Cupid Amok
by
Janice Sagraves

ONE

The marble cherub sat atop its granite pedestal, its chin resting in one delicate hand as if pondering the foibles and incongruities of life as it looked back across the dormant, snowed under garden toward the Banning house. Since being installed on its stony perch some years back, much had happened in its presence. Children playing hide-and-seek among the rose bushes and the adjacent pines, plenty of walks in the moonlight, a tree planting ceremony in remembrance of a fallen friend of the family, the weeping of the eldest daughter for a crush tragically dashed, and the same young lady bitten by a rattle snake which was quickly dispatched by a handsome cowpoke. And now Valentine’s Day was coming around again, as it did every February, and it was anyone’s guess what it would bring about for the unfathomable humans. It could be one of the amusements in the scheme of things when romance came into play, and what could occur as the result could be new each time. The sun had long since melted off the dusting of snow that had come through the night and cast shadows about the angelic face, and the mouth seemed more curved, and maybe it was.

*******

Adam Cartwright came back into the big white two-story house comfortably settled on the expansive Angel Ranch. He shucked out of his coat and hung it along with his hat on the rack by the sturdy front door. He grinned as he looked toward the dining room side of the large ell-shaped room and started in that direction. His wife had already seated herself at the mahogany table next to his chair at the head of it.

“You’re up early,” he said as he kissed the side of her head.

“I always get up early,” she said with a frown of mild offence.

“A little less each morning in the past several weeks,” he said as he pulled his chair out and sat down.

Angelica Cartwright had entered into her seventh month of pregnancy, and she looked as if she had swallowed a fair-sized watermelon whole. She had pretty much gotten used to his good-natured ribbing but this morning the baby was restless, and she wasn’t in the mood. Picking up her napkin, she gave it a sharp jerk and placed it in her lap but didn’t look at him.

Adam could see that he had irked her, though that hadn’t been his intention. He reached out and placed his hand on her wrist and those deep violet eyes met with his. “I’m sorry,” he said on a smile. “Do you feel bad this morning?”

The vexation evaporated from her face and the corners of her fine mouth turned up and lit those selfsame eyes. “Not bad really, but the baby is unsettled.”

Adam’s concern couldn’t be hidden as he got up and went to her and felt her forehead. “Should I send somebody for Dr. Robey?”

She grasped his hand and pulled it down. “No, sweetest, I’m all right. We didn’t have the best night in the world and now it’s telling on us.”

“I still think I should send for the doctor.”

“Adam Stoddard Cartwright, don’t be such a worrier. Since last month…” But she didn’t finish as she saw him go pale as a sheet. “Now I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought that up.”

He gave her another kiss and returned to his chair.

“Why don’t you go into town today?” she said on a cheerier note. “I’m sure Siddon and Steve would love to see you. You haven’t been since…” and her voice trailed off.

“Since we took Marnes’ body in to the sheriff.”

His dark hazel eyes were darker than she had seen them in a while, and his acorn brown skin had blanched. She began rubbing her fingertips gently back-and-forth across the back of his hand. “That was four weeks ago.”

“Four weeks, three days and an odd assortment of hours, minutes and seconds, but who’s counting.” He made a halfhearted stab at a grin.

“Adam, that wasn’t your fault, and I’m fine, the baby’s fine and Roscoe Marnes is dead.”

“But he wasn’t the only one I ever crossed, and who’s to say that any one of them won’t show up.”

“And if they do we’ll face them together like we did Marnes.”

A deep breath swelled his full chest, and he watched her methodically rubbing.

“We’ll be all right, and since then someone’s always here. You never stray very far, and your work has suffered for it. The men don’t say anything because they understand, but I know they miss their old boss. I can see it in Chris McCutcheon’s face every time he looks at you.” She snickered. “And I’d just as soon take on a band of outlaws as Maggie with a shotgun. When she asked you to teach her how to use one I wasn’t so sure it was a good idea, but I must admit that I feel safer.”

He finally looked at her. “He hated me…, but you didn’t do anything to him.”

“He was so filled with the poison that had been building for so long that that was all he knew, and he wanted to do to us what he felt you had done to him and his family.”

“I know all that, and when I think about what he did to you and our baby…” and he leaned against the table and buried his face in his hands.

She had seen this coming on him for some time now. The terrible episode from the previous month had finally come to a head, and she was going to do what she could to open the floodgates further, for both their sakes. She stroked the heavy black hair at the back of his head. “It’s time we finally put that behind us. Do you realize this is the most we’ve talked about it since it happened? And it’s well past time. Now after breakfast I want to you do me a favor.” He took his hands away, and she could see the tears glistening in those eyes that could make her heart beat faster.

“What’s that?” he asked with a strained voice.

“I want you to go into Bantree, and visit with your friends, and don’t come back for at least an hour.”

“Angelica, I’d rather…”

“Adam, you need this. You need to get away from the ranch, and it won’t hurt anything for us to be apart for a short time.”

“I didn’t think you liked for us to be apart.”

“I didn’t say I liked it, I just said you needed it.”

“And what do you need?”

“What’s best for you and our child.” She giggled. “And I can’t think of a better tonic than Siddon Banning and Steve Balasco. For a month you’ve hung over me like a shadow, and while I’ve enjoyed having you close, I know that we need to get back to our life.” She put a hand against his cheek. “We can’t let Roscoe Marnes ruin our lives from the grave forever.”

He just stared at her then grasped her fingers tightly and pressed them to his lips. “I was blessed the day you came to the Ponderosa.”

“And so was I.”

Rising from his chair, he leaned closer to her, took her chin tenderly and kissed her succulent mouth.

Maggie O’Shea stood out of sight in the kitchen watching them, holding a plate of fried ham. It hadn’t been her intention to eavesdrop but she had heard most of their conversation. Since the beginning of the New Year she had watched her Adam and her Angelica suffer from the effects from what that odious man had put them through. Her eyes squeezed together as she thought back on those first few long days and nights afterward. And while Miss Angelica had recovered some, Mr. Adam had been harder to come around, though he wouldn’t admit it.

Adam finally sat back down and Maggie took that as her cue to put breakfast on the table and went into the dining room. “Breakfast is ready,” she announced in her hearty Irish brogue as she placed it in front of them. “Now I’ll just go get the rest of it.”

As she turned back for the kitchen, she discreetly wiped a tear from the corner of one of her nutmeg eyes.

TWO

Siddon Banning sat at the substantial desk in his paneled study going over some figures from a business venture he had entered into. His broad frame filled the specially made chair as he pored over the documents. A knock came at the door, and his onyx head rose. “Yes.”

It opened a wide crack and an equally dark head poked inside. “Giles said it’d be all right if I announced myself.”

“Adam,” Siddon boomed as he came up out of the chair, the papers forgotten for the moment. “It’s been too long so get yourself in here and sit down.”

He came around the desk – a large hand extended in friendship – and went toward Adam.

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything important,” Adam said as he took the proffered hand and pumped it.

“It’s important but not anything that can’t wait while we visit. Sit down, sit down.” He gestured toward the black leather sofa along the wall and took a seat on the corner of his desk. “You look a lot better than you did the last time I saw you. And how’s Angelica?”

“Well enough to run me off,” Adam said with a grin.

“Run you off? Why? Nothing’s wrong, is it?”

“No, nothing’s wrong. She just thought I needed to get away from the ranch for a while.”

There was a light tapping and then Mason Giles – the houseman that kept things running smoothly – stepped in with a tray of sandwiches and coffee. “It’s nearing the midmorning meal,” he said as he placed everything on the desk, “and I thought Mr. Cartwright might like something to eat as well.”

“Thank you, Giles, I think I would.”

Giles, a former roustabout at the lumber camps, was the very model of efficiency. A master cook and organizer, he kept the household humming like a well oiled machine. Once he had the two men served, he flashed a smile, a golden tooth showing at the front of it, and left without being dismissed.

“I still haven’t figured out how he knows ahead of time what’s required of him,” Siddon said and took a sip. “It’s almost like he knows before we do.”

“Sounds like Hop Sing.”

“So, tell me how you and Angelica have been doing. We wanted to come out but we figured after a thing like that you just needed some time to yourselves, and we didn’t want to impose.”

“Friends are never an imposition…. Angelica’s doing better now but…” Adam glared into his cup and sighed then looked up at his friend. “I tell you, Siddon, there for the first week we were scared to death she was gonna lose the baby…. She would wake up in the middle of the night screaming for me and crying.”

Siddon absentmindedly lifted the cup and sipped as he watched Adam and listened.

“I’d hold her and talk to her…” Adam went on, “and sometimes I’d sing to her or recite poetry until she fell asleep in my arms…. At the slightest little noise she’d jump like a startled deer…, but she’s better.” He picked up his spoon and began vigorously stirring his coffee, even though he always drank it black.

“And what about you...? How’re you doing?”

Adam forgot about the coffee. “I suppose I could be better…. Sid, when I thought I might lose her…” He began massaging the ache in his right temple. “It scares me, but I think I would’ve enjoyed killing Roscoe Marnes…. Sometimes I still dream about putting my hands around his throat and squeezing until his eyes glaze over… then blood gushes from his mouth and covers my hands.” He shook his head as if shaking the thoughts and images from his brain. “But I guess we’ll never know for sure.”

“I would have.”

The hazel eyes shot to Siddon’s face and a feather could have been heard to drop.

“But let’s not talk about such things anymore,” Siddon said robustly and slapped him on the knee. “I tell you what. It’ll soon be the fourteenth, so why don’t we take Angelica and Carolyn to Tabler’s for a Valentine supper?”

Adam thought about it for a few seconds then his face brightened. “I think that’s a splendid idea, and I know Angelica’ll love it. She hasn’t been away from the house since… well, in a while.”

“Good, then it’s all set. Now all we have to do is tell our wives.”

*******

“Oh, Adam,” Angelica said as she sat awkwardly on the settee. “I wanted our first Valentine’s Day together to be just us. Don’t get me wrong, I think the world of Siddon and Carolyn, but I thought we would spend a romantic evening here. Me and Maggie have even been working on what to serve.”

“I’m sorry,” he said as he sat next to her. “I thought you’d enjoy it, you’ve been in the house so much lately. I’ll tell Siddon you don’t really want to.”

“Don’t you dare. I wouldn’t hurt their feelings for the world, and it’ll be good for both of us…. I think I can make the sacrifice this time…, and it’ll be nice to be with them. Do you realize that you haven’t taken me to Tabler’s, not even once?”

