Realizing she had much to learn about ranching, farming, and especially her sister, Ilsa nodded her head. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to imply…”
She felt Aundy’s arms wrap around her in a warm hug. “I know, sweetie. Finding yourself here on our place has to be so strange and different from everything that’s familiar. You never enjoyed the outdoors like I did and you were always our delicate baby girl. I’m sorry if this has been hard to get used to, but it’s my life now and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
“I know, Aundy. I can see how happy you are here, happy with your life and with Garrett. I’m so glad for you. It’s just… well, I…”
“You hate being stuck out here on the farm and can’t wait to move on to the next chapter of your life. Is that it?” Aundy asked with an insight that surprised Ilsa.
She’d tried not to show her disgust for all the dirt, smells, and strange things she’d never before experienced and sincerely hoped she wouldn’t again.
“I didn’t realize I was so transparent.”
“Just to me, and maybe Garrett. Oh, and most of the ranch hands.” Aundy gave Ilsa a sassy grin. “And anyone who saw you with eggs in your hair, the people at church, anyone in town who heard about you singing to the pigs…”
“Enough!” Ilsa giggled and tossed the damp dishtowel she’d been using to dry dishes at her sister. Aundy splashed dishwater at her and the next thing either of them knew, they were both soaked, the floor was covered in soapy water, the kitten loudly voiced his concerns, and Garrett stood staring at them wide-eyed from the door.
“Do I even want to know?” he asked, cautiously stepping into the room.
“Probably not.” Aundy winked at Ilsa before throwing a cup full of water at Garrett.
He started to charge at them but slid on the slick floor and landed in a heap at their feet, causing them both to break into fits of hysterical laughter.
“I can hear the ruckus all the way out at the barn. What in thunderation is going on in here?” Dent asked, hustling in the back door and sliding across the floor before catching himself on a kitchen chair.
“I’m not sure, Dent, but I think these girls found some locoweed in the orchard this afternoon,” Garrett said, getting on his knees before attempting to put his feet under him.
“I’d say so.” Dent grinned at the three of them as he backed toward the door. He had no desire to get involved in whatever tomfoolery the two sisters had started.
Watching her ranch foreman ease toward the door made Aundy break out in laughter again and Ilsa joined in her merriment.
Unable to keep on their feet, the two women held each other as they slid down to sit on the floor.
“I’ll… uh… I’ll come back in time for dinner,” Garrett said, carefully edging toward the door.
“Don’t run off on our account,” Aundy wheezed between laughs while Ilsa hiccoughed and tried to catch her breath.
“On the slim chance whatever has got you two acting loony might be catching, I’ll head on out.”
Watching the door bang shut behind Garrett, the girls launched into another round of giggles before they calmed down and wiped the tears streaming from their eyes.
“What was so funny?” Ilsa asked when she could speak again.
“I have no idea, but it sure felt good to laugh like that. Thanks, little Missy.”
Ilsa grinned at her sister. “You’re welcome, big Missy.”
Chapter Ten
Ribbons of gold, highlighted by soft sunbeams, danced in front of Tony’s eyes.
Fighting the urge to reach out and rub one of those silky, light-filled streamers between his fingers, he fidgeted in his seat.
“Sit still,” Caterina whispered, tapping his leg with the fan she held in her hand. Tony took a deep breath and held it, willing himself to calm down and pay attention to Pastor Whitting’s sermon.
Since Ilsa walked in, Tony found himself unable to focus on anything but the lovely girl sitting on the pew in front of him.
Once the sunlight filtered through the church window, seemingly drawn to her, he’d been so thoroughly distracted, the pastor could have suddenly launched into a rousing rendition of Rock of Ages and Tony wouldn’t have noticed. He couldn’t see anything beyond Ilsa.
As she sat straight and proper in her seat, he took in her broad brimmed hat, trimmed with white feathers and a big rose attached to the left side. It perched on top of her marvelous hair where the sunlight seemed determined to shine, bringing out ten different shades of gold. Tony knew that mainly because he’d counted the colors three times.
