Authors: Destiny's Surrender
Billie added, “And Drew, you probably shouldn’t mention that Emmalina was murdered. Knowing her mother is dead will be hard enough. Being told she was murdered will only break her heart all the more.”
He was touched by her wisdom and wholeheartedly agreed.
After dinner, Drew drove his wife and son out to the construction site to view the progress being made on their home. Once they arrived, Tonio was being his wiggly self and wanted to get off the wagon and run around, but with all the barrels and wood piled everywhere, neither parent thought that a good idea.
Drew was still thinking about Billie’s wise counsel. “Not many women would worry about the feelings of their husband’s ex-
novia
the way you did. Says a lot about you, Billie.”
“I figure she still holds your heart, and truthfully what I said could be for anyone grieving. Why are you looking at me that way?”
“You think I’m in love with Rosa?”
“Aren’t you?”
“No.”
“But you were going to marry her.”
“I was, but not out of love.”
She adjusted their squirming son on her lap, all the while viewing Drew with confusion.
“I asked her to be my wife because she was of good family and we got along reasonably well.”
“So it wasn’t a love match.”
He shook his head. “I was basically settling for her as a wife, to be truly honest.”
“She was so lovely and elegant. I just assumed.”
She looked away and he would’ve given every dime he had to know what was going through her mind at that moment. His feelings for her ran far deeper than they ever had for Rosaline. Much more complex as well. Did he love her? He was pretty sure he did, and looked forward to a future together that would be free of the looming specter of DuChance. And who knew, maybe the day would come when she’d love him as well. “How about we get down and I show you what we’ve done since your last visit.”
“I’d like that and so would he.” As always, Tonio wanted to be on his feet.
He came around to help her down. “Here, I’ll take him.”
She gave him over gladly and they walked towards the building site. They’d decided on three bedrooms, a large kitchen, parlor and an office for Drew. He was having difficulty getting her to agree to two bathing rooms, however.
“Two seems so extravagant, Drew.”
“You won’t think so when this one gets to be about nine and you’re sharing that one room with him. I grew up with two brothers. As soon as Alanza could afford to, she added our wing and our own bathing room so she could take a bath in peace.”
“Never thought about it in those terms. Okay, two it is.”
The leveling had been accomplished. Support posts were in place and standing tall. “We’ll be putting the roof on this weekend. Usually people here invite the men in area to help with that, and they bring their families and everybody visits, eats, and has a good time.
“Is that what you’re planning to do?”
“Yes, but if knowing people that have probably seen the notice in the paper makes you wish to stay away, I’ll understand.”
“I’ll be fine. As long as you’re willing to face them, I can too.”
“Good girl. I believe Mama’s going to announce her engagement to Max during the gathering as well.”
“Hopefully folks will pay more attention to that.”
They continued their tour of the site and she asked, “What did Max say about the sitting porches I suggested?”
“Said he’d build one on the roof if it made you happy.”
She liked Max and was looking forward to knowing him better. “Having one on each side of the house suits me fine.”
Billie kept wanting to pinch herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. She had a good man, his wonderful family, a thriving child, and now, a house of her own. Last year at that time, Tonio was still the infant she was supposed to be turning over to Prince on his first birthday. She never imagined this new life would be waiting instead.
“Penny for your thoughts.”
“Just thinking how amazed I am by everything that’s happened in the past year.” She was also amazed by his admitting not having loved Rosaline. She wondered how he’d respond if she confessed her own true feelings. Not that she’d ever do something so dumb, for fear it would wreck everything they’d built so far, but still . . . “Thank you for everything, Drew—for Tonio, and this life you’ve given us, and your kindness.”
“You’re welcome and you don’t have to keep thanking me.”
“But you didn’t have to do this—any of it.”
He drew her into his arms as best he could while holding the baby and placed a kiss on her brow. “Thank you for coming into my life and giving me a son.”
He slipped his hand around her waist and they headed back to the wagon.
That evening, as she sat on the verandah watching the blood-red dying sun, she let her mind drift back over the day. She was glad Drew finally heard from Rosa. According to all accounts the mother had not been a nice woman but no one deserved to be murdered. She hoped the young woman would find peace down the road. As for Drew’s words on why he’d proposed marriage to someone he hadn’t loved, she supposed she shouldn’t be surprised. Arranged marriages were quite common especially among the wealthy, she just hadn’t figured him for a man who’d settled.
Yet he’d settled for you
came the thought. Luckily for her, he stepped out to join her at that moment and her thoughts fled.
“Antonio is in bed and sound asleep.”
“Hallelujah. His parents survive to fight another day.”
He sat beside her. “He’s a handful. Never knew babies could be so intense.”
“Neither did I.”
“He’s already showing who he’s going to be.”
“Yes.
