Ellery's Eden (Tales From Biders Clump Book 12)

by Danni Roan

  “I had a very nice evening,” Ernie agreed. “I don’t remember ever eating in a restaurant.”

  “Really?” Ellery raised both eyebrows in surprise. “Then I guess we’ll have to do this more often.”

  Ernie’s smile was shy but bright, and for a second, she felt like the most important person in the world at least to one person.

  “Mother, we’re home,” Ellery called as they stepped into the boarding house turning for the living area.

  “Pa, pa, look what I did!” Georgie shouted rushing to them a set of knitting needles in hand as a skein of yarn bounced behind him. “Grandma is teaching all of us,” the boy gushed.

  Ellery’s warm chuckle filled the room and Ernie felt something inside her melt. “That’s amazing Georgie.” Ellery looked around the room. His father was half-asleep in his chair, but the children were all busy creating some sort of knitted item in a variety of colors. “She tried to teach me once as well, but I’m afraid I’m all thumbs.”

  “Can we go home now,” Alyssa asked lifting Sophia from the floor where she was playing. “I have all my homework done, and I want to read my new book.”

  “We can go,” Ellery agreed. “I think your grandpa is just about ready for bed as it is.”

  “I’m just resting my eyes,” George grumbled as the children gathered their things hurrying to kiss their grandparents and falling in with Ernie and Ellery for the walk home.

  “You look very nice,” Alyssa said walking at Ernie’s side, and it felt like a peace offering filling Ernie with joy.

  ***

  The events of the evening zoomed through Ernie’s head as she prepared for bed reveling in the new more relaxed but equally exciting relationship with Ellery. On one hand, she worried that if she pushed things, the man would retreat, but on the other, she felt a new connection like nothing she had ever experienced before.

  Stepping from the privacy of the heavy screen she made her way to the bed slipping beneath the blankets as a strange tingle filled her. She was seeing Ellery in a whole new and appealing light.

  “Ernie?” Ellery rolled toward her and she turned her head meeting his gaze. “Would you mind if I kissed you good night?”

  Ernie felt her heart skip. He wanted to kiss her. Other than the briefest peck at their odd wedding, she had never been kissed.

  “If you’d like,” she managed closing her eyes in anticipation.

  Ellery’s lips were warm and tender as the touched hers and the warmth seemed to run through her to her toes. It was gentle, sweet, and full of something she couldn’t name.

  “Good night,” Ellery whispered pulling back and rolling to his other side, as Ernie lay on her back holding the blankets tight.

  Chapter 29

  “Something’s different,” George said, lifting a chess piece with one hand as he sat in the livery with Byron.

  “How so?”

  “I think they like each other,” George responded, scratching his head with his other hand.

  “That’s good ain’t it?”

  “I think so.” George placed his knight on an open square and looked up. “I think my spell scared Ellery, and he’s takin’ stock of what’s important in life. He married that girl, and now maybe he’s thinking that there’s more than walking through life in a haze.”

  “How’s the new house coming for him?” Byron moved his queen waiting for George to continue.

  “You won’t believe this, but he found a house in the Sears & Roebuck catalog. It’s comin’ on the train in about a week and should only take a few weeks to put together. He said it even comes with a fancy new bathroom.”

  “You’re kidding!” said Byron as he stared at George in shock. “What’ll they think of next? Maybe I should get one of those.”

  “And do what, wonder around it lost and alone. Besides if you have a bigger house you have to clean it.”

  “You have a big house.” Byron scowled at his friend. “Why can’t I?”

  “I also have a wife and folks to help. Besides, I make my living with that old house. Your little apartment is enough for you, and why spend the money?”

  Byron nodded having to admit that George made sense. “It’s kinda nice to know I could do it if I wanted to though.” His sharp laugh made George grin as he finished making his next move.

  “It’s your turn,” the other man grinned having distracted Byron long enough to set him up for a loss.

