"Yes and my papa brought a whole bunch of stuff."
Lydia looked over the top of Laura's head to smile at Alexander. He was pushing the brim of his hat off his forehead, grinning. Surely this was a good sign.
Tugging at her hand, Laura bade her, "Come on, Miss Lydia. Wait till you see what we brought."
Following the child around to the front of the building, Lydia stopped dead in her tracks. Her hand covering her heart she could hardly believe her eyes. Four water buckets filled with delicate white and blue wildflowers lined the steps leading to the front door.
"Oh my," she breathed out.
"Aren't they beautiful?" Laura looked from Lydia then back to the flowers.
Searching Alexander's face for any sign at all of what this meant for them, Lydia felt tears brimming her eyes. The simple gesture touched her so deeply that she couldn't seem to find any words to say.
Taking a step toward her, Alexander smiled. "I hope you don't think the flowers are too much decoration."
With a quick shake of her head Lydia regained her emotions. "They're perfect. Thank you."
"Papa and I picked them this morning," Laura advised her.
"I'm glad you did. The flowers add a welcoming feel to the front steps." Shielding her eyes against the mid-morning sun, Lydia squinted. "I can't believe there are so many people gathering already."
Taking her elbow, Alexander walked with her to the entrance. "It's a big day in Surprise." Stopping he turned to face her. Reaching out his hand, he brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. "And it's all thanks to you."
"The open house wasn't all my idea, Alexander."
Grinning he said, "Let me guess? Miss Margaret strikes again?"
"I'm afraid so." Instead of feeling angered by her aunt's loving interference, Lydia was surprised to find that she was feeling thankful for the suggestion. The open house was a good way for all the neighbors to get together and have some fun.
Leaning low, Alexander said softly, "In case I don't get a chance to say it; you look very pretty today."
Batting her lashes back at him, she beamed. "I'm glad you like my dress."
"I like more than just your dress, Lydia."
Longing to hear him say just what it was he liked about her, she was disappointed when they were interrupted.
Daisy Drumm's mother Eloise tapped her lightly on the arm garnering her attention. "Miss Lydia, I daresay you've done a fine job here. Why, I was just telling my husband, Jeffrey, what a nice teacher you are."
"That's very kind of you, Mrs. Drumm."
"No trouble at all." While Eloise tottered off in shoes too tight for her feet, Lydia turned, surprised to find a line of parents forming down the lawn.
An hour later with her cheeks sore from the constant smiling and her hand red from having it shaken by every adult in the town, Lydia made her way inside. There, parents milled about the wide classroom inspecting their children's schoolwork.
Maggie stopped by to tell her that the food was being set up on long tables out behind the building. Lydia couldn't help beaming with pride. Everything was going off without a hitch.
Quickly scanning the sea of faces she looked for Alexander, hoping to talk to him. When she didn't see him she made her way out to the backyard. Another minute of searching and she spotted him leaning against the trunk of a massive oak tree. Cole and Mr. Jules, who'd closed The Mercantile in honor of the event, were talking with him.
He looked so relaxed, carefree and handsome. Alexander Judson was one good looking gentleman. Her heart beat just a little faster remembering the kisses they'd shared. It was almost hard to believe this was the same man who'd greeted her so curtly when he found out she was the schoolteacher.
A blush stole across her face when he turned away from the other men and looked right at her. A smile played about his mouth. She imagined it was because he'd caught her staring at him. Whatever the cause, Lydia felt quite pleased knowing she was the woman who'd put it there.
Happiness burst to life inside of her. This was the first time Lydia had ever felt this way about a man. Certainly this must be what love felt like.
"Miss Lydia, is it time yet?"
With a start she realized some of the children were surrounding her. Checking the watch she was wearing on a gold chain about her neck, Lydia saw the time had come to begin the entertainment.
