Love Everlasting (3 page)

For several moments no one said anything. Abrianna found herself quite mixed in her thoughts. Lenore had always been such a dear friend, and while marriage kept her rather busy in the running of her household, she always made time to visit with Abrianna. A baby would no doubt change things once again.

“Kolbein and I are so very happy,” Lenore continued. “We plan to tell my parents over dinner this evening.”

“No doubt they will rejoice with you,” Aunt Miriam said. She looked to the other women. “We shall have to put forth efforts to help Lenore make a complete wardrobe for the little one.”

“One can never have too many diapers,” Aunt Selma threw in.
“At one time, I thought two dozen to be more than sufficient.” She shook her head in a most serious manner. “But I was sadly mistaken, and I would not want you to be likewise.”

Lenore nodded. “Thank you for telling me. I will make certain to have more than two dozen.”

“And blankets,” Aunt Miriam added. “In this damp climate it's important to have plenty of blankets.”

“Oh, and I will crochet the most delightful booties.” Aunt Poisie all but danced out of her chair, nearly stepping on one of the cats. She bustled about the room in animated delight. “This is like having Christmas in August. I will make you a dozen pair in all colors. That way no matter whether it's a boy or girl, you will have an adequate number.”

Abrianna listened in fascinated silence. She looked at her friend with new eyes, wondering how it could be that Lenore could be so changed and yet the same. She was radiant. That much was certain. Abrianna had credited it to nothing more than the afternoon warmth, but now it was quite clear that the babe she carried was the reason.

Then a thought came to mind. Would she and Wade have children right away? Lenore and Kolbein had not been married a year, and already they were expecting their first child. The thought seemed quite daunting to Abrianna. Marriage would surely be change enough, and while Wade hadn't formally asked for her hand, she knew it was assumed they would wed. Would he want children right away? Oh, but there were so many unanswered questions. When the excitement finally died down and her aunts removed themselves to give the younger women time to visit alone, Abrianna couldn't help but ask a question.

“Are you . . . and Kolbein . . . well, are you surprised that this has happened so soon after marrying?”

Lenore laughed and shook her head. “We've wanted it since our wedding night.” She put her hand momentarily to her mouth and lowered her voice. “I suppose that sounds rather scandalous.”

“Are you at all afraid?”

“Afraid? Of what?” Lenore seemed genuine in her confusion.

“Of the change. Of everything that will be different with a baby to care for. It will no longer be just you and Kolbein. Now there will be a baby to take up your time.”

“I see that as a most wonderful blessing.” She gazed toward the ceiling, and Abrianna did likewise, wondering if there was a spider. But Lenore just sighed and closed her eyes. “I hope it's a boy. I hope he looks just like Kolbein.”

“Mustache and all?” Abrianna teased. She still couldn't quite grasp the excitement of her friend and chewed her lip to refrain from further comment.

Lenore lowered her head and opened her eyes. “Honestly, Abrianna, you do say the silliest things sometimes. But enough about my news. Let us talk about you and Wade. Have you set a date for your wedding? You know I shall be deeply wounded if I am not chosen to stand up with you.”

Abrianna slouched back in the chair, thankful that Aunt Miriam was gone. “I don't know what to tell you. We haven't really talked about it. Wade's been so busy, and I . . . well . . . I still don't know what to make of this all.”

“What do you mean?”

A sigh escaped Abrianna's lips. “My situation is not like yours. You and Kolbein fell in love at first glance. I always thought that rather romantic and quite special. But Wade and I have been lifelong friends.”

“And that is remarkable,” Lenore replied. “How wonderful to have that foundation for a marriage.”

“Is it?” Abrianna twisted handfuls of her skirt. “I'm not so sure. I mean . . . well. . . .” She didn't know how to put it into words without sounding fretfully ignorant.

“What is it, Abrianna? You do love him, don't you?”

Lenore looked at her oddly, and Abrianna felt she must do what she could to ease her friend's concerns. “Of course I love him. But I've loved him as a brother and a friend for as long as I remember. To love him otherwise . . .” Her cheeks flushed, and she could feel the heat of her embarrassment.

“Are you worried about . . . being . . . physical?” Lenore asked in a hushed tone.

Abrianna shrugged. “I don't think that's what this is about, although I can say that is a mystery to me that I prefer not to contemplate at the moment. I suppose my worry is about what will happen to our friendship.”

