The Substitute Bride (14 page)

A moan pushed past her lips. She’d done all she could to make this marriage work. She shouldn’t have to feel like an intruder in this house. She’d had it with the chickens and the biscuits. With Anna’s belligerence. And her so-called husband’s lack of consideration.

Tears stung her eyes. What choice did she have? Robby needed a home. He would love this farm. He would love Ted, would probably follow Ted around like his shadow.

In her entire life, she’d never felt so trapped.

Finished with the chores, Ted returned to the house, put the children to bed and then came into the kitchen, unable to meet Elizabeth’s gaze as she wiped the dinner dishes. He could feel the annoyance radiating off her from here.

He rummaged in the cupboard and then slammed the door shut. “I don’t know where anything is anymore.”

“What are you looking for?”

“My stomach’s in an uproar. I’m looking for a peppermint.”

Her steely expression said he had only himself to blame. “They’re in the pantry.” Her tone could freeze the pond in June.

“Why?”

“Peppermints are edible. Everything edible is in the pantry.” A smug expression rode her face.

“You’ve moved things around, taken things off the table—” His gaze swept the kitchen. “Couldn’t you leave it like it was?”

“Don’t you mean the way Rose had it?”

Hurt pinged off each syllable. Still Ted held his ground, refusing to relent. If he did, before he knew it, she’d change everything. The furniture. The routine. Him.

He crossed his arms across his chest and leaned toward her. “What’s wrong with the way Rose had it?”

“I’m taller. I can reach higher in the cabinets. I moved things up, making room for what hid under that tent on the table.” She threw a hand out toward the table. “I’m not used to living in a pigsty.”

He threw up his hands. “Pigsty?”

“I’m sorry. But burying condiments and flatware under a pyramid made of cloth is just…well, strange.”

Ted ran a hand through his hair. In his chest a battle warred. Part wanted to let her fill that hole inside him, the hole left vacant by more than a few changes in the kitchen. And part was tired of dealing with the trouble in this house.

“Put them back.”

“You sound like Anna. Why? It’s not like you can’t learn where things are.” She tossed down the dish towel, her icy blue eyes flashing. “It’s not Rose’s kitchen anymore.”

“You may be my wife, but are you forgetting this is
my
house?”

“Yes, I guess I am,” she said, her voice shaking. “Before we married, you claimed all you had would be mine.” She crossed the room. “But you’ve made it clear. Nothing’s mine here. And never will be.”

She stabbed a finger at his midsection. “Well, I’ve got news for you, Ted Logan. I’ve got an eight-year-old brother. As soon as I can, I’m bringing him here. Then I’ll finally have an ally in this house!”

Ted felt he’d been sucker punched. “What are you talking about?”

“You heard me. My father will lose our house in a couple weeks. I want Robby to live with us.”

He glared at her. “You kept the existence of a brother from me? Why would you do that?”

“I was afraid of your reaction.” She stepped closer until they stood toe to toe. “But I no longer care. Robby’s my responsibility. I won’t let him end up living on the streets.” Her voice broke. “He wants to live on a farm. That’s why I married you! The only reason.”

Ted stomped toward the door.

“You’re always running.”

He stopped and pivoted toward her. “What do you mean?”

“You’d rather run than deal with our problems.”

“That’s not true.” Was it? He ran his fingers through his hair. “I’ve learned it’s better to calm down.”

“Ah, yes, anything to keep that even-keel nature you’re so proud of.”

His long strides swallowed the distance between them. She eyed him like an angry bull, head down, hands planted on her hips, looking ready to go for his midsection.

“Did you stop to consider how bringing your brother here would affect Anna? You’re not just changing the cupboards. You intend to change the number of people living under this roof.”

“I’m sorry if it upsets Anna, but I have no choice.”

Why had he thought he could marry a substitute bride, a total stranger, and make the marriage work? “What we have doesn’t fit anyone’s idea of marriage. I see no loving or obeying, even
trying
to obey, in this union.”

“You were the one who called our marriage a business arrangement.”

Ted’s shoulders slumped. That agreement favored him and his children. Truth was, he’d expected Elizabeth to take a backseat to his daughter. “When we married, I believed your desperation stemmed from a lack of money, but now I know you switched places with Sally to give your brother a happy home on a farm. This home can hardly be called happy.”

