by Linda Bridey
Black Fox looked over at Sammi. “Does this meet with your approval?”
She smiled. “Yeah. Fine by me.”
Black Fox nodded. “You may see her tomorrow after school. I know what time it lets out. I will come to get the both of you. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” Mason said meekly.
“I will bring Indian ponies for you to ride. We will see how good a rider you are. You will bring your schoolbooks with you. Do you understand?”
“Yes.”
Black Fox grunted his approval and moved away from Mason, still giving him his fiercest look. He gave Sammi a nod and then left. No sooner was he out the door than Mason ran for the kitchen door.
“Where are you going?” Sammi called after him.
“Outhouse!” he shouted back.
Sammi’s laughter rang in the foyer.
Chapter Seven
Will tried to keep his eyes open as he worked on writing out an order to a supplier. It was a hard battle. He and Rachel had been out the night before and after he’d taken her home, he’d worked on a new order that he’d gotten for a buffet table for Joe. As usual, he’d lost track of time and it had been almost two in the morning before he’d gone to bed. He rubbed his eyes and shook his head in an effort to become more alert.
“Will! Will!”
His head snapped up to see Rachel hurrying into the office. She rushed around to him and sat on his lap. Will laughed as she gave him a hard kiss on the cheek.
“Well, that was a nice hello,” he said, smiling. “What’s got you so excited?”
Rachel said, “I found your showroom! We’ll go on your lunch, which is right about now. It’s perfect and the price is reasonable. Actually, I argued the man down somewhat. I can’t wait for you to see it!”
She bounced a little on his lap and Will almost groaned. He didn’t know if she understood what that did to him or not. “Where is it?”
“I’d rather show you,” she said. “So finish up whatever you’re doing and we’ll go.”
When she slid off his lap, Will felt the loss of her weight and wished she hadn’t gotten up. “Ok. I’m just writing out a purchase order. I’ll be right with you.”
“I’ll just wait out here,” she said.
He watched the swish of her skirt and fought another twinge of desire. Then he turned his attention back to his work and completed the order.
“Ok. I’m all set,” he said as he joined her.
“Good. Let’s go,” she said.
*****
Rachel was very excited as they rode into town and turned left at the square. She led Will out past Bradbury’s until they reached a rather large building. Will recognized it as the former location of a saddle shop that had long ago gone out of business. There hadn’t been another business in it since.
Jed Miller owned the place and had let Rachel have the keys so that she could show it to Will. She unlocked the door and took Will inside. They’d entered through the front door, which was the showroom part of the building.
“See? There’s plenty of room to display your work. There’s the counter for the register and such,” Rachel said. Then she took his hand and led him into the back. It was a huge space. “You can have all of your equipment back here and room for the finished merchandise. There’s a large back door so that people can pick up their furniture or whatever.”
Will looked the place over and saw that it would definitely accommodate the needs of his business. “You’re right, Rachel. This would be perfect. What price did you get him down to?”
“He was originally asking $6,500, but I got him down to $5,000 because the roof needs a little work,” Rachel said.
Will looked at her in wonder. “You were able to get him to come down that much?”
She nodded. “Did I do a good thing? I hope you don’t think I’m interfering. I just see how much talent you have and I would hate to see it go to waste.”
Will came to her and wrapped his arms around her. “You did a very good thing. Thank you for caring so much. It’s nice to have your support.”
“You’re welcome,” she said as she took his face in her hands. “I want good things for you.”
“You’re a good thing, Miss Crispin,” Will said as he placed a kiss on her lips.
She leaned into him and kissed him back. Will’s arms tightened and he plundered her mouth, tasting her sweetness. Rachel sighed and caressed his strong shoulders before pulling back from him. Resting her forehead against his, she said, “I’m glad you think I’m a good thing.”
Will tipped her chin up and said, “You are. I’m so happy you moved back here.”
“Me, too.”
Heaving a sigh, Will said, “I have to get back to work. I wish I didn’t.” He looked around the place again. “I’ll have to see about a bank loan. I have some savings that I can use as a down payment.”
Rachel nodded. “I’m sure the bank would give you the loan. You have a steady job and your business is starting to take off. Other than fixing the roof, there wouldn’t be any repairs and you have enough equipment to start with. I even have a suggestion about what you can call it.”
Will looked at her with a smile. “Oh yeah? What’s that?”
“Foster’s Furniture.”
He grinned. “That’s pretty good. I like it.” Suddenly, it seemed real. He’d ask for a $10,000 loan to cover some startup costs such as a large shipment of lumber so he had plenty to start with. He’d also need more hardware and some clamps. The more he thought about it, the more excited Will became. He tried to curb his enthusiasm because everything hinged on whether he could get the loan. He decided he would go to the bank the next day on his lunch hour.
“I can’t thank you enough for this, Rachel. You’re a Godsend in a lot of different ways,” Will said.
“You’re welcome. Now, after work, come get me and we’re going to go somewhere special,” she said.
“We are? Where would that be?” Will asked.
“It’s a surprise. You’ll see,” she said mysteriously.
