"Oh, Charlotte couldn't come in today," said Carla absentmindedly, while sucking on her dessert spoon.
"Then who cooked?" Jake asked, his eyebrows drawn together.
"I did," Ellie answered, feeling the rush of heat flooding her cheeks.
"Ellie? I didn't realize you could cook so well. But I guess I should have. Four years away at college, you should be able to cook something," said her father, with pride.
Ellie shrugged and studied her hands.
Pushing away from the table, Jake said, "Shane, do you mind coming to the study? I want to share my plans for the farm; see what you think. Ellie, why don't you and Nicholas go visit on the swing? He probably has lots of questions."
Ellie's heart skipped a beat. When she stood, Nicholas placed his hand on the small of her back, sending shivers up her spine. She led the way outside into the twilight and a covered swing. She patted a spot next to her, waiting to start the swinging motion until he was settled.
"So, dad said you might have some questions?"
"Yeah, I might. But why don't you go first?"
"Me?"
"Sure. You must have questions as to why my dad and I are here. Just ask and I'll answer."
Ellie gnawed her lower lip. All day she'd thought about spending time with Nicholas and getting to know him, but now that the opportunity was here, she didn't have a clue as to what to say! She lowered her head slightly and peered upwards from under veiled eyes. Poised to speak, voices coming from the study stopped her. The swing was in a garden that lined the side of the white farmhouse. Shane and Jake were talking with the window open.
"I'm glad you called me, Shane."
"Yeah, me too."
"I just wish you had called earlier. Annie and I would have come to visit. We could have offered support. You know we'd have–"
"–I know you both would have bent over backwards to help, but trust me, there was nothing anyone could do. We tried everything possible."
"I know you did."
"When I called to tell you–"
"Shane, don't be ashamed. You can stay as long as you want. I'm just glad to have a friend around."
The tone of the conversation changed as Shane asked more specific questions about his responsibilities on the farm. Ellie watched emotions flicker across Nicholas' face. She felt sorry for him. He appeared so lost. She said, "I met your mom once." As soon as she said the words, she regretted them.
Nicholas stared across the yard, crossed his legs at the ankles, and folded his arms across his chest. Ellie didn't know what to say and stared at the ground. Unexpectedly, Nicholas said with a catch in his voice, "I didn't know."
"I visited for a few days while checking out a college. Your mom was terrific. She took me shopping, told me stories about my mother, and shared your baby pictures."
Nicholas groaned. "Tell me she didn't."
Ellie laughed. "She did."
"All of them?"
Chuckling, she said, "Well I don't know about that. I just know there were pictures of you growing up. Some from little league baseball, a photo from a karate tournament, a couple from graduation, stuff like that." When he didn't respond, she added, "She was proud of you, you know."
"How do you know that?" he whispered hoarsely.
The sadness in his voice tore her heart. Ellie did her best to explain. "Well, she talked about little else but you. She told me how you graduated at the top of your college class. How you were being promoted in the military. She said one day she expected you to call and tell her you'd made General."
"That sounds like her, always exaggerating my accomplishments." They were both silent, the only sound the squeak of the swing. Then Nicholas said, "It appears you have me at a bit of a disadvantage."
"You think so? I'm sure if you ask my dad to pull out my baby pictures he'll more than oblige. Trust me; it doesn't take much to get him started. In fact, if we go to the study right now we might find him in the middle of doing just that." She laughed and repeated his earlier words, "What would you like to know? You ask and I'll answer."
His placed his arm across the back of the wooden swing and stared intensely into her eyes. "Why don't you tell me about school? Your dad said you just graduated?"
"I did. I went to State and received a business degree in finance."
"So what are your plans?"
A half laugh escaped. "You know, I haven't a clue. I've put in a few applications at local banks, but other than that, I'm content to help dad and just spend time with him."
"Sounds nice."
Ellie avoided his gaze and stared at the house. "I know I'm twenty-two and I should want nothing more than to leave home and start a career, but right now, I just want to be home. Dad is all I have left." Her last words came out as a whisper. It was easy to expose her soul to Nicholas. She felt a sense of oneness with him.
