by Annie Boone
Jemma felt a little foolish for her accusation, but she wanted to spend time with him so she agreed.
Jemma took Janine’s advice and ran a hot tub to luxuriate in before she dressed for dinner. There were bath oils she had noticed on the shelf over the tub, but had never used.
“Maybe I’ll just put a dot or two in the water.”
The room immediately filled with the scent of jasmine, soft and flowery. It was the most heavenly smell Jemma had ever experienced.
She soaked just long enough to feel her shoulder muscles begin to relax. The lovely sent, the warm water, and the building excitement over her dinner date with Nick was all so intoxicating.
Jemma let her mind wander. What would it be like to be courted by a man as handsome as Nick Jansen? Janine seemed to think he was interested. Jemma knew she was interested in him. But she couldn’t worry with her own emotional happiness right now. She was too busy tending the Tim and Delilah.
Even though this is what Janine had warned her against, she couldn’t help but put them first. She’d taken this responsibility on and she wouldn’t do it halfway.
In the back of her mind, she knew she shouldn’t get attached to this man. Even if he did start to care for her, it couldn’t ever amount to anything serious. She didn’t live here. She was only passing through. She needed to remember that little detail.
Nick knocked lightly on her door at precisely six o'clock that evening. He presented his arm to escort her down to the dining room. It seemed very formal and very much like a courtship. Jemma didn’t mind, even though she knew this wasn’t all that smart.
“I’m excited to just talk to you, Jemma,” Nick said. “It's been difficult with the children around. We haven’t been able to have much of a conversation. Tim seems to have taken a mighty dislike to me, lately, too.”
“Oh, he’s just emotional right now. It’ll blow over, I’m sure.”
“I don't know a lot about children but I know when one doesn't like me,” he tried to joke lightly.
She patted his hand lightly. She didn’t really know how to respond to his comment. Also, she didn’t really know if it would matter.
“So, tell me about yourself, Jemma. I only know the smallest details and that’s not nearly enough,” Nick said as they settled in to their table.
He’d saved a table for them near the window that looked out onto the back garden. It was lush and colorful with summer blooms. It was an enchanting view.
Nick encouraged her to share the story of what brought her to Cutter’s Creek. Jemma felt herself relaxing and telling Nick the details of her life thus far. Nick intermittently shared part of his story and how he and his parents came to be in Cutter’s Creek, too. His affection for the town and its people was obvious.
“It feels like I was born here, even though I was a little older than Tim when we moved. There were only a few other boys my age, but we became fast friends. Josh Garrett was the first boy I met and to this day we are best friends.”
Jemma admitted, “I could see myself living in a place like this. It must have been a wonderful place to grow up.
“It’s nice to hear that this place is somewhere you’d consider calling home,” Nick said. “I think you’d make a wonderful addition to what is already a lovely community of people.”
Jemma smiled. So, he’d like me to move here. Hmm. Interesting.
“Cutter’s Creek is changing, but all for the better. Just a few years ago it could have been considered a rough place. But folks like the Hewitts, the Costins, and even Parson Locket and his family are making a home here. It’s growing, but Cutter’s Creek will always be a special place for me no matter how big it gets.”
“I can see that you’re a proud citizen. I like where I come from, too. Chicago is a city that has much to offer. However, after spending time here, I can see the draw of a small town.”
“The school is looking for teachers, you know,” Nick said. “You should talk to my mother about it. She could definitely use the help. With the train service all the way out to the Idaho Territory, more and more are moving here.”
Jemma was entranced at Nick’s love of his home. Hearing his smooth voice was pure joy for her. How could she have let herself get so deep into a fantasy like this? She needed to refocus. She concentrated on what he was saying now.
“I'm taking over the hotel from them. I know they’ll love having that burden off their shoulders. If Mother didn't have to teach half the kids in this town they’d be able to partially retire sooner than they thought.”
“You’d like for them to be able to have a lighter burden? I understand that. I feel the same way about mine. I just don’t have the same kind of situation where I can help.”
“I’ve probably been doing a bit of a sales pitch on Cutter’s Creek. I didn’t mean for it to come off like that, but I can’t lie. I think you’d love it here.”
Jemma was taken by surprise at that little bit of truth from Nick. It sounded like he might just like having her around. Nice.
“Jemma, I have an idea,” Nick said a bit cautiously.
“Oh? Tell me about it,” she responded with a grin.
“Earlier this week before you decided to stay longer, we talked about the red chapel and church services. You said that you’d go to services on Sunday if you were still here.
“I did say that,” replied Jemma.
“Great! If you’re up for that, then maybe you’ll want to join us for the picnic right after the service is over. We have this big event every summer. Practically the entire town comes out for the church picnic. I would love it if you, and of course the children, would accompany me.”
“Oh, Nick, that sounds just wonderful. But I have no way to make anything to bring.”
“You don’t need to worry about that! Cook is already making plans to fill my picnic basket. It would be my honor and joy to share it with you and the children.”
Since Jemma wasn’t in charge of the children tonight, she was able to linger over dessert with Nick. It was amazing how relaxed she was able to become. In a short time, she was remembering what it’s like to just be Jemma Braithewaite.
