Introduction
Cora MayMacKenzie finds herselfata crossroads, her life throwninto turmoil byher father's misfortune atthe hands ofa maraudinggang.Withconstantmovementmarkingherdaysandthespecterofherfather'sdealingsever-present,Coraclingsto the hope ofa stable future, pressured byher father to find solace inmarriage and a "normal life." Unbeknownstto her, her journeytowardloveandhappinesswillbeshapedbyamanwhosetroubledpastholdsthekeytoherheart...
WillCora'spursuitofstabilityleadhertothehappinessshelongsfor?
JakeCooper,amanwithatroubledpast,grappleswiththeprospectofredemptionafterfallinginwitharebelliousgangand estranginghimself fromhis family. Seekinga freshstart inthe quiet townof Boxville, Jake contemplates the possibilityof finding love amidst the simplicity of small-town life. Nevertheless, fortune intervenes, bringing him into an unexpected encounterwithCora
WillJake'stroubledhistoryintersectwithCora'ssearchforstability,orwillthesecretstheybothcarrydrivethemapart?
As echoes fromthe past resurface, the sudden reappearance of the gang shatters the tranquility of Cora and Jake's world. Interceptingintimate correspondence betweenCora andher father,the gangunearths secrets thatcouldjeopardize the fragile peacethey'vefound WithJake's murkypastas aformer gangmember comingtolight,their lovefaces its toughestchallenge yet.CantheyenduretheunforgivinglandscapesoftheWildWest,orwillencroachingdangersrendthemasunder?
Prologue
Cora MayMacKenzie pushed backher auburnhair, keepinga thickportionofitinbetweentwo fingers, whichshe twisted repetitively,knowingallthewhilethehairwouldstaycurledlikethatuntilshewasheditagain.
Shestoodontheporchoftheone-storycottageshesharedwithherfather Atsixteen,shehadalreadyexperiencedthetrauma oflosinghermother,whobecameillandpassedawayonthetripoverfromIrelandwhenCorawasten.
CoraMaymissedhermothereveryday Sometimes,thefloatingimageofhermothersmilingandcallingher“mypreciousgirl” wouldpassinfrontofhereyesasifshecouldreachoutandtouchher Itwasalwaysanillusion Butsometimes,itfeltsoreal
They’d settled inBostonafter theyreached NorthAmerica inNew York Ithad beenanarduous trip, and Cora Maynever knew whereshewouldbesleepingeachnight Whenthey’dreachedBoston,herfatherseemedtoknow severalmenwhoset himupwithbusinessopportunities.Hemadefairlygoodmoney,butforsomereason,thatmoneyneverseemedtostickaround forlong. Therewasenoughforhertoeatandbeclothedandneverhaveholesinthesolesofhershoes Butevenatten,CoraMayknew therewassomethingoffabouthowherfatherconductedbusiness.Thatperiodlastedforabouttwoyears.
Then,suddenly,outoftheblue,her father ownedandbecametheoperator ofacarpentryshop CoraMaybegantovisithim thereandwatchhimwork.She’dneverknownhecouldcreatebeautifulfurnitureandobjectsoutoflengthsofwoodandtrunks oftrees. CoraMayturnedtothedoortogoinside Hermouthwasasdryasthedesert Sheneededadrinkandhadjustmadesomefresh lemonadethatmorning.She’dalsopurchasedsomemilkfromthefarmernextdoorandcoulddrinkthatormaybecookupsome baconoraneggforbreakfast.
Aboomingsoundcamefromthedistance,andaplumeofsmokeroseintotheair.Hereyesdartedtoit.Itwasintownbuton theoutskirtsandseemednearherfather’scarpentryshop.
CoraMay’sheartskippedabeat Shefrowned,hurryinginsideandgrabbingherbootsfromthemudroom Shepulledthemon asshewentbackoutthedoor andrandownthestepsandaroundthehousetotheshelter her father hadbuilttoprotecttheir horsesandthebuggyfromtherain.
Asquicklyasshecould,shehitchedthebuggytoherhorse,Daisy,andtheysetofffortown.Itwasonlyaboutfiveminutesby buggy,butshestoppedthevehicleuponreachingthestreetwhereherfather’sbusinesswas.
Fromsome distance, she watched townsfolkgather around the shop, litup withfieryflames, smoke billowingfromthe two frontwindows and the entrance. She swepther eyes over the crowd, lookingfor her father, her breathcaughtinher throat. Whatifhe’dbeenintheshop?
WhatifPawasdead?
“CoraMay!”
Sheheardhernamecalledandturnedtoseeoneofherfather’sfriendswavinghisarmsather Shecouldseehimbecausehe was taller thaneveryone around him, plus several menwere bentover or kneelingina halfcircle Thatmustbe where her fatherwas.Thefactthatshecouldn’tseehimtoldherhewasprobablylyingorsittingontheground. Insteadofgettingthehorsemovingagain,CoraMayjumpedoutofthebuggyandrantoherfather,holdingherskirtupsoshe wouldn’t trip The men gathered around himstepped back to make roomfor her so she could see him He was sitting up, coveredinblacksoot,holdinghisheadupwithonehandpressedagainsthisforehead.
