THAT EVENING, DAVIS HOME
Tim walked in his home and turned on the lamp in his living room. Soon his home would look much different because it would be Clara's home too. He knew she would make it her own, adding color and feminine touches here and there. His bare walls and floors had been crying out for it.
He couldn't believe they were getting married. When had either of them become spur of the moment type people? He chuckled and then walked to his room to get something out of his dresser. When he pulled the ring box out, he smiled. His grandmother's engagement ring. He had kept it for the daughter he and Lainie were going to have one day, however, that hadn't happened. Now, he knew it belonged on Clara's finger.
He shut the box and walked back out of his house to go see her. He didn't want to wait until tomorrow.
A few moments later, he knocked on her door. No one answered though. Then he figured, she was probably at Abigail's so he went there next.
The lights were on so he knocked and then walked in. "Tim, it's good to see you," Bill said, shaking his hand.
"You too, Bill. Is Clara here?"
"She's upstairs with Abigail. She told us your news. Congratulations."
"Thank you." Tim wouldn't hide his happiness. He was excited to get married again. His years with Lainie had been blissful and he knew it would be the same with Clara.
Clara, Abigail, and Matthew came down the stairs chatting about the wedding. "Good evening, Tim," Abigail said.
Clara walked up to him and took his hand. "Hi."
"Hi." He smiled at her. "Can I talk to you?"
"Sure, walk me home? I can make tea."
A few minutes later they were sitting at her table sipping tea. "So you wanted to talk to me, Tim?"
"Yeah. I realized that normally when two people get married the man asks the woman's father for her hand. We haven't talked about your parents at all. Do you think your father would appreciate my asking him?"
"Its not necessary."
"I want to do things right and start out on the right foot with your parents."
"My mother died when I was five and my father left before that. I have no idea where he is and I really have no reason to seek him out."
He frowned at his timing. "I'm sorry, Sweetie. I didn't know."
"Tim, it's ok. All the family I need is here in Hope Valley. Abigail is basically my mother and Bill is more of a father than I've ever known. Now I have Mattie and you. I don't need anyone else."
"I'm sorry if this upsets you, but if she died when you were five, who raised you?"
"I was put in an orphanage."
"An orphanage? For how long?"
"I was taken in by an older woman when I was twelve. When I was sixteen, she died and I got a job and then met Peter shortly after that."
He was sad that she had had such a hard life. "Seven years in an orphanage. That had to be hard."
"It was, but all the hard things I've been through have helped me learn to be happy with little. Losing Peter taught me not to take people we love for granted. You never know how long they'll be in your life."
He nodded, vowing to himself to always give her everything he could. Starting with his grandmother's ring. He put his hand in his pocket and knelt on his knee by her chair.
"Clara, I know you already asked me this question, but I want to do this properly." He opened the box, revealing the ring. "I love you and everything you are and everything you will be. I love your big heart and the kindness you show to everyone. You are my life and I'm extremely grateful to have you with me, by my side. Will you marry me?"
"Yes." Her tears fell down her face mixing with his when he kissed her. "That was quite the speech for a man of few words, Tim." She watched as he slid the beautiful diamond ring on her finger.
"It was my grandmother's."
"It's beautiful. Thank you." They stood and held each other for awhile. "It feels wonderful to be in your arms," she whispered, again surprising herself at how forthright she was with her feelings.
He kissed her forehead. "It feels wonderful to have you there."
TWO MILES OUTSIDE TOWN
Jack made camp in full view of Paul. He watched him as he cooked something in a pot over his fire and then as he ate it. He watched him as he drank amber colored liquid from the bottle he had. He then watched as he passed out, leaning against a log, his hat over his face.
Jack and Lila had made an agreement after he found her in the abandoned cabin. Lila would stay hidden for two days so Jack could follow Paul far enough away from town for her to be safe and then she would go back to work for Abigail and make sure Elizabeth and Audrey knew she was there.
Jack told Paul when he released him that it was no use in looking for Lila because she had left way ahead of him. Paul promised he would find her and then she'd be sorry.
