“I’m sorry I’m late. I had to ride into town on Riley because the team of horses was tired. I hope you don’t mind if we walk to the café.” He dismounted.
“No, not at all.” She looked up the walk and saw Miss S glaring at her. Emma’s heart sunk. How could she go with Harrison and leave Miss S?
“Harrison, do you mind if S goes with us. She’s rather lonely.”
He stared at her. “Well, I wasn’t exactly planning on taking more than you.”
“Please. I hate to leave her looking so unhappy.”
He sighed. “All right. If it means that much to you.”
Emma waved for Miss S to join them but saw that had been unnecessary as she was already on her way.
“Harrison, what a lovely surprise. I was just thinking of you, and there you are.”
“Would you join us for dinner at the café?”
Miss S blinked a couple of times. “Us?” She stared at Emma. “You and Emma?”
Harrison nodded. “Yes, I’d asked her earlier if she’d go with me.”
Straightening, Miss S shook her head. “No, I don’t think so. I was going to ask you if you wanted to go for a walk. But that would have been for us only.” She sniffled and turned away.
Harrison looked at Emma and shrugged. “Let’s go.”
Emma shook her head and followed Miss S. “Come with us. Really.”
Miss S turned and gave a slight smile. “Well, it is lonely to eat alone on Saturday night. You’re sure you don’t mind?”
“No, what are friends for.” Emma took Miss S by the elbow and walked her to Harrison.
He didn’t look at all happy. “Let me tie the horse.” He walked away and tied Riley to the nearest post. Finished, he went to Emma and took her arm and put it in his.
Miss S wasn’t to be undone and soon wrapped her arm around his other.
Emma glanced at him and smiled. He nodded and together, all three went to the café.
Chapter 13
Emma finished frying her chicken. She used her grandmother’s old recipe and knew it would be a hit. After letting it cool, she wrapped it and placed it in the decorated box she’d made. Along with coleslaw and potato salad, her lunch box would make any man proud, but she hoped Harrison would get hers.
She tied the blue bow on top and set it aside. All the women at Mora’s had made their favorite lunches. After church, she’d go to the picnic. She was especially happy because her foot was healed, and she could dance.
Dinner last night had been pleasant, if not awkward. Miss S made sure to talk the most as if she thought she could conquer Harrison by talking over her. By the look on Harrison’s face the entire night, Emma didn’t think he was pleased.
But she had a good time and was glad that Miss S had also. Emma had spent her share of lonely nights at home when everyone else was out enjoying the company of a young man. Although, truthfully, all the women at Mora’s were used to the lonely nights more times than not.
Sally Mae had been out with Howie and had not come home until late. So late, Mora waited up for her. Jenny had finished making her new skirt for the picnic. And today, Emma hoped that she could tell Harrison how she felt.
Miss S had better find another man. Because today, she was not invited to eat on her blanket. Just Harrison.
They walked to church, and it was crowded. Nothing like having a church social to bolster attendance. Yet, Preacher Morris didn’t seem to mind. He preached a good sermon about counting others worthy.
And then the service was over. The lunch boxes were brought to the table in the front of the church. Wives nudged their husbands that they had better choose the right box.
Emma looked for her box but didn’t see it. That was odd because she’d made sure to put it on the table. She saw one with a blue ribbon but not hers. Frowning, she was about to go up to the front and check when the preacher began auctioning off the lunches.
Then she saw her box. There was no ribbon on it. None. Frantic, she looked across the aisle at Harrison. She’d told him the one with the blue ribbon. Now, he’d choose the wrong one.
Emma glanced at Miss S. She was standing alongside the wall and making sure not to face her. That woman. After taking her out to dinner with Harrison, she had gone and switched ribbons. How dare she.
Mora was sitting next to Emma and patted her hand and smiled. But didn’t say anything.
Emma sat still, head up, and awaited another humiliating moment as the box with the blue ribbon was put up for auction. As she knew he would, Harrison outbid Tom for the lunch box.
