Winnie Griggs (15 page)

Abigail gave Daisy’s cheek a quick kiss then stood back, bathing them equally in the brilliance of her smile. “Isn’t it marvelous that things worked out so I could be here for this? So much more exciting to hear the news firsthand than to read it in a dry letter.”

Daisy mentally winced. How would the girl feel if she knew there would never have been a proposal without her being here? Not that Daisy blamed Abigail. Everett had warned her more than once to be circumspect in the use of that door, that perceptions were important. She should have paid better attention.

Everett gave his sister a pointed look. “If you think I’m going to say that this was worth you pulling that foolish running-away stunt of yours, you are very mistaken, young lady.”

“Well, be that as it may, I think this was meant to be.” She flounced back to the sofa and plopped down. “The three of us, living here together as a family—it will be absolutely wonderful.”

Would it? Daisy sincerely hoped so, but right now she wasn’t so sure.

* * *

Once Daisy had returned to her own apartment, Everett gave Abigail strict instructions to get some rest, and then he headed back downstairs. He needed to rearrange the type he’d already set in order to insert the engagement notice. He also wanted to make certain it was prominently displayed so there would be no possibility that it would be overlooked.

He rolled up his sleeves as he approached the press. The sooner he got the paper out, the sooner the worst of the rumors would die. And the better the chances that Abigail wouldn’t be touched by them.

It would be a long evening, but the paper would be printed and ready to send out by dawn—even if he had to work all night to make that happen. At least his hand had healed enough that he could get the paper out on his own tonight.

But as he worked, his mind went back to the last time he’d worked on getting the paper out. The way he and Daisy had worked so well together. And how she’d ended up in his arms.

As her husband, he’d have the right to hold her like that again. It wasn’t an unpleasant thought.

But then he remembered the discussion he’d just had with her. He’d expected that, once she understood the situation, she’d be eager to rescue her reputation. So her strong negative reaction to his marriage proposal had surprised him. As had his own reaction. It was only a matter of injured pride, he assured himself.

What else could it be?

* * *

That evening, as Daisy sat on her bed, brushing out her hair, she tried to make her peace with the day’s events. Engaged to be married. And to Everett Fulton, no less.

What an unexpected turn her life had taken.

I know I’ve been praying for a husband, Lord Jesus. And I know the Bible says Your ways are not our ways and that Your plans are for our good, but I can’t for the life of me figure out why You would play matchmaker this way. Surely this isn’t Your plan. Everett Fulton doesn’t even like me. So there has to be a way out—just show it to me and I promise to take it, no matter what.

Daisy bent down to absently ruffle Kip’s fur. “I don’t know what’s what anymore, boy. Perhaps God is sending me a test of some sort. But if so, I can’t seem to find the answer. How can Everett be the right man for me—I’m not sure if he even likes me. And it’s clear he doesn’t care for you. How can I marry a man who doesn’t like dogs? No, he can’t be the man God intends for me to marry. Which means He’ll show me the way out if I’m patient.”

Kip barked, but she wasn’t sure if he was agreeing with her or just trying to encourage her.

She turned down the lamp and slipped under the covers. Thirty minutes later, she was still wide awake. Her conscience was prickling at her, telling her that faith required more than she had been giving lately. What if obedience in this situation meant going through with the marriage? Who was she to second-guess the hand she’d been dealt?

Oh, this was all just too confusing.

Forgive me, Lord. I said I’d look past all the outer trappings and accept whatever man You had in store for me. But then I go and get all stubborn and prideful when You put me to the test. If this is truly Your will, then so be it. I still don’t understand it, but that’s not a necessary part of Your plan, is it? My role is to hear and obey.

There. She’d done all she knew to do. It was in God’s hands now.

Chapter Fifteen

T
he next morning, as Daisy walked beside Everett through town, she did her best to ignore the stares from the shop windows and passersby. The two of them were on their way to Reverend Harper’s home, and she felt uncomfortably exposed.

