A Love of Her Own (36 page)

Over the next few days, April could sense distinct anticipation around Lewistown, with people standing on street corners and in the general store wondering what the mayor’s special meeting in the town’s square was all about. Miss Margaret and her daughters stayed busy baking pies and cakes to add to the refreshments that Helen was preparing. Billy and Mark got involved in setting up sawhorses with wood planks that would serve as tables. April pitched in to help Lenora hang the red, white, and blue bunting across the railing of the gazebo.

It seemed almost like a holiday celebration, and April felt like she was one of the townsfolk by doing her part in the preparations. She never thought she’d do something like this and gain so much satisfaction. She just wished that Wes could’ve been there to work alongside her, but he’d had work to do before Sunday. Still, she found herself daydreaming about going to church with him.

Finally Sunday came. Sunlight streamed through the sheers, waking April, and she stared at the clock. It was nearly eight. Since living at the boardinghouse, April’s body clock had been timed to wake up by seven, so she jumped out of bed, hoping not to miss breakfast before church.

She wanted to look nice today. After pulling out several items and tossing them aside on her bed, she chose a pale blue lacy blouse fitted at the waist. The robin’s-egg blue moiré skirt, gored and widened at the bottom, balanced the wider long sleeves of the tight-fitting bolero with its notched, edged collar and black braiding. The skirt looked passable enough without having to iron it, one of her least favorite chores. Tilly would have scoffed at it, though, and April was sure she wouldn’t have let her out the front door until it was steamed and pressed perfectly. On her feet April wore high, curved Louis heels, but only because she decided her low-heeled cowboy boots would have looked ridiculous.
Ahh
.
 
.
 
. it won’t be all day. I can always change into something more
comfortable later. But today I want to turn Wes’s head so he has
eyes only for me!

She brushed her hair and deftly braided it, securing the plaits daintily around her head with silver hair combs. Taking a step back, April admired her toilette in the long cheval mirror. Satisfied with the outcome, she snatched up her handbag and stuffed Wes’s present inside, then practically ran down the stairs.

After church, townsfolk began to amble toward the direction of the town square in anticipation of the afternoon activities. Already the town band members had arrived and were tuning their instruments.

Mayor Brown clapped Wes on the back, then after a firm handshake, he made his way to a group of dignitaries who represented the superiors in Washington. They were clustered near the gazebo in the town square, which was decorated with red, white, and blue bunting. Wes had been in luck to be able to have a word with him before the mayor made his speech. He craned his neck above the burgeoning crowd to see whether or not April had come.

This was the largest number of people he’d seen in one spot since Josh’s wedding. Carriages with ladies dressed in their finery filled the streets. The band was now playing as anticipation grew. He saw Cynthia talking to Marion Stockton, with Billy standing close to Jane’s side, lending his arm for support. He waved to Andy and Nellie standing next to Reverend Carlson just as Lenora and Morgan joined them. Morgan looked to be in great shape, and Wes was glad that Lenora was by his side now, for good.

When Wes had arrived earlier today, he’d sprinted over to Power Mercantile to pick up his order, and now it was tucked safely on Dakota’s back. Wes felt all knotted up inside and hadn’t been able to think of anything except April since they’d parted at the picnic yesterday. He couldn’t even eat today. How could a woman do that to a man’s head? He didn’t know and he didn’t care. He just wanted to build a life with April as his partner, but he was afraid she’d go back to Colorado and that would be the end of it. He couldn’t let that happen, and as he lived and breathed today, it wouldn’t, not if he got his way.

His eyes caught hers and held across the meticulous lawn of the square. She moved toward him, never taking her eyes off his, dressed like a fashion plate that must have cost a fortune. He gulped for air. Her hair, normally worn hanging down her back, was wound up in braids held by silver combs, and she wore a tight-fitting jacket across her slim shoulders. She was a vision of loveliness, and he couldn’t take his eyes off her sweet face.

She gave him a brief brush on the lips in greeting, right in front of Miss Margaret, Natalie, and Louise. He couldn’t believe it. It was daring to say the least, but he knew he’d better get used to April’s ways. “You are beautiful, April, and maybe a little overdressed for the mayor’s speech,” Wes said, taking her hand and tucking it inside his elbow. Her scent drove him crazy and lingered in his thoughts.

April giggled. “Oh? What about yourself? I don’t recall seeing you in a starched white shirt and tie before. The black leather vest is a very nice touch, Wes.” Her eyes focused on his.

“Just wanted to clean up a bit today—you never know who you’ll meet or what will happen.”

“What do you mean?” she asked. He smelled like musk soap and had shaved his usual stubble from his face.
He must have had
the same idea about looking nice for me.
At least she wanted to think so, and her heart was full of love for him.

“Aw, nothing, really.” He patted her hand, then said hello to the other ladies. Natalie was cordial to him but looked away, seeming interested in the band.

Wes handed April a package. “Here, I want you to open this now.”

“I love surprises,” April said, tearing into the wrapping. “Oh, Wes! My goodness. Where did you get these?” April ran her hand over the brown hand-tooled boots in awe. A matching belt was rolled and tucked into one of the boots. “How did you ever find something so close to mine?”

“Let’s just say I have several connections down in Texas.” A broad grin split his face. “I take it you like them?”

“Like them? I love them! Thank you so much!” She asked Louise to hold the gift for her, then untied the string of her handbag. “I have something for you as well,” she said with excitement, and handed him a package.

“What? You have one for me? I’d say our minds think alike.” Wes pushed back his hat to see better.

“Just open it, Wes,” Louise said, now that everyone was looking on.

He ripped back the paper to reveal a book. “Well, boy howdy. This is just great, April.” He opened the book and peeked inside. “Well, what kind of book is it? A mystery?” Willard asked as he and May walked over.

