Rocky Mountain Match (14 page)

In most every aspect of life he had made adaptations, from the way he prepared a meal, to something as small as making sure he’d pushed in a chair. Sooner rather than later, he’d have to start using the cane. That’s why he sat holding it now, determined that today would be the day. Hadn’t Katie said that it would make things easier for him? Affording him independence he was desperate to taste again? It had been almost two weeks since he’d returned from Denver, and though he’d come to some sort of resolution regarding his blindness, he still avoided the thing. It was as if using the cane as his guide would somehow solidify his fate.

He held the finely sanded object in his hands, feeling its length and narrow circumference. He tried to imagine himself with it, walking to the mercantile or to church or to the hotel restaurant. Humiliation rose hot and ready to sting.

Joseph ignored the caustic burn, forcing his focus to the cane. He set it on end at his feet and tapped the small tip on the hard ground again and again, determined to come to terms with this. He’d never imagined that a stick
of wood, so insubstantial and harmless, could loom like some evil enemy.

“Good evening, Joseph.” Katie’s warm voice startled him.

He shot off the step, the cane dropping to the ground with a quiet thunk. “Hello.”

“Sorry if I startled you,” she called from the gate, the mellow lilt of her voice soothing something deep inside him.

He passed a hand through his hair, wondering if he looked as ruffled as he felt. “Don’t worry. No harm done.”

The gate opened and closed with a restful creak. “I just wanted to stop by and say hello. I hope you don’t mind.”

“No. Not at all. Come on up and have a seat.” He gestured to the steps with a smile, then sat down beside her, recalling how he’d wanted to check in on her a couple hundred times.

She’d been so strong through Ellie’s death. Joseph had been grateful to have Katie with him that morning. He’d worried plenty about her, but he couldn’t very well check in on her when he couldn’t make it to Sven and Marta’s on his own. Besides, he didn’t think he was ready to be in her quiet yet compelling presence without feeling so out of control of his own emotions. Even now his heart raced inside his chest.

Sam had told him just yesterday that he was encouraged by the interactions he’d had with Katie and hoped to make his intentions for her known by the time he left for the city in a week or two. If Sam didn’t make a move soon, Joseph might just have to prod his friend some, even though doing so would be like ripping his own flesh.

“I hope you’ve been well,” he finally said, turning to
face Katie. “What’s it been? A week since I saw you last?” he asked, the irony of his own words hanging before him.

She gave his arm a brief squeeze and sighed. “I’ve been busy. Things have been so hectic for Uncle Sven at the lumber mill that I’ve been helping him with his ledgers.”

Joseph furrowed his brows in surprise. “Do you like to do that sort of thing?”

“I don’t mind it, really. I’m willing to try anything.”

Regret prickled Joseph. He knew very well that she enjoyed her job as a trainer and teacher. She was good at it, too. If he could get over his feelings for her, he’d ask her back in a heartbeat. But with the order he and Aaron were trying to finish in the shop, he wasn’t sure when he’d even have time to work with her. In the evenings he was usually so tired.

But being with her right now, it suddenly dawned on him how energized he felt.

“So, you looked like you were deep in thought,” she probed.

He felt for the cane on the ground, then drew it up on end in front of him. “It’s this thing.”

“That
thing
again, huh?”

He sighed. “I know I need to get used to using it, but for the life of me, I can’t seem to bring myself to do that.”

“I understand. Just know that once you’ve gotten the hang of it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t take it up sooner.”

He nodded. “Probably.”

After a settling silence she cleared her throat. “Ben said that you’ve been working with Aaron. How’s that been going?”

“Surprisingly well.” Joseph turned toward Katie. “He has the patience of Job, and believe me…he’s needed it
working with me. I get so frustrated not being able to see what I’m doing,” he ground out, tightening his grip on the cane. “But Aaron’s been a great help, and between the two of us we’ve devised some pretty good systems.”

“I’m so glad,” she breathed, resting her hand on his arm.

Warmed by her touch, he chose to ignore the fact that he was nearing dangerous territory. “You were, too, you know.”

“I was what?”

“A great help. I thought about what you’d said, that I could do carpentry work again, and that gave me hope.”