AT THE THORNTONS
Elizabeth sat on the couch by the fire, missing her husband. She understood his reason for leaving, but she still wished there had been another way.
The baby kicked causing her to smile. "Hey there baby. I miss your Daddy. Thanks for keeping me company." It kicked again, as if in response to her.
"Ok, so, for your name, if you're a girl. How about Katie?" She didn't get a response. "Joy?" Nothing yet. "Grace? After your Grandma?" Still nothing. "Um, Melanie? Or Rose? No that's too close to Rosemary. I got it. Annie." The baby kicked her hard. "Annie? You like that huh?" Another kick. "Ok, baby. Your name is Annie. Wait until I tell Daddy you picked your own name."
Elizabeth stood up and checked the lock on the door, closed the curtains tightly and then went upstairs. She made sure Audrey's curtains were closed and tucked her blanket under her chin. "Love you, sweets."
She wandered into the room she shared with Jack. She picked up his pants and shirt that were on the chair and folded them, placing them in the dresser drawer. Then she removed her own dress, slipped on her nightgown and put one of his thick Long John shirts over that. It smelled like him which made it feel like he was with her.
She slipped under the covers to go to sleep, grabbing his pillow to hug. She felt almost silly missing him so much but she couldn't help it. Yes, he had been gone before, but that was before they were married, before she knew what she was missing.
THE NEXT MORNING, CLARA'S SHOP
Clara hummed as she started to draw her wedding dress in her sketch book. She had an hour before Audrey and Mattie would show up so she was going to take advantage of the silence. She knew exactly what she wanted. She had it in her mind since she was a little girl. When she and Peter were married, she didn't wear a wedding dress, so this time, it had to be perfect.
She smiled as the dress began to take shape on the paper. Cream colored lace would cover the satiny material from the neck to the floor. Square neckline, long sleeves with the lace trim partially covering her hand, an empire waist, buttons up the back and a slight train. The veil was only lace, matching the dress perfectly. As she drew it, she became more excited.
She had the lace in her storage room along with the satin. She couldn't wait to get started.
"Sissy! I'm here and I'm hungry!" Matthew said as he burst into her door.
"What? Mama didn't feed you breakfast?" Clara looked at Abigail.
"He told me he wasn't hungry. Matthew Avery, you are a silly boy."
"Yes, I am." He looked at her drawing. "Whatcha doin?"
"Drawing my wedding dress. What do you think, Mattie?"
"So pretty."
"Mom, what to you think?"
"You have outdone yourself Clara. It's amazing." She kissed the top of her head. "I need to get back. I left Georgia by herself."
"Bye Mama!"
Clara watched Abigail walk out thinking she saw her wipe her eyes. She wondered if it bothered her that she was getting married again.
After lunch Audrey and Matthew slept in her bedroom, like every other day. She put a pot of coffee on because she had a hunch her fiancé would be stopping by and then sat down to finish her sketch. She was working on her nightgown, causing her cheeks to blush pink.
When Tim walked in, he noticed her blush. "Clara?" She jumped and quickly shut the sketchbook. "Hi, Sweetie. What are you up to?"
"Nothing," she said with a smile.
"Can I see?"
"Nope. Not for ten more days."
"Ten days, huh?" He stepped close and kissed her softly on the cheek. "Sketching your wedding dress?"
"Something like that. Would you like some coffee?"
"Sure." She hid the sketchbook in her room and came back out to pour his coffee.
"Tim, are you hungry? I have leftover soup if you want."
"Sure, did you eat already?"
"Yes, but I'll sit with you while you eat."
"I have a question," he said quietly. "If I were to plan a honeymoon for us, would you be ok with closing your shop for a week or ten days?"
"Yes." She didn't even hesitate for a second.
He laughed and squeezed her hand. "Good. I was hoping you would say that."
"So where are we going?"
"You'll find out in ten days."
"I see. I suppose that's fair."