The newspaper had gone out bright and early this morning—she wondered just how late Everett had stayed up last night working on it. She should have offered to help him get it ready. After all, much as he tried to downplay it, she knew his hand wasn’t completely healed. But she’d needed time to herself last night.

So now the word should have spread that she and Everett were to be married. Had it been timely enough to offset any gossip that had begun to circulate yesterday?

“Chin up,” Everett whispered. “You’re doing fine.”

Grateful for his unexpected we’re-in-this-together tone, she straightened and pasted on a smile. She was a bride-to-be, after all. This was not the time for melancholy moods, at least, not in public.

Anna Harper, the reverend’s wife, answered the door. “Good day, Mr. Fulton, Miss Johnson. Please come in.” She stepped back to allow them entry. “I understand congratulations are in order.”

Everett gave a short bow. “Thank you, ma’am. And that’s why we’re here. We’d like to speak to the reverend about setting a date for the ceremony.”

“Of course. He’s in his study. Let me just let him know you’re here.”

Daisy tried not to fidget as she stood beside Everett in the Harpers’ cozy parlor. The silence seemed to draw out forever. Finally, Mrs. Harper signaled for them to enter her husband’s study.

Reverend Harper stood as they walked in. “Please have a seat. I thought I might be receiving a visit from you today.”

Everett seated Daisy, then took the chair next to her. “As you’ve no doubt heard,” he said, “Miss Johnson and I plan to be married. We’d like to make the appropriate arrangements with you for scheduling the ceremony.”

“Of course. But I hope you won’t mind if I ask a few questions first.”

Daisy shifted nervously. What sort of questions?

But Everett seemed perfectly at ease. “Not at all.”

Reverend Harper leaned forward, his hands clasped on his desk. “First, given the circumstances, I understand that the two of you may feel as if you have no choice in the matter. And I agree that this is the proper response to the situation. However, marriage is not an institution to enter into lightly or blindly. It is meant to last a lifetime, and to be a source of joy and comfort to the husband and wife.”

Daisy nodded. That was exactly the kind of marriage she’d longed for. But was it what she’d be getting?

“So,” Reverend Harper continued, “while it is admirable that you two want to do what is proper, I feel it incumbent on me to ask if you think this is a marriage you can sustain?”

Everett spoke up before she could even formulate a response. “Rest assured, Reverend, I fully intend to dutifully carry out my role as a husband, and to do what I can to make the partnership work.”

“And you, Miss Johnson?”

Daisy lifted her chin, less than cheered by the tone of Everett’s response. “I consider marriage a sacred institution, put in place and blessed by God Himself. If I utter my vows, then I will remain faithful to them.”

Reverend Harper seemed satisfied. “Very well. I have one additional question for you, and this is something I ask all couples when they come to me, regardless of the circumstances. Have you taken the time to pray about this decision?”

This time, Daisy didn’t hesitate. “Yes, sir. I’ve done lots and lots of praying since yesterday afternoon, and I truly feel this is where the Good Lord is leading me.”

“Excellent.” He turned to Everett. “And you?”

Everett’s expression was closed, unreadable. “I have no doubt at all that this is the right thing to do, and that it is what a caring God would want.”

The reverend gave him a long, searching look, obviously aware that Everett hadn’t really answered his question. Then he nodded. “Have you given any thought to when you would like to hold the ceremony?”

They had discussed the time frame on the way over here. Daisy had wanted to draw out the engagement for at least a month to give herself time to grow accustomed to the idea. Everett had wanted to make it a matter of days in order to silence the gossips as quickly as possible. They’d reached a compromise of two and a half weeks.

“We would like to hold it two weeks from Saturday.”

“That would be May twenty-fifth. Is that correct?”

“It is.”

Reverend Harper opened a journal and made a notation, then looked back up. “I think that’s everything I need for now. But before you go, would you allow me to pray with you?”

Daisy answered for them, not certain what Everett would say. “Of course, Reverend.”

