Marriage by Necessity

Lily Warren’s new hat shop is her ticket to self-reliance…until a fire threatens to destroy her dreams. And when Edward Stone—her landlord and the town blacksmith—bursts into her private rooms to rescue her, Lily’s reputation is tarnished. So Edward proposes a solution that could save her good name—even as it puts her independence at risk.

With an orphaned niece who needs a mother, Edward believes a marriage of convenience is the answer to his and Lily’s problems. But he didn’t plan on developing feelings for his new wife. And now he can’t quell his urge to protect impulsive, kindhearted Lily. Perhaps it’s time for the wary blacksmith to try forging something truly precious—a real family...

“I’m not your responsibility.”

“It’s not just about you.” Edward drew in a breath. “Ellen needs a mother.”

“I can’t mother her. I won’t know what to do.”

“I think you will. You’re strong. She’ll need to be strong.” He hesitated. This was not the way he ever imagined proposing to someone. For that matter, he hadn’t really imagined proposing to anyone. His solitary life had suited him just fine. “But you’re also gentle. She needs a woman’s hand.”

“I can’t think why you’d do this for me.” Lily bit her bottom lip.

“It’s like the verse.” He pointed to her needlework. “We’re taking care of the needs of others. Ellen needs us both.”

Lily’s face turned pink, and she met his gaze. “What kind of relationship do you expect the two of us to have?”

He could tell it cost her a great deal to form the words. Then he felt the same heat rushing into his face. “Miss Warren, I’d expect for you to care for Ellen as a mother. This arrangement will be strictly for the sake of my niece.”

Edward watched her as the breath she’d been holding seeped out of her to be replaced by relief.

“For the sake of Ellen?”

“Yes. And you.”

ANGEL MOORE fell in love with romance in elementary school when she read the story of Robin Hood and Maid Marian. Who doesn’t want to escape to a happily-ever-after world? When not writing, you can find her reading or spending time with her family. Married to her best friend, she has two wonderful sons, a lovely daughter-in-law and three grands. She loves sharing her faith and the hope she knows is real because of God’s goodness to her. Find her at angelmoorebooks.com.

The Marriage Bargain

Angel Moore

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

— Philippians 2:3–4

To my editor, Emily Krupin. Your encouragement makes me work harder.

To my mother, Mary Ellen, for sharing her love of reading. Thank you for celebrating with me at every step along the way and for teaching me to be brave.

To Lisa, for the love only true sisters know.

To Austin, my first editor and reader. Your insight and knowledge are priceless.

To Jason, for understanding when Mama has to work.

To Bob, who taught me everything I know about Happily-Ever-After.

And, as always, to God, Who makes it all possible.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

About the Author

Title Page

Bible Verse

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Pine Haven, Texas

January 1881

The sound of shattering glass snatched Lily Warren awake. She bolted upright in bed with a gasp, only to feel her lungs fill with acrid smoke. Coughing uncontrollably, she threw the quilt back and tugged on her dressing gown.

Unfamiliar with her surroundings, she fumbled about in the darkness, searching for the doorway to the stairs that led to her new shop.

Heavy footsteps pounded on the staircase outside her room. Lily turned toward the sound, desperate for fresh air. The coughing racked her chest, and she was getting dizzy.

She cried out between coughs. “Help!”

The door burst open, and the orange glow of flames gave her enough light to stumble toward her rescuer.

Her landlord, Edward Stone, came into the room with an arm across his face in an apparent effort to keep from breathing in the smoke. “Do you have something to wrap up in? A blanket?” His voice was intense.

She reached for her mother’s quilt on the bed, though the coughing hindered her movements.

He snatched it up and, before she knew what he was going to do, wrapped it around her shoulders and picked her up like a child.

She stiffened and argued, “I can walk.”

“Try to keep your mouth closed until I get you outside.” He kicked the doorway open wider and started down the stairs.

“What?” Pressed against his chest, she couldn’t hear over the roar of the growing fire.

“Quiet! The smoke.” He reached the bottom of the stairs and turned toward the back door.

She could see the flames licking up the side of the back wall and climbing across her workbench. All the beautiful hats she’d made for her shop were being consumed by the hungry fire.

Kicking and squirming against Edward, she screamed, “My stock!”

He tightened his hold on her and reversed his direction to take her out the front door. He turned back to face the building and lowered her to stand in front of him.

The church bell rang from the opposite end of the street.

She tried to move away from him, but her hair was tangled in the buckle on his suspenders. She cried out in pain as it pulled.

“Hold still.” He spoke close to her ear. “I’ll try not to hurt you, but I’ve got to put the fire out.” He tugged at the knotted curls.

A voice barked behind them. “Stone! Is anyone still inside?” The sheriff came running up the street.

With a final and painful pull, Lily was free of him. She turned to see what must be most of the town’s population coming from every direction.

Edward shot around her and hollered his answer to the sheriff as he went back through the front door of her shop. “No one else was here. I think it’s contained in the workroom in the back. There’s a rain barrel in the alley behind the back door.” The sheriff ran toward the rear of the shop.

Lily stumbled on the ends of her mother’s quilt when she started up the steps. A man she hadn’t met in the two days since her arrival in Pine Haven restrained her. “You can’t go in there, miss,” he said.

“My stock is inside!” She turned to plead with him to let her go. He wasn’t tall or large, but was strong for his size, and she couldn’t break free. “Everything I own is in there.”

The lady from the general store came up beside them. “Miss Warren, you mustn’t resist. The men need to put out the fire so it doesn’t spread to the rest of town.” Mrs. Croft put an arm around her shoulders. “Doc Willis, I’ve got her. Help them! Please!”

Smoke boiled through the open front door now. Lily could see Edward’s shape through the haze as he swung his coat to beat back the flames. Every available man and woman scurried to form a line and pass buckets filled from the water troughs and barrels near the surrounding buildings.

Lily shrugged off Mrs. Croft’s confining arm. “I’ve got to help at least.” She let the quilt drop to the dirt and ran to fill a wide place in the line of townsfolk fighting to help their newest resident.

It had only been minutes, but seemed like hours, when Edward appeared in the front doorway with his charred coat lifted high in one hand. “It’s out! We did it!”

Cheers went up from the crowd, and the line fell away. Everyone gathered near the steps of her shop.

Lily pushed her way through the people and stopped at the open front door. Water covered the floors she’d polished on her first day. Mud tracked through to the workroom. She leaned against the jamb.

She turned to look at Edward. “How bad is it?” Water ran in tiny rivulets through the soot on his face.

“I’m afraid your stock is ruined. What didn’t burn will be damaged by the smoke and water.” He dragged an arm across his forehead and smeared the soot away from his eyes.

Mrs. Croft came through the crowd at the bottom of the steps. “Miss Warren, please.” The woman held Lily’s quilt up by the corners. She lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper, and her eyes darted toward the people gathered behind her. “You need to cover yourself.”

Lily gasped and looked down at herself. The tie to her dressing gown had loosened while she passed one bucket of water after another. The lace of her nightgown peeked out where the robe gaped open. She snatched the quilt from Mrs. Croft and wrapped it around her shoulders, clenching it tight, high against her neck. The heat climbing up her throat let her know she was turning as pink as the nightgown everyone in town had just seen.

“Thank you, Mrs. Croft.” The mortification she experienced at the woman’s condemning stare almost dwarfed the loss of her belongings. Almost.

She turned back to Edward. “Thank you for saving me.” She remembered the feel of his arms around her as he carried her from the building. Strong, determined, protecting.

“You don’t owe me any thanks. I’m just sorry we couldn’t save your merchandise.” As her landlord, he’d want Lily’s Millinery and Finery to be a success. How could it be now, with nothing to sell?

Mrs. Croft’s tinny voice broke into their conversation. “How did you see the fire, Mr. Stone?” Her lips were pinched tight, and her eyes narrowed.

“I was on my porch and saw the glow through the shop windows.” He seemed at ease explaining what happened, but Lily’s stomach sank and pressure built behind her eyes when she looked at Mrs. Croft and knew the woman was making an accusation.

The busybody confirmed Lily’s suspicions with her next words. “But your porch faces in the opposite direction.” A hum of low conversations ran through the people who’d only just put out the fire. Now the woman from the general store was trying to start another one. The kind that could destroy Lily’s reputation. The potential damage could forever ruin her business before it opened.

Several of the people gathered looked over their shoulders in the direction of the blacksmith’s shop and home. His porch faced a lane that ran perpendicular to Main Street. Lily held her breath.

Edward’s tone was clipped. “I was leaning on the corner post and watching the night sky. The view of the moon is best from there.”

“I see.” Doubt hung on each syllable from Mrs. Croft. “It’s just that when we came out to help, you were holding Miss Warren in your arms.”

Mr. Croft interrupted. “Liza, he just pulled the woman from a burning building.” He put a hand on his wife’s shoulder. “Let’s go home and get some rest. The whole town will be tired tomorrow after the excitement of tonight.”

People murmured around them. Some were in agreement with Mr. Croft, but Lily knew in her soul that others were siding with Mrs. Croft. Only two days in her new town and something beyond her control had drawn her character into question. She couldn’t let them all disperse without an attempt to protect herself.

“Mrs. Croft, I assure you nothing improper went on here tonight. Mr. Stone was merely rescuing me. If he hadn’t come, I’d never have found my way out of my bedroom.”

A light gasp escaped some of the ladies.

“I see.” Mrs. Croft’s eyes swept across Lily from top to bottom and then landed on Edward. “I guess it’s okay where you come from to entertain gentlemen in your home after dark, but you’ll soon learn that in Pine Haven we hold to a higher standard of propriety.”

Edward took a step closer to the edge of the porch. “Miss Warren has told you there was no impropriety here.” He looked at Mr. Croft and then the others standing in the street. “Thank you all for your help. By saving my building, you very likely saved many others from certain disaster.”

Dr. Willis spoke up then. “And at least one life.”

Lily let her gaze move over the crowd then. “Thank you all so much.” She turned to Edward. “Especially you, Mr. Stone.”

People began to walk away a few at a time, the rumble of voices fading into the night.

She pulled up the bottom of the quilt so she wouldn’t stumble and stepped inside the shop.

“Miss Warren, I don’t think you should stay here tonight.” Edward’s voice was kind.

Lily stilled for a moment. “Is the building sound?”

“Yes. And tonight when I say my prayers, I will thank God that the fire didn’t spread to your private rooms. But the smoke and water damage are serious.” He gestured toward the floor and the workroom.

She stepped inside and took in the magnitude of the destruction. There was a trail of muddy water from the front door to the workroom where water had sloshed from the buckets as they were passed from the porch and through the shop to put out the fire in the back room. She picked her way slowly to keep from slipping and stood in the entry to the workroom. Water dripped from the workbench. The stench of the smoke hung thick in the air. And everywhere she looked, the remains of all her hard work lay soaked and covered in soot. Now she had to begin anew. Not from the beginning, but from a new beginning much further behind any point she’d imagined.

