Love Finds You in Groom, Texas (15 page)

“We need to talk to Anne.” Milly drew near and slipped her arm over Anne’s shoulders, making her wonder what they had up their sleeves. “It’s very important.”

“Yes, it couldn’t wait,” Cora said.

“Hmm. Well, don’t you girls go and get her riled up about something, you hear?” Maggie disappeared into the kitchen, muttering something about female nonsense.

Anne looked at Milly. “What’s happened? Something about the train? Has the track been repaired?”

“Gracious, no,” Milly said. “At this rate, we’re hoping the track won’t be fixed anytime soon.”

“And why is that?”

“Because…” Pauline began to chew the fingernail on her index finger. “We, um…we’re worried about Jake.”

“Worried about Jake. Why?”

“Well, see…” Ruth fidgeted with her necklace. “We might as well confess…we’ve been trying to match him up with Cassie Martin for the past several months. She’s a dear girl, though a bit overbearing at times.”

“Not that I blame her,” Cora said. “She’s inwardly insecure because she’s a bit larger than most girls her age.”

“She has a lovely face,” Ruth said.

“Oh, yes, she does,” Pauline added. “And very pretty eyes.”

“But, see, here’s the problem.” Milly gazed directly into Anne’s eyes. “She’s got her heart set on marrying Jake.”

Anne eased her way onto the sofa, completely perplexed. “And this is a problem because…”

Milly took her by the hand. “You don’t know?”

“I don’t. Why should I care who marries Jake?” Anne asked, feeling her heart begin to flutter.

“Come now.” Milly laughed. “I know a girl who’s smitten when I see one. And it’s clear that Jake is equally as smitten with you.”

“We’ve just come to admit the error in our ways,” Cora said. “And to ask for your forgiveness. Of course, we can’t really be held to blame because we’d never met you until Saturday night, but even so…”

“Ladies, let me put your minds at ease. My thoughts are on my sisters, nothing else.”

Pauline coughed. “I see.”

“And though your brother-in-law is handsome…” Her words drifted off as his beautiful eyes came to mind.

“He is handsome, isn’t he?” Ruth said. “I’ve always told John that Jake shouldn’t have any trouble finding a bride because he’s really quite dashing. Not quite the physical size that John is, to be sure, but a fine man.”

“With a fine character,” Milly added. She giggled. “Joseph could take a few lessons in manners from him.”

“And Jedediah could stand to act more gentlemanly. If he’d just follow Jake’s example…,” Pauline said.

Anne’s thoughts tumbled in her mind. How could she possibly respond to all of this? Did these girls really think she’d set her mark on Jake O’Farrell as a potential mate? If so, she would put their minds at ease right away.

Well, right after pausing to think about those broad shoulders once more. And that boyish smile…and those dimples. Hmm. Maybe she would have to wait until tomorrow to plead her case.

Thankfully, another knock sounded at the door, bringing the perfect distraction.

“I’ll get that,” Maggie called out from the kitchen. Moments later, Virginia and Amaryllis appeared.

Virginia looked a mess—her face soaked with tears and her hair disheveled. Maggie ushered them into the parlor, clucking her tongue the whole way.

At once the ladies flew into action, consoling her. Of course, with everyone talking on top of one another, any true consolation went right out the window.

“What’s happened, child?” Maggie slipped an arm over Virginia’s shoulder. “Tell us.”

“It’s the worst possible news. I hope you don’t mind that I came here first, but I really didn’t know where else to turn.” She looked around the room. “Oh, I’m so glad you’re all here. I need friends at a time like this.”

“What’s the matter?” Ruth asked. “Did that Cody up and change his mind about getting married?”

“Heavens, no.” Virginia looked stunned at this comment.

“Go ahead, child,” Maggie said. “Tell us.”

Virginia dried her eyes. “My parents were set to arrive today, but with the track out, their plans have been delayed. Now everything is ruined. I can’t possibly get married without my mother and father here. I depend on Mama for everything.”

“They can still take the train as far as Oklahoma City and then come by car the rest of the way,” Pauline said.

