Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana Page 28

  “Well?” Julia prodded.

  “It took me a good five minutes to even get my hands on the slimy rascal, and when I finally did, I somehow found a spot without much grease. I held on, and that old girl yanked me at least twenty feet across the dirt. Thing is, I’d just gotten some hand-medown trousers from my cousin Tim, and they were a bit too big around my girth.”

  Julia touched her hand to her lips and smiled sympathetically. “Oh, no.”

  Isaac nodded. “Oh yeah. By the time that sow got done yanking me, my new trousers had traveled ’bout down to my ankles.”

  A laugh burst from Julia’s mouth.

  Isaac mocked a hurt look. “It was terribly embarrassing for a young boy.”

  Julia shook her head. “I’m sorry.”

  They reached the little bridge, and Isaac led her up the white planks. The sun smiled down, and a gentle breeze waltzed about the lake’s waters. His hands gripping the railing, bedecked with red, white, and blue ribbons, he gazed out over the mass of people—most whose homes he’d helped raise, whose weddings he’d performed, or whom he’d prayed with after a tragedy.

  Julia stood next to him, and Isaac remembered the last time they’d walked along the lake. The moon’s, not the sun’s, rays had lit their path, and a night overwrought with fear led to her collapsing into his eager arms. He’d longed to hold her, protect her all his days. How that moment of closeness had affected him, changed the course of his life.

  He rotated to face her, and the sight of her eyes peering up at him made his knees feel feeble.

  The corner of her lip turned in a grin. “Well, Parson, are you going to keep telling me embarrassing stories from your youth, or will you explain what this is all about? What on earth were Mr. and Mrs. Gaffin talking about?”

  Isaac suddenly didn’t know where to start. Should he explain about the vow? The peace he’d made with God? His plans to start a church and stop riding the circuit? The school?

  His gaze moved over her face, and he paused, stilled by the beauty that flowed from her remarkable heart and shone through the features he cherished—her bright eyes, smooth skin, slender waist, tender hands.

  “You are so beautiful.” The words breathed out in a whisper, almost before he realized they’d left his mind and moved to his tongue. He longed to touch her, to grasp her hand, to caress her cheek, but he knew he must wait to discover if she returned his feelings. His stomach churned with anxiety. “I just…” A thick gravel seemed to bury the words in his throat. “I want to—need to—tell you something.”

  A hint of fear, like waves in a brewing storm, spread in Julia’s eyes—perhaps fear of being hurt or else simple uncertainty—and Isaac longed to still her worries, to calm the waves.

  The lively band music slowed to a waltz, and Isaac paused, reaching for calmness from the slow tune. A draft of wind shifted a strand of hair to Julia’s forehead, and Isaac tucked it behind her ear. The music came to an end, and all seemed to suspend in motionless silence. Isaac’s horse Virginia whinnied, as if asking for an encore, and then dipped her head again to drink from the lake.

  “I love you,” Isaac finally said, and in saying the words, his nervousness released and a downpour of contentment breezed over him. Lord, whatever happens now, I trust You.

  A smile hinted on Julia’s face, but her forehead still furrowed with confusion.

  “I was wrong,” he explained. “That vow I made was a result of my own fear. I wasn’t trusting God, and so I held back from, well, loving you. But I’ve had some time lately to think, and pray, and read the Word, and I’ve learned that my ‘stupid’ vow—as Milo called it—was my idea, not God’s.” He smiled, unabashedly relinquishing the love in his gaze.

  Julia leaned toward him, her eyes fixed on him as he spoke.

  Isaac tilted his head. His voice softened. “I’m free to love, Julia. To marry, to serve a wife the rest of my days—if one will forgive me.” He held her hand, which trembled under his touch. “If you will have me.”

  Julia’s chin quivered. Her eyes shimmered. “Isaac.” She squeezed his hand, and Isaac’s heart thumped against his chest.

  “That night when we rescued Bea,” he trailed the backs of his fingers over Julia’s cheek and down her jawline, “my feelings for you were so strong. I never should’ve let you go. I love you, Julia. It started the moment you drenched my handkerchief at the hotel.”

  Julia chuckled.

  “And it grew as I witnessed your tender care of me on the night of the storm, your kindness to the children, your bravery with the buffalo. I’d be honored—humbled—if you’d accept my love.”

