by Sherry Kyle
How he’d missed his family. Would they allow him back home? Jonas sagged against the side of the house.
The music stopped, and the door whipped open.
“Am I seeing things or is my son standing in front of me?” Ma grabbed Jonas’s face, kissing him on both cheeks. She pulled him by the arm into the house.
“Jonas is back, he’s back! Look, Gabi, Jonas is home.” Sabrina wrapped her arms around his waist. “Eww, you stink.” She stepped away, plugging her nose.
Gabriella, three years his junior, stared at him, her feet glued to the floor. Fresh tears trickled down her cheeks. She swiped them away, and folded her arms tight across her chest. “I don’t see what all the fuss is about. It’s about time he showed up.”
“Gabi! Come, child, and greet your brother.” Pa motioned to Gabriella, then approached Jonas and rested his hands on his shoulders. His father had lost weight and dark circles framed his eyes. “Brigitte, my dear, put on the coffee and bring out the dessert. We have much to celebrate. Our son has returned.”
Jonas didn’t deserve such treatment, but he accepted it just the same. His family’s reaction to his homecoming was more than he hoped or dreamed. An overwhelming urge to beg for forgiveness came over him. But the words wouldn’t come.
He ate the last bites of his mother’s peach pie, glancing every so often at Gabriella. An ache that had nothing to do with his mother’s prize-winning dessert filled his gut. By being away all this time, he had triggered his sister’s troublesome looks and his father’s pale appearance.
“Jonas, tell us stories of where you’ve been.” Sabrina propped both elbows on the pine table, her chin resting in her hands.
In some ways, he was like the prodigal son returning after a season of wild living. He’d definitely had his share. Jonas shifted on the wooden chair. “It doesn’t matter. I’m home now.”
“Personally, I don’t care where Jonas has been. By the looks of him, he hasn’t had a bath or eaten a decent meal in a long time.” Gabi stood from her seat and stacked the dishes.
Jonas released nervous laughter. “You’re right about that.”
“Come girls, help me wash up.” Ma waved his sisters into the kitchen. “Pa wants to talk with Jonas.”
Pa lit his pipe and sat in the rocking chair by the fire. A minute later, the aroma of cherry tobacco filled the room.
Jonas closed his eyes and inhaled. The scent reminded him of home. He scooted his wooden chair closer to the fire. Time ticked by with neither of them saying a word. He stretched out his legs in front of him and folded his hands in his lap in an attempt to relax. His pa’s frail appearance frightened him. Jonas’s throat tightened. He had wasted precious time that he could’ve spent working alongside his father.
Pa’s voice broke the silence. “Why did you come back, Jonas? Don’t get me wrong son, I’m happy you’ve returned. But I know dairy farming isn’t to your liking. You made that clear when you walked off.” His voice held no contempt.
Should he tell his pa that his mother not only knew where he’d been, but also helped him plan his departure? No, he couldn’t. Betraying his mother now could make his father’s health grow worse. The less he said the better. “I missed my family.” Jonas glanced at the floor, then back at his father. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine. A lingering cough is all.” He stood up and placed his pipe on the small dish on the fireplace mantel. The bones in his arm showed starkly beneath his skin, and a few more lines etched his face.
“Have you been to see Doc Christen?”
Pa waved him off. “Enough about me. How long you plan to stay?”
“I’m not leaving Harmony. Ever. I’m here to help you with the dairy farm. And I hope you’ll reconsider letting me take over one day.”
Pa let out a hearty laugh.
Jonas folded his arms tight across his chest. “I don’t see what’s funny—”
“At this point, you have much to prove.” Pa cleared his throat and coughed. And coughed again. Soon, he was doubled over in a coughing fit he couldn’t control.
Jonas grabbed his father’s half-filled cup of cold coffee from the table. “Drink.” He hadn’t meant for it to sound like an order.
His father grabbed the cup in both hands and gulped the liquid. He took a deep breath and set the cup on the table. “Thank you.”
“Admit it, Pa, you need my help.”
“Son, you can take over the dairy farm after my passing if you promise me one thing.”