Maggie brushed her hands through Virginia’s hair. “See?”

“Yes, they’ve thought of that, but the soonest they can get to Oklahoma City is Wednesday, and it will take another day to drive here. If they’re able to get a car. It’s so…complicated.” She dissolved into a puddle of tears, going on about how much she needed her mother now of all times.

Maggie shook her head. “This is such a pity. My James would have known just what to do. Why, he would’ve taken the company truck and gone to Oklahoma City himself.”

“Without my mother here, you ladies are truly the only ones I can turn to.” Virginia clasped Maggie’s hands in her own. Virginia plopped down on the sofa next to Anne, her eyes filling with tears. “I’m at a complete loss.”

“You have me,” Amaryllis said with a forced smile.

Apparently those words brought Virginia little comfort. She simply shook her head and turned back to Maggie, who fanned herself with her hand.

“I still plan to bake the cake, of course,” Maggie said. “It’s going to be so tasty.”

“And I’ll help with anything you like,” Pauline said.

“I’m putting the finishing touches on your veil this afternoon,” Milly said.

“You know I’m ready to help with whatever you need,” Cora said.

“Me too,” Ruth echoed. “Though I’m not very good with a needle and thread, as most of you are aware.”

“I’m grateful to all of you, and the things you’re doing are wonderful,” Virginia said. “But my real concern is the planning and decorating of it all. Mama is so good at putting together big soirees. She could pull off a wedding in her sleep. I know that each of you ladies can help with the different elements, and I’m so grateful, but Mama is the one who has the gift of pulling it all together into one exquisite event.”

Anne reached to take Virginia’s hand. “Could I be of any help?”

“How do you mean?” Virginia looked her way.

“Back in Denver, I was quite active with several major charities. We hosted many large social events. And I often helped my father put together dinner parties to entertain his clients. Ever since my mother died…” She swallowed the lump in her throat and kept on. “I’ve been the one folks have looked to, to host events. There’s no modest way to say this, but I’ve been told I excel at playing the role of coordinator.”

“You do?”

“Yes.” She nodded. “And as you’ve been sharing about the wedding plans, a thousand ideas have come to me. I don’t want to push them on you, but if you’re willing to hear them, I’d be happy to share what I’m thinking.”

Virginia squeezed her hand. “Oh, Anne, I can’t believe it. You’re such an answer to prayer.”

Off in the distance, Amaryllis rolled her eyes. The other ladies, however, seemed to find great joy in it.

Milly reached for pen and paper. “Tell us what you’re thinking.”

“Yes, don’t leave out a thing,” Virginia echoed.

Anne proceeded to do just that. She shared her thought about a garden-party extravaganza. “As you were speaking, in my mind’s eye I saw a beautiful springtime gala built around flowers,” she explained. “The little finger sandwiches were cut into flower shapes—even the vegetables were cut to look like flowers. The whole thing was exquisite.”

“Oh, it sounds even prettier than my wedding,” Milly said.

“And I can see the inside of the church now,” Anne said. “We can make long garlands using local flowers. Those will be useful to us in a number of places inside the church and out. I’m assuming you’ll be hosting a reception outdoors after the ceremony?”

“Yes, that’s right,” Virginia said. “And I adore your ideas. They’re perfect.” The now-happy bride-to-be rose and practically floated across the room. “Oh, Anne, I feel as if a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. You’re a miracle worker. Truly.”

Amaryllis cleared her throat, and Virginia reached to take her hand. “Oh, I haven’t forgotten you, my dear friend. You’ll be front and center in all this, dressed in a gown that’s sure to catch a certain young man’s eye.”

At this, Milly, Pauline, Cora, and Ruth grew silent. Their gazes shifted back and forth between Amaryllis and Anne.

“Hmm.” Milly rose. “Well, I suppose we’d better stay focused on the wedding.”

“Yes, it’s going to be spectacular,” Maggie added.

Anne released a slow breath, hating to disappoint. “There’s only one small catch.”

Virginia’s smile faded. “What’s that?”

