Pastor Seth nodded. “Sure, I suppose we all feel that way from time to time. God doesn’t always answer our prayers the way we hope and sometimes it seems as though He’s ignoring us. But I can assure you that’s never the case.”
Micah planted his crutches and pulled to a halt. “Then He made an exception for me when He allowed my Emma to die and left me to raise our son alone. Not trying to be rude, Pastor, but I don’t think I’m in the mood to visit the site of yet another disappointment. I think I’ll head back to the store.”
“Wait, Jacobs.” Pastor Seth placed a hand on Micah’s arm. “I know it appears that way, but believe me when I tell you life will get better. God hasn’t abandoned you.”
“Whatever you say, Pastor. Now I need to go. Good day to you.” He headed back the way they’d come as fast as his crutches would take him. A twinge of guilt mixed with some bitterness. The pastor was only trying to encourage him, but the words stung all the same. He was tired of hearing from do-gooders that God cared and hadn’t forgotten him. He didn’t believe it, and no amount of preaching would change his mind. Maybe he shouldn’t have been short with the man, but he wanted Pastor Seth to understand once and for all that he didn’t care to discuss the subject. Hopefully this would end all the foolish talk about God taking care of him and seeing him through this current calamity.
He settled into a chair against the wall of the mercantile, content to watch the traffic go by and the people traipsing up and down the street. Katherine had picked a busy time of day to do her shopping but all the better for him. At least it kept his focus off his troubles.
And he had another pleasant ride with Katherine to look forward to, so the day could only get better from here.
Katherine exited the store, content with her purchases and anxious to return home. Hopefully Micah would be close by and they could head out now that the wagon was loaded with her provisions. She looped her reticule over her wrist, noticing the difference in weight. She’d spent more than she’d planned, but with the increase of boarders, her pantry was low and must be restocked. A small movement pulled her attention to the side, where a chair was tipped back against the wall. Micah Jacobs sat with his eyes closed, his crutches resting beside him.
How could she wake the man without startling him? She’d been longer than the hour she’d promised and worried he might be tired, but his evident exhaustion pricked at her heart. She leaned toward him and spoke in a whisper. “Micah?”
The man’s eyelids quivered but didn’t open.
“Mr. Jacobs?” She said it a little louder this time, but there was still no response. Taking a chance, she touched his shoulder.
He jumped, and the front legs of his chair thumped down on the boardwalk.
She drew back. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to surprise you.”
He scrubbed a hand across his eyes and focused on her face. “Katherine. I didn’t hear you walk up. I was resting for a moment.”
“Of course.” She fought a smile. “The clerk has finished loading my purchases. Are you ready to return home?”
“Sure. Whenever you are.” He grabbed the crutches and slowly eased to a standing position. “Guess I got a little stiff sitting so long.”
“I’m sorry I kept you waiting.”
“No matter.” He swung to the edge of the boardwalk and made his way to the wagon.
“Did you accomplish what you’d hoped in coming to town?” As soon as she said the words, she wished she could retract them. Hardness settled over his features again. How had she forgotten the pain she’d witnessed less than two hours before?
“I got out in the sun and on my own two feet, so I guess I did.” He mumbled the words, then headed toward her side of the wagon. “Let me give you a hand.” Leaning his crutches against the driver’s box, he took her arm and assisted her onto the seat.
“Why, thank you, Micah.” Her breath caught at the touch of his hand on hers, and she wished he didn’t have to remove it to go to his own side of the wagon.
Grabbing his crutches, he made his way to the rail where the horse stood, untied him, then limped to the side and hoisted himself up onto the bench. The muscles in Micah’s shoulders and upper arms bulged as he tried to avoid using his leg. Katherine averted her gaze, afraid he’d catch her staring. She waited until he got situated, then picked up the reins and released the brake.
