Road to Harmony

by Sherry Kyle

  Lars’s forehead crinkled. He tucked his hands in the pockets of his apron. “See you Sunday?”

  “Yes, Sunday.” Since their engagement and subsequent announcement, Lars attended church with her family and followed it with a meal at their home.

  Elena scooted past the other customers and slipped through the doorway. She narrowed her eyes from the glaring sun. Across the street, Yvette was talking to a man. Her heart lurched.

  Jonas was in town.

  Elena hurried toward the boardinghouse. She had been civil to Jonas the day she announced her engagement to Lars, but she hadn’t seen him since and couldn’t bring herself to join him and Yvette across the street. She couldn’t. Her heart beat rapidly. It was clear he and Yvette would soon marry. What a twist of fate—a farm girl and a woman from town trading places. Elena let out a sarcastic laugh at the irony. The two of them couldn’t be more different.

  She approached the white building. The red door to the boardinghouse invited her inside. A cup of tea sounded heavenly. When she stepped inside, a baby’s cries echoed through the foyer.

  “I’d hoped you were Yvette.” Gabi bounced Willie on her hip. “He’s only content with his ma. Poor Sabrina has been beside herself trying to quiet him.”

  “I ran into Yvette at the general store. She planned on stopping by the seamstress.” Elena took the young child from Gabi. “Then I saw her speaking with Jonas.”

  “He’s in town again?” Gabi scratched her head. “I swear he’s been in Cayucos more than Harmony.”

  “It must have been difficult for him to let you, Sabrina, and your ma come here.” Elena shifted from one foot to the other. Willie’s cries turned to whimpers. He found his thumb.

  “I miss the farm.” Gabi looked away.

  Elena suspected Jonas’s sister missed a certain young man more than the chores of a dairy farm. “Has Peder come to see you?”

  Gabi shook her head. “I don’t understand. He told me he loved me and I thought he wanted us to marry, but I was wrong.”

  “Better to find out now.” Elena laid Willie’s head on her shoulder. “You’re young. The right man will come your way.”

  Gabi straightened the brochures on the front desk. “Sorry you haven’t received a proper welcome. Would you like to sit a spell and have something to drink?”

  “That would be lovely.”

  “Do you mind holding Willie a while longer while I prepare your tea?”

  “I don’t mind in the least. He’s a sweet little fellow.” Elena followed Gabi into the sitting room.

  “Enjoy the fire. I’ll be right back.” Gabi headed toward the kitchen.

  Elena sat in a tall wingback with classic scrolling arms and a mahogany frame. The large chair dwarfed her small body, her head not quite reaching the top. The low-hanging chandelier and the vibrant tapestry rug added elegance to the room. The fire crackled as she sank deeper into the cushion with Willie securely in her arms.

  Voices sounded behind her.

  “I don’t know where she could have gone.”

  “You and Elena agreed to meet outside the general store?”

  Elena ducked further down in the chair, not wanting to face Yvette and Jonas. She continued to rock Willie. Please, stay quiet.

  “We had such a nice conversation. I hoped to continue it over tea this afternoon.” Yvette giggled. “There’s something about Elena that draws me. Maybe it’s her simple way of looking at life.”

  “Elena? Simple? I don’t agree. She’s quite complicated once you get to know her. Feisty even.” Jonas’s voice soothed and irritated her at the same time.

  Elena continued to crouch in the chair.

  “Did you know when I first returned, she pointed a shotgun at my head?”

  “Why?”

  “Defending her pa’s property. They’ve been having trouble with cow thieves.”

  “I don’t know the first thing about shotguns or milking cows.”

  “Elena could teach you how to run a dairy farm.”

  “Now, why would I need to learn about farming?” Yvette’s voice sounded coy.

  Elena rolled her eyes.

  Jonas ignored Yvette’s question. The sound of his boots on the wood floor drew closer.

  A minute later, Elena felt the weight of Jonas’s arms resting on the back of the chair. Did he know she was here all along? Willie chose that moment to squeal. She glanced over her shoulder.

  Jonas smirked. “Well, look who’s here.”

