding the door, he reached and turned the knob, his teeth chattering. Immediately, he removed his gloves and rubbed his hands together, searching for any measure of warmth.

Walking into the room, Lettie’s mouth formed a small
O
when she saw him. “You must be absolutely frozen. Take your wet coat and boots off and come warm up. Mr. Foster has the fire burning nicely.”

There’d be no argument from him. Without a word, he removed his outer garments, garnering warmth simply by removing the offending attire. Lettie picked them up, carrying them back into the room she’d come from. Rand followed, seeking out the fire’s heat. Slowly, the feeling came back to his extremities and his teeth stopped knocking against each other.

“Have some coffee.” Lettie handed him a cup of steaming liquid. He hadn’t seen her leave the room and return. “I didn’t add anything to it. Myrtle said you usually take it black.”

“She’s right. Thank you.” He took the cup and grasped it with both hands, letting the heat suffuse into his hands.

“I’m sorry about everything.” She ducked her head and wouldn’t make eye contact.

“Why are you sorry?”

“For being careless and causing delays. Had I not slipped, we could have been back to your house tonight.”

“There was nothing careless about your actions,” he assured her. “Everything you can put your feet on is treacherous right now. Anyone could have slipped. The important thing is that you weren’t hurt.”

“What about your livestock? Will they suffer from you not being home tonight?”

“I appreciate your concern, but your safety and well-being trumps theirs. If it makes you feel better, I’m sure they’ll survive. The cattle have been through blizzards before and my other livestock is housed in the barn.”

Creased eyebrows told him Lettie wasn’t certain he was telling the truth. “I’d feel horrible if they found harm on my account.”

“Should anything happen to them, it would be the fault of nature, not you. Please don’t fret.” His hand suspended in midair before he decided to rest it against her arm. “Blizzards and ice are a part of life here. Did you have snow storms in Maryland?”

“Yes, sometimes, but rarely coming in quickly like this one.”

“I’d like to say you get used to them, but I’m still working on that.” He flashed her a smile, hoping to set her at peace. “However, you do become more accustomed to them and become better prepared.”

Lettie darted her gaze around the room, her hands fidgeting. “I’ll see if Myrtle needs help to prepare supper. I feel as though I should be helping.”

“Go ahead and enjoy this time with Myrtle. She’s a wonderfully good lady.”

“I like her,” Lettie stated. “Would you like another cup of coffee first?”

“Thank you, but I am fine. As soon as my boots are dry, I’ll be getting up to join Flynn for a game of chess.”

“Okay. Well, I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me.”

He watched her disappear from the room. She walked with confidence, but he’d seen the uncertainty in her eyes. His new wife was brave, that much was certain. They hadn’t had much time alone to talk, but he wanted to know what she was thinking, how she was adapting to the changes.

His chance came a few hours later. After supper was eaten, and the dishes cleaned, the four adults sat by the fire in the parlor, swapping stories and sharing conversation. An hour later, Flynn and Myrtle discreetly excused themselves, claiming sleepiness. By their tired eyes, he suspected they were telling the truth, especially since Flynn had been out the previous night delivering Sally Ann Jessup’s baby.

For a few minutes, he observed Lettie. Oblivious to his scrutiny, she stared into the fire, watching the flames dance. A lit candle was slowly melting on the table beside her. When he stood up, his movements caught her attention, and she glanced at him. Crossing the braided rug, he strode to the empty chair which Myrtle had previously occupied. He took a seat, placing himself only two feet from her.

“Would you like to retire to bed now or stay up for a while?” he asked.

Her eyes rose at the corners and a stricken look took over her face, confusing Rand. “Let’s stay up and talk for a spell,” she answered quickly. Too quickly.

With only the candlelight and shadows from the flame, he could still see the blush rising from her neck and spreading over her cheeks. Then he understood and almost blushed himself. She was nervous about sharing a bed with him. He had no intention of claiming his marital rights until they were both comfortable with each other and better acquainted, but to mention openly that and broach the subject would only increase the discomfiture. So he let it be and hoped for conversation to draw them together and bring back their easy camaraderie they’d had earlier in the day.

It dawned on him that he still didn’t know when her baby was due. Their baby. He had promised to raise the child as his own and that was one promise he looked forward to keeping. “When will the baby make an appearance?” he asked, hoping not to offend her by such a personal question. It was pertinent information.

The question had the desired effect. Her features relaxed and a gentle smile graced her mouth. “Sometime in May.” As she answered, her hands went to her stomach. He doubted she was aware of the gesture.

He was unprepared for the twist of his stomach. “Have you thought of any names?”

“For a girl, I like the name Naomi.”

“That is a pretty name. And for a boy?”

She hesitated and bit her lip before answering. “If the baby is a boy, I’d like to name him Daniel. If that’s okay with you,” she added.

“I think that would be a great way to honor his father.”

“Are you certain? You don’t think that would be awkward for you?”

A lump formed in his throat. He was rapidly learning how selfless Lettie was. “Not at all. Tell me about Daniel, please.”

“I don’t know. Wouldn’t it be weird for us to talk about our first spouses?”

“On the contrary, I think we should. At least this once. We are married now and our relationship will be about us, but Daniel and Mellie are a part of our past. And I’d like to know all about you, including that part.”

He watched her suck in a deep breath, then slowly exhale. “Daniel and I knew each other since we were children. Our families went to the same church, but that’s where the similarities ended. My parents never thought he was good enough for me, even as a friend. His family was poor.
Farmers,
my mother would remind me with distaste, but that never bothered me. When I looked at Daniel and his family, all I saw were loving aunts, uncles, parents, cousins, brothers and sisters. They were everything I wanted for my own family. I’m not sure I should confess this next part.”

“You can tell me anything,” he prodded gently, “but I’ll understand if you don’t.”

“I loved spending time with his family, but my parents would not allow it. When I was thirteen, I began lying and telling my parents I was doing charity work, but I really was spending time with Daniel’s family. He would ride into the city, pick me up and take me to his family’s farm. This went on for years.”

A chuckle escaped before Rand could stop it. “You’ve been so honest, I can’t imagine you would say such a large lie.”

“It’s not something that I’m proud of, but I can’t honestly say I regret it. Those times with his family taught me what I needed to know about being a person, not just a woman with no place in society except to look pretty and entertain.”

“Your parents never found out?”

Her lips curved downward in a frown. “No. They were too absorbed in their own lives to pay much attention to mine. As long I showed up where and when they directed, they gave me little heed.”

Rand’s heart went out to her. He’d lost his parents on the brink of becoming a man, but at least they had showered him and his sister with love while they were alive. “How did you come to marry Daniel if your parents didn’t approve?”

“By the time we were eighteen, our friendship had turned into love. Daniel was a very honorable man and my deception to my parents never sat well with him. He insisted on going about an engagement the proper way, by getting approval from my father. Of course, my father said no without giving the matter any consideration. Patient beyond what I could ever be, Daniel waited, praying for my father to change his mind.”