Sarah's Heart

by Ginger Simpson

  Sarah laughed. “It’s all right. I even shocked myself. It is quite a transformation, isn’t it?”

  He offered his arm and she accepted it. At the buggy, she hefted her skirt and stepped up to her seat. She smoothed her dress, wishing she could soothe the churning stomach beneath. Earlier, she’d been filled with excitement, but now she wished she hadn’t accepted the invitation. How could she possibly enjoy an outing with another man when thoughts of Wolf still filled her mind? She reminded herself that one outing didn’t constitute a relationship.

  Jonathan climbed inside, tilting the buggy beneath his weight. He settled and took the reins. His gaze drifted to her. “Are you ready, beautiful lady?”

  Her fingertips stilled her smile. It’d been a long time since she’d gotten such a compliment. “I believe so.”

  With a flick of the whip, the buggy lurched forward. Jonathan turned the rig around and headed in the direction he’d come. The wheels crossed over their earlier imprints in the dusty street.

  The walkway ended, and instead of passing businesses, the carriage rolled by houses, some with picket fences and patches of green grass. She returned the friendly wave of a few people out in their yards: a woman planted a row of flowers while a gentleman gave his gate a new coat of whitewash.

  Before long, the residences grew farther apart, replaced by a vast expanse of plowed furrows already sprouting a new crop. Sarah licked her lips in recognition. “Looking at those stalks makes my mouth water. My mother used to boil corn in water and milk then drench the ears in butter. What I wouldn’t give for a taste right now.”

  “Sounds like someone is hungry and we still have a few hours until lunch.” He adjusted the brim of his hat and stared straight ahead.

  “I guess I shouldn’t have missed breakfast, but I got so excited about shopping.” She playfully poked him in the arm. “It’s your fault.”

  Jonathan steered the dappled mare off the trail and headed for a stand of trees in the distance. Sarah clung to the seat’s edge as the rig traversed the bumpy terrain. She cast a puzzled look at Jonathan, but he simply grinned and reined the buggy to a halt in the shade of a towering oak. “I think I have just the answer to your problem.”

  “What problem?”

  He jumped down and disappeared behind the rig. Curious, she hung over the side and peered around back. “What are you doing?”

  Jonathan reappeared holding a blanket and a basket, his broad smile restoring his charming dimples. “I took the liberty of changing our lunch plans. I hope you aren’t upset, but I had the hotel pack a picnic for us instead.” He raised the wicker container. “We’ve got fried chicken, biscuits, some fruit, and a jar of lemonade.”

  “It sounds wonderful, but I’m curious.” Sarah raised a brow. “What made you change your mind?”She held out a hand, inviting help down.

  Jonathan set the basket on a nearby tree stump and tossed the blanket over it. “Selfishness I guess.” Encircling her waist with his hands, he lifted her with ease and set her on the ground. “I thought we might be able to get better acquainted in a more private setting.” He cocked his head inquisitively. “But if you’d prefer, we can still have lunch as previously planned.”

  Sarah lifted her skirt and stepped over a fallen limb, then gazed up at the leaves fluttering on the branches overhead. “No, this is fine. We have shade, a nice breeze, and since I’m starving, I guess it’s a good thing you planned this.” She laughed and patted her stomach. A little voice in her head warned her to beware but she turned a deaf ear. Jonathan had been nothing but a perfect gentleman.

  “Wonderful!” Jonathan spread the blanket then gestured. “Have a seat, and let me serve you.”

  Sarah knelt, then sat, curling her legs under her skirt and arranging it so it didn’t wrinkle. She sniffed the air. “I smell the river.”

  “It’s not far from here.” Jonathan dished up a plate and handed it to her. “But I would have guessed chicken as the aroma you detected.”

  She’d already discovered a benefit of being in a town on the south bank of the Missouri. The cool breeze coming off the water and the occasional melodic toot of a far off riverboat horn drifting through her open window had lulled her to sleep. If given a choice, she’d live closer to hear the water lapping at the bank.

