Brides of the West: Josie's Wedding Dress\Last Minute Bride\Her Ideal Husband by Victoria Bylin

Author:Victoria Bylin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2012-04-07T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

Last evening, the mood between Elise and David had gone from congenial to chillier than homemade ice cream, and gave Elise just as big a headache.

Minutes before, her parents had left for a meeting at church, meaning Katie would spend another evening at the hall. She didn’t seem to mind, but Elise did. After being separated all day, Elise would like to play with Katie, read to her, give Katie her undivided attention.

As she gathered the baby, her diapers and favorite blanket and tucked them into the carriage, she glanced at the banner lying on the counter that she’d lettered and painted with care. Congratulations Newlyweds! Remembering all the happy times she’d spent with Jake and Callie playing dominos, sharing their pasts over meals, she forgot her fatigue, her regrets with Katie, her frustration at David. Giving her friends a party was worth it all.

With gentle hands, Elise folded the banner accordion style and draped it over the handle, then eased the pram out the door.

The three-block walk to Twite Hall took longer than usual, as Elise used her body to shield the banner from the slight breeze. Outside the hall, she heaved a sigh of relief. The banner had made the trip without damage.

As she entered the door, she met Flossie coming out. “Doc looks as forlorn as a puppy on a chain. Reckon he’s waiting for your direction.” She held the door while Elise pushed the pram inside. “Place looks great. You and Doc will give Jake and Callie a fine party,” Flossie said, “if you don’t kill each other first.”

“Is the trouble between us that obvious?”

“Transparent as that newfangled lemon Jell-O.”

Flossie patted Elise’s shoulder. “You and I are two peas in a pod, Elise girl. Our tongues move faster than our minds. Don’t say something you’ll regret.”

Tears filled Elise’s eyes. “I’ve lost the man I gave my heart to.”

“When I was about your age, I sent a good man packing. Thought he’d done me wrong. I didn’t give him a chance to explain. Wondered ever since if my peeve was worth the price.” Flossie’s voice wavered but her gaze clung to Elise’s.

“I’m sorry about all that, Flossie, but I’ve given David more chances than I can count.”

“Give it prayer. Give it time. The Good Lord knows David’s heart. Not one of us has that gift.”

Elise bit her lip to keep her tears at bay then gave a nod. She missed David with every particle of her being, missed the closeness they’d once shared. Something separated them.

Not one to wave a white flag, still, she’d try for a truce. But how long could she rein in her tongue?

Inside the hall, she parked the pram in the corner. Katie was sucking her thumb, eyelids drooping. The poor little thing had her days and nights mixed up.

She found David beside the ladder, a hammer and box of tacks in his hands. Ready to hang the banner, to help any way he could.

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