“Why, it will grow stronger and deeper,” Lenore replied. “You are such a silly goose. You are worried over nothing at all. Your love will only make your friendship better. We have long seen that Wade was over the moon about you, and now that you realize he holds your heart, nothing could ever be better.”

It seemed that Abrianna could not find words to express the depths of her concern. “But marriage . . . loving someone in such a different and intimate way . . . it can't help but minimalize the feelings that were there before.”

“Why? Why should there be any minimalizing of the heart? Your love has grown from a blossom of friendship. You have nurtured it with trust and healthy watering of honesty and compassion. Now it has bloomed in full to become the sweetest and most beautiful of flowers.”

“But flowers don't remain long after full bloom,” Abrianna said. “Don't you ever worry about . . . well . . . becoming like
other married people? I mean, look at your parents as an example. You've often said yourself that they sometimes go days without really sharing time together. I would never want that to happen. I love spending time with Wade. I find him fascinating to talk to. He treats me like an equal—well, most of the time. He tells me things that are happening in the world without concern that he will shock or disturb my delicate sensibilities.”

Lenore gave an unladylike snort. “That's because you have no delicate sensibilities, Abrianna. You were born with an eagerness to meet the world head on, and God help the man or woman who tries to force you into a mold that society could approve.”

“Am I truly that bad?” Her friend's comment caused Abrianna to wonder if she was the misbehaving rebel she'd often been accused of being.

“It's not at all bad.” Lenore shook her head. “You misunderstand my words. I mean them as a compliment. I've always admired your boldness. I have even envied your ability to deal with people, and your compassion for the needy humbles me. I do not believe you to be bad in any way, Abrianna. I simply want to encourage you to look forward to this next step in life. To become a wife is most fulfilling.”

Abrianna decided to say nothing more on the matter, although she was most tempted to ask Lenore to give greater detail about her comment on wifely fulfillment.

“Let us put aside such worries and speak about the joys,” Lenore suggested. “Have you thought of what kind of wedding gown you would like? Every girl dreams of such a gown, and you surely must have thoughts for your own.”

Not wanting Lenore to think less of her, Abrianna nodded. “The gown would be a very special thing to plan. I know my aunts will want to have a hand in its creation.”

“I think we should get started right away on preparation. You will no doubt want to marry before the year's out. Oh, do wait until after the baby is born so I might be allowed to stand up with you. You do want me to be your matron of honor, don't you?”

“Of course.” Abrianna's stomach flipped at the very thought of arranging a wedding. Goodness, but why did these things have to be so complicated? A gown to plan and a date to set. No doubt there would be parties and appointments to figure out. Where were they to live after they were married? What would her role be in helping the needy?

“I think you should have a gown of satin. It will probably be chilly when you marry, so you'll want to have a long sleeve. It should be very flat but ornate in the front, with a bustled back and long sweeping train.”

Lenore continued to share her thoughts, but at the mention of the word
bustle
Abrianna couldn't help but wonder if she was too old to run away from home.

J
ay Cunningham climbed the porch steps at the back of the house and admitted himself into the kitchen. The wafting aroma of fresh baked bread and brewed coffee reminded him that he'd not eaten since supper the night before. It wasn't at all hard to put aside thoughts of Seattle's restoration or of winter rains when a hearty meal awaited him.

“Mr. Jay, you come eat. I make you plenty good breakfast,” Liang, the Chinese house girl announced.

“I'm pert near starved to death,” Jay said with a smile for the dark-eyed girl. She was just a youngster, no more than fifteen or sixteen, he guessed, but he'd never known anyone to work harder.

He took a seat at the kitchen table where he usually took his morning meal and waited while Liang went to retrieve a plate that was warming on the stove.

“I make you crispy bacon and egg toast.” She put the plate in front of him. “I bring you coffee, too.”

Jay had once marveled at Liang's attempt at eggs in a basket, and since that time the girl often repeated the treat. He picked
up a fork and broke the yolk of the egg nestled in the center of a large piece of toasted bread.

“It plenty hot.” Liang put a mug in front of Jay. “You be careful.”

He laughed. “I will. This looks mighty fine, Liang. Thank you.”

“Missy Abrianna say you also like donuts.”

He took a bite of the eggs and toast, then nodded. He washed down the bite with the steaming coffee. “I do. My mama used to make them when I was a boy.”

“We gonna show the girls how to make them today. I save you some.”

“I would like that, Liang. You're mighty good to me.”

The girl beamed. “I mighty good to everyone.”

