She sat on the ground looking up at him with wide, luminous eyes. No doubt calling him a few choice names for his behavior.
He grabbed the ax. “Well, I better go. You take care now.”
She never spoke, and he didn’t look back. Better if he didn’t. Seventeen years old. Same age Rebekah would have been. Little Bit. Little sister. He thumped his forehead with the heel of his hand.
Sure, he cared about Anna. She was fun to go fishing with. Her chatter would keep anyone entertained. But to court? To kiss? Not likely. Her father would have his job if he knew what had almost happened. Better if he took a second look at Kathleen. At least she was closer to his age.
Jeremiah strode through the forest’s carpet of leaves and broken sticks, stretching the distance between Anna and him. What appeal drew him to Anna? He searched his heart and had to admit he cared. Far too much. Girls like her were the ones who could tear a man’s heart out. She was family, pure and simple. Only more. Could be a lot more. Enough to get hurt again, because family didn’t always stay.
He dodged a tree branch and took a deep breath of the pine-scented air then let it out in a rush. His plans didn’t include waiting around for a little girl to grow up. Sure, he needed a wife, because come spring, he planned to be living on his own farm. He’d carry on the tradition of farming his grandfather and dad had left him. He needed a woman suited for marriage. Someone who didn’t turn his emotions inside out and set his heart pounding like a drum. Maybe Kathleen would be the best choice. Her mother seemed to like him, and Kathleen did invite him to their cabin. Wouldn’t hurt to think about it, pray about it, and maybe ask her father for permission to court her.
Camp came into view, and he quickened his stride. His heart had returned to normal. He shoved both sisters far from his mind. Willum had promised to build a house for him. He’d even joked about it, saying it would be one less man taking up space in his tiny cabin on weekends, so he’d be glad to do it.
Clouds blanketed the sky, releasing a gentle rain when Anna tugged the horse to a stop in front of Tumwater’s grocer and set the brake. She hopped from the wagon, her skirt flaring out before settling back down to cover her ankles.
“Anna, be careful.” Kathleen climbed down, scarcely exposing the toe of her shoe. “You could fall and get hurt jumping like that. What if your foot got caught on something or you slipped in the mud?”
“It won’t.” Anna twirled toward the mercantile three doors up the street. “Oh Kathleen, there’s Larkin. She’s wearing the new dress she got for her birthday. You won’t need me for a few minutes, will you? I’ll be back in time to help load the wagon.”
Kathleen sighed. “Go ahead. At least you drove.”
“Thanks.” Anna ran up the boardwalk steps, her boots clomping on the wood. Her green calico looked shabby next to Larkin’s fancy blue dress, but Anna didn’t care.
Larkin turned, a dimpled smile brightening her face. “Anna, I didn’t see you.”
“Kathleen’s in the grocery. Mama didn’t feel well and asked us to shop for her. I’ll have to help, so I don’t have a lot of time. I wonder if they have any new embroidery floss.”
“I don’t know, but I’d love to see, too.” Larkin held the door open. “Are you feeling better? You’ve been in my thoughts and prayers all week.”
Anna stepped into the mercantile. She’d like to forget this past week, except for one special part. Every time she thought about Tuck’s nose brushing hers, her stomach jumped just before her heart took off like a horse in a race.
“I’m fine.” She tossed the answer over her shoulder, her boots beating a hollow staccato against the wood floor. What would Larkin say if she knew? They had shared a lot of secrets in the past, but maybe not this one. It was too new. Too unsure. Tuck sure had acted funny after it happened.
Larkin caught up with her at the thread counter. “Have your parents said any more to you about finishing school?”
Anna fingered the embroidery floss. “Mama hasn’t, but Papa says he wants me to learn to be a lady, so that’s what I’m doing.”
She sighed. “Sure do hate to give up fishing.”
Larkin’s eyes widened. “You’re giving up fishing? You can’t. You love to fish.”
Anna glanced around the store and grinned as she leaned closer to Larkin. “Maybe ladies can still fish.”
“Of course they can.” Larkin picked up a violet hank of floss and grimaced. “This is Mama’s new favorite color for next year.”
“It’s pretty.”
“Try wearing it all year.”