“Anything.” Jonas helped his father sit in the rocker.
“Marry Yvette Burkhart.”
“Yvette ...?” Jonas swayed back on his heels. Why in the world would his pa make such an odd request? Yvette had fancied Jonas years ago, but then Adrian came to town and swept her off her feet, promising her a life of luxury. “But Pa, Yvette is already married.”
“Her husband is dead.”
Elena situated herself in the carved wooden chair and spread the snowy white linen napkin across her lap. Cass Dinner House was the most popular establishment in the nearby town of Cayucos. People filled the fine oak chairs and sat at tables with dimly lit candles and small vases with delicate flowers. Like any other evening, couples flocked to the restaurant for an intimate evening out. Elena should be thrilled to be in such a beautiful place, but instead her heart ached and butterflies flitted in her stomach.
The host, dressed in black trousers and a white shirt, filled their glasses with water. “Your waiter should be along shortly.”
Once the man was out of earshot, Lars leaned in. “Is something the matter? You were quiet on the ride. No more stolen cows, I hope.”
“No. The farm is fine. Before you came to pick me up I thought I heard a thief in our yard, but I was mistaken.”
Would Jonas steal her heart again? Elena shivered. She fingered the fork in front of her, unable to maintain eye contact. Surely, Lars could see clear to her soul.
Reaching across the table, Lars placed his hand on top of hers. His nails were clean and well groomed, different from a dairy farmer’s work-worn hands. “It’s obvious you’re still upset.”
“Thank you for your concern, but I’ll be all right.”
Lars patted her hand and took hold of his menu. “I plan on making tonight extra special. Order anything you’d like.”
She never thought Lars particularly attractive, but his generous spirit and kind heart had won her over in the last few months. And she must not forget how he befriended Samuel.
Once again Jonas’s handsome face came to mind. Her cheeks heated. Even the memory of him sent her pulse racing. Would Lars ever make her feel that way? She glanced up at him before picking up her menu. One thing was certain. There would be more of a chance of love between the two of them if Jonas had never returned.
A waiter approached their table.
Lars peered at her over the top of his menu. “Have you decided, Elena?”
She had yet to peruse the menu. And frankly, she didn’t have much of an appetite. “I’ll have whatever you’re having this evening.”
“Splendid.” Lars smiled and turned toward the waiter. “Two plates of Beef Wellington.”
The waiter wrote down their order, and strode toward the kitchen.
After a few moments of quiet, Lars inched forward. “My dear, I can’t wait another minute.” He clutched the sides of the small square table like a preacher giving a sermon.
Elena’s stomach lurched. Was he going to propose?
“I received a shipment today.”
“A shipment?”
“Yes. Along with the usual merchandise, I received a telephone system.” He clapped his hands together. “And not one, Elena dear, but two.”
“Two?” Why was she repeating him?
“One for the house, and one for the store.”
Imagine, being able to talk to someone through a wire. She’d never dreamed of such a luxury. Her life would change dramatically if she married the prominent storeke
eper.
Lars’s home was a grand estate. The two-story Victorian, painted the color of coffee with a dollop of cream, had butter yellow pillars and window frames contrasting the salmon pink trim. A white picket fence surrounded the property. Any woman would be proud to call it home.
“That’s wonderful.” Elena took a sip of her water. She laid a hand on her chest and felt for the locket. The time would come when she’d need to remove the beautiful piece.
The waiter arrived with their meals and placed them on the table. The beefy aroma tickled Elena’s nose and enticed her senses. In addition to the meat wrapped in a pastry shell, roasted potatoes, green beans, carrots and sprouts decorated each of their plates.
By the way Lars licked his lips and hummed a tune between forkfuls, Elena could tell he relished every bite. She, on the other hand, cut her meat in small pieces, pushed the food around her plate, and glanced every so often at the door. Her nerves were wound like a ball of yarn. She couldn’t wait for this night to be over.
Once Lars paid the bill, he took her arm in his as they exited the restaurant. “Care for a stroll?”
