by Jillian Hart
"What can I say? I live to impresses. Besides, it gave me another excuse to come back and buy more dessert." He gave his hat brim a tip, revealing more of his handsome, chiseled face. "Why don't I buy a cake? That frosted one on the end looks good."
"Sorry, but I'm not sure I will allow it. I can deny you service, you know."
"Yes, but everyone would hear about it. For once, your shop is crowded. Wouldn't bad word-of-mouth like that drive customers away?" He propped one large, capable-looking hand against the edge of the case, joking. "Think of your business reputation."
"I am. I'm not sure waiting on a disreputable character like you is a good idea." She set the empty cake box on the counter in front of her.
"I am a bit disreputable." He arched one eyebrow saucily. "It's nice of you to notice."
"It's hard to miss."
"And I've heard that before." He winked, as if he thought he was capable of charming her.
Well, not even a little a bit. Her chin went up with her determination not to be charmed (which she was) and carefully set the chocolate layer cake into the box perfectly. There, she smiled up at him. It was just her bad luck that she had a weakness for broad-shouldered men with a humorous sparkle and rugged capability. Good thing he didn't know that.
"I'm surprised your maid or housekeeper doesn't bake for you, or does she?" Stella closed the box lid and reached for a length of string. "Don't get me wrong, I appreciate your business and it was thoughtful of you to return our crock. I'm glad you came in."
"Sometimes I like to pick out what I get for dessert." He grinned. "I'm busy with work usually, so I'm better off letting my housekeeper decide. She does the grocery shopping and she knows what's on hand to bake with. I want her happy, I have to make up for my family bringing her way out here to the wilderness and she was not happy to find out how wild this town is."
"I like that you're good to her." That was all the complimenting she was going to give to the man. Otherwise it would only be a way to bring them closer, and she wanted to keep distance between them. The man was a heartbreaker.
"I try. Here's what I owe you." Tristan traded his five dollar bill for the cake. Looking a little too dashing for her liking, his dark green eyes met hers with kindness shining in them. "Keep the change. I'll see you around, Stella."
"I'll do my best to avoid you," she quipped, really meaning the opposite, that he would welcome, but he seemed to understand that as he turned around and headed for the door. He left her smiling as she watched him go. Smiling. It wasn't fair the man had that much of an effect on her.
* * *
I'm going to get to see him again. Jada couldn't get the thought of Frisco Hayden out of her head. The rest of her day yesterday had been buoyant, and she wanted to attribute it to the wonderful effect of that article, giving them such attention to the residents of town, but that wasn't all of it. She'd fallen asleep smiling and she'd woken up this morning the same way.
Her footsteps felt light as she opened the door at the bottom of the stairs, leaving her sisters behind in the warmth of their rooms to start the day in the cool, early morning kitchen. The sun attempted to shine bright but for the roofs of the buildings across the street. So only little glints of slanted, golden light peeked around the edges of the curtains to light her way to the front windows. She tugged back curtain panels to stare out at the perfectly changed world, brushed by a small slant of light.
Would today be as successful, as busy? Why, she had no idea but she looked forward to finding out. She pushed the final curtain panel aside, smiled out at the bare boards of the boardwalk, clean and not needing to be swept this morning or shoveled off, and headed to the kitchen. Her steps echoed, keeping her company as she glanced at the empty display case, pristine clean, and shouldered through the swinging doors. She lit the lamps and the kitchen echoed pleasantly as she knelt in front of the stove to stir the embers.
The doors swung open behind her. Her youngest sister swept in, her hair still unbraided in a ponytail and bouncing down her back in a riot of golden waves and curls. "Good morning!"
"Good morning, Sleepyhead. I didn't know you were up." She added coal to the growing fire.
"You know me, I love to sleep in," Mindy sang. "I stayed up too late reading my novel. It was gripping. I noticed you were out like a light."
"Some of us worked hard," she winked, laughing, enjoying their old joke. "Not all of us got the easier job waiting on our customers."
