Cora nodded, though she didn’t understand. Her parents embraced, Father climbed onto the wagon seat, and the big workhorses strained against the harness. A faint red glow touched the eastern horizon as the wagons pulled out. Cora blinked against the burning in her eyes when Ben flicked the reins against his team, and the wheels began to move. Father followed. Both wagons became small black silhouettes against a rising red ball until they were too small to see.
~*~
A week later, Cora remembered the handkerchiefs she’d made for Aaron. She sighed. Christmas was three months past, and she still hadn’t given them to him. Restlessness stirred at sight of the wrinkled package. She grabbed it up and confronted her mother.
“Mother, if you don’t need me this afternoon, I’d like to take a walk.”
Mother frowned. “Where do you plan to go?”
“Oh, not far, just into the woods a ways.” Cora tried to make it sound as if she walked into the woods every day. Eliza moved closer.
Mother hesitated, and Cora almost groaned. If she didn’t get out of the house, she might burst. “The sun is shining. There’s no danger now.”
Cora stepped toward the door and looked at her sister. “Eliza, would you like to come too?”
Eliza shrugged as if it didn’t matter, but her eye’s brightened. “I suppose.”
When Mother didn’t stop them, they walked together across the yard. John called out as they passed the field where he worked. “Where are you two going?”
“For a walk in the woods.”
His eyebrows lifted. “Is that right? Keep an eye out for bears.”
“Bears?” He must be teasing. Cora searched his face and couldn’t tell.
“Sure, they ought to be coming out of hibernation right about now.” John grinned.
Cora relaxed. He was only joking. “I don’t think we’ll have a problem with bears. We won’t go far, and we’ll stay on the path.”
John nodded. “I guess you’ll be all right then.”
New growth appeared on the ground and in the tiny green leaves above. Cora loved spring. Her steps were light as she walked beside Eliza.
Sunshine, finding entrance through the sparsely leafed trees, left a dappled pattern on the forest. A squirrel scampered to the top of the nearby tree and scolded at their invasion. Cora laughed at him.
Eliza, trailing behind, hadn’t spoken since they left the house. She was probably thinking about Ralph since that seemed to be all she ever did. Maybe this once, she’d keep her thoughts to herself.
“Will you take me to the hollow tree you and Ben stayed in?”
Cora looked over her shoulder at Eliza’s voice. That had nothing to do with Ralph. She shook her head. “I don’t think so. That’s at least a mile. I told Mother we wouldn’t be gone long.”
Eliza quickened her steps to catch up. “We’d be back within an hour. She wouldn’t expect us before then, anyway. Please, Cora. I’d like to see it.”
The hollow tree was closer to the Starks than it was to their cabin. Cora wouldn’t admit to her sister, but she’d hoped to see Aaron in the woods. He wouldn’t likely be here, but this is where they’d first met, and she felt closer to him in the forest. She slipped her hand in her pocket, and the paper covering his gift crinkled. She smiled.
“All right, but if I can’t find it right away, we’ll have to forget it.”
“Okay.” Eliza matched her steps.
They’d walked for some time when Cora stopped and looked around. None of the trees looked familiar. Surely, she’d recognize the one tree that saved her life. “We should be getting close. You remember coming through here at Christmas, don’t you? Does anything look like it did then?”
Eliza shook her head. “One tree looks pretty much like another to me.”
The sharp snap of a twig brought Cora’s heart into her throat. Eliza grabbed her arm and whispered. “What was that?”
“I don’t know.” Cora couldn’t move. She searched through the trees surrounding them for any sign of life.
“Was it a bear?” Eliza’s harsh whisper echoed on the breeze as a dark figure moved between two trees some distance away and disappeared. Cora was almost certain one of the trees was the one they’d been looking for. Eliza squeezed Cora’s arm. “I’m scared.”
“Let’s go back. Fast.” Cora didn’t need the painful pounding in her chest for proof of her own fear.
“All right.” Eliza didn’t wait for Cora. She took off at a fast walk with Cora behind. They crashed through the forest, taking little concern for stealth. Twigs snapped and last fall’s leaves crunched under their feet. Eliza brushed branches out of her way, leaving Cora to dodge or be slapped. Yet even over their noise, another sound reached Cora. Something was coming after them. Something big that made no effort to be quiet.
