Page 35

“W e thank you, Lord, for family and friends, especially for Ed’s new wife.”

Ed’s head bobbed up unbidden at the phrase rolling off Drew’s tongue.

Ed’s new wife.

He squeezed Rebekah’s hand, and she squeezed his right back, sending an overwhelming wave of anticipation through him. It’d only been three weeks since he’d popped the question. And now they were sitting together at the table, surrounded by family.

“Bless this marriage and this food. Amen.”

Ed kept hold of Rebekah’s hand as he opened his eyes to look at her.

She smiled as she sat there in that delicate-looking blouse she’d sewn to go with her navy skirt.

One with those puffy sleeves he didn’t usually care for on women but loved on her as she lifted a shoulder with a twinkle in her eye.

Rebekah leaned close. “I haven’t told you yet how handsome you look.”

He cleared his throat, hoping the heat he felt in his cheeks didn’t show. Not much into fashion, he’d nevertheless donned his best Sunday shirt and pants along with the boots purchased after the sale of another table to the bakery.

If all the family weren’t sitting around the table, he’d lean over and wrap her in his arms for another kiss. But there would be time enough for that later tonight, after they finished their celebration with the family at the main house.

“When do we get cake and raspberries?” Tillie fidgeted in her seat, her grin rivaling Rebekah’s as chuckles erupted around the table at her outburst.

“As soon as you finish with your dinner, little lady.” Drew winked at her as he passed a plate to Kaitlyn.

Nick leaned close to David, holding up a hand to get Jo to stop chattering long enough for him to hear her brother.

All while Isaac stared off, barely breaking a smile at Tillie’s antics.

No doubt remained for Ed that Isaac wished him and Rebekah the very best. He’d been more relaxed around Rebekah since the whole letter mix-up had ended.

But the old Isaac still lay hidden under the depths of whatever plagued him.

Ed could only guess what had happened to make Isaac so withdrawn.

If he couldn’t shoot at a man, it was no wonder he’d left the marshals.

But it hadn’t affected his ability to manage his tasks around the homestead since he’d come down from his cabin.

Drew and Nick didn’t need to know that Isaac couldn’t shoot until he saw fit to tell them.

“What kind of cake is it?” Rebekah leaned forward to tease Tillie, as if she hadn’t helped Kaitlyn with the baking yesterday.

If her aunt and uncle had been back, Opal would no doubt have had that honor.

Her aunt’s latest letter held not only the good news that Vess’s treatments were working but also that they hoped to return in the fall. Rebekah couldn’t wait to see them both.

The conversations echoed over the table as everyone laughed and smiled while passing plates of carrots, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, and fried chicken.

“I haven’t had this much food since a certain picnic.” Ed wiggled his brows at Rebekah.

She blushed before scooping up another mouthful of potatoes.

The picnic she’d been planning to surprise him with had taken place after they’d seen the bandit safely locked away in the Calvin jailhouse.

In fact, she’d brought food out nearly every day he’d been working on his cabin the last few weeks.

So much that he’d had to loosen his belt a notch for the wedding.

“Now that Ed’s lean-to is done…” Nick’s words faded as Tillie and Jo squabbled across the table.

His brothers had been eager to help him add a lean-to onto his cabin for his carpentry. Once done, he’d managed to move his work out there and scrub away all the sawdust just in time for the bright yellow curtains Rebekah had brought over to hang in the front windows.

Platters of food made their way around the table for second helpings amidst the joyful celebration. Ed let his focus fall on his new wife once again as her laughter filled the space beside him. Everything in him wanted to keep her happy for the rest of their lives.

“Will you build me a cradle for Prudence?” Tillie’s request burst into his thoughts.

“Your doll doesn’t need a cradle.” Jo glared at her sister.

Drew cleared his throat. His shoulder was pressed close to Kaitlyn’s. “There’s going to be a need for a full-sized cradle first.”

There was a moment of silence and then a chaos of congratulations.

No wonder Kaitlyn had been pushing food around on her plate without eating much. Tillie bounced in her seat. Another McGraw would be arriving soon.

“Is it time yet?” Tillie pushed her carrots around her plate, causing two glasses to bump together, and Kaitlyn reached to steady them, breaking the mood after the big announcement.

Kaitlyn turned to raise her brows at Rebekah. “Want to help me cut the cake?”

Rebekah dabbed her napkin to her lips. “I think this is the perfect time for it.”

