Josephine (19 page)

Amused, Jo dropped her eyes for a moment, then said grudgingly, “Okay.”

“But one more…”

This time the kiss was firmer, more potent and when he finally drew away from her lips, her eyes were closed and every inch of her body seemed to be singing.

“Let’s go,” he whispered.

Still entranced, Jo stood and mounted her mare.

Up in her room that night Jo thought about Adam. The memories of the feel of his lips on hers lingered within her much in the same way the fading scents of a fine perfume lingered in the air. She wondered where he’d learned to kiss so well. Did boys go to a secret school somewhere to be taught the intricate nuances? She knew the thought was silly, but Adam was very good at it. She gingerly touched her lips. They felt puffy and tingly. She wondered if all boys kissed the same. That was still an unanswerable question, but Jo didn’t worry about it. She certainly had no desire to go around making comparisons. She wondered if Trudy felt like this when Bert kissed her. Thinking about Trudy made Jo hope the two were all right and would return home soon. Their adventure had more than a few people worried, but Jo was convinced everything would turn out fine. As Jo turned over to go to sleep, she said a prayer for the safety of her father and Daniel, then wondered what her father would say when he found out about her and Adam.

Saturday morning, the Best family with Adam in tow parked their wagon among a sea of other vehicles, then walked the short distance to the gathering spot where the day’s rally was being held. The spot, a parklike area in the center of Detroit’s downtown, was also the place where the men of the First Michigan Colored Infantry had paraded before mustering off to the war. Jo remembered the multicolored banners, how smart her papa and Daniel had looked in their uniforms and how many of the families had cried when the men marched by.

That had been then. Today, people of all races and denominations had come together to aid the fight in a different way. Fugitive slaves were fleeing their masters in droves and seeking shelter with the Union soldiers now campaigning across the South. The Army had made no provisions for such an overwhelming number of refugees, so the Union was establishing camps for the people to live in until a more permanent solution could be found. Because housing was only one of the needs, the rally attendees were being asked to donate whatever they could spare in coin, clothing and other essentials.

While Cecilia and Belle went off to help the organizers, Jo and Adam threaded their way through the large crowd listening to speakers, adding their names to various petitions and generally enjoying the festivities. They saw some people from the church, and Jo recognized other faces in the crowd from the rallies and lectures she’d attended in the past. Another familiar face made Jo stop and say to Adam, “There’s a friend of yours over there.”

When he turned to look across the crowd, he spotted a laughing Libby Spenser draped on the arm of a well-dressed young man. Adam said, “I see it didn’t take her much time to find someone else.”

“Apparently not.”

“Do you know who he is?”

“Yes, his name’s Jasper Gleason. His father is a coal distributor. The family’s very wealthy.”

“I wish Jasper luck.”

“He’ll be fine. His mama is a very intelligent lady. She’ll have no trouble seeing through Libby and showing her the door.”

Adam hoped Jo was right.

As they continued their stroll past vendors hawking everything from popped corn to freshly caught fish, Adam reached down and folded his hand over hers. When he looked back at her, Jo felt like swooning. She’d never held hands with a gentleman publicly before, or even privately for that matter. The idea of what it represented made her feel very special and a little giddy.

Lunch was provided by the churches in attendance, and the bountiful fare included chicken, coleslaw, pound cakes, coffee, lemonade, potato salad and pies and cobblers of all sizes and flavors. Jo cut herself a wedge of a delicious-looking cherry cobbler, to accompany her chicken and coleslaw, then followed Adam over to a grassy spot where they could sit and eat. Adam gently set his plate down, then removed his brown suit coat. He spread it on the ground. “Have a seat.”

Jo didn’t protest. She knew how stubborn grass stains could be and she didn’t want any on her dress, even if it was old.

While she and Adam ate in silence, they savored each other’s nearness and company.

Adam asked, “What do you think would happen if I leaned over and kissed you?”

Jo quickly looked around to see if he’d been heard by any of the people milling about or seated nearby. “You’d better not. Mama will kill us both.”

“I could do it real quick so no one will see me.”

Jo giggled. “Eat your lunch.”