“If the railroad gets that track fixed, I won’t actually be here on the afternoon of your wedding. That might be problematic.” She paused to think. “Oh, but I can write everything down and delegate. Each of these wonderful ladies can take something from the list and carry it out. What do you think?”

“I suppose that might work in a pinch.” Virginia paced the room and finally turned and snapped her fingers. “But I have a much better solution. It’s so simple, really.”

“What’s that?”

“Even when the track is fixed, you don’t have to board the train. You and your sisters can stay on through the weekend and attend the wedding as my guests. There will always be time to catch another train to Dallas.”

“But Maggie—”

“I would be thrilled to let you stay a bit longer.” Maggie’s voice sounded from behind Anne. “Oh, honey, it’s the perfect solution. I’d get a few extra days with you, and you would be such a blessing to Virginia. I know how much she’s needing your help right now. I can bake a cake and prepare food, but I know very little about decorating and such. You’ve got the experience, honey, and that’s what we need right now—experience.”

“And remember, Mama will be here a day or two before the wedding.” Virginia reached for her mother’s letter. “So all is not lost. Papa can give me away as planned. Mama can help with my hair and final details. But if you could stay and implement those wonderful plans—oh, Anne! I’d be so grateful.”

The ladies began to talk at once, their voices overlapping.

Anne drew in a deep breath before answering. What would Uncle Bertrand have to say? He expected his nieces to arrive in Dallas as soon as the repairs took place. “There are a few details to iron out,” she said. “But I will do my best. In the meantime, we have to talk about your bridal bouquet. What flowers have you chosen?”

“Of course I’d hoped to use roses,” Virginia said. “But they’re hard to come by in this area, so perhaps I’ll have to rethink that. I do love this garden-party idea so much. Maybe you have an idea for something really colorful?”

“I do. And I went to a particularly beautiful wedding in Denver where the chef created colorful flowers out of gum paste to put on the cake. They looked so real, you could practically smell them.”

“I’ve only ever seen a white wedding cake,” Amaryllis said. “Solid white, I mean.”

“Me too,” Virginia said. “But I know Maggie could pull it off.” She turned to face her. “Can’t you, Maggie?”

“I’ll do my best, child. I can’t say that I know what gum paste is, but if I can find some, I’ll do my best to shape it into something that looks like flowers.”

“Oh, and here’s an idea,” Anne continued. “If you do more than one level of cake, each one can be a different flavor. Maybe one can be white. Maybe another could be lemon with raspberry jam for filling. Another could be chocolate.”

“Oh, stop!” Virginia rubbed her stomach. “You’re making me hungry.”

“Well, no one ever goes hungry in my house, honey,” Maggie said. “Follow me to the kitchen and I’ll whip up something to fill that stomach for you.” She led the way to the kitchen and the girls followed, teeming with ideas. Anne lagged behind, whispering up a little prayer. Now that she’d laid out these ideas, she only hoped they could be pulled off.

Jake paused to wipe the sweat out of his eyes. In the hours since arriving at the section of broken track, he’d worked until his back ached. The job foreman hollered out additional instructions and Jake complied, though he felt himself torn. The sooner they got this job completed, the sooner Anne would board that train to Dallas. For whatever reason, a strange twisting sensation grabbed hold of his heart when he thought about her leaving.

“You all right over there, Jake?” Cody looked his way, eyes narrowed. “Seem awfully deep in thought.”

“Guess so.” He pulled on his gloves and reached down to help Cody lift a piece of broken track. Together they began to haul it toward the company wagon. “Just got a lot on my mind.”

“I only know one thing that’d make a fella look so pensive.” Cody paused to shift his weight. “You’ve set your sights on a pretty woman.”

Jake wanted to deny it but couldn’t. He sucked in some air then started walking once more.

“Can’t say I blame you. She’s a right pretty girl.”

“She is, for sure.”

“Even if she has a strange way of talking.”

“Wait—who are we talking about here?” As Jake reached the wagon, he swung his end of the track over the edge and released it.