Page 1 of Poppy’s Prayers (Clover Creek Community #8)

June 1866

Inside the one-room schoolhouse in Clover Creek, Poppy leaned over a small desk. Her fingers were stained with ink as she corrected a young boy’s arithmetic, her dedication to education evident in every carefully chosen word of encouragement.

“Remember now, Timothy,” she said softly, “you have to be careful where you place your numbers. If you carry the one in the wrong place, you’ll never get the right answer.”

As her students packed their slates and readers, Poppy’s gaze lingered out the window. She harbored dreams as vast as the Oregon Trail itself, dreams where every child in her care would carry the light of knowledge across the untamed land.

Meanwhile, a lone figure approached the burgeoning town of Clover Creek. Jacob Alexander rode a sturdy chestnut horse, its hooves kicking up clouds of dust along the dirt road. His dark hair was swept back from a face that bore the marks of hardship, and his eyes, a deep brown, surveyed the town with apprehension.

Jacob had journeyed far to reach this place, carrying with him the heavy burden of loss. The ghosts of his brother and the war they fought together clung to him. But Clover Creek promised a whole new beginning. Here, he would start a new life and build a dairy farm that would support him and his future family.

Dismounting in front of the town’s general store, he took a deep breath, glad no one here knew him or his past. He didn’t need people trying to comfort him about the loss of his twin brother. He needed to begin again, not forgetting, but not dwelling on the past either. Clover Creek, filled with mountains and beautiful Bear Lake was right where he needed to be. He was certain of it.

The woman behind the counter in the store held a baby on one hip as she helped another customer with her purchases. Then her eyes landed on Jacob. “Hello. I don’t think we’ve met yet. I’m Penelope Jensen.”

Jacob nodded. “Jacob Alexander. I have claimed some land near town. I’m starting a dairy farm.”

The storekeeper gave an approving nod. “We could use more dairy farms around here. It’s good land and even better people.” She smiled. “Welcome to Clover Creek.”

Jacob nodded. “It’s good to finally be here. I ended up wintering in Oregon City, and I just kept thinking about all the time I was wasting.”

“Welcome to Clover Creek, Mr. Alexander,” Mrs. Jensen said with a genuine smile. “I hope you’ll find what you’re looking for here.”

Jacob hoped the woman was right. The idea of a new beginning made him feel happier than he had in a long time.

*****

Poppy Smith’s fingers danced across the ivory keys of an old organ, coaxing out a hymn that filled the space with tranquility that seemed almost tangible. The notes rose and fell, a delicate echo of the peaceful Sunday morning, as the congregation followed her lead in song.

Poppy’s red hair was pinned back neatly, but a few rebellious curls had escaped. Her eyes closed gently with each chord she played, her face the very picture of serene devotion. As the last note lingered in the air, there was a stillness that settled over the room.

The service concluded with Pastor Jed Scott offering a benediction, his voice warm and comforting. As the congregation began to disperse, exchanging quiet words and nods, the pastor made his way to where Jacob Alexander stood somewhat apart from the others.

“Jacob,” Jed greeted him, his hand extended in welcome. “I trust this morning finds you well?”

“Yes, it does, Pastor,” Jacob replied, his handshake firm.

“Come, let me introduce you to someone,” Jed said, guiding Jacob toward the piano where Poppy was gathering her sheet music. “Miss Poppy Smith, our local schoolteacher and very talented musician meet Mr. Jacob Alexander, new to our community and planning to start a dairy farm.”

Poppy looked up, her green eyes meeting Jacob’s dark gaze, a spark of curiosity igniting as their hands met in a brief but firm handshake.

“Mr. Alexander,” she said. “Welcome to Clover Creek. I hope you find this town the answer to all your dreams, as I do.”

“Thank you, Miss Smith,” Jacob responded. “I’ve claimed a little piece of land just outside of town. There’s a furniture builder not far from me.”

Poppy grinned. “That furniture builder is my brother-in-law. I live with him and my older sister and their children.”

“Perhaps you’d like to join us for our noon meal?” Jed interjected, sensing the potential for a deeper connection. “Hannah and I are always happy to get to know new people coming to settle here.”

Jacob hesitated. He wasn’t used to being welcomed warmly. “I’d be honored,” he finally said.

