Love Finds You in Groom, Texas (35 page)

“No, just follow me, please.”

From the look on his face, Anne could tell that Jake was up to something…but what? She and her sisters tagged along on Jake’s heels. They made their way outside and then across the porch and down the steps.

“What’s he doing, Annie?” Kate whispered. “Is she in trouble?”

“I can’t imagine she’s in trouble.” Anne turned to her youngest sister. “Unless she’s done something we don’t know about.” Of  course, knowing Emily, that could be just about anything. Anne tried to catch Jake’s eye. She wanted to ask him the obvious question—but didn’t dare.

When they entered the barn and approached the stalls on the far side, Jake turned to face them. “I have a little present for you, Emily. It’s a special thank-you for keeping us entertained with those stories of yours. What I’m about to show you is something very new and exciting. Are you ready?”

Emily nodded and clasped her hands together. “I’m ready.”

“All right, then.” He led the way around the corner to a stall with a horse inside. “You’ve already met Frances, my mare.”

Emily nodded, and then her gaze shifted downward to the newborn horse standing just behind Frances. “Oh, Jake! Is this my present?”

“It is. He’s all yours. If you want him, that is.”

“If I want him? If I want him?” Emily’s eyes sparkled as she ran her hand across the colt’s neck. “Is that a trick question?

“No trick question.”

“Really, truly, he’s mine?”

“Yes.” Jake nodded. “And I’m pretty sure you’ve already got him named.”

“Oh yes. His name is going to be Copper because of his beautiful color. I’ve always wanted a horse named Copper.” She sighed. “I have never been this happy…ever.” She turned to face Anne, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Oh, Annie, we really are staying, aren’t we?”

“Well, of course, honey. That’s the idea.”
As long as Uncle Bertrand doesn’t put up a fuss.

Emily leaned over the little colt and hugged him tight. “Now that I’ve seen my new baby colt, I can never leave O’Farrell’s Honor. It’s my home. Nothing can tear me away.”

The emotions that filled Anne’s heart at the scene were beyond anything she’d ever felt before. In fact, she’d never known such joy existed until now.

They stayed in the barn until it began to grow dark inside. Anne and Jake held hands while they watched the girls play with the colt.

“I think it’s time to let our new arrival get some rest,” Jake said after awhile. “You can come back in the morning and spend time with him.”

“Thank you again, Jake.” Emily rushed over to give him an embrace.

She skipped out of the barn with Kate following on her heels. Anne and Jake paused for a little kiss in the doorway of the barn and then walked out to the yard.

“Oh, Jake, look.” Anne pointed to the sky. “It’s another Panhandle sunset—just magnificent. She linked her fingers through his and they walked together toward the house. Off in the distance she heard the sound of children’s voices and realized that more of Maggie’s children and grandchildren had arrived. She could hardly wait to tell them her news. She was getting married! Milly and the other girls were likely to squeal with delight.

But just as soon as they reached the porch, Uncle Bertrand’s Cadillac pulled up. Anne’s heart began to quicken at once. She tried to rehearse a speech in her head…tried to think of something persuasive to say when her uncle got out of his car…. Unfortunately, she found her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth. She could only hope it would cooperate by the time he reached the house. If it didn’t, he would likely have her sisters packed and ready to go to Dallas before she could do a thing about it.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Wishing you could travel the high seas? See exotic places you’ve only read about in books? Why board a ship when the world comes to your door in the Texas Panhandle? For a real sightseeing adventure, visit the towns of Canadian and Memphis. Sip tea in Wellington, nibble on scones in Stratford, and pick four-leaf clovers in Shamrock. Get married in the town of Groom, or practice your archery skills in Spearman. If you’re looking for culture and fine living, look no further than the Texas Panhandle, where you can experience society at its finest. —
“Tex” Morgan, reporting for the
Panhandle Primer

Anne forced a smile as her uncle approached and willed her heart to slow its near-frantic pace.

“Anne.” He offered an abrupt nod. “Is everyone here?”