  “You’re cheatin’ again George Olson,” Byron grumbled. “Now tell me about this house, and how things is different with Ellery and Ernie.” He chuckled lightly. “I sure like that girl’s name.”

  George grinned. “You’re just saying I cheat because you’re losing.” George Olson’s dark eyes twinkled at the predicament he had created, but he smiled thinking about his son. “Ellery comes to work every morning looking happy, and he’s gained a bit of weight. When the family comes over for Sunday dinner, he’s talkative and full of plans, like he sees a future again. Then there’s the way he talks to Ernie. He’s…” the older man paused tapping his chin as he looked toward the ceiling for the right word. “He’s attentive.”

  “Attentive aye?” Byron slipped the pawn he’d taken off the table without another word.

  “Yep, attentive is the word. He does for her, helps with her chair, reminds the children of their manners and carries the baby often.”

  “Sounds pretty attentive,” Byron mused watching as George’s attention turned back to the board with a grimace. “I’m glad they’re gettin’ along. I was surely shocked when I walked over to deliver a package to the parson, and he was performing a wedding. You never told me anything about their plans, and then when I saw you and Polly weren’t standing up with them, I figured you didn’t know either.”

  George shook his head trying to see where to move his next piece. “Threw us all for a loop,” he agreed. “I was truly thankful when you come to the house and told me. Ell came back to work as if nothing had changed and only told us about it at dinner. Then Alyssa blew up, and I didn’t know what to say or do.” He finally moved his knight one more time.

  “I guess it’s coming together alright for them though,” Byron lifted a piece, moving it closer to George’s king. “I reckon folks that lives together either need to learn to get along or get out of each other’s way. You could see from the start that Ernie liked them kids though and had a good heart.”

  “She sure does, but me and Polly was both worried that she’d made a big mistake marrying Ellery like that. You could see she was a loving sort, and we figured she’d be in for a heap of heartache with the way Ellery had become.” George looked up meeting his old friend’s eyes. “I thought we had lost our son when they first got here. I didn’t know what to do. Looking back I’m glad I decided to send that letter to Ernie.”

  “I think you did right.” Byron nodded slowly. “Maybe they’ll even fall in love,” he finished with a bright grin.

  “You’re a hopeless romantic Byron,” George chuckled. “I’ll start bringing you them kissing books Polly Esther likes so well.”

  “No need, she loans them to me soon as she finishes,” Byron laughed. “I’ve been reading them for years. I was a young man once upon a time you know.” His laugh made George chuckle as well. “Why there was a time when all the girls back home wanted to kiss me.”

  “You mean run you out of town for being a pest,” George teased. Byron had never spoken about his past loves, and George never asked, but it was fun to tease about it all the same. “Check mate,” the boarding-house keeper finally called, a bright twinkle in his eyes as Byron spluttered, studying the board.

  ***

  Ernie turned from the sink with a smile as Ellery stepped through the door. He’d been working on the foundation of the house that would be their very own one day and looked weary but cheerful. There was no denying the fact anymore, Ernie was in love with the man. From the night of their first date, he had been giving more and more of himself to her without rushing anythi
ng. Each night he kissed her good night, and each day he came home in time to fetch the children.

  “Did you have a good day?” Ellery asked stepping up to where she was washing a heavy pan and placing a gentle kiss on her cheek.

  “I did,” Ernie smiled feeling that warm fuzzy feeling fill her middle. She still worried that Ellery would slip back into the depression and darkness that had held him so tight when they had first met, but now she was there and knew that she would do everything in her power to bring him through it. He wasn’t alone anymore, and if he could find the faith to trust her with his heart, she would take it with joy.

  “You ready to fetch the children?” Ellery asked pouring a cup of coffee. “I’d like to take them all over to the sight tonight and let them see what we have done.”

  “That sounds lovely.” Ernie nodded rinsing the pot and wiping it dry. “I’ll get Sophia, and we can go. When does the house kit arrive?”