Quite
the handful.”
He draped his arm over her shoulder and she melted into his side as if they’d been sitting next to each other in just that way their entire lives. The kiss he placed against her brow felt the same.
“Does a man tell his wife he loves her even if he’s unsure whether she loves him in return?”
She sat up straight and her jaw dropped.
“Not the right thing to ask?”
“Um—I’m a bit speechless.”
He withdrew his arm. “Sorry.”
“Oh no you don’t, Drew Yates.” She leaned back against him and repositioned his arm. “We’re having this conversation.”
He laughed and looked down into her eyes. “My son’s a handful because his mama is.”
“Thanks for the compliment.”
“Come here.” He dragged her onto his lap. She settled in with her cheek against his heartbeat. “You were saying,” she prompted saucily.
“You’re going to be spanked in a minute, missy.”
“Promises, promises.”
His soft chuckle reverberated beneath her ear. He looked down at her, and in a voice as quiet as the gathering night, said, “I love you, Mina.”
Tears sprouted out of nowhere at hearing his name for her, and she said, “Then I suppose now’s the time for me to say I love you, too. And I have for a real long time, but I couldn’t tell you though.”
“Why not?”
“It would’ve mucked things up.”
He nodded understandingly. “It won’t muck things up now.”
Then she was being kissed with an intensity that touched her soul. The past didn’t matter and neither did the future, only the present where he tasted her tears with soft brushes of his lips and she held him close enough to breathe into her heart. Later, when they made love, it wasn’t their usual spirited, bordering-on-acrobatic coming together. Instead they gifted each other with an interlude that was slow and sweet as a Spanish guitar. He worshipped her as if she were the most precious thing in his world. His kisses enchanted. His touch enthralled. The feel of him inside her—magnificent. And when they finally collapsed against each other for the last time, he pulled her close and whispered, “I love you, Mina.”
“I love you, too, Drew.”
It was a night Billie would remember for the rest of her life.
T
o Billie’s surprise when she and Mariah drove to the construction site early Saturday morning there were already scores of men moving over the house like ants. The air recoiled with the sounds of hammering and shouting. Lumber was being toted, ladders were everywhere and the workers were climbing up and down going about their tasks. She spied Drew up on the open spine of the roof working beside his brother Logan nailing in beams and Max walking around calling out orders and being in charge.
“How long will it take?” she asked Mariah, who’d gotten down from the wagon and stood waiting for Billie to pass her her daughter.
“All day. By the looks of it your place is going to be pretty good size, so it may be nightfall before they’re done.”
A multitude of people of all races—Black, Spanish, White, Native—were descending on the meadow driving buggies, wagons, and coaches, and unloading food, tools, children of varying ages. She even saw a man carrying a fiddle and another a trumpet.
“There’ll be music, too?” the laughing Billie asked as she and Tonio walked with Mariah and Little Maria through the grass. Having never been to a community event such as this one, she found everything new.
“Yes, and ice cream, and sack races, and so much food we’ll have to waddle home.”
Billie saw eyes following their progress and wondered if any of them had seen the article in the paper. She and Mariah had discussed the possibility on the ride over.
“Are you ready?” Mariah asked.
“Ready as I’ll ever be. For Drew and Alanza’s sake, I’m hoping no one will be out and out nasty, though.” Billie planned to ignore any slurs thrown her way, but anyone denigrating her child would be in for a fight.
“There may be a few who’ll be unkind, but I doubt they’ll have the guts to say anything within earshot.
The air was sweet with the smells of roasting pigs and beef, and alive with the high-pitched squeals of children’s laughter. There were men shaking hands and women hugging and rocking as if reveling with an old friend. In spite of the way some people continued to pause to watch her pass, Billie was looking forward to the day.
Amanda Foster, with her pigeonlike shape, waved and beckoned them over. When they reached her side she gave both women a hug. “Billie, my roses are absolutely stunning.”
“I’m glad.”
“Was the notice in the paper the truth?”
Billie didn’t hesitate. “Yes.”
“Just wanted to hear it from you. Some of the women won’t be continuing with their lessons.”
“Sorry to hear that.”
“Well, I hope they get eaten by bears. You saved my husband’s life. I plan to call you friend until the Good Lord takes me home.”
She drew Billie into another hug and said with fierce emotion, “Don’t let anyone tell you you aren’t a good person. You hear me?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Good, now go have fun.”
A buoyed Billie and Mariah walked on.
In the grass adjacent to the building site, but far enough removed not to be in the way of the workers, people had set down blankets and pallets to claim their spots for the day. Behind them were four long trestle tables groaning with food and a bevy of women buzzing around them. Billie spied Bonnie standing with Alanza who, dressed in her ever-present divided skirt and boots, appeared to be spearheading the work. Seeing her daughters-in-law approach brought on a smile and she beckoned them to her side. There was curiosity in the eyes of some of the women. Others gave Billie a critical once-over. While Mariah shared a hug with a beautiful dark-skinned woman, Alanza announced, “Ladies, I want you to meet my newest
nuera
. Drew’s wife, Billie.”