"Clara, I thought maybe I could help you move some of your things to the house this weekend. What do you think?"
"I think that's a good idea. I was wanting to maybe add some things. Would that be ok with you?"
"Yes, please. It needs help badly."
"Tim, did you tell your Mother about me?" She didn't know why she was nervous about his answer, but she was.
"Of course I did. I write to her once a week. She knows all about you, my love."
"Wow, I think that that is my absolute favorite thing that you have ever called me." She kissed his cheek. "Now I'm scared." She stood up and paced. "What if she doesn't like me?"
"Clara, come here." He grabbed her hand and pulled her onto his lap. "She will love you, actually she already does. She can't wait to meet you." Clara's face still showed fear. "Are you really scared?"
"Yes. I don't want her to hate her daughter-in-law and her grandchildren's mother. That would be horrible, Sweetheart."
"Sweetheart?"
"I thought I would try it. You don't like that one?"
"No, I do like it. I love it, actually." He kissed her softly. "You don't have to be scared of my mother. You two are going to hit it off, I promise."
"I hope so. When does she come?"
"She'll be here on Monday."
Clara stood up and started making a list of everything she needed to get done. "Where will she stay, Tim?"
"Above Abigail's. Don't worry. I'll take care of everything."
"Do you have room in your dresser and closet for my things? Or should we bring my dresser?"
"I have plenty of room, but tonight after work, why don't you come over for dinner and we can see what you think. Does that sound good?"
"Yes. That would help."
"Good, now why don't you go back to thinking about whatever it was that made you blush earlier." He kissed her cheek. "I'm sure I'll love it."
"Tim!" He laughed and walked out.
AFTER SCHOOL
Elizabeth walked to Clara's, eager to see Audrey and the plans Clara had made for her wedding. She walked in the door but no one was in the parlor. "Clara?"
Clara walked in the room and moment later with Audrey and Matthew. "Hi, Elizabeth."
"Hi. How is the wedding planning coming along?" Clara sat and sighed. "That good?"
"I suppose I'm overwhelmed."
"What can I help with?" Audrey came over, apparently still waking up from her nap.
"Mama, hold me?" She raised her arms and snuggled into Elizabeth's shoulder the moment she was on her lap.
"I need advice, I guess," Clara admitted.
"I can try. What's bothering you?"
"Tim's mother is coming on Monday."
"You're nervous about meeting her?"
"That's an understatement. Scared to death is more like it."
"I don't know how much help I'll be considering I've never met Jack's parents."
"Forgive me, but what about your first husband's parents? They were here not too long ago, right?"
"Yes, they were." She didn't think talking about the Kensington's would help the situation considering the type of relationship she had with them.
"I know your relationship might not be the best with them, but what about when you first met them?"
"Well, Clara, Charlie and I grew up together, so I've known them my whole life, pretty much. All I can tell you is talk to Tim. Find out what his Mother is like. Tell him you're scared."
Clara sighed and then picked Matthew up, needing a hug right then. "Can I have a hug, Mattie?" He wrapped his arms around her neck and snuggled against her. "Thanks, buddy."
"Wanna show me your plans for your dress?" Elizabeth smiled and squeezed her hand, knowing it might perk her spirits.
Clara slid the sketchbook toward Elizabeth and smiled. "I can't wait to start on it."
Elizabeth opened the book and gasped. "Clara! This is beautiful. I can only imagine how amazing it will be once you make it." She flipped to the next picture showing the back and the veil. "That veil is perfect." The next picture she flipped to was the nightgown. "Oh, wow. I miss wearing things like that. I had a lavender silk one that I left back in Boston. It resembled this quite a bit."
"After my wedding is done and we're back from our trip, I can make you one if you'd like."
"Oh, that's sweet, but I don't really need something like that right now." She rubbed her tummy, secretly wishing she still looked like Clara.
"Every woman needs to feel beautiful, pregnant or not. I think a nice pink silk, lace trim, with a robe would be perfect for you. It won't take long to make."
"Clara, I appreciate the thought but…"
"Elizabeth, consider it a gift."