“And whose fault is that?”

A weight settled in his chest, squeezing against his lungs. God probably wasn’t pleased with him. Much of that lack of contentment in their marriage could be traced to him.

He better spit out his apology. “First off, I was wrong to give the impression that the kitchen doesn’t belong to you.”

“It doesn’t. Nothing belongs to me. You spoke the truth.”

“No, I reacted without thinking. As my wife, this house, this farm, everything, belongs to you as much as it does me.” He leaned against the counter, searching for words to make her understand. “Rearrange anything that makes your life simpler. Anna will get used to it and….and I will, too.”

“You saw the changes as my trying to wipe out Rose.”

He grimaced. “I can’t expect you to understand—I don’t understand it myself.” He took a deep breath. “That’s not sensible. Maybe not even sane.”

“It’s like Anna hanging on to her mother’s handkerchief.” She swallowed hard. “You both still love her.”

He dragged in a breath and looked away. “Rose and I weren’t a great love match.” He hastened to add, “But we were content.”

“If you weren’t in love, why did you marry?”

“The timing was right for both of us. I knew a good woman like Rose would make a wonderful mother. I wanted my future kids to have that.”

“Unlike your home growing up?”

Ted didn’t answer. He couldn’t get into his home life. He cleared his throat. “We still need to talk about bringing your brother here.”

By the look in Elizabeth’s eyes, he’d hurt her by avoiding the question, but when he pulled out a chair, she sat in it. He grabbed another and joined her. “To hear about Robby’s existence in the heat of an argument, well, it threw me. I apologize for that. I’m sure you’re worried about him and he misses you.”

Tears welled in her eyes and she looked away.

He cupped her chin and turned her to face him. “I have some money for emergencies. We’ll use it to buy two train tickets back.” She would come back, wouldn’t she?

She raised a palm. “I won’t add to your burdens. I’ll use the egg money to pay for the tickets.”

Another child in the house would complicate everything. Cost more, too. Not that Ted could refuse a home to Elizabeth’s brother. Poor kid probably waited in Chicago, wondering when his sister would come for him, afraid of what the future held.

Hadn’t he done the same as a boy?

“With the way the hens are laying and the price of eggs, it’ll take forever to save that much. You’re my wife. You and your brother aren’t burdens.”

She laid a hand on his face, her touch gentle on the rough bristle of his beard. “Robby can help around the place.” Her expression brightened. “He’s a good boy…nothing like me.”

He chuckled. “It’ll all work out.”

“What about Anna? How will you tell her?”

“She’ll love a big brother.” Ted doubted he spoke the truth,
but he couldn’t consider the alternative. “You know, I think Anna’s softening toward you.” He met her incredulous gaze. “No, really, I do. You’re making a difference around here, in the children…and in me.”

Her hands fell limp at her sides. A look of despair took over her face.

It pinched at his pride that she didn’t care about him. Like it or not, he had feelings for her. Not that he’d let her know. She’d made it abundantly clear she didn’t want a real marriage.

Where would this end? How long could he go on this way? He wanted peace, not this constant upheaval. A wife to share his life, not fight him at every turn. A man couldn’t bed down in the barn forever.

If he didn’t know it before, he knew it now. Elizabeth battled their connection.

Perhaps he was wrong.

Perhaps she didn’t even feel it.

A
t the noon meal, Elizabeth had avoided Ted’s gaze, keeping things impersonal. He thought they’d gotten close last night, but then she’d pulled away, running as she’d accused him of doing.

He’d dropped Anna at the Harpers’ to play with Grace on this blustery Saturday afternoon then walked the mile back to his house. By now Elizabeth had put Henry down for his nap.

A perfect opportunity to show an interest in his wife.

He found Elizabeth in the kitchen, putting on an apron over his pants, which she still wore from gathering eggs that morning. “Planning on making those delicious biscuits of yours?”

Her mouth gaped. “You want biscuits?”

No point in admitting the thought put a knot in his stomach. “I’m hungry for a batch.” He gave her his most innocent look. “Want some help?”