“An oversight, I assure you.”

She leaned against him, and his arm stole around her.

“All I have to do now is find something to wear.”

*******

“Siddon Augustus Banning, what were you thinking?” Carolyn Banning flounced across the main parlor to the ornate Italian marble fireplace, petticoats rustling, and then whirled on him. “Don’t misunderstand, I adore Adam and Angelica, but I had planned an intimate supper with just the two of us. Giles was going to prepare roast pheasant, and the girl’s were going to stay with the Carvers and…. Well, it doesn’t matter now.” She crossed her arms in front of her and turned her back to him, her miffed blue eyes setting on the flames.

Siddon had pretty much gotten used to his wife’s spurts of temper, usually directed at him, and he loved her too much to let them bother him, but he knew this wouldn’t improve. He ruffled his fingers in his hair then smoothed it back and went to her. He took her shoulders and it was like taking hold of solid stone. “I guess I just didn’t think.”

“And this is supposed to surprise me?” she said without turning or looking at him.

Siddon cringed. This was just the beginning. “I guess I could tell Adam…”

She abruptly spun on him. “You’ll do no such thing. I’ll not have them believing that we don’t want to be in their company. Why I’d cut off my hands before I’d hurt either one of them.” She tossed her golden head and clicked her teeth. “I swan, Siddon, sometimes you can be so thoughtless. You should have consulted me first. Didn’t you think I had plans for Valentine’s Day?” A heavy sigh was accompanied by the usual drawing in of her mouth. “Well, I suppose there’s no way out of it…. Very well, I’ll just have to live with it.”

He leaned closer to kiss her but she pulled away and swished from the room. Siddon just looked after her departure and a small groan left him. This wasn’t the first time he had crossed his wife, and he knew what lay in store for him until she cooled down, and it made his mouth dry as cotton.

Rubbing one hand over his chin, he contemplated the next few days, at least until the fourteenth passed. “I need a brandy.” He huffed. “I need several.”

THREE

Steve Balasco had been tending bar at The Wooden Nickel for going on five years now. He had come west from Illinois – Chicago to be precise – and he liked it out here. He had seen enough of city life to last him a lifetime, and he liked it in the town of Bantree.

He had just poured another beer for one of the few patrons’ for that time of day and returned to polishing the long wooden bar. His concentration, however, was disrupted when he realized that the men had hushed. Looking up, he saw that they were staring at something so he followed their line of sight and dropped the polishing cloth onto the shiny surface. His throat closed, and he couldn’t get from behind the bar fast enough, and rushed toward the doorway.

“Miss Cadence, what’re you doing in here?” he asked as he looked nervously around him. “You shouldn’t be in here.”

“I just wanted to see what it’s like in here,” Fiona Cadence said as her soft gray eyes set on his finely chiseled face. “I’ve been by here so many times, and I was curious.”

“Well, curious or not, you shouldn’t be in here. This is no place for a girl.”

“I’m a woman of sixteen now,” she said as she haughtily jutted her chin out.

“For all of two days, but this is still no place for a lady.”

Her expression went dreamy-like. “You think I’m a lady?”

“Yes, and a very pretty one,” he clipped and put himself between her and the men. “Now why don’t you let me see you home?”

“I’d like that very much.”

He got his hat from behind the bar and put it on then his coat and slipped into it as he went back to her. “I’ll be back in a few minutes, fellas, and if anyone breaks or steals anything I’ll know it, so behave yourselves.” Then he hustled the young woman out amid laughter.

The small white clapboard house where Fiona lived with her mother was located near the center of town and not so far from the saloon. Steve kept a firm grip on her elbow as they stepped to the edge of the boardwalk and waited for a large wagon to pass then started across.

“This is very kind of you,” she said as she watched him more than where they were going.

“It’s no problem, and my pleasure.”

“No, really, it’s very, very kind, and I’d like to do something for you.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

“But I insist.”

“All right. You cannot come into the saloon again.”

They came up onto the walkway on the other side and kept going.

“Why? I didn’t hurt anything.”

“Just promise me that you won’t do it again.”

“I promise, but only if you let me do something nice for you.”

They stopped in front of her house, and he opened the gate for her. “You don’t need to do that, and I don’t want to havta tell your mother that you were in a saloon.”

“All right, I promise it won’t happen again.” She moved closer to him and looked longingly up at him. “Isn’t it customary for a man to kiss a woman when he sees her home?”

Steve nearly swallowed his teeth and cold air rushed into his lungs. It was time for a strategic retreat but he wasn’t quite sure how to pull it off. She put a hand tenderly against his cheek, and he really wanted to hightail it out of there.

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea right outside where anyone passing by can see.”

“I don’t care if they see. I’ve nothing to be ashamed of.”

“And what if your mother’s watching us?”

She brought her hand away, and glanced back at the house. “Maybe you’re right.” Her mouth turned demurely. “I will see you again won’t I…, Steve?”

He gulped hard at the lump lodged in his throat. “Well, we do live in the same town so I think it’s safe to say that you will.”

“I’m glad…. And I’m glad you walked me home.”

“My pleasure,” he said haltingly.

“Good-bye…, Steve.” She put her hand on the back of his where it rested on the gate then she turned and went up onto the porch. Then, with one last look back at him, she went into the house.

Absentmindedly, he pulled the gate closed but he just continued staring at the front door. With lips pursed, he blew out his breath and it turned into translucent white vapor. “Oh, boy…. Wait’ll I tell Adam about this.” Then he headed back up the street.

*******

The sky had grown grayer as dusk began closing up the night when Chris McCutcheon pulled his little dun mare to a stop in front of the striking mansion at the end of town. The outside lamps had been lit for the evening and created yellow pools in the gathering darkness to guide visitors. He climbed down and gave Dunny a pat on the neck then tethered her to the wrought iron hitch rail. His boots clomped as he came up onto the portico and went to the door and rapped the heavy brass knocker. After several well chilled seconds it opened and warm light spilled out.

“Evening, Mr. Chris,” Mason Giles said, the soft light glinting on his single golden tooth and highlighting his angular face. “I don’t think I havta ask why you’re here. It’s been five days since you’ve seen Miss Amelia. Now come in outta the cold. She’ll kill me if you catch your death.”

Chris thanked him and took his hat off as he entered the large foyer. He stood at the base of the sweeping grand staircase as Giles closed the door and turned to him.

“Let me take your coat and hat,” Giles said as he held his arms out. “You’ll stay to supper of course. I know Miss Amelia, and her mother won’t take ‘no’ for an answer.”

“I’d like that just fine,” Chris said as he handed over what the houseman had asked for. “But I’d like to ask her something first.”

“I’ll go get ‘er,” Giles said with a nod and a knowing wink. “You can wait in the main parlor.”

Chris was shown to the room in question then left alone. He stood before the fireplace and warmed his hands over the crackling fire. He had worn his Sunday best for this occasion, and he hoped Amelia approved. Her father had made it plain that he didn’t have to get all gussied up every time he paid a visit to the eldest Banning daughter, but this time the young man felt it not only right but required.

He looked around as Amelia Banning floated in like pale pink gossamer and came toward him, closing the door behind her. As he turned to her, Chris saw the door open to a discreet crack and knew that Giles was standing just outside.

“Chris,” she said ebulliently as she took his hands in her soft clasp and kissed his cheek. “I’m so glad you came. I didn’t expect it, which makes the surprise all the more pleasant. I hope Giles wasn’t remiss in asking you to dine with us.”

Chris thought he knew what she meant, though the word ‘remiss’ kind of threw him. “I’ve been asked to stay for supper if that’s what you mean.”

She giggled frivolously, and her slim, elegant fingers tightened on his.

“Miss Amelia, I’ve got a special cause for being here tonight. Maybe it coulda waited but my ma always taught us to strike while the iron’s hot. And besides that, I’m tired of waitin’.” He eased her closer to the dark emerald green brocaded settee. “Sit down.”

Her clear blue eyes stayed on his face as she did his bidding, gracefully settling her skirt and petticoats around her. Taking her hands again, he got down on one knee before her, and her heart fluttered like the wings of a trapped bird.

“Miss Amelia, we’ve been seeing each other for nigh to a year-and-a-half now, and… you’ve become mighty important to me. I’ve known some women in my time but you’re the first real lady, and… I’d like to live the rest of my life doin’ my best to make you happy and lovin’ you with all I got…. I know I ain’t rich like your pa or the boss but I’m drawin’ good pay and the boss said we could have a house right there on the Angel…. He’s even gonna design it for us, and you can pick the spot…. I spose what I’m tryin’ to say is…” His head ducked bashfully then that teal gaze came back to her face. “Would you marry me and the sooner the better?”

“Oh, Chris. I’d love to, but does it have to be right now?” she said with a light laugh as she pulled her hand free and put on his face.

His eyes grew darker and a caramel-colored wave hung over his forehead. “Is that your way o’ sayin’ you don’t wantta marry me?”

“That’s not what I said at all.”

“Then just what did you say ‘cause I think I heard no in there someplace?”

“Yes, I want to marry you. I’ve lain awake at night and imagined what it would be like to be Mrs. Christopher Travailian McCutcheon.”

“But when it comes right down to it, to hear me say it, you don’t want to,” he said as he removed her hand from his face.

“Christopher, don’t be so sensitive, and listen to what I’m saying. It’s just that there’s so much to do and… well, my mother married when she was eighteen, and I’d like to wait until I am too. And since I will be in this coming August it won’t be that long, and we can get so much done.”

“My pa was married when he was nineteen but I ain’t been nineteen for a few years. So does that mean I cain’t get married?”

“Christopher, you’re blowing this all out of proportion.”

“When my ma called me by my christened name I knew I was in trouble and probably in for a good shellacking…. Maybe my comin’ here tonight was a mistake, and maybe my thinkin’ you’d wantta marry the likes of me was a mistake too.” He released her hands and stood. “I guess what’s important to me ain’t to you.” He jerked the lapels of his jacket to straighten them out. “I’m sorry I bothered you.” Then he stalked out.

She sat in stunned silence; her saddened eyes watching the movement through were the door was ajar.

“Would you get my coat and hat, Giles?” she could only hear his voice. “I won’t be stayin’ after all, and it looks like I won’t be back neither.”

Only the sound of footsteps followed then the closing of the front door. One hand went to her mouth then – with a whimper – she fell forward and buried her face against the heavy fabric. Her heart wrenching sobs drowned out everything, and she didn’t know anyone had come in until she felt a hand on her back.

