 
Nebraska Series: Book 1

Her

Heart's Desire

Ruth Ann Nordin
Her Heart's Desire

Published by Ruth Ann Nordin

Copyright © 2012 by Ruth Ann Nordin

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Cover Photo images Dreamstime. www.dreamstime.com All rights reserved – used with permission.

http://www.ruthannnordin.com

Dedicated to my husband, Tony. You are still my heart's desire after twelve years of marriage.
Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Epilogue

Books Featuring the Larsons

List of Ruth Ann Nordin's Romances

Find Ruth Ann Nordin
Chapter One

Omaha, Nebraska

April 1867

As soon as Sally Larson saw him enter her friend's house, she fell in love. Rick Johnson. That was his name, and she decided right then and there that she'd one day be Mrs. Sally Johnson. How she was going to make this happen, she didn't know. At the moment, Rick was hoping to court her good friend, Ethel Mae Jordan. But Ethel Mae confided in her that she did not return his affections. So, there was nothing stopping Sally from pursuing Rick. All she needed to do was convince him that he'd be happier with her than with Ethel Mae.

Ethel Mae motioned for Rick to sit in the chair which was across from the couch where Sally rested. "I hope you don't mind that my friend, Sally, is here," Ethel Mae told him as she poured him a cup of tea. "Here. I'll take your hat."

Rick handed her the hat and smiled. "No, I don't mind. It's nice to meet you, Sally."

He said her name! Sally thought she might swoon. She loved the sound of his voice, especially when he spoke her name. The word seemed to roll so easily off his tongue, almost like he'd spent his whole life saying it. And he was gorgeous. In fact, she was certain that in all of her nineteen years, she'd never seen a better looking man. Dark brown wavy hair parted neatly on the right side, brown eyes, and the hint of a dimple on his cheeks when he smiled. He wore a nicely pressed brown suit that fit just right on his broad shoulders and tall, slender frame. She'd love nothing more than for him to pick her up and carry her right over the threshold to their new home.

"Do you want more tea, Sally?" Ethel Mae asked her.

Blinking away the images of their future wedding day, Sally forced her gaze off of Rick. "Yes, please." She lifted her cup while her friend poured the hot liquid into it.

"Before you came, I was telling Sally you recently moved to town," Ethel Mae said.

"Oh?" Rick asked.

Ethel Mae put the teapot down on the tray which rested on the table between the couch and chair. She sat by Sally and picked up her cup. "Yes. I was saying you came from Vermont."

Sally turned her attention to him. "You didn't come out west because of the Homestead Act, did you?"

"No." He shook his head. "I wouldn't know the first thing about raising crops."

Ethel Mae laughed a little too loudly, a nervous habit Sally recognized. "Farming can be tricky, I suppose, but Sally's parents maintain a farm just north of here."

"My family came out here two years ago from New York," Sally explained. "My father found out about the Homestead Act and decided to try his hand at farming. We didn't know anything about it until we got here."

He took a sip from his cup and said, "Then your father is a braver man than I am."

"Oh, I don't know if he was brave," Sally began, holding the cup in her lap. "He was sick of being in a crowded area. We had neighbors on either side of our house, and the street we were on was a busy one with horses and people passing by all the time." She shrugged. "It was the land that appealed to him. Still does, in fact. He prefers to wake up in the morning, step outside, and see nothing but open land and the endless sky. He says it's the best decision he ever made."

Realizing she was rambling, Sally stopped and retrieved a cookie so she'd have something to put in her mouth. She didn't want to lose his interest because she said too much. Her brothers often chided her for talking too much, especially her brother Tom who said he couldn't imagine any man who wanted to sit and listen to a woman gab all day. And Sally could talk all day long.

Ethel Mae patted Sally's hand. "I'm glad your family came out here. We wouldn't have met otherwise."

As Sally chewed the cookie, she nodded her agreement and tucked a stray strand of her blond hair behind her ear. Her gaze kept going to Rick. How could her friend resist someone as attractive as him?

After Rick took a drink from his cup, he set it down on the table. "My true love is the United States Constitution. I'm afraid nothing will ever pull me away from it, though I have all the respect in the world for farmers. They have to face harsh weather and bugs."

Sally shuddered. "Like a swarm of locusts devouring crops."

"Exactly," he replied. "That's not for me."

After a moment of silence fell between them, Ethel Mae told Sally, "Rick is the new judge at the courthouse."

"Oh, I heard we got a new judge," Sally said, wondering why Ethel Mae didn't mention that Rick was the one who took Judge Williams' place after his untimely death. "Is that why you moved to Omaha, Rick?"

"Yes," he replied, setting his elbows on the arms of the chair and clasping his hands in front of him. "Also, it didn't hurt that Judge Townsend is an old friend of the family. There were no positions open where I lived, so I came out here."

"What do you think of Omaha?" Sally asked.

"It's fine. I certainly can't complain about the people I've met."

His gaze went to Ethel Mae, and Sally's smile faltered for a moment—but just for a moment. He'd only met her. Surely, she had to give him more time to get used to the idea that he was going to marry her instead of her friend.

"Well, Sally is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet," her friend said.

"I'm sure she is. She wouldn't be your friend if she wasn't," he replied.

Ethel Mae offered Rick a nervous laugh as her gaze darted in Sally's direction. Her eyes met Sally's, and Sally recognized the silent plea she was sending her. Ethel Mae was trying to divert Rick's attention off of her but didn't know how, and as Sally sat there, she didn't know how to do that either. Well, at least not without boring him with talk of her family, the farm, or the weather. But he was a judge, so maybe she should pursue that angle.

Clearing her throat, Sally directed her gaze to Rick and asked, "What made you decide to be a judge?"

Granted, his answer was bound to bore her and Ethel Mae to no end, but it was far better for them to be bored than for him to be. If he was bored, then he might never want to talk to her again, something she desperately wanted to avoid.

"It was something I was always interested in," Rick said with a shrug. "I don't recall the exact moment I knew I'd be a judge, but when I was a child, I made it a point to memorize the Constitution."

"You did?" Sally asked, surprised someone would want to do that.

"I did that and read letters our Founding Fathers wrote."

She was amazed at his dedication. A man who could pursue his career with such vigor would be a most excellent husband. While the three of them continued to make idle chitchat, it became apparent how much Rick wanted to court Ethel Mae. He'd lean forward in interest if she said something and gave her a wide smile each time he talked to her. Granted, he was kind and polite to her, but Sally didn't want the formal friendliness he extended to her. She wanted him to respond to her with the same enthusiasm he showed Ethel Mae.

Rick checked his pocket watch and sighed. "I'm afraid I have to go back to work." He swallowed the rest of his tea and stood up.

A plan formed in Sally's mind, and she jumped up. "Thank you for the lovely visit, Ethel Mae. I must be going as well."

Ethel Mae glanced at her with furrowed brows but didn't remind her that she was supposed to visit with her for the entire afternoon.

"I'll speak to you again soon," Sally told her friend, hoping she understood the subtle hint in her message.

Ethel Mae's eyes lit up with understanding. "Oh, yes. Well, then soon it will be."

Sally joined Rick as he followed Ethel Mae to the front door. She had to be careful in how she talked to him. The slightest wrong word might make him suspect she was planning to snag him from her friend, and there was no way he'd willingly court another woman—at least not this early in the game.

Rick took his hat from the coat tree and placed it on his head. Smiling at Ethel Mae, he asked, "May I visit you on Saturday?"

Ethel Mae gave a slight wince. "I'm not sure what my parents have planned for that day. Can I answer you at a later time?"

Though he looked disappointed, he said, "Of course."

Sally retrieved her bonnet from the coat tree and put it on, pulling the strings loosely under her chin. "Are you heading straight for the courthouse?" she asked Rick.

"Yes," he said as he opened the door.

"I'm going in that direction," she said. "Mind if I join you?"

"No, I suppose not."

Refusing to let his lack of enthusiasm get to her, she waited until his back was turned and mouthed the words, "I'll be back," to her friend who nodded. She followed Rick out of the house and pulled the brim of her bonnet further out so it shielded her eyes from the sun.

After her friend shut the door, Sally joined Rick and strolled down the side of the dusty street. Rick motioned for her to walk on his other side. "If a horse comes by too fast, the dust won't get on you," he explained.

"Most riders don't race through here," Sally replied as she went to his other side.

"Not most. But why take the chance?"

"You're right. And thank you."

He shrugged. "It's common courtesy. There's no need to thank me."

Maybe not, but she still appreciated his thoughtfulness. Taking a deep breath, she decided to put her plan into action. "I notice you're quite taken with my friend."

His face grew pink. "I'm sure she's noticed, too."

"Do you plan to ask her if you can court her?"

"Yes. I thought I'd visit her a couple more times, see how things go, and then ask. I don't want to seem too eager."

Pretending to be relieved, she chuckled. "That's good because you have to be careful in how you approach things."

His steps slowed and he gave her a good look. "I do?"

"Of course." She slowed down to meet his new pace. "Have you ever courted a woman?"

"No."

"Then I'm glad I happened to be visiting my friend when you stopped by." Granted, Ethel Mae asked Sally to come because she knew Rick was coming over, but he didn't need to know that. Choosing her words carefully, she continued, "My friend is wonderful. You will be very happy with her."

His smile widened and he opened his mouth to speak, but she decided to beat him to it.

"The problem is, my friend prefers men who aren't easy to get. I hate to tell you this, but you're a little too excited about courting her. She'll see that and wonder why."

"It should be obvious why I'm excited about it. She's beautiful and kind and—"

Sally yawned and held up her hand. "But where's the challenge? Does she have to fight for you? Does she have to wonder if you love her or not? You understand what I'm saying, don't you? It's all too easy."

His eyebrows furrowed. "I'm afraid I don't understand."

"All I'm saying is that women like to know that the man could have had someone else but chose them. You'd be more desirable to her if you feigned interest in another woman who feigned interest back."

He laughed and shook his head. "That doesn't make any sense."

Her heart sped up. He wasn't falling for it! She had to use another tactic, and the sooner she slipped something else in, the better. Turning wide eyes in his direction, she sweetly asked, "Doesn't it?"

"No. If Ethel Mae is interested in me, she should want me even if no one else does. I should attract her on my own merits, not because some other woman is interested in me or because I'm interested in another woman."

"Hmm... You really don't understand women then, do you?"

Looking uncertain, he said, "Well...no."

"Not only am I a woman, but Ethel Mae is my friend. She likes a challenge."

He stopped walking and turned to face her. She also stopped, met his eyes and clasped her hands behind her back. Putting on what she hoped was a charming smile, she waited for him to respond because if he responded the way she wanted him to, then her plan was all set.

After a glance around them, he returned his gaze to hers and asked, "So what do you recommend?"

Good! That's exactly what he was supposed to say. She counted to four so she wouldn't sound too excited. "Ethel Mae is my dearest friend in all the world, and I want to see her with a man who'll treat her right." That man wasn't him, but he didn't need to know that. "I propose that you pretend to be interested in me."

He shifted from one foot to another. "I don't know. It seems rather devious to me. I could see making allusions to another woman to pique Ethel Mae's interest, but it wouldn't be right since you two are friends."

Drat! Running through a list of possible arguments, she finally settled on the one that seemed to make the best comeback. "But Ethel Mae might not believe you unless she sees you paying attention to another woman. Granted, it would be me, and she's bound to experience some jealousy." More likely relief. "However, when you admit your undying devotion to her, she'll know you are hers, and I'll back out graciously while still being her friend. There will be no hard feelings since I am only pretending to enjoy your attention."

"I'd have to think about it," he replied, looking unsure.

Sighing, she realized she wasn't going to get anywhere with him, at least not today. What she needed to do was talk to her friend, and fortunately, her friend would be more agreeable to the arrangement. "Alright then. But if you should change your mind, let me know."

Resuming their walk, he said, "It is kind of you to want to help."

"I want to see my friend happy. She'd do the same for me if she were in my shoes."

Laughing, he shook his head. "It's a strange way to help someone."

Stopping in front of the mercantile, she thanked him for walking her to her destination and entered the building, ignoring the few patrons in the store. Peering through the window, she waited until he was further down the boardwalk before she left the store.

When Sally returned to Ethel Mae's house, she saw that her friend was waiting for her on the porch swing. As Sally hurried up the porch steps, Ethel Mae jumped off the swing and rushed over to her. "What happened? Is Rick smitten with you?"

Sally shook her head. "No. We spent the whole time talking about you and how much he adores you."

Ethel Mae's shoulders slumped. "No."

"I'm afraid he is one of your more devoted suitors."

"Oh no!"

"Oh no, indeed." Sally plopped down on the swing and sighed. "I can't remember seeing a man so in love before. Well, except for my brother Richard after he married Amanda."

Ethel Mae sat next to her and groaned. "What am I going to do? I have no such interest in him. I'm fond of him, I suppose. He's pleasant enough, but I have no desire to marry him."

Crossing her arms, Sally tried to resist the urge to pout. "And he has no desire to talk to me again, let alone court me."

"Well, one part of my plan worked. You like him. But then he likes me, so what good does any of it do?"

Exactly. What good did it do? "He doesn't know me well enough to want to be with me. I need to spend more time with him."

"I could invite him over when you're here."

"I don't know if that'll do any good." Sally tapped her index finger on her lips and gave careful consideration to her conversation with him. "I was foolish enough to think he'd pretend to be interested in me to make you jealous. How silly is that? Of course, he saw the folly in that idea. He's smarter than my brother. Tom would have went right along with it."

Ethel Mae straightened up in the swing and turned to face her. "That's not a bad idea!"

"Of course, it is. He said if you were interested in him, you'd be interested even if he wasn't hard to get."

"But what if I got Vivian to tell him I'm interested in a young man who fancies another lady?"

Sally bit her lower lip. "You think your sister would do that?"

"She would if I did her chores for a week."

A smile spread slowly across Sally's face. "If Rick heard it from Vivian, he might start thinking my idea has some merit after all."

"Then he'd spend time with you in hopes of making me jealous."

"And he'd get to know me and fall in love!"

"Yes!" Looking pleased, Ethel Mae sat back in the swing and added, "Just be your usual charming self, and he won't be able to resist you."

Feeling much better, Sally contemplated what she might say the next time she saw him.
Chapter Two

After supper that night, Sally scrubbed one of the plates in the sink full of hot water. Cleaning dishes was one of those tasks where a person's mind could wander, which was good because she kept thinking of Rick's deep brown eyes and warm smile that lit up his face. He was incredibly handsome. She couldn't recall a time when she'd been so attracted to anyone. But what could she possibly say to grab his attention?

Her mother set more plates and utensils on the work table and wiped her forehead with the back of her hand. "That's the last of it."

"How Tom, David, and Joel eat so much, I'll never understand," Sally replied.

"They're growing boys."

"They're like a bunch of dogs with the way they fight over who gets the last piece of food."

Her mother chuckled. "My mother was sure that my brothers would eat her out of house and home. If you have sons, you'll think all your time is spent fixing something in the kitchen."

Sally groaned. "Thanks for giving me something to look forward to, Ma."

"All men go through it while they're growing up. They can't get enough food."

Sally grimaced as she thought of Tom whacking Joel on the head for the last biscuit. She was sure Rick would never do anything so crude. No. Rick, Sally was sure, maintained proper manners at all times.

"Alright. Spill it," her mother said, interrupting her thoughts.

Realizing she was staring out the window with a goofy grin on her face, Sally turned her attention back to the dishes in the sink.

"What's going on with you?" her mother asked, looking amused. "You're usually a chatterbox, but tonight Tom and Jenny did most of the talking."

Sally debated whether or not to say something to her mother. There wasn't anything to tell her, really. Rick wasn't going to court her, yet, so she feared it might be premature to gush on and on about the wonderful man she met that day. But, on the other hand, her mother succeeded in nabbing her father, so she knew something about courtship and marriage.

Setting the clean dish on the dish rack, Sally took a deep breath and faced her mother. "Well, there is this young man I met while at Ethel Mae's today."

"Oh!" Her mother straightened up in a manner that indicated she forgot she was tired. Picking up a clean cloth, she took the dish from the dish rack and dried it off. "How exciting! I remember when Richard first told me he was going to marry Amanda." Chuckling, she added, "I was devastated because my oldest was growing up, but now they're married and she just gave me twin grandsons."

"Uh...yes." Sally wasn't sure what her older brother had to do with Rick but shrugged. "Anyway, his name is Rick Johnson, and he's a judge."

"A judge? What a great job! He'll provide for you very well."

"That would be true if he was interested in me. He seems to be fond of Ethel Mae."

Her shoulders drooped. "No."

"I'm afraid so, but she isn't interested in him. In fact, she introduced us with the hopes he might turn his attention to me."

"And?"

"It didn't work out the way we hoped." Sally turned back to the dishes, mindful that she better finish them before the water went lukewarm. "But we're trying to arrange it so that he and I can spend some time together. Then he can get to know me, and maybe he'll like me more than Ethel Mae." It was the oddest thing. Now that she was explaining it to her mother, the plan didn't seem as solid as it'd seemed when she was talking to her friend.

"Where will you be spending time with him?"

"Well, Ethel Mae will arrange it so that I happen to be there when he comes by."

"Hmm..."

"Hmm...what?"

Her mother shrugged. "If he has his mind set on being with Ethel Mae, will he be able to focus on you if she's around?"

"I don't know where else to meet him."

"Invite him out here. Young single men love a good home-cooked meal. It's what convinces them to get married."

Sally cringed. "Even if he likes the food, one supper over here and Rick will be running back to Ethel Mae's. She has a sweet sister. I have Tom and Joel."

"They can be good. Invite him over for supper."

"David and Jenny can be good, and Tom and Joel can be good if they aren't in the same room together. But they'll be in the same room—at the same table!"

Her mother chuckled and patted her shoulder. "Oh Sally, you have to give those two more credit than that. They'll behave if a stranger is here."

"Not when I have a visitor. Whenever Ethel Mae is here, they hide somewhere and listen to us. You know how we find out they're listening? Tom gives himself away by chuckling. And do you know when he chuckles? Whenever Ethel Mae and I discuss which men might be worth courting us."

"They're still doing that?"

"They didn't last time she was here, but I don't know if David can keep them preoccupied all the time." She sighed and handed her mother the plate. "I wish they were like David. I never have to worry about him."

"If he is so good, then why don't you ever call him Dave like he prefers?"

"Because I love the name David. It sounds more romantic. You can envision a David being a hero in a book, but Dave? How many heroes do you know that are named Dave? Besides, I won the race, so it's my right to call him whatever I want."

"I'll never understand why he accepted that bet. You're five years older than him. We all knew who was going to win, but he seemed so sure he could beat you."

"And that will show him he can't assume that just because he's a boy, he'll win." She grabbed the last plate and washed it. "If we have Rick over, will you make sure Tom and Joel behave?"

"I'll tell them if they don't behave, they'll be doing your chores for a week."

"Can you make it a month?"

"Are you that sure they'll act up?" her mother asked, her eyes twinkling.

"No. I just want to make sure they're scared enough to obey you."

Her mother took the plate from her and dried it. "Very well. I'll warn them that they could end up with additional chores for a month."

Sally hugged her. "Thanks, Ma."

"You're welcome. Now go help Jenny take down the clothes off the line. I'll help you two put everything away."

Nodding, Sally hastened to do as she was instructed. If she could get Rick here and Ethel Mae wasn't around, then maybe he'd notice her. Now she had to figure out what she could say to convince him to come over.

***

Three days later, Rick studied his reflection in the mirror above the small dresser and sighed. No matter what he did, the irritating cowlick wouldn't go down. He didn't think he could go to Ethel Mae's looking this silly, especially if he planned to stay and talk with her for any length of time.

Frustrated, he sat on the bed in his room at the boarding house. He really wanted to see Ethel Mae. It took all of his willpower to hold off on seeing her for three days, and the reason he did that was so he wouldn't seem too eager. Sally was right on that count. He shouldn't act like a lovesick schoolboy. But there was no denying he'd been able to think of little else but Ethel Mae.

He had to see her this evening! Even if he had to keep his hat on his head, he'd do it. If he talked her into going for a walk, he could very well keep his hat on. Then she wouldn't see his unruly hair at all, and he'd be spared any embarrassment. Inspired, he stood up and grabbed his hat. Placing it on his head, he adjusted his tie and suit jacket. He straightened his shoulders and smiled. There. He didn't look so bad now.

Feeling much better, he left his room and headed down the hallway. After he went down the stairs, Mrs. Penquite called out to him from the parlor. "You wanted to see me, Mrs. Penquite?" he asked as he approached her.

The middle-aged woman who owned the boarding house stood up from where she sat across from an older couple. "If you can spare a moment, my sister and her husband have a legal question. Since you're a judge, I thought perhaps you might be willing to answer it?"

He took a deep breath as he debated whether to oblige the woman. He learned early on that when people thought a question would require a simple answer, it often turned out to be more complicated than they imagined. He glanced at the clock above the fireplace and decided he could spare at least thirty minutes.

"I'll be happy be assist, Mrs. Penquite," he finally said and sat in the chair which had its back to the window. "What may I help you with?" he asked the couple.

As predicted, the legal question turned out to be more complicated than they suspected, and forty-two minutes later, it was answered to their satisfaction. Hiding his disappointment that his time with Ethel Mae had been drastically cut, he smiled and wished them luck with the lawyer he recommended they see the following day.

He left the boarding house, noting that the sun would set in an hour, and sighed. No, he wouldn't get to see Ethel Mae much at all. It did occur to him he could delay seeing her until tomorrow. He quickly dismissed that notion. Today was Thursday and she hadn't sent him a note to let him know if he could see her on Saturday as she promised. If he wanted to find out if he could visit with her on Saturday, he needed to talk to her this evening.

When he reached Ethel Mae's house, his heartbeat picked up. It was silly that he was so nervous around her. She was just a woman. Well, no. That wasn't true. She wasn't just a woman. She was the woman he hoped to marry. So she was really the most important woman he'd ever met. He bounded up the steps of the porch and knocked on the door.

A man opened the door and smiled. "Hello, Rick. Did you come to see my daughter?"

Rick nodded and returned his smile. "Yes, sir. Forgive me if I don't take my hat off. My hair is a bit disheveled, and I don't wish to embarrass myself in front of Ethel Mae."

Chuckling, he waved him into the entryway. "I understand that one, son. I remember when I was courting her mother. It's funny how you notice everything that doesn't look right when you're mindful of a woman's eye. You're the banker, right?"

Banker? Rick forced the smile to remain on his face as he stepped into the entryway. "No, sir. I'm a judge."

"Oh. I'm sorry. I heard Ethel Mae talking about a banker who's supposed to pay her a visit and thought it was you."

"Is he due here this evening?" Rick asked, thinking that if he saw who else was interested in her, then he might be able to figure out what his chances were with her.

"I don't know. She just said he was coming by sometime this week."

"Oh."

"Well, don't you worry yourself, son. It's good to see what else is out there before we settle down. I'm sure my daughter isn't the only one you're thinking of courting. Before I asked to court Ethel Mae's mother, I talked to three other young ladies to determine which would be the best choice."

Unsure of why he was telling him all of this, Rick nodded, hoping his discomfort didn't show.

"Come on into the parlor," her father said, motioning to the doorway.

"Considering I don't want to take my hat off, I thought perhaps I'd talk to Ethel Mae on the porch. Maybe sit on the swing and enjoy the sunset?"

"Oh, alright. I'll get her."

Thanking him, Rick checked out his reflection in the hallway mirror. He took his hat off, and sure enough, the stubborn cowlick stuck straight up. Gritting his teeth, he put the hat back on and figured that this banker probably had perfect hair.

Ethel Mae emerged from the parlor, so he straightened up and offered what he hoped to be an attractive smile. "Good evening, Ethel Mae."

"Good evening, Rick. What brings you here?"

"Uh...well..." He cleared his throat and motioned to the porch. "I wondered if you'd do me the honor of watching the sunset while we talk."

She didn't respond immediately, and that bothered him. If she was as excited to see him as he was to see her, she'd say yes right away, wouldn't she? He knew if she asked him to watch the sunset and talk, he'd already be out the door and sitting on the swing.

Finally, she nodded. "Let me get my shawl. Why don't you wait for me on the swing?"

Before he could respond, she hurried down the hall and slipped into a room. With nothing else to do, he shrugged and stepped onto the porch. Seeing the swing, he went over to it, sat down and placed his hands on his knees.

A few seconds later, Ethel Mae's ten-year-old sister bounded up the steps to the porch and stopped in front of him. "Are you here to see my sister?" she asked, her hands behind her back as she rocked back and forth on her heels.

"Yes," he replied.

"Which suitor are you?"

Shifting uncomfortably on the swing, he asked, "How many suitors does she have?"

With a shrug, she said, "I think there's three."

"Three?"

"Yes, I'm sure it's three. There's Larry, Samuel, and...and..." She pressed the tip of her finger to her lips and glanced at the sky. "I'm not sure who the other one is."

"Rick?" he squeaked. He cleared his throat and repeated, "Rick?"

"Rick! That's it. You know how I remember it? Because Rick rhymes with sick." She giggled as if that was the funniest observation a person could make. "So, which one are you? Or are you a fourth?"

"I'm Rick."

"Oh. Well, it's a pleasure to meet you!"

