Song of My Heart (11 page)

Sadie and Thad shared a look that turned into a guffaw. He whisked his hand across his mustache, erasing his smile, and Sadie ducked her head to bring herself under control. Friends or not, she was on duty and needed to be professional. She added up his purchases and recorded the amount in the black ledger Miss Shelva had shown her earlier. Then she stacked the items in a small crate he’d brought along.

She slid the crate across the counter. “There you are, Sher—Thad.”

He touched the brim of his hat, giving a nod. “Thank you. Have a good day, Sadie.” An impish gleam shone in his eyes. “Don’t get overwrought now, y’hear?”

She giggled as she watched him amble out the door, his easygoing manner such a contrast to the Baxters’ frenzy. Her gaze on the doorway where Thad had disappeared, she allowed her thoughts to drift for a moment. Such a nice man. Mama and Papa would like him, she was sure. She wished she could introduce them—it would mean a lot for her parents to meet the man who wanted to be her friend.

Another thought flitted through her mind, and she slapped the countertop in frustration. Why hadn’t she asked the sheriff to come to the opera house for her first performance? It would be nice to have a familiar face or two in the audience. Sid would surely come, but even so—

“Sadie!”

Sadie’s heart leaped into her throat. She jolted and spun toward the voice. “Yes?”

Miss Shelva waggled her hand, inviting Sadie to join her in the corner where the ready-made clothing hung.

“Coming!” She lifted her skirt and started to run, but then she remembered Thad’s advice. Dropping her skirt, she drew in a breath and moved quickly but without undue haste to her employer’s side. “Yes, ma’am. What do you need?”

At half past six, Sid turned the brass key for the buzzer on the mercantile’s back door and then stepped off the stoop, watching the door for Sadie’s arrival. He smoothed his hand over the front of his shirt, making sure it was still neatly tucked. He’d changed clothes after work, putting on one of his church shirts and a ribbon tie, although he’d left his jacket at his house. The pleasant early-summer evening didn’t require a jacket, and he didn’t want to look too formal. He wasn’t courting Sadie. Leastwise, not yet. But he hoped she’d be pleased with his fresh clothes and his clean-shaved cheeks, which he’d splashed with bay rum.

The patter of footsteps sounded behind the door, followed by the creak of the doorknob, and Sadie stepped onto the stoop. He’d peeked in the window before heading to work, catching a glimpse of her green-checked dress covered by a full-front muslin apron. She’d looked very prim and official—the way a clerk ought to. He looked her up and down in the evening light, and disappointment settled like a rock in his gut. She’d cast off the apron, but she hadn’t changed her dress.

She swept her hand across her forehead, pushing a stray wisp of hair into place. “Hello, Sid. Are you ready for supper?” She stepped off the stoop and caught his elbow. “You might have to pinch me to keep me awake. I’m nearly asleep standing up.”

He gave her hair a quick glance. “Did you take a little nap after the store closed?”

She shot him a funny look. “I didn’t have time. We locked the doors at six, but then I had to sweep up. I barely made it to my room before I heard the buzzer.”

That explained things. She obviously hadn’t looked in a mirror. The Sadie he knew wouldn’t step out in public with her hair awry and her dress rumpled. He touched his own tie. “If you need to straighten up some—you know, comb your hair or whatnot—I can wait.”

She wrinkled her nose. “Can’t we just go? I’m hungry.” She gave his arm a little tug, propelling him around the corner of the mercantile. “Miss Melva left a pot of ham and beans simmering all afternoon. The smell came down the stairs and nearly drove me mad. I hope the cook at the café fixed ham and beans, too. With corn bread.”

They stepped onto the boardwalk, encountering other townsfolk also heading for the café. Sid cringed. Saturday night. Lots of people enjoyed Cora’s cooking on Saturday night. Every table would be filled. When Sadie got up to her room later and got a look at her tousled appearance, she’d be too embarrassed to set foot in church tomorrow.

He drew her back into the shadows between the mercantile and the café. “Listen, Sadie, you might wanna—”

“You there—who’s back there?”

Both Sid and Sadie jumped at the stern, masculine voice. Instinctively, Sid curled his arm around Sadie’s waist. Her hair tickled his chin. “It’s Sid Wagner.”

“And Sadie Wagner,” Sadie added.

A man stepped into the narrow walkway, his Stetson identifying him, even though his face was hidden by shadows. The sheriff swept the hat from his head when he reached them. “What’re you two doin’ back here? I thought you might be tryin’ to break into the mercantile.”

Sid bristled—most everyone he knew used this shortcut to get to the back side of the mercantile. Would the new sheriff be accusing half the town of burglary for it? And couldn’t a person have a moment’s privacy?

Sadie laughed. “You don’t need to worry, Thad.”

Sid jerked his head to gape at her.
Thad?

“We’re on our way to the café for supper.”

“Well, then, let’s get you a table.” Sheriff McKane turned and headed for the boardwalk.

Sid dug in his heels. So now the sheriff seated folks for dinner, too?

Sadie started to follow, then looked back at Sid. She frowned and scurried to his side. “Come on.” She caught his hand and pulled him onto the boardwalk, where the sheriff stood waiting. She smiled up at the man. “Were you heading to the café, too?”

