Threads of Love

by Andrea Boeshaar

  Jake leaned toward her. “Because you started it for . . . someone else?”

  She stared at Jake’s ivory cotton shirt with its brown and tan crisscrosses. “I was such a little fool . . . ”

  “Hardly.” Jake wagged his head. “Just a mistake. The important thing is you learned from it.”

  “Indeed I did. Thanks to you, pointing things out that I’d known all along about Andy but didn’t want to acknowledge.”

  “No need to bring it up again.” Jake set his hands on his hips as she looked up into his face. She read earnestness in his expression. “As for the sweater, I think my sister will be very pleased.”

  “I’m glad you think Deidre will like it.”

  “So what’s the favor?”

  From her skirt’s side pocket, Emily pulled a folded list of what she needed along with money. “Deidre mentioned you’re going to Glendive on Monday. When the train made its stop there, I saw it’s a larger town.”

  “That’s right.”

  “Will you pick up these things for me?” She handed him the list. “That is, if it’s not too much trouble.”

  “Five silver buttons, two yards of lace . . . ” He glanced up at her. “That sweater will look real pretty on Deidre.”

  “Matches her eyes.” And yours. Emily’s heart skipped half a beat.

  Jake held her gaze. “I’d be happy to.”

  “Thank you.”

  He inclined his sandy-blond head.

  Several awkward minutes passed as they regarded at each other. How easy it would be to get lost in his stare. Curious thoughts ran through Emily’s mind. If she were the one Jake loved, she’d be angry that he looked at another young lady the way he looked at her right now.

  She placed her hands on her waist. “I should tell that girl in Manitowoc about your flirting with me.”

  “I don’t flirt and play games, Emily.” His gaze narrowed, and she glimpsed that hardened, serious side of him. “I like to think my actions are deliberate.”

  “What does that mean?” Her heart skipped a beat. He isn’t a flirt?

  “It means I enjoy staring at you. I don’t mean to be rude. I think you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”

  “Jake!” She laughed, hoping to cover the sudden rush of discomfort—and pleasure—she felt at his compliment. She touched the hair at her temple.

  “I’ve told you that before. At least three times now.”

  His honesty embarrassed her, and Emily felt her face heating up as fast as Deidre’s new oven.

  “I’ll pick up these things you’ve asked for.” He pocketed her list.

  “Thank you.” Still flustered, she turned and walked back out onto the porch. She gazed out at nothing in particular as she tried to figure out what Jake’s compliment and statement meant. But maybe they simply meant he found her pleasing to the eye. Emily had heard that before. Perhaps she read too much into it. Besides, they were friends.

  “Are you all right, Emily?”

  She blinked and looked at Deidre. “Oh, I’m just fine.” She smiled for her hostess’s sake.

  “Don’t worry about Iris. Rez is a good man.”

  “Oh?” Emily followed the direction of Deidre’s nod and saw the couple walking toward the side of the ranch, toward the river. A moment later she felt a presence behind her then saw Jake as he moved to stand one step down. He faced her and held out one hand.

  “It’s a nice evening for it. Would you care to take a walk?”

  Friends taking a walk.

  Emily relaxed. “I’d enjoy that another time, Jake, but I’m rather tired from our ride today.”

  “Understandable.” Amusement danced in his gaze. “After all, you didn’t abandon the outing and hop on the train like someone we know.” With a dip of his head, he indicated to where Iris walked, her arm linked with Rez’s.

  The evening breeze caused a rustling in the budding treetops. Emily smiled. “And I’m glad I didn’t take the train. I had a nice time.”

  “Me too.”

  The rounds of his cocoa-brown eyes softened in that same way as on the afternoon of Mr. Ollie’s funeral. They had stood by the window in the music room, facing each other, and he’d asked her if she wanted him to return to Manitowoc someday.

  Before she could begin intellectualizing things all over again, Jake placed his hand beneath her elbow and guided her back to where Deidre and Web sat. Charlie was still perched on the porch rail and played his harmonica. Emily sat and lifted her knitting into her lap and Jake seated himself beside her. His left arm came to rest across the top of the bench behind Emily. She gave him a stare that said, Do you mind? Evidently he didn’t because he didn’t move.

