Michaela's Choice (7 page)

“Unfortunately, none of us knows how to play,” Rebecca admitted.

Michaela laid down her towel and rested her hands against the counter, surprised at the revelation. “You can’t be serious.”

“My grandmother sent it out here on the railroad,” Rebecca said with a laugh. “She thought it would help us become cultured. She thinks Pa should have moved us all to the city after Mama died. She’s sure we’re going to grow up unrefined and unsophisticated without the benefits of living in a large city like Boston.”

“Rebecca.” Michaela toyed with an idea that was forming in her mind. “I could teach you how to play the piano. I could teach all of you.” Michaela handed the last dish to Sarah, whose eyes were almost as wide as the plate she now held.

“You’ll teach us how to play the piano?” Sarah asked.

“I could come out every Saturday and teach you one at a time.” The more she thought about it, the more she liked the idea.

Rebecca shook her head. “That seems like a whole lot of work, Mrs. Macintosh—”

“I love teaching, and what good is your piano sitting in there without someone to play it? Plus, I already miss my piano, and it would give me a place to practice.”

“I’ll have to ask Father, but it sounds wonderful.” A wide grin covered Rebecca’s face.

“I’m going to go ask him right now.” Sarah’s enthusiasm got the best of her, and she ran out of the kitchen in search of her father.

❧

“Come on, Mrs. Macintosh, it’s baseball. You have to play,” Sarah insisted a little while later.

Never being one to miss out on the fun, Michaela had followed Sarah and the others out into the open field behind the Johnsons’ barn, despite the fact she had doubts about the whole thing—including how ladylike the game was.

“How can you live in the city and not know anything about baseball?” Eric leaned against the wooden bat and shot her a grin.

“Yes, come on, Mrs. Macintosh, it’s fun.” Sarah, who had followed Michaela around all afternoon, now pulled on her arm.

“I don’t know anything about baseball,” Michaela protested for the third time.

“It’s easy!” Adam tossed the white ball into the air and caught it with one simple swipe of his hand.

“Daniel?” Michaela looked to her brother, hoping he would back her up.

“Come on. You can be on my team.” He winked at her, obviously not planning to intervene.

Michaela groaned.

“It’s simple.” Adam stepped forward and attempted to give her a swift course on the game. “All you have to do is hit the ball and run around the bases, or if you’re playing in the field, you try to catch the ball.”

The first person up to bat was Eric. Michaela held her glove ready like Adam had shown her. He hit the ball and it bounced right toward her, rolling to a stop between her legs. She reached down to grab the ball, keeping Eric in her line of sight the entire time. He ran toward second base. She threw the ball as hard as she could. Adam ran for her off-centered throw, then tried to beat Eric to the base. She let out a soft groan. He was safe.

Ten minutes later, her team was called up to bat.

“You’re up, Michaela,” Daniel said when it was her turn.

They were winning, three to two, and Michaela had picked up a few things about baseball along the way, but she still felt ridiculous standing at home plate with the bat grasped between her hands. She tried to remember everything she’d been told.
Bend legs, lean over slightly, watch the ball.
Eric, who was pitching for the opposing team, threw the ball at her and she swung.

“Strike.”

She looked over at Daniel and the Johnson kids, who were cheering her on. Eric threw the ball again. This time Michaela thought she detected a slight smirk on his face.

“Strike.”

Michaela took in a deep breath and stared straight at him. Inky black hair curled slightly over his ears, and dark stubble shadowed his square jaw. Their gazes met, and an odd sensation swept through her. Feeling off balance for a moment, she tried to shake the feeling. Determined to concentrate on the game, she sucked in her breath and raised the bat.

Eric threw the ball. She swung. A crack sounded from the bat, and a cheer went up from behind her as she stood there watching the ball fly toward second base.

“Run! Run!” someone screamed behind her.

Michaela threw down the bat, picked up the hem of her dress, and ran for her life.

❧

An hour later, Michaela leaned against the rail of the Johnsons’ front porch, enjoying the end of the sunset. The murmur of voices filtered into the night, joining the low croak of a lone frog. Fireflies danced in the distance, their soft glow shimmering in the murky twilight.

“It’s a beautiful night, isn’t it?”

Michaela jumped at the deep male voice and turned around. “Eric?”