“Pa!”shecriedout,runningtohim “Papa,I’msogladyou’reallright!Whathappened?”
Shecouldtellwhenhelookedupatherhowmuchhedidn’twanttotellherthetruth.Wouldshegetthetruthfromhim?She’d questioned the source of his money for a very long time Now they’d had the shop for four years, and suddenly, it was completelydestroyed Thatseemedsuspicioustoher Hadherfather’spastcaughtupwithhim?
“Idon’tknowhowitstarted,”hesaidinhisgravellyvoice.
CoraMaydidn’tbelievethat.
Butitdidn’tmatter.Shewrappedherarmsaroundhisneckandpulledherselftohiminatight,warmhug.
“Idon’tknowwhatIwoulddowithoutyou,Pa Ineedyousomuch Pleasedon’tleaveme Istillhavesomegrowinguptodo IneedtotakecareofyouandthecottageforaslongasIcan” Heliftedherchinandlookeddirectlyintohergreeneyes
“Wecan’tstayhere,honey,”hewhispered.
CoraMaynoticedthementhathadsurroundedthemhaddispersed.Shelookedaroundinwonder.“What?Whatdoyoumean? Can’twerebuildtheshopandcarryon?You’vegotthemoneytodothat,right?Ifyoudon’t,youcanmakeit.I’llhelp.I’llgeta jobdoinglaundryor ”
“No,CoraMay.”Hewassoseriousthatitsentaboltoffearthroughherchest.“Wehavetogo.Myshopwasattacked,andI fearthatifwedon’tgettothecottagesoonandgatherourthings,wemightnothaveanythingtoreturnto.”
CoraMay’seyeswidened.Shehoppedtoherfeetandturnedtorunbacktothebuggy.Herfatherwashotonherheels.
“Wemighthaveenoughtimeformetogetcleanedupandyoutopacksomethingstotakewithus Bringonlywhatweneed”
Cora Maynodded, hoppingup into the buggy. There was onlyone thingshe would be sure to bring. The picture ofher, her mother,andherfather,justbeforetheyleftIrelandforNorthAmerica Thatwastheonlyimportantthingthatcouldnotbeleft behind
Chapter1
Thesuddenblastoftheship’shornmadeCoraMayjump Herchestwastightwithanxietyandanger,thoughshewouldn’tletit show. Four years had passed since her father’s carpentry shop had burned to the ground, sending them on a journey that hadn’t stoppeduntilthatverymoment.
Shewastwentyyearsold,anditwastimetoleaveherfather’scare Notthathehadcaredforherasmuchasshe’dcaredfor him Mendinghisclothes,makinghisdinner,cleaningupafterhim Shedidn’tknowwhathewoulddowithouther
Buthewasinsisting Itwastime
“You’regoingtobefine,CoraMay,andyouknowit.”
CoraMayletoutanexasperatedbreath.“Howcanyousaythat,Pa?Ihavenoplans.Ihavenoskills.WhatamIsupposedtodo withmyself?”
“Ihavetotakethisjob,mydear,”herfatherstated,shakinghishead.Sheknewitwastrue.Shejustdidn’twanttoacceptit.
“Isn’tthereanythingyoucantellmethatIcando?Somewheretostart?Youcan’tjustupandleavemethisway Idon’teven knowwhereIam”
Hefrowned “Don’tberidiculous,CoraMay Youareafull-grownwomanandknowfullwellthatweareinTennessee”
“Iknowthat,”sherepliedshortly,rollinghereyes.“IjustmeanIdon’tknowwhereIaminlifeandwhatmynextstepwillbe.”
“Ithoughtofthatforyou.Iwantedto…discussthiswithyouearlier,anddefinitelynothere.”
Helookedaround,andshemimickedhismovements.Thedockwasoccupiedbyonlyafew other peoplesayinggoodbyeor preparingto board. Her father had gottena job workingonthe boat and would be leavingfor a year at least inabout five minutes.
“Idon’tthinkyoushouldhavewaitedthislong,”CoraMaysaid,tiltingherheadtotheside.“Tellmewhereyouwantmetogo, andI’llgothere.”
“Youhaveskillsasawife.”Hiswordstookheraback.Shehadnointerestinanyofthemeninthesmalltowntheywerein, andanyattractionsshe’dhadinthelastfouryearshadbeenunrequited.