She squared her tired shoulders and spoke. “All the more reason for me to stay and get to work.” She nodded in dismissal. “Thank you again for all you’ve done. I’m certain it would have been a lot worse if you hadn’t seen the fire.” She looked down at the quilt her mother had made. “I’m grateful you saved my mother’s quilt. I don’t have many of her things. This one is important to me.” As much as she’d tried to keep her emotions in check, she couldn’t stop the tears from spilling over her lashes now. With a sniff she stood straight and moved to the front door.

Edward followed her and stepped onto the porch. His hand came up to keep her from closing the door on him. “Cleanup can wait until morning. It’s only a few hours.”

She shook her head. “The water will damage the floors if I don’t mop it up now.”

“Then let me stay and help you.”

She’d come to Pine Haven for independence. Her recent failed engagement had driven her to create a new life for herself. The first two days now seemed like a distant dream. Making hats and polishing the furniture her father had sent with her to use in her new shop had filled her hours. The memory of humming while she cleaned the floors and set up the private rooms to suit her needs faded behind a cloud of dense smoke.

This was a major setback, but she wouldn’t become dependent on her landlord. Now. Or ever. “No. You best get home to your niece. I’ll be fine.” She’d met his young charge on the first day and knew the child would be home alone.

He chuckled a bit. “Ellen can sleep through anything. That child wouldn’t hear the church bell or commotion unless it was in the room with her.”

“It’s good she has such peace. Sound sleep is often a sign of contentment.”

Edward looked over his shoulder toward his house. “In all her seven years, I’ve never known her sleep to be disturbed. Not since she was a baby. For her, it’s more about how she wears herself out when she’s awake. The child has more worries than a body ought.”

“All the more reason for you to go home now. In case she awakens and you aren’t there.” When Lily was five, her mother had died. Being young and frightened was something Lily had experienced firsthand.

He dipped his head in agreement. “Please get some rest. I’ll be back in the morning so we can assess the damage and begin repairs.”

Lily stood in the doorway to her workroom after he left. The hats she’d made yesterday were scorched and ruined. What wasn’t blackened by fire was covered in ash or wilted from the water that had doused the flames. She thought about crying, until her bare feet reminded her of the floors and all the work she needed to do.

She shrugged off the quilt, bundled it into a ball and tossed it onto a crate in the corner of the front shop. Lighting a lantern, she went through the workroom into the alley behind her shop and retrieved the mop she’d used to clean the floors. Bucket in hand, she determined to prevent as much damage as possible. Repairing the building would take more skill than she possessed, but she could clean up the mess. Then Edward could get started as soon as he arrived in the morning.

Could she undo the damage done by Mrs. Croft’s words in the aftermath of the fire? Why had the woman so blatantly accused her and Mr. Stone of poor behavior?

Losing a night’s sleep did not compare to what she stood to lose if she didn’t get her shop open before her father arrived in a few weeks’ time. Now she not only needed to get Lily’s Millinery and Finery open for business, she also had to repair the damage done to her reputation in front of the townsfolk by Mrs. Croft’s words. Her own lapse in decorum when she was unaware of her appearance in her dressing gown in front of the entire town added to her problems.

The water on the floor was the least of her worries, but it was the only thing she could control at the moment.

* * *

Edward urged Ellen out of the front door the next morning.

“I want to see what happened.” Ellen protested by dragging her feet.

“You can’t go inside the building until I make sure it’s safe for you to be there.” He stooped to be eye level with her. “Promise me you won’t try to sneak in.”

Her reluctant nod came after a long pause. “What did she do to set Momma’s shop on fire?” This was the reaction Edward had been afraid of. He knew his niece might blame Lily for the fire and use it as an excuse to spew the frustration and fear she was warring with against his tenant. “I said it was bad to let someone in Momma’s shop.” Her face turned into a pout.

“I’m not sure what caused the fire. That’s one of the things I need to find out today.” He pulled her into a quick hug. “Now you need to head off to school so I can get to work.”

“I don’t see why I got to hurry ’cause you got to work.” He reminded himself to be patient. She was at the age where she often wanted an explanation for things. Knowing that was how she learned, he complied.

He put a hand on top of her head and pointed her in the direction of the school. “Because you are one of the reasons I work, ma’am.”

Ellen went a few steps, swinging her lunch pail in one hand and holding her slate close to her chest in the other. Then she pivoted and looked at the shop across the street from their cabin. He watched her study the building, which showed no outward signs of the fire last night except for the film of smoke on the windows. She bolted back to wrap her arms around his middle. “I know you can fix it like new, Uncle Edward. You’re the best uncle a girl could have.”

“I’m going to do my best, Ellen.” He kissed the top of her head. “You know you’re my favorite niece.”

She leaned back and scrunched her face at him. “I’m your only niece.”

Edward peeled her arms from around him. “Just like I’m your only uncle.” He chuckled and turned her toward the school again. “Now get to school, or I’ll be the only uncle at school today being scolded by the teacher for letting you be late.”

The school bell rang, announcing the time, and she kicked up the dust around the hem of her skirt as she ran. “Bye, Uncle Edward,” she hollered over her shoulder.

He laughed as she stumbled and caught herself. The child was fun and loving. He wished he could make her as happy as she deserved to be.

When he’d come back home after the fire, just as he expected, she was curled up in the middle of her bed. The quilt had slid to the floor, so he’d pulled it back over her. He’d marveled that the commotion in the street hadn’t awakened her. Oh, to be so carefree.

Only she wasn’t carefree. She waited every day with him for news from her mother. When his sister had insisted on leaving town with her husband to start a new business in Santa Fe, he’d begged her to reconsider. Ellen needed her mother. Jane and Wesley had wanted to get their business started and come back for Ellen in a few weeks. Edward wished they’d been contented with running the local hotel, but Wesley had lost interest in Pine Haven when he’d heard of the growing economy in Santa Fe. Edward had purchased the building he now leased to Lily in hopes that Jane could convince Wesley to stay and let her open a bakery to add to their business interests in Pine Haven.

In the end, nothing Edward said had changed their minds. And now the weeks had turned to months. No word from them for the past several weeks was causing him to worry. He tried to dampen the fear that pulled at his heart and caused him to wonder if something dreadful had happened. Ellen’s future was his responsibility. He’d have to give her a proper home if his sister didn’t return soon. He said another prayer for Jane and Wesley and went into his blacksmith shop to gather some tools.

He needed to start the cleanup and repairs on his building. Having Lily’s father lease the shop from him had eased the strain to make the mortgage payments. But he couldn’t in all good conscience take money from her while the building was damaged.

He’d stop in at the post office first and see if there was a letter from Jane.

“Quite a night we had, Stone,” Jerry Winters, the postmaster, greeted him. “Glad you saw the flames. Hate to think what could have happened to my family, it being right next door and all.”

Winston Ledford walked into the post office as Jerry was speaking. “It’s a good thing for all of us that you had your eye on Miss Warren. I’ll admit she’s worthy of a second look.” A smirk Edward didn’t like crept across the saloon owner’s face.

Edward’s gut roiled. This was exactly the kind of gossip he worried about after Liza Croft made such a scene in front of most of the town. He refused to rise to Ledford’s goading.

Instead, he nodded at Jerry Winters. “I think we were all blessed by God’s mercy.”

Mrs. Winters came from the private quarters behind the post office and joined her husband. “We all owe you a debt of gratitude, Mr. Stone.”

“I doubt he’ll be missing much of what goes on at the new hat shop, Mrs. Winters.” Winston Ledford came to stand beside Edward at the counter. “Do you have any mail for me?”

The disapproval on Mrs. Winter’s face almost made Edward chuckle. If it wasn’t such a serious subject, he’d laugh at how soundly Ledford’s comments were dismissed. She turned to search the cubbyholes behind her and handed several letters to the man.

Winston shuffled through the small stack, tipped his hat and said, “Good morning to you all.” He opened the door to leave. “I think I’ll stop by and see how our newest resident is this morning. Must have been quite a shock to her.”

Edward’s back tightened, and he drew a deep breath. “That won’t be necessary, Ledford. I’m on my way there now to begin the repairs.”

A cantankerous laugh burst from Winston. “As I suspected. You’ve already staked a claim on our new merchant.” He stepped onto the sidewalk and turned to close the door. “Don’t be surprised if you find yourself engaged in some friendly competition over the likes of Miss Warren.” The door closed, and his grinning face filled the pane of glass before he turned in the direction of the building next door.

Edward followed him at a brisk pace.

“Stone, don’t you want to know if you have any mail?” Mr. Winters called.

“I’ll check back later.” He was through the front door. “It’s not fitting for Miss Warren to be subjected to the likes of Mr. Ledford without warning.”

It was one thing for Mrs. Croft to make unfounded accusations, but for Winston Ledford to think that a fine, upstanding lady like Miss Lily Warren was open to his attentions was another matter. Edward wouldn’t leave her unprotected from the saloon owner’s lack of good manners.

Serving as an unsolicited chaperone was the only right thing to do. It was more about protecting Lily’s reputation in the community, and thus his income from her rental, than anything else.

Edward opened the door to Lily’s shop and found Winston Ledford leaning on the glass display case Lily had brought with her when she’d arrived only two days earlier. She caught sight of him over Ledford’s shoulder. Was that relief in her gaze?

“Thank you for checking on me, Mr. Ledford, but I assure you it isn’t necessary. I’m quite all right.” She stepped from behind the case and walked toward Edward.

Once again he was struck by her beauty. When she’d first come to Pine Haven and stepped from the train, he couldn’t help but notice her. Everyone noticed her. But within moments, her independence had become clear to him. She was lovely, but she wasn’t the kind of woman who wanted to settle down and care for a home and family. Not the kind of woman he’d begun to think he might need for Ellen. After a childhood of being neglected and mistreated by his stepmother, he’d replaced any yearning for love with a mistrust of women years ago. If he did marry for Ellen’s sake, he’d choose carefully.

“Good morning, Miss Warren.” Edward set the wooden box he’d filled with tools on a crate near the front door and removed his hat. “I’ve come to get started on the repairs.”

She lifted a handkerchief to her face and coughed. “That’s very good of you.”

Winston Ledford turned to face them. “If you’re certain there’s nothing I can do for you, Miss Warren, I’ll leave you in the care of Mr. Stone.” He sauntered toward the door. “He seems determined to watch over you.” He tipped his hat at Lily and walked through the door Edward held open for him.

Edward closed the door with a snap. “I hope you aren’t taken in by the likes of Mr. Ledford.” He picked up his toolbox.