He came and stood beside her, keeping an arm’s length between them. “I’m sorry if I startled you.”

“No, it’s fine. I was just enjoying the sunset.” She brushed a hair out of the corner of her mouth and looked up at him. Despite her height, he still towered over her.

Eric rested his palms against the rail and leaned forward. “My mother always said that sunsets were gifts from God that should be shared.”

She smiled at the expression. “I like that.”

“Then you don’t mind if I join you for a few minutes?”

“Of course not.” Michaela watched the breeze tug at his hair and brush the top of his collar, then shifted her gaze to the orange and yellow of the sunset. “This has always been my favorite time of the day. Just before evening fades into night, and there’s still a splash of color across the sky.”

“I have to agree. It’s beautiful.” He cleared his throat and glanced at her. “Sarah tells me you offered to give the children piano lessons.”

Shadows masked his expression, and she suddenly wondered if she’d made a mistake in agreeing to teach the children without talking to him first. “I hope I wasn’t out of line.”

“No, I didn’t mean that.” He angled his body toward her, one elbow still resting against the wooden rail. “What I meant was that six kids is a lot of lessons.”

“It’s something I really enjoy. Plus, it’s a pity to have such a beautiful instrument that no one plays.”

He let out a soft chuckle. “I have to agree with you on that one. If you’re sure you wouldn’t mind, I would be happy to pay you—”

“I’m not looking for a source of income.” Michaela wondered if she’d left the wrong impression. “It really is something I enjoy. Just let me play it every once in a while and I will be more than happy. Are Saturdays all right with you?”

“Saturdays would be perfect.”

❧

Eric watched as Michaela pulled her embroidered shawl around her shoulders and tried to interpret the torrent of unfamiliar feelings that rushed through him. All afternoon, he’d been aware of her. Then when she’d caught his gaze on the baseball field, something had awakened within him.

Six years ago, he’d lost Susanna. She’d been the love of his life, and there hadn’t been a woman since who’d captured him the way she did.

Then today, Michaela Macintosh had stepped out of the wagon, and, somehow, her laughter and bright smile had found a way into the recesses of his heart. He’d watched her interact with his children and the other guests—like this was the place she belonged. He shook his head at the image. For six years he and his children had worked the land, harvested the crops, and built up a farm to be proud of. Nothing needed to change.

Or did it?

“When we first moved out here, the town was no bigger than a whistle stop on the railroad line.” Eric spoke and tried to get his mind off her silky red hair and soft, fair skin. “Since then, it’s grown to become a viable place of trading and business.”

The sun had sunk into the horizon, and the light of the moon captured her face. He caught her grin, and she laughed. “You forget I’m from Boston.”

He shook his head and smiled. “In my mind, Boston can’t compare to quiet nights like this. Here we have the best of both worlds.”

“You do have a point. I have to admit I do find this part of the country very beautiful.”

Daniel stepped out onto the porch behind them. “Michaela? I’m sorry to interrupt you. Emma needs to go home. She’s exhausted.”

“Of course. I just need to gather my things.” Michaela pulled her embroidered shawl tighter around her shoulders and turned to Eric. “It’s been a wonderful day. Thank you.”

“I’m glad you could come.” Eric followed them into the front room, disappointed she had to leave so soon. “The next time there’s a baseball game, I’m going to insist on being on your team.”

“My double play was simply beginner’s luck.” She laughed, then caught his gaze. For the second time that day, something passed between them. The color of her eyes had darkened from a pale icy blue to a deep indigo. For a brief moment, he found himself lost in them—but this was a place he wasn’t sure he could afford to stay.

He tried to push away the emotion. He didn’t have time for someone like Michaela in his life. In fact, he didn’t need someone else. While certainly not perfect, his children were well adjusted, and his life was complete. He blew out a long sigh and watched as she drove away in Daniel’s buggy. If that were true, then why did his heart suddenly feel a deep twinge of emptiness?

❧

At the farmhouse, Michaela got ready for bed, attempting to shove aside Eric’s lingering image. When he’d looked at her, his dark brown eyes had seemed to pierce through to the deep alcoves of her heart—to a place she wasn’t ready to let anyone enter.