“And you want to help?” She cocked her head at him, a smile tugging at her lips. “In the middle of your workday?”

With one field to plant with corn, he should hitch up King and Queen, but his suggestion appeared to cheer her. “If you don’t mind.”

She examined his palms. “Only if you wash those hands.”

Well, at least she was touching him. A good sign peace had been restored. He headed for the sink. “Yes, ma’am.”

Suspicion clouded her dazzling blue eyes, as if she didn’t believe a word he said, but Elizabeth handed him an apron. He didn’t hanker to wear it but no point in making a fuss and take a chance of ruining the harmony between them.

She reached for a crock then opened the door that hid the flour bin. “Measure out two cupfuls of flour.” She handed him a knife. “Use this to level it.”

He fumbled with the cup and knife.

“Do it like this,” she said, showing him how, then handing the knife back to him. “Add another cup of flour.”

With her standing so near, he could barely absorb her directions but somehow managed to dump the flour into the bowl. By the sparkle in her eye and the smile playing around her lips, she enjoyed bossing him. She looked…happy. Why hadn’t he tried harder to give her joy? Why had he expected her to fall into his arms? With the planting and all the chores to do, he’d neglected his wife. He wouldn’t make that mistake again.

She thrust a spoon at him. “Add four teaspoons of baking powder.”

And so it went with her giving orders and him following directions until he was wrist high in dough, his hands a mucky mess. He shot her a grin. “This is fun, kind of like playing in the mud. Care to join me?”

She rolled up her sleeves and dove in, squishing the dough between her fingers.

“A nice way to take out your frustrations,” Ted said.

“Why do you think I’ve gotten so good at biscuits?”

He chuckled. Within minutes, they were battling with their fingers over territory in the bowl. When she tried to shove him out of the way, he raised dough-globbed fingers at her in a sinister pose sending her into peals of laughter.

Next thing Ted knew, Elizabeth streaked a doughy finger across his cheek then stepped back, grinning at him. Well, he couldn’t let that go without a fight. He grabbed her wrist. She ducked and tried to pull away, but he managed to draw a circle on her forehead.

She retaliated with a batter-smeared mustache above his lip. “You look ever so handsome,” she teased.

“You’d look mighty good with one yourself.” She scrambled out of reach, but he lunged for her waist, twisted her around and smeared the dough above her lip. “Now your face matches those pants you’re wearing.”

Things went downhill from there, giggling and making a mess even Tippy wouldn’t touch.

Trapping his bride in his arms, Ted lowered his head and planted a gooey kiss on her lips. Amazingly she kissed him back, dissipating the humor like shadows on a cloudy day. Leaving them both breathing deep and staring into each other’s eyes with the beat of Ted’s heart thumping in his ears.

“I had no idea you were so fond of biscuits, Mr. Logan.”

“From now on, I’ll take my biscuits raw.”

She laid her head on his chest, shaking with laughter. Even covered with dough, he relished having her near.

“Anybody home?” a male voice called through the screen door.

The Stevenses. His in-laws. This wacky scene wouldn’t improve their already strained relationship. He walked to the door, stepping aside to let them in. “Lily. Richard. What a surprise.”

Lily’s hand shot to her mouth, her eyes wide with alarm. “Whatever are you…doing?”

“Making biscuits,” Elizabeth spoke up.

Lily, all four feet eleven inches of her, continued to gawk at Ted as though she’d never seen a man in the kitchen before. But then she probably hadn’t, especially wearing an apron and a dough mustache. “You’re looking well, Lily. A little pale. The trip probably tired you.”

He scrubbed a hand across his upper lip, then tore off the apron and hung it on the hook.

Wearing a frown, Lily turned her focus on Elizabeth. “Who are you and why are you wearing—”

“The pants in the family?” Elizabeth winked. “Just teasing.” She smiled. “I’m Ted’s wife.”

Lily swayed on her feet. “Richard, get me a chair.”

Taking a firm hold of his wife, Richard eased her into the rocker and fanned her face with a section of the newspaper he’d plucked from the armrest.

Ted should’ve written Rose’s parents about his marriage, but he’d suspected the news he’d taken a mail-order bride would give Lily one more reason to question his fitness as a parent.

