She hesitated a moment then nodded. “A cup of coffee or tea sounds good. I saw Deborah had a pot on the stove.”
He inclined his head but didn’t reply. Why had he offered to explain? If only Gracie didn’t turn out to be a flirt or untrustworthy like Lucinda—but what was he thinking? It wasn’t as if he were planning on marrying Gracie. For some reason he couldn’t explain, he wanted to tell her why he wouldn’t allow Laura to attempt anything that smacked of danger. He didn’t really know her, but something about Gracie Addison drew him at a deeper level than he’d ever felt before.
Gracie settled into a kitchen chair across the beautiful hand-crafted table Curt had built for Deborah and watched Will as he poured two mugs of coffee. The man still mystified her. Laughing and teasing one minute then scolding her for being a bad influence on his niece the next. She’d like to spurn whatever explanation he gave as irrational, after the way he’d acted outside. But being charitable and listening was the godly thing to do, even if it went against her natural inclination.
Will dropped into the chair across from her and took a drink of his coffee. He set the mug on the table. “I don’t know what I was thinking to burden you with my problems.”
Gracie blinked. This was not at all what she’d expected. Defiance, chastisement, even a bit of condescension, but certainly not humility or sorrow. She sat up straighter and laced her fingers on top of the table. “Please, Will. I’d like to hear whatever you have to say.”
His brows arched. “You called me Will.”
Warmth blossomed in her cheeks. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be forward.”
“Not at all.” He reached toward her but stopped a few inches short of her hand. “I can’t deny I’ve been thinking of you as Gracie since you arrived today, in spite of my behavior to the contrary.” He leaned back and let his hands fall into his lap. “Am I being too presumptuous?”
She waited half-a-dozen heartbeats, willing herself to breathe slowly. “I think I’d like that. Now please, go ahead. I promise I’ll be respectful and listen.”
“Thank you.” He closed his eyes for a moment, and a flicker of what appeared to be pain contorted his brow. Finally, he opened his eyes and sucked in a long breath. “Laura’s mother was my sister. She died a year ago, and it was all my fault. I killed my sister.”
Chapter 5
Gracie bit her lip to keep from gasping. He’d killed his sister? Surely she’d heard wrong. “I don’t understand. . . .”
“No, I’m sure you don’t. Let me back up to our childhood. Karen and I were always close as she was my only sibling. I was a year older and charged with watching out for her as we grew. The problem was, we were both daredevils, and Karen was quite the tomboy. She loved all the same things you do—riding astride, fishing, climbing trees, swimming in water too deep to be safe. She did it all. And I urged her on to take more risks with every new adventure we conquered. My pa would have skinned me alive if he’d known some of the things we attempted.” A smile flickered across his lips, softening his strong jawline.
She leaned forward. “So you loved her? You have good memories.”
“Yes. She was a wonderful sister, and I was the big brother who could do no wrong in her eyes. Then when she was only fifteen, she met Vernon, a man I didn’t care for or trust. He stayed long enough to marry her, but when Laura was born, he disappeared and never returned. Karen was heartbroken, and I didn’t think she’d ever come out of her despair. Then one day she was herself again, and more reckless than ever. I think she would have pushed herself too far, but for baby Laura. As the girl grew, Karen began to see she needed to slow down—to be careful and not foolhardy, even if her heart was broken.”
The room quieted, and Gracie waited—she wanted to press him, wanted to understand, but she knew he’d continue when he was ready.
He shook himself like a bear coming out of hibernation, needing to shake off the effects of the long sleep. “Laura was at a neighbor’s. I’d ridden with Karen to town—a wire had come in and she was fearful. Turns out a sheriff from another town sent word that her no-good husband got shot cheating at cards. She was numb—she went from defiant to despondent in a matter of seconds. All the way home, she could barely move her horse out of a walk. It was coming onto dark, and I urged her to hurry. ‘Let’s race,’ I said, just to shake her out of her doldrums. Like when we were youngsters—I told her I’d beat her home—that she was too slow to beat me—but I planned to let her win.
