A Groom's Promise Page 2

  Since she had no brothers or other male relatives who could take over the farm once her father died, their hope was one of the two brothers would eventually marry her. She didn’t know if it would work. In the two years her pa had been hoping one of the temporary farmhands he hired would take a liking to her, none had. Her pa suspected it was because they weren’t planning to stick around. But these two brothers were going to stay, and as far as she knew, neither had wives. Given the lack of women in the area, perhaps one would marry her.

  She set the bucket on the porch and started washing the steps. A horse neighed from inside the barn, drawing her attention to it, and specifically, to the man in there. She caught sight of Jack as he went about the chores. He seemed more at ease when he was working alone, especially when he thought no one was watching him. If she saw right, he even looked happy.

  Maybe he’d like it here. Maybe he wouldn’t turn his attention to sending for a mail order bride. She sighed and turned her attention back to the steps. What silly musings. She didn’t even know him. He only arrived today, after all.

  “Finish cleaning the stairs then get back to making supper,” she told herself.

  It was best she stay busy. Idle minds, after all, went to waste.

  ***

  “Are you finished yet?” Hugh called out.

  Jack jerked and glanced over his shoulder, his attention temporarily off the stall door he was fixing. “Almost.” Turning back to the door, he hammered in the last nail. “It was falling apart. Since I found some tools along the shelf, I figured I’d make myself useful and take care of it.”

  “Didn’t you hear the dinner bell?”

  “No, I lost track of time.” Once he started working, the rest of the world faded around him, and it was easy to forget everything else.

  “Well, my stomach sure is giving me fits. I can’t wait to take a bite of that homemade stew Maybell was cooking. We haven’t had a good meal ever since Ma died.”

  “Alright. Have a good time.” Jack ran his hand along the stall door to see if he missed anything.

  “Don’t be impolite.”

  Inwardly groaning, Jack turned back to his brother. “I’ll only make a mess in there. You saw what happened with the lemonade. Can’t you just bring me a bowl?”

  Hugh took him by the arm. “You put that hammer down right now. Remember we’ve got a lot riding on this deal.”

  “It won’t hurt anything if I don’t go in there. You’re the one making the deal, not me.”

  “It’s because of you I’m doing this.”

  Jack’s face warmed. His brother was right. The only reason they left Virginia was because their father made things difficult for him. If it hadn’t been for Hugh, Jack wouldn’t have anyone. If all he had to do was suffer through a meal, that was a small price to pay. It sure beat putting up with their father’s constant putdowns.

  With a sigh, Jack shrugged Hugh’s hand off his arm and returned the hammer to the shelf. “You’re right. I’m sorry. Let’s go eat.”

  Hugh offered a nod then left the barn. As much as Jack didn’t want to sit at the table with two strangers, he knew he had to. Shoulders slouched, he trailed after his brother, not in any hurry to get in there. They already thought him a fool, what with him tripping and spilling lemonade all over the place. God only knew what idiotic things he’d do tonight. He just knew he was going to do something to embarrass his brother. But if Hugh was determined he go through with this, he would.

  By the time he made it to the house, Hugh and Archie were standing in the entryway, and by the looks of it, Hugh wasn’t very comfortable.

  Jack took a deep breath to settle his nerves. He could do this. Just because he was afraid he’d make a fool of himself, it didn’t mean he actually would. As long as he took everything slow, he should be alright.

  He stepped into the house and softly closed the door behind him. From the smell of it, supper was ready, and though his stomach growled, he couldn’t help but wish he could wait until breakfast to eat. Things always looked brighter in the morning.

  “S-sorry I’m late,” he forced out, his words slow and intentional.

  “Don’t be sorry, son,” Archie said, a chuckle in his voice. “We’re glad you’re here. Let’s go into the dining room before the food gets cold.”

  Jack followed the two men into the small room where the table was already set, steaming bowls of stew waiting for them. Glasses of iced tea were next to the cloth napkins. He could tell Maybell put great care and attention into presenting the meal, something his mother would have done for honored guests.

