The few buildings had fallen into disrepair, the fences needed mending, the fields had begun to be overgrown, firewood needed to be chopped, and tools were rusting from disuse. Most worrisome of all, there had been nothing planted. Naomi would not have sufficient food to see her through the winter.
She had said that she had money to pay for supplies. He doubted she knew that there were times the roads were impassable with snow. She could be stranded at her farm for weeks at a time during the worst part of winter. Naomi had said she was from San Francisco. Aidan didn’t know much about that city, except he knew it didn’t have harsh winters.
It would be so easy if he could just convince her to marry him. He would bring her home, keep her safe, and slowly teach her how a farm was run. Instead, he would need to give her an expedited education while making sure she had everything she would need. Given her pride and stubborn independence, he knew he would have to tread carefully.
He was deep in thought, picking baskets of apples, when his two brothers joined him out in the orchard near the house.
“You’re up awful early this morning,” Brian said with a yawn.
Aidan kept picking apples. “I needed to get an early start. I promised Mrs. Tisdale I would come over this afternoon to help her around her place. There are lots of things that need to be done there.”
“I’ll bet,” Liam said while he began to pick apples too. “That place was run down even before old man Hatcher died. He was too old to really take care of the place.”
Brian joined in their efforts. “That cabin needs some repairs to the roof. If you want, I could go over and work on it.”
Brian was the most talented builder among the three brothers. His offer made sense. That made Aidan’s quick denial even more telling.
“No, that’s alright. I’ll make any necessary repairs. I made a deal with Mrs. Tisdale. I’m going to help get her farm back in shape, and she’s going to can and preserve all of our fruits and vegetables for us. That’s why I’m picking apples. I’ve already got a few baskets of vegetables and canning supplies packed in the wagon. I plan to take them over there later today and do some work around her place.”
Brian and Liam shared a look and exchanged grins that Aidan didn’t see. They had both heard him sneak in that morning. They both knew where he had spent the night. If their older brother had found a woman to love, they were both determined to help him secure his future happiness.
“Okay, if you’re sure you don’t need my help,” Brian replied. “Why don’t you take the apples over this morning, though? Then, you would have the whole day to help out over there.”
“I can’t. There’s too much to do around here. I’ll get my chores done here first, and then I’ll head over.”
“Brian’s right. We can manage around here,” Liam said. “We’ve been working so hard lately that we are actually ahead of schedule for a change. Brian and I can take care of things around here without your help for a few days.”
Aidan looked at him as if he had two heads. “Don’t be ridiculous. I can’t shirk my work and expect you two to do it for me.”
“You wouldn’t be shirking your work. You would be doing a charitable service for a neighbor in need,” Brian said, hiding his grin while he dropped more apples into a basket. “Isn’t that what Mama always taught us? Liam and I are happy to do our part to help our new neighbor. Especially since she’s a widow. Mama would expect nothing less from us.”
“That’s right,” Liam chimed in, “it’s the Christian thing to do.”
Aidan looked torn. He really was anxious to return to Naomi, but he didn’t want to impose on his brothers.
“Seriously, we don’t mind,” Brian insisted.
“Well … if you really don’t mind,” Aidan said.
“We don’t,” Liam agreed.
“There really is a lot of work to be done over there. It will probably take weeks to get everything done, but if I could work solid for the next week, I could make a good start on the most urgent things.”
“Not a problem,” Brian said, hefting a basket of apples into the nearby wagon. “Let’s get these apples loaded, and you can be on your way.”
They made short work of gathering the last of the apples and loading them in the wagon. Aidan turned to Liam.
“There’s one more thing. I told Mrs. Tisdale that I would bring her a cow and some chickens. Liam, do you think you could help me pick some. You have a way with animals, and I want to take her the very best. She insists on paying for them, but I intend to give her a hefty discount. I hope that’s alright with you two.”
Again, Liam and Brian exchanged a knowing glance behind Aidan’s back. Aidan was normally reluctant to part with some of their best livestock, unless he was selling them for high profits. This woman must be pretty special to him.
“Sure,” Liam said, answering for them both. “Anything we can do to help. Let’s pull around to the barn.”
Liam chose a docile cow and her female calf. “Daisy is a good choice,” he said, tying her to the back of the wagon. “She’s a good producer, and she’s easy to milk. Next year, Mrs. Tisdale can either sell the calf or butcher it.”
Liam also chose six chickens and a rooster and placed them into wire cages. He fastened them to the sides of the wagon.
“There you go, Aidan. Anything else?”
Aidan shook his head and gave his two brothers a smile. “No. I thank you both for being so understanding. I promise I’ll make it up to you.”
“Stop being an idiot,” Brian scoffed. “You’re always doing stuff for us. It’s about time we can return the favor.”
“That’s right,” Liam agreed. “Let us help you out for a change.”
Aidan looked slightly uncomfortable. As the oldest, he was used to watching over the two of them. Having them fuss over him felt strange.
“Well, thanks again. I likely won’t be home until late tonight. Don’t wait supper for me. Mrs. Tisdale will probably feed me.”
“Sure thing,” Brian said, barely able to contain his grin. “Now get going. We all need to get to work.”