Heaving a sigh, Michaela yanked a sheet of paper out of the desk drawer, then slammed it shut. She’d write Philip a long letter. Maybe there she could lose herself in what was comfortable and familiar. Quickly filling the page, she told him about her first week in Cranton and asked if he’d delivered Aunt Clara’s dresser or had a chance to check on Anna.

Writing had the calming effect she desired. Just like Philip’s presence always had. She had no doubt if she decided to marry him she would be happy. But what about love? That was the question she had to answer.

Seven

Leaving the small church building where she and Daniel had attended the Sunday morning service, Michaela settled back in the buggy for the ride home. Fall had arrived, and with it a spectacular visage of color as the trees exploded into vivid shades of autumn. A measure of peace enveloped her as she enjoyed the beauty of the endless acres of farmland, towering green pines, apple orchards, and maple sugar houses scattered across the valley.

She’d enjoyed seeing the Johnson children again and, as at previous times, was amazed at their well-mannered behavior. There had been a few whispers between the siblings during the service, but a sharp glance from their father had stopped the misbehavior before it got out of hand. Even little Ruby, who was dressed in a darling lavender pinafore, had managed to sit through the minister’s long lesson without much difficulty.

Two weeks ago, Michaela had begun teaching piano lessons at the Johnson home, and she was pleased with the children’s interest. Adam and Sarah, in particular, possessed some musical talent, though her biggest challenge was to get Sarah to sit still long enough to take her lesson.

Daniel cleared his throat and guided the one-horse buggy onto the road that led to his farm. “I couldn’t help noticing that a few of the single men were being extra friendly toward the new girl in town.”

“Daniel!” Michaela’s eyes widened in disbelief at her brother’s comment.

“You have to admit, it was kind of obvious.” Daniel let out a deep chuckle and shook his head. “I thought Joel Lambert was going to get a crick in his neck from turning around so many times. And Hiram Williams; that man had stars in his eyes when he looked at you.”

Michaela folded her arms across her chest, unwilling to accept his assessment of the morning worship service. “I don’t believe a word of what you’re saying, but if anyone does ask, you’ll have to spread the news that I didn’t come here to find a husband.”

“Then they’re going to be some unhappy fellows.”

Michaela ignored her brother’s last comment, half wishing Emma had felt up to coming to church so she could help set Daniel straight. Michaela’s brother had always been a tease, but this was a subject she’d rather not discuss.

She should have mentioned what had happened between her and Philip before she left Boston, but each time she thought about telling them, something held her back. If she didn’t understand her own feelings toward him, how could she begin to explain their relationship to someone else?

“What about Eric Johnson?” Daniel raised his brows. “Not only is he a successful businessman, but he’s a strong Christian as well.”

Michaela heard the blatant implications of his question as Daniel tried to take on the role of matchmaker. It wasn’t the first time Daniel had presented Eric in a good light.

Despite the fact she’d determined to forget the perceived attraction she’d felt the first day they’d met, Daniel’s comments did ring true. Eric appeared to be an outstanding member of the community. She also hadn’t missed the interested looks given by several of the single women after services as he strode by their circle.

A tiny black bug landed on her forearm, and she flicked it away. “I’ve enjoyed spending time with his children. While I’m sure they all have difficulties at times, they really are quite well behaved. Rebecca, for example—”

“I wasn’t asking about his children.” Daniel turned his head toward her and sent her a knowing glance before he turned his attention back to the road in front of them. “I wanted to know what you thought about their father. He’s rather good looking, don’t you think?”

Michaela felt the heat rise in her cheeks, and she turned her head away from Daniel. They passed a large house that was set back from the road and surrounded by towering pines and the huge white blossoms of hydrangea bushes. She studied the rough stone columns of the house and the long porch that would be a welcome shelter in the summer months, then considered his question.

Yes, she’d noted Eric’s striking dark features. His eyes were the color of coffee, and when he smiled, his entire face lit up. Each step he took was marked with the confidence of a man who knew who he was and where he was going. She also wondered about his past sorrows. He’d lost his wife at a young age and had been left to raise their children alone. A situation like that could destroy a family, yet on the outside he appeared stronger because of it.

“I suppose one could say he’s handsome, now that you mention it.” She kept her voice even-toned. “But I’m not interested.”

Daniel turned and looked at her. “If you’re not interested in getting to know anyone here, what about back home? Any suitors lurking in the wings?”