“Then, if you will join hands and bow your heads.”

Daisy hesitated, but Everett’s hand closed over hers in a warm, protective grip. She felt something tangible flash between them in that touch, something that gave her hope that they really could make this work.

“Lord God Almighty, watch over this couple as they move toward building a new life together. Show them that the seeds of this marriage, which were planted out of necessity, if watered in love and faith and with its roots planted firmly in Your Word, may produce the fruits of joy. Remind them daily to honor You and each other, to keep Your laws and to respect one another. Let them be ever mindful that in You, all things are possible. Amen.”

“Amen,” Daisy repeated.

Everett’s echoing response was a few seconds behind hers. He gave her hand a little squeeze and then released it.

She found herself missing the warmth of his touch.

* * *

Everett was glad to get out into the sunshine as they exited the Harper home. He hadn’t expected to be affected by this meeting—it had just been one more item to check off his list. But when he’d felt the slight tremble of Daisy’s hand beneath his, he’d felt an unexpected surge of protectiveness, an overwhelming need to reassure her that all would be well. That hand, so small and fragile, reminded him that despite her fierce streak of independence, she was a woman in search of a place to belong. He had just begun to try to absorb that when the words of the reverend’s prayer washed over him, reminding him of the lifelong commitment he was making, and of God’s place in it.

Was he really ready to surrender to that?

Once they were back out on the sidewalk, they strolled quietly for a while. It wasn’t until they passed in front of Reggie’s photography studio that they broke the silence.

Reggie was there, unlocking the door, and she greeted them with a broad smile. “Everett, Daisy, I heard your good news. Congratulations!”

Everett gave a short bow. “Thank you.”

Daisy merely nodded. Had Reggie heard the gossip? What was she thinking?

“Did you set a date yet?” Reggie asked.

Again, Daisy held her tongue, leaving Everett to respond. “The ceremony will be two weeks from Saturday.”

Reggie nodded. “No point wasting time once the decision’s made.”

Daisy finally found her tongue. “You’re invited, of course.”

“Thank you, but I’d like to come as more than a guest. I’m hoping you’ll let me be your photographer.” She gave them a serious look. “A milestone such as a wedding should be captured in a photograph, not just for yourself, but for future generations.”

“I’ve never been photographed before.” Daisy’s voice held a note of awe.

Reggie squeezed her hand. “Then that settles it. I must take your photograph. And it’ll be my wedding gift to you.”

Everett started to protest, but Reggie held up a hand to stop him. “I insist.” Her grin turned mischievous. “Not only will it be my wedding gift to you, but I almost feel like I owe it to you.”

Daisy’s brow furrowed. “Owe it to us?”

The look in Reggie’s eye gave Everett a hint as to where this was going.

“When Everett first came to Turnabout,” she explained, “he was kind enough to assist me with some of my outdoor photography.”

Everett made an inelegant sound. Kindness had had nothing to do with it.

Reggie’s grin widened as she cut him a sideways look. “I’m afraid I took advantage of him by getting him to help me pose a pig.” She shook her head. “By the time we were done, your beau here was wearing more mud than the pig.”

Daisy couldn’t contain a laugh. “Oh, my, that must have been a sight to see.”

“Yes, well,” Everett said, “it was not my finest hour. And now that you put it that way, we will most definitely take you up on your offer.”

“Consider it settled.” Reggie placed a hand to her heart. “And I promise you’ll like this picture much more than the one with Mr. Keeter’s pig.”

When they resumed their walk, he expected some teasing from Daisy about the pig. But instead, she had a solemn, troubled expression on her face. Was she having second thoughts about their engagement?

Finally, she turned to him. “I need to ask you something of a personal nature. I hope that’s okay, seeing as we’re to be wed.”

He eyed her warily. “What is it?”

“Are you a God-fearing, Christian believer?”

Chapter Sixteen

D
aisy’s question took Everett by surprise, and he didn’t answer immediately. He knew it was important that he not only be honest with her, but that he also choose his words carefully.

