Country Wishes

by RaeAnne Hadley

  If Max had no intention of stepping out with Mildred, why had he suggested that when I had a beau, we could have supper with them? I was confused.

  Mrs. Long visibly relaxed. “How did she take it?”

  Edward glanced toward Rowan and me before answering. “Not well. She shouted at him and accused him of secretly seeing the trollop from the diner.” He tilted his head and gave us a sheepish look. “Sorry, Abigail.”

  I shrugged. “I can assure you; I haven’t been seeing Max or anyone else. When would I have had the time? What a dancer says about me is of no consequence. People know me better than to listen to the lies falling from her mouth.”

  “I agree.” Mr. Long reached out and patted my hand. “Everyone in town knows, Abigail is a decent woman with high morals. I had better not hear anyone maligning her reputation.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Long.”

  “How a grown woman can get up on stage in her underwear and dance in front of a saloon full of men baffles me. I don’t know why young men frequent such a place.”

  Mr. Long placed his hand on his wife’s arm. “Now, Grace, they’re grown men and they can decide these things for themselves.”

  “I know, Patrick, but Max should be married and having children of his own by now. When you were Rowan’s age, we’d been married for a year and Max was on the way.”

  “I know, dear but times are changing and the younguns are having fun and waiting longer before they settle down.”

  Mrs. Long sighed. “I know but is it too much to want my children married and happy?”

  “We are happy mama,” Rowan assured her mother.

  “There’s nothing wrong with having a bit of fun while we’re young.” Edward stated.

  She pinned her gaze on her son. “What were you doing in the saloon at your age, I thought you were visiting friends?”

  Edward groaned. “Ma, I’m almost twenty and all my friends go there. I swear I don’t drink the alcohol.”

  “You’re too young. I don’t like it, but as your father said, you’re grown men and can make your own decisions.” She shifted her focus to me. “What about you, Abigail, do you think you might have a nice man in your life now you have time away from the diner?”

  I wish I could but unfortunately, he doesn’t want me. “I don’t know, Mrs. Long, maybe I’m destined to be a spinster.”

  Rowan gathered my hand in hers. “Don’t give up hope, I know there’s a special someone for you even if he doesn’t know it yet.”

  Mrs. Long nodded. “Indeed, he just needs to open his eyes.”

  I smiled, stood and began clearing the dishes from the table. I didn’t want this conversation to bring about questions I couldn’t answer.

  Mrs. Long gathered the dishes from my arms. “Go and visit with Rowan, she’s missed spending time with you. One of the men will help.”

  “Max will be waiting for me.” Edward stood up so fast he almost knocked his chair to the floor.

  He was through the door in the blink of an eye.

  Mr. Long laughed as he stood. “I guess that means I’ve drawn dishwashing duty.”

  “No, go on about your business, I’ll manage,” his wife insisted.

  “I really don’t mind helping.” I offered again.

  “No, I only had plans to do the books, Abigail and I’m not in a hurry to get to them. Help Rowan out to the front porch. It’s a beautiful day, the fresh air and sunshine will do you both good.”

  I nodded and helped Rowan from her chair, she leaned against me as I led her through the house and out of the front door.

  I settled her into one of the chairs before returning inside for two glasses of iced tea.

  Once we both had a fresh, cool brew, I also settled into one of the intricately carved rocking chairs which I’d loved ever since I was a child.

  “Buckboard’s ready, Miss Abigail.” Mr. Dunstan stood in the doorway, his hat in his hands. “Best be going before darkness sets in.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Dunstan.” I stood and moved to where Rowan was seated, leaned forward, hugged her and kissed her cheek. “I’ll be back on Friday to visit with you.”

  “I’ve loved having you here today, it was like old times. My ankle should be much better by the time you come again. Please give our regards to your mama.”

  “I will and make sure you stay off your ankle like Doc instructed.”

  “Yes, mama.” Rowan smirked and I laughed.

