“We’ll see. No need to rush into things.”
“Since you did all the letter writin’, I assume you know her and Cora better than anyone.”
Zach smiled. “Maybe. Letter writin’ is one thing, but actually meeting face-to-face puts a different slant on things.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Jess asked while shoving back his chair. He started clearing the dishes.
Zach shrugged, then got up and reached for his coat and jacket. “I’ll have to get to know Greta better in order to find out what she’s really like.” He looked at Caleb. “Are you ’bout done there, boy? The train arrives at 8:15 sharp.”
“Yes, sir.” Caleb stood and began to move away from the table, but he came back to retrieve his dirty plate and carry it to the sink.
“Boy howdy! You’re making progress already.” Zach clapped Caleb’s back as he met him at the door.
“But as usual I get stuck with the dishes,” Jess grumbled.
“Just put some hot water over them and we’ll get ’em tonight. It’s almost time to open the store, and the ladies will be here momentarily.”
“Wait a minute, Caleb, and you can take these scraps to the dog. When he’s done eating, let him out back before you two traipse off to the train station.” Jess shoved a small bowl into Caleb’s hands. “I’ll be down as soon as I get the dishes soaking.”
Greta hurried to the store door with Cora following behind her as a gust of wind ushered them inside, flinging the door against the wall. She tried to catch it, but the latch wouldn’t hold. She must see to getting that repaired today. Feeling like a drowned rat, she looked about for something to hold the door closed. Where were Jess and Zach?
Cora closed the shared umbrella while it dripped in puddles around their feet. “Over there, Greta. A spittoon will work nicely.” Cora indicated with the point of the umbrella while holding the door with her foot.
Greta pushed back the dripping lengths of her hair that had escaped her braids and propped the door with the spittoon, leaving it slightly ajar. It was doubtful many customers would brave the weather today. She straightened and looked at Cora’s wet skirt, then at her own. “We’re a sight for sore eyes,” she said with a giggle.
“Right you are, but we will most likely dry out before anyone shows up today in this awful weather. Why, that howling wind kept me up most of the night!”
“At least we were in a nice hotel with its own restaurant and only a short walk to the store. Just think how wet we would’ve been if we’d had to walk from Jeb’s cabin. But let’s go find something to dry off with.”
Greta turned when she heard Jess coming down the stairs. “Good morning. I see you met the rain coming to work. Let me grab a towel for you.” He turned back to the storeroom and returned with a towel for each of them.
“I like rain, but not particularly to walk in it,” Cora commented, taking the towel from him.
Jess folded his arms, observing them closely as they toweled off. Greta felt his probing eyes on her and asked, “Where’s the puppy?” She looked around the room.
“He’s got his tummy full, and he’s fast asleep in the corner by the stove.” Jess took their wet capes and draped them over a crate in front of the stove.
“He really should have a name. Don’t you think?” She blotted her hair and face, giving Jess a brief glance. He hadn’t taken time to shave this morning. She felt his deep-set brown eyes sweep over her, and they locked eyes briefly.
“Absolutely! So have you an idea?” Cora patted her curls back into place, donned an apron, and handed another one to Greta.
Greta walked over to the stove and bent down. “How about Rascal?” she said, kneeling down to pat him on the head as he slept.
“I like it.” Cora looked down at the pup. “It suits him. Don’t you think, Jess?”
Jess strolled over. “Could be. I’ve never really had a dog in the store, but since he tried to warn us of the robber, if no one claims him, I could keep him as a watchdog.”
Greta’s heart warmed at the thought that he would consider keeping Rascal. She stood, turning toward him. “That’s sweet of you. I’ll print a sign to hang in the window to see if anyone is missing him.”
Jess chuckled. “I rather doubt they will be. Dogs commonly roam the streets of town, either abandoned or left behind when someone moves on.”
“All the better for us then. Now, what’s on our agenda today?”
Jess looped a thumb in his jeans pocket. “Zach and Caleb are at the freight station picking up our order, but in this rain it’ll take awhile. When they return, we’ll have a lot of new supplies to shelve. Business will be rather slow, I expect.”