  Julia smiled into his eyes, relief and joy filling her face. “Isaac, I—”

  But before she could finish, a grimy hand grabbed her arm, smudging the ivory fabric. The hand’s owner peeked around as he yanked Julia to him. Horace. Isaac had been so caught up in Julia’s nearness that he hadn’t even heard the miner approach.

  “Parson Ike?” The all-too-familiar gruff voice blasted Isaac’s ears. “What you doin’ with my wife?” The hope that had been cresting in Isaac’s chest came crashing like a horse with a broken leg. What now?

  Horace didn’t wait for an answer. And before Isaac could comprehend what was happening, the old miner tugged at Julia and stomped off the bridge, lugging her with him.

  “No, stop! Let go of me,” Julia squealed. She reached for Isaac. “Stop him!”

  Isaac hurried after them, but he’d taken only three steps when his foot caught on a loose plank in the bridge. He felt his body flying forward. His right knee hit first, then his elbow and his cheek. His head seemed to bounce off the ground, and his eyes lost focus. Julia. Pushing away thoughts of the pain, he jumped to his feet and grabbed the rail, trying to regain his footing once again.

  “I done waited long enough! I paid fer her. I been real nice—writin’ letters, comin’ to call.”

  Horace moved with remarkable speed to the horse and hoisted Julia onto the saddle. Issac hurried after. “Horace, no, wait!”

  Horace acted like he hadn’t heard. “Comes a time when a man’s got to collect his claim,” he called as he hurled himself behind Julia. “I’m jest borrowin’ this here horse. I’ll bring ’er back. Don’t worry ’bout that.”

  “Horace! Wait!”

  “Next time you see me, I’ll be a married man!” Horace reached around Julia, grabbed the reins, hollered, and then jabbed his heels into Virginia. The horse and her passengers took off in a gallop.

  “Isaac!” Julia screamed as she twisted toward him. He ran after her, yelling at Horace to stop, but Horace didn’t hesitate.

  Sitting on the back of the saddle behind her, Horace steered the horse past the bandstand, and Julia spied Sarah Mack. First shock, then anger, then disappointment flashed on the woman’s face. Julia’s heart sank with pity for the poor woman. The last thing Julia wanted to do was steal Sarah’s man—she had her own now. Well, almost. If she could just get the opportunity to give him an answer.

  “Horace.” She leaned back and spoke above the galloping hoofbeats.

  “No point in tryin’ to talk me out o’ it.”

  “Listen to me.” She knew her words needed to be quick and to the point. “Sarah loves you, Horace. And I think you love her. Why don’t you let me go? You can be with her. She would make a wonderful wife.”

  Julia glanced back and saw Isaac racing after them on foot. He paused as he approached the group of picnickers, most likely asking them for help. Soon a posse of country folks, all dressed in their Sunday best, hurried behind him.

  “Horace, look! Look behind us!” Julia turned around. Even the band members had put down their instruments and rushed down the road. Sarah skulked behind, her head lowered beneath Julia’s parasol.

  Horace slowed the horse but only slightly. “You say Sarah loves me?”

  “Yes! She told me so. We were looking for you earlier today so she could tell you herself.”

  “Nah! You’re jest sayin’ that s
o I’ll let you go.”

  Julia spied Christopher sprinting ahead of them, calling to the group of people near the sheep arena. A throng of cowboys, ranchers, and soldiers, as well as a brigade of prairie women, their unbridled protectiveness showing in their fierce stamps, formed a wall in front of Horace.

  “You stop right there, Horace Whitbaum!” one of the cowboys hollered.

  “Hold up, you nasty old gold miner!”

  With nowhere to go, Horace angled the mare around and attempted to head back the way he came, but the posse of musicians and partygoers halted him from that direction. Finally Isaac raced forward and grabbed Virginia’s bridle.

  Julia slid off and raced to him. “Thank you, thank you.” She clutched his arm, not wanting to let go.

  Isaac winked. “I couldn’t let you marry a prospector before I got an answer out of you.”

  Despite the chaos with Horace, Julia’s heart overflowed with unexpected joy. A week ago—an hour ago—she wouldn’t have dared hope for Isaac to gaze at her with those loving eyes. Her heart longed for him—for his affection, companionship, and love—and now here he was offering those cherished gifts to her. Lord, You have blessed me beyond what I deserve.