“So is this green one. Kind of reminds me of the woods.” Anna couldn’t stop the catch in her voice.
The warmth of her friend’s hand on her arm almost brought tears to Anna’s eyes. Larkin patted her arm. “I’m so sorry. Why don’t we plan a fishing party to prove to your mother you can fish and still be just as much a lady as your sister? Once she sees that, you can stay right here in Tumwater. My Chinook grandfather always said a fish fry makes everything better, and the Farmer’s Almanac predicts this dry spell will continue through the next month at least.”
At Larkin’s mention of the almanac, Anna smiled, her tears banished. “You and your weather talk. And tempting me with fishing. When can we have the party? How many shall we invite?”
“As many as you want. Would next Sunday afternoon work?”
Tension seeped from Anna as excitement took its place. “Yes, we can bring food and cook the fish we catch.”
“Now, how about this embroidery floss? Do you want any?” Larkin began picking out several hanks of brown and gold shades.
Anna took the green one she’d admired earlier. She’d make something she could take to school that would remind her of her woods. Maybe ivy on a pillowcase. “I’m getting this one, then I’ve got to get back to the grocery before Kathleen tells Mama I ran off.”
Larkin gave her a quick hug. “I need to look at some other things, but I’ll see you tomorrow at church.”
“All right.” Anna paid for the floss and hurried out the door, almost bumping into Abigail coming in. “Oh, I’m sorry.”
“That’s fine.” Abigail looked into the store with a frown marring her face. “I see Larkin is here.”
“Yes, we were just talking.” Anna stepped onto the boardwalk.
Abigail followed, letting the mercantile door close. She fell into step with Anna. “I don’t know why you hang around with her. Just because her father’s the richest man in town doesn’t lessen the fact she’s a mixed breed.”
“Most people around here are. I’m a mixture of Dutch and Scots.”
Abigail patted Anna’s shoulder as if she were a foolish child. “Sometimes you say the strangest things. What were you and Larkin talking about?”
Why don’t you like Larkin? If it’d do any good, she’d ask. “We’ve decided to have a fishing party out at the lake. Everyone’s invited. Why don’t you and Elizabeth come? And Garrick. It’s for the fellows and girls, both. We’ll bring potluck and fry the fish. It’ll be lots of fun.”
Abigail nodded. “I’m sure it will. I haven’t been fishing in ages.”
“Then it’s time you did.” Anna’s heart lifted at the thought of everyone gathered around the lake. Larkin always knew how to make her feel better. Now to convince Kathleen their idea was a good one.
“Anna, the order’s ready. Are you?” Kathleen stood in front of the grocer, her hands on her hips.
“Yes, I said I’d be right back.” Anna frowned. What was wrong with Kathleen?
Kathleen headed toward the wagon. “You could have stayed and helped instead of running off.”
“I didn’t …” Oh, what was the use? She could argue all day that Kathleen gave permission, and still her words would get turned around somehow. “Larkin wants us all to meet next Sunday afternoon for a fishing party at the lake.”
“I don’t like fishing.” Kathleen wrinkled her nose and shifted toward Abigail. “Are you going?”
&
nbsp; Abigail nodded. “Yes. I’m sure Elizabeth and Garrick will, too.”
Kathleen’s eyebrows lifted. “Well, I suppose I could.” She looked back at Anna. “Mama should approve of your fishing with a large group rather than going off by yourself or alone with—”
“I know, Kathleen.” Anna climbed to the high wagon seat. “You don’t need to complain. I’ve decided I’ll be a lady from now on.”
“Ha.” Kathleen laughed. “I can’t wait to see this come to pass. If you can act like a lady at a fishing party, it’ll be a miracle. Abigail, it was nice seeing you. We’ve got to get home. Most of what we bought is for the camp.”
“I understand.” Abigail walked on down the street.
Anna shook her head at her friend’s behavior. She’d been going into the mercantile until she saw Larkin. What could she possibly have against Larkin? Anna picked up the reins and flicked them above the horse with a click of her tongue. There was no understanding some people. But one thing she knew. Mama would have nothing bad to say about this fishing trip. Not with Kathleen going. Now all she needed to do was spread the word. Would Tuck and his friends come? Her tummy did its familiar little jump, and she smiled. He’d better come. If she didn’t have a chance to ask him at church tomorrow, she’d make sure to during the week. Maybe they could bump noses again.