“Thatmaybeso,but ”
He lifted one hand, cuttingher off She closed her mouth, watchingas he lifted the flap of his duffel bagand pulled out a magazinefromthetop Hehandedittoher
CoraMaytookthemagazine,lookingdownatthepictureonthefront.Itwasabrideinafullwhiteweddinggownsmilingata mandressedinanicesuit
“What’sthis?”sheasked,hereyesrunningoverthefrontcover.Itwascalled Matrimonial Times
“Youcanfindahusbandinthere,”hereplied,pressinghisfingersonthecoverandpullingthefrontpageupsoshecouldsee inside the magazine.He was readingupside down.“Look,it’s gotadvertisements frommenaroundthe countrywhoneedor wanttomarry,buttherearen’tanywomenaround.”
“That sounds incredibly dangerous,” Cora May murmured, flipping the pages to see if the entire magazine consisted of advertisementsforbrides.Itdid.
“Ithinkyou’d be perfect for some ofthese men, mydear. Lookhow well you’ve takencare ofme all this time. Youare a wonderful cook. Ilove your meals. Youironmyclothes, washthem, and take care ofme whenIfeel ill. Why, you’ve even workedinthecafesafewtimeswhenweneededmoney.”
CoraMayhadindeeddonethosethings,mostlybecauseshewasafraidherfatherwouldgobacktoalifeofcrime,whichwas whatshe suspectedhadcausedthe earlytrauma inher life.She didn’tknow whathe’ddone for thatmoneyor the carpentry
shop,butshewasprettysureitwasn’tlegal Eversincethefire,she'dsuspecteditwasretributionforsomethingherfatherhad done.
She’dneverhelditagainsthimbecauseshehadnoproofofhersuspicions Andshelovedhimdearly Helovedher,too,and sheknewit
“It’stimeforyoutoliveagoodlife,honey,”hecontinued,hisbrowneyesdirectlyonher,hisgazeheavy “Youareagrown woman Youshould have a stable home, not be runningall around the countrywithyour wayward father Whenyouget to wherever youendup,Iwantyoutosendaletter tomyfriend,MontgomeryAdams.Thisishisaddress.”Hepulledafolded pieceofpaper fromhis pocketandputitinside the magazinelike a bookmark.“Youtell himwhereyouare,andwhenIget somewhere,Icansendatelegram.I’llinquireaboutit.Thenwecanwritetoeachother.Wouldyoulikethat?”
Cora Maytried to avoid the overwhelmingsadness thatthreatened to engulfher. She gripped the magazine inone hand and threwherarmsaroundherfather,pressingherfaceintohisneck.Shecouldsmellthecigarshesmokedonhisclothesandskin. Itdidn’tbotherher.Shewouldmissit.
“Ofcourse,Iwouldlikethat,Papa.Ijust…Iwishyoudidn’thavetogo.Ireallydon’tmindtravelingwithyou.Idon’thaveto gooffandfindahusband,really,doI?Pleasedon’tmakemedothat,Papa.” Hehuggedherbackandheldonuntilanotherblastfromtheship’shornmadethembothjump.
“Ihavetoboard,”hesaid,pullingawayfromher “YouwritetoMontyandtellhimwhereyouareassoonasyoufindahome; doyouhearme?”
“Yes,Papa”Shewasresignedtoit Hewasherfather,andshewasusedtodoingwhatshewastold Shemightnotlikeit,but sheknewithadtohappen Shewasagrownwoman Sheshouldn’tbeholdingontoherfather’scoattails
“Iloveyou,CoraMay Youmakesureyourememberthat I’mnotleavingyoubehind I’mjustmovingforwardinadifferent direction” “Yes,Papa.”Corahungherhead.“Iloveyou,too.I’llwritetoMontyassoonasIfigureoutwhatI’mgoingtodo.Iloveyou.I loveyou” Shesaidthelastofherwordsasheranofffortheboardingramp.Shethrewkissesathim,watchinghimdashupontotheship.
Oncehewasonboard,herandownthesideandflattenedhimselfagainsttherailingtowavebotharmsather “Iloveyou,Papa!”sheyelledout. Shecouldbarelyseehimbutthoughthewasyellingbackthathelovedher.Shecouldn’thearitandhadtoassumehehadn’t heardhereither,soshecontinuedthrowingkissesuntiltheshipslowlypulledawayfromtheshore.
Chapter2
JakeCooperrodethroughhishometownofBoxville,Texas,thinkingabouthisfuture Hispastseemedtohavefinallytakena backseat,andhewaslookingforwardtopeace,atleastforaslongashecouldmanageit. Ithadbeennearlythreeyearssinceheleftbehindanomadicanddangerouslife He’dbeenridingwiththeBenedictGangfor almost five years whenhe realized it wasn’t the life for him. It was a strange adventure for him, anyway, since he’d been brought up in a strict religious home with a preacher for a father and a little whispering mouse of a mother. He’d been disciplinedbyhisfatherandcoddledbyhismother.
That might have been why he’d left home at sixteen and joined that gang. At the ripe old age of twenty-four, he had only experienced stability as a child but jumped straight into a rebellious, dangerous situation as soon as he could. His father disapproved,ofcourse,andwouldn’tlethimcomehomeorevenspeaktohim.
