Electing to Love Page 16

  She paused a minute, as if she'd forgotten why she'd come. Then, she said, "The election results are in, and Noah won!"

  Angel clapped her hands together. "That's wonderful! Any news of the presidential race yet?"

  "Not yet. We should know something soon. Lilly Benigno and Prissy Parker are waiting down at the telegraph office for the wire to come in."

  Angel smiled, genuinely happy for Noah. She liked him, approved of his views, and thought he would make an excellent mayor of Ridgeway. "Well, this is good news. I'm supposing that also means my Gregory is going to be sheriff now."

  "You’re Gregory, eh?" Lupe ribbed her gently with her elbow.

  "Oh, go on, Lupe. No use trying to hide it now."

  "You're right about that. Well, I'll let you get back to your...bed."

  With a giggle, Lupe traipsed down the corridor, and disappeared back into the saloon. For a moment, Angel could hear the revelry going on in the saloon; it seemed she wasn't the only one pleased with Noah's victory. After Lupe closed and locked the door up front, Angel did the same to her door, and eased back into bed with Gregory.

  He rolled over to face her as she slipped beneath the covers. "What's going on, love?"

  "Looks like Noah's won the election."

  A broad grin filled his handsome face. "Hot damn! I'm gonna be sheriff."

  "I'm very happy for you, honey." His excitement was obvious, and a bit contagious. She placed a celebratory kiss on his cheek.

  "Good. Then you'll have no problem helping me out."

  Confusion knit her brow. "What do you mean?"

  "Well, now that I'm sheriff, I want to make a few changes to the police force."

  "Like what?"

  He touched her cheek. "Like making you Ridgeway's first female peace officer."

  Shock made her breath release in a whoosh. "What?"

  "You heard me. I want you to be one of my peace officers."

  She let his words penetrate her mind for a moment. A peace officer? She'd never considered such a line of work, but that didn't mean she couldn't see the enormity of his offer. She searched his face, looking for any hint that he might be making a joke. Only sincerity met her. "You're serious, aren't you?"

  He nodded. "I am."

  She thought about his words a few weeks ago, about a woman's natural place. She remembered the times he'd spouted such male superior nonsense that she'd wanted to box his ears. Still, looking at him now, she sensed a change in him. It was a total shift in his beliefs, and up until this very moment, she'd thought it impossible he'd ever reach this place of enlightenment.

  "I feel I'm making a solid decision here. I mean, I've seen with my own two eyes that you can handle yourself-you nearly knocked out that fellow who touched your behind. You're smart, resourceful, and damn near fearless. Those are the qualities that make a good law officer, and I'd be honored if you'd wear the uniform alongside me and the others."

  She could only shake her head in amazement as she contemplated his words. "Heavens."

  "Hell, you've got such a mean hook, you may not even need a sidearm."

  Peals of laughter rolled out of her mouth at that, and he chuckled right along with her, his arm draped easily over her side.

  When the laughter subsided, and she looked into his eyes again. "I believe you're serious, and I really appreciate the offer. But I already have a job. The Crazy Eights is my place, and that's where I belong."

  He pursed his lips, looked thoughtful. "I hadn't really thought about it, but I guess I would be taking you away from your business if I hired you on."

  "So, you understand why I can't be a peace officer, then?"

  He bobbed his head affirmatively. "Yep. But I'm still gonna be looking to hire a few female officers, and I'd like your help with that, if you don't mind."

  She smiled. "I can do that."

  "Now, there's one more thing I want to know."

  Grazing her fingertips over his jaw, she said, "What?"

  "How do you feel about getting married on Christmas Eve?"

  Happy tears sprang to her eyes. This was a day she'd never forget. She'd protested at the polls, been carried through town, and gotten a job offer and a marriage proposal. And it was all because of the man lying next to her, whose presence warmed her, body and soul.

  Gazing into his eyes, she smiled. "Let's do it."