  Jonathan sat cross-legged, balancing a plate on his knee. “The Missouri is the main reason Mr. Whitney is interested in businesses here. The area is growing faster than ticks on a spotted hound, and for now, the river is the main source of getting supplies to the west coast. If the survey that’s being done rules in Mr. Whitney’s favor with regard to the railroad, Independence will become an even more popular hub to the Pacific Ocean.”

  Sarah swallowed a bite of meat, then licked the oily sheen from her lips. “What could keep that from happening?”

  “Not what, who! Senator Thomas Hart Benton! He’s fighting against Mr. Whitney, proposing a more western route originating from St. Louis. Depending upon the survey’s outcome, Congress is likely to decide where the tracks run.”

  “While it might interest some, I find political issues rather boring.” She took a sip of tart lemonade and struggled not to pucker.

  “Truly? I’d have taken you for someone interested in the women’s suffrage movement.”

  She flicked her wrist. “I know very little about it.”

  “You really should become more involved. The cause could use someone with your spunk.” He laughed. “In 1848, the first women’s rights convention was held in Seneca Falls, New York. It caused quite a stir. While I personally find that most women are like you and have no interest in voting, there are those who are passionate about achieving equal rights.”

  “I applaud their courage and fight, but right now I have problems of my own to solve.” She wiped her hands then rearranged her skirt. Straightening her legs, she leaned back on her palms. “Since you brought up equality, shouldn’t that apply to everyone, regardless of who they are?”

  “Would you like an apple?” Jonathan changed the subject.

  “No thank you. I’m quite full.” She realized her attempt to turn the conversation to Wolf wasn’t going anywhere. “I’d like to request a favor though.”

  “Ask away, fair lady.” He crunched into the large red piece of fruit.

  “When we return to town, could we drive by the docks? I’ve never seen a riverboat.”

  “My pleasure, indeed. But before we do that, I want your opinion on the site that I’m proposing for Mr. Whitney. Should we get started?”

  Sarah nodded. Lunch and a visit to the docks would suffice for her, but she’d already agreed to view his intended purchase. A worrisome fear returned and niggled at her. She prayed the land in question wasn’t the same acreage Wolf prized. But from Jonathan’s description at supper of the other party involved in the sale, and Wolf’s reaction, she had reason for concern. She pushed the thought aside. What were the odds…what with so much open range around and people rushing to buy, like Jonathan said?

  With the remains of lunch tucked away and the buggy jiggling down the trail, she leaned back and enjoyed the ride. The air grew hot, but thankfully, the canopy provided shelter from the ferocious sun. Sarah watched the countryside spring up around her, a waving sea of grass along the road, with an occasional grove in the distance. Sadly, it reminded her of traveling with Wolf, and she put her hand to her bosom to still the ache. Jonathan rambled on but, lost in thought, Sarah only heard bits and pieces about his plans for making big money. No matter how hard she tried to avoid picturing Wolf’s face, he invaded her every thought.

  “Here it is.” Jonathan’s voice brought her back to the moment. He tugged the reins, halting the buggy alongside a split-rail fence. The trip hadn’t taken long.

  Her gaze settled on an old barn, standing precariously on property knee-high in grass and weeds browned by the sun. Her first impression was that it appeared no different than the land they’d passed.

  Jonathan leapt out and walked around
to her side, tilting his hat brim against the sun while surveying the area. “It’s really quite the perfect place. Close to the road, not far from the river, but with its own water supply. Come. Let me show you the creek.”

  Taking his offered hand, she stepped down. “It is a lovely area,” she fibbed, trying not to wrinkle her nose. The land’s only appeal was the mention of a creek. She felt parched. Stifling a sigh, she crooked her arm through Jonathan’s and walked carefully along the rutted road to a place where the aged fence had fallen.

  She peered at the tall blades barely moving in the breeze then back to Jonathan. Surely, he didn’t expect her to wade through a sea of thistles in her new dress. Besides, she’d seen a creek before and there was lemonade left over from lunch.

  Without warning, he swept her into his arms. “Can’t risk ruining that new gown, now can we?” He stepped over the downed wood and trudged through the grass toward the shade.