  Truth to tell, she didn’t mind either.

  “I’m amazed when I watch you knit, Em. I’ve never seen a woman’s needles work so fast.”

  Charlie stopped playing and stared. “Why, sure ’nough.”

  Emily hadn’t meant to show off. “I’ve been knitting since I was old enough to hold knitting needles.”

  Jake’s gaze hopped to his sister and brother-in-law. “Emily’s grandmother started a business—”

  “A boutique.”

  “Beggin’ your pardon. A boutique.”

  Emily smiled inwardly. Jake was fun to tease.

  “Anyway, it’s called Sundbergs’ Creations, and now Em’s aunt runs the place, and that’s just one of the Sundberg family’s businesses. Her father runs a shipping and freight company.”

  “Actually Grandpa Ramsey, Uncle Will, and his father are part owners as well.”

  “That’s right. I remember now.”

  Emily smiled at him and kept knitting but sent a glance Deidre and Web’s way. “Poor Jake met almost everyone all at once. My family can be overwhelming.”

  “I’m sure he handled it just fine.” Web stretched.

  “Em’s brother-in-law’s family owns two hotels in town.” Jake continued bragging on her family. “I stayed at one, since Aunt Bettina and Uncle Dwight took over Granddad’s place for a time.”

  “I still can’t believe Aunt Bettina had the nerve to return after everything she and that leech of a husband put Granddad through.” Deidre caught herself. “Oh, my apologies, Emily. I shouldn’t be airing our family troubles.”

  “It’s quite all right, Deidre.” She meant each word. “I understand. Even Sundbergs have skeletons in their closets, so to speak.”

  “Sure, honey.” Web pressed a kiss to Deidre’s temple. “There’s trouble in every family.”

  “What sort of trouble lurks in the Sundberg ancestry?” Jake asked.

  It wasn’t a secret, so Emily told him. “My mother’s older sister in London had been ruined by the master’s spoiled and selfish son. Feeling as though she had no other choice, she made one bad decision after another and then died a lonely drunkard.”

  “How sad.” Deidre’s features fell. Her dark gaze clouded.

  “Then Momma had to run for her life, and she ended up on Poppa’s ship, heading for America. The rest . . . well, you can imagine, as here I sit today.”

  Charlie tipped his head. His bushy brows furrowed. “You making that up, little Missy?”

  “No, it’s the truth.”

  Seconds of silence ticked by.

  “Well, like I said, there’s trouble in all families,” Web said.

  “You’re right.” Deidre’s eyes fixed on Emily then hopped to Jake. Emily turned to find him staring at her knitting. She hesitated and his gaze met hers. He smiled and Emily was reminded again how nice it felt to sit beside him.

  “Say, Jake, will you help me move the table out here to the porch?”

  “Sure.”

  “I think I only have one more heavy move in me for this week. That stove took everything I got.”

  Jake ground out an amused-sounding guffaw.

  “But I’m so very grateful, Boyd.” Deidre glanced Emily’s way. “After the table is out of the way, perhaps you and Iris will help me with the final pr
eparations for the Sabbath tomorrow.”

  “I’d be happy to.” Emily looked toward where Rez and Iris still strolled on the edge of the garden. The evening breeze carried her friend’s quivery laugh. Emily set aside the sweater she made. “I’ll go get Iris right now.”

  CHAPTER 24

  WAGONS FILLED WITH families and men on horseback began arriving early on Sunday morning. Emily inserted the last pin into her thick hair and sent a quick glance across the bedroom at Iris.

  “Ready?” Emily turned and inspected her appearance one last time in the beveled mirror above the bureau. She smoothed out the last of the wrinkles in her two-piece silk ensemble with its lace trim. Momma always said the dress’s peach color complemented Emily’s complexion and caused the color of her hair to stand out.

  “I’m ready. How do I look?”

  “Lovely as always.” The blue-and-white-striped dress with its wide white belt looked summery, and Emily envied her friend’s tiny waist.

  “Thank you. You’re lovely as always too.” After a smile, Iris pushed up her glasses and moved the curtain to one side. “I don’t see Rez, but there are plenty of other men in the yard, several children, and . . . only four other women.”