  * * *

  Chapter 16

  As Thanksgiving came and went, November fading into December, he kept watch over his sweet Angel May. The saloon was closed, and not set to reopen until after the New Year, so that she could have the time she needed to grieve. By the end of the first week of December, he could see her beginning to rally. She smiled more readily, even laughed a bit, and begun to talk with her friends about wedding plans. While his body yearned for her, he put off his needs in favor of hers. With their nuptials approaching, and given the recent tragedy she'd experienced, he decided not to press her. He'd wait until their wedding night to make love to her again, and he would make sure it was a night she'd never forget.

  More than anything, he wanted to restore her to full happiness, and he had in mind a very special wedding gift. His mind set, he made an appointment to visit Emerson Construction.

  Easing his chair up to the round wooden table, Gregory watched Rod Emerson spread out a large sheet of butcher's paper over the surface. Rod, the town's main builder, was responsible for the construction of most of the newer buildings in town, including the Doris Ridgeway Primary School, the Taylor Hotel, and Ruby's Restaurant. A graphite pencil tucked behind his ear, Rod took a seat across from Gregory.

  "So, Deputy. Tell me what your vision is for your home."

  That drew a shrug from Gregory. "The first thing I'll need is a good piece of land."

  Rod looked thoughtful. "I've got about seven available plots between here and Oakland. Will you be farming?"

  "I don't think so. Angel might want a flower bed, or an herb garden, but not much more."

  "Smallest plot I have is just under two acres. I think it'll suit you nicely, based on what you're telling me."

  Gregory nodded. "Sounds like plenty."

  Rod took the pencil from behind his ear, poising it over the butcher paper. "One story or two? And how many bedrooms?"

  He scratched his head as he thought on the question. He supposed he could have asked Angel for her input on the house they would one day live in, but he's wanted to keep the visit a surprise. He had a very special way of telling her about the house in mind. "One story, and let's say three bedrooms. That's one for us, one for my parents when they visit, and one for a babe."

  Rod's face showed a smile as he sketched on the butcher paper, drawing a single large rectangle. Then he began to make several straight lines and angles within the rectangle, to represent the walls of the house. Gregory watched as he drew in more details, such as the windows and doors, admiring Rod's skill with the pencil.

  When Rod started to add on to the drawing, beyond what Gregory had asked for, he stayed the architect's drawing hand.

  "Hold on, now. That might be a bit more than we can afford."

  Rod waved him off as he continued to draw. "Pshaw. Tell you what. I'll add on the sitting porches on the front and back, and a fourth bedroom, no charge. What you're asking for is pretty modest, you know."

  Gregory stared. "Are you serious? You'd do that for us?"

  Rod nodded. "O'Course! After what Angel May's been through, she deserves every bit of happiness she can get. Call it my wedding gift to the two of you."

  "Thank you. Thank you very much." Gregory watched as Rod continued his work. When the drawing was finished, he was truly in awe of the plans. The home he would live in with Angel, where they would raise their children, was going to be a grand home indeed.

  Rod extended his hand, and Gregory took it, giving it a hearty shake.

  Gregory knew how much he would be making as sheriff, and the raise would do much toward paying for the house and the parcel of land it w
ould be built on. He'd lived a relatively simple existence, and had managed to put away a tidy sum of money in an account at Ridgeway Bank and Telegraph. "How much will I need to pay today, and what are the terms?"

  Rod extracted a stack of papers from a small side table, and set them between him. He went over the cost of the house and land together, and they came to an agreement on the terms. Since the full amount was only a few hundred dollars more than Gregory had saved, Rod agreed to take as much as he could pay, then take the rest in two equal payments, due by March, when construction should be complete. Once Gregory had written the bank draft, and received a copy of the plans and contracts, he said his goodbyes to Rod, and stepped outside.

  He'd only made it a few steps down the walk before he heard someone calling his name.

  Turning his head, he saw Daisy Trice, the young telegraph clerk and bank assistant, coming down the walk toward him.

  "Deputy, you received a reply to your wire a few days ago. I didn't want to trouble you, what with the funeral and all, but here it is."