  Elena stood and handed the baby to his mama. “I’m glad you came. A few minutes ago Willie was fussing something fierce.”

  Jonas grinned. Elena’s eyes were as wide as saucers at being found. The look she gave him reminded him of when they were children playing hide and seek. She had never known that he’d watch her hide instead of shielding his eyes. He always found her in a matter of minutes. The games children play.

  Were they playing one now?

  He chuckled. “You were never good at hiding, Elena.”

  “Who says I was hiding? I merely came for a cup of tea.” She crossed her arms and tilted her chin.

  “Well, there you are. I must have misunderstood. Thank you for holding Willie.” Yvette kissed the baby’s cheek. “Seems I can’t leave him for a moment.” Her nose wrinkled. “Excuse me while I change him.”

  Gabi walked in holding a tray with two porcelain cups, sugar, and cream. “Jonas, what brings you to town?” She set the tray on the Beechwood side table.

  “Needed supplies.” Truth was, he missed his family. The house was lonely. Nicolas was good company, but nothing like being with blood relatives.

  “But you came for supplies the other day.” Gabi challenged. “Are you checking up on us?” She passed a look to Elena.

  “You got me there. Looking out for my girls.” Jonas sat on a wingback chair that mirrored the one Elena was sitting on.

  “Why don’t you have tea with Elena while I man the front desk? We’re expecting new customers—that’s if Willie can keep quiet.” Gabi poured the hot water, then handed Jonas and Elena each a cup. “The steamer came today and the customers have been trickling in. Some stop by the saloon first.”

  Jonas glanced down at the cup in his hand. Personally, he’d never enjoyed the taste of tea.

  Gabi left the room, and he was alone with Elena. “Surely you came to Cayucos for more than a cup of tea,” Jonas interjected. She sat pin straight, loaded her tea with five sugar cubes, and doused it with a hefty amount of cream. Red splotches appeared on her cheeks and she let out a nervous sigh.

  Was she uncomfortable in his presence?

  Elena took a sip and peered at him over the rim of her porcelain cup. My, she had beautiful blue eyes.

  “I brought Samuel to help Lars with the store. A new shipment arrived today.”

  “I came on the right day then.” Jonas downed his black tea. “I need to load up on flour and coffee.” There was a long pause while he wracked his brain to think of something else to say.

  “Samuel should be here any minute. He brings Sabrina lemon drops whenever he’s working at the store.” She set her cup on the saucer. “He misses her.” She sounded wistful. “But it won’t be long until Samuel and I live here in Cayucos.”

  Yvette waltzed into the room and positioned herself next to Jonas, her hand possessively resting on the back of his chair. “Why don’t the two of you stay for dinner? We’d love to have you.”

  Yvette had made the same offer each time Jonas came into town. He appreciated the time he was able to spend with his family, plus the meal was better than anything he could whip up. And now, Elena was invited too.

  “Thank you.” Jonas directed his words at Yvette. Something was different about her. He couldn’t put his finger on it.

  Elena stood and glanced at the doorway. “I’m sorry. I won’t be able to stay. My mother expects Samuel and me home for dinner.” She glanced toward the door. “I don’t know what’s taking him so long ...”

  Yvett
e ran her hand over the skirt of her purple dress.

  That’s what was different—Yvette had changed.

  “Something is holding him up. He might need my help.” Elena took a few steps backward toward the door. “Nice to see you both.” She turned and raced out of the building.

  Why would she leave in such a hurry? He fixed his eyes on the doorway, half expecting her to come back and apologize for her hasty exit.

  Yvette cooed in his ear. “I hope you are fond of chicken and dumplings.”

  Elena held the reins and gave a flick of her wrists, sending the horses into a canter.

  “I don’t understand why you wouldn’t let me see Sabrina.” Samuel clutched the bag of lemon drops in his hand as they headed home on Pa’s wagon. “You asked me to meet you at the boardinghouse.”

  “Plans change sometimes.”

  “Why didn’t you pick fabric for your wedding dress? Lars said you could choose any material you wanted. I heard him.” Samuel’s sat ramrod-straight, obviously upset.