  She locked her arms around his sweat-dampened neck, praying he kept even footing. Thistles be damned, she didn‘t like being carried. “Honestly the last thing you need in this heat is to heft me around. Put me down. I can manage.”

  “Pshaw, you’re light as feather.” The perspiration beading his top lip and the thrumming of his heart against his shirt belied his protest.

  The land cleared beneath the tall elms. Huffing, Jonathan set Sarah on her feet and fanned his suit coat. “It has gotten warmer. Would you mind if I removed my jacket?”

  “Not at all. I’m surprised you’ve kept it on so long.” She smoothed her skirt, wondering where the breeze had gone.

  Jonathan shed his jacket, then his hat. His usually well-coiffed hair lay in dampened curls, one flopping over his forehead. He swiped his forearm across his brow, removing all traces of sweat. “I do believe I picked the hottest day to suggest this outing, and it’s not even noon yet.”

  “Well since we’re here, tell me where you’d propose building the station?” Waving her hand in front of her face, she tried to create a breeze. She had no interest whatsoever in Jonathan’s project, but she feigned it for the sake of politeness.

  He glanced around and pointed to the old barn. “Probably where that piece of rubble sits. God knows another good windstorm will take the whole thing down.” His gaze spanned the fenced acreage. “This is a fair-sized piece of land. With the depot there, we can build a new and bigger barn to house the horses and buggies of those driving here to catch the train—maybe over here closer to the trees. Of course, the station would also have a kitchen, a nice lounge for the passengers comfort while waiting, and…needed facilities of course.”

  Her thirst increased. “How far is the creek from here?” She looked but didn’t see it.

  “There, beyond those rocks.” His swept his chin to the right.

  She gazed in the general direction. “Where? I must be blind.”

  Jonathan walked around and stood behind her. Extending his arm over her shoulder, he pointed. “Just pretend you’re aiming a rifle and use my finger as your sight.” His warm breath washed over the side of her face.

  Disturbed by his closeness, she stepped away. “Uh…I...think I see it. Since we’ve come this far, I’d love a drink of water.” Fearing he might carry her again, she hiked up her skirt. “I’m sure I can maneuver through the shorter grass.”

  “Oh, but there are far too many rocks and stones for such delicate feet.”

  Before her protest left her lips, she was in his arms again. She had nothing to do with her hands except lock them about his neck again as he walked toward the water. His continued insistence on sweeping her off her feet perturbed her. About to insist he put her down, Jonathan’s eyes widened and he came to abrupt halt.

  “Well, well, isn’t this a pretty picture.”

  Sarah’s head whipped around in the direction of an all-too-familiar voice.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Sarah blinked, reluctant to believe her eyes. Wolf knelt at the creek, his hair and face glistening with water. Rivulets ran down his bare chest as he stood. He turned steely eyes directly on Jonathan. “What are you doing on my land?”

  Lowering Sarah to her feet, Jonathan cleared his throat. “I… I believe this isn’t officially yours yet. If I recall correctly, the banker told me you still have quite a sizeable amount to pay on your loan, and only a short time to do so.”

  Sarah’s face, already warm beneath the sun, burned when Wolf’s gaze rested on her. The thing she feared most had happened; the land in question was the same plot he wanted, and by appearances, she was in cahoots with Jonathan.

  “Wolf, what a surprise to see you.” She found her voice. “I’m sorry I didn’t get to say goodbye at Maggie’s.” Lowering her gaze, Sarah fidgeted with her skirt, her anger brimming to the top again at the uncaring manner in which he’d left. What if she did choose to support Jonathan in his quest? Certainly, her opinions held no weight with Wolf.

  “Is there something wrong with your ankle?” His brow rose.

  “No.” She held her head high. “Being a gentleman, Jonathan didn’t want me to soil my new dress or injure myself.”

  “A gentleman? I hardly think he qualifies.” Wolf glared at Jonathan then looked to her with a smirk on his face. “I think ‘thief’ is a better description.”

  Jonathan took a menacing step forward but Sarah yanked on his arm and held fast. She shook her head at Wolf. “You’re wrong. Jonathan is merely representing a client from New York. If the bank hadn’t shown him the property, he never would’ve known about it. But, I had no idea this was the land you’re trying to buy.”

