Daylight Comes (27 page)

“I have no idea. These matters take time and money. We told the residents of Nicodemus what things would be beneficial, but the decision remains in the hands of the railroad.”

His answer wasn’t what Truth had expected, nor was it what she had hoped to hear. John was supposed to be an advocate, argue on behalf of their town, help them. Instead, he seemed indifferent—as if he cared not at all whether the railroad passed through Nicodemus or some other prairie town. Something had changed since he’d departed Topeka.

Truth clasped her hands together and watched him closely. “I was expecting you or Mr. Ditmore would bring a much more encouraging report.”

“I’m not one to build false hope. I find it too painful when things don’t work out.”

His cold words hit their mark. Truth tightened her clasped hands until her knuckles ached. There was no doubt John was referring to the false hope she’d given him about building a relationship with Grace. Her meddling ways were coming back to haunt her. Too bad Aunt Lilly wasn’t here. She’d take great pleasure in seeing Truth receive her comeuppance.

Truth took a deep breath. “I owe you an apology, John. I behaved badly, thinking only of myself, and I hope you’ll forgive me. I was consumed with the thought of keeping Grace in Topeka, and I didn’t consider whom I might hurt in the process. Not Grace, not you, not Silas, not anyone.” She sighed and forced her fingers apart. “But please say my selfish actions won’t affect the possibility of the railroad passing through Nicodemus. I couldn’t bear to think I might cause such a tragic event.”

“Your apology is accepted, Truth. Believe me, I don’t have enough influence to defeat any plans made by the railroad officials. I merely assist with negotiations and prepare the legal paperwork.” A sad smile curved his lips as he met Truth’s gaze. “Lilly warned me Grace and Silas had spoken of marriage. However, I did think I might have a chance with her. I held out hope even through Grace discouraged my attention.”

At the sound of Jake’s wail, Truth said, “I had best see to him.

Will you excuse me for a moment?”

John jumped to his feet. “I have another appointment. Don’t bother seeing me to the door. I can find my way out.” He reached into his jacket pocket and removed the letter Grace had given him. “I promised your sister I would deliver this to you.”

At the sight of Grace’s familiar script, Truth clutched the letter close to her chest. “Thank you, John—for everything.”

He nodded. “Please give Grace my regards when you write.”

Before she could respond, Dovie hurried from the kitchen, the crying child now flailing as he reached for Truth. John hastily bid them both good-bye. Truth lifted Jake from Dovie’s arms, cooing to him as she paced the length of the room, still clutching the letter in one hand. She would read it the moment the youngster ceased his crying.

Young Jake’s body grew heavy in Truth’s arms, and his soft baby snores signaled he had been in dire need of a nap. Truth gently laid him on the divan and pulled her chair close by. Though he’d likely sleep for at least half an hour, she dare not leave him where he might fall onto the floor. She had considered taking him upstairs and placing him in the bed they’d had specially made for their own child. But she couldn’t do it—not yet. Perhaps one day soon.

For a moment, she stared down at the sleeping child. His tiny lips curved into a small bow, and his long lashes formed miniature fans across his cheeks. Such a beautiful child. Though she’d never know, she wondered what their own little Daniel might have looked like when he reached this age. She wiped away a tear that had formed in her eye and forced away her musings. No good would come from dwelling on such things. She was thankful to have young Jake in her life as well as a letter from Grace. This was a good day.

Her anticipation continued to build as she removed the multi-paged letter from the envelope, delighted Grace had written more than only a brief note. She pressed open the pages.

Dearest Sister,

It is my fervent prayer that by the time you receive this letter you will have come to terms with my departure and have forgiven me. Know that I am praying daily that you will soon recover from your grief over the loss of little Daniel. Though one child can never replace another, perhaps God will bless you with a baby before too very long.

Since you are reading this letter, I know that John has visited with you concerning the fact that I dashed his hopes for any future with me. I truly attempted to discourage his affections while still in Topeka, but I believe he preferred to think that once I compared him alongside Silas I would have a change of heart. Of course, John did not realize I am not a fickle woman!

Jacob shifted on the divan, raising his arm until his thumb met its mark. His eyelids fluttered and then tightly closed as he noisily sucked his thumb. Truth brushed a feathery kiss on his plump cheek. Settling back in her chair again with Grace’s letter, she began the next page.

