[Desert Roses 02] - Across the Years (37 page)

Her mother grew notably more relaxed. “I’d appreciate that.”

Ashley smiled, and to her surprise, her mother offered her a hint of one in return. Her face seemed softened somehow, yet she continued to bear herself in an elusive manner. Ashley thought her still the height of fashion in her two-piece dove-colored suit. The hat of matching color gave her a finishing touch of elegance.

“And what news have you brought of my brothers and their families?” Ashley asked, trying to sound lighthearted. In the months since her mother had returned to Baltimore, Ashley had received and written several letters to her brothers. They were all happy to be reunited, chiding her for letting them worry and for letting so many years pass without knowing of her whereabouts.

Her mother frowned. “They’re struggling,” she said matter-of-factly. “The bank isn’t faring well at all. Mathias fears they might well close their doors. His wife, Victoria, is quite beside herself. Parker and Richard find that their legal services are more in demand than ever, but people haven’t the financial means to pay. It’s a difficult time, to be sure.”

Ashley nodded. “We haven’t felt the effects as much as you have back East, I’m sure. Ethan even tells me that the Santa Fe was on top of the situation and actually has come out of it in a fairly stable manner.”

“It will take time,” Leticia stated, sounding far less desperate than she had when she’d first learned of the crash. “But most things worth having are that way.”

Ashley wondered if her mother meant to include their relationship in that statement. How strange it seemed that
a mother and daughter should struggle so much to share their lives. Ashley could only pray and ask God to ease the tension between them.

“It was kind of you to let me stay at the house,” Leticia said. “I arranged for someone to take my luggage there. I hope you don’t mind.”

Ashley smiled. “Not at all. I’m really glad you were able to come.”

Leticia looked at her for a moment, then transferred her studying gaze to Ethan. “And when is this wedding to take place?”

“Sunday!” Natalie declared before either her mother or father could speak. “I get to be in the wedding with them. Isn’t that wonderful, Grandmother? I have a new dress and even new shoes.”

Leticia peered down her nose at the child momentarily, then offered a smile. “I imagine you’ll be the prettiest girl in the room.”

Natalie shook her head. “No, Mama will be. She has a new dress too, and she looks really pretty in it.”

“Mother, I would imagine you’re tired,” Ashley interrupted, embarrassed by her daughter’s comments. “Would you like me to take you back to the house? We have a car now.”

“Gracious, no. I intend to tour this lovely facility. If Natalie would do the honors, I would like that very much.”

Ashley was surprised that her mother was so openly friendly toward her granddaughter, but nevertheless she was glad to see it. “Natalie, would you like to show Grandmother around La Posada?”

“Sure.” She went to her grandmother’s side and took hold of her arm. “Come on, I’ll show you my favorite room. It’s the lunchroom and it has the most wonderful tiles for decoration. And there’s a big hutch where they display beautiful plates. You’ll really like it, Grandma.”

Ashley was surprised her mother didn’t correct Natalie’s use of “Grandma.” Instead, her mother seemed quite content
to let Natalie lead the way, chattering about the contents of the room and why it was the best in the resort.

Just then, Mary Colter and Marcus Greeley walked into the room. There were several men with them—men whom Ashley didn’t recognize. No doubt they were either reporters or railroad officials. Either way, the party looked very important.

“Mr. Reynolds,” Mary declared as she approached them, “I don’t suppose I shall ever get used to calling you that.” She smiled and nodded at Ashley. “Mrs. Reynolds.”

“Miss Colter, it’s good to see you again. La Posada is magnificent. I’m truly amazed at what you’ve done here.”

“Not bad for a piece of ground that used to house the roundhouse, eh?” She smiled. “Now, my boy,” she said, looking at Ethan, “will you be joining us at the Grand Canyon? We’re making plans for an additional hotel, and I’d love to have you working on the project.”

Ashley noted that everyone seemed eager for Ethan’s answer. He put his arm around Ashley and finally spoke. “I’m quite content to remain here in Winslow. There’s a great deal I wish to accomplish right here, but I thank you for the offer.”

