by DiAnn Mills
What a perfect idea. “Simeon, that’s wonderful. There are a few special people I’d like to give a gift, but money is a problem. With your idea, I could tie the lids with red and green ribbon. What do I need to buy? Sugar?”
He nodded. “Something sweet from somebody sweet.”
She laughed. “Are you practicing on me for Miss Scott?”
“I don’t need to practice. The words just drip from my tongue like honey.” He rubbed his whiskered jaw. “Like I said, she’s a mighty fine woman.”
Chloe paused again to remember all the fine things Miss Scott had done for her. “After my mother died, she made sure I had food and clothes.”
“I heard her say that she thinks of all the young’uns she’s taught through the years as hers.”
Oh, to put Simeon and Miss Scott together. Perhaps at Christmas when she delivered her gift to the dear lady, Chloe would tell her how much she appreciated the years of teaching and how Simeon had helped her make the jelly. The dear woman may not have had any children of her own, but she certainly had adopted a whole lot more—just as Zack had adopted Curly and Charlie.
Thanksgiving at Morgan and Casey Andrews’s ranch? Her stomach fluttered. All those people would make her nervous. What if she said the wrong thing? What if they asked her about Pa’s death? Or where she’d lived before finding employment at the boardinghouse? But Zack’s family had always been kind to her.
Seemed like Chloe’s dreams were slowly coming true, like a batch of candy slowly coming to a boil when it was perfect. When Pa died, she believed her life had taken another turn for the worse. As ugly as he could be at times, she never wanted him dead, and he was her only living family member. Good memories of him when her mother was still alive floated in and out of her head. Perhaps Pa had found peace. He’d been happy before her mother died, and they’d attended church. No matter that they didn’t have much money. Love had kept them together.
“Where are your thoughts?” Simeon whispered.
She smiled. “Days gone by.”
“Remember the good ones and forget the bad ones. That’s the best way to make it through life. I know you love Jesus.”
“I do.”
“If He can forget the nonsense in our lives when we ask, then we need to do the same.”
“You are a wise man.”
He smiled. “Naw. Jest lived a lot of years and seen folks make good and bad choices.”
She gave him a kiss on the cheek and finished peeling the potatoes and carrots. The grandfather clock in the foyer chimed four o’clock. The time had slipped by this afternoon, and she had many more chores to complete before the evening.
The day wore on until near dinnertime. Chloe lit a lantern on the sideboard in the dining room. As the days shortened, those who dined at the boardinghouse needed light for their evening meal. And today had been cloudy with a steady shower of rain. Sometimes a candle on each table suited her purpose, but she liked to vary things a bit.
She blew out a breath and noted a crooked tablecloth. Once it was straightened, she thought about the days when her stomach had rumbled for food and her life had looked bleak. Then she remembered the incident of Simeon’s stolen bread and pie. Mr. Barton had agreed feeding someone made more sense than having food disappear that was needed for the boarders. Beginning on Saturday, she’d placed a plateful of food on the windowsill, and the next day the plate and fork were returned. As Chloe considered her own good fortune of late, she questioned if God was no longer upset with her. Her entire life had been plagued with sadness until recently, and she’d assumed God was displeased with her. But life had taken a change for the best. God had blessed her with employment, a place to live, food to eat, and Zack and the twins.
“I’m really pleased with your work.”
She swung her attention to the foyer that separated the dining from the living room and smiled at Mr. Barton. She hadn’t heard the bell jingle over the boardinghouse door. “Thank you. This is home for me.”
“And it shows. There’s not a speck of dust in the whole establishment. With the books in excellent condition and Simeon in the kitchen, I don’t have a single worry. Is your room adequate?”
“Very much so.” She sensed his eyes boring a hole through her, and suddenly she felt uncomfortable. His interest in her was clearly evident, just as Simeon had indicated. “Is there something I can do for you?”
