Second Chance Brides (30 page)

The boardinghouse owner crossed the room and joined her at the window. The scent of fresh wood filled the air, and the street resembled a hive of worker bees hard at labor. Someone bellowed out a laugh, and others joined in. They looked to be having a grand time.

Rachel touched Shannon’s shoulder. “I don’t want to pry, but did something happen in Denison? You’ve been down in the dumps since you returned.”

Shannon scowled, unsure what a dump had to do with what she was feeling. Now she felt the fool for having cared for Mark Corbett, and yet her heart still betrayed her. Why didn’t anyone tell her that falling in love could be so painful?

“Well, I just wanted you to know that I’m here for you if you want to talk. I need to get downstairs. I’m making a mess of sandwiches for when the workers break for the noon meal.”

Shannon turned from the window. “Are you needin’ some help?”

Rachel smiled. “I could use another pair of hands, but that’s not why I’m here. I just want to be sure you’re all right.”

Shannon considered how years ago, Rachel had lost Luke, the man she loved, and married another. Perhaps ’twould help to talk to her. She stared at the older woman. Rachel was probably in her late twenties, a good ten years older than herself. But she had the look of a newlywed in love, not the harried boardinghouse owner and mother to a troubled child like she’d been when Shannon first arrived in town.

Shannon heaved a sigh and gazed at Rachel, wringing her hands. “I fear I have fallen in love with Mark Corbett, but he doesn’t want me.” Saying the words made her chin wobble and tears burn her eyes.

Rachel’s eyes widened, and her mouth dropped open. “Oh dear.”

“Aye, you can see my problem.”

“Yes, but does this have anything to do with your trip to Denison? I thought you and Leah would have a good time shopping for her wedding supplies, but you looked miserable when you returned yesterday.”

Shannon nodded and drifted back to the window. Her gaze immediately located Mark, carrying a long piece of lumber with his brother. Her heart squeezed at the sight of him, and then she remembered he didn’t want her. She ducked her head. What had he found lacking in her?

Rachel took her hand and tugged her over to the bed. “Let’s sit for a minute. Maybe things aren’t as bleak as they seem.”

“I work for the man I’m in love with, and he stated that he’d never marry, so how do I now face him and interact with him each day? If I quit my job, I shall be dependent on the Corbett brothers or destitute. Things seem awfully bleak to me.” Shannon plopped onto the bed and sighed.

“I remember thinking the same thing. Luke had finally returned to town, but he wanted nothing to do with me. He refused to forgive me for past offenses, and then you and the other brides came to town. I was ready to sell out and leave.”

“You were?”

Rachel nodded. “Yes. I came within a hair’s width of selling this place.” Her gaze lovingly roved around the room.

“I can’t imagine anyone else owning this house. I’m glad you didn’t have to do that.”

“Me, too. But let me tell you that I firmly believe the good Lord has a plan for you in all of this. He brought you to Lookout for a reason.”

Shannon was afraid to let hope take wing. “You truly believethat?”

Rachel grinned and shook her head. “What’s hardest to swallow is that He used the Corbett brothers to get you and Leah to town.”

“’Tis a difficult concept to fathom. Why do you suppose He would do such a thing?”

“Because God loves you. He has a plan for your life even if things seem their darkest.”

“And you believe He brought me here to marry Mark?”

A loud cheer rose up outside the window, and the raised voices of happy men drew her attention for a moment. She longed to be part of the community, but so many people still looked at her as a mail-order bride who was found lacking.

Rachel shook her head. “I never said that. It’s possible that God wants you to marry Mark, but He could have brought you here for another man—or another purpose altogether. You need to spend time in prayer and seek God. Try asking Him why you’re here, and see what He says.”

Shannon rose and walked to the window. It took her a moment to find Mark talking to Jack. The girl smiled up at him and nodded her head. Rachel joined her and peered out. “What’s that girl up to now? I told her to stay out of the way.”

“I fail to see how Mark can do much with his hand in that cast.”

“You know, I just thought of something.” Rachel tapped her finger against her mouth. “Mark left Lookout for a time. I don’t know much of what happened because I had my own troubles back then, but I can tell you he was different when he returned. Quieter. More thoughtful and less reckless.”

“Sounds as if ’twould do his brother good to get away, if he’d return the same as Mark.”

Rachel chuckled. “I didn’t say it was a good thing. Something bothers Mark deep down, but I have no idea what it is. He doesn’t talk about it.”

Shannon pondered all that Rachel had said. Could she have truly been brought here for some greater purpose? She remembered her mother saying something similar about their coming to America, but that had tragically ended in her parents’ deaths. Couldn’t they have just as well died back in Ireland? Where would that have left her, though?

There were many more opportunities for an unmarried woman in America, even though life was still difficult. Prayer was what she needed. For too long, she’d been angry at God for taking her parents, but perhaps it had been His will for her to come to this grand country. And if it was, He would provide for her and give her direction—if she only sought Him.

“Well…” Rachel pushed away from the window. “Those sandwiches won’t get made by themselves.”

“Thank you for your time. I’ll be down in a few minutes to help you.”

Rachel smiled over her shoulder and walked out into the hallway. “You really don’t have to, but if you don’t mind helping, I won’t turn you down. A lot of men are out there, working up big appetites.”

Shannon nodded and closed the door. She knelt beside the bed and folded her hands. “Father God, I beg that You forgive me my trespasses. Forgive me for being angry at You and not seeking You as I should. Show me why You brought me to Lookout. And show me, please, if Mark is part of my future.”

The rocking chairs had been moved and makeshift tables set up on the boardinghouse porch. The pounding of hammers and men’s shouts across the street filled the air. Shannon set out a tray of sliced bread, while Leah rearranged the table to make room for the bowls of boiled turnips and buttered grits that the pastor’s wife had brought. One of the local ranchers had delivered a smoked pig, which Rachel and Jack had partially sliced earlier.