Jakeoftenwonderediftherewasreconciliationinhisfuturewithbothparents,who,thankGod,werestillalive.He’dcometo realizethedamagehisdisrespectforhisparentshaddonewhenhe’djoinedtheBenedictGangandbecameanoutlaw.Hewas luckyhewasn’tbehindbarsorwantedforanycrimes.
Andunfortunately,therewereafewthingshecouldhavegonetoprisonfor,thoughmurderwasn’toneofthem,thankgoodness. Buthe’dcommittedcrimeswhilewiththegangandhadremarkablyskirtedthelaw.
He’dchangedhislifearound,andthoughhethoughthewasleadingquiteaboringexistence,hedidn’treallyseetheneedto bringanymoreactionintohislife.He’dseenenough.He’ddoneenough.Everythinglefttodoinlifewasjustmundane. “There’smyfavoritesmilingfriend!”
Jake stopped his horse and stared down at his best friend, the mayor’s son, Max Smithson He raised his eyebrows, purposefullynotsmiling.
“Where?”heasked
“Howyoudoin’thismornin’?”Maxasked. “Nottoobad,Ireckon.You?”
“I’mfine WouldbebetterifIdidn’thavetostandhereandwaitforFlora,blessthatgirl She’sintheregettin’somesewin’ supplies.”Hejerkedathumboverhisshouldertoindicatethegeneralstorebehindhim.
Jakeliftedhisgazetothegeneralstoreentranceandthendroppeditbacktohisfriend
“Youbannedfromthere?”
Maxfrowned.“What?No.Ijustwantthefreshair.”
“Oh.”Jakegaveintohissmileandslidoutofthesaddle.“Well,whydon’twegogetusabeerwhileyouwaitforher?She’ll knowtolookforyouinthesaloon,won’tshe?”
Maxlaughed.“Ireckonshewill,yeah.”Heglancedoverhisshoulderthroughtheglassoftheenormousfrontwindow,which tookupmostoftheouterwall.Apparently,hecouldseeherinsidebecausehegesturedexaggeratedlytowardthesaloonacross thestreet.
“Checkin’inwiththemissus.NeverthoughtI’dseetheday.”
Maxgavehimapinchedlook “Youwishyouhadawomanyoucouldaskpermissionfrom,”heteased,winking “Speakingof which,whenyougonnasettledownandgetyouawoman?Goodlookin’manlikeyou,yououghtabemarriedwithchildrenby now.Yougettin’old.Don’twanttowastemuchmoretime!”
“Twenty-fiveisfarfromold,”Jakerespondeddryly,leadinghishorseacrossthestreetandtyingthereinstothehitchingrail outsidethesaloon.Hewentupthesteps,removinghishatashecrossedthethresholdintothebuilding.
Itwasdimlylit,butheknew hiswayaround Theywouldsitatatablerightbythefrontwindow anywaysoMaxcouldsee whenhisbelovedFloracameoutofthestore.Florawasadelightfulgirl,andJakewasgladshewaswithhisgoodfriend.She would be anexcellentwife for him. She didn’tmind comingto the saloonand sometimes sharinga beer withher beauand Jake.Florawasaveryrelaxedandeasy-goinggirl.
“Idon’thaveanyprospectsanyway,”Jakecontinued,liftingonehandwithtwofingersuptothebartender,Oscar,whonodded andbegantopreparetwobeersforthem.Theywereregulars,andheknewwhattheyliked.“There’snowomeninBoxvillefor me,andIain’tmovin’” “Soyoushouldbringoneherethen.” Jake’seyebrowsshotup.Hestaredathisfriend.“Bringawomanhere?”herepeatedincredulously. “Yeah,bringherhere There’snowomenhere;yougottabringherhere” “Whois‘her’?HowamIsupposedtofindawomanandbringherhere?” “There’smagazinesyoucanputanadin,youknow.Ithinkthatwouldbeperfectforyou.”
Jakeshookhis head.“You’velostwhat’s leftofthatmindofyours,buddy.Nowomanis gonnawanttocometothis podunk townandgetmarried.Nothin’heretoappealtoawoman.”
“That’s justa dumb thingto say,” Maxresponded, shakinghis head. He smiled atthe girl who broughttheir beers to them. “Thanks,Becks.” “Oh,Max,”theyounggirlreplied,giggling “It’sBecky Youknowthat”
“IlikeBecks Iliketocallyouthat”HeturnedhiseyestoJake “It’sagoodnameforher;don’tyouthink?Becks Yeah” Beckylaughedsomemore,shakingherheadassheturnedaway. JakegaveMaxalook,buthisfriendjustchuckled.“Idon’tknowwhyshedoesn’tlikeit.”Heliftedthemugtohislipstotakea drink.“Ilikeit.Ithinkit’sreallygood.”Hesaidthewordswithhislipsagainstthecup,mufflingthem.Jakehadtolaugh.
