Country Wishes

by RaeAnne Hadley

  “I’ll help Abigail down, Mike. Take care of both horses. Ma and Pa are right behind me and they’ll need you to take care of Bolt.”

  Mike nodded at Max before smiling at me. “Nice to meet you, Miss Abigail. I hope we have the opportunity to speak soon.”

  I smiled sweetly at the young man. “I’ll look forward to it, Mr. Dunstan. Thank you for taking care of my horse. Her name is Joy.”

  “I’ll take real good care of her.” Mike gathered Phantom’s reins and led him away.

  I turned and glared at Max. “You really don’t understand the notion that I want to be left alone, do you?”

  “I was protecting you. Mike’s a good man, a hard worker but he has a reputation for liking the ladies.”

  I scooted to the opposite side of the seat from where Max stood and jumped to the ground. With the buckboard between us, Max began rounding the horse to join me. I held up my hand.

  “Don’t move. Get it through your thick skull, I don’t need your protection and if I want it, I will ask. If I choose to visit with Mike, it’s my choice just as keeping company with Mildred is yours.”

  I didn’t miss the flicker of hurt in his eyes, sighed deeply and my tone softened.

  “Max, I don’t want to argue with you, I value your friendship. I need you to allow me to take care of things which affect me in my own way.”

  “I’m only trying to protect you because I care.”

  “I give you my word, if I need help or protection, you will be the first person I come to. Until then, please trust me to look after myself.”

  Max strode around the horse and stood before me, placing his hands on my shoulders. The warmth of his palms, the simple touch, had my knees weakening and belly quivering. He gazed down into my eyes.

  “Are you still mad with me?”

  I shook my head. With all kinds of feelings running rampant through me thanks to his touch, I was unable to even speak the word – no.

  “Okay. I’ll do as you ask, but you’re like another sister to me and as a big brother, I have a right to be concerned about you.”

  Max kissed my cheek before unhitching Joy and heading off to the stables.

  “You’re like another sister to me.” Those words set my heart to aching and brought the world crashing down on me. A tear broke free and I swiped at it before heading inside to visit with Rowan.

  I entered the house, noticed the door to the parlour stood ajar and walked toward it, knowing it was Rowan’s favorite room.

  I pushed the door fully open and found my friend seated in an overstuffed, brocade upholstered chair, one of several in the cozy room. Her bandaged foot rested on a matching footstool in front of her. Two small wooden tables and colourful crocheted throw rugs completed the furnishings. Light blue chintz drapes, which covered a large bay window, blew gently into the room, lifted by the incoming breeze. Heavier, darker blue drapes hung at the sides. The polished wooden floors were decorated with blue rugs.

  Rowan closed the book she’d been reading and settled it on a small table beside her as I crossed the floor, leaned forward and pulled her into a hug. She gazed at me, perplexed.

  “What are you doing here? Surely you haven’t left your mama alone, dinner time at the diner is far too busy to manage on one’s own.”

  I smiled as I sat in the chair alongside her.

  “Mama has hired the Widow Taylor and rearranged the hours the diner is to be open. Beginning today, we’re closed on Sundays. I also have Fridays and Saturdays off. I won’t know myself with so much spare time. We’ll be able to do things together like we used to.”

  Rowan clapped her hands in excitement. “I’m so happy for you, now you’ll have time for a beau. Now I’m stepping out with Mark, if you find someone we’ll be able to go on picnics and dancing together.” She studied my face for a moment. “Why are you frowning?” Reaching out, she placed a hand over mine.

  “Why is everyone suddenly so insistent I have a man in my life now I have time away from the diner? Am I not wanted for myself?” Tears burned in my eyes.

  “Abigail, of course you are wanted for who you are. Who else has been hounding you about finding a man?”

  “Mama seems to think now she is being courted; I should be too.”

  “Your mama is being courted?” Astonishment caused Rowan’s eyebrows to arch toward her hairline.

  I nodded. “Christopher Parker has been asking her to step out with him for months and now, with the new diner hours, she has agreed.”

