As Love Blooms

by Lorna Seilstad

  He set the case on the grass and took the blanket from her. “You’re not helping today. After we eat, you can rest here in the shade.”

  She propped her hands on her hips. “And what am I supposed to do while I’m resting?”

  “Watch me?” He took her hand and helped her settle on the blanket.

  “You’re not that entertaining.”

  “I’ll try to throw in a few tricks.”

  “Cartwheels or somersaults?”

  He chuckled. “I don’t think I can do either one.”

  “It figures.”

  “I can juggle some spades or something.”

  “Never mind.” She grinned and unlatched the lid of the picnic case. Unlike a traditional basket, this hard-sided suitcase held plates, napkins, silverware, and even salt and pepper shakers, all attached to the lid with leather straps. The deeper bottom part of the case had a square metal box to hold food, a jar for canned goods, another jar for drinks, and a spot for four enameled cups.

  She unbuckled the plates and gave him one before pouring milk into a cup for each of them. “I hope ham sandwiches are all right.”

  “Fine with me.”

  Tessa opened the glass jar containing canned peaches. “I can’t cook like Charlotte, but I did bring dessert.”

  “Really? What is it?”

  “Only the best thing ever made.” She lifted the lid on the metal box. Inside, next to the sandwiches she’d wrapped in waxed paper, lay a tin of Nabisco’s new Oreo biscuit.

  “What are those?”

  “You haven’t had an Oreo? Oh, this is going to be fun, but lunch first.” She plopped a sandwich in his hand, the paper scrunching.

  After Reese said grace, he told her about a meeting he’d had that morning with Mr. Nussbaumer. Excitement swirled inside Tessa as she heard Mr. Nussbaumer’s plans for Reese. “I’m sure he’ll pick you, Reese. You’re the kind of man any superintendent would want responsible for his prized possession. You’re smart and trustworthy and grounded and dependable.”

  “You make me sound like someone’s faithful dog, Tessa.”

  She playfully slapped his sleeve. “That is not what I meant and you know it. I simply meant you’re a man of integrity and your roots run deep. A salt-of-the-earth kind of fellow. Mr. Nussbaumer has got to see that too.”

  “If I’m a salt-of-the-earth fellow, what are you?”

  “A reach-for-the-stars kind of girl, of course.” She opened the tin of Oreos and held one out to Reese. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t need someone who keeps my feet on the ground.”

  He met her eyes and reached for the biscuit. When his fingers touched hers, electricity fired through her hand and up her arm. Her gaze shot to his. He looked as unnerved as she felt.

  Lifting the cookie to his mouth, he started to pop the biscuit in.

  “Wait a minute!” Tessa grabbed his wrist to stop him. She then took an Oreo for herself. “You can’t just eat them. You need to twist them open first and dunk them in the milk.”

  “I have to?”

  “Well, yes. That’s the proper way to eat one, I’m sure of it.”

  He chuckled. “Or is it the way you prefer?”

  “That too.” She twisted her Oreo open, dunked one half in her milk, and then took a bite. She closed her eyes and savored the mingling of dark chocolate and creamy filling mixed with the cold milk. “Ah, perfection—but don’t tell Charlotte. It would hurt her feelings to be outdone by Nabisco. And now that I’ve demonstrated the proper way, it’s your turn to try them.”

  Reese grinned. “First, I twist.” He copied her movement in an exaggerated manner. “Then, I dunk.” He took a bite. “Wow, Tessa, these are great. I have to admit the milk seals the deal.”

  Laughing between cookies, they each devoured three or four, but when Tessa spotted an unfamiliar man approaching, she froze. “Reese, do you know that man?”

  He turned and sighed. “Yes. That’s Nels Anderson, the other fellow Mr. Nussbaumer is considering for that position.”

  “What’s he doing here?”

  “Probably looking for a reason to get me in trouble. He’s that kind of fellow.”

  “A snitch?”

  “No, not necessarily. He just doesn’t mind stepping on someone to get what he wants.” Reese stood up. “Wait here.”

  As soon as Reese walked away, Tessa scrambled to her feet and hurried to join him.