  The others settled into their seats, and he took that as his cue to do the same. Gingerly sitting in his chair, he quickly became aware that one of the legs was loose. Just what he needed. If he made one bad move, he was going to fall to the floor—or worse.

  “I know you’ve had a long trip,” Archie began as he reached for a biscuit then tore it apart. “After supper, why don’t you two go the bunkhouse? You can start work tomorrow.”

  While Hugh responded, Jack focused on the food in front of him. He was glad Hugh was here to talk to Archie and Maybell. He sure didn’t know what to say, and even if he could think of something, they’d either laugh at him or think him a bore, just as others did.

  Nope. It was best if he kept quiet, and there was no better way to do that than to keep his mouth full with food. The task was easy enough. The food at the train depots left a lot to be desired, and Maybell was a fine cook. Fortunately, Hugh stopped in the middle of telling Archie and Maybell about Virginia to pour more soup into Jack’s bowl. Jack shot his brother a silent thank you. He’d wanted a second helping but had been too afraid to reach for the ladle in case he bumped into something or spilled soup all over the place.

  Surprisingly, the meal went along without a single hitch. Maybe this was a good sign. Maybe life here would work out after all.

  “I made a pie,” Maybell said, rising to her feet. “I’ll be back in a moment.”

  Jack watched her as she went to the kitchen. She had a nice walk. Her hips swayed gently from side to side. A man could certainly enjoy looking at a woman like that for the rest of his life. Remembering that her father was nearby, he forced his gaze off of her. He had no chance with her. None. And even if he did, there was no way her pa would let her marry someone who was as awkward as he was.

  “Did you repair them, too?” Archie asked.

  Hugh nudged Jack in the arm, and Jack’s gaze went from the bowl in front of him to his brother’s expectant look. Realizing Hugh wanted Jack to answer Archie, he turned his attention to the man. “W-w-” He stopped, took a deep breath, then proceeded. “What?”

  “Hugh says your pa owned a shop where he repaired shoes and boots,” Archie replied. “Did you repair them, too?”

  Jack shook his head, hoping that would be the end of it.

  “You mind me asking what you did then?” Archie asked.

  Jack glanced at Hugh, but his brother indicated that he should answer the man. “Um…” He shifted, barely noting the way the chair wobbled beneath him. “I…um…” How was he going to say this without stammering like a fool?

  You stupid, boy? his father would say. What’s wrong with you? You can’t talk like a normal person.

  “I hope you like apple pie.”

  Startled, since Jack hadn’t heard Maybell come back into the room, he jerked back. And that’s when it happened. The chair’s weak leg gave out. He grabbed for the table, but it was too late. He was already falling back. He landed on the floor with a hard thud, the chair breaking into several pieces beneath him.

  “Oh my!” Maybell ran over to him. “Jack, are you hurt?”

  Yes, his pride had taken a serious beating, but there was no way he was going to say that. Especially not when she was kneeling right beside him, her warm hand on his arm. Hugh and Archie ran over to help him up.

  “I’m sorry, Jack,” Archie said, giving him a pat on the back. “I didn’t think the chair
was that bad off.”

  “You don’t need to worry about it,” Hugh assured Archie. “Jack will fix it.”

  “Oh, you don’t have to go through the trouble.”

  “It’s no trouble. Jack’s not only good at fixing things, but he likes it. That’s what he did back in Virginia. He’d fix furniture, things around the house and shop, and repaired wagons. No one does a better job than him.”

  “In that case,” Archie began, “it would be nice to have this chair fixed. The table and chairs were a gift from my wife’s parents when we got married. It’s hard not to be sentimental when you get to be my age.”

  Though Archie directed his gaze to Jack, Jack refused to make eye contact with him. He couldn’t make eye contact with any of them. All he wanted to do was leave and put this horrible experience behind him.

  “Here’s another chair,” Maybell said, bringing one over from the parlor.

  Jack wanted to say no, that he should leave right now. But Archie had picked up the broken chair and set it in the corner of the room, and Hugh was already leading him to the new chair Maybell had set at the table. Jack swallowed. Aware they were all watching him, he sat down, being as careful as possible, just in case. But this chair was sturdy.