He nodded, though he kept wondering why he hadn't heard of Larry or Samuel before. "These other suitors, Larry and Samuel... Do they come by often?"

"I've only met Larry, but she talks about Samuel an awful lot."

"She does?"

"Yep. But he likes someone else. Maybe that's why he hasn't been by. He must be spending time with Miss Keating. Do you know who she is?"

"No."

"I do. My sister does, too. In fact, she went over to visit last week and Samuel was there. My sister came home, and she said she didn't realize how addictive Samuel is."

"You mean, attractive?"

"Something like that. All I know is she's been sweet on him ever since. She says she wants him to court her or kiss her. Really yucky things like that. I don't understand it. Do you?"

Unsure of what else to say, he replied with a bland, "No."

With another shrug, she said, "Maybe when I get older I will. But if a boy tries to kiss me right now, I'll slap him silly. Thank goodness I'm still a kid. Good luck with my sister!"

She ran into the house. He didn't know if he should run after her to find out more about Samuel or not. Samuel's appeal couldn't be the fact that he was interested in Miss Keating. There had to be something more to it than that. Maybe there was something about the way he acted or looked or...

"I'm sorry I kept you waiting," Ethel Mae said as she stepped onto the porch, shutting the door behind her.

He stood up and almost took his hat off before he remembered his cowlick. Tipping his hat, he replied, "I didn't mind."

He almost said he'd wait forever for her but then thought better of it. There was no need to let her know how eager he was to see her. Perhaps Sally was right. Maybe Ethel Mae picked up on his excitement and it made him less attractive to her.

She sat next to him, and her shawl slipped over her shoulder. Adjusting it, she rested against the back of the swing and smiled. "How are you doing?"

"Fine. I'm fine." He cleared his throat. "How are you?"

"Oh, I'm doing well, thanks."

He nodded and smiled, not sure of what to say now that she was here. It was hard to concentrate on anything but how pretty she was. Her dark hair was pulled back into a twist at the nape of her neck, and he couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to kiss the spot beneath her ear. He'd overheard one of the men say that women loved that kind of thing, and quite frankly, he thought he'd enjoy it as well. Of course, he'd love to kiss Ethel Mae anywhere. If he married her, he could take off her clothes and... His face flushed. Perhaps he should keep his thoughts away from kissing and such.

Taking a deep breath, he said, "It's a pleasant evening. With the sunset and cool temperature. You know, not too hot or cold. Just right." Rick hid the desire to wince. He didn't exactly sound smooth or charming. Probably not like Larry or Samuel, especially Samuel if she preferred him to Larry. Once again, he wondered who these two men were.

"Yes, it is a pleasant evening," Ethel Mae replied. "It's the kind of evening a person should sit on the porch and watch the sun go down."

He nodded and tapped his fingers on the arm of the swing. This wasn't going as well as he hoped. He needed to come up with something to discuss. And he'd better do it quick, considering the way she covered her mouth and yawned. "Did you have a good day?" he asked.

"Oh yes! It was wonderful."

Encouraged by her enthusiasm, he relaxed. "What happened?"

"Oh, I—" She stopped, her eyes wide, and let out an uneasy chuckle. "Nothing. It was just a good day."

He frowned. What wasn't she telling him?

"Did your day go well?" she quickly asked, as if she wished to change topics right away.

Blinking, he wondered if he should press her on what happened but decided it wouldn't be good to show his uncertainty. As he traced the edge of the arm of the swing with his fingers, he said, "I had a good day. There was this hearing that I presided over, and while I was listening to the defendant's side, there was a law that I knew applied to the case. I couldn't remember what it was, which doesn't often happen. So when we went into recess, I went to one of the law books and—" When he noticed that she seemed unusually interested in her fingernails, he softly laughed. "I'm sorry. This must be boring you."

Her head snapped in his direction. "What? Oh, no. You're not boring me. I find your job very interesting." She yawned and pressed a hand to her chest. "Sorry. I was up late last night and didn't get a chance to rest today. What were you saying?"

Rick's smile faltered. "Nothing. Actually, it is boring unless you happen to be a judge or a lawyer or..." He shrugged, not sure who else would enjoy the story of how he figured out the plaintiff was lying. After a moment of awkward silence, he continued, "I was wondering if you might be available on Saturday."

"Saturday? This Saturday?"

"Yes, this Saturday."

"Oh. Well, uh, I have something to do that day." She offered an apologetic smile.

He wondered if she was going to see Larry or Samuel but couldn't ask. Instead, he ventured, "Can I see you Sunday afternoon?"

"I don't know. Sally will be here that day. If you don't mind that she's here, you can come over."

His initial thought was disappointment that he wouldn't get to spend time with just her, perhaps going for a walk in the park or enjoying a picnic. Neither sounded as interesting with her friend there. However, maybe this was just the thing he needed. Her friend might know Larry and Samuel, and maybe he should ask her how trying to make Ethel Mae jealous would work.

Vivian ran out the front door and yelled loud enough for the entire block to hear, "Ethel Mae, Ma needs your help!" Then, just as fast as she appeared, she disappeared back into the house.

With another smile, Ethel Mae stood up. "I'm sorry our time has been cut short."

"Yes," he replied, glancing at the sun which still had yet to go past the horizon. So much for looking at the stars with her. "It seems like I just got here."

She laughed. "Time flies when you're having fun, doesn't it? Well, I must go in and help my mother. If you wish, you may come by around two on Sunday."

"I'll be here."

She said good-night and slipped into the house.

Shoulders slumped, he turned away from the front door and headed down the porch steps.
Chapter Three

On Sunday, Sally turned from the mirror that was over the dresser in Ethel Mae's bedroom to look at her friend. "Larry and Samuel are your other two suitors?"

"Well," Ethel Mae began, "Samuel isn't really a suitor. He's supposed to be the one I'm most interested in because he's been visiting Miss Keating."

Sally's eyes lit up with understanding. "I see what you're doing. This way Rick will assume you prefer men who are interested in other women."

"Exactly."

"How did you come up with the names Larry and Samuel?" she asked, turning back to the mirror to make sure her hair was in place. The blonde waves fell gently against her face and down past her shoulders. She pinched her cheeks so they'd be a nice shade of pink.

"I based them off characters I read in a book," her friend replied as she adjusted the broach around Sally's neck so it was straight. "There. That's better."

Taking a deep breath, Sally asked, "How do I look?"

"Beautiful. And how do I look?" She spun around in her old blue dress and shook her head so that more strands of her hair fell out of her bun.

"Like you've been spending all morning scrubbing floors."

"Good!" She examined her reflection in the mirror. "Do you think I can do anything else to look horrid?"

With a sigh, Sally offered her a sympathetic smile. "I'm afraid you're still lovely. I doubt Rick will turn his eyes in my direction."

"You're lovely, too, Sally."

"By the way he couldn't take his eyes off of you last time, I don't think he noticed."

Her friend bit her lower lip and tapped her finger to her chin. "I must think of a way to get him looking in your direction. Your mother's idea of bringing him out to supper at your place is a good one. I won't be there, and he'll have no choice but to look at you."

Sally grimaced. "Only if my brothers don't ruin things for me. They teased me something awful when I took an interest in Michael a year ago."

"To be fair, Michael had a tendency to wheeze when he laughed."

Unable to stop her lips from turning up, Sally added, "And he twitched a bit when he was around dogs. I never understood that one. He wasn't allergic to them."

"Oh, you're better off without him anyway. Clara can have him, wheezing and twitching and nail biting and all the things he did."

She shrugged. "I don't know. It was actually cute at times. But you're right. I'm better off with Rick."

"That's right, you are. And when you marry him, I'll be the first in line to congratulate you."

Vivian opened the door and burst into the bedroom. "Rick's here! Do you want me to tell him that Larry or Samuel came by earlier?"

"No, I think he got the message when he was here on Thursday," Ethel Mae told her sister.

Vivian sighed in disappointment.

Noting the girl's enthusiasm for her part in their scheme, Sally snapped her fingers. "I know! You can tell Rick that Larry was asking me about your sister."

Eyes lighting up, the girl ran out of the room.

Ethel Mae shook her head but smiled. "You're positively awful."

Sally shrugged. "Why not make him think Larry is hoping to make you jealous, too? You made Samuel and Larry up, so I might as well use them to my advantage."

"I wish I could be with you and Rick when you give him advice about winning me over, but I know this must be done behind my back because I'm not supposed to be aware of what's going on."

"Come on. I want to see him!" She hurried to the door and glanced back at her friend who shook her head once again so her hair was worse than before. "Are you ready?"

"No. But is that a surprise?"

"I suppose not. If a man came to visit me and I wasn't interested, I'd dread it, too."

"I hope our plan works." She stepped up to Sally and motioned down the hallway. "I want him to see you first."

Sally nodded and strolled down the hall, hoping her excitement at seeing Rick again wasn't too apparent. It was one thing for her friend and Vivian to know how much she wanted him, but he must not know. She wanted him to think marrying her was his idea, and if she played her cards right, he would. As soon as she reached the parlor where Vivian sat across from him, she paused and peaked around the doorway. Ethel Mae slowed behind her, and Sally motioned for her to listen to them.

"Oh yes, Larry really wanted to speak with Sally," Vivian said. "Too bad you didn't talk to her first, but Sally hasn't made up her mind yet on whether she'll help Larry or not. You'd better make your move soon. My sister will believe one man is interested in Sally, but I don't think she'll believe two are."

Sally's jaw dropped and she looked at Ethel Mae who held her hand over her mouth so no one could hear her laugh. Sally knew that Vivian was trying to get Rick to take Sally up on her offer to make Ethel Mae jealous, but the way she worded that sentence made it sound like Sally didn't do well with men.

"I better go before they catch us talking," Vivian told him in a whisper that was loud enough for Sally and Ethel Mae to hear. "I'm rooting for you, Rick."

As soon as Sally saw Vivian stand up, she took a deep breath and entered the parlor with a smile on her face. "Hello, Rick."

"Hello, Sally," he said, standing up, his gaze going straight from Sally to her friend. "Hello, Ethel Mae."

Sally resisted the urge to look at Ethel Mae with a "see what I mean about him being unable to draw his attention from you" message.

"Hello, Rick," Ethel Mae said with a half-hearted smile. "Vivian, why don't you help me get some refreshments?"

"Sure," Vivian replied with too much enthusiasm for a ten-year-old who was just asked to do a chore. "I love helping out my wonderful sister who everyone comes to see!"

Since Rick wasn't looking in Sally's direction, Sally mouthed the words, "That's enough," to Vivian.

Vivian shrugged and skipped out of the parlor.

"Why don't you two sit down and talk?" Ethel Mae told Rick and Sally. "I'll be back with lemonade and cookies."

Sally nodded and sat on the couch, fully expecting that Rick would sit across from her as he'd done before when she last saw him, but this time he sat beside her. She tried to hide her pleasure that he chose to sit so close to her. Taking a deep breath to settle her excitement, she asked, "How are you doing, Rick?"

"Fine." Before she could say anything else, he whispered, "Do you know someone named Larry or Samuel?"

"I've met Larry, but I've only heard of Samuel." She made a mental note to tell her friend all of this after he left. It wouldn't be good if their stories didn't match up.

"What is Larry like?"

"Didn't Vivian tell you?" she asked, just in case Vivian slipped something in she needed to know.

"No. She just told me Larry is interested in Ethel Mae."

"Well, it's true. He is." She waited for a moment before adding, "However, I think she'd do better to choose you."

"You do?"

"Well, yes. You seem more amiable. I mean, Larry is fine, but I don't feel as comfortable with him. You are like a friend." She hated to think of him as a friend, but she thought it would ease him into things better if she referred to him as such. "And if you marry Ethel Mae, then it'd be best if she married someone who could be a friend to me, don't you agree?"

"Oh, of course. My mother didn't care much for one of my father's friends, and it made life a bit difficult." She thought to press him further, but he continued, "So, yes. It's important that we get along as well. That's why I hesitated to take you up on your offer to make your friend jealous. The last thing I'd ever want to do is create problems."

"You see, that's why I think we could be friends." And eventually more. "You consider what's best for everyone."

He studied the floor for a moment. "It still doesn't make much sense that Ethel Mae should prefer Samuel when he seems to like someone else more, but you said that's how Ethel Mae is and her sister says the same thing. If I want to marry her, then I'd be foolish to neglect your offer to help me, if you're still offering?"

"Yes. I am."

Ethel Mae and Vivian came into the room, one carrying a tray of lemonade and glasses while the other carried a plate of cookies and cloth napkins. Rick and Sally stood up, and Sally helped Ethel Mae pour the lemonade into their glasses.

"Thank you, Vivian," Ethel Mae said. "You may play with your friends now."

"Can't I stay and have lemonade and cookies, too?" Vivian protested, a slight pout on her lips.

"It's time for the adults to talk. I'll save you some for later," Ethel Mae said. "Besides, it's a nice day. You should go out and enjoy it. See if Phoebe wants to play dolls."

Letting out a loud sigh, Vivian left the parlor.

"I'm sorry," Ethel Mae said as she motioned for Rick and Sally to get some cookies. "My sister thinks she's older than she really is."

"She means well," Sally replied as she sat down with a glass of lemonade in one hand and a napkin with two cookies in the other. "At least she actually helps you. My brothers plan ways to make more work for me."

"Surely, you jest," her friend said.

"I wish I was."

Sally thought Ethel Mae would sit next to her and Rick would sit across from them as he did before, but he sat next to her while Ethel Mae sat in the chair across from them.

"Tell us more about your brothers," Rick said, turning toward Sally.

Sally glanced at Ethel Mae whose eyebrows rose in interest. Sally tried to answer his question, but now that he was devoting his attention to her in an attempt to make her friend jealous, her mind went blank. All she could think of was his dark brown eyes, smooth dark hair, and charming smile. What she truly wanted, more than anything, was for him to kiss her. But it was too soon for that, and who knew if she could convince him to go that far in their scheme until he realized he wanted to be with her instead of her friend.

Ethel Mae cleared her throat, directing Sally's thoughts off of Rick's delightfully sensuous lips. "Sally has four brothers. I believe it's her younger ones who create the biggest mischief."

"Oh?" Rick asked, looking much more interested than Sally knew he actually was.

Well, she had to hand it to Rick. He was a good actor. Sally took a sip of her lemonade and nodded. "Yes, they do. Specifically, my brothers Tom and Joel are the ones I have to worry about the most. Tom's seventeen and Joel's nine. I know the ages are considerably apart, but they tend to work together. Sometimes I think they'd be lost without each other." Realizing she was rambling, she stopped and drank more lemonade to slow down. "Tell me, Rick, do you have any brothers or sisters?"

"I had a brother, but he died in infancy," he softly replied.

"I'm sorry," both Sally and Ethel Mae said at the same time.

"It happened before I was born, so I never knew him." He set down his glass and motioned to Sally. "I don't wish to take away from what you're saying about your brothers. Two of them are Tom and Joel. Who are the others?"

Shifting on the couch, Sally forced her mind off of how hard it must have been for his mother to lose a child and cleared her throat. "Yes, well, I have two more. Richard's already married. He just had twin sons."

"Really? That's nice," Rick said.

"Yes. My nephews are adorable."

Ethel Mae picked up a cookie and said, "Their names are Mark and Anthony."

With a wry grin, Sally added, "Amanda loves history, and if you guessed she named them after Mark Anthony, you're right. She said she didn't care much for the affair between him and Cleopatra, but she loved his name. Richard says it's good she had twins because she kept going back and forth between Mark or Anthony for boy names."

"And your other brother?" Rick asked before he finished his cookie.

"That would be David, and if it weren't for him, life would be unbearable. He's fourteen, so he was born between Tom and Joel, and he does a good job of intercepting them on my behalf. Oh, I do have a sister named Jenny. She's twelve."

"That's a good-sized family."

"It never gets boring in the house, that's for sure," Sally mused. "Of course, you'd have to go out there sometime if you want to really appreciate how busy things get over there."

"I'd love to."

Blinking in surprise, she asked, "What?"

"Go out there to see these brothers and the sister of yours, especially Tom and Joel. It'd be interesting to see what they're all like."

She stared at him to figure out if he was just saying this because they were in front of Ethel Mae or if he really meant it.

Ethel Mae shifted in her chair and let out a flirtatious giggle. "I don't think that's necessary, Rick. All you really need to know about them, Sally can tell you right here." She tucked a few strands of her unkempt hair behind her ear and shot him a coy look.

Sally's eyes widened. She had no idea her friend could put on the charm when she wanted to.

"Nonsense," Rick said, waving his hand as if he didn't care what Ethel Mae thought. "I think it's a good idea to pay you a visit so I can put the faces with the names."

Still unsure if he intended to do that for real, Sally nodded. "It is." Turning her gaze to her friend, she shrugged. "And how else do you expect him to understand just how troublesome Tom and Joel can be? Some things have to be observed to be understood, and when it comes to those two, you have to see it to believe it."

"It sounds intriguing. When would be a good time to visit you and your family?"

Sally studied him. He seemed sincere in coming out to her place. But how could she know for sure? "Um... I suppose it depends on when you aren't working. It should be soon. We'll start planting corn soon, and once planting season starts, things get busy."

Ethel Mae winked at her, indicating that she thought Sally was brilliant.

Sally breathed a sigh of relief when she realized Rick was too busy looking at her to notice Ethel Mae's secret message.

"If it's imperative I get out there before next month, then will Saturday be alright?" Rick asked.

"Saturday? This upcoming Saturday?" Sally responded, immediately kicking herself for saying something that stupid because it was obvious he didn't mean another one.

"It is the last Saturday before May." His lips turned up into a smile and his eyes twinkled when he added, "Unless you mean next year. Then I suppose we have more Saturdays to work with."

Sally laughed at his joke. It was nice to know he had a sense of humor. "I suppose we could try for next year, but who knows if my brothers will be pulling their usual stunts by then? Our best chance to catch them at their worst is sooner rather than later," she teased.

"I better go this Saturday then. You'll have to give me directions."

Glancing at Ethel Mae who smiled at her in encouragement, Sally said, "I'll do that."

"Great. I'm looking forward to it," he said.

She smiled as if she believed he was going to actually show up at her house.

Ethel Mae adjusted her blouse so that it wasn't so disheveled and cleared her throat. "Rick, I hope you won't mind coming by here again. It suddenly occurred to me how much we have to discuss."

"Has it?" Rick asked, not seeming the least bit interested in what she just said.

Sally chewed her cookie and thought both Rick and Ethel Mae were excellent actors. She was trying to play her part, but it was hard to know if she was as convincing as they were.

"Oh yes," her friend said, not missing a beat. "I'd like to hear more about your job. Didn't you say something happened during one of your court hearings that required you to look something up?"

He furrowed his eyebrows. "Did I?"

"You mentioned it on Thursday."

"Hmm... Thursday. I've been to so many places this week. I came here?"

"You did. We sat on the porch swing."

He stared at his glass of lemonade for a long moment and then snapped his fingers. "Oh, right! I remember now. The evening was quite remarkable." Smiling at Sally, he continued, "You would have loved the sunset, and the weather was perfect. It's too bad you weren't there to share the evening with me."

Sally sighed with longing. How she wished he meant those words!

"Maybe Saturday, the weather will be good, and we can enjoy the sunset together," he continued.

At this point, Sally thought he might be laying it on a little too thick. She understood what he was doing and why, but she figured enough was enough, especially since this Saturday supper wasn't likely going to happen. She swallowed her cookie and took a drink of her lemonade. "Yes, that will be nice. I enjoy the sunrise and sunset." Clearing her throat, she continued, "I'd like to know the court hearing that Ethel Mae referred to just a moment ago. Did something interesting happen while you were presiding over a case this week?"

"Oh, that." He shrugged. "I'd probably bore you both. It's not that interesting, now that I think about it."

Sally nudged his arm, wanting to know more about his job since it'd give her more insight into who he was. "Please tell us about it, Rick."

"Well, if you're sure." He glanced from Sally to her friend.

"Yes, we are." Sally leaned forward and waited to hear what he had to say.

He shifted and shrugged. "Alright. I was listening to the plaintiff and defendant giving their testimonies, and the plaintiff said something that struck me as odd. So, during the recess, I checked one of my law books. I found a law that was passed ten years ago that contradicted what he was saying. From this, I was able to deduce that he was lying."

Unsure of how much he could discuss about court hearings, she asked, "Are you allowed to say what the case or the law was about?"

As he opened his mouth to answer, Vivian ran into the room, her face red and her hands on her hips. "Ethel Mae, you better tell Ada to get her brother away from me."

Sitting up straight, Ethel Mae's eyes grew wide. "What did Hugh do this time?"

"He said I was pretty," Vivian said, her tone indicating that it should be obvious to anyone why being called pretty was a horrible thing.

Ethel Mae chuckled. "That's a compliment."

"Then he can compliment someone else, and you can tell Ada that next time you see her."

Sally laughed and held out a cookie for Vivian to eat. As she took it, Sally said, "There's no harm in a boy telling a girl she's pretty."

"You don't know Hugh." She bit into the cookie and sighed. "He is worse than other boys. Not that I like boys, because I don't. They're all yucky."

Rick's eyebrows rose in interest. "They're all yucky?"

Vivian shrugged. "I don't think of you as a boy in the way Hugh is a boy. You're just here to court my sister. There's a big difference."

Noticing Rick's embarrassment, Sally handed Vivian a couple more cookies and said, "In the future, try to avoid Hugh as much as possible."

"I'll try, but it's not easy when he lives down the street. I really think he looks out the window just so he can be outside whenever I leave the house," Vivian replied.

Sally laughed. "That's ridiculous. If he's out when you are, it's a coincidence."

"I'll talk to Ada later today," Ethel Mae told her sister.

"Good," Vivian replied before she took her cookies and left the room.

Looking at Rick and Sally, Ethel Mae gave them a wry grin. "I'm afraid Vivian and Hugh will always have problems. But never mind them. What were we talking about when she barged in here?"

"Rick was about to tell us about how he discovered a law that told him the plaintiff was lying," Sally replied, turning her attention back to him. "Can you tell us what the case was about?"

As Rick told them what he could about the court hearing, Sally sat back and got comfortable so she could enjoy the rest of his visit.
Chapter Four

The afternoon passed much too fast for Sally's liking. As the three stood around the front door to say good-bye, Rick turned to Sally. "Can I talk to you for a moment?"

Surprised, Sally glanced at Ethel Mae whose eyes grew wide. Clearing her throat so her voice wouldn't betray her excitement, Sally agreed and grabbed her hat. "I'll be back shortly," she told her friend as she followed him out the front door.

"Would you like to go for a walk?" he asked.

This was a good sign. He wanted to speak to her for longer than a couple minutes. Stopping herself from cheering, she smiled, counted to three, and nodded. There. She was calm. He wouldn't know how much his words affected her. She joined him down the porch steps and turned with him down the street. "What's on your mind?"

"Well, I wondered what you thought about what happened in the parlor. Did I do alright?"

"Alright?" she asked, wondering what he meant.

"By pretending to be interested in you."

"Oh." Forcing a pleasant smile on her face to mask her disappointment, she added, "Of course. You did a real good job. Anyone would believe you were genuinely interested in me." And that wasn't a lie either. He was, without a doubt, a good actor.

"I think I overdid it a bit, though."

She shrugged and clasped her hands behind her back. "Not to the point where Ethel Mae noticed. Did you see how she seemed more interested in you today than she was last time?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I did."

"Then the plan is working. We should keep it up."

"I agree. So, how do I get to your family's farm?"

Her eyes grew wide. "I thought you only told Ethel Mae that to make her jealous."

He gave her a wry grin. "Well, I did, but I planned to go out there, too, if that's alright?"

"Of course, it's alright!" She mentally cursed herself for being too eager. That wasn't a good thing to do. After all, he had to think she was pretending to be interested in him. Clearing her throat, she added, "It's an excellent idea you had. Brilliant even. This way when you tell her about my family, she'll know you were really out there."

"Yes. I figure she knows them, so if I could come back with some stories regarding the antics of your little brothers, it might give her cause to worry that she could lose me."

"It is a good plan," she replied.

They reached the end of the block and turned around. "I appreciate that you're willing to help me instead of Larry."

"Oh, think nothing of it." Considering there was no Larry, it was an easy decision to make.

"It means a lot to me. I admit it's an unconventional way of doing things, but I can see it's working. Ethel Mae actually seemed interested in me today."

"That's because she was."

"I know better than to question something that's working, so if you have any other suggestions, I'll pay attention."

She chuckled. "Now I feel like a teacher."

"I'd say in matters of the heart, that might be an accurate statement," he said in a teasing tone. "So, how do I get to your family's place?"

As she gave him the directions, she told herself not to be too excited. He, after all, wasn't coming out to court her. He was doing this for Ethel Mae. But, she reminded herself there was a good chance he'd be able to spend more time with her, especially if she could get her mother to distract Tom and Joel for a while. Perhaps he might find her more to his liking and dismiss the idea of courting Ethel Mae altogether. Her heart swelled with hope. She'd love nothing more than to have him talk to her about sharing a romantic sunset together and mean it.

"Is that it?" Rick asked.

Breaking out of her thoughts, she cleared her throat. "Oh, I'm sorry. My mind wandered off. Where was I?"

"You said when I come to a four-way break on the trail, I should stop."