He turned to Elizabeth and made introductions.

“Nice to meet you,” she said, then scurried to the sink to clean her hands and face. “You’ll have to forgive our appearance. We weren’t expecting company.”

“Sorry for…intruding.” Richard glanced at his wife, now pressing a hand to her bosom. “We just got into town and hoped to see our grandchildren.”

“Anna’s visiting a friend and Henry’s down for his nap.”

Lily slumped back in the chair. “Thank goodness.” Tears sprang to her eyes. “So this is the replacement for our Rose.”

“Lily, there’s no call for that,” Richard said. “The children need a mother.”

“They wouldn’t need one if Ted would let us raise them!”

Ted planted his feet wide, ready for battle. “I’ll never—”

Eyes blazing, Elizabeth stepped forward. “Ted loves his children more than any man I’ve ever met. He’s a wonderful father.”

Ted had been about to rehash the familiar argument with Lily until Elizabeth had stepped in.

And defended him.

Described him as a good father.

A loving father.

His gaze connected with his wife’s and something new sprang between them. As if she understood how it felt to be judged by a biased jury.

A heavy silence fell over the room. Richard mopped his forehead with a handkerchief. “So, how did you two meet?”

Ted and Elizabeth’s gazes collided, but she quickly averted her eyes. Since the day she’d arrived, he’d never known Elizabeth to be quiet, but now, when he needed her most, she had her mouth nailed shut.

He cleared his throat. “Ah, Elizabeth came out on the train for the wedding.”

“But when did you meet?” Richard asked.

Ted swallowed. “Well, we didn’t actually meet first—”

“You sent for one of those mail-order brides?” Lily shrieked as if he’d made the faux pas of the century. “Married a stranger and brought her in to care for our grandchildren?”

“I couldn’t very well bring Elizabeth into my home unless we married first.”

Lily eyed Elizabeth again. “We’ll have to extend our visit. See how you and the children are getting on.”

How dare Lily question their parenting or their marriage! “They’re getting on just fine,” Ted said. Though in truth, Anna and Elizabeth mixed like oil and water.

One look at the scowl on his face sent Elizabeth to the stove. “Would you like some tea and biscuits?”

Richard smiled. “Sounds like a good idea.”

Lily glanced at the mess and shuddered.

“I made this batch yesterday,” Elizabeth said.

“Well, in that case, I will try your cooking.”

No doubt to criticize it, but if so, Lily would be disappointed. Elizabeth had perfected the art of making biscuits.

He ushered his in-laws to the parlor then helped his wife clean the kitchen that looked as if pigs had wallowed in muck. Come to think of it, he and Elizabeth looked the part of the pigs.

“They said they were extending their visit. How long do you think they’ll stay?” Elizabeth whispered as she corralled her tousled hair into a bun.

He grimaced. “They usually stay a week.”

“Oh. My.” Elizabeth lifted a stash of biscuits from the glass jar and set out jam and butter. “Once I serve biscuits breakfast, lunch and dinner, they’ll cut their visit short.”

Ted grinned. “I like the way you think, Mrs. Logan.” He laid a hand on her arm. “I want to thank you.”

“For what?”

“For trying to make me look good with Rose’s parents.”

She lowered her eyes, dark lashes brushing against her cheeks. “I didn’t do anything.”

“Oh, but you did.” He came closer, reaching for her, but she turned away, out of his grasp.

“I—I—better get the jam.”

“It’s on the table.”

“Oh, of course.” Her cheeks flushed as rosy as the preserves. “I’m sorry I had to meet Rose’s parents looking like a mess.”

He tapped her playfully on the nose. “Their opinion of you can only go uphill from here.” But he didn’t care what the Stevenses thought of his wife. Though he’d been upset with her last night, he knew she was exactly the right mother for his children. Her patience with Anna astounded him.

He called Richard and Lily to the kitchen. They all gathered at the table and sipped the tea and sampled the biscuits, easing the stiff mood.

Richard wiped his mouth on a napkin. “Your biscuits are delicious, Elizabeth.”

Beaming, she flashed Ted an “I told you so” smirk before
turning back to Rose’s father. “Why thank you, Mr. Stevens. That’s one of the nicest things you could say to me.”