Michaela hesitated. “Maybe.”

“I’m sorry.” Daniel reached over and squeezed her hand. “I promised Emma I’d stay out of any form of matchmaking. It’s just that I hate to think you might be lonely.”

“I stay too busy to be lonely.”

The shrill cry of a bird called out above them, breaking through the relative quiet of the afternoon. Why hadn’t she mentioned Philip to her brother? He was a wonderful man who would make a fine husband for someone—for her—if she chose to say yes to his marriage proposal. Maybe it was time to tell Daniel the truth.

“There is someone. . . .”

He shot her a surprised glance. “You don’t sound very sure.”

“You remember Philip, Ethen’s brother?”

“Of course.”

Michaela brushed a piece of lint off her skirt, wondering why Philip’s proposal still seemed surreal to her. “He asked me to marry him before I left to come here.”

“Did you give him an answer?” Daniel’s brows rose in question.

“I haven’t yet. It all came about rather suddenly. I’ve always
felt close to Philip, but I’ve seen him more as a brother.
And since Ethen died. . .I’ve just never thought about anyone else.”

“And now?” Daniel asked.

“Before I left, I began to seriously consider his proposal.”

Daniel shrugged, shaking his head. “Then why did you come out here?”

Why did the situation seem so complex? “I needed to come. He’s sure of his feelings toward me, but I needed some time to think about things. Some time to get away and put the past behind me.”

Daniel’s warm hand embraced hers. “Then I hope you find what you’re looking for while you’re here.”

❧

“Mail call!”

Three days later, Daniel arrived from town with not only the sugar and other items Michaela had requested, but a letter from Philip as well. She took the bacon she was frying off the stove and sat down at the table before tearing open the envelope.

“I’ll leave you alone.” Daniel sampled a piece of the meat, then left to check on Emma.

My dearest Michaela,

It’s only been a short time since you left Boston, but it feels like it’s been much longer. I pray that you are adjusting well to life in Cranton and are enjoying the time you have with Daniel and Emma.

I also pray that I wasn’t too forward in telling you the truth about my feelings. I never imagined that our relationship could ever be anything more than that of a close friendship. But I will also never regret the change that has taken place in my heart. Please know that I only want what’s best for you, and whatever your decision concerning our relationship, I will accept it without question.

I spoke briefly with Aunt Clara after church last Sunday. . . .

Michaela could hear Philip’s voice as he continued to describe how Ben White had finally found the courage to ask her aunt out to dinner, and how Vivian had announced her engagement to Charles Randolph, a fact that didn’t surprise Michaela at all. Charles Randolph was the son of one of the city’s bankers and very well-to-do. Many people from church sent their regards, especially Caroline, who never failed to ask about her.

I visited Anna yesterday and she’s doing well. She asked about you and wanted me to tell you she misses you. I wish I didn’t have to tell you this, but I spoke to Agnes as well. There’s a family who’s decided they want to adopt Anna. . . .

Michaela reached the last paragraph and drew in a sharp breath, her heart breaking at the news.

“What is it, Michaela?”

She glanced up from the letter. Emma stood in the doorway of the kitchen.

“It’s Anna.” Michaela pinched the bridge of her nose with the tips of her fingers, trying to hold back the tears. “I knew this was coming, but I didn’t realize it would happen so soon.”

She stood and walked over to the large window that framed a view of the cornfields. “Philip spoke to Agnes. A family has decided to adopt Anna.”

Emma came and rested her arm across Michaela’s shoulders. “I’m so sorry. I know how much she means to you.”

The well of sadness seemed to deepen with each second that passed. Anna had found a home, and it wasn’t with her.

❧

An hour later, Michaela picked up two half-full buckets of milk and carried them out of the stall. She’d wanted to be alone with her thoughts, and the best place she could think of was the barn. Besides, Betsy and Maude needed milking.

She’d spent the past hour in prayer, and still the pain rippled through her, as fresh as when she first read the news about Anna.

I should be happy for her, Lord. Happy Anna will have a mother and a father. . . Happy because once again she’ll have a place she can call home.

But she wasn’t. How could she be happy when she knew she’d just lost Anna forever? Michaela shut the gate behind her and walked toward the house.