  “Hello, Nels.” Reese crossed his arms over his chest. “What brings you to my garden area? Need some advice?”

  “Thought I’d come see how your work was going, but I see you’re not actually working. Who’s your lady friend?” He nodded his head toward Tessa, who was standing behind Reese.

  She stepped forward. “I’m Tessa Gregory, and Mr. King has been gracious enough to educate me about the plants in his garden.”

  Nels sniffed. “I saw how he was educating you.”

  Reese took a menacing step forward. “Why, I ought to—”

  A smile bloomed on Tessa’s face, and she stepped between the two men. “Sir, I don’t believe I caught your name.”

  “Nels Anderson.”

  “Well, Mr. Anderson.” She linked her arm through Nels’s. “Why don’t you join me over here and I will demonstrate what Mr. King has so aptly taught me?” With a tug, she urged him toward the garden. “According to Mr. King, this is to be an Arts and Crafts garden. Because much of England’s climate can be so similar to Minnesota’s, he felt like the same plants would do well here. He said that he was inspired by the works of Gertrude Jekyll.” She swept her arm toward the plot. “This area will contain bergenia, better known as elephant ears, and here he intends to plant dicentra. In this spot, I believe he said he was planting African orange marigolds with pale anthemis behind them. Need I go on, Mr. Anderson?”

  “No, miss. Apparently you learned your lessons well.”

  Releasing his arm, she stepped away. “And is Mr. King not allowed a lunch? I offered to share mine in exchange for him taking the time to educate me. Isn’t educating the public part of your job as gardeners, Mr. King?”

  He nodded. “It is.”

  “Well then, I shall have to write Mr. Nussbaumer a letter commending you.” She pressed the back of her hand to her brow. “Now, if you men will excuse me, I feel a terrible headache coming on.”

  Reese took her arm. “Are you all right, Miss Gregory?”

  “Would you be so kind as to assist me to the shade?”

  “I can help you, miss,” Nels offered.

  Reese shot him a glare. “I’ve got her.” He led her away. “That was quite a show.”

  “Did he buy it?”

  “He’s probably scared not to.” He helped her settle on the blanket. “Now rest—for real. I mean it.”

  She sighed and batted her eyelashes at him. “How can I rest when the scenery is so fine to look at?”

  Cheeks flushed red, Reese walked away with his shoulders held a little stauncher and his walk showing a bit more pride.

  Tessa leaned against the tree. Yes, she’d enjoy this scenery a great deal.

  Tessa walked over to the garden and bit into an apple. The loud crunch broke the silence. “As much as I’ve enjoyed watching you work, I’m bored. Either you let me work or I’m leaving.”

  Reese dipped his hands in a bucket of water and scrubbed them clean. He straightened and turned toward Tessa standing beside the empty wheelbarrow with her hands on her hips. He chuckled and pulled out his watch. “It’s time to call it a day. What do you say to a nice, leisurely stroll by the lake?”

  “I suppose that will have to do.”

  “I’ll throw in a ghost story.”

  She tossed him an apple. “Well, Mr. King, you’re full of surprises.”

  Reese flung his jacket over his shoulder, and they headed toward Lake Como. He’d suggested they leave the picnic suitcase by the wheelbarrow and he’d retrieve it later.

  The breeze off the lake contrasted with the late afternoon sun
, bringing uncharacteristically warm spring temperatures. Gray clouds had begun to thicken on the horizon, but so far nary a drop had fallen.

  Only a few park visitors seemed to be enjoying a quick reprieve after work. One family had spread a picnic, and some other patrons sat on the benches along the veranda. Hopefully, any rain would hold off and not drench the visitors.

  “Hungry?” Reese slipped his jacket on and nodded toward the concession stands in the pavilion.

  “I could be.” She flashed him an impish grin, but he didn’t respond. Was he completely unaffected by her?

  Quit teasing him. He isn’t interested in you that way.

  The concession stand owner recognized Reese and presented him with two mustard-topped frankfurters wrapped in fresh, soft buns and an opened Coke for each of them. Reese paid the man and tucked the two Cokes into the crook of his arm and then picked up the frankfurters.

