by Caryl McAdoo
“So you don't hate me?”
“Hate you? Oh, heavens no! I uh . . .” She swallowed. “I uh . . . I don't hate you. It's kind of, sort of, the opposite.”
“Really? That is not how you've been acting for the last ten months.” He scoffed.
“Before—when we were growing up—whenever we'd come visit or you and your folks came to see us, we always had a great time, you and me. But then once we all moved here together . . . well . . . you haven't had a thing to do with me.”
“Mercy, Reagan Flynn O'Neal, Junior!” She touched his cheek. “I've been . . . uh . . .” Why were the words so hard to say? He was right there, and she couldn't tell him her heart.
He took her hand and tugged. She released her apron and fell into his arms in slow motion. His lips touched hers.
“Oooo! Nasty! Why'd you do it, partner?” Her brother's face puckered as if he'd been forced to drink vinegar. “Flynn and Lesha! Kissing! Kissing! Kissing! Yuck!”
The boy turned and ran toward the cabins, calling over his shoulder, “I'm telling!”
She pushed herself away and scrambled to her feet. “Aaron! Wait!” She took two steps toward her brother then turned back.
Flynn hiked both shoulders. “What can I say? I'm sorry.” Then he grinned. “That we got caught—not that I kissed you.”
Sharing his sentiments failed to reduce the fear in her heart. What an awful situation. Oh Lord! She had to get to her little brother!
Why had Flynn kissed her?
“Are you going to take my switching?”
“I'll be happy to if Uncle Seve will let me.”
Chapter Two
Though she should run, the instituter of her present troubles sitting on his rump in the corn rows and grinning up at her like a new-found pup. The sight nailed Alicia's feet to the ground.
“You'd really take a beating for me?”
He nodded. “That and more.”
“Come on!” The sound of her brother's voice approached. Good! That meant he hadn't told yet! “See, there they is, Rich! Just like I said.”
She turned around. Her bratty brother and his shadow stood wide-eyed, pointing and staring from the last row of okra. “Aaron! Richard!”
What should she say? The desire to lie was strong, but she'd not done anything wrong. Her lips accidentally brushing against Flynn's wasn't a big sin or anything.
“You're getting it when Pa gets home! I'm telling!”
Richard chimed in with a smirky little grin she'd love to slap off his face. “Me, too! I'm telling Uncle Reagan and Aunt Lib! You guys are going to get it!”
Flynn rose, dusting dirt and broken corn leaves from his backside, then stood beside her. “Come on, partners. We didn't do anything wrong. Let's get us some dinner. I'm powerful hungry. How about you men?”
Aaron scoffed and pursed his lips at her. “I surely am on account of Arlee's slab of cornpone and that little dab of honey is long gone. Auntie's feeding us, right?”
“Yes, sir.” Flynn strolled out of the garden with a boy tagging along with him, one on each hip.
“Hope the milk's cool.”
Would he be able to get them to keep their mouths shut? Should he even try? Last thing she wanted was Aaron having something to hang over her head. The little booger would spill his guts sooner or later.
Best to fess up her own self and let her parents know she'd not invited the kiss and tell them her heart.
Sure looked like Flynn might love her, too.
Why else would he want to kiss her? Or be willing to take a whipping to save her from one?
And more, he'd said. What exactly could that mean? That he'd be willing to die for her? She gasped and held her heart at the thought. After taking two steps, she had to twirl. Didn't that prove he loved her?
It had to!
Had his heart been revealed?
Mercy, she needed to know for certain, didn't she? He surely wouldn't steal a kiss if he didn't love her.
Would he? No. Flynn wasn't like that. She'd never witnessed him in any bad light.
Oh man, she needed some time alone with Aunt Esther, needed to talk with her and get her advice. But the boys were headed there, and surely Katie Kay had woken up.
Soon enough, the little doll would be taking one long nap instead of two. Her feet carried her to the garden's gate, but on second thought, she returned to the scene of the kiss and gathered the tomatoes and okra she'd dropped.