As Rebekah pushed back her chair, her cheerful countenance flooded Ed with joy once again.

He lifted a hand to clasp hers, then slowly let it go as she moved away from the table.

He caught Kaitlyn watching them with a wide grin on her face.

As Rebekah rounded the table to join her, Kaitlyn looped Rebekah’s arm in hers.

The two had grown thicker than ever. Kaitlyn had invested part of her inheritance to help Rebekah rent the space for the paper in town. A silent partner. After Mr. Sullivan had skipped town, the bank had been eager for any renter.

“I’m so glad we’re finally sisters.” Kaitlyn’s whisper met his ears. “I knew it all along.”

Tillie pushed back from the table to follow them, Jo close at her heels.

As they disappeared into the kitchen, Ed shifted his attention to the low conversation between his brothers.

“Did you get the second part of the contract for the bakery?” Drew rested his arms on the table and leaned forward.

Ed had intended to spend more time in town next week converting the area above the newspaper office into an apartment to stay in while Rebekah worked on the paper each week, splitting his time between town and the homestead.

“I can turn it down. Won’t you need more help around here with Kaitlyn in the family way? ”

The old worry slipped in. Things were changing.

“Isaac and I have it covered.” Nick shared a glance with Isaac. It was good to have him back in the physical form. If only their brother were back to himself.

“David’s already stepped in to take on more chores too.” Drew settled the look of a proud father on David, who lifted his lips to form a faint smile. A lot for the boy who emulated his stoic Uncle Isaac.

Ed eased back in his chair.

“Did you hear the latest on Quade’s bandit?” David interjected the question, no doubt wanting to join the talk of the men he admired.

“Heard he refused to talk. Marshal O’Grady’s hands were tied since Rebekah was the only one who saw him on Quade’s ranch. There wasn’t enough proof to connect them.”

“Did they talk to Isabella?” As Ed spoke, David started to speak but bit his lower lip.

“She wouldn’t give them any information, not even an interview.” Even as he spoke, Drew turned his focus to hear what had David drumming on the table as he waited to speak.

“I mean about him dying,” David said.

“Dying?” Ed scanned the faces at the table. His gaze landed on Isaac, who stared out the window, the muscle in his cheek twitching. Ed glanced back at Nick and Drew. Concern radiated between them.

“The marshal went in to retrieve the dishes after the bandit finished his supper one evening only to find him dead.” In his rush to tell the news, David appeared oblivious to Isaac’s silence.

The brothers exchanged another knowing look.

“Quade’s gonna be elected as president of the Cattlemen’s Association.” Nick pulled a frown.

Rebekah had printed the truth of his connection with the bandit, but public opinion still favored him.

Folks didn’t believe he’d paid the man to do his bidding.

Especially after prior articles Mr. Sullivan had printed in Quade’s favor.

Articles that Quade had paid Sullivan to write.

It had hurt Rebekah to the core to imagine her mentor accepting a bribe, until she’d discovered Mr. Sullivan had offered to pay it back after his daughter recovered.

But Quade had threatened to ruin his reputation.

“He managed to work the whole bandit story around for his good.” Drew picked up his glass for another drink, then replaced it.

“Did he make another offer to buy us out?” Isaac asked, voice grave.

When Drew shook his head, Isaac muttered, “He ain’t done with us yet. He’ll try for the land again.”

“We’ll be watching for whatever he tries next,” Drew said. “And keep trusting God’s plan.”

Isaac’s eyes were banked with a smoldering fire. “We may have to fight.”

Tillie burst into the room, interrupting the men’s serious talk. “It’s ready.”

Kaitlyn rounded the corner with plates of cake in her hands.

Thoughts of Kaitlyn and Rebekah partnering to run the newspaper hit Ed in the gut. Rebekah always wanted to print the truth. Her other articles had put her in danger with the bandit. What might lie ahead?

Balancing more plates of cake, Rebekah followed close behind Kaitlyn, cheeks glowing. Ed kicked the negative feelings away as she moved closer. There’d be plenty of time for dealing with Quade later.

The faint scent of Rebekah blended with the sweet aroma of cake and berries as a loose ringlet of her hair spilled over her shoulder. Her eyes held his, and he’d never been more seen. Never felt more full of joy and life and laughter than in this moment.

Something swelled inside of him. He’d never ask her to give up what she loved. He’d do everything he could to protect her. From this day forward.

* * *

The palpable tension between the men surrounded Rebekah as she settled a plate in front of Ed.