Levi (Prairie Grooms, Book Five)

Tom Turner sat alone. Sometimes, he had to. It was the only way to still his mind when it raced like a runaway horse. There were so many things he wanted to say, so many fantastic stories to tell, that sometimes he thought he might burst if he didn’t tell them to somebody, at times
anybody
, if only to get them off his chest …

“There you are,” he heard a familiar voice say. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”

Tom looked at his wife as she came around the log and sat. He’d been down at the creek that ran through the Weavers’ farm for nearly an hour. “Seems you got the twins all riled up with your last story.”

He smiled. “Yeah, I guess I did; gave them somethin’ to think about, though.”

She scooted closer to him. “Is something wrong? You’ve got that look in your eye.”

“Ah, you know how it is when I have more stories to tell than there’s time for. Seems a shame to let them all sit inside of me. Kinda feels like their goin’ to waste.”

She patted his leg. “You’ll have time to tell them, don’t worry.”

“But what if I have the time, but no one to tell ‘em to?”

Rose smiled, took his hand, and placed it on her belly. “You’ll have someone to tell them to, right around Christmas.”

Tom’s eyes got as big as saucers as he stared at his hand. “Wha … what are ya sayin’? Are ya … are ya …”

Rose nodded, smiled, and then kissed him soundly. He almost fell off the log. “You can tell your son or daughter all the stories you want, Tom Turner.”

Tom stared at her in shock. “You mean I’m gonna be a … a …”

“Daddy?”

He nodded, blinked, and then let out a loud “Whoopee!” He jumped up and almost knocked her off the log! “Rose, darlin’! Are ya all right? Did I hurt ya? Should we head back to town right now? Maybe Doc Brown oughta take a look at ya!”

She laughed at his rush of words. “I’m fine; stop worrying! We can head back tomorrow, just as we planned.”

He sat again. “My heart’s racin’ like wild fire! I think it might jump right out of my chest!”

She laughed again. “That would be a sight.”

He smiled and took her in his arms. “Wouldn’t it though?” His face sobered.

“What is it?”

He swallowed hard. “Nothin’. I was just thinkin’ bout somethin’.”

She studied him. For the most part he was a happy, easygoing individual. But on occasion, a word or phrase would trigger something in him, and he got a faraway look in his eye—much like the one he had now—then it would be gone, and he would speak no more of it. She often wondered what he was recollecting, and wanted to ask him. But then something inside of her told her no, not yet …

“Supper’s ready,” she said. “Everyone’s waiting for us.”

Tom pulled her close, and touched his forehead to hers. “You’ve made me the happiest man alive. I can’t wait to write home and tell my folks the news.”

She closed her eyes, and kissed him. “I can’t wait, either. Should we tell the Weavers?”

“After I get through regalin’ them about what happened to the other two Sayer sisters. Benjamin and Calvin are ‘bout ready to bust a gut, they wanna know so bad.”

She didn’t acknowledge his last words. Instead she whispered, “I love you, Tom Turner.”

“I love you, too,” he said then patted her belly. “And you … whoever you are.”

She smiled. “Do you think your stories are helping Benjamin, Calvin, and Daniel learn what it means to be a good husband?”

“Don’t rightly know, but they’ve learned one thing so far.”

“What’s that?”

“That none of them wants to be alone. No one should be alone …”

She watched as he got that faraway look again then without warning, stood and pulled her to her feet. Without another word, he took her hand and led her back to the house.

By the time they got there, the Weavers had already sat down to supper and were waiting for Tom and Rose to take their seats. “About time you got here!” complained Calvin. “We’ve been waitin’ forever!”

“We’ve been waiting about two minutes,” Arlan, his elder brother, corrected. “Ignore them and enjoy your meal,” he said to Tom. “Otherwise, they’ll have you finish your tale and you won’t get a lick of food in ya.”

Tom laughed. “I don’t mind, but I do want to eat …”

Arlan smiled, said the blessing, and everybody dug in.

“Is there enough time to tell us what happened to both Fina and her sister, Apple?” asked Daniel, the youngest.

“I suppose so if I were to start now, but let me take a few bites first.”