“I’m glad, but really, your talent didn’t diminish an ounce when you had your accident, Joseph. You just needed to discover that for yourself.”

“I suppose,” he finally admitted as he rolled the cane between his palms. “Listen, I’m new at this cane and I was wondering if maybe you’d give me some pointers.”

“I’d be—”

“I know you’re not officially working with me,” he interrupted, half expecting she might turn him down. After all, he’d sent her packing when they’d returned from Denver. “I just wondered, as long as you’re here….”

“Of course, I’ll show you. I’d be glad to.”

“I’ll pay your wages for whatever time I use,” he added.

“Don’t be ridiculous!” She gave his arm a playful shove.

Standing, Joseph cocked his head down at her and smiled. “So, the lady has a feisty side….”

Katie stood, sighing. “I get that way when I have to.”

He held the cane in front of him and readied himself as though facing a firing squad. “All right, then. Have at it.”

Katie chuckled as she came to stand next to him. “Hold the cane this way.” She lightly grasped his hand and adjusted his grip as he struggled to focus on her instruc
tion, instead of on her touch. “Now move the cane back and forth like this.”

As she demonstrated, standing behind him and threading her arm around his, he felt his resolve crumbling fast. “If there’s something in your way or a step ahead of you, you’ll know.”

Doing what she’d instructed, he took a turn to his gate and back, counting steps and moving the cane the way she’d advised.

“Perfect,” she commented as he stopped beside her.

He smiled. “Good instruction I guess, Sunshine.” Tilting his head toward where she stood beside him, he pulled in a long breath, dragging a hand over the stubble on his chin. “I could use some practice, though. You wouldn’t want to go on a walk with me, would you?”

“A walk sounds very nice.” Katie’s voice was light as the late-summer breeze filtering through his cotton shirt.

They took off down the street, and Joseph tried to remain fully concentrated on his technique.

“That’s it,” she encouraged as he slowed to a stop some distance from his home. “Just make sure you’re keeping it far enough in front of you that if you come across an obstacle, you’ll be able to stop in time.”

He pulled his head around, searching for light. Finding none, he figured they must be beneath a tree. “If I’m correct, I’m standing outside the boarding house, right?”

Joseph wondered if Sam was there. He could hear the faint sound of voices floating through open windows, but he didn’t pick up Sam’s low timbre among them, which was probably for the best. If his friend walked out here now, Joseph didn’t know how he’d react to Sam’s tangible attraction for Katie.

He often wondered if Katie felt the same attraction to Sam. Why wouldn’t she? Sam was a successful, good-hearted man.

A whole man.

“Yes, we’re a little over four blocks from your home.” She came to stand in front of him and grew quiet. “Can you see anything, Joseph?”

The tenderness in her voice melted his heart. It had from the moment she’d said one word to him. She was so caring. So considerate. So full of kindness.

Yes, he could see clearly that she was perfect for him—that’s what he could see. But he wasn’t perfect for her. And never would be.

Determined not to dwell on what could never be, he shoved the disappointment aside with a shake of his head. “With the sun going down and being under the tree here, I can’t see much of anything. In daylight, though, I can see gray silhouettes. It’s a far cry from vivid sight, but at least it’s something.”

While they stood in companionable silence, a wagon rolled by. Its wheels clacked and the horses’ hooves clomped over the hard-packed ground. He pictured the wide street, the gracious boarding house, the wagon and horses. The expanse of skyline, sparse grass and the majestic mountains hemming in the valley.

But as Joseph focused down toward Katie, he wondered once again what she looked like. He’d heard enough from Sam and his brothers to know that she was beautiful. He’d love to see her for himself. Just once.

On a deep breath, he drew his sightless gaze from her. “Well, this was easier than I thought,” he confessed.

“It’ll certainly make things easier,” she agreed, the sweep
of her hand rustling down her skirt. Katie paused and after several moments cleared her throat, her voice gone dreamy, as if she’d just awoke from a long, restful nap. “You’re looking good, Joseph. I’m so glad to see you smiling.”

