Bride of Second Chances Read online

  “I could ask you the same thing.”

  “True.” She walked up the steps of the porch and pulled up one of the chairs so she could sit near him. “Did you note the man who brought me here?”

  “Micah? Yes, I saw that, though you didn’t seem too happy about it.”

  She winced. “Was I that obvious?”

  “Rebecca used to say that whenever you held a napkin up to your nose and mouth in public, it was a sign you were either ready to cry or afraid you’d say something you shouldn’t.”

  She wrapped the shawl tighter around her shoulders to brace against the chill from the breeze. In the sunlight, it didn’t bother her, but here in the shade, it was a good reminder autumn was quickly approaching. “I never realized how well Rebecca knew me.”

  “I never realized I remembered so much of what she said,” he replied. “Stuff that was said in passing conversation has a way of coming back to me. So, you came to get a break from Micah?”

  “It was my brother’s idea I come with him. Actually, Micah asked him if he could take me, and my brother heartily agreed. No one consulted me on the matter.” Not that she gave Micah a chance to ask, but looking back, she should have let him ask her just so she could say no.

  “Maybe you should tell Will that you have no desire to go anywhere else with Micah in the future. Then he won’t arrange for you and Micah to spend time together anymore.”

  She shook her head. “Will knows I don’t fancy Micah.”

  Jeremy frowned and leaned forward so that his elbows rested on his knees. “So why did he arrange for you to come with Micah to this potluck?”

  “I think he wants to see me married off. Susie and I don’t get along very well, and I fear our arguing gets on his nerves.”

  “Rebecca mentioned how difficult things were between you and Susie shortly before she died. You know Rebecca didn’t care much for Susie, don’t you?”

  “Well, it wasn’t like our brother was considering a woman’s disposition when he chose a wife. His main concern was having a woman who appealed to the eye.” She sighed in frustration. “It’s not like I haven’t tried to get along with her because I have. But when a person’s been made to feel like their sole purpose is to be at someone’s beck and call all the time, she grows weary.” Her face flushing, she shot him an apologetic look. “Forgive me, Preacher. I didn’t mean to burden you with my problems.”

  “It’s Jeremy, and you’re not burdening me. I’m only sorry I couldn’t help. Rebecca and I were going to offer you a room at the parsonage. It just didn’t work out.”

  “I know. And I appreciate it. I shouldn’t complain. I have a roof over my head and food to eat. There are others worse off than I.”

  He smiled in a way that set her mind at ease. “You’re human, Jane. It’s only natural you’d be tired of the way you’re being treated.”

  “Thank you.” She stopped herself before she said ‘Preacher’ and added, “Jeremy.” After scanning the yard and not finding anything of interest there, she asked the only thing she could think of. “Will you tell me why you’re back here? Is there a woman you’d rather avoid?”

  His lips turned up into a smile and he straightened his back. “No. I just needed some time to myself. There are a lot of people out there, and someone always wants to talk about something.”

  “I’m afraid you didn’t get the reprieve you wished for since I came over here.”

  “I don’t mind. You’re a welcome distraction.”

  Noting the tired tone in his voice, she asked, “Do you want to talk about it?”

  “I don’t know. There’s nothing I can change.”

  She waited and since he didn’t continue, she figured he’d rather not speak and turned her gaze back to the yard, noting the way the grass swayed in the breeze.

  “I was adopted.”

  The statement came out so soft that she almost missed it. Directing her attention back to him, she wondered if he’d continue.

  Staring at the floor, he ran his hand through his dark hair and sighed. “My father told me about it when I went to visit him. It was the last thing he told me, actually.” Making eye contact with her, he said, “I don’t want anyone else to know. I don’t think it’s something some people would be gracious about. I might be in the business of grace and mercy, but there are some who are quick to judge.”

  “I won’t tell anyone. You didn’t even need to tell me.”