“Good! A slow day won’t be such a bad thing.” Cora hooked her arm through Jess’s.
Greta watched them stroll away, a strange tug in her chest as she remembered how Jess’s eyes had drilled into hers. Her mind kept going back to his kiss, however misplaced it had been. She compared the kiss to Zach’s and found Zach’s lacking. Though his was sweet, Jess’s unexpected kiss on her cheek had somehow touched her heart. She couldn’t deny the way it made her feel and admitted that every time she was around him, something about him drew her. Of course, she could never tell Cora. It was obvious they were a perfect match.
“Jess!” Greta called out. “Do you think you could fix the latch plate on the front door? I’ve got it propped shut for now, but the wind is strong and the latch doesn’t line up with the door.”
Jess turned around, and Cora let her arm drop from his. “I’ll give it a try, but I might have to order a new lock. This one’s old.” He ambled to the door to examine the latch. “I’ll get my tools and see if I can fix it temporarily to suit your nagging.” His lips twitched with a smile. “I’ve been meaning to do it, just never got around to it.”
“That and a lot of other things,” Greta said with a wink to Cora, but Cora’s look was solemn.
14
The rainy day kept people indoors, but Greta was relieved. When Caleb and Zach returned with a wagonload of supplies, everyone pitched in to help. She held a tablet with orders and checked off everything on the list for inventory. She was quite pleased that Jess had asked for her help in that area. The busyness kept the day from dragging along.
“Caleb, put the kerosene next to the lanterns on the shelf to the left,” Cora instructed. “How many containers are there?”
“I counted thirty, ma’am,” he answered, barely pausing long enough to speak.
Greta noted the amount and watched as Jess and Zach continued bringing in other supplies. “This place will be bursting at the seams soon. Cora, we’ll have to make certain every square inch is utilized,” she said, tapping the pencil against her tablet.
Greta watched from the open door as Zach heaved a barrel labeled SALT with ease, carried it up the steps and inside, then plunked it down. He strode over to her, touching the tip of her nose with his finger. “You look charming when you’re working intently.”
Greta felt heat flood her cheeks. “Thank you,” she murmured but was saved from saying anything else as Cora walked up.
“Don’t forget, ladies, tonight we’ll have supper with Annabelle and Silas. You’ll have a home-cooked meal for a change, and Annabelle is an excellent cook,” Zach said, still keeping his eyes on Greta.
“Looks like the rain is over. Maybe it’ll be a nice evening, and I’m looking forward to getting to know the Meads.” Cora handed Greta the bill of lading to check off once everything was unloaded.
“Let’s stop for coffee,” Zach suggested, and Greta was more than happy to enjoy a break. Her feet were aching from standing so much. A different pair of shoes might be needed for this job since she and Cora were on their feet all day. She began to daydream about sitting down to sew the dress for Agnes.
———
“I’ll go fetch Caleb.” Cora glanced around, spying him between the aisles of canned goods and household supplies. She wandered toward him but hesitated, watchin
g him for a moment. Caleb was turned away from her, but there was no mistaking that he wanted the pearl-handled pocketknife he fingered. He looked from side to side to see if anyone was watching as he put it into his trouser pocket.
“You want to take that, don’t you? Is that the only way you know how to acquire something?” Cora whispered, stopping next to him.
Startled, Caleb jerked around and froze. His face spoke of youthful innocence, but his eyes told a different story. He wiped his brow with the back of his hand. “Ma’am, I’ve had to steal just to have food in my belly. Now that you caught me, I reckon I’ll just slip out.” He sighed and lowered his eyes.
“Hand it to me, please.” For a moment he made no move, then he placed the knife in her outstretched palm. She put it in her apron pocket. “Thank you. Now come join us for a coffee break,” she said in what she hoped was her most confident voice.
His brows furrowed. “Why would you do that for me?” he choked out.
“I’m giving you a chance to set things right because that’s what Christ would do. Now, come along so we can finish up around here.”
The light in his eyes was confirmation enough that she’d just made another friend.
