“I know for a fact that you ate sixteen pancakes for breakfast. And several pieces of bacon. And I believe I saw you steal some bacon from Joel's plate. So you can say you feel like you haven't eaten in months, but we all know better.”
Nolan shrugged. “What can I say? I'm a growing boy.”
Joel shook his head. “I wondered why I had so little bacon at breakfast. You need to keep your hands off my plate.”
“It was only one piece!”
Theodore shook his head at both of them. “Thank you for cooking for us, Jess.”
Jess smiled. “I love to cook. It's nice to have someone enjoy my food for a change.”
“For a change?” Elijah asked. “Are there people back home who do not like your food?”
“It's not that. I just don't get much chance to cook. I work full-time. Or I did. My mother still does all the cooking in our home. She doesn't like other people in her kitchen. She taught me to cook, because she knew I needed to know how, but she hasn’t let me back into it very often.” Jess shrugged waving everyone toward the table. “Let's eat! I made fresh bread. And dessert is on the work table.”
Nolan perked up at the word dessert. “You made dessert? If Theodore decides not to marry you, I'm keeping you.”
Jess blushed. “Someday someone will love me for more than my cooking.”
Theodore took a seat at the table, looking up at Jess. “Don't act like that day is so far away. You never know.” Already he felt himself drawn to her more than he imagined was possible. The little girl in braids had changed into a beautiful young woman.
Jess sat at one end of the table, and she noticed that Miss Hazel sat at the other. Joel and Elijah sat on either side of her. Elijah had that one curl hanging down over his forehead again. She watched as he swiped it away, but it fell right back to where it was.
Theodore bowed his head and said the blessing for the table. When he was finished, the men all immediately reached for food. “I can't remember the last time I had a decent pot roast. I think it was the last time I was back in Regina.” Nolan reached for the platter with the meat on it, and piled food on his plate.
“I hope you enjoy it.” Jess knew she could cook for these men every day, because it was so obvious they enjoyed every single bite. Her brothers had liked her cooking, but they been used to good meals growing up with their mother, so it hadn't been such a big deal to them.
“Teddy tells me that you play the guitar,” Jess said to Kendall. “I'd love to hear you play sometime while I'm here.”
Kendall seemed embarrassed. “I'd be happy to play sometime. Do you play?”
Jess shook her head. “I had some piano lessons when I was younger, but I haven't played in years.”
Theodore smiled at Jess. “We’ll make sure we have at least one night in with Kendall playing for us before you go. If you go.”
Jess was surprised. He hadn't really talked about the possibility of her staying. Was it possible that she wouldn't be going back to Ottawa embarrassed? “I'd like that a lot.”
“What I'd like a lot is to plan a wedding before I leave.” Miss Hazel took a bite of her potatoes. She was obviously not at all shy about saying what she felt. Jess wished she could be just a bit more circumspect. She looked down at her plate in embarrassment.
“Mom, please don't embarrass Jess. I want her to want to stay here. She's going to run far, far from our family if you keep that up.” Theodore knew it wasn't true, but maybe if his mother believed it was she’d stop.
Miss Hazel shook her head at her son. “You underestimate Jess. She was raised with two older brothers. She's seen more than her share of teasing over the years. I promise you she can handle anything I have to say.”
Theodore shrugged at Jess. “I tried.”
“And I do appreciate it. I know Miss Hazel well. We just have to take everything she says with a grain of salt. At least I know she loves me.” Jess took a sip of her water, watching Theodore over the rim of it. She still couldn't believe he was interested in her as a woman.
After supper was done, Jess went to the basin to start washing the dishes. Miss Hazel walked up behind her. “You've been working all day. Go on your walk. I’ll wash up.”
Jess looked between Theodore and his mother for a moment, wondering if she should take Miss Hazel up on her offer. “I don’t know. I should help.”
Miss Hazel put her hands on her hips. “Teddy, tell Jess that since she worked all day with no help from me, it’s perfectly acceptable for her to let me do the dishes, so she can walk with you.”
Theodore looked at his mother with surprise. “You really didn’t help her at all today? Not even a little?”
“Not one bit. I figured she needed to learn what it would be like being a wife out here in the wilderness before she made any final decisions. So she’s seeing what it’s like.” Miss Hazel poured hot water into the basin and added the dishes. “I’ve got this. Have fun.”
Theodore didn’t need to be told again. He grabbed Jess’s hand and pulled her outside the cabin. “There’s a lake about a five-minute walk from here. Would you like to go there?”
Jess nodded, surprised that he was thinking the same way she was. She thought walking by the water would be very romantic. They strolled along slowly, not saying anything until they’d reached the water. “There’s a bench where we can sit and watch the water, or we can really walk for a while. It’s up to you.”
Jess shrugged. “I don’t mind either way.”
“With all the work you did today, are you too tired to walk?” he asked.
“Not at all. I’m used to hard work.”
“Then I’d like to walk if you don’t mind. I was sitting all day, and I’m used to hard work too.” As they walked along the shoreline, he looked down at her. “What do you think of my little town?”
She smiled. “I’ve always dreamed of living in a place just like this. It seems almost idyllic.”
