Destiny's Bride Read online

  With Walt at her side, no other young men approached her, and when the band finished the final song, the last note struck a sour note of disappointment in her chest.

  Walt held her at arm’s length and dropped his hands to applaud the musicians again. The warmth from his embrace pooled from her core and puddled at her feet. When the clapping died down, he locked gazes with her. “Thank you so much for this wonderful evening. Would it be all right if I call on you before I leave town?”

  “Yes, of course.” She responded quickly, and then mentally chastised herself. Toning down her eagerness wasn’t easy given the happiness plucking at her heartstrings. She absolutely refused to think about him leaving Silver City.

  “So, Miss Palmer,” he intruded on her thoughts, “after my appointment tomorrow, maybe I’ll have some good news to share with you.”

  Her spreading smile faded, giving way to dread. Walt was about to discover her father ran the local bank. Notorious for his serious nature, and for glaring over his spectacles at anyone who displeased him, Harvey Palmer deemed no one good enough for his daughter. The thought hadn’t concerned her until now. Perhaps she should speak with him before he met with Walt. No, then Father would know she had an interest in the man. She grimaced at the prospective outcome. Saying nothing seemed the best option.

  Across the room, she caught sight of her father motioning to her. When he looked away, she stood on tiptoes and quickly bussed Walt’s cheek. If Harvey Palmer witnessed such boldness, she’d no doubt get a lengthy lecture on public brazenness. In her opinion the kiss was worth the punishment, but there was no use putting Walt’s loan in jeopardy. She bid her dance partner goodnight and crossed the room to join her parents for the walk home.

  At the hitching rail outside the hall, horses nickered as the Palmers walked by. The co-mingled smells of honeysuckle and fresh horse manure wafted in a steady, mild breeze, but even the overpowering aroma couldn’t spoil such a perfect evening. A million stars twinkled overhead, and her step reflected the lightness of her heart. With no desire for the night to end, Cecile paused to rub the nose of an old mare tethered to a covered buggy. Up ahead, her mother’s voice elevated in laughter, and Cecile hurried to catch up before Father scolded her for dawdling.

  Harvey Palmer’s heavy footsteps shivered the planks of the old walkway as the trio passed by the mercantile, heading for the end of Main Street, where they lived. Lively laughter rang out behind them as the social hall emptied and others departed. A pang of melancholy plucked at Cecile, her sadness growing. The dance had ended far too soon for her liking.

  “I notice that a particular young man monopolized most of your evening, Cecile. I didn’t recognize him. Who was he?” Her father halted to light a cigar.

  As expected, the conversation turned to the subject she dreaded discussing. She hesitated before answering, certain her father would find fault with Walt’s breeding. There was no use avoiding the topic. Tomorrow, when he met with Walt and his aunt about the loan, her father would learn the truth anyway. Why not show her interest in the mystery man?

  “His name is Walt Williams, and he’s here visiting his aunt for a few days at her boarding house.” Cecile’s tone bordered on defensive.

  She turned to her mother. “He’s really very nice. Can I invite him to Sunday supper, can I please, Momma, please, please?”

  “Now, Cecile, I…”

  “No! That wouldn’t be proper.” Her father expressed his opinion in a most resounding manner, leaving his wife with her mouth gaping. “After all, you’ve just met and we know very little about him.” With Father’s deep inhalation, the tip of his cigar flickered deep red.

  Cecile considered begging her father to change his mind, but that’s what he expected. Instead she choked back her usual emotional outburst and cast a pleading look at her mother. The trio paused inside the gate of the picket fence surrounding their house.

  “Now, Harve,” Mrs. Palmer said, gazing up at her husband, “there’s no better way to get to know a young man than to invite him for a meal. What harm can come from it? After all, Cecile is nineteen and old enough for us to trust her judgment. I think it’s a fine idea.”

  Her father walked up on the porch and unlocked the door, mumbling something under his breath about Cecile being able to do much better. Usually, when she and her mother joined forces, he didn’t have a leg to stand on, but still Cecile crossed her fingers for luck as she joined him on the stoop. It only took puppy-dog eyes for him to relent.