“I’m a big girl, Mr. Stone. You don’t have to worry about me.” Lily went back toward the workroom behind the shop. Perhaps the relief he’d seen in her face earlier was imagined. Nothing she’d done since he’d met her upon her arrival in town Monday had suggested she was anything other than a woman determined to make her own way in the world. Her single-minded focus might be the very thing that protected her from people like the saloon owner.

“That’s good to know. Some women are swayed by fancy talk and refined appearances.”

“I assure you, I appreciate fine things. I also look for quality. In people and things.”

She directed him toward the workroom. “Thank you for coming so early. I’ve done what I could about getting everything dry and removing the rubbish.”

Her movements were swift and fluid, like a bird on air. She’d brushed her hair into a loose bun and changed her clothes, but the fatigue of her ordeal showed in eyes. Another coughing spell wrenched her breath.

“You didn’t need to do all that by yourself, Miss Warren. I assured you I’d be here this morning.”

She lifted a hand and waved it in dismissal of his words. “I couldn’t sleep anyway. My schedule was tight before the fire. Now I’ll need to work at a quicker pace than I’d planned.”

He entered the workroom behind her. The back door stood open, and he could see the pile of rubble she’d created in the alley beyond. “You stayed up all night?”

“It’s a matter of no consequence.” She indicated the shelving on the left of the storeroom. “Do you think any of this can be salvaged?”

Obviously she’d moved beyond the fire and had set her mind on repairs. Most women would be wallowing in a pool of pity, bemoaning their misfortune. Her determination was admirable.

“First things first,” he said. “I need to discover how the fire started, so we can make certain we don’t have another incident.” He turned to see her blush and lift a hand to her forehead. She rubbed her fingers across her brow in a smoothing motion.

“We won’t have to worry about it again.” A deep breath caused more coughing. “Please forgive me.” She tucked the handkerchief back in the pocket of her apron.

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine. Just frustrated with the amount of work I’ve caused us both.”

“You caused?”

Could Ellen be right? Had his tenant been the reason for the fire? The last thing he needed was for his niece to discover Lily had put the building in jeopardy. The child already resented her presence in the shop. Edward didn’t have the energy to deal with more trouble in their lives—especially not from a woman he’d just met.

Chapter Two

Edward prayed he’d misunderstood Lily. “What do you mean, ‘you caused’?”

“It seems the fire was my fault.” Lily pointed to the wall near the back door where the most damage appeared to be. “I was working late, trying to make a few extra hats. I had set a lantern on this workbench.”

She didn’t seem the irresponsible type. “Surely you didn’t leave a lantern burning when you went to bed. You’d have noticed the light.”

“No.” She jerked her head to stare at him. “Of course not! I took the lantern with me.”

She pointed to a small stack of charred kindling near the stove. It was considerably smaller than the amount he’d cut and placed there before her arrival. Normal circumstances wouldn’t have caused her to use so much kindling.

“Right before I went upstairs, I swept up the trimmings from around the workbench. Bits of ribbon and feathers. Things like that. I swept them into a pile near the door, intending to dispose of it this morning. Then I checked the stove. Some embers must have blown out and landed among the trash. It must have smoldered and caught when it got near the kindling. I don’t know how else it could have started. I’m so sorry.” Another cough stopped her from speaking. “I’ll pay for the damages.”

Edward stirred the kindling with the toe of his boot and studied the scorched wood and the wall in the corner of the room between the stove and the door.

“It’s possible a gust of wind blew under the door and carried the embers back to the kindling.” He turned to Lily, who was coughing again. “No one was hurt. That’s the most important thing.”

“Please forgive me. I never meant to start the fire.” She covered her mouth again to cough.

“You took in a lot of smoke. Have you been to see the doc?”

“No. I’m fine. There’s too much work to do to stop for a minor cough.”

He knew how much smoke had been in her rooms. The stairwell had acted like a chimney and drawn the smoke upward. No doubt a draft around the windows had pulled the dangerous fumes under the door at the top of the landing.

“I’m taking you to see Doc Willis.” He headed for the front of the shop. “Where’s your coat?”

When she didn’t follow, he turned and waited.

“You are not taking me—” a cough interrupted her words “—anywhere.”

He raised his eyebrows. Would she be so stubborn as to refuse medical treatment? “Then I’ll have to ask Doc Willis to come here.” He opened the door and stepped onto the sidewalk. “We need to get this place ready for you to open your business. The sooner you get that cough taken care of, the sooner that will happen.”

“Wait, please.” She coughed again. “If it will set your mind at ease so we can get to work on the repairs, I’ll go.” She shrugged her arms into the sleeves of her coat and turned up the collar.

The January wind whipped around him, and he rubbed his arms against the cold. They walked briskly in the direction of the doctor’s office. “I’ll feel better knowing you aren’t making yourself worse by not resting.”

Lily turned to look at him. “You must be freezing.”

“I’m fine.” He dropped his hands to his sides.

“Your coat was ruined when you put out the fire.”

“It was time for a new coat anyway. I’ll go by the general store after lunch and get one.” She walked beside him across the main intersection in town. He hoped she didn’t notice the curious glances being sent their way. It was obvious to him that the events of the night before were on everyone’s mind this morning.

“You must allow me to pay for it.” She seemed too focused to notice the people who turned their heads to whisper when they passed. He wasn’t sure that was a good thing. It might be better if she were more aware of what went on around her. If she were, they wouldn’t be the object of town gossip. He knew it wasn’t fair to blame her, but he didn’t like the idea of anyone gossiping about him. Ellen would be harmed if he was cast in a poor light. And it wouldn’t do Lily’s new business any favors to open the shop in the midst of swirling lies smearing her name.

“I’ll pay for my coat. And the repairs.” He opened the door to the doctor’s office.

She opened her mouth as she entered the building, most likely to argue the point with him, but quickly succumbed to another coughing spell.

* * *

Lily continued to cough while Edward called out, “Doc. I brought you a new patient.”

Lily sank unceremoniously into a chair near the door. The smell of camphor and dust assaulted her senses. A curtain rustled and parted. The man who’d kept her from running back into her shop during the fire came into the room.

“Hello, Edward. Finally find yourself a wife?” The short man with spectacles looked from the blacksmith to Lily.

“A wife?” What was this man thinking?

“No, Doc. She’s my new tenant. You probably saw her last night. I went by to start the repairs this morning.” He pointed to Lily as she interrupted them with a cough. “This is how I found her. I think the smoke got to her. She’s been hacking away.”

“I saw her. Actually had to restrain her to keep her from following you into the burning building.” The doctor motioned for her to have a seat on the table in the center of the room.

“I’m not injured, Dr. Willis.” She moved to the table and sat stiff with her hands in her lap.

He seemed to ignore her. “Are you light-headed?” He peered into her eyes and checked the pulse at the base of her neck.

“I am not.” She glared at Edward, who had retreated to stand near the door. “I told Mr. Stone this trip was unnecessary, but he insisted.” She slid toward the edge of the table, but the doctor prevented her from getting up.

“Just the coughing?” He assembled his stethoscope and pressed the bell against her back. “Take a deep breath.”

She drew in a breath, and the coughing began again.

He moved to the opposite side of her back. “Again.” The results were the same.

“I don’t think you’ve done any major damage to your lungs, but it’s probably going to take a few days for you to recover from taking in so much smoke.” He paused to look at her. “Your color is good. I think it’s just a matter of getting some rest.”

“I don’t have time to rest. I’ve got a business to open.” She coughed into her handkerchief again, hating that her body was betraying her so. She needed to work. There would be time for rest later.

“A hard worker, are you?” The doctor tilted his head to one side and studied her.

Lily straightened her shoulders. “I am. It’s how I was raised. We Warrens don’t cotton to laziness or excuses.”

He turned to Edward and nodded his head in Lily’s direction. “She looks as good as any other lady around here. You oughta think about this one.”

“I don’t think so, Doc.” Edward seemed to be laughing at her from his place in the corner of the room. First he’d insisted on bringing her here, and now he was a party to her ridicule. She wouldn’t stand for it.

“I don’t need a doctor.” Anger gave her fresh strength, and she turned her eyes to the blacksmith. “Or a husband.”

“As you wish.” Dr. Willis backed away from the table. He turned toward the curtains where he’d made his entrance.

Another coughing spell overtook her. Between coughs Lily said, “Wait a minute, Doctor.”

The doctor stopped with a hand on the curtain and raised an eyebrow. “Don’t got all day, missy.”

“I’m sorry. Can you give me something for the cough?” She hated to submit to the man but had no time for setbacks. Her father and sister would arrive in a few short weeks. She needed to have her shop open and bringing in business before then.

The doctor went to a glass cabinet against the back wall. Lily caught Edward looking at her with a grin of satisfaction. He was enjoying having been right about insisting she see the doctor.

“I want you to use this flaxseed to make a tea.” The doctor handed her a bottle. “You can do it several times a day. It will help with the cough and clearing your lungs.”

She took the bottle reluctantly. “Thank you.”

Dr. Willis nodded. “Sensible, too, Edward. You need to reconsider this one.”

Lily might submit to his ministrations but not to his attitude. “Really, Doctor, I don’t think it’s appropriate for you to discuss me as if I’m a prize horse.”

“I didn’t say you were a prize. Just worth a second consideration.” He looked at Edward standing with his back to the door. “But only if she’s given to moments of quiet.”

The blacksmith laughed then. “I haven’t seen one yet, Doc.”

Lily scowled. “If you’ll tell me your fee, Doctor, we’ll be on our way.” She hoped this ordeal was drawing to an end. How was it possible for her to be at the mercy of not one, but two belligerent men?

* * *

Edward waited while Lily paid the doctor, then held the door open for her to walk through before him.

“I’m coming back to the shop to get started on the repairs.”

“Thank you for being so eager. I’m going to have to work harder than ever to get ready to open.”

“Just don’t try burning the candle at both ends.”

“Very funny.” She gave a tiny giggle. Then, in a fashion he could only imagine a cactus flower able to perform, her prickly expression transformed into beauty with a smile like none he’d ever seen. Golden hair framed her face. Vibrant blue eyes sought him out. His heart jolted. Nothing could lessen the power of her grace.

He shook his head. What was he thinking? She was beautiful all right. A rare beauty. But gentle and graceful? Not with the sharp tongue and feisty resistance he’d witnessed in the short time he’d known her.

Lily Warren might be named after a gentle spring flower, but her cactus-like thorns could prove dangerous, if not deadly, to a man not on his guard.

And Edward Stone was a man who would not let his guard down. Ever again.

“Possum run over your grave?”

“What?” He had to pay better attention.

“You’re shaking your head and shivering.” Lily’s expression teased him, but he wouldn’t tease back.