“Excellent!” Jed clapped his hands together. “It’s settled then.”

As the two men walked away, Poppy found herself watching Jacob, a sense of anticipation stirring within her. There was a story behind those eyes. She loved to meet new people and hear their stories. Sometimes, she even wrote them down to amuse herself.

*****

When Poppy returned to her sister Sarah’s home, she helped get the little ones fed. After more than ten years of marriage, Sarah had five children, and Poppy did all she could to help her sister.

“Elmer invited our new neighbor for supper tonight,” Sarah told her. “He seems like a very nice man.” Sarah was well aware that her sister was interested in getting married and starting a family of her own.

“Oh, I met him after the service today. Pastor Jed introduced him. His eyes seem to be aching to tell a story. I can’t wait to hear it.” She wondered if all the prayers she’d been saying daily since finishing school were leading her to Jacob Alexander. She prayed for a husband and family every day.

Sarah smiled. “I’ll find some way to leave the two of you alone at least for a little bit. Then you can get to know each other and decide what you think of him.”

Poppy’s whole face lit up at the idea. “I would love that if you don’t mind.”

Sarah shook her head. “With all the help you’ve given me with my children over the years, I could never pay you back for what you’ve done.”

“You raised me. You could have easily sent the three of us to live with another family, but you never considered the option. I will never stop being grateful to you.”

Sarah shook her head. “I couldn’t very well leave my brothers and sister.”

Poppy smiled. She could never get Sarah to understand what a wonderful thing she’d done without making her sister uncomfortable. “Is it okay if I work in the garden for a bit? I want to sink my hands in the dirt.”

Sarah laughed. “You think you need my permission to help me garden?”

Poppy smiled at that before going to her room to change into some old clothes. She’d be sure to change again before Mr. Alexander arrived for supper.

An hour later, she was kneeling in the dirt, carefully pulling weeds from the garden. She could feel a smudge of dirt across her face, and she knew she looked a fright.

When it was time to help Sarah with supper, Poppy stood and brushed as much dirt off her dress as she could. She would change right away, of course, but she didn’t want to get dirt all over Sarah’s clean home.

“Miss Smith?” The voice was deep, slightly roughened. Jacob Alexander stood there, watching her brush the dirt from her dress. “Is this how the schoolteacher spends her Sunday afternoons?”

“Mr. Alexander,” Poppy replied, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her chest. Her gaze met his, and for an instant, she felt like she would never be able to catch her breath. She wished she knew the secrets hidden in the deep pools of his brown eyes, but she wasn’t certain he would ever let her close enough to know anything.

“Jacob, please,” he said, closing the distance between them with a few measured steps. “I hope I’m not late.”

“Of course not.” She smiled. “I was just about to go inside and help Sarah with supper. My brother-in-law is in his furniture shop. Would you like me to take you there?”

“Yes, I’d like to see his work.” They walked side by side to the building beside their home, their arms barely grazing. Each brush was like a spark that spread through Poppy’s body. “Have you always been a teacher, Miss Smith?” Jacob asked.

“Poppy, please,” she corrected gently. “And yes, I’ve been teaching since I turned sixteen four years ago. We had a lot of teachers in and out before that. I love watching young faces light up when they learn something new.”

“Admirable,” he murmured, his gaze lingering on her.

“Elmer, you remember Jacob Alexander.”

Elmer looked up from a rocking chair he was sanding. “Good to see you again, Jacob.”

“I’ll leave the two of you. I need to help Sarah with supper.” Poppy left, immediately going to talk to Sarah. “I’m covered in dirt, and he’s here. I’m going to change into something cleaner, and then I’ll help with supper.”

Sarah smiled. “You look beautiful as always.”

“Don’t flatter me. I know the sheer amount of dirt I’m wearing.”

“You may want to wash your face while you’re changing. There’s dirt smeared.” Sarah pointed to her chin, and then her forehead. “Well, really, it’s all over.”

Poppy closed her eyes for a moment. “And this is the first eligible man I’ve found to be attractive. Of course, I’m covered in dirt.” She hurried from the room and cleaned up, coming back in one of the dresses she wore to teach. Wasn’t it just her luck to meet a kind man when she was wearing more dirt than the Oregon Trail?

