“Thank you, ma’am.” He left the porch and walked around the cottage to the back of the house. It was a cozy backyard with a hedge enclosing the space to offer privacy. Two large pecan trees stood in the middle of the yard, offering shade.
Emma sat beneath the trees on a wrought-iron bench. She wore a yellow skirt and a white blouse, and her dark brown curls were gathered at the nape of her neck in a yellow ribbon. Her head was bent over a beautiful patchwork quilt lying on her lap, and a needle and thread were in her right hand. She looked so serene, with little wisps of hair playing about her cheeks in the gentle breeze. For a moment, Hays contemplated leaving her in peace, but the thought of walking away without seeing her smile was a prospect he didn’t want to consider.
She must have sensed his nearness, because she looked up from her work and rewarded him with the smile he had been seeking. Her green eyes sparkled with welcome, and her cheeks turned a pretty shade of pink. “Hello.”
In that moment, Hays realized his attraction to her had grown into something far more serious than friendship. He had come to admire her deeply. She was loyal, honest, and above all, she had a heart to serve. The fund-raiser had faced several setbacks, but each time she had found a way to persevere. She was patient with her students, faithful to her family, and she was a good friend to Connie during her time of grieving. Yes, Emma was stubborn and strong-willed, and she was often more serious than necessary—but even those qualities could be strengths when she chose to use them wisely.
Above all, Hays liked Emma. More and more every day.
“Howdy.” He walked toward her, enjoying the high curve in her cheekbones, the fullness of her lips, and the silky-white softness of her neck.
She set aside the quilt and offered him her full attention. “I didn’t expect to see you today. I thought you’d be busy catching up at the ranch.”
“I thought it might be nice to do a little something different today—with you.”
She picked up the quilt again. “I wish I could, but there are so many things to do before next Saturday.”
Hays took a step toward her and put his hand over hers. “Emma.”
She stopped and looked up at him.
“It’s only one afternoon.” He studied her, trying to understand her thoughts. “I’d like to take you for a ride to show you something.”
Her mouth parted as if she was going to refuse him, but something flickered in her gaze, and she nodded. “All right.”
Relief and disbelief shifted within his chest and he smiled. “Would you like to know where we’re going?”
Emma snipped the thread and put her needle inside her basket. She stood and wrapped the quilt into a neat bundle. When she looked at him, there was a hint of mischief in her eyes. “Surprise me.”
He liked her answer.
They walked across the backyard and entered the house. Mrs. Longley and Hope were in the small kitchen peeling potatoes. Both ladies lifted their gazes when Emma and Hays entered.
“Mama, Hays has asked me to go on a ride with him,” Emma said, setting the quilt on a worktable.
Emma missed the pleased glance her mother and sister sent each other—but Hays didn’t.
“Hays!” David ran into the kitchen. “I thought I heard your voice. Can you take me to the 7 Heart? I want to keep practicing my roping for the spring roundup. Is Mr. Bowie at the ranch? Do you think Clara will have puppies soon? Could you take me to see?”
“Not today, Davey. I’m taking Emma on a ride.”
“Can I come?” David asked, looking at his oldest sister with bright eyes.
Emma began to respond, but Hays beat her to it, afraid she might say yes. “I’ll take you out tomorrow after church if your parents agree.”
David turned his freckled face to his mother. “Can I, Mama?”
“May I?” Mrs. Longley corrected. “And I’ll ask your papa when he comes home, but I don’t think there will be a problem.”
“Whillikens!” David said. “That’ll be fun.”
“David,” Mrs. Longley chastised, “please refrain from using slang.”
“Ah, Mama.”
“I’ll grab a shawl,” Emma said to Hays. She leaned over and kissed her mother’s cheek. “I’ll be back before supper.”
“Where are you going?” Hope asked.
“It’s a surprise,” Emma said.
Hope sighed and went back to peeling her potatoes, her gaze no longer focused on those present.
“Have fun,” Mrs. Longley called.
Hays followed Emma out of the kitchen and into the sunny front parlor. She reached for a white shawl, but he grabbed it before she could. “May I?” He settled the shawl around her shoulders and rested his hands there for a moment. Before she could pull away, he reached for the door and opened it for her. “After you.”
She passed by, and he caught the delicate scent of lavender. He wanted to pause and savor the smell, but he followed her out the door and closed it behind them instead.
“I can’t quite believe I’m outside enjoying such marvelous weather at the end of January,” Emma said, accepting his hand as she climbed into the open buggy. “Back home—” She paused and quickly looked at him as if she had said something wrong.
He climbed up into the buggy as she settled into the seat.