Calico Brides by Darlene Franklin Page B

the refuge of the five men who drifted in and out of the services. Their names were branded on Jeremiah’s brain. Who needed military discipline the most often? Any one of these five. Which recruits might desert their post? One of them already had, his replacement arriving with the same rebellious attitude.
    Which men spent their paydays at the saloon in town, taking advantage of all the entertainment the place had to offer?
    The thought confirmed Jeremiah’s sermon topic for tomorrow: a warning against strange women, drawn from several passages in Proverbs. Sometimes Captain Peate chided Jeremiah for preaching too often on the same subject, but each and every time he felt God’s leading.
    The front door squeaked open, and Jeremiah opened his eyes. The young man in front of him snapped a salute. “Lieutenant Arnold, sir!”
    “At ease, soldier.”
    The lad dropped the salute. “Mrs. Peate wishes to see you in her quarters, sir.”
    “I will be there promptly.” Jeremiah remained behind while the private left, breathing in the quiet before heading outside. A light breeze stirred the air, heady with gentle rains and thunderstorms, new tree leaves and blooming flowers. A perfect day for a ride if he had time later.
    With a longing glance at the stables, Jeremiah headed for the captain’s quarters. Whatever Mrs. Peate wanted with the chaplain involved the morning’s visitors—unwelcome, intruding females.

    “I think it’s a marvelous idea. Even the roughest of the men will welcome the homey touch.” Mrs. Peate filled the coffee cups.
    After a single sip, Annie reached for cream and sugar. Even so, she could barely swallow the strong brew. Gladys set down her cup after a single taste.
    “Over the years I’ve become fond of army coffee.” Mrs. Peate lifted her shoulders in apology. “But I know it’s not to everyone’s taste. I have cool water if you prefer.”
    At nods from both guests, she bustled into the kitchen. She reappeared a few minutes later carrying a tray with a pitcher, glasses, and a plate of cookies. “Please help me eat these. The cook doesn’t like me baking for the men, and I can’t eat them all myself.” A wistful look raced across her face, replaced by her pleasant smile. “I apologize for keeping you waiting. Lieutenant Arnold should be here shortly. As chaplain, he is in the best position to know who will appreciate the scarf sets the most.”
    Gladys patted Annie’s hand in silent support. Ever since Haydn Keller, the grandson of Calico’s richest citizen, had asked for Gladys’s hand in marriage, she believed anything was possible. If only God had led Annie to assist a family instead of a fort filled with strange men.
    Not men, she reminded herself, but lads like her brother. A touch of home might keep them on the straight and narrow. Her thoughts strayed to the grumpy man she had observed yelling at the laundress. Now that man could benefit from kindness.
    Someone knocked on the door, and Annie straightened her back. Why waste energy worrying? The chaplain would make an excellent ally.
    “Here he is.” Mrs. Peate walked to the door and opened it. “Thank you for coming so quickly, Lieutenant. We have guests who are eager to meet you.”
    A booted foot with a heavy gait…stocky body and scowling expression. Surely God wouldn’t expect her to…
    The Bear was the chaplain?

Chapter 2
    A nnie’s knees shook a teensy bit as she stood and faced the chaplain while Mrs. Peate introduced them. Lieutenant Jeremiah Arnold looked ordinary enough, average height, with a build more like a boxer than a man of the cloth. His resemblance to a bear came mostly from his attitude, exuding a barely controlled strength. Gray streaked a thick, reddish-brown beard, and dust coated his blue uniform. Annie thought she could sense him struggling to hide his impatience.
    He bent at the waist. “Pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Bliss. Miss Polson.” His deep tones came out as a growl.
    Annie