“How old was Apple?” Daniel asked as Tom shoved a forkful of mashed potatoes into his mouth.

“Daniel!” his mother scolded, “let the poor man eat! And she was nineteen, same as you.”

“How do you know?” asked Benjamin, the other twin.

“Because
I
pay attention!” their mother shot back. “Now stop asking this poor man questions, and eat up!”

The twins and Daniel began to shove food into their mouths at a rapid pace. Rose couldn’t help it. She had to laugh. “Slow down, before you choke!”

“The faster we eat, the sooner it starts,” explained Calvin between mouthfuls.

Tom shook his head as he chewed, and eyed the three young men. He had to wonder, if

his stories going to help them prepare themselves for marriage, or send them into “the wanting of a wife,” without doing whatever it took to get ready for one. After he told his next two tales, he’d be able to tell.

One

The Triple C Ranch, Clear Creek, Oregon, July 1861

Lena and Apple watched as Fina picked at the glass beads on her wedding dress. “It certainly isn't as stunning as your dress,” she said as she turned and looked at her older sister. “But then, this dress didn't belong to a duchess.”

“I think both dresses are perfectly fine,” said Apple as she sat on the bed.

“Are the men still working?” asked Lena.

“Of course not,” said Fina. “You don't hear any hammering, do you?”

The day of the barn-raising had arrived, and the three sisters, along with the rest of the townspeople, watched as the Cookes’ new barn was, indeed, raised from the ground up. But the townsfolk hadn’t come for the barn-raising so much as they had to watch a double wedding. Well, more or less…

Lena had married Chase Adams five days before, when they decided they couldn’t wait any longer to take their vows. But that didn't matter to the town; they still wanted to see them married, and be witness to it. So the couple agreed to repeat their nuptials alongside Fina and her intended, Levi Stone.

“I'm so glad you decided to do this,” Apple told Lena. “If you hadn't, you never would have been able to wear your dress.”

Lena looked at her wedding dress, the one that belonged to none other than Isabel Sayer, the former Duchess of Stantham. “Indeed, I’m sure I’d have regretted it had I not agreed.”

“At least you won't be nervous,” added Fina.

“But I am,” Lena told her. “When we got married earlier in this week, we didn't have the entire town staring at us.”

“I'm only interested in one person staring at me,” said Fina.

Lena and Apple glanced at one another with a knowing look. When Wilfred Dunnigan suggested Fina and Levi marry at the Cookes’ barn-raising, they both agreed. Levi, because he knew the town, wanted it; and Fina, because she couldn't resist a challenge, but got more than she’d bargained for. She’d hoped to spend the rest of the week getting acquainted with Mr. Stone but he suddenly became inundated with work at the bank. This, of course, got Fina more than a little upset. It was bad enough he teased her during the few moments they
did
manage to see each other, not to mention call her by that ridiculous nickname he came up with. But what really got her going was the fact that the bank, the
only
bank in town, of which he was the
only
employee, had kept him from her. She wasn't even sure if there was any money in it. Based on that, how much work could there be?

“Apple,” Lena called across the room, “go downstairs and see if they're ready for us.”

Apple, who was peeking out the window, all but bounced to the door to do her sister’s bidding. She'd been in an exceptionally good mood all week, and was obviously very excited to see both her sisters wed. Her current mood was a far cry from the melancholy one she'd been in just before Lena and Chase announced they wanted to get married. The original plan, of course, was to marry the day of the barn-raising, and then Fina and Levi would marry sometime later, after they’d had a chance to court. Apple’s intended, unfortunately, had met his untimely demise the week before when he and a posse went after the outlaws who burned the Cookes’ barn to the ground.

Fina patted her brown hair, pinched her creamy cheeks, and then turned to her sister. “You look beautiful. I would love to paint you in that dress.”

Lena stepped to the mirror and took in her appearance. “I would love to have you paint me, too, if it weren't for the fact that you have no paints or brushes.”

“I brought a few with me. You didn’t really think I'd leave them in England, did you?”

Lena turned to her. “I had no idea you’d brought your supplies. Where have you been hiding them all this time?”