The woman who’d shared the hug with Mariah stepped right up. “Welcome, Billie. I’m Naomi Pearl. Pleased to meet you.”
“Thanks. Same here.”
“I own the diner in town, so if you like pie I have a piece with your name on it.” Naomi eyed Tonio, who seemed unsure about all the people and noise and was clinging close to his mother. “And who might this handsome gentleman be?”
“This is my son, Antonio.”
Naomi stroked his cheek. “How many hearts have you broken just this morning, Antonio?”
He gave her a big smile and reached out.
“May I?” Naomi asked Billie.
“Sure. Just be careful of your earrings. He likes to grab.”
So while Antonio conquered yet another woman’s heart, Billie met the women around the table. Among them was Lucy Redwood, a Native woman who greeted her warmly. “So glad to meet you, Billie.”
“Thank you.”
“My daughter Green Feather is Logan’s godchild. She’s back East attending Hampton Institute in Virginia.”
“That’s a long way from home. Bet you’re missing her.”
“I am, but we’re so very proud.”
Alanza continued the introductions. There was Eliza Gail, the town postmistress, who used a cane to get around. She sniffed at Billie and stalked off, earning a glare from Alanza, who next introduced Jenna Lane, a cook at Naomi’s diner, and then BiBi Crane, the new schoolteacher. The two women nodded a greeting. Next came tall, sneering, Felicity Deeb, who after being introduced offered no greeting, nor did she even pretend to be polite. “Alanza, surely you don’t expect us women of high moral standards to break bread with an
adventuress
. I read the piece in the paper.”
Billie tensed.
Alanza responded, “Then you should probably have Jim take you home, Felicity.”
Felicity looked surprised.
“You will not slur my family to my face, on my own land!” Alanza snapped. “Where were you raised?”
Billie saw muted smugness play across the lips of Mariah and Naomi.
Felicity sputtered, “Well, I just—”
“Go home, Felicity. Find your husband and spare the rest of us your high moral standards.”
Billie certainly didn’t need Alanza to fight her battles but she admittedly enjoyed the woman being put in her place.
Felicity shot Billie a glare of blazing hostility, which she met emotionlessly. The angry woman turned to the group as if seeking support, but when she didn’t receive any, she stalked off. Billie wondered how many of the others shared Felicity’s opinion and were simply too afraid of incurring Alanza’s wrath to speak up, but she decided she didn’t much care. This was her home now and they could accept her or not.
Alanza didn’t seem to care either. “Where were we?”
The group resumed their tasks around the tables. Naomi walked over to Billie and handed Antonio back to her. “He is so precious.”
Billie agreed and kissed his chubby little cheek.
Naomi asked, “Can you and I be friends, Billie?”
“Sure.”
“Good, because with you as a friend, I may never have to endure Felicity’s high moral presence again.”
Billie laughed and Naomi sauntered away.
Having to keep a close eye on Tonio prevented Billie from helping with much, so Alanza took him for a bit and Billie jumped in. The woman who’d been introduced as Jenna Lane was at a far table alone setting out desserts so she made her way over there. “Can I help?”
“Sure. Can you put that cake there.”
Billie complied and asked, “So, how long have you been working with Naomi, Wanda?”
She stilled, then added another cake to the table. “I wondered if you remembered me.”
“I do. Been a few years, though.” They’d worked together at the Pearl but one day, Wanda was gone. It wasn’t uncommon for girls to drift away, but she’d given no notice as far as Billie knew and she remembered wondering if something had happened to her. Back in those days, Wanda Russell had been bright and brassy. Viewing her now in her mud-colored dress and pulled-back hair, one would never connect the two. Billie looked down at her own sedate garb and supposed the same could be said of herself.
“I’ve worked for Naomi about a year. Was real surprised to see you. Thanks for not letting on that you knew me.”
“You’re welcome, but why a new name?”
“Started a new life. My man doesn’t know anything about who I was before, and I want to keep it that way.”
“He won’t learn it from me.”
“Thanks. You fell into some pretty high cotton—marrying into all this, I mean.”
“Yes. Drew’s a good man. Known him a while.”
“I remember. We girls envied you back then.”
“So, are you and your man married? Do you have children?”
“Yes. A son. He’s almost four now. He’s sitting over with a neighbor. Name’s Benjamin, after my father. I had him after I left the Pearl. Was passing myself off as a widow when I met my husband, Curtis. He works for the railroad and he’s gone a lot, but he’s a good man.”
