by Sherry Kyle
Frustration churned in her stomach. If Lars didn’t propose this evening, she might forget the whole idea of marrying the shopkeeper. “Was there something you wanted to ask me?”
“Yes, yes. I did want to ask you something.” His forehead crinkled. “But it might be better if I asked you after speaking with your father. He must be worried.”
With an effort, she resisted stomping her foot. “Honestly, Lars. I’m a grown woman. Didn’t you already speak with my papa a couple of weeks ago?” At the admission, her hand flew to her mouth and heat rushed up her neck.
Lars folded his arms across his chest and chuckled. “Well, if that doesn’t beat all. You know, then?”
“Know what?” Elena fanned her face with a gloved hand.
“Why I invited you to dinner.”
She sent him a shy smile. “Why did you invite me to dinner?”
“It’s late. I’ll tell you on the way to the boardinghouse.” He opened the door and allowed her to pass. Lars didn’t have much of a romantic side, but he was a gentleman.
She walked through, and Lars followed. As he turned the key in the lock, a horse and wagon arrived in front of the store. Elena took a closer look. That was Thunder, her papa’s horse. Had he come looking for her?
Elena narrowed her eyes to study the driver. Jonas? What was he doing here? At the sight of his broad shoulders, her muscles stiffened. Was he leaving town again? And with Papa’s horse?
Jonas pulled in front of the general store and stepped down from the wagon. He strode toward her. “I’m here to take you home. Do you have any idea how worried your ma and pa are right now? And you?” He inched closer to Lars. “What right do you have to keep a lady out so late?”
A cat skittered past, and the street lamp cast an eerie glow.
Lars’s mouth dropped open. “And you are?”
“A friend of the family.” Jonas grabbed Elena by the elbow and tried to steer her toward the wagon.
“Now wait a minute here.” Lars strode toward Elena and hooked her free arm. “Do you know this man?”
She felt like a rope in a game of tug-of-war. “Yes. He’s my ... my ...” Why was she stammering? Couldn’t she say Jonas was her neighbor? Other words came to mind, like childhood playmate and long-lost love.
“Well?” Lars asked.
Elena wiggled out of the men’s grasp. “He’s our neighbor.” She attempted to keep her voice even. “Jonas Bollinger, I’d like you to meet Lars Rissler, the new owner of Cayucos General Store.”
Jonas stuck out his hand, and Lars grabbed hold like a wooden soldier.
Elena pointed toward the boarded window. “As you can see, someone broke into the store tonight. We’ve been cleaning up the glass and toppled merchandise and talking with the sheriff. He left not long ago.”
Jonas’s eyes softened. He removed his hat and wiped his forehead with the sleeve of his coat. “Can I help?”
“Need a new window is all. Could’ve been worse.” Lars placed his hand on her arm. “Elena dear, may I have a few words with you in private?”
Jonas visibly bristled. “Elena, we’ve got an hour’s ride ahead of us.”
How dare he tell her to hurry after he’d kept her waiting for two years? She gave him a tight-lipped glare as she stepped away with Lars. She felt Jonas’s eyes boring into her back as she walked the few yards down the street.
Once out of earshot, Lars swiveled to face her. “It’s most unconventional to have your neighbor take you home. Your father put you in my care, and I will take you back myself.”
Of course he would insist on escorting her. The man would never dream of doing anything to cause a scandal.
“After what’s happened to your store and the late night talking with Sheriff Donders, it would be best if you allow Jonas to take me home. Papa will understand. Besides, Jonas is driving my father’s horse and wagon.”
Lars’s eyes grew wide. He clutched both her hands in his, a little too tightly. “I know this isn’t the time or place.” He leaned in and whispered, the smell of Beef Wellington still on his breath. “Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Elena’s heart dropped into her stomach. Lars was proposing to her here? Now? With Jonas watching from a few feet away?
Moments ago she’d been resolved to give her heart to Lars, but now her tongue was tied. She glanced over her shoulder at Jonas. It was apparent he had taken a bath and shaved, and he wore fresh clothing. The red plaid shirt he’d selected complimented his dark coloring. He looked more handsome than she remembered.