"Oh yes! Take a right and go out five miles to your left. That's our house."

"It sounds easy to find. What time should I be there?"

"Well, we have supper at five, so maybe you should come at four? You know, so you can see my brothers in action." Hopefully, they'd be distracted and leave her and Rick alone to talk in the parlor, but why let him know what she was planning?

They stopped in front of Ethel Mae's house and he tipped his hat to her. "Thank you, Sally, and if you ever need a favor, don't hesitate to ask. I owe you one."

With a smile, she said, "You're welcome."

"I look forward to seeing you on Saturday."

"I look forward to it, too."

As he headed down the street, she sighed. It suddenly occurred to her just how long it was going to be until she could see him again.

***

That Saturday, Sally was on pins and needles as she helped her mother and Jenny get the house ready for Rick. It didn't help that Joel kept finding a reason to come back into the house while he was supposed to be out working with his brothers and pa. As she wiped down the table in the parlor, Joel took off his boots in the entryway and trudged down the hall.

Irritated, she followed him to the kitchen where her mother was cutting vegetables to put in with the roast. "Why aren't you outside?" Sally asked, her hands on her hips.

Joel rolled his eyes. "I'm thirsty."

"Can't you get some water from the well outside?" she demanded.

He grimaced. "But there aren't any clean cups out there. Ma, can I please have a cup of water?"

Sally groaned. He was loafing on purpose. She just knew it!

Their mother smiled at Joel. "I'll be happy to give you a clean cup of water."

As their mother turned to grab a cup off one of the shelves, Joel smirked at Sally. Sally rolled her eyes. He was spoiled and knew it, and worse, he milked it for everything it was worth.

"It's just a cup of water, Sally," their mother said as she poured the water from the pitcher. "Then he'll go right back out and help his pa and brothers, right Joel?"

"Sure, Ma," he said, nodding.

Sally remained skeptical that he really was going to work when he went outside but kept her thoughts to herself. "Just don't track any dirt through the house. I already swept the floors."

"I took my boots off," he protested, pointing to his socks.

Their mother handed him a cup. "If he makes a mess, I'll clean it up." Walking over to Sally, she put her hands on her shoulders and smiled. "I know you're nervous, but I promise you that Joel will be on his best behavior tonight." Glancing at him, she added, "Right, Joel?"

"Of course, I will, Ma. I know it's time Sally got married, and she won't unless the man wants to come back."

Sighing, Sally whispered, "It's not Joel I worry about. It's Joel and Tom."

"I've already spoken to Tom, and he understands he needs to be on his best behavior, too," she assured her daughter.

"You have more faith than I do," she muttered as she turned and left the kitchen.

"You make the best water around, Ma," Joel said as Sally made her way down the hall.

Sally bit back a reply that no one could "make" water and continued on her way to the parlor. As she finished dusting the furniture, Jenny came in from outside and peered around the doorway.

"The porch is all clean," Jenny said.

Sally smiled. "I know I'm being paranoid, but I want everything to look good when Rick gets here." She looked at the clock and took a deep breath. "We only have a half hour left."

"I don't mind, Sally. I'm just glad I don't have to take care of the animals."

After a moment's consideration, Sally pulled out the couch and said, "Let's get the dust from back here."

Even as she chuckled, Jenny brought the broom to the couch and handed her sister the dustpan. "I'll sweep, you collect. Then when Rick inspects under the couch, he'll be awed by your housekeeping prowess and ask you to marry him."

Amused at her joke, Sally laughed. "If only it was that easy."

Sally placed the dustpan on the floor and waited as Jenny swept the dust bunnies her way. Once she was done, Sally took the dustpan outside and dumped the contents on the grass. Heading back inside, she passed Joel who dragged his feet down the porch steps. She swore she'd never seen anyone who was lazier than her youngest brother. What woman was going to want to marry someone who didn't want to do his part to provide for the household?

Deciding it wasn't—thankfully—her problem, she closed the storm door behind her and inspected the parlor. She glanced at Jenny who returned the couch to its proper position. "Can you think of anything else we should clean?"

With a shake of her head, Jenny said, "We got everything. The only thing left is to help Ma get supper ready."

She handed the dustpan to her sister and hurried to the kitchen to do just that. Helping to prepare the meal proved to pass the time faster than cleaning had, so she was glad for the reprieve from glancing at the clock every minute.

Her mother chuckled as the half hour came to a close. "I sure hope that boy does marry you because you've got it bad."

"Got what bad?" Sally asked as she picked up the vase of flowers to put in the middle of the dining room table.

Mashing the potatoes, she shot her a pointed look. "You know what."

Yes, she did, and that might be a problem if Joel and Tom picked up on it. She could only hope that, being male, they wouldn't take notice of her interest in Rick. After all, how observant could they possibly be? Whenever they played one of their card games in the parlor, she could be in the room, talking to them, and they didn't notice her until she yelled at them. Then they'd look at her as if they didn't even know she'd been telling them to do something. Truly, she felt sorry for the women who would end up with them. Their wives could be flagging them down and they probably wouldn't even realize they were being talked to. So she stood a decent chance that they wouldn't see how much it meant to her that Rick enjoy this evening. Because if they knew... She shivered. She didn't even want to think about it.

As Sally grabbed the plates from the china cabinet, Joel ran into the kitchen. "Someone's here! I think it's Rick Johann."

Sally's heart raced and she set the plates on the work table.

Their mother chuckled. "That's Rick Johnson."

He shrugged. "Anyway, he's coming up in a buggy, which is strange when you think it's just him. Shouldn't he come out on the horse?"

"He's a judge, not a farmer," Sally replied. "I'm sure he's wearing a suit."

Joel narrowed his eyes at her. "How did you know?"

She shot him a pointed look. "Because he's a judge, and judges look nice wherever they go. It's part of their job."

"Because they don't get dirty while they work," their mother added and scanned Joel's hands. "Wash your hands."

He glanced at his hands. "They're not that dirty."

"Because you've been hiding in the barn loft instead of working?" Sally asked.

With an indignant expression, he huffed. "I'll have you know that I was working."

"Figuring out a way to avoid doing a job is not working."

"That's enough," their mother interrupted before Joel could make a clever retort. "Go wash your hands, young man."

Sighing, he left the kitchen.

Sally let out a squeal. "I can't believe Rick actually came!"

Her mother laughed. "You could've fooled me by the way you've been fussing over the house all day. One would think you knew for sure he'd be coming."

"Oh, I know, but there was always that lingering doubt in the back of my mind, you know?"

"Yes, I do. Well, go on and greet him. You don't want to overwhelm the poor man by sending a bunch of your brothers his way."

"Isn't that the truth!"

Sally took off her apron and hurried down the hallway, her shoes clacking on the hardwood floor as she went. When she reached the storm door, she stopped and took a deep breath. True. Rick wasn't here to see her as much as he was to learn enough about her family to prove to Ethel Mae he'd been out here, but even so, she hoped something wonderfully romantic might happen between them today.

As a last minute decision, she stepped back in the entryway and examined her reflection in the mirror. Her hair was pulled back into a stylish bun, and several strands of blond hair curled nicely against her face. Her broach rested on the high-neck collar of her light blue dress which swished at her ankles. She pinched her cheeks to bring more color to them, though her time in the kitchen probably made them rosy enough as it was. But a little bit more couldn't hurt. She took another deep breath and smiled. There. This was as good as she was going to get.

She turned back to the front door and heard someone snicker. She looked at Joel who stood in the hallway and crossed his arms. "You're not doing this to make Ethel Mae take an interest in Rick Jaimeson. You're doing this because you want him for yourself."

She bit her tongue so she wouldn't tell the little weasel what he could do with his observation. Right now she was in a precarious position. Her little brother just found out what she hoped he wouldn't, and if she wasn't careful, he'd be sure to slip in snide little comments during supper to embarrass her. Deciding to play it nice, she clasped her hands in front of her and smiled. "You know, Joel, Ma made enough cherry pies where you can get one more slice than anyone else. I'll see to it you get it if you pretend you didn't just see me by the mirror over there."

He grimaced. "You don't play fair."

"I'm not interested in playing fair. I'm interested in keeping you quiet. So what do you say? Mum's the word?"

Looking as if he was in unbelievable pain, he squeaked out a "Alright" and, shoulders slumped, headed for the kitchen.

She closed her eyes and prayed her tactic worked. Opening them, she put on her best smile and headed out the front door.
Chapter Five

During the supper, Sally's gaze kept darting between Joel and Tom to see if Joel would send any secret messages to his older brother, but Joel seemed to be on his best behavior. Allowing herself to relax a bit, she focused on the conversation. Her father was currently telling Rick about the planting season.

Sitting beside her, Rick asked, "You plant corn and beans then?"

"Yes. We alternate crops on the land, though," her father replied as she took a bite of meatloaf and checked Joel who was drinking milk. "One year, we'll plant corn on one section of land and the next, we'll plant beans on it."

Rick took a forkful of mashed potatoes and lifted it toward his mouth. "What's the benefit to doing it that way?"

Her father answered his question as Rick ate the food, but Sally had heard it all before and tuned it out. She wondered if this was boring Rick. She didn't want Rick to be bored because if he was, he might not come back. Taking her eyes off of Joel, she turned her attention to Rick who was nodding and smiling. She tried to determine if he was just being polite or if he was really interested in the conversation.

"Enough about me," her father said. "Sally tells us you're a judge."

Wiping his mouth with the cloth napkin that had been in his lap, he nodded. "Yes, sir. I've been working at the courthouse for two months now."

"How do you like it?" her mother spoke up, suddenly taking an interest in the conversation.

Sally hid her smile. Her mother had heard enough of farm talk as well and welcomed the change in topic. As Rick answered her mother, Sally ate more food. She caught Joel snickering, but he wasn't looking at her or Rick. Narrowing her eyes, she realized that Tom was in his direct vision. Then Tom's gaze shifted Sally's way, and Sally decided Joel wouldn't be having the extra slice of pie.

She should have known. Joel wouldn't be able to control himself. As soon as he realized Sally was sweet on Rick, he just couldn't resist telling Tom. Sure, he tried. But he was only nine, and apparently nine-year-olds had only a smidgen of restraint. Plus, he was a brother, and brothers were more difficult to live with than sisters. Well, except for David. David did a good job of minding his own business. Even now, he was paying attention to his meal instead of eyeing her and Rick the way Joel and Tom were. Alright. So not all brothers were bad. Why couldn't all brothers be like him?

"I hope you're finding that folk out here are nice to newcomers," her father said after Rick told them about leaving Vermont to work in Omaha.

Rick picked up his glass of lemonade. "I am. The people here are great. They go out of their way to help others. Sally's been one of the nicest people I've met so far."

At the mention of her name, Sally's face flushed. Joel raised his eyebrows and snickered as he looked at Tom who gave Joel a knowing look back. Jenny, who sat across from Sally, noticed the exchange between Joel and Tom. She looked over at Sally and shot her a silent message of sympathy. So, Jenny knew that Joel and Tom were onto her and were trying their best not to come out and say anything while their parents were in the room. Sally could only pray they'd have to run off to do evening chores as soon as supper was over. The last thing she needed was for them to embarrass her while she talked to Rick in the parlor or on the porch.

"Sally's never had trouble making friends," her mother said. "Why, when she was a little girl, she'd go up to strangers, say her name, and ask them who they were. She's good at remembering names and knowing who's who, too."

Sally wasn't sure what to think of the endorsement her mother just gave her but knew her mother meant well so she gave her a smile to express her thanks.

"I wish I could say that was my strength," Rick began as he glanced in Sally's direction, "but I'm afraid I'm too shy to ever do that."

With a shrug, Sally said, "A stranger is a friend you haven't met yet."

"You have a gift I don't." Rick got the last piece of meatloaf on his plate with his fork. "It's an admirable trait." Shifting his gaze from her father to her mother, he added, "I appreciate everything Sally's done to welcome me to Omaha."

Tom wiggled his eyebrows at Sally. Rolling her eyes, she decided to ignore him. Finally, her mother went to get dessert and Sally offered to help her. She didn't want to leave Rick's side, but she was tired of all the "subtle" hints Joel and Tom kept giving her now that they knew she fancied Rick.

While she and her mother were in the kitchen, she whispered, "What do you think of Rick?"

The older woman chuckled. "He's a very nice man."

"And handsome, too. Don't you think?"

"Yes, he is attractive."

"And smart."

Amused, her mother shook her head. "You really do like him, don't you?"

Her eyebrows furrowed, Sally asked, "Is it that obvious? Do you think Rick knows? Joel knows. He figured it out before Rick got here, and now Tom knows because Joel kept giving him not-so-subtle looks during the meal."

"I don't know if Rick knows, but yes, I've noticed what Joel and Tom are doing. I plan to send them out to do the evening chores so they shouldn't bother you and Rick."

With a sigh of relief, Sally hugged her mother. "You understand me so well."

"When I was your age, I had to contend with a younger brother who acted like Tom and Joel."

"As much as I feel sorry for what you went through, I'm glad you did so that you understand me."

Giggling, her mother handed her some plates with pie on them. "Here you go."

Sally took the pies to the dining room, followed shortly by her mother. When she sat next to Rick, Joel motioned to his plate which didn't have an extra slice of pie on it, so she mouthed, "You told Tom."

He rolled his eyes but settled for his one slice when their mother shot him a warning look.

Satisfied, she turned to her slice and glanced at David who got the two slices since he was the only brother who hadn't given her any grief.

After the meal was over, her mother nodded to Joel and Tom. "You two go on and help your father with the evening chores."

Grunting, Joel asked, "But what about Dave?"

"Dave can go out and ride his horse," she replied.

"Ride his horse?" Joel glanced at a surprised David and shook his head. "You mean, he gets to have fun?"

"Yes. Now don't argue with me, young man. You've been finding excuses to get out of working all day. Don't think I haven't noticed. It'll do you good to put your nose to the grindstone."

"Well, I didn't slack off today," Tom argued.

"You can make sure Joel does his work," she replied.

Tom grimaced. "What? Why are you punishing me? I have better things to do than make sure he cleans out the stalls."

"Would you rather be the one cleaning them?" their father spoke up.

Shoulders slumped, he shook his head.

"Good. That settles it." Their mother stood up and started collecting the dishes. "Jenny, you'll help me, and Sally, go on and show Rick the land. He's never been on a farm and might like a tour."

"That would be nice," Rick said, turning his attention to Sally.

Avoiding eye contact with Joel and Tom, Sally got up with Rick and led him out of the dining room. What a relief it was to be away from those two! Now she didn't have to wonder if they'd slip in some comment about how she wanted to marry Rick. Once she and Rick stepped out the front door, she cleared her throat. "What do you want to see first?"

"I don't know. What is the most interesting thing to see?"

The porch swing where we can sit and watch the sunset and you can enjoy the evening with me, as you said you wanted to when we were at Ethel Mae's. But they'd only been pretending so he could make Ethel Mae jealous, so it wouldn't do to suggest such a thing.

Turning her attention to the barn, Sally was about to propose they see it before her brothers could go out there. As she opened her mouth to speak, Joel burst out the front door, holding something she was sure belonged to Tom. Shooting Rick a pointed look as Joel ran behind the house, she said, "That was Joel stealing something of Tom's."

At that moment, Tom rushed out the door. "You just wait, Joel! When I get my hands on you, I'm going to—" He glanced at them and chuckled. "Kids." Then he darted down the porch steps.

"I think I'm beginning to understand what you mean about your brothers when we were at Ethel Mae's," Rick said, humor in his voice.

Relieved he had a sense of humor, she relaxed. "Yes, they do this to each other all the time. It's like they can't help themselves."

"I notice your other brother—David, is it?—doesn't seem to join in their fun."

Thinking it odd he referred to Tom and Joel's antics as "fun", she said, "David's always been more serious." Which she actually preferred since he didn't bother her. "I should add that I call him David. Everyone else calls him Dave. We had a race and I won, so I get to call him David. I like the name David more than Dave, though everyone else prefers Dave. Dave likes it better because he says it sounds better."

"Oh, then I should call him Dave because I didn't win the race."

"Well, you could challenge him to a race and hope you'll win. He's only fourteen. I'm sure you'll win."

He chuckled. "As tempting as that is, I gave up my racing days before I came to Omaha."

She smiled and motioned to the barn. "Want to see it? Besides the hen house and storage shed, I'm afraid it's the most interesting thing we have, unless you like to look at the land around us." Then we could sit on the porch swing because that's where we can get the best view.

"I'd like to see the barn."

For a moment, she wondered if he'd want to sit with her if she was Ethel Mae but reminded herself that, in time, he would suggest they sit and look out at the land together. Of course, then he'd slip his arms around her shoulders and draw her close. And though he'd start by looking at the land, his attention would soon go to her, and only her. He'd tell her how glad he was to be with her instead of Ethel Mae and then he'd kiss her. She sighed. She could almost feel his lips on hers.

"Sally?"

Blinking, she turned her attention back to Rick who was watching her.

"I'm sorry. What did you say?" she asked.

He pointed to the barn. "I said I'd like to see the barn first."

"Oh, oh yes!" Her cheeks growing warm from embarrassment, she headed down the porch steps with him. She could only pray he didn't know what had been going through her mind. "It's right this way."

With a chuckle, he said, "I kind of figured that."

She laughed as they strode toward the barn. "Well, it's hard to miss a big sod building." Mentally chastising herself for saying something so stupid, she added, "You've never been in a barn before, have you?"

"No."

"Then you should be prepared for the smell."

"Smell?"

"We clean and clean the stalls, but the horses and cows keep making some not-so-pleasant smells."

He nodded. "I see. So you think I should hold my breath before I go in there?"

"That's an option. I breathed through my mouth for an entire month after we built the place. After a while, I got used to it, and now I don't even notice it anymore. When Ethel Mae came out here, she informed me that I should warn people about the smell."

As soon as she said Ethel Mae's name, she wondered if that was a good idea, but then she figured he was out here because of Ethel Mae. Sooner or later, the conversation would have to be about her friend if she didn't want him to catch on to what she was doing.

"It's a good thing I came here after she did then," he teased.

She grinned. "I didn't think you joked around."

He furrowed his eyebrows. "Why not?"

"I don't know. I think it's because you always seemed serious all the other times I've talked to you."

"That's probably because I'm nervous around your friend."

"Oh, of course." That was because he was trying to make a good impression on Ethel Mae in hopes she'd let him court her. Even though Sally should probably want him to be equally serious around her since that would mean he'd want to court her instead, she rather preferred the way he could relax and tease her. "For what it's worth, I like your sense of humor."

"Thank you."

They reached the barn, and she went in before him. The sun was still bright enough to light the interior, giving them a good view of the stalls.

He coughed. "I can see why Ethel Mae told you to warn people about the smell."

"Yes. Barns leave a...unique impression on newcomers. No one ever forgets what it's like to be inside one."

"I don't doubt it." As they walked through the building, he added, "It's actually not that bad. I wouldn't want to spend my life working in here, but it's not as horrible as you made it sound."

"Really?"

"I thought I'd be fainting."

For a moment she thought he was serious and couldn't imagine why a man might faint, but then she caught the sparkle in his eye and playfully swatted his arm. "Why, you!" She giggled. "It's a good thing you wouldn't really faint because I wouldn't be able to drag you on out of here. You're way too heavy."

"You'd be fine. A farm girl like you is smart. Just hitch me up to a horse and pull me out."

"Yes, I suppose I could do that."

"Exactly. It'd be no effort at all."

"I'd still rather not do it. My brothers might see the horse dragging you on out of here and accuse me of boring you to death," she teased.

"I hardly doubt you'd bore anyone to death."

Pleased by his compliment, she motioned to the horses. "We have four of them, one for each brother and our pa."

"Don't you have four brothers?"

"Yes, but he lives in town and doesn't own a horse. He can ride one, but he'd rather not. Since we grew up in a crowded city, we were used to walking wherever we needed to go."

He nodded as she led him to the horses and picked up a sugar cube from a nearby sack to feed it. "I know how that is. I'm used to being in a big area, too. I can see the appeal of the open land, as your father talks about it, but seeing all of this makes me happier I became a judge instead of a farmer."

"I don't blame you. It's a lot of work, and the smell isn't for everyone."

He laughed, a sound she enjoyed, and knowing she was the one who made the joke that caused the laugh made her pulse race with excitement. Perhaps this meant he found her likable and would start thinking of her in a more romantic light.

She took a couple more sugar cubes from the sack and handed one to him. "Want to give one to a horse?"

"I don't think so."

"Why not?" She fed another horse one of the cubes.

"I'm not used to them."

"Well, this is a good chance to do that," she suggested.

"Maybe next time."

Her ears perked up. Next time?

Clearing his throat, he added, "I'm bound to run into one in town at some point, right?"

Disappointed, she fed the other two horses their sugar cubes and avoided eye contact with him in case he detected how much she was hoping he meant he'd be coming out here again. Of course, he wouldn't. At least, he wouldn't be planning it. Patting the last horse with affection, she smiled at Rick. "You ready to see the chicken coop?"

He stepped back from the horses. "Sure."

As they headed for the entrance, Tom ran into the barn. "Don't tell Joel where I'm at," he called out as he climbed the ladder that went to the loft.

She sighed and shot Rick a "see what I mean about my brothers?" look. He chuckled as Tom reached the top of the loft and hid behind a large trunk.

A second later, Joel ran into the barn, his face red in what Sally recognized was frustration from losing whatever fight he and Tom were having. Joel turned to Sally and Rick. "Where's Tom?"

Rick shrugged. "I don't know."

Surprised Rick chose to play along with whatever foolery Tom was partaking in, Sally added, "I'm sure you'll find him."

Grunting, Joel threw his hat on the barn floor. "He came in here. I saw him, and you two know where he went."

Sally shook her head. "Maybe this will teach you to stop running off with Tom's things." Even as she said it, she doubted it would stop Joel from doing such a thing. Her two brothers had way too much fun messing with each other to quit their antics, no matter how much they pretended to be upset with the other one. "Anyway, I promised to show Rick the chicken coop, so we have to go."

"Oh sure," Joel called out as they left the barn, "I remember how important it was for you to get some time alone with Rick so you could show him how much he'll want you—"

"Did your hat land on some manure?" she interrupted before he could finish his sentence.

Gasping, he picked it up and examined it. "No."

"Hmm... I hope it doesn't in the future then."

Seeming to understand her threat, he plopped the hat on his head and resumed his search for Tom.

Satisfied she'd shut him up, she turned to Rick and laughed. "What did I tell you? My brothers love to interfere with my life."

As they walked to the chicken coop, Rick looked at her. "What was that Joel was saying about you wanting me to do something?"

Deciding to avoid the potentially embarrassing admission that she wanted him to marry her, she laughed and motioned to the coop which was close to the barn. "I wanted you to tell me what you thought of my family, but I can see how they're acting. You'll have some good stories to tell Ethel Mae when you see her." There. That should stop him from assuming she wanted him to marry her.

"They're not that bad, Sally. I can see why they bother you, but they're just having fun."

"Really? They don't make you want to run for town so you'll never have to see them again?" That's how she often felt when Tom and Joel were chasing each other around the property.

"No. They're just being boys. They'll grow out of it."

"I doubt that."

"You do?"

"Yes. I think they'll be grown men with families of their own and still find a way to goof off. I don't think they'll be able to help themselves. But enough about them. This is the chicken coop." She motioned to it, but her attention went to the barn when she heard Tom's loud laughter as Joel yelled in frustration. She rolled her eyes but made sure to smile when Rick looked back at her. "If you want to go back to the porch, you can get a good view of the land."

"Sure, but I was wondering about something. It has to do with the barn."

She hid her grimace. He knew she lied about what Joel was referring to. She just knew it! And now he was going to expose the real reason she wanted him to be out here, and he'd know this whole time, she never intended to help him end up with Ethel Mae. Forcing her voice to remain chipper, she asked, "What is it?"

"Well, I notice your house and the coop are made from wood. Why is the barn made of sod?"

It took her a moment to realize he wasn't going to accuse her of lying to him about helping him get Ethel Mae. Relaxing, she pressed her hand on her stomach, which was already a jumble of nerves just from being near him, and said, "Oh, that. We couldn't afford enough lumber for the house and barn, but we had enough for the house and the coop. My mother hates sod houses."

"I can't say that I blame her."

"Me neither."

"Is there anything else I should see?"

She glanced around the yard that led to the fields and shrugged. "There's nothing as exciting as what you already saw, but if you want to get a good view of the land, the porch is a good place to be."

"I got a good view of the land as I rode in. I can appreciate the peace and quiet you enjoy out here—"

From the barn, someone yelled and someone else laughed in time for her father to come out of the house and shake his head. "Just as I thought," he said as he strode toward the barn. "They aren't doing any work." He stopped in front of Rick and shook his hand. "It was a pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise, sir," Rick replied.

Joel darted from the barn but then spun around to face it. "You'll never get the best of me, Tom! You might be older, but I'm smarter."

As he spun back on his heels to get ready to run toward the house, his father crossed his arms and glared at him. "What are you doing, Joel?"

"Uh..." Joel glanced around. "I was looking for a rake to clean out the stalls."

"Outside the barn?"

"I didn't see any in there."

"Take another look."

His cheeks pink, Joel nodded and rushed back inside where Tom laughed at him.

"Don't be a stranger, Rick," her father said with a smile before he headed for the barn.