“Amelia, dear, what’s wrong? Did Chris say something to hurt you?”

Amelia’s crying abated slightly, and she looked up into her mother’s sympathetic face. “Oh, Mother, I’ve ruined everything.” She threw her arms around her mother, and her weeping renewed itself.

FOUR

Adam went out to the barn after breakfast to hitch the team to the dark red sleigh he’d sent all the way to Vermont for. As he entered he became aware of a low grumbling and watched as a bucket sailed before him and struck the wall.

“Chris?”

A caramel head popped up from behind a partition and the face went ashen at the sight of him. “Oh, Boss, I didn’t hear you come in.”

“Obviously,” Adam said as his long legs propelled him toward the young man. “What’s wrong?”

“Who says anything’s wrong?”

“I do, unless you’re in the habit of cussing the livestock and throwing buckets into walls. So you might as well fess up.”

Chris stepped around in front of him, his cheeks bearing a rosy blush. “Oh, it ain’t nothin’.”

“At the risk of repeating myself…”

“All right, I guess I know when I’m caught.” He sat back hard against the grain bin, and his hands rested in his lap. “It’s… Ah, blast it all, I asked Miss Amelia to marry me last night. I got myself all prettied up, used some o’ that Bay Rum ya give me and rode all the way into town just to get the mitten.”

“You’re kidding. She actually said no?”

“Not in so many words, but that’s what she meant.”

“Let me get this straight,” Adam said as he sat next to him, “you asked her to marry you, and she turned you down but she didn’t exactly say no? Just exactly what did she say?”

“That she wants to wait.”

“Is that all? I thought she turned you down.”

“Amounts to the same thing.”

“Chris,” Adam said as he put an arm around the boy’s shoulders, “a ‘let’s wait’ doesn’t always amount to ‘no let’s not’. Of course, I thought Amelia was pulling at the bit to get married.”

“She was, but I spose she cooled off a might.”

“Well, did she tell you why she wanted to wait?”

“There’s things to do.”

“There always is.”

“And her birthday’s in August.”

“This I know, but what’s that got to do with it?”

“Her ma was married when she was eighteen, but I don’t see why it’s so important to ‘er. I won’t love ‘er no more ‘n I do now.”

“Chris, don’t ever try to figure out what’s important to a woman. It’ll make a crazy man out of you…. Still, you may be overreacting just a tad, I mean; she only said she wanted to wait.”

Chris took his hat off and ruffled his hair.

“All right, out with the rest of it,” Adam said as he studied the boy’s face.

“I almost got married once before when I was nineteen, and she wanted to wait too…. The next thing I know she was married to somebody else.”

“Oh, so that’s it. You’re afraid lightning’s gonna strike again. Well, I don’t think you have anything to worry about, not with Amelia.”

“After the way I stormed outta there last night, don’t be so sure.” Chris shrugged off his arm and came to his feet. “I think it’s over. I doubt she’ll wantta see me anymore after this…, and I’m not so sure I wantta see her.” He slammed his hat back onto his head and trounced out just as Angelica was coming in without his even noticing her.

“What’s wrong with Chris?” she asked as she stepped to her husband.

“I’ll tell you all about it on the way into town.” He cupped her chin in his hand and looked straight into her eyes. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

“I think going into town is a good way to get back into living.”

“Then I’d better get to work so it won’t be midnight when we get back home.” He gave her kiss then went about hitching the team to the sleigh.

*******

It had taken longer than usual to get into Bantree because of the snow, but Adam and Angelica had been enjoying themselves so much that there had been no rush. He had left her at Miss Jenny’s Shop for Ladies with the promise that she wait for him, and he wouldn’t be gone long.

Adam had settled himself on the black leather sofa in Siddon Banning’s study while his friend took his usual perch on the corner of the large desk.

“Well, we might as well get at what’s on both our minds,” Adam said and took a sip of his coffee. “Have you told Carolyn yet?”

Siddon’s expression went sour. “Yeah,” was all he could muster. He ran his fingers back trough his thick ebony hair. “How about Angelica?”

“Yeah, and I got the impression that she was disappointed at first. She had planned on the evening being just me and her, this being our first Valentine’s Day together and the only one with just us before the baby comes. But now I think she’s actually looking forward to it. That’s the reason we came into town, so she could buy something special to wear.” He tittered. “All of her evening gowns and finest dresses don’t fit.” Adam took another sip.

“You’re a lucky man. I thought Carolyn was gonna strip the hide off me.” He hitched himself around and leaned closer to his friend. “You know, when she’s mad at me, when we go to bed she’s the hardest little woman to turn over.”

Adam stifled a laugh with a slug from his cup.

Now Siddon chortled. “But living with her does spice things up and keeps life from getting dull.”

“And admit it, you love her.”

“More ‘n anything in my life, except my girls, of course.” His dark brown eyes twinkled. “Well, maybe that much more,” he said as he held his beefy index finger and thumb apart slightly.

They had a good laugh at their wives’ expense then Siddon went serious. “I suppose you already know about what happened between Amelia and Chris last night.”

“I found him cussing and throwing things in the barn this morning and wangled it out of him. Did she tell you or her mother why he blew up like that?”

“She hasn’t said much about it at all either way except to say that she’s ruined everything. Living with Carolyn mad at me is one thing but they’re ganging up on me. I expect Marjorie and Juliet to get all worked up about something next…. He didn’t tell you what it’s all about, did he?”

“As a matter of fact he did. It turns out that he was jilted once before by a girl who asked him to wait when he asked her the same thing.”

Siddon whistled through his teeth. “No wonder the poor kid’s skittish.”

“Women.” Adam shook his head. “Can’t live with ‘em and can’t live without ‘em.”

“Ain’t it that truth.”

They had another good laugh and finished their visit with masculine chit chat. After about an hour and a light meal, Adam was forced to dismiss himself to go meet his wife, knowing that an hour wasn’t near long enough for a woman to go through pretty dresses and catch up on the latest gossip.

Adam was coming along the boardwalk in the direction of Miss Jenny’s when he became aware of someone calling his name and looked around to see Steve running across the street toward him.

“Good morning, Steve,” he said cheerfully, but as his friend drew closer he could see that that wasn’t the case. “You’ve got a problem; I can read it all over your face.”

“Do I ever,” Steve said breathlessly as he came up onto the boardwalk. “Problems of the female kind.”

A single dense black eyebrow rose. “You too?”

“Huh?”

“Never mind. I’ll tell you some other time. So who’s the lucky woman?” His mouth quirked mischievously.

“That’s not one bit funny, and you won’t think so either when I tell you who it is.”

“Sorry, so tell me.” But then Adam’s face plummeted. “Not Hersha Niemeyer? She’s been chasing after you since you got to town.”

“Nope, but I almost wish it was.”

“It can’t be that bad.”

“It can get me killed.”

“So who is it already?”

Steve looked about to make sure they were fairly alone, moved closer and lowered his voice. “Fiona.”

“Fiona!”

“Shhh, if her mother finds out I’m a dead man.”

Then Adam’s voice dropped. “My Fiona?”

“One and the same.”

Adam pushed his hat back on his head. “Boy, has Cupid got it out for you.”

“I’m glad you think it’s so amusing. You can laugh as they put me in the ground. Her mother’s gonna have my scalp.”

“Aren’t you being a little melodramatic? Mrs. Cadence likes you.”

“I doubt as a prospective son-in-law.”

“Oh, really.”

“I’ve noticed the girl watching and following me but I hadn’t really paid much attention until yesterday.”

“And what happened yesterday?”

“She came into the saloon. I about strangled my tongue. I got her out of there as fast as I could and told her she shouldn’t come back. I walked her home to make sure she got there safely, and she…” He gulped. “She…, in a round about way, asked if I wanted to kiss her.”

“So what’d you do?”

“About passed away. We were right in front of the house, and I could just imagine her mother marching out on us with a meat cleaver.”

Adam put a hand to his mouth to muffle the snicker he couldn’t help.

“Boy, I tell ya, when you get into trouble you sure know who your friends are.”

“I’m sorry, Steve,” Adam said as he gripped his arm firmly, “but I really don’t think it’s all that serious. She’s just going through a young girl’s crush. I went through it with Amelia Banning, and Joe got it last year. It’ll blow itself out soon enough, and if you need any help, you just let me know. I consider myself an expert on the subject.”

Steve’s brow wrinkled. “You really think so?”

“I sure do, now I’d love to stand here and talk but I’ve gotta go meet Angelica at Miss Jenny’s or she’s liable to have my hair.”

“Well, if you think that’s all there is to it.”

“Trust me. She’s just feeling her womanhood, and it’ll soon run its course.”

Steve still didn’t seem all so sure. “I guess you’re right.” He snorted. “I did kinda jump the gun there.” He puffed. “Well, I’d better get on back to The Nickel,” he started off across the street and glanced back, “and you tell that beautiful wife of yours Steve said hello.”

“I will.” Adam couldn’t help the laughter as he headed off for the little shop shaking his head. Cupid was definitely having his fun this time around.

FIVE

After supper, so worn out from her excursion into town, Angelica decided to turn in earlier than usual. Her feet had swelled from being on them so much, and her fatigue was near overwhelming. Her back ached unmercifully, and she stretched and rubbed it. As she did she looked down at herself and could see her belly moving as the baby did. With a smile, she placed her hands on it and could feel the little guy settling to rest; at least, she hoped so and not getting ready for another boxing match like he had been the night before.

“I hope you don’t keep me up again tonight,” she said as she snapped up the nightgown from the bed and slipped it over her head and pulled it down around her.

From behind, strong arms wrapped around her vastly expanded waist, and his head nestled against hers. “Listen to your mother, son. We need to let her get some sleep.”

Reaching back, she laced her fingers in his heavy black hair. “How do you know it’s a boy? It could be a little girl.”

“It’s just a feeling, but if I’m wrong and it is a girl I hope she’s the very image of her mother.”

“You won’t be disappointed?”

He disengaged her hand and turned her to face him. “Never. As long as she’s healthy and you’re fine I couldn’t want for more.” His eyes drank in the precious visage, and he took it in his hands. “I could wish to kill Roscoe Marnes all over again. When I think of what he put you and our child through for spiteful revenge I could…”

But her fingers against his lips smothered any further words. “We had agreed not to talk of him anymore. We can’t let him keep invading our lives. He did once and brought with him such hatred and bitterness and cruelty, and we can’t let that live after him. If we do then he’s defeated us as he set out to do, and we can’t let that happen. We can’t give him the satisfaction. When we went into town today we started on the road back, and we can’t stop now, so promise me you won’t speak of him, and I’ll give the same promise in return.”