Right now he wished that he hadn’t become so astute to the emotions layered in a person’s voice. Even though he’d like to pretend it wasn’t there, he couldn’t miss the deep affection, even longing in her sweet lilting voice.

“H
ello there, Miss Ellickson.” The voice, low and pleasant, halted Katie on her perch. “Aren’t you a fetching sight?”

Grasping the ladder for support, Katie twisted around from where she’d been hanging decorations for the Glory Days celebration to find Sam smiling up at her. Without a doubt, the man was dashingly handsome with his dark hair, stunning smile and trim build.

But seeing Sam didn’t do to her insides what seeing Joseph did. Being with Joseph made her heart beat fast and hard, made her stomach quiver and made a smile form on her face that was hard to wipe off.

“Hello, yourself.” She returned his smile.

Knowing she probably looked a sight, she brushed at the strands of hair that had fallen out of her loose chignon. When she began descending the ladder, she gasped as his hands circled her waist and gently hauled her to the ground.

“Thank you,” she breathed.

“At your service, lovely lady.” His playful bow made
her chuckle. “What are you doing climbing ladders anyway? Surely others can do that job.” He glanced around the square.

“I’m fine. With two brothers, I spent many an afternoon climbing trees and haylofts.” Katie laid her hammer and nails in the basket at her feet, then brushed her hands together.

“Oh?” He raised his perfectly shaped brows. “Climbing trees, huh? I know the best climbing tree around if you ever get the inclination. Joseph and I spent hours up in that tree.”

A trickle of longing worked through her at the mention of Joseph’s name. Wiping at the beads of sweat on her brow, she caught Sam grinning at her. “Sounds like you two had fun.”

“That we did. Sometimes a little too much fun,” he confessed, his mouth still set in a smile. He rested a hand at the small of her back, leading her into the shade of a tall oak, its branches draped outward like open arms of welcome. Folding his arms at his chest and leaning against the rough bark, he settled an intense gaze upon her.

“What?” she asked, furrowing her brows. She wiped her face with her sleeve and did a quick scan of her dress for signs of dirt. “Do I have a smudge of dirt somewhere?”

“You look perfect.”

Embarrassment swept through her and she busily focused on smoothing out her robin’s-egg-blue skirt, splashed liberally by a print of small white flowers.

“In fact, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a woman look so beautiful.” His voice was thick with adoration. “I tell you, Katie, I’d be hard-pressed to find such elegance anywhere.”

She raised her hands to her cheeks where a heated
blush embarrassed her further. Fighting to collect herself, she peeked up at him.

He dipped his head. Tenderly held her gaze.

Around Sam she felt as if she was the only other person walking the earth. He was a very kind man, generous with his compliments, though sincere. From all she’d heard, he was well-respected and loved in his hometown.

But there was Joseph.

She found herself thinking of him often. All the time, really. The way he’d held her, making her feel so protected and cared for, not evoking any of the fears she’d initially had with him. It hadn’t taken long for her to realize he meant her no harm. Joseph Drake was a man she could trust with her life.

But could she trust him with her heart?

Clasping her hands in front of her, she scanned the city square where several people busily worked to complete the decorations in time for the celebration that started tomorrow.

“So what brings you out here?” She turned toward him. “Did you volunteer to help with the preparations, too?”

“I regret to say that I did not.” He drew his mouth into a mock grimace, then settled a very direct, but warm gaze upon her. “I was hoping that perhaps I could whisk you off to dine with me on this beautiful afternoon. Does a picnic pique your interest?”

“A picnic?” Katie echoed in surprise.

She was sure he’d be a wonderful companion for a picnic. He’d been nothing but a gentleman each time she saw him, and he’d shown so much compassion in the aftermath of Ellie and the baby’s death almost two weeks ago.

Katie’s heart squeezed at the memory of her dear
friend. She sorely missed Ellie, their honest conversations and friendship. At times like these she wished for her friend’s honest guidance.

“I’m sorry, Sam. I—I appreciate your offer, but there’s still so much to do here,” she faltered, wishing it was Joseph standing here asking her to go on a picnic.

There was something far more than just a passing fancy for Joseph resonating in her heart. His muscle-roped arms had made her knees weak, and the strength she’d found in his embrace gave her a security she’d never known. His hand at her back set her nerve endings humming, arousing sensations so innate she’d be hard-pressed to subdue them.