Her mother’s words ran through her head. We’re praying you say yes to Lars’s proposal. Think with your head, Elena.
Could she do it?
Her knees grew weak. Elena tightened her grip and pictured Samuel’s face.
“Elena, your ma and pa are waiting.” Jonas’s voice broke into her thoughts. “We need to go.”
Jonas cleared his throat. If only he could hear their conversation. Had Lars proposed earlier in the evening? If she said yes, did she change her mind now? One could hope.
Elena clutched Lars’s arm and glanced in Jonas’s direction, a hesitant smile on her lips. She said something to the shopkeeper, and then walked toward Jonas. My, she was beautiful with her wide blue eyes, perfectly upturned nose, and full lips.
“I’m ready for you to take me home.” Elena looked him square in the eye before shifting her gaze.
Lars hurried forward and reached for her hand. “I’ll see you Sunday.”
She allowed Lars to help her into the wagon. “At noon. I’ll let Mama know to expect you for dinner.”
Lars tipped his hat. “You’re certain you don’t want me to take you home?”
“Thank you, but I’m fine.” Elena situated her skirt. “I’ve known Jonas since I was a girl. He’s… trustworthy. He’ll bring me home straight away. Won’t you, Jonas?” Her voice held a hint of trepidation.
“Yes. We’ll go straight home.” The image of the last time he was in Cayucos flashed across his mind. He had planned to visit the saloon to quench his thirst, but what they had to offer would only fog his mind. Instead, he went to the Burkhart Boardinghouse for a quick bite to eat. Yvette and her grandfather fed him along with the other boarders before he climbed on the steamer ship bound to San Francisco. Did Elena really consider him trustworthy after leaving his family the way he did? Probably not. Her words were intended to ease Lars’s fears.
“Thank you.” The man said through tight lips.
By the way Lars arched his brow, he didn’t trust Jonas either. Jonas attempted to put himself in the shopkeeper’s position. There’d be no way he would allow another man to take Elena home.
One look at her sent a ripple of emotions through him. By being gone these past two years, he’d allowed another man the opportunity to become part of Elena’s life, a well-established man at that. The only person Jonas could blame was himself.
He climbed into the wagon beside her, reached behind, and grabbed the blanket her pa had put there to keep them warm. He positioned it over their laps, smiled her way, then grasped the reins and clicked his tongue.
Mere inches separated them on the wooden seat. If Elena were engaged would she allow him to sit this close? He scooted closer and she didn’t budge. Maybe there was a chance for him after all.
The horse pulled them forward and away from the general store, leaving Lars standing in the street. A hint of satisfaction swirled in his gut.
He concentrated on the road ahead as they headed back to Harmony Valley.
Lord, this feels right.
Chapter Four
Elena never imagined the evening would end like this.
When Lars proposed, her knees grew weak. She’d thought about this night for two weeks, so why couldn’t she say yes? Instead, she hemmed and hawed, reached for Lars’s arm to steady herself, and then promised him she’d give him an answer on Sunday.
The rocking movement of the wagon and a bump in the road caused he
r thigh to touch Jonas’s for the briefest moment. A tingling sensation spiraled up her spine. She clutched the seat and drew her hands together beneath the quilt.
Elena glanced at his profile. The full moon allowed her to see the silhouette of his straight nose and strong jaw. For months she’d longed to be near him. In fact, a couple of years ago she’d have swooned sitting next to him in her father’s wagon. But that was a long time ago, and she was older now.
Halfway home, the silence between them grated on her nerves. She’d always been able to talk with Jonas. He was her longest and dearest friend in the valley—until he left without saying goodbye. She swallowed, her mouth as dry as her mama’s corn bread.
“Jonas, can I ask you a question?” Her words came out in a clipped manner.
He glanced her way. “Go right ahead.”
“Where have you been?” Her voice caught.
A moment or two passed. Elena’s heartbeat quickened.
“Can’t change the past. I’d rather look ahead.”
“But doesn’t the past make us who we are?”
