Constance: Bride of Florida (American Mail-Order Bride 27) by Patricia Pacjac Carroll Page A

on, he’d despised the name Ethan because he thought he should have been Evan Jr. Now, he knew why.
    A nagging thought nudged his mind. Is that why he’d demanded to be called Drake instead? Because he felt slighted and had fought back in the only way he knew how by choosing his own name? A name that wasn’t connected to the store or the family in any way.
    Drake stabbed at his food, not finding his usual pleasure in eating. A glance around the table showed he wasn’t the only one. Yet, no one spoke. Why was that? Why did his family seem to only have one topic of conversation and that was the store?
    Putting down his fork, Drake collected his thoughts. “Father, how is Mother this morning? Any change?”
    After taking a sip of coffee, he turned to look at him. “The same. Dr. Andrews is coming by a little later to check on her.”
    Drake stared at the man was and was shocked to see that he looked tired, sad, and aging before his eyes. Drake hadn’t really looked at his father in such a way before. Today, Evan Ferris was a man and not just father.
    Edgar stood. “Edwin and I can open the store. Drake can help if he wants. You stay here with Mother.”
    Drake winced at Edgar’s darting glance toward him. Meeting the challenge, Drake stood. “Good idea. It’s time you had a little rest, Father. We can handle the store. You stay home as long as Mother needs you.”
    A look of shock made its way around the faces in the room. Father gave him a weak smile. “Thanks, Ethan, or I should say, Drake. I would like to stay with your mother.” He looked away. “There’s so much I’d like to do for her.”
    Drake waved at his brothers. “Let’s go. Send word if you need us.”
    Father nodded. While he looked relieved, his face had darkened with a sorrow that made Drake cringe.
    Heavy with regret, Drake led his brothers on their walk to the store. How many times had he done this before but followed behind his brothers? Never had he led the way. Today was different. Life seemed brighter, more painful and cheerful at the same time.
    Soon, they reached the store. Drake felt his pockets. He didn’t have a key. Never had. Father had tried to give him one, but he’d refused to take it. He looked at his brothers. “Either of you have a key?”
    Edgar pushed between them to the door and unlocked it. “Me and Edwin have keys. We’ll get you one today.”
    That was all he said. Once the store was open, Drake saw little of his brothers as they went to their assigned places. He didn’t have one. He looked around and made sure the clerks were in position.
    He saw Edgar and went to him. “What should I do?”
    Edgar looked at him with a whimsical grin. “Drake, you’re the one that can run this store. You’re a born leader. Go to the office, Father’s office, and read his notes. See what needs done and do it. Edwin and I can handle the floor.”
    With a shrug, Drake made his way to the roomy workplace. He told the secretary he was sitting in for his father for a few days. He didn’t even know her name though he’d seen her for years. He’d have to ask one of his brothers.
    He put a hand on the big leather chair. The room wore his father’s personality, and even his smell. After a few moments, Drake sat in the chair. It fit him. Felt good. Yet, everything in him rebelled at the idea.
    Drake glanced at the window that looked out into the bay. Rolling waves. Sandy shores to the left. Ships in the bay already bringing in their catch. He yearned to be free and sail the seas. But his family needed him.
    A trap . The words wrested his mind.
    He drew in a breath and looked at Father’s schedule. He had letters to write, bills to be paid and mailed, and orders to make. Then he saw the note scribbled beside the date of his birthday. His brother’s birthday.
    In his Father’s forceful and direct handwriting, it read. Order flowers. Big red roses for Martha and small buds for Evan Jr. An envelope of cash for Ethan.
    Drake stared at