“No. Just a bad thought.” He turned away from her and continued down the sidewalk. “Nothing to worry about.” He’d make certain of that.

Lily picked up her pace and left him to follow. When they arrived at the shop, she opened the door, and the bell announcing their arrival clanged to the floor and bounced.

She sighed. “Great. Something else to be fixed.”

“Be careful not to break anything else.”

Her eyes widened in question. “Oh, so that’s my fault? I see. Looks like our relationship will be one of blame and accusation.” The smile was there again, but Edward was determined to thwart its power.

“Our relationship will be landlord and tenant.” He stooped to retrieve the broken bell from just inside the doorway. “And the fault of this was mine, so I’ll be responsible for the repair.”

“You think it can be fixed?” Her uncertain gaze met his.

“Sure. It’s a simple repair.” He turned the bell over in his hand. “I should have made it stronger in the first place.”

Blond brows lifted. “You made it?” Disbelief crossed her face.

“Don’t look so surprised. I am a blacksmith.”

“I’m sorry. The blacksmith in East River made horseshoes and wagon wheels. Not art.”

Was she complimenting him? Did she realize it?

“I make horseshoes and wagon wheels, too. And iron gates, and farm tools...”

“I understand. Sort of a jack-of-all-trades, are you?”

“Are you suggesting I’m master of none?”

“Well, the bell did break...” Her smile was the only clue she was teasing him. Tormenting might be a better word, given the tightening of his gut when she looked at him.

“I wouldn’t call myself an artisan. But I do enjoy creating unique things.” He drifted into the past looking at the bell. It had been a gift for his sister, Jane. One she’d never taken the time to enjoy.

A swift movement had the bell in his pocket. Hidden with the memories it evoked.

When he raised his eyes, he found Lily staring with open curiosity.

“I best get to work, Miss Warren.” He stepped into the center of the room. The late-morning sun lit the street beyond the deep windows. Windows Jane had dreamed of filling with pastries and cakes.

Lily breezed through the opening, which led from the large front room into a work area, with a lightness he’d never seen in any woman. If he’d had to describe it, he’d say her steps floated across the floor.

He followed her, and together they came up with a plan for the repairs. He would tear out anything damaged beyond repair. She proved a strong helper by toting all the charred boards out to the alley behind the shop.

They stopped at midday, and he made a list of the supplies he’d need to get the shop back in good shape.

He prepared to leave. “I’ll stop by the lumber mill and order what I need before I go to the general store. I’ll get a quick bite of lunch and come back.”

“What about your coat?” she asked.

“That’s why I’m going to the general store.”

“Let me come with you so I can pay for it. You wouldn’t need a coat if there hadn’t been a fire.”

He shook his head. “No.”

“I insist.”

Edward turned to look her full in the face. “Miss Warren, what do you think Mrs. Croft would think of that? After all she insinuated last night?”

Lily’s cheeks went pink.

He looked over his shoulder out the front window. “I’ll bring my wagon when I come back. We can use it to haul away the debris.”

“I can help with that.” She was unlike any other woman of her type, and Edward was impressed by how determined she was to help. At first glance, she gave the appearance of a lady accustomed to fine things. But she hadn’t shied away from any of the work brought on by the damage from the fire.

“No, ma’am.” He still wouldn’t let her help load the rubble piled in the alley.

Lily smiled. “You must be as strong as an ox.” Shock covered her face almost before the words left her mouth.

“I can haul my share of a load.” He couldn’t resist teasing her. As hard as he tried, his reserve kept slipping. “Most people don’t call me an ox.”

“Maybe not to your face, Mr. Stone.” At least she had the decency to blush when she said it.

Edward heard the rumble of laughter in his chest. It had been a long time since he’d laughed out loud. “I’ll be back after lunch.” He tipped his hat and escaped through the front door.

He sobered immediately on seeing Mrs. Croft exit the post office next door. Her scowl spoke louder than anything she could have said before she turned and walked in the direction of her store.

Dust stirred in the street as his boots beat a path away from Lily Warren and her shop. He’d only rented it to her father out of desperation. The mortgage on the shop needed to be paid, not to mention the cost of providing for Ellen. He couldn’t afford to let the shop stand empty any longer. When Jane came back, they’d make new arrangements. Until—or unless—she did, he needed the money.

He had to protect Lily’s reputation, because if her shop failed, he could lose the building to the bank. He turned the corner and headed to the general store. His hands were shoved deep into his pockets, but the cold of the day was biting at him. Or maybe it wasn’t the cold of the day, but the cold realizations storming his thoughts.

Life was complicated now. More than he’d ever wanted it to be.

In the back of his mind was a growing dread crying out for his attention. As a single man, if something tragic had happened to his sister and her husband, he’d need to marry. A young girl shouldn’t be raised by her lone uncle. Ellen would need a woman’s hand. Someone who was strong and gentle at the same time.

Someone like Lily.

* * *

Lily opened the door and wrapped her older sister in a hug. Could it be eleven years since Daisy had married and moved away from East River, their childhood home? When they’d reunited on her arrival in Pine Haven, Lily understood why their father had come home after his recent visit to Daisy’s family wanting to sell everything in East River and move here. When he and Jasmine arrived in the spring, he’d have all his daughters together again. They’d been apart too long.

One look at Daisy’s face and Lily prepared herself to be scolded. Even at twenty-four years old, her sisters still treated her like the baby of the family.

“What happened?” Daisy shifted baby Rose onto her shoulder and looked around at the destruction left by the fire.

“It was an accident.” Lily knew Daisy wouldn’t be satisfied without some explanation.

“How did it happen?”

She pointed to the chair she’d set up in front of the hall tree so her customers could view their hat selections in the mirror. “Have a seat, and I’ll explain.” She pulled up a stool and told her sister all that had happened.

“So Edward Stone saved you?” Daisy pushed Rose’s bonnet away from her face and handed the child to Lily. “Handsome, isn’t he?”

Lily lifted the baby and took in the sight of her chubby face. “She’s so like Momma. I’m glad you named her after her.” She pulled Rose close and breathed in the sweet baby smell. Rose twined her fingers into Lily’s hair and gave a firm yank.

“Ow... She’s a strong one, too.” Lily loosed the tiny hand and nestled the babe in the crook of her arm.

“That she is.” Daisy’s face shone with love for her daughter. “You didn’t answer my question about Edward Stone.”

“Did you ask a question?” She hoped to avoid this kind of question about any man, let alone one who was already being accused of paying her too much attention. She couldn’t risk feeding those rumors. Not even to her sister, who obviously hadn’t heard them yet.

She jostled the baby. “Where are the twins?”

“They’re in school.”

“I can’t believe they’re nine years old. Seems life has begun to move at such a rapid pace.”

“It comes from growing older, I suppose.” Daisy looked her square in the face. “Lily, what do you think of your landlord?”

Lily stilled and answered. “He’s my landlord. Yes, he saved me, but he also saved his building. That’s all there was to it.”

Daisy turned first one way then another and surveyed the shop. “If you say so.”

“I do.” Lily swept her free arm toward the open space. “I wanted to have it in better shape, but I wasn’t planning on a fire. What do you think?”

Daisy reached for Rose as the child started to whimper. “Don’t worry. I’m sure Edward will have the repairs done in no time.”

“I hope so. I’ve got to make this place work, or Papa will insist I live with him and Jasmine when they come.” Lily fought back the fear of being isolated again. She’d spent too many years taking care of her sick father at home while all her friends had married and started families.

Daisy paced the floor, gently rocking the baby. “That wouldn’t be so bad, would it? You’ve always lived with Papa. Why is this shop so important to you now?”

“It just is. You wouldn’t understand. You have your life. A family. A farm. I didn’t have anything.” Anxiety sent her voice up a notch. “Until now.”

She put a hand on Daisy’s arm and stopped her motion. “Daisy, you have to pray for me. Papa isn’t convinced a woman my age should be on her own. But I’ve just got to do this. I can’t live in the shadows anymore. I want my own life.”

“You talk as if you’ve been locked away as a slave. I know that isn’t true. I lived there, too, you remember.”

“It’s not that at all. It’s just...well.” Lily wasn’t certain she could articulate her thoughts. “I love Papa, and I’m so pleased he’s well now. We weren’t sure for so long that he’d ever get better. I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.” She willed Daisy to understand. “But I need this for me.”

“Of course, I’ll pray for you, sweetie. I’ll even make sure all my friends come see you as soon as you open.”

That was encouraging. She could almost see the unknown ladies milling around the shop, fingering the lace on a handkerchief or smiling at their reflection wearing a new hat. “Are the ladies of Pine Haven ready for fancy hats and parasols?”

Daisy chuckled. “What ladies aren’t?”

Lily was grateful for the support she saw in Daisy’s expression. “Thank you. I promise I’ll make you proud. Papa, too.”

“The thought of having all of you here in Pine Haven is more than I ever dreamed. Your shop is like an extra blessing on top of that.”

“I’ve got a lot of work to do to replace the things that were ruined. Thankfully, I hadn’t opened all of the crates I brought.” She indicated the crates stacked around the front of the shop. “These things are undamaged.”

After lunch she’d gone over everything in her mind. Hopefully a couple of days would see the shop repaired. Maybe two more days after that and she’d be back on schedule for her new life.

She prayed the insinuations made by Mrs. Croft had been forgotten by those who heard them last night. That was the one detail she hadn’t told her sister. If God answered as Lily wanted, she’d never hear of those accusations again.

She shook off the doubts that threatened from the recesses of her soul. A new life full of promise. She would do everything in her power to make it happen.

Chapter Three

Edward pulled his wagon behind the building and loaded the debris. He came to the front of the shop to enter, so anyone watching from the nearby businesses would see him. He was determined to do his part to squelch the rumors. Going in the back way would only feed the gossipers.

Lily was kneeling in front of an open crate rummaging through its contents and didn’t hear the door when he opened it.

“Think I’ll have to stop by Doc Willis’s office and let him know how you’re taking it easy.”

Startled, Lily jerked up straight. “I’m perfectly fine.”

He watched her frustration as the coughing overtook her again. “As long as—” she coughed “—no one tries to scare the breath out of me.”

He closed the door. “Have you rested at all?” Everywhere he turned he saw evidence that she’d been busy.

“I stopped working and visited with Daisy. She came by to check on me.”

Did he dare bring up the subject that he’d heard being discussed everywhere he’d gone in the two hours since he’d left her? “I saw her when I was leaving the lumber mill.”

“Were you able to get the lumber ordered?” She didn’t seem the least bit curious about anything other than the progress of the repairs.

“I did. Will Thomas said he’ll have the order ready for me after I haul off the debris behind the shop.”

She stood and brushed her hands together. “Let me help you load it.”