Back to the gate with her apron full, she pondered which way to go from there. Did she want to face the little skunks or give Flynn time to talk some sense into them? Then there was the vegetables to add to the beans. Two running blurs from the direction of the Worley's cabin turned into Arlene and Charity and reached her before she had the time to make any decision.
Her sister won the race, skidded to a stop a few feet away, then gulped her lungs full. Holding her hands out in a very dramatic gesture, she gasped, catching a quick breath. “Did you do it? Did you really kiss . . .” The girl grabbed another breath. “Flynn?”
Charity snatched ahold of Arlene and used her to stop. “Oh Lesha! Is it true?” She gasped then swooned. “That's so romantic! Tell us! Aaron said he saw you two.”
Was she ever as bad as those two? “Well yes, I suppose. His lips accidentally grazed mine when he tugged on my hand, but . . .”
Her little sister jumped up and down, covering her nose and mouth with her hands. “Oooo! Your first kiss! You're a real woman now, Lesha!” She stopped hopping around and gazed longingly, hands clasped together over her heart. “What was it like?”
Such a breathy voice. When had she gotten so dramatic? “Are you getting married now?”
Grabbing her friend's arm, Charity shook her head. “No, silly! They can't!” She looked up at Alicia. “They're cousins, and cousins can't marry. It's against the law! Isn't it?”
Leaning in, Alicia glared at the ten-year-old.
“Don't be ridiculous! We aren't real cousins! Ma and Aunt Libby are best friends, closer than sisters, since, since . . . forever. But your brother and I have no blood relations at all. Your mam is only my honorary aunt. You know that.”
The younger girl stepped back and raised her nose an inch. “Well, so what? She still isn't going to like it one bit, you kissing my brother, and—”
“He kissed me, Charity!”
“And you kissed him back, didn't you?” She put her fists on her hips. “Are you saying you didn't? Aaron said you and Flynn was kissing. Each. Other. Papa isn't going to like it either.”
Had she? Kissed him back? She couldn't remember. Oh no! Had the sweet memory faded so soon? “Haven't you two got something to do beside pester me? I'm sure your hoes are right where we left them.”
Her sister stretched to her full height. “Pa said we had today off, so there.”
“He also said I was in charge, so if you want to enjoy what's left of this day.” She sighed. “I suggest you best get to it and leave me alone.”
“Well, Aunt Esther said to fetch you. The beans are getting close and she wants the okra to boil some. You better go. ’Sides, she knows about the spooning, too, and she wants to talk to you.”
“Here, hold out your aprons.” They did, and she dumped her load evenly between them. “You two take this to Auntie, and tell her I'll be there before long.”
The girls looked at the okra and tomatoes then back at her like she was insane or something. “Best get, or I'm serious. You'll be hoeing till dark.”
Both girls retreated, muttering. “I never . . . a meanie.”
“Yeah. She . . .”
But Alicia let it slide.
She needed time to think and dealing with those two immature little horrors was too much like work.
Hoping to give the boys enough time to finish their meal and get, she decided as hot as it was in her cabin, that'd probably be the only place she could be alone.
Both doors wide open helped some, but what little breeze from the morning had stilled t
o about nothing.
If she sat in Pa's seat at the table, she could see Esther's cabin. Just as she figured, the baby had her nap out and played with her rag doll on the porch while her mamma rocked and visited with Flynn.
The little squealers were evidently still at their cornbread and sweet milk. She couldn't see the girls, but they'd probably climbed back up into their tree, telling each other how awful she was.
For sharing her heart. How could that have been so awful?
The river of sweat running down her back pert near soaked her dress. Maybe a stroll down to the creek would dry her out some and give her a little more time. Auntie would understand if she didn't go there right away. Her stomach so knotted, would she ever want to eat again? A long pull of creek water might do her some good.
Perhaps even give her the opportunity to meet up with Flynn getting his own self a refreshing drink.
He'd surely note the direction she went.
But would Aunt Esther let him follow?
She'd never know; halfway there, Uncle Laud's shout sent Richard, Katie Kay, and her snot-nosed brother running to the creek. He beat them there, crossed over, then hiked each in turn up on his mule's back.
