by Annie Boone
Susannah pouted but there was nothing more she could learn from him. Though she attempted to maneuver some more information, it didn’t work and so she eventually conceded that he really hadn’t learned anything more than what he’d already told her. Instead, she concentrated on enjoying some time with her husband as they tended the animals. Delilah had dinner taken care of and so Susannah fed the goats and chickens with Lucas before they came inside for the evening.
It took them a few days to adjust to four folks coming in and out of the home, but the girls were quiet and kept to themselves unless Susannah started them on the same project. Rachel already had a few skills, and she thought putting Delilah with her on some stitching and baking, they might become friends.
And she couldn’t forget Ethan was in the mix. Susannah glanced at the young ladies in the garden. Mr. Townsend and Miss Waterford were getting along quite well, after all. This meant that Miss Cullen needed a gentleman as well. But for now, her focus was on Delilah.
Chapter Ten
“Just make sure he stops chasing your goats.” Ethan Townsend laughed with Mr. Keaton. “He should have his paw cleaned every evening and wrapped again with fresh bandages, but there’s no sign of infection. Why, he should have a healthy appetite before long and will soon be running all over the place.”
The little boy peeked out from behind his mother’s skirts. “You promise?” Mrs. Keaton was standing quietly beside her husband as she smiled and reached down to smooth her son’s hair.
Ethan grinned down at him. “I promise.”
Mr. Keaton chuckled as he picked up the sleepy collie dog. The poor creature had been chasing after a stray goat when he stepped on something sharp that cut his foot. It was just one paw, fortunately, though there had been a lot of blood. But with good care he would be up and about in a few days. The older man hefted him up into his arms, nearly buried beneath all the fur. “Thank you,” he managed.
“Would you like a hand?” Ethan offered. “Or we can grab a cart.”
Mr. Keaton shook his head and started out carrying the dog. Mrs. Keaton smiled hesitantly, glancing after her husband. “We’ve had him since he was a pup. We had his mother before him. My husband grew up with collie dogs so I suppose he’s family.” She shrugged and grabbed her young boy’s hand. “Thank you all the same. It was very kind of you to take such special care of him.”
“His name is Peter,” the boy reminded them.
“That’s right,” Ethan offered. “And you’ll take care of Peter to make sure he gets better? So he can play with you?”
The boy grinned. “Yes, sir!”
“Good!” Ethan straightened up and put his hands on his hips. “That’s good. You’ll make a fine doctor. Peter’s in good hands with you around.”
Mrs. Keaton beamed at her boy who stood there proudly. She thanked him and they followed Mr. Keaton and Peter the collie dog out the door. Ethan watched from the window as the father came back to meet them, scooping the boy up in his arms. Once the dog and boy were set in the cart, Mr. Keaton reached out for his wife who slipped gracefully into his arms. Had they been around Rocky Ridge long? He couldn’t recall with a certainty but there was something familiar about them.
Even so, they made him smile. The four of the Keatons made a cute little family. Each of them had their place, taking care of one another in their own way. That’s how families were, after all. His own family was the same, with his father taking care of them and others in the area, his mother making their home a refuge, and he had his own place in helping them.
It had been on his mind lately. Families, that is. It was on his mind at work, at home, and at church. Especially at church, since he had taken to sitting beside Miss Delilah Waterford.
His parents didn’t mind. In fact, they began to insist she join them for every Sunday lunch. And every time he was there to drive her back to the Jessup place. Ethan wasn’t sure how it had happened, but gradually they developed a routine.
“Saturday?” Delilah repeated lightly, a smile on her lips as she glanced up at the sun. It was a bright afternoon and she squinted. It was clear to all who watched her that she loved the light and the clear air, often taking off her bonnet to soak it all in. “Why Saturday? Is something special happening?”
Chuckling, he nodded his head and turned back to the horse. “Yes. The pastor is having a barn raising. Didn’t you hear about it?” Ethan nudged her lightly even as he held the reins in his hands. “Will you be attending?”