  After patting her hand, I spun around and left the room. Mr. Dunstan stepped back from the doorway, allowing me to pass through and then followed me outside to where Joy stood waiting patiently.

  Before I climbed onto the seat, I thanked him for preparing the buckboard.

  “Pleasure, miss. I would like to join you for supper one night if it suits you.”

  Mike appeared to be a nice man and I thought it would be enjoyable to have supper with him, nurture a friendship despite Max’s warning he was a philanderer.

  “I would like that very much. Shall we say, six o’clock at the diner on Saturday night?”

  “That would be mighty fine. I’ll look forward to meeting up then.”

  He lifted my hand to his lips and as he placed a kiss to my knuckles, his eyes focused on my face. I smiled at his gracious gesture but wasn’t naïve enough to fall for his manly charms. Withdrawing my hand, I refused his offer of assistance, climbed onto the seat of the buckboard and lifted the reins.

  “Goodbye, Mr. Dunstan.”

  “Goodbye, Miss Abigail.”

  I gently flicked the reins and Joy set off in a loping walk. As we headed toward the wooden structure which marked the entrance to the ranch and announced its name – Mykita, I scanned my surroundings, hoping for one last glimpse of Max.

  The area was devoid of people. Cattle grazed in the twilight and mournful lowing floated on the warm evening air.

  Max had obviously decided against accompanying me back to town and despite my insistence, I was capable of making the trip on my own, I felt disappointed. I had no doubt, my declaration of love had him hightailing it in the opposite direction from where I was.

  Feeling dejected, I urged Joy into a trot toward town as the sun slipped below the horizon and the ghostly shadow of the full moon took its place overhead. Waiting for darkness to appear to shine in all its glory.

  Chapter Six

  ABIGAIL

  After delivering the buckboard and Joy back to the livery, I dug into my reticule, withdrew a coin and pushed it into the young man’s hand. He flattened his palm, peered down at the coin and lifted his head.

  “Keep the change for yourself,” I instructed.

  A grin split his face. “Thank you, miss.”

  I smiled before turning away and crossing the road, making my way home to the diner. The town’s wishing well caught my eye, lit by the brightness of the full moon as the last remnants of daylight gave way to darkness.

  I approached the structure, running my fingertips over the cool stones which were mounted in a circular pattern, feeling the large chip which had been gouged on one edge. Rumor had it, that it was done by a young boy, so the girl he liked would know where to touch when she made a wish. I had no idea if it was true, but I smiled at the cute memory.

  Tilting my head back, I marvelled at how the bright orb above reflected the earth below.

  The full moon today – Sunday August 1st, 1875 and every August, was known as the Sturgeon moon. Legend had it, the name came from the large number of fishes in the lakes where the Algonquin tribes fished at this time of year.

  It was also claimed by mystics and psychics that any full moon heightened emotions, feelings and dreams. Was this true? Why today, of all days, had I felt compelled to divulge my hidden feelings about Max for the very first time? Was the rising full moon responsible?

  If the claims were untrue, why had I noted on many occasions, that my feelings were at their deepest when a full moon shone overhead? Could it be coincidence, the unrealistic musings of a silly, loves
ick girl?

  I continued to stare at the mystical ball surrounded by millions of twinkling stars.

  “Please, Spirit of the Well, if Max is not my heart’s destiny, I beg you not to allow my declaration of love for him to ruin our close friendship. I could bear knowing he doesn’t love me, but I couldn’t bear having him turn his back on me.”

  My voice was barely above a whisper, tears burned my eyes. Closing my eyes, I murmured the same words to my Lord.

  A feeling of peace washed over me. Reaching inside my reticule, I removed a penny and tossed it into the well. Seconds passed before I heard a soft plop and continued on my way home.

  MAX

  I stayed out of sight at the side of the barn, watching Abigail leave the ranch.

  Mike sidled up beside me. “That’s one nice lady, boss.”

  I spun around and glared at him. “Leave her alone. Abigail isn’t one of your trollops who you can use and throw away.”