When her father was out of hearing distance, Sally asked, "Are you sure you don't want to see the land from the porch? The sunset makes it look even better, and there's no better place to see it than from the porch swing."

"I have to return this horse and buggy to the owner." As Rick turned to go to the buggy, she walked with him. "Thank you for supper and the tour. I enjoyed both."

Though she was disappointed, she smiled. "Now when you see Ethel Mae, you can tell her all about it."

He untied the reins to the horse and hopped into the buggy. "I'll pay Ethel Mae a visit this week. I think I should do that before I see you again, just to see how the plan is working. Will you be in town soon or will you be busy out here? You mentioned planting will start, and I don't want to intrude if you're busy."

Deciding it wouldn't do good to appear too eager to see him since he wasn't showing a romantic interest in her yet, she said, "I will be busy, especially with helping my mother in the kitchen so we can feed my father and brothers."

"I suppose they don't take Saturday and Sunday off like I do."

"No, I'm afraid they work all day from sunup to sundown."

"Can I come out next Saturday? Maybe around a time when it's not so busy?"

"If you want to do that, I suggest around three. That'll be after lunch."

"Alright. I'll be out here then, and I'll let you know how things go with Ethel Mae."

Well, at least she'd be seeing him again, and if she played her cards right, she'd be on the porch swing so he'd have to sit with her. She made a mental note to find another place for the two rocking chairs on the porch so he'd have nowhere else to sit. "I'll expect you then." Even though she nearly choked on the words, she added, "And good luck with Ethel Mae."

"Thank you."

He released the brake, and she waved as he led the horse toward the dirt road that would take him to town. Patience. She just needed to be patient. Rick would be coming out here again, and that was a step in the right direction. The more he came out here to see her and the less he went to see Ethel Mae, the better. But it wouldn't happen right away. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day. Comforted by this reasoning, she returned to the house to see if there was anything she needed to clean.
Chapter Six

Rick waited until Wednesday before going to Ethel Mae's house. He didn't rush to see her for a couple of reasons. One was simply because he didn't want to seem too eager to see her again, but the second reason puzzled him. Ever since Saturday when he'd spent the evening with Sally and her family, he ended up thinking of her far more than he should. It bothered him that he should dwell on her the way he was. She was being nice to him by helping him attract Ethel Mae. Surely, the pleasant conversation they shared after supper wasn't meant to lead to something more.

With a sigh, he adjusted his tie and examined his reflection in the mirror at his room in the boarding house. Taking a deep breath, he decided Ethel Mae was surely done with supper by now and headed out of the boarding house. The sun wouldn't be setting quite yet, but he wondered if he might talk Ethel Mae into watching it with him tonight. He missed the opportunity last time.

I also missed the opportunity with Sally.

Criticizing himself for thinking such a thing, he focused on the houses in front of him. Sally meant to discuss her friend. That's why she offered for him to stay longer, but at the time, he hadn't been in the mood to talk about her friend which was why he declined. He sighed. This was ridiculous. He couldn't keep going in circles, thinking of Sally all the time. He wanted to be with her friend. The first time he saw Ethel Mae in the mercantile with her mother and little sister, he decided she'd be his wife one day. The plan was simple really. All he needed to do was stick with it.

He reached Ethel Mae's house and climbed the porch steps. To his surprise, Vivian came running out the front door and almost ran into him. "Whoa! Watch where you're going," he teased as he stopped her from plowing into him.

She took a step back and laughed. "Sorry, Mr. Johnson. I was on my way to give my friend a letter." She held the neatly folded piece of paper up. "It's important."

"Oh, I don't want to interfere with something important." Grinning, he stepped aside, but to his surprise, she didn't go down the steps. "Is something wrong?"

"Are you here to see my sister?"

"As a matter of fact, I am."

"I'll tell her you're here."

He blinked when she spun on her heel and bolted back into the house. What a strange girl. Slipping his hands into his pockets, he waited for her to come back out to invite him inside. However, when she returned, she shut the door behind her, signaling that such an invite wouldn't be happening unless her sister allowed it.

"Mr. Johnson," she began in a hushed tone, "I want you to know that my sister is getting ready. She had on one of her old shirts but is putting on something better." With a wink, she added, "She's also fixing her hair. She didn't do that for the other man interested in her. I suppose what you and Sally are doing is working."

"Oh well, that's good," he replied.

"Go on and sit on the porch swing. I have a feeling my sister will want to sit with you tonight."

As he was about to sit on the porch swing, he recalled that it wasn't just one man interested in Ethel Mae. "You said two men are interested in your sister."

"Oh yes, but she's only interested in Samuel. Well, that is until you went out to Sally's. Now she's been talking about you all the time."

"Does Samuel know about me?"

"No. But then he isn't as interested in her as you are, so why would he care?"

Something about this whole thing wasn't adding up. Vivian was talking a little too fast, and she was twirling her hair around her fingers while avoiding eye contact with him. "What is Samuel's last name?" he asked.

Her jaw dropped. "What?"

Just as he thought. She was definitely nervous. He'd been too anxious about seeing her sister last week to notice, but now that his enthusiasm for coming here had waned a bit since Saturday, he was beginning to notice details he missed before. "I'm assuming Samuel has a last name. I mean, everyone has a last name, unless they don't exist."

Vivian let out an uneasy laugh. "He's real. My sister doesn't make people up. Samuel is real, and he has a last name. It's...um..." She tapped her lips with her finger. "Let me see..."

Furrowing his eyebrows, he waited for her to think of a suitable last name to a man he was beginning to believe really didn't exist after all.

"Dixon! That's a good one. His name is Samuel Dixon."

That confirmed his suspicions.

Giving another nervous giggle, Vivian said, "I have to go."

He watched her as she bounded down the steps, with her letter still in hand, and wondered why Ethel Mae, Vivian and Sally would make up a man named Samuel. And if Samuel was made up, it was safe to guess that they made up Larry, too. But the question was why. Why would they go to such lengths to make up different men who wanted to court Ethel Mae? What could they possibly have to gain by such a ploy?

He sat down on the swing and debated his options. He could pretend that he hadn't figured out what they were doing. Drumming his fingers on the arm of the swing, he stared off into the evening sky, not particularly seeing the pinks and yellows forming on the horizon. What was his best course of action? Did he tell Ethel Mae he caught onto what she was doing? Did he play along? What, exactly, did this mean?

The front door opened, and his gaze went to Ethel Mae who stepped out onto the porch, her hair and dress much nicer than it'd been the last time he'd seen her. That was suspicious, too, wasn't it?

"Good evening, Rick," she said, a wide smile on her face. "I'm so glad you came over."

"Are you?" he asked uncertainly.

"Well, sure I am." She crossed the porch and sat next to him, this time looking attentive.

If he remembered right, last time she was yawning when they were sitting together like this.

"I missed you since I last saw you," she continued, adjusting the cameo around her neck. "Did you have a good weekend?"

Yes, she was definitely more interested in him this time. Uncertain about what to say, he shrugged. "Yes."

"Really? Did you go to Sally's for supper?"

"As a matter of fact, I did."

"And?"

What did she want him to say? It was quickly occurring to him that she expected him to reply in a certain way. Could it be that the supper at Sally's had something to do with this? Trying to figure out what she wanted him to say in light of what he learned about Samuel and Larry, he said, "I had a good time at Sally's."

"Did you?" Ethel Mae studied her hands which were in her lap for a moment before she turned her attention back to him. "I hope you'll consider having supper over here, too."

He furrowed his eyebrows. "Supper over here?"

"Why yes. It'd be wonderful to talk to you. You could learn more about me, and I could learn more about you. Like now. Here we are with that glorious sunset." She motioned to it and then tapped his arm affectionately. "Isn't it lovely? And isn't it good we're sharing this moment together?"

"Uh, yes." Not quite as lovely as it would be to share it with Sally. The thought surprised him, but perhaps it shouldn't have since he'd been thinking of Sally all week.

"You know, I think the sunset is like looking at a painting. The way the colors blend together is beautiful. What do you think of when you look at the sunset?"

He glanced at the sky. He figured he should have something romantic to say about it, but his mind was blank. When he thought of watching a sunset with a woman, he thought it'd be nice to wrap his arm around her shoulders and maybe kiss her. The sunset was a way to spark a romantic atmosphere. But it didn't seem right with Ethel Mae. Perhaps last week, it did, but for some reason, it didn't anymore.

Shifting so he wasn't so close to her, he said, "Vivian tells me that you know someone by the name of Samuel."

Her eyes grew wide as she pressed her hand to her heart. "Samuel?"

"Yes. I hear he's rather charming."

She giggled and waved her hand at him. "Oh, that Vivian. You know how she is. She exaggerates. Remember the way she was going on and on about Hugh? She claims to hate him, but honestly, I think she fancies him deep down."

"I don't know. Vivian was quite adamant that you were fond of Samuel."

"I might have talked to him on occasion, much like I've talked to you, but I assure you, it's of little consequence. Isn't the sunset lovely?"

Hesitant, he glanced at the sky. He couldn't believe Ethel Mae and Vivian were lying to him. Even worse, Sally was behind it! Bolting out of the swing, he said, "I have to go."

Ethel Mae gasped and stood up. "But why? We were having a wonderful time."

When he realized she followed him to the porch steps, he spun around and faced her. He was ready to tell her exactly why. She was making a fool out of him. Lying to him about some man who didn't even exist! If only he knew why. He knew she'd never tell him the truth. If he confronted her, she'd make up some excuse in an effort to shift the blame to someone else.

With a frustrated sigh, he said, "I forgot to do something. I can't tell you what."

"Oh, it sounds serious. Does it involve your job?"

"It's something I must tend to," he replied, hedging around the truth.

"Then I won't keep you, but I hope you'll come by again."

Somehow he doubted that. To remain polite, he nodded and headed down the steps. He needed time to think about what he should do, but for the time being, he thought it would be best to avoid women altogether.

***

"He couldn't get away from me quick enough," Ethel Mae told Sally the next day.

Sally looked up from the tea punch she was making in her kitchen. "Really? What else did Rick say?"

"Not much. He asked about Samuel and then said he had to go."

Sally's eyebrows furrowed. "Maybe he's trying to make you think he's not interested in you so you'll want him." And if so, then that meant yesterday evening when he came to have supper at her house, it didn't change anything. He still wanted Ethel Mae.

"I don't think so. He didn't seem remotely interested in me. He even said he had a good time when he was here."

"Which only proves my point. He's a good actor."

"He can't be that good."

"Sure he can." Sally sighed as she stirred the tea punch. "We might have underestimated him. The man can hold his own very well, and I'm afraid he's devoted to you."

Ethel Mae grimaced. "But I pretended I wanted him to be there. I flirted with him and everything."

"You flirted with him? Why did you do that? Now he'll believe all of this is working."

"He's supposed to think that. Next time, I'll have Vivian tell him that Samuel paid me a visit, left flowers, and that I had such a good time that I might let him court me. Then Rick will want to see you again to make me jealous."

Sally shook her head. "It won't work. He wants to be with you. When he was here, he didn't so much as want to sit on the porch swing with me."

"You need to give it more time. Believe me, it's working. I saw how restless he was yesterday. He didn't want to be with me."

She poured the tea punch into two glasses. "So why did he go see you?"

Ethel Mae blinked in surprise. "Well, he did promise he'd stop by to see me. Perhaps he meant to keep his word."

Not convinced, Sally set the pitcher in the center of the work table and took off her apron. "If he didn't want to see you, he wouldn't have gone. I think he remembered something he really did have to do and that's why he left in a hurry."

"It can't be that."

She set the apron on the hook by the door and turned to her friend. "Of course, it can. He's a judge. He probably had something to research or something. We don't know everything judges do."

"Oh, Sally. It can't be. I'm telling you, he didn't look as excited to see me as he used to."

Somehow, Sally doubted that. He might have pretended he wasn't excited, but she was sure he was.

"Have faith," her friend said encouragingly. "I really think he's not as interested in me as he used to be. I believe you're starting to win him over."

Sally forced a smile as she handed Ethel Mae her glass of tea punch. Taking hers, she decided to agree with her friend because, soon enough, they'd both know what Rick wanted. "Want to go sit on the porch swing and talk?"

"I'd love to. I have to admit, I love looking at the land."

"And better yet, my father and brothers are in the fields, and my mother and Jenny are resting before they have to fix lunch. So, we'll have our privacy."

"I hope you'll let me help when it's time to make lunch, Sally. I didn't just come out here to eat and drink."

"I won't turn you down, especially since you're a better cook than I am."

"Oh, you do fine."

"Not as good as you."

"You sell yourself short, Sally. You cook well, but I will admit you're better at talking to people than I am."

"You talk to me without any problems."

"Because you make me comfortable. You have a way with people."

Sally shrugged as they made their way to the porch and sat on the swing. Perhaps, but the only one she wanted was Rick, and he was the one person she couldn't seem to get. At least not yet. She didn't think it would be so difficult to direct his attention to her instead of Ethel Mae, but it was. Difficult but not impossible. He planned to come see her again, so she'd get a better idea of what was happening then. Patience, Sally. You can't expect him to fall at your feet just because he's been out here one time. Patience.
Chapter Seven

On Friday as Rick was on his way out of the courthouse so he could have lunch, Judge Townsend called out to him from where he stood a few feet from the front doors. Rick headed over to the older man who was talking with a young man.

"Rick," Townsend began, "this is my nephew Samuel Dixon. Samuel, this is my colleague, Rick Johnson."

Rick blinked in surprise. "Samuel Dixon?" He had to make sure he heard right.

"That's me," Samuel said and extended his hand for a handshake.

Rick dumbly stared at him for a moment before shaking his hand. Samuel Dixon really existed? Vivian, Ethel Mae and Sally hadn't made him up? "Do you know an Ethel Mae?"

"As a matter of fact, I do. How did you know?"

Rick released his hand and shrugged. "Just a hunch."

Townsend chuckled. "That's some hunch there, Rick. Who is Ethel Mae?"

Rick cleared his throat. "Her full name is Ethel Mae Jordan, and she lives on Elwood Street. I've been to her house a couple times." Glancing at Samuel, he said, "She rather fancies you, even if she's pretending that she doesn't. Your approach of playing hard to get works."

Samuel opened his mouth to speak, but Townsend turned to him and said, "Rick came out here from Vermont. His father's a good friend of mine. We go back to childhood, and I tell you, Rick's the spitting image of him."

Rick stared at Samuel, still not believing he had misjudged Vivian the other night. He thought for sure the girl was lying to him by the way she was acting. But Samuel was standing right in front of him. He was tall with broad shoulders, held himself with confidence, and possessed blond hair and twinkling brown eyes that probably attracted many women...Ethel Mae included. Clearing his throat, Rick asked him, "So, what do you do?"

"I'm actually not working at the moment. You see, I'm only here for a short while. I'm a business man, and I wish to establish a hotel in California. With any luck, I'll end up with a chain of them."

Townsend nodded. "Samuel's always dreamt big. He's on his way to being wealthy."

"Oh, now I wouldn't say that," Samuel argued with a laugh that probably made Ethel Mae swoon in delight.

"You're modest." Townsend patted him on the back. "You're going places, kid. You won't settle for second best."

Just the thing a woman likes, Rick thought, his head spinning from meeting Samuel Dixon.

"I won't keep you, Rick," Townsend said. "Have a good lunch."

His gaze drifting back to Samuel who was, without a doubt, a formidable opponent, Rick weakly smiled and headed out of the courthouse. Unbelievable. Samuel Dixon wasn't a figment of Vivian's imagination.

***

The next afternoon, Sally turned to Rick who was sitting by her on the porch swing. "You met Samuel Dixon?" she asked, thinking for sure she didn't hear right because Ethel Mae swore that she made Samuel up.

"Yes, and he's even better than Vivian made him sound." He leaned back in the swing on the porch of Sally's house and shook his head. "I can't compete with someone like that. He's good looking, ambitious, nice."

"Oh now, you're good looking, ambitious and nice, too," she quickly assured him.

"Not like he is. You should have heard him talk about his plans to own more than one hotel. I think Judge Townsend is right. Samuel's going to be rich."

"There's more to a man than how much he makes."

"He's also nice and good looking."

Sally giggled and nudged him in the arm. "And I told you that you are, too."

"You haven't seen him, have you?"

"No, but I don't need to see him to know you're better than him." Seriously, she had no idea how any man could be better than Rick Johnson.

He turned so that he was facing her and brushed a wisp of hair away from her forehead. The touch was so light that she almost fainted from his gentleness. "You're too kind." With an apologetic smile, he added, "You'll think it's foolish, but I have a confession to make to you."

If this confession had to do with him being glad Ethel Mae was interested in Samuel because he had fallen in love with her, then Sally wanted to hear it! She leaned forward so she could see his eyes when he revealed his feelings for her. "What is it, Rick?"

Chuckling, he said, "I thought you, Ethel Mae and Vivian were lying to me about Samuel."

She blinked in surprise. That didn't sound anything at all like a heartfelt confession of his undying love for her.

"That's silly, I know, but if you were there when Vivian told me his last name, you'd understand why I came to that conclusion. It really seemed like she was making it up."

"You thought Vivian made up his last name?" She dumbly stared at him, trying to figure out why he was looking at her with those romantic brown eyes and that heart-melting smile but not saying the right words.

"I'm sorry I doubted you and your friends. I promise I won't doubt you again."

"Uh..." Her mind was still trying to grasp what he was actually saying as opposed to what he was supposed to be saying.

He shrugged and put his hands on his thighs. "I don't suppose you still want to help me where Ethel Mae is concerned, do you?"

It took her a moment to think of how she might use this new turn of events to her advantage. If Rick was going to see her in a more romantic light, then he needed to do romantic things with her. She scanned the fields and was assured her father and brothers were safely away from the house and then saw her mother and Jenny sitting by the clothesline after hanging the clothes. Everyone was far away enough so there was a sense of privacy without being out of sight. Good. She'd much rather have them think he was showing a genuine interest in her than someone else.

Offering him her most attractive smile, she said, "I'll be happy to help. Are you sure you don't want anything to drink or eat? You did come a long way to talk to me."

"No, thank you. I've already imposed enough."

"It's no imposition."

"The lunch was more than generous. I forgot you said you have lunch so late in the day."

"We do during planting and harvesting. In the winter, we settle into a routine where we have lunch earlier in the day."

"Well, I appreciate the fact that you invited me to lunch."

"It was my pleasure." And really, it was. She only wished he was coming over every Saturday to eat with her family. "Besides, we always make more than enough for everyone." That was true, too, especially considering there seemed to be no end in sight to what Tom and David could eat, so her mother said they all needed to pretend they were cooking for an army.

Rick shifted in the swing, and her attention returned to him and his wonderfully romantic brown eyes. "You can probably tell I don't know anything about women," he said.

Well, that was true because if he did, he might figure out how much she wanted to be with him. Clearing her throat, she laughed and shrugged. "It's not like you are one, so how could you?"

"And it didn't help that I spent most of my life reading law books."

"It's what you were interested in, and it led you to your job. Of course, you'd study it."

"Yes, and I still think it's easier to deal with court hearings than try to figure out what women want. I was hoping you could help me with that. You know, what kind of things do women find attractive in men?"

"A good job is certainly attractive. A woman likes to know a man can provide for her and her children. You have that already."

He nodded and waited for her to continue.

She thought for a moment and added, "Women also like to be complimented."

"What would Ethel Mae like to be complimented on?"

"Oh, well... I suppose she likes to be complimented on the same things all women do."

"Including you?"

"Sure. I don't think it's any different from woman to woman. We like for men to think we're beautiful, sweet, desirable... I suppose if there's something unique about her, she wants to be appreciated for her cooking. Ethel Mae is really good at cooking."

"Are you?"

"Me?" She laughed. "Not like her. I mean, I do alright in the kitchen, but I'm nowhere as good as she is."

"Then what's unique about you?"

"People say that I've got the gift of gab."

Smiling, he teased, "So would you like to be told you can talk someone's ear off?"

"I suppose it depends on how they said it."

"Well, they might add it makes people comfortable around you. I don't have trouble talking to you like I seem to with Ethel Mae. That's part of my problem, you know. I don't think I have anything interesting to say to her."

"I find that hard to believe. Hearing about your court hearings is fascinating." Actually, anything that had to do with him was fascinating.

"I don't think she would agree with you. I've noticed her yawn."

"Really? Did she do that when I was there?"

"Yes."

She tried to remember Ethel Mae yawning, but all she recalled from the days she was over at her friend's house when Rick was there was Rick. "I don't remember that at all. Maybe I'm not as observant as I thought." She decided it wouldn't be good to add that she had been too busy watching him to care about anything her friend was doing or not doing.

"So, what else do women want?" he asked, interrupting her thoughts.

Blinking, she turned her attention back to him. "Well, a woman will never refuse a thoughtful gift. Ethel Mae is partial to cameo lockets."

"She is?"

"Yes. She says they're lovely to wear. She enjoys hats, too, but she'd rather have a cameo locket."

"And what about you?"

Surprised he even cared to ask, but then the answer quickly came to her, and when it did, she wondered why she even had to think about it. He was being polite. "I prefer flowers," she replied.

"Any kind in particular?"

She shrugged. "Not really. They're all lovely, no matter what color they are. I find they brighten the room and make it smell better. Believe me, with three brothers in fields all day, it's nice to have the room smelling better."

He laughed. "You say exactly what you think, don't you?"

She wondered if he considered that to be a bad thing. "I can't help it. Well, I suppose that isn't true. I probably could. Tom and I made a bet one time where I was supposed to be absolutely quiet for an entire day. I won that one, so I can be quiet for a day."

"I don't imagine it was easy, though."

"No, it wasn't." She thought to lie and say she talked because she chose to, but most of the time the words came rushing out so why hide it? "I admit that I tend to speak first and think later. Ethel Mae isn't like that. She watches everything she says." And maybe he preferred that sort of thing.

"I notice when you do speak, you don't badmouth anyone."

"I don't know about that. I do talk about what my brothers do to annoy me."

"But when you talk about them, it's not as bad as you think. I know you're just frustrated with them."

Feeling better, she relaxed. Maybe he didn't mind so much that she had a tendency to complain about her brothers then.

He stood from the porch swing. "I see a lot of flowers around here. Why don't you tell me what you like about each kind?"

Surprised, she got up. "Wouldn't you think such talk is boring?"

"No because you're the one who's doing the talking. I like the way you explain things. You can make anything sound interesting."

"You're the first person who's told me that."

"I'm sure others think the same as I do."

Maybe. No one said either way, but she was happy he thought so, and that was all that mattered. She led him down the porch steps and walked around the property, pointing out the different flowers and what she liked about each kind.
Chapter Eight

Ethel Mae pulled the needle through her embroidery as she hummed one of her favorite songs. It was a peaceful Saturday afternoon. She loved days like this when she could sit on the porch swing. The weather was nice and warm, the breeze wafting around the porch was a little cool but not so much that she couldn't enjoy the lovely day. She wondered when she'd get a chance to see Sally again. Her friend was usually busy during planting season. She supposed Sally wouldn't be making a trip into town for a couple weeks.

Ethel Mae sighed. Maybe she could talk her parents into letting her visit her friend next week. If Rick went back out to see Sally as she said he would, then it could be that today he'd realize how much better Sally was for him. That would be such a relief. Then he'd stop coming by to see her.

The sound of running footsteps coming up the porch steps made her look up from her embroidery in time to see Vivian rush across the porch and into the house, slamming the storm door behind her. Curious, Ethel Mae glanced down the sidewalk and saw Hugh grunt in disappointment before he stomped off. Whatever was that about? Shaking her head, she turned her attention back to her embroidery. When it came to Vivian, the best thing was to let it go.

"Excuse me, Miss."

She looked up from her sewing to see what had to be the most attractive man she'd ever laid eyes on. He wore a nice suit and was tall with blond hair and brown eyes. Clearing her throat, she asked, "Yes?"

"Are you Ethel Mae Jordan?"

"Yes."

"Then I got the right Ethel Mae." He went over to her and sat next to her on the porch swing.

She thought to rebuke him for taking such liberties and sitting close to her when she hadn't invited him to do so, but then he shot her the most charming smile she'd ever seen on a man and all protests flew right out the window.

"I ran into a friend of yours by the name of Rick Johnson," the man continued. "He is a friend, right?"

"Yes, in a way." She didn't really consider him to be a friend. He was more of an acquaintance, but she didn't know if she should explain that to this stranger. After all, she didn't even know him.

"Well, he's under the impression we know each other."

"He is?"

"Yes, and he also suggested that you're interested in me because I make you pursue me, which is ironic since I'm the type of man who'd rather pursue than be pursued." He winked at her. "You're most certainly worth the pursuit."

Her face flushed. "B-but I don't know you."

"Sure you do. My name is Samuel Dixon."

Her eyes grew wide and she swallowed the lump in her throat. "S-S-Samuel?" Rick met up with a man named Samuel and told him she was interested in him?

Looking amused, he asked, "Do you have a tendency to stutter?"

Her face grew warm. "Of course not. It's just that..." Just that what? She couldn't tell him she made him up in order to get Rick interested in her friend. Even if Samuel caught her in her lie, she didn't want to disclose anything else.

"I know. I caught you off guard." He leaned back in the swing and draped an arm along the back of the swing.

