“Don’t let her modesty fool you.” Papa winked at Emma. “She’s the second-best cook I know.”
“Yet another reason to admire you.” Hays winked.
“I’m going for a walk,” Emma said quickly. “I’ll be back before supper.”
“We’ll be here building tables,” Papa said.
“All right.” Emma started off toward town and Hays made no motion to follow her.
Soon the sound of their tools and companionable conversation found its way to her ears.
Emma pulled her shawl closer around her body and tried not to feel disappointed that Hays hadn’t insisted on joining her.
Chapter Six
It was the last day of January, which meant they were only one week away from the fund-raiser and one month away from the end of the school term. Hays inspected his reflection in the hall mirror before reaching for his Stetson.
He was on his way into town to see Emma again, but this time he wasn’t going to help with the fund-raiser. There was something far more enjoyable he had in mind for today.
Courting.
“Hays?” Pa’s voice reached Hays from inside his office.
“Yes, sir.”
“Come here, son.”
With a sigh, Hays set his hat back on the hook. He hadn’t told Emma he was coming, though Reverend Longley knew of his plans. He hated to be late, but he also hated to disappoint his pa.
Hays opened the door leading into the office. The room had always impressed and intimidated him. It was one of the largest in the house and boasted a brilliant view of the ranch from the six floor-to-ceiling windows surrounding Pa’s desk. A large longhorn bull’s head was mounted on the wall above a commanding fireplace, and the remaining walls were lined with hundreds of his pa’s books.
Pa sat in his large chair, his feet propped up on his desk, as he watched Hays enter. “Have a seat, son.”
Hays took the leather chair he often occupied while visiting with his father, but he didn’t settle in like usual. “What can I do for you?”
“Are you off again?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Into Hartville to see Miss Longley?”
Hays nodded. It was no secret that he had been spending all of his free time at the parsonage.
Pa dropped his feet and put his hands on his desk, a surefire sign that he was about to get serious. “Austin’s been in here complaining that you’ve got your head in the clouds and you’re not gettin’ your work done around the ranch.”
Hays couldn’t deny the claim. “I’m not doing it on purpose. I’ve been helping Emma with—”
“None of that matters,” Pa said, studying Hays. “I’m only concerned about one thing.”
Hays frowned. “The ranch?”
“Your marriage prospects.”
“My what?”
“Are you making progress with Miss Longley? She’s the one you’re pursuing, isn’t she? ’Cause if not, you’re wasting time.”
“Pa!” Hays stood, unable to stay in his seat.
“What?” Pa looked up at him. “I laid down the law a month ago and you’re the only one takin’ me seriously. Are you makin’ any progress?”
“Pa,” Hays said again. “These things take time and patience.”
Pa shook his head. “If I was thirty years younger, I’d show you whippersnappers how to go about courtin’ proper-like.”
Hays grinned. “I remember Mother said she was the one who had to pursue you.”
“That’s because I was a knothead like your brothers.” He propped his feet up on his desk again, longing in his voice. “If I had to do it all over again, I would’ve been a lot smarter.”
“I’m trying—I just wish Emma wasn’t so reluctant.”
“I like her,” Pa said. “And I like that she’s making you work for her hand. She’s a keeper.”
“She is.” Hays tilted his head toward the door. “Can I go to it?”
Pa nodded. “Don’t worry about Austin and the ranch. Courtin’ is more important right now.”
Hays couldn’t agree more. He left his pa’s office, grabbing his Stetson on his way out the front door. He had no time to lose. In less than five weeks, Emma would get on a stagecoach and leave Hartville for good. The thought caused him to sprint to the barn.
Hays hitched the team up to a buggy and drove into town as quickly as he could. When he arrived at the parsonage, he jumped out of the buggy and strode to the front door to knock. Even though he had come to this house every day for the past three weeks, he stood a bit stiff, more nervous than he’d ever felt in his life. It was a humbling experience to stand on a young lady’s front porch and risk her rejection.
The door opened, and Mrs. Longley stood wiping her hands on her white apron. “Hello, Hays.”
“Hello, Mrs. Longley. Is Emma at home?”
“She’s in the backyard binding one of the quilts. You’re more than welcome to join her.”