“All of a sudden, she dug her spurs into her gelding’s side and took off across the flat, running like demons were pursuing her—and I suppose in a way, they were.” Will sucked in a harsh breath before he continued. “I stayed behind her, whooping and hollering like an idiot, thinking it would give her a chuckle. When all of a sudden—” He shuddered and put his face in his hands.
Gracie reached across the table and touched his fingers, not caring whether it was appropriate or if Curt might come into the room. Will gripped her hand as though it were a lifeline, but kept his eyes cast down at the table.
“All of a sudden, her horse stepped in a hole. Broke his leg and sent her flying. Her head hit a rock.” He gave a harsh laugh. “Must have been the only big rock in a hundred yards, and she hit it. She was dead before I could get to her side. My fault. I killed her. If I hadn’t pushed. . .”
Gracie could stand it no longer. She shoved her chair back and stood. “Shh. . . It wasn’t your fault.” She walked around the table and laid her hand on his shoulder. “You were trying to encourage her, but you didn’t know what would happen. You were trying to help, to cheer her up. You can’t blame yourself.”
He raised red-rimmed eyes and met hers. “But that’s why I have to protect Laura. I can’t allow her to take the chances her mother and I took growing up. That’s why I don’t want her to be influenced by you.”
Gracie gasped and took a step back. She turned and fled from the house as disillusionment and horrible pain tore her apart inside.
Will sat stunned for a moment at the words that had come out of his mouth. Had he really accused Gracie of being a danger to Laura? The front door opened and closed with a dull thud, breaking him out of his stupor. He bolted from the chair and raced for the door. He jerked it open in time to see Gracie walking swiftly across the area between the house and the tree. What an idiot he’d been. “Gracie! Please, wait.”
She didn’t slow, but her long skirts kept her from running, even though she’d gathered the hem in one hand and held the fabric a few inches above her ankles.
Will cleared the porch in one bound and extended his stride into a full run as he hit the packed dirt. Within a dozen strides he’d caught her. “Gracie, let me explain. I’m sorry.” He touched her shoulder but didn’t grasp it.
She slowed then stopped, but kept her back turned to him. “There’s nothing to explain. I see now why you don’t want me around Laura. Don’t worry, I’ll stay away.”
“No, that’s not it. I didn’t mean to make you feel that way. I was trying to explain why I don’t want her climbing trees or doing things where she might get hurt. She doesn’t understand, but I was hoping you might.”
Gracie pivoted and looked at him. “I do understand. I accept your apology and I’m saddened by your story, but I believe you truly think I’m a bad influence, or the words wouldn’t have come out of your mouth.”
Will wished he could wipe the anguish off her face—wished he could wrap his arms around her and pull her close—but he had no right. “Let me prove it to you. Go on a picnic with Laura and me tomorrow. Come over in the morning, and we’ll do chores for Deborah and Curt, help with the children and fix the family a nice noon meal. Then we can pack something for the three of us and let them rest. How does that sound? We could go to the pond nearby, and Laura can take a fishing pole. She’s been badgering me to teach her to fish, and I’m guessing you’re good at that.” He cocked his head to the side. “Forgiven?”
She bit her lip and simply watched
him for several long seconds. She nodded. “All right.” An impish grin softened her face. “And I’ll beat you at catching fish any day of the week.” She sobered. “But just because I’m agreeing to go, it doesn’t mean I believe you’re right in being so protective—or that you’ve shed all thoughts of my bad influence. Don’t worry, I’ll keep my distance and won’t do anything that endangers your niece.”
Will’s spirits sank. When he’d seen Gracie’s sparkling smile peek out, he’d hoped she’d understood his explanation and completely forgiven him, if not moved to a place where she might entertain thoughts of being friends—or even something more.
He couldn’t blame her for holding back—every time she’d softened toward him, it seemed he’d said something to push her away. Of course, he’d been burned by Lucinda’s deceit and that had made him more cautious, but he refused to entertain that thought. Gracie appeared so much more honest and down to earth than Lucinda. She certainly wouldn’t break her word or chase off after another man once she’d come to an understanding.