Chuckling, Jay turned his attention back to the food. He was to drive Miss Poisie to town and wasn't at all sure when she expected to leave. He was on his second cup of coffee when he heard the doorbell.

“Wonder who's coming to call.” He got to his feet. Knowing there was some concern about Priam Welby coming to pester Abrianna, Jay made his way from the kitchen to assure himself that all was well.

To his surprise, a woman stood dressed in traveling clothes. Beside her was a younger woman, probably Abrianna's age or less. Both looked rather apprehensive, but Mrs. Madison was there, already putting them at ease.

“You will see for yourself we are a school of the utmost propriety,” Miriam Madison declared. “Let me give you a tour.”

The older woman motioned them to follow. Jay couldn't help but lock gazes with the new woman. She was beautiful, with sandy brown hair all done up with a smart little hat. She
had curled the hair around her face, and the ringlets framed it in such a way that he thought her almost doll-like. She seemed equally captivated by Jay's glance and offered him a tiny smile. He grinned and nodded his head in acknowledgment. Who was she?

He knew it wasn't his place to follow after the trio, but he couldn't help himself. He listened as Mrs. Madison gave a speech about the school and all that they had accomplished over the years. Her desire was to offer practical helps for young ladies of marriageable age who needed to better hone their skills before taking on a household. The school also provided a respectable way for Seattle's young men to meet potential mates.

“Oh, Mr. Cunningham.” Mrs. Madison spied him as she turned. “I didn't realize you had joined us.”

“I was looking . . . for . . . Miss Poisie.” He stole another glance at the lovely stranger.

“Mrs. Snyder, this is Mr. Cunningham. He recently came to help us here. His daughter has been my ward for many years in his absence. Mrs. Snyder and her niece have come from Tacoma to acquaint themselves with our school.”

Missus. She was married. The disappointment he felt rather surprised him. He smiled nevertheless as the older woman continued with the introductions.

“This is Miss Flora Ledbetter.”

Again Jay nodded. Mrs. Snyder smiled. “I'm afraid in my widowhood I am ill equipped to see Flora finished into a proper young lady, and everyone in Tacoma has heard of this place.”

He grinned. She was a widow, and she was making it a point to tell him so. Perhaps that flash of interest he'd seen in her eyes wasn't just wishful thinking.

“It's always a privilege to meet beautiful women.” He worried
Mrs. Madison would think him a flirt and hurried to add, “I'm certain Miss Flora will find the Madison Bridal School to be a wonderful experience. Mrs. Madison works wonders with these young ladies, and I am blessed to say she turned out my own daughter to be quite accomplished.”

“That is a relief to know,” Mrs. Snyder replied.

She continued to gaze into his eyes, leaving Jay feeling little doubt that she found him just as appealing as he did her.

“I believe you will find Poisie in my office.” Mrs. Madison broke the magic of the moment.

Jay nodded. “Thank you.” He started to leave, then turned back. It would be a crime to waste such an opportunity. “If you need someone to show you around the town, Mrs. Snyder, I would be happy to do so. I should be back later this afternoon.”

The woman smiled. “Thank you, Mr. Cunningham. I believe that would be most welcome, provided I can find accommodations.”

“You may stay with us,” Mrs. Madison said. “We want you to feel certain that this is the place for your niece. We have a guest room that you may use.”

“Thank you. I'm more than happy to pay.”

“Nonsense. We are glad to have you with us.” She looked at Jay, and he saw a hint of amusement in her eyes.

He whistled a tune as he made his way down the hall. The morning had started most promising.

“Abrianna, I wonder if I might speak to you about something?”

Glancing up, Abrianna saw her aunt's determined look. “Of course. Have I done something out of line? God knows I have
been searching my heart for any possible faults, although sometimes what others see as faults, I see as a worthy quality. Still, I hope I haven't done something to grieve you.”

“Not at all.” Aunt Miriam came into the sitting room and took the chair nearest Abrianna. “I hope that you know I'm very happy to see you and Wade find true love with each other. I believe you two will work well together. Has he asked for your hand?”

“Not in so many words,” Abrianna replied. “I know it's implied, as he has mentioned our marriage.”

“Well, he must do things properly. I will speak to him on this.”

Abrianna frowned. “You needn't. I'm sure he'll get around to it.”

The older woman frowned. “You sound less than enthusiastic for such a proposal.”

Abrianna put aside the book she'd been trying to read. “Aunt Miriam, do you believe that love changes everything?”