“I can’t wait,” he said, and kissed her again. When it ended, he sighed and said, “Ok. I really have to go. I don’t want Tucker after me because I’m late coming back from lunch.”
“Well, pretty soon you won’t have to worry about that and you’ll be able to take as long a lunch as you want,” Rachel said as she stepped away from him. “I have to go to work, too.”
“You’re right. I’m glad you got your old job back. It’s nice being able to stop in to see you.”
“It’s nice to have you come into the store to see me.”
“Good.”
Outside the building, Will kissed her cheek and thanked her again before they parted ways. As Rachel rode to the store to start her shift, her heart was filled with joy. She was so happy that she’d been able to do something good for Will and prayed that it worked out for him. Suddenly, she realized something– she cared more about Will’s happiness than her own. Putting his happiness above hers was actually the cause of her own happiness. The way his eyes had lit up with excitement at the prospect of realizing his dream had delighted her. She couldn’t honestly see why he would be turned down for a loan.
She was thinking about all of this as she went into the store and encountered Pricilla Samuels.
“Oh, good,” the elderly woman said. “I was hoping to run into you, dear.”
Rachel was surprised. “Hello, Mrs. Samuels. How are you?”
“I’m just fine, thank you. I would like you and Will to come to dinner tomorrow night. He often comes to dinner when Sadie and Tucker come and I would love it if you could come, too,” Pricilla said.
Rachel smiled even though she was a little uncertain about attending. Pricilla was known for her somewhat abrasive personality and she wasn’t sure she wanted to go to a dinner that might be awkward and unpleasant. Still, for Will’s sake she would go. If Will went there on a regular basis, it must not be a bad experience.
“I
would like that. I’ll let Will know when I see him tonight. Thank you for inviting me,” Rachel said politely and smiled.
Pricilla patted her arm. “Very good. Well, I’ll let you get to work. I’m glad you’re working here again. You’re always so helpful and seem to know what people need. Take care and see you tomorrow night.”
“Goodbye,” Rachel said, as Pricilla left and she went to the front counter where Elliot was restocking candy.
“Hi there,” Elliot said. “I’m glad you’re here. It’s been busy today.”
“Good. I like it when it’s busy. I didn’t know Will went to Pricilla Samuels’ house for dinner a lot.”
“Oh, yeah. From what he’s told me, it’s usually a pretty good time, especially because Raven has her wrapped around his finger,” Elliot said.
“Raven?”
“Yeah. He’s very close to her and John now. When he took over as deputy for Rick Westlake, he got rid of her cat problem and they struck up this friendship. He calls her ‘Auntie’. It’s really funny. I’ve seen them here in the store. He’ll carry her groceries home and such,” Elliot said.
Rachel laughed. “That sounds like Raven all right. He’s always been able to win people over. He just has that kind of natural charm about him.”
“You’re right. So how are things going with you and Will?” Elliot asked.
Rachel felt her face flush a little with happiness. “Very well. He’s sweet and kind and good-looking. And he’s so talented at woodworking.”
Elliot smiled. “I’m happy for you. Yeah, he is. He made us a beautiful bookcase last year. He’s definitely got the touch.”
Customers started coming up to the register and Rachel kicked Elliot out from behind the counter so he would be free to do other things. Elliot laughed and happily left her to it.
*****
Will kept watching the clock as it inched toward the end of the day. He couldn’t wait to go pick Rachel up and see what she had in store for him. Finally, the day was over and he left with a brief goodbye to his brother, who smiled as Will rushed out the door.
Tucker thought it certainly seemed as if things were going well with his brother and Rachel. It made him happy for Will, especially after what had happened with Zoe. Will had been very disappointed, and Tucker was glad that didn’t seem to be happening this time around. As he began getting ready to leave, Tucker prayed that things between Will and Rachel worked out.
*****
“Where are you taking me?” Will asked as Rachel drove the buggy he’d used to pick her up. He was blindfolded and couldn’t see a thing.
She giggled. “You’ll see. I’m kidnapping you.”
“Are you planning on having your way with me?” he asked.
His scandalous question made her laugh. “I’m not telling you that, either.”
“Hmm. That gives me reason to hope.”
She swatted his arm.
“Ow! That’s not fair. I couldn’t see it coming and I can’t fight back, either,” he said.
Rachel let out a cackle that would have done a witch proud. “It’s all part of my wicked plan,” she said in an evil voice.
Will laughed. “Ok, now you really are scaring me. Are you planning on boiling me in a pot? Am I an ingredient in some sort of witch’s brew?”
“Hush. We’re here, but don’t take the blindfold off,” she said.
“Oh, boy. It just gets worse,” Will complained good-naturedly.
Rachel helped him out of the buggy and guided him over to the front door of his house. Sadie had given her the extra key to his place and she unlocked the door and guided him inside. A delicious aroma hit Will’s nostrils and his stomach growled in response.
“I smell food, but it doesn’t smell like witch’s brew,” he commented.
“Now just stand here. Don’t take the blindfold off,” Rachel said.
Will heard her rushing around, but he couldn’t figure out what she was doing. He grinned as he listened, enjoying whatever game she was playing. He hadn’t known she had such a playful side to her.