“Run, Eliza!” Cora yelled and gave her sister a push forward. “Something’s coming.”
Eliza didn’t turn around. She took off with Cora on her heels. The pain in Cora’s chest increased to a rapid staccato.
“Hey, wait up!” The deep voice sounded familiar. “Cora, wait up!”
Cora’s mind cleared at the same time her muscles melted into a useless mass. She stopped and turned, trembling so that she barely stood. Aaron’s dark blue shirt stretched as he lifted an arm in greeting. He grinned at her. “What’s your hurry?”
Eliza stepped around Cora. “We thought you were a bear.”
“Eliza!” Cora breathed heavy. “Be quiet.”
Aaron chuckled. “I ain’t no bear, but they can be mighty unfriendly this time of year. What’re y’all doin’ by yourselves in the woods, anyhow?”
“We were looking for the hollow tree Cora and Ben stayed in.” Didn’t Eliza know when to talk and when to be quiet?
Cora shook her head and pointed. “It’s over there.”
Eliza swung toward her. “You knew all the time?” Her voice raised. “You said you didn’t know if you could find it.”
“I didn’t until I saw . . .”
“Saw what?” Eliza never let anything go.
Cora sighed. “Aaron.” If she didn’t tell now, she’d have to later. “I saw him go behind the tree.”
Eliza frowned. “If you saw Aaron, why’d you tell me to run?”
Cora’s cheeks flamed when Aaron burst out laughing. Cora couldn’t stop the smile his laughter brought to her lips.
“What’s so funny.” Eliza’s hands landed on her hips.
“I didn’t get a good look.” Cora met Aaron’s sparkling blue eyes. “You moved so fast all I saw was a dark blur. You looked like a bear.”
“I’m sorry.” Aaron still grinned, so his repentance was questionable. He looked from Cora to Eliza and back. “You shouldn’t be running from a bear, anyhow.”
“Why not?” Eliza’s frown was almost comical. No wonder amusement still glinted from Aaron’s eyes.
“They run faster’n you.” He grinned at Cora. “Course you scampered out of here awful fast a while ago.”
Cora stuck her nose up in mock offense. “I’ll remember that the next time I see a bear. I’ll just stand still and let him do whatever it is bears do. That is, unless you have a better idea.”
“Sometimes playin’ dead works.” He shrugged. “Sometimes it doesn’t. The best thing is stay away from where they’re likely to be.”
Aaron motioned back into the forest. “You still wanna see that tree?”
~*~
When Aaron had stepped from behind the hollow tree and saw Cora, he thought he was dreaming. Now, with Cora so near, he longed to touch her, brush that tendril of hair from her cheek. But he didn’t have the right and never would.
He led the way to the open side of the tree. As she bent to look inside, Cora’s eyes brightened. The wind played with her hair, pulling another blond wisp from the bun at the back of her head. If only he could wrap it around his finger to see if it was as silky smooth as it looked. He stuffed his hand in his pocket and cleared his throat. “If y
ou seen enough, I’ll walk you home.”
“What are these?” Eliza picked up a small bundle of twigs.
“Oh, I dropped those.” Aaron took them from her. “Ma gets headaches, and these help.”
“What does?” Cora peered around Eliza.
Aaron held out the twigs so she could see them. “These.”
The girls exchanged a look.
He grinned. “It’s willow twigs. There’s a willow tree over yonder by the spring. I gathered a new batch for Ma. That’s what I’ve been doin’.”
“How do twigs help her?” Cora touched one with her finger.
Aaron sucked in a breath. If she’d touch his finger the same way . . . He shook his head. “She chews on one and her headache goes away. There’s healin’ inside.”
Cora looked from Aaron’s eyes to the twigs again. She lowered her hand.
“You wanna see the tree?” Aaron nodded to the side. “It’s jist a skip and a holler over thata way.”
“Yes.” Eliza spoke up. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a tree that cures headaches.”