“If you mean, do I believe in Almighty God,” he said slowly, “of course I do.”

“But?” She appeared braced for a blow.

“But if you mean, do I believe that the almighty, all-knowing God concerns Himself with the everyday affairs of individuals, then I’m not so sure.”

He saw the concern in her expression. “How can you believe in the God of the Bible and not believe He cares for all of us?”

“I didn’t say He doesn’t care. I said he doesn’t concern Himself with minor affairs. Look, I go to church on Sundays, I tithe, I do my best not to lie and cheat—all in all, I feel like I’m an upstanding member of the congregation.”

“Being a Christian doesn’t have anything to do with what church you go to, or even if you go to church service at all.” Her expression was so earnest, her eyes so expressive he couldn’t look away.

“Father and I traveled around a lot,” she continued. “That meant we weren’t always near a church come Sunday mornings. But I don’t believe that makes me any less dear to God, or any less near to Him, either.”

Her words weren’t making a lot of sense—it was like she was talking in circles. “What is it you’re asking me?”

“I’m talking about faith, about believing those things that are written in the pages of the Bible, even if you don’t fully understand them. My father used to tell me that the test of faith is not holding fast to those teachings when everything is going well, but holding to them even when the world around you seems darkest.”

He couldn’t let that pass unchallenged. “You’re actually setting your
father
up as an example of faith?” He knew he’d said the wrong thing, even before the hurt flashed in her eyes.

But she recovered quickly, and her chin came up. “None of us are perfect, and God doesn’t demand that we
be
perfect—only that we repent when we fail and continue striving to do what’s right and good.”

She made it sound easy, he thought bitterly. And why wouldn’t she, when it seemed to be part of her nature to see the good in every situation?

How would she feel if she’d faced the ugliness that he had?

And what kind of God would be capable of forgiving him what he’d done?

He was glad to see they had arrived back at his office. Without another word, he held the door open and indicated she should precede him.

* * *

Daisy stepped inside, still troubled by Everett’s words. He was missing so much if he didn’t build that personal relationship with God.

The silence between them stretched, threatening to become awkward. How were they supposed to interact with each other now that they were engaged?

Daisy pasted on a smile. “Time for me to get started on lunch.” She headed for the stairs, then paused as something else occurred to her.

“Is something wrong?” Everett asked.

“I was thinking, now that we’re engaged, it doesn’t make sense for you to continue to pay me for cooking your meals.”

Some of the tension eased from his face. Had he worried about what she’d say? “That’s entirely up to you. I certainly have no problem continuing to pay you for the next two weeks, but you’re right, in short order, we shall share equally in all that we own.”

Something else to get used to. She was just starting to enjoy the idea of having money and belongings of her own. “True. But that brings up something else. I want you to know I don’t expect you to share in the cost of my new stove and the other things I’ll need for my restaurant.” She fingered her collar. “Which means I’d better start looking for another job once Miss Winters returns.”

To her surprise, he drew his brows down at that. “Surely you don’t still intend to pursue that restaurant idea of yours?”

Daisy stiffened. “What do you mean?”

“Now that you’ll be my wife, there’s no need for you to find another means to support yourself. I should be able to provide financially for our household. Isn’t that the reason you wanted the restaurant—to find a reliable source of income?”

“Only partly.” She took a deep breath. “I like to cook and bake, especially when I can cook for folks who appreciate it.”

“Be that as it may, I don’t see the need to invest the kind of money it will take to open a restaurant if we don’t need to. At least not immediately. You can indulge yourself in the cooking you do for our household.”

Is this what marriage to him was going to be like? Having him dismiss her thoughts and ideas out of hand if they didn’t conform to his own? “Weren’t you listening to me? I just said I didn’t expect you to invest in my business. That’s why I’m going to be looking for another job.”

“Don’t you think taking care of our home will keep you busy enough?” His tone indicated he was getting irritated.