He shifted and reached for her hand, his thumb stroking the side of her smooth flesh. Ellie swallowed the lump in her throat, then she heard Shane call, "Nicholas, where are you?"
Nicholas sighed. "Sounds like my dad is looking for me."
Bowing her head, she said breathlessly, "Yeah, it does."
Still clasping her hand, Nicholas pulled her to a standing position. She watched in amazement as he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. His eyes crinkled at the corners in a smile and he bowed. "Until we meet again, Milady."
Before he was out of earshot, she said, "Nicholas, tomorrow is the county fair. My dad is going. Would you like to join us?"
He turned to face her and smiled. "I would love to go with you."
"Then I guess I'll see you in the morning, bright and early."
"Is there any other time around here?"
She laughed as he called, "I'm coming, Dad."
Later, Ellie watched her father help Shane and Nicholas find the trailhead with their flashlights. Touching her hand where Nicholas had kissed it, she felt like a school girl with a desire to rush inside and write everything in her diary. She would declare how she'd never wash her hand again because it had been kissed by the cutest guy ever.
In bed, she stared at her ceiling and replayed their conversation. Why had she mentioned his mother? They both shared a similar loss, but she was sure he didn't want to be reminded. Would he think about their conversation later and consider her insensitive? She could only hope not.
Chapter Five
"So, did you have a good time tonight?"
Nicholas and his father were getting ready to turn in when Shane asked the question.
"Yeah."
His father laughed. "Well, don't go getting all excited."
"Dad, please."
Shane lifted his hand in a defensive gesture. "Sorry. I didn't realize what a chore it was talking to a beautiful girl."
Nicholas shot him a glare, which his father ignored and kept on talking. "Jake's worried about her. He said she spends all her time on the farm. She doesn't go out. She doesn't talk on the phone. He's afraid maybe she has no drive or ambition."
"I don't think that's true," Nicholas responded. "The fact is Ellie's a smart girl with a good heart; anyone can see that. I'm sure Jake won't need to worry for long. Someone will come along and snatch up a prize like her in no time. I say let her stay at home until she finds the man who's right for her. Why rush her leaving?" Nicholas squirmed. The conversation was making him uncomfortable. Changing the subject, he asked, "Did you find out more specifics of what Jake wants us to do for him?"
Shane nodded. "Sure did. Mostly just help out around the farm with chores, bring in the crops, help with the cows, stuff like that. In return, we can stay here rent free, plus I'll receive a small salary."
"Sounds good."
"I hope you're not disappointed. I think Jake would pay you, too, but he doesn't have the extra cash right now."
Nicholas waved his hand. "Not a problem. I have some money saved."
"Maybe it's a good time for you to find something for yourself. I mean, now that I'm settled
, you can get out there and start a career and a family. I'll be fine."
"Maybe you're right," said Nicholas, avoiding his father's gaze.
Later, Nicholas lay in bed and mulled over what Ellie had said about knowing she was old enough to leave home, old enough to make her own way, but not wanting to because her father was all she had and she wanted to spend time with him. He completely understood.
The next morning came too soon. The chirping birds alerted Nicholas to dawn's breaking. The alarm shrilling in Shane's room forced him to peel his eyelids off his cheeks and get up. A baritone voice floated from the shower as he padded barefoot to the kitchen. An unexpected knock startled him. Who can that be at this hour?
Opening the door, he was surprised to see Ellie dressed for the day and smiling. She held a covered dish in one hand and a carafe in the other. She stepped past him and took the items to the kitchen. She said cheerily, "Good morning. I couldn't sleep so I made pancakes. Since I made way too many, I thought I'd share. I have enough for you to freeze for next week. Oh, and this container has fresh coffee so you don't have to make any. I guess I'm rambling. Am I rambling? Of course, I am. Do you always walk around without a shirt?"
Nicholas looked down at himself before glancing back at Ellie. Her face was flushed pink. He opened his mouth to say hello, but she continued, "Sorry, I really shouldn't have barged in on you like this." She turned and fled out the door. Nicholas watched her retreating back through the window.
