by Sherry Kyle
“My pa’s going to take me to Cayucos today to talk with Sheriff Donders. I’ve done something awful.”
Compassion stirred Elena’s response. “It couldn’t be as bad as all that. What did you do?”
Peder shrugged from Elena’s touch and stood. “I hired a man to steal your cows.” He leaned a shoulder against the back of the house and crossed his arms over his chest.
Elena’s eyes widened. “You? You were the one stealing from us?” The basket slipped from her hands and dropped to the ground. “How could we have been so blind?”
“It’s all my fault. My pa didn’t recognize your cattle, and I took advantage of our families’ disputes about the spring.” Peder balled his fists. “Now a man lost his life because of me.”
Elena sank to the porch step, her feet unable to support her.
Peder told her the story of promising a drifter money for every cow he stole, how the drifter hit Jonas over the head because he felt as if his livelihood was threatened, and how Jonas discovered he was responsible for the stolen dairy cow operation when he shot the cow thief.
Elena’s stomach churned like she’d eaten sour apples. Her hands moistened. Jonas could’ve been killed. He’d risked his life for the livelihood of her family. A new appreciation for her childhood friend grew in her heart.
Her mother peeked out the back door. “Elena, where are those eggs? Peder, hello, dear. I didn’t know you were here. Why don’t you join us for breakfast?”
“No thank you, ma’am.” Peder tipped his hat.
“Suit yourself. But we’re going to have pancakes once Elena gathers those eggs.” Mama tossed out the reminder, then slipped back inside.
Elena’s brows furrowed. “We’ve been neighbors for as long as I can remember. Why’d you do it?”
“My pa’s a hard man to impress.” His voice held a hard edge. “Thought if I showed him I could acquire quality dairy cows, he’d offer me land. I’m ready to start my own life without my pa looking over my shoulder at every turn.”
“So instead of purchasing the cows, you stole them and pocketed your pa’s money?” The pieces of the puzzle fit together, but how sad to be so desperate for your father’s approval.
“Yes. ‘Cause if I don’t get out of my pa’s house soon, I’m going to bust.” A pained expression filled Peder’s face.
Now that their cattle were safely returned, Elena felt sorry for Peder. What brought him so low as to steal cows? That was a hanging offense. He must be hurting something fierce. “What are you going to do now?”
“Apologize to your family. Then face my judgment. I deserve severe punishment for what I’ve done.”
“We all deserve death for our sins, Peder. But remember, Jesus died on the cross and paid the penalty. God will forgive you if you ask him to.” Elena stood and picked up her basket. “My father, on the other hand ...” She let the sentence dangle as she walked to the henhouse.
Lord, please guide my papa.
Chapter Thirty-Two
The decision was made. As long as Peder promised to tell the sheriff of Jonas’s innocence in the matter, Tobias wouldn’t press charges against him. Mr. Seifert’s four stolen cows were safely returned to his care, well fed, and healthy. Mr. Cavegn and Tobias decided on a sum of money Peder would need to pay back to make up for all the milk the cows had produced while they were away. They’d leave the final judgment to the sheriff.
“My boy is in a heap of trouble.” Mr. Cavegn added and rubbed his jaw. “I hope the sheriff will show compassion.”
The conversation flowed until the issue of the spring arose.
“I held to my part of the bargain and returned your cows.” Mr. Cavegn shoved a forkful of pancakes into his mouth.
“You can’t be serious.” Tobias put his cup down with a loud thump, spilling the contents.
Jonas waved a hand to get the men’s attention. “One issue at a time. Can you two agree to disagree, at least for now?”
Tobias’s mouth spread into a wide smile, and he burst out laughing. “Now, that’s the best idea I’ve heard all day. Agree to disagree. Jonas, you’re quite the peacemaker.” He laughed again.
“When it comes time to discuss the topic, Jonas, I’d like you to be around. You have a way that makes people want to see eye to eye—to want harmony.” Mr. Cavegn wiped his mouth on a napkin.