“As a matter of fact there is. I know it’s a little early with Thanksgiving not until this Thursday, but I have an idea to help the community for Christmas. And I wanted your opinion and possibly your help.”
“I’d be glad to do whatever I can. What is your idea?”
“If I could talk Simeon into baking cookies for the schoolchildren, would you help me distribute them?”
“The children would love your thoughtfulness. It hasn’t been that long since I was a student there, and the days before Christmas are spent more in daydreaming than learning. I’d be happy to help Simeon with the baking. He admires Miss Scott.”
Mr. Barton chuckled. “I’ve seen the gleam in his eyes, and more songs seem to have appeared on his repertoire of whistling tunes. I’ll be sure to mention her name. I’d also like to open the dining room to needy folks on Christmas Eve. After the incident last Friday, I want to make sure all the hungry people of this town are fed. Do you think it would be too difficult for you and Simeon with the extra work? I plan to help too.”
“Not at all. I’d welcome the opportunity to give to others.”
“Good. I’ll proceed with those plans. I’ll ask Brother Whitworth for a list of those who could use a good meal.” He shifted from one foot to the other. “Do you have plans for Thanksgiving dinner?”
Her stomach churned. Her suspicions had been more than correct. Although Mr. Barton could be gruff and at times difficult to please, her opinion of him had changed because of his concern for those less fortunate. “Yes, sir, I do.”
“Is it anything you could cancel? I’d like to share Thanksgiving dinner with you. Simeon is preparing a huge meal, and I’m sure it will be wonderful.” His normal, businesslike facade softened.
She didn’t want to disappoint him, but she must share the truth. “I’m sorry, but I have already made a commitment.”
Immediately his features hardened. “I see. If you change your mind, kindly let me know.”
“I will. I appreciate your invitation.” Chloe walked to the foyer and watched him leave. This could be a sensitive situation with Zack living at the boardinghouse. Mr. Barton probably assumed she’d be spending the holiday with him and the twins. For that matter, Mr. Barton could change his mind about letting her have Thanksgiving Day off after breakfast.
No sooner had Mr. Barton left than he returned. “Miss Weaver, have you had lunch or dinner yet today?”
“No, sir. We’ve been busy.”
“I smell beef stew and corn bread. Would you mind joining me?” He smiled. “It’s a good hour before dinner is served for the boarders.”
“I’d be delighted.”
He gave her a half smile. “As delighted as sharing a meal with Zack Kahler and his children?”
Her face flushed warm. How rude. What should she say?
“I apologize. I’ve embarrassed and offended you.” He picked at a piece of lint on his coat. “My comment was uncalled for. I tend to speak whatever is on my mind without thinking of others.”
She swallowed and attempted to control her irritation. “It’s all right. Shall I get our food for us?”
“You are a gracious lady indeed. That would be fine, and I’ll spend the time contemplating my poor social skills.”
Simeon appeared to have dinner in hand, except for arranging the serving dishes. Chloe ladled stew into bowls and placed a few pieces of corn bread on a platter. She placed the food and two cups of coffee onto a tray and headed for the door.
“Who’s that for?” Simeon said.
“Mr. Barton and me.”
“You don’t look ha
ppy about eatin’ with the boss.”
“Hush. He’ll hear you.” She blew out a very unladylike sigh. “He has strange mannerisms at times.”
“Don’t I know it?”
She lifted her chin. “But he has a good heart, and I’m thankful for this job and the way he cares about the community.”
Simeon stared at her for a few minutes. “You need to work, don’t ya?”
“I’m all I have.” She shook her head. “I sound like a whining child.”
“I understand. Life ain’t always easy. Things will work out.”
Forcing a smile, she tilted her head. “I hope so.”
Once at the table in the dining room with dinner set before them, she listened to Mr. Barton ask the blessing. “Bless the hands who have prepared this food, and may it nourish our bodies so we can nourish Your kingdom. And I could use a bridle on my mouth. Amen.”