  How could she explain to her brother what it was like to be a woman of little means? The wealthy, like Lars, had everything at their disposal while those who struggled for every morsel had to fight for what they wanted. “I couldn’t decide.” That was the half-truth. She did have her eye on the satin. But something stopped her. Was she worthy to be married in such fine fabric?

  “You need to make up your mind.” Samuel popped a lemon drop into his mouth. “After you left, Lars said you had changed. Says you’ve been distant.” Samuel slunk in the seat beside her.

  As they descended into Harmony Valley, Elena’s shoulders sagged along with the road. She had disappointed both Samuel and Lars today. And it didn’t feel good.

  And how was she going to explain the lack of material for her wedding dress to Mama?

  Chapter Fourteen

  Jonas wiped his mouth on a napkin and set it on his plate. Heat radiated up his neck and settled at his hairline when he caught a glimpse of Yvette smiling his direction.

  Ever since he’d asked her if she’d marry again, she’d become forthright in her actions. She wanted a husband—and a father for her son. Was the attention a ploy? She’d seen his family’s farm and was well aware that he didn’t have much money. Would he be able to make her happy? Would he be happy? It didn’t matter. He made a promise to his pa and he was determined to get to the bottom of it.

  “Anyone want seconds on carrot cake?” Cooking brightened his ma’s spirits. The color was starting to come back in her cheeks.

  Jonas hooked his hands behind his neck and stretched back in his chair. “No thank you, but I’ll have another cup of coffee.”

  “Grandfather might, but once again he’s eating alone in his room” Yvette sighed.

  Gabrielle shifted in her seat. Her mouth formed a straight line.

  “Something on your mind, Gabi?” Jonas continued to tiptoe around his sister. The disapproving look she gave him the night he returned home was permanently etched in his mind.

  “I’ve been here two weeks, and I miss my friends.” Gabi’s shoulders slumped. “Can I go home with you? I won’t give you any trouble, and I’ll help with chores.”

  “Let me think on that,” Jonas answered as his mother poured him a second cup of coffee.

  “Who will mind the front desk? You do such a wonderful job.” Yvette joined the conversation.

  “I will.” Sabrina piped in.

  Yvette’s eyes softened. “But you’re a child.”

  “Sabrina is a great help and can watch Willie for you while you look after the customers.” Gabi’s eyes darted from Yvette to Jonas.

  Jonas’s heart melted. Gabi had not only lost her pa, but her home and friends too. And yet, he wanted to be true to the promise he made to Yvette. He cleared his throat and directed his words at his sister. “If you come home, I’d bring you back to the boardinghouse in three or four days.” Jonas brought the cup to his mouth and took a sip. “We’ve made an arrangement, and I want Yvette to know we’re a family who keeps our word.”

  “Jonas, may I please speak with you outside?” Yvette’s tone sounded pinched. She was up and out of her chair before he set down his cup.

  He got to his feet, rested a hand on Gabi’s shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze before following Yvette from the dining hall through the kitchen and out the back door.

  Audible sighs escaped her mouth.

  “Yvette, please tell me what’s going on.”

  “I can’t take it anymore, Jonas.” Yvette turned to face him. “My grandfather is getting old, I have no husband to help, and my son wants to be held all the time. And now, after only two weeks, your sister is ready to return home.” Her eyes glistened. “I’m afraid I’ll be on the next steamer if ...”

  Jonas stepped forward and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. She laid her head against his chest and let the tears flow. He understood her grief—he was going through a tough time himself with the loss of his pa. She also had the responsibility of helping her grandfather run the Burkhart Boardinghouse.

  Jonas looked into her eyes. “Is it time for Nicholas to return?”

  “No!” She cut off his words. “He’s better off working for you. I know it’s difficult to understand, but in order for Nicholas to make good choices he needs to have miles between him and the saloon—at least until he comes to terms with my husband’s death. That day changed all our lives.”

  Jonas understood. The day his pa passed into glory affected his entire family as well.

  After a minute, Yvette moved away from him. She dabbed at her eyes and put on a brave face. “I’m sorry. I am being selfish. Gabi can go home.”

