“Where are your parents?”
“I dropped them off at Prudence’s house so I could unload some of their furniture first. Mac told me how bad the house was. I’m sorry. If I’d known it was that bad, I wouldn’t have asked you to help fix it up.”
“Nonsense. I saw the view from the larger bedroom. I would have wanted the house, too.”
Shelton’s blue eyes danced with merriment. He brushed away a curl that dangled over her right eye. “I’ve missed you so much.”
“I’ve missed you, too.”
She reached for his hand. “Come, let me show you what we’ve done.”
He held her hand and gave it a quick squeeze.
Chapter 12
Shelton couldn’t believe the transformation of the house. He held Katherine’s hand and caressed the top of it with his thumb as they looked out over the river from the bedroom. The sun sparkled on the little ripples of water. It was a splendid sight, even more enchanting than when he viewed it a few weeks ago.
“Katherine, this room is marvelous. I can’t believe you did all this. Mother will be thrilled.”
“I saved some fabric to cover her chair and ottoman. Were you able to bring them?”
“I did. We have two wagons full of furniture and other belongings. Father drove one wagon, and I drove the other.” And hidden deep in my wagon is the family heirloom I hope to give you one day. He prayed the precious family heirloom, a china vase, hadn’t broken during the trip.
“Was it difficult for them to leave their home?”
“It was horrible. Apparently news traveled fast about Father’s financial situation, and the reason for it. Mother said none of her friends would even speak with her.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“Father has lost his will to go on. I don’t know how to reach him. I’m praying this new house will be just what he needs to get back on his feet.”
“I hope so.”
“I managed to sell the house rather than have the bank acquire it. That produced some much-needed funds. And we earned a profit from the coal mines. I sold that land but retained the mineral rights, so we’ll receive a percentage of the profit—if the mine makes a profit. It will give my parents a small income each year.”
“You’re a wise businessman, Shelton. I’m so proud of you.”
He beamed at her praise. “So, what do you think of the place?”
“I haven’t looked over the land, but the house will be wonderful once it’s done. Urias said we have to wait until spring to paint the exterior.”
“I hope my parents come visit the place in the dark first. Then they’ll see the exterior after they’ve seen what everyone has done on the inside. Still, it won’t be like their old home. I hope they can adjust to it.”
She nodded.
“Do you think you can adjust to them?”
Her smooth forehead crinkled. “I’ve tried to honor your parents the way you do, simply for being your parents. But it’s hard.”
“I’m just pleased that you’ve tried. You’re an incredible woman, Katherine. I can’t believe you did all this for them. Urias and Prudence told me you did all the work in their room. I wish this room was ours.”
A slight smile creased her lips. “I do, too. But they deserve a room like this for their sanctuary.”
“And you’ve made it into one. Thank you.”
“Come.” She took him by the hand. “Let me show you your room.”
“My room?”
“Well, the room I thought you might enjoy as yours.”
“Lead on.” He marveled at the softness of her hand. Soft but sturdy, hard-working hands, unlike his own. Then again, he reflected, his hands were not the same as when he left home months ago.
She gripped his fingers a bit more tightly as she led him inside the room.
She had decorated it in masculine earth tones. A painting of a horse hung on the wall. She had placed a rustic bouquet of dried autumn flowers on the nightstand. A dark green spread draped over the bed.
“Where did you get this?”
“I splurged and purchased the fabric. It’s only a cover. I didn’t have time to make an actual quilt, but I thought this would do.”
“It’s beautiful. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Katherine, it’s too much. Let me pay you for your time.”
She stiffened and released his hand.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you. It’s just that I know you’ve been saving for—”
She placed a finger to his lips. In spite of his firm resolve, he gave in to the powerful desire and gave her finger a light kiss.
Her breathing became ragged. “Shelton, I … I …” She pulled away.
“I’m sorry. I promise not to kiss you again until you ask me to.”
“You don’t understand. I want to so much, I ache. But I don’t think … I mean …”
“You’re worried you’ll cross the line from a chaste kiss to the kind of passionate kiss reserved for marriage?”
“Yes.”
“I understand, and I respect that. I’ll wait until you’re ready. Until we’re both ready.”
“I feel horrible about this. I know what God designed. It’s just that …”
“Shh.” He placed his finger to her lips. “It’s all right. I know. And God will give us the strength to deal with the wait.”
“I don’t deserve you.” Katherine turned away from him and held her sides.
“No, Katherine, you deserve better than me. But I’m confident of God’s desire for us to become one someday. We will get past this.”
He glanced around the room one more time. “Let’s unpack before my parents arrive.”
“Too late,” Hiram Greene announced from the hallway. “Which room is ours?”
Shelton walked out to the hallway. “That one.” He pointed to the doorway on the opposite end of the hall.
Hiram nodded and bent to pick up a heavy-looking wood crate. Shelton helped him carry it into the bedroom.
“Oh my,” Elizabeth Greene crooned as she entered the room. “Shelton, this is beautiful.”
“You can thank Katherine for that.”
“You mean Kate?”