Surprised by his friendly demeanor, she scooted away from him and cleared her throat. "I really don't think Rick meant you. He meant another Samuel."

"Is there another Samuel Dixon in town?"

She considered her options. She could lie and claim there was, but look at how much trouble lying was causing her!

Vivian opened the storm door and peered around it. "Is Hugh gone?"

Directing her attention to her sister, she asked, "What?"

She rolled her eyes but repeated, "Is Hugh gone?"

Ethel Mae checked the street and saw that it was clear. "Yes, he's gone."

Breathing a sigh of relief, she stepped onto the porch. "I hate it when he sees me walking to my friend's house."

Samuel laughed and crossed his legs, placing a hand on his knee. "Why should it bother you if he sees you?"

Vivian gave him a pointed look. "Because he's annoying. He seems to think we're going to get married someday."

"Ah." He nodded. "Poor lad. He's going to get his heart broken when he's older."

"I keep telling him I'll never marry him. It's not my fault if he doesn't believe me."

"If you hate it so much that he sees you when you go to your friend's, then why don't you choose a different way to get to her house? I might not have been in Omaha long, but I can see there's more than one way to get somewhere."

She crossed her arms and stuck her chin out. "I shouldn't have to."

With a knowing grin, he said, "I suspect you enjoy his attention, even if you're too proud to admit it."

Her jaw dropped and then she quickly shut it. Turning her gaze to her sister, she asked, "Who is he?"

"I'll do it," he told Ethel Mae. "I'm Samuel Dixon."

This time when Vivian's jaw dropped, Ethel Mae swore it almost hit the floor. "But I thought I made Dixon up!"

Bolting to her feet, Ethel Mae strode over to Vivian. "Get in the house. We need to talk." Glancing at Samuel, she said, "We have something important to discuss."

"That's fine. I'll wait," he called out, rocking in the swing and looking as if he had absolutely nowhere to go.

Sighing, Ethel Mae nodded. "I shouldn't be but a minute." So he planned to stay. She made a mental note to bring out something for him to drink when she returned. Even if she didn't know him and found this whole thing horribly embarrassing, she had to be polite. "Come on, Vivian."

Vivian went into the house, and Ethel Mae followed, her hand on her sister's arm as she directed her to her bedroom. Once they were inside the safety of the room, Ethel Mae shut the door and turned to her sister.

"You told Rick that Samuel's last name was Dixon?" she demanded, her hands on her hips.

Vivian shrugged. "I had to. He wanted to know Samuel's last name. Dixon was the first one that came to mind. I was under a lot of pressure!"

She groaned and paced the room. "You must have heard his name from somewhere."

"I think so. Probably from Hugh. I'm telling you, he's no good."

"Oh, don't you dare pin this on Hugh. This was all your doing." She stopped and tried to decide the best course of action. "So, you told Rick that Samuel's last name was Dixon. Then Rick happened to run into Samuel Dixon and told him I'm interested in him because he's pretending to be interested in someone else. And now Samuel's over here." She groaned again and rubbed her temples. "How can something so simple become so complicated?"

"It's all Sally's fault. She told Rick you'd be interested in him if he pretended to be interested in her, so we had to make up Samuel Dixon to help her."

"No, it's not her fault either."

"Then it's Rick's. He shouldn't be interested in you. What right does a man have in wanting to court you anyway?"

Ethel Mae gasped. "What?"

"No, I didn't mean it like that. I just meant that if he was smart enough to want someone else, none of this would be happening."

She stopped pacing the room and glared at her. "I get the point." Taking a deep breath, she mentally ran through all her options. "Fine. From this point on, no more lies."

"Does that mean we tell Rick the truth?"

"Oh, of course not!" She'd rather die than tell Rick the elaborate lie they all concocted because then she'd have to tell him she was never interested in him and hoped to pawn him off on her friend. "It wouldn't be good for him to know any of this. Men are fragile. They need to feel good about themselves in order to get up in the morning and go to work."

"So we have to keep lying."

"Only to him."

"But what if he runs into Samuel again?"

She hated the fact that someone as young as her sister could be so logical in a moment like this. With a sigh, she said, "I'll talk to Samuel."

"So you'll make him lie, too."

"I don't know what I'm going to do yet. I just need a moment to think, that's all." She slowly inhaled and then exhaled. When her heartbeat slowed enough to where she didn't hear it pounding in her ears, she straightened her back and held her head high. "I'm going to get refreshments and talk to him."

"What are you going to talk to him about?"

"I don't know yet. I'll figure it out as the conversation progresses."

Crossing her arms, Vivian shook her head. "You should have a better plan than that."

Ethel Mae huffed. "Well, never you mind. You keep hiding from Hugh. I'll take care of Samuel." She opened the door and shoved her sister into the hallway. "Now, you run along."

"Fine. I will." As she headed out of the house, she called out, "Next time you want to get rid of a suitor, don't bring me in to lie for you."

"It's a deal."

Ethel Mae let out an aggravated sigh and hurried to the kitchen to place a pot on the cook stove so she could boil water. Out of curiosity, she rushed down the hallway and to the front door. Just her luck. He was still there. That meant he didn't get bored and head off to wherever it was he came from. At the moment, he was sitting in the porch swing and staring at the street where people rode their horses as they went about their business. She grimaced. What in the world was she supposed to say to him?

Pushing the storm door open, she forced a smile on her lips and called out, "I'm boiling water for our tea."

He looked over in her direction and smiled in return.

Alright, she had to admit he had a smile that could weaken any woman's knees, but that didn't mean she wanted him to stick around!

"I'm in no hurry," he said. "I've got nothing else to do today."

"Oh." Did that mean he intended to stay until evening? She didn't know if her parents would be thrilled to know a young man had invited himself to supper. Not that she thought he'd come out and ask to stay, but it'd be rude to send him away on an empty stomach. Trying to figure out the right response, she hesitated before saying, "I'll add a few cookies with the tea." Yes, that was good. No one could find fault with tea and cookies.

As she closed the storm door, she realized they'd need something to set the tea set on. She couldn't invite him into the house when her parents weren't around. Deciding on the small table in the parlor, she went over to it and took the vase and removed it from the table. She picked the table up and carried it out the front door.

He stood up and took the table from her. "You should have let me get that for you," he kindly admonished before he set it in front of the swing.

She shrugged. "It wasn't heavy."

"But it's the principle of the thing. I can't have a lovely young lady such as yourself carrying big items when I can do it myself."

Her cheeks grew warm. "Well...thanks."

"It's my pleasure." He returned to the swing and sat down.

When he glanced her way again, her heart fluttered with an unexpected thrill. Oh, this was ridiculous! She didn't even know this man, and here she was, acting like a silly schoolgirl. Not wanting to look any more foolish than she probably already did, she quickly opened the storm door and went back into the house. She made it to the kitchen in time for the water in the pot to boil. As she took the pot off the cook stove, she realized her hands were trembling. Good grief! Samuel was just a man like Rick. She never had any problems handling a teapot around Rick.

But Samuel isn't Rick, she thought as she set the pot on the worktable and went to grab a tray. Samuel was... Well, he was a man, just like Rick was. That much was true. But he wasn't anything like Rick. Samuel was...better. Much better.

She shook her head. This was ridiculous! She didn't even know him. After she set the rest of the items she needed on the tray, she picked it up, relieved her excited trembling wasn't making the teapot and cups wobble. She managed to carry everything out to the porch and placed the tray on the small table without dropping anything. So far, so good.

With a nervous smile, she sat beside him and poured the tea into their cups. "How do you know Rick?"

"I don't really know him. I happened to run into him when I was talking to my uncle." He picked up his cup and a cookie. "My uncle is Judge Townsend."

"Your uncle is the other judge?" Just what were the chances that a Samuel Dixon would be related to the judge when Rick was the other judge at the courthouse?

"Yes." He bit into his cookie and chuckled. After he swallowed, he added, "It's a small world."

Was that ever an understatement! She sipped her tea and nodded. "I can't argue with that."

"I gather Rick is someone you'd rather not be with?"

She almost spit out her tea at his bluntness.

"There's no need to be embarrassed around me," he assured her before he took a sip of his tea. "I understood the situation when he talked to me. As luck would have it, I actually do know a woman by the name of Ethel Mae. She's a lovely old lady who lives down the street from the cousin I'm staying with while I'm in town. So when he asked if I knew an Ethel Mae, I said I did, and then he went on about how you were interested in me. I knew he wasn't talking about the same Ethel Mae I was."

She set the cup in her lap and took a deep breath. Alright, now she was going to explain everything and hope he understood. "Oh, well, you see—"

"You don't need to say it. I already know. Sometimes you fancy someone and sometimes you don't. It's not something you can control."

"Well, that's true."

"I figure there's no harm in letting Rick think you prefer me to him. Besides, he didn't look all that upset about it."

At that, she straightened in the seat. "He didn't?"

"No. He seemed to be congratulating me."

"He was?"

"Yes. I don't think you have anything to worry about."

She didn't know how he could be sure but decided to ask, "Did he mention that he was interested in someone else?"

"No, but a man can tell when another man is interested in a woman. I suspect he was at one point, but something happened to change his mind. Perhaps he met someone else."

Sally! He got a chance to know Sally and now he was interested in her. That meant the plan worked!

"Besides wanting to meet you, I also wanted to assure you that you don't have worry. Rick won't be asking to court you."

She cleared her throat and smiled. "That's very nice of you." After she took another sip of her tea, she decided she might as well find out more about him, especially since he wasn't going to run off and tell Rick what she'd been up to. And it certainly didn't hurt that he was gorgeous. "You're in town to see your uncle. May I ask where you're from?"

"It isn't where I've been that's as interesting as where I'm going."

Curious, she raised her eyebrows. "Oh?"

"I'm on my way to California to open a hotel."

"A hotel?"

"Yes, but I expect it will be the first of many."

"That's rather ambitious."

He shrugged and finished his cookie. After he took a sip of his tea, he leaned back in the swing and gave her one of his heart-melting smiles. "I can't help it. Ever since I was a child, I wanted to be the best in everything I did. I figure with people heading out west, I can use this to my advantage."

"I really would like to know something about your past."

"It's a boring story."

Amused, her lips turned up into a smile. "So bore me. I have nothing to do for the next hour."

"Alright, but if you fall asleep, it's your own fault."

"I'll take the chance."

"I was born and raised in Virginia. I was the eighth in a family of seventeen children."

Her jaw dropped. "Seventeen?"

"Yes. In a family as large as mine, there was a tendency to get lost in the crowd."

"Let me guess. You competed with your brothers and sisters to get noticed."

"Yes, but I did it in a way where I learned to excel in everything I did."

"Like what?" she asked, realizing she was enjoying this, even if he considered it boring.

"There are many things I tried in my quest to find what I was best at."

"Then it shouldn't be hard coming up with something to tell me."

The edge of his lip turned up. "You're quick with a comeback."

"Well, if you're looking for a woman who's afraid to ask questions or voice her opinion, you'll do better to find someone else."

He set the cup on the table and clasped his hands together. "Why do I get the impression you didn't bother asking Rick about his life?"

"I had no need to. He came out and told me all about his past."

"Ah, then you do like a man who can be harder to get."

Her cheeks flushed. That wasn't what she intended for him to think, but maybe he was right. Maybe part of the reason she wasn't attracted to Rick was because he was too easy to get. Perhaps a little mystery was what she craved.

"I'll tell you what," Samuel said as he checked his pocket watch and stood up. "I'm due to meet my uncle in a bit. Why don't you come with me to a play I planned to attend later this week, and I'll tell you everything about my boring past that you want to know?"

"You're a difficult man to deal with, aren't you?"

"On the contrary. I am quite agreeable, but I've stayed here for as long as I can today. Besides, I don't want to wear out my welcome. I promise I'll answer all your questions next time. Shall I pick you up at six? The play starts at seven, and I plan to meet your parents first."

"But I didn't say yes yet." She stopped herself before she could gasp. Did she really add the word yet? Good heavens. The man had her saying things she shouldn't! The least she could do was make him wonder if she'd join him for this play.

"Ah, but why make me wait when I need to leave?" He lifted her hand and kissed it. "I look forward to seeing you at six on Wednesday."

Before she could respond, he let go of her hand and headed down the porch steps. He glanced at her once to offer her a smile that made her weak in the knees. Once he was safely out of sight, she released her breath. That man was much too charming for his own good. She wondered if he did that with all women or just her. A man like that surely had a lot of women falling at his feet.

As charming as he was, it'd be dangerous to fall in love with a man like him. Who knew if he went around inviting a lot of women to plays? She could be one of many—maybe even the one he'd take out this week. Turning her attention to the tray, she decided to collect the refreshments and take them back into the house. Yes, that's how it was. He invited women to attend plays with him and lost interest in them after going. Wednesday, she'd see the play, ask him her questions, he'd grow bored of her, and he'd move on. There was no reason to invest any more thought in him, even if he was incredibly handsome and fun to talk to. Feeling more in control of her swirling emotions, she took the tray back to the kitchen. Yes, come Thursday morning, Samuel Dixon would be nothing but a memory.
Chapter Nine

Rick caught himself whistling as he got ready to leave work that Monday. He stopped and glanced around his chamber. Good. No one had come in to check on him. It wasn't exactly a crime to whistle at work, but he didn't want to be caught doing it. Standing up from his desk, he retrieved his hat and headed out of his chamber.

He kept thinking of how far away it was until Saturday. Five days wasn't really a long time, but it would take that long before he could see Sally again. It might be nice to surprise her with some flowers. He wasn't sure if she liked him or not, but he found himself thinking of her more and more each day and realized he wasn't as interested in Ethel Mae as he used to be. He didn't know when or how it happened, but it did. Now he faced a problem: did he come right out and say it or let Sally think he was still seeking her advice on how to get Ethel Mae?

Maybe she'd start finding him to her liking. For sure, she showed more interest in him than Ethel Mae did. Well, Ethel Mae showed a bigger interest in him after he went to Sally's house for supper, but playing that kind of game to get her attention just didn't hold much appeal to him. What if he started courting her and she lost interest in him because he was no longer paying attention to Sally? Maybe Samuel didn't mind that scenario, but he did.

Rick left the courthouse and nearly ran into Samuel. Laughing, he shook his hand. "It's ironic that I keep bumping into you now that I met you."

"It only proves how small the world really is," Samuel replied with a grin. "I hope there are no hard feelings about Ethel Mae."

"No, there's not. Besides, I've found someone else who interests me more."

"Good to hear."

"You know, if you want to surprise Ethel Mae with a gift, her friend said she likes cameos."

"Does she?"

Rick nodded. "But don't tell her how you found out. It'd ruin the surprise if she didn't think you came up with it on your own."

"You're a good man, Rick," Samuel replied. "It's not everyone who'd help out the competition."

"I don't think of you as the competition. I thought Ethel Mae was the right one, but it turns out she's not. She'll be happier with you."

"I appreciate that, and if there's anything you need, just let me know."

"Will do." Though he didn't think he'd need Samuel's help with anything, he thought it was nice the man made the offer.

As they said good-bye, Rick's mind turned back to Sally and how he might surprise her on Saturday.

***

By Saturday, Rick timed it so that he arrived at Sally's house after lunch when the women wouldn't be so busy. While her family had been gracious to feed him the last two times he'd been out there, he didn't want to wear out his welcome. As he arrived on the land, he saw her father and brother working in the fields and nodded as he passed by. They returned the gesture before returning to their work.

When he rode up to the house, he saw that Jenny was sweeping the porch. He turned to the bouquet of flowers resting on the seat next to him and picked them up. The woman who owned the boarding house let him have them from her garden for free, though he'd offered to pay for them. When she found out why he wanted them, she said she was excited to help him and assured him the tulips didn't last long anyway.

"Might as well get some use out of them before they die off," she'd added before she went to pluck them from her garden.

Now as he examined the purple, red and yellow tulips, he thought the variety in color might appeal to Sally. Taking a deep breath, he straightened his tie before he set the brake and got out of the buggy and picked up the bouquet of flowers.

He expected Jenny to be at the porch steps waiting for him, but she went back into the house. Curious, he headed up the porch steps and saw Sally coming toward the open door. So that's what Jenny was doing—getting Sally.

Sally wiped her hands on her skirt and opened the storm door. "Hello, Rick. I didn't expect you here."

He shrugged. "I thought I'd come by and thank you for all you're doing to help me." While that was partially true, he decided it wasn't best to give away his other motive. At least not yet. He held the flowers out to her. "So, thank you."

"Oh, they're beautiful," she replied as she took them. She smelled them and grinned. "They're lovely."

"I'm glad you like them."

"I do."

She glanced at them before turning her lovely blue eyes back to him. That was funny. Why hadn't he noticed how nice they were to look at before?

"I should put these in some water," she said. "Do you want to come in?"

"Yes, but I was hoping we could go for a walk?"

"Sure, I'd love to. It's a perfect day for it."

She was right. It was, but he figured any day with her would be perfect. Forcing aside the thought, he followed her into the house and to the kitchen where her mother and Jenny were washing dishes.

"Did I come at a bad time?" he asked. He thought they'd be done with cleaning up from lunch by now.

"No, you're fine," her mother assured him. "We're almost done."

As Sally retrieved a vase from one of the shelves, her mother finished washing the last dish and set the rag on the edge of a chair to dry. "What's your favorite dessert, Rick?"

He shrugged. "I like all desserts, Mrs. Larson."

Jenny wiped the dish dry. "While that's true, I'm sure there's one dessert you like more than others."

"Well, if I had to choose one, I suppose it would be an apple tart, but I don't want you to go through any trouble."

"Oh, that's no trouble at all," Sally said as she filled the vase with water.

"And what luck," Jenny added. "Sally can make those so no one gets sick."

Her mother shot her a warning look, so Jenny offered an apologetic smile and hurried to place the dishes on the shelves. Sighing, her mother returned her attention to him and smiled. "We'll make some apple tarts so you can have one, but Sally won't be making them this time."

"I appreciate it," he replied.

After Sally placed the tulips in the vase, she showed them to her mother and Jenny. "Aren't these lovely?"

"They are," her mother agreed. "Where do you want to put them?"

"I was thinking the parlor," Sally said as she switched a yellow and red tulip around. "There. That's better."

Rick wondered what made the new arrangement better but figured it was one of those things only women knew. Besides, the flowers made her happy, and that was the whole point.

"Rick and I are going to take a walk," Sally told her mother and sister. "We'll be back soon."

He placed his hat back on his head, nodded a good-bye to them and followed Sally to the parlor. She set the flowers on the table, stepped away from it to study the flowers, and moved the vase over about an inch. When she stepped back and studied the flowers again, his eyebrows furrowed. Just what was she doing? She moved the vase back to where it was before, shook her head, and moved it over another inch in the other direction. She sighed and put it back to where it was the first time.

"What are you doing?" he finally asked.

"Oh well, I want the flowers to be in the center of the table."

"They are."

She examined them and shook her head. "Not quite. They're a little too far to the left."

He laughed. "They're just flowers, Sally. It doesn't matter if they're not exactly at the center of the table."

With a grin, she shrugged. "You're right. And to the average person, they look like they're in the middle, don't you think?"

"Yes." And that was no lie. To him, they did appear that way.

The storm door opened and Joel entered the house.

Sally set her hands on her hips. "What are you doing here? You need to be in the fields helping your brothers and Pa."

Joel paused in front of the parlor doorway and rolled his eyes. "I'm thirsty."

"You get thirsty more than anyone else I know."

"That's because I need more water than other people," he replied in a tone that indicated she wasn't smart enough to figure it out on her own.

She rolled her eyes. "Maybe if you took a canteen out there with you, you could do actual work."

"I work plenty." He glanced at the table and smirked. "Those flowers aren't in the middle of the table."

"Why you..." She hurried toward him so he bolted off down the hall.

Amused, Rick stopped her before she could follow him to the kitchen. "Let him be. He was only giving you a hard time about the flowers because he knows it bothers you."

She groaned but nodded. "I know."

"The flowers look fine. Let's go for a walk."

Relaxing, she smiled and led him out of the house. "It is a beautiful day for a walk, isn't it?"

"It is," he agreed as the storm door shut behind him. "I'm glad you've been able to spend time with me over the past couple weeks."

Her cheeks grew pink in a manner he thought made her especially pleasing to the eye. He rather liked it when she showed the shy side of her personality. "Why don't we go that way today?" He motioned to the area along the property where the horses grazed.

"Alright." She led the way down the steps and touched her hair which was pinned back into a bun. "I forgot to bring my bonnet."

As she turned to head back up the steps, he asked, "Do you need to wear it?"

"Well, it's sunny."

"So?"

"I thought it would be appropriate to shield my eyes."

"I'll tell you what," he began as he took his hat off and placed it on her head, "you can borrow mine."

"This is silly."

"Why?"

She chuckled and touched the hat. "I can't wear your hat."

"Of course you can. Besides, if you go back in the house, you might try to get those flowers in the center of the table again, and I'd rather be walking."

"So they aren't in the center?"

Realizing his error, he took her by the elbow and gently led her away from the house. "That's not what I meant. I'd rather be with you, enjoying the nice weather, instead of being stuck in the house."

She fell in step beside him and smiled. "Alright."

"I'm glad you were able to get away so we could talk."

They walked in silence for a few moments. He kept his hand on her elbow and wondered if she noticed. He glanced in her direction and thought she didn't seem to notice. Either that, or she didn't mind. He rather liked the physical contact, so he kept his hand where it was.

"Is there anywhere you want to go?" she asked.

He shrugged. "I've already seen everything there is to see out here. I figured we'd take our time and enjoy the day."

She nodded.

Amused, he lightly squeezed her elbow. "You're not usually quiet. Is something on your mind?"

"Not really. Did you want to talk about Ethel Mae?"

"We can if you want."

"I haven't talked to her in a week. Did you see her?"

He shook his head. "No."

"Why not? I thought you were going to surprise her with something."

He wasn't sure how to talk his way out of this one. Words weren't his specialty. He did a better job of listening and examining the facts. But this whole thing with women required some talking. After thinking over a good response, he finally settled for saying, "I'm not sure she'll appreciate a gift from me." And that was true. She'd be better off getting that cameo from Samuel.

"Why wouldn't she?"

He sighed. Sally didn't ask easy questions. "Well, she's interested in Samuel."

"I don't think she's that interested in Samuel," she argued.

"Yes, I'm sure she is. When I saw him the other day, he talked about her as if they were getting along great."

"Really?"

He noted the surprise in her voice and wondered about it. There was something in her tone that suggested this was the last thing she expected. But that didn't make any sense since she was the one who told him about Samuel in the first place. "You warned me, remember? You said unless I got her jealous enough, I wasn't going to win her."

"Oh, yes. I did say that, but I still don't see how Samuel can claim that he's getting along so well with her."

Curious by the way she worded the statement, he thought over the possibilities why this should be something she hadn't expected. It seemed to him that something important was missing from the puzzle. Most of the pieces seemed to be in place, but he suspected something was missing. The question was what.

"You know what I think?" she spoke up.

"What?"

"I think you're not confident enough in yourself."

"Oh?"

She stopped walking so she could face him. Letting go of her elbow, he turned to her and waited for her to explain what she meant.

"You're a handsome man," she told him.

Pleased, he smiled. "Thank you."

"But most women aren't going to see that."

His smile faltered.

"Now don't get me wrong," she quickly added in a manner meant to sooth his feelings. "I saw it right away, but for women like Ethel Mae, it takes longer. What Ethel Mae likes is a man who looks like he's sure of himself."

"I don't look like I'm sure of myself?"

"Well, you do when you're talking about your job, but that's because you're comfortable there." She paused before giving him a smile. "I get the impression you're not comfortable around women."

It was true so he didn't bother denying it, though he sure wished she hadn't made such an observation. "Is that what you want? A man who's confident around women?"

She blinked in surprise. "Me?"

"You're a woman, so you're the best person to ask."

"I might be a woman, but that doesn't mean I like the same thing Ethel Mae does."

That made sense. She didn't like cameos like Ethel Mae did. She preferred flowers. So what other differences were there?

"Rick, I'm not Ethel Mae," she began with a hesitant tone in her voice. "She and I are good friends, but we don't always like the same things."

"So do you prefer men who are confident around women?" he pressed.

She shook her head and then turned to continue the walk, so he fell into step beside her. Well, that was good. So she might not mind that he wasn't as confident as Samuel was.

"You've seen Samuel?" she asked.

"Yes. He's not just confident around women. He seems to be confident around everyone."

"Really?" She glanced at the fields where her family was working before turning her attention back to him. "And he was with Ethel Mae recently?"

"He seems to enjoy her company."

"I need to pay her a visit this week."

Clearing his throat, he debated whether to say what was on his mind. He wanted to tell her that he was fine with Ethel Mae and Samuel being together, that it wasn't necessary for her to pretend that they were courting, or close to it. But at the same time, he wasn't sure if he'd have any excuse to see her if they didn't talk about her friend. He wished to steer things away from Ethel Mae but didn't know how to. Finally, he ventured, "I'm not sure I want to keep trying to make your friend think I'm someone I'm not."

"We're not doing that."

"You're pretending you're interested in me?" He intentionally turned his statement into a question because he hoped to pick up some clue that would tell him she might not be pretending as much as he thought.

"It was the plan," she replied.