Silence settled around them as the horse pulled the load up the dusty street. She longed to bring up the subject nibbling at her thoughts since last night, but how could she do it without troubling Micah? He already seemed burdened, but he had the right to know about his son’s behavior. Drawing in a deep breath, she mustered her courage. “I have something I’d like to discuss with you.”
He turned his head. “All right. But if you’re wondering what I’m planning to do about my business and home, I don’t know. But as soon as I figure it out, I’ll make other living arrangements.”
His brusqueness shocked her. “Why in the world would you think that?”
Micah hunched one shoulder. “I ran into the pastor today, and that’s all he wanted to talk about, so I figured it was probably bothering you as well.”
“Oh. I see.” She didn’t but saw no sense in pursuing the subject. It was apparent something the pastor said had hit him wrong, and she’d probably only add fuel to the fire by saying anything more. “No, that’s not what I had in mind.” She wished she could think of something else to talk about besides Zachary, but nothing surfaced. Better to stick with her original plan, get it over with, and pray he wouldn’t be upset.
“I apologize for being gruff. Guess I have a lot to work through right now. Go on. I’m listening.” He settled his frame against the back of the bench.
“It’s about Zachary.”
He shot bolt upright. “What about him? What’s wrong?”
“Oh, dear, I didn’t mean to worry you. I guess I should have said it’s about Lucy and Zachary.”
Micah slowly relaxed again. “What about them?”
“I’m concerned about some behavior I observed last night before supper.” She held up her hand to forestall his questions. “I’ll explain. Just give me a minute. I was looking for my daughter and heard her laughter coming from Zachary’s room. The door was partially open, so I pushed it the rest of the way and stepped in. Lucy jumped back, but it was clear Zachary had been holding her in his arms.”
“What?” Micah choked on the word and then sputtered, “I don’t believe it.”
Katherine waited until they’d crossed the bridge, then reined Gracie to the side of the road and pulled her to a halt. She wound the leather reins around the brake handle and swiveled toward Micah. “See here, Mr. Jacobs. I’m telling you what I saw, and I’m not accustomed to making up stories.”
He held up a hand and shook his head. “That’s not what I meant. Simply that it’s hard to believe my son—my boy—with a girl—”
“He’s not that young. He’s fifteen, isn’t he?”
“Yes. Well, almost. Next month.” His voice dripped with confusion. “What did they say? Did you talk to him about it?”
“No. I told Lucy to get to the kitchen, and then I walked out. I assumed Zachary would tell you about it before I had a chance to.” Katherine had been trying to keep her anger from showing but couldn’t contain it any longer. “Lucy denies anything happened, and I suppose I’m willing to believe that, but I don’t like it. It’s been obvious to me from the start that Zachary is smitten with Lucy, but I told her some time ago that she’s too young to court. She assured me she and your son are only friends, but after what I saw, I don’t believe it.”
“Did she explain what happened?”
Katherine gave a slow nod. “She said it wasn’t a hug. That she was helping Zachary with something, but she promised to keep it a secret. And, if you must know, I can’t for the life of me think of anything she could be helping him with that involves hugging. I’m worried. I can’t have Zachary inviting my daughter in
to his room and making inappropriate advances toward her.”
Micah’s face hardened. “They’re children, Katherine. You seem to be taking this a bit far.”
“Really?” Katherine stared at him for several seconds, then plucked the reins from around the brake and slapped them against the horse’s rump. “Let’s get home, Gracie.”
The mare broke into a trot that sent Micah rocking against the seat. “I’ll talk to Zachary, but I still think you’re upset about nothing.”
“My daughter was in your son’s room, and his arms were around her.” She kept her tone level, but it took all the effort she could muster. Why didn’t this aggravating man see how dangerous this situation might be? Two young people alone in a bedroom—even if the door had been slightly open—wasn’t something to be taken lightly.
“Yes,” he said with an edge. “She was in his room; he wasn’t in hers. Have you thought of that? Besides, I’d like to know what’s wrong with my son. If he did care for your daughter, would that be so terrible?”