A single tendril escaped the confines of her hairpins and rested temptingly along the slim column of her neck. The end of it tangled in the scalloped trim of her frock.
Tony was sure his sister could tell him exactly what style and color of gown Ilsa wore. He’d observed it had row upon row of tiny ruffles on the top of the dress before narrowing at the waist then flaring out to fall over her hips. The pale shade of blue brought a glow to her pale skin and enhanced the color of her eyes.
When Ilsa reached up to pat the back of her hair to make sure it was properly pinned, he noticed a gold laurel wreath bracelet fastened around her arm. It made her small wrist look even more delicate and feminine.
Another deep breath filled his nose with her violet scent and made him clutch the hymnal in his hands so tightly, the spine came perilously close to breaking.
“Tony!” Caterina hissed in his ear, making him drop his hunched shoulders and try to relax his grip on the book in his hands.
Kade looked around his wife and offered a wink, letting Tony know he understood his misery. It wasn’t much more than a year ago when Kade married his sister, ending the torture of his own days of courtship.
Forcing himself to keep his gaze from Ilsa, he tried to focus on the end of the pastor’s sermon.
Letting out a relieved sigh as they stood for the closing hymn, Tony felt a small measure of guilt for his wayward thoughts during the service, but not enough he’d cancel his plans with Ilsa and spend his afternoon repenting.
Ilsa hurried down the aisle and out the door before Tony had a chance to stop her. Standing in line, impatiently waiting for his turn to shake hands with the pastor, Tony kept glancing outside, searching for her.
“Enjoy the sermon this morning, Tony?”
“Of course, Pastor Whitting,” Tony said, only half-listening to the man as he moved to stand in front of him. His gaze locked on Ilsa where she stood on the church lawn visiting with a few girls close to her age. One of them held her newborn baby and the other placed a protective hand on her protruding belly.
Imagining Ilsa carrying a child, his child, obliterated what little of Tony’s focus that remained.
“Does that work for you, son?” Pastor Whitting asked, giving him an expectant look.
Dragging his attention back to the pastor, Tony grinned sheepishly. “I’m sorry, Pastor. Would you mind repeating that?”
“Not at all, Tony. All these pretty girls can make it hard for a young man to concentrate.”
Tony nodded his head and listened as the pastor asked him about setting up an appointment, promising to confirm it the following morning. Shaking Pastor Whitting’s hand, Tony thanked him then rushed out the door, settling his hat on his head.
“Hold your horses, Tony,” Caterina said, grabbing onto the back of his suit jacket before he could work his way over to Ilsa.
He turned and frowned at his sister, wondering when she’d gotten so bossy. If he didn’t know better, he’d say she was trying excessively hard to emulate their mother.
“I’ve got things to do, you know,” he said, pretending to pay attention to Caterina when he was undeniably attuned to Ilsa. She laughed at something one of the women said, holding out her arms to take the baby.
Tony involuntarily placed a hand on his chest where an ache began throbbing in the region of his heart. He’d never felt like this before and wasn’t sure what to make of
it.
Rubbing the spot, he met his sister’s gaze. He liked the look on her face even less than the pain in his chest.
“What?” He dropped his hand and took a step away from her.
“Tony’s in love,” she said in a singsong voice, grasping the arm of her husband as he stepped beside her. “Kade, Tony is sweet on Ilsa.”
“No need to announce it to everyone, Cat,” Kade said quietly, grinning at his wife with a twinkle in his eye. “Everyone will know soon enough.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Tony glared at his brother-in-law.
“It’s been my experience once a woman rips your heart from your chest and claims it as her own, it doesn’t take long for everyone to realize what’s happened.” Kade winced as Caterina slapped his arm.
“Oh, you… you…” she fumed, stamping her foot for good measure.
“But not everyone is as lucky as me to have a wife like you.” Kade put his arm around Caterina’s shoulders and kissed her cheek. “Draw your claws back in, darlin’, and let your brother make a fool of himself without your help.”
“Thanks, Kade. Thanks a lot.” Tony straightened his shoulders and his tie before walking over to Ilsa. “Good morning, Miss Thorsen.” He politely tipped his hat then addressed the two women with her. “Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Greene, so nice to see you lovely ladies out this morning. And look at the little one.”