“I’ll manage. And don’t worry, I won’t skimp on your meals or the housekeeping if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“Daisy, this is foolish. What do you hope to accomplish by wearing yourself out with all this unnecessary extra work?”

“It’s something I want to do, something that’ll be all my own. Just like this newspaper is all your own.”

“Reporting the news is my profession, not a hobby.”

So much for him believing in her as a businesswoman. “Are you telling me I
can’t
do this?” What would she do if he said yes?

“No, of course not.” He moved toward his desk. “Look, there will be enough adjustments for both of us with this upcoming marriage. Why don’t we give ourselves a couple of weeks to see how things go and then discuss this again.”

She took a deep breath, then nodded. “That sounds fair. But I warn you, I’m not going to just let this drop.”

His cynically amused expression was back. “I didn’t for one moment believe you would.”

* * *

Later that morning, Daisy opened the oven to check on her cobbler as Abigail snagged one of the peach slices that hadn’t made it into the oven.

“I think we should make some changes to this place after the two of you are married,” the girl said thoughtfully between bites. “Or even better,
before
you get married.”

One thing about Abigail: she seemed to have an endless supply of ideas. “What do you mean?”

“It would only make sense to take down the wall between the two living quarters. I mean, there’s no need to keep separate spaces once we’re a family.”

Daisy paused in the act of closing the oven. She’d expected Abigail to mention new curtains or pictures for the walls, but nothing on this scale. She straightened and gave the girl a pointed look. “There’s no need, as you say, but there’s no pressing reason to change, either.”

“But just picture it.” Abigail rose and walked to the wall in question. “If we tore this out, we could transform your kitchen and sitting room areas into a proper parlor.”

Abigail spread her arms to encompass her brother’s sitting room. “Once we did that, we could turn this area into a dining room, big enough to accommodate guests.”

Daisy smiled. Whatever Everett lacked in imagination, his sister more than made up for. “Planning dinner parties, are you?”

“It’ll be nice to entertain our friends occasionally, don’t you think? For instance, in Everett’s letters he mentioned the Sunday lunches at the Barrs’ home. Wouldn’t you like to be able to repay them for their hospitality?”

That thought did evoke wonderful images of cozy gatherings with family and friends. Could she and Everett build that kind of home together? Is that something he even wanted?

Abigail stood and studied the other end of the living quarters with a finger to her cheek. “And don’t you think the bedchambers are rather small? I mean, not tiny, but wouldn’t you like something grander for you and Everett to share?”

Daisy shifted uncomfortably and turned back toward the stove. This was something she and Everett hadn’t discussed yet. Everything had been so businesslike to this point, but they
were
getting married. Did he expect the two of them to share a bedchamber? Was that something
she
wanted?

“We could take the wall out between Everett’s room and mine,” Abigail said excitedly. “That would make one nice-size bedroom for the two of you. And if I moved into one of the bedchambers over on your side, that would give the two of you more privacy, as well.”

Daisy was still mulling over the whole question of what Everett might or might not be expecting after the wedding. But she realized Abigail was waiting for her response. “That all sounds good in theory, but it also sounds like a lot of work and expense. I don’t think it’s something we should undertake right now.”

“Now you sound like Everett.” Abigail’s tone made it clear she hadn’t intended that as a compliment.

It was time to rein the girl in. “Be that as it may, there are enough other things that’ll need attention between now and the wedding. There’s no need to add to that list unless absolutely necessary.”

She saw the argument poised on Abigail’s lips and quickly added, “Why don’t we find something else to talk about?”

“Oh, very well.” Abigail returned to the table and rested her elbows there while she watched Daisy. “If I haven’t told you so already, I want you to know I’m very excited that we’re going to be sisters.”

Daisy smiled. Now, there was a subject she was in perfect agreement with Abigail on. “Me, too. I always felt cheated not to have any brothers or sisters.”

“I was beginning to despair that my brother would ever marry.”

“Oh, come now. He’s not so old as that.”