———
Jess strolled up to the counter where Greta was setting out the cups and waited for Zach to return with the coffee. “You ladies have worked hard today. The rain’s about cleared out, and we’ll close up soon and ride on over to Silas’s for supper.”
“Are we ’bout done with the unloadin’?” Caleb shuffled his feet wearily.
“Not much left on the wagon,” Jess said. “Zach thinks we’re in need of a coffee break. I have to agree. How ’bout you?”
Caleb shrugged. “Naw, I’m not much on drinking coffee. My ma couldn’t make a decent pot.”
Jess chuckled. “Well, you need to give Zach’s a try,” he said, clapping him on the back. “He makes a perfect cup and will win you over.”
Caleb lifted a shoulder. “I guess I will then.”
Zach traipsed down the stairs with the coffeepot in one hand and cookies in the other. “I brought some of Granny’s sugar cookies to tide us over until supper with Annabelle and Silas.” Zach glanced over at Caleb. “You’re welcome to come along. Annabelle opens her home to everyone she meets.” Zach strolled over to stand next to Greta.
“I don’t know . . .” Caleb took the proffered cup from Zach, blowing on it gently before taking a sip.
“Annabelle must be a special lady. I think you should come with us, Caleb. Where were you raised, if you don’t mind me asking?” Cora held out a cookie to him.
Jess’s ears perked up as he peered over his coffee cup at Caleb, waiting for his answer.
“My father has a dairy farm in Montrose, southwest of here,” he answered, looking down into his cup.
“So why did you leave your family’s farm?” Greta asked.
Jess chewed his bottom lip, annoyed that once again Greta had cut right to the heart of the matter without intending to be nosy. What was it about her that drew him? The sparkle in her eyes or the quirky way she lifted an eyebrow to nearly everything she questioned? He should be concentrating on Cora, who was a nice lady with a sweet temperament and always considerate with others. It was clear that Zach was enamored of Greta, which was entirely different than what Jess knew his brother had intended.
Caleb’s answer brought Jess back to the present. “Dairy farming is not for me.” He set his jaw as he said it, making Jess think Caleb had left on unfavorable terms with his father.
“What do you want to do?” Jess asked. He bit into one of Granny’s delicious cookies and was reminded of when he was a young boy. Granny always encouraged him to find out what life was about and pursue whatever he chose, which hadn’t been hard for him. He remembered when he was just a young boy going to the store with his parents, and the mingling smells of leather products, feed supplies, dried tobacco, and the burning woodstove were forever embedded in his mind. He felt comfortable and useful then—and now. He enjoyed what he did for a living and interacting with the townsfolk.
Caleb gobbled down the last of his cookie and nodded at Jess. “Not sure—maybe go to college, but money’s hard to come by for that.”
Zach snickered. “Well, we already know that, after you tried to rob us.”
Caleb plunked down his cup so hard the coffee splashed onto the counter. “I said I was sorry.”
“The proof is in how you work out your debt to us, now isn’t it?” Zach narrowed his eyes at him, and Caleb shifted to one hip.
Greta touched Zach’s sleeve. “Give him time, Zach.”
Zach straightened. “I was only reminding him.”
Jess stepped up to the counter and let Cora pour him another half cup of coffee. “That’s enough about that. I’d like you to come to supper with us.”
“Why? So you can keep an eye on me? I’ll sit on the porch until you get back.”
“No, you’ll do no such thing. I thought it’d be good for you to get to know a few people . . . a little socializing. No harm in that.” Jess eyed him thoughtfully.
“Say you’ll come, Caleb. It’s time to start over and let people help you along the way.” Cora gave him a warm smile, and Caleb finally nodded okay.
Greta unbuckled her shoes and stood in her stocking feet, wiggling her toes. “I’m sorry, but I had to get these shoes off.”
“Greta, really!” Cora gave her a shocked look.
Greta rubbed one foot over the other and sighed with relief. “I’m sorry, but standing has been hard on the balls of my feet. I’m not used to being on them all day for days in a row.”