“Are you saying I’m not the same man I was before?”
“I don’t see how you can be. It’s been two years.” Elena crossed her arms. “I’m not saying you’ve changed drastically, or for the worse. But depending on where you’ve been, and what you’ve seen, I’d say your view of the world is different.”
Jonas laughed. “I see you haven’t changed. You’re still as feisty as the day I left Harmony.” He slowed the horse to a stop.
“What are you doing?” She inched away from him.
“Taking off my coat is all. I’m warm enough. Thought you might need it.” He slipped his arms free from his jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders before grabbing the reins once again.
“And you’re just as mysterious.” She clutched the coat tight around her neck and turned away.
As sweet as the gesture was, Jonas had a knack for changing the subject. Her eyes narrowed. She was still no closer to finding out where he’d been the last two years.
More importantly, why did he come back?
A glance at his profile told her she would get no more from him on the subject. His jaw was set in the stubborn pose she remembered well.
Once home, Elena burst through the door. “Mama? Papa?”
Her mother appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. “There you are. Thank goodness you’re safe.” She placed the dishrag on the table and wrapped her arms around Elena’s shoulders. “I told Papa to make up a bed in the barn for Lars. Surely we can’t expect him to return to Cayucos tonight.”
Elena stepped back, her eyes narrowing. “But Mama—”
“Don’t worry about propriety, my dear. We’ll stop the tongues from wagging in the morning. After all, you’re engaged now.” Mama’s hand flew to her chest. “I can’t wait to hear how Lars proposed.” She giggled. “A wedding. My baby girl’s getting married.” Mama grasped Elena by the arm and pointed her in the direction of her bedroom.
“But—”
“It’s late. I’ll braid your hair in a few minutes after I talk with Papa. He’ll be relieved to know you’re home.”
The words wouldn’t come. Mama would discover Jonas unhitching the horse by the barn soon enough. Elena shuddered when she heard the click of the front door. She scooted toward her room.
The pine scent from Jonas’s coat still clung to her dress, surprising since she’d stripped out of it as soon as the wagon came to a stop in front of her house. The wheels had barely stopped turning before she hopped to the ground and made a dash for the house without a backward glance or a proper thank-you. What must Jonas think of her? She breathed in deeply once again. Yes, definitely the scent of a hard-working man.
Elena slipped out of her dress and replaced it with her nightgown. When the dainty combs and hairpins were removed from her hair, her blonde tresses cascaded down her back. She grabbed her hairbrush from the oak dresser, counted the strokes, and wrapped her hair up in a nightcap.
“Elena?” Mama called, her voice uncertain.
Quickly, she dove under the covers, snuffed out her kerosene lamp, and drew her quilt high up under her chin.
“Elena, dear.”
She didn’t respond. How could Elena face her mother now? I’m sorry, Lord. The creak of the door sounded along with her own nervous breath. Would Mama expect an explanation? Elena squeezed her eyes tight and bit her lower lip. Lord, give me the words to speak the truth. And bring peace to my heart.
But instead of an inquisition, her mother closed the door, her footsteps receding from the bedroom.
Elena turned onto her back and stared at the blackness of the room. Crickets chirped outside her window. What would it be like to lie beside Lars and listen to the sounds of a bustling town? She’d have the best linens money could buy, but could it replace handmade quilts and rough-hewn beds? The kind she’d slept in all her life? She flopped onto her left side and punched her goose down pillow.
Her mind took a turn.
What would it be like to be married to Jonas? She brought her knees to her chest, struggling to wrap her thoughts around such an idea. To imagine Jonas loving her with his whole heart, soul, and body was beyond her ability. Sitting beside her childhood love for an hour in Papa’s wagon had stirred her emotions. She ran her hand across the empty space beside her. “Lord, do you want me to marry Lars?”
What was wrong with her? Why couldn’t she think with her head instead of her heart like Mama instructed?
Her parents’ voices rose in the next room.
Elena tiptoed to her bedroom door and opened it a crack. Her childhood love sat at the dinner table, clutching his hat in front of him.