Aidan climbed onto the bench and turned the horses toward the road. The two brothers stood watching him leave, and once he was out of earshot, they exchanged matching grins.
“He’s got it even worse than I thought,” Brian said with a chuckle.
“I’ll say,” Liam agreed. “Mrs. Tisdale must really be something to have him so tied in knots. I’m dying to meet her.”
“No chance of that anytime soon. Did you see how quickly he turned down my offer to fix her roof?”
Liam laughed and nodded. “Yeah. It’s obvious he doesn’t want our interference, although I don’t understand what all the secrecy is about. No matter how beautiful she is, it’s not like either of us would ever poach his preserves.”
“I don’t think he’s worried about that,” Brian said, as they both began walking toward the barn. “He made it sound as if she has some mysterious past, and he’s trying to get her to open up. Maybe he thinks if we all come nosing around, she might turn skittish.”
Liam winked at his brother. “Poor Aidan. He has the unenviable job of taming a nervous little filly.”
“I just hope he trains her to the saddle soon. Aidan is usually patient and steady. It’s weird seeing him so unsettled.”
“I think it’s because he’s sleeping with her. We both know he’s not one to just mess around with a lady. He must be unsettled because he wants to marry her, but she hasn’t agreed yet.”
Brian chuckled again. “Imagine that … our brother having to woo a woman. He usually has the ladies fawning all over him.”
“This one will come around,” Liam said confidently. “Sooner or later, she’ll realize what a catch Aidan is, and she won’t let him go. Once he marries her, things can get back to normal around here.”
That made Brian laugh outright. “Don’t you understand, Liam? Once we introduce a woman into the mix, things are never going to be ‘no
rmal’ around here again. I just hope that once we do meet this mystery woman, we like her too. Aidan’s already head over heels for her. I would like to think he has the good sense to fall in love with someone we can get along with.”
“I hope so too,” Liam agreed. “Good sense and falling in love don’t always go hand in hand. Now, we had better get to work.”
*****
When Aidan pulled up at Naomi’s cabin, it was still early morning. She came running out to meet him. He set the brake and jumped down just in time to catch her in his arms. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.
He leaned back against the side of the wagon and deepened the kiss. One of the chickens clucked loudly, and they broke off from the kiss. Their eyes met, and they both smiled.
“What a nice surprise,” she murmured. “I thought you weren’t coming back until the afternoon.”
“Well, I’ve had a change of plans. My brothers agreed that I should spend my days helping you, and they will handle things at our farm without my help for the next week or so.”
Naomi’s eyes lit with pleasure. “How nice of them. I will have to make them something special to thank them for their thoughtfulness.”
“I’m sure they would appreciate that. They really enjoyed the pie you sent to them. Liam, in particular, has quite a sweet tooth.”
Naomi gave a delighted laugh. “I’ll have to remember that.”
They shared another lengthy kiss before Aidan reluctantly released her mouth. He kept his hands on her waist though. “As much as I would love to carry you inside and make love to you again, we really do have a lot of work to do today.”
Naomi sighed. “You’re right of course. Let’s get to it then.” She turned her attention to the wagon. “I see you brought me some chickens and a cow, like you promised.”
Aidan went to untie the cow, and the calf followed them as he led the cow into the small barn. “This is Daisy,” he said.
Naomi eyed the cow a bit nervously. “I’ve never owned a cow before,” she confessed. “What do I do with her?”
Aidan hid his frown as he returned to the wagon to retrieve the chickens. He remembered their earlier conversation, and his temper flared again, although not as hotly as the previous day. If it weren’t for his help, Naomi would not have a clue how to run a farm. He didn’t understand why she had put herself in this vulnerable position, and he didn’t like it one bit.
Every time he thought about it, his protective instincts roared, and that translated into anger and frustration. But there was no point in being angry. He would simply have to make sure she was safe.
Naomi followed in his wake as he returned to fetch the chickens from the wagon. She carried two of the cages, while he carried the other two. They turned the chickens and the rooster loose in the chicken coop. Aidan brought a bag of corn from the wagon and spread some for the chickens. They began pecking happily, and Naomi smiled.
Aidan watched her watching the chickens, and he released a deep sigh. Why on earth a city girl, who obviously knew nothing about farms or farm animals had chosen to buy a farm was a mystery to him. He took her hand and pulled her around to face him.
“I’ll show you how to take care of the cow, and the chickens too. I’m not trying to offend you, Naomi, but there’s a lot you need to learn about running a farm.”
Naomi eyed him carefully. “I know, and I’m sorry for getting angry at you yesterday, Aidan.” She looked down at her hands and barely refrained from wringing them. “It’s just that … well, I need to stand on my own two feet. I’ve spent years having people judge me and lecture me on what I can and cannot do.”
She looked up at him, pleading for his understanding with her eyes. “That’s why I came to Oregon. I needed to get away from all that and make a fresh start.”
Aidan grasped her by the waist and drew her against him once more. He searched her eyes. “You could make a fresh start with me. Marry me, Naomi.”
She eyes widened, and she stiffened in his arms. “You don’t have to propose just because we’ve become lovers, Aidan. I don’t expect that of you.”