“He’s twenty-seven.” Abigail said that as if it were ancient. “But it’s not just his age. Everett always seemed too cynical to allow himself to fall in love.”

Daisy was surprised—did Abigail really see her brother that way?

“But I can see now he needed just the right woman to come along and capture his heart,” Abigail continued with a happy smile. “It’s ever so romantic that he proposed so quickly after he met you. Tell me, was it love at first sight?”

Daisy hesitated. How much should she say? It seemed cruel to disillusion the girl. But she couldn’t lie. “Abigail, please don’t overly romanticize this. My engagement to your brother is more practical than romantic.”

Abigail waved that aside. “That sounds like Everett, but don’t let that worry you overmuch. I think in this case he’s just letting himself believe that because it’s what he’s comfortable with. I see that little spark between the two of you, even if he won’t admit it’s there.”

Spark?
Now who was just seeing what she wanted to?

But while they were on this subject, there was one more thing Daisy felt compelled to say. “Abigail, I want you to understand that, while we both know I’m not the kind of girl your brother wanted in a wife, I promise to make him the best wife I know how to be.”

Abigail sat up straighter. “I know nothing of the sort. You’re exactly the kind of woman he wants
and
needs. And deep down, he knows that—he proposed to you, didn’t he?”

Daisy felt she was getting in deeper and deeper. “Yes, well, I think it may have had more to do with me being convenient than anything else. But I’ve prayed about it, and both of us are committed to making it work.”

“Well, if he’s not head over heels in love with you now, he soon will be.” Abigail gave Daisy a surprisingly mature look. “I know Everett can be stuffy at times, but he truly is a good man with a kind heart. You’ll be there now to make sure he doesn’t take everything so seriously—including himself.”

Daisy moved to the stove while she contemplated Abigail’s words. She was so lost in thought that she didn’t realize Everett had joined them until he spoke up.

“What is that dog doing in here?”

Daisy started and glanced over her shoulder. Sure enough, at some point Kip had stepped across the threshold and was now blissfully allowing Abigail the honor of scratching his side.

“Don’t get all stiff and grumpy,” Abigail said. “I lured him over here. After all, he’ll be part of our family soon, too.”

Everett’s frown deepened. “That dog is
not
family.”

“Don’t be so stuffy. Of course he is. He’s the family pet. And since Daisy will be moving over to this side after the wedding, and the whole place will then be one home, it seems ridiculous to let Kip have the run of only one half of it.”

Daisy cast a quick glance Everett’s way to see how he reacted to Abigail’s statement, but could detect nothing except displeasure with his sister.

Finally, he gave a stiff nod. “Just make certain he doesn’t make a mess.”

“Of course.” Abigail shot a triumphant look Daisy’s way as she moved to the cupboard to collect the dishes for their meal, and Daisy was almost certain she saw a quick wink.

A moment later, as Abigail set the table, she assumed an innocent expression. “I was just talking to Daisy about some changes I think you should make to the place.”

“Were you, now?” Everett’s tone was dry. “Something more than allowing that animal to impinge on my home, I take it.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Well, you may as well tell me before you burst from holding it in.”

Abigail explained her grand plans while Daisy busied herself at the stove. When the girl mentioned the bedroom idea, Daisy again glanced Everett’s way, but again saw nothing more than an indulgent, long-suffering attitude toward his sister. Did that mean he’d taken it as a given that they would share a bedchamber? Or was he just good at hiding his reactions?

As uncomfortable a topic as it would be, she’d have to find a way to bring up the subject of future sleeping arrangements soon.

“So what do you think?” Abigail finally asked.

“I think, as usual, you are dreaming big and not giving any thought to what it takes to make those dreams a reality.”

Abigail seemed undeterred. “That’s what dreams are for. But you do agree it’s a good idea, don’t you? We’ll be one family after the wedding, which means there won’t be any need to keep the quarters separate.”

“True. But there’s no burning need to make any changes right away, either.”