Micah tossed the last nail from a board into the barrel and walked over to Seth. “Want to tell me how this came about?”
Seth grinned and winked. “Nope, don’t think I care to. You getting hungry yet?”
Micah took off his hat and scratched his head. “I brought a pail with a sandwich and an apple, but I’m afraid I don’t have enough for everyone. By dinnertime we’ll be done, and the men can head on home.”
Seth tipped his head back and chortled. “Somehow I don’t think the ladies will want all this soot tracked into their houses, but that’s not going to be a problem.”
Micah lifted an eyebrow. “Huh?”
The pastor planted a firm hand on each of Micah’s shoulders and turned him around. “Look there at what’s coming up the street.”
The rumble of wagons and the chatter of women’s voices reached Micah’s ears. He’d been so engrossed in his work he hadn’t noticed the increase in the late-morning traffic. Four wagons, each pulled by a team of horses, rolled toward him. Two were filled with women and boxes, while the other two were piled with lumber. His jaw sagged. What in the world?
Seth slapped him on the back. “Better shut that mouth, Jacobs, before it fills with dust. You want to be able to taste all that good food the ladies are bringing.”
Micah swung around and grabbed the man’s arm. “Tell me what’s going on here.” He focused on the first wagon. Katherine sat on the front seat proud and tall, her face beaming as she clutched a small box on her lap.
The teamster driving one of the lumber wagons pulled off to the side, wrapping the reins around the brake and jumping to the ground. “Where you want this unloaded, Jacobs?”
Micah tightened his grip on Seth’s arm. “I didn’t order that lumber, and I can’t pay for it.” He wanted to shake some sense into the well-meaning reverend. This was getting out of hand, and he had to bring it under control.
Seth laid his hand over Micah’s fingers. “I know you can’t, and so does he.” He nodded toward a big, blond-haired man wearing dungarees held up by a pair of suspenders. The man was striding in their direction. “That’s George Mayfield, the owner of the mill outside of town. Talk to him, why don’t you?”
Micah groaned. The pastor meant well, but he’d gone too far. It was one thing to accept some hours of help from the townspeople, but another thing entirely to accept lumber he couldn’t pay for. He stepped forward. “Mr. Mayfield, I’m afraid there’s been a misunderstanding.” He dropped his voice as the man drew to a halt. “I appreciate the thought, but I didn’t order these supplies. I’m sorry you went to the trouble, and I’ll pay for your time as soon as I’m able.”
The man slid his thumbs down the inside of his suspenders and then ran them back to the top. “I was hoping we could make us a trade, Jacobs.”
Micah’s thoughts whirled but couldn’t settle on what Mr. Mayfield was saying. The happy chatter of women, the neigh of a horse, the ringing of hammers against boards, and the thump of boots as men unloaded boxes of food and set planks on sawhorses distracted him. Cloths were thrown over the makeshift tables, and plates and flatware were unwrapped as he stood there and gawked.
“Uh, Jacobs?” George Mayfield rocked back on his heels and grinned. “Want to wait and palaver about this after dinner? Looks like yer attention is on the food those ladies brung us.”
Micah started and blinked, ashamed that he’d ignored the man. “Forgive me, Mr. Mayfield. I reckon this is a lot for me to take in. I wasn’t expecting help today, and now …” He waved toward the bustle of activity in front of what had once been his livery. “Well, now people show up, and you bring lumber, and I’m not sure what to think.” He turned, working to gather his disjointed thoughts. “You said something about a trade?”
“Yes, sir, I did at that.” Mayfield jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “I got stacks of lumber out at my mill, but I also got two broke-down wagons, a harness wanting repair, a busted wheel, and three horses in bad need of shoes. I’d planned on bringing the work to you ’bout the time your building caught fire, then you was laid up and couldn’t work. I’ll admit, I’m doing this as much for myself as you, but I hope you won’t hold that a’gin me. You’d be doing me a service if you’d consider it.”
Micah shook his head. “You’re saying you want to trade all this lumber for work? But there’s enough here to frame up a whole new building.”