“Ok. It’s all ready.” She removed the blindfold and said, “Surprise!”
Will looked at his kitchen, but almost didn’t recognize it. A very nice lace cloth covered the table upon which sat a platter of some sort of savory smelling beef and dishes of roasted vegetables. Two red candles were lit on the table and several vases of flowers sat around on various surfaces.
His face broke out in a grin. “When … how … you worked today.”
Rachel giggled and said, “Elliot was a co-conspirator, along with Abby. When it wasn’t busy, either Elliot or Abby would watch the store while I ran over here to do something. That’s why I made you pick me up right away when you were done at work. I timed it exactly when it should all be ready to come out of the oven and I didn’t want you to come home and see it. So, go wash up while I pour the wine and hurry back, ok?”
Will laughed as she turned him around and propelled him toward the stairs. He ran up quickly, thinking what a lucky man he was. Deciding that a nice meal like the one she’d prepared deserved better than what he was wearing, Will cleaned up and put on a nice pair of dress pants and a fresh shirt. He didn’t have too many of those kinds of clothes and he thought maybe he should buy some more, since he was going to be going out more often now.
In the mirror, Will smiled at himself over that thought. It sure beat eating alone, either at home or at the Grady House, and then coming home to an empty house. He finished up and hurried back downstairs.
Rachel turned around from the counter and stopped cold when she saw what Will was wearing. The man was handsome enough in his work clothes, but the dress clothes he wore made him look delicious.
“My, my, Mr. Foster, but you do look handsome,” she said in a slightly husky voice.
Will smiled and said, “Thank you. I thought since you went to so much trouble today, I should put forth some effort, too.”
She came closer to the table and said, “It’s very much appreciated. Everything is ready.”
Will pulled out a chair and motioned for her to sit. Rachel smiled at his gentlemanly behavior and let him help seat her. Once he was seated, Will asked, “Now, what is all this?”
“It’s a French dish called Boeuf en Croute, which basically means beef in pastry. Then we have roasted carrots and potatoes,” Rachel replied as she sliced the beef and put some on Will’s plate.
“It smells great. How do you get the pastry to stick to it?” he wondered as he began looking over it.
“That’s a secret,” she said with a smile.
Will watched her dimples flash and wanted to kiss her. To stifle the urge, he cut into the meat and took a bite. The pastry was flaky and the meat tender and rich. The combination was splendid and as hungry as he was, Will knew he would be eating several slices of the roast.
“Rachel, I don’t think I’ve ever had roast that tasted so good. It’s delicious. Where did you learn to cook like this?” he asked as he put carrots and potatoes on his plate.
“My aunt was French-Canadian and she was quite the chef. I have a lot of her recipes,” she said as she watched him eat. It made her feel good that he liked her cooking.
He sent her a mischievous grin. “Good. That means I’m gonna get to sample a lot of different things.”
She laughed. “I said I had the recipes, not that I can make them.”
“We could try them together and then if they don’t turn out right, we’ll share the blame and then go out to eat,” Will said and took a sip of wine. “Mmm. How much did you have to beg Jake for this wine?”
Rachel said, “How did you know?”
“Because I know my alcohol and Jake is the only one in the area who orders this quality of wine. He calls it his ‘private stash’, and only a select few ever get any,” Will said.
“That explains it. I told him I wanted a nice bottle of wine and he went in the back and brought one out and asked me what I wanted it for. I told him it was f
or dinner with you and he turned right back around with the wine and came back with this one.”
Will chuckled. “That’s because he and I share that particular interest.”
Rachel smiled and gave him a measuring look. “So, a creator of fine works of wood furniture and a wine connoisseur. What other interesting things will I find out about you?”
Truthfully, Will didn’t know. He’d never thought of himself as interesting. He was just a country boy who happened to like making good quality furniture and drinking fine liquor.
“I think that’s probably it,” he said modestly. “I don’t think I have too many surprising qualities.”
“Good,” Rachel said with an emphatic nod of her head.
Will was puzzled. “Good?”
“Yes. I like the qualities you have. Dependable, honest, trustworthy, funny, kind, and intelligent. Those are qualities I admire. I don’t need any surprises like I had before,” Rachel said with a smile. “And you never know, something you don’t think is interesting about yourself might be interesting to me.”
“I hope so,” Will said. “I don’t want you to get bored with me.”
Rachel’s slightly saucy gaze made Will feel very warm all of a sudden. “I don’t think that will ever happen.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” he said. “I think you’re going to be very entertaining to get to know better.”
She batted her eyelashes at him dramatically and said, “I guess you’ll find out.”
Will laughed. “You’re naughty.”
“You have no idea,” she said.
Will could feel sweat begin to trickle down his spine from the way she was looking at him. He was relieved when she rose to serve dessert so he didn’t make a fool of himself by attacking her.
Chapter Eight
September faded into October and the leaves around Dawson changed into bold hues while the grass turned to faded shades of gold and browns. Against the majestic background of the mountains, the panorama was breathtaking, the kind that made photographers wish they could take pictures in color. The days were still fairly mild, but the nights were growing much colder.