Chapter 7
Jeremiah squinted at the overcast sky above the church. “Looks like a good day for fishing. At least it’s not raining.”
“Good thing.” Frederick grinned. “I’ve got a craving for fried fish and good company.”
E.V. nodded. “So the plan is to head to the lake this afternoon and fish for our lunch, right?”
“Right.” Jeremiah’s gaze shifted to the Wilkins’ buggy pulling to a stop beside the church.
Anna climbed out and turned toward him. His rebellious heart raced without his permission. His eyes refused to look elsewhere. What was wrong with him? He’d kept his distance ever since he’d almost kissed her. She wouldn’t have stopped him either. Would she have known to? She’d probably never been kissed, and he almost took advantage of her. She’d been crying. Upset, vulnerable. Disgust for his actions landed on his heart, bringing it under control.
“There’s the Wilkin family.” E.V. nodded toward the girls. “Didn’t I see you talking to the little one, Tuck?”
Little one. Jeremiah almost laughed. Even his friends thought she was too young. “Yes, she gave me the invitation for this afternoon. Said to invite all of you, though I can’t imagine why.”
Frederick gave him a playful shove. “Watch it, buddy.”
Jeremiah laughed. His gaze shifted to Kathleen. A chestnut ringlet brushed her smooth cheek. Her eyes, dark and wide, looked across the yard. He looked, too. Garrick and his sisters walked toward them from the opposite way. Jeremiah looked back at Kathleen. A soft smile brought out the loveliness of her face. She was a real beauty. A woman any man would be proud to claim for his wife.
Anna twirled and ran back to the wagon, taking his attention from her sister. He shook his head. Kathleen’s beauty paled next to her rambunctious sister.
Kathleen walked past and smiled. Every man lifted his hat and acknowledged her presence. What better time to set his plan in motion? He stepped forward but felt a hand on his arm.
“Tuck?” Anna smiled at him. “Are you going to the lake this afternoon?”
His heart melted at the sparkle in her dark eyes, the endearing tendril of hair blowing across her face. He resisted the urge to catch it and tuck it behind her ear. Instead, he grinned. “Miss a chance to go fishing? Now, what do you think?”
“You’ll be there.” She laughed. “I will, too. I plan to catch more fish than you do, you know.”
“Ha, as if that’s possible.” His heart pounded. “Hey, I need to catch someone. I’ll see you later.”
“Okay.” A crease between her eyes told him she didn’t want him to go.
He resisted the urge to stay with her and ran up the steps just before Kathleen disappeared through the door. “Miss Wilkin?”
“Yes?” Kathleen turned with her eyebrows lifted.
Jeremiah ignored the buzz of male voices behind him. He’d probably shocked his friends, but he had a goal to fulfill. More than anything, he wanted a family. Kathleen could give him that without danger of losing his heart. He’d already suffered more loss and pain in his life than he wanted. He could learn to care for Kathleen, but not too much.
He pulled his hat from his head. “Would you mind if I sat with you this morning?”
Kathleen hesitated only a moment before a smile crossed her face. “I would be honored by your company, Mr. Tucker.”
She slipped her hand through his arm, and he felt no more than her gentle presence. Perfect. He nodded with his best smile. “Please, call me Jeremiah.”
“Of course.” She seemed pleased by his invitation. “I’ll expect you to call me Kathleen from now on.”
Anna’s foot hit the ground and her arms crossed. How could Jeremiah do such a thing? I need to catch someone. Who might that be? None other than Kathleen! To walk away in the middle of their conversation just so he could smile and offer his arm to her sister. Oh! Again, her foot stomped.
“Anna, is something wrong?” Larkin stopped beside her.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t see you.” Anna turned from the scene at the door to force a smile for her friend.
Abigail and Elizabeth joined them. “Hi, Anna. Are you sitting with us this morning?”
Garrick waved then walked toward the church with Jeremiah’s friends.
Anna sighed. “I suppose I might as well.”