“No, even better. It’s
The Fannie Farmer Cookbook
. Now I can figure out some of those dishes I’ve been wanting to try. I’ll be able to give Andy a run for his money!”

Everyone laughed and then sighed when Wes leaned down to kiss April softly on her check. “Thank you. I really love it.”

“I thought you might.” She smiled back at him, a funny, tight feeling squeezing her chest.

The crowd suddenly quieted down, and April looked up to the platform where the mayor was about to speak. The band stopped playing, and everyone clapped as Harry Brown stepped up to the podium.

“My wonderful citizens, I’m so happy that you’re here on this spectacular fall day with a bit of chill in the air. We all know that winter will be here soon enough. So let’s enjoy today.” He cleared his throat. “Some of you may not be aware that a few months ago, the United States government began to negotiate with the Blackfeet to purchase 800,000 acres of land for the preservation of the beautiful forest and mountains that Montana is privy to. That treaty was framed and signed by members of the Blackfeet tribe for the sum of 1.5 million dollars for a period of ten years, with 4 percent interest. This land I’m speaking about is the western boundary of our wonderful state that runs as far up as Canada.” The mayor paused and turned to introduce his guests. “President Cleveland chose representatives to help with this purchase and bring awareness of that fact to our great United States and to the citizens of Montana. We are happy that we are one of the cities on their statewide tour. Please give a Montana welcome to Dr. George Bird Grinnell, the editor of
Forest and Stream
magazine and a naturalist who was very instrumental in convincing his dear friends the Blackfeet to sell the land for preservation.”

Applause erupted all around. Dr. Grinnell smiled at the crowd and waved. The mayor smiled. “I’d also like to introduce to you US Indian agent George Steele, who was instrumental in persuading the Blackfeet that this was in their people’s best interests. Also, please welcome Chief White Calf, who was one of the original signers of the documents for the Blackfeet tribe. Let’s give them all a warm welcome.” The mayor started clapping, and others, even if they were doubtful, did likewise.

The two men and the chief stood before the crowd. Wearing soft buckskin pants and a beaded tunic trimmed in long fringe the color of churned butter, the chief had a regal air of dignity in his stance with his arms folded across his chest. He neither smiled nor moved but looked straight ahead.

Wes leaned down and whispered in April’s ear. “I’m not sure Chief White Calf is all too happy with this purchase.”

April asked quietly, “Then why would he sign it?” She watched the chief without turning her head to look at Wes. She’d never been this close to a real Indian in her life, and she was fascinated.

“There was some talk that miners were breathing down the officials’ necks to secure the land for mining gold and copper. The Blackfeet lost two-thirds of their tribe to smallpox back in 1837. Then many died from starvation when the buffalo herds declined about fifteen years ago. I figured the tribe was nearly destitute. I think they had little choice if they were going to save their people.”

“Well, you might be right, by the look on Chief White Calf’s face.” April saw sadness transparent in the chief’s eyes. “I understand why the government might want to own it, but how much of this was forced upon them, do you think?”

“I honestly don’t know the answer to your question, but I have one for you,” Wes said.

She spun her head around. “Is that right? And what might that be?”

Before Wes could say anything further, the mayor invited everyone to join them for refreshments set up on the side of the gazebo. The band struck up a loud marching tune, and Miss Margaret suggested they join the others. Instead, Wes took April by her elbow, and she traipsed behind him until they reached the edge of the square. She saw the curious looks of her friends but tried not to make eye contact.

“What is it, Wes? I thought we could have some lemonade—” “Shh.” Wes pressed his fingers to her lips. “There’s no time to lose.”

“What are you talking about? There’s nothing we can do about the sale of the land.”

“I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about us.” Wes took a deep breath, then continued. “Did you decide to stay in Montana?” He stared down at her with a peculiar look on his face that April couldn’t read.

“I told you I would stay awhile longer. Why?”

Wes took his hat off and held it with trembling hands. “I have to know—do you love me?” he choked out in a whisper.

“Wes, I . . .”
What is the matter with him?

“Do you love me? It’s not a hard question, April.” He shifted on one foot, impatience in his face.

“Yes, I do, Wes. I thought you knew.” Suddenly her throat went dry, and she licked her lips.

“Will you marry me then?” His eyes held hers, and April watched his Adam’s apple move when he swallowed hard.

April’s jaw dropped. “I thought we were going to think about this for a while.”

“I mean now, April. Right here—right now.” His voice was pleading, and his eyes were filled with passion.

“Have you lost your mind, Wes Owen?” April thought surely he must be joking, but another look at his face told her he was serious. His eyes penetrated hers and mirrored deep longing and love. Her lips parted to speak, but the words caught in her throat. What about the big wedding she’d always planned? And what about her parents? They would be furious!

After a long minute she found her voice. “How do you intend to do that right now?”

Wes dropped to one knee, laid his hat aside, and reached for her hands. “Will you marry me? I love you with all my heart. I’d be the luckiest man alive if you’d want to spend the rest of your life with me.”

April’s heart was pounding. “But how, Wes? We have to make plans . . . I wanted a big wedding.”

“We don’t need all that, do we? All of that is just trimming. We don’t have to wait. You’re a lot like me—I’ve waited too long and you’ve waited long enough. I don’t want to lose you.”

“But I wanted a beautiful wedding dress. I wanted to look pretty.”

“You look beautiful to me in the dress you’re wearing.” His eyes traveled over her body, then he lifted her hand and kissed her fingertips.

April’s stomach lurched. Her bolero jacket was suddenly beginning to feel hot. “I don’t know . . .”

“Just say yes and we can exchange our vows today.”