Kentucky Bride by Caryl McAdoo

Author:Caryl McAdoo [McAdoo, Caryl]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9798617403239
Published: 2020-06-09T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

The tension in the Garland home was palpable, but it couldn’t persuade Ephraim from what he knew he had to do. He’d talked everything over with Bo.

Even on short notice, the ladies put on a nice spread. Nothing compared to the last meal he had taken at their table, but way better than what Bo and those army cooks served.

The battle took up the better part of the conversation. Gigi’s Gramps asked the most questions, but even little Marigold—who seemed to have trouble not staring at him—wanted to know a thing or two about the fighting.

Poor little Marigold looked crushed when she got herself shushed, asking if he’d killed anyone.

The question came unexpectedly, but he shrugged it off and gave his standard reply whenever anyone quizzed him about a dustup he’d been thrown into.

“War’s a terrible thing, little Miss.”

It pleased him that the Garlands invited Bo to eat at the dining table, but he declined with a smile.

His friend probably gave himself away when he replied, but he aimed to sup in the company of his new lady friend. Ephraim understood completely, aching to spend time alone with the woman he loved.

But he had important business to discuss.

“I thank you, ma’am, but I’ll keep Miss Daisy company if it’s all the same.”

“Of course. Daisy?”

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll set him a place, Miss Margaret. Don’t you worry about that.”

As planned with his love, her Aunt Peggy Sue challenged Marigold to a game of cribbage in the parlor. Once just he, Gigi, Gramps, and Mis’ess Garland sat at the table, he glanced across at his sweet one. She encouraged him with a smile and a nod.

He faced the older gentleman. “Sir, I’m well aware Gigi and I have only known each other less than a week, but we both know—have known from the first moment—that God made us for each other.”

Gramps looked from him to Gigi. “That so, Daughter?”

Grinning wide, she nodded three times then spoke her heart. “Yes, sir. We’re sure of it. Both of us.” She took her mother’s hand. “Mama, I’m so madly in love with Ephraim, I can hardly stand it when we’re apart.”

Her mother patted her hand.

For the next few minutes, the both of them quizzed him and Gigi.

Then Gramps asked one last question.

“What’s your rush, son? From what I’ve heard, the Federals have dug in at the River.”

“Seems so for now, but I don’t expect them to stay there long. They’re liable to be in Bowling Green in a month, two at the most. But to answer your question, I do have a reason. You see, I own a considerable amount of land in Texas along with shares in a couple of thriving businesses. And even more so than that, I’m responsible for my best friend.”

“Bo?”

“Yes, sir. As it stands now, if anything were to happen to me, my only relative—a no account cousin—would inherit it all. But if anything does happen, I want Gigi to have it all.’

“That so? Mighty generous.”

“I want to know she’ll be safe and able to stand on her own two feet.

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