“She prefers to be called Katherine, Mother.”
“I didn’t know that. I’ll try to remember. Where is she?”
“I’m right here, ma’am.” She hovered in the doorway, her face pale.
“You did an exquisite job. But won’t you and Shelton want this room for yourselves?”
Katherine glanced at Shelton.
He shrugged. “I told them we hoped to get married in the future.”
“Oh.” Katherine cleared her throat. “Shelton and I felt this room would be a good place for the two of you. There’s a great view of the river.”
“Are you sure, son?” Hiram asked.
“Yes sir. This is your room. Katherine did everything you see here.”
“Thank you,” he mumbled.
Shelton’s stomach tightened as his father looked at the floor.
“There are fresh linens and pillows in the closet,” Katherine said. “When the men get your bed put together, I’ll be happy to make it up for you.”
Elizabeth Greene smiled. “Nonsense, you’ve done enough.”
Katherine didn’t know what to think. These people were a faded image of who they once were. Her heart went out to them in a way she’d never dreamed possible. She took Shelton’s hand. “Come and help me.”
He followed her down the stairs and out the door.
“Shelton, what’s happened to them?”
“This move has been very hard on them.”
“They’re definitely not the same people.”
“No, they’re not. But I’m worried. Father doesn’t seem to have much of a will to live. I know he disapproves of our union, but he doesn’t have the strength to fight me on it. If he starts feeling better soon, I imagine we’ll exchange a few words on the subjec
t.”
Katherine let out a pent-up gasp of air. “I’ll be praying for him.” A part of her liked that Mr. Greene was not acting boisterous and arguing. But another part understood that something was wrong.
“Hopefully one day he’ll regain his strength and approve of our marriage.”
Katherine chuckled. “Did anyone ever tell you you’re an optimist?”
“Yes. My father. You two are quite alike sometimes.”
Katherine bristled at the comparison, but then realized that maybe Shelton was right. She had very strong opinions, although most people didn’t know it. If anyone did, it was Shelton.
He pointed out the living room window. “Here come Urias and Mac with the rest of the furniture.”
Katherine pretty much stayed out of the way while the men moved in the various pieces. So many treasured items from the house in Hazel Green had not been packed. Katherine hated to think about all that the Greenes had lost. Items she had spent hours dusting, cleaning, arranging. Possessions that set their home apart from all others in the area. She particularly remembered the old china vase that had belonged to Hiram’s great-grandfather, who used to captain ships around the world. Katherine wondered who now owned all those things, did they cherish them as much as Mrs. Greene once had?
It didn’t matter. Now was the time to rebuild. With God’s help, and with Shelton’s, perhaps one day the Greenes would live a gay life again.
Katherine spent the next day helping Grandma Mac. Her house had been neglected since Katherine had taken on the project of fixing up Shelton’s home.
“It’s such a shame.” Grandma Mac rocked back and forth in her rocker. “But at least the Greenes have their health, and they’re back with family. With God’s grace, they’ll get through this change in their lives.”
“I hope so.”
“I hear you did some mighty fancy work in that house. Tell me about it.”
Katherine went into great detail about all the remodeling and sewing she’d done for the place.
“My, my. Have you been able to fill your orders for Mr. Hastings as well?”
“Not yet. I have to make one more shirt tonight. Then I can take everything in tomorrow morning. I have to purchase more needles with my next order. The ones I’ve been using are getting worn down.”
“I don’t doubt it. Now tell me, have you and Shelton kissed yet?”
“You’re far too preoccupied with other people’s romances.”
“True. But I sense you and Shelton have grown closer.”
“Yes, we have. But no kisses yet. Although he did kiss my finger. Does that count?”
Grandma Mac laughed out loud. “It’s a start. I think that boy has spent too much time with his horses.”
Katherine chuckled. I wonder if she knows how very much I wanted to kiss him.
Shelton spent the first month after his parents’ arrival getting the new barn ready for Kehoe and Kate. Katherine helped build a fence for the corral, but other than that, they spent precious little time with each other. He ached to talk with her. While he was certain she wanted to be with him, he had to help his parents adjust to their new living environment.
Tonight would be different. He planned to spend the evening with Katherine and Grandma Mac.
Shelton cleaned up from his work, dressed in his Sunday-morning trousers, and put on a crisp white shirt with a black bow tie. He opted to leave the suit coat at home and wear instead the warmer leather jacket Prudence and Urias had given him. The first snowfall of the year had provided a light dusting on the ground. The air would be crisp come evening.
As he ran a comb through his unruly hair, he thought about the twins. They were doing well, their bushy winter coats growing in nicely. He’d purchased a half dozen chickens and a piglet to raise over the winter. Urias and Mac had provided fresh meat and winter vegetables for the new household.
His father seemed to gain strength every day, but he still lacked focus and purpose. His mother was blissfully happy with her grandchildren nearby. Katherine’s infrequent appearances to his home concerned him. She told him on many occasions she had no purpose being there, and she had chores and obligations elsewhere. He prayed that was true, but in his heart he knew she was avoiding his parents. This, like everything else, would take time.