“Yes. I eat all my meals at Cora’s, since I don’t have a kitchen.”

Sadie’s face puckered. “What do you do on Sundays, then? Cora’s is closed on Sunday.”

The man shrugged—a slow, careless gesture. “Well, last Sunday the mayor and his wife invited me over after church. But I can always eat hard tack and get by.”

Sid nearly rolled his eyes at Sadie’s expression of sympathy. Why’d she care so much about the sheriff and his stomach anyway? He gave her a little nudge. “Let’s head in, Sadie. I thought you were hungry.”

She gave him a dark look, which he chose to ignore. With his hand on her back, he hustled her through the door. The sheriff followed on Sid’s heels. Wonderful aromas greeted them. As did noise. Townsfolk chatted and laughed, their voices combining with the clanks of forks on plates. Sid scanned the room, looking for an empty table. He’d never seen the café so crowded.

Sadie pointed. “Look—nobody’s sitting at the table in the corner.” She frowned, her fine brows pinching together. “But that’s the only open table.”

“Then we better take it.” Sid started in that direction, but her hands curled around his arm, holding him in place. Her face lifted to the sheriff’s.

“Thad, it looks as if you’ll have to sit with us.”

11 

O
sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvelous things . . .’ ”

Sadie sat with her Bible open to the Ninety-eighth Psalm, following along as the minister read. His choice of Scripture sent a chill up her spine—surely this was the Lord’s way of confirming she’d done the right thing by coming to Goldtree. Beside her, Sid sat straight and attentive, but the stern frown he’d adopted last night at supper seemed permanently etched on his face. How could he frown so in church while a minister shared from God’s Holy Book?

She whisked a glance over her shoulder, seeking the sheriff, who’d saved the evening by keeping up a stream of friendly chatter despite Sid’s moody silence. Although she didn’t expect to see him—he’d mentioned he planned to attend a different church this morning—she still experienced a prick of disappointment. In a very short time, she’d come to appreciate his cheerful outlook and ready smile. But as much as she enjoyed Thad’s company, Sid seemed to resent it. She wished she could understand why. The two men were close in age. Couldn’t they be friends?

Turning her focus forward again, she listened to the minister’s simple but straightforward message on the importance of a joyful countenance. She caught herself nodding in agreement at certain phrases and crinkling her brow as she tucked away others for further contemplation later. Mama had told her to choose a church home where she’d be spiritually fed, and by the time the minister offered his final thoughts, she believed she’d already located the perfect place for growth.

Reverend Wise set aside his big black Bible and boomed from the pulpit, “We have the pleasure of a visitor today—a brand-new resident to Goldtree. Miss Sadie Wagner, would you please stand?”

Heat flooded Sadie’s face, but she obediently rose under the curious gazes of several dozen congregants.

“Some of you might’ve met Miss Wagner in the mercantile yesterday, where she’s clerking for Miss Melva and Miss Shelva Baxter. But if you haven’t introduced yourself yet,” the minister instructed in a bright, non-abrasive manner, “take the time to give her a greeting today and help her feel at home.” He lifted his hands. “Now, everyone rise for our closing benediction.”

The moment the final amen rumbled, folks swarmed Sadie. She shook hands, smiled hello, and declined nearly a dozen invitations to Sunday dinner, since she’d already made plans. When the crowd finally cleared away, she slipped her hand through the bend of Sid’s arm and they strolled east, heading toward his house.

“Goldtree is a very nice town,” Sadie said, waving at a family rolling past in their wagon.

Sid didn’t reply.

Sadie offered, “I can see why you like it here.”

He continued onward in silence.

“Everyone is so friendly.”

A small grunt escaped his lips.

The pleasure of the morning’s worship and the warm welcome from the community fled. Sadie forgot the minister’s admonition to maintain a cheerful outlook. She came to a halt and gave her cousin’s arm a sharp yank that forced him to stop, too.

Sid glowered at her, his brows pinched in irritation. “What’s wrong with you?”

Hugging her Bible to her chest with one hand, she plunked her other fist on her hip and glared at him. “What’s wrong with
you
? It’s Sunday—the Lord’s day! The sun is shining, we’ve just heard an inspiring sermon, and you’re being a complete grouch.”

He turned his face to the side and set his jaw in a stubborn line.

“Sid!”

The muscles in his jaw twitched, but he still wouldn’t look at her.

Not once in all of their growing-up years had she witnessed such churlish behavior from her favorite cousin. Aggravation rose up and exploded in a disgruntled huff. “Fine. Be taciturn and muleheaded, if that’s what you want to be. But you can be that way alone.” She whirled and took one step toward Main Street.

He caught her arm. “But we were gonna have lunch together. I’ve got bread and cheese for sandwiches and a whole peach pie I bought from a neighbor lady.”

Sadie loved peach pie. Her mouth watered, thinking about sinking her fork through flaky crust into sweet, moist peaches. But then she looked into Sid’s stormy face. Her hunger disappeared in an instant. She pulled her arm free of his grasp. “Eat it by yourself. I have no desire to stay in your company when you won’t talk or smile or act like the Sid I remember from Indiana.” Just two days ago, she’d been so happy to see him. Now all she wanted to do was flee his presence. Tears stung