“Well, the good ones—the ones who give you little trouble and do as they’re told,” Mary said, looking at the men beside her, “those are the ones you always lose first.”

“Ashley and I are being remarried on Sunday. We’d love for you to join us,” he told the group.

“I’m sure we wouldn’t miss it,” Mary said. Then spying someone across the room, she took her entourage, minus Marcus Greeley, and moved off in pursuit.

“So I suppose you know why I’m here,” Marcus said with a grin.

“I do. I’d rather hoped you’d forgotten me,” Ethan replied.

“Are you kidding? Your story is going to be the selling feature of my book. Even women will want to read a copy of
Those Who Fought.
They’ll be swooning with excitement over your reunion with your wife and child.”

“
Those Who Fought.
Is that the title?” Ashley questioned, hoping to take the focus off of Ethan. She knew her husband was embarrassed at the prospect of his life being poured out onto the pages of a book.

“Yes, the publisher liked the sound of it and so did I. People are quite willing to hear the tales now. And, in spite of our growing isolationist mentality, I believe the general public desires to honor those who gave so much on the battlefield.”

“I’m sure you’re right,” Ashley replied, looking at Ethan. “If you don’t mind, however, Ethan and I need to see to my mother’s luggage. She was having it delivered to the house, and I don’t wish to leave it sitting on the street.”

“Of course,” Greeley answered. “I’ll look forward to seeing you for the interview tomorrow.”

Ethan nodded, even as Ashley pulled him away. “I thought perhaps you’d like a reprieve,” she whispered as they walked from La Posada and crossed the street on their way home.

“Thank you. I still fail to see why he needs my story. There are so many others that need telling.”

“Yes, but you have to admit, our story has so many twists and turns. There probably isn’t another like it. You came back from the dead. How many men can lay claim to that?”

They paused and turned back to look at the hubbub surrounding the grand resort hotel. The grounds were full of people, and a general atmosphere of festivity lent a spirit of delight to those who attended. Even if their financial world had fallen apart, the partiers seemed quite good at masking their situation. From what Ashley could tell, these beautiful people were quite content.

To her surprise, Ethan took her into his arms right there on the side of Second Street. “Ethan!” Ashley declared. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“I’m going to kiss my wife,” he said softly.

“But it’s broad daylight and we’re standing in the middle of everything. Someone might see you.”

Ethan chuckled. “Let them watch. I’m not ashamed. Are you?”

Ashley looked past his gold-rimmed glasses to the dark brown eyes that studied her so intently. “I will never be ashamed of you. I still can’t believe you’re really here. Sometimes when I wake up in the morning, I struggle to believe that everything that has happened isn’t just some sort of dream.”

“Well, soon you’ll have the proof beside you in your bed.”

Ashley felt her face grow hot and looked past Ethan to the hotel. “We’ll have to stay there someday. You know, to just be spoiled and pampered. I happen to know that the Harvey Company takes very good care of you.”

Ethan laughed. “I know that to be true as well. In fact, I’m entitled to a free stay. Part of the bonus for working on the project. We could spend our honeymoon there. You know, give the house over to your mother and Natalie and have some time just to ourselves.” He pulled her closer to him.

“I think I’d like that,” Ashley murmured, looking back at her husband. “Oh, Ethan, I’m so very happy. Please promise me we’ll always be this happy.”

Ethan frowned. “You know I can’t do that. There will likely be hard times—we have to accept that. To do otherwise would be unrealistic and set up expectations that would only serve to disappoint us in the future.”

“I know what you say is true,” Ashley replied, “and I know God will be with us no matter what. But I wish I could have some guarantees.”

Ethan laughed again. “Life doesn’t come with guarantees, but it does come with choices. And I choose you, now and for all time. All I want from this point forward is to enjoy the years to come with you at my side.”

He kissed her tenderly, leaving Ashley breathless. How could it be that after so many years of marriage, separation, and the belief that he was dead, Ashley could still find herself so quickly stirred by his touch?