“Anyway,backtowhatyouweresaying,”hesaid.“Advertiseforabride?WhatdoIhavethat’ssoappealing?”
“You’vegotmoneyandlooks Whatelsedoyouneed?”
Jakelookedoutthewindow Advertisingforabridedidn’tseemlikesomethingthatwouldworkforhim Chanceswerepretty goodthatanydecentwomanwouldsteponefootinBoxville,turnrightaround,andleave
Itwasn’tthatBoxvillewaspoverty-strickenordirtyorfilledwithoutlaws.ItwasjustaboringlittleTexastownwithacouple ofthousandresidentsspreadovermanyacresofland Boxvilleitselfconsistedoffivestreetsbranchingoffthemainroadthat ledfromonesideoftowntotheother Everyonewasfriendlyandhelpful Butwhatwomaninherrightmindwouldchooseto cometheretomarryastrangerandlivewherenothingeverhappened?
Jakehadchosenthetown because ofthatfactor Itwasunlikelyawomanwouldwanttodothat,too Surely,she’dwantsome adventureandexcitement.
No,itjustwasn’tagoodideaforhim Hecouldn’tseehimselfwritinglettersaskingawomantocometoBoxvilleandmarry himanyway He’d resigned himselfto fate Ifa womancame throughtownand showed interestinhimand weren’tseventy yearsold,he’dgiveitashot.
Otherwise,hefeltitwasbestjusttoleavefatetoitsowndesign WhateverGodwantedforhim,itwouldhappen That’show he’ddecidedtolivehislife.Hewasn’tanoutlawanymoreandwasn’twantedbythelawforhispastcrimes. Itwasbestjusttostayinhisboringlittletownandliveaboringliferatherthanhavedangerousadventuresthatcouldendit
Chapter3
CoraMayjiggledagainstthegirlsittingnexttoherinthecoachandsmiledassheapologized “Oh,it’sperfectlyfine,”thegirlreplied,grinningback Sheheldoutherhand “I’mRosemary What’syourname?”
“CoraMay.” She was sittingina coachonher waytoa place calledBoxville,Texas,where she was tomeeta mannamedJake Cooper. She’drespondedtotheadintheMatrimonialTimesandwasexcitedtobegoingsomewherehot.
“This is mybrother Matthew andmyother brother,Johnny.” Rosemaryheldouther handtothe twoboys facingthemonthe othersideofthecoach.“That’smypa,youcancallhimDaniel,andhere’smymomma,Laura.We’regoingtoTexas!”
“She’sgoingtothesameplaceweare,Rosie,”Matthewsnipped,thoughhehadasmileonhisface Helookedathisbrother and rolled his eyes. Johnnygrinned wide, switchinghis gaze backand forthbetweenhis siblings. He was clearlyenjoying watchingthembanter,evenifitwasonlyforamomentortwobeforehisfathershutthemdown.
“That’senough,Matty,”themansaidgently.HelookedatCoraMay,smiling.“DanielSmith,mywifeandthreechildren.”
“It’ssogoodtomeetyou,”CoraMaysaid
Cora Mayhad just entered the stagecoach. It would be nearlythe whole daybefore theygot to Boxville. Theywould stop halfwaythroughandgetsomethingtoeatinoneofthetownstheypassed Itwouldbedinnertimewhentheyactuallygottothe smallTexastown She’dmadesuretoeatbeforesheleftandhadbroughtalongasmallchunkofham,cheese,andhalfaloafofbread.Shehoped itwouldsatisfyhercravingsonthewaythere
“I’veneverbeenonalongstagecoachridebefore,”Rosemarysaid,drawingCoraMay’sattentionbacktoher.“Haveyou?”
Cora May thought back on the many rides she’d had, all the traveling she’d done with her father, and all the modes of transportationshe’dbeenon.
“Ohyes,Ihavebeenonmanyrides,”sheresponded,nodding.“MypaandItraveledalloverNorthAmericaafter…afterhe losthisbusinesstoafire.Hewasatraderofgoods.He’sgoneonashiprightnowtomakehisnextfortune.”Shegrinned.
“Isheatreasureseeker?”Johnnyaskedwithexcitementinhistone.Hiseyeswerewideandinterested.CoraMaywasalittle surprisedbythat,consideringshehadn’treallysaidanythingmuch.
“Youcouldsaythat,” she replied,enjoyingthe thoughtofher father beinga treasure hunter.“He was always lookingfor the nextbigthing,thenextwaytomakealotofmoney.HeisanexcellenttradesmanandcouldtalkanEskimointobuyingice.” Sheappreciatedthelaughshegotfromthefamilyandbitherbottomlipwithagrin. “InoticefromyouraccentthatyouarefromIreland,”themansaid
Cora May felt a tingle of apprehension. Sometimes, people didn’t like the fact that she was fromIreland. Her father had occasionallygottenintroublefor“beingIrishwhilenotinIreland,”andshelikedtoavoidthoseconfrontations However,the wayDanielstatedthatfactdidn’tsoundlikeaninsultorthebeginningofatiradeofthem,whichhadhappenedinthepast “Iam.WecamefromIrelandonashipwhenIwasten.”