"Who was that?"
Nicholas jumped when his father spoke behind him. "Ellie brought us pancakes."
"Oh good, I'm starving. You should shower and eat, son. Jake said we have a lot to do today."
Nicholas nodded, unable to keep thoughts off of Ellie.
****
After loading into Jake’s king cab truck, the three men, Ellie, and Carla rode toward town and the County Fair. Fresh vegetables and a huge pumpkin packed the back of the bed. The items had been loaded before Nicholas arrived and he was glad. Arrayed in a new, plaid shirt, he had hopes of impressing Ellie, and getting filthy before seeing her wasn’t in the plan.
Nicholas grinned at Ellie. Wedged between him and his father in the backseat of the truck, she wore a bright yellow, sleeveless sundress. Her black hair looked adorable tied back with a matching yellow ribbon.
The miles passed while Jake explained the particulars of the day. "First, we have to drop off the pumpkin so the judges can weigh it in. While they're doing that, we can walk around and enjoy the music, rides, and food. You two ever been to a county fair?"
Shane and Nicholas both said no at the same time.
"Okay then. Just so you know there's lots of food. So be prepared to remove your belt. And let me warn you, the fair is like a carnival on steroids, so watch yourselves. The rides are rickety and the gamers are sometimes unscrupulous." A piece of hay dangled loosely in Jake's mouth. Removing it, he asked, "Ellie, who are you walking with?"
"I'm taking her, sir," said Nicholas.
"Terrific. I'm pleased to hear that. Just stay together. I wouldn't want you to lose my pretty girl."
"Dad," Ellie muttered, "I'm a grown woman." Nicholas grinned and reached to squeeze her hand.
When they arrived, the fair was just starting to liven up. They dropped the enormous pumpkin off at the farmer's tent and Jake was told when to return for the announcement of the winners. Nicholas and Ellie took leave of everyone to stroll the grounds. She grabbed his hand and tugged him straight to a cotton candy vendor. "Want some? It's my treat." When he nodded, she paid the vendor and handed him the gooey sweet. Money jingled all around him. While Ellie was distracted at a table with bowls of goldfish, Nicholas pulled out his wallet and studied the contents—a folded piece of paper with a girl's phone number, a few strings of lent, his driver's license, his special cloth square, and only about ten bucks.
Like an imbecile, he’d forgotten to grab some money from the pouch he kept in his drawer.
Nicholas tapped Ellie's shoulder. "I need to find my Dad for a minute."
"Sure. I think I saw him over by the tilt-a-whirl. I'll wait here for you."
"Are you sure? Your dad seemed to think I shouldn't leave your side."
"He was just being silly. Go find your dad. I'll wait for you."
"Okay." With one backwards glance, he went in search of his father who was, indeed, at the spinning ride. Nicholas waited patiently for the ride to end and his father to step off. When Shane stumbled toward him, he looked like a drunken man.
"Nicholas, I see three of you. Does one of you need something?"
Nicholas laughed. "Yeah, I do. I just realized I need money for this little outing."
Shane’s eyebrows rose.
“Look, I’m embarrassed enough about forgetting my money. If you can spare some cash, I promise to pay you back when we get home.”
Shane shrugged and grinned. "No problem, son." He reached for his wallet. "This ought to be enough for you and your girl."
"Thanks, Dad."
Once Nicholas had money, he retraced his steps looking for Ellie, but she wasn't where he'd left her. He turned in a circle searching for her yellow dress. His pulse pounded when he saw her and he clenched his fists. She wasn't alone and she didn't look happy about it. He rushed toward her.
"Come on baby, I haven't seen you in forever. Just go on one ride with me. I promise to be the perfect gentleman."
"Ted, I already told you I'm here with someone else. And besides, when have you ever been the perfect gentleman?"
"How can you be here with someone else? You haven't even been home for two weeks. And you haven't been on a date because someone would have told me. Just one little ride. Please."
The young man's pleading only increased Nicholas' anger. Couldn't the man hear? She'd said no. When he sidled up beside Ellie the guy stepped backward. At this range, Nicholas realized the pest was a few years older than Ellie and large, to boot.