She’d relished the opportunity to help him out the other day when she’d given pointers on using his cane, but she had fading hopes that he’d ask for more than that. He was very busy and had made no effort to contact her about returning to work with him.

She hugged her arms to herself. Joseph had been pleasant enough the past two weeks. But since he’d found out his vision wasn’t returning, he seemed set on suppressing the warmth and interest he’d shown her before, shutting himself off like a snowed-in mountain pass.

Turning, Katie sighed as she viewed all of the undecorated venues that stood like roughly clad women awaiting their transformation into finely dressed ladies. “I’m afraid I won’t be able to slip away, even for a short time.”

Sam stepped back, setting his hand to his heart. “You wound me, Katie. Here I was hoping to take you away to the perfect place.”

“The perfect place?” She angled her head.

“Yes.” He stepped forward, inches from her. “You see,
Katie, I’m not a man to make rash decisions. Nor am I a man to stand idly by while something so perfect is within my reach.” He raised a long finger to touch the tip of her nose. “I have every intention of asking you to be my wife.”

“But I—” She topped midstream.

Be his wife? Had she heard him correctly?

Surely he was just teasing her. He often did. He was always calling her “m’lady” or “lovely lady” or whatever else suited his fancy at the time.

She raised a hand to capture the laughter that erupted at his playfulness. Bringing her watery gaze to rest on his, her laugh piddled out to a weak chuckle when she witnessed the sincerity in Sam’s expression.

Her cheeks flushed instantly hot.

“Can I look forward to seeing you tomorrow?” He captured her hand, lightly brushing her knuckles with his lips.

Mutely she nodded, staring blankly at him as she drew her hands together, fingering where his lips had just been. For a moment she wondered what it would be like to be married to Sam. Surely he’d cherish her. The depth of honesty in his eyes spoke volumes. His kindness and genuine concern would make any woman happy, she was sure.

Katie just knew she couldn’t be that woman. Especially since she was soiled. If Joseph never opened his heart to her again, she didn’t think Sam, or anyone for that matter, would want her the way she was.

With a finger crooked beneath her chin, he lifted her head. “I’m going to be looking for your decorated box at the box lunch auction. Then you will be mine for the afternoon.”

Katie clutched the box lunch in her hands, half tempted to fling it under the wheels of a passing wagon and head back to her aunt and uncle’s house. Instead, she trudged onward, the lovely little handbag Ellie had made for her swinging from her wrist as she made her way to the town’s celebration.

Her heart was heavy, weighed down by loss. After talking briefly with Aaron last night and seeing his drawn features full of grief and pain, she’d settled on avoiding today’s festive atmosphere altogether. But Aunt Marta and Uncle Sven had strongly suggested she attend, assuring her that nothing would be gained by staying home, alone in her sadness.

They were probably right. Isolation wouldn’t help. Besides, Katie needed to knit herself into this community and make it home. She couldn’t go back to Iowa—not as long as Frank Fowler was there. Attending today was as good a way as any to get to know her neighbors and fellow townspeople.

Seeing how charming the town square looked with wooden booths and townspeople alike dressed in their finest made her smile. Ellie had been so enthusiastic about this day, with its box lunch auction, lively barn dance and fireworks display.

Katie forced a smile on her face and returned a wave to a young woman across the way. Scanning the square, she noticed how the adorned booths flanking each side of the open area drew attention, like beautiful paintings hung in a prestigious gallery. A swell of pride rose within her knowing that she’d played a small part in the visual splendor.

Lifting her chin a bit, she stepped across the grass
sparsely peeking through the reddish soil, and tugged on the hem of her new silk taffeta bodice. She smoothed down her matching skirt, appreciative of the indulgence her aunt and uncle had insisted on purchasing for her. With no children of their own, they’d often sent gifts to Katie and her siblings.