  He took the offered slip from Daisy's hand. "Thank you, Miss Trice."

  She gave him a smile and a nod, then headed back toward the building housing the bank and telegraph office.

  He lifted the slip up, reading the words printed on it. It was from his father, Nigel.

  Good news, indeed! Expect us in mid-December. Your mother, Luke, and I will remain in Ridgeway with you until after the New Year, to see you married and installed as sheriff. Love, Pa.

  The news brought a smile to his face. He'd not seen his family in over eighteen months, since he'd gone to visit them when his nephew, Jack Jr., had celebrated his first birthday. Now, not only would he get to see them again, but he'd get to introduce them to his sweet Angel May, so they could see how wonderful she was.

  He tucked the slip into the pocket of his denims, and set his feet toward Angel's apartment, to tell her of their arrival.

  When she opened the door, he leaned down to greet her with a kiss, before stepping inside.

  She shut the door behind him. "You look chipper."

  He pulled the telegraph slip from his pocket and handed it to her.

  She walked to the settee while reading it, and he followed her. By the time they were both seated she'd finished.

  Her next question caught him by surprise. "Do they know I'm colored?"

  He nodded. "Yes, I told them. What made you ask that?"

  "I never met them before, and not everyone is as open minded as you, Gregory."

  He supposed he should have considered that. "Ridgeway's a pretty progressive town, but even a few of the older folks around here aren't too pleased about it."

  She said nothing, but her expression belied her worries.

  "Don't worry. My sister-in-law is mulatto, so we've already dealt with this kind of thing."

  She eyed him curiously. "Really. And how did that go over with your folks?"

  He laced his fingers together in his lap. "I'll admit they were a bit apprehensive at first. Once they met Anna and discovered how sweet she was, and how much she loved Jack, they took to her just fine."

  She leaned closer to him, and he slipped his arm around her shoulders.

  Eventually she spoke again. "So, what you’re saying is if I charm them, and they know I love you, we won't have any problems?"

  "That's right."

  That seemed to reassure her, because she smiled as she snuggled closer to him.

  He held her close, thinking of the plans for their home nestled inside his vest. The future held so much promise for the two of them, he could hardly wait to see where their love would take them.

  ***

  Angel stood by the mirror over her dresser, surveying her reflection one last time. At any moment, Gregory's parents and his younger brother would arrive at the saloon for Sunday dinner. Only a week remained until the Christmas holiday, and less than that until she and Gregory's Christmas Eve wedding. Between the last-minute planning for the ceremony and reception, and the cooking and cleaning for today's family meal, she'd barely had time to dress. The business of the day had sapped a great deal of her energy, but she'd put on her best teal colored gown anyhow, prepared to soldier on into the evening.

  Gregory appeared behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. "You look lovely, dearest. Don't fret over it."

  She turned to face him, placing a hand against his bearded jaw. "You look very handsome as well, Gregory." And he did. Her appreciative eyes drank in the sight of him in the deep blue suit and snow white shirt draped over his muscled frame.

  "Thank you. Let's hope my mother agrees. Otherwise she will task you with dressing me for the rest of my life." He winked.

  She shook her head. "Silly goose. Let's go up front and make sure everything is ready."

  They walked, hand in hand, into the saloon. The largest of the round tables had been put in the center of the floor, to accommodate the family gathering. Lupe and Valerie had been by earlier to help, and had set a lovely table, complete with a snow-white tablecloth, gleaming silver, cut crystal glasses, and china dishes hand painted with delicate pink rosebuds. A vase filled with colorful wildflowers centered it all.

  She smiled as she took in the sight. "The next time I see Lupe I shall kiss her. I couldn't wish for a dearer friend."

  Gregory looked impressed as well. "It does look nice."

  The two of them set about arranging the food, which was in a polished silver service, in the center of the table around the flower arrangement. A chilled pitcher of lemonade soon joined the food.

  Angel had just set the glass dish holding her lemon tart down when she heard a voice behind her, calling her intended's name.

  She turned to see Gregory's family standing by the propped open door.