“I promise. Hatred has no place in this house or in this marriage. Roscoe Marnes is a thing of the past and that’s where he’ll stay. All that matters now is you and the baby.”

He gave her a passionate kiss then she leaned her head against his broad chest, and he stroked the silken dark brown locks that had been let down for the night.

“You’re my reward, my riches in this life. Some men dig and toil for gold and silver and gems but I don’t need to ‘cause I’ve got all I want right here in my arms.”

The tears started and ran down her cheeks and wet his shirt. Before, happiness, true happiness, had just been a word but now she found it to be so much more. She reveled in his touch, and her heart soared at the sound of his voice. And for one cruel moment in time they nearly lost each other and it would haunt her forever though she would never let on to him. For him and their baby she had to be strong, and, as she said, she wouldn’t let the likes of Roscoe Marnes win.

*******

Chris McCutcheon sat on the side of his bunk as miserable as any one man could be. He had the kind of life that a young boy’s dreams were built on: a roof over his head, good chow, was foreman of what could become one of the finest spreads in the state and had the kind of friend that one could never doubt. He dropped his head into his hands and his fingers gnarled in his unruly hair. But he didn’t have Amelia Banning, the one thing that would complete it all.

With a grunt he jerked up and began pacing before the faint glow put out by the wood burning stove. His bare feet splattered against the wood plank floor as he stalked back and forth.

How had things gotten into such a gollywhompered mess? Had he overreacted as the boss suggested, and blown up over nothing? Had he been the one to throw away a good thing and not Amelia? Sure he was gun-shy after what Gertrude Sugarman had done to him but was that Amelia’s fault?

He swore under his breath and sat down hard on his bed causing the wooden frame to creak. With a huff, he lay back down, lacing his hands behind his head and stared up at bottom of the top bunk. His mind, however, continued to race like a runaway locomotive, and the possibility of sleep grew ever more remote. With a strangled groan, he bounded up to begin the anguished pacing again.

“Chris, would you cut out that infernal stalking like a caged cougar and go to sleep,” Juva Bailey snarled in the darkness. “We’ve got work to do tomorrow even if you don’t.”

But when Chris didn’t heed the advice a barrage of feather pillows evolved from the shadows and pelted him so that he lost his footing and landed on his butt.

“Go to sleep!” came in a chorus of disgruntled voices.

“All right,” Chris said meekly and crawled back into bed, but he knew he would never go to sleep. When he closed his eyes he only saw that lovely blue-eyed face surrounded by sunshine yellow ringlets.

*******

For the second straight night Amelia lay in her bed crying for what she called her lost love. She adored Chris McCutcheon with all her heart and soul, and she had dreamed of the time when he would propose marriage to her. Well, he had, and she had spoiled it all by asking him to wait. Why was it so important for her to turn eighteen before she wed? Just because her mother had been that age it didn’t mean she had to be. She picked up one of the frilly pillows and pressed it against her face as her sobbing built so she wouldn’t disturb her sleeping family.

She didn’t hear the door scrape over the large Aubusson rug as it pushed open or see the candle’s warm glow enter. Nor did she hear the soft, padding footfalls come to the bed. The pillow was pulled away from her face, and she momentarily stopped crying.

Carolyn placed the candle on the bed table and sat down next to her daughter. “For Chris again?” she asked as she pulled the girl’s hair back from her shoulders.

“Oh, Mother.” Amelia threw her arms about her waist and hid her face against her as the sobbing was refreshed. “I’ve ruined it. I’ll never see him again.”

“Don’t be so sure. The heart is a powerful thing, and if he loves you, truly loves you, he’ll be back.”

The girl calmed some and looked into her mother’s face with teary eyes. “Do you think so? Do you really think so?”

“If he honestly loves you, as I think he does, he wouldn’t let a raging forest fire keep you apart. But you’ll have to allow some time for a man’s pride. If not already he’ll begin to realize how foolish he’s been but said pride won’t let him rush right back to you. Just let it gnaw at him and give him some time to swallow it.”

“And what if he doesn’t?”

“Then he’s not the man I think he is and certainly not the one for you. Now,” and Carolyn leaned back against the headboard and wiped her daughter’s wet cheeks, “I want you to stop this crying and settle down in bed.”

“Will you stay with me?”

“Until you go to sleep.”

Amelia nestled close to her mother, and Carolyn began playing in the long blonde strands.

“Mother, tell me again about the first time you met Daddy.”

“Well, it was the Oregon Territory. I’d gone there with your grandfather when he went to check the operations of the lumber camp. When we got off the boat we were met by this big black-haired man that said he was the foreman. All the way there I couldn’t stop looking at him, and something whispered inside my head that he was the one.”

It took about half an hour for Amelia to finally fall asleep. Carolyn slipped back to the room she shared with her husband and put the candle down on the dresser by the door. She blew it out and returned to bed, draping her robe across the foot. As she eased in between the covers she looked over at the large form beside her. Snuggling close to him, she nibbled his earlobe. With a grunt, he turned over to face her.

“Everything okay?” he asked groggily.

“Everything’s just fine.” First she kissed the side of his neck then his mouth.

“It isn’t the fourteenth yet.”

“So it isn’t,” and she felt his muscular arms go around her.

*******

It was just after midnight as Steve finished locking the doors of the saloon. On first taking the job he had been offered a room upstairs but had preferred the relative quiet of the Widow Liddell’s boardinghouse. Some of the other saloons stayed open later than The Nickel and the house was farther away from them and their clamor.

As he walked on – his brogans thumping on the boardwalk – he found himself in a reflective mood. Fiona Cadence, girl that she was, had stayed ever most in his mind, and he couldn’t seem to shake her. Not so much because of what had happened, but because of the way his feelings had changed since talking to Adam. She was a handsome young woman to be sure, with soft ash brown hair, her mother’s gray eyes, and a mature figure for someone of her tender age. And, blast it all, he found himself wondering what it would be like to kiss her.

“You can cut out that notion,” he grumbled under his breath.

Crossing the street, he headed for the story-and-a-half rooming house. Granted, he had seen the girl since she and her mother had moved to town, and, from the start, he had felt a certain kind of unease around her. Once, the phrase ‘cradle robber’ had popped into his head, and he was only now figuring out why.

He went around to the back of the weathered whitewashed house and let himself quietly in through the door that the widow always left unlocked for late returning boarders. It opened onto a landing that led to a narrow, steep flight of stairs that would take him straight up to the rooms that were separate from the family’s living quarters.

He now found himself in a hopeless situation. He felt sure Verina Cadence would never allow a relationship between him and her daughter. It wasn’t like older men didn’t take up with younger women, it happened all the time, and her age should have nothing to do with her marrying anyone. His own mother had been married when she was fourteen to a man – Steve’s father – fifteen years her senior. But they had loved each other and stayed together until she became a widow at thirty.

The key turned in the lock, and he went inside, closing the door behind him. The room had been warmed by the slow fire he had left in the stove while he worked. He thought about lighting a lamp but he didn’t want to fool with it so he undressed in the dark like he did many nights. Groping his way to the bed, he turned down the covers and climbed in, and his head sunk into the pillow. His mind began to reel as he tried coming up with a solution to his dilemma.

“Not tonight,” he said gruffly. “You can’t keep yourself awake with this.”

He flopped over and brought the other pillow over his head to close out the sounds of those still reveling at the other saloons, and maybe to smother what was preeminent in his mind. But it didn’t work and sleep wasn’t forthcoming.

*******

Fiona Cadence lay in bed staring at the far wall of what had been Adam’s and Angelica’s room when they had been staying there before their own house was built. She could hear the music coming from the saloons, and her thoughts wandered to Steve Balasco. From the very first she had considered him extremely handsome. A tall, lean, lithe man with charcoal eyes that flashed with intelligence and chocolate brown hair, she had found herself looking forward to his visits with her brother-in-law. She had kept her growing feelings locked away until she couldn’t stand to any longer. Giggling furtively into the still room, she wondered what her mother would think if she ever read her youngest daughter’s diary.

Flipping onto her stomach, she clutched the pillow close and smiled. “Good night, Steve,” she said softly.

SIX

At breakfast the next morning, Adam decided that he would tell Angelica his little piece of news. She had been so thoroughly exhausted the night before and it simply had not been the time. But this morning her bright sparkling eyes and rosy complexion told a different story.

“You look better than you did at supper,” he said as he poured himself some coffee. “You looked so thoroughly worn out.”

“I was, but it was a good worn out.” Angelica daintily cut her ham into bite sized pieces. “And I had such an enjoyable time at Miss Jenny’s picking out my dress. I hope you like it.”

“If it’s on you I know I will.”

She snickered. “Flatterer. I’m round as a barrel.”

“But a very pretty barrel.”

Her deep eyes drilled in on him as she poked a bite of ham into her mouth.

“I saw Steve yesterday,” he said as his eyes darted clandestinely to her but her attention had returned to her plate, and she didn’t catch it.

“That’s good, dear. Did he come to Siddon’s?”

“No, it was on my way to meet you…, and I’m afraid he’s got problems.”

“Nothing too serious I hope.”

“He thinks so…, and I don’t know if anybody else will…. He’s being pursued… by a member of the feminine gender.”

“That’s wonderful, a good man like that shouldn’t be alone so long. Is it anyone I’m familiar with?”

“Actually, yes…. It’s Fiona.”

Her fork dropped onto the dish with a clatter, and her eyes shot to him. “Fiona! Is he leading her on?”

“Not exactly. She went into the saloon, and he couldn’t get her out of there fast enough. He walked her home and that’s when she asked if he wanted to… kiss her.”

“Why that little minx. Does mother know?”

“I don’t think so, and I’d take it as a personal favor if you wouldn’t tell her, at any rate, not yet. Her finding out scares Steve more than a little.” He sniggered. “He has visions of her coming after him with a butcher knife.”

“And rightfully so. Mother has always been protective of her children, especially us girls.” She pushed her plate away, appetite destroyed. “I knew she was growing up but I didn’t think it was this fast.” Her straight gaze zeroed in on him. “Does he have any feelings for my little sister?”