Although Katie had several nice dresses, she’d never owned one that made her feel as elegant as this one did. The periwinkle-blue color was like that of the late-summer blooms dotting the countryside. The stylish scoop neckline her aunt had urged her toward was edged with a graceful white lace collar, and clasped by a delicate silver brooch. Her other dresses touted more traditional, full skirts with room for several petticoats. But this one was cut in a slimmer fashion—a design the dressmaker said was all the rage out east.

When Katie reached the long threshing table located on the flag-draped auction platform, she stared in amazement. Dozens of boxes lined the table, like twittering schoolgirls dressed for their first dance. Some were tied up with twine—plain as the dirt beneath her feet—and others were bedecked in such elaborate detail they teetered on the edge of being garish.

She’d been forewarned that being a young, single female in this community, some considered it her womanly responsibility to proffer a box for eligible bachelors to bid on. Wishing that she’d avoided this event, she tucked her decorated box lunch in among the others, glad that there was nothing spectacular to call attention to hers. That was just as she’d wanted it. Not too plain and not too overstated, the pale blue ribbon was tied neatly, without fuss or flourish around the box. Three small daisy blooms
and a touch of greenery she’d picked from her aunt’s garden garnished the top of the light maple box. Eyeing her offering one last time and hoping for a swift lunch with an agreeable companion, she gave a small sigh.

Her attention was suddenly grabbed by one box in particular, displayed prominently at the front of the table. Picking it up, she turned it over in her hands and studied it. The package was fixed with a sparkling green ribbon and festooned with overly large flowers, and had Katie wondering if the creation was Julia’s handiwork. A distinctive aroma even lingered about the parcel…perhaps a remnant of the owner?

Setting the box down, Katie was unable to hide her slight grin. Julia was like a spoiled child insisting on being the center of attention.

If Joseph was present today, Julia might focus her overbearing, inconsiderate ways on him again. The very thought needled Katie. She could only hope that Julia would find some small amount of tact in her reservoir of social etiquette.

Coaxing her white gloves from her hands, Katie glanced around the square again when her gaze collided headlong with Sam’s. He stood with Joseph just inside the grassy square.

Warmth stole up her cheeks remembering what he’d said yesterday about becoming his wife. Surely he didn’t mean it—she’d done her best to convince herself of that all night long. Chided herself for thinking he could actually be interested in her. After all, why would he set his sights on her when he had a whole city of fine women to choose from?

Had he been sincere, she faced a hard decision. One she’d rather not think about. It seemed advantageous, if not cowardly, for her to steer clear of him altogether.

But Sam was so nice. So much fun to be around. She didn’t have the heart to shun him or avoid him just because her heart still beat a steady rhythm for Joseph.

When she skimmed her attention their way again, he promptly removed his hat and bowed, his dark hair gleaming in the sunlight. Straightening, he gave her a ready smile and a long, slow look that had her heart swelling ever so slightly.

Twisting her gloves over in her hands, Katie smiled back, feeling like a cat in a room full of rockers. She could be perfectly congenial to him—he’d make that easy. If she could just act as if he’d not made his intentions so blatantly known yesterday, then things would be fine.

She glanced their way again. Both men looked exceedingly handsome today. Sam in his dark gray suit and matching bowler hat. And Joseph… Joseph in his bronze-colored vest, ecru shirt and brown breeches that hinted at his powerful legs.

Her cheeks flushed warm as she raised her gaze to the rebellious locks of wavy chestnut hair that fell across Joseph’s forehead and then to the length that skimmed his neckline. Her gaze lingered on him and a shiver of longing passed through her. She sorely missed his companionship and the safe refuge he offered. The mere sight of him and the vivid memory of his strong, protective embrace called from within her a chorus of emotions and sensations that were irrevocably unsettling.

“Ah, Joe…” Sam breathed, his voice gone thick with adoration. “I don’t remember the scenery being quite so beautiful around here.”

“You really have been away too long,” Joseph teased.

He clutched his cane as he walked beside Sam across the town square, struggling to keep his head above a wave of self-consciousness. Other than going to and from the shop he hadn’t ventured out in the public with his cane, and right about now he felt like the Glory Days celebration sideshow.

With a great deal of lost time yet to be made up on the order, Joseph had been set to work with Aaron in the shop today. But his brother had all but pushed him out the door to attend the town’s festivities with Sam.