Slowly the girl dropped her head and considered it for a moment. “Do you think the Jessups are going?” She asked finally. “I’m not certain, but I’d think they’d be going. Will you be attending?” Delilah hummed a few notes thoughtfully before falling silent.
Ethan looked for the right words. “I was thinking,” he said carefully, “that if you do want to go, then I could come pick you up and you might come with me. Would that… what do you think of that idea?”
He could feel her eyes on him, considering the option. All he could hear was his heartbeat, getting more anxious every second she didn’t answer. What if she said no? Would she laugh at him? Ethan was just getting prepared to accept her refusal when she replied.
“That would be lovely,” she said at last, and smiled at him when he looked at her. A small pink tinge rose to her cheeks and it made his heart hammer even harder. “Thank you for inviting me, it should be fun. I would really like that, Ethan.”
“I would too,” he assured her eagerly. And they were at the boarding house before they knew it. Every time they made their way here, the trip seemed to grow shorter. His throat constricted as he pulled the horse to a stop, hurrying down and around the wagon in order to help Miss Waterford to the ground. He tipped his hat at an angle that made her laugh.
As she stepped down, their shoulders brushed and he wondered if it was an accident or on purpose. Ethan swallowed and grinned as she looked back up. She was smiling too, shining those big green eyes on him. Lately, he realized on the time he had alone to think during his work hours, when he was around Delilah, Elizabeth disappeared from his mind. In fact, she was a distant memory he was able to push to the back of his mind these days.
Delilah pushed a strand of hair from her face and the movement caught his attention. Ethan jerked lightly, realizing he’d been staring at her. “Oh, I didn’t mean to stare at you,” he started hesitantly, pulling off his hat holding it down by his side. “You’re just… you’re very lovely, Delilah. Sometimes I can’t take my eyes off you.”
Her lips parted in surprise at the compliment, and he felt the same surprise. Ethan swallowed, his eyes widening. Where did those words come from? He took a step back, feeling more foolish than ever. She seemed flattered, but he was worried he’d offended her with his forward words.
“Thank you, Ethan. That’s sweet of you to say.” She blinked twice and averted her eyes away from him. Her cheeks were still pink and she looked perfectly lovely.
Unable to stop the impulse, he leaned in to kiss her. Just as his lips were about to meet her cheek, she turned her head and looked up. Her eyes went wide as his lips touched hers with a gentle peck. She didn’t recoil or gasp, she simply brought her hand to her lips when he pulled away. “Oh, my.” She blinked again in surprise.
“I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. Offending you wasn’t what I wanted to do.” Ethan stepped back and kicked the ground nervously.
“I’m not offended. I just didn’t expect a… a kiss.” The color in her cheeks deepened, but she didn’t look away this time.
“You didn’t mind, then?”
She shook her head and smiled.
“May I kiss you again? That is, if you want to…”
“I’d like that. I mean, I think another kiss would be nice,” she added tentatively, dropping her hand to her side. “If you’d like to.”
There was a soft smile on her lips, kind and playful. It was the one she wore whenever they talked about trading secrets. Not that there were m
any, of course. Only about how he used to pretend to be his father by dressing in his dark judge’s robes, and she dreamed of flying with the birds. Her big eyes watched him carefully, and Ethan couldn’t help himself from straightening his shoulders, trying to be the person she clearly believed him to be.
And her lovely lips. He drew forward and taking one of her hands, leaned forward and carefully pressed his lips against hers in a kiss that was more than a quick peck. Her lips were warm and delicate, and they curved up into a smile. A rush of adrenaline coursed through his body and he chuckled at the tingling sensation. Stepping away, he found Delilah blushing bright red and he could feel his neck heating up as well.
For a minute, they just looked at each other with the biggest, silliest grins.
Then the moment ended as she sighed, relaxing her shoulders. “This was lovely,” she murmured and glanced about them. “As usual. Thank you for the wonderful afternoon. And of course for bringing me home. Will I… that is, do you think I’ll see you this week? Before Saturday, that is?”
