Dreaming on Daisies (32 page)

But the two of them together … maybe she should return and make sure everything was all right. “I don’t want Tom and Pa fighting again. I have to convince Tom to stay this time. He needs to know that Ma wrote about him in her letters—how much she loved and appreciated him.”

He stood, then gently, quietly captured her hand and drew her close. “Wait. Remember what you told God a few minutes ago? That you were going to trust Him with Tom and your father?” A glint lit his eyes, and he gave her a teasing grin. “And maybe even me, if you could.”

Once again warmth flooded Leah’s cheeks, and she twisted her head, embarrassed that he’d heard her prayer—and her confession.

Steven tenderly touched her chin with his fingers and turned her to face him. “Leah, I didn’t take the job. I told them I have too much here that I care for.”

Leah’s chest constricted. “Of course. Beth and your mother.”

His grip tightened, and he leaned closer. “I care very much for my family. But that wasn’t all I was talking about. Do you remember once that you asked why I left our farm and moved to the city? We ended up in an argument, and I never explained.”

She nodded, remembering all too clearly that she’d been the cause of that upset.

Steven gave a sad smile. “I’ve always loved the land, but my stepfather was a poor money manager. I wasn’t old enough to advise him, and I don’t know that he would have listened, regardless. He was a good man, but like your father, he had a proud spirit.

“My mother and I had to sell the farm for less than it was worth. We purchased a cabin on the outskirts of La Grande with enough land for a garden and a milk cow. All I salvaged from the farm were three valuable mares that I sold. Ma insisted I keep the money for the future, as she knew how much I wanted to buy my own land.”

Leah’s pulse raced, and she lifted her face and met his eyes. “Truly?”

“Yes. I’ll admit I was tired of struggling and thankful for the job at the bank, due to the steady income. But it didn’t take many months after moving to Baker City to decide I wasn’t cut out for city life and being a banker.”

Steven caressed Leah’s cheek with his fingertips. “Then I met you. I no longer cared about anything but trying to make you happy.” His face came within inches of hers and stopped.

Leah could feel his warm breath, and she closed her eyes. His fingers trailed down the side of her face, stopping to cup her cheek.

“Leah? May I kiss you?” The words were breathless and heavy with meaning.

She didn’t reply but lifted her face and leaned toward him. His lips met hers, and everything within her danced. Sizzling arcs raced through her veins. Steven’s arms came around her, and his kiss deepened until she thought she would swoon.

After several glorious moments he lifted his head and laid his face against her hair. “I love you, Leah.”

She pulled back a few inches, but he didn’t release his hold. “What did you say?”

“I love you. With all my heart and soul. For as long as I live.” He captured her lips again.

This time she clung to him, drinking in his scent, the feel of his lips, and the strength of his arms drawing her close.

Too soon he released his tight hold but rested his forehead against hers. “Did you hear me that time?”

She nodded, barely able to breathe.

“Do you have anything to say in return?”

“I think you heard me earlier.”

He barely moved in assent. “But I’d very much like to hear it again. Only this time, please say it to me, instead of to God?”

“I love you, Steven, and I trust you. Completely.” She raised her eyes and met his. Somehow she must help him understand what she’d battled for so long. “I’m so sorry I’ve not shown you before—that I didn’t open my heart to you. I was so afraid to let you in, so frightened to trust—so sure I’d be betrayed again by someone I cared for.”

“Shh.” He drew back and placed his fingertips against her lips. “No more sorrow or regret. You’ve endured enough for a lifetime. I want to spend the rest of my life bringing you happiness and, I hope, security. If you’ll have me, that is? Will you marry me, Leah? Soon?”

She nodded and did what she’d wanted to do for so long. She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him, laughing and crying at the same time. “Yes. The sooner the better. But we still need to deal with Tom and Pa and the ranch.”

He shook his head. “Tom and your pa are at peace with one another. When Charlie found Tom in La Grande, he was so happy and relieved. He told your brother he loved him, was sorry he’d wronged him, and wanted him to return home.”

Leah gasped and blinked. “Pa said he was sorry and told Tom he loves him? Really?” It was almost too much to take in. Steven loved her, Pa loved her, and Tom was home. Then another thought struck. “What did Tom say? Did he accept Pa’s apology? He didn’t say anything cruel to him, did he?”

Steven stroked her face, keeping his eyes on hers. “Not at all. In fact, your little brother broke. He cried and hugged Charlie and asked if he could come home, then admitted he’d wronged you too. I think he’ll have plenty to say when you go to the house.”

She closed her eyes as joy bubbled inside. Pa and Tom. Both home. Both at peace. Her world was finally fitting together again. “Now there’s one more thing I must take care of.”

He tipped her face up. “Whatever it is, can we get married after it’s done?”

She smiled and gave him another kiss. “Yes, Mr. Harding, we can.”

“Will you tell me?”

“I’m going to give the ranch to Pa.”

He stared. “Leah, the ranch is what you’ve wanted all your life. I can’t believe now that you know it’s yours that you’d give it up.” He bent and pressed a warm kiss on her lips. “But I’ll support whatever you decide. We’ll buy our own ranch in the future and start over. I’ll do whatever I can to make you happy.”

Leah shook her head. “It doesn’t matter anymore. You are what matters. Wherever you go, wherever you want to live, will be my home.” She leaned into him again, her lips lingering, and realized the dream she’d been so afraid to dream had finally come true. Only instead of a prince, God had sent her a man who could be trusted—a godly man who would stand beside her, love her, and guard her heart with all the love that his own contained.

Epilogue

A month later

Leah stood in the side room of the church where the quilting group had gathered, while Beth and Katherine settled the ivory-colored dress over her head and shook out the skirt. Leah ran her hand over the heavy lace edging on the square neck, still amazed that Millie had finished sewing this gown in only a month.