“It’s done.” Knowing she’d be stubborn, he hadn’t let her know he had returned until after he loaded the rubble into the wagon.

“I told you I would help.”

“Doc Willis said you need to rest. I only came inside to see if you have anything else that needs to go.”

“No.” She rubbed her hands down the front of her skirt to smooth it. “At least let me go with you to unload it.” She stepped toward the workroom. “Where are you taking it?”

“I’ve got a small burn pit behind my shop. What can’t be salvaged, I’ll burn later.”

She came back into the front of the shop tugging on work gloves. “Are you ready?”

“Miss Warren, you can’t come with me.”

“Why ever not? The sooner you unload, the sooner you can get the lumber order and start on the repairs.”

He cast a glance out the front window. “Have you been anywhere today? Besides the doctor’s office?”

Her brow furrowed. She was cute with her face scrunched in confusion. “No. There’s been too much to do here to go visiting.”

Was it possible she had no clue? “Did your sister go anywhere before she came to see you?”

“No. She stopped by on her way into town.” She looked at him. “Why?”

He didn’t know the best way to tell her, so he just said it straight out. “We seem to be the topic of conversation all over town today.”

“We? You mean about the fire?”

“No,” he said. Her face had relaxed, and he didn’t think she understood what he was trying to tell her. “I mean you and me.”

Her shoulders lifted, and she gave a small snort. “That’s silly.” With one hand she gestured between the two of them. “There is no ‘we.’”

“I know that.” He paused. “But...”

She rose up a bit taller now and drew in a slow breath. “But what?” She angled her head away from him as if it would prevent the full onslaught of something she didn’t want to hear.

“It seems that Mrs. Croft’s assumptions from last evening have captured the fancy of some of the townsfolk.”

Her eyes closed, and she drew her pretty lips inward. He watched her sigh as the implications sank in.

“Everywhere I went, someone brought it up.”

Lily dropped onto a crate and wrung her hands together. “Oh, my. I hoped it would be forgotten in the light of day. No one knows me here. Why would they think I’d be so bold as to entertain a man in my home—unchaperoned—late at night?” Her gaze snapped to his. “Unless...what kind of reputation do you have, Mr. Stone?”

How dare she imply that his name in town was without respect! “Me?”

“Yes, you! In East River no one would ever suspect me of any behavior other than that of a Christian lady.”

“I had hoped because you’re Daisy’s sister these rumors would not take hold.” He shrugged his shoulders. “But they have.”

The front door opened, and Daisy entered the shop. “Oh, Lily! I’ve just come from the general store.” She put a hand on Lily’s arm. “Why didn’t you tell me what happened?”

Lily must not have expected it to be a problem, or surely she would have told her sister what had been said the night before.

Edward could see the panic filling her eyes when she answered. “Nothing happened! Except a fire!” She lowered her voice and asked, “What are they saying?”

Daisy hesitated. “I’m embarrassed to say.” She glanced at Edward, then took Lily by the hand. “Mrs. Croft has given details about you being held in Mr. Stone’s arms.” She seemed to choose her words with great care. “In your dressing gown.”

He needed Daisy to understand the truth. “I pulled her from a burning building. Her hair caught in my suspenders. There was no embrace. I carried her outside because she was overcome by the smoke.”

Daisy shook her head. “That’s not how Mrs. Croft portrayed it.” She looked at Lily. “And because so many people were coming to see what was happening, they witnessed just enough to lend a hint of truth to her tale.”

Lily stiffened her arms at her side and clinched her fists. “Truth? We’ll tell them the truth! You tell them, Daisy. They’ll believe you.”

Daisy’s husband, Tucker Barlow, came into the shop. Edward knew from his expression that this situation was not going to fade away.

Tucker removed his hat. “I see the news has made its way to all of you.”

Lily almost begged for an answer from them. “What am I going to do?”

Edward didn’t know what she was going to do. All he knew for sure was that his situation had become more desperate after he’d left Lily just before noon. He’d stopped in at the post office, and there was still no word from his sister, Jane.

He’d gone by the telegraph office and discovered the query he’d sent to the sheriff in Santa Fe had been answered. An outbreak of influenza had hit the community where Jane and Wesley lived, and they’d become gravely ill. The local doctor had sent them to a hospital in another community. No word on the name of the community or their condition.

If Jane and Wesley had passed, he was Ellen’s only living relative. He’d do anything necessary to take care of her. He wouldn’t risk losing this building. Talking of opening a bakery here would be one of the last things Ellen had shared with her mother. He’d keep the shop for Ellen to have when she was grown. A legacy in Jane’s memory.

He cringed when the answer entered his mind, but he knew it was for the best. “What are we going to do?” He had to protect Ellen from the gossip that would surely swirl around the shop—and Lily if they didn’t act quickly.

“We?” Lily countered.

They were standing in the workroom. The ravages of the fire all around them.

Edward pointed to a small frame Lily had hung on the wall over the workbench. “Are these the verses you live by?” The edges of the frame were scorched, but the intricate needlepoint was intact.

Lily followed his gaze. “Yes. Philippians is one of my favorite books in the Bible.”

He read the words aloud. “‘Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.’” He looked at her, hoping she’d agree. “That’s what we need to do now.”

“What do you mean? I’m not at strife with anyone in Pine Haven. I’m not out for vanity. But I do need a good name to run a successful business. What man will want his wife to patronize my shop if he thinks poorly of my character?”

“I’m afraid that’s already happened. People assumed the worst when they saw us together last night.”

“But we weren’t together.”

He shook his head. “That’s not what they saw. I don’t think we’ll be able to convince them otherwise.”

Lily put her hands to her face and closed her eyes. After a moment she opened them and held her hands out, palms up. “I came here to be independent. How can I do that without the goodwill of the townsfolk? You’ve ruined everything!”

“Would you rather I’d let you die in the fire? I couldn’t stand by and watch the building burn to the ground, knowing you were inside.”

Her shoulders slumped. “You’re right, of course. But what are we going to do?”

Daisy and Tucker stood quietly while he and Lily tried to sort out this conundrum.

What he had to say next was private. He didn’t know Lily well, but he was most certain no lady would want witnesses for what he was about to say. “Will you excuse us, please?”

Daisy looked at Lily. Sisterly sympathy emanated from her.

Tucker took his wife by the arm. “We’ll go for a slice of pie at the hotel and come back after you’ve had time to talk.”

When the door closed behind them, Edward turned to Lily. “You know you’re going to have to marry me now.”

Lily’s jaw dropped. To his surprise, words seemed to fail her.

“There is more to consider here than just you and me. I received word today that it’s very possible my sister and her husband may have died of influenza.”

She closed her mouth. “I’m so sorry. Poor Ellen.” She’d gone from incredulous when he spoke of marriage to compassion for his niece in an instant. He hoped it would help her understand why he was making this proposition.

“I won’t allow gossip to cause an innocent little girl to lose the only family she may have left. If my name is smeared with yours, I could lose her. A judge could say I’m not fit to be a guardian as an unmarried man—especially if I’m purported to have committed unseemly behavior.”

“But we’re innocent.”

“I know that, and you know that.” He put a hand on her sleeve and turned her so she could see through the entry of the workroom to the windows in the front of the shop. Two women had stopped to peer in the glass. When they caught sight of Edward and Lily, they frowned and hurried away. “But we’ll never convince them. Or the people who are like them.”

“Did the doctor put this notion in your head?”

He shook his head. Never would he have imagined himself offering marriage to someone he’d just met. If it weren’t for Ellen, he might not have offered.

Then he looked into those blue eyes, churning to violet with emotion, and knew he was doing this for Lily and himself, too. No one deserved to be destroyed by gossip and rumors. “Believe me, I was just as resistant as you. Until I spent part of the day trying to convince people that nothing happened. Now it looks like we don’t have a choice.”

He willed her to understand. “If you don’t open your shop, I don’t know how I can pay the mortgage. I can’t lose this building. I need to be able to give it to Ellen when she’s grown. Maybe it will help her remember her mother.”

“But why would you want to marry me? I’m not your responsibility.”

“It’s not just about you.” He drew in a breath. “Ellen needs a mother. It’s something I started pondering lately, and this must be God’s way of answering.”

“I can’t mother her. My own mother passed when I was younger than Ellen. I won’t know what to do.”

“I think you will. You’re strong. She’ll need to be strong.” He hesitated. This was not the way he ever imagined proposing to someone. For that matter, he hadn’t really imagined proposing to anyone. His solitary life had suited him just fine before Jane left Ellen in his care. “But you’re also gentle. She needs a woman’s hand.”

“How did this ever happen?” Lily’s head sank into her hands.

“It seems that it was out of our control from the beginning.”

She looked up at him. “Do you think we can do it? Raise Ellen and protect my reputation so the shop will be successful?”

“From what I’ve seen of you, I don’t think the shop’s success is in question, as long as we take care of your honor.” He prayed he was doing the right thing. “As for Ellen, it looks like the good Lord left her in my care. I don’t think He orchestrated your problems, but I’d say as His children, He’s giving us a way to make the best of it.”

“I can’t think why you’d do this for me.” Lily bit her bottom lip.

“It’s like the verse.” He pointed to her needlework. “We’re taking care of the needs of others. Ellen needs us both.”

Lily’s face turned pink, and she met his gaze. “What kind of relationship do you expect the two of us to have?”

He could tell it cost her a great deal to form the words. Then he felt the same heat rushing into his face. “Miss Warren, I’d expect for you to care for Ellen as a mother. This arrangement will be strictly for the sake of my niece.”

Edward watched her as the breath she’d been holding seeped out of her to be replaced by relief.

“For the sake of Ellen?”

“Yes. And you.”

“I didn’t come to Pine Haven to find a husband. I’ll never forget what you’ve done here today, Mr. Stone. You’re giving up an awful lot to take on a wife you didn’t want.”

“I want Ellen to have a mother.”

“In that case, I accept.” She offered her hand for him to shake. Did she really see this as a business arrangement like the one he had with her father for the lease on his building?

It was a relief she seemed to accept his reasons so quickly, but the reality of how much his life was about to change threatened to overwhelm him at any moment.

* * *

“I do.” Lily stood in front of Reverend Dismuke and repeated the marriage vows.

Daisy and Tucker had agreed with Edward, and it had only been a matter of hours before they’d arrived at the church. Long enough for Lily to change to her best dress. The lingering hint of smoke in its fibers reminded her of the reason she was doing this. When she’d prepared for bed the night before, she’d never have dreamed today would be her wedding day.

Edward took her hand and slid a small gold band onto her finger. She’d told him she didn’t need a ring, but he’d insisted, saying it was another way to reinforce their union in the eyes of the community. He’d escorted her into the general store and asked her to choose from the tray of rings. She’d been relieved when he’d asked Mr. Croft to assist them, leaving Mrs. Croft sputtering and mumbling as she’d moved on to help another customer.