Wanting to cry, Emma bolted from the room and was at the back of the church when she heard the preacher call out. “And the winner of this lovely boxed lunch is Harrison Gordon. Congratulations, you and Emma, enjoy your lunch.”
Emma whirled. How? That wasn’t the box she’d put her lunch in.
Mora walked past her. “I saw what Miss S did, and I couldn’t let her get away with it. Enjoy your time with Harrison.” She again patted Emma’s hand and walked to the side of the room where Miss S was glaring at her.
Harrison came over to her with the box. “You said the blue ribbon. I knew it had to be yours, and it smells wonderful. I’ve got the blanket, and I know the best place for our picnic.”
Emma put her arm in his and walked out of the church. She’d never been so happy. She would have to thank Mora and have a talk with Miss S. And today, she would declare that she was chasing after Harrison. No more leftovers for her.
They had a lovely time together, and there were no leftovers of her lunch either. Mora had even added some of her cobbler.
Harrison sat on his side of the blanket. “That was the best fried chicken I’ve ever had.”
“My grandmother’s recipe.”
“The one that gardened.” He smiled at her and handed her his plate.
“Yes, the very one. I was closer to her than my own mother. It was quite a blow when she passed on. I was fifteen.” Emma felt the cloud of sadness come over her. She hadn’t thought of that day in some time.
Harrison reached over and took her hand in his. “I’m here now. You’re not alone.”
Brightness swept the gloom away and Emma smiled. “Thank you. I want you to know that I’m interested in you.” After she said the words, she blushed. Mightily by the warmth in her cheeks, but she felt he needed to know her feelings toward him.
He stood and pulled her up with him. “How about a walk around the pond?”
She nodded.
He put his arm out for her to take. “And yes, I’m interested in you, too.” He patted her hand. “I’ve been talking with my friends, and we all realize we’re ready to settle down and marry. It’s just a matter of finding the right woman. I think you might be that woman for me.”
Emma felt as if she’d been struck by lightning. Afraid to look at him, she nodded. “Yes, my friends have felt the same way. Right away, I was drawn to you.”
A duck flew into the pond, making a splash.
Harrison pointed. “Watch, Papa and Mama Duck. Their babies are by those reeds.”
Emma looked, and the two ducks swam to meet one another, quacking and making noises. Then as she watched, ten little baby ducks followed their mother into the pond. “Oh, how cute.”
“Thought you’d like to see them.” He stopped walking and faced her. “I’d like to bring you out to the farm and show it to you. If you’re interested.”
“Oh, yes. I’d love to see your place. I’m sure it’s a fine farm. I saw the quality of your work on the garden at Mora’s, and also by the vegetables you bring in to sell at Daily’s.”
He looked proud, if not a little embarrassed. “I come from a line of farmers, and I love the work. All of it. Even though it’s hard, sunup to sundown, there’s not another thing I’d rather do.”
“I love gardening, but I’m not sure how much of a farmer’s wife I would be. Although I’m not afraid of hard work.”
Harrison took her hands in his. “I can te
ach you. I don’t expect the woman I marry to do all the work. What I want is a teammate. Like the way Peaches and Cream work together. A matched pair.” His words trailed off as he put his hands on her arms and rubbed them.
Emma couldn’t think. Her mind was awash with emotions that she’d held in all her life. Warmth followed by chills shot through her. Goodness, she must be in love with him. Her heart was beating at a rapid rate. Her palms were sweaty and her knees weak.
“Yoo hoo. Harrison, Emma.” Miss S walked up to them.
Hurriedly, Harrison dropped his hands to his side. But he didn’t say anything to the woman. Instead, he took Emma’s hand in his.
“I finished my lunch. The barber bought my box. He’s a nice enough man, but I told him I was going for a walk. I didn’t realize you had come here, too. We must think alike.” She laughed and walked alongside Harrison.
She pointed. “Look at the adorable baby ducks. They are the cutest things.”