“A short walk might be nice.” Elena’s heart beat an unsteady rhythm. Was Lars going to propose in front of others as they sauntered down the street? Would he kiss her for the first time? Before today, she would have enjoyed a leisurely stroll. But now his touch made her uneasy.
Soon, they walked an entire block.
A young man rushed up to them. “Are you Lars Rissler? The owner of Cayucos General Store?”
Lars nodded. “Yes, I am. What can I do for you?”
The man situated his cap on his head. “You better come quick. Someone tossed a rock through the store’s front window.”
Lars stiffened. He eyed the man suspiciously. “Did you see this happen?”
“Yes. My brother and I were across the street minding our own business when a man rode up on his horse and threw the rock.”
“Did you recognize him?”
“No. Looked like a drifter. He took off after I yelled. My brother is watching the store now.”
Lars’s eyes darted from the young man to Elena and back again. Though disconcerting, the incident came almost as a relief. Guilt pricked at her for the thought.
“You go. I’ll catch up.” She would enjoy the few minutes alone.
“Thank you, my dear.” Lars hurried down the street after the young man.
Elena shivered in the cool night air and wrapped her shawl tighter around her shoulders. Before seeing Jonas she was resolved to marry Lars, but now her heart felt restless and full of discord.
Lord, I need harmony in my life. And soon.
Chapter Three
A knock on the door brought Jonas to his feet. So much for getting any rest, not that he had been sleeping. Instead he’d lain awake contemplating his pa’s proposition. Could he marry Yvette Burkhart to stake his claim on the dairy farm? The idea was ludicrous. Before Jonas had a chance to get more information behind the request, his pa had another coughing fit and Ma sent him to bed. Said they’d talk in the morning.
Jonas pulled up his trousers and buttoned his shirt. He met his sisters in the front room. “Go back to bed, you two. I’ll answer the door.”
Gabriella came up beside him, concern etched on her face. “You don’t want us to stay—till you see who’s here?”
“I’ll handle this.” Jonas tapped Sabrina on the chin. “Young women shouldn’t be seen in nightclothes. Go on.”
Gabriella opened her mouth, but no words came. She guided Sabrina back to their room.
The knock sounded again.
Jonas stepped toward the door. His heart pounded as he reached for the knob. Who would come at this hour? His mind drifted back to earlier in the evening. Something was definitely wrong in the valley if Elena felt the need to carry a shotgun and defend her property.
“Who is it?” Jonas called through the door.
“Tobias Seifert.”
What was Elena’s father doing here? Jonas swung the door wide.
Tobias shook his hand. “Jonas, it is you. Welcome home.”
“What can I do for you, neighbor?” A smile tugged at Jonas’s mouth. “Now, I know you didn’t come at this late hour to greet me.”
“You’re right.” Lines creased Tobias’s forehead, and his shoulders sagged. “I’m worried about Elena. She hasn’t come home from her dinner with Lars. It’s been hours. Her mother invited them for pie—”
“Elena is missing?” Why had the shopkeeper kept her out so late? Possible reasons flitted through his mind, and Jonas’s jaw clenched.
Tobias continued, “I would go to Cayucos myself, but I’ve been having trouble with cattle rustlers. They’ve been stealing cows right out from under my nose, either while the cows are grazing or after I’ve put them in the barn for the night.”
“Sorry to hear that,” Jonas said. “If I can use your horse and wagon, I’d be happy to fetch her for you. Don’t think on it another minute.”
Tobias heaved a sigh. “Thank you.”
Jonas slid his feet inside his boots and shrugged into his coat.
“Lars is a respectable man. He’s never kept Elena waiting, and he brings her home in a timely manner. But tonight is different. That’s why I’m worried.”
Jonas pressed his lips together. Better not give his opinion. Gentleman or not, it didn’t bode well for Lars to keep Elena out into the late-night hours. Didn’t the shopkeeper understand the life of a dairy farmer? They woke early to tend to the livestock. Elena’s pa wasn’t getting much sleep, judging by the fatigue surrounding his eyes.