In a split second, Michaela found herself facedown in a mixture of mud and warm milk. She sat up and glanced around, thankful no one had seen her fall. Standing up, she stepped gently on the wet ground to make certain she hadn’t sprained anything.

All right, Lord. Are You trying to test my sense of humor? If You are, it’s not likely to please You today!

Michaela picked up the two empty buckets and carried them toward the house, setting them on the porch. Not wanting to track mud into the house, she quickly decided she’d need to take off her boots and dress.

Emma was asleep, and Daniel had left to work in one of the fields and wouldn’t be back for several hours, so no one would see her. She sat on the steps and began to remove her boots, then heard someone call her name.

Michaela jerked her head up, dismayed to see Eric Johnson pulling up in the wagon.

“Of all days,” she mumbled, knowing she must be a sight in her mud-streaked outfit. There was no escaping an encounter with their neighbor.

“Eric.” Michaela forced a smile to cover her growing sense of frustration.

What else do You have in store for me today, Lord?

Eric stifled a laugh, which only fueled Michaela’s anger. She shoved a stray wisp of muddy hair out of her eye.

“I guess there’s no need to ask what happened,” he said finally, “though I’m not sure if it was the pigs or—”

“It was not the pigs.” She gritted her teeth and prayed he wouldn’t make a joke out of it.

“I’m sorry.”

Michaela took a deep breath to calm her nerves. She was not only mad about making such a fool out of herself but upset with Eric for showing up at the worst moment possible. She clenched her jaw, determined not to say what was on her mind.

“I shouldn’t have laughed—”

“I really don’t see the humor in all of this,” she spouted, wanting to run inside the house. Her temper thundered within her, in sharp contrast to the tranquil, cloudless sky above her.

Michaela glared at him, then looked down at her mud-streaked form. Wiping her hands across the bodice of her dress, she let out an unladylike chortle. “I guess I do look a bit ridiculous, don’t I?”

“I really am sorry,” Eric said, still unable to hide his grin.

Michaela took another look at her grimy dress. Uncontrolled laughter bubbled out of her mouth. The tension broken, Eric looked at her wide-eyed for a moment. Soon they both were laughing until tears streamed down their faces.

Drawing the back of her hand across her cheek, she cleared her throat and attempted to compose herself. “You never said why you stopped by.”

Still smiling, Eric shifted in the wagon seat. “I’m on my way into town to pick up some supplies, and I wondered if you needed anything. Besides soap.”

Michaela snickered and shook her head. “Daniel went early this morning, so I can’t think of anything.”

He took off his hat and nodded his head. “You’ll be all right then?”

She laughed again and nodded. “I’m fine.”

“Then I’d better get going.”

“Michaela?” Emma’s voice sounded from inside.

“I’ll be right in, Emma.” Michaela wiped at a muddy spot on the sleeve of her dress, then turned back to Eric. “I need to go get cleaned up.”

“Of course. I’ll see you later.”

Moments later, Michaela climbed up the stairs, abandoning her boots and ignoring the empty buckets on the porch.

“What happened?” Emma asked as she stepped out onto the porch.

“I slipped in the mud right before Eric showed up.”
Michaela ignored her sister-in-law’s knowing glance. “He was simply on his way to town and stopped by to see if we needed anything.”

Michaela followed Emma into the house, forgetting the mud dripping on the freshly cleaned floors and remembering only Eric Johnson’s penetrating gaze.

❧

Eric left Daniel’s farm with a smile on his face. It had been a long time since he’d met a woman like Michaela Macintosh. She was beautiful, funny, and intelligent. He’d seen the interested looks of several of the women at church directed at him, but not one of them had captured his attention like Michaela. And the fact that she had caught his attention surprised him.

He’d been lonely since Susanna’s death, but the children and the farm kept him busy. There simply hadn’t been a lot of time to grieve and long for what could have been. Slowly, the heartache had lessened as the pain from her passing began to ease.

A flock of nighthawks flew above him, their wings beating through the sky with apparent ease. As they passed overhead, he thought about the journey before them as they headed toward the coast, then on to an endless summer farther south. Life was about change. Nothing stayed the same. The Bible talked about change and a time for everything. A time to be born and a time to die. . .a time to weep and a time to laugh. . .a time for love. . .