If only the captain could come to that conclusion, Jonas could begin a quiet life on his dairy farm—to live out his days with a wife and children. He glanced at the raven-haired beauty sitting at the table. Yvette was a lady and would bring most any man happiness.
That said, why didn’t she draw him in?
Elena sat at the corner of the table, her hand delicately touching the neckline of her dress. Was the locket tucked inside?
Jonas cleared his throat. Time to give her the gift he’d been planning. “Elena, can I have a word with you? Outside, please?”
Her blue eyes blinked rapidly. She exchanged a nervous glance with Yvette, who nodded her approval. Without a word, Elena stood and strode out the door.
Jonas thanked Elena’s mother for the meal, then scrambled to catch up with Elena. He guided her to the back of the barn.
The thin mare, the one she had claimed as her own two weeks ago, was tied to the old oak tree. The horse whinnied. Elena rushed to the animal’s side, grabbed a clump of grass, and fed her. Unshed tears glistened in the eyes she turned toward him. “You brought her back. How?”
“The owner didn’t have a need for her anymore.” Jonas didn’t see a purpose in telling Elena the mare once belonged to the cow thief. “Thought you’d like to have her.”
Elena’s eyes misted. “Thank you.”
Her words hung in the air as Elena turned away from him, untied the horse, and walked toward the paddock without a backward glance.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Elena’s wedding dress, complete with high neckline, full sleeves, and a ruffled skirt, hung on a hook ready to wear. She’d floated through the past week in a daze, carrying on with her chores and helping Yvette with her baby. No longer would Elena try to convince the boardinghouse owner she was not fit to be a farmer’s wife. The inevitable would come to pass. On more than one occasion, Yvette retreated to her bedroom for long periods of time. Was she as miserable as Elena? From the family room window, Elena shuddered as the spring winds shook the foliage on the trees. Her emotions were like the leaves, tossing to and fro.
“Can we make a trip to Cayucos?” At Yvette’s question, Elena’s heart skipped a beat.
Did she want to go to town when she only had a few days left in Harmony? Then again, a change of scenery might do her good. She could stop at the store and see Lars and tell him how much Samuel had improved. His leg was healing nicely thanks to plenty of attention and rest.
“Should we see if Mama would watch Willie, or do you want to take him along?” Elena held out her hands to receive the baby.
“Grandfather will want to see Willie. He’s grown since we’ve been here.”
“You’re right about that.” Elena nuzzled Willie close and planted a kiss on the top of his fuzzy head. “I bet your grandfather misses him terribly.”
“I miss Grandfather, the boardinghouse, and town life.” Yvette situated her hat on her head and pinned it in place. Could she handle isolation long term? Elena bit back the question. Jonas’s upcoming marriage was none of her business.
“Let me ask Papa if we can use the wagon.” Elena handed the baby back to Yvette, grabbed her shawl from the peg, and scooted out the front door. Was there a chance Yvette wouldn’t like the farm life after all? With only days before her wedding, Elena mustn’t think about such things.
Once in the barn, Elena spotted her father mucking out the stalls. “Hello, Papa.” Elena leaned over the rail, her elbows resting on the post. “Samuel should be up and around soon.” It was better to make small talk before asking if she and Yvette could use the wagon.
“All that boy talks about is hel
ping Lars at the store. I think his gunshot wound shook him up more than we realize. Samuel plans to move into Lars’s home shortly after your wedding.” Papa jabbed a mound of soiled hay and placed it in the wheelbarrow.
“Will you be all right without us around?” Elena bit back a sigh. “You won’t miss us too badly?”
He hefted the laden pitchfork. “Yes, I’ll be fine.” His clipped tone belied his words.
Elena’s throat constricted. “How ‘bout we stay here? Leave things the way they are.”
Papa let out a heavy breath and planted the pitchfork in a mound of soiled straw. “I’m sorry, Elena. Didn’t mean to make you feel bad. Of course the wedding should take place. You marrying Lars will make things better for our family.” A shamefaced grin twisted his lips. “Guess I’m realizing my children are grown. Don’t pay me any mind.”
“There’s one way to make it up to me.” A grin spread across Elena’s face.