“Twice Jonas has been caught in our yard. Have you considered he’s the one stealing our cows?”
Elena stifled a gasp. Why would her mother talk about Jonas like that? She’d known him since he was a boy. Surely she didn’t think he was capable of such things.
“Darling, I asked Jonas to fetch Elena tonight. Now I see it would have been better if I’d gone myself.”
Elena caught a glimpse of Papa pacing back and forth.
“I didn’t feel right leaving Samuel to keep watch. He’s not capable on his own. Besides, that boy needs his sleep if he’s to be of any help to me tomorrow.” Papa rested a hand on Jonas’s shoulder. “Samuel told me Jonas was back in town, and I relied on him to bring Elena home. Which he promptly did, I might add.”
Mama put a hand to her hip. “Did Samuel also tell you Elena discovered Jonas in the trap?” Her mother’s voice held a hint of desperation.
“Is that true, son?”
Would her father blame Jonas for the stolen cow earlier that day?
Jonas stared at the floor, and then raised his head. “Mr. Seifert, I cut through your field on my way home. At the time I didn’t know the trouble you’ve been having with cow thieves, but your daughter made that abundantly clear when she pointed a shotgun at my head.”
Elena closed her eyes and pressed her lips together. How many times had Papa had told her to leave his shotgun alone? And now Jonas was snitching on her. Knowing her father, she’d be mucking stalls tomorrow.
“Elena doesn’t know when to leave things alone.” Papa’s frustrated tone spoke volumes. “I’m surprised you agreed to ride to Cayucos. Thank you for bringing Elena home.” He crossed his arms over his chest and sent his wife a smug look.
Mama approached the table with a cup in her hand. She set it in front of Jonas. A peace offering?
Steam billowed from the liquid. Jonas wrapped his strong-looking fingers around the mug and brought it to his lips.
Mama slid into the chair beside him. “May I ask where Lars was this evening?”
“Someone threw a rock into Mr. Rissler’s store tonight. He and Elena had just finished cleaning up the place when I arrived.”
Mama clasped her hand to her chest. “I hope nothing was stolen. Who would do such a thing?” The que
stion sounded more like a statement.
“Heard the culprit might be a drifter.” Jonas took another drink from the cup.
“I went into Elena’s room not long ago. She lay as still as a cat curled by the fire. She must be exhausted.” Mama gestured. “Would you like another cup of cider?”
“No, ma’am. Best be going. Don’t want my family wondering about me.” Jonas placed his hat on his head and stood.
“I’ll give you a ride. It’ll give me a chance to scout the property one last time before I catch a couple of winks.” Papa stood and grabbed his coat.
Elena carefully twisted the knob and closed the bedroom door so not to make a sound. She tiptoed to her bed and slid under the covers. Jonas saved her from having an uncomfortable conversation with her mother in the morning.
On second thought, more questions might arise. She felt for the locket beneath her nightgown, and clutched it in her hand. Even though she could’ve shot Jonas earlier in the evening, he still came for her. Did that mean he reciprocated her feelings?
Time would tell. But she didn’t have much of it before Sunday arrived.
The wind whipped through his hair as his horse galloped across property lines. That was way too close. Seemed the dairy farmer never slept. How he would’ve loved to get his hands on a piece of beef. It could’ve given him some money to spend in the saloon tonight. As it was, he was running out. Cow thieving wasn’t an easy life, but one he chose out of sheer desperation. He brought his horse to a halt behind an old oak tree and spit a dark wad of chewing tobacco on the ground. His boss would be angry if he were caught. Next time, he’d be more careful—and wait until it was pitch dark.
From up on the hill, he saw a wagon approach. A man and a woman sat side by side. Were they were carrying merchandise? He could make a pretty penny reselling the goods to the dockworkers in Cayucos. They’d buy anything to make more money once the steamer arrived in San Francisco.
Earlier he threw a rock through the window of the general store. If it wasn’t for those two imbeciles passing by, his plan to steal some goods might’ve worked. He kept out of sight long enough to see the sheriff show up.