  Resisting the urge to jump up and down like a little girl, Cecile instead held her happiness in check. “Thank you, Father, I know you’ll really like him.” She used her most restrained voice, trying to display the maturity her mother had pointed out.

  Inside, she kissed both parents goodnight and scurried upstairs. While changing into her nightclothes, she giggled over getting her father’s approval to invite Walt to dine. She jumped into bed and snuggled deep under the covers, almost too excited to sleep. Thoughts of dancing with him flashed through her mind, and she wrapped her arms around her body, trying to recapture the feeling of his embrace. When sleep finally came, her last conscious thought was of his deep blue eyes.

  ***

  Walt halted the buggy in front of the boarding house and helped his aunt down. A single lamplight shone through the living room window of the white two-story structure, and even in moonlight, one could clearly see that the front yard was neatly trimmed. A shingle bearing “Rooms to Let” dangled over the door.

  Walt heard little of Aunt May’s chattering on the ride home. His was lost in thought about Cecile, still enjoying her sweet smell and the recollection of holding her in his arms. With his mind elsewhere, he almost tripped over the black cat that darted past him on his way up the front steps.

  “It appears you thoroughly enjoyed the company you kept during the dance. You’ve barely spoken since we left.” Aunt May chuckled as Walt struggled to maintain his balance.

  “Yes, Ma’am,” he said, opening the door. “And I wouldn’t mind keeping company with her on a regular basis.” He seriously hoped tomorrow would bring another opportunity to see Cecile. What was it about his need to see her again… to be with her? More importantly, was he good enough for her?

  After escorting his aunt into the house, Walt went back outside to see to the horse and buggy. Aunt May stood in the doorway. “I’m calling it a night, dear,” she hollered out to him. “Don’t forget our very important appointment at eleven tomorrow. We don’t want to be late.”

  “Nope, we’d better not keep the banker waiting.” Walt flashed a smile through clenched teeth.

  Chapter Two

  Walt opened the bank door and followed Aunt May to a large mahogany desk where a rather stern-looking man sat. Deep furrows in his brow indicated he didn’t smile very often, and the nameplate in front of him read Harvey Palmer, President.

  Palmer? Cecile Palmer... were they related? The question zipped through his mind, but the man’s measuring look over the top of his glasses told Walt it wasn’t the appropriate time and place to make small talk, so he didn’t ask.

  “Good morning, Mr. Palmer,” Aunt May said in a very authoritative voice. “This is my nephew, Walt Williams, and we’re here to see about a loan.”

  Harvey Palmer offered her a chair and reached over his large desk and shook Walt’s hand. Walt took a seat next to his aunt.

  “As you know, Mr. Palmer,” Aunt May said, “I own the boarding house here in town. The revenue provides me with a very comfortable, yet not extravagant lifestyle.” She pulled a ledger from her handbag and opened it. “This should offer proof of my income and continuing profits.”

  He briefly glanced at the figures and flashed a smug smile. “It’s just too bad your boarding house is in… well shall we say, a less then desirable part of town. Word has it that some of the people you cater to have questionable backgrounds.”

  She locked gazes with him. “Look, Mr. Palmer, you may not approve of the manner in which
I support myself, but as a businessman, you have to admit that loaning me money would be a sound investment.” She looked at Walt and patted his hand. “My nephew has his heart set on buying a piece of land, and I’m ready and willing to mortgage my boarding house to get the money he needs.”

  Walt felt a pang of guilt for putting his aunt under such unpleasant scrutiny on his behalf.

  “Well, I don’t know exactly how much I can loan you,” Harvey Palmer countered. “Like I said, location of the collateral property is important.”

  “Mr. Palmer, where my boarding house is situated has nothing to do with its worth. It’s the only one in town, and I have proven it’s a solid investment. I expect you to put aside your prejudice and act wisely by granting my request.”

  Harvey Palmer steepled his fingers below his chin. “I fear if I loan money on your establishment, I’m going to be overrun with similar requests. I’m sure you understand my predicament.”