"So is this the guy you're with?" asked the jerk.
Ellie said, "Ted Hall, this is Nicholas Wiseman. He and his father are helping out at the farm. And yes, he's my escort."
An unpleasant gleam appeared in the young man's eyes and, not waiting to hear what he had to say, Nicholas grabbed Ellie's hand and walked her to a bottle toss game. "Ellie, let's see if I can win you an animal or something."
"Okay," Ellie said, a blush coloring her cheeks.
Nicholas lay down some money, tossed the first ball, and missed completely. Before he had a chance to try again, Ted stepped up beside them and threw a ball. The first one knocked down three bottles and Ted won a small stuffed animal. He picked out a white, fuzzy teddy bear and handed it to Ellie with a huge grin.
Most girls would have taken the animal, snuggled it to their chest and made a big show of it, but Ellie didn't. She raised her hand and told Ted no thanks. Obviously, believing it was because of the size, Ted gave the animal back to the vendor and tried for a larger prize. Nicholas threw a few more tosses and missed. Ted kept trying and won the big prize, a bear half as big as Ellie. When he offered it, she still refused.
A frown wrinkled Ted’s forehead. "If it's too big for you to carry, I can do it for you."
"Ted, thanks, but really, I'm here with Nicholas and it wouldn't be right to take a stuffed animal from you."
"Do you want it?" asked Nicholas, unable to restrain his curiosity.
"Can we go, Nicholas? I'm getting hungry."
They walked away leaving Ted and the teddy bear behind. When they were out of ear shot, Nicholas laughed. "Listen, if you want the bear I really don't mind. He saved me a bunch of money."
Ellie looked at the ground until they reached the tent with the food and music. They ordered and sat down. Finally she said, "Nicholas, do you know what a pain it is to carry around a huge, floppy animal like that? There's never a place to put the thing when you get on a ride. And then you're worried someone might steal it. And what do you do with it when you get home? No, I'm fine without it." She
grinned before adding, "Besides, I wanted the unicorn."
Nicholas grinned back. The rest of the day they rode rides and ate and enjoyed each other's company, and even watched Jake win second place in the pumpkin contest. At dusk, they spread a blanket and waited for the fireworks display.
"Nicholas, where are you going?" Ellie asked when he stood.
"I'll be right back."
When he returned, Ellie was lying down and looking at the darkening sky. Nicholas squatted on his haunches behind her and passed his hand in front of her face. She yelped.
"Oh, sorry to scare you. I thought you might like to have this."
He handed her a small white and purple unicorn.
"You remembered. It's so cute. Thank you." Ellie sat up and patted the blanket beside her. Nicholas plopped down, wrapped an arm about her shoulders, and pulled her close as the night sky lit with brilliant flashes of color.
****
The day at the fair was like nothing Nicholas had ever experienced. The work and the play had intermingled into the perfect day. Before bed, his father told him the next day would be exhausting. And he was right.
Because the day before had been spent at the fair, relaxing and having fun, they needed to catch up on the farm's chores. Jake had a focused look and determined set to his shoulders. In order to stay on track, it was necessary to replace an entire section of fencing in one day, which meant the cows in that field had to be rounded up and moved before they could start.
Not knowing the first thing about rustling cattle, Nicholas felt like more of a hindrance than a help. However, Jake was an excellent teacher, and as the day progressed he began to feel more at ease. When they broke for lunch, Jake discussed the repairs in more detail. "We're taking out the old fencing and replacing it, as well as enlarging the area a bit. I bought a few extra acres a couple of years back, but I haven't done much with them, until now."
"I guess the new wife takes a lot of your time," said Shane.
"Shane, about Carla…"
"You don't have to explain to me."
Nicholas noticed Jake's ruddy coloring as he continued. "I know Annie would roll over in her grave if she knew I'd married a woman half my age. You know, I really didn't mean to get involved with her. It just kinda happened. Annie died and Ellie was away at college, and I was lonely. And, well, Carla was just sort of there.”
All I Have Page 3