He smiled, obviously warming to Ted’s wife. “Please, we’re family. Call us Richard and Lily.”

“She’s not a member of our family, Richard. And never will be.”

“You might want to reconsider that, Lily,” Ted warned affably enough, but he saw in Lily’s eyes that she’d caught his meaning.

“When will Anna return from the neighbor’s?” Lily asked.

“She should be home soon.”

No more had the words left his mouth, than Rebecca knocked at the back door and peeked through the screen. “Well, hello, Mr. and Mrs. Stevens.” The door opened, Anna entered. “Have a nice visit,” Rebecca called through the screen, practically running to the wagon, tugging Grace along after her. The coward.

Lily flung out her hands. “Anna, darling! Grandma and Grandpa are here for a visit.”

Anna stepped into the circle of her grandmother’s arms, accepting her hugs and kisses, giving a hearty embrace in return. “Who fixed your braids, sweetheart? They’ve almost come undone.”

“Come here, sweetkins. Grandpa’s got a nickel for you.” He dug in his pockets, coming up with the coin.

Beaming, Anna took the money then kissed Richard’s cheek. “Thank you, Grandpa. I can buy some candy at the mercantile.”

“Just don’t ruin those pretty teeth.”

Having her grandparents near had put a sparkle in Anna’s eyes. Their presence appeared to comfort her.

A wail sounded from the children’s bedroom. Ted rose from his chair. “I’ll get him.” He changed Henry’s diaper in record time and returned to the kitchen.

Lily rose and took Ted’s son out of his arms. “Big precious
boy!” she cooed. “Oh, look at your shirt. What is that? Oatmeal?” Her accusing gaze traveled to Elizabeth.

Henry wiggled out of Lily’s arms to the floor.

As he toddled away, Richard grinned. “My goodness, look at that, will you? Henry’s walking.”

“Come to Grandma!” Lily called.

Arms stretched out for balance, Henry tottered over to Elizabeth, throwing his arms around her legs.

Lily buried her face in her hands. “Oh, how I wish Rose could see this. She’d be so proud of her little boy.” Her eyes brimmed with tears. “And of you,” she said, blowing Anna a kiss.

His eyes misty, Richard cleared his throat. “So, Anna, what do you think of your baby brother’s walking?”

“He gets into my stuff,” Anna groused.

As Henry sailed past Ted’s chair, he made a grab for his son. “He’s starting to climb.”

“Be careful he doesn’t fall out of his crib,” Lily said.

“So…how long will you be staying?” Ted asked.

Lily’s gaze never left Henry. “Long enough to spoil our grandbabies.” She bit her lip. “We’ve been at loose ends of late.”

Across from him, Elizabeth’s eyes brightened, a smile curving her face. He could almost see an idea plant itself in her mind. What was she—

“I’m glad you’re here,” Elizabeth said, turning to his in-laws. “You can help Ted look after the children while I return to Chicago…for my brother.”

Without a word to Ted, Elizabeth had set her plan in motion. Would she remain in Chicago? No, she’d return for her brother’s sake and in obedience to those vows she’d taken. He couldn’t delude himself. He was not the draw.

“Richard and Lily, you can take, ah, our room while Elizabeth’s away.” He cleared his cup to the sink. “I’ll sleep in the barn.”

Lily clapped her hands. “A change will do us good. Richard can help with the chores and I’ll help with the children and the cooking. It’ll be fun!”

Elizabeth gave a huge smile. Obviously pleased by the turn of events. While he’d have to deal with Lily alone. And deal with his daughter’s reaction to having a big brother.

Elizabeth’s plan had nearly come full circle. In a matter of days she’d give Robby the dream she’d promised—a home. On a farm. With a dog. And her open, dependable arms.

As she walked toward the barn in search of Ted, she pictured Robby hugging Tippy, feeding the livestock and trailing after Ted. So why did she feel a twinge of doubt nip at her stomach? Why did she feel this icy shiver slither through her veins?

She tamped down her silly reaction. Everything would be fine. She was sure of it. Things had worked together beautifully so she could go to Chicago, knowing with Lily and Richard in the house, Ted could finish planting without uprooting his children.