“Yes, the whole family. Maggie’s made a special dinner.” She hesitated, not sure if this was the right time to mention the proposal. How would he take the news?

“Good. Glad everyone’s in one place. I need to talk with you.”

“O–oh?” She suddenly felt queasy. Would he decide to leave tonight after all? If so, would he expect her and the girls to go with him?

“Yes, let’s go inside for a chat. I’d like to meet with you and your sisters.” He paused and smiled. “And Maggie. I think she’d like to be in on this too.”

“All right.” Anne took a few tentative steps toward the house. Once inside, she was met with a flurry of activity.

“Oh, Anne, is it true?” Ruth grabbed her hand. “Emily told us that—”

Anne flashed her a warning look and shook her head.

“Guess I’m getting ahead of myself.” Cora giggled.

“It’s the best news in the world,” Pauline added. “I’m just speechless.”

Milly drew near and wrapped her arms around Anne’s neck. “We’re going to be sisters now,” she whispered. “Welcome to the family.”

“Sisters?” Uncle Bertrand drew near. “What’s this, Anne?”

“Oh, well, I—”

“Bert, you’re back.” Maggie entered the parlor, fussed with her hair, and untied her apron. “I didn’t know if you would be back today or not. I’ve made a special meal. We’re celebrating.”

“Can it wait a few minutes? I have something I need to share with the girls.”

“Now is fine. Should the rest of us leave the room and give you some privacy?”

“No, please stay. This concerns all of you.” He began to pace.

Maggie sat on the sofa and Anne took the spot beside her, feeling a little shaky. Jake stood behind Anne with his hand on her shoulder, as if to say, “We can make it through this, whatever it is.”

On the other side of the room Milly, Cora, and the other ladies stood, looking a bit perplexed. Adding to the confusion, Bets and Leo also walked in, holding hands. Behind them came Jake’s four brothers, gabbing about the price of feed. Looked like the whole clan had arrived. And just in time, though for what, she could not be sure.

Uncle Bertrand continued to pace the room. He finally came to a stop in front of the window then turned to face them.

“The Texas Panhandle is a booming place,” he said.

“Indeed.” Maggie nodded.

“A man with a business such as mine would be a fool not to take advantage of a location such as this. Why, Carson County doesn’t have one single department store. Did you know that?”

Anne could hardly believe her ears. “Uncle Bertrand, what are you saying?”

“I’m saying, the need for merchandise is great in this area. A man in the department-store business could do well for himself here.”

“You’re going to open a store here?” Maggie’s eyes lit up. “Am I hearing you right?”

“Well, why not.” He turned to face her, and the wrinkles in his brow slowly faded. “As I said, it’s a great opportunity.”

“Yes, it is.” She quirked a brow, and Anne realized that there was much more to this story than she’d first imagined.

“Anyway, I was thinking I could stay on here in Groom to oversee the building of the store. For a few months, anyway. And then we can see what happens next.” He turned to face Maggie. “How does that sound?”

“Like music to my ears,” she whispered.

Everyone let out a collective gasp. At once Emily and Kate began to dance around the room in celebratory style.

Anne felt a wave of relief wash over her. “Oh, Uncle Bertrand. Really?”

“Really.”

A lone tear rolled down Maggie’s cheek. He approached her.

“Would—would you mind so much, having this old fool around a bit longer?”

“I wouldn’t mind a bit.” She swiped at her cheek. “In fact, I heard just last week that one of our neighbors, David Koenig, is looking to sell his house. It’s near the heart of town.”

“Might be a better idea than staying in the hotel, and I like the idea of being in town, close to the new store. There’s a lot of work to be done in setting things up.”

“I’d love to help.” Maggie patted his arm. “Just say the word and I’m there.”

“Oh, and so would I, Uncle Bertrand.” Anne rose and walked his way. “Folks have been telling me that I have a good eye for decorating and such. Maybe I could help with the layout of the store. What do you think?”

“I think you’re the perfect person for the job.” He then glanced at Emily. “And I’m pretty sure I know who to turn to when it comes time to do a big write-up for the paper.”