“No, really, watch—”

Before Jo could blink he leaned over, gave her a quick, deep kiss on the lips, then leaned back. While she sat there stunned and seeing stars, he very casually resumed his meal. He shot her a wink, and she shook her head in disbelief and wonder. She also moved herself just a bit farther away from his side. The incorrigible Adam Morgan was a handful.

nineteen

At
the end of the rally Jo, Adam, Belle and Cecilia headed back to the wagon for the long ride home. Adam had volunteered to drive and so maneuvered their wagon into the long line of vehicles threading their way up the road. It took him a while to get clear of all the traffic, but once he did they became one of a smaller group of people traveling west. It was a warm July evening and there were many hours of daylight left to see by.

Cecilia, seated on the bench next to Adam, said to Jo, “I have something for you.”

“What is it?”

Cecilia held out a letter. “It’s from your father.”

Jo’s eyes widened and her heart began to pound. She took the letter and asked in a voice filled with wonder, “Where did you get it?”

“From one of the men in their company. I saw him today at the rally. He’s been discharged and said William asked him to carry the letters home.” She turned to her daughter-in-law. “Belle, here are two for you. One from Daniel and another from your father.”

Belle had tears in her eyes as she took the letters from Cecilia’s hands.

Mrs. Best said emotionally, “I’ve already read mine.”

Jo eagerly tore open the missive and began to read.

My dear daughter, Josephine,

Are you staying out of trouble?

Jo smiled. It was her papa’s special greeting.

I hope you are, as I am not there to rescue you and Trudy from any mischief-making. Your brother and I are doing well and we both miss you very much. How’s your hair-shop business? I am so proud of you and the goals you have set. So proud. I tell the young men here just how lovely and intelligent you are, and all wish to make your acquaintance. The food here is terrible, the hours long, the insects ravenous, but for freedom we endure. I received word from your mother that Adam Morgan is there. Daniel and I find that comforting news. We were surprised to hear about this courting business, though, but because your mother is there—and I am certain she will roast Adam like a turkey should anything untoward happen—I do not worry. Adam is a fine young man, but tell him I will be speaking with him when I return. Stay well, my dearest Josephine. You are in my prayers each night.

Love, your father, William

Jo had tears in her eyes when she was done.

Adam asked softly, “Is he well?” but couldn’t help wondering when he’d hear from his own kin.

Jo nodded and her heart swelled in response to the love now beaming from her mother’s eyes. “They’re faring well, Mama,” Jo stated happily. Today had been an absolutely perfect day.

“Yes, they are.”

Belle relayed the news that both her own father and Daniel were doing well, too. Hearing from the men filled the women with such joy and relief, they all smiled the rest of the way home.

That evening, Jo stepped out onto the porch to find Adam sitting alone on the bench. He looked as if his thoughts were miles away. “Would you like some company?” she asked.

He gave her a soft smile. “Sure.”

Jo sat. She could sense his melancholy. “Is it anything I can help with?”

Adam wasn’t surprised that she had read his mood so well; after all, she’d known him her entire life. “No. Just thinking on Jeremiah. Wondering how he’s faring, is all.”

Jo had been so elated to hear from her father, she’d all but forgotten that Adam was still waiting for word from his brother. “I’ll keep him in my prayers.”

“Thanks.”

“So how can I cheer you up?”

“Just sitting here is enough for me.”

Jo smiled. It was enough for her, as well. “My papa mentioned you in his letter.”

Adam turned her way. “He did? What did he write?”

“That he was glad that you were here with us, and that he and Daniel weren’t so sure about us courting.”

Adam’s spirits sank. “Oh.”

“But,” Jo added.

“But what?”

“He went on to write that he thought you were a fine young man, and that he wasn’t really worried because he knows Mama will roast you like a turkey if anything bad happens.”

Adam chuckled. “That’s an endorsement, I think.”

“Papa also said he’ll be speaking with you when he returns.”

Adam nodded. He had no qualms about facing William Best. Were Jo Adam’s daughter he’d want to quiz her young man closely, too. Adam had no doubts about being able to convince Mr. Best that his feelings for Jo were true, though; if he could convince Jo, he could convince anyone. “You think me kissing you out here will turn me into Thanksgiving dinner?”

Jo giggled. “Probably.”

“Do you want to go for a ride?”