  “Here,” Maybell said, placing a slice of fresh apple pie in front of him. “I hope you like apples.”

  He didn’t bother answering her, nor did he dare look over at her. Hugh would be disappointed, but he’d have to deal with it. Jack wasn’t going to say anything else tonight. He wasn’t going to stutter on top of everything else he’d already done to mess up the evening.

  The others quickly settled back into their chairs and resumed their conversation. It took all of Jack’s willpower to eat the pie. If he didn’t, they’d want to know why, and the last thing he wanted to do was explain it. So he ate, keeping up with Hugh’s pace, figuring when Hugh was done, they could finally get out of here. At least for tonight.

  “Thank you for an excellent meal, Maybell,” Hugh said after he ate his last bite. “We both want to thank you for this, and again, we’re sorry about the chair, right Jack?”

  Jack didn’t respond.

  “Oh, the chair leg was loose,” Maybell replied, “and it really wasn’t Jack’s fault the chair fell into pieces. We should’ve fixed it a long time ago, and now we’ve got someone to do that.”

  As silly as it was, it took Jack a moment to understand she meant him. Right. Archie said he’d let him fix it.

  “Well, we appreciate your generosity.” Hugh stood up.

  Jack glanced at Maybell. Did she really mean it wasn’t his fault, or was she only saying that to be polite?

  Hugh cleared this throat. “We need to get settled and let Maybell clean up.”

  Good. Now it was time to leave. Jack jumped up, bumping into the edge of the table. The plate beside him rattled. He held his breath. But, thank God, nothing broke.

  It took everything he had, but Jack managed a clear, “I’m sorry,” before he headed for the door.

  Chapter Three

  The next morning, Maybell made pancakes and oatmeal, but only her pa and Hugh showed up to eat. It was on the tip of her tongue to ask where Jack was, but since they talked about going to town to finalize their agreement for the land purchase, she kept her mouth shut. Afterwards, she saved aside a stack of pancakes and a bowl of oatmeal, thinking Jack might have slept late.

  While Hugh left to get the wagon ready to take to town, she approached her pa as he put his vest and hat on. “What’d you want, honey?”

  “Jack didn’t come in for breakfast.”

  “Hugh said he was tired.”

  She fiddled with the loose thread on her skirt. If she wasn’t careful, she’d pull it out. As it was, she should have mended the small tear at her waistline, but she hadn’t taken the time to do so, what with all the chores she’d had to do. She should have worn her other skirt today and sewed this one. If this particular skirt hadn’t been her favorite, she would have.

  “You want me to take his breakfast to him?” her pa offered.

  She had been hoping to see Jack this morning, but it was looking as if it wasn’t going to happen. She couldn’t very well go to the bunkhouse, and she doubted he was in the barn if Hugh was getting the wagon ready. Doing her best to hide her disappointment, she nodded. “I don’t want him to go hungry.”

  “I’ll take the plate to him.”

  “I got a bowl, too.” She released the thread and shrugged. “In case he likes oatmeal.”

  “I’m sure he likes both.”

  With a nod, she retrieved the pancakes, oatmeal, and a cup of coffee then put them on a tray. She handed it to her pa. “Thanks, Pa,” she said as she gave it to him.

  “You’re welcome.”

  As Hugh pulled the wagon up to the front of the house, she ventured, “Can I visit Ada and Pete today?”

  “Sure, you can,” he replied. “Hugh and I won’t be back until this afternoon.” Giving her a wink, he added, “I have a good feeling about things.”

  Though she had no idea why he shot her such a mischievous grin, she returned his smile and opened the storm door for him so he could leave the house. Her pa wasn’t going to tell her what was on his mind. It wasn’t his way. He’d rather save the news for a special time. Perhaps it had to do with getting her a new horse. The mare she currently had was getting too old to take for rides anymore. Maybe this business transaction with Hugh would give him the money for it.