“In what way?”

“Well . . . in the way of friendship and everything you've known.” She wasn't making sense, and she could see Aunt Miriam's confusion. “Wade and I have been friends for as long as I can remember. Will marriage change that?”

Her aunt seemed to relax. “I believe marriage will change it for the better.”

“That's what Lenore said, but I'm less than convinced. It seems to me that people are always talking about change being for the better, but I like things the way they are. I like knowing that Wade is who he is. Marriage will make him someone else.”

“It will make him a husband. That much is true. Are you afraid of that?”

“I don't know,” Abrianna admitted. How could she explain
all the worries in her heart? Lenore thought her silly, and no doubt Aunt Miriam would, as well.

“Perhaps you are worried about the marital rites between a man and woman. I realize we haven't spoken of such things,” Aunt Miriam said without embarrassment. “Those things are better left unsaid until just before the wedding. A physical relationship between a man and woman after marriage can seem rather overwhelming, but I assure you . . . it is . . . well, not without its pleasures.”

Abrianna shook her head. “I'm sure I have much to learn about such things, but I wasn't talking about that.” She got up and paced a bit. “Wade is my dearest friend. I love him and have for many, many years. Now, however, I find that I am also in love with him romantically. I never looked for such a thing to happen and I . . . I am afraid it will ruin what we have as friends.”

“How could that be?”

She stopped and looked at her aunt. “I don't know. I just fear it will.”

“You are worrying needlessly, Abrianna. Mr. Madison and I were good friends before we wed. I found that marriage only furthered that relationship. It is a wonderful thing to marry your dearest friend. There is already a foundation of trust established. That foundation is perfect for building a life together.”

Abrianna sank down on the floor beside the older woman. Leaning her head on Aunt Miriam's knee, Abrianna was reminded of being a little girl. “If only I could be sure.”

Aunt Miriam reached out and stroked Abrianna's free curls. Other times her aunt would have admonished her for leaving her hair down, but this time she said nothing about it. “You should take all of these fears to the Lord. And perhaps to Wade, as well. I suppose it is possible that he might even have some of the
same concerns. Whatever you do, don't leave things unspoken. You will only regret it.”

Abrianna said nothing. Her aunt's touch was soothing, and Abrianna didn't want to break the mood of the moment. All of her life she had found comfort with Aunt Miriam and the others. She learned so much about the world through their lessons and gentle correction. They had been mother and father, friend and authority, and she loved them.

Aunt Miriam put her finger under Abrianna's chin. Raising her face, Abrianna could see much tenderness in her aunt's eyes. “You have blessed my life, child. Please do not fret. Wade loves you and you love him. Let that be enough for now. The rest will come in time. There will be arguments, just as you have now. There will be laughter, just as now. But above all, you will have each other in a way that you have never had anyone else. It is a precious and mysterious thing how love and marriage make man and woman one of heart and flesh. You will see. And it will fill you with wonder.”

Her words were comforting. Perhaps Abrianna had been silly to worry about her friendship with Wade being altered. Surely he would never do anything to hurt her. Not on purpose.

“Thank you, Aunt Miriam. Your words have done much to put my mind at ease. I know I can be rather intolerable at times. It's part of my nature, I'm sure. But I am willing to receive counsel. Especially on this point.” She straightened, then rose. “It is hard to put aside my childish ways. I suppose the changes in life—not just the idea of marriage, but becoming a woman of my majority has overwhelmed me. Everything seems to be spinning out of my control.”

“Then give that control to God, Abrianna. It will be much better in His hands.”

“Yes. I know you are right.”

Aunt Miriam stood and smiled. “And while you're at it, I would like you to seek Him on another matter.”

“What?”

“Poisie and Selma and I have talked often of how we would like for you to one day run this school.” She held up her hand. “Don't say anything, just hear me out. We believe you and Wade would make a perfect team to do so. We'd very much like to be able to take our ease and live out our days quietly. If you were to take the school, we could do so.”

“You can do so, anyway,” Abrianna replied. “That money you gave me can just as well be returned to care for the three of you long into your years of infirmity.”

Aunt Miriam chuckled. “Well, I have no immediate plans for infirmity, but I do thank you for your concern. Your money is not needed. We have invested wisely for ourselves. We have lived frugally and practiced thrift at every turn.”

“Then why not simply close the school? We can all remain here. It's a wonderful house, and perhaps Wade would like for us to remain here after we're married. I think we could all be quite happy.”