Sarah had decided on chicken and dumplings for supper. Many of the townsfolk needed furniture, but it was easier for them to pay with chickens or hogs. Sarah based many of their meals on the currency Elmer was paid in.

“Who gave us the chickens?” Poppy asked, knowing that’s why they were having this particular meal.”

“Pastor Jed and Hannah,” Sarah said. “They received the chickens as a tithe, and Hannah needed another bed. Her children are growing up so quickly.”

Poppy smiled. “It’s hard to believe I teach them.” Poppy rolled out the dough for the dumplings while her sister put the chicken into the pot and added water and spices. Together, they’d made many meals, and they had a rhythm down.

“Jack and Grace will be here for supper tonight as well as Charles.”

“Oh, good. We’ll have a full house. It’s a good thing Elmer made such a long table.”

After cutting the dough for the dumplings, Poppy put them in a bowl and worked on cleaning up the table. It was covered with flour from their cooking endeavors.

When it was finally time for the meal, Poppy went to tell Elmer and Jacob. “It’s time to eat.” She wasn’t at all surprised to see Jacob helping sand the chair Elmer was making.

Both men got to their feet. “What are we having?” Elmer asked.

“Chicken and dumplings.”

Elmer looked at Jacob. “I’m sorry, but there’s not going to be enough food for you.”

Jacob smiled, shaking his head. “Not even one bite?”

“Not by the time I’m done,” Elmer said, leading the way into the house.

Jacob enjoyed watching Poppy walk to the house in front of them. She was slender and pretty. He could marry a girl like her.

When they got to the dining room, everyone took their seat. Poppy helped get all the food on the table, and then she automatically bowed her head for the prayer. Elmer’s prayer thanked God for bringing Jacob to them and said he hoped they would become fast friends.

Throughout the meal, conversation ebbed and flowed around them. Laughter and the clinking of cutlery filled the room, but beneath the din, a silent exchange unfolded between Poppy and Jacob. Each time their eyes met, words seemed unnecessary.

When talk turned to Jacob’s plans for a dairy farm, his answers were concise, painting a picture of toil and dedication. Yet, there lurked shadows behind his words, spaces where details should have been. Poppy listened intently, trying her very best to understand the man.

“What do you think of Clover Creek? Is it a great deal different from wherever you’re from?” Poppy asked.

“Change is necessary sometimes,” Jacob responded. “Survival requires adaptation.” His gaze drifted to the window. For a moment, his expression was veiled, hinting at a history marked by loss.

“It is,” Poppy agreed softly, wishing she knew what brought the sadness into his eyes. “Sometimes survival is the only thing possible for a while, until we can learn to be happy again.”

As the evening waned, and guests began to depart, Sarah suggested Poppy make sure Jacob knew the way back to the boarding house.

Poppy was certain Jacob knew her sister was trying to get them alone for a few minutes, but he didn’t say anything about it, and neither did she.

“How long do you think you’ll be staying at the boarding house?” she asked.

Jacob shrugged. “I’m not sure. When I got to town on Friday, I ordered lumber for a house and a barn. I think as soon as I get the basic house built, I can move out there. It’ll be summer, and there’s no reason I can’t live with the bare necessities.” He looked at her. “You really like living here, don’t you?”

She nodded. “I remember being so scared when I was a little girl and we left Independence, and I was right to be scared. We lost both of our parents on the trail, which is why Sarah and Elmer had to raise us. But since we’ve settled here, everything seems just a little bit better. How could someone ever wake up with the view here and not feel they were in the most beautiful place God created?”

He smiled, but it failed to reach his eyes. “I hope it’s like that for me as well. I love it here so far.”

“I do as well. I don’t see myself ever leaving Clover Creek. At this point, it’s all I know.”

“Would you mind if I walked you home from school tomorrow?” he asked. He wanted to spend his time focusing on his farm, but she seemed like a likely candidate for a wife. He wanted children soon. He had no other family now that his brother had passed, and he didn’t like knowing he was the last of his blood.

“I’d like that,” she said with a smile. Perhaps he was as attracted to her as she was to him. She liked the idea.

“I’ll see you at four then,” he said with a smile and a wave, as he hurried away toward the boarding house. As he walked, his mind was still on Poppy. “She’ll do. She’ll make beautiful babies.”