After the last plate was cleared, Nick asked, “I know having a night off from the children is your chance to relax, but I wondered if I could intrude a little longer on your night? Would you like to join me in the salon?”
Other customers in the dining room and guests at the inn came and went while the two of them chatted quietly. Many made a point of stopping to speak to Nick and introduce themselves to Jemma. She was again thrilled at the open friendliness of everyone.
“I apologize if all the attention is too much for you. I think my dining with a beautiful woman has the entire town interested.”
“On the contrary. I’ve enjoyed meeting more of the town. Everyone seems to feel the same as you do about this place.”
It was later than she’d planned to stay up. But Jemma hated to end the opportunity to get to know this handsome man. She was thinking about him in more intimate terms now. She wondered what his lips would feel like on hers. She wondered how warm it would be wrapped in his strong arms.
The evening flew by. Even though it was much later than she’d planned on, she was still sad to see the night with Nick end. She knew she’d be with him at the picnic, but they’d be surrounded by family and friends. No one on one time.
But this night did have to come to an end. She would worry about the picnic later.
Nick walked her to the foot of the stairs. With a slight bow at his waist and a formality that he had not shown all night, she was taken by surprise when he reached toward her hand and took it in his. He raised her delicate hand to his lips as he brushed the back of her hand with a neutral formal kiss.
After that lame, polite kiss, he looked at her again. Straight in the eyes. Jemma wanted more. She made sure he could see the desire in her eyes. He then turned her hand over in his with her palm facing up. He brought it to his lips again. This time, he placed a ve
ry bold kiss inside her palm.
Jemma’s knees went weak as she felt his tongue flick lightly against her palm. Then he looked up at her with mischief on his mind. His intention was clear as a bell to her. She smiled back at him and wouldn’t allow herself to be nervous or self-conscious.
“Your company has been delightful tonight, Miss Braithewaite. I look forward to the church picnic tomorrow and getting to know more and more about you.”
Knowing he was teasing her by being so formal, Jemma decided to play opposites, “Nick, what a wonderful evening this was. See you tomorrow!”
Chapter Fourteen
Janine and Thad arrived at church about the same time Nick and Jemma did. The children were neat and bathed, a feat Jemma had no idea how Janine had managed. Little Delilah's hair was pulled neatly back into pigtails with bright blue ribbons tied around each one.
She ran to her aunt and threw her chubby little arms around her legs. Jemma bent and picked her up.
“I missed you so, Aunt Jemma!” Delilah exclaimed.
“I missed you, too, sweetheart,” Jemma told her precious niece.
Nick saw the interaction between Jemma and Delilah and his heart warmed. Janine joined them and she looked very well put together. She was dressed just as smartly today as she was the day Jemma met her on the train platform in Chicago.
“I hope you had a pleasant evening, Jemma and Nick,” Janine said with a wink and a smile.
Tim asked his aunt, “What did you do last night?
“I had dinner with Mr. Jansen.”
“Why would you do that?” the boy asked innocently enough.
“Because it pleased me to do so, Tim. Now, don't be rude,” Jemma said.
Tim gave a sidelong glance at Nick and then ran off to his new best friends, the twin boys.
Jemma apologized to Nick quietly, “I'm sorry for his rudeness, Nick. I'm not sure where that’s coming from.”
Janine interjected, “I think he might be a little bit jealous of the attention being shown between you two.”
Thad approached the group, grabbed his wife's hand, and pulled her towards the church.
“Come on Janine. Remember my comments about what’s your business and what isn’t?” he said laughingly.
Jemma and Nick followed the couple into the church. They slid into the pews and the children rounded out the group. The small choir was already singing the opening hymn and everyone grabbed the hymnals and joined in with great enthusiasm. The small piano was almost drowned out by the effort.
Jemma had never had such a sense of community at church. There was a lightness of spirit in this place. And she liked it very much. She felt faithful and close to God here.
The church picnic afterwards was full of festive laughter and fun. The children ran in and among the picnic blankets as the adults lounged and enjoyed their varied lunch provisions and jugs of fresh squeezed lemonade.
Jemma had never had so much family fun at one time. Days in the park in Chicago were few and far between. Lounging in the meadow behind the little red chapel was so picturesque. Talking and mingling with adults, teenagers, and children was just about the most fun she’d had in years. Of course, last night at dinner with Nick still topped the list in her mind.
Nick was attentive and took it upon himself to make sure she met just about everyone in town. Janine did her best to make sure there wasn’t a soul who didn’t stop to say hello. So between the two of them, Jemma was well entertained and never left alone.
About that time the Reverend Locket called for all the men to begin a horseshoe tournament over to the side of the church. Everyone got up and started to move towards the two iron poles driven in the ground just the right distance away. Men were shedding their jackets and rolling up their sleeves getting ready to compete.
The grand prize was a fresh apple pie made by the Silver Dollar Inn’s very own cook. It was a coveted trophy that someone would devour with joy.
Bonnie Jansen came up to Janine and Jemma as they were standing behind the crowd trying to watch the competition.