"Whew, normally I just sit around," she winked, going straight over to the sink to wash her hands. "You know me, always a layabout."
"It's so bad, we're ready to toss you out the door." She winked back and they laughed together. She closed the oven door and rose up to her full height. "I'm going to deliver Mr. Hayden's pie sometime this morning, if I can beat him to swinging by here."
"Good idea. Delivery, now that's a good notion! We should add that to our services. That would give us an excuse to buy our own horse."
"We'd first have to afford the horse. They are expensive, and we're trying to start a new business here. But, you never know. If this cold weather passes, I can get back to gold-panning at nights. Then maybe we can afford it. Look at you, so happy. We have one successful day, our first busy day ever, and you're already spending our profits."
"I have no business sense," Mindy said happily. "I can't apologize. There were almost no jobs available when we moved here."
"And mostly none since, although an office filing clerk position has opened up at the Pratt's office, but I'm not going to rush over there and apply."
"Who would?" They'd discovered that same thing when they realized the only job for a woman available that wasn't being a dancing girl at the saloon (as if!) was at the hotel emptying chamber pots. Now, she wasn't too proud to be a maid, if Pa's claim wasn't producing even a little, then she would be there now regardless, even if the manager was a bit hands-y (she'd interviewed for the position when she'd first come to town). It was one reason the job was almost always vacant.
Mindy dried her hands on a fresh hand towel. "Do you think we'll stay as busy as we were yesterday?"
"It's possible, but I can't say we will. I hope we can keep a few of the bachelors as regulars. I guess we'll have to see!" The prospect of knowing people were happy with their baking was a reward, but in truth, it was the hope that she would not have to work two jobs to keep her sisters safe and comfortable forever.
Pa's claim might continue to produce far into the future. Word had it that Alder Creek would continue to boom, and that meant more hungry bachelors in need of baked goods and sweets. This was all hopeful! They could be practical and make this a good paying job, even if she had no business no-know!
"It's all new me, but then again, I worked as a lady's seamstress and not one man's shop here would even let me in the door to ask if they would hire me!" Mindy feigned shock comically on her way to the pantry closet. "If we're going to be even a little successful on the sewing side of the shop, we are going to need a customer. There are about twelve other women here in this town, or at least that's how it seemed, nearly all of them are married but us and Miss Pratt. I can only hope more women move to town and would like to come look at fabric and ribbons."
"And yarn, we need to add yarn to our shelves so they don't have to choose from the limited stock at the mercantile." Smiling to herself, Jada opened the large canister of flour and tugged it toward her. It was nice and full, ready for a morning's baking. "I'll get the gold dust we need to order in a good supply, but no promises on how long it will take."
"And only if this weather cooperates. Any more snow, and you can't work Pa's claim at all this week. And we're counting on those few nickels' worth so much, Jada. I worry." Mindy set the baking powder on the counter next to the flour and turned toward the back door. "Oh, I think I hear the delivery man. I'll go grab the eggs!"
"Thanks, and if you're a sweetheart, please make coffee for us."
"Be happy to." Mindy stopped to tug open t
he side window that looked out on the street and waved at the egg man. The older grandfatherly fellow waved back before hopping up into his wagon to continue on with his route.
Coffee deprivation was the reason she thought she saw Frisco Hayden outside on the boardwalk, framed by the large window. Jada blinked, rubbed her forehead with her fingertips and looked again. Why, she recognized the man striding their way across the slushy street.
"What's Frisco doing in town this early?" Mindy waggled her eyebrows at that as she went to open the back door.
Oh, it was hard not to recognize that arched brow look, like, isn't he wow? Jada knew what her sister was thinking, her sweet sister, and warmth and affection for her sisters brimmed over, already filling her up. Sure, she could see the hope in Mindy's eyes, a wish for a happy attachment and maybe a marriage down the road for her oldest sister. Embarrassed by her need for that, Jada grabbed a ten pound bag of flour from the pantry, feeling the old sorrow that lingered in her heart. And the truth that there would never be such a gift in life as romantic love from a good man for her.