“My, you’re looking handsome this afternoon,” his mother said when he joined her in the living room.
“Thank you.”
“How’s Kate?”
“Katherine,” he corrected.
“Forgive me. She answered to Kate for so many years, it’s hard to remember.”
Didn’t she realize that was the reason Katherine preferred her proper name?
“Do you know where your father is?”
“He said he was going to Creelsboro today to look for work.”
“Oh, that’s right. Well, I’m visiting with Prudence and the children this evening. We’re going to make Christmas gifts after the children go to bed.”
“Would you like me to pick you up after my dinner with Katherine and Mrs. MacKenneth?”
“That would be lovely, dear. Thank you.”
Shelton bid his mother good-bye and headed off to Mrs. MacKenneth’s. He’d been contemplating for days what to get Katherine for Christmas. He wanted just the right gift, but kept coming up blank.
He arrived fifteen minutes early and settled Kehoe in the barn for the evening.
“Hi there, handsome.” Katherine’s green eyes sparkled.
Shelton’s heart pounded. “Hi, beautiful. You look real good.” A rich evergreen dress cascaded down her body, accenting her feminine form. A white lace collar framed her glorious face.
“Grandma Mac sent me out to fetch you. Frankly, the old woman is a matchmaker above all matchmakers. But I like having the chance to be alone with you for a few moments.”
Shelton cherished her acknowledgment. How long had it taken her to come to that point? Thank You, Lord. “I’m glad we have a few minutes alone, too.”
She reached out and he took her hand. She pulled him closer. “Shelton,” she whispered, “I want to kiss you.”
He fought off the desire to swoop her up in his arms and kiss her with all the passion he had for her. “Are you sure?”
“Yes. But we must promise each other not to let our desires run away from our self-control.”
“I promise.” He gently caressed her face. His fingers tingled from the closeness.
She closed her eyes.
He brushed her lips with his thumb. “You’re sure?” he asked in a whisper.
Her eyes sprung open. “If you don’t kiss me now, I won’t be able to kiss you for a very long time.”
He could see the fire of passion in her eyes. Lord, give me strength. He moved in slowly. “I love you, Katherine.” He placed a slow, soft kiss on her lips. She relaxed and returned the kiss. Her hands ruffled through his hair.
Shelton pulled back and counted to ten in an attempt to gain self-control. It wasn’t working.
Katherine leaned into him. Shelton kissed her neck. “I have to stop, Katherine.”
She pulled away, her eyes wide and glistening.
He held her in a gentle embrace. “I will always cherish our first kiss.”
Her lips curled upward. “Me, too.”
Shelton chuckled and stepped out of the embrace. “You’re right. We have to keep the promise not to give in to our desires.”
“That will be difficult.”
She has no idea. Or perhaps she did. Either way, he knew that her kiss sent a spark of desire through him that was so strong it would take all of his willpower to remain an honorable man.
And he still hadn’t told her about his past yet.
Chapter 13
Two weeks and ten kisses later, Katherine felt like she could handle her emotions when she was with Shelton. He’d been the strong one, and she was grateful for it.
On her way into Creelsboro, she couldn’t stop thinking about him. Day and night, he was a
lways on her mind. Grandma Mac had told her the best way to handle those kinds of thoughts were to turn them into prayers for Shelton, for the Lord to bless him and strengthen him. She’d prayed the entire two hours to Creelsboro.
“Good morning, Mr. Hastings.” The scent of oiled leather filled the store. Every time Katherine entered the place it had a different smell. It all depended on what new merchandise had come in.
“Good morning, Miss O’Leary. Have you got my order?”
“Yes sir. I also made a couple of dolls. With Christmas coming, I thought you might be able to sell them.”
“I’m sure I can. But I probably won’t be needin’ any more clothing until spring. There aren’t many folks traveling west this time of year.”
“I understand.”
“I’ll send word to you once I need more.” He scribbled a few notations in his ledger book, then walked to the cash register. “Have you and Shelton set a date yet?”
“Not yet. He wants his parents to settle in first.”
The cash drawer opened and he pulled out a piece of paper. “Would you give this to Shelton?” The store owner handed her a slip of paper. “His father’s been charging, and he’s run up quite a bill.”
Katherine clamped her mouth shut. Hiram didn’t have a job and was living off his son’s income. What could he be purchasing? It wasn’t her place to ask. “I’ll be happy to.” She took the paper and slipped it into her purse.
She glanced over the housewares section of the store. “Where’s the tea set?”
“Sold it last week.”
Katherine’s heart sank. She’d been saving for a month to purchase the service. It was a full set, with teapot, sugar bowl, creamer, and a silver serving tray, rare in these parts.
“Forgive me, Katherine. I didn’t realize you wanted it.”
“That’s all right. I’ll just get some more linen to make a tablecloth and matching napkins for Prudence’s Christmas present.” She had plenty of time to sew now that she’d finished making her wedding dress. The task had seemed presumptuous since they weren’t officially engaged yet. But Shelton had promised they would marry one day, and she believed him.
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