But doubt niggled at him just the same. How well did he know Gracie Addison, after all?
Gracie helped Will with Deborah’s chores the next day and wrestled with whether she should have agreed to go fishing. Deborah was better, but the children had developed runny noses and continued to fuss.
Thankfully, Curt had agreed to finish in the workshop early and take over their late-afternoon and evening care, so Will could take Laura fishing. Will protested, and suggested that he help in the workshop for the morning, but Curt had assured him he was doing more good at the moment helping Gracie, as he had no pressing projects. Gracie narrowed her eyes when she heard his offer to Curt. Was he simply trying to help his boss, or had he already regretted his invitation for her to accompany him and Laura?
She cleared her throat to catch Curt’s attention. When he looked up, she gave him a steady look. “Maybe I should stay and help. The twins might be too much for you later if they don’t go down for a nap soon.”
“Nonsense.” Curt shot a furtive glance at Will. “I can handle things fine. You’ve done far more already than you should have. Besides, I think Laura would be very disappointed if you don’t accompany them. That’s all she’s been talking about this morning.”
Gracie noticed that Will didn’t look up at Curt’s reply, but Laura tugged at Gracie’s sleeve. “Please, Miss Gracie. I want you to come with us. Uncle Will said you’re very good at catching fish, and he’s not.”
Something halfway between a snort and a laugh broke from Will’s mouth before he stifled it. “That’s not exactly what I said, Laura, but I would like Miss Gracie to come, as well.” He arched a brow at her. “You haven’t changed your mind, I hope? I borrowed two poles, as I thought we could take turns fishing and helping Laura. We might even bring back a string for supper tonight.”
Gracie’s tension eased as she looked into his hopeful eyes. “Trout for supper sounds good, and I’d hate to disappoint Laura, if Curt is sure he doesn’t need my help.”
Curt plucked one of the toddlers into his arms as the little boy made his way into the room and headed toward the hot stove. “I’ll put them down for a nap as soon as you leave, and then I’ll go sit with Deborah. Her eyes have been tired, and she was wishing I could read to her, so the quiet time together will be nice.”
Thirty minutes later Gracie spread her skirt and settled onto a blanket covering a small portion of the grassy bank close to the pond. She loved the setting, although she would have liked it to be a little farther from the main road into town. But the pond was right on the border of Curt and Deborah’s farm, so they easily walked the short distance.
Will glanced at the spot beside her with a longing look but ushered Laura to the edge of the pond instead. The next few minutes were spent baiting her hook with a wiggling worm, which made the girl squeal, but she got excited when he cast the line into the water and handed her the pole. “Hold it quiet now. Wait until you feel a tug before you try to bring the fish in.”
She nodded, her face aglow, and gripped the bamboo rod with both hands. “Is Miss Gracie going to fish?”
Will glanced at Gracie, brows raised.
“Yes, I am. But let’s see if you catch anything first. I want you to have the chance to get the biggest fish in the pond if you can.”
Laura beamed and turned her attention back to the water.
Gracie’s heart swelled with tenderness at Laura’s excitement, and at the gentle way Will helped and encouraged the girl. He was so different from what she’d thought after he’d practically yanked her out of the dogwood tree. She smiled at the memory. Hopefully he’d noticed a bit of difference in her, as well. Somehow she hadn’t had the urge to climb a tree since meeting this man.
The clop of hooves on the hard-packed road drew her attention. She swiveled and raised her hand against the bright sun. Her best friend, Carissa Sanderson, drew her mare to a halt along the edge of the road and waved a gloved hand. “Gracie! How nice to see you here.” Her gaze moved to Will and then on to Laura. Was that a spark of interest Gracie saw? Her heart contracted. She didn’t want to hurt or disappoint her friend if Carissa was interested in Will, but the thought sent a shaft of pain into Gracie’s chest.