“Yes,” he nodded quickly. “I mean, if you’d agree to have me call on you this week, that is. Would that be all right? May I call on you? Maybe tomorrow, unless that’s too soon?” He gulped louder than he would have liked.
She shook her head. “No, it’s not too soon. I’m in the middle of reading Song of Solomon, you know, in my scripture reading. Perhaps you could join me?”
Ethan tried to control his grin from growing too wide. “I would love to. I’ll call on you tomorrow, then?”
“Wonderful,” she beamed at him, and then glanced around. “Well, I suppose I should go inside. Your family will be wondering where you are… and Mr. and Mrs. Jessup will be concerned if I tarry longer. I’ll see you tomorrow, Ethan. Please thank your parents for me again.”
He put his hat back on and nodded. “Indeed, I shall.” He winked at her and climbed back into his wagon as she went to the porch. But unlike the rest of the time, she stopped there and waved. Ethan tipped his hat to her and paused, watching the door behind her open.
Another young woman stepped out onto the porch, smiling tentatively. She touched Delilah’s arm lightly, speaking to her. Ethan stopped and watched curiously. Delilah had mentioned that another woman had arrived at the house recently and was staying there. He offered a polite wave and tipped his hat again when they looked his way.
Both of them waved in return, and then they turned and went into the house. Ethan sighed and whistled to the horses, heading home with a hopeful heart.
As he promised, Ethan returned the next afternoon to see Delilah again. They spent a few minutes in the garden and he helped her pick vegetables for the evening meal.
“You’re sure you don’t mind helping me with my chores?” Delilah picked up the basket on the counter as she led Ethan to the back porch. “it’s okay if you just talk to me while I pick. I won’t mind that.”
He chuckled. “I don’t mind helping. I do it for my mother and it doesn’t really feel like a chore.” He took the empty basket from her and followed her to the garden.
“I’m looking forward to the barn raising. I’ve never been to anything like that before. What will it be like?” Delilah added carrots and turnips to the basket when Ethan reached it toward her.
“Well, the men will be busy building the new barn. The women will be busy serving food and drinks to all the ones there to work. If I remember from the days when I was a kid here, some of the women bring quilting work with them since they’ll be together. They’ll keep the kids occupied with games so they don’t get in the way. I think you’ll have a good time.”
She was smiling as she added a big handful of peas to the basket. “It does sound like a busy day, indeed. Mrs. Jessup mentioned singing. When does that happen?”
“Oh, that will probably be after the work is done. Most everyone will gather and finish off the food and the pastor will lead in some singing. I’m not much of a singer, myself, but I’ll enjoy listening. Do you sing?” He raised an eyebrow with a quirky smile.
“Well, not really. I can carry a tune and I enjoy singing, but I’m not really all that good.” She looked down into the almost full basked and nodded. “I think that’s just about what I needed for supper. Will you be joining us for the meal?”
He shook his head. “I’d like to, but I have things to attend to at home. Some other time, though, for sure. And I’d best be getting on my way to those chores that wait for me.”
“I’m glad to see you again, Ethan. Thank you for coming out to the farm.” She blushed when he reached out to take her hand.
“It was my pleasure. I wish I could stay longer. Maybe next time, though.” He released her hand as they started walking back to the house.
He took the basket into the kitchen and placed it on the counter.
“So I’ll see you on Saturday, then?” Delilah turned and smiled as she led him through the kitchen to the front door.
“Yes, indeed. I’m looking forward to it. Working on the barn will be easy as I think of spending the evening with you.” They’d reached the front door and he turned to her and took her hand again. Raising it to his lips he kissed her knuckles as he kept his eyes on her. He was pleased to see she was still blushing, but the shyness seemed to be gone.
Saturday would be lovely time, indeed.
Chapter Eleven
“Are you ready to go, ladies?” Susannah looked across the table at Delilah and Rachel when they finished putting food for the barn raising in baskets.