Now for my most important news. I wish you were here so you could share in my joy. Unfortunately, this letter must suffice. Silas and I plan to wed in July!We have set July 10 as our wedding date. It is my greatest desire that you and Moses will come home for the wedding. I am anxious to know if you will agree to stand with me at my wedding. Please send me your response at an early date. Silas is a good man and we are well suited. I believe he will make me a fine husband.

As for information regarding your housekeeper, Fern: I could write volumes, but time does not permit. Suffice it to say you are fortunate to have her in charge of your home. She took great care to treat all with the utmost care and kindness. She is, without doubt, a changed woman. She inquired into your health and sends her regards.

Truth read the remaining pages, each sheet filled with news of family and friends. She giggled when she read Miss Hattie had already begun to plan Grace’s wedding. One thing in life remained constant: Miss Hattie would never change.

Please answer promptly and tell me if you will plan to be in Nicodemus for my wedding.

                                       With loving affection,
                                       Your sister Grace

Truth folded the letter and tucked it back into the envelope. She would talk to Moses this evening at supper and then write to Grace.

CHAPTER
32

Hill City , Kansas

M
acia lined the large woven basket with a checkered linen towel. Where could Lucy be? She’d said she would arrive no later than ten o’clock to help prepare for the picnic. Perhaps Macia should go ahead with the preparations. Otherwise they’d have little time for their outing. When Lucy had suggested the picnic, Macia had explained she must return home by two o’clock. She couldn’t disappoint Gerta; the housekeeper had made plans to go home for an extended visit and would depart today. Macia had agreed to take over meal preparations during Gerta’s absence, and if Macia wasn’t back before the appointed time for Gerta’s departure, the housekeeper would feel obligated to wait and ensure all was in order.

As if summoned by Macia’s thoughts, the housekeeper entered the kitchen and surveyed the area. “I see young Lucy hasn’t arrived to lend a hand.” Retrieving a sharp knife from the counter, she picked up a loaf of crusty bread and began to slice it. “I’ll spread these with some butter, and you can slice the ham. There’s a jar of pickles you might want to take along. Oh, and slices of my apple cake.”

Macia patted her stomach and groaned. “I don’t think we need much more food. Otherwise, we’ll fall asleep after eating and never get back home.”

“Ach.”
Gerta slapped her palm to her forehead. “Then maybe it would be better if we left the cake at home.”

“It’s me!” Lucy’s shoes clattered as she stepped off the carpeted hallway and into the kitchen. “Sorry I’m late, but I had to help Jeb with some chores.” She looking longingly at the uncut cake. “You’re saving the cake for supper tonight, I s’pose.”

Macia and Gerta looked at each other and burst into laughter.

“What’s so funny?”

Macia shook her head. “I guess we’ll take along
one
slice, Gerta.

At least
I’ll
be able to remain awake.”

Lucy fidgeted as Gerta sliced a small wedge and placed it on a crisp cloth napkin. “Could we take two? I’m very hungry.”

With a chuckle, Gerta expertly cut another portion and positioned it alongside the first. Drawing the four corners of the napkin upward, she tied them into a loose knot and deftly tucked the wrapped cake inside their basket.

Lucy grabbed the basket by both handles and beamed at the housekeeper on their way out of the kitchen. “Thanks, Gerta. We’ll be back before two o’clock.”

Macia picked up her bonnet as they passed through the hallway. Head bowed, she pulled the flower-bedecked straw hat onto her head and was tying the ribbons when she looked up and saw Jeb sitting atop the wagon. Holding the reins in his hands, he grinned and tipped his floppy hat.

She stopped midstep and stared, wide-eyed. While he jumped down from the wagon, Lucy pulled Macia forward. “Jeb said if I helped with chores this morning, he’d go fishing with us. He’s got the poles and bait in the back of the wagon.” Lucy gave another gentle tug. “Come on.”

Macia trailed behind the girl, wanting to yank her hand away and run back inside. She didn’t want to be alone with Jeb. And if she knew Lucy, the girl would finagle some way to make certain they were alone—except perhaps when it came time to eat the apple cake. Apple cake! Now she realized why Lucy had wanted Gerta to pack two pieces. How long had Lucy been planning this scheme?

