by Paty Jager
Far held her away from him. “Is this wise? Not only will leaving your mother alone not be good, but it would seem you think nothing of the feelings of a man who has tried very hard to make you happy.”
“Mor will be in good hands. Lars, the cook, is Norwegian and can speak with Mor in our native language. I plan on working in the woods.”
“You know Hank’s feelings about you working in the woods.” Far’s gaze scanned the length of her. “By the fancy clothes he bought you and the sparkle in his eyes when he watches you, he is smitten. If you continue to push to work in the woods against his wishes you may find he is not so taken with you.”
“By working in the woods so my brothers can find wives I am making them happy and with them happy the whole crew is happy.”
Far shook his head. “It’s too late to shut the stable door after the horse has bolted.”
Kelda tilted her head. “What do you mean by that Far?”
“It is one thing to wish your brothers a happy life with families, but you may be shutting the door on your happiness by working so hard to find them theirs.”
Her heart stuttered a moment. “You mean Hank? I’m not planning a life with him.” She allowed her gaze to wander to Mor looking so poor on the bed. “I wish a marriage like yours and Mor. I’ll not settle for less. If Hank doesn’t see the woods make me happy, he isn’t the man for me.” Even as she said the words, she knew no other would make her feel as cherished as Hank Halsey.
Far pat her hand. “Go on telling yourself that. You will have a rude awakening the day he walks away.” Far stood. “I’ll have one of the women bring in a tray for you and Mor.”
Kelda shrugged out of her cape and nodded. If Hank walked away could she survive? Logging was what made her happy. She touched her lips. They tingled remembering the fevered kisses and his touch skimming along her body. Shaking her head, she settled back on the chair by Mor. No man would ever make her feel the way Hank did. She knew that and knew her heart was opening to the thought of being with him, but could she persuade him to allow her to work in the woods?
Chapter 17
Hank didn’t see Kelda the rest of the evening. Her brothers and father kept him busy regaling him with the logs downed and his brothers’ visits. After the meal, Lars shooshed the women away and began washing the dishes. Aileen and Darcy pulled Hank to a corner of the table and began interrogating him about the trip.
“That’s a beautiful outfit Kelda returned in,” Darcy said, her eyebrows rising.
“It was an early birthday present. When are your husbands coming to get you?” Hank didn’t want to divulge any of his time with Kelda to either his sisters-in-law or their husbands. The three days with Kelda had cottoned him to the idea of marriage. Just not right away. He’d enjoyed their conversations to and from town, watching all the heads turn when they entered a room, and her sense of humor and intellect made the trip memorable and one he would like to take again soon.
“They’ll take us home tomorrow when they arrive to see how things are runnin’,” Aileen said, scrunching her brows and staring at him. “You were good to the girl and no‘ any randy business?”
Heat shot up his neck and flashed like gunpowder on his cheeks. “Yes! I can’t believe you’re saying these things to me.” The outrage he felt that his sisters would question him, nearly shot him to his feet until he glanced at the Nielsen men, all watching him intently. Hank ran a hand over his face. “I was a gentleman. Did she look like she’d been ravaged when she arrived?”
“She’s in good spirits.” Darcy waved a hand toward Arvid’s room.
“Do you think that could have been the fact she was taken away from all her duties and allowed to see and experience things she’s not seen before?” He loved showing Kelda new experiences and showing her how a woman should be treated.
Aileen tapped his shoulder, drawing his attention to her. “Aye. ’tis good ye show her life outside this camp. But remember she is who she is and ye cannae change her.”
Hank frowned as the two women stood.
“We have a cot set up in the cabin. Send Kelda over when she’s ready to call it a night,” Darcy said as she and Aileen plucked shawls from the pegs by the door and disappeared.
Hank liked the idea of Kelda in a cabin rather than the supply room. Just as he wiped the smile off his face, the Nielsen men sat down around him. He glanced at Lars who had the dishes washed and put away. The man smiled and saluted as he disappeared into the supply room.