“Why do I get the feeling you want to ask me something?” Papa rested his hand on the top of the pitchfork laying deep in the muck.
“I’m all a-flutter, Papa. I’ve never lived in a busy town, let alone become someone’s bride.” Now was not the time to tell Papa how Jonas affected her or how she loved farm life. Not now, and not ever.
“You’ll do fine. You’ve always been my feisty girl. If anyone could make the switch to town, it’s you.”
“Speaking of town--”
“Yes?” Papa eyed her.
“Could Yvette and I borrow the wagon? She’d like to visit her grandfather and I want to tell Lars how much Samuel has improved since he’s last seen him.”
Papa pressed his lips together. “Two women alone in a wagon?”
“You’ve allowed Samuel and I to go.” Elena pushed. “If it will make you feel better, we’ll stay the night at the boardinghouse and return first thing tomorrow morning.”
Her father rubbed his jaw. “You’ll go straight there?”
“Yes, Papa. And come straight home in the morning.”
“All right. I’ll hitch up the team. Let your mama know. She’ll pack a lunch.”
“Thank you.”
Papa waved her off.
Were his eyes moist? Her papa was having a hard time with the upcoming change as well. What would he say if she told him she wanted to stay in Harmony?
She contemplated that thought as she ambled back to the house.
“Do you remember the plan?” Jonas quizzed Nicolas as the men rode into Cayucos.
“I have Adrian’s journal right here.” Nicolas patted his knapsack. “There’s no way Captain Zubriggen is getting away this time.”
“Good.” Jonas slowed his horse. “After I stop at the general store and pick up the ledgers—one with the false records and the other with the real numbers—we’ll meet at the sheriff’s office. After last week, I’m done trying to take the law into my own hands.”
“Wise choice, my friend.” Nicolas matched Jonas’s pace. “By the way, thank you for giving me my old job back.”
Jonas aimed a grin sideways. “You don’t mind working another man’s dairy farm?”
“Not until I’ve saved enough money to get a place of my own. I’ve got my eye on a certain redhead that would make me a wonderful wife.” Nicolas wiggled his brows.
Jonas lifted his brows. “Dana Cavegn?”
“The one and only redhead in Harmony Valley, unless you count her kid sister.”
“I don’t pay you much,” Jonas said. “You might be waiting a long time.”
“Not according to Dana’s dad. In a few months, there may be a position at the Cavegn’s dairy farm. Once Peder pays his debt, he’s heading to San Francisco, unless of course he spends time in jail. He wants to have a fresh start. Heard there’s plenty of life and adventure in the big city.”
“You don’t say.” Jonas grinned. “He’ll be back. There’s nothing like tall grassy hills to draw a man home. I know. I’ve tried it. There’s no place like Harmony Valley.”
He meant every word.
Nicolas tipped his hat. “Meet you at the sheriff’s office in fifteen minutes?”
Jonas removed the pocket watch he inherited from his pa. “I’ll be there.”
He flicked the reins and the horse trotted down the street, then rounded the backside of Cayucos General Store. A glance in both directions assured him no one was around. He’d have a few minutes to talk to Lars in private, gather the ledgers, and meet Nicolas at the sheriff’s office.
After Elena let Yvette and Willie off at the boardinghouse, she rode to Cayucos General Store. Truth be told, she wanted to get the visit with Lars over with. Would her feelings for the shopkeeper be any different now that he’d kissed her? The door jingled as she entered. Lars’s back was to her as she walked up the center aisle between the bolts of fabric and the flour bins.
“Be right with you.” Lars raised a hand and then went back to the mound of boxes. He didn’t glance her direction.
Elena looked around the large room. Lars carried every imaginable item from jars of jelly, candy and toys, tiny tea sets, cookbooks, and history books, to sugar and tea.
He turned, and his expression brightened. “Elena dear, I didn’t know it was you. Sorry to keep you waiting.” Lars came up beside her. “What brings you by? Samuel hasn’t taken a turn for the worse, has he?”
“No, nothing like that. Samuel is doing quite well.” Elena removed her bonnet.