She could see Clara wasn't backing down so she smiled. "Thank you. I'm sure it will be lovely."
THE ABANDONED CABIN
Lila was stir-crazy sitting alone in the cabin, unable to leave. She felt trapped. Even without Paul with her, he was still controlling what happened to her. She couldn't leave, because of Paul. She couldn't resume her new life, because of Paul. She couldn't do anything, because of Paul.
She kicked the chair over that was next to her. Her temper was getting the best of her, because of Paul.
At the beginning of their two year relationship, she loved his possessiveness. It made her feel that he cared, that she was safe. She was seventeen and didn't know any different. She didn't know what was happening. Then, about a year in, he started to force her to do things she never would have imagined. He forced her to steal for him, buy alcohol for him, lay down with him. He told her that he cared for her one moment and then the next moment , he would slap her around. It not only confused her, but it made her feel like she didn't have a choice, trapped in a life she didn't want with a man who scared her.
Now, looking back, she should have left the moment she felt in danger, but she didn't and now, because of Paul, her brother was out there somewhere, away from his family.
She couldn't get the sight and sound of Audrey crying and begging for her to stay out of her head. She couldn't sleep, feeling the guilt of putting that little girl in danger.
AT CLARA'S
Clara readied herself in front of the mirror. She tied her hair up for a change and added lipstick. She was wearing the dress she had made for their first date. He had mentioned on more than one occasion that it brought out her eyes and that he thought she looked beautiful in it. Last, she put a dab of perfume behind her ears and smiled.
She grabbed her shawl and walked out the door and out of town to his, soon to be her, home. She knocked on the door and waited for about ten seconds before he opened the door. "Hi, Sweetheart," she said shyly.
"Hi," he responded and then kissed her. "I missed you today," he confessed.
She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. "We saw each other four hours ago," she teased, giving the impression she hadn't missed him.
"You didn't miss me, Clara?"
"Maybe a little." He kissed her slowly and then closed the door. "Maybe more than a little," she admitted.
He reluctantly let her go and turned her around. "So, what do you think?"
"About what?"
"My attempt at decorating." He gestured to the living room.
"I think that it needs a bit of work."
"That's an understatement."
"Do you have paper, Honey?" She glanced at his face to see how he liked her latest attempt at a term of endearment.
"I like Honey." He winked and retrieved a pad of paper and pencil. He watched as she made a list of a few things she wanted for the living room. "Is that it? There's only like five things on the list."
"I am only writing things down that I can't make. For example, we need a few more lamps, unless you like to feel like we're living in a cave."
"Sometimes darkness is romantic," he pointed out.
"Yes, but lamps can be turned off and candles can achieve that same feeling, which is why I wrote down candles."
"What else is on that list, my love?"
"Let's see, paint for the walls, a vase or two for the lovely bouquets of flowers you are going to bring your wife once in a while, and a new rug for in front of the couch."
"So, how much do you think those things will cost?" He didn't honestly care how much she spent, but he thought he would ask.
"Oh, I don't know. If you think it's too much, we can buy one thing at a time." Her cheeks flushed and she looked embarrassed.
"Clara, come here." He reached out his arms and waited for her to come closer. "I was only teasing. I don't care how much it costs. You should have whatever you want."
"No, I mean, I can be happy with what we have. Once we bring my things over, we may not need all of this."
"Sweetie, buy whatever you need. I told Ned to allow you to put whatever you want on my account. We have plenty of money. I make a pretty good living as a doctor."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I want you to have whatever you want. Whatever makes you happy."
"You make me happy, Tim."
SOMEWHERE BETWEEN HOPE VALLEY AND UNION CITY
Jack hid inside a grove of trees, waiting for darkness so he could make camp. As far as he could tell, Paul had no clue Jack was still following him. Jack suffered through the five days without a fire. Yes, it was very early spring, but it was cold once the sun went down behind the mountains.