Sitting in front of Uncle, all three rode back to the cabin, cheering like conquering heroes or something.
Flynn met him at the shop and collected the boys, but left baby girl to her Da who held her tight as he slid off. Shortly, the little ones got sent out, and the men took to working on the mule's hooves.
Alicia cut the butter and picked up Katie Kay as she trudged home. “Hey, sweet girl!”
She held out her little hand toward the shed. “I want Da.”
“I know, but he has to put a new shoe on Ol' Harley. He'll be up here for supper in no time.” Sitting the baby in the yard, Alicia stepped up onto the porch where Auntie sat. “Need any help?”
“Always it seems. If you could please watch her for a bit, while I get the biscuits whipped up and in the coals. Laud's going to be hungry.”
Soon enough, Aunt Esther had the Dutch Oven loaded and covered in glowing ash. She looked around then eased over and spoke in a low voice. “Arlene said it was your first kiss. Is that right?”
Alicia nodded then grinned. “It just happened. We had words. He was squatting, and when I told him I didn't hate him.” She giggled. “Well, it knocked him onto his back side! He looked so cute.
Then he tugged on my hand and . . .” She hiked both shoulders. “His lips accidentally brushed against mine, I guess. Don't even know it'd rightly be called a kiss.”
“Might ought to come up with a better story.” Esther laughed, then shook her head. “You don't kiss the man you're in love with on accident.”
“But it's the truth. He was squatting on account of playing hide-and-seek with the boys. And he kissed me. I've thought and thought, and I don't think I even kissed him back.”
A part of her wanted to light out, but she had nowhere to run. She filled her lungs then exhaled slowly. “Think Pa's going to believe me? Think he'll be mad?”
Esther turned serious. “Well, I figure how things go in town might tip the scales one way or the other. I know that doesn't seem fair, but he'll be in a good mood or not. Do think it's best you tell them before Arlee or Aaron.”
“Why do little brothers and sisters have to be so ornery?”
A hand tugging on her dress pulled her attention. “Lesha, me and dolly want a story.”
How could she tell the angel doll no? And maybe reading the Good Book might settle her some. Lord knew she needed something to. “I'd love to, baby girl.”
Laud and Flynn finished the off-mule in time to wash up and set out chairs on the porch. No one wanted to eat inside. Hopefully, it would cool off enough after the sun set to sleep indoors. Skeeters got bad of an evening.
Silence reined for the first ten or so spoonfuls of beans, then her brat of a brother looked right at her and grinned. “I sure would love to have another biscuit. I'm so hungry. You going to eat yours, Lesha?”
With a quick glance at Flynn, she glared at Aaron. “I sure am. Can't have mine.”
“Oh, I can't?” He kicked Rich's foot. “Told you it wouldn't work. Fine then. I'm telling.”
Laud snickered. “You boys been snooping around again?”
“Not me, Da. It were Aaron! We was playing hide-and-seek, and he was spying on Lesha.”
What a scalawag! Alicia's cheeks warmed. She scooped a spoonful beans and brought it to her mouth, but only sipped a daub then rested her spoon back into her bowl.
“Arlene! The story you told me about eating your cornbread this morning and the one our little brother claimed were entirely different. Someone is lying!”
Her sister glared at Aaron then held out her half-eaten biscuit toward her. “Oh, no you don't! You're the one that's in trouble! So don't go trying to shift the blame to me.”
Forcing her face serious, she swallowed to keep from letting a giggle out.
Could Arlene even see her in the failing sunlight?
“I'm only asking to make sure I got it, because you know how bad Pa hates lying. You said you ate your cornbread, and Aaron is lying, right?”
He flew out of his seat and bowed up. “Am not! I did too eat it! She gived it to me fair and square. She even reached the honey jar down for me! That's the truth! I didn't lie!”
“That's right, Lesha.” Rich nodded extra big like that would seal the deal.
The eleven-year-old laughed. “Doesn't matter. Once Pa hears what you did, then me treating my baby brother to a little honey won't matter one whit, and you know it.”