They began walking up the street, heading for home. “By
the way,” Ethan said, reaching out to take hold of Ashley’s hand, “how do you feel about having more children?”

Ashley was taken aback for only a moment. “I suppose,” she said, “we shall need to buy more ponies.”

Ethan stopped abruptly before laughing out loud and pulling her close. “And build a bigger house.”

“Oh, we could get by for a time,” she replied. “After all, it takes several months to bring a child into the world.” She flushed and looked away. Having another baby was her secret desire. How funny that he should have brought up the matter.

“So you don’t mind the idea of giving Natalie a brother or sister?” he asked seriously.

Ashley looked up and saw the longing in his expression. Perhaps he had feared she’d refuse such an idea. She immediately felt sad for the time he’d missed with Natalie.
No,
she thought,
I can’t live in regret. I can’t keep thinking, “if only.”

Ashley reached up and gently touched Ethan’s bearded cheek. “I would like very much to create new life in our new life together. I think it would be marvelous to have a whole houseful of children.”

“So long as they’re your children,” Ethan whispered.

“So long as they’re ours,” Ashley corrected. “So long as they’re ours.”

****

The remarriage of Ethan and Ashley Reynolds was a quiet and simple affair in spite of the large number of people who turned out at Faith Mission Church that Sunday. Natalie, again everyone’s darling, did a combination of sliding and hopping down the aisle in her animated fashion. Her cream-colored gown gave her a rather angelic appearance, Ethan thought.

Then Ashley came forward in her salmon-colored dress that looked quite similar to the one she’d worn the first time they’d married. Ethan’s breath caught deep in his throat. A
radiant glow shone from her face.
How can it be that she’s mine? How is it that I should be so blessed?

The ceremony lasted only a few minutes. They exchanged their vows; then Ethan took up the wedding ring he’d first given Ashley so many years ago and replaced it on her finger with a pledge of all that was his. His worldly goods, his heart, his very life.

And then the affair was over and they were laughing and sharing well-wishes from all their friends and family. Ashley looked rather tired by the time they were ready to put the party behind them, but Natalie seemed as fresh as ever. She came to them, her eleven-year-old gangly frame seeming almost half a foot taller than when Ethan had first met her.

Natalie wrapped her arms around them both and laughed. “Now we’re really a family and nothing will ever change that.”

Ethan rubbed her curls. “But we’ve always been a family,” he said, knowing a deeper joy than he’d ever thought possible.

Natalie looked up at him and then at Ashley. “Grandpa said that family was a matter of heart. That sometimes total strangers ended up being as close as family. You were a stranger at first, but I always liked you. Guess my heart knew you were my daddy.”

Ethan felt his eyes mist ever so slightly. He looked at his wife and saw the tears in her eyes. “And my heart must have known you as well,” he said in a voice barely audible. “But then, how could it not? For you are my heart.” He looked back at Natalie, adding, “You are both my heart, and no matter the future . . . we are family.”

TRACIE PETERSON is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 80 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Belgrade, Montana.

Visit Tracie’s Web site at: www.traciepeterson.com

Books by Tracie Peterson

www.traciepeterson.com

House of Secrets • A Slender Thread • Where My Heart Belongs

LAND OF THE LONE STAR

Chasing the Sun

B
RIDAL
V
EIL
I
SLAND
*

To Have and To Hold    To Love and Cherish

S
ONG OF
A
LASKA

Dawn’s Prelude • Morning’s Refrain • Twilight’s Serenade

S
TRIKING A
M
ATCH

Embers of Love • Hearts Aglow • Hope Rekindled

A
LASKAN
Q
UEST

Summer of the Midnight Sun

Under the Northern Lights • Whispers of Winter

Alaskan Quest (3 in 1)

B
RIDES OF
G
ALLATIN
C
OUNTY

A Promise to Believe In • A Love to Last Forever

A Dream to Call My Own

T
HE
B
ROADMOOR
L
EGACY
*

A Daughter’s Inheritance • An Unexpected Love

A Surrendered Heart