  Walt leaned forward. “I’m not sure that’s my aunt’s concern. She’s simply trying to get money so I can purchase land several days north of here, and she’s willing to mortgage her livelihood for me. I assure you, sir, Aunt May’s loan will be paid in full as soon as my ranch is operational. I plan to farm as well as raise cattle.”

  The banker suddenly perked up. “Hmmm, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to help a young man get a start.” He pushed back from his desk, rose, and held out his hand to seal the agreement.

  Walt shook with him, feeling as though an immediate invitation to leave town had just been extended. He suspected what sealed the deal was the announcement that money was for land miles from Silver City. But why?

  He escorted his feisty aunt out into the fresh air and midday sunshine. She peered up at him with a smile and pinched his cheek. “Boy, I love standing up to that snobbish banker. I don’t think Harvey Palmer will be looking down his nose at us anymore.”

  Walt grabbed her, gave her a squeeze, and danced her around on the sidewalk until she was out of breath from laughing. He kissed her cheek. “Aunt May, how can I ever thank you for helping me to realize my dream? I promise I’ll pay back every penny as soon as I can.” He helped her into the buggy then while humming a happy tune, dashed over to his side.

  Walt dropped Aunt May off in front of the boarding house and went around back to the barn to stable the horse and put away the buggy. Now that the land deal was finalized, he had to think about departing Silver City to begin work on his new place. Despite his glee, a frown tugged at his lips. How could he leave behind the gorgeous Miss Cecile Palmer? He couldn’t…he wouldn’t. Before heading out, he’d to find a way to get better acquainted and convince her to come with him and start a future together. “Palmer?” He muttered her last name, then shook his head. There was no way she was related to the grouch at the bank.

  He ducked beneath the clothesline and crossed the side yard, whistling slightly off key. As he rounded the house, he saw Cecile coming down the street. His breath caught in his throat, and he paused to admire her beauty. The halo of sunlight shining in her hair gave her an angelic appearance, verifying his belief she was sent from heaven. What he wouldn’t give to remove all the pins and run his fingers through the long locks cascading over her shoulders, but that would definitely tarnish that halo a bit. An immediate whoosh of air pushed past his lips, exhibiting the shame he felt for thinking like a heathen. If Aunt May suspected his unseemly thoughts, she’d grab him by the ear just as she had when he did anything wrong as a child. He smiled at the memory, funnier now than it was then.

  As Cecile neared, his smile widened. Again, he wondered how to approach the matter of courting her, and in such a short period of time. How he’d manage wasn’t yet clear, but determination grew like a fire in his belly. When he put his mind to something, he almost always got his way, and she’d been on his mind every minute since he first saw her.

  Cecile noticed him and waved. Her steps quickened until she paused in front of him. “I was hoping I‘d run into you. I’d like to invite you to Sunday supper. Will you come?” She sounded a little breathless.

  Watching her supple lips move made him want to savor the taste of them. He listened to her but his mind begged to explore her sensuous mouth. He took a deep breath, fighting the urge to succumb to the sweet temptation.

  Knowing a kiss would be worth the wait, he gave a slight shake of his head and turned his full attention to why she’d ventured into forbidden territory.

  “Did you hear me, Walt? I invited you to dinner.”

  Warmth spread through his chest. She’d made the first move. “I’d love to come. What time should I be there?”

  “Well, Father likes to eat promptly at two o’clock, so if you could be there around noon, we could have some time to visit. And about my father… well, he seems rather stern, but he can be very nice.” There was a shimmer of doubt in her eyes.

  “Uh… your father wouldn’t happen to be Harvey Palmer would he?” Walt kept his tone light, hoping he was wrong.

  “Why… yes, you must have met him?” Her smile faded, but she quickly restored it. “Good, if you already know each other that makes it even better.”

  Better? He’d already been treated like something Harvey Palmer scraped off the bottom of his boot, but Walt forced a smile. “Yes, I did meet your father today. At the bank.” Since Walt had nothing pleasant to say about the man an uncomfortable gap suddenly opened in the conversation. His gaze locked on Cecile’s mouth again—the button shape of her lips, her pearly white teeth, and the tongue that pushed against them in an ever so slight lisp when she said anything ending with an “s.”