Standing back, Shannon surveyed the tables. Every manner of food one could imagine was on one of the four tables. Jack burst out the front door, carrying a large bowl of buns Rachel had baked. The screen door slammed against the house, jarring the tables and making Leah jump.

“Good heavens, girl. You scared a dozen years off me.”

Jack giggled and set the buns by the sliced bread. “You’d better not be wasting any years. You’ll be a wife soon, and they work hard.”

Leah smiled. “I will be married soon, won’t I?”

Shannon nodded, enjoying the lightheartedness after the traumatic events in Denison. Her time of prayer this morning had helped her calm down and focus on the task at hand. Staying busy certainly helped keep her mind off her heartaches. She walked over to the porch rail, lifted her hand to shade her eyes, and looked for Mark. Men hustled here and there, carrying boards, hammering, sawing. There must be twenty men or more, yet they worked as a unified team. How did they each know just what to do?

She shook her head, impressed with their organization. The aroma of fresh-cut lumber scented the air, and the two-story skeleton of the new store was standing, straight and tall. The first story was framed in, and men were already attaching boards to the side walls. She supposed the new owner would be living up above the store.

Rachel strode out the door and walked past each table, surveying everything. The women of the town who had donated food stood in small groups on Bluebonnet Lane, watching the men work and talking. Rachel moved a plate to make room for a last-minute arrival, then clapped her hands. The ladies pivoted in unison and quieted.

“I do believe we are ready to eat. Shall we gather the men?”

“I’ll get them, Ma.” Jack shot off the end of the porch, not even bothering to use the steps. The girl had begged her mum to let her wear her overalls today so she could help Luke work on the store.

Rachel shook her head. “That girl should have been a boy.”

The crowd chuckled. Shannon leaned on a porch post and watched Jack find her new da in the group. He smiled and patted her on the shoulder, then turned to the men and yelled, “Dinner is ready.”

A masculine cheer rang out. Most men set aside their tools and headed for the women, but a couple finished their hammering first. Husbands found their wives and turned toward the packed tables. Shannon felt left out as she watched a man swoop down and steal a kiss from his beloved. Mark stood at the back of the line with several unmarried men. He said something to his brother, then slapped his shoulder, and the whole group laughed. She was glad they were having a good time.

Leah found Dan among the men and pulled him over to the food line. Shannon heaved a sigh. ’twas such a melancholy thing to watch her good friend find love and prepare for her wedding while her own heart was breaking. She hung her head. How did one get over caring for someone who didn’t care for them?

“Um…excuse me, ma’am. Could I slip past you so’s I can get a couple of those fine dinner rolls?”

Shannon glanced up into the blue-gray eyes of a local rancher who’d attended the Saturday social. “Pardon me.” She scooted back against the porch railing and allowed him to pass her.

He grabbed two buns and laid them atop the mountain of food on his plate. He turned and smiled, then touched the brim of his hat with his fingertips. “Rand Kessler, ma’am. I don’t suppose you’d care to dine with me?”

His unexpected invitation stunned her, but she was in no mood for masculine company. “Well, uh, I need to refill the bread when it dwindles down.”

His cheeks turned a ruddy red, and he ducked his head. “How about saving me a dance at the next social?”

Shannon forced a smile. He was a nice man, and she didn’t want to hurt his feelings. Her heart wasn’t in dancing at all, especially with someone other than Mark, but what did it matter now? “Aye, ’twould be my pleasure.”

His wide grin made her glad she’d agreed. Mr. Kessler was a comely man, and she knew he owned a large ranch. He’d make a decent husband, she supposed, but not for her.

Garrett Corbett helped himself to a couple of buns and smiled. “Good day, Miss O’Neil.”

She nodded, and realized this was just the chance she’d been waiting for. Mark was at the far end of the line, and she might not catch Garrett alone again. “Might I have a few moments of your time?”

His brows lifted, and he glanced over his shoulder. “Me?”

“Aye. You.”

He took a bite of his bun. “Sure, as long as you don’t mind if I eat. We’ll be getting back to work soon.”

“That’s fine.” She followed him off the porch to a shade tree next to the boardinghouse.

He leaned against the tree and stared at her. “What can I do for you?”

Now that she had his attention, she wasn’t sure what to say. She couldn’t tell him what had happened between her and his brother. He wouldn’t understand why she wanted the change in her work hours, but what did that matter. “I think it’s best if I only work in the office when you and your brother are out of town.”

His expression remained passive, surprising her. He didn’t seem the least bit taken off-guard. Had Mark told him what happened?

“That will mean fewer hours for you. Will that be a problem?”

She’d calculated how much money she’d lose, and aye, ’twould be a problem, but she had no choice. She wouldn’t work with Mark in the office. She couldn’t.

Garrett’s lips twisted to the side. “My brother giving you trouble?”

Shannon shrugged. “I’ve had to clean and dust and rearrange things over and over to keep busy. You’re wasting your money having me work so many hours when you don’t need me.”

“Shouldn’t that be our choice? Maybe we want someone in the office more than just when we’re out of town.”

“Then you’ll need to hire someone else.”

He quirked a brow. “You’re serious?”

“Aye.”

He heaved a sigh and set his plate on a nearby fence post. “What did my brother do?”

Shannon’s lips trembled. What could she say? “’Tisn’t important. Can we work it out that I’m in the office on the days you’re gone, or not?”

Garrett ran his hand over his chin, obviously not wanting to comply, but finally he nodded his head. “I reckon it would work. I could let you know at the beginning of each week what our plans are, and you could come down after we leave. We can leave notes to each other, if need be.”

“Thank you. I appreciate your flexibility.”