“It is for the most part. It’s a quiet little town where little happens. I think it would be hard to be a woman living here with no other women for friends though.” That was his biggest concern about her staying. He would hate for her to marry and stay with him and hate it there.
“It might be. I had two friends who I did absolutely everything with back in Ottawa. One of them threw a shoe at me when she found out I was moving out here. She’ll be happy to see me, I’m sure.”
His eyes widened at that. “One of your closest friends threw a shoe at you? Is that how she shows her friendship?”
Jess laughed. “Lisa was upset with me for agreeing to move away, and it was her way of expressing herself. She deliberately missed if that helps.”
“Only a little.” He sighed, wondering why women were such odd creatures. “Do you think you could live out here without other women around?”
“I do think I could. I’m sure your friends will marry eventually though, so I wouldn’t be the only woman out here forever.”
“That’s true.” He led her to a log from a tree that had been knocked over by lightning. He sat down and invited her to sit beside him by patting the log. “I know things didn’t start out well between us when you arrived, but I’m glad you’re here now. Very glad.”
“Me too.” She was startled when he moved a bit closer to her on the log.
He cupped her cheek with one hand. “I know I probably shouldn’t kiss you yet, because we only decided today to try courting, but our time together is so limited. Everything has to go at a very fast pace. May I kiss you, Jessica?”
Jess nodded nervously. She’d never let a man kiss her before, though a few had tried. She’d never seen the point when there was no way they could ever have a serious relationship because her heart belonged to Theodore. “I guess so.”
He looked down into her eyes before slowly lowering his head and brushing his lips against hers.
Jess felt her heart jump into her throat. Her whole body felt alive. She put her arms around his neck, moving closer to him. She never wanted him to
stop kissing her.
When he lifted his head, he smiled at her, one thumb tracing her bottom lip. “I think we can put kissing on the list of things we enjoy doing together.”
She giggled. “Are we making a list?”
“I think we should. We have to evaluate everything logically, don’t we? I mean…you have to decide if you can put up with me.”
She shook her head. “I don’t think you can be terribly logical about matters of the heart. If my heart wants to stay, then I’ll stay. If you want me to that is.” Please ask me to stay. Please ask me to stay.
“So if your heart told you to marry an outlaw who murdered people, you’d marry him?”
“Well, first of all, where would a sheltered young lady like me meet an outlaw to fall in love with? And secondly, I don’t see my heart wanting a man like that.” She shook her head. “It’s not who I am.”
“No, I know it’s not. Mom said you helped out a lot for all of her fundraisers and quilting parties. You were always one of the ladies who worked the hardest.” He ran his hands over her arms when he noticed she was chilly in the cool night air. “She mentioned you in every letter she sent me, telling me all the wonderful things you’ve done for the community. I was starting to think you were some sort of saint.”
Jess laughed. “I’m not a saint at all. Trust me I have lots of faults.”
“Oh?” Theodore raised an eyebrow as he studied her. “Like what?”
She shook her head adamantly. “I’m not telling you that! You’re going to have to find the faults for yourself.”
“Is that a challenge?”
She laughed softly. “How can it be a challenge when they’re right out there in the open for the whole world to see?”
“I’ve known you for your entire life, and I’ve never noticed one.”
“Oh really?” Her look was skeptical.
“Well, you did have an annoying habit of following me around at recess. And you broke your slate over Tommy’s head when he made fun of you for not understanding a math problem once.”
She grinned. “I remember that day. The teacher used her ruler on my palm and sent home a note to my mother, who was not happy with me. I wasn’t allowed to leave the house except for church and school for two weeks.”
“Tommy deserved it, though. He was always picking on you.”
“He picked on all the girls, but I was the only one who broke a slate over his head.” Her temper was one of her biggest faults, and she knew it.
Theodore grinned. “That’s true. I was secretly cheering for you from the back row.”
“Really? I thought all the boys were on Tommy’s side.”
“Not me. I thought you had a lot of spunk even then.” He stood up, taking her hand. “We should get back to the cabin before Mom sends out a search party. She’ll think I ran off with you.”
“I don’t think she will.” Jess shrugged. “She knows both of us better than that.”
“Yes, she does. But that won’t stop her from worrying.” He walked back slowly, not wanting his time with her to end. “We’re all coming over for breakfast again. I’ve decided to leave the extra table and chairs until Mom is ready to leave.”
Her heart skipped a beat when he mentioned his mom leaving and not her. Was it possible he was seriously contemplating keeping her and not just joking about it? It was what she wanted more than anything. “I think that’s wise. I have a feeling your cabin is going to be the gathering spot for meals as long as we’re here.”
“Is that good or bad?”
Jess shrugged. “It’s nice to be appreciated. I don’t mind them all being around. I’d be cooking anyway. It’s just a little more work to cook for more people.”
“What do you have planned for breakfast?” he asked.
“Don’t you think you should be surprised with the rest of the Mounties?” She knew he’d be pleased with anything she cooked, so she didn’t feel the need to tell him. It was fun having her cooking so very appreciated.
“Probably. Do you mind that I’m a Mountie?”
She frowned. “Why would I mind that you’re a Mountie? You’re serving your country.”