He was left all alone with Kelda’s men folk.
“Think we wouldn’t see those fancy clothes our sister came home in?” Karl leaned over Tobias to get in Hank’s face.
“They were an early birthday present.” He didn’t need to defend himself, but he’d be damned if Kelda’s brothers harassed her because of him.
“You sure you weren’t trying to buy our sister’s affections?” Dag now leaned into Hank. “If we find out you ruined our sister, you’ll marry her.”
“I didn’t ruin her. I showed her what life could be like outside this camp. We dined at a fancy restaurant and went for a walk, peering into store windows.” He nodded his head toward the supply room. “And interviewed cooks.”
“About Lars.” Karl sat back. “We were hoping for a woman.”
“A young woman.” Dag’s eyes sparkled.
“There were no young women who applied. And once Kelda laid eyes on Lars she was determined to hire him.” Had she been attracted to the man at first sight? He hadn’t thought about that until just this minute. Hank stared at the supply room. Was he competition? Kelda said the man was married, but he had no proof other than her word. Would she say that to throw him off? Hank thought about their closeness with the man in the back of the wagon. No, he didn’t believe the new cook was competition. But why had she wanted to hire this man so quickly?
Karl smiled. “He said he could log. She must have seen him as potential for the woods as well as the kitchen.”
Hank caught a brief grimace from Arvid before the old man coughed and stood.
“I’ll retire for the night and send your sister out.” He peered into Hank’s face. “Her belongings have already been moved to the cabin of your brothers’ wives. We believed she would be bringing back another woman.”
“And now? Will you move her back to the storeroom and have Lars bunk with Paddy?” The idea of Kelda back in the supply room didn’t settle well with Hank.
“We’ll see what Kelda and Lars wish to do. God natt.” Arvid’s steps were slower and more labored than Hank remembered as the man moved to the room he shared with his wife.
Tobias sighed. “Mor is not doing well. She took sick while Kelda was gone.”
Would Kelda blame her mother’s illness on him dragging her away? He ran a hand over his face. She’d known her mother wasn’t doing well before they left.
Kelda stepped out of Far and Mor’s room, her cape draped over her arm. Mor was so weak and Far…her heart ached as if someone were taking huge bites out of it with an axe.
Her brothers remained seated, but Hank rose as she walked across the room. A smile quivered on her lips. They were back and he still insisted on treating her well.
“You should eat something,” he said, taking her by the elbow and seating her at the head of the table nearest the kitchen. He disappeared and returned with a cup of water and a bowl of soup.
“Mange takk.” She didn’t dare raise her gaze to her brothers who were, no doubt, taking in the way their boss treated her. She took a bite and her stomach growled. With all the wonders of her trip, she’d disregarded hunger pains for giddiness over Hank’s attention.
“Your belongings are out at Paddy’s cabin. You’ll bunk with Aileen and Darcy tonight then the cabin is all yours.”
The concern etched in Hank’s brow made her want to smooth it with her thumb, but she knew better than to make any moves that would have her brothers speculating about their relationship.
“I’ll move into the
supply room tomorrow, so I’ll be close to help Far with Mor.”
He placed a hand over hers on the table, stopping her upward motion of another bite of soup.
“You’ll be close by all day. Give yourself a break by living in the cabin.” His brown gaze looked deep into her eyes.
What was he trying to convey to her? The warmth of his hand sent heat racing up her arm. His touch kindled the yearnings she’d been tamping down since they arrived at the camp.
The scrape of a bench and heavy footsteps approaching registered as Karl’s looming presence threw a shadow on Hank’s face.
“I’m finding it hard to believe you didn’t ruin my sister the way you’re looking at her and holding her hand.”
The softness and tenderness in Hank’s eyes shifted in a blink to the hard steal of an axe blade.
“I’ll not defend our friendship to you, but I take your accusations that you’d believe your sister is anything other than a proper young woman as slander to her.” Hank rose to his feet, his eyes dark and angry, his hands fisted at his sides, and his stance…wide, set to swing a blow that she was sure would down a tree in one swipe.