  Wolf’s gaze swept over her. “Trust me, this will be my land. I’ve already signed up to scout for the army, and they’ve given me a generous advance on my salary. With the growing unrest between reds and whites, there aren’t many men standing in line for the job. I’m on my way to the bank to make a payment, but I stopped here to take some measurements.

  “For what?” Sarah raised an inquisitive brow.

  “A house. I’m anxious to clear a place for it.”

  “I can imagine you are.” Her heart ached at the idea of him continuing to live in a small cave.

  “If the bank extends my loan, I plan to pick up some building supplies.” He knelt, cupped his hand, and drew a cool drink from the creek to his lips.

  Jonathan’s mouth pulled into a frown, but Sarah couldn’t dispel a feeling of glee. “I’m sure they‘ll accept your proposition for an extension, Wolf. I know from all our conversations on the trail that this is a life-long dream for you. Nothing would make me happier than to see it come true.”

  He stood and flashed that blinding smile that melted her heart, yet he viewed her companion with a hint of wariness. “Thank you, Sarah. That means a lot coming from you. Might I add that you look mighty pretty in your new dress? I had no idea the tomboy I spent time with on the trail would turn into such a beauty.”

  She lowered her eyes, her mouth feeling like cotton and her stomach aflutter. There was so much she wanted to say, but not with Jonathan leering at them. Discomfort outweighed her thirst, and she turned to her escort. “Can you please take me back to town now? The heat is getting the best of me.” It was only a partial lie. She withdrew a hanky from her sleeve and blotted her brow.

  “Of course, my dear.” He moved closer to pick her up, but she backed away.

  “Thank you, but I’ll make my own way this time.”

  Jonathan offered his arm and Sarah reluctantly took it. She glanced back at Wolf as they walked away. “Best of luck to you. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that everything works out the way you planned.” Amidst her feeling of joy, a pang of loneliness stabbed at her heart.

  “That’s very nice of you, Sarah, but….” Jonathan patted her hand. Raising his voice, he cast a leery stare at Wolf. “Don’t offer up congratulations just yet. I plan to check with the bank, too, and I have enough to pay the full amount. He may not get his land after all.”

  * * *

 
The ride back to town started on a quiet note. Sarah’s jaw clenched in anger at Jonathan. She saw no reason for him to compete with Wolf when there was so much open land available. Surely his client would be satisfied building somewhere else; the man had never laid eyes on the place.

  Pulling up the hem of her dress, she picked stickers and foxtails from the material, annoyed that she’d dressed up to tramp through weeds and eat in the middle of a field. She hoped the outing would provide a respite from thinking about Wolf, but instead it renewed feelings she wanted desperately to forget.

  “Did I make you angry?” Jonathan finally broke the silence.

  With a sigh, she dropped her skirt back down over her shoes and stared forward at the horse’s dappled rump. “I’m not sure how I feel at the moment. I thought you were a gentleman, but hearing you provoke Wolf and watching your actions disappoints me. He’s my friend.” She turned to see Jonathan’s reaction.

  With an inquisitive cock to his head, he blinked his blue eyes. “I’m sorry if I didn’t live up to your expectations, but business takes priority over impressing people. Mr. Asa Whitney is a very important man. If I can close this deal, I stand to make a lot of money. I fail to see what I did that was so wrong. Did I mistreat you in any way?”

  An exasperated breath whooshed past her lips. “You just don’t understand, do you?”

  “I guess not. Why don’t you explain?”

  “I don’t expect you to care, but Wolf has had a difficult life. This land represents a dream to him; he’s already invested money in it.”

  “He can find another plot.” Jonathan’s tone was emotionless.

  “He has his heart set on this one,” she insisted. “It’s got water for the cattle he plans to buy, and…”

  “Sarah, you’re being too kindhearted where Wolf is concerned. Just think of how many people will be served by a train station this close to Independence and the river. Sure, the land’s not right in middle of things but within a few years, this town is going to grow like wildfire, with houses and businesses popping up all around the proposed site. Mark my words.”