  “It should be here next week. I have to admit it feels good doing this. I feel like I might actually be of some use on this earth after all.”

  Ernie turned from the sink walking to where her husband stood next to the stove and placed her damp hands on his cheek. “Ellery Olson, you are of great importance in this world.” She held his eyes wanting him to understand just how important he was to her. “You have four beautiful children who love you. Parents who are thrilled to have you back in Biders Clump and…” she hesitated but didn’t break the connection. “And you have me,” she finished on a breath.

  Ellery wrapped his arms around Ernie pulling her close and breathing in the smell of soap and sweet talcum powder. He’d been resisting the urge to kiss her, really kiss her for weeks, but now he lowered his head finding her lips as he let go of everything that had been holding him back.

  Ernie leaned into her husband, a man she wanted to be her husband in every way for so long. Slowly she slipped her arms around Ellery’s neck returning the kiss and all the emotions in her heart. She loved him. Perhaps it wasn’t that traditional love that most couples experienced, but it was there fully fledged and looking to spread its wings.

  “I love you Ellery,” she whispered as he slowly released her, his arms still around her waist.

  Ellery’s lips twitched into a crooked grin as he met her gaze once more. “I don’t know what I ever did to deserve having you in my life.”

  “I don’t think it has anything to do with what we deserve,” Ernie looked up meeting Ellery’s eyes once more. “I think it is all about grace. God has a purpose in all things, and it isn’t our place to second-guess Him. We can only follow his commands and let the rest of it come as it may.”

  “That’s not always easy.”

  “No,” Ernie agreed. “I think it is the hardest thing in the world. You did the right thing for your children coming home to Biders Clump, and I followed the calling of my heart to accept the job your father offered. I knew then that there was more to the situation than what that letter said, but I had no idea what it would mean.”

  Ellery grinned again liking the way Ernie felt in his arms. “I was pretty terrible back then.”

  “We all grieve differently,” Ernie sighed. “None of us have a clear map for our lives, and we have to go through it the best we can. I didn’t know what was in store for me, but I know I’ve been given a chance at love, and I’m not going to let that slip by without trying.”

  Ellery leaned his forehead against hers closing his eyes. “I don’t know if I’m strong enough to fight whatever this is between us or embrace it, but I know I want to try. Is that enough for you?”

  “That’s all I’ll ever ask,” Ernie agreed as he pulled her close once more. “I love you, I love your children, and I will love as best I can for the rest of my life.”

  “I love you too Ernie,” Ellery spoke once more pulling away and placing his hands on her face before kissing her gently. “We’re starting over again,” he continued as he pulled away once more. “I’m not a great man, but I think you’ve already seen the worst of me. I can’t promise I’ll never fail again, but I promise I’ll always do my best to care for you and the children. I want us to have a new life, a real marriage, and hope for tomorrow together.”

  Tears pricked at Ernie’s eyes as she released her heart completely. She knew there would be days of hurt, disappointment and trial ahead, but she also knew that with God’s strength she would face it every day with Ellery at her side.

  Chapter 30

  Ernie packed up the last box, standing and smoothing her dark skirt with her hands. Everything had changed so fast in the past few weeks.

  She had taken the risk, and told Ellery she loved him only to find that he loved her as well. They were still learning about each other, but had found new connections and passion since that day. Ernie hadn’t been prepared for a brand new wedding night, but this new revelation filled her with delight.

  “Is it time?” Georgie asked tugging at her skirt. “Sophie’s toys are all in the basket, and I put my clothes in a bag.”

  “It is time,” Ernie smiled. She and the children had been packing all day while the men of the town finished the last touches on their new home. In all of her years, Ernestine had never felt so much like a part of something real and lasting.

  “I brought the hand cart,” Mark stepped through the door. “I’ll load that up while you fetch Alyssa and Sophie,” he smiled taking the box from the floor.

  Ernie smiled at the boy. He’d grown more confident and comfortable, as his father had come out of the grief-induced depression that had gripped him for so long. Perhaps what they said was true and love really could conquer all.

