Page 74 of Wyoming Promises
Disquiet fluttered in the pit of her stomach, like a moth caught in a cobweb. Ike’s callous insinuation caused an unsettling mix of worry and aggravation. “My business is none of your concern, nor is my reputation.”
He held his hand up. “But I’m afraid it is, darling,” he said, his tone overly sweet. “Many folks thought something as unseemly as a woman undertaker should not be allowed to operate in Quiver Creek.”
She’d suspected, but to hear the facts pricked her like a needle. “People have need of my services here, and they see now it’s good I kept Papa’s business going.” Her teeth ground at the thought of anything otherwise.
Ike waved both hands as though to calm her. “Forgive me for saying it that way. It’s not my intention to quibble over your rights as a woman to do as you please. I’m trying to show you I’ve changed, Lola. I made an egregious mistake in allowing a trollop like Mattie to sway me from you. I’ve begged your forgiveness many times over.”
Lola crossed her arms about her waist. “And you’ve been forgiven from the first.” For months that truth rested solely on the Lord’s command she do it. But now the sincerity with which she could say it made her realize, somewhere along the way, forgiveness she claimed had freed her to give it honestly. God’s blessings in obedience never ceased to amaze.
“Because you’re a good woman, Lola. But don’t you see? I’ve changed. I’m a businessman worthy of you now. Together, we could own this town!” He slipped closer, drawing a smooth finger against her cheek. “I love you, Lola Martin. Won’t you please take me back?”
Shock drew her gaze to his gleaming eyes. Hadn’t she secretly dreamed of this moment? The one where Ike proclaimed his innate foolishness in having the affair, declared his undying love for her and begged her to come back?
At one time, perhaps. But not in a long while. She weighed him in the balance against the strength and goodness of her carpenter. Bridger had not done one self-serving thing in all the weeks she’d known him. What was more, where Ike stood hollow and empty at the core, something rich and strong and intimately attractive bore Bridger’s life. He was a man who would never treat a woman—or anyone, for that matter—as cruelly as Ike had treated her. She’d been young and naive—and Ike preyed on it.
“I’ve learned a lot over the past year. You’ve taught me much.” His feet slipped closer as she spoke, expectation ripe in his hazel eyes. “But first and foremost, I learned the Lord’s plan is best for me, and He will stop at nothing to see me follow it. He was willing to see my heart broken, if it kept me away from you.”
Ike sucked a breath and drew back as if she’d slapped him. “You can’t think the Lord wouldn’t want us together! Don’t you see how perfect—?”
“No. God protected me from a wrong choice.” She stepped away, taking a deeper breath than she’d felt in ages. “I’m sorry, Ike. I appreciate all you’ve done for me these past months. I truly do. And I hope and pray we can find a way to remain friends even now. But we will never be...what we once were. Do you understand?”
Ike slumped, stepping away with a dropped gaze. Moments passed before he squared his shoulders and faced her. “I don’t blame you, Lola. I only hoped I could prove myself and build something new. But I waited too long.” His lips pulled in a thin, grim line. “I won’t bother you. Out of respect for the fine woman you are, I won’t bring the matter up again.”
“I appreciate that, Ike. I truly do.” Her gaze lingered on his fine form once more, her heart pricked by the dashed hopes of what she thought he was, but stronger somehow for the pain.
“It won’t prevent my hope you’ll return of your own accord, mind you.” His laugh came out shaky and strange. “You may find you have more need of me than you realize.”
“We’ve known each other too long, Ike. I’ll always need your friendship.” He spoke of more, but that would be impossible. She saw it clearly now and prayed he would in time.
Lumbering tread caused the boardwalk to creak, drawing her attention. “We’ll see you at church. All right?” She tilted her head, trying to throw his unfocused stare. “Are we all right?”
Ike smoothed his mustache and puffed his chest. “We will be, Lola. I promise you, we will be.”
* * *
A thick steak, a thick bar of soap and a thick mattress sounded better than a banker’s wages. Bridger shifted his saddlebag over his shoulder to balance the weight and promised himself all three—as soon as he met with Ike.