Lily looked at the delicate, plain ring. Edward didn’t release her hand for the rest of the short ceremony. His hands were large but gentle. And strangely comforting, as if he was trying to reassure her they were doing the right thing.

“You may kiss the bride.” Reverend Dismuke’s words rang out in the nearly empty church. Only Daisy and Tucker, with their twin sons and baby daughter, sat on the bench opposite the reverend’s wife, who kept an arm around the shoulders of Edward’s niece. Lily wasn’t sure if it was an effort on the woman’s part to comfort Ellen or an attempt to keep the child from fleeing. The young girl had refused to attend until Edward told her she had no choice.

Edward took his other hand and turned Lily’s chin to face him. A small smile played on his lips. He’d said they’d have an easier time overcoming the gossip if everyone was convinced their marriage was born of affection and not shame. But did he honestly intend to kiss her?

“Relax,” he whispered. Then he grazed her cheek with the briefest of contact.

In an instant Lily found herself wrapped in her sister’s hug while the preacher clapped Edward on the back and congratulated him.

Why was everyone so merry? They all knew she and Edward, given the choice, would never have married. Well, maybe the Dismukes didn’t know that, but her family did.

Daisy held her hands and spoke, “We’re taking Ellen home with us for the night.” She gave a nod in the direction of the bench where Edward’s niece still sat clinging to her handkerchief doll. Lily had never seen the child without that doll.

Lily watched as Edward accepted Tucker’s welcome into their family. Lily hadn’t thought about being alone with Edward. No, she needed Ellen to be at the cabin tonight. And every night.

“That’s not necessary.”

Daisy smiled and patted her hand. “We insist. I’ve already told her she can sleep in Rose’s room.”

“But...” Lily felt her life spinning like a toy top. She had to maintain some form of control.

Edward turned and met her gaze. He must have sensed her desperation, because he came to stand beside her. He was close enough for her to feel the warmth of him, but he didn’t touch her. “Tucker just told me they’ve invited Ellen to their place.”

“She can stay with us. There’s no need.” Better to face Ellen’s reluctance than to face alone a husband she hadn’t expected to have.

He leaned in to speak near her ear. His breath ran across her neck, leaving a chill with each word. “We’ve got a lot of things to sort out. I’d like to do it without Ellen’s eager ears close by.”

What did he want to sort out? She straightened her shoulders. There were a myriad of things. How they would handle finances, daily chores, the rebuilding of the workroom in her shop, and how to protect Ellen.

She agreed.

“Thank you, Daisy. That’s very kind of you.” Lily smiled at her sister but knew the smile didn’t reach her eyes. Numbness was the only sensation she experienced at the moment, and she feared it would fade into regret.

Ellen plodded over to Edward. “Do I gotta go to the Barlows’ farm?” Her bottom lip protruded, and the doll hung from her crossed arms.

He lifted the little girl’s chin with one knuckle. “You know you love to go visit the Barlows. You can play with baby Rose.” He smiled at her and patted her shoulder. “You’ll have a good time, I promise. You can come say hello in the morning on your way into town for school.”

Daisy moved to stand behind Ellen and put a hand on her shoulder. “Why don’t we go by your cabin and get some clothes? Then we’ll head out to the farm, and you can help John and James feed the animals.”

Ellen’s eyes aimed a dart of resentment at Lily before she agreed to Daisy’s suggestion. “Bye, Uncle Edward.”

“Goodbye, Ellen.” As she started to tromp away, Edward called to her again. “Ellen, you forgot to tell your aunt Lily goodbye.”

“Aunt Lily? I gotta call her ‘aunt’?”

“You are permitted to call her Aunt Lily.” He tilted his head to one side. “It’s a privilege.”

A long sigh came from her little body. “Bye, Aunt Lily.”

“Goodbye, Ellen.” She smiled at the girl, wondering how she must feel. Without warning, her home had changed today, and there was nothing she could do about it. In a way, Lily understood her childish frustration. She was almost tempted to cross her arms and pout, too.

Edward offered Lily his arm. She knew he was merely keeping up appearances. It was comforting and unsettling at the same time. Their marriage was the only way to remove themselves from the whirlwind of tortuous rumors they’d been caught up in for the past twenty-four hours.

Lily wanted to protect their good names. Individually. Hooking her hand on his arm and leaving the church felt as false as the lies Mrs. Croft had spread about them. Were they perpetrating one lie to negate the effects of another lie? Would God honor them for trying to save Ellen? She hoped so.

They rode in silence to her shop. Edward set the brake on the wagon.

“Do you need a few minutes to put your things together?” he asked.

Most of her clothes and personal belongings were still in trunks and crates. There would be little to pack.

She looked across the street to the cabin she would now share with Edward. Her husband.

Her husband? She had come here to escape a marriage to a man who only wanted a companion for his ailing mother. Now she sat in a wagon between the shop she was opening to start a new independent life and a cabin where her primary role would be to care for a young girl she’d only known a few days. A girl who’d made it plain that Lily was an intruder in her turbulent young life.

Lily had heard stories of people who disappeared in the night, leaving only a note for their loved ones, striking out on their own, hoping for a fresh start. She’d come here for that reason—with the blessing and help of her family. Had it only taken two days for her world to turn upside down?

Edward’s touch on her sleeve drew her attention. “Are you all right?”

It was tempting to write a note and steal away in the night. But she could never leave her sisters and father like that. Not after all her father had done to give her a new life. Somehow she’d make this work. Edward had noble intentions, which was more than she could say for her former fiancé, Luther Aarens.

She shook off her thoughts and accepted her fate. “Fine, thank you.”

Edward nodded toward her shop. “You’ll want to get your clothes and such.”

“Yes.” She scooted to the edge of the wagon seat away from him and prepared to step down. “I’ll need a little while to put some things back into the trunks.”

“Wait a minute. I’ll help you down.” He climbed from the wagon and came around to assist her. With the briefest of contact, he lifted her and set her on the ground. “You go in and take care of that. I’ll make space in the cabin for you.”

She looked at him when he spoke, but his gaze went over her shoulder. When he did focus on her, she turned away. “I won’t need much space.” She twisted her hands together.

“I remember you had a couple of pieces of large furniture upstairs.” He pointed to the window of her front room above the shop. “From when I helped carry it in.”

Awkward held new meaning as they stood talking about her things. Things she hadn’t thought she’d share with anyone. Things she’d brought to make her comfortable in her new home. Nothing was turning out as she’d planned.

She remembered a verse in Proverbs. “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Her faith in God would have to sustain her now. There was no course except to move forward as she’d agreed.

“We can move those things another day. If you don’t mind, we can just get my clothes and personal items today. Perhaps Tucker can help with the furniture later.”

Edward shuffled from one foot to another. He must be as nervous as she was. “That’s good.” He dipped his head and looked over his shoulder at the cabin. “I’ll just be on my way, then.”

He turned and took a step. Not knowing she was going to do it before it happened, Lily reached for his arm. He stilled and turned back to her.

“I know this isn’t what either of us thought we’d be doing today.” When he looked at her hand on his arm, she dropped it. “I hope we can make this work without everything being uncomfortable or awkward.”

His thin lips curled into a half smile. He really was a giant of a man. Tall and broad with all the strength she imagined a blacksmith would need to do his job. But the softness of the smile and the way his almost-black eyes twinkled was a pleasant surprise. “No promises about not feeling awkward for a while. I haven’t shared my home with another living soul until Ellen came to live with me a few months ago. I’m not quite sure you and I will see eye to eye on everything. It’s a big adjustment to get to know someone new. I’m guessing we complicated it more than a little bit by getting married before we could do that.”

She felt herself smiling in return. “That’s a wise observation, Mr. Stone. I’m sure you’re right.”

“That’s what I mean.”

The smile faded and she asked, “What?”

“Mr. Stone? Really? Is that how you intend to address me?”

She gave a small chuckle. “I see. No. I don’t think that will do any longer.” She drew back her shoulders and took hold of her future with all her strength. “Edward, I’ll be about a half hour preparing my things to move into our home. If you’d be so good as to meet me in the shop after you’ve finished preparing a space for me, I’ll be most grateful.”

She gave a little giggle. “How was that?”

He laughed in a deep tone. “That’s just fine.” He nodded. “Just fine, indeed.”

When he headed for the cabin, she entered the shop. As she climbed the stairs to the home she’d only spent two nights in, she marveled that it would be the only two nights of her life spent as an independent woman.

Her dream of a shop wasn’t dead. She wouldn’t let it die. But her independence was over. She prayed for God to help her as she packed away the things she’d so carefully placed in her new home. When she’d asked for a new life, she wasn’t prepared for this twist. God would have to light her path, because it was one she’d never dreamed would be hers.

In one major event, she’d gone from Lily Warren, milliner and shop owner, to Lily Stone, milliner, shop owner, wife and mother.

Chapter Four

Edward tossed his dirty clothes into a pile by the bedroom door. His cabin wasn’t grand, but it wasn’t small. If he’d built it himself, it would not have had two bedrooms, but the house was part of the deal when he’d bought his blacksmith shop from the previous owner. As soon as he was old enough, he’d moved out on his own to escape the stepmother his father had brought home shortly after his dear mother had died. She’d given no affection to him or Jane. Time and again he’d wished his father had never married her. Finding work as an apprentice to the town blacksmith had given him a purpose and place in life.

Eventually he’d nurtured a vague hope of one day having a family of his own. But over the years, he’d found it safer to retreat alone at night into the sanctuary of his home. His mistrust of women in general was based on years of watching his father’s wife take advantage of his father. Her sweet facade had quickly faded after she’d convinced his father to marry her. She’d never truly loved him and had been horrid to Edward and Jane. Nothing they did was ever good enough for her. She’d settled into their home as mistress and ordered them about in her aloof manner, as though she felt them beneath her care or attention. Jane had been too young when she married, but until Wesley had whisked her away to Santa Fe, Edward had thought it was for the best.

Edward stripped the linens from the bed and added them to the pile by the door. A small crate from the back porch would suffice for his personal items. He put his shaving cup and brush in and then tossed in the small mirror from the top of his chest of drawers. He pulled a rag from his back pocket and took a swipe at the dust on top of the furniture.

Backing up in the doorway, he took a last look around. Not what he’d have done in normal circumstances for bringing home a wife, but it was the best he could manage in the half hour she’d allotted him. He stowed the small crate in a corner near the stove and gathered up the laundry. He tossed it onto the workbench on the back porch and headed back into the front room.

A light rapping sounded on the door, and his breath caught. He was doing this for Ellen. She needed a mother. Life might be upside down, but that little girl would always have a home with him.