Harrison squeezed Emma’s hand. “I think I could use a glass of lemonade.”
Emma nodded. “I’ll go with you.” She looked at Miss S. “You don’t mind, do you, S?”
Miss S shook her head, but her eyes turned sad. “No, I don’t mind.” She turned and walked away from them.
As Emma watched, she saw Tom throwing rocks along the surface of the pond. She hoped Miss S would talk to him. He looked lonely, too.
Finally, they were back to the church and the food tables. Harrison grabbed a couple of glasses and some cookies before they claimed a couple of chairs and sat. He handed Emma hers. “I hope I wasn’t too rude, but I wanted to be with you. I know you’re nice and want to make others happy, but there are times a man wants to be with one woman.”
Emma nibbled at her cookie. “I’m glad you did what you did. I’m sorry about last night. I just couldn’t make her be alone.”
“S is going to have to find her own way.” He caught a stray curl blowing across her face and tucked it behind her ear. “Just like we need to find our own. I like you, Emma. I want to see if we might be that matched pair.”
Emma nearly choked on her cookie. “Harrison, I can’t tell you how happy I am to hear you say those words. Take me to your farm. I’d love to see it.”
He glanced at the sun. “I rode Riley in today, and there’s not enough day left to show you everything and get you back in time. The road can get dangerous at night.” He held her hand. “How about if I come by tomorrow morning and take you back to the farm. We could spend most of the day.”
She nodded. “I’d love to more than anything.”
They sat and talked the rest of the afternoon. Miss S stayed away from them, and Emma thought Jenny had said that she’d seen her with Tom. They would make a good couple. Tom was the only man taller than Miss S.
After Harrison walked her to Mora’s, Emma could barely contain her excitement. Here she’d determined to chase him, and he’d practically chased her. Perhaps that was how it should be. After all, Miss S had done the most chasing, and she wasn’t having any luck at all with Harrison.
In her room, Emma looked out at the big full moon. Its silver light showered over the land and buildings. While watching out the window, she saw two people on the edge of the property. They kissed. And then walked away.
Emma wondered who the lovers were, but her mind quickly left them and focused on Harrison. She prayed that he was the one for her.
Chapter 14
Harrison made it home, but he couldn’t get to sleep. Was he ready to bring a wife to his farm? He’d been alone so long that he wondered how they would do together. Would he be able to eat Emma’s cooking?
Would she get up in time? He was up before the sun and asleep before nine at night. It might be hard for a city girl to get used to farm life. Never a real day off unless he hired someone to take over. Rain or sleet, snow or hot sun, a farmer’s life was never done. He laughed. The old saying had been passed down since his grandfather’s farm.
He tossed and turned and finally got up well before dawn and cleaned up the place. As he looked around, he could see the house needed a woman’s touch. He smiled and thought of Emma. She’d be the perfect one. The more he got to know her, the more he felt she was the ideal match for him.
He hitched up the horses to his wagon and drove into Dodge to pick up Emma. He wondered if she was an early riser. Miss S had told him she liked to sleep late. At Mora’s, he just pulled up to the post and saw Emma on the porch.
She waved and ran to him. “I wasn’t sure what time, but I know farmers get an early start. I snuck out before most of the others were awake.”
Harrison jumped down from the wagon and ran to the other side. “I was wondering if you got up early.”
“I always have. Maybe because my grandmother let me stay with her, and she was an early riser. Or it could be that I enjoy listening to the birds and watching the world wake up. The pretty sunrises. Anyway, I’ve been up for some time.”
He helped her in the wagon. “Would you like to stop at the café for breakfast?”
“I could make breakfast at your house. If that’s something you’d like.” She looked at him with hope in her blue eyes.
“Sounds perfect. Fresh farm eggs. I have a side of ham and bacon. Fresh bread. My mother taught me how to make bread the way she did. There is nothing like smelling fresh bread baking in the oven.”
Emma smiled at him. “You are an accomplished bachelor. Are you sure you need a wife?”