  “I’ll tell Jack to bring this back to the house when he’s done,” her pa told her.

  “Alright, Pa.”

  She stayed on the porch and watched as he carried the food to the bunkhouse, hoping she might catch a glimpse of Jack when he opened the door. Unfortunately, she didn’t even get a glimpse of Jack as her pa went into the bunkhouse. She glanced over at Hugh, who was reading some papers in his hand. Those were probably the agreement between him and her pa. The door to the bunkhouse slammed shut, and her gaze went back to her pa who was leaving.

  When her pa reached the wagon, he called out, “Have a good visit with Ada and Pete.”

  “Thanks, Pa. I will,” she replied, waving to him and Hugh. “Have a safe trip.”

  Once they left, she gathered her bonnet from the hook by the door. After tucking her stray hair beneath the bonnet, she took her shawl and wrapped it around her shoulders. She stepped onto the porch and shut the door, once more wishing she’d seen Jack. It was really unfortunate he was still in the bunkhouse, but he would be staying here with his brother. That gave her plenty of other times to see him.

  She saddled up her horse, taking a moment to pat the mare’s neck. “You’ve always been a good one, Cora. Never let me down a day in your life.”

  She rested her forehead against the mare’s neck and sighed. Poor Cora would be too old to ride in another year. Too bad she’d been unable to give birth to any healthy foals. She tried not to think of the horse’s age. It only depressed her when she did. And perhaps she shouldn’t have gotten so attached to the animal, but in many ways Cora was like a friend, especially since it got lonely on the farm. Sure, she’d had her pa and ma, but she’d had no brothers or sisters.

  Cora neighed and brushed Maybell’s hand with her nose.

  Maybell chuckled. “If you want an apple, just say so.” She led Cora over to a bag hanging on the vacant stall door and pulled out an apple. She paused and studied the stall door. This was the one that needed fixing. She tested the door, and sure enough, it was sturdy. She didn’t think her pa had been out here to repair it. It must have been either Hugh or Jack. Hugh said Jack was good at fixing things. So maybe it was Jack. She ran her hand along the door, impressed by the work he’d done.

  Cora neighed and nudged her shoulder.

  With a smile, Maybell turned back to the horse and gave her the apple. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to keep you waiting.”

  The horse finished the apple and neighed in what Maybell figured was an acceptance of her apolog
y.

  Maybell hopped into the sidesaddle and left the barn. She gave one last look at the bunkhouse but didn’t see Jack leaving it. Pushing aside her disappointment, she led Cora into a full gallop.

  By the time she got to Pete and Ada’s, she saw Ada sitting on the porch with her seven-month-old son, Fred, who was pulling himself up on a small table so he could stand.

  “Hi, Maybell,” Ada called out.

  Maybell slid off her horse and tied its reins to the post in front of the porch. “How are you doing, Ada? Is Fred giving you problems?” She winked.

  Ada smiled. “All kinds. He doesn’t want to sit in my lap anymore. Before you know it, he’ll be leaving home to start his own life.”

  “You have a lot of time till then.”

  “I don’t know. My ma always said us kids grew up way too fast. I’m starting to understand what she meant.”

  Maybell bounced up the porch steps, noticing the small shirt Ada was sewing. “Is that a new shirt for him?”

  “Yes. Can you believe he’s outgrown his clothes?”

  “Well, his pa is pretty tall.” Maybell knelt by the boy and rubbed his blond hair. “You’re going to be tall, too, aren’t you?”

  Fred turned his big eyes in her direction and giggled.

  “You’re so adorable.” Maybell tapped his nose then sat in the rocker on the other side of the table. “Want to sit with Auntie Maybell?”

  She held her hands out to him, and he grabbed them. Though his steps were uncertain, he slowly made his way closer to her.

  “You’re a natural with children,” Ada mused as she pulled her thread through the fabric in the cotton shirt she was making.

  “Children are easy to please. They let you know what they want, and you can tell right away if they like you or not.”

  “Yes, I suppose that’s true. So,” she glanced at Maybell, “did those new farmhands arrive?”