“He didn’t say. Steve’s always been a bit of a loner when it comes to women, and I think lonely for it. But she could do worse, and I don’t think better.”

“I know, but he’s sixteen years older than she is.”

“And I’m nine years older than you.” He got up and went around the table to her. “When it’s right, age difference has nothing to do with it, but I think it’s nothing more than a harmless crush.”

“I know you’re probably right.”

He kissed the side of her head and went back to his place. “Of course I am. Now you finish your breakfast,” and he pushed her plate back to her. “You’re not just eating for one anymore.”

Her expression softened as she picked up her fork and speared a morsel of ham. Eyes set on him, she stuck it in her mouth with a flourish, and it amused him. Breakfast picked up where it had left off and nothing else was said on the subject.

*******

The clock in the main parlor of the boarding house had just struck the quarter hour of six when someone came knocking.

Iva Liddell, a spare woman of not more than five foot tall, came from the dining room where she and her oldest daughter had been clearing the table from breakfast. Her shoes clacked on the parquet floor as another, more urgent rapping came, and she pushed back a graying chestnut hank and reached for the crystal knob. “Good morning, child. What’re you doing out at this time? It isn’t even light.”

Fiona rankled at the inference that she was a child but she didn’t let on. “I baked a pie, and I thought Mr. Balasco would like to have it. He’s such good friends with my brother-in-law, you know.”

Mrs. Liddell’s skeptical eyebrows rose. “Yes, I do. Now you come in out of the cold, and I’ll go get him.”

She thanked the woman and stepped into the fairly plain entryway and the door closed behind her. Mrs. Liddell went off and, as she stood there, Fiona became aware that she had become the center of attention. She could feel the gazes directed on her more than see them but she didn’t let them bother her. Her father and mother had always taught her and her siblings that other people’s perceptions, sometimes wrong, were not always important, and she felt that way about this.

“Good morning, Fiona. Miss Cadence,” Steve quickly corrected himself as he approached her. “Isn’t it awful early for you to be out wandering the streets? Does your mother know you’re here?”

“Yes,” she said flippantly and tossed her head. “My mother knows I’m a grown woman.” Her defiant eyes flashed around them. “You were so kind the other day, and I told you I wanted to do something for you. I hope you like dried apple pie.”

“Yes, very much so,” he said as he looked at the cloth covered object in her hands. “But you didn’t have to go to all the trouble. I told you it wasn’t necessary.”

“I thought it was. And I always pay my debts.”

Steve gulped hard and tugged at his suddenly too tight shirt collar. “I tell you what, I’ll take this upstairs to my room, and then I’ll walk you back home.”

“That sounds just fine to me,” and she handed over the pie.

With a pleasant, if somewhat uncomfortable, smile, he took it and started toward the back of the house. Fiona wiled away the time with eager anticipation and took delight in the interest directed at her.

“Well, are you ready?” Steve asked as he came toward her, shrugging into his coat.

She nodded, and he opened the door, and they went out. Mrs. Liddell came into the entryway, and her hawk-like features only sharpened. “Matty.”

A fawn-haired boy of roughly thirteen appeared from the dining room. “Yeah, Ma.”

“I want you to get your coat and follow Mr. Balasco and the young lady. Now be sprightly about it.”

“Yes, ma’am,” and he dashed off.

“I like this time of the morning, don’t you?” Fiona said as she pulled her cloak closer around her.

“I’m not a real big morning person. Nighttime is when I come to life.” He snickered. “I’ve always been that way. My mother used to tell me that I slept better through the day when I was a baby than at night when other people were trying to.”

“Tell me about her?”

“She was a fine lady. She was fourteen when she married my father, and he was twenty-nine.” Steve’s throat closed, and he wished he hadn’t added that. “”She was a good wife and mother, and she gave me ten brothers and sisters.”

“Which one were you?”

“The seventh.”

“That’s good luck,” she said joyfully.

“I guess so, but not all of it’s been so good.”

“Is that why you came to Bantree?”

“A part of it perhaps, but I think I just needed to get out of Chicago.”

“What’s it like living in the city?”

“It’s not as nice as this, especially the part I grew up in, and, to tell the truth, neither are most of the people, at least the ones I knew.”

They crossed the main street in the just awakening town and walked toward the oasis of light that shown from the porch light.

“We’re nearly there,” she said with obvious disappointment.

“That’s good, because I have to go to work, as pleasant as this has been.”

He opened the gate for her and followed her up onto the porch. A lamp burned in the dining room window and the front door was awash in warm light.

“Won’t you come in?”

“I wish I could, but like I said, I have to get to work.”

He looked down at her, soft shadows casting over her youthful features and tiny lights dancing in her eyes. Slowly and without much thought behind it, he took her face in his hands and raised it to him. His dark head lowered, and his lips brushed hers then he placed a kiss there and felt fire rush through his blood. His eyelids lowered as she returned it, and he felt a sensation he had never before known.

Fiona felt warm through-and-through and the cold air couldn’t touch her. This moment was beyond all the dreams she had ever had of what it could be like, and her heart beat like a wild drum. Steve Balasco was kissing her, and she wished it could never stop.

Suddenly, he looked into the delicate countenance as knowledge flooded his brain. He released her and stepped back. “I’m… I’m sorry, Fi… Miss Cadence.”

Just as abruptly, the front door jerked open.

“Mother.”

“Mrs. Cadence.”

Everything froze in time, and no one heard the feet beating rapidly up the street.

SEVEN

It was right after dinnertime, and Adam was in the barn giving Sport a good currying when someone rode into the yard. Chris had told him about Roscoe Marnes leaving the note and it had left him on the alert. Putting the brush aside, his hand went to the .44 on his hip, and he started out.

“Steve. I thought you’d be working?”

“I asked Burt to fill in for me,” he said as he leaned forward against the pommel. “Something’s come up that I need to talk to you about.”

“Then get down, and let’s go into the house where it’s warmer. Maggie can make us some coffee, and I know Angelica will love seeing you.”

“Thanks, but I’d rather stay out here,” Steve said as he stepped down.

Adam’s eyebrow rose in puzzlement. “All right. We’ll go back into the barn and get out of this biting wind.”

Steve followed after him, leading the horse he had rented from the livery stable.

Out of nowhere, a notion seized Adam, and he spun on his friend. “This has to do with Fiona, doesn’t it?”

“I’m afraid it does.”

“She say you could kiss her again?” Adam asked as he lowered his head and scratched the side of his neck.

“It’s a bit more serious than that. She came to the boardinghouse this morning to bring me a pie she’d baked. It was still dark, and I didn’t think she should be out alone so I walked her home.”

“Nothing wrong in that.”

Steve dropped the reins and went to one of the empty stalls. “I still don’t know how it happened.” He turned to Adam. “I saw her to the door, the gentlemanly thing to do…. She was so fairy-like in the light from the porch lamp, and… before I knew it… I was kissing her.”

Adam’s mouth fell agape. “Did anybody see you?”

Steve took his hat off as a grimace crossed his face. “Her mother caught us… and somebody else must have ‘cause some folks are treating me like a leper…. On my way to the livery Pete Venable and Frank McClung from the mill told me I oughtta be horsewhipped for taking advantage of a young girl.” Gripping the brim of the hat in both hands, he came toward his friend. “Adam, I’m telling you, that I didn’t mean for this to happen, and I wasn’t taking advantage of her. It’s just that…” The heel of his hand rested against his forehead.

“It’s just that what?”

Steve huffed and laughed ironically. “I really don’t know what…. She’s an awfully pretty girl and sweet as a honeycomb, but I… I’m not sure how I feel.”

“What did her mother say when she caught you?”

“She was so calm she sacred the living daylights out of me. She told me I’d better leave, and I agreed with her.” He snorted. “I’ve made a real mess of things. I think maybe it’d be best for all concerned if I just packed up and left.”

“Running away from a problem never solved it.”

“I know that, but what else can I do?”

“Stay and face it, and face how you feel about her.”

“I wish it were that simple.” Steve began to pace. “It’s not the age difference that worries me. My father had fifteen years on my mother and they were crazy about each other and stayed together until he died of the pleurisy.” He stopped and faced Adam. “I just don’t think I’m good enough for her. She comes from genteel ways, and not just a little money. What happiness could she know married to the likes of someone like me? I tend bar in a saloon, for Pete’s sake. What could I possibly give her?”

“Well, some people’d tell you love is enough. With that, you can make it through just about anything, as long as you’re together.”

“So I’ve heard…. Adam, do you think any less of me for this? Believe me, I didn’t go out of my way to make it happen, and I couldn’t stand losing your friendship.”

“That won’t happen, not over this. I personally think that Fiona is a very lucky girl, and you could do worse.”

Steve’s mouth turned puckishly. “Like Hersha Niemeyer?”

“Exactly,” Adam said on a laugh and put an arm around Steve’s shoulders. “Now I think we’d better go in and tell Angelica about this. It wouldn’t do for her to hear it from one of the town gossips.”

The blood left Steve’s face making his eyes stand out like nuggets of carbon. “I think I’d just as soon shoot myself in the foot.”

“The way she’s gotten since she became expectant, she may do it for you, only she won’t go for your foot.”

“Oh, gee, thanks for that little note of optimism.”

“One, other thing,” Adam said more seriously. “Don’t lose sight of the fact that this still may only be a crush with Fiona and therefore temporary.”

“I won’t.”

Adam gave him a smack on the chest. “Now let’s go get this over with.”

“Yeah,” Steve said with a curled lip, and they headed out.

Angelica had just sat down on the settee before the fire with her crochet work when an icy blast embraced the back of her head. Putting the hook and thread down she twisted the best she could and looked around.

“Look who decided to pay us a visit,” Adam said as he pushed the door together and took his friend’s coat and hat.

“Steve, how good to see you.”

“Don’t get up on my account,” Steve said as she started to rise. “I know that getting around isn’t particularly easy these days so you just stay put.”

“It isn’t very often that we have you all the way out here. So what brings you this time?”

The two men’s eyes connected, and Adam went to the liquor cabinet. “Why don’t we have a brandy?”

“That sounds fine to me,” Steve said as he rubbed his hands together.

Angelica looked first at one then the other, and her shrewd eyes didn’t miss anything. “The both of you are acting two little boys who are afraid to tell their mother what they’ve done. So why don’t you just go ahead and tell me instead of dragging it out?”

Adam handed a snifter to Steve then took one to Angelica.

“I don’t really want one.”

“I can use it,” Steve said then snapped it from him and took it down in one slug.