Billie saw Alanza waving her back. “I need to go see what she wants. Take care of yourself, Jenna.”
“I will and thanks for keeping my secret.”
“You’re welcome.”
Billie retrieved her wiggly son and went to find Mariah. Bumping into Wanda was surprising but Billie would keep her word and not give her away. Everyone deserved a second shot at life.
As the morning wound down the number of people in the meadow seemed to have grown tenfold. Children were having foot races, tossing balls and carrying fishing poles down to the river. Some of the littler ones were in tears over injuries incurred, while older siblings were quietly scolded for inappropriate behavior. Billie was sitting with Lucy Redwood and trying to keep Antonio from wandering off when Mariah walked up toting Maria. “The baby jail is ready, finally.”
Billie was puzzled. “Baby jail?”
“Yes. Grab Tonio and come on.”
The baby jail turned out to be a wooden penlike structure where the mothers of little ones could deposit them. It was large enough to hold an army of toddlers and stocked with enough playthings to keep them happy until the new year. Several adolescents girls were being paid a few pennies to watch over them so the mothers could visit, help out, and not worry. Billie thought it was a splendid idea. Her only worry was whether Antonio would actually allow her to leave him there. The only other child in his world was his cousin Maria, so she wasn’t sure how he’d do among so many others but she put him inside. He stood there looking around a moment at the half dozen children his size, glanced up at her for a second, smiled, and toddled off after a ball. Maria was right behind him. Relief filled her. She didn’t plan to leave him for an extended period of time, just long enough to catch her breath and take a walk over to the construction site to get a look at her new home and her husband.
The hammers continued to ring. The roof was looking more complete and the house was now almost totally enclosed.
“Hello, Mrs. Yates.”
She turned to see Reverend Paul Dennis standing beside her. “How are you, Reverend?”
“Doing well and so are the roses. Thank you so much for your charity.”
“You’re welcome.”
For a moment he stood and looked at the work going on. “Quite the house.”
“I agree. Although all this hammering is making my head ache.”
“Be over soon.” He paused for a moment then asked, “May I broach a delicate subject?”
She shrugged. “Sure. Is it about the piece in the newspaper?”
He paused again, met her cool eyes, and nodded. “Yes.”
“Broach away then.”
“I just wanted to let you know that you are welcome at the church.”
“Are you trying to save my soul?”
He smiled. “Not too cynical, are you?”
“I am who I am, Reverend.”
“Although we reverends are in the soul-saving business, I was extending an invitation just to let you know you’re welcome.”
“Appreciate that. Not sure how some of your flock’s going to feel about it, but thanks for the invite, and having the guts to offer one.”
He chuckled softly. “You’re welcome.” Inclining his head politely, he moved on.
She threaded her way through the blankets and families until she was close enough to the house to see her husband. He was on the ground huddling over the drawing with Eli, Logan, and Max. As if sensing her presence, he glanced up, and the smile he sent hit her heart like an arrow from Cupid. He said something to his companions and walked over to her.
“Having a good time?” The hammering suddenly stopped and relief flooded her ears.
“I am. Our house looks to be coming along.”
He glanced up at it. “Yes it is, though we still have a long way to go still. Where’s the son?”
“Baby jail.”
He laughed.
“And while he’s serving time I thought I’d come and say hello.” She ignored the interest they were receiving from the people nearby.
“Folks treating you okay?”
“Yes. No one’s been overly rude. Although your mother did ask Felicity Deeb to leave. Seems she didn’t wish to break bread with an adventuress because of her high moral standing.”
“She’s a bitch.”
“I figured that out.” People were still staring. “All these eyes make me feel like an attraction at the circus.”
“Me too.”
They saw Logan waving at Drew. “I need to get back. I’ll see you when we break for lunch, which better be soon. I’m starving.”
He hurried away and Billie headed back to break Tonio out of jail. On the way, Eileen Jackson, one of the ladies who’d been taking the gun lessons, pointedly turned her back when Billie passed near. Billie ignored her.
Lunch was an orderly madhouse as people lined up to help themselves to the tables and tables of food. The workers were allowed to eat first, so wives took plates over to the site while other men like Logan and Drew got their own plates and sat down with their families. Naomi came over to join them.
Once everyone there had plates and seats, Alanza and Max stood up in the middle of the gathering and called out. “May I have your attention please. Max and I—”
Before she could utter another word, applause erupted and many people jumped to their feet cheering and hooting. It swelled, gained momentum, and someone yelled at them, “About time!” And “Who’s wearing the pants!” and “How much did she have to pay you, Max!”
The laughing Alanza lowered her head as if outdone by all the teasing. Max was laughing as well. He then threw an arm around her waist, bent her back and kissed her long and hard. The meadow erupted. When he finally turned her loose, she looked stunned.