The first order of business would be organizing a giant game of Duck, Duck, Goose. Giving the command for each child to bring his or her parents to the center of the yard, Lydia laughed at the antics some of them resorted to.
Eloise Drumm made it perfectly clear that she did not wish to be a part of such shenanigans, unfortunately for her, her husband ignoring the protests grabbed hold of her arm, dragging her to the circle.
Huffing and puffing the woman continued to carry on until finally Mrs. Sutherland told her to be quiet. "It's just a silly child's game, Eloise. I seriously doubt you'll come to any harm because of it."
Goodness, Lydia hoped no one would be injured playing the game. Clapping her hands together, Lydia called everyone to order. "Does everyone have a spot?"
The circle had widened to almost ungainly proportions, but that didn't seem to deter anyone from finding a place to stand. Eagerly the townsfolk awaited further instructions. After the rules were explained, everyone sat down on the ground.
Lydia was deciding who should run around tapping heads while chanting "duck, duck" and picking the "goose", first when little Lisa Albright shouted, "You should be the first one, Miss Lydia!"
Placing her hands on her hips, she laughed. "No. I'm the teacher."
"I think you should be first." Surprised when she recognized Alexander's voice, Lydia complied.
Walking slowly around the circle she started the chant. "Duck. Duck. Duck." Whacking Maggie on the head, she giggled. "Duck." Two more "ducks" followed and then shouting, "Goose!" she ran like her feet were on fire.
Before she could find a place to sneak into and sit, Alexander was upon her, grabbing her about the waist and lifting her off the ground.
"Put me down!"
Laughter and cheers rent the air. Her students were going wild at the sight of their teacher acting like one of them. Slowly the world righted itself. Alexander held her lightly in the safety of his arms.
"I think you're supposed to be playing the game," she sighed.
"I am." Winking at her, Alexander released his hold on her and took his turn.
After half an hour of playing, the parents wandered off to the tables sagging under the weight of casserole dishes. Standing behind the first table, Lydia handed out cups of punch.
"Well, I'd say that you and Alexander are getting along." Joining her at the table, Abigail started cutting pieces of watermelon.
"Yes, we are."
Maggie wandered over and put the thick slices of juicy red fruit on platters. "My, my, it looks to me like Mr. Judson is smitten with you."
"Seems to me that the schoolteacher should be paying attention to her children, not their parents."
Her mouth hung open in shock as Lydia felt her face grow hot with embarrassment. Abigail came to her defense. "Lydia is a wonderful teacher."
Fluffing herself up like a peacock, the woman sputtered, "I'm just saying she needs to put the children's wants first."
Springing into action, Maggie wagged a finger in front of the woman's face. "You're just mad because you were forced to play along with the game."
"I am not."
Fearing that this would turn into a brawl, and wanting to avoid any bad behavior that could ruin the day, Lydia quickly interjected, "Maggie, Abigail please be quiet. Mrs. Drumm has every right to her opinion."
"Thank you."
Gently setting the ladle inside the punch bowl, Lydia pasted her brightest smile on her face. Sweet as Aunt Margaret's sugar-laced tea, she said, "However, Eloise. I can call you by your given name, can't I?"
Narrowing her eyes in suspicion the woman nodded.
&
nbsp; "Eloise, while you are entitled to your opinion, I would appreciate it if you would consult with me in private the next time you feel the need to criticize."
"I wasn't criticizing."
Holding her hand up to silence the woman, Lydia spoke. "You are correct, of course. You were just expressing your opinion." If she smiled any harder, Lydia thought her face just might break. "Why don't you come by after school on Monday and we can continue this conversation."
Backing away from the table, Eloise shook her head. "That won't be necessary, Miss Lydia."
"Wow!" Maggie placed an arm protectively about Lydia's shoulders. "You sure put her in her place."
With long easy strides, Alexander made his way to the table where the Monroe cousins were huddled together talking softly, having what looked to be a serious conversation. One look at Lydia's face and he knew something was wrong.