“Yep, and more coming for the siding, along with a load of shingles, if you’ll take ’em.”
Micah held up his hand. “Whoa, now. No, sir. That’s too much. I’ll owe you more than the work you mentioned.”
Mayfield shrugged. “Makes me no never mind, Jacobs. I’ve got a tally of it all back at my office. Believe me, I’ll not be shy about asking you to work when I need it. I run a business, and something is always breaking down at the wrong time. I lost my smithy a couple of months ago and figured on replacing him till I heard you’d come to town. My work alone will keep you busy for the next month. ’Course, it don’t all have to be done back-to-back, if you get other folks needing your time. Long as you fix that harness and a couple of my wagons, and shoe the horses, that’ll tide me over for a mite.” He stuck out a beefy, work-hardened hand. “Is it a deal?”
Micah grinned and stretched out his arm. “Yes, sir, I’d say it is. I can’t thank you enough.”
Mayfield heaved a sigh. “Don’t be thanking me too fast, Jacobs. You might be cussin’ me by the time we’re finished.”
“I hardly think so.” Micah watched the man stride back to the wagons. A surge of joy and gratitude swelled to the point where he was sure his heart would burst. All of this was Seth’s doing, he knew it. He searched for the pastor, and his heart jolted again. Katherine stood only feet away, her blue eyes ablaze with joy—and something else—as they met his. He wanted to race forward, swoop her into the air, and swing her around, but he clamped his arms to his sides and froze. He’d promised Katherine to respect their decision to put their children first and hoped Mrs. Cooper’s attitude toward him would change. If it killed him, he’d keep that promise.
Even from the distance that separated them, Katherine could see the fire that lit Micah’s eyes as soon as he saw her … and then, just as quickly, faded. His hands clenched into balls, and his body stiffened. Had she offended him somehow, or had he discovered she’d helped plan this day and resented her for it? She prayed he wasn’t humiliated by something one of the men had said. Or was refusing to swallow his pride and accept the supplies offered.
She wanted to run to him and pour out a dozen questions—things she’d been longing to ask for the past several days. What had happened between him and Zachary that night the children discovered them in the parlor? Did he regret the declaration he’d made about caring for her and wish he’d kept silent? She moved forward when a step beside her made her pause. Oh dear. She’d forgotten Mama and Wilma Roberts had insisted on coming along.
“Katherine, where do you want these pies?” Mrs. Roberts tapped her on the arm. “Oh, I see you are staring at Mr. Jacobs. Well, if you ask me, he certainly is a fine-looking specimen.”
“I wasn’t staring at him, Mrs. Roberts. You can place the pies on the end of this table. Is Lucy making herself useful?” She turned her back on the man in question, but not before she saw him pivot away.
“Yes, as is little Mandy. Fine girls you have raised, Mrs. Galloway. They do you proud.”
Katherine drew a breath, thankful she’d derailed the conversation. “Thank you.”
“Yes, indeed. But it is not good for a woman to spend the rest of her life alone. When I first arrived at your boardinghouse, I had hoped Mr. Jacobs might be interested in my Beth, but it appears he only has eyes for you. And according to what I’ve seen …” Her voice raised a notch and she bumped Katherine with her elbow. “… the feeling is mutual.”
Heat rose in Katherine’s cheeks and she dipped her head, hoping the eagle-eyed Mrs. Roberts wouldn’t notice. “I can’t imagine where you
’ve heard that, Mrs. Roberts. Mr. Jacobs and I are only friends.”
“Ha, that is not what a certain little birdie told me.”
Katherine forced herself to relax. “It is never good to listen to gossip.”
“Oh, it wasn’t gossip, my dear. It came straight from your mother.”
Katherine blinked. She hadn’t expected Mama to talk. In fact, she’d assumed Mama would want to bury the episode. Nothing had been mentioned over the past week or so other than an occasional cold stare or sharp grunt. “Are you implying my mother was conveying good news or ill tidings, Mrs. Roberts?”