“Do youmiss it?” Rosemaryasked, givingher a softlook. “Iwould miss America ifIhad to leave. Iwouldn’twantto be anywhereelse.”
“Idomiss itsometimes,” Cora Mayreplied,nodding,feelingaheavyweightinher chestjustlike she always didwhenshe thoughtofherhomeland,“buttheweatherhereisbetter.Dependingonwhereyouare,ofcourse.Itwasnicetoseesnowwhen welivedinBoston.I’vebeenthroughTexaswithPabeforebutneverstayedthere. Weweremostlyontheeastcoast.PasaidgettingtoplaceslikeCaliforniaandArizonawastoohard.Ithinkhewilllikethe factthatI’minTexas,andmaybewhenhefinishesthisadventurehe’son,hewillcomevisitme.”
“DoyouhavefamilyinBoxville?”Danielcontinued.
Corashookherhead.“I’mgoingtheretobemarriedtoamanwhoputanadinamagazine.” ShenoticedwhenLaura,themotherandwifeofthislovelyfamily,lookedup,herfacealightwithinterest “Oh,I’veheardof that. Mysister was consideringansweringone ofthose ads. She lives ina verysmall townand is still withmyparents in Kentucky,andshedesperatelywantstogetoutandstartlivingherlife.She’salwaysfanciedherselfamother.”
CoraMay’sfirstthoughtwasthatthewoman’ssisterhadbetterbealotyoungerbecausethiswomanhadchildrenwholooked tobealmostgrownthemselves.Theywereatleastfifteenormore.Theson,Matthew,lookedlikehemightbearoundeighteen ornineteenhimselfandwassupportingthebeginningsofamustache. Dismissingherpointlessthoughts,CoraMayreplied,“Iamhopingforthesamething.ItwasabitstrangeinthatIansweredthe adwithashortletteraboutmyselfsincethere’snotmuchtotell.”Sheletoutasoftlaugh.“AndthenextthingIknew,Ihada letterwithacoachticketinit.Well,themoneyforone.Iwassurprisedhetrustedmeenoughbysendingmemoney.” “ItsoundslikeamatchmadeinHeaven,”Laurasaidenthusiastically.“What’shisname?Danielmightknowhim.He’sbeento Boxvillebeforewhenhewaslookingforthenewhousewe’removinginto.”
“JakeCooper.JakeEzraCooper.” “Ah,yes,Ididmeethim”Danielnodded CoraMaywasrelievedtoseenotensionthere HemusthavelikedJake Thatwas goodnews “Heseemedlikeadecentfellatome Imetseveral menwholivethere,andtheyall seemquitedecent Ididn’t knowhewasplanningtogetmarried.Itwasn’tmentioned.”
“Maybetheydidn’twanttosharenewslikethatwithastranger,Danny,”Lauramumbled Whenshelookedatherhusband,all CoraMaysawwasadoration.ShehopedshewaslikethatwithJakeCooper. Shewantedtobeinalovingrelationship,notjustmakeabusinessdealwithamansoshewouldhaveaplacetolive Shewas willingtoworktosurvive Butherfather’sideaofmatrimonydidappealtoher
“Ihopeyougetalongwithhimliketwopeasinapod,mydear,”Laurasaid,leaningaroundherdaughtertopatCoraMayon theknee.“I’msureyouwill.Youseemlikesuchalovelygirl,andDannysaysJakeCooperisadecentman.”
“Ispentanafternoonwithhim,themayor,andthemayor’sson,”Danielcontinued
“I’mgladyouandyourfamilyaregoingtoBoxville,too,tostay,”CoraMaysaid,sweepinghereyesoverthefamily.“Iwon’t beallalone AtleastIwillknowthefiveofyou”
“Don’tyoueverthinkyouhavetofeelalone,dear,”Lauraexclaimed,alookofsubtlealarmonherface.“Ifyoueverneedhelp orshelter,youcometoourhome,youhear?Dannyherewillgiveyououraddressandyoucancomeoverforahousewarming dinnerrightaway Maybetonight”
“You will need time to settle into your new home, I’m sure,” Cora May said, feeling grateful for the sudden and instant friendshipoffering “Butmaybetomorrownight?”
Theyalllaughed.
Chapter4
CoraMaylookedupatthetallbuildinginfrontofher Itwasfourstoriesofmagnificence,asfarasshewasconcerned The windows arched out withfour portions, two at anangle and two inbetween. Eachwindow was trimmed withdarkbrown wood.Thefrontsetofdoubledoorswereolivegreenwithgolddoorknockersshapedlikespades.