He lifted the latch on the door and pulled it open. Lily stood in the street at the bottom of the porch steps. She must have knocked and backed as far away as she could.

He dragged his palms down the sides of his pants. “Hi.”

Pink color soaked into Lily’s cheeks. She really was a beautiful lady. At this moment, she must be just as nervous as he was. “Hello.”

Edward stepped through the doorway. “Did you get everything packed?”

“Everything I’ll need until we can move the furniture.” She didn’t look at him.

He reached inside the cabin and took his hat from the peg by the door. “Okay. I’ll go get everything, then.” He pushed the hat onto his head and walked down the porch steps.

She hesitated. “Would you mind if I took a look inside first?”

“Inside the cabin?”

“Yes. I want to see how much space there is, so I can decide what to bring and what to leave behind.”

“Oh.” He took the hat off again. “That makes sense.” He shrugged his shoulders and lifted an arm to invite her up the steps. He heard a thump and turned to see the door of the livery open. Jim Robbins stood in front of his place and made no effort to hide his interest in the goings-on at Edward’s house. Edward turned and looked up the street. Mrs. Winters was sweeping the sidewalk in front of the post office. He pivoted and saw Will Thomas in the doorway of the lumber mill.

Edward put his hat back on and took Lily by the elbow. “It seems we’re being watched.”

She followed his gaze and saw the obvious interest their neighbors were showing. She giggled like a schoolgirl. It was a light sound, like water over rocks in a stream in summertime. “You’d think there was a fire or something.”

He chuckled. “One would think so.”

“What should we do? Wave? Or ignore them.”

He drew in a breath. “Do you trust me?”

“I believe I’ve proved that already. After all, I did marry you less than an hour ago.”

Mr. Croft walked by on the street and tipped his hat. He made a show of greeting Mr. Robbins when he arrived at the livery.

Edward leaned in close. “What goes on here will affect us all. How well your business does, and how well our marriage is accepted. All of it could have consequences for us and for Ellen.”

Lily looked over his shoulder and nodded. “I’d say this town is very interested in us at the moment. I hope it will fade in time. Quickly, would be my preference.”

“Then I say we do our part to keep the busybodies from having anything to talk about.”

“How do you propose to do that?”

“By living the part of a normal married couple.”

Lily’s eyes grew wide.

He gave her elbow a slight squeeze. “What I meant to say is if we give every indication of being a normal married couple, when we’re outside the cabin, no one looking will have any reason to question our relationship. The best way for them to concentrate on someone else is for there to be nothing to see here.”

“I think I see what you mean.” Her face relaxed.

“Good. So we’re agreed?”

She nodded.

“Here we go, then.” Edward leaned close and, with one hand behind her back and another behind her knees, he scooped her off her feet.

Caught unawares, she gave a tiny yelp and wrapped her arms around his neck. She whispered close to his ear. “What are you doing?”

“I’m carrying you across the threshold.” He climbed the steps and walked into the cabin. He turned in the doorway and kicked the door closed with his foot.

Lily laughed. “I think I may have married a deranged man.”

Edward laughed and set her on her feet. He put the distance of the room between them. “Not deranged.” He closed the shutters across one of the front windows. “But never happy to be the center of attention.” He closed the other shutters and dropped into a chair at the table.

Lily stepped to the cabinet next to the stove and looked out of the window that faced Main Street. “Then why did you make such a scene? Mr. Winters has joined his wife on the sidewalk, and they’re talking to Mr. Croft. Mrs. Winters is smiling and looking in our direction.”

“Close the shutters.” Edward leaned back in the chair and stretched his legs out in front of him.

“It’s the middle of the afternoon.”

“I know. But if you don’t want them walking by on this side of the street and trying to peek in the window, you’ll close the shutters.”

Lily swung the shutters closed. The dim interior of the room was lit only by the fire. He marveled again at how gracefully she moved.

He went to the stove and set the coffee to warm. “Why don’t you sit by the fire? You’ve got to be bone tired.”

A slight shrug of her shoulders was the only response.

“It’s not the day either of us planned.” He opened a tin of cookies Mrs. Dismuke had brought for Ellen. His niece might not want him to share her treats, but he’d deal with her later.

Lily sat on the edge of a chair facing the fire. “Nothing has gone like I planned for most of my life.” He watched the back of her head as she shook it slowly back and forth. “I’d so hoped things would be different in Pine Haven.”

Edward poured two cups of coffee. “Do you drink coffee?”

“Yes.” She didn’t turn away from the fire. Her shoulders slumped forward.

He brought a cup to her and set the tin of cookies on the table by her chair. “This might help you.” He retrieved his cup and sat on the bench in front of the fire facing her.

She sipped the brew, and her face twisted. “Oh, my.”

“Not to your taste?”

“Is it to yours?” She looked up at him.

“Not really. But it’s the best I’ve been able to do.”

She sat up straight and set the cup on the table. “Did you bake the cookies?” A wary eye told him she was being cautious when it came to his efforts at cooking.

“No. The preacher’s wife brought them for Ellen. They’re quite good.”

“Do you think Ellen will be upset with you for sharing them with me?”

He grinned. She’d only been in town a couple of days, but she’d already figured out Ellen’s personality. “Probably. So consider it her wedding gift to you.”

She took a cookie and nibbled at it. Then she took another bite and picked up a second cookie.

“Have you eaten today, Lily?”

“I don’t remember. Everything has happened so fast.” She stared into the fire again. “I think I had some lunch.”

“Eat another cookie, then, and we’ll get some things figured out before we go get your trunks from the shop. I’ve got to take care of the wagon, too.”

She put the half-eaten cookie down and stood. “I’m sorry. I forgot about the wagon.”

“Relax.” She was like a frightened colt, jumping at every noise. “We need to wait a bit before we go outside again. If it’s all the same to you, I’d like to talk for a few minutes.”

She paced to the fireplace and back to the chair. “What are we doing?”

Edward stood and set his coffee on the table. “We’re making life better. For you. And for Ellen.”

Blue eyes looked up then. “We are, aren’t we?” She seemed to calm a bit.

“Yes.” He’d have to guard against those eyes. They were the kind of blue that could pull a man in against his will. Like a gorgeous sky that demanded attention. He took a step back. “Would you like to look around? Ellen’s room is through that door.” He gestured to the door closest to the fireplace. “I’ve cleared some space for you in my room.” He pointed to the other door on the back wall of the room.

Lily stiffened. He didn’t see it, but as soon as he said the words he knew it happened.

“Your room?”

“What I meant to say is, you’ll have the other room.” He nodded toward the fire. “I’ll be sleeping out here.”

“But I couldn’t take your room.”

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to keep my clothes and such in there, but I brought out my shaving things and stripped the bed. I thought you might have fresh linens you’d like to put on it.”

“Really, we can bring the settee from my rooms at the shop. I can sleep there.” She wrung her hands. “You’d never fit on it.” She lifted one hand to indicate his height. “You’re much too tall.” She pointed to the center of the room. “We could move the chairs back and...”

She was talking so fast he had to break in. “That won’t be necessary.” He pointed to the floor. “This is where I slept when I came here as an apprentice. The former owner took me in.”

“But now you’re the owner, and a man ought to sleep in his own bed.” Her voice became higher, and she was wringing her hands again.

He reached out and caught her hands in his. “Lily. Stop.” He kept his tone calm. If she maintained this pace, she’d work herself into a frenzy. “It’s going to be fine. I’ll sleep out here. Ellen goes to bed early. She’ll never know. You will take my bed. It’s the best I could do with the time I had.”

She withdrew her hands and put them to her cheeks. “It is all happening rather quickly, isn’t it?” She lowered her hands and met his eye. “I’m sorry. I’m not usually the sort of person to panic.”

“Anyone would be unsettled under the circumstances.”

“You don’t seem to be.” She tilted her head to one side and drew her brows together. “Why is that?”

“I told you. I’ve been considering marriage for the sake of Ellen.” He smiled at her. “Granted, I had thought to have more time for making the decision, but I was pondering it.” He moved to the bedroom door and opened it. “If you’d like to take a look around, I’ll see what I have that we could eat for supper.”

“Thank you.” She walked by him, and he went to see how much bread was left.

He had planned on making pancakes for Ellen and himself. It hardly seemed a fitting wedding supper. Even if they weren’t in the throes of young love, they were married today. His bride deserved a fine meal.

Something banged on the floor in his bedroom.

Lily called out. “Sorry. I tripped on the broom.”

He walked over and stood in the doorway of the room. “I shouldn’t have left it there. It’s usually on the back porch.” He’d never hesitated about going into his own room before. But it wasn’t just his anymore.

“Thank you for doing such a nice job of preparing for me.” She stood in the center of his room with her hands clasped in front of her. “It’s very nice.”

“I’m sure it’s not what you’re accustomed to.” He backed away from the door.

“Really, it’s fine.” She stepped into the front room again. “Let’s go get my things. I’d like to close up the shop. There’s a lot to do this evening.” She had walked to the front door while she talked. “Did you find anything to eat?”

Edward grabbed his hat from its peg. “Nothing fit for a wedding supper.” He opened the door. “I think we’ve earned a treat. Let’s get your things and go to the hotel for supper.”

* * *

Lily laid her hairbrush between the comb and mirror in the satin-lined box her father had given her for her last birthday and closed the lid. She ran her hand across the wooden box and marveled at its uniqueness. The beauty of the ornate dresser set made her smile every time she used it. It reminded her of her father’s love.

Every woman deserved to feel special. She’d come to Pine Haven to bring beautiful things to the ladies in town. It was one thing she could do well. She knew what ladies liked and how the smallest treasure could brighten even the most menial life.

Now, three days into her new adventure and she was preparing for bed in a home she shared with a husband she just met.

Dinner had been delicious. The thick slices of ham served with the fluffiest potatoes were as fine as any she’d eaten. They’d dined at the hotel her father was buying and would run with her sister Jasmine, when he arrived in a few weeks’ time. If it hadn’t been her wedding supper, she knew she’d have been able to enjoy it more. Never had she dreamed her wedding would be a hasty affair orchestrated to prevent the demise of her good name in a town of strangers.

Lord, I don’t know why all this happened. Help me to handle it in a way that pleases You. Please bless and protect Edward and Ellen.

She lowered the wick, and the lamp went out. Lying in bed and staring at the moonlight that shone around the shutters brought no calm to her rattled soul.

A rap at the door startled her. “Lily? Are you awake?”

Lily sat up in bed and pulled her mother’s quilt under her chin. “Yes.” Her voice was so low she wasn’t sure Edward could hear her.

“I hate to disturb you, but I left my Bible by the bed.”

“Just a minute.” She climbed out of the bed and slid into her dressing gown. This time she cinched it securely. A loose robe would never happen to her again. Of course, the only time it mattered had already passed.