  But before she could share her heart with Isaac, there was a lonely gold miner who needed her help. Glancing up at Horace, she spied his lower lip poke out and in and a tear trickle down his cheek. Julia stepped next to him and patted his hand. “Get down, Horace. It’ll be fine.”

  Horace labored out of the saddle and plopped to the dusty grass. “I jest wanted a wife, Parson Ike.” He jutted his chin toward Isaac.

  “You can’t have her!” a child’s voice piped out of the crowd, and Julia spotted Joshua. “She’s marryin’ my uncle Ike.”

  A laugh rolled through the crowd, and Julia tossed Isaac a smile.

  Mr. and Mrs. Gaffin edged forward from the wall of people. “We’re here to help, Julia,” Mrs. Gaffin called. “Whatever you need, dear.”

  Julia nodded to her then turned her attention back to Horace, aiming her gaze into his eyes. “Do you love Sarah Mack?” she asked quietly.

  Horace’s eyes grew large. “Yes, o’ course I do. What red-blooded man wouldn’t? But she’s too fine a lady fer me. That’s why I picked a skinny city girl, like you.” His voice was taut with sincerity, not insult. “But it seems you love our parson. Guess he’s a good pick, even though I doubt he would treat you as good as old Horace, though.”

  Julia tilted her head. “I’ve got some good news, Horace.” She glanced up, searching the crowd for Sarah. Finding her hiding underneath the parasol, Julia walked to her and clutched her hands. “Come on.” Behind Sarah, Julia spotted Elizabeth ambling toward the crowd, probably investigating what all the commotion was about. Miriam sat in a rocking chair by the firepit, watching as she held little Liberty.

  Sarah shook her head. “No, I just can’t.”

  Julia finally placed the two reluctant sweethearts in front of each other. “Horace, go ahead. Tell her how you feel.”

  Horace peered at Isaac.

  “Go on, Horace. You can do it.” Isaac motioned for him to remove his hat.

  Horace obeyed then glanced at Sarah Mack, who peeked from under the parasol. “Well, Sarah. I’m guessin’ you already know what I’m wantin’ ta tell ya.” He dipped down, trying to catch her gaze. “Will you move that blasted umbrella?”

  Sarah thrust it in front of her and closed it. Her face beamed, and her cheeks glowed like cherries.

  “Well, I love ya dearly, Sarah.” Horace moseyed to her and held her hands. “I always have. I know yer too fine fer me, but if you want me, you can have me.”

  Sarah burst into a torrent of sobs. “Oh, Horace. Of course. I love you, too.”

  A broad, toothless grin spread over Horace’s face, and he took the woman into his thick prospector’s arms.

  The crowd clapped and a few hats flew up in the air.

  “Isn’t that the sweetest thing.” Mrs. Gaffin fanned herself. “Even the gold miner found someone.”

  After a moment of embracing and taking in the cheers, Horace bolted upright. “Hold up!” He glared at Julia. “I done paid fer you. Where’s my money?”

  Sarah tapped his arm. “Oh, Horace, dear, does it really matter?”

  “It’s the principle. A man’s gotta get somethin’ when he pays out.”

  Mr. Gaffin ambled up. “I’m sorry, my good man.” He pulled out his black leather wallet and removed several bills. “This was all a misunderstanding, and I’d be happy to repay you. Plus a little extra for your trouble.” He handed the money to Horace, who accepted it and showed Sarah. “Now alls we’ve got to do is get us hitched.”

  Sarah raised her chin. “Anytime.”

  “Well, why not now?” He shifted toward Isaac. “Parson Ike, you up fer a wedding on this Independence Day?”

  “Yeah, Parson Ike, let’s have a wedding!” a woman in the crowd called.

  Isaac’s gaze met the two would-be newlyweds, and he nodded. “I would be happy to marry you tonight, but…” He sauntered to Julia and clasped her hands in his. “I’m going to collapse if I don’t get an answer from this woman.” His eyes locked with hers, and he touched her face. Julia’s heart skipped and bounced.

  “What’s the question, Parson?” a voice from the crowd blared.

  Undaunted, Isaac held Julia’s gaze. “Julia, I love you. Will you be a parson’s wife—my wife?”