That old sorrow hung with her, even when she tried to shrug it off. She didn't like the past having a hold on her or interfering with her good life now.
A knock on the window grabbed her attention. She set down the sugar bag on the counter, smiling at the man looking in at her through the window. She rolled her eyes at him and motioned toward the back door, which was for him only a short distance away. He nodded, winked at her, leaving her charmed by his dimpled grin as he moseyed out of sight and then through the open door, following Mindy back in.
"Good morning, ladies." Frisco closed the door behind him, shutting out the wind and the cold air.
"Good morning, Frisco." She squared her shoulders and straightened her spine, determined that she was not going to go back to being that girl who got hurt by showing her heart too easily, not ever again. If only her heart didn't warm against her will. She shook her head. How had he'd gotten past her defenses? She had no idea what to do about that.
"Good morning, fine lady. You look lovely today, breathtaking in pink." Frisco crossed the threshold, a charming smile bringing out his dimples.
"There you are, attempting to be dashing again. Keep it up, it's working." Jada pulled a bakery box away from the few lined up side by side on the counter and lifted the lid just enough to give it a peek and see all was flawless. Just like she'd left it yesterday late afternoon when she closed up the kitchen. She thumbed the lid back into place and grabbed a bright pink ribbon to tie it with. "I bet I know why you've swung by."
"It's obvious, huh? I thought I could sneak the pie home for a surprise later. I've just come from dropping off the boys at school. We regularly have breakfast with my folks. It keeps them happy."
"Important to do." At least now she didn't have to worry about delivering it to him, which was a strange disappointment. She presented him with the bakery box, handing it over with care. "I hope she loves this pie. I went to the extra degree to make it. I used the best recipe I know of. It's my sister's favorite, so good and sweet."
"It sounds excellent, and I'm as pleased as could be." Frisco's eyes twinkled down at her. "Thank you. This smells divine. Whatever you've done, I'm gonna come back and buy another one, truly. You're a good baker, Jada."
"Oh, so you're trying to get on my good side with a compliment, huh? I wish you luck with that." Her chin dipped low, attempting to keep him from seeing how charmed she was, because she had to stand firm, although it was hard to forget about the ruby pin. "I suppose I should thank you for your recommendation to our shop. I owe you."
"No need for that. Telling folks about you was my pleasure." Those blue sparkles in his eyes intrigued her and gave a kick of desire for him, ardent and unusually strong, but he didn't seem aware of it as he plopped a five dollar bill on the counter. He radiated strength and ruggedness, but Frisco really was an admirable man. "Keep the change. I appreciate this more than you know."
"Oh, no you don't." She snatched up the five dollar bill and circled around the end of the counter, feeling awkward with this new level of desire for him, but determined. She'd never been nervous around Frisco before. "You're too generous to me. This is too much!"
"That's not a problem. If you haven't figured it out by now, maybe you'll start."
"What does that mean?"
"You're a sweetheart. I knew it the second I spotted you and thought wow." When he smiled, crinkles cut into the corners of his eyes. Attractive and manly, they added character and kindness to his handsome face.
"You did not. You are attempting to charm me again, I hate to say that it's working."
"Good. That's all I want to know. I see you blushing." He winked, took a step away from her and tipped his hat. "Have a good rest of your day, beautiful lady."
And then he was gone.
She watched the door shut. Her heart wished so hard for him that it felt ready to break. He'd called her beautiful and meant it.
* * *
Beautiful! His compliment stuck with her for the better part of a week. Jada turned over the sign on their shop's front window so it said open and unlocked the door to the bright, clear morning. She was surprised to see something through the window on the boardwalk in front of the door. A package? Whatever could it be?
She grabbed the door handle, bent down and scooped it up. Her heart leaped, hoping it was for her. She stood up and footed the door shut, unable to contain the sizzle of excitement she felt whenever she was around Frisco.