After letting his sisters know of his plans, Jonas shut the door behind him and followed Tobias to his horse and wagon.
“I put a blanket in the back to keep you warm. Shouldn’t take you more than an hour and a half to go both ways. As long as nothing’s wrong.” Worry clenched Tobias’s face, but he clapped Jonas on the back. “Your parents must be mighty glad you’ve come home, especially with your pa being sick and all.”
Jonas mulled over the words as he climbed up into the wagon. Did everyone in the whole valley know his father was ill? Pa usually kept to himself. Just as quickly Jonas remembered how the news had spread when he cut his leg with his pa’s ax when he was a boy. Nothing had changed.
He took hold of the reins. “Would you like a ride back to your farm?”
“No, you go on ahead.” Tobias motioned him forward. “No need to waste precious time.” He took a step back, allowing the horse to plod forward.
“I’ll bring her back.” Jonas flicked the reins and clucked his tongue.
He’d been home a short time and here he was riding back to the one town that had led him away from his family.
The shipping port at Cayucos was known for transporting cattle, cheese, hides, beef, and fresh water, as well as passengers on the steamer ships which floated up and down the coast to San Francisco and back. But this time, Jonas headed to Cayucos with a totally different goal. Not to run away from dairy farming, but to return to Harmony Valley with the only girl he’d ever loved.
Elena swept the broken glass into a neat pile. The two young men who witnessed the incident gave a description that could have fit any man riding down the street. Elena smiled at Lars’s calm demeanor and the down-to-earth way he talked with Sheriff Donders.
A few townsfolk held a large piece of board over the gaping hole in the front of the general store while Lars nailed it in place. She bent down and scooped up the sharp remnants in the dustpan and tossed them into a crate.
“Thank you.” Lars shook hands with the three men who came to help. “It could’ve been worse. God protected my merchandise—and me. If I’d been working, I could’ve been hit by the rock or the shards of glass.”
The words impressed her. Lars was a good man. Someone who helped his community become a better place. He was a hard worker and a successful shopkeeper supplying the town with necessary supplies and modern conveniences. Any woman would
be proud to call him her own—her most of all, a poor man’s daughter. Marriage to him was the best thing that could happen, for many reasons.
After the men left, Lars shut the door behind them and turned to face Elena. “I’m sorry, my dear. This night hasn’t turned out the way I’d planned.”
“The night isn’t over.” Elena approached him. She leaned the broom against the wall and took his hand, a bold move to be certain. But after all, Lars was to be her intended before the night was over, and a show of affection might bolster her decision and encourage him to ask for her hand.
Lars glanced out the remaining store window and cleared his throat. “We mustn’t do anything to give the townsfolk a reason to talk.” He released her hand and placed his Homburg hat on his head.
So much for romance. She bit back a sigh. What did she expect? A kiss from the man who soon would be her husband? Instinctively, Elena touched her hair and straightened a comb, tucking in the wispy strands.
He checked his pocket watch before placing it back into his vest pocket. “Look at the time. I’ll need to explain your delayed return to your father.” He brought his palm to his forehead. “And your mother made a dessert for tonight. I seem to have ruined the evening.”
In a way, she felt sorry for him. Lars was astute and in control with business matters, but when it came to women he missed opportunities right and left. Certainly, he had tonight. He could have proposed any number of times—even now—but still not a word about spending their lives together. No wonder the man was still single at the age of thirty-two.
Lars interrupted her musings. “If only there was a way to inform your parents of the situation, you could stay the night with Yvette Burkhart at her grandfather’s boardinghouse.”
A pang twisted inside her belly. The distance between Cayucos and Harmony Valley seemed daunting. And yet, if she married Lars, she would live here permanently. Could she see herself living in a town thirteen miles away from her family?
With brows furrowed, Lars paced back and forth between a table piled with fabrics and barrels of flour. “After what’s happened, I shouldn’t leave Cayucos.” He rubbed his chin with his thumb and index finger. Glancing her way, his facial features softened. “No need to fret, my dear. I’ll get you home safely one way or another.”