  “I know, but it’s been weighing on my mind and I’d like to have someone I can talk to about it. Rebecca trusted you to keep matters of a delicate nature private.”

  “That’s because I didn’t rat her out when she slipped a hot spice into our brother’s food when we were growing up, but to be fair, he had it coming to him. He got a hold of her diary and showed it to everyone at school.”

  “He took her diary?”

  Jane nodded. “Personally, I think the spice wasn’t payment enough for what he did. That diary contained some personal thoughts. If it’d been me, I would have hidden all his undergarments for a week.”

  His eyes twinkled. “Why, Jane, no one would suspect that you have a mean streak in you.”

  Her lips turned up into a smile and she shrugged. “My brother suspected it. You’ll note he never took my diary.”

  At that, he laughed.

  She liked hearing him laugh. She couldn’t remember hearing him laugh since Rebecca died, and that was a shame because when he laughed, all the cares in the world seemed to melt away.

  But the laugh didn’t last long. Shifting on the barrel, he cleared his throat. “Anyway, I am adopted, and the circumstances surrounding the adoption aren’t favorable.”

  “I wouldn’t think it would be,” she admitted.

  “The problem is, I don’t know if I should do anything about it. My father wanted me to find my real mother, but I’m not sure I want to. Like he said, she could be dead, so what’s the point?”

  “This was your father’s dying wish?”

  “He didn’t come out and tell me to find her, but by the way he spoke, he implied it.”

  “And you don’t want to?”

  “I don’t know what I want to do. Everything seems to be happening at once, and I feel like there’s nothing to hold onto. It’s like my world is out of control.”

  “Things are coming at you too fast for you to keep up?”

  “Right.” He studied his hands and furrowed his eyebrows. “It’s not pleasant learning your real mother was a lady of ill repute and you have no idea who the father is. It could have been one of many men. I can’t blame my parents. They didn’t want me to grow up with the stigma of being a bastard, so they told everyone I was theirs when they moved to Grand Island. I don’t think I’d be a preacher if people knew the truth.”

  “The circumstances of your birth doesn’t change who you are,” she softly replied.

  “I don’t think everyone would agree.”

  When he looked at her, she saw the struggle going on inside of him, and his botched up sermon made sense. She also understood what some people would think of him if they knew the truth. “No one has to know. If you want to search for your mother, no one has to know that either. You can get a preacher to step in your place while you do it. Considering everything you’ve been through this year, no one will question it if you take a break.” When she heard the sound of dishes clattering from the front lawn, she offered him a smile. “You’re still a good man, Pre—. I mean, Jeremy.” She stood up and took a deep breath. “I hear they’re done with the meal, so I should pitch in with the other women before someone talks me into spending more time with Micah than I can bear.”

  “Good luck,” he said, his tone lighter.

  “From your lips to God’s ears,” she replied, pointing to the sky and smiling.

  As she headed for the tables where women were cleaning up, Edith called out to her. Glancing in Micah’s direction, Jane was both uneasy and relieved to see him talking to her brother. If he spoke to her
brother, then he wouldn’t bother with her, but since he was speaking to her brother, she worried this meant bad things—like her brother arranging more outings for her and Micah. Her stomach tightened into a knot. She hoped this was not going to be the case. She hoped it was merely idle chatter that kept them occupied. Taking a deep breath to settle her nerves, she joined Edith at one of the tables and started collecting the plates.

  Edith moved closer and whispered, “I see you’re with Micah.”

  “Yes. My brother arranged it.”

  She winced. “I’m sorry.”

  “Believe me, no one is sorrier than I am. I tried to get out of it, but Will and Susie practically dragged me out of the house.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  Jane chuckled. “You already said that.”

  “I know, but I don’t know any other words to express how sorry I am. I’m only glad you’ll be coming out to Omaha.”

  “About that…” Jane settled the stack of dirty dishes in her arms and turned to face her friend. “Will spent my inheritance.”