Katherine whipped her head toward him. “I didn’t say there is anything wrong with Zachary. That wasn’t my point at all.” Her body began to tremble with barely suppressed frustration and anger. “I can’t believe you’re implying this is Lucy’s fault. She’s only thirteen!”
“Yes, but obviously old enough to know better, and she still chose to enter his room. I’d say your anger is a little misguided if it’s all pointed at my son. And I’m more than a little upset on his behalf, that you apparently feel he’s completely to blame.”
Katherine gaped, then closed her mouth with a snap and turned back to her driving. She wouldn’t argue with this impossible man any more. But from now on, she’d keep an eye on his boy.
Micah gritted his teeth to keep from saying anything that he shouldn’t. Right now he wanted off this wagon and out of Katherine Galloway’s house—and life. Of all the infernal, insufferable, frustrating women, she took the cake. Why did she have to be sweet, pretty, and generous so much of the time, then do this complete about-face and accuse his son of improper behavior? And just when he’d started to think he might be able to open his heart a crack to another woman. Well, it was a good thing he’d found out before anything happened. The last thing he needed was another broken heart.
Exactly what did she have against Zachary that she believed he wouldn’t be suitable for her daughter? Micah hated to think that it had anything to do with his own poor circumstances, with the loss of his home and business. Most likely, he’d not have much to pass on to his son if things didn’t turn around soon. But he’d never have believed Katherine would be so petty as to feel that way. Was it because he wasn’t as educated as her? Did she think his family beneath her?
No, this wasn’t about him, and he shouldn’t try to make it into something it wasn’t, but it stung all the same. His son was a fine, upstanding young man, good enough to court any girl he chose, and Katherine should be able to see that on her own.
The silence hung as dense as quicksand pulling at his boots, ready to suck him under if he so much as glanced at the woman who sat ramrod straight beside him. When the wagon drew to a stop in front of Katherine’s small barn, Micah clambered down from his perch as fast as his injured leg would allow. Good manners demanded he scoot around to Katherine’s side and assist her as she stepped down, so he headed that direction. To his relief, her small feet touched the ground as he came around the back. She reached up to loosen the reins from the brake and her skirt lifted an inch or two. He quickly averted his gaze. “Want me to lead the mare to the barn?”
“No. Thank you. I have a man who does the afternoon chores. He’ll unhitch Gracie and put her away.”
“What can I take into the house for you?” He chafed at standing outside talking when all he wanted was to get inside to find Zachary. He’d get to the bottom of what happened if he had to squeeze it out of the boy.
“Nothing.” She gave a pointed look at his crutches. “It wouldn’t be easy to juggle those and a box of supplies. But I appreciate the offer. Lucy will help.”
“All right. Thank you for the ride. I’ll go find Zachary.” He hated that they sounded like polite strangers who’d only met, but it couldn’t be helped. She’d accused his son of luring her daughter into his room and behaving as less than a gentleman, and until Micah heard the details for himself and made his own judgment, he’d keep his distance.
He didn’t look back over his shoulder as she tarried outside, even though everything within him shouted to do so. This woman tugged at his emotions more than she ought, and he didn’t like it. As soon as he could make other arrangements, he’d move. No way could he allow himself to get entangled in a relationship with someone who didn’t trust his son.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Frances marched to the kitchen, hoping to find Katherine alone. The wagon had pulled in, the front door slammed, and then Mr. Jacobs stomped up the hall toward his room. The man had mastered the art of stomping while using crutches, something she had never thought possible. She smirked. Maybe he and Katherine had a falling out while on their jaunt to town.
She had almost forgotten the plan she’d conceived several days before when she overheard Lucy and that boy talking, but right now might be a good time to put it in place. After all, it couldn’t hurt to give Mr. Jacobs an extra nudge out the door. Not that she had anything against him personally, but with him having no home or prospects, Katherine should be discouraged from looking his direction.