He sighed. Sally was right. He didn't understand women, and he wasn't any good when it came to dealing with them. As it was, her answer was too vague for him to decide how he should proceed. Maybe what he needed to do was talk to Samuel since he seemed to have no problems understanding women.

Sally turned around and headed back, so he did likewise, thinking of what else he might say to figure out how to proceed with her. "I hope I'm not bothering you by coming out here as much as I am."

"No, you're not bothering me," she replied. "It's been nice."

"It's been nice for me, too." Maybe he had a chance with her after all. He certainly hoped so.

"I don't want you to get the wrong idea when I said you should be more confident. I didn't mean you had to make a woman think you're unobtainable. I just think you don't realize what a wonderful man you are. You shouldn't sell yourself short because any woman would be lucky to have you."

Pleased by the compliment, he took her by the elbow again and stepped a little closer to her as they walked. "Tell me about planting. What exactly are your father and brothers doing out there?"

While she answered his question, he smiled in contentment. This was nice. He could see doing this for the rest of his life. Well, maybe not coming out to visit her family on the farm where he had to bear with the smells associated with it. But he could see spending time with her, maybe walking in a park, and listening to her. Perhaps some men didn't want a woman who was a chatterbox, but he rather liked it.

He tended to be quiet, and when he'd been around other women, notably Ethel Mae, there'd been a lot of pressure to figure out what to say. With Sally, he didn't have that problem. He could relax and enjoy the conversation while adding his thoughts from time to time. Sure, he might be wondering how to broach the subject of courting her, but he was sure he'd figure out that one soon enough. For now, he'd enjoy the afternoon and listen to her talk about her family. Maybe next time he saw her, he'd gather the nerve to ask if he could court her.
Chapter Ten

Sally's mother stopped the buggy in front of Ethel Mae's house on Tuesday. "I'm only taking you to town as much as I am because you're of marrying age, and I suspect Rick has taken a liking to you. But it's not fair to keep Jenny stuck in the kitchen now that we're into planting. Your father and brothers get hungry during this time, and it's hard to make enough for all of them when it's just one person."

Sally turned to her mother and rolled her eyes. "They're always hungry. Being in the kitchen is all we ever do, unless we're doing laundry."

"Now, Sally, it's not easy for them out in those fields. Besides, you've been managing to get quite a bit of free time in whenever you take an interest in a young man."

"And I appreciate it, Ma."

With any luck, her mother's sacrifice wouldn't be in vain. She very much wanted to be married to Rick. Her elbow still tingled whenever she remembered how he touched her. There was a good chance he might be interested in her. But she couldn't jump to conclusions. She had to find out what was going on with Ethel Mae and find out what was going on with Samuel. She still couldn't believe Rick had talked to him...and about Ethel Mae!

As she got out of the buggy, she turned and smiled at her mother. "I'll do my best to make sure Rick becomes your son-in-law."

Her mother chuckled. "I believe you will. Now go ask Ethel Mae if you can stay here before I leave."

Nodding, Sally headed for the house, catching sight of Hugh as he chased Vivian down the street. She grinned. Poor Vivian. Being chased by boys at her age. With a sigh, she hurried up the porch steps then knocked on the door. If only she had the trouble of being pursued by Rick. Except, she wouldn't run away from him. She'd run right into his arms.

Just as she imagined what it'd be like for Rick to kiss her, the front door opened. Breaking out of her daydream, Sally smiled at her friend. "Surprise!"

Ethel Mae smiled in return and opened the storm door. "And a pleasant surprise it is. Come on in!"

"Before I do, I wanted to ask if I can stay with you for a couple days? My ma said it's alright as long as your parents say yes."

"Let me ask."

Sally nodded and waited while her friend went to talk to her parents. She heard a shriek and turned her gaze back to the street where Hugh was holding a piece of paper from Vivian who protested that she needed it back. Wondering if she should intervene and help Vivian, she caught sight of an attractive blond man coming toward the house. Her eyebrows furrowed. Who in the world was he?

"My parents said it's fine with them."

Sally turned back to her friend, her smile growing wider. "Perfect! I'll get my carpet bag." As she hurried down the porch steps, she saw that the man was coming up the walkway. "May I help you?" she asked, figuring he might be wanting to sell something, except he wasn't carrying a box of goods to sell or taking a wagon with him wherever he went.

"Oh, Sally, he's here to see me," her friend called out.

With a glance between Ethel Mae and the young man, Sally grew even more confused. She didn't recall her friend taking a suitor.

"Ethel Mae is correct," he said and tipped his hat. "I'm Samuel Dixon."

"Samuel Dixon?" she dumbly repeated, flabbergasted for the first time in her life. Rick had told her Samuel really did exist, so she should have been prepared for it...except she wasn't!

Ethel Mae rushed over to them. "I'll explain more later, Sally, but I met him last week."

"Yes, and she was my beautiful companion at the play on Wednesday," he added, winking at Ethel Mae.

With a blush, she shrugged. "It was a lovely play. You would have enjoyed it, Sally."

Did Rick know that Ethel Mae had gone to a play with Samuel? Sally shook her head and stared at her friend before turning her gaze back to Samuel. Good heavens. Who knew he not only existed but was also the type who appealed to her friend?

Samuel chuckled and looked at Ethel Mae. "I thought you said Sally was a talker."

"She is. Usually." Her friend touched her arm. "Are you alright?"

Forcing her mind off of Rick, Sally cleared her throat and nodded. "I'm fine. I just... I mean... So, you're Samuel? And you're here to see Ethel Mae?"

Her friend sighed. "Why don't you get your carpet bag? Your ma's waiting for you."

Deciding that was a good idea, Sally turned and headed for the buggy where her mother sat with an expectant look on her face. "She said I can stay," Sally told her.

Her mother retrieved the carpet bag and handed it to her. "Why are you so surprised? You've stayed over at Ethel Mae's before."

"Yes, I know. It's just that Samuel is courting her."

Her mother laughed. "I don't see what that has to do with your staying over."

"It doesn't."

She debated if she should tell her mother about Samuel being made up but then turning out to be real. It was confusing enough without trying to explain it, so she decided to keep quiet about it.

"I'll see you in a week," her mother said.

With any luck, this was the week where Rick would profess his undying love for her and ask to court her. "I'll see you then, Ma."

Waving to her daughter, she released the brake and directed the horse down the street. Sally turned her attention back to Ethel Mae who was laughing at something Samuel said. She blinked and took a good look at them. There was no doubt about it. They were interested in each other. Her friend was blushing and grinning. He looked equally smitten with her, if the way he focused only on her and nothing else was a good indication of his feelings for her.

Well, Rick had one thing right: Samuel was charming Ethel Mae in a way he never could. But that still didn't mean Samuel was better than him. Even for all the charm Samuel possessed, Sally much preferred Rick's shy nature instead. Yep. There was no doubt about it. Rick was still the better of the two, and it was to her advantage her friend didn't agree.

Exhaling, she put on a smile and headed over to the two lovebirds. Clasping her carpet bag in front of her, she waited for them to notice her.

"It was a lovely play," Ethel Mae told him as she twirled a stray strand of her hair between her fingers. "The characters were witty. I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it. Since you found the play to your liking, perhaps you'd like to take a walk with me in the park this Saturday around noon."

"What does that have to do with the play?" she teased.

"I can be witty if you give me half a chance."

She giggled and swatted at his arm. "Oh you! I already know that."

Sally watched the exchange, fascinated that they were so enraptured with each other that they didn't even notice her.

"So will you delight me with your company this Saturday?"

"I'd love to, but I can't leave my friend here by herself." She turned to Sally who was surprised she did know she was there after all. "She's staying with me until Sunday. However, if you wanted to come over for supper on Sunday, you may."

"I look forward to it." He glanced at Sally. "It was nice meeting you."

As he headed for the sidewalk, Sally gave her friend a knowing smirk. "Who would have thought you'd really fall in love with Samuel Dixon?"

"It's ironic, isn't it?" she whispered, her eyes still on him. "He has to be the most attractive man alive. I thought for sure once I went to the play with him, he'd lose interest and move on, but he came by the next day and we talked for a couple of hours. It didn't even seem like hours. Time flies by so fast when he's around. I swear, I lose all track of time."

Sally understood what her friend meant. "The same thing happens with me whenever Rick's around."

"It's nice to know that when I need help, you two will run to my aid," a very disgruntled Vivian snapped.

Surprised, Sally and Ethel Mae stopped talking and turned their wide eyes in Vivian's direction.

Vivian held up a wrinkled piece of paper and shook it in their faces. "I was screaming for you two to help me, and both of you ignored me."

"We didn't hear you," Ethel Mae replied.

Sally decided to keep quiet since she had noticed Vivian's distress but got sidetracked.

Vivian's face turned red. "I'm not surprised since you were falling all over yourself to talk to Samuel."

Ethel Mae gasped and put her hand to her throat. "I wasn't falling all over myself to talk to him!"

She rolled her eyes. "My private thoughts were in danger of being read to the entire public."

Sally sighed. "It's one piece of paper, Vivian."

She turned her angry eyes to Sally. "One piece of paper that came out of my journal. That horrible Hugh came up behind me while I was writing in it and tried to steal it."

"Maybe you should let him read it," Sally said. "All you do is go on and on about how much you hate him. If he reads it, he'll understand how much you detest him, and maybe then he'll leave you alone."

Vivian stomped her foot on the ground and huffed. "You're missing the point."

"I don't see how."

"My point is that you should have come and helped me." Her head snapped in her sister's direction. "And you, too! I would have helped you. In fact, I already did. I told Rick everything you wanted me to, and when I needed you, you ignored me."

Sally groaned. "You should just let Hugh read what you think of him. It'll be good for him to see that you're serious about hating him."

Vivian lifted her chin in the air and crossed her arms. "I see how things are. Let me make something clear to both of you right now. I will no longer be at your beck and call. If you want to get Rick to do or not do something, you'll have to do it without me."

As she stormed off down the street, Sally looked at Ethel Mae with raised eyebrows. "There goes one unhappy girl."

Her friend sighed. "I think she secretly likes Hugh."

"Really?"

"Have you ever noticed she only leaves the house when he's either outside or looking out his window?"

No, she hadn't, but she'd have to take Ethel Mae's word for it. At the moment, however, she had more important things on her mind. "You like Samuel Dixon?"

At the mention of his name, her friend blushed. "Isn't he wonderful?"

"I suppose..."

"I was shocked when he showed up here and told me his name. He ran into Rick, and apparently, Rick told him about me. But we don't have to worry about anything. Samuel figured it out and isn't telling Rick we made up the name Samuel in order for him to take an interest in you." She giggled and clasped her hands together. "He's much better than Vivian made him out to be, isn't he?"

"I can see why you like him," she admitted.

"Isn't he wonderful?"

Sally laughed. "You already asked me that."

"Did I?"

"You know, Ethel Mae, I can't recall a time when I ever saw you blush so much over someone."

She pressed her hands to her cheeks and giggled. "I feel silly, but I can't help but think of how wonderful he is."

Rolling her eyes, she put an arm around her friend's and led her toward the house. "Why do I have the feeling I'll be hearing the word 'wonderful' often while I'm here?"

"Did I say it again?"

Amused, she chuckled. "You are a lost cause."

Ethel Mae giggled again as the two friends went into the house.
Chapter Eleven

Rick was heading for his home when he spotted Vivian sitting on a bench not far from the mercantile. Her arms were crossed and she had a scowl on her face. After he made sure the street was clear of traffic, he crossed it so he could talk to her.

"Vivian, is something wrong?" he asked once he reached her.

She looked over at him and shrugged in a manner that indicated she'd lost her closest friend. "No one cares about me."

Surprised she said that, he sat next to her. "That's not true."

"Oh, it is. I just found out when I really need someone, no one will come through for me."

"What's wrong? Maybe I can help."

She let out a long sigh. "It's too late. That horrible Hugh already saw my private writings. I can't think of anything more humiliating, can you?"

He considered that for a girl, having such a thing happen would be tantamount to utter and complete disaster. "No, I can't think of anything worse than that." At least not anything comparable that might happen to a grown man.

"When I think of all the things I did for them, I get so angry."

"Things you did for who?"

"My sister and that friend of hers."

"Sally?"

She nodded. "That's the traitor. You go out of your way to do their bidding, and when you need them, they don't care."

"They care about you."

"They didn't come to my aid when Hugh was running off with one of the papers in my private journal. They just stood there in awe of all the things that horrible Samuel was telling them."

"What's so horrible about Samuel?"

Vivian grunted. "Nothing. He's perfect. My sister can't stop talking about him, and she can't look away from him for a few seconds to see when I'm in great distress. Me! Her own sister!"

"If your life was truly in danger, she'd come to your aid."

"One can only hope."

"Sure, she would." He glanced at the mercantile and nudged her in the arm. "Would some candy make you feel better? I could give you some change."

"I'm not a little kid," she replied.

He dug out some coins from his pocket. "Oh come on. You're never too old to enjoy candy."

She glanced at his hand full of coins and bit her lower lip. "But the kind of ache I feel can't be soothed away by sweets. You got to understand that this is deep. It hurts me through and through. My sister and her friend just let me know they don't care about me. I went through all the trouble of making up Samuel and Larry because Sally wanted you to take an interest in her--"

"You made up Samuel?"

Her eyes grew wide.

He focused in on her, willing her to maintain eye contact with him. "Vivian."

She cleared her throat and shifted uneasily on the bench. "Oh, well..." She let out a half-hearted chuckled. "Did I say made up? I meant—"

"How much?" He took out a coin from his hand.

"Wh-what?"

"How much do you want for telling me the truth?"

She glanced uneasily at the change in his hand and shook her head. "I can't. Even if I'm angry as can be at those two, I can't."

"They didn't help you take that paper from Hugh," he reminded her, purposely riling her up so she'd talk.

Her lips formed a thin line and she nodded. "You're right, but I still wouldn't feel right about it."

"What if I promise you that I won't tell them you told me the truth?"

Her gaze went from the change in his hand to his eyes. "You really promise?"

Winking, he said, "You have my word."

"I could use a new journal. Hugh destroyed my old one with his grubby hands."

He handed her a coin. "Is this enough for a new journal?"

She nodded. "My sister never wanted you to court her, but she didn't know how to tell you so she invited Sally over to see if Sally would be interested in you."

He had a feeling that Ethel Mae wasn't that interested in him, so this didn't come as a surprise. "I see. So how did Larry and Samuel come about?"

"Well, Sally took an interest in you right away."

His face warmed with pleasure. Now this was better. "She did?"

"Yes, but it was obvious you wanted my sister."

He sighed. So everyone could tell he was interested in Ethel Mae? That wasn't so great, but he supposed in his eagerness to talk to her, he didn't even try to hide his feelings. "What next?"

"I could use a new pen," Vivian said, pointing to his hand full of change. "Hugh got a hold of that, too."

"It's a shame you can't be a lawyer," he told the girl as he gave her another coin. "You have a knack for giving a convincing argument." To play it safe, he handed her two more coins. "I believe this will cover any other expenses due to Hugh's carelessness."

"It sure does," she cheered, delighted as she counted the change in her hand.

"Are you going to tell me everything else?"

"Oh! Yes. Well, Sally came up with the idea to make you think the only way to get my sister was to pretend you liked Sally. So they told me to tell you that my sister only likes men who are interested in someone else. I made up Samuel and Larry to give you examples of men my sister wanted."

"But Samuel turned out to be a real person."

"I know. Wasn't that something?" She smiled in amusement. "I must have heard his name somewhere and not realized it. But as it turns out, my sister can't stop talking about him."

"And what about Sally?"

"She adores you. She talks about you all the time."

His smile widened.

"I'm getting sick of hearing it," Vivian added.

"You're getting sick of hearing about me?" he asked with a frown.

"Only because she can't stop talking about how wonderful you are and how she hopes you'll marry her."

His eyebrows rose in interest. "She wants to marry me?"

"And have your children. She's even come up with their names. I feel sorry for you, Rick. She's got your whole life planned out for you."

With a wicked grin, he said, "Maybe she has some things planned, but she can't plan everything."

Looking intrigued, she asked, "What are you going to do?"

He wasn't sure quite yet, but he also didn't want to tell Vivian in case she let it slip that he would, indeed, give Sally the future she hoped for—a future he also wanted. But it wouldn't do to just come out and tell her this. If Sally went through the trouble of getting him to pretend to like her under the pretense of getting him to sincerely care for her, then it only seemed fitting to make a plan of his own. Why let her hold all the cards? He could play the game just as well.

Turning his attention to Vivian, he grinned. "Let's just say that I'm going to give Sally what she wants but in a roundabout way."

She scrunched her eyebrows. "Huh?"

"You'll find out. In the meantime," he began as he gave her another coin, "don't tell them I know, alright?"

She shrugged and put the coins in her pocket. "You have my word. Just promise me one thing?"

His eyebrows rose as she stood up. "What?"

"Promise me that you'll give it to them good!"

Unable to resist the chuckle that rose up in his throat, he nodded. "I promise."

"Good." She started to head off but then snapped her fingers and returned to him. "Sally will be staying at my house for a few days."

That was good to know. It would make his job much easier since he didn't have to find a horse and buggy. Well, at least he wouldn't need to find them to go to her family's farm. He might, however, still need one, but that wasn't going to be today. "Thank you, Vivian."

Looking much happier than she had moments earlier, she ran for the mercantile, probably eager to use the money she'd just earned for telling him everything.

He stood up and checked his pocket watch. Perhaps in a couple of hours, he ought to pay Ethel Mae a visit. If Sally was going to be there, it might be a good idea to test things out, to make sure she wanted to be with him, as Vivian said. He slipped the pocket watch back in his pocket and, whistling, headed to his boarding house to get ready to see Sally.

***

The time between his supper and when he could see Sally seemed to take forever. As he adjusted his suit jacket and tie, he thought over the things he would say and do when he was at Ethel Mae's. It was odd how confident he felt compared to how uncertain he'd been in the past.

He took a deep breath and studied his reflection. He wasn't as polished as Samuel, but Sally saw something in him she liked, and that was good enough for him. Retrieving his hat, he left his room and went down the steps, his excitement propelling him to call out a greeting to the owner as he passed by her on the way out of the house.

Whistling, he made his way down the street and, on impulse, bought two baskets of flowers from a man selling them near the mercantile. He didn't feel right showing up with flowers just for Sally. Besides, it wouldn't be good to give himself away. Sally needed to believe she was still helping him get Ethel Mae, and he saw no reason to make her think otherwise. At least not yet.

When he reached Ethel Mae's house, he saw Ethel Mae and Sally sitting together on the porch, talking and laughing. His steps slowed and he couldn't help but think what clever schemers those two were, but it also pleased him to know that Sally had been attracted to him on the day they met. Clearing his throat, he quickened his pace and headed up the porch steps in time to see the two look in his direction.

"I heard Sally was in town and thought it appropriate to stop by with two baskets of flowers instead of one," he said, noting how lovely Sally was with her golden hair resting softly on her shoulders.

Ethel Mae offered him a tentative smile. "You came by to see me?"

He saw the uncertainty in Sally's eyes and wondered what she might think if he said yes. Would she be jealous if she thought he was still harboring feelings for her friend? But Sally's plan was for him to "feign" interest in her instead of Ethel Mae, so he turned a wide smile in Sally's direction. "Actually, I thought I'd see if Sally might like to go for a walk."

Sally's eyes lit up, and he knew for sure that Vivian had told him the truth. Sally was, indeed, interested in him. Feeling a bit smug at this knowledge, he presented the flowers to Sally then Ethel Mae.

"Would you mind if I stole your friend for a while so I can take her on a walk?" he asked Ethel Mae.

Ethel Mae glanced at Sally. "No, I don't mind."

"Sally?" he asked her.

"Sure." Sally stood up and glanced at the basket of flowers in her hands. "Will you take care of these?" she asked her friend.

"I'll be happy to."

As Ethel Mae took the basket from her, Sally joined him and they headed down the porch steps.

"I hope you're not upset with me for taking you away from your friend," he said.

"No, I'm not upset. I am curious, though, why you wanted to walk with me instead of her."

Taking note of her hopeful expression, he resisted the urge to give in and tell her the truth. Sally and Ethel Mae went through a lot of trouble to get him to fall in love with Sally and now that he had, the least he could do was oblige them by making them believe he still needed help.

"Actually, I was thinking of seeing her tomorrow, but I thought it was only right to make her jealous first. When I realized you were in town, I knew this would be the perfect opportunity before I ask if I can court her." He noted the slight wince on her face. "Do you think she'll say no?"

"Oh, um, I don't know."

Of course, she knew. He turned his attention to the sidewalk as they went in the direction of the park. "I figure that this plan of yours can only continue for so long. Sooner or later I need to see if Ethel Mae will let me court her, and it might as well be tomorrow."

"Then we won't see each other anymore. I mean, if she says no."

Oh, they were still going to see each other but not the way she was thinking. But to play along, he said, "I suppose we'll run into each other from time to time. We might be in the same store or walking down the same road. And if you happen to come to the courthouse, stop by and say hello."

"Yes, I could do that," she softly said.

He took her by the elbow and led her across the street that would take them to the park. "I have a feeling we'll still talk."

"You do?"

"Yes. Even if Ethel Mae says no, I see no reason to deny a chat with a friend, do you?"

"Well...no."

"That's the spirit. We'll still see each other."

She nodded, seeming content enough with that answer. He suspected she was already planning another way to gain his interest, if the thoughtful look on her face was an indication as to where her thoughts were going. He hid his smile. She was in for a surprise.

They followed the sidewalk that went into the park, and he scanned the area, trying to decide where they might have a sense of privacy. Children and adults were out, something he couldn't blame them for since it was a nice evening, but he hoped for a spot where they could talk and not be easily noticed by others.

It wasn't something he'd dream of doing with a woman as little as a week ago, but knowing he'd be marrying Sally soon enough emboldened him. He found a bench out of the way, so he steered Sally toward it.

"Are you sure it's not too soon?" Sally asked.

"Too soon?" For a moment he thought she meant if it was too soon to get married but reminded himself that she had no idea he planned to marry her.

"Too soon to ask Ethel Mae if you can court her," she replied.

"You think she's going to say no." Feigning a mournful sigh, he shrugged. "You're probably right."

"Well, no. I didn't say that. I meant that perhaps you ought to see her again and try to be romantic with her."

Even as she said it, there was a slight cringe on her face, and he wondered why he hadn't noticed that before. She must have been cringing whenever she suggested he do something to win over her friend in the past. "I suppose I could try to be romantic. What do I do? Bring her a cameo?"

"Actually, that wouldn't be a good idea. Samuel brought her one."

"What?" That was exactly what he thought Samuel would do, but there was no need to let her know this. "How did he know she liked cameos? Did you tell him?"

"Me? No! I didn't even speak to him until today, and all I said was hello."

He believed her on this count because of the way her eyes grew wide in surprise. "Then he must be good when it comes to knowing what women want. You're right. It is too soon for me to confess my feelings to her. I can't impress her with a gift. What can I do for her?"

He stopped at the bench and motioned for her to sit. As he sat beside her, he brushed a wavy lock of her hair over her shoulder; not because she needed it but because he wanted an excuse to touch her. Her face flushed a pretty shade of pink, and he wondered how he could have been so daft as to miss her subtle cues up to now?

"Did you think the basket of flowers was romantic?" he asked, considering the question more for her than about Ethel Mae.

"Flowers are always romantic," she said, folding her hands and putting them in her lap.

"Yes, but I seem to recall you liked them more than she does."

"But every woman still likes flowers, even if some like them more than others."

He nodded, rested his arm on the back of the bench, and leaned toward her. "Sally, what does Ethel Mae like to talk about?"

She blinked as if she hadn't expected the question. He mused it was their close proximity that distracted her. Being close to her certainly had an amorous effect on him.

She cleared her throat and shifted on the bench. "Ethel Mae enjoys humor. Do you know any good jokes?"

"I'm afraid humor isn't my strength, unless you consider tripping on a crack in the sidewalk funny."

A giggle escaped her throat. "I'm sorry, Rick." She pressed her hand to her mouth and stopped laughing.

Glad his joke worked, he gently took her hand. "No need to cover up your laughter. It is funny. I'm afraid I'm not the most graceful man who's ever lived." He held onto her hand, noting how soft it was. "Perhaps I have some other attribute she might find romantic?"

She glanced at his hand which was still holding hers. "Oh, um... Let me think."

He stroked her fingers with his thumb as he waited for her to speak. It was cute to see her struggle for something to say, especially considering she hadn't had any trouble talking in the time he'd known her.

"I suppose you could tell her a good story," Sally finally said. "She likes to read."

"I don't know. All I read are law books and the newspaper. That doesn't seem like the kind of thing that would interest her."

"She prefers fiction. Could you make something up?"

"You mean make up a news item I read in the paper?"

She giggled. "No. That would be silly."

"You're right. She'd end up hearing the true story from someone and find out I was a fraud." He inched closer to her. "It wouldn't be good for me to lose credibility with people since I'm a judge."

She cleared her throat, and though she didn't move away from him, he detected her nervous energy. The poor woman probably had no idea what to do. He was acting overtly romantic with her but talking about another woman.

He leaned forward and whispered, "I hate to admit it, but my creative prowess leaves a lot to be desired."

She shivered against him.