  Mike slammed his hands on his hips. “I have no intention of throwing her away. I think me and Miss Abigail could maybe have something special. She’s agreed to have supper at the diner with me on Saturday night.” He smirked before turning on his heel and striding away, leaving me in a state of shock.

  Why would Abigail have agreed to see him after I’d warned her about his philandering ways? Emotions I wasn’t familiar with warred within. Jealousy? I didn’t want anyone sharing a meal or anything else with the beautiful lady.

  I stomped across the yard, entered the house and slammed the door.

  “Max, is that you?” Rowan called from the parlour.

  I changed my direction and entered the room where she sat by the window.

  “You need me?” My voice sounded gruff to my ears.

  Rowan raised an eyebrow. “You just missed Abigail, I thought you were going to escort her back to town to ensure she arrived safely.”

  “I was busy with the cattle.”

  “No, you weren’t. Edward has been back for almost an hour. He said you were done and in the stables rubbing down Phantom.”

  Again with the darn eyebrow. “Don’t start with me, Rowan, I’m not in the mood.”

  “What’s wrong, big brother? Are you afraid of what you heard?”

  “I didn’t hear anything.”

  Yep, the eyebrow rose again and she tilted her head to one side. Was there no privacy in this house? I sighed and sat down; I never could put anything over my sister.

  “Not afraid, confused. Did you know Mike is having supper with her on Saturday night?”

  Rowan appeared as shocked as I’d felt when the man had told me.

  “I don’t believe it, Abigail has no interest in anyone other than you. She told me, if she couldn’t have the man she loved, she would remain single, so why would she agree to have supper with Mike?”

  “I warned her about the type of man he is, yet she still agreed to see him.” I shrugged. “Can’t be loving me too much.”

  Rowan’s voice softened. “How do you feel about Abigail?”

  I dragged my hands over my head. “I don’t know. I haven’t thought about her as anything other than another sister. But when I think about her being with another man, I want to drag her back here and lock her away.”

  “Hmmm.”

  “Hmmm, what?”

  “Somehow I don’t think you see her as a sister, not deep in your heart where it matters. Think about it big brother. Take time to search your feelings, but don’t procrastinate too long. She’s a beautiful woman and it won’t take long for someone else to maybe steal her heart away.”

  “I thought you said she wasn’t interested?”

  “She isn’t. Yet.”

  I stood. “I have to go and wash up for supper. Will you let me know if anyone starts sniffing around her before I figure it out?”

  My sister shook her head. “I want Abigail to be with you more than anything in this world because I think you’re meant for each other, but I won’t be your spy. I won’t interfere in her happiness while you procrastinate over what you want.”

  I nodded. It hadn’t been fair of me to ask and I understood Rowan’s response. I strode from the room; I had a lot of thinking to do.

  It was early, dawn hadn’t yet broken when I gave up on trying to sleep and crawled from the bed. All night I’d tossed and turned as it seemed every encounter, I’d had with Abigail over the past few years scrolled through my mind.

  The signs had always been there. Turning around to find her standing close behind me. A shy smile and cheeks which turned pink when I caught her studying me. Constant offers to help I’d thought were offered because of a young girl’s crush. After a while, I’d stopped noticing. When I thought back on our encounters at the diner on Saturday nights – the brush of her hand against my arm, the way she hovered in case I needed anything, the glow in her eyes when I walked in and she first saw me. I finally saw what it seemed my family had been aware of all along. Abigail wasn’t a young girl crushing on her first boy, she was a beautiful woman in love.

  I dropped onto the side of the bed and dragged my hands over my head. “Why aren’t men issued with an instruction book on women?”

  What was I going to do? I hated the mere thought of her being with another man. I’d discovered that much when Mike had said he was going to have supper with Abigail. Did my feelings for her run deeper than I was prepared to admit?

  What if I opened myself up to her and it wasn’t really what either of us wanted? Would our friendship be destroyed? I couldn’t bear the thought of not having the lady in my life.