  Raindrops began to speckle the sidewalk. Patrons scattered like mice to their automobiles or to the streetcar station, but Tessa shrugged and glanced up at Reese. “I love the rain.”

  He chuckled. “Of course you do, but why don’t we wait this shower out in the bandstand?”

  Wide and open, the octagonal bandstand stretched from the shore. Tessa spun inside, her shoes clicking against the oak floorboards. “This place is amazing.” She glanced at the rafters of the pergola and sang a few lines of “Amazing Grace.” “Listen to how the sound bounces off the roof and water. No wonder the concerts are so grand.” She hurried to the railing, leaned as far over as she could, and studied the lake below. “It’s almost like being on a ship.”

  “Be careful, Tessa.”

  Whipped by the wind, the waves crashed against the bandstand’s footings, sending a misty spray in the air, but she didn’t pull away. “Oh, Reese, can you smell the rain? It smells like summer.”

  He joined her at the railing, and she stood back up and leaned against one of the pillars. He passed her one of the frankfurters and set the Cokes on the wide handrail. “Speaking of summer, do you have plans for Memorial Day?”

  “I’m marching in the parade with my Aunt Sam and the other ladies to support suffrage. You do support a woman’s right to vote, don’t you?”

  He grinned and took a swig of Coke. “If I didn’t, would you make me walk the plank?”

  She covered one eye as if she were wearing a patch. “Argh, I would, matey.”

  “You make a mighty fine pirate, Miss Gregory.”

  “Thank you. Now, where were we?” She tapped her finger against her mouth. “Oh, Memorial Day. After the parade, I think we’ll attend Senator Ferrell’s commemorative address on the steps of the capitol to honor those who’ve served.” A flicker of recognition showed on Reese’s face. “Do you know the senator?”

  “How would I know a senator, Tessa?” He cocked his head.

  Odd. It was the first time she didn’t believe him.

  “So, Reese, what are you doing for Memorial Day? Do you have to work?” She took a bite of her frankfurter.

  “No, but Mr. Nussbaumer asked me to go to some function with him.”

  “Oh.” She could hear the disappointment in her own voice.

  He began to chuckle.

  “Why are you laughing?”

  He chucked a finger under her chin and thumbed something away. Mustard? “There. Perfect once again.”

  Perfect. If only he meant it.

  A crack of thunder startled her and she jolted. The earlier heat from the day seemed to have vanished in a whoosh, and she shivered against the chill.

  Reese took his jacket off and draped it around her shoulders. “Better?”

  She nodded and let the warmth of the jacket hug her. As wonderful as it was, it was a poor substitute for Reese’s arms. “I believe you promised me a ghost story.”

  “You don’t believe in ghosts, do you?” He took her hand and drew her toward one of the band’s benches.

  “Of course not.”

  “Good, because this isn’t really about ghosts. It does, however, involve bones.” He washed down the last bite of frankfurter with a swallow of Coke. “Years ago, a man named August Robertson was out hunting muskrats in the winter. He found a box sticking out of the ice in the middle of Lake Como.”

  “The bones were in it, right?” She twisted on the bench so she could face him. “But how did they get there?”

  “Be patient and I’ll tell you.” He glanced over her shoulder toward the lake. “You’re right about the box containing bones. The news of the discovery spread all over. There was a lot of speculation about murder and such. They even opened an inquest.”

  She leaned forward. “And?”

  “And someone stepped forward to explain the whole story.” He shrugged and leaned back against the bench.

  “That’s it?” She swatted his arm playfully. “There has to be more.”

  “It might scare you to know the truth.”

  “Do I look like someone who is scared of anything?”

  His eyes crinkled with his laughter. “No, I can’t say that you do.”

  “Then spill the rest of the story.”

  He stood and walked toward the railing. “Apparently the bones had been given to a young doctor by the Minnesota surgeon general. The doctor was the surgeon general’s nephew, and he was fresh out of medical college and in need of a skeleton.”

  “But who did the bones belong to?”

  “Charlie Pitts.”

  “Should I know that name?”

  He returned to his seat and draped his arm over the back of the bench. “No, but you’ll recognize who he ran with. Charlie rode with the Jesse James gang.”

  “The very one?” Tessa pressed her hand to her chest.