“Then, why are you here?” The quizzical expression on Lars’s face put a wedge as big as a cow between them.
“Yvette asked me to give her a ride into town.”
“Ah, and you thought to come by and see me.” Lars hooked his thumbs on his apron pockets, his smile returning.
“You are my fiancé.” Why did the words stick like saltwater taffy in her mouth? She was never one to indulge in such sweets.
“If I’d known you were coming, I would’ve planned something special. But as you can see, a new shipment has arrived and I’m up to my ears in boxes.”
“Yvette and I are staying at the boardinghouse. I’ll be in town until tomorrow morning—”
“I’m counting down the days until we’re married.” Lars reached for her hand. “You, Samuel, and I will make a nice life for ourselves here in Cayucos.”
His words brought little comfort.
Lars continued. “I can’t promise I’ll have the time, but if I can make it to dinner tonight, I’ll come by the boardinghouse.”
Elena took her hand back and replaced her bonnet. “I shall be going then.”
The question Yvette brought up a week ago popped into Elena’s head. Did she dare ask him? She must know Lars’s plans for their future.
Turning, she faced him directly and held his gaze in hers. “Do you want children? How many do you think we might have?”
“What?” Lars blinked rapidly, obviously shocked by her forwardness.
“Any at all?” Elena questioned.
Lars heaved a sigh. “What did Jonas and Yvette tell you?”
Jonas and Yvette? The hair at the back of Elena’s neck stood on end. “What do they have to do with this?”
“Down by the creek awhile back I mentioned I don’t fancy children of my own.” Lars strode to the counter and emptied a box. “But that fact doesn’t need to change our upcoming wedding.”
The room went dim with the realization of Lars’s words.
“You want marriage but not children?” Elena choked out the question and clutched her reticule against her abdomen. Yvette had known, and had done her best to tell Elena without coming right out with the words. Was she trying to keep Elena from marrying Lars?
“I need to go.” Elena pushed her way to the door.
“I hope to see you at dinner,” Lars called after her.
Once outside, Elena climbed up onto Papa’s wagon, struggling to hold back the emotions that threatened to spill over.
Could she be married to a man in name only? A sickening feeling grabbed
at her gut. By marrying Lars, she might never be a mother and hold a babe in her arms.
In the back room, Jonas overheard Lars and Elena’s entire conversation. My poor Elena. She was clearly stunned. Ever since the day he discovered Lars didn’t want a family, Jonas had pondered if and when he should tell her. Yvette must have done the same thing.
His mind took a turn. Should he allow Lars to go to jail for his crime? That would release Elena from her obligation to marry the man.
He glanced at his pocket watch. Five minutes left. He shuffled through Lars’s desk. Now where did he keep those ledgers?
“Jonas.” Lars walked into the back room with an armload of empty boxes. “I didn’t know you were here.”
“You had company.”
Lars set the boxes down in a bare corner. “You’re here for the ledgers.”
“Yes, I thought you kept them in your desk.” Jonas pointed. “I didn’t want to disturb you.”
“My discussion with Elena will be one of many in the coming years.” Lars opened a filing cabinet, removed two books, and laid them on the desk. “Women are the weaker sex and need plenty of guidance.”
A burst of air shot from Jonas’s mouth. “Then you’re going to have your hands full with such a spirited woman as Elena.”
“I’ll tame her in no time. She’ll become quite the lady here in town.” Lars lifted his chin. “No bedraggled mares, simple shifts, or hard labor for my wife. She’ll have only the best.”
“And what do you have in mind for Samuel?”
“Once he’s well, we’ll work side by side. We’ll spend our time building this store into something great.”
Jonas came around the desk to stand within a foot of Lars. “What about Elena?”
“She’ll find plenty to do.” Lars puffed out his chest. “Quilting and tea will become her pastimes.”
The type of woman Lars described loomed clearly in Jonas’s mind. But to picture Elena in that role? Not a chance.
“You don’t have a clue about women. Especially Elena.” Jonas rolled his eyes. “They need more than frilly dresses and a fancy home. They want men who love and cherish them.”