  “I…I have to pick up something at the mercantile for Mother, so I should get going,” Cecile finally stuttered. “See you on Sunday. I can’t wait!”

  He watched her until she disappeared around the corner, thinking how hard the wait would be for him, too. He’d totally forgotten to share the news about getting the money he needed. She’d be pleased, but he was anxious to see her reaction to finding out she was part of his plan. Hopefully knowing that would please her even more.

  Turning, he climbed the boarding house steps, his mind conjuring up visions of Harvey Palmer’s beady eyes staring over the top of his spectacles with that stern and disapproving look.

  “Yeah, I can’t wait, either,” Walt mumbled, as he slipped inside.

  ***

  The sun’s brilliant rays peeked through the window of Walt’s boarding house bedroom. He threw the covers aside, rolled out of bed, stretched his arms high over his head and yawned. His aunt was already busy in the kitchen, and the delicious smell of frying bacon made his stomach rumble.

  He pulled on his pants while wondering what kept her going. Just a little past dawn and she was already up and busy. Although at least sixty-five, Aunt May seemed to have more energy than someone half her age. He adored her. She was all he had left to call family, at least until he persuaded Cecile to build a new one with him. Walt’s heart skipped a beat. To others it might appear he was moving too fast, but he wasn’t about to miss out on a good thing simply to stand on propriety.

  Cecile invaded his every thought. He had dreamed of marrying the right girl, settling down on a ranch, and raising lots of cattle and kids. Now he had the money to buy the land, and he was pretty sure he’d met the right girl. The cattle and kids would come later. Whistling again, he descended the stairs, two at time, and joined the other boarders in the kitchen for breakfast. The skinny man with a pointed chin at the far end of the table kept shovelling in food and didn’t acknowledge Walt’s arrival, but the round-faced gentleman with rosy cheeks nodded a friendly good morning.

  Walt filled his plate with less than usual, knowing it wouldn’t be long before he went to the Palmer’s for supper. Small talk and an extra cup of coffee killed a little time, but he made a mental note of the things Aunt May said needed tending.

  After completing a few odd chores and doing some much-needed carpentry on the steps of the boarding house, Walt
went inside to bathe. The warm water in Aunt May’s new cast iron tub felt good to his tired muscles. While he languished, he pondered how nice it was to have a woman to take care of him. He hadn’t had that luxury since his mother passed. He slid down until the water lapped at his chin, listening to Aunt May’s humming as she went about her housework in the bedrooms upstairs. An angel’s chorus couldn’t sound sweeter.

  Walt’d become used beating his clothes clean on a river rock and wearing wrinkled shirts, and now his aunt spoiled him by doing his laundry. Plus, this new-fangled water closet she’d added for the guest’s convenience sure beat the heck out of washing up in a horse trough.

  A smile spread across his face as he lathered his chest. If everything went well today, maybe he’d have a woman in his life on a regular basis.

  He glanced at the clock on the bureau, surprised it was only ten o’clock. It seemed as though he’d worked outside all morning. How depressing to think he still had to pass two hours before seeing Cecile again. He sat in the tub until his skin began to prune, then climbed out, dried off, and wrapped in a soft linen towel, scampered across the hall to where his clothes lay on his bed.

  Dressed in his best jeans and the crisp white shirt Aunt May had just washed and ironed, he surveyed his reflection in the mirror. He pushed back one curly lock that always wanted to fall forward over his brow and straightened his string tie, satisfied with his appearance. He checked the time again, frowning that barely a half hour had elapsed He busied himself spreading the rumpled patchwork quilt across his bed, hanging up his wet towel, and stowing his dirty work clothes. It seemed as though someone had glued the clock hands in place. With one last assessment of his reflection, he deemed his looks proper enough to marry a banker’s daughter and went downstairs to wait. He shadowed his aunt, bothered the boarders with idle chatter, and fidgeted in a chair until time passed.