Tony leaned over Ilsa’s shoulder to look at the baby. It was as bald as the ball he’d noticed some children playing with the previous afternoon and, in his opinion, not quite as cute. He made over it, though, delighting all three women with his charm.
Making small talk for a few moments, he waited until Ilsa handed the baby back to Mrs. Greene, then tipped his hat to the two women and escorted her toward the buggy he’d borrowed from his friend at the livery.
His horse, Giacomo, wasn’t thrilled at the idea of pulling it, but he’d do the job.
“Are you ready for our picnic?” Tony asked, holding Ilsa’s hand as she stepped up into the buggy. He was so involved in watching her every move, he didn’t notice Aundy and Garrett standing beside him until Garrett slapped him on the back.
“Make sure you take good care of her and don’t do anything you wouldn’t do if we were right there with you,” Garrett warned, then gave Tony a wink.
“If you’re of a mind, Tony, plan to stay for supper when you bring her home.” Aundy patted his arm and smiled at Ilsa before Garrett took her hand and tugged her toward the surrey where his parents waited.
“I’d like that,” he called after her, hurrying around the buggy to climb in beside Ilsa.
“Where are you taking me for this grand picnic?” Ilsa asked, wanting to bounce on her seat in excitement, although she maintained the proper deportment expected of a lady.
The day was off to a wonderful start. Although it was hot, the air wasn’t as moist and humid today. She enjoyed visiting with the two young women after church and seeing Mrs. Greene’s new little one. She could count on one hand the times she’d been around a newborn. Holding the baby made her realize she wanted a family of her own someday.
Seeing Tony watch her as she visited with her new friends, she felt a tingle of excitement and anticipation course through her. Not only would she get to spend the afternoon with him, she was going on a real picnic.
The last one she could remember was one her father took them on when she was about twelve. They went to the park and ate sandwiches, but the experience was such a novelty, Ilsa loved every moment of it.
“The location is a surprise,” Tony said, parking the buggy outside Caterina’s restaurant, where he lived.
“What are we doing here? Is this the surprise?” Ilsa asked. Disappointment coursed through her at the thought of eating inside instead of out in the fresh air with Tony. Although she wasn’t at all fond of the ranch and outdoors there, she did like the idea of sitting on a blanket beneath a shady tree and listening to the smooth cadence of Tony’s rich voice.
“I just need to run in and get the basket of food. Would you like to come with me?” Tony asked, offering his hand to Ilsa.
She accepted it and stepped down to the boardwalk, following Tony around to the back door. He used a key to unlock it and motioned her inside. Caterina’s cat, Rufus, ran in and meowed, letting them know he wanted a treat.
“You’re a lazy, spoiled cat, Rufus,” Tony said, but opened the refrigerator and tossed the cat a bit of meat before chasing him back outside.
“Is that your cat?” Ilsa asked, watching the feline go out the door and sit on the porch with his snack.
“No. Rufus belongs to Caterina. He doesn’t get along well with Ike, so she keeps the cat here at the restaurant. I don’t mind having him around for company.” Tony removed several items from the refrigerator and packed them in a basket that already held a checked cloth and plates. Snatching a quilt off the back of a kitchen chair, Tony motioned for Ilsa to precede him out the door.
“That didn’t take long,” Ilsa said, wondering if Tony or Caterina made the food. Aundy said Tony could cook a few things, although he didn’t like the word to get out.
“Nope. We’ve got places to go and things to do, my chickadee.” Tony set the basket and blanket in the back of the buggy then helped Ilsa step up to the seat.
“Why do you insist on calling me chickadee?”
“Because you look like a delicate, beautiful bird and nothing you say can change my mind. You’re my little chickadee.”
“I don’t even know what a chickadee looks like.” Ilsa was secretly thrilled Tony had a special name for her, but didn’t think he needed to know that. Not yet. “It could be some ugly little cross-eyed bird with a mean disposition.”