  I groaned deep in my throat. I’d never been so confused. This was something I needed to discuss with pa, the only man I trusted to guide me to the right path.

  Having made the decision to seek pa’s advice, I stood, washed up, dressed and headed out to the kitchen to await breakfast.

  When I entered the room, my senses were assaulted by the aromas of brewing coffee and biscuits baking in the oven. Two of my favorite smells.

  Ma was at the sink preparing hash browns, slabs of ham and fresh eggs had been placed at the ready. Two pans, containing gobs of solid lard, rested on the cooktop. I crossed the room to ma and kissed her cheek.

  “Morning, ma.”

  She turned her head and peered at me over her shoulder.

  “You’re up earlier than normal.”

  I glanced through the window to see dawn was beginning to herald the start of a new day. A cacophony of pinks, purples and oranges streaked the horizon. I would never tire of seeing sunrises and sunsets in this part of the country.

  “I couldn’t sleep and got sick of tossing and turning.”

  Ma stopped what she was doing and turned to face me while wiping her hands on the white apron she wore.

  “Are you feeling unwell?” Concern pinched her pretty face.

  “No, just have something on my mind.”

  “Want to talk about it?”

  I paused for a moment. I had intended to discuss my dilemma with pa, but ma could give me a woman’s perspective and the Lord knew I sorely needed one.

  “I’d like that.”

  “Sit down and I’ll get us a coffee. The others won’t be down for at least half an hour, so we have time to chat.”

  I sat at the table while ma filled two mugs with the fresh, steaming brew, placed them on the table and sat down at the end of the table so we were facing each other.

  Leaning forward, I wrapped my hands around the warm mug she’d placed before me and sucked in a deep breath before I spoke.

  “Yesterday when Abigail was visiting with Rowan and you sent me to ask her about staying to dinner, I overheard her saying she was in love with me and always had been.”

  “Rowan?” Her lips curled in a mischievous grin.

  I laughed. “Ma, of course not. It was Abigail.”

  Ma laughed with me. “I knew who you meant.” She turned serious. “You hadn’t known before she admitted it to your sister?”

  “I had n
o idea. I knew she had a crush on me when she was younger, but I thought she’d grown out of it.”

  “Son, it’s been as clear as the light of day how that gal feels about you.”

  I groaned. “So I’ve been told by Rowan and Edward. Last night I lay in bed thinking back over the last couple of years and finally saw all the subtle signs.” I stared at ma. “I really am clueless aren’t I?”

  Ma patted my hand. “Don’t be too hard on yourself, it’s a man thing. What are you planning to do about it now that you know?”

  “I’ve been asking myself the same question, it’s what kept me awake for most of the night. I’m just not sure.”

  “Do you have feelings for Abigail?”

  “Of course I do, she’s been like another sister to me.”

  Ma raised her eyebrows. “I meant do you have the kind of feelings which could develop into love?”

  I raked fingers through my hair and sipped at the coffee before setting the mug back on the table. “That’s the problem, I don’t know if I could build a relationship with her on how I feel.”

  Ma sighed. “How do you feel about her taking up with another man, she has the time to meet men now she isn’t at the diner all the time? How would you feel about her marrying and starting a family?”

  I tensed, gripping the mug almost hard enough to crack it. “If any man lay a hand on Abigail, I’d run him out of town before he even thought about proposing. Then, I’d bring her back here and lock her in the guest room so no other man could get near her.”

  Ma laughed. “I think you have your answer, son. Your feelings for Abigail are much deeper than those you would have for a sister.”

  “What should I do?”

  “Take it slow, make sure it’s what you both want. Have supper together, go on picnics, take walks. Make sure of your feelings before either of you are hurt. Explain to Abigail you’re not sure how deep your feelings are but you would like to give being with her a try.”

  I leaned over and kissed ma’s cheek. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. Now, I need to get on with breakfast before your father and brother come down and start bellyaching about being hungry.”