  All her fears and expectations, all her longings for a home, all her worrying about the future disappeared in the showers of blessing this moment contained.

  “Yes, of course I will marry you.”

  Isaac’s arms encased her and lifted her feet from the ground in a burst of happiness.

  “Julia.” He set her back down. “Finally, my Julia.” He gently ran his hands down her neck and to her shoulders. “You’ve made me so happy.”

  Julia’s hands smoothed over his chest and behind his neck.

  “I love you, Isaac Shepherd.”

  Isaac’s strong hands gently enclosed her face, his fingers edging into her hair. He gazed at her with a look that spoke not only of love, but also commitment, protection, and gratitude. He slowly leaned close. Julia closed her eyes as his soft lips pressed against hers, and she was lost in the bliss of the long-awaited moment. And in that kiss, Julia felt herself promise to love, serve, and stand by this man for the rest of her life.

  “Miss Cavanaugh!” Two tiny arms clasped Julia’s legs, breaking the moment, and Julia looked down to see Bea. “You kiss Uncle Ike on the lips?”

  Isaac’s arm still clutched Julia to his side as the spectators to the “event” cheered.

  Shelby and Elizabeth joined them. “I know.” Shelby scooped Bea into her arms. “Isn’t that silly? Big people do that sometimes.” Shelby gave Julia a one-armed embrace. “I knew he was the one.”

  “Congratulations, Julia.” Elizabeth gave Julia a smile then glanced up toward the ranch.

  Julia followed her gaze and saw Miriam wiping her cheeks.

  Mrs. Gaffin also rushed to Julia. “I’m so happy for you, my dear, dear girl!” She squeezed her so tight, Julia thought she’d never breathe again.

  “Make it a double wedding, tonight,” a voice hollered.

  Julia glanced up at Isaac, who caressed her shoulder. “I think a fine church wedding will suit us. Am I right?” he asked.

  Julia rested her head against his chest, relishing his scent and the security of his embrace. “I don’t care. As long as I’m with you.”

  “Well, Parson Ike?” Horace piped in. “What about us?”

  Julia pulled back, and Isaac faced the couple. “Horace, Sarah, let’s get you two hitched. And then,” he added with a wink, “fireworks.”

  Epilogue

  The smell of freshly cut lumber greeted Isaac as he walked into the small building that would be used for both a school and a church. Julia stood by the paned window, the light from the spring sunshine bringing out touches of gold
in her brown hair. Isaac felt the return of a smile that had frequented his face since last Fourth of July, and he hurried next to her. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he peered over her shoulder to see what she was looking at.

  “I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a prettier sight.” She leaned back against him, resting her head against his shoulder.

  Isaac took in the view of Lonesome Lake and the small house not far from its shore. “Within a few weeks we’ll be living there as husband and wife.”

  Julia stepped forward and turned around, her small hands resting in his gentle grip. “Speaking of which, I need to head over to Aponi’s house. I hear everyone’s there, including Mrs. Gaffin. I still can’t believe she and Mr. Gaffin made the trip for our wedding, but I’m so glad she did. It wouldn’t be right without her.”

  Isaac fingered her cheek, soaking in the joy in her eyes. “It’ll be a perfect wedding.” He sent her a smile. “Because you will be the most beautiful bride. My most beautiful bride.”

  Julia nuzzled her head against his chest. “All our friends will be there, too. That also makes it perfect.”

  “Yes, very true.” He kissed her forehead. “I only hope Jim and Mabelina will make it back from Fort Benton in time.”

  “I’m sure they will. Parson Jim wouldn’t miss his first time officiating a marriage, would he?” Julia glanced at a clock on the wall. “Anyway, the ladies are working on my dre…” Julia pressed her lips together and swatted his arm. “Never mind I said anything. It’s supposed to be a surprise.”

  “What is?” He winked.

  “Perfect. Thank you for forgetting so quickly. It’ll keep me out of trouble with the ladies.”

  He placed her hands around his waist and moved his hands up her back to her shoulders.

  She beamed up at him. “Can you believe school will start a week after the wedding? This has to be the best May I’ve ever had.”

  “Better than last May when you first met a handsome but rude parson?”

  Julia chuckled. “Just slightly.” She gave him a kiss on the cheek and then wiggled out of his hold and hurried to the door. “You going to be staying in here long?” she called back over her shoulder.