“I think so,” answered Delilah. “I put the lemonade in the cart. Lemondrop is hitched and ready, as well.”
Rachel nodded and took one of the baskets and headed to the door. “I’ll just go ahead and start getting things loaded.”
Delilah picked up a basket to follow when Susannah put out a hand to stop her. “You’re meeting up with Ethan Townsend at the barn raising, if I’m not mistaken. You two should have a good time, I’d imagine. At least I hope so. You seem to have bonded a bit. I’m happy for you, Delilah.”
Delilah felt another blush creep up her neck and to her face. “Thank you, Mrs. Jessup. He’s been very nice to me. I don’t know what’s in store for us—if anything more than a friendship.”
Susannah smiled, gesturing for them to go. “God’s will be done, my dear.”
When they arrived on the edge of town where the bard raising was already underway, Delilah looked around to see if she could spot Ethan. She saw Sheriff Jessup working with the pastor, Cade Jones, and a few other men she didn’t recognize. Then she saw him on the other side. He looked up just as she was about to look away. When he waved, her heart fluttered. Waving back, she was glad he was there.
Eventually, Ethan came over to take a break and get some refreshment. “It’s good to see you, Delilah. Looks like a good turnout today.”
“Yes, it’s good to see.” She handed him a mug of lemonade with a smile. Their hands brushed and again she felt a thrill at even the briefest touch. Remembering his kiss, she could hardly wait for the evening.
Ethan went back to his work on the barn with the others with a promise to seek her out when the work was finished. Her afternoon was busy serving drinks and food to the workers and helping with the children when her turn came to help keep them occupied. And before she knew it, Ethan was standing next to her.
“Oh! There you are!” She turned to face him with her most brilliant smile.
“Are you ready for the dance? I know I am.” He held his hand out to her, seeming eager to be on their way.
She nodded and took his hand as they went to join the others. A few men with fiddles and a couple more were getting ready to start the music when they arrived.
For Delilah, the night was glorious. They danced together to almost every song. Thankful her mother had taught her to dance when she was younger, she felt confident she wouldn’t embarrass herself. Ethan turned out to be a good dancer, too, and they made a lovely couple as they twirled together with the other dan
cers.
“I’ve had so much fun, Ethan! Thank you for being my dance partner tonight. I don’t remember having this much fun in a very long time.” Delilah’s voice was higher than normal as she was caught up in the enjoyment of the moment.
Ethan nodded with a grin. “I’m mighty happy to hear that. I’ve had a good time, too. Now can I see you home?”
Delilah’s face clouded for a moment, but she soon recovered. “That’s not necessary. Mr. and Mrs. Jessup are still here and I’ll ride home with them.”
She could tell he was disappointed, and her heart fluttered again at the thought that he wanted to spend more time with her. Perhaps he’d wanted to kiss her again. That would have been nice, but it wasn’t meant to be this night.
So the two said their goodbyes and parted reluctantly, with a promise to see each other again soon.
As she rode home in the back of the wagon with Rachel, Delilah was quiet and introspective thinking about how things had progressed with Ethan. He was a wonderful man and she was humbled that he wanted to keep company with her. She’d had such a good time that evening and for the first time since arriving in Rocky Ridge she thought maybe she’d made the right decision.
The next day, Ethan recalled the night before and his time with Delilah. He had enjoyed her company more than he’d expected. She was carefree and full of laughter. He enjoyed dancing with her and appreciated that she was very good at it.
Of course, there had been others around all night and they were never completely alone. That didn’t seem to matter at all. He was able to learn more about her and he concluded that she was sincere and honest—both qualities he admired.
And then as the days passed, the bitterness Ethan had clung to began to slip away. He abd Delilah saw each other several times a week. She would stop by to see him when she was in town and he would visit the Jessup’s home. Even though they spent very little time alone, he didn’t mind. He was drawn to her that as long as he was able to be with her he didn’t care who else was there.