"If I can't win her over with my humor or by telling riveting stories, what else can I do?" he pressed, his breath gracing her ear.

"You could kiss her," she softly replied.

He hadn't expected her to be bold enough to come out and say such a thing. He'd been working up a way to kiss her, and while this gave him the advantage, he hadn't seen it coming. However, he wasn't going to let something like that deter him from following through. With what he hoped was a charming smile, he said, "Now that I could do." He watched her, wondering if she'd encourage him to kiss her or shy away.

Her face grew a lovely shade of pink before she spoke the words he secretly willed her to say. "I could help you with the kissing. I mean, if you want to be sure you're kissing her right when you do it. Not that I'm implying you can't kiss. I have no idea if you can or not. I, for one, have little experience in this area, but I still think I can tell if she would enjoy the kiss or not."

His lips curled up. She'd gone from being speechless to rambling. She was, without a doubt, utterly charming. Despite his apprehension that she might actually find his kiss lacking, he leaned forward and brushed her lips with his. He hesitated for a moment before he brought his lips back to hers and lingered there until he didn't dare press his luck further.

When he pulled away from her, he noted the slight smile on her lips. She opened her eyes and he asked, "Was that adequate?"

He didn't think it was possible, but her face flushed even more. She cleared her throat and nodded. "Yes. It'll do."

He frowned. He thought for sure he did better than a "it'll do" from her. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No. You did nothing wrong."

"But...?"

With a shrug, she said, "I think it might be nice to do another kiss. For practice."

"Oh." He immediately felt better. For a moment there, he worried she really didn't like his kiss, but since she was working in a way to get another one, he was delighted to know she found him more than adequate. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to practice."

He leaned toward her and kissed her again, this time not as hesitant as before. Her lips were soft and warm, just the kind of thing that could stir a man's blood. He wanted nothing more than to keep kissing her but knew it wouldn't be right to take too many liberties with her until they married. Even if they were pretty much hidden from onlookers, he felt no need to risk someone spotting them and putting it into a penny paper to delight the busybodies.

This time when he ended the kiss, he smiled. "That was a wonderful kiss." He stood up and offered her his arm. "I don't think it'd be right if we lingered here too long. Ethel Mae will be wondering where you are."

She got up and stared at him. "I don't know if I should be so familiar with you." She motioned to his arm. "It doesn't seem right, what with you being interested in her and all." After a pause, she added, "You are interested in her, aren't you?"

"Yes, of course. I'm interested in you, too. You're a good friend."

He noted the slight falter in her smile before it widened. "Some of the best things start out as friendships."

Finding her choice of words rather pleasing, he nodded and took her by the elbow so he could lead her down the rest of the path in the park. "Yes, they can." And he looked forward to proving that to her soon enough.
Chapter Twelve

Sally alternated between extreme happiness and utter despair. She much preferred kissing Rick to Michael. Too bad Rick was only practicing. She didn't know whether to kick herself or congratulate herself for coming up with the idea of him kissing her. It was something she wanted to do more than just about anything else, but she had hoped it would get him to think of her in a more romantic light.

She spent the entire night thinking of little else but Rick and the way he'd touched and kissed her while at the park. If she didn't know any better, she'd believe he really did want to be with her. She really hoped he came around to understanding that he needed to be with her instead of Ethel Mae because she couldn't imagine her life with anyone but him.

The next morning during breakfast, Vivian told her parents about another dastardly thing Hugh had done to her that morning. Sally glanced at Ethel Mae and rolled her eyes while Vivian wasn't looking in her direction. Seriously, there was only so much anyone could take of how Hugh was ruining her life. Ethel Mae's lips turned up into a smile, but she held her tongue.

After breakfast, Sally and Ethel Mae left the house and took a walk through the park. Unable to resist the urge, Sally pointed to the bench where she and Rick had been sitting the evening before. "That's where he kissed me."

Ethel Mae giggled. "And you think he doesn't prefer you to me."

Sally groaned. "Yes, but he did it because he wanted to practice on me so he'd be a good kisser when he kissed you."

"That's ridiculous! He wouldn't even suggest kissing you if he didn't want to do it with you in the first place."

"Well, that's just it," she admitted, her cheeks growing warm. "I was the one who suggested it."

Her friend's eyes grew wide. "You didn't!"

"I did. I thought maybe he'd kiss me and fall in love with me. You know, thinking that kissing me would force him to think of me in a more romantic way."

"You're hopeless."

"I know."

Ethel Mae offered her an understanding smile as they continued to walk down the path. "I don't think he would have kissed you if he didn't want to kiss you."

"I'd like to think you're right."

"Of course, I am. Why, Rick hasn't even been by to see me. He's been spending all of his time with you."

"To talk about you."

"You're telling me he spends two to three hours at your parents' house, and all you two talk about is me the entire time?"

Sally smiled. "No, we don't."

"See?"

She bit her lower lip.

"And who did he spend an hour with yesterday?"

"Maybe you're right."

Ethel Mae rolled her eyes. "Maybe."

Sally was ready to reply when she saw Rick heading in their direction. Her pulse raced in anticipation. She stopped and grabbed her friend's arm. "He's here, and he's coming toward us!"

"Shh... He might hear you. You don't want to seem too eager."

"You're right. I'm sorry." Ethel Mae was right. It wouldn't do good for her to show so much interest in him. She released her friend's arm and clenched her hands together to hide her nervous energy. "What do you think he wants?"

"He probably wants to talk to you."

"I hope so." And she knew just the words he could say. He would tell her that the kiss showed him that he wanted to be with her instead of Ethel Mae. She nearly squealed in joy. "I really do hope so."

She picked up her steps as they approached him, mentally planning out the moment when he'd tell her that last night as he was in bed, it all became clear to him and that he knew, without a doubt, that he belonged with her. Then he'd kiss her for real, and they'd get married and live happily ever after.

When they reached Rick, they stopped to greet him. "What brings you to the park?" Sally asked, hoping he'd say it was her.

With a shrug, he said, "It's Saturday, and I thought it'd be nice to go for a walk."

"We thought the same," Sally said.

"It's a lovely day."

"Yes, it is."

He turned to Ethel Mae. "I was wondering if I might have a word with you for a few minutes? I won't keep you away from Sally for long."

Sally's heart stopped. There was no way he'd asked to speak to Ethel Mae when he really wanted to speak to her. There just wasn't!

Ethel Mae glanced at Sally uncertainly. "Alright."

"She'll be right back," Rick told her.

She tried to return his smile but couldn't as he turned away and led Ethel Mae away from her. This was it. He had made his decision, and even after her best efforts, he still wanted her friend. She felt utterly foolish in entertaining the notion that he'd end up with her.

She watched as Rick talked to Ethel Mae, their backs to her so she couldn't even see the expression on their faces. She wondered if he'd try his kiss on her but quickly dismissed that idea since they were right in the middle of the park where anyone could see them. When he'd kissed her the evening before, they were in a more secluded spot so it was a private enough matter. That was good. She didn't know if she could bear to watch him kiss another woman.

She could only imagine the things he was telling her right now. Words of love and admiration. Words she longed to hear him tell her but he wouldn't. At one point, Ethel Mae laughed, and Sally thought she was going to be sick. Did he tell her about tripping on a crack in the sidewalk?

Sally watched as Ethel Mae returned to her. Rick didn't even bother looking back in her direction as he left the park. Her heart plummeted. This didn't look good. It didn't look good at all!

When her friend was by her side, Sally waited for her to explain what she and Rick talked about, but her friend gave her a secretive smile and continued on the path they'd started. Groaning, Sally finally asked, "What happened?" when it became clear her friend wasn't going to volunteer the information.

"Nothing," Ethel Mae replied.

"Nothing? You were laughing. I don't consider that nothing."

"Well, I meant that nothing of real interest happened."

Sally stared at her in disbelief. Since when had Ethel Mae ever held anything back from her? "Even if it wasn't interesting, I'd like to know."

She shrugged. "He told me a few jokes."

"A few jokes?"

"Yes, and they weren't too bad."

Hardly understanding what her friend was saying, she dumbly asked, "All he wanted to do was tell you a few jokes?"

"I suppose so since that's all he did."

"Did he ask to see you again?"

"I don't remember."

"You don't remember?"

"I just remember him telling me some funny things that happened at his job."

"Like what?" In the times she'd talked to him, Sally couldn't recall anything overly funny that happened at the courthouse. Sure, he had a sense of humor, but it seemed when it came to his job, he was serious.

"I don't remember."

"You don't remember!"

Ethel Mae stopped to face her friend.

Sally halted her steps and waited for her to explain.

"Maybe they weren't that funny after all. Hmm..." With a shrug, she laughed. "They seemed funny at the time."

Ethel Mae started walking again, and Sally let out an exasperated sigh. "I don't understand why you can't remember any of his jokes."

"Sally, are you still talking about that?"

"I just want to know what he wanted."

"And I told you that he wanted to tell me some jokes. Nothing else happened. Now let's go to the mercantile so I can pick up a new hat. I want to look nice when Samuel takes me for a walk tomorrow."

Realizing that was all she'd get out of her friend, Sally reluctantly let the matter go. At least Ethel Mae still wasn't interested in him. "Alright. Let's look for the hat."

Though she couldn't be sure, she thought she saw a knowing smile cross Ethel Mae's face, and though she wondered about it, she followed her friend to the mercantile.

***

"Oh come on, Sally," Ethel Mae encouraged as she stood up from the couch in the parlor. "It's such a lovely spring night. Why not enjoy it?"

"I don't feel like it," Sally said, picking up a piece of the jigsaw puzzle that she thought might fit in the picture she and her friend had spent the past hour putting together. "Besides, we're halfway done. We might as well finish it before we go to bed."

"Since when have you preferred to do something indoors when you could be outside?"

Ever since it became clear that Rick was still in love with her friend, but Sally decided not to say it. She knew she'd been moping about ever since they ran into Rick earlier that day and she was struggling to put on a happy face, but even so, her heart ached and there was nothing she could do to stop it. It was much worse than when Michael told her he wouldn't be courting her anymore.

Ethel Mae groaned and walked over to her. "I think some fresh air is exactly what you need."

"I got fresh air earlier today." And a lot of good that did her! "Don't you want to finish this tonight?" She motioned to the puzzle.

"Only after I've been outside for a bit. Come on. It won't hurt to look at the stars."

Sally found the right place for the piece of her puzzle and put it in.

"Good. You got it in. Now let's go."

Before Sally could protest, Ethel Mae took her by the arm and pulled her to her feet. "I never knew you could be so demanding," Sally said in surprise as her friend urged her to the door.

Ethel Mae stopped in the entryway and handed Sally her bonnet. "Here."

"What do I need with this? It's dark out there."

"Well, it might rain."

Sally's eyebrows furrowed. "Rain? You just said it's a lovely night for looking at the stars and you're talking about rain?"

She groaned again. "Oh, just hold it then."

"What is wrong with you?" she demanded as Ethel Mae shoved her out the front door.

"Nothing. You just need to go outside for a while, that's all."

Sally stumbled onto the porch, clutching the bonnet in her hand. "You make no sense to me."

"Do it because I'm your friend, alright?"

"Fine. Alright."

"Go over there."

Sally looked at the bottom of the porch steps. "Why?"

"Because you can see the stars better from there."

"Are you coming with me?" Sally asked.

"In a moment. I need to get something."

"What do you need to get?"

"Something." Sighing in exasperation, Ethel Mae pointed to the steps. "Will you please go down there? I'll be with you soon."

"There are times when I don't understand you at all," Sally called out as her friend slipped back into the house.

With a shrug, she proceeded down the steps and picked a spot on the lawn where she could get a good view of the sky. She thought she heard something from the side of the house, so she glanced over her shoulder but saw nothing. Shrugging, she studied the quiet street before she looked at the door of Ethel Mae's house. What was taking her so long?

She looked back up at the sky and wondered how long she should stay out there before going back into the house. It was ridiculous that she was out here. She could spend all the time she wanted to at home staring at the stars.

Another sound caught her attention, and just as she was about to look at what caused it, a hand went over her mouth, stopping her from screaming. A cloth went over her mouth while someone else tied a cloth over her eyes. Then she was lifted up, and though she struggled against the person, his grip was too strong. Her pulse raced as she was carried to the street. The person gently set her down so that she was sitting upright, and if she was right, she was in a carriage.

She tried to bring her hands up to uncover her eyes so she could see who this fiend was, but he tied her hands together and slipped something small, round and cold between her palms so she had to hold it. Remembering her feet weren't tied, she got ready to bolt from the carriage but the person wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. The carriage moved forward, and she wiggled to try to get away from her kidnapper but he only tightened his hold on her.

"I'll take your blindfold off soon," he whispered.

She stilled. There was something familiar about the man.

He settled back into the seat with her. "I won't hurt you. Don't be scared."

She wasn't scared. Well, she was at first, but at the moment, her curiosity was getting the best of her. Who in their right mind would kidnap her? And more importantly, why?

"We'll be at our destination in five minutes, and as soon as we are, I'll remove your restraints, alright?" he whispered.

She turned her face in his direction, sensing he wasn't going to hurt her but unable to figure out what would make him concoct such a stupid scheme. Seriously, such a man wouldn't know the first thing about surprising a woman in a way she'd want to be surprised because no woman wanted to be abducted on the front lawn like this.

Furrowing her eyebrows, she leaned forward and smelled him. She recognized the soap. It was Rick. She should have known. Only Rick would think something like this would be romantic.

Her heart leapt in excitement. Romantic! Was he trying to be romantic? She focused on the object in the palms of her hand. If she guessed right, it was a ring. She tried to ask him if he realized she wasn't Ethel Mae, but the cloth around her mouth prevented her from speaking. He did think she was Ethel Mae, didn't he? Considering how dark it was outside, could he even tell what her hair color was? She reached for the bonnet she'd been holding but realized she must have dropped it when he put his hand over her mouth.

Unable to tell him he got the wrong woman, she relaxed and waited as she swayed gently from side to side in the carriage. When it came to a stop, she heard the door open.

Rick took her by the arm and whispered, "We're here. Do you want me to carry you or do you want to walk?"

She started to answer him but the cloth got in her way. She shook her head, hoping he got her silent message that she couldn't speak.

"Oh," he whispered. "Nod for yes and shake your head for no. Do you want to walk?"

She decided to shake her head, not because she wanted to be carried but because she didn't want to try to walk while blindfolded. Who knew what she'd trip on?

He led her out of the carriage and picked her up. She kept waiting for him to notice she was the wrong woman, but he didn't. From the sound of it, he led her up a walkway and then a few steps before he placed her on her feet. She expected him to explain what he was doing, but a door opened and he picked her up again and carried her inside.

"That's an odd way of bringing your bride here," a man said.

Her eyebrows furrowed. She recognized the voice but couldn't place where she'd heard it.

"I wanted to surprise her." This time Rick didn't whisper, and when he spoke again, there was no denying the excitement in his voice. "Sally, I brought you here so we could get married."

"Take those things off of her," Ethel Mae told him.

"Oh! Right." He removed her blindfold, the cloth covering her mouth and the binding around her wrists. "Sorry about that."

Sally was too busy looking around the unfamiliar parlor where Ethel Mae, Samuel, and an older couple stood with wide smiles on their faces. "What's going on?" She knew it was ridiculous to ask such a question when she held a wedding ring in the palm of her hand, but she still had to ask it.

Rick took her hands in his and smiled at her. "Will you marry me?"

She caught his hopeful expression and glanced at Ethel Mae.

"Yes, I knew I took you," Rick told her.

"He's right," Ethel Mae said. "I hope you don't mind how devious I was earlier, but Rick told me he planned to elope with you and asked me to make sure you were outside so he could whisk you away."

Rick motioned to the older couple. "They're Judge Townsend and his wife. He can marry us."

"What do you say, Sally?" Ethel Mae asked, her hands clasped together in excitement.

Her shock finally wearing off, Sally turned her attention back to Rick. So he did want to be with her after all? She thought to tease him about his crazy plan to kidnap her the way he had, but considering the hopeful expression on his face, she didn't have the heart. Maybe it wasn't the smartest thing to do since he had scared her, but it was something he thought would be romantic. And when it came down to it, it was his intention that mattered.

"Yes," she told him. "I'll marry you."

His smile widened and he squeezed her hands. He turned to Judge Townsend. "We're ready whenever you are."

She glanced at Ethel Mae once more, still not believing this was happening. Ethel Mae giggled and motioned for her to face the judge, so she did. Rick continued to hold her hands while the judge started the ceremony. Her head was spinning as the judge spoke, and though she repeated the vows when it was her turn, she had a hard time grasping exactly what she was promising to do for better or worse and for the rest of their lives. But since Rick was a judge, he could fill her in on the details at a later time. She was sure it had to do with her being faithful and cherishing him for the rest of their lives, and she was more than happy to do that.

When the judge pronounced them man and wife, Rick leaned forward to kiss her, and she swore this kiss was even better than the one they'd shared at the park.

The others went over to congratulate them, and as she gave her friend a hug, Ethel Mae whispered, "You aren't mad at me, are you?"

She laughed. "Why would I be mad at you?"

"Because I was deceitful all day. It was hard to keep quiet."

"I was afraid he wanted to be with you," she whispered.

"I know. That's why it was so hard not to tell you." She hugged her again. "I'm so happy for you, Sally. I've heard of whirlwind courtships, but I don't believe any has been as much of a whirlwind as yours."

Sally grinned. "No, I suppose not. I wonder what my parents will say when I tell them?"

"Probably congratulations. He said that he got your father's permission before he talked to me. He also asked me to bring your carpet bag with your things."

Sally's gaze went to the spot in the corner of the room where her carpet bag rested against the wall. "He thought of everything, didn't he?"

"It seems like he knows what he's doing."

"You sound surprised."

Ethel Mae shrugged. "I am. He seemed so unsure of himself all the other times I talked to him. I think being with you has done him a lot of good."

Pleased, Sally thanked her.

Rick called out to her and asked if she would go over to the table to sign the marriage certificate. After she did, the group congratulated them again, and Rick picked up her carpet bag and joined her in going outside. Thrilled, she called out a good-bye to everyone, eager to begin her life as Mrs. Sally Johnson.
Chapter Thirteen

Sally's head was still spinning from everything that just transpired. Rick took her hand and led her down the quiet street. She glanced back and saw the others decided to linger on the porch, her friend looking happier than she'd ever been as she stood next to Samuel.

"I think she's better off with him," Rick said, directing her attention back to him. "Ethel Mae and Samuel. They're a better couple than she and I would have been." He squeezed her hand and smiled. "I hope you don't mind that we eloped. I remembered what you said about surprises and romance and thought this would fit."

"It was very romantic," she admitted. After all, what could be more romantic than marriage?

"I should have brought you flowers. I didn't even think of it. I was so busy getting your pa's permission and then buying the house—"

"House?"

"Well, sure. Didn't you wonder where I'm taking you?"

She decided not to answer that in case she looked silly. The truth was, she hadn't been paying attention to where he was taking her, but as he stopped and motioned to a yellow house nestled in a nice neighborhood, she realized this was her new home.

"You bought this for us?" she asked, feeling as if she was dreaming. The sudden wedding, the house... It seemed too good to be true.

"I thought you might like it. As soon as I saw it, I thought of you, and if you'll notice, there are some flowers around it. It reminded me of our walks through your parents' land where you said your favorite part of living in Omaha was being surrounded by flowers in the spring. I thought you could still have them around you."

Touched, she turned to him and smiled. "That's the sweetest thing anyone's ever done for me, and I'm not just saying that because I don't have to live in the same house with my brothers anymore."

He chuckled and motioned to the front door. "It doesn't have much right now. We'll need to buy more furniture. All it has right now are a bed, a kitchen table and chairs, and things to cook food with. Beyond that, I don't know what you'll want to put in there."

Thrilled she'd get a chance to decorate her own house, she rushed up the steps.

"Wait!" he called out as he ran after her.

She spun around and faced him. "What is it?"

"I need to carry you over the threshold."

She giggled. "Of course. I forgot."

When he caught up to her, she put her arms around his neck and let him lift her into his arms. It felt just as heavenly to be in them as she imagined. He opened the door and carried her inside, giving her a quick kiss before he set her on her feet.

"Let me light the lamp and you can tell me what you think," he said. "It's in the kitchen."

She nodded and accepted his hand as they walked down the dark hallway. "It's a little spooky, don't you think?" she asked, aware of the way their shoes echoed off the hardwood floor.

"Don't worry. I'm here to protect you." He put his arm around her shoulders and drew her close to his side.

She playfully nudged him in the side. "You're silly."

Laughing, he kissed her cheek. "Maybe, but don't you feel better knowing I'm here to protect you?"

She snuggled against him and nodded. "Much better. Thank you."

He led her to the table and let go of her so he could light the kerosene lamp. She turned her attention to the spacious kitchen which had plenty of room for a table and chairs. She scanned the wooden cupboards, the cook stove, the hooks and shelves lining the wall and the little room off to the side.

Gasping, she grabbed Rick's arm and led him to the small room. He held the lamp so she could see what the room had in it and squealed in delight. "It's a pantry!"

He grinned. "Do you like that?"

"I love it! What does the rest of the house look like?" Before he could answer, she spun him around and led him out of the kitchen and back down the hall. To their left was an empty room that was the parlor. She led him into it and studied the room. "The window is lovely! It's so big, too. Let's put a chair by it. Then we can put a couch against this wall." She motioned to the wall opposite the window. "We can put a table in front of the couch, another one by the chair, and... Oh! We can put another chair by the fireplace! That will be your chair so you can warm your feet on a cold winter's day. Then we'll need curtains and a rug and maybe some things to hang on the walls, and this room will yell out welcome to anyone who comes to visit!"

He laughed. "You don't have to decide where everything goes tonight."

"But this is fun. Isn't it fun, Rick?"

"Well, yes, I suppose so."

"Of course, it's fun! I finally get my own house to decorate however I please. I never did care for the color curtains my mother put in the parlor, but here I can put a light blue color. Hmm... Maybe yellow. To match the house."

"You can decorate it however you want."

"Oh Rick, that's so kind of you." She kissed his cheek and headed for the entryway where her carpet bag was. Noting the doorway next to the stairs, she asked, "What is this room?"

"That's another room. You can put whatever you want in it."

"Really?" She walked through the doorway and inspected the space that was smaller than the parlor but still large enough to enjoy. She bit her lower lip and thought about what she might put in here. Then the perfect idea occurred to her. "Rick, you could use this room."

"Me?" He stood beside her.

"Sure. You're a judge. I'm sure you have law books you need to read or something. We can make this your room. You can have bookshelves for books, a desk, a chair, and anything else you want. It'll be perfect for you."

"That does sound nice."

"It will be once we're done putting furniture and curtains in here. Blue curtains, since you're a man."

"Thank you, Sally. I'd like to have a room like that."

She smiled and turned back toward the doorway. "I want to see the upstairs. Maybe we should put yellow curtains all through the house. Or is that boring? Do you think we should have curtains of different colors in all the rooms?"

He followed her up the stairs, holding the lamp so she could see as she climbed up the steps. "It depends on whether you like things to be the same or different."

"Maybe different. White for the kitchen, yellow for the parlor, blue for your den since you're a man, green for the children's bedroom... How many rooms are up here?"

"Three."

She stopped at the top of the steps and thought for a moment. "White, yellow, blue, green... Maybe pink? No. What if we don't have any girls? We can't have them in a room with pink curtains. Maybe purple? Do you think purple is good for a boy's room?"

"We might have all girls. In that case purple and pink will be just fine."

"You're right. But to be on the safe side, let's put up purple in our room, and green and orange curtains for the children's rooms. If we have a boy and a girl, we're prepared."

"That sounds like a good plan, Sally."

She clapped her hands and studied the rooms that would one day be for their children. "This is so much better than I ever dreamed. I can't believe I have my own house!" She glanced at him and laughed. "I mean our house."

He chuckled. "I know what you meant."

He walked over to where she stood at the doorway of what would one day be one of their children's bedrooms and slipped his arm around her waist. He leaned forward and kissed her, and she melted in his arms. His lips were warm, his touch gentle, his body strong against hers. She couldn't believe she was really here. She was sure if she pinched herself, she'd find out she'd been dreaming. But when he ended the kiss, she was still with him, and he was smiling at her in a way that told her he loved her. It was the most wonderful feeling in the world. And what was even better was knowing that she'd get to experience this for the rest of her life.

He led her away from the doorway and to another room. "I think before you decorate the children's bedrooms, you should decorate ours."

She peered into the room which only had a bed and a trunk in the corner of the room. "Are your things in there?"

He nodded. "Until you pick out a dresser and wardrobe, they will be." Taking her carpet bag from her, he crossed the room and placed it next to the trunk.

She turned her attention to the window which faced north. "What a perfect place to put our bedroom. The sun won't come directly in through the window in either the morning or evening."

"I assure you, I had nothing to do with that," he teased.

Amused, she went over to the window and saw that it looked out over the backyard. "Can you put in a fence? I'd like for our children to be able to play back there without running off. When my brothers and sister were younger, Ma and I had a terrible job keeping them from running off, and quite frankly, Richard and Tom weren't any help."

"I can do that."

Content, she turned her attention to the rest of the room. "I think a wardrobe will go well over there." She pointed to the wall adjacent to the one which had the window. "The dresser will go here." She pointed next to the window. "We already know where the bed is. I suppose we'll need a box stove come fall."