Jeb walked beside Macia as she rounded the wagon and then helped her up. His touch stirred unexpected pleasant memories of the past—memories she’d carefully tucked away. A part of her wanted to yank Lucy aside and chastise the girl for such impudent behavior.

Lucy realized Macia had been avoiding her brother ever since Garrett’s abrupt departure. She no longer trusted her judgment when it came to men. Back in Kentucky, she’d thought Jackson Kincaid was everything a woman could want in a husband, but she had discovered he was a fraud. Then she’d decided Jeb loved her enough to wait for her return from Europe, but Fern had come to town and turned his head. And then she’d thought Garrett might possibly be the man for whom she was intended. But when Macia couldn’t hurry into a commitment, Garrett had taken off to pursue his dreams—much to Lucy’s delight, of course.

Lucy had talked of nothing but wedding plans for Jeb and Macia until Macia finally had no choice but to set the issue of marriage to rest. She’d patiently explained that the entire matter was a closed book. When Macia had completed her talk, she’d been pleasantly surprised, for she believed Lucy had taken note and agreed. However, it now seemed she’d not listened at all.

Lucy chattered unceasingly until they arrived at the river. With a fishing pole in one hand, she jumped down from the wagon and scurried off before Macia had even descended. Jeb reached up and took her hand. After stepping down, she teetered on the uneven ground, and he put his arm around her to steady her.

He pulled her a little closer. “Please don’t be angry with Lucy. This was my idea. In fact, she didn’t want to agree to any of this. I forced her to let me come along.”

Tilting her head to avoid the sun, Macia looked into his eyes. “I didn’t know Lucy could be forced to do anything she didn’t want to.”

He chuckled, still holding her close. “All I had to do was say that if I didn’t get to come along, she couldn’t come, either.” He shrugged his broad shoulders. “Not a very brotherly thing to do, I suppose. But desperate situations call for desperate actions.”

She gave a slight twist, hoping to move farther away. His nearness was discomfiting and made it impossible to think straight. However, he only tightened his hold.

“You may as well relax. I’m not going to turn you loose until I say my piece.”

“Then have your say and release me.”

“First off, I want you to know I am genuinely sorry for what’s happened between us. I’m not taking all the blame, because I don’t think you should have let your mother send you off to Europe. But I took up with Fern for all the wrong reasons. I wanted to hurt you the way you hurt me. So I made up my mind that when you returned to Hill City, you wouldn’t find me waiting for you. I wanted to prove I could move on with my life, too. That was a mistake, and for that, I’m truly sorry.”

She could tell his words were heartfelt. His voice trembled with emotion as he struggled through the speech. “I accept your apology, Jeb. And I’m sorry, too—for all the pain I caused both of us.”

He sighed. “Good. Because that leads me to this next part.”

Without warning, he tipped his head down and kissed her with a passion she’d never before experienced. When he finally pulled back and released his hold, she wobbled backwards. With a broad grin, he pulled her close again. “Maybe I’m going to have to hold you close to me the rest of the day.” He winked. “And that would be just fine with me.”

She placed her palms on his chest. The steady beat of his heart thumped against her fingertips and spread surprising warmth through her body. She flushed at the recognition of his effect upon her and quickly lifted her hands and moved away.

“I believe I’m quite steady on my feet now.” She motioned toward the wagon. “Why don’t you bring the blanket and picnic basket, and we’ll see if we can locate Lucy.”

He reached forward and grasped her hand. Macia’s fingers tingled at his touch. She pulled away, wanting to shake off these feelings she thought she had buried months ago. He needed to let their apologies be enough. They’d made real progress today, and if nothing more occurred, maybe their wounds would heal.

Hoping to hold him at bay, Macia quietly explained her view. As she did, though, he shook his head while a slow, easy smile curved his lips.

“One day I want to marry you, Macia. Maybe we’re not ready right now, but I need you to know my intentions. Even more, I need to know if you’re willing to give me—give
us
—another chance.What do you say?”

Her cheeks smoldered. She knew they were likely as red as the apples Gerta had peeled for her cake earlier in the day. She couldn’t tell him no; she didn’t want to. “I say we should give it a try.” She held him at arm’s length, her palm once again pressing against his chest. “So long as we move slowly. No more mistakes.”

He nodded and pulled her close. “No more mistakes,” he whispered before capturing her lips with another tender kiss.