"Maggie, Abigail." Tipping his hat to the women protectively flanking Lydia, he looked from one to the other, sure that something was wrong.
"If you don't mind I'd like a word with Lydia." Without waiting for an answer, he took hold of her arm, leading her away from the picnic area.
"Alexander, really there's no need to be manhandling me," she protested. Anxiously, she glanced over her shoulder.
He wondered who she was looking for in the crowd. "What's wrong?"
Pulling away from him, she kept her back turned. "Nothing is wrong. My cousins and I were just discussing how we thought the day was going."
Hands on hips he walked around so he could look her square in the eye. "Was Mrs. Drumm involved in your conversation?"
"No."
At the mention of the woman's name, he saw Lydia blanch. "I see. Did she say something to offend you?"
"Alexander, I really don't want to discuss this with you. Let's go back and have some food. Anna sent down some of her scrumptious sugar cookies."
He looked at her closely and saw the stubbornness in the set of her jaw. She wasn't going to tell him what transpired. So be it. He'd find out on his own.
"Cookies sound great." When he went to take her arm, she moved slightly out of his reach.
One thing was certain, whatever that old biddy Mrs. Drumm said to Lydia upset her. Not wanting it to ruin what was left of the day, Alex cajoled, "You sure play a mean game of duck, duck, goose."
Tilting her head up at him he caught the glint of mischievous in her green eyes. "It's a fun game. You're not so bad at it yourself."
"I haven't had as much practice as you have I'm afraid."
"You should take more time for play, Alexander, it will keep you young."
Harrumphing, he matched his stride to hers. "I play plenty."
Laughing at him, she responded, "You do not."
Not willing to let her have the last word on the subject, he countered. "I do, too."
"Now you sound like one of the children, arguing with me."
He let her walk ahead of him. Slowing his pace, Alex admired the curve of the backside she presented. The jade striped fabric fluttered with the gentle sway of her hips. She was speaking to him and he didn't hear a word.
"Alexander, I asked you a question."
Stopping he stared at her, concentrating on her lips. "I'm sorry I didn't hear you." Fighting the urge to take her in his arms and kiss her right there in front of the entire town, he ran a hand over his mouth.
"I asked, when was the last time you went on a picnic?"
"Well, I'm attending one today, I don't suppose that counts?"
A firm shake of her head gave him the answer.
"I mean the last time you've taken a day off from work was ... ?"
Anger prickled along the back of his neck. Why must she always be reminding him of the long hours he kept? "Come on now, Lydia, you know I can't very well take a day off for no good reason."
"Spending time with Robert and Laura would give you a good reason. You should pack a lunch, walk down to the pond and sit under the big ole shade tree growing there."
Leaving him to mull over the absurd suggestion, he watched as she walked off to join Mrs. White and Mrs. Sutherland. It didn't escape his notice that she cut a wide swath around Eloise Drumm.
By the following Wednesday, Alexander had had his fill of sawdust and the constant buzzing of the saws. The good news was they had more work than both of them could handle and the bad news was they had more work than both of them could handle. After a meeting yesterday with Cole, both men had decided they needed to hire more workers.
Realizing the current workload was fast becoming a permanent part of his life did little to improve Alex's bad mood. Ever since Lydia had challenged him to take a day off, it seemed like everyone in the town needed to have one thing or another built.
As far as he was concerned, the first order of business would be posting help wanted signs around town. Making some up, Alex took them around to the boarding house, the sheriff's office and lastly The Mercantile.
After leaving the store, he found his thoughts returning to his workload. He tipped his hat to Mr. White as he walked into the store with his oldest daughter. Alex couldn't help but envy the man his spare time. It would be nice to take Laura shopping even if it were for nothing more than to pick out a stick of candy.
As for his son, Robert had come to the age where he needed his father's influence more and more with each passing day. Sighing, he couldn't believe how fast time seemed to be speeding by. Lydia was right; he needed to take some time for his family, even if it were just a few hours for a picnic.