  “Alyssa,” she called walking to the table and taking little Sophia from her high chair. “They’re ready for us.” She stood listening for the girl’s response and soon heard running feet in the hall.

  “I’m ready,” the girl said seriously. Alyssa had been cooperative if not warm in the past few weeks, and Ernie could feel the turmoil in the child’s soul. Still she waited, giving Alyssa the time and space, she needed even while wanting nothing more than to hold her tight and share her love.

  Together the small family trundled up the street moving around the large boarding house and stepping into the barnyard.

  “I can’t believe it went up so fast,” Ernie said as Ellery trotted toward her a bright grin on his face.

  “Welcome home,” the man boomed leaning in and kissing her as the children looked on. “What do you think?”

  “It’s beautiful!” Ernie smiled studying the simple but elegant home. It was a simple square box but had a wide front porch with thick box pillars and a corbel over the door where the master bedroom sat at the top of the house.

  “It’s a simple layout, but we have a kitchen, living area, and five bedrooms. Wait ‘til you see the bath,” Ellery grinned.

  “I like it,” Mark chimed studying the simple home decked in white paint, that sat about five hundred feet to the side of his grandparents home.

  “I can’t wait to be livin’ there,” Georgie piped. “It’s a brand new house, and we get to make everything just the way we want it.”

  Ernie looked down at Alyssa noticing as the child’s chin began to shake. Handing Sophia to her father Ernie stooped looking into Alyssa’s tear-filled eyes. “What is it honey?” she asked softly.

  “I miss mother,” Alyssa said. “I loved her and feel like a traitor for being happy.”

  Ernie smoothed the girl’s hair offering a sad smile. “I know honey, but your mother would want you to be happy. She loved you and didn’t want to leave, but she had no choice. Being happy honors her. You’re life was important to her, and she would want you to live, laugh, and love.”

  Alyssa looked up her green eyes connecting with Ernie’s Amber gaze. “I love you Ernie,” she sobbed falling into the other woman’s arms. “I’m sorry I’ve been so terrible to you. I love our new house and how happy you make Pa, and how you love all of us.”

  “I love yo
u too,” Ernie agreed as the tears began to roll down her cheeks. “I’ll never replace your mother,” she sniffed, “but I’ll always be grateful that I can love you the way I do.”

  Ernie felt small arms wrap around her as Georgie slipped into the hug then Mark and finally Ellery’s strong arms engulfed them all.

  “We have a chance at a new start,” his voice rolled over his family. “All we need to do is love and take things one day at a time.”

  Alyssa pulled back a smile brightening her face as Ernie dried her eyes, just as voices began to fill the yard, the men who had helped with the work returning with their families to celebrate the house warming.

  “The neighbors are coming,” Mark said turning as men and woman joined them. The community had pulled together over the past few weeks to finish the house for the Olsons, donating hours between work, farming, and ranch chores. Now each family and the single men joined them for a celebration of new beginnings.

  Greetings rang out as woman brought covered dishes, and men grabbed boxes and crates carrying them into the now finished house.

  “Shall we,” Ellery asked offering his arm to Ernie and linking hands with the children.

  “I think we shall.” Ernie grinned. “Welcome home.”

  ***

  George and Polly stood in the yard as the sun slipped below the horizon and watched their friends and family dancing over the dusty grass.

  “It’s been a good day,” George smiled wrapping an arm around Polly Esther.

  “We are blessed,” Polly agreed. “We have good friends, good neighbors, and a wonderful family.” Her blue eyes picked out her grandchildren dancing and frolicking with the adults or playing with school friends.

  Grady and Rebecca twirled around the dance floor with exuberance and Janine laughed at Bruno’s unheard words while her father bounced baby Valentine on a knee. In the center of it all Ellery held his new wife close, a joyful smile on his handsome face that filled Polly with awe, thanks, and praise.