“You might as well just get it over with,” she said as Adam pored himself one then came back. “I can see that this is only prolonging your agony.”

“Okay, who should go first,” Steve said as he shot his friend a look of hope.

“It’s your story,” Adam said and took a sip.

“Well, someone tell me.”

Air whistled in past Steve’s teeth, and he emptied the second delicate glass in a single jolt as with the first.

“It can’t be all that bad,” she said with the hint of a grin.

“Oh, yes, it can,” Steve said then went to the liquor cabinet and poured another brandy.

“If this keeps up you’ll be too drunk to tell her,” Adam said with a frown.

“That’s the general idea,” and he downed the third one.

“Look, I really don’t think…,” she started.

“I kissed your sister,” Steve blurted as he spun around, by this time his inhibition wiped out, “and your mother caught us.”

Angelica’s jaw dropped, and she awkwardly pushed herself to her feet. “You did what?”

“I kissed Fiona. I didn’t mean for it to happen. I don’t even know why it happened.” He seemed to look inside himself. “Yes, I do.” He began to pace. “I walked her home and the next thing I know…” He ran his hands back over his hair. “I’d just realized what I’d done when the door jerked open, and there stood your mother.” He laughed nervously. “I thought I was about to be killed, slaughtered where I stood.”

“What did Mother do?”

“It’s not so much what she did as what she said, and how she said it. In a voice cold as an icicle she told me I’d better leave, and I was more ‘n happy to oblige.” He came forward and leaned his hands on the back of the settee. “Angelica, I wouldn’t hurt that girl for the world.” He shook his head and tittered. “And the funny thing is it wasn’t like kissing a girl at all…. I think she’s more woman than people give her credit for being.”

Angelica came around – her hand resting on her belly – and stopped before him. “Do you think you love her?”

His head came up, and he looked at her straight. “I don’t know…. I just don’t know… I do know she makes me feel like no one else.”

Then Angelica did something that Steve hadn’t expected and it showed in his face, she gently placed a hand on the back of one of his and smiled.

EIGHT

Since he and the boss had been snowed in at the line shack at Pointer’s Ridge, Chris had found this a good place to come when he just wanted to get away and think. He sat on his haunches in front of the blaze he had built in the fireplace, poking it with an old ramrod that someone had brought for that purpose. Shimmering orange flecks drifted up the chimney as the warmth wrapped itself over his face, reddening it to where it made his teal eyes stand out.

“What a balled up mess,” he said as he gave another poke. “Why’d you havta go off like that? All she did was ask you to wait. Is that such a crime? It sure don’t mean she don’t wantta marry you, does it? I mean she said she did, didn’t she?”

He gave the crackling wood a violent jab and swore under his breath. “All right, so Gertrude stuck a knife in your back and twisted, but Amelia ain’t that kind…, but if you go back after all the fuss you made you’ll look like a fool.” He snorted. “But you’ll be a bigger one if you let that girl get away from you. She’s the best thing that ever happened to you and only a hardheaded jackass would let ‘er go for stupid pride.” He slammed the makeshift poker down and jerked to his feet. “Now swallow it and go see ‘er, jug head.” He took a small box from his shirt pocket, and his fingers tightened on it. “Just do it.”

He stuffed it back into his shirt and retrieved his coat from where he had flung it across the lower bunk. After he shrugged into it he got a bucket and filled it with snow which he used to dowse the fire. Now, with his mind firmly made up, he rushed out and climbed into the saddle.

“Come on, Dunny,” he said as he brought the horse’s head around. “I got somethin’ to take care of.”

He gave the little yellow dun his knees and they plowed off through the snow.

*******

The glares that Steve got from his fellow boarders when he returned to the rooming house made him wish he hadn’t come back. They made him feel like the vilest creature on the planet. He hadn’t sullied Fiona Cadence – her mother had been right there, apparently watching through a window – but he knew that anything in the way of explanation would fall on deaf ears.

“Mr. Balasco,” Mrs. Liddell said as she came toward him through the dining room, “you are not the caliber of man that I want staying here, and you are no longer welcome.”

“Mrs. Liddell…,”

“No, sir,” she said tartly, “I have young children and decent people here, and I will not have a lecher and defiler of young girls under my roof. You can stay for supper, but then I want you out of here. Is that understood?”

He looked around at all the venomous eyes fixed on him and felt so alone. “Perfectly, and I won’t even destroy anyone’s appetites. I’ll only stay as long as it takes to pack my stuff then I’ll be gone.”

“And I’ll expect the return of your room key before you go.”

“You’ll have it.”

With one last look at those around him, he went toward the back of the house and outside where he stopped and looked up into the gray sky. “I wonder who else is gonna turn on me?” He laughed ironically and shook his head. “Maybe I deserve it.”

*******

Carolyn Banning had just come out of the grand ball room into the foyer when someone began banging furiously at the front door. Giles magically appeared at the top of the staircase.

“I’ll take care of it, Giles.”

“Yes, ma’am” he said but didn’t stray far.

As she opened the door her eyes widened. “Christopher.”

“I need to see Miss Amelia bad, ma’am. There’s somethin’ I’ve gotta tell ‘er.”

Carolyn looked around at Giles, who had come down the stairs behind her, and nodded. With an answering nod, he turned and disappeared toward the back of the house.

“Come in here this instant,” she ordered, “before you finish freezing to death.”

He complied sheepishly, and she closed the door behind him just as her daughter rustled in.

“This young man has something very urgent he wants to tell you.”

Amelia wasn’t so sure if she wanted to hear it whatever it was and kept her distance. She had been pining for him for days and many sleepless nights, but she found herself almost wishing he hadn’t come.

“Miss Amelia…, I made a big dumb headed fool outta myself the other night.” He ran his fingers around the brim of his sweat-stained hat and glanced down at his feet. “I was remembering a girl that asked me to wait too then up and married somebody else while I was …. I know you ain’t that type…. I’ve been miserable as a bee stung grizzly bear, and it was good enough for me after the way I acted…. I guess what I want to say is…” He unbuttoned his coat and – scrounging around in his shirt pocket – came out with the same small box. “If you’ll have me… I’d be pleasured and honored for you to be me wife, no matter how long it takes.”

Amelia’s blue eyes lit on the box being held out to her, and looked at her mother, who smiled. With trembling fingers, she took it, and her pulse raced as she slowly opened it.

“The boss gave me a bonus so I could go buy it…. It ain’t nothin’ fancy; it’s just an engagement ring. I saved the big money for the wedding ring.”

Her gaze rose to his face, and she could see the doubt mingled with hope alive in those mesmerizing eyes. “I’m so glad you explained the other night. I understand how something like that can hurt so deeply.” She then took out the simple narrow gold band with one small diamond and handed it back to him then held out her left hand to him. “I accept your proposal, Mr. McCutcheon.”

His mouth had gone arid as the desert, and he had to fight off the shaking that wanted to take over his entire body. Gently, he took her hand, whiter and so much more slender and softer than his, and carefully slipped the ring on her finger. “I love you, Amelia, and if you still wantta wait that’s right fine with me.”

Amelia’s gaze darted momentarily to her mother then back to him. “We’ll see.”

Carolyn took an Irish linen handkerchief from her sleeve and handed to her daughter, who began daubing her eyes with it, then got between the two young people and took their arms. “Now let’s go tell your father and you, Christopher, will stay for supper, and I won’t hear any arguments on the subject.”

Chris didn’t put up any resistance and looked over at his newly betrothed as they started past the staircase. A new phase in his life had begun, and though he knew it wouldn’t always be a smooth road, he loved Amelia enough to make the best go of it that he possibly could. And if he had what the boss and his missus did then he knew he would be happy.

*******

Steve slammed his valise down on the bed as lively piano music drifted up from downstairs. The room maybe wasn’t as nice as one at the hotel or even the boardinghouse, for that matter, but it was shelter. With jerky movements, he unlatched the piece of luggage and opened it back and began unpacking.

He had just put a shirt in the chest drawer when someone knocked at the door. He wasn’t entirely in the mood for company but he might as well answer it.

“Gail,” he said as he opened it back.

“I heard what happened.” A shapely redhead in a short, frilly sapphire blue dress with black feathers in her hair came in with a sandwich on a plate and a mug of beer. “I thought you could use a friend right about now, and something to eat.”

“Come to think of it, I am a bit hungry, and I can always use a friend.” He took the things from her and nodded to the bed. “Sit down and visit with me, and when I finish we can have a piece of pie.”

“I can for only a few minutes, and then I have to get back,” she said and sat on the side of the bed. “Paying customers, you know.”

He sat in the rickety chair across from her and started in on the food. “That tastes good,” he said around a bite. “Thanks…, but aren’t you afraid to be seen with me?”

“No, and I’d just as soon keep company with a biting dog as some of the fine people in this town,” she said with a nasty emphasis on the word ‘fine’. “It’s all over town what happened between you and the Cadence girl, but I know you well enough not to believe half of what they’re saying. I know how these things get all blown out of proportion…. I believe in you.”

“I’m glad somebody does. In fact, you and the Cartwright’s are about the only one’s who do.”

“Isn’t Mrs. Cartwright the girl’s sister?”

He only nodded as he took a swig of beer.

“I’ve heard she’s a fine lady, and now I know she is.”

There was a knock at the door followed by, “Gail, if you’re in there the boss wants you downstairs!”

“Comin’!” she shouted back and stood. “I’d better get going before Jenks pops his vest buttons, and if you want me to I’ll come back after everybody leaves.”

He swallowed and grinned. “Thanks, but I think I’d rather be alone tonight.”

“All right, but if you change your mind you just let me know.”

“I will,” and he watched her as she went out.

He half laughed to himself and went back about his food. Well, maybe not everyone had abandoned him.

NINE

It was late when Chris rode in. The big house and the bunkhouse were dark so he knew that everyone must be asleep. He dismounted and started into the barn when a voice caught him in ambush from the dark recesses of the porch.

“You’re getting in kinda late.”

Chris whirled around and could just make out a black silhouette but he knew the voice.”

“Did you pop the question again?” Adam went on.

“How’d you know?”

“After the way you’ve been moping around and acting like a prickly cactus, and then when you didn’t come home today, I guessed.”

“You’re a pretty good guesser.”

“And from the sound of you she said yes.”

“She sure did.”

“So when’s the big event to be?” Adam asked as he came down the steps.

“Sometime after she has her birthday. I don’t care to wait knowing what’s at the end of it.”