Zach grinned at her. “Aw . . . sure you weren’t out dancing at parties and such in Wyoming? Though I’m glad you decided to answer my ad, I’ll bet you were the main attraction for all the eligible bachelors.”
Greta laughed. “Not hardly. More like helping to harvest wheat and tend to my sister’s twin babies.”
Jess stared down at Greta’s feet, which were barely visible from under the hem of her dress. He could see the tips of her toes through her stockings. He was sure her ankles were shapely too. He dragged his eyes away.
———
Rascal started yapping in his crate, and Greta hurried over to him. “I’ll bet you need to go outside, huh?” She reached in, lifted the lid, and scooped him up. “You poor little thing! We got so busy that we forgot all about you.” Rascal wagged his tail and gave a sharp bark.
“I’ll take him out. He seems to like me,” Caleb said, crossing the room to where Greta stood talking to the pup.
Greta looked up. “Okay, but don’t let him out of your sight. I’ve grown quite fond of the little ragamuffin.”
“I promise to watch him. Maybe we could get a leash for him?” Caleb tucked Rascal under his arm.
“Good idea, I’ll order one. I don’t remember seeing one in the store,” she said. “But I’ll ask. Now hurry back in so we can finish up before we head off to the Meads’.”
Caleb nodded and hurried out the back with the dog.
Greta walked over to where Jess and the rest were cleaning up. She slipped her shoes back on and said, “I think Caleb is trying his best, Zach.”
“I hope so,” he said with a wink. “Want to help me carry this back upstairs before we go to the Meads’?”
“I need to talk to Jess about something first,” Greta said. She saw Jess’s brow furrow.
“I’ll help you, Zach. It’ll only take a minute.” Cora gathered the cups and empty cookie plate.
Zach gave Cora a nod. “Thanks. We’ll be down in a minute,” he said. Greta watched him walk toward the back stairs as Cora followed. “I’ve been meaning to give you back the money I borrowed,” he said, handing her the bills. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome, Zach.” Cora tucked the money into her apron, smiling sweetly.
Jess stood with his work gloves in his hand as Greta turned to him. “What’s on your mind? I need to go back outside and se
e what’s left on the wagon.”
“I . . . I had an idea I wanted to ask you about.”
“I’m listening.”
“What if we created an area near the stove with a small table and chairs for our customers? Then perhaps we could have some coffee or some type of refreshment.” Greta held her breath until he answered.
He looked at her like she’d grown two heads. “Now why would I want to do that? That would mean more work, and who’s going to have time to prepare refreshments? Everybody and his brother would be coming in for that. Besides, that takes money.”
“Cora and I could . . . maybe we could just keep lemonade or tea on hand. If it got to be more than we expect, we could charge a small fee, but it’d be better if we didn’t. I think serving the customers will make people satisfied.” She paused, then pushed her luck a little further. “And I want to ask if you’d let me decorate the front window for fall next week.”
He shook his head, locking eyes with hers. “Who do you think you are, coming in here and turning my store upside down? No table and chairs. We’ll talk about the front window later.” He turned back to the counter and busied himself sorting papers.
A soft answer turneth away wrath. Greta pursed her lips, reminding herself that Jess owned the store, and any new idea she might offer up would always be met with disagreement. He was so stubborn!
She stood quietly for a moment, wondering how the gentle Cora was going to be able to live with Jess’s hardheadedness. Didn’t he see that little things like keeping the store tidy and making it a more pleasing place to shop would only benefit him? Her mind searched for a way to convince him of her ideas. She stepped around to the other side of the counter.
“I’d appreciate it if you’d consider the idea. Just think, a man could have a seat while his wife shopped or while he waited for his supplies to be loaded. Why don’t you ask Zach his opinion?” Greta risked another glance at Jess’s firmly set jaw and wondered if he thought she was only a thorn in his flesh.
Caleb walked past with Rascal on his way to the dog’s crate before Jess answered. “Greta, listen to me. Most customers load their own supplies, and I don’t see that many women knocking the door down to shop while the menfolk are waiting.”
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