“It’s a dangerous job. A lot of women aren’t willing to tie themselves to a man who goes out, never knowing if he’ll return.”
“I’m made of stronger stuff than most women. I can handle it. It might be hard for me at times, but I’d manage.” They stopped walking as they reached his cabin.
He cupped her face in both hands, kissing her once more. “You’re a very special young lady, Jessica.”
She sighed, resting her forehead against his shoulder. “I hope you always think so.” She kissed him quickly before heading into the cabin. “Goodnight, Teddy. I’ll see you for breakfast.”
As the door closed in his face, Theodore stared at it for a moment. “And I’ll see you in my dreams.”
6
Miss Hazel slept in again the following morning. Well, she at least stayed in the bedroom while Jess made breakfast for the Mounties again. They arrived right on time, and Jess blushed when she saw Theodore. Was he thinking about their kisses like she was?
When everyone was sitting, she gave them each an omelet and put a basket of muffins in the middle of the table. “I have another pan of muffins in the oven, so don’t worry about taking extra,” she said. “I have another omelet for you as well, Nolan. I know you’ll never make it to lunch with only one.”
Nolan nodded his thanks, his mouth already full. Once he’d finished chewing, he said to Theodore, “You’re the dumbest man alive if you let this one go.”
Theodore didn’t comment, just concentrated on his breakfast. He watched the way the other Mounties interacted with Jess, and he wasn’t sure if he liked it or not. On the one hand, he liked that she was friendly with his co-workers…but on the other, every time she smiled at one of them, he wanted to announce that she was his.
Jess talked to each of the Mounties as if they were important to her, making it clear she remembered little details she knew about them. When Nolan finished his first omelet, she jumped up to get him another. She talked to Kendall about his singing, and asked Joel if he was enjoying his time out in the field instead of having to work in the office.
She didn’t have a lot to say to Elijah, but she had an amused look on her face every time she looked at him. Finally, she said, “I have my scissors with me. Would you like me to cut your hair, Elijah?”
Elijah shook his head. His curl flopped onto his forehead, and he pushed it away quickly. “It doesn’t matter if my hair is cut short or not. It always does this.”
“Well, the offer’s open if you want me to do it while I’m here.”
Theodore knew his emotions were ridiculous, but that didn’t change them at all. He wanted her to get along with his co-workers, but he didn’t want her to get along that well! He took her hand in his, knowing they’d take that as a sign she was taken. “Are you going to have lunch with me again today?”
Jess was startled by his clear announcement that they were courting, but she nodded. “If you’d like. I need to do laundry and mending today, but I’d be happy to throw together some lunch in the midst of all that.”
“If you don’t mind, that would be wonderful. I’d definitely rather spend time with you at lunch than eat at my desk.”
Jess smiled. “All right. Do you want me to bring lunch to you, or do you want to come here?”
“I’ll come to you.” He nodded toward the closed bedroom door. “Mom can join us if she wants.”
“Oh, I’m sure she’ll take her lunch outside or hide in there and read while you’re here. She’s determined we spend as much time alone together as possible.”
Theodore smiled. “For once, my mother and I are in complete agreement.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.
The other men slowly excused themselves, seeming a little embarrassed by the conversation. After they’d left, Jess frowned at him. “What was that about? I was beginn
ing to wonder if you were going to make a sign saying that I was yours and hang it around my neck.”
He frowned at her. “Well, we’re courting. You shouldn’t be flirting with them.”
“Flirting?” Jess stood up, angry with him. “What was I doing that was flirting?” She began clearing the table, stacking dishes loudly. How on earth could he have taken her innocent conversation as flirtation?
“You made sure that Nolan knew you made him extra breakfast. And you offered to cut Elijah’s hair!”
She dumped the dishes into the basin and crossed her arms over her chest. “Nolan is always hungry and Elijah needs a haircut!”
“Maybe so, but you don’t need to be the one to do it!”
“I’m not sure that I want to have lunch with you today, Theodore.” She turned her back on him as she poured hot water from the kettle into the sink. “I won’t put up with you being jealous when I’m just being kind.”
Theodore closed his eyes for a moment. He knew she was right, but he didn’t care at that moment. “So because I got upset, I don’t get to eat lunch? Really?”
She stood there, washing the dishes, wondering why he was still there. What was wrong with him? Finally, she said, “Aren’t you going to be late for work?”
He walked up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders, turning her around. “I guess I was being ridiculous, wasn’t I?”
She nodded. “Your mother made it clear that our job while we were here was to make life better for all of you—not just you. So I’ve been endeavoring to do that.”
“I’m sorry.” He pulled her into his arms, holding her close. “Will you forgive me?”
Jess tilted her head to one side. “I suppose I can do that.”
He smiled, leaning down to brush his lips against hers. “Well, then maybe I can come for lunch? If you don’t mind?”
“Yeah, I’ll cook something. But be nicer about your friends being around. They don’t get good homecooked meals very often either.”
“I know. I shouldn’t have been so rude.” Theodore rushed toward the door. “I’ll see you at noon.”
RNWMP: Bride for Theodore (Mail Order Mounties Book 0) Page 5