“Oh, certainly not good news, my dear. In fact, if I didn’t know better, I would think she was hoping to start a bit of a scandal and force Mr. Jacobs to move. I told her it was an ill wind that would blow no one any good, and she would do well to keep her own counsel. I reminded her that you are a grown woman and a pretty one, at that. Your two girls could use a father, and I’m sure it wouldn’t upset you having a man around the house.”
The matron beamed. “She and I have gotten quite close since her illness. That is, when she’s not angry with me over one thing or another, but that is happening less. I am still convinced the only thing that ails her is that she needs a friend, and I am determined to fill that role for as long as I am here.” She lifted her head and smiled. “She may not appreciate it yet, but she will. Mark my words.”
Katherine patted the woman’s arm, thankful the subject had swung to her mother. “I’m sure she will, and you are a saint to keep at it, Mrs. Roberts. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to find my girls.”
“Not at all. In fact, I should see how Frances is faring. I left her sitting in the shade and instructed her to stay off her feet. We don’t want gout sending her back to bed.”
Katherine slipped away, but not before peering over her shoulder in the direction Micah had gone. Disappointment rocked her when she saw the spot where he’d stood was vacant. But it might not be a good idea to seek him out anytime soon. She didn’t want tongues to wag. The last thing she needed was the town setting them up as a courting couple. What had her mother been thinking, and what, exactly, had she said to Mrs. Roberts? Katherine didn’t know, but she intended to find out.
Micah stared at the gathering throng of people. He hadn’t expected the dance to take place in the square outside his new building, but the general consensus was to stay here rather than move to the usual location. He ran a hand over his freshly washed hair and rocked back on his heels. Butterflies danced in his stomach, feeling as though they had razors for wings. He hadn’t been this nervous since he’d given Emma a handmade Valentine’s card the year he turned thirteen. Emma. He waited for the sharp pain that always arose at the memory of his wife, but he only experienced a tender sadness. Incredible. He’d never forget Emma—didn’t ever want to forget. But how could this new feeling for Katherine have done so much toward helping him heal?
More men had arrived after the lumber was delivered, and the sounds of hammering and shouts of encouragement rang in the air. In no time at all, the walls were up and the second-floor joists spanned them. The workers all promised to return on Monday to finish the framing, including the roof. Micah still wasn’t positive he’d use the upper story for a home, but it would come in handy no matter what he decided.
The work the men had accomplished astounded him, as well as the compassion poured out by this town. More specifically, by Pastor Seth. He’d been God’s hands extended these past weeks, and the framing of Micah’s new building proved he’d done so again.
How could Micah possibly remain angry at God when his heavenly Father continued to express His love in such tangible ways? Sure, he still had questions and concerns and knew he’d need to sort through his feelings of loss and abandonment, but for the first time in two years he saw a ray of hope.
People he didn’t know had spent hours helping—not only on his building, but setting up tables and food for the social this evening. The early evening air remained warm, and the sun wouldn’t set for another three hours, giving plenty of time for socializing.
Micah’s palms grew damp at the thought of dancing with Katherine. He hadn’t danced for years and would probably step all over her dainty shoes if he tried, but the lure was too great to resist.
But first, he had to find her. He scanned the swelling crowd of colorfully dressed people, hoping to spot her dark gray dress and blond hair. Women sashayed in on the arms of their husbands or beaus, and children ran screaming and giggling, weaving among the tables. A group of men cleared a space in his new building while another set chairs in a circle around the outer walls. It appeared they were placing benches outside the big double doors.
Katherine had been in evidence during supper, but he hadn’t enjoyed a minute alone with her—not with her mother glaring daggers. Katherine had sent him an apologetic smile followed by a shrug that sent his heart soaring. At least she didn’t appear upset with him.
A blond woman in a powder-blue dress caught his eye, making Micah catch his breath. From a distance it appeared to be Katherine, but she’d been wearing a gray dress a couple of hours earlier with her hair drawn back in a knot. He turned and followed the woman with his gaze. Her hair was down, caught in a clip at her neck, allowing a riot of golden curls to cascade down her back. He hadn’t realized how long those tresses were. Her trim hips swayed slightly, causing the full skirt to flow around her ankles. He shook his head, unable to tear his eyes away but hating to stare.