"What's that?" Stella swished over from the display case, waggling her brows. "It looks like a present. Color me shocked."
"Don't assume. I haven't looked at the tag yet. Maybe it accidentally fell out and landed in front of our door and means nothing at all." Better to hide her delicate heart than to reveal how thrilled she was. She still wore his pin on her dress collar every day. What a thoughtful gift that was. If he'd called her beautiful that must mean something, right? Feeling too vulnerable, Jada held up the light little package on her palm. "Can't a girl get a little privacy around here?"
"No, never. What does the tag say?" Mindy winked from one of the chairs near the potbelly stove. She put her book down, one eyebrow raised with curiosity.
"Don't think either of us are going to leave you be," Stella grinned. "I want to see the look on your face. Frisco's courting you."
"Hmm, that remains to be seen. Maybe I won't let him," Jada joked. She tugged out the small piece of paper tucked beneath the ribbon and shook it open it.
To Beautiful Jada, she read, keeping it to herself. From an admirer.
"Oh, I bet it's Frisco." Stella gave a happy jog of a step look. "Good for you. I'm so thrilled. He's a fine man."
"A cowboy all the way, and so manly." Mindy snuck over to take a look at the note. "What if this really is the one who means it? Who will work out for you? To think, you could have love and a husband? Well, it was bound to happen to one of us. Frisco is coming courting."
"Don't get my hopes up like that. My heart can't take it." She waved it off like a light joke, but her chest tightened.
"Who wouldn't what you?" Stella asked.
"You're gorgeous. Any man would be lucky to marry you," Mindy agreed.
"You’re my sisters, you are obligated to say that." Jada tried to dismiss their words, but the truth was that what they said mattered to her. Their hopes meant everything to her.
"Well, open it!" Stella waggled her brows again. "I bet it's jewelry."
"Me, too," Mindy chimed in.
"I can't take this excitement." Okay, a little panic was building too. He really did seem to care for her. "You know I can't encourage a suitor at my age! I mean, there are prettier and younger girls."
"No, you're wrong, and you encourage Frisco all you want to. You have that right," Stella insisted. "But if another suitor comes along, I say encourage him all you can, too. Don't stop, just enjoy the moment."
"Ooh, absolutely!" Mindy stole the small gift and
studied it from every angle. "We don't know that it came from Frisco, but it wasn’t sitting on the boardwalk for very long."
"Right!" Stella agreed. "Who was walking by? I was in the back so I didn't see a thing."
13
Mindy gave the package back to Jada. "Well, I was here reading, and fortunately for you I did look up from my book now and then." She scrunched her face up. "Let me think. I saw Miss Pratt strut by."
"Oh, this isn't from her." Stella shook her head.
"I also spied that teamster walking by." Mindy seemed intrigued. "He's definitely old enough, and he's got a nice cowboy swagger. He would make a very nice suitor."
"Seriously?" Jada couldn't believe it. She eyed the gift, wishing curiosity wasn't getting the best of her. "I'm not interested in him. Stop trying to match me up." She laughed. "I'm perfectly happy being a spinster of a certain age. I'm happy."
"Not happy enough," Stella pointed out cheerily.
"I have wonderful sisters." Jada sighed.
"Well, we are rather wonderful," Mindy agreed cheekily.
"How I got so lucky, I'll never know." Jada really adored them. "Now, can I have a moment of privacy?"
"No!" Stella, undaunted, laughed warmly, and the cheerful sound echoed through the store. "Mindy, tell me, I'm dying here, although I think I already know the answer. Did you see who left the gift?"
"I can't say for sure." Their youngest sister sauntered over to her chair and plopped down into it. "But I did see someone walking by a second or two before I noticed the gift was sitting there."
"Tell us!" Stella begged.
"It was the cowboy. Frisco." Mindy beamed joyfully. "What a handsome man. And such a good father to his boys. You can always judge a man's heart by how he treats his children. His kindness reminds me of the man I'm looking for. If only I could find him!"