  Gregory clasped her hand, and led her to where his family stood.

  Angel smiled, offering her greetings to Gregory's father, mother, and younger brother. She'd met them briefly three days ago, when they'd first arrived in town. Tired from their long journey by train and stagecoach, they'd been eager to check into their room at the Taylor Hotel. Tonight, she hoped to get to know them a bit better.

  Gregory's father Nigel, kissed her hand. "Angel. A delight to see you again." Nigel's coloring was bit darker than Gregory's. He was tall and lean in stature, and his short, gray hair was speckled with white. Wire rimmed spectacles sat on the end of his nose.

  She smiled, but before she could speak a reply, Gregory's mother Marie swept her into a tight hug. "Hello again, my dear."

  Angel returned the embrace. She already liked Marie, whose kindness more than compensated for her short stature. Marie's salt and pepper hair was swept into a chignon, and she wore a lovely blush colored gown over her plump frame.

  The ever gallant Luke, Gregory's younger brother, stepped forward. He wore a blue shirt beneath his dark suit, and wore his long dark hair back in a low ponytail. He was very handsome, and she wondered if the young women in Sacramento might be stricken with love-sickness at the sight of him.

  Luke mimicked Nigel's gesture by kissing her hand. "You look lovely."

  "Thank you, Luke." Angel stepped back to allow them entry into the saloon.

  Everyone came in, and took seats around the table.

  Marie commented, “You’ve set a lovely table, dear, and I can't wait to see what we're having."

  "Whatever it is, it smells wonderful." Nigel opened his napkin and spread it over his lap.

  Smiling at the people who would soon become her family, Angel stood and began lifting the lids off the dishes she and Gregory had prepared. Soon she'd revealed the spread: a glazed ham dotted with cloves, seasoned diced turnips, fried potatoes, early peas with pearl onions, and her lemon tart for dessert.

  Every man at the table stood along with her.

  She felt the blush filling her cheeks at their show of chivalry. "Sit down, you all. I'm just serving."

  Nigel and his two sons did as she requested.

  Luk
e whistled. "Brother, if she feeds you like this every day, you'll soon be as fat as Uncle Franklin."

  Gregory ribbed his brother. "Stuff it, Luke. You're just jealous."

  Watching the two of them tease each other made Angel chuckle. She loved the way they went at each other; it was easy to see they cared for one another. She began to dole out servings of the food onto the china plates, taking her seat again when everyone was served.

  Nigel led them in a brief prayer, then they dug into the offerings.

  Taking a sip of the tart lemonade, Angel asked, "When will I have the chance to meet Jack?"

  Marie answered that. "He's home with his wife Anna. She's due to have our second grandchild any time now, so he couldn't travel."

  Hearing the delight in Marie's voice as she mentioned her coming grandchild made Angel think of her future with Gregory. She hoped there would be children, but had no inkling as to when they'd come along, or how many there would be. She turned a pensive gaze to Gregory, and found him watching her. His eyes held affection, and she exhaled, knowing that whatever the road ahead held for the two of them, they would face it together.

  As the meal continued, Marie chattered on a bit, expressing her excitement about the upcoming wedding. Angel found that endearing, and it enhanced her own excitement. She told Marie about the cake being made by Ruby Parker, and her nearly completed wedding gown. Lilly Benigno had been working since the third week of November to create a bridal gown for her, and she was due to have her final fitting tomorrow. The satin fabric she'd chosen was the color of rich, fresh cream, and she couldn't wait to see Gregory's face when she walked toward him at their candlelit ceremony.

  When they'd had dessert and coffee, Angel stood.

  Once again, the Simmons men all stood when she did.

  Angel giggled. "What gentlemen. You can sit down now, I'll clear away the dishes."

  Luke waved his hand. "Nonsense. You've cooked this glorious meal for us. We men will clear the table."

  Gregory agreed. "Yes, my love. Now you sit."

  So, she did, and she and Marie watched as they cleared the dishes and took them to the sink behind the bar counter.