A Bride for Deke by Marianne Spitzer

Author:Marianne Spitzer
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Published: 2020-04-22T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Amalie held Deke’s hand as they walked toward the field next to the church. There were tables set up, and people were milling around, talking and laughing. She carried a small basket containing the fried chicken and apple pie she had prepared for the potluck supper. He was relieved that Amalie had finally realized that her worries about the bidding on the picnic baskets had been foolish, especially since the money would help the church, and everyone would have a grand time.

Several people Amalie had met at church greeted her warmly, and the three young women who had apologized to her over their unwelcome comments smiled and waved. Amalie smiled and waved back. Laura was noticeably not with her friends.

After placing her food on the table and speaking to an older woman who seemed in charge of food placement, Amalie wandered through the group of her fellow church congregants. Deke found her chatting with another newly married young woman.

Deke greeted the outgoing young woman, took Amalie by the arm, and led her away. “You look a bit anxious. Are you all right?” Deke asked.

“Yes, she’s a lovely person, but she’s also newly married, and she asked me some personal questions I couldn’t answer.”

Deke thought he understood and said, “I’m sorry that our marriage has put you in a difficult situation.”

“It’s all right. I can find a way to talk to anyone, and my situation is much better than it would have been had I stayed in St. Louis. Thank you for that.”

Deke glanced down at her and watched as the sunlight brought out glimmers of red in her hair. Her eyes sparkled with happiness, excitement, or something else Deke couldn’t quite place. She was a beauty, and several men had commented on how fortunate he was, but he didn’t feel fortunate. He felt more like a rat, lying to the world about the lovely woman on his arm.

He smiled at Amalie and said, “It was my pleasure to help you.” He meant every word. He was beginning to care about her, though he wasn’t sure what to do with those feelings.

Fortunately, the pastor’s voice announced the start of the picnic basket auction, breaking through Deke’s thoughts, and he guided Amalie toward the pastor. A small wooden stage had been built for the occasion, and the pastor was standing in the middle alongside five young ladies, holding picnic baskets.

The first basket was auctioned off immediately and won by the young woman’s fiancé. He was the sheriff’s deputy, and no one dared bid against him.

The next two baskets were also auctioned off quickly, and Amalie began to think this was a sweet, harmless way to raise money and have young people enjoy the picnic.

Amalie recognized the fourth young woman as one of Laura’s friends. She was a pretty girl with honey blonde hair piled on top of her head. Her smile was contagious, and soon several men began to bid for her basket.

Everything seemed to be going well until two men, who had obviously been drinking, broke out in a fistfight over the young lady and her basket.

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