He looked up as Paul made his fire, most likely to cook his dinner. He usually cooked, then ate a little and then got drunk. So drunk that Jack came over to his camp and helped himself to his leftovers. He figured if he didn't, they might be subjected to a visit of some unwanted animal.
In the mornings, Paul didn't even seem aware that he was missing food. He would stumble around his camp, banging things around, and then he would leave to relieve himself. Then he would saddle his horse and be on his way.
Jack hoped that Paul would do something. Anything to clue Jack in to whether he was still looking for Lila or not. He didn't seem to be doing anything but moving south, toward Union City.
CLARA'S SHOP
Clara took a few deep breaths and paced. Mrs. Mary Ellen Davis was arriving today on the train. Her nerves were giving her a stomachache. Tim assured her there was nothing to worry about, but she still did. What if she didn't think she was right for her son? Was she too young? Did she not approve of women working outside the home?
"Sissy! I'm here," Matthew bellowed as he ran in the door.
"Yes, I see. Remember what's happening today?"
"Yup! Dr. Tim's Mama comes on the train. I'm supposed ta be quiet and on my best behavior."
"That's right. Ok, I need another hug, Mattie." She bent down and opened her arms, picking him up and squeezing gently.
"Somethin wrong, sissy?"
"No. I guess I'm just a bit scared."
"Why? Is she mean?"
"No, I just want her to like me."
"She will."
"How do you know?"
"Cause you're nice." She smiled and kissed his cheek, then set him down.
"I love you, Mattie."
Elizabeth and Audrey showed up a few minutes later. "Clara, are you sure you don't want Audrey to stay with me today?"
"No, its fine."
Elizabeth looked down at her daughter. "Sweets, look at me." Audrey looked up at her. "Be good. Do exactly what Clara says and remember your manners."
"Yes, Mama. I promise."
"Ok, I'll be back after school." She looked up at Clara's face. "Hey, it'll be fine. She will love you."
Clara was now on the verge of tears. "Oh, gosh. Why am I so scared?" The tears slipped on to her cheeks, much to her dismay.
Tim walked in and saw Clara crying. "Sweetie, what's wrong?"
"I just need a moment. I'll be right back." She walked out of the room to compose herself. Tim looked at Elizabeth, confused.
"She's nervous. She's afraid your mom won't like her."
"I told her there's no need to worry. My mother is a very kind, sweet woman. She already loves Clara, just from my letters."
TRAIN DEPOT
Thirty minutes later, the four of them were standing at the depot, waiting as the train pulled in.
Audrey and Matthew stood quietly, holding each other's hands.
Tim stepped forward as the train stopped, ready to help his mother off the train. The action made Clara love him even more. "Ma!" he said as a slightly rotund, gray-haired woman stepped down onto the platform.
"Timmy. I missed you, son." He wrapped his arms around her and held her for a moment.
"I missed you too." She put her hand on the side of his face.
"You're so handsome." She wiped a tear from her cheek and hugged him again. "Where's your lovely fiancé?"
He tucked her hand in his elbow and led her to Clara. "Mary Ellen Davis, this is Clara Stanton. Sweetie, this is my mother."
Mary Ellen stepped forward and hugged Clara. "Oh my dear. I've wanted to meet you for so long." She stepped by a moment later and touched Clara's face briefly. "You are positively lovely and an answer to my prayers."
Clara started tearing up again, this time with relief. "Its so nice to meet you, Mrs. Davis."
"Nonsense dear, call me Mary Ellen or Mother if you prefer." She looked down and smiled. "Let's see, you must be Audrey and you are Matthew. Am I right?"
"Yes, Ma'am," they said together.
"Wow, on your best behavior, I see. Good job, you two." She reached for their hands. "Why don't you take me on a tour of this charming town?"
Clara grabbed Tim's hand and they watched her walk away with the kids. "She's really good with kids, Sweetheart."
"She used to be a teacher and she has always wanted grandchildren, so when I told her about you…"
"She was excited?"
"You could say that." He kissed her and smiled. "See, told you she would love you. Nothing to worry about."