Back at his office he found Cole loading the last of the boarding house order into the wagon. "I'm glad to see this order is going out."
Removing his hat, Cole wiped his arm across his brow. "I am, too. I hope she's happy with the wood. I know it's going to be used in one of her new guest rooms."
"At least it's one more order we can cross off our list."
Nodding in agreement, Cole asked, "Did you get the posters up?"
"I did. Let's hope by the end of the week we'll have had some inquiries. The way I figure, if we can hire two employees that will be a big help."
Flipping a thick length of rope over the top of the load, Alexander caught the end and tied it off. Giving it a quick tug, he made sure the load was secure. "I've got to run up to my house to check on something. Can you handle this while I'm gone?"
"No problem. Everything all right?"
"Yup." Without offering any further explanation, Alex headed off to his house.
When he arrived he found Mrs. Sutherland in his kitchen preparing supper.
Hearing him enter, she turned in surprise. "Mr. Judson, I didn't expect you home this early."
Feeling a little embarrassed, he laid his hat on the table. "I need a favor."
Wiping her hands on a towel, she poured him a cup of coffee. "Anything at all, Mr. Judson, ask away."
"I was thinking of surprising Robert and Laura by taking them on a picnic. I see you've already started supper, would it be too much trouble to make it a picnic supper instead?"
He had to hand it to the woman who didn't so much as bat an eye at his out of the blue request.
"Fried chicken is perfect picnic food and that's all I was cooking up for dinner." Rummaging around in the cabinet under the sink, she added, "I thought I saw a wicker hamper in here a while back. Yup, here it is."
Pulling the basket from its resting place, she turned to him smiling triumphantly. "Just needs to be dusted off a bit and then it'll be ready to pack up.
Seeing the gem he had in her, Alexander walked over and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thank you. I plan on leaving work early. So I'll be home by four o'clock sharp."
"The children are going to be so happy that you're taking them on a picnic." Cocking her head to one side she looked at him curiously. "Might I ask what or dare I say, who prompted this happy event?"
Giving her a quick wink, he replied, "A certain red-haired school teacher," which reminded him the picnic wouldn't be
the same without the woman who'd given him the idea there to enjoy it with them.
There was no one inside or outside the classroom when he arrived. So he wrote a quick note inviting her to join them for supper, folded the paper, wrote Lydia's name on the outside, and left it propped against an open book on her desk where she'd be sure to find it.
As he headed down the front steps, he heard the joyous sounds of the children. Turning his head to the right, he could just make out the tops of their heads. Of course it was hard to miss Lydia's. The dappled sunlight turned her hair to shades of warm, coppery red.
Not wanting to disturb their lesson, he hurried back to his office hoping that she would accept his offer. If he were taking his family on a jaunt to the pond, Lydia Louise Monroe was the only woman he wanted to share the time with; over the past months it had become clear to him that his children were growing very fond of her.
Their relationship was more than that of a teacher and her students. When Lydia was with them, he could see from the joy on her face that she was truly happy. More importantly, the same look was reflected clearly in Robert's and Laura's faces, too.
A long time had passed since they'd had sunshine in their lives. Lydia brought out the best in them. While humming a little ditty, Alexander realized he felt something he hadn't thought he would ever feel again-love and happiness. He owed it all to Lydia Louise Monroe.
Thrilled to see that Alex had taken her suggestion to go on a picnic, Lydia was still surprised when she read his note for the third time. He was inviting her along. She could only hope that this meant what she thought it did-he was beginning to trust her and his feelings.
This could be the start of something wonderful. Excited beyond belief, she could hardly wait to dismiss the class for the day. She gathered her papers and went to find Laura and Robert.
When she walked them home, she told them about their papa's surprise.
WOMEN OF SURPRISE 02: Lydia's Passion Page 8