“I’m not proposing out of obligation. I want to marry you.”
“You don’t even know me,” she protested.
Aidan sensed that she wouldn’t believe him if he declared his love for her. “I know enough about you to know we would suit each other very well.”
For a brief instant, he was sure he saw longing in her eyes. She wants to marry you, his mind whispered. But then, she looked down at his chest, and her expression became guarded.
“Thank you for the proposal, but I must decline,” she whispered. “I don’t intend to ever marry again, but I would like to continue our friendship … if that’s alright with you.”
Naomi held her breath as she waited for his response. She desperately hoped he wouldn’t end their brief affair because of her refusal. Knowing that he might had made it even harder for her to be honest with him, but she couldn’t lead him on. He deserved better than that, even if it cost her dearly.
He was tempted to pressure her. Instead, he sighed and let the matter drop for the time being. He was no less determined to win her acceptance, but he understood he couldn’t rush her.
“I’m not giving up, you know. I really do want you as my wife, and I intend to win your acceptance.”
She hadn’t meant to turn this into a challenge, and she bit her lip. “Aidan, I mean what I say. I won’t marry you, and I’m not going to change my mind. Please don’t ask for things I can’t give you.”
She hesitated briefly before she stretched onto her toes to kiss him boldly. When they were both panting with desire, she drew back and looked up at him.
“I’ll give you anything else you want, short of marriage. For as long as you like, I’ll be your lover. Can you accept that?”
Aidan’s erection throbbed in his breeches. The look she was giving him was full of seductive promise. There was no way in hell he would reject what she was offering. He would take what he could get for now, but he wouldn’t settle until they were man and wife.
“We had better get to work,” he said gruffly. “Will you help me unload the wagon?”
“Certainly.”
Naomi realized that he hadn’t answered her directly, but she decided not to press her luck. She had been totally honest. She couldn’t force Aidan to believe her.
She wasn’t worried about hurting him. He would surely tire of her after a while. When he realized that she was serious about refusing marriage, he would move on and find some other young lady. When that time came, Naomi would have to let him go. She could only hope that it didn’t break her heart.
*****
While Naomi worked on canning vegetables, Aidan began working on the barn. It had fallen into disrepair. There were sagging boards, and one of the doors hung askew from a broken hinge. He found a small stack of lumber and some nails and set to work.
By noon, he had the barn once more in order. Naomi called him in for lunch, and he joined her at her small table. She had prepared a delicious meal, and they chatted companionably as they ate.
“How much do I owe you for the animals?” she asked.
Aidan frowned. “Look at them as a gift.”
“You’ve already given me too many gifts, Aidan. I insist on paying you. Now how much are they?”
Aidan sighed and told her a figure. She rose and retrieved the money from her saddle bag.
“There you are,” she said proudly. “I told you, I’m not some charity case.”
“I never thought you were,” he responded.
Aidan didn’t feel the need to inform her that he had charged less than half the fair market value for the animals. He didn’t want to injure her feelings, but he also didn’t like taking money from her. If he had his way, she would soon be his wife, and the whole question of her independence would be a thing of the past.
“Looks like you’re making good headway on the vegetables,” Aidan said between bites.
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There were already several dozen jars of green beans and corn. Naomi had packed them back into crates for him to carry home.
“Yes. I’m planning to make apple sauce and apple butter this afternoon.”
Aidan nodded and kept eating. “I intend for you to keep a portion of everything for yourself.”
“But Aidan, I’m canning these things for you and your brothers. It’s supposed to be payment in exchange for the work you are doing around here.”
Aidan pinned her with a pointed frown. “Naomi, we have more than enough. I wouldn’t want your hard work to go to waste, if we don’t eat everything. Now, I saw a root cellar around back. I’ll clean it out, and carry some crates down there for you.
“That would be nice,” Naomi agreed meekly.
She decided not to argue the point. She knew that he wasn’t really worried about wasting food. After all, he could sell any surplus that he and his brothers had.
She knew that his real reasoning was to ensure she had adequate food stores. The fact that he was concerned for her was touching, and she didn’t want to spoil his mood by arguing.
“How is it that you grew up in the city, but you know how to can vegetables?”
Naomi swallowed her last bite and set her fork down. “Well, my mother was raised on a farm in Tennessee. When she married my father, she moved to the city, but she still liked to cook and make her own canned vegetables. She used to buy baskets of vegetables at the farmer’s market, and I would help her preserve them.”
“I see,” Aidan said with a grin. “You and I make a good team, then. I know how to grow things, and you know what to do with the harvested vegetables.”
Naomi returned his smile. “See … I am good at something.”
He purposely let his eyes drift down her body, and her cheeks turned a delightful shade of pink. “Oh, I can think of quite a few things you are good at,” he murmured softly, “not the least of which is driving me crazy.”
Naomi’s pleased giggle made him hard. Aidan was sorely tempted to pluck her off her chair and ravish her. He had been plagued by desire all day, but there was still work to be done. Turning his thoughts reluctantly onto a different track, he leaned over and gave her a brief kiss.
Second Chances: Aidan's Bride (The McKenzie Series #1) Page 12