“There's a small drawer in my trunk. I kept them there. I… brought them out the other night to look at them, to see how they survived the journey.”

“Why didn’t you take them out before?”

“Because I was afraid that if I did, I would want to use them, and you know how I am once I get started.”

Lena rolled her eyes and smiled. “Yes, I know.”

“I hope Levi doesn't mind my painting,” said Fina as she touched up her hair.

“Once he sees how good you are, I'm sure he'll let you paint all the time.”

“Time? When will I have any? You yourself said your days are completely taken up with work. What will mine be like?”

Lena took her sister by the hand. “You'll have to make the time, just as I’ll make time to work with Preacher Jo and Annie this winter.”

“What's happening this winter?”

Lena smiled. “The church's annual Christmas play.”

“A play? In Clear Creek? I had no idea they had such a thing.”

“Yes, they are not without culture, or at least their own form of it.”

“How exciting! I shall paint sets for them!

“And I shall act, and glory in my performance!”

Fina smirked. “Let us hope the rest of the town glories with you.”

Lena laughed and nodded. “I'll try not to overwhelm them.”

Fina was about to say something, when Apple burst back into the room. “Levi and Chase have changed their clothes. I guess this means were ready!”

Fina looked at her sisters as her face drained of color. “Oh, dear heavens; I don't believe I am.”

“What?” asked Apple.

“Ready to do this…”

Lena put her arm around her. “You can, and you will; unless you really
are
having second thoughts?”

“I haven't had so much as a ‘how do you do?’ all week from Mr. Stone. How can I marry him now?”

“Because it's what mail-order brides do,” said Apple. “And
they
do it the moment they get off the stage!”

“I think I need to sit down,” said Fina as she headed for a bed.

“Oh, no you don't!” said Lena as she grabbed her again. “If I can do it, you can.”

“Yes, but you had a chance to get to
know
your husband first!”

“I thought you liked a challenge,” Lena grunted as she tried to drag her toward the door.

“Unhand me! It's not like I'm completely terrified, more like… horrified, but not wholeheartedly.”

Apples brows rose in question. “What is that supposed to mean? Aren’t they the same thing?”

“You just wait, Apple,” snapped Fina as Lena shoved her toward the door. “You’re next!”

Apple watched as Lena pushed their sister into the hall. “I wouldn't be so sure,” she muttered. She followed them, and the three sisters went downstairs. It was time for the weddings to begin.

* * *

“
I say, but that's a fine suit of clothes you've got there,” Harrison commented as he watched Levi straighten his jacket. “Where ever did you get it?”

“Boston, several years ago, before I decided to come West. I didn’t think I’d have much use for it out here, until now.”

“Boston?” said Colin. Belle is from Boston, you know.”

“Yes, I seem to have heard that somewhere,” said Levi. “One of these days, I’ll have to ask her about it.”

“I'm sure she'd love to tell you. I'd say you could fill her in on what she’s missed, but I do believe you both came West about the same time.”

“I think so, now that you mention it. But I went to Oregon City and she came here.”

“Mr. Van Cleet is from Boston, said Harrison. “It's amazing the three of you haven't discussed it over tea or supper.”

Levi put on his hat. “Perhaps one day we will.” He motioned toward the door. “Shall we, gentlemen?” Harrison and Colin followed him downstairs and out into the barnyard. The smell of fresh lumber and sawdust hung in the air. Men had come the day before to prepare the site and begin the frame. Today, the structure went up, and in record time, too. Everyone, it seemed, wanted to watch the wedding. Women bustled back-and-forth, preparing tables of food as hungry men sought their wives, so they could stand or sit together and watch the ceremony.

Preacher Jo walked up to Levi. “I do believe this is the second double-wedding in Clear Creek. The first was Colin and Belle’s, along with Sadie's father and mother.”

“Yes, Cyrus told me about them,” said Levi.

Preacher Jo sighed as he looked at the townsfolk. “Nothing nicer than a wedding,” he commented. “And just what this town needs right now.”

“What happens when there's no one to marry?” asked Levi.

“Oh, there's always going to be someone who wants to marry.”

“Yes, but after I marry Miss Fella, and Sadie marries off her younger sister, there are no women
left
to marry.”