  Edith stopped stacking her plates and gave her a startled look. “What did he do with it?”

  “He invested it in a venture to make quadcycles.”

  “Quadcycles?”

  “Bicycles with four wheels instead of two.”

  Her jaw dropped. “What a ridiculous idea.”

  “Yes, it is. Anyone can see that, but Will’s convinced this will make him rich.”

  “That’s all fine and well for him to waste his own money, but why did he waste yours?”

  “Because he can, I suppose.” Jane brushed back a lock of hair that fell to her forehead. “It’s too bad I didn’t hide that money under my mattress, though it probably wouldn’t have done any good. Susie would have found it. She snoops through my room from time to time.”

  “How do you know?”

  “I caught one of her hairpins on my floor. I never told her I know, but it irks me to no end that they are treating me like a child. I’m a grown woman.”

  Edith nodded and stared toward the sky for a moment before she said, “I’m going to save up and get you a train ticket. Don’t worry about anything else. Just pack your clothes and come to Omaha when I send the ticket your way.”

  Jane’s heart leapt. “Really, Edith?”

  “I can’t have you living in that house indefinitely. You need a home of your own with a husband to care for and children to tend to.”

  Jane set the dishes on the table and hugged her. “Thank you, Edith! You’re a wonderful friend.”

  Edith laughed and hugged her as well as she could with her arms full of dishes. “Don’t thank me until your wedding day. I plan to find you a husband.” As Jane picked up her dishes, Edith added, “A good one.”

  Beaming, Jane continued with the task of cleaning up the tables.

  Chapter Five

  Jane took the pot roast out of the oven and smiled. It turned out perfect. She placed it on the work table and glanced at Hank who was ready to dip his finger into the cake.

  “You can’t eat it until dessert,” she playfully scolded him.

  Hank jerked his hand away from it and groaned. “I’m starving.”

  “Then snack on some squash.”

  He grimaced. “I’ll wait.”

  “So, you’re not starving,” she replied with a knowing grin. “Set out the good china. We’re having company tonight.”

  “Alright.”

  As he went to the dining room, she stirred the gravy in the bowl and decided there was nothing else to do. Everything was ready. The last time Jeremy came over was one month before Rebecca died. Little did any of them know how short her time would be.

  Taking a moment to wipe her eyes with her apron, Jane hoped this might be a positive experience for Jeremy. No doubt he would think of his last time here and how happy he’d been. She hoped he would enjoy tonight. It might not be as good as when Rebecca was alive, but maybe it would be good enough.

  The front door opened. Checking the clock, she saw it was still ten minutes before Jeremy was expected to show up. Besides that, he would knock.

  “Jane! I have good news for you.”

  Her brother’s voice echoed through the entire house, sending her, Susie and the children into the parlor.

  “Do you have good news for me, too?” Susie asked Will with a slight pout on her lips.

  “Oh.” Jane’s brother frowned and then smiled. “I sure do, sweetheart. I got some money today.”

  Susie squealed. “Your bicycle venture is paying off already?”

  His face turned a bright shade of red. “Well, not really. But it will. Mark my word. By this time next year, we’ll be living like kings!”

  Jane forced back the eye roll and calmly waited for her brother to reveal what was supposed to be good news for her. Perhaps he’d give his newfound money to her to make up for squandering her part of the inheritance.

  “What is it, Pa?” Hank asked.

  Irene, who stood next to Hank, seconded his question.

  Will turned to Jane and, with a huge smile, said, “I found you a husband!”

  Jane blinked and stammered for a moment before she was able to ask, “What?”

  “I know. I hardly believe it myself, but it’s true.”

  She frowned and crossed her arms. “It’s so nice to have my brother throw me a compliment as high as that.” She couldn’t wait to get out of this house.

  “Now, Jane, I meant no harm. It’s just that your options are limited in Lincoln.”

  “Because I’m plain and speak my mind,” she filled in for him.