  “I’m so pleased for your mama, Christopher is a nice, hard-working man. Who else has been hounding you?”

  “Max said if I found someone we could join him and Mildred and make a foursome for a meal. I don’t want to join them, and I have no interest in finding a man. I became quite mad at him for suggesting it which wasn’t very fair.”

  Rowan’s eyes searched mine for a moment before she spoke. “There is already someone you’re interested in.”

  The woman could read me like a darn book. I lowered my eyes, unable to look at her face when I lied.

  “Of course there isn’t, when have I had the time to become interested in a man?”

  “Look at me, Abigail.” Her tone was soft but insistent.

  Slowly I lifted my gaze to her.

  “You’re in love with Max.” It was a statement, not a question. “I have suspected it for some time.”

  Rowan was my dearest friend, more like a sister and no matter what, I couldn’t lie to her again. I nodded as tears slid down my face.

  Rowan gathered both of my hands in hers. “Does Max know you’re in love with him?”

  “No, he hasn’t a clue and he has told me many times, and as recent as today, that he considers me to be another sister.”

  “I swear that brother of mine – make that both brothers of mine, can be clueless.”

  “Don’t blame Max. I’ve never said or done anything to indicate I was interested in him. You didn’t know for sure until now, so he’s really not so clueless.”

  “Oh, I have suspected your feelings for him for many years but knew you would tell me in your own time. Can I make a suggestion?”

  I nodded.

  “Tell him how you feel, maybe you will be surprised to find out he feels the same way.”

  “I couldn’t. He’s with Mildred and I want him to be happy.”

  “Max and Mildred aren’t serious, they’re friends, nothing more. My brother could never be seriously interested in a woman like that. I mean she’s nice enough, but decent women don’t dance for men with hardly any clothing on.”

  “Regardless, it’s not in me to act like a wanton woman and throw myself at him. I can’t force him to love me just because I love him.”

  We both sat in silence for a moment, deep in thought, mulling over the situation. We both almost jumped out of our skins when Max spoke from the doorway.

  “Abigail, ma wants to know if you would like to stay for dinner? She said there is plenty to go around.”

  Max’s eyes were locked on mine and there was an odd expression on his face. Heat rose in my cheeks when I realized he’d probably overheard the conversation I was having with his sister. I felt as if I would die from embarrassment and wanted to flee but wanting to spend time with my friend kept me firmly rooted to the spot. I straightened my back and accepted the kind invitation.

  Max nodded, left the room and I asked Rowan, “Do you think he heard what we were saying?”

  “I’m sure he did if the way he looked at you is any indication. The question now is, what will he do about knowing you’re in love with him?”

  I wondered if Max would say anything to me, could he possibly be interested in me? I had a feeling that, one way or another, I would come to know in the next few days.

  MAX

  After leaving the parlour, I started back toward the kitchen to let ma know Abigail was staying for dinner. Halfway along the hallway, I paused and leaned against the wall, needing to mull over what I’d heard.
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br />   Abigail was in love with me? I’d had no idea she saw me any differently to Rowan or Edward – like a big brother. How long had she felt this way? My sister had said she’d suspected Abigail’s feelings for years, so why hadn’t I seen the signs of love?

  You knew, deep down you’ve always known, but didn’t want to admit it. I wasn’t totally clueless as ma and Rowan insisted, but I was scared.

  I sighed deeply and shoved my hands deep into the pockets of my jeans. I had no idea what to do with the information now I’d heard the declaration of love spoken out loud.

  Did I have feelings for the beautiful woman who’d been in my life for almost as long as my sister? Was the reason my groin tightened when she was near because I was attracted to her? Did I insist on having supper at the diner every Saturday night, so I could see her? Did I care about her much more than I’d admitted to myself? So many questions and not one darn answer. At least I now knew what had made her so mad.

  “What are you doing, big brother.”

  I jerked away from the wall when my brother approached.

  “Just thinking.”