*****

Poppy stood on the steps of the schoolhouse, watching as the children scattered, running off toward home, most of them needing to hurry to get chores done. It was only two weeks before school was out for the summer, and the older boys had already begun staying home so they could help in the fields.

“Miss Smith?” a voice called from behind.

Poppy turned, smiling. She’d thought he’d forgotten about her. “Mr. Alexander.”

“Jacob.”

“Then it’s Poppy.”

“Are you ready to leave?” he asked.

Poppy hurried into the schoolhouse and picked up her books and lunch pail. “I am now,” she said quickly.

He took her books and lunch pail from her. “I guess I should carry Teacher’s books.”

Poppy laughed softly. “Just don’t let the children see you. They’ll have a great deal to say about it.

He chuckled. “You must not be much older than some of your students.”

“I’m not,” she said. “The older boys are gone until after harvest, but the older girls see me more as an equal. I went to school with most of them. It’s an odd situation for certain. But I don’t need everyone in town calling you Teacher’s beau. That would get uncomfortable for both of us.”

“Oh, I don’t know. It kind of has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?”

She laughed, shaking her head. “Small town gossip can take on a life of its own. I promise, we don’t want to go that route.”

“I wouldn’t know. I was born and raised in New York City. The first time I left was when I joined the Union Army and went to Camp Curtin in Pennsylvania.”

“That war seems so far away here. I mean, I know it’s over now, but it never felt like it really touched us.”

“It touched me,” he said, frowning. “It touched me where it hurt.”

Poppy felt the weight of his gaze, the sincerity in his words stirring something deep within her. “I’m sorry.”

“Everybody’s got a past, Poppy,” he found himself saying. “I hope you have a good evening.” He gave her back her books and lunch pail when they reached her door.

She watched him turn to leave, the tall grasses swaying in his wake. She hoped they had more opportunities to get to know one another.

“Good night, Miss Smith,” Jacob called softly over his shoulder.

“Good night, Mr. Alexander,” she replied.

*****

Jacob Alexander leaned against the weathered wood of the Clover Creek General Store, his gaze fixed on the schoolhouse across the way where Poppy Smith was dismissing her class for the day. As the last child darted past, Jacob’s eyes found Poppy again, her flaming red hair easy to spot.

“Mr. Alexander?” A voice broke through his contemplation. “You planning on standing there all day?”

Jacob offered a smile to the storekeeper who had stepped out beside him. “Just taking in the view, Mr. Jensen.”

“Miss Smith is quite the view,” the older man agreed before retreating inside his store.

Now, as he watched her close the schoolhouse door behind her, he felt an urge to step closer into her world. He wanted to know everything about her.

The notion that Poppy might share his curiosity gave rise to a sense of anticipation. “Miss Smith!” he called out, crossing the distance between them with a few purposeful strides.

“Mr. Alexander,” Poppy greeted him, a hint of surprise etching her features as she turned to face him. Her green eyes met his with an openness that quickened his pulse.

“Forgive the intrusion, but I was hoping you might entertain a question or two about Clover Creek,” he said.

“Of course,” she replied, her lips curving into a soft smile. “I’d be happy to help.”

“Perhaps you could show me around sometime? Introduce me?” Jacob ventured.

Poppy regarded him for a moment, her gaze searching his. “I think that can be arranged.”

*****

Jacob stood outside the modest structure of the Clover Creek schoolhouse, his gaze lingering on the wooden doorway. The windows were dark now, the laughter and chatter of children long since faded into the quiet dusk.

“Building a dairy farm won’t be an easy task,” Charles had warned him earlier, “It’s not just the land that’s tough, but winning over the folk here. We’re a close-knit bunch.”

Jacob’s thoughts turned to Poppy. In her presence, he sensed a kinship, but also the complexities of intertwining his life with someone else’s.

“Mr. Alexander?”

The voice startled him from his reverie, and he turned to see Margaret Prewitt approaching. “Hope you don’t mind me saying, but you’ve got that look about you. The same one my husband had when he first set eyes on this place.”

“Is that so?” Jacob replied, attempting a smile.

“Definitely.” Margaret nodded solemnly. “But remember, the land here can either break you or make you. It all depends on how much you’re willing to fight for what you want.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Prewitt,” he said. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

And somewhere within him, nestled between trepidation and yearning, lay the silent prayer that Poppy Smith might just be exactly what he needed in life.