"Oh, I don't know." Rick placed the kerosene lamp on the trunk and dimmed the light. "We might not need a box stove. I can keep you warm."

She blushed at his meaning, and for the moment, she was glad the lamp's light was dim enough so he didn't see her face grow pink. She'd never been more relieved her mother took the time to explain what to expect on her wedding night.

He went over to her, and she did her best to suppress her anxiety. She didn't know why it hadn't occurred to her sooner that getting married earlier would mean she'd be sharing a bed with him tonight. It must've been the house and the anticipation of making this her home where she'd tend to her husband and children. She took a deep breath and reminded herself that her mother told her this was something a woman could enjoy if the man was tender, and Rick was one of the most tender people she'd ever met. He'd never do anything to hurt her. The reminder settled her nerves a bit so that when he reached her, she was able to focus on his smile and the excitement in his eyes.

He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her. His lips were soft, a mere whisper on hers. She returned his kiss, her heart racing in nervous excitement, knowing this was only a foretaste of the consummation of their marriage. When he ended the kiss, she dared to make eye contact with him and smiled.

He brushed her cheeks with his thumbs and whispered, "I'm glad you married me tonight."

Her face grew warm and she got ready to respond, but he brought his lips back to hers, and this time, the kiss was more passionate and more exciting. His hands left her face and traveled down to her shoulders and then her back. She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave into the need to get lost in his kiss. It was so much better than the kisses they'd shared at the park. This time when he kissed her, he kissed her as her husband. There was no pretending. He wanted to be with her, not Ethel Mae, and that made everything in being with him so much better.

As he deepened the kiss, he brought one of his hands up the front of her shirt. She knew where he intended to touch her and drew slightly away from him so he could more easily touch her breast. He cupped her gently in his hand, as if afraid he'd hurt her. She let out a low moan as the pad of his thumb swept across her nipple, causing a spark to travel up and down her spine. Her mother had been right. She was going to enjoy this part of marriage, even if the first time was going to be a little uncomfortable when he entered her. But her mother had assured her it'd be just the first time.

Rick parted his lips, and his tongue brushed hers. Surprised, she opened her mouth and felt his tongue as it interlaced with hers. His hand slipped to the buttons of her shirt, and she waited for him to unbutton it, eager for the feel of his hands on her bare skin. She ran her fingers through his hair, barely noting the silky strands as he fiddled with her top button. It took her a moment to realize he was having trouble. She ended the kiss and glanced at his hand.

He sighed. "I'm afraid I'm not good at this."

"I'll do it," she whispered and proceeded to unbutton her shirt, even as she grew more and more nervous with each button she unfastened.

Thankfully, he turned his attention to removing his own clothing. Since he wasn't looking directly at her, she managed to slip out of the rest of her clothes which softly fell to the floor. Under ordinary circumstances, she'd neatly fold them or drape them on the back of a chair, but considering the fact that he was removing his underwear, she figured the clothes could wait. She slipped under the bedcovers and ventured a look in his direction, intrigued by how he looked naked. Her gaze went to his erection, but he joined her in bed before she got enough time to study him.

His body was warm next to hers, and he brought her into his arms so he could kiss her again. Despite her nervousness, she relished the feeling of being wrapped in his embrace where she felt protected and loved. She noted the hairs on his chest against her breasts and the feel of his arousal pressing into her abdomen. She wanted to touch him, to fully explore him, but she didn't dare, at least not this time. Everything was so new yet, and even if she'd been told what to expect, she couldn't bring herself to do more than respond to him.

He deepened the kiss, and his hands touched parts of her body she never imagined could tingle in excitement from another's touch. He seemed intent on studying all of her, and she was more than happy to let him. Her flesh warmed under his caress, her nipples hardening when he brushed them with his fingers, tingles running up and down her spine as he stroked back.

His tongue interlaced with hers, his earlier gentle kisses giving way to something more demanding, but she didn't mind the intensity in his kiss. It was wonderfully exciting to be so consumed by him, to know he desired her so much he was touching and kissing her as if he couldn't get enough of her. Who knew under Rick Johnson's calm exterior was a man of intense passion?

His mouth left hers and traveled down her neck. She shivered in delight and tightened her hold on him. He shifted against her, his erection now closer to the patch of curls between her legs. She gasped, knowing soon he'd be inside her, claiming her as his wife, but she didn't know if she was more afraid or anxious to be filled by him. She was aware of the way her body was getting ready for him, the area between her legs aching and growing moist in anticipation. Her body's response to him intrigued her as much as his body's response to her.

His mouth left her neck and traveled down her collarbone and then to her breast. She gasped and wiggled. He moaned and left a trail of kisses around her nipple before he centered on it and flicked it with his tongue. She murmured her appreciation and arched her back to grant him better access to her breasts. He took his time in kissing and fondling them, and the entire time he did, she groaned, enjoying the sweet torment he was putting her through. Yes, her mother had told her she'd like this, and while she hadn't doubted her mother, she had no idea exactly what she meant.

His hand went from her breast to her legs. Without prompting, she spread her legs for him. His fingers brushed the folds of her flesh, and she moved her hips to grant him better access to whatever he wanted. In response, he slid a finger into her and she squirmed in pleasure. Who knew that area of her body could feel so amazing? She gripped the sheet beneath her and murmured for him to continue so she could experience this bit of heaven even more.

He complied by sliding another finger into her and stroking her core. He brought his lips to her ear and whispered her name while he continued to stroke her, building the tension inside her. Her hand went over his and she directed his thumb to her sensitive nub that begged to be fondled. He followed her lead and made circular motions over her nub. She was barely aware that he lifted his head so he could watch her. Even though a part of her felt self-conscious, he softly told her he'd never seen a more seductive sight, and knowing he was aroused by watching her made her more comfortable so she could focus on the mounting pleasure between her legs.

His thumb worked faster on her sensitive nub, his fingers stroking her core. She rocked her hips, aiding him along as she worked her way to completion. She could definitely get used to doing this with him. Being in bed with him, discovering the pleasure inherent in their coming together as man and wife. She hoped it would never end, and yet, her body demanded she climax. Finally, when she thought she couldn't take it anymore, she reached her peak and cried out in pleasure. It was wonderful. Utterly and completely wonderful, and she stayed suspended in the moment for as long as she could before she began her gentle descent back to Earth.

He was already moving on top of her before she had time to understand what was going on. His arousal pressed against the part of her that marked her a virgin, and when he pressed through the barrier, she gave a slight groan, aware of the stinging sensation that she'd been told to expect. It wasn't as bad as she feared, thankfully, and she appreciated the fact that he waited for her to adjust to him.

He brought his lips to hers and kissed her. "Sally?"

Letting go of the sheet, she brought her hands to his waist and rocked her hips, a silent encouragement for him to keep going. He moaned in appreciation and brought himself almost all the way out of her before he gently eased back into her. This time it didn't sting so much, so she worked with him, moving her hips in time with his as he got her body used to him.

She appreciated the care he was giving her, and kissed his cheek to thank him. He whispered her name again and then moved faster, thrusting deeper inside her. She focused on the feel of him, taking note of how he filled her core and stroked the sensitive places within her that she hadn't been aware of before now. She wrapped her legs around his waist so he could go even deeper, and soon after, his body grew taut as he let out a soft cry. He throbbed inside her, and she felt him spill his seed into her.

Afterwards, he collapsed in her arms. She held him, happy to kiss his cheek and shoulder, loving the way his heart beat in time with hers. Though she was aware that he softened inside her, she loved that he remained there, prolonging the intimate connection she had with him. A couple minutes passed, and he lifted his head so he could kiss her, his lips gentle and warm. When the kiss ended, she sighed in contentment. Being here with Rick was like a dream come true, and the best part was that she'd get to spend the rest of her life with him.

He eased himself from her and settled next to her. He brought her into his arms and kissed the top of her head. Resting his cheek against the top of her head, he murmured, "You're the best thing that's happened to me."

Smiling, she snuggled closer to him. "You're the best thing that's happened to me, too."

She remained awake in his arms, even after he drifted off to sleep. She replayed the day's events in her mind, reliving every moment from the fear he'd never want to be with her to the thrill of finding out he did. She couldn't wait to go to her family with him by her side as her husband. Sally Johnson. She repeated her new name to herself as she imagined what their future would hold. They'd have a couple of children, she was sure, and she'd be there to take care of him when he came home tired after a long day at work. With another contented sigh, she repeated her name to herself once more and then fell asleep.

Epilogue

November 1870 (three years later)

On Thanksgiving Day, Sally carried a tray of refreshments into her parents' parlor. Rick's mother bounced her very happy grandson on her knee and looked up at Sally as she placed apple cider on the table. Sally glanced around the crowded room and contemplated opening the window. Even if there was snow outside, the group of people coming in and out of the room and the young children made everything feel warmer than it actually was.

Glad for a reprieve from helping her mother in the kitchen, Sally sat next to Rick's mother and smiled at her son who giggled. "I think I've been replaced," Sally said, and though she made a show of pouting, she couldn't hold back her laughter.

"No one ever takes a mother's place, my dear," Rick's mother replied.

His mother handed Greg to her, so Sally took her son in her arms and sighed when he tried to squirm back to his grandmother's lap. "You think I can't be replaced? I think Greg loves his grandmothers more than me."

"To be fair, I do get the joy of spoiling him. You have to do the difficult job of disciplining him. Though, I can't imagine what he'd ever do wrong."

"My ma thinks he does no wrong, too," Sally mused. "It must be something grandmothers are born with: the ability to only see the good in their grandchildren." She gave her 11-month-old son a kiss on the forehead before handing him back to Rick's mother. "I should make sure no one else needs anything to drink."

She stood up from the couch and set a glass of apple cider by the small table next to Rick's mother. She turned back to the tray of glasses just in time to stop four-year-old Mark from knocking them over. Relieved, she let go of his hand and shook her head. "Now, Mark, you know better than to do that. You can have some cider, but you need to take one of the cups from the kitchen."

His eyes grew wide. "Aunt Sally, I'm Anthony."

She studied him. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure. I know my name."

She caught the mole under his chin and nodded. "I'm sorry. You really are Anthony. I tell you, you and your brother look exactly alike. It's uncanny." She glanced at Amanda who was holding her one-year-old daughter in her lap. "It's a good thing you didn't have twins last year."

Amanda grinned. "Sometimes I get the boys mixed up, too, so it's not just you."

Sally's gaze went back to the little girl who was drifting off to sleep. "I'd like to know how my niece can sleep when it's so loud in here."

"She's used to a lot of noise," Amanda said, nodding to Mark who tapped Anthony on the shoulder and yelled that there were cookies waiting for them in the kitchen. The two boys cried with glee and ran out of the parlor, making Amanda giggle. "See what I mean? This happens all the time. Spending Thanksgiving here just means they get to eat before supper."

"Ma is horrible when it comes to saying no to her grandchildren," Sally said. "I'll be surprised if they have an appetite by the time we carve the turkey."

"Even if they don't, the men will eat enough for them," Rick's mother spoke up.

Joel ran into the room with a hand full of cookies and plopped right next to Rick's mother. "Want some?" He held out a cookie to her, which Greg tried to take.

Sally groaned. "Joel, you need to bring a plate and a napkin out here when you have food."

Rick's mother nodded, and in a kind voice, added, "You don't want your poor ma to have to pick crumbs off the floor in here, do you?"

"No," Joel grudgingly replied as he got ready to stand up.

Jenny hurried into the parlor with a plate and a cloth napkin. "For goodness' sakes, Joel. I can barely keep up with you." She shoved the plate and napkin in his face.

"I forgot to get them." Joel placed the cookies on the plate and set the napkin on his lap. "There. Happy? Hey Sally! You missed the excitement yesterday. Clyde Jenkins came over, and I caught him kissing Jenny on the cheek."

Jenny gasped and grabbed the plate of cookies from him.

"What are you doing?" he protested, reaching for the plate.

"I can't believe you were spying on me!" She held the plate behind her back. "You listen to me, Joel Larson, if you do that again, I'll slip something nasty into your food."

Surprised, Sally's eyes widened. "Jenny, where were you and Clyde?"

Jenny turned to her, her cheeks red from embarrassment. "He was showing me how to shoe a horse."

"Was someone else around so you could make sure Clyde didn't try something he shouldn't?" Sally asked.

"I've already heard it from Ma. I don't need to hear it from you, too." Jenny glared at Joel and plopped the plate on his lap. "Snitch."

Joel shook his head as she stormed out of the room. "That's gratitude for you. I only came down from the loft because Clyde was wrong when he was explaining how to shoe a horse. He doesn't know anything about it." He looked at Rick's mother. "He's a dolt. I'm surprised he can tie his shoes."

"That's not a nice thing to say about someone," Sally muttered, though she didn't care much for Clyde. She hoped her sister wasn't going to marry him.

"Can he have a cookie?" he asked Rick's mother, pointing to Greg whose gaze hadn't left the plate ever since the cookies went on it.

Rick's mother nodded. "We need to break it up into small pieces."

After Joel hurried to do that, Jenny came back into the room and called out, "Ma says you can't eat in here. You can eat on the porch, in the kitchen or in the barn."

Joel grunted. "I'm not that messy."

"Ma!" Jenny yelled.

"I'm going, I'm going," he grumbled and sulked out of the room.

Satisfied, Jenny hurried after him, passing Tom's wife, Jessica, who came into the parlor, holding her baby.

Sally held out a glass of cider to Jessica and then another one to Amanda. Turning back to Jessica, she asked, "Did all the noise wake Nelly up?"

Jessica set her daughter on the floor so she could crawl. "I think Nelly's having a hard time sleeping with all the noise."

Sally laughed and looked at Amanda's sleeping daughter. "Annabelle's used to it," Sally told Jessica. "But I am wondering, are you used to being Tom's wife?"

Jessica sipped her drink and laughed. "I don't know if there was anything to get used to. He's always been sweet."

"Oh, I know that, but he never seemed to stay put. Before I got married and left this house, he was hard to pin down. He'd be running all over the place after Joel. It was annoying."

"Well, Joel isn't out there to bother him," Jessica replied and reached down to stop Nelly from pulling on Amanda's dress.

"I don't mind, Jessica," Amanda told her. "Besides, it's nice to see my niece. "I married Richard when Tom was fifteen, and even when I see Tom now, I still think of him as the clumsy fifteen-year-old who almost knocked me over on my wedding day. It doesn't seem real to me that he has a child."

"Tom is still clumsy," Sally commented with a wry grin. "So it doesn't seem like much has changed."

"Sometimes he isn't clumsy," Jessica argued. "He's very good when it comes to farming."

"That's a good thing, too," Sally added. "But I'm sure he misses Joel. I hear Joel doesn't know what to do now. David won't go after him, no matter what Joel's done to get his attention. I hear Joel even hid his good boots. David just put on his old pair and went right out to the barn as if nothing happened."

"Did he ever get his boots back?" Rick's mother asked.

Sally nodded. "The same afternoon."

Rick's mother smiled. "Then it sounds to me like David knows how to handle Joel better than Tom did."

"I think so, but you know, I think Tom enjoyed it, even though he protested," Sally said before she collected Jenny's and Rick's mother's empty glasses. "Are you done, Amanda?" she asked, noting that she'd barely touched her drink.

"For now, yes." Amanda handed her the glass. Holding onto Nelly's hand, she helped the baby stand. "It won't be too much longer and she'll be walking all over the place. That's when the real fun begins."

Sally put the glass on the fireplace mantle. "Your drink is here whenever you want it."

"Thanks, Sally."

As the women continued talking, Sally took the empty glasses into the kitchen. Her mother and Jenny were checking the pumpkin pies.

"Did I do alright?" Sally asked.

"You did fine," her mother assured her. "You said this is Ethel Mae's recipe?"

Sally nodded. "She got it from a woman whose husband found gold."

Her mother poked the pie with a fork before glancing her way. "So California really has gold in the hills? I haven't heard any success stories out there."

"Most people aren't finding any. This woman's husband did, and he wrote the good news to her and now she lives with him. She and Ethel Mae became friends almost as soon as they met."

"How is Ethel Mae's son?"

"She says he's a charmer just like Samuel. He's only three but he likes to follow his pa around and talk to the customers of the hotel. The patrons think it's adorable, especially the women, and Ethel Mae says when the women are happy, so are the husbands."

"I don't think your pa would argue with that." Her mother winked at her and studied the fork. "The pie is done. You did a good job on this one, Sally." She placed the fork on the worktable and turned her attention to mashing the potatoes. "So, is there anything else new with Ethel Mae and Samuel?"

Sally mixed the cranberry sauce and nodded. "They're expecting another child next summer." She scanned the huge large amount of food on the worktable. "I think you have enough here for everyone."

"I hope so. I'd hate to think someone won't get enough. I even have two turkeys. If that doesn't satisfy the men, then the pies should."

"We can only hope," Jenny quipped. "Should we set the table?"

"Yes," their mother replied. "I can't think of anything else to do."

Sally joined Jenny in collecting the dishes to take out to the dining room. "I hate to think of all the dishes we'll be washing later today," she told Jenny.

"It'll be worth it," their mother replied with a large grin on her face. "It's so nice to have all of my children and grandchildren together."

Amused, Sally followed Jenny out of the room and whispered, "I don't understand how she can spend all day in a hot kitchen, cooking for an army, and look like she's in heaven. It's my idea of torture."

"I think she feels useful," Jenny replied.

Probably. Sally, however, would be happy if she never had to host a Thanksgiving meal for a group as large as her family. She and Jenny set the table. Jenny finished first, and left the room so Sally had the room to herself. It was a relief to get a moment of peace and quiet, so she took her time.

Now that she no longer lived in this house, it was easy to forget how loud a bunch of adults and children could be, but she had to admit she was enjoying the day immensely. She and Rick had picked up his parents who lived only eight blocks from them and had a nice ride out to her parents' house. And now they were getting ready to eat, something her growling stomach was very happy about.

On her way to the kitchen, someone grabbed her by the arm and pulled her aside. "Rick?" she asked once her shock wore off. "I thought you were on the porch with the men."

He squeezed her hand and gave her a smile that made her go weak in the knees. Even after all this time, he had the ability to excite her, and though his hand was cold from being outside, she hardly noticed. He led her into a small bedroom and shut the door behind him so they were alone.

"I have something for you," he said.

"Is it my Christmas present a month early?" she asked.

"Not quite, but it does have something to do with Christmas."

"Really? What is it?"

He pulled a mistletoe out of his pocket and held it over their heads. "Richard told me if I use this, I can get a kiss from the woman I most desire, and after a lot of thought, I decided to pick you."

She giggled. "After a lot of thought?"

"Well, there are so many women to choose from."

"I see. It was a tough choice, was it?" Though she tried to sound stern, she couldn't stop laughing.

"Actually, it was easy to decide who to kiss. What troubled me was picking the best place to kiss you. Do you know how hard it is to get you alone around here?"

"Hmm... I suppose since you managed to hunt me down, you might as well get your reward." She kissed him and stepped back. "There you go."

He frowned. "That's not exactly what I had in mind."

Finding this game fun, she raised her eyebrow. "No?"

"No. I was thinking of something more like this."

He reached out and pulled her into his arms. He lowered his head and kissed her. She melted against him and returned his kiss, her heart racing at the thrill of being so wonderfully loved.

"I think I'm going to be sick, and I haven't even had Sally's pie yet," someone grumbled from under the daybed.

Startled, Sally spun around and rushed for the bed before the little rat could get away. She lifted the bed's cover in time to see Joel trying to scamper away. In one swift motion, she grabbed his foot and pulled him out from under the bed. "Joel Patrick Larson! You have no right to spy on people."

"Don't be so hard on him, Sally," Rick said while she grabbed the little weasel by the back of his collar and pulled him up.

"You're strong for a woman," Joel squeaked, trying to undo the first button on his shirt.

"Joel's been going around and spying on other people in this house," Sally told Rick. "The little rat deserves what's coming to him."

"So let's give it to him. Let him go," Rick insisted.

Sally judged the wisdom in doing so, but she was intrigued by what Rick had in mind so she obeyed.

Joel straightened his shirt and adjusted his tie. "You got quite the grip there, sis."

"Well, don't you forget it," she warned him.

She expected Rick to give Joel a piece of his mind, but to her surprise, Rick ignored Joel, wrapped her in his arms, and kissed her again. Had she not been too stunned, she would have pulled away from him.

Joel gagged and rushed out of the room, mumbling something about how he wouldn't be able to eat anything at supper.

When the door shut behind him, Rick stopped kissing her and chuckled. "That's how you make sure he doesn't spy on us anymore."

"That was rather devious of you." She ran her hands up and down his arms. "But very clever."

"You think so?" he asked.

"My only regret is that I didn't think of it."

"Well, we can't all be perfect."

Before she could respond, he was kissing her again, and any thoughts she had for a clever comeback eluded her. Giving up on the verbal sparring she could have had with him, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him in return, content to let the rest of the world fade away.
If you love the Larson family and would like to know what books feature a Larson in it, here is a quick reference so you can find other Larson romances in my book catalogue. (I am doing this in chronological order.)

This list is current as of August 2018.

Wagon Trail Bride – this features Richard Larson

Her Heart's Desire – this features Sally Larson

A Bride For Tom – this features Tom Larson

Eye of the Beholder – this features Dave Larson

The Wrong Husband – this features Jenny Larson

Shotgun Groom – this features Joel Larson

To Have And To Hold – this is a second Dave Larson book (includes the same heroine)

The Rejected Groom – this features Tony Larson (Richard's son)

The Perfect Wife – this features Mark Larson (Richard's son)

The Imperfect Husband – this features Annabelle Larson (Richard's daughter); coming soon

Isaac's Decision – this features Isaac Larson (Dave's son)

Boaz's Wager – Rachel Larson (Dave's daughter) is a secondary character in this one

Catching Kent – this features Rose Larson (Dave's daughter)

His Convenient Wife – this features Harriett Larson (Dave's daughter)

All Books by Ruth Ann Nordin

(Chronological Order)

Regencies

Marriage by Scandal Series

The Earl's Inconvenient Wife

A Most Unsuitable Earl

His Reluctant Lady

The Earl's Scandalous Wife

Standalone Regency

Her Counterfeit Husband (happens during A Most Unsuitable Earl)

Marriage by Deceit Series

The Earl's Secret Bargain

Love Lessons With the Duke

Ruined by the Earl

The Earl's Stolen Bride

Marriage by Arrangement Series

His Wicked Lady

Her Devilish Marquess

The Earl's Wallflower Bride

Marriage by Bargain Series

The Viscount's Runaway Bride

The Rake's Vow

Taming The Viscountess

If It Takes A Scandal

Marriage by Fate Series

The Reclusive Earl

Married In Haste

Make Believe Bride

The Perfect Duke

Kidnapping the Viscount – coming soon

Marriage by Fairytale Series

The Marriage Contract

One Enchanted Evening – coming soon

Historical Western Romances

Pioneer Series

Wagon Trail Bride

The Marriage Agreement

Groom For Hire

Forced Into Marriage

Nebraska Series

Her Heart's Desire

A Bride for Tom

A Husband for Margaret

Eye of the Beholder

The Wrong Husband

Shotgun Groom

To Have and To Hold

His Redeeming Bride

Isaac's Decision

Misled Mail Order Brides Series

The Bride Price

The Rejected Groom

The Perfect Wife

The Imperfect Husband – coming soon

Chance at Love Series

The Convenient Mail Order Bride

The Mistaken Mail Order Bride

The Accidental Mail Order Bride

The Bargain Mail Order Bride

South Dakota Series

Loving Eliza

Bid for a Bride

Bride of Second Chances

Montana Collection

Mitch's Win

Boaz's Wager

Patty's Gamble

Shane's Deal – coming soon

Native American Romance Series

Restoring Hope

A Chance In Time

Brave Beginnings

Bound by Honor, Bound by Love

Virginia Series

An Unlikely Place for Love

The Cold Wife

An Inconvenient Marriage

Romancing Adrienne

Standalone Historical Western Romances

Falling In Love With Her Husband

Kent Ashton's Backstory

Catching Kent

His Convenient Wife

Meant To Be

The Mail Order Bride's Deception

Contemporary Romances

Omaha Series

With This Ring, I Thee Dread

What Nathan Wants

Just Good Friends

Across the Stars Series

Suddenly a Bride

Runaway Bride

His Abducted Bride

Standalone Contemporaries

Substitute Bride

Co-Authored Romances

Historical Romance Anthologies (with Janet Syas Nitsick)

Bride by Arrangement

A Groom's Promise

Contemporary Anthology (with Catherine Lynn)

Bride By Design

Thrillers

Return of the Aliens (Christian End-Times Novel)

Late One Night (flash fiction)

The Very True Legends of Ol' Man Wickleberry and his Demise - Ink Slingers' Anthology

Fantasies

Enchanted Galaxy Series

A Royal Engagement

Royal Hearts

The Royal Pursuit

Royal Heiress

Nonfiction

Writing Tips Series

11 Tips for New Writers

The Emotionally Engaging Character
To find out more about Ruth Ann Nordin's books and upcoming titles, you can go to the following sites:

Her Website: www.ruthannnordin.com

Her Blog: https://ruthannnordinauthorblog.com