“Nick tells me you’re a schoolteacher in Chicago and might be interested in moving to Cutter’s Creek,” she said.
Startled that Nick would've shared what was only a thought just beginning to blossom in Jemma’s mind, she could only stammer, “Yes, um, yes, ma'am, that's a possibility. It’s not a sure thing. I’m only thinking about it right now.”
“Well now, we could certainly use your help. Let's talk over tea tomorrow.”
As she strolled off with Emil, Jemma heard Bonnie say, “Yes, indeed. Things are coming together just right, my love.”
Soon the evening was upon them and everyone was packing their carriages to head back to their respective homes. The afternoon had been spent in such a fun sense of community, Jemma’s heart sang with joy.
She rode back to the Silver Dollar Inn with Bonnie, Emil and Nick. The children sat in the back of the wagon almost falling asleep, despite the bumpy way.
That night, Jemma could not get to sleep. She went over to sit by the window and look out to gather her thoughts. The street below was quiet and the moon shone just enough light to show how empty the town’s streets were. It was quiet and cool.
Jemma reflected on how beautiful the day had been and how happy the children had seemed. She knew her time in Cutter’s Creek was coming to a close. On the one hand, she was eager to get the children settled back in Chicago. On the other hand, she didn’t want to leave this peaceful haven she had found.
Then she remembered she had agreed to talk with Bonnie Jansen about the teaching position that was open at the local school. Could it be that she was supposed to stay? It could be a wonderful transition for the children. She would have the support of her friend Janine and the other townspeople that she was coming to know.
An idea was beginning to form in her mind of what her future could look like. For the first time in a long time Jemma felt encouraged and excited about her future.
Could she be so lucky as to have a man as fine as Nick Jansen to walk into the future with? Could she and the children settle here? Could she teach here in Cutter’s Creek?
Soon her mental gymnastics had worn her out and she went to her bed to rest. But sleep wouldn’t claim her and Jemma tossed and turned all night.
Bonnie had suggested that they meet at a small tea parlor that had just opened up at the edge of town. Jemma was excited to see the inside of this new business. She was excited to learn everything she could about Cutter’s Creek.
Bonnie met her in front of the shop. Jemma loved the cozy feel of the room. From the handmade table cloths to the Swiss dot curtains filtering the afternoon light, it was so homey and welcoming.
She was a bit nervous about talking with Bonnie. She wasn't sure exactly what it all meant.
“Let’s sit over here,” Bonnie directed. “I’ve already ordered our tea and sweet biscuits.”
“Why don't you tell me about your teaching job in Chicago?” Bonnie asked after she took a healthy sip of tea.
Jemma took a deep breath and began to explain teaching seven- and eight-year-olds. She kept it perfunctory and academic, thinking Bonnie would be impressed. But her wonder at little minds learning always got the best of her.
“I just love to see the excitement on their little faces when knowledge clicks and they understand. I feel as if I have a front row seat to our future.”
Bonnie knew at that moment Jemma was the perfect teacher. And the Cutter’s Creek school needed her as they headed into their bright future.
“Well, let me tell you what we need, Jemma. We need someone to teach grades four through six. Right now we are combining grades because there are only a few children who have advanced that far. It's not the same thing you've been doing in a larger school in Chicago. But obviously it’s important.”
Jemma sat quietly listening and taking it all in. She nodded at times, but didn’t interrupt.
“Many of these children have received only bas
ic instruction up until now. You would be responsible for taking them the next step forward. We anticipate our little town growing by double in the next six to eight years and we must be prepared. The school will be a very important part of people deciding to settle here. You could be an important part of establishing education as one of our priorities here in Cutter’s Creek.”
Helping establish a firm educational system for this town would be an interesting opportunity. She would enjoy the work, no doubt.
“Would you consider taking on a teaching position even if just for a year?” Bonnie prompted.
Jemma was overcome with the possibilities. She saw the benefit that she could add to this place by being that educator that rounded everything up. But she had Tim and Delilah to think about, too.
“May I think about it a bit more? I have my niece and nephew to consider, too. You've been so kind, so welcoming. But so much has changed for my family and me in just the last month. I need to think about it. Write to my parents and pray about it.”
“Yes, of course, dear. I never expected you to be able to answer me today,” Bonnie encouraged.
“Oh, thank you,” said Jemma, relieved.
“But I’ll need your answer fairly soon. If you don’t take the teaching position, I’ll have to place an advert in the newspapers back east for someone to come. If I need to do that, I’ll need time to get through the whole process.”
“I understand. I promise to get back to you just as soon as I've made a decision.”
Jemma left the tea shop with all the possibilities bouncing around in her head and her heart. As she made her way back to the inn she ran directly into Nick Jansen.
“Oh excuse me, Mr. Jansen, I mean, Nick,” Jemma stammered and she realized her entire body was pressed up against his.
That’s right, Miss Braithewaite, um, Jemma,” he teased. “I thought for a minute we were back-sliding to the formal titles, again. And after we spent yesterday frolicking with all the other Sunday picnickers I’d think we were past the formality.”