Startled, she glanced into his face. His lips curved up and he laughed, urging her to join him.
“We might as well laugh about my lack of manners,” he said. “You could have slapped me and quit your job. Then where would I be?”
“Where would I be?”
“You’re right.” He picked up his spoon and dragged it through the thick stew. “We’d both be in a fine mess. Truce?”
“Truce.”
“But your refusal of my invitation to join me for Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t mean I won’t stop trying to earn your favor.”
She picked up her spoon. “Am I supposed to respond?”
“Probably not. I like a good challenge, and I’m afraid Mr. Kahler is in the lead in this race.” He leaned in closer. “Do you find my withered hand repulsive?”
“Absolutely not. I look at a man’s heart. But sir, you barely know me.”
“Sometimes a man knows the blessing in front of him without a word being said.”
How sweet and she struggled how to respond. “I wouldn’t want you or Mr. Kahler to be disappointed.”
“I assessed you correctly. May the best man win the prize.”
The question crossed her mind whether she should tell Zack about Mr. Barton’s conversation. She hesitated. Not yet, unless Zack chose to deepen their relationship. This could get very complicated.
Chapter 13
Out in a chilling rain, Zack pulled up the collar on his coat and dashed across the street to the feed store. He sure hoped this weather changed before tomorrow. Having all the kids inside the house for Thanksgiving sounded like punishment for the adults.
Jacob Barton’s ads for his boardinghouse and feed store had been acquired when Hank owned the paper. They were well drawn up, as Hank had always done, but Zack had a few ideas of his own. Rather than discuss Barton’s ads at the boardinghouse, he chose to call on the man at the feed store. There they would stand on neutral ground, whereas at the boardinghouse he’d already felt a heavy dose of animosity between them. Zack had seen Jacob staring at Chloe on more than one occasion.
The smell of dried corn and grain met Zack’s nostrils, and a dusting of meal trailed across the wooden floor. Jacob lifted a bag of grain to his shoulder and carried it to the front of the store. Amazing what the man could do with only partial use of his withered arm.
Jacob nodded at Zack. “Be right with you as soon as I take care of this customer.”
Zack spoke to the farmer and asked about his wife and family. Once the man left the store, Zack continued the same pleasantries with Barton and shook his hand.
“Two businesses must keep you busy.”
“It certainly does. Makes me glad I’m a single man. However, Miss Weaver has made my job a whole lot easier. She is an excellent bookkeeper and makes sure the boardinghouse runs smoothly. I intend to make sure she works for me for a long time.”
Zack heard a hint of contention. Was this an open challenge for Chloe’s affections?
“So, what brings you to my store today in this cold rain? Newspaper business?”
“I’ve been working on your ads as we discussed before, and I wanted you to see the sketches for both of your businesses.” Zack pulled them from his leather satchel and laid them on the counter. The feed store ad depicted a farmer hoisting a bag of grain on his shoulder. The boardinghouse used a more elegant font and showed a pretty young woman holding a stack of fresh linens.
Barton’s attention stayed focused on Zack. “Is there any difference in the cost for advertising if I choose any of these?”
“No, sir. Just an opportunity to have a new look in the paper.”
“And my current price includes alternating weeks for my two businesses?”
“That’s right. We’ll be starting a daily edition beginning Monday, the fourth of December. But as it stands now, your ads will appear in Saturday’s edition.”
For the first time, Barton picked up the sketches and studied them closely. “These look good. What’s the cost to advertise in the Sunday and daily?”
“Eighteen cents a word per week.”
“Put that in writing for me, and I’ll consider it.”
“Will do. Thanks for taking your time to visit with me this morning.” Zack reached out and shook his hand again.
“Are you enjoying your stay at the boardinghouse? Everything suitable for you and your children?”
“For certain, but I’m looking for a house. There’s only so much confinement my twins can take. They can be a handful with all that energy. I apologize for the noise.”