“I ain't no baby, Arlee!” He bowed up to her. “I'm six!”
The middle child reached for him, but he shied away. “Just like Uncle Laud is Aunt Liberty's baby brother, you're mine!” Her eyes squinted, and she leaned toward him. “And you will be until the day you die!”
“No! That's not right. In no time I'm going to be bigger than Pa! Then I'm going to be your big brother! Ain't that right, Uncle Laud?”
“It doesn't work that way, partner.” Uncle burst out laughing. “I'm twice Lib's size, and yet she is still my big sis, and I'm afraid I'm still . . .”
“Her baby brother? That ain't right!” Aaron sulked up, but not enough that he didn't keep on shoveling beans into his yap.
The distraction helped take Alicia's mind off her troubles though if only for a bit. Flynn hadn't said a word. Apparently, he was enjoying himself best she could tell in the firelight.
Him kissing her wasn't nothing to him she guessed. She hated how it was all to blue blazes.
Certain there was plenty enough for the travelers, Esther let those who wanted have seconds on the beans, but she'd only made one biscuit each, so those were off limits.
The younger girls got the job of doing the dishes since Alicia either helped or babysat while Aunt Esther cooked.
They washed, dried, and put them back on the shelf while the men and boys saw to the wood boxes, bringing extra to stoke the cook-fire enough to keep the leftovers warm, sitting off to the side.
Had to balance it just right, Esther explained.
Normally the evening proved the best time of the day with all the work done. Time of the day to hash and rehash all what's happened then going on with making plans out for the morrow. But that evening as the stars came out, Alicia couldn't decide which of her calamities she ought to be fretting over.
The possibility of the whole clan having to move worried her something awful. The families might even be scattered all over, north to west. But that may all be moot if Pa never let her be alone with any boy again. She hoped Ma wouldn't let him switch her. Seventeen was too old for switching! It'd be punishment enough keeping her and Flynn apart.
How could she stand that? If she told them her heart . . . how much she loved him, and he loved her—would that be a lie? He'd never mentioned loving her—she definitely did not want to compound her offenses with a lie. She only hoped she could get to them b
efore the biggest brat in Tennessee. Maybe they'd be late, and he'd be asleep.
That wasn't going to happen. Before she worked herself into a good tither, trace chains jangling pulled everyone to their feet.
“It's Pa and them.” Her brother bolted for the creek.
“Aaron Edmund! Get yourself back here right this minute.”
He stopped at the light's edge. “Pa's home! You ain't my boss no more!” The little stink snickered and ran into the night.
Chapter Three
Alisha wanted to run after her brother, hog-tie him, and gag him, but that wouldn't do. Too soon, the wagon with two lanterns glowing stopped in front of the shed.
Her sweetheart went out to meet them.
“Uncle Laud and I will see to the animals. Beans are hot, and Aunt Esther made biscuits.” His voice, not a bit troubled, rode the bit of breeze that had come up to bless the homestead.
How could he sound so calm as though nothing had happened, as though he hadn't kissed her or that their parents might think the kiss was all the more reason to separate them forever?
Hurrying to fetch four bowls and spoons, she returned just as her father and the others strolled into the flickering light of the cook-fire. Her snitching brother took double steps to stay right beside Pa. No doubt the brat had already spilled his guts. She couldn't look her father in the face and handed out the bowls without meeting his eyes.
Though stealing a couple of glances, she couldn't get a read on him. He didn't appear angry, maybe pensive, but then the light wasn't good, and he'd made a twenty-mile round trip that day. Not an easy task in itself.
When she looked at Aaron, he just grinned a little smirk. Didn't give anything away. He used to be such a cute little baby but grew into a scamp who knew exactly how to get her goat.
No one said a word until Flynn and her uncle returned from turning out the mules.
Pa scraped his bowl then nodded toward Auntie. “Mighty fine meal. Thank you, Esther.”
“Thank you kindly, Seve. For your remarks and for making that long journey today on behalf of our clan. Thank you all. Preparing supper was the least I could do, and Alicia helped.”