Of course, Virginia, Katherine, and Beth had all helped in various ways. Frances had donated the handmade lace she’d saved over the years, and Wilma, not wanting to be bested by her friend, had urged Leah to accept the bolt of ivory silk she’d had shipped from back east. Leah had to giggle at the two women, both so proud of her while fiercely competitive at the same time.

The fitted bodice hugged Leah’s curves and dropped down to a point over the skirt. The satin skirt widened slightly, and a flowing train was attached at the back of the bodice, flounced with a small bustle. She felt like a princess as she looked in the mirror, barely recognizing the green-eyed redhead who stared back.

Katherine fastened the last pearl button on Leah’s bodice and then moved to the front. “You are positively stunning. I’m guessing Steven is going to faint dead away when he sees you, since you almost always wear trousers around him.” She touched a curl swept up on Leah’s head.

A tap at the door halted their discussion, and Beth glanced at Leah. Her eyes twinkled, and she shot Katherine a wicked grin. “Steven isn’t allowed to see Leah before the ceremony, so he’d better not try to sneak in here. If he does, I’ll have to use my sisterly charm on him and chase him down the hall.”

Leah giggled. “I have no idea who it is, but I do not want Steven to see me. Can you check?”

Beth eased the door open. “Oh, Mr. Pape. Frances. Did you want to see Leah? She’s all dressed and ready. Is it time for her to go?” She opened the door the rest of the way, and her father came in, Frances Cooper on his arm.

Leah looked at them both, and tears brimmed in her eyes. Pa wore a dapper black suit with a white shirt and string tie, and a black hat was tucked under his arm, although he looked a bit uncomfortable if she read him right. Frances was elegant as always in a deep blue gown with a high neck, modest ruffles at her wrists, and a straight skirt that fell to the floor. “You both look wonderful.”

He came to her, his eyes swimming. He dug at his tight collar. “So do you, Leah girl. I just hope I live long enough to see you married. Frances made me wear this ding-blasted—” He shot her a look and pressed his lips together.

Frances’s mouth relaxed in a full smile. “I will not say anything about your language, Charles, since you have every right to be excited—and a bit forgetful of your manners. And you are correct. Leah is more than lovely. She is truly a treasure to behold.”

Pa placed his arm around Leah. “We brung you somethin’ that I’m hopin’ you’ll accept. Two things, actually.” He met Frances’s eyes and gave a slight nod.

The woman opened her large bag. She drew out a beautiful wreath of freshly woven daisies, fitted with a sheer veil, and gave it to Pa. “You do the honors, Charles. She is your daughter, and this is important to you.”

He accepted the wreath and smiled. “Your ma always loved these flowers, and I know you do too. Would you wear it as your bridal wreath as you walk down the aisle?”

Leah’s throat closed. She’d never been so thankful that she’d forgiven her mother as she was at this moment. “Yes, I will. It’s lovely, Pa.” She tipped her head forward and allowed him to place it gently on her hair. The room grew still as she looked at her father. “Is it all right?”

A lone tear trickled down his weathered cheek, but he didn’t brush it away. “It’s perfect, Leah—as are you.” He stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her in a warm hug. “I love you as much as if you’d been born to me. And I got one other thing for you.”

He released her before she could speak and dug in an inside pocket of his jacket. “Where is the dad-blamed—” He aimed another look at Frances, who simply rolled her eyes and smiled. “Ah, here it is.” Pa withdrew a folded paper and pressed it into Leah’s hand.

“What is this?” She knew before she opened it, and she shook so hard she could barely hang on to the document.

“It’s the deed to the ranch that you give me the day I come back from La Grande. I couldn’t go through with it. I ain’t gonna put it in my name, Daughter. It’s yours, fair and square. Your pa started this ranch, and your ma gave it to you. I ain’t gonna take it.”

She held out her hand. “You are my father. You’ve worked your entire life for that piece of land. Steven is my future now.”

He took a step back and folded his arms. “I done talked to him about it already. He wants to stay on at the ranch if you do. Says he meant to give you a weddin’ present of some money he’s been savin’. Wants to invest it in the ranch to bring things back to rights. So the deed is yours. Yours and his. And that’s final.”

“I’ll take it under one condition.” Leah looked him square in the eyes. “That you come in as a full partner and work it with me. Steven and I can build you another home, or we can build a cabin for Millie and Buddy, and you can live in the house with us. I’ll tell Tom we want him to stay and have a part in the ranch.”

“I’ll accept that, but I won’t live in that house. I got other plans for my future.” Pa wiggled his brows at Frances, who colored under his gaze. Then he turned his attention back to Leah. “You can let Buddy and Millie keep livin’ there if you want, or we can build ’em a cabin so you have more room free for a family someday.”

He drew her into a close embrace. “But that ain’t got to be decided now. I accept your offer, little girl. I’m proud to partner with you in the ranch and to know my son will be there as well.” He planted a kiss on her cheek and held out his arm. “Now let’s walk down the aisle and put that poor man out of his misery before he falls dead on the floor.”

Leah tucked her fingers through the crook of his elbow and smiled, then reached for the bouquet of daisies Katherine held. Leah bit back a giggle at the still blushing Frances. Since seeing the changes in her father after he’d started calling on Frances Cooper, Leah couldn’t be happier. She knew exactly who was going to catch her carefully aimed bouquet once the ceremony ended.

Steven waited for her at the front of the church to start a new life together, and all was finally right in her world. She knew problems would come in the future, but with God and Steven by her side, as well as Pa, Tom, and apparently Frances, too, she could face that future with strength and peace, knowing that love would conquer anything life might bring.

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