“Good man,” Adam said as he gave him a slap on the back. “Now let’s put Dunny away and hit the hay. We’ve got another long day tomorrow.”

Chris agreed and they started into the barn.

*******

Adam quietly slipped into the bedroom, careful not to disturb Angelica. She hadn’t had such a good day and needed the rest. He sat down in the chair and began taking his boots off.

“Was that Chris?”

“I thought sure you were asleep by this time.” He began removing his socks. “Yeah, it was Chris, and he’s walking around with his head in the clouds. He asked Amelia again to marry him, and she said yes.”

“Good, it’s about time someone made an honest man out of him.”

He took off his shirt then padded lightly over to the bed and sat on the edge of it.

She rose up and put a hand against his broad chest, the coarse, tight hair rough beneath her fingers. “Adam, what are we going to do about this thing with Fiona and Steve Balasco?”

“I really don’t think we should do anything. That’s for them and your mother to work out, and I’m not so sure they would want us meddling in. And who’s to say they don’t love each other? You do like Steve, don’t you?”

“You know I do, but I just never thought of him with my baby sister. He’s a good man, and I don’t hold his job against him, though maybe some people do. When you were building this house, and after you collapsed… I was so glad for him and Siddon…. But as a husband to Fiona.”

“Whoa, rein in there a minute. You’re kinda jumping to conclusions just a little, aren’t you? There’s been no mention of marriage.”

“Isn’t that naturally the next step when two people love each other?”

“Yes, of course, but maybe this isn’t what any of us think it is, we’ll just have to wait and see.”

She put her head against his shoulder, and his warm skin only reinforced his nearness. Putting her arms around his waist, she snuggled closer and felt his engulf her in their strong, protective embrace.

“If it’s right, then it’s right, and I don’t think any of us should come between that,” he went on. “And you said it yourself; Steve is a good man, and having him as my brother-in-law isn’t in the slightest bit offensive to me.”

“Aren’t you the one who’s getting ahead of himself now?”

“So I am,” he said with a chuckle. “Now you lie back down and go to sleep.” He eased her back against the bed, and kissed her on the forehead. “You need your rest, and I’ll be right back as soon as I get undressed.”

“All right.”

She clumsily turned onto her side and watched as he went back to the chair. She could only make out his black form before the window as he finished getting out of his clothes. What had she done to deserve such a man? It must have been something very good, and he was her reward. She brushed her fingertips over her forehead where only moments before his lips had been, and felt the knowledge that he was hers swell inside her. “Adam.”

“Uh-huh.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too. Now go to sleep like I told you.”

“All right.”

She nestled down under the covers then burrowed her head into the pillow, and waited for him to come silently to her, and it was interminable until he slid in next to her, and held her close to him. She doubted she would go to sleep for her heart beat so hard, but she would try because he had asked it of her.

*******

Fiona sat up in bed, her arms wrapped about her knees. She hadn’t seen her Steve since that one magical moment when he had kissed her. Taking a deep breath, she let the sensation wash over her once again. Now, more than ever, she knew that she loved him. At first she hadn’t been completely sure, but when she had felt his lips against hers and every inch of her had exploded in the pure ecstasy of it she knew. Granted, she had never been kissed before, but she knew that this was what love had to feel like.

With a dreamy sigh she looked up to the ceiling. “Just like Angelica, I had to come all the way out west to find the man meant for me.” Her arms squeezed around her legs. “And Mother’s wrong,” she went on adamantly. “It’s more than just a crush.” She flopped back on the bed and it squeaked beneath her. “I know it’s real. I just know it.”

Just then the door opened and lamplight flooded the room. Fiona’s eyes instantly closed lest it be revealed that she was still awake.

“Fiona,” her mother said softly. “Fiona.”

But the girl didn’t move and gave no sign that she wasn’t asleep. The door closed and the room became cloaked in darkness again. One eye opened to make sure her mother had indeed gone, then the other. Again she sat up with her arms folded around her legs.

“She can’t be right…. How can I feel this way about a man I don’t really care anything for?”

Confusion replaced certainty, and her mind whirled in her head like a top. With a groan, she fell against her knees and began to cry. What had at first seemed so clear had become muddled and cloudy. Why couldn’t she make up her mind?

Then someone was holding her, and she looked up to find that the light had returned.

“Mother, I do love him,” she sobbed as she threw her arms around the familiar figure. “I know I do, and I know he loves me too.”

“We’ll see.” She held the girl tighter. “We’ll see.”

TEN

The next morning, right after breakfast, Verina Cadence went to Frederick’s Mercantile to buy some sewing thread and a package of needles. It wasn’t so much that she needed them as she just wanted to get away from the house for a while, and this made a good excuse. She was looking at a bonnet with pink and yellow silk flowers on it when the bell over the door tinkled, and feminine voices entered behind her.

“Good morning, Verina Cadence,” Iva Liddell said shrilly as she approached her with another woman.

“Good morning, Mrs. Liddell, Mrs. Gately.”

“I see you’re out bright and early,” Mrs. Liddell said as she and her companion approached.

“I just needed to get out for a little bit, and Fiona wanted some time to herself to think.”

“That poor girl,” Mrs. Liddell said as she clicked her tongue against her teeth. “She must be terribly devastated after what happened and you too as her mother. That terrible man having his way with her. If I had my way, he and all his ilk would be run out of this town.” Mrs. Liddell puffed up with obvious pride. “Such a man I’ll not have around my children and the decent people who board with me. I told him what I think of his kind, and that I no longer wanted him as a boarder. I told him under no uncertain terms to leave.”

“Did he?”

“Yes, I’m happy to say.”

Mrs. Cadence could feel the heat nibbling at the hair on the nape of her neck. “Where did he go?”

“I don’t know, and furthermore, I don’t care just so long as it’s away from me and my family.”

“I heard he went back to that saloon where he works,” the other woman spoke up. “Probably spent the night with one of those floosies that ply their trade there.”

“If I were you…,” Mrs. Liddell started.

“Well, you’re not me, and another thing I think you should know. Steve Balasco is a fine man, one of the finest I’ve ever been privileged to meet. He kissed my daughter and nothing more. I know in spite of some of the terrible things I’ve heard because I was there and saw it. And I’ll thank you and the other busybodies and hypocrites in this town to stay out of my family’s affairs.”

“I was only trying to…”

“I know what you were trying to do. You were trying to put yourself in the limelight and come off as an upstanding pillar of the community. Well, you’re not fooling me for one minute, Iva Liddell. You’re a mean spirited, narrow-minded shrike who’s always meddling in where she has no business.”

“Well, I never.”

“The way you’re always poking your nose into other people’s affairs that comes as real a shock.”

“Come on, Philomena, I know when I’m not wanted.”

“Good,” Mrs. Cadence said, “it’ll save me the trouble of saying it all again.”

The two women bustled out with red faces as Mrs. Cadence continued to stand her ground, and placed her fists on her broad hips.

“Good for you, Verina,” white-haired Mr. Frederick said as he stepped next to her. “I’ve wanted to see that done for a long time. I can’t abide those two, and it’s good to finally meet somebody with the gumption to stand up to them.”

“It felt good,” she said with a wicked smirk.

“And it felt good just watching. Iva Liddell looked like she’d swallowed a worm.”

They had a good laugh.

“Here, these are on me,” he said as he handed her the thread and needles. “And before you put up an argument, I insist. It’s worth it to see the looks on their faces.”

She thanked him and their laughter picked up again and soared to the rafters.

*******

Steve had returned to his job behind the bar and was drying a glass when the room went silent, and he looked up. His stomach fell into his feet as he sat the shot glass down hard. “Not again.”

“What’re you doing in here, Mrs. Cadence?” he asked as he stepped in front of the woman.

“I want you to come to the house. I think we need to have this out before anymore harm is done. I heard about Iva Liddell throwing you out of your room, and there was absolutely no call for it.”

“Oh, that,” he said as he briefly ducked his head. “I don’t really blame her for it.”

“Well, maybe you’re that big but I’m not. The reason I’m here is because I want you to come to with me so we can talk about this.”

“Right now I’m kinda busy.”

“Then get someone to fill in for you. Now are you going to come with me or must I have the sheriff haul you out of here?”

Steve could see that she meant what she said and protesting would be futile so he once again got Burt to take over for him. He took off his apron then got his coat and hat and escorted her outside. Taking her arm, they stepped into the street and started across.

“Before we get to the house, there’s one question I want to ask and then there’ll be no more said of it.”

“I’ll answer it as truthfully as I can,” he said as he adjusted the coat’s collar up around his neck.

“Did you spend the night with one of the women who work at the saloon?” she asked as her gray eyes darted to him.

He stopped for a second then picked up after her. “No, not that it wasn’t offered.”

She looked at him as if reading his face then nodded but said nothing else.

Fiona was in the kitchen just taking a loaf of bread out of the oven when she heard the front door.

“Fiona, would you come out here please?”

“All right, Mother, I’ll be right there!” She sat the hot pan on the table and covered it with a cloth then closed the oven door. As she left the kitchen and went out through the dining room she froze in her tracks. “Steve.”

“Hello, Fiona.”

“What’re you doing here?”

“I brought him. All kinds of gossip is running through this town – much of it I know is untrue – and this needs to be straightened out right now before it gets any worse.”

“Do you want me to make some tea?”

“There isn’t time. He needs to get back to work. Now, I want a plain answer. Do you two love each other?”

Steve and Fiona just looked at one another and neither seemed to have an answer.

“That’s what I thought,” Mrs. Cadence said as she took off her cloak and bonnet. “Neither of you is sure.”

“But you asked so quickly, and right out of the blue,” Fiona said as she came to her mother.

“Well do you?”

Fiona still seemed unable to find an answer. Her hand went to her mouth and tears floated over the surface of her eyes. “I was so sure at first but now...”

“And you?” Mrs. Cadence said as she turned to him.

He scratched the back of his neck, and his eyebrows arched. “I guess that goes for me too.”

“All right, here’s what we’re going to do. Tomorrow night you’ll come to supper, and we’ll have a good long talk over some good food. That ought to stop those malicious tongues from wagging.”

Fiona’s face softened. “Valentine’s Day. That’s perfect.”

“I’ll be here. I could use a good home cooked meal, and with such charming company. What more could a man ask? What time do you want me here?”

“We always eat at six.”

“Then six it’ll be.” He looked at Fiona and smiled then put his hat on and let himself out.