  “I’m sure Rez will be along soon.” Emily opened the door.

  “Oh, dear . . . I think we may have overdressed.”

  She closed it again and strode to the window, peering outside. The four women she glimpsed wore dark skirts and crisp light-colored blouses. Floppy bonnets covered their heads.

  She stood back. “So now what? I washed out my everyday skirts last night. They’re still drying.”

  Iris shrugged. “We’ll just be examples of city fashion.”

  “I hope we’re not perceived as snobs.”

  “We’ll just have to be extra friendly.”

  “But not too friendly to the men, Iris. You heard Jake’s warning last night. Some men take a smile to mean you’re willing to get married.”

  “And isn’t that just something!” Iris giggled softly. “I never heard such a thing.”

  “Women are scarce out here, and men need help on their farms and ranches.” She wagged a finger at Iris. “So be careful. Jake said he wasn’t rescuing any damsels in distress today.” She smiled again at his pun.

  “Oh, that Jake—he’s got such a facetious wit, doesn’t he?”

  Before Emily could reply, Iris walked forward and then led the way into the great room. It looked even more spacious with the dining table removed.

  Deidre spotted them and waved them outside where she introduced them to her friends, who each held a picnic basket or a kettle. But that wasn’t the last of the foodstuff. As the wagons were unloaded, the kitchen filled with jars of pickles and preserves, smoked ham and beef, roast chicken, fresh breads, and sweet treats. However, Emily knew from experience that in the presence of hungry men it wouldn’t last long.

  The service was held in the yard. Chairs were brought from the porch and blankets spread on the grass. Emily steered Iris over to where Deidre and Web planted themselves in the shade of the unpainted barn. Jake, Rez, and Charlie sat nearby. A man in a white shirt and brown vest stood, Bible in hand.

  “That’s Reverend Taylor.” Deidre leaned partially over Emily so Iris could hear her whisper. “His wife died in childbirth a couple of years ago, leaving him with four children to care for and a farm to manage.”

  “How tragic.” Iris’s hand fluttered to her throat, and Emily could practically hear the gears turning in her friend’s head.

  She nudged Iris and gave her a stern look. She wouldn’t dare pit Rez against the reverend . . . would she?

  Iris batted her eyelashes.

  The reverend delivered an informal but eloquent message from Philippians chapter four on the peace of God that passes all understanding and keeps our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Emily figured the man ought to know, having experienced such loss in his life. She looked at Iris, who had also experienced tremendous loss and grief. At fifteen she’d lost her parents, missionaries. Emily supposed that out of the two men, Rez or the reverend, Reverend Taylor would make the most likely choice of husband for Iris.

  But what did Emily know?

  Her gaze drifted to Jake. Whom was he interested in, and just what would that woman say when she learned of his friendship with Emily? If in her position, Emily wouldn’t allow her forloveden to have such a good female friend. And if Emily knew of this young lady, as Iris claimed, then the woman had to reside in Manitowoc. So would they write to each other, or did Jake plan to give up his job and move back to Wisconsin to court her?

  Jake glanced her way and Emily started. She’d been staring so hard that it was little wonder Jake felt it. They exchanged smiles before Emily refocused on the reverend’s message.

  When the minister finished speaking, everyone stood and sang a hymn together. Another man said a closing prayer, adding a blessing on their noon meal. The children scattered, the boys chasing each other. Emily noticed that she and Iris garnered more than a few curious stares. Web saved himself the trouble of making individual introductions and shouted a general announcement.

  “We have guests today. Miss Emily Sundberg and Miss Iris Hopper all the way from Wis-con-sun.”

  Emily grinned at his pronunciation of the state. However, when she saw interest light up several men’s countenances, she decided to heed Jake’s warning and stay close to the house, assisting Deidre and the other women with serving lunch and cleaning up afterward. Iris wisely did the same. Then they congregated on the back porch to sew, knit, and share bits of news. One of the men found a round, thick piece of wood that sufficed as a bat, and another used his new wife’s biscuits as baseballs, much to her chagrin.

  “I just can’t get that recipe down no matter how hard I try.”