Tony laughed and shook his head as he guided the horse out of town, heading in the direction of Nash’s Folly.
“Not at all. Remind me to show you a picture sometime. In fact, I’m sure Aundy has a book somewhere with a picture. She teaches Nik at home when he’s not in regular school, although she gives him a reprieve during harvest season.
“He seems exceptionally bright and sweet,” Ilsa said, pleased that Nik was a genuinely nice boy. Orphaned at a young age and put to work as a shepherd, then moved from farm to farm, she was glad he found his way to Aundy. It was no wonder she and Garrett loved him and wanted to help him be successful in life. It would be hard for anyone not to like Nik.
“He’s a good boy and as smart as they come. I know he’s hesitant to leave Pendleton and Nash’s Folly, but your sister is determined that he will go to college.” Tony guided the horse down a side road Ilsa hadn’t previously traveled.
“I think it will break Aundy’s heart when he leaves, but she’s mentioned several times this is his last year attending school in Pendleton.”
“He certainly doesn’t lack for opportunities to work around here for people who care about him. Between my businesses, Caterina’s restaurant, and working at Nash’s Folly, the boy has all he can handle.”
“You just said businesses. What business do you have beside the ice?” Ilsa wondered how she’d missed any discussion about Tony having multiple interests. She knew he worked for the sheriff’s office on occasion when they needed assistance as well as helping Garrett when he was short-handed. She assumed his ice business was his only other enterprise.
“No one told you?” Tony looked at her in surprise. When she shook her head, he grinned. “Well, then, I’ll save that for another day when I can show you.”
“Now you have to tell me,” Ilsa said, placing a hand on Tony’s arm. The jolt that rocked through her made her drop her hand immediately. “I mean, it’s not fair to keep me wondering.”
“A little wonder is good for you.” Tony’s cocky smile made the corners of her mouth lift in amusement.
He guided the horse up a lane lined with uniform sized trees.
“What kind of trees are these?” Ilsa asked, craning her neck to take in the fat cattle grazing in pastures on either si
de of the lane.
“Dogwood. This place is called Dogwood Corners, or it used to be.”
“Dogwood? I thought those trees only grew in the south.”
“The man who had them planted made sure they got a good start and they’ve flourished. You should see the blossoms in the spring. It’s spectacular,” Tony said, stopping the horse in front of a huge mansion with a circle drive.
“Whose house is this?” Ilsa asked, feeling like an intruder as she stared up at the grand home.
“Technically, it belongs to a rather well-to-do rancher and his Norwegian wife.”
“You mean to tell me Aundy and Garrett own this place?” Ilsa stared at Tony like he’d suddenly sprouted a third eye in his forehead. Letting out a choppy laugh, she tapped his arm with her fan. “You’re teasing me.”
“I wouldn’t kid you about a matter that serious.” Tony gave his hand to Ilsa and helped her out of the buggy. Picking up the picnic basket in his left hand and draping the blanket over his arm, he offered his other arm to the girl who had him wholly captivated. “Shall we go?”
Placing her hand on his arm, she kept glancing at the big house with the elaborate landscaping as they walked across the yard and behind the house. “Are you teasing me or not? If Garrett and Aundy own this place, why don’t they live here?”
“I think they like where they’re at just fine,” Tony said, guiding Ilsa toward a secluded grove of trees at the back of the property. In the shade of the foliage, the temperature dropped several degrees, offering a welcome relief against the rising heat of the day. “Besides, this place isn’t exactly full of good memories for the two of them, with Aundy’s kidnapping and Garrett getting shot.”
“What?” Ilsa dropped her hand from Tony’s arm and stepped back with wide eyes, staring at him with a shocked expression. “What are you talking about?”
“Oh, um… maybe you should ask Aundy.” Tony assumed Ilsa knew about Ashton Monroe and the drama that unfolded at Dogwood Corners a few months after Aundy moved to Pendleton.
“You can count on me asking her, but I’d like to hear the story now, if it’s all the same to you.” Ilsa crossed her arms in front of her chest and stood impatiently waiting for Tony to share what he knew.
Ilsa: Page 11