Cera's Place by Elizabeth McKenna

Author:Elizabeth McKenna [McKenna, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2011-10-22T23:09:37+00:00

Chapter 10

“Are the menfolk back yet?” Ginger set another pile of clothes from Mrs. Knappe’s closet on the floor.

Adjusting the pins in her mouth, Mary Beth replied, “No, but it shouldn’t be much longer.”

Ginger surveyed the assortment of garments scattered around the room. “Looks like we’ll have time to put together at least two outfits each. It’s awfully generous of Isaac to let us have these dresses.”

“And lucky for us Isaac’s wife had such good taste in clothes,” Mary Beth added with a laugh. “The dress you’re wearing, Cera, is just beautiful. That shade of green matches your eyes perfectly.”

Cera ran a hand down her bodice feeling the richness of the material. “It’s lovely, isn’t it? I’d never have bought such a fancy dress for myself.” Sighing, she put aside the skirt she was altering. “I need some fresh air. I’ll be out on the porch if anyone wants me.”

Leaning against the railing, she lifted her face to the mid-afternoon sun. Why hadn’t Jake returned yet? Did he run into Biggs and his men? She pressed her fingers to her eyes, willing the vision of Jake lying in an alley bleeding to death to disappear.

Ginger came outside and put an arm around her waist. “He’ll be back soon.”

“But he shouldn’t come back, don’t you see? He should get as far away as possible from us. That’s what I’d do. Maybe head back east.”

“That’s just silly, you would not. If you were Jake, you’d do exactly what he’s doing—insist on staying.”

“But is he? I told him more than once to stay out of our troubles. Maybe he wised up and changed his mind. How long does it take to a get a horse and a satchel?”

“I don’t know what’s keeping him, but I do know he’s not going anywhere without you. I’m sure there’s a good reason for his delay.”

Cera shrugged, not entirely convinced. “Maybe, but we barely know him. What if he’s not as honorable as we all think he is?”

Ginger clucked her tongue in irritation. “Now you’re just talking nonsense. We’ve worked together for years and I know you can tell good people from bad. I haven’t seen a finer man than Jake come along in quite a while. Give him a chance. I bet he won’t let you down.”

“I know you’re right. Guess I’m just feeling a bit skittish.” Cera hugged her friend. “And I’m so sorry we’re in this mess.” Unable to control her emotions any longer, she dropped into the nearest rocking chair, letting the tears that had been building up all day pour out.

Offering her one of the late Mrs. Knappe’s lace handkerchiefs, Ginger waited until her sobs subsided. “We’ll make it through all of this. Hell, life would be boring if it was easy, and you know how I prefer excitement.”

At the sound of approaching boots on the porch, Cera brushed frantically at the wetness on her cheeks. Jake rounded the corner, stopping at the sight of the two women.

“Excuse me, have I interrupted something?” he asked.

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