He laughed. “More sure each day.” He’d wanted to add night, but he didn’t want to embarrass her. “I looked around my house today and realized how much it needed a woman’s touch.”
Emma blushed and looked ahead. “Mornings smell so fresh. A new start. That’s what I need. My life has become stale.” She turned to him. “Do you understand what I mean?”
Harrison nodded. “More than I want to. I love the farm and farming, but there is no one to talk to. No one to share the joys and problems with. I get tired of talking to the animals. I hope you like dogs. I’ve got a hound that sleeps in the house.”
“I love animals. My parents, in the city, didn’t have much use for them, but my grandmother always had dogs and cats around. Barn cats mostly, but some of them were tame and would sit with us. The dogs were like friendly clowns that loved to play.” She smiled and leaned against the seatback.
He saw she was relaxed and happy. He liked that and was glad she wasn’t nervous. As much as Miss S said she liked him, she never relaxed around him. A few minutes later, he pulled into the drive to his farm.
“Oh, it’s beautiful. Did you just paint the house?”
“Yes, I’m surprised you noticed. I used real paint, too. It makes the wood last so much longer.”
She leaned forward, excitement shining on her face, and pointed out different things. “What crop do you plant?”
“Wheat for the most part, but I also have vegetables near the house. You’ll see.” he stopped the horse and ran around to help her down.
She took his hand, and together they walked to the house.
“I plan to build onto it. I’ve got the money saved but thought the woman I marry might want a say.” He opened the door for her. “Most of the furniture is from my parents. That too, I thought my wife would want to pick out.”
Emma ran her hand over a table. “It’s beautiful. Sometimes, I like the older things better than the new. They have such character and design. And look at this lamp.” She ran her finger over the top. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen one this color or style. It’s beautiful.”
“That was my grandmother’s. Her husband was a whaler out of Boston. He had stories to tell. He even said he knew Herman Melville. My brothers and I used to sit for hours as he would tell stories of his exploits.”
Smiling, Emma watched him. “I bet they were wonderful stories.”
“My father’s family have farmed forever. His parents came over from Norway when he was a little boy. But they always had their hands in
the earth. I take after them. And I hope my sons will too.”
“And daughters. Don’t forget that we have lives, too.”
He laughed. “Yes, that’s true. My mother loved farming. Growing things.” He looked at Emma and wanted to marry her right now. “Let me show you the rest of the house.” He led her from room to room and stopped in the kitchen.
“I can make you breakfast.” He took down the frying pan and set it on the stove.
Emma took the spatula from him. “I don’t think so. It’s my turn to show you something. Go on outside, and I’ll call you when it’s ready.”
He pointed to the cupboard and pantry. “You’ll find—”
“I’ll find everything. You go. I bet you have some things to do.” She grinned and cut a slice of bacon. “Go.”
Harrison left her in his kitchen and had never felt so at ease. He did a few chores and had just put up the horse when she called.
Inside, he smelled the bacon, coffee, and biscuits.
Emma pointed to a chair. “Let me serve you. I had such fun cooking in your kitchen.”
The breakfast was wonderful. Better than his. Or maybe it was the company. One thing he knew was that Emma belonged in his house. With him.
***
Emma felt as if she’d fallen into another world. Harrison was a wonderful man, and she felt as if they belonged to one another. One thing Emma knew, Miss S better not get near him. His farm was just what she’d pictured.
He even had flowers in front of the house. The barn, the animals, all of it were just as she had dreamed about. But that wasn’t the best thing. Looking at Harrison. His dark blue eyes. The kindness in his face and the gentle way of talking he had about him. There wasn’t a thing she would change.
She prayed he felt the same way. And if his smiles and the happiness on his face counted for anything, she thought he did. After an enjoyable day of taking care of the chickens, the milk cow, and playing with Hardy, the hound dog, it was time to go.
He hitched up the team, and soon they were on their way back to town. They were quiet, mesmerized by the setting sun and the display of colors it painted on the low-setting clouds.
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