  “About what?”

  As I made my way to the kitchen, Edward tagged along. I’d been eight years old when my brother had been delivered into the world. Rowan, who was three at the time had treated him like a new doll. I’d been in awe of such perfection in one so tiny, I’d spent hours holding him. Speaking to him. He was never short of attention, much to ma’s dismay. Ma said the only time the poor little mite got any peace was when I was at school and Rowan was napping. Deep down, she was proud of the love we had for our little brother.

  As soon as he began walking, he’d waddled after me on his chubby little legs, arms outstretched to keep him steady and prevent him from falling. Under pa’s supervision, I’d taught him to ride a small pony at the age of three while Rowan delighted in having him play house or as a guest at one of her many tea parties.

  Now, at just shy of twenty-years-old, he could easily be mistaken as my twin. He was the same height as me with our trademark black hair and ice blue eyes. We were as close as two peas in a pod, but like most brothers, we’d resorted to fisticuffs to settle our differences over the years.

  “About what?” Edward asked again.

  “Come with me. I need to let ma know that Abigail is staying for dinner and then we’ll talk, I need your advice.”

  Edward and I talked about everything, he’d even come to me a year earlier for sexual advice.

  “Sounds serious, everything okay?”

  “It is serious, and I don’t know.”

  We both strode into the kitchen and ma turned from where she stood at the cook-plate stirring gravy in an old earthenware pot. Steaks sizzled and popped in a nearby pan.

  “Abigail said she would like to stay, thank you.” Edward and I crossed the room to where a door led to the outside.

  “Don’t you two go far, it won’t be long before dinner is ready.”

  I turned back to face ma. “We’ll only be on the porch, call us when you’re ready for help.”

  I held the door open while my brother stepped outside, followed and closed the door behind us.

  Edward raised his eyebrows enquiringly, waiting for me to speak. I leaned against the wooden railing of the porch and crossed my arms over my chest. He stood before me; hands shoved deep in his pockets. Staring into his eyes, I sighed and began.

  “I overheard Rowan and Abigail talking in the parlour.”

  “Eavesdropping on their conversation, big brother?”

  “No, ma had sent me to ask Abigail about staying for dinner and I heard my name mentioned.”

  “And?”

  “I heard Abigail telling Rowan she wasn’t interested in finding a man because she’s been in love with me for years. I had no idea she felt that way.”

  A huge grin appeared on my brother’s face. “You mean to tell me, you didn’t know?”

  “You did?”

  “Of course I did, I just thought you chose not to mention it because you didn’t have feelings for her. How could you not know? Didn’t you see the way she looked at you, followed you around when she came out here to visit with Rowan?”

  “I’ve always seen her as another sister, but lately, I’ve been experiencing strange feelings when she’s near.”

  “Do you think you might be falling for her?”

  I dragged fingers through my thick hair, a habit I had when I was confused. “I have no idea, but something has definitely changed.”

  Edward clapped a hand on my shoulder. “Just be sure of how you feel before you do anything. If you tell her now, you have no interest in her, she’ll be devastated. But if you start something while you’re unsure of your feelings and down the track you discover she’s not the one you want, she’ll be crushed.”

  “Good advice, little brother. I need to do some hard thinking before I make a decision.”

  “Why is she here, I thought she worked at the diner every day?”

  “I have no idea; we’ll ask her over dinner.”

  “Boys!”

  “Coming, ma.” We both called back before heading back inside.

  Chapter Five

  ABIGAIL

  Sunday dinner at the Long ranch had always been a rather formal affair and time hadn’t diminished the ritual. The best crockery, flatware and drinking glasses were still used on this one special day of the week.

  Tradition dictated the meal would consist of steaming steaks, cooked to perfection, roasted potatoes, a medley of vegetables, platter of freshly baked biscuits and large jug of thick gravy. Pie crammed with stewed apple slices and slathered with thick cream was for dessert. Today was no different.