  “There, there . . . ” Emily put her arm around the plump young woman who didn’t look much older than herself. “I can’t cook at all, so don’t feel bad.”

  “What?” Deidre obviously overheard and stepped toward them. “You don’t know how to cook, Emily?”

  “Well, I’m sure I’ll learn when I have my own kitchen. But Momma only knows the basics and isn’t much of a cook. My grandmother always prepared our meals.” Emily smiled. “Turns out that I’m better at climbing trees than baking biscuits.” She gazed at the woman who now dried her eyes. “So you see? You’re a far better domesticate than I am. Even if you bake baseballs.” It was rather amusing.

  A contest ensued to see which man could wallop the biscuit the farthest. Women and children watched from the back porch, cheering on their favorites.

  “Excuse me. May I have your attention?”

  Hearing Iris’s voice, Emily watched in horror as her friend stood in front of the men. “What are you doing?”

  Iris ignored her. “I will give a kiss on the jaw to the winner—provided he’s not married, of course.”

  The men cheered and chuckled.

  Emily gasped. Her mouth fell open. Unbelievable! She turned to Deidre. “We have to stop her.”

  “I’m afraid it’s too late.”

  Emily’s gaze followed Iris’s sashay up to the porch. She longed to shake that girl until her senses returned. She stepped toward Iris, but Deidre halted her by clasping her wrist.

  “You can’t always protect her, Emily.”

  “I’m not, but—” She tried to pull out of Deidre’s grasp and failed. The woman had a surprisingly firm yet gentle grip.

  “Let her be, Em. She’s a grown woman who’s made a public offer. Now she’ll have to pay any consequences that arise.”

  “Iris is naïve. She needs protecting.”

  “But not from you, Em.” Deidre pulled her into the house and then into the room Emily shared with Iris. She closed the door.

  Emily sensed a reprimand coming on. “I’ve done something wrong?”

  “No.” Deidre shook her light-brown head. “You have been a good friend to Iris. But she and I had a chance to talk, and
Iris mentioned that she’s felt as though she’s been living in your shadow for years. You’re the pretty one, the privileged one . . . the protected one. Here in Montana Iris hopes to find her place and her time to shine.”

  “By behaving like a hussy?” Her time to shine, indeed! Emily took umbrage at Iris’s remark. She and her family had done everything in their power to be Iris’s surrogate family.

  “She’s not behaving like a hussy.” Deidre folded her arms and gave Emily a soft grin. “She’s giving Rez a little incentive.” The grin became a smile. “You know he’ll win, right?”

  Emily rolled a shoulder. “How would I know that?”

  “Well, I guess there’s only one way to find out.” Deidre opened the door and motioned Emily to follow. But then she paused near where the dining table once stood. “Jake said you’re spoken for already, so I—”

  “Spoken for?”

  Deidre momentarily pressed her lips together. “Oh, dear . . . is it a secret?”

  “I guess so.” And one kept from Emily. She tipped her head, curious. “Did Jake say who’s done the speaking?”

  Deidre shook her head. “But I’m pretty sure I know. I mean, it’s obvious.”

  “Is it?” Emily feigned a laugh. “Of course it is.” She had no idea.

  “My brother never could hide his feelings, at least not from me.”

  Emily blinked.

  “Like I said yesterday. I haven’t seen Jake this happy in a long time.” She tugged on Emily’s wrist. “Come on. We’re missing the fun.”

  Me! How had she been so blind, such a dunce? Or perhaps she’d been afraid to hope that Jake would feel for her what she felt in her heart for him.

  Smiling to herself, Emily recalled their friendly banter as they rode toward Fallon. No wonder Jake had laughed so hard. And the way he’d held her so close to him while they stood on the butte. How he enjoyed watching her knit. Absolutely amusing!

  A hearty cheer drew Emily’s attention, and she walked onto the porch. With one arm around a support post, she looked for Jake and found him watching the sport a short distance away. He seemed to sense her presence. His gaze found her, and he grinned. She replied with a tiny wave. Jake’s love interest from Manitowoc. Really? Could it really be? Yesterday he said he considered settling down. But what about his job? Did he plan to live out his future here on this ranch? But he said ranching wasn’t his calling. Did he have other plans?