She paused, then stopped and slowly turned, raising her hand to touch a curl that framed the side of her face. Micah’s heart lurched. Katherine. He’d never seen anyone so beautiful in his life.
Shivers ran up Katherine’s spine. Someone was watching her. She turned and looked back the way she’d come. Micah stood on the far side of the small clearing, holding his hat in his hands, his mouth agape. Deep admiration shone on his freshly scrubbed face.
He must have returned to the house in the past hour or so, possibly slipping in and out while she took care of her own preparations in her room. Gone were the soot-stained clothing and old work boots. In their place were dark trousers, a white shirt, a five-button vest, and a neatly done tie. The clothes must be another kind gesture from Pastor Seth, as Micah didn’t have the funds to replace what he’d lost.
Micah’s hair shone, and his face was cleanly shaved. The muscles of his upper arms tightened the fabric of his thin cotton shirt, and Katherine’s heart skipped a beat. He had never looked so handsome.
He wended his way between the people gathering in small groups and stopped a short stride away, bowing low and smiling. “I must say, you’re lovelier than I’ve ever seen you.”
She curtsied and laughed. “Thank you, kind sir. And I might say the same about you. But handsome, not lovely, if I’m to be perfectly accurate.”
One corner of his lips twitched, then he extended his arm. “May I escort you, madam?”
She slipped her hand through his bent arm and thrilled as he drew her close. “Have you seen the children?” She hated to squelch the moment, but if she weren’t careful, she’d forget caution and fall right into his arms. With the possibility that gossip might have already started, she needed to be vigilant—not to mention the added threat of Mama, who’d kept an eagle eye on almost every move she and Micah made recently. She hadn’t seen her family yet and prayed she’d have time alone with Micah before they appeared.
They strolled toward the shade of a large, towering oak and paused close to its trunk, shadowed by the branches. Micah gestured to a bench. “Would you care to sit for a minute until the dancing starts?” He gave her a devilish grin that sent tingles through her. “I’m not the best dancer in the county, but I’d sure like to give it a try, Katherine.” His voice dropped low as he spoke her name. “I haven’t been able to think of much else these past couple hours.”
Katherine’s breath caught in her throat. “I’m afraid I’ve had the same difficulty. I’d be honored to share
a dance—or two.” She took a seat and waited for him to settle beside her. “Now tell me, are things all right between you and Zachary?”
The light dimmed from his face. “As good as can be, I expect. We talked after he bolted from the room, as I’m sure you did with Lucy.”
She nodded but didn’t reply. She’d been longing to know how Zachary had responded ever since that night.
Micah leaned closer, and his shoulder touched hers. “He listened, but I don’t think he liked hearing that I care for you, even if we remain friends.” He frowned. “I tried to get him to open up about his feelings for Beth, but he was mute as a rock.”
She gently probed. “You object that he might be interested in her?”
He hunched a shoulder. “She’s five years older than he is.”
Katherine touched his arm. “You’re right, Micah, although he’s nearly fifteen. Boys tend to develop an interest in women by that age, you know.”
His face relaxed. “He seems smitten with her.”
“Yes, Lucy mentioned that. But when she talks about Zachary she lights up, somehow. I’m afraid my little girl doesn’t know her own heart. Sometimes she appears to root for Beth; at other times there’s a bit of jealousy peeking out.”
She furrowed her brows. Any serious relationship between herself and Micah could make it difficult for Lucy and Zachary. They couldn’t allow that to happen, at least not until they were certain the children weren’t interested in a relationship with one another. It had been hard enough for her to avoid a physical relationship with Daniel once she recognized she loved him. If they’d lived in the same house, it might have been nigh unto impossible.
Her heart sank at the thought. Lucy was only thirteen and needed to wait at least two more years before she was old enough to court. Katherine must stick with that decision, no matter the personal cost to herself.
Blowing on Dandelions: A Novel (Love Blossoms in Oregon Series) Page 23