  We all held hands as Mr. Long thanked the Lord for our meal and everyone’s good health. My hand was engulfed in Max’s who sat to the left of me and my heart pitter-patted in my chest as his warmth spread through my body.

  Max hadn’t spoken a word since overhearing my declaration of love for him– there was no doubt in my mind that he’d heard what I’d said. He’d studied me curiously when I’d entered the large kitchen with Rowan and helped her to a chair before sitting beside her.

  After thanks were given, hands released, and platters of food were passed around.

  “How did you manage to take the day off from the diner, Abigail? You and that diner have been joined at the hip for the past six years.” Edward spoke as he offered me the bowl of colorful vegetables. “I’ve never known you have a day off. Isn’t Sunday dinner one of your busiest times?”

  I accepted it, spooned out a helping of carrots, beans and pumpkin and handed the bowl on to Rowan.

  “Mama has hired the Widow Taylor and changed our working hours. I must admit, it will be nice not to have to work every day. We’re closed on Sundays, commencing today and I will be working Mondays through to Thursdays.”

  Max’s head snapped my way. “You won’t be there on Saturday nights?”

  I shook my head. “No. I will have Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays off. Heavens, I have no idea what I’ll do with myself.”

  Max turned back to his meal; an expression of dissatisfaction marred his face. I wondered why he cared whether I was there or not. It was quite clear, the feelings I had for him were not going to be reciprocated.

  “Maybe you could visit those who are sick and need help,” Rowan suggested. “There are many elderly and infirm people in our community who are living alone. I’m quite sure they would love to have you sit with them now and again. To hear the tales of their past. They must get terribly lonely.”

  “What a wonderful idea. I’ll talk to Preacher Tom next Sunday after the sermon. This week I’m going to be quite lazy. I’ll read, relax in a hot bath and take long walks over the mountainside. It’s been so long since I was able to weave a path through the trees, watch as small animals scurry away and breathe in the fresh mountain air.”

  “It will do you good.” Mrs. Long stated with a nod of her head.

  Max was
unusually quiet throughout dinner and as we all sat enjoying a glass of iced tea, he pushed back his chair and stood. I noted his tea was only half finished.

  “I’ll bring the cattle up from the creek pasture, pa. I’ll take Santos and Edward with me.” He paused and faced Edward. “I’ll saddle the horses, don’t be too long.”

  “I’ll finish my tea and be with you shortly.” Edward spoke to Max’s back as his big brother strode to the door on the far side of the kitchen and disappeared outside.

  “What’s going on, I’ve never seen Max so quiet?” Mr. Long asked Edward.

  His son shrugged. “Woman troubles. He needs someone sweet like my Daisy back at college who will love him for who he is and not for his inheritance.”

  I felt for Max, it was true women went after him for his money and not for who he was – a kind, caring and giving man. Edward pierced me with a knowing stare, and I felt heat invade my cheeks. The brothers had always discussed everything, I had no doubt they had discussed my declaration of love.

  I was curious to know if Max had opened up to Edward about his true feelings, not that I would embarrass myself by asking.

  Oh, why was I behaving so foolishly? Max had absolutely no interest in me, he’d made it quite clear when he’d confessed, I was like another sister to him. I accepted how he felt but why did it have to hurt so darn bad?

  “Is he still courting that Mildred woman?” Distaste was evident in the tone of Mrs. Long’s voice.”

  “He isn’t courting her, ma.” Edward reassured her. He watches her dance and she joins us when she’s done for a drink. Max hasn’t asked her to have supper with him. Shoot, he hasn’t ever been alone with her.”

  “Then why is his name linked with hers? Every time I visit town people ask me why I allow Max to see that woman. As if I could tell him not to.”

  “Ma, you’re worrying over nothing. People will always gossip and make up stories.” He shrugged. “Maybe it’s what Mildred is telling people. Maybe she’s hoping, but I can assure you, Max has not stepped out with her and he has no intention of letting her get him alone. He talked with her at the saloon last night and told her he wasn’t interested in anything more than friendship.”