Barton’s stoic expression bore into Zack’s. “I have received some complaints from a few boarders. You and Miss Weaver share a lot of time together.”
“We went to the same school under the tutelage of Miss Scott.”
Barton eyed him for a long moment. “Every time I ask her for a stroll or to share a Sunday with me, she’s already agreed to do something with you. On Monday she said she had plans for Thanksgiving, and I assume those are with you.” He cleared his throat. “Looks to me like those big-city ideas must appeal to her. I should have asked her while we shared dinner what a simple businessman in Kahlerville could do to turn her head.”
Zack heard a heavy dose of sarcasm. “Perhaps Miss Weaver should decide whose company she prefers.”
“My guess is she doesn’t know yet. So I’ll continue to be an attentive employer and spend as much time with her as I can.”
Fury raced through Zack’s veins, but he smiled and tipped his hat. “This will be interesting, I’m sure. Good day, sir.” He’d suspected Jacob Barton’s interest in Chloe on previous occasions, but now by the man’s own admission, Zack knew Barton wanted to court her. Jealousy, an emotion Zack rarely felt, stung him as though he’d angered a swarm of bees. Naturally Chloe should choose whose company she preferred. Had Zack forced his affections on her? After all, he was a guest at the boardinghouse, and she might feel obligated to accept his invitations.
He’d ask her this very evening. Zack stiffened. He’d ask her now.
*****
Chloe had just finished cleaning the room of a boarder who had checked out of the boardinghouse when she heard the bell above the door. She hurried down the stairs to find Zack at the registration desk. He wore a frown, not his usual wide grin that seemed to snatch away her breath. He might be twenty-four years old, but he had not lost his boyish appeal.
“Do you have a minute to discuss something?” he said.
“I do.” She caught her breath and attempted to read the range of emotions on his face. “Is something wrong? Are the twins all right?”
“I just need to make sure I’m not abusing our friendship.”
What on earth was he talking about? “Zack, you have never abused our relationship.”
“And you’re certain of this?” The frown still dug into his brow. “Are you agreeing to accompany me to church and other places because you work here?”
She started. “I assure you that is not what I’m doing.”
“Then you enjoy our company?”
Chloe would have laughed if
not for the serious look on his face. “Yes. I look forward to our times together.”
“And if you were interested in courting another man, you would tell me?”
Was Zack referring to Mr. Barton? “Perhaps you should explain to me what this is all about.”
“I had a conversation with Jacob Barton.”
Her insides started to quiver. “About me?”
“Yes. He has become attached to you and wanted me to know about it. I thought you and I were establishing a relationship.”
She hadn’t wanted to reveal the discussion between herself and Mr. Barton, but it looked like her employer was serious about his intentions. “He has expressed interest, but my feelings are not the same as his.” She rubbed her perspiring palms together. Anger settled in hard. “I am very uncomfortable being the topic of two grown men’s conversation. Do you think I am a pet dog or cat who needs a keeper?”
His eyes widened. “I hadn’t thought—”
“Maybe you two should have considered my reaction to this childish bickering as though I’m a prize in some contest. My affections are given to whom I choose.”
“I understand.”
Her anger had risen to another rung on the ladder. “Do you?”
He shifted from one foot to the other. “I’m sorry. Guess I was only thinking about myself.”
She took a deep breath. Calm yourself, Chloe. “I apologize for my loss of temper. Please be assured that I would never toy with any man’s affections.”
He nodded and whirled around. At the door he turned. “Am I forgiven for being a thoughtless, selfish, and jealous man?”
Zack’s smile could have charmed the angels, but she dare not let him see how he affected her. She frowned. “I suppose.”
“I’ll let you have the biggest piece of pumpkin pie tomorrow.”
A smile crept to her lips. “How can I resist that?”
“Good.” He grinned, reminding her again of the schoolboy so many years ago. “I’ll make sure I have better manners in the future.” He tipped his hat. “Good day, Miss Chloe. I look forward to your lovely presence at dinner.”