  Jonas smiled. “Like I said, I’ll bring her back in a few days.”

  “Between Gabi, Sabrina, and your ma the three run this place with ease so that I can tend to Willie. It’s been such a welcome relief.”

  “I’m glad they’ve been a help to you.” Jonas nodded.

  “And I’m thankful you’ve given Nicolas a fresh start. He has a hard time trusting and tends to think the worst of people. He needs a man like you in his life, someone to show him commitment and responsibility. Maybe then he’ll be ready to return to the boardinghouse and be the brother and grandson my family deserves.”

  “This arrangement has worked well for everyone. Ma’s content, Sabrina too. And once Gabi is home to the hard work of a dairy farm, I’m sure she’ll be happy to return.”

  “When you bring Gabi back, will you stay for dinner?” Her deep brown eyes begged.

  “With my mother as the boardinghouse cook, I wouldn’t miss the opportunity.”

  A small grin danced across Yvette’s lips. “I hope she’s not the only one you’d miss.” She sauntered passed him, opened the screen door, and walked back into the house.

  Jonas stared at the empty space where Yvette had stood. Was God making it obvious that she was the right choice for him?

  With Elena spoken for, maybe it was time he proposed.

  He’d have a good long talk with his heavenly Father tonight. For now, he was going to make his sister a happy woman. At least for a few days.

  Jonas made a fire in the fireplace while Gabi unpacked her bag. She had talked nonstop on the way home, asking if her friend Dana could spend the following day with her.

  “After you finish your chores.” He’d nudged her arm.

  “Isn’t that what Nicolas is for?” she’d teased back.

  He hadn’t spent much time thinking about his hired hand and how it would affect Nicolas to have his sister home. It might be awkward. On the nights he was in Harmony, they would cook dinner together before Nicolas retreated to the barn. Jonas had taken a liking to Yvette’s brother and hoped he’d stick around. There were enough dairy cows to keep a man busy from dawn ‘til dusk. With two men doing the work, they’d finish in half the time.

  Jonas picked up his pa’s pipe. Why didn’t his mother take it with her to Cayucos? She loved the smell of cherry tobacco, as did he. J
onas held the mouthpiece and brought the bowl to his nose. A slight scent of tobacco lingered. His eyes misted. He didn’t have an urge to smoke, but he’d consider lighting the pipe to get the smell of his pa back.

  A knock on the door brought him to his feet. Nicolas must have seen Gabi climb down from the wagon and enter the house.

  Jonas crossed the room and opened the door.

  At first, he didn’t recognize the small man standing on the porch. His hat hung low on his head and his coat was buttoned clear up to his neck. The man’s hands were deep in his pockets.

  “Is Gabi here?”

  Peder Cavegn. How had the man known his sister was home? Was it planned?

  “She is.” Jonas lifted his chin.

  “May I see her?”

  It might be good to allow Peder a chance to talk with Gabi. He’d see one way or another his sister’s feelings toward him.

  “Come in.” Jonas motioned him inside.

  His mother would have offered the man a cup of tea or coffee. She’d at least take Peder’s coat. Jonas did neither. No sense giving the young man the impression he was staying long.

  Gabi entered the room. A slight blush colored her cheeks. She bit her lower lip. “Peder, it’s nice to see you. Would you enjoy a cup of cider? It’ll take me only a moment.” She took a step toward the kitchen. Apparently his mother’s gift of hospitality had rubbed off on one of the Bollinger children.

  Peder grabbed her hand, preventing her from taking another step. “My pa’s expecting me back any minute, but I need to tell you something.” He glanced at Jonas and released Gabi’s hand.

  Good. At least the man had proper etiquette. Jonas chuckled. These next few days would be long and arduous if he had to constantly keep an eye on Gabi. He had a dairy farm to run. No time for such nonsense.

  Gabi batted her eyes. “Jonas, can you give us a few minutes? Alone?”

  He cleared his throat. “I’ll be in the kitchen.”

  Once in the other room, he pressed his ear to the wall. There would be no impropriety going on in his house. The sound of muffled voices filtered through, but not clear enough to make out words. Frustrated, he tried several different positions without success.