  Chuckling, he took his hat off and placed it on the table. “You’re reading into things that aren’t there.”

  Susie groaned. “Forget all of that! Who’s willing to marry Jane?” Jane shot her a glaring look, but Susie ignored her and smiled sweetly at Will. “Come on and tell us already. The suspense is killing me.”

  Jane gasped. Oh no! It couldn’t be—

  “Micah!” Will answered, looking like he’d just announced a cure for all human ailments.

  Susie burst out into a fit of laughter. “You jest!”

  His brows furrowed, he asked, “Why would I joke about something like this? Micah and I made an arrangement. He paid me a good sum of money for her.”

  “You sold me?” Jane yelled, her fingernails digging into her arms.

  “Sold is such a harsh word,” Will replied. “I like to think of it as showing Micah that you have worth.”

  Susie continued to laugh while Hank and Irene glanced at each other and then looked at their father.

  “I’ve got news for you, Will,” Jane seethed. “I’m not for sale. You will have to give Micah his money back because I refuse to marry him.” She didn’t know who upset her more. Her brother for selling her like she was an animal or Micah for stooping so low he’d give her brother money for her. When she saw her brother’s incredulous expression, she added, “No. No! I will not marry him. You will have to give him the money back!”

  Her brother’s mouth formed a thin line. “No, I won’t. Micah will do you good. He’s got a job and a home. What more could a woman want?”

  “Someone who doesn’t smell like he came from a garbage heap?”

  “You’re being picky. Micah is just fine.”

  “I don’t care what you think, Will. I refuse to marry him.”

  “But I can’t return the money. I need it to pay Gregory for the materials to fix the roof. Last time it rained, water trickled into my bedroom.”

  Huffing, Jane shook her head. “That’s not my problem. You’ll have to work something else out.”

  “Have a heart, Jane,” her brother said. “I can’t let the children live in a house without a good roof. You and Micah are going to the preacher, and there’s nothing you can say about it.”

  “You know Jeremy will never marry me to Micah when I say no.”

  “Oh, don’t be silly. I wouldn’t take you to Preacher Graham. He knows
us. I’d take you to one who doesn’t.”

  She gasped. “You can’t force me to marry Micah!”

  “That depends on the preacher.”

  “At least he’s a man,” Susie added with a shrug. “I don’t see any other man coming by offering you his hand in marriage.”

  “Then you haven’t been looking in the right direction.”

  The three stopped to turn their attention to the man who stood in the open doorway.

  Jeremy stepped into the house. “The door was open so I thought you wanted me to come right in, but considering the discussion, I believe it was an oversight.”

  Jane blinked at his bitter tone.

  Her brother’s eyes widened and he let out a tentative laugh. “Preacher! I think you misunderstand the situation. I’m trying to help Jane.”

  “From what I heard, she doesn’t want your help,” Jeremy said. “In fact, it sounded like she’s opposed to the marriage you proposed.” He turned to her. “You don’t want to marry Micah, do you?”

  “Of course not,” she replied.

  Jeremy turned back to her brother. “That seems pretty clear to me. Did you have trouble understanding her?”

  Her brother sighed. “It’s not that easy, Preacher. There are things to consider.”

  “What kind of things?” Jeremy asked.

  At first, he seemed baffled by the question but then answered, “For one, her age. She’s not getting any younger. She’ll be twenty-three come January. I don’t want to see her end up an old maid. She ought to have a husband to provide for her and children to tend to.” With an excited nod, he continued, “Susie here has never been happier in her entire life. Her life was meaningless until she married me. Isn’t that right, honey?”

  Susie jerked and glanced from Jeremy to Will. “I need to check on supper. Come along, children.” Without any delay, she nudged Hank and Irene so that they were hurrying on out of the parlor.

  Will looked like he wanted to protest but then caught sight of Jeremy’s grim expression and closed his mouth.