Kelda stood, placing a hand on both their chests. “You know no man thinks of me the way you’re insinuating.” She purposely kept her gaze on her brother. She didn’t want to see the hurt in Hank’s eyes. “Hank and I are good friends. It’s nice to have someone to talk with who isn’t family or a logger.” She picked up her cape. “Hank, walk me to the cabin, please.”
Hank didn’t answer, but by the way Karl backed away she had no doubt he was behind her. His hands captured her cape and placed it around her shoulders. Her bag, from their outing, sat by the door. On their way out, Hank grabbed her bag and extended his arm to her.
She didn’t glance back to see her brothers’ expressions. All she knew was Hank would always stand up for her against any odds. The idea lightened her mood and sent her stomach fluttering.
“Thank you for standing up for me back there.”
“If you haven’t figured out you’ve gotten under my skin by now, you’re more hopeless than I first imagined.” The playful tone of his words made her laugh.
He drew her to the side of the cabin out of the lantern light shining through the window. Before she could catch her breath, he tugged her close with one hand and lowered his lips to hers. The sensation of their mouths touching and the earnest way his lips sought hers, she melted against him. A thud sounded beside her, but instead of allowing her to pull away, his other arm circled her waist, drawing her closer. She twined her fingers together behind his neck and savored his mouth changing angles and chasing dizzying tendrils of delight from her lips all the way to her toes.
He drew back and her body swayed into his. “You’re hard to resist.” Hank’s whisper rallied another round of delicious vibrations through her.
“I didn’t realize a kiss could heat a body so.”
“Did you feel it too?” he whispered, warming her ear and neck before a kiss tingled her skin.
“Ja. Very much.”
He hugged her tight before setting her away from him. “Good night, Kelda,” he said loud enough for the women in the cabin to know they were outside. “I’ll escort you to the cabin every night,” he said, leaning toward her speaking for her ears only.
The idea of secret kisses every night before she went to sleep excited her nearly as much as participating in the kisses.
The door opened and Darcy’s head peeked out. “There you are. We were just wondering if you’d arrive before we blew out the lantern.
Kelda breathed in and out, stilling her racing heart and hoped the women attributed her rosy cheeks for the cold outside and not the heat in her body.
~*~
Hank grabbed his satchel sitting inside the office door and went to his room. A few minutes later the outside door opened. The creak of the wood stove door and thunk of wood being added meant Tobias was in for the night.
Soft footsteps stopped outside Hank’s door. He glanced up from unloading his satchel. Tobias leaned against the door frame.
“You know Karl and Dag are just jealous that their little sister has found someone and they haven’t.”
Hank straightened. “What do you mean your sister has found someone? We’re friends.”
A grin spread the full distance across Tobias’ face. “Real good friends from what I’ve seen.”
At least this was one brother that didn’t seem to care Kelda spent time with him. Hank ran a hand along the back of his neck and grinned back. “We’re not as close as you all seem to think. But I’ve grown fond of your sister and wouldn’t mind having her in my life permanently down the road.”
Tobias pushed away from the door frame, his face sobering. “What do you mean down the road?”
“I can’t make any promises to her until I know this logging operation will make a profit. That could take a couple years.” Hank shook his head. “I can’t offer marriage to anyone until I’m sure I can support my brothers’ families and one of my own.”
Tobias shook his head. “Seems to me you’d be missing out on some good times between now and then if you’re thinking with your wallet and not your heart.” He turned and ambled into his room.
Hank sat on his bed and stared into the office. Was it wrong to want to be financially secure before settling down? He thought of Kelda’s passionate kisses and her sparkling green eyes. Would he be able to hold off claiming her body for that long? Would she wait that long?
Displeasure at thinking someone else might come along and snap her up, sent him stalking into the office to stoke the stove and turn off the lantern. Back in his room, he undressed and slid into bed.