Aaron chuckled as he took the lead. “Oh yeah, you probably seen plenty. You just never knowed it.”
He stepped onto a large, flat rock angling out of the ground. As Cora joined him, she stopped and looked out over the valley. Her eyes grew round and shone. He figured there wasn’t a prettier place than his valley except for the vision before him. Cora standing on the big rock, taking in her fill of waving grass and blue sky. Yep, she was the prettiest thing he’d ever seen.
Water gurgled below them from a source somewhere under the rock. The spring fed a trickling stream, meandering through a beautiful green meadow that stretched as far as the eye could see. More than any place he’d ever been, Aaron loved this meadow. Maybe one day his dream of living here would come true.
“Where’s the tree?” Eliza’s voice broke the spell.
“It’s right there.” Aaron pointed to the large, drooping tree that stood guard over the spring below them. Its long, delicate limbs bowed before the life-giving water at its feet. Thin leaves hung the entire length of each slender branch.
“How did you get down there to get those twigs?” Eliza leaned forward to look beyond the rock that appeared to be suspended in air with a drop of several feet to the ground below.
“Yonder there’s a slope that goes down.” Aaron pointed to the south. “We’re on a sort of hill here. You probably didn’t know you was climbin’ a hill when you come through the woods. It’s real gradual-like.”
As Eliza inspected the low incline, Aaron stepped closer to Cora, his shoulder brushing hers. “You ready to head back now?”
She nodded. When she turned to meet his gaze, he knew. She loved his meadow as much as he did.
Her words proved his thoughts. “I think I could stay here forever.”
“I know.” Aaron’s voice hushed for her ears only. “I come here real often. It sort of quietens my insides.”
“Aaron.” Her cheeks blossomed pink, and she looked down. He waited for her to speak. “I haven’t been able to give you your Christmas gift yet.”
She pulled a package from her sleeve and handed it to him. As he took it from her, she looked up and met his gaze. He didn’t know what to say, so he untied the ribbon and pulled the paper back. He lifted out the smooth, soft fabric. Handkerchiefs. He’d never had anything so rich and special.
She took the paper from him. He rubbed his finger across the raised letters in the corner. It wasn’t a word. Just letters. His initials.
“Those are letters for your—”
He nodded. “I know, my name. This one’s for Stark, but what’s the other one? Does it stand for Aaron?”
Aaron saw the surprise in Cora’s eyes as she nodded. She probably thought he didn’t know anything. If so, she wasn’t far from the truth. He was so thick-headed, the truth Cora wasn’t for him couldn’t get through. Reckon his heart was even dumber than his head.
He looked again at the handkerchiefs and a smile came with ease. “I don’t know how you made them letters look so pretty. Thank you. I’ll keep ’em for special.”
~*~
Cora folded the paper and ribbon into a small square and stuck it in her dress pocket. Her heart fluttered. Aaron liked her gift. She could tell by the way he looked at them and smiled.
Eliza returned from the slope as Aaron tucked his handkerchiefs in his pocket. When they reached the edge of the woods, Aaron bent and dug with a stick around the base of a large tree. He pulled a knife from the sheath on his side and cut something in the ground.
Cora leaned closer to see what looked like a root. “What is that?”
“Sassafras.” He held some up to her. “Smell it.”
She took the root and sniffed. A pleasant, sweet aroma filled her nostrils. She handed it to Eliza then looked at Aaron, still squatting by the tree. He smiled at her, his dark brows relaxed, his bright blue gaze tender. “Take it home and make some tea. It’s real good.”
“Thank you.” She’d never met anyone like Aaron. He couldn’t read, but he was knowledgeable about so many things. He could probably live from what grew right there in the woods while George would starve to death. Learning to read would be simple compared to all the learning he already had.
Aaron dug some more and cut another length of root. He put the second piece in his pocket and stood. “I won’t take ya all the way home. I gotta get back and do chores, but I’ll wait here ’til I see you’re at your cabin.”
“Thank you, Aaron.” Cora let her gaze linger on his face. “I enjoyed our walk much more because of the things you showed us. Tell Ivy and Ralph we said hi.”
He nodded. “I’ll do that.”