The signperched onthe frontroofofthe porchsaid “Helen’s HavenHotel” ingold letters ona blackbackground. She was intrigued.
“Letmegetthatforyou”Theolderboy,Matthew,reachedforhertrunkwhenthedriversetitnexttoher Shescootedtothe side.
“Oh,thankyou,Matthew That’sverykindofyou”
He gave her a look that made her blush only briefly as he went in before her. His mother caught the admiring look and exchangedglanceswithCoraMay Giggling,Mrs SmithrestedonehandgentlyonCoraMay’sbackasshefollowedMatthew in
The interior of the hotel was as luxuriouslydecorated as the outside It was like a palace Cora Mayfelt transported to a foreignland as soonas she entered Drawingina sharp breath, she and Laura Cooper shared another look, this time one of amazement.
“Hardtobelievethere’saplaceasniceasthisinthemiddleofnowhere,”Lauramurmured,takingineverythingaroundheras sheturnedinacompletecircle
CoraMayagreedsilently Danielwasalreadyspeakingwiththewomanbehindthereceptioncounter Shewonderedtoherself ifthatwasHelenorifthehotelhadbeennamedafteranotherwoman Shewaitedpatiently,watchingasRosemary,Matthew, andJohnnywanderedaroundthelobby,examiningthepaintings,plaques,andportraitshangingonthewalls,thesculptures,and otherdecorationsthatmadetheroomseemsomajestic.
Maybeshewouldn’tleavethehotel whenshegotmarried,shethoughtwithagiggle She’dconvinceJaketomovehereand livelikeroyalty.
“Doyouneedaroomforlong-termorshort-term,mydear?”Itwasherturnatthedesk.Sheliftedhersmallpurseandsetiton thecounterbetweenthetwo,smilingwide.
“I’mCoraMayMacKenzie Idon’tthinkI’llbeherelong,butI’mnotsure Iwillpayyoufortwonightsaheadoftimeifthat’s allrightwithyou.”
“MynameisMonicaCarmaker Thishotelbelongstomyhusband,Dave,andme Ifyouneedanythingduringyourstay,justask eitherofus.”
“Allright”CoraMaygotagoodfeelingfromthiswoman Shehadsuchawideandcharmingsmile Herteethweresomewhat crooked,buttheyonlyaddedtothecharacteronherfaceforsomereason Shewasanolderwoman CoraMayguessedmaybe somewherebetweensixtyandseventyyearsold.
Shehadwavy, whitehairthatlookedsoftandwispyasitfelltohershoulders ShewasslenderandabittallerthanCoraMay wasusedtoforawoman.Herbrightblueeyesweresharpandhadanintelligentlookaboutthem.
“That’sfifteencentsanight,dear Dinnerandbreakfastareincluded Westartservingbreakfastatsix-thirtyandstopatnine Dinnerisalsosix-thirtyintheeveningandlaststill eight”Sheturnedandfetchedakeyfromtherackbehindherwhereone singlelineofkeyshungwithpaintednumbersfromonetofourteenabovethem.
“Thatsoundslovely”CoraMaywatchedthewomanrunherfingerspastseveralkeysbeforetakingtheoneunderthelabelfor roomsix. She was anxious to see if the rooms were as lovelyas the lobby. She was sure to be verydisappointed if they weren’t. “Bobby is our helper and will bring your luggage to you in a few minutes Feel free to go to your room and see if it’s satisfactory.Itisdownthathalltoyourrightandtheseconddoorontheleft.”
CoraMaytookthekey,glancingattheSmithfamily,whowerealreadyheadingtowardthehallwaythatsplittotheleftandthe right. The roomonthe other side ofthathallwaywas the diningarea where she could see four tables witheightplaces for sittingduringmealtimes. Eachone had a white tableclothnearlyreachingthe floor, and place settings were laid outwitha colorfulbouquetofflowersasacenterpieceforeachtable.
Hadroyaltyactuallystayedthere,shewondered?OrthePresidentoftheUnitedStates?
“Justletmeknowifyouneedanymorenights.MayIaskwhyyou’vecometoBoxville?”
CoraMaytookthreedimesfromhercoinpurseandlaidthemonthecounter “I’vecometogetmarried”
Mrs.Carmaker’s eyebrows shotup.SheeyedCoraMayintensely,butfor somereason,her gazedidn’tmakeCoraMayfeel uncomfortable Theolderwomanleanedforwardonthecounter,andherfacewasalightwithgleewhenshewhisperedloudly, “Oh,youmusttellmewhoyou’vecomefor?Ihaveafewyoungmeninmind,butIwanttoseeifit’stheoneI’mthinkingof”
Cora Maygiggled, enjoyingthe woman’s excitement. “Jake Cooper,” she replied, studyingMrs. Carmaker’s face to see her immediatereaction
ItwassomewhatofadisappointmentwhenMrs.Carmakerpulledbackslightly,hereyesslidingtotheside,aconfusedlookon herface “Oh?I…Iwouldn’thaveguessedJake.He…madenomentionofsendingforsomeone.Iwouldhavethoughthewouldtell meaboutyourarrival.”