Placing his hands behind his head, he stared at the dark ceiling and ran numbers over and over in his mind until his head ached and he closed his eyes.
Chapter 18
Kelda had fallen asleep grateful the two women sharing the cabin hadn’t asked any questions, but as they all dressed and prepared for the day, the two were full of questions.
“Where did Hank take you for dinner in Baker City?” Darcy asked, while lacing her child-sized boots.
“The Warshauer.” Kelda’s fingers refused to work as expertly on braiding her hair as other mornings. The frustration at her own clumsiness around the two women who went through their morning routine with no mistakes and stood before her glowing and womanly only added to her discomfort.
Aileen stepped forward. “Let me give it a go. Yer all thumbs this mornin’.” She undid the braid Kelda had started and ran the brush through her hair. “Ye’ve beautiful silky hair. Do ye ever just let it hang down yer back?”
“I need it out of my way. A braid is the best.” Kelda stood as still as a pine as the woman’s deft fingers moved down her hair. “I really need to go to the cookhouse and help Lars.”
“He’s a strong man and can manage the mornin’ meal by hisself.” Aileen handed her a mirror.
Kelda held it up and stared at the elaborate braiding Aileen had put in her hair. She’d woven a satin ribbon inside the braids on either side of her head. Aileen flipped her braid over her shoulder to show the ribbon continued down the main braid as well.
“’Tis good to add frippery to yer hair now and then to feel like a woman.” Aileen glanced at Kelda’s dungaree clad legs. “Especially since ye dress like a man.”
Darcy took the mirror from her hands. “You’re a beauty and don’t let anyone tell you any different.”
“Look at me. I’m taller than both of you and Aileen is tall for a woman. My feet and hands are large. I’m only good for hard work.” Kelda shoved her feet into her logger boots. She’d placed the beautiful boots Hank bought in her valise to keep them for special occasions. They wouldn’t get worn out from everyday use.
Darcy planted her small body in front of Kelda and stomped her foot. “Look at me!”
Kelda reluctantly dropped the shoelaces and straightened.
“We’ve seen the way you a
nd Hank look at one another. He is falling for you and you for him. Help him along. Dress like a woman who knows what she wants.” Darcy put a hand on her shoulder. “Make him want you so bad, he’s cross-eyed. He’s going to hold out and do the right thing by you, but if you push him past his control, I can guarantee neither one of you will regret it.”
“Aye. When a Halsey loves, he loves with his whole bein’.”Aileen winked, “And that is the very best for those of us on the lovin’ end.”
Heat started at Kelda’s toes and flashed like a pitch stump through her body to fuse her cheeks. She slapped her hands over her face. “You’re making me uncomfortable.”
The two laughed, moving to either side of her, slipping an arm around her waist.
“We’re here for you if you need to talk,” Darcy said. “You’ll find the wives of the Halsey brothers have bonded like sisters, and it’s been unanimous that we all think you are perfect for Hank.”
Aileen squeezed her middle. “Ye have our blessings to do whatever it takes to pull him into marriage.”
Tears burned at the back of Kelda’s eyes. Her entire life she’d wished for a sister and now if things went well she could have four. Their suggestions and comments swirled in her mind. How did she make him cross-eyed?
The meal bell sounded. She wiped at the single tear tickling her cheek. “We better head over and see if Lars needs help.” Kelda quickly finished tying her boots.
The two women stepped toward the door.
“Remember you can talk to Rachel, Maeve, Aileen, or I about anything if you need to.” Darcy snagged her shawl from the peg, wrapping it around her small frame twice.
Kelda nodded, grabbing the man’s wool jacket she’d worn every day of her adult life until Hank bought her the cape. Pulling the heavy wool up her arms and taking the weight of the garment onto her shoulders, she shifted from the unsure woman of moments before to someone with confidence and swagger. This was why she found it hard to shed her belief she couldn’t be loved. When she was in the woods or among the loggers she knew how to behave and what was expected of her. Being a woman was new and unknown territory.