Debra Ullrick - Groom Wanted

“Ten minutes? That long, huh? We’d better hurry, then.”

“Okay, wise guy. Just wait until you become a father. Then you’ll understand. Come on.” He motioned for them to go inside the barn.

Jake hoped someday he would know exactly how Michael felt. Once again, he wished Leah hadn’t turned his marriage offer down. He knew she’d make a good wife and mother, and he admired her and respected her more than any other woman he knew.

Thoughts of Leah answering some strange man’s ad and inviting him there trailed through Jake’s mind. Would he be able to handle seeing his best friend hanging out with another man?

A man who could possibly become Leah’s husband and take her away from him?

God, give me the grace to let my friend go and to make it through this time. Make it a large dose. ’Cause I’m sure gonna need every ounce You can spare.

Chapter Four

Steps creaked under Leah’s feet. She cringed, hoping the noise wouldn’t wake Selina. Michael would give her a good scolding if she did. Of that she was certain. Quietly she opened the door and stepped inside. Her eyes popped open. She’d never seen Selina’s house this messy before. Never.

Dishes were scattered all over the table and piled in the sink. If Selina saw them, she would be so upset, and Leah couldn’t have that. After she peeked into Selina’s bedroom to make sure everything was all right, she closed the door. Leah grabbed an apron from off the hook, rolled up her sleeves and, as quietly as she could, she washed the dishes and tidied up the house.

Squeaking hinges caught her attention. She turned to find Michael stepping inside the house.

“Is she still asleep? Are the twins okay?”

She barely heard his questions his voice was so low.

“Yes. They’re fine.” She, too, kept her voice down.

“Good.” He nodded. “Leah, would you mind doing me a favor?” He looked away and then back at her. “Oh. Thanks for doing the dishes and picking up the place. I really appreciate it. I hadn’t gotten to that yet.”

“You’re welcome, Michael. That’s what sisters are for.” She smiled. “Now, what did you want?”

“We have a cow that’s down and needs doctoring. Everyone else is busy and Jake will need my help. Would you mind staying here with Selina a bit longer? I don’t want to leave her alone.” He ran his hand over his face. “Man, I wish I didn’t have to help. I hate leaving Selina. But Jake can’t do it alone and no one else is around.”

Leah laid her hand on his arm. “I can stay with her. She and the twins will be just fine.”

Worry crowded his face. It was happening a lot these days.

“Michael.” She turned and gave him a push toward the door. “Go. They’ll be fine. Selina’s a strong woman.”

“She is, isn’t she?” Pride puffed out his chest.

“Yes. Now go. I’ll wait until you get back.”

“If you need anything—”

“Michael, she’ll be fine.” This time, Leah pushed him out the door.

“I’ll be back in about an hour.”

“I’ll be here.”

She watched Michael leave, then shut the door.

With Selina and the babies still sound asleep, Leah searched her brother’s cellar and pantry and made a pot of stew and some biscuits.

Nearly an hour later, Leah heard a baby cry. She headed over to the bedroom, slowly opened the door and peered inside. Lottie Lynn’s little arms were moving in short, choppy movements. A wail came from Joseph’s bed and his arms and legs imitated his sister’s. Leah scurried inside, not knowing which one to reach for first.

“They sure have mighty good lungs,” Selina said with a voice filled with sleep.

She started to rise, but Leah shot up her hand. “You stay there. I’ll bring them to you.”

“I ain’t helpless. I can get them.”

“I know you’re not. But Michael would have my hide if he knew I let you get out of that bed.”

Selina rolled her sleepy eyes. “Such fussin’ that man does over me. I can do it.”

“Please, Selina. You stay there. Let me do this for you,” Leah said over the wails of the twins. She picked up Lottie Lynn, who stopped crying instantly. Leah hugged the baby girl to her chest. Someday she hoped to have a houseful of her own children. Her thoughts went to the letter still in her pocket, the one destined to be mailed today. Maybe that someday wasn’t too far off.

She changed the baby’s diaper and handed her to Selina who was now sitting propped against the pillows, looking more tired than Leah had ever seen her. No wonder Michael seemed so worried. She made a mental note to tell her mother that despite Michael’s protest, they needed to come and help Selina...and Michael.

“Thank ya kindly, Leah.”

“You’re welcome.”

Joey’s loud wail pierced the air. Leah scuttled over to his crib and, securing his head, lifted him out. Muddy diaper odor stung Leah’s nose with its potency. Ewwww. She wrinkled her nose and blinked her eyes.

“Sweet twinkling stars above. You need changing, little man,” she cooed to him as she walked over to the changing table Michael had made. She laid him on the wooden slab with the feather-filled flannel quilt on top and changed her nephew’s diaper. His crying stopped. She picked him up, kissed his cheek and turned toward Selina. A light blanket covered Lottie Lynn’s head while she nursed.

“Do you want me to leave and you can holler when you’re finished?”

“No. It don’t bother me none. Unless you’re uncomfortable.”

She shook her head, sat down in the rocking chair next to the bed and rocked Joey.

Leah knew it was time to make the announcement. She let out a long breath to settle the butterflies flitting about in her stomach. “Well, I finally did it.”

Busy with the baby, Selina hardly looked up. “Did what?”

“I placed an advertisement for a husband. And I’ve already received several answers.”

Selina’s eyes went wide as they jerked up, and her brows puckered. “Does your family know?”

“No.”

“They ain’t gonna like it. You goin’ off to who knows where.”

Leah found that weird coming from Selina, who had traveled across the country to be with Michael.

“I know what you’re a-thinkin’. I did it. And I personally see nothin’ wrong with it. But your family is mighty protective of you.”

“I know they are. But...” She handed Joey to Selina and took the newly fed Lottie Lynn from her mother. With a cloth draped over her shoulder Leah patted her niece on the back until a loud burp echoed in the room. Selina and Leah giggled.

Selina settled Joey and then turned her attention back to Leah. “But what?”

“But, I don’t think they’ll have a problem with it once I tell him that Fitzwilliam will be coming here, and I won’t be traveling alone.”

“Fitzwilliam? Ain’t that an interestin’ name. Never heard it before.”

“I love his name. And—” she shifted Lottie Lynn and cradled her closer “—I really believe God is in this.”

“Why’s that?”

“Well, ever since reading Pride and Prejudice I’ve prayed for a man like Mr. Darcy. In the book, Mr. Darcy’s first name is Fitzwilliam.”

“Oh. I see.” She waved her head back and forth, confusion flooding her face. “No, I don’t see. What’s that gotta do with anythin’?”

“It’s simple, really. I’ve been praying for a man like Mr. Darcy. Then I get a letter from a man with Mr. Darcy’s first name. And he lives in New York City.” Oops. She shouldn’t have said that. Leah didn’t want Selina asking her why that was important, so she rushed on before she could. “You see, these are all signs.”

“Signs?”

“Yes. From God.”

“Leah, it ain’t none-a my business—”