Eliza started off, so Cora hurried to catch her. She turned and waved. Aaron waited just as he’d said. He lifted a hand and grinned.
At the cabin, Cora looked back again. Aaron gave one last wave before he turned and went behind a tree. A warm feeling replaced the restlessness from before her walk. The peaceful beauty of the meadow spring she already called hers filled her mind as she followed Eliza through the door of their cabin. Contentment settled on her soul as she looked around the room. Lenny and Nicholas sat in front of the fireplace playing with a top on the floor.
Eliza knelt beside them. “Where are Mother and Vickie?”
“Vickie’s in bed and Mother went upstairs.” Lenny scarcely acknowledged his sisters’ presence.
“Upstairs?” Cora gasped. She hurried toward the steep ladder against the wall. Mother was in no condition to be climbing. What could be so important that she would risk a fall, especially with Father gone? Cora started up the ladder with Eliza close behind.
Cora clambered into the room. Mother stood beside the bed with Cora’s flour sack crumpled in a heap on the floor. She had her best dress spread on the bed, her prized possessions dumped beside it.
Cora stood in shocked silence.
“Cordella Elizabeth Jackson, what is the meaning of this?” Mother planted both hands on her hips. “I came up here to see about your good dress and find you’ve packed your things. What do you intend to do with them?”
A strangled sob escaped Cora’s lips.
Eliza stepped beside Cora. “Don’t worry, Mother. It doesn’t matter. George isn’t coming, anyway.”
Mother’s mouth fell open, but Cora didn’t wait for her to speak. She whirled toward her sister. “Eliza, how could you?”
Eliza’s hand flew to her mouth with a sharp intake of breath. “I’m sorry, Cora. I didn’t mean . . .” Eliza’s eyes filled with tears. “I’m sorry.”
“Eliza, this is between your sister and me. Will you please wait downstairs?”
Cora barely heard Mother’s voice. Her legs trembled. She glared at her sister until she disappeared down the ladder. In the silence, she turned back to her mother.
“Were you planning an elopement with George Merrill?” Mother’s quiet question was direct—unavoidable.
Cora nodded,
her throat too tight to speak.
“When is he coming?”
“Christmas.” Cora forced the word past numb lips.
“This coming Christmas?”
“No.” Cora shook her head. “Three months ago.”
Mother slumped against the bed. “I see. I guess we don’t have to worry about that anymore.” She picked up the flour sack. “I want you to put all these things away. When you pack for your wedding, we’ll do it together.”
Mother wasn’t angry? Cora dropped to the bed when her muscles gave way.
“Oh, do be careful.” Mother gathered the dress out from under Cora. “This will have to do for your wedding gown. I looked it over and it’s in good repair. I didn’t think to tell your father to bring fabric for a new one, which is just as well. We wouldn’t have time to make it, anyway. That’s one of the disadvantages of living on the frontier.”
Cora studied her mother in confusion. “We wouldn’t have time? Mother, I don’t understand. If George doesn’t come, I won’t be getting married.”
Mother’s steady gaze held Cora’s. “I know you’ve been friends with George since you were small. But you must realize by now he isn’t coming for you. I know you want to marry and that’s only right. You’re nineteen now. Plenty old enough for marriage.”
Cora tried to make sense of her words.
Mother sighed. “Of course, in this wilderness, there are no suitors knocking at your door. That’s why I was so pleased when Mr. Reid came calling the night before your father left.”
“Mr. Reid.” Cora shuddered. She’d never forget how the man had looked at her. “What does he have to do with this?”
Mother smiled. “He’s offered for your hand in marriage.”
“Mother!” A tremble began inside. “You don’t mean it. I am not marrying Mr. Reid.”
“Now, Cora, don’t be difficult. Mr. Reid is a very nice man.”
“He’s old.” Cora’s nose wrinkled. “I don’t want to marry him. How could you ever consider such a thing?”
Mother turned away and hung Cora’s dress on the peg. Her voice took on a dreamy quality. “He’s from one of the best families in Boston. I knew his grandfather. Mr. Reid is settled here on a large acreage with a good start in livestock. He has a nice house and barn.”
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