She barely opened the door. “Do you have a lamp? I put mine out and don’t know where the matches are.”

“Yes.” Edward retrieved a lamp from the table by his chair near the fireplace and handed it to her. “I’m sorry to bother you. I’m having a bit of trouble getting to sleep. I usually read the Bible at night.”

“I understand.” She turned into the room and found the well-worn book. “I was just saying my prayers.”

A smile lit his eyes. “I hope you said one for me.”

Glad for the relative darkness, she passed the lamp back to him as her cheeks flamed warm. “I did. And for Ellen, too.” She handed him the Bible and backed away from the door.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” She looked over her shoulder into the room. “I guess I’ll turn in now.”

He nodded. “Well, good night, then. I’ll see you in the morning. We’ve got a lot of work to do.”

“Yes. I’ll be ready.” She closed the door and leaned against it. How would she ever get to sleep tonight? An exciting adventure into independence had turned into the journey that would last her lifetime. She prayed God would give her the strength to make it.

When she awoke the next morning, the cabin was quiet. She dressed without delay, grateful she’d thought to bring her pitcher and bowl with her. The privacy of Edward’s bedroom shielded her from having to face her new life before she was alert. She opened the shutters over the window to be greeted by a sun much higher in the sky than she’d expected. How had she slept so late?

Opening the door into the front room, she braced for her first encounter with her husband. Her husband.

God, give me strength.

This was quickly becoming her constant prayer. God must be showing His sense of humor today, because Edward was nowhere to be seen. She took a peek into Ellen’s room. Everything was just as it had been the night before.

Sunlight streamed through the windows in the front room. No time for breakfast now. She went back to her room and snatched up her hat and coat. This was no way to begin her new life. What would Edward think of her shirking her responsibilities on their first day of working to repair the shop?

Lily walked across the street without seeing anyone. She found the shop empty, too. Where was Edward? She hung her hat and coat on the hall tree and got to work. A full hour later the front door opened. Edward came in carrying a package wrapped in brown paper. He propped it in the windowsill and shrugged out of his coat.

“Oh, good. You’re here.” He hung his coat next to hers. “Did you sleep well?”

“Where were you?” Lily’s stomach growled in hunger.

“Excuse me?” Edward went to the front door and started to remove the wooden trim from around the window he’d broken so he could get into the shop on the night of the fire.

“I’ve been here for over an hour. I thought we were going to work together this morning.” Why didn’t he look at her? Was he as uncomfortable as she was?

“I’ve been working for several hours, Lily.” He dropped the trim pieces into a pile at his feet and scrubbed the end of the hammer along the edge of the frame to remove the remaining bits of broken glass.

“I wish you’d awakened me.” Lily had established a comfortable working relationship with Edward as her landlord. But today he was also her husband. She didn’t know how to behave toward him.

“I knocked on the door.”

“I didn’t hear you. You could have made certain I was awake.”

He dropped the hammer into the small box of tools near his feet and turned to her. “Really?”

“Of course.” She backed up a step from him. “I wanted to be here early. I don’t know when I’ve slept so late.”

“How was I supposed to respect your privacy and wake you without coming into the room?”

Lily looked at her feet. “Oh. I see.” She walked to the glass display case and picked up the rag she’d been using to wipe the soot from the furniture. Edward must be as off balance by their situation as she was.

She heard him tearing the paper from the package he’d brought with him.

“Will you hold this glass steady while I nail the trim work back into place?”

She dropped the rag and brushed her hands together. “Certainly.”

Edward set the pane on the lip of the frame and held it steady. “Put your hands here and here.”

Lily followed his instructions. He stooped to pick up the first piece of trim and slid it between her and the door. She stretched as far as possible to one side, so he could hammer without hitting her. He worked with several small nails between his lips. Each time he hammered one into place he retrieved another.

Talking around the nails, he admitted, “I knew you hadn’t slept the night before. You needed the rest.”

“I’m sorry.” She shifted so he could put the next piece of trim on the opposite side of her, all while holding the pane of glass. “I wanted to help you.”

“There was nothing you could do this morning. I was picking up the supplies we need.” He tapped the last piece into place, and she backed away. It was difficult to be so close to him working, knowing neither of them had intended to be working together at all, much less as husband and wife.

“Well, all the same, I’d have been here if I were awake.” Her stomach rumbled again.

“Let me guess.” He picked up the box of tools and headed for the workroom. “You didn’t eat breakfast.”

She followed to retrieve the broom and dustpan. She might not have gone with him to buy the supplies, but she would clean up the mess. “No. I wasn’t sure where you were. I was late enough as it was.”

He dropped the box onto the workbench. “Lily, we need to establish some kind of expectations for our relationship and act accordingly.”

She stilled, broom in hand, and leaned against the doorway between the shop and the workroom.

Edward exhaled as if he were gathering his nerve. “We were able to work together in a friendly manner before the fire. I’d like for us to continue to do that. We’ve both been on pins and needles since we decided to get married. We both did it for noble reasons. Do you think you can relax? I declare, the more nervous you are around me, the more nervous it makes me.” He stopped and drew in a deep breath.

A rumbling laugh bubbled up in her throat. She tried to swallow it but couldn’t. “You’re so right. We’re no different than we were two days ago.”

His eyebrows shot up. “Maybe a little different.”

She did laugh then. “Yes, but we’re the same people. With the same goals.”

“Some of the goals are different, too.” He scrunched up his face a bit.

“You know what I mean.” She stepped forward and put a hand on his arm. “I agree with you. Let’s continue as the friends we were becoming before the fire.”

“Good.” He looked at her and then at her hand on his arm.

She dropped her hand. “I’m glad we got that settled.” She turned to go back into the shop and sweep up the glass.

Edward followed her. “Would you like some lunch?”

“Yes, I would. As soon as I sweep up this mess, I’ll go upstairs and put something together for us. All my food stores are still here.”

“All right.” He nodded toward the workroom. “Then I’ll get to work in here.”

“Okay, then.” She swept up the glass, wondering what her life would be like now. Everything she’d envisioned was like the glass at her feet. Shattered. Beyond repair. Replaced by something new. The new glass served the same purpose, but the old glass would soon be forgotten. Could she forget her dreams of independence? Would her new life afford her the same fulfillment? Establishing her shop would make her financially independent. That would be a comfort to her as she watched the rest of her dreams disappear. Tonight Ellen would return, and Lily’s new role as mother to the young girl would begin.

Lily knew opening a new business would be a great challenge. She was certain winning Ellen’s trust would be greater.

Chapter Five

Edward stepped into the front of the shop and heard Lily cry, “Oh, no!”

She let out a yelp, and he was at the workroom door as she stumbled backward. The highest shelf in the storeroom was just beyond reach from her stool. She’d climbed onto the workbench, overreaching to push the extra hatboxes out of the way.

Seeing her arms flailing, he crossed the shop floor as she lost her struggle to right herself. The breath whooshed out of her as she landed against his chest.

“Wonderful.” Edward set her to her feet. “I see you’re still following Doc’s orders.”

Disapproval, not surprise, covered her face.

“I was just trying to make room to work.” She brushed her hands together to remove the dust. “I’m perfectly fine.”

“Just how fine would you be if I hadn’t come along?”

“How do you know I wasn’t startled by you coming into the shop unannounced?”

“Because I heard your screech while I was outside.”

“Never you mind. I’m not hurt, and I’ve more work to do.” Lily twirled and marched to the front of the shop.

“You’re welcome.” He followed her.

Lily hung her head but smirked. “Thank you so much for helping me catch my balance.”

“Catch your balance? You’d be lying on the floor broken if I hadn’t come in here when I did! You might want to be more careful if you intend to open your shop next week. Or at all.”

“You’re right. I have a tendency to lessen the intensity of things after the fact.” She smiled. “Thank you for saving my life.”

“Catching your balance? Saving your life?” Edward laughed. “Is there no middle ground with you, Lily?”

Her eyebrows shot up when he spoke her name. Would she be able to relax and accept a modicum of familiarity from him?

He grimaced and indicated the bell he’d dropped on the table when he’d rushed to help her. “I came to mount this.”

She reached for the bell. “It’s lovely.” She studied his handiwork. It hadn’t taken long to repair, but it was intricate work. He was glad she approved.

“I brought a new bracket to make sure it doesn’t fall again.” Their fingers brushed when she handed the bell to him. A tingling sensation caught him off guard. He didn’t know if he was more surprised by how the touch of her fingers stirred his skin or how her words of kindness and approval brushed against his wary heart.

“Thank you. I’ve work to do in the back room. I’ll leave you to it.” Her quick steps confirmed her hurry to escape his presence. “If you need me, just give a shout.” She darted a glance over her shoulder.

“It’s a bit more likely you’ll be calling out for help from me,” Edward muttered as he turned to work on the bell.

“I heard that.” She laughed. “You’re probably right, but allow me the opportunity to think I might be safe on my own.”

He’d replaced the burned shelves in the workroom by midafternoon, then left her to get her supplies set up as she pleased. That had given him time to go across the street to his shop and repair the bell. He hoped it was the last thing she’d need. After two days away from his shop, he was behind on his work.

Edward dropped the bell, and it clanged on the wooden floor.

“Are you all right out there, or do you need my help?” Lily’s sarcasm danced into the room on her words.

“Got it.” He inspected the bell for damage. “Thankfully, my foot broke its fall.”

“Good thing it didn’t hit you in the head. You’d have to make a new one.” Lily snickered from the opening to the workroom.

He stood with his hands holding the bell above the door and angled his face to see her. Just as he suspected. A wide grin.

“Very funny.” He chuckled before turning back to his work. He gave the nail one final rap and released the bell and bracket.

“Good as new.” He started gathering his tools and putting them back in the box.

“Great.”

He picked up his toolbox. “Is that everything?” He watched as she looked around the shop.

“I think so. The rest will be up to me. I’ve got to make new stock. I’m hoping it will only take a few days.”

“Provided you don’t sleep the mornings away?” He dipped his hat and stepped out the door. “I’ll see you at home in a little while.”

Edward heard her stamp her small foot on the floorboards as he closed the door, and a grin tugged at his mouth.

Standing on the steps of the building—his building—he marveled at the life one small creature could bring to a place. Not since his sister left town had he sparred with a woman. He found it invigorating.

A shudder ran up his back, and he tromped off the porch. That was not a healthy path to travel. Following the excitement of conversation with a young woman was not where he was headed in life. Not at all.

Their marriage was about Ellen. He’d serve himself well to remember that.

* * *

Edward opened the door to Ellen’s room. “Come to the table, young lady. Aunt Lily called you several minutes ago.”

His niece sat in the middle of the bed with her arms folded around the doll his sister had made for her. “I don’t like carrots.” Her bottom lip protruded.

Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.

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