Mrs. Cadence stepped to her daughter – putting an arm around her shoulders – and looked at her. Maybe they didn’t know the answer to her question, but she did.

ELEVEN

“I’m sorry you won’t be able to make it, I think we would’ve had a nice evening,” Siddon said as he saw his friend to the front door.

“So are we,” Adam said as he put his hat back on. “Angelica was actually looking forward to it. She even bought a new dress for the occasion.”

“And Carolyn had kinda warmed up to the idea too, though I still get little blue darts thrown at me from time to time, and not so much because she didn’t want to go but because I didn’t ask her first.”

“Yeah, it would’ve been nice, but the baby has really been restless this morning and poor little Angelica is worn out and doesn’t feel the best in the world. And with her getting so close to her time…”

“I know,” Siddon said with a sideways grin, “having been down that road three times myself. Well, we’ll see about next year.”

“Sounds fine to me, Sid,” and he gave the big man a slap on the arm. “See ya later.”

“All right. Take care, friend, and tell that beautiful wife of yours I hope she’s feeling better.”

“I will.”

Siddon stood in the doorway and watched him as he went to the dark red sleigh parked in front of the house and got into it. Adam waved then started out toward the street, and it was only after he disappeared from sight that Siddon went back into the house and closed the door.

*******

Promptly at four thirty Chris McCutcheon had showed up at the big mansion at the end of town in the best clothes he owned. In lieu of Adam and Angelica, he had been asked along to Tabler’s to celebrate his betrothal to Amelia. Now he found himself in the study of Siddon Banning smoking a cigar – which he didn’t really care for – with his future father-in-law.

“Women,” Siddon said as he puffed smoke into the air from his perch on the corner of the immense desk. “They’re never on time for anything, so it’s best to give them at least an hour. But you’ll learn that for yourself soon enough.”

“I don’t mind,” Chris said as he leaned back into the black leather upholstery of the big sofa.

The door opened, and Giles stuck his head inside. “The ladies are ready.”

“We’ll be right out,” Siddon said and got up as Giles ducked back out. “Time for one last puff.”

Chris looked dubiously at the nasty thing then to Mr. Banning, who took a final drag and savored it. He didn’t really want to but, after all, one more wouldn’t hurt, so he did. The remains of the stogies were ground out in a silver dish, and the two men, after an adjustment to their attire, went out into the foyer.

They didn’t have to wait long as mother and daughter appeared at the top of the stairs, decked out in their finest, and with Giles close behind them. Black-haired Marjorie and Juliet watched from the side.

“But it’s always worth the wait,” Siddon said to Chris, the light glittering in his dark eyes.

The ladies floated down the grand staircase – petticoats and taffeta and lace rustling – with grace and ease. Carolyn wore aqua with a flounced skirt and Amelia wore her usual elegant white with yellow ribbons in her golden hair.

Chris blew out his breath and rubbed his hand over his forehead.

“Steady, son,” Siddon said as he gripped the boy’s shoulder firmly.

They left the last step and presented themselves before their gentlemen.

“As always, you look lovely, my dear,” Siddon said and graciously kissed his wife’s hand. “I’ll be the envy of the whole state of Nevada.”

Chris just stood and gawked until he caught a stern elbow in the ribs. “You too,” he stammered then eyed the floor in embarrassment and finally looked back at her. “You’re beautiful, Amelia.”

“Thank you, Christopher,” she said and demurely held out her hand.

He looked to the more experienced Siddon for help and got a nudge and a nod. Hesitantly, he took the slim hand offered him and lightly kissed the back of it. He could feel his cheeks flush and hoped it didn’t show.

Giles, all ready to go out, appeared with the women’s wraps and handed them to the men. Chris couldn’t remember when nor if he’d ever been this nervous. Coming to supper here at the house was one thing, but this was something else altogether. Biting his lower lip, he draped the yellow velvet garment over the gently sloping shoulders. The men then got into their own coats and hats, and it was time to go.

“Now you two mind what Hannah tells you.”

“We will, Daddy,” the girls answered.

Giles opened the door and the women were escorted to the waiting carriage pulled buy two sleek black horses.

“On to Tabler’s,” Siddon said robustly then climbed in with the others and closed the door.

Giles got up onto the driver’s seat and – with a snap of the reins – they were off for a gala evening at the finest restaurant in Bantree.

*******

Fiona took Steve’s hat and coat and hung on the stand by the door.

“Your mother said six o’clock but I didn’t think it would hurt anything if I came a little early.”

“I would rather you be early than late,” Mrs. Cadence said from the dining room where she was putting the finishing touches on the table. “It shows consideration on your part.”

“Well, you were nice enough to invite me, and I don’t think a little consideration for others ever hurt anyone.” He tilted his head back and sniffed. “Boy, something sure does smell good.”

“I hope you like roast goose with chestnut stuffing, mashed parsnips and pumpkin pie.”

“Three of my favorites. How did you know?” he said with a teasing smile as he came into the dining room with Fiona.

“I fed a man’s appetite for over thirty years, and I know what they like. Fiona, dear, would you go into the kitchen and check on the goose?”

“Yes, Mother,” the girl said as her eyes darted to Steve then she did as asked.

“That’s a fine young lady you’ve got there.”

“All my girls are.”

“You know, you could be inviting trouble by doing this.”

“From who?” Mrs. Cadence said with a frown. “Those cackling hens? If they try we’ll just see who has the trouble. I ran into some like that in Bangor, and they soon wished they had left me alone. You’re here because I wanted you here, and if they don’t like it that’s their problem.” She glanced back toward the kitchen. “My main concern is with my daughter, and if you’re the one who can make her happy, then I don’t care a fig about them, not that I do anyway. If you love her, and she you then that’s all that concerns me.”

“I’ve done a lot of thinking about that last night and today, and I…”

“Mother,” Fiona said as she came out with the bowl of parsnips and the pie, “it looks ready to me, but I was afraid I might drop it.”

“All right, dear, I’ll do it, and you can help me finish up. I have a bottle of peach brandy I’ve been saving for a night like this.” She shot Steve a knowing look then followed after her daughter.

Left alone with his thoughts, Steve began thinking about this whole affair. He had known some women in thirty-two years, though he had never let himself really get close in the intimate sense, and not because he feared or disliked them. On the contrary, he felt more like he wasn’t good enough for them, even those that worked the saloons. But something about Fiona Cadence erased such notions. Some people may see her as a girl, but this had opened his eyes to the fact that he didn’t.

Fiona opened the door for her mother, a long, clear bottle containing peachy orange liquid held in one hand. In behind her came Mrs. Cadence with a platter holding the golden brown-skinned goose and she sat it in the middle of the table.

“If it tastes only half as good as it looks and smells it’ll be delicious.”

“Leave it to a man to know how to compliment a woman’s cooking.”

The bottle was placed, and he held the chair out for Mrs. Cadence at the head of the table. She thanked him then he did the same for Fiona and took his seat on the other side of her mother.

“Would you believe I was afraid of you finding out about this?” he said as he settled himself.

“I would’ve been disappointed if you hadn’t been. Now let’s take hands and say grace.”

Hands were clasped together in a circle of warmth, and as he bowed his head he felt Fiona squeeze his. Maybe, after all this time, he had finally found someone who could give true meaning to his life.

*******

The house had been darkened except for the glow from the fireplace in the parlor and two tapered candles sitting in the center of the table. The mouthwatering scents of venison pasty and potato dumplings and fresh baked bread lingered, and the dishes had been cleared away.

Adam, in white shirt and black string tie, sat at the head of the table, and Angelica, wearing her new rose taffeta gown with ecru lace, sat to his left. He reached out to her, and she took his hand, and their love betrayed itself in their eyes, and the way they looked at each other.

Maggie bustled out of the kitchen with a tray on which sat two crystal bowls and a small pitcher. She came to stand between the seated couple and placed one in front of each of them.

“What’s this?” Adam asked as he eyed it dubiously.

Maggie’s nutmeg eyes went to her mistress, who nodded. “Almond pudding,” she said pridefully. She lifted the pitcher and began pouring a glistening amber liquid over the desserts. “And this is brandy sauce.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever had this before.”

“You haven’t, at least not since I’ve known you,” Angelica said as she picked up her spoon. “But Maggie works magic with it, and I think you’ll like it.”

“Thank you, mum.”

He still wasn’t sure. He had put some pretty horrid things in his mouth in his lifetime to this point, and he wasn’t eager to do it again. And he had never been a really big fan of nuts of any kind, though he did find almonds less offensive. This, however, looked very inviting, and the aroma made him salivate. He spooned into it as Angelica and Maggie watched him with keen anticipation. His dark hazel eyes flitted from one to the other, and he contained his amusement as it went in. The sensation was wonderful, sweet almond with just the hint of bitter and the sauce embraced his taste buds in the most pleasant way.

“This is absolutely delicious. I didn’t know almonds could taste this good,” he said as he smacked his lips. “Maggie, you are indeed a wizard.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“All right, Maggie, that’ll be all for tonight.”

“Yes, mum.”

“Maggie,” Adam said as she started to go, “thank you for a wonderful meal.”

With a smile that conveyed her feelings she turned and went into the kitchen.

“In fact, it’s been a wonderful evening,” he said as his attention went to his wife. “I’m glad we stayed home, I’m only sorry you don’t feel well.”

“I don’t feel so bad now. I guess after he got his way he decided to settle down. He seemed to quiet almost as soon as you got home.”

“Good boy,” he said and took another bite. “After we finish here I think we should go sit in front of the fire. That’s the perfect place to be on a night like this and to wind down the day, especially with somebody you love.”

“I think that’s a splendid idea.”

“Then that’s the way it’ll be.”

She watched him as he began eating a little faster, and it made her smile. It had been a perfect evening and more romantic than she could have ever hoped for, and it could only get better. She had all but forgotten her pudding as her gaze stayed right on him. Then she remembered that this wasn’t entirely her doing, and she looked down at herself. Resting her hand on her belly, her heart warmed as she rubbed her baby. “Thank you,” she said lower than a whisper then returned her attention to her husband. This was a Valentine’s Day she would never forget, and its memory would only grow more cherished with the passage of the years.

*******

The evening moonlight cast over the cherub’s face and shadows deepened the corners of its mouth. Things had started out rough but had turned out right by this day. Cupid had accomplished his task with a little mischievous fun along the way, and he was happy.

THE END

RETURN TO LIBRARY