Katherine glanced up from unpacking a crate of provisions and smiled. “Hello, Mama. How are you feeling today?”
Frances wavered, her conscience pinching. Why did Katherine have to be so kind and friendly? It would be so much easier if she were grumpy or disagreeable. Frances pushed those thoughts away. She did not plan on lying, and this was for her daughter’s own good. Katherine had an admirable existence in this house with her girls, and she did not need a man lugging his troubles into her life. “I am fine, thank you. Did you get everything you need?”
“Yes, I think so. Would you care for a cup of tea? The kettle is hot, and I’m about finished and ready to sit.”
“That sounds good. I will get the cups.” Frances removed two of Katherine’s special sprigged china teacups, which she reserved for tea with family, and placed them carefully on the table. Her daughter only used these for special occasions, but they so rarely had time to take tea alone together.
She slid into her place. Katherine poured hot water from the kettle and sat across from her with a sigh.
“Long day, my dear? Or is something bothering you?” Maybe she could find out what had transpired between her daughter and Mr. Jacobs before launching into her own tale.
Katherine hesitated, as though trying to decide whether to confide in her mother or not, then slowly shook her head. “Nothing I want to talk about at the moment, Mama.”
“Oh. I see.” The words came out sharper than Frances planned, but Katherine’s words pricked. Why couldn’t the girl ever talk to her about things that mattered? It was either surface chatter or irritation at some imagined wrong she had committed. Katherine never shared any confidences or secrets. Frances pressed her lips together. No sense in starting yet another disagreeable scene. That wouldn’t accomplish her purpose. “Very well, you are entitled to keep your own counsel, of course.”
“I didn’t mean—”
“Nonsense. Do not give it another thought.” Frances lifted her chin. “Do not let a fussy old woman’s words bother you.”
Katherine’s brows rose, sending another shaft of annoyance through Frances. The girl acted like she never spoke kindly to her, for goodness’ sake! Of course she did, but she spoke plainly, too, and it ought not to bother Katherine when she did.
But enough of that. It was time to say what she had come to say.
Frances fingered the handle of her teacup. “I have noticed that Lucy and Zachary have been spending a lot of time together.”
Katherine nodd
ed but didn’t reply.
Not the response Frances hoped for, but she pressed on. “You know, I was interested in my first husband when I was her age. Thirteen is not too young to start thinking about a girl’s future, and Zachary seems like a fine young man. Maybe you should consider allowing him to court her.” There, the words were out, and all she could do was hope they had the desired effect.
“Lucy is too young to court, and I’d appreciate it if you don’t plant that idea in her head.” Katherine set her cup on the saucer. “You haven’t already said something to her, have you, Mother?”
Mother. Ha! The only time her daughter used that word was when she was overly annoyed. “No, of course not. My goodness, Katherine, you act like you want her to be an old maid all of her life. The girl is young, pretty, and will certainly have boys calling soon. You must realize that.”
“Yes, but she’s only thirteen and still a child. I have no intention of allowing her to court until she’s at least fifteen.”
“You have a perfectly acceptable young man living under your roof who appears to be very interested in Lucy, and if my eyes do not deceive me, she might even return the sentiment. Why are you being so stubborn?”
There, she hadn’t come right out and said she believed or knew Lucy liked the boy. Not exactly. A little coloring of the truth for the good of all concerned. If Katherine believed they were interested in one another, that might be enough for her to ask them to move. Frances sat back, working to keep a satisfied smirk from spreading.
“I am not being stubborn. I am being Lucy’s mother.” Katherine pushed her chair away from the table and rose. “And I do not care to discuss this further. I have work to finish.”
“Whatever you say, dear. I think I will go along to my room to rest for a bit. But you might want to check on Mr. Jacobs. He seemed upset about something when he came in. I hope his leg is not acting up and causing him to feel poorly again.”
Blowing on Dandelions: A Novel (Love Blossoms in Oregon Series) Page 17