“Really, Uncle Bertrand?” Emily flung herself into his arms and then suddenly stepped back, clearly stunned by her outburst. “I mean, I’ve always dreamed of writing for the paper.”

“You’ll do a fine job.” He paused and looked at Anne and her sisters. “But let’s get one thing straight. From this point on, no more of this ‘Uncle Bertrand’ stuff.”

“No?” Anne gave him a curious look.

“No. My name is Bert. So let’s stick with that.”

“Uncle Bert.” Kate giggled. “I like it.”

“Well, your timing couldn’t be better.” Anne reached to touch his arm. “Because I have some news too.” She extended her trembling left hand and showed him the ring.

“What is this?”

“I’ve asked her to marry me, sir.” Jake rose and took a few steps toward them. “Perhaps I should have asked your permission first, but I let my emotions get ahead of me.”

Uncle Bert’s eyes misted over. “Well, if that doesn’t beat all. You’re getting married, then?” When Anne nodded, he wrapped her in his arms and whispered, “Your father would have been so proud. I’m just sorry he’s not here to witness this firsthand.”

At this a knot rose in Anne’s throat. “Me too.”

He gave her a squeeze. “I realize I haven’t been a very good father figure to you since he passed on. And I’m truly sorry about that. I’ve been an old fool.”

Anne wanted to respond but couldn’t find the words. Was he really apologizing?

“In spite of my past transgressions, I do hope you will give me the honor of giving you away when you marry.” He gave her a sheepish grin. “It would be the very least I could do to make things up to you.”

“Really?” She practically leaped into his arms. “Oh, Uncle Bertrand—Bert—I’m so happy. That’s the nicest gift you could have given me.”

Off in the distance, Aunt Bets began to sniffle. “It’s all just too much to take,” she whispered.

“There’s something else, Anne.” Uncle Bert gripped her hand. “One of the reasons I was so keen on bringing you girls to Dallas is because I have something for you. Your father—in spite of his many struggles—realized the predicament you girls would be in, should something happen to him. When I visited him last year, he gave me some money to be held in trust for you girls until you married. I invested it, of course, and it has grown a bit. We’re not talking about a huge amount of money here, but it’s certainly enough to act as a wedding gift for you and Jake and also some for your sisters when it’s their time to marry.”

Anne’s heart began to twist at this new revelation. Papa had left an inheritance after all. Even in his weakened state, he’d cared enough to make sure he provided for his daughters. Why this struck her in such a deep way Anne could not say, but in that moment, the tears began to flow.

“Go ahead, sweet girl. Let it out.” Maggie joined the circle, drawing Anne close.

The tears came from a well deep inside of her, a place she’d not visited until now. So many of the things she’d held against her father just floated away on the evening breeze. And as she released them, the most freeing feeling swept over her. Suddenly she felt like dancing, and a melody filled her heart. In that moment, with her eyes closed, she could almost see Papa standing at the pearly gates, joining in. Maybe one day she could dance with him. Right now, Uncle Bertrand would have to do.

No, not “have to do.” He’d been sent from heaven too, in spite of his sour ways. And heaven had done its part in transforming him into someone she had grown to love.

Off in the distance, Emily got her attention with a grunt. Anne pulled away from Maggie and Uncle Bert to give her sister a look of curiosity.

“What is it, honey?”

“Oh, nothing.” Emily sighed. “It’s just that I’ll have to dig up the dolls from the backyard.”

“What do you mean?”

“I buried one that I named Uncle Bertrand. I’ll have to dig him up now.”

“You buried me in effigy?” The wrinkles reappeared on Uncle Bert’s brow.

“I guess it wasn’t really you,” Emily said with a shrug. “It was the old you. The mean you.”

“Well, do me a favor.” Maggie placed her hand on Bert’s shoulder. “Keep him buried. Let’s let the new man live on, shall we?”

“Sounds like a good idea to me.” Uncle Bert turned to her with a soft smile. “Some things are worth changing over.”