Carissa’s violet skirt cascaded over the seat, and her dark curls were covered by a trim and stylish hat. Her olive skin hinted at being sun-kissed, but Gracie knew it was her mother’s Italian blood that gave her such an exotic appearance. She was every bit the lady, in dress, manner, and deportment—something Gracie had given up trying to compete with long ago.
Carissa was one person who never made her feel inferior or less of a woman for being a tomboy, but all of a sudden, Gracie realized how she must look in a man’s eyes. Her quickly braided red-gold hair, plain calico dress, and boots, stood in stark contrast to Carissa’s striking beauty. How could Will even consider looking at her when someone like Carissa was around?
Chapter 6
Will rose to his feet and bowed to the elegant young woman in the buggy, wondering yet again why he felt no attraction to someone so lovely. The feisty redhead on the blanket at his feet might be the reason, but he still wasn’t certain that allowing his heart to get entangled with Gracie was the best idea, no matter how much the idea appealed. “Did you need to talk to me, Miss Sanderson?”
She waved him away. “No, Mr. Montgomery. I was visiting one of my students and saw you fishing. It’s good to see you, Gracie. What a lovely day to be outside. Laura, have you caught a fish yet?”
Laura grinned. “No, ma’am. But I’m going to catch me a whopper.”
“That sounds lovely, Laura.” She picked up her reins. “I should be going.”
Will glanced at Gracie, wondering why she’d been so silent. From what he’d been told, Miss Sanderson was a friend of hers. Perhaps Gracie thought him rude for not inviting her to stay. “Would you care to join us?”
He sensed Gracie stiffen and wondered. Had he waited too long to make the invitation? “I’m sure Laura and Miss Addison would enjoy your company.”
Gracie nodded but kept silent.
Miss Sanderson shook her head. “I really must be going, but thank you. Gracie, we need to get together sometime soon, now that school is out.” She lifted a hand and waved then clucked to her horse and drove down the road.
Gracie pushed to her feet and walked over to Laura’s side. “Any nibbles yet?”
“Nope. But a big one is going to bite, I just know it.”
Gracie stroked Laura’s hair. “Want me to fish with you?”
Laura cocked her head to the side. “If you want to, but I want to catch the first fish. Is that all right?”
Will moved up beside Gracie and tried not to laugh. “The fish will bite whichever worm they want to, Laura. So maybe Gracie and I won’t put a line in until you catch your first one.” He shot a quick look at Gracie, hoping she’d understand.
She nodded. “That makes perfect sense. Are you hungry yet, Laura?”
“I’m going to eat the fish I catch, so you and Uncle Will can eat the lunch you brought. You can save me some cookies, though.” Laura wiggled the tip of the pole and scowled. “Come get the worm, you silly fish.”
Will rolled his eyes at Gracie, and she grinned. “Come on, let’s dive into that food. Laura might not be hungry, but I certainly am.” He held out his hand to Gracie, hoping she could somehow see into his heart.
She hesitated then slipped her fingers into his. Will gave a gentle squeeze. He led her forward to the blanket and seated her. As much as he’d love to continue to hold her hand, it wasn’t proper, and she probably wouldn’t allow it, but his soul did a little dance that she hadn’t totally rejected his gesture.
Gracie tucked the remains of the food into the basket and placed the checkered cloth over the top. If she didn’t know better, she’d think her fingers were still tingling from the touch of Will’s hand. Strong yet gentle—firm yet tender. She almost hadn’t slipped her fingers into his, but something in his eyes had convinced her that he wasn’t playing a game.
But where did Carissa fit into this picture—or did she? Gracie had thought she’d seen interest in Will’s gaze as he’d looked her direction, and he had invited her to stay. Then why be so tender toward her a short time later? None of it made sense—and she was still struggling with his attitude toward her in regard to his niece. They’d had a wonderful visit while eating, but it was all too confusing, and her own growing attraction toward the man certainly didn’t help.
Laura plunked down on the blanket and tossed her pole on the grass. “I didn’t catch a thing. Dumb fish.”
Will squatted next to her. “Keep a good attitude, Laura. Fishing is about having fun as well as catching fish. Maybe next time you’ll do better.”
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