“Are you all right?” Larkin persisted. “You seem so sad this morning. Aren’t you excited about the fishing party?”
“Oh yes, of course. I’m fine. Maybe we’d better go in and find a place to sit. Church will be starting soon.” At least Larkin didn’t press for a more honest answer. What could she say? Oh, I’m just jealous of my sister because she’s so beautiful every man in the territory falls at her feet. Even Tuck, who almost kissed me, is at this very moment sitting beside her. Mama will be thrilled of course. Papa, too. Kathleen is so perfect, she’ll be the perfect wife.
The perfect wife for Jeremiah. A sob caught in her throat. She would not cry. No matter how angry or hurt she was, she would not let anyone know she cared.
She latched on to Larkin’s arm when they reached the door. “I haven’t done very well being a lady. I need to try harder.”
Larkin patted Anna’s hand. “Oh Anna, you’re exactly the way God made you. You don’t need to change a thing.”
Spoken like a true friend. Anna smiled. “Thank you. When I need lifting up, I know who to come to. You’re my best friend, Larkin.”
Larkin nodded. “Always.”
Anna didn’t want to look when she walked past the pew where Jeremiah and Kathleen sat. She tried not to—and lost. One glance told her everything she needed to know. Jeremiah held his Bible in his lap, a satisfied smile on his face. So he thought he’d caught the best fish in the sea, did he? If he only knew Kathleen, he wouldn’t think that. Anna loved her older sister, but there were times when they didn’t get along. Humph. Like now.
Anna sat beside Abigail and tried to pay attention. She sang the right words to the songs. She closed her eyes during prayer, and she sat quietly while Reverend Bollen preached. She even caught a few words before her mind wandered again. Maybe she should try harder to be a lady. Mama said ladies should walk, not run. She could do that. What else did a lady do? She should know. She’d heard the rules all her life, but at the moment every one of them fled her mind. She sighed. How would she ever change if she couldn’t even remember what to do?
“Let us stand.” Reverend Bollen’s voice and the rustling across the church brought Anna’s mind to the present. She stood and bowed her head for the closing prayer.
An hour later, Anna slung her fishing pole over her shoulder and turned to her sister. “Aren�
��t you taking a pole?”
Kathleen stood just outside the open door of the shed with her umbrella. She rolled her eyes. “No, Anna. Just because we’re going to a fishing party doesn’t mean I have to act like you.” She wrinkled her nose. “I’m going to visit, not fish.”
Anna shrugged. “Suit yourself. I plan to fish. And don’t tell me ladies don’t fish, because the other girls will. You’ll more than likely be the only one who doesn’t.”
Kathleen’s laughter trilled behind her as she headed toward the street, picnic basket in one hand and umbrella in the other. “I seriously doubt it.”
Anna let her bonnet hang down her back, and she didn’t carry an umbrella. Larkin said it wouldn’t rain, and she usually knew. Of course, Kathleen had to have both bonnet and umbrella. A little rain might muss her hair. Then who would sit with her at church?
No, she would not think about Jeremiah sitting with Kathleen. Why had he done such a thing, anyway? It didn’t make sense. Anna clutched her smaller basket that held a bowl of potato salad and another of baked beans and willed her mind away from Jeremiah. The food should keep well now the weather had turned cooler. After all, November would soon be past.
“I told Jeremiah I’d catch a bigger fish than he does.”
Kathleen looked toward Anna’s fishing pole. “I don’t know why you’d want to even try. It certainly isn’t ladylike. How do you ever expect to catch a husband if you’re continually trying to outdo men? Besides, impaling a worm and throwing it in the lake is so barbaric.”
Anna laughed. “Papa says the worm doesn’t feel a thing. God made them for bait.”
“Oh really?” Kathleen’s eyebrows lifted. “Mama told me God made worms to loosen the soil in our garden. That’s still a lowly job, but at least he doesn’t have to die doing it. And no one has to force him to.”
“Maybe.” Anna shrugged. “Could be God made worms to do both jobs. Besides, fishing’s a lot more fun than gardening.”
“Not for the worm.” Kathleen met Anna’s eyes with a twinkle in hers.
Cascades Christmas Page 4