  “Is there another?” Reese laid his hand on her shoulder. “After they robbed the First National Bank of Northfield, Charlie was one of four of the gang members who a posse caught up with near Madelia. He was shot, and they packed his dead body in ice and put it on display at the state capitol.”

  “But how did the bones end up here?”

  “The young doctor had left the bones in Lake Como for a year to bleach them clean, but then he went West, and they found the box while he was gone.” He squeezed her shoulder. “And yes, some say Charlie Pitts’s ghost still haunts the lake.”

  “That’s ridiculous.”

  “It is. But you know how a person’s imagination can run away with him or her.”

  Did she ever. Her own had let her believe this man had feelings for her, and yet here in this romantic spot, he’d done little to indicate that.

  He stood and offered her his hand. “The rain’s stopped. I’d better get you home.”

  She let him pull her to her feet. “I can ride the streetcar.”

  “No, Tessa.” He held her hand tighter. “I want to take you home. There’s something I need to ask you.”

  “What?” The question slipped out before she could stop it. He’d said he wanted to take her home, and she was not imagining he’d stressed the word.

  He tapped her nose. “Be patient.”

  “Sorry. I have an insatiable desire to know things.”

  He offered her his arm. “Really? I hadn’t noticed.”

  By the time they pulled into the drive at Aunt Sam’s, Tessa had almost forgotten Reese intended to ask her a question. Well, not really, but she’d tried to put the thought out of her mind.

  Conversation came so easily to the two of them—as if they’d been friends forever. Friends. There was that word again. Did she dare hope they might be moving beyond that?

  After parking the Model T, Reese came around to her side and helped her out. He followed her onto the porch, and she turned to him when they reached the enormous front door. “Thank you for the ride.”

  “Tessa, don’t pretend you’ve forgotten about the question I wanted to ask you, because we both know you haven’t.”

  Air whooshed from her lips. “Oh, cheese and crackers, I’ve tried to be good and n
ot question you, but it’s so hard.”

  He laughed, a full, warm sound that made her smile. “I may not be able to enjoy Memorial Day with you, but I was hoping I could take you to the Indian Mounds tomorrow.”

  Tomorrow! Tessa felt the blood drain from her face. Please, not the day she’d promised to help Edward. Her mind whirled. How could she get out of her plans with Edward?

  Reese jammed his hands in his pockets. “Listen, if you don’t want to—”

  “No, no, I do, but I have a prior commitment for tomorrow.”

  “I see.” He seemed mesmerized by the diamond tile pattern on the porch.

  “What about Sunday?” she blurted out. How desperate could she sound?

  A slow smile spread across his face. “Sunday would work fine too. Do you want to join me for church services? Then after lunch, I want to take you someplace I think you’ll enjoy.”

  “The Indian Mounds?”

  “Not this time. I have something else in mind.” He swallowed. “Is that a yes?”

  “Reese, that sounds delightful. I’d love to.”

  He tucked his knuckle beneath her chin again.

  “More mustard?” She bit her lip.

  “Not exactly.” His look gave her goose bumps. He brushed her lower lip with the pad of his thumb. “See you Sunday, Tessa Gregory.”

  She watched him drive away before turning toward the house. Touching her lips, she sighed. This was not a figment of her imagination. It was 100 percent real.

  16

  Tessa would wonder where Sam had gone, but the fact her niece had been late getting home had proved quite advantageous. Sam stilled her hands in her lap and watched the buildings in downtown Saint Paul pass by—the Pioneer Press Building, the Germania Bank, and the Federal Post Office and Court House. She willed her breathing to slow and reminded herself she’d eaten with James Ferrell many times. But that had been lunch, and this was dinner. Why did this seem like such a significant difference?

  Sam glanced down at her Grecian-style evening gown. Was it too dated? She’d not purchased a new one in quite a while. She smiled. Why was she worried? James would probably be thrilled when she arrived not dressed in bloomers.

  Henry pulled the Cadillac to a stop in front of the Ryan Hotel on Sixth and Robert. Dressed in a black dinner suit with satin facings, James opened her car door and helped her out. “I was beginning to fear you weren’t coming.”