His bold request made her tingle with excitement. “I have to ask Mama.”

“I know.”

“Suppose she says no?”

“Then we’ll ride another time. But suppose she says yes?”

Jo smiled and hurried into the house.

She returned promptly and the gleam in her eyes told all. “She said yes!”

Adam grinned.

“But she says be back within the hour because it will be dark soon.”

“Then let’s go.”

Because Jo and Adam were now more than just friends, Jo was certain it would have taken her several hours to convince her father to let her ride unchaperoned like this with Adam, but her mama was a bit less old-fashioned and trusted Adam and Jo to behave themselves. For once, Jo was glad her papa wasn’t around.

Seated astride Daniel’s stallion, Adam rode beside Jo and said, “You know, an hour is not going to be nearly long enough.”

Jo grinned. “I know, but I promised Mama we’d be back by then.”

“Well, I’m selfish.”

They found a quiet spot beside the river, then dismounted and picked out a shady spot to sit. After a few moments of silence, he asked her, “Did you ever think back in those days when we played along these banks that you and I would be here like this today?”

“No,” Jo said truthfully. “Never. You were just one of my brother’s friends.”

“And you were just his little sister.”

Jo met his eyes. “Both of those things are still true.”

“Yes, they are.”

Adam reached out and softly stroked her cheek. “Little Jojo, all grown up.”

He kissed her. The past quickly vanished to be replaced by the sweet, fresh love of today. Adam had awakened this morning wanting to kiss her this way, wanting to hold her in his arms. Her lips were as sweet as honey, and the smell of her vanilla perfume filled his nose and muddled his senses.

The male in Adam wanted to do more than kiss her, much more, but the man in him knew doing so would be wrong. Jo wasn’t a fast girl, she was an innocent, and because of that, pressuring her wouldn’t be fair. Adam contented himself with feeding on her thrilling kisses; he loved her enough to wait.

Being a gentleman was difficult, however, and she was as tempting as a piece of sweet potato pie. So to make certain he didn’t overstep any bounds, he reluctantly drew away from her lips. Upon doing so, he saw that she had her eyes closed. He kissed each lid delicately. “We have to stop.”

Jo felt like a shimmering ray of sunshine. “Why?” she whispered.

He chuckled and touched his finger to her beautiful lips. “These lips are the reason. They’re about to push me over the brink.”

Jo grinned saucily. “Really?”

“Don’t gloat.”

“I’ve never had anyone tell me that before.”

He kissed her again, soundly, softly. “Now put your lips away.”

“No,” she countered with a teasing voice and boldly kissed him again.

Adam groaned and pulled her onto his lap. “You are such a pest.”

The kisses began again, and when they finally came up for air, Jo asked dreamily, “What time is it getting to be?”

Adam kissed her ear. “I don’t know or care.”

His voice sent a ripple through her skin, and Jo somehow found the words to say, “Mama will.…”

Knowing she was right, Adam reached down and opened up his pocket watch. “We’ve got just enough time to get back and beat the witching hour, but we have to leave right now.”

“I don’t want to.”

“Neither do I, but I want to be alive on our wedding day.”

Jo had her arms placed loosely around his neck, and all she could do was marvel. “You really do want me to be your wife, don’t you?”

His eyes were affectionate. “You’re just figuring that out, are you?”

“Well, no, but yes. I mean—I don’t know what I mean.”

“As long as you agree to be my wife, it doesn’t matter. How I feel about you is hard for me to explain sometimes, too.”

She kissed him again, infusing it with all that was in her heart. When she drew away, he had his eyes closed. He opened them and said, “That, my pest, was a kiss.”

She smiled. “Good.”

“You’re a quick study.”

“I’ve a great tutor.”

He laughed. “Up. Otherwise we’ll not make it back in time.”

Jo stood, but Adam had to have one more kiss. She obliged him happily, and only afterward did they mount their horses and ride home.

Mrs. Best was standing in the doorway when they rode up, but she couldn’t fuss. They’d made it back with five minutes to spare.

On Monday morning, Belle filled the wagon bed with the last tissue-wrapped trousseau items for her client in Ann Arbor. She was going to drive over and deliver them. Since Belle wouldn’t be returning until after dark, Mrs. Best asked Adam to ride with Belle and he was more than happy to do so.