CoraMaydidn’tknow ifsheshouldbeworriedor not.Atthatpoint,shewas willingtostarta new life andjuststayinthe beautifulBoxvillehotel.ButshewasalsocurioustoknowwhyneitherDanielSmith,whomayormaynothaveknownabout thearrangement,northehotelownerwastoldofherimpendingvisit Theywereclearlyfriendsofsomekind,orshewouldn’t haveexpectedhimtotellheraboutit
“Doyouknowhimwell?”sheasked,hervoicewaveringslightly.
“Ido,”Mrs.Carmakeransweredwithanod.“Heisaniceman,adecentman.Idon’tseewhyhewouldn’tmakeawonderful husbandfor you.”Her voicematchedthebewilderedlookonher face.“Ijustwouldhavethoughthewouldhaveannounced thistoeveryone OrhewouldhavetoldFloraandMax” “FloraandMax?” Corashouldhaveexpectedsomethinglikethis.After all,JakeCooper hadanestablishedlifeinBoxvillethatshewassetto join.Shewouldhavetogetusedtoeveryone’snamesandtheirrelationships.
“MaxisJake’sbestfriend.FloraisMax’sgirl.You’llmeetthemifyouplantobewithJake.Nowwipethatlookofworryoff your face, mydear. Jake mightnothave had anopportunityto tell me whathe’s doing. I’ll send Dave for himnow. Yougo checkoutyourroomandmakesureit’suptoyoursatisfaction.”
Feelingsomewhatuneasybutwillingtoseeitthrough,CoraMaygrippedtheroomkeyandheadedofftofindnumbersix.
Chapter5
Jake stood close to the counter, leaningover itto see Beckyinthe back She was diggingthrougha large trunk, bentatthe waist,herupperhalfhavingdisappearedintothelargestoragebin.
“Iknow it’s inhere somewhere” He could hear her muffled voice She sounded exasperated He was beginningto wishhe hadn’tcomeinaskingforthetool.He’dmisplacedhischiselandhappenedtobepassingthecafé.
“Don’t worryabout it, Becky,” he called out “Your pa probablydon’t want me borrowinghis tools anyway I’ll go to the generalstoreandgetanotherone Canalwaysusenewtools”
“Jake”
Heturnedwhenheheardhisname.DaveCarmakerstoodatthedoor,lookingalittleworseforwear.Itlookedlikehe’dbeen tryingtopulloutallhiswhitehairthewayitwasstandinguponhishead.Hewashunchedoverslightly,indicatinghisback washurtingagain
“Whatareyoudoing?”Jakeaskedinasternvoice.“Whyareyouwalkingallovertheplacewhenyoudon’tfeelwell?Letme helpyoubacktothehotel”
Dave gave hima grateful look. “Yeah, ’preciate that, son. The missus sentme to fetchyou;there’s new people atthe hotel checkin’in.”
Jakeblinkedattheolderman.Whywouldshesendforhim?
“Istheresomethingshewantsmetoworkon?”heasked.
Daveshrugged “Ineverknowwhat’sgoin’on,Jake Shetoldmetocomefetchya,sohereIamfetchin’ya”
sayinganother wordtoBecky She’ddiscover himgonewhensheemergedfromthedepths ofthattrunk,withor withoutthe chisel.
Hedidcallouttoherandletherknowhewasleavingbutcouldn’tbesuresheheardhim “Newpeoplecheckedinatthehotel,huh?”hesaid.
“Yeap. Monica tookcare of’em. Ireckonshe’s gonna wantyouto lookover the accounts againsince we gotmore people stayin’.”
Jakesaidnothingmoretilltheygottothehotel.Davewentdownthehallanddisappearedintooneofthebackoffices.Monica wasatthereceptiondesk,talkingtoayounggirlwholookedtobeinherteens. Monicalookedupathim,abrightsmilecomingtoherlipswhenshesawhim.“Thereheis.Wherehaveyoubeen?”
Somethingaboutthewayshelookedathimmadehimcurious
“WasIsupposedtobehereforsomething?”heasked.“IforgetajobIwasgonnadoforyou?” Monicasmiledathim.Shetiltedherheadslightlytotheside,gazingathimwithalookhedidn’tunderstand.
“Ithinkyoumighthaveforgottensomething,yes Acertainyounglady?”
Jaketurnedhiseyestotheteenagegirl Shedidn’tlookfamiliartohim HewonderedwhyMonicaassumedotherwise
“I’mJakeCooper,”hesaid,holdingouthishand.“Andyouare?”
“I’mRosemary,”thegirlreplied,takinghishandthoughsheimmediatelystartedgiggling.“I’mnottheyoungladyshe’stalking about.”