Preacher Jo eyed him. “Why do you call her ‘Fella’?”

Levi smiled, “Because it makes her mad.”

“That doesn't seem very appropriate.”

“Don't you fret, Preacher,” said Levi with a grin. “I guarantee you that in two weeks, she's gonna love it!” He spun on his boot heel, and went to go take his place near the doors of the new barn.

Preacher Jo shook his head before he glanced at Colin and Harrison, who’d been standing behind him. “I’d love to watch what happens to that man over the next two weeks.”

“So would we,” chuckled Harrison. He slapped Colin on the back then followed Preacher Jo toward the gathering crowd. Within minutes, the townspeople arranged themselves into two sections, creating a center aisle between them.

Harrison and Colin joined Levi and Chase at one end, while Jefferson stood at the opposite, and offered Fina his arm. Behind them, stood Doc Waller and Lena. “Have you seen the cake?” Jefferson queried of her.

“Cake?” she exclaimed with a nervous gasp. “I've been too worried about getting through the ceremony to worry about cake.”

“It's a doozy. I think it might be the best and biggest yet! I bet Mrs. Dunnigan's insides are just curdlin’ with envy.”

“Good heavens, man, whatever are you talking about?”

“Everyone around here knows Mrs. Upton makes the best cakes, and every time she does, Irene practically gets a bellyache, she gets so jealous.”

“What's more important today?” Fina snapped. “My wedding or Mrs. Dunnigan's bellyaches?”

“I'm talking metaphorically,” Jefferson groused. “She doesn't really get a bellyache; I'm just sayin’ that.”

“Mr. Cooke, would you kindly stay on task?”

“You don't have to get all snippety about it.”

“I'm not getting snippety…”

She was cut off by Henry Fig’s fiddle, as he began to play the Wedding March.

“Time to tie the knot!” Jefferson said as he started down the aisle.

“Now wait a minute!” said Fina as she dug her heels into the ground. “I’m not quite ready!”

“Fina! Stop arguing and get going,” her sister scolded from behind.

“You heard the woman,” Jefferson said as he gave her arm a yank and began to pull her along. Fina pitched forward, drawing a laugh from the townsfolk. Good Lord! She wasn’t ready for this! She should have asked for more time, she should have insisted Mr. Stone court her, she should have …

“Ah, good, you’ve finally arrived,” Preacher Jo commented with a smile. “From the looks of it, you had me worried.”

Another eruption of laughter came from the crowd. Fina straightened, and swallowed hard. If there was ever a time to say STOP, this was it. She stared at the preacher and was about to say as much, when she looked at her intended.

Levi Stone stood with a look the pierced her to the core. It said …
You will not say no to me. We are getting married!
Fina gulped again, turned back to Preacher Jo, and offered him a weak smile.

He leaned toward her. “Are you ready for this?”

She nodded. “Absolutely not.” She looked him in the eye. “But it’s what I came for, and so I will do my duty.”

“You don’t have to sound so happy about it,” Levi commented, his voice void of emotion.

Egad! He’d heard! Her head snapped to him. “I am no coward!”

Doc delivered Lena, and handed her off to Chase. Levi leaned toward Fina. “You didn’t look so brave a moment ago when Jefferson had to drag you to the alter.”

She straightened again. “I assure you, sir, I am quite fit for the task.”

Levi eyed her. “I don’t think you’re up to it. If you’d like to wait …”

Wait? He was offering the chance to wait? She looked at Harrison and Colin, who only shrugged. She then glanced at Jefferson, who shook his head at her. Okay, so two votes for ‘wait’ and one for ‘don’t you dare.’ She looked at Lena and Chase, but they were too engrossed with one another to pay her any mind. She then turned and looked over her shoulder at the townspeople.

“C’mon!” yelled one. “Get hitched already!”

“Yeah,” added Wilfred. “I wanna see Levi kiss the bride!”

Fina turned back to face Preacher Jo, and swallowed hard. It was now or … possibly never. If she didn’t take Levi Stone, Apple might, and then she would be the one left without a husband! She looked at him again. His expression softened, and he stood, along with the rest of the men, and waited.

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