As Jo stood on the porch watching Adam and Belle load the gowns, Jo thought back to yesterday’s kisses on the riverbank and smiled.

Her mother stepped out onto the porch, took one look at her dreamy-faced daughter and asked. “And what has you so happy, Josephine?”

The voice jolted Jo back to the present. “Uh, nothing. It’s just a beautiful day.”

Her mother looked skeptical. “Mmm-hmm. The Lord will get you for lying, Jo.”

Jo’s eyes sparkled. “All right. I was just smiling watching Adam.”

“That’s what I thought.”

“He wants to marry me, Mama. Adam Morgan really wants to marry me.”

“You sound as if that’s hard to believe. You’re quite a catch yourself, you know.”

“I know, but I keep waiting to wake up.”

Her mother smiled. “It’s real, Jo. I promise.”

Mrs. Best went down to see if she could help with the loading. Jo went back to smiling.

Jo spent the rest of the morning sweeping the floor in her shop and making sure all of her supplies were up to snuff. She didn’t have many appointments this week, but she wanted to be ready for walk-ins. The last person she expected to see was Trudy, but it was the person Jo most wanted to see. Jo squealed with delight, and the two friends embraced as if they’d been separated their whole lives.

“How are you?”

“I’m fine. Mama wasn’t real happy at first, but she’s starting to come around.”

Jo stepped back and asked, “So you really, actually did it?”

Trudy nodded. “Yep. I am now Mrs. Bertram Waterman.”

Jo was impressed. “That’s wonderful, Trudy.”

“Yes, it is. I am so happy, Jo. Just wait until you and Adam get hitched.”

“That may not be for a while. We’ll have to wait until Papa returns before we can talk about a date.”

Trudy stared with shock. “I was just joking, Jo. You mean to tell me you and he are sweethearts?”

Jo nodded. “Yep, and, Trudy, being with him is so wonderful.”

“Oh, my goodness!”

“Enough about me, tell me about you and Bert.”

So Trudy did, beginning with the elopement and ending with the reaction of Mrs. Carr and Mrs. Waterman. “The Dragon Lady says she’s cutting him out of her life, but Bert’s being strong. He told her she can’t run the Waterman bricklaying business without him, so she could either accept the marriage or not.”

“He told her that?”

“Yes, so we’re living with Mama right now, but we’re going to look for a house sometime next week. I had no idea Bert had so much money saved.”

Jo was glad to hear Bert had prepared himself financially for the newlyweds’ future. “I wish you all the happiness in the world.”

“Thanks, Jo. Mama is giving us a reception on Saturday. Will you come?”

“Is Jeff Davis a Reb? Of course, silly. An army couldn’t keep me away.”

“Good. Now, I want to hear all about you and Adam!”

Jo grinned. Trudy was back and Jo was happy.

Jo was even happier two days later when Adam received a long letter from Jeremiah, who wrote that in spite of the challenges of the war, he was doing just fine.

Jo and Adam had a wonderful time at Trudy’s reception. Trudy looked beautiful in her new blue dress, and Bert stood beside her looking like the proud bridegroom that he was. Mrs. Waterman attended the affair with the intention of stopping the festivities, but was summarily shown the door by both Bert and Barbara Carr before she could start any serious trouble. Mrs. Best and Belle went home after the main festivities ended, but Adam and Jo had been given permission to stay for the dancing and party games Trudy had planned for their set.

Now Adam and Jo were driving home, as well. It was dark and the stars were out. Jo had her arm linked with Adam’s and her head rested cozily against his shoulder while he drove. “Did you have a good time?” Jo asked him.

“I did. How about you?”

“Marvelous. I hope our wedding party will be as much fun.”

He chuckled. “Let’s not invite Mrs. Waterman, though.”

“Don’t worry.” Jo was sleepy and she yawned. “It’s been quite the week.”

“Yes, it has. First Bert captures Reed, and then he and Trudy elope.”

“George gives me the boot, and I get you.”

Adam leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. “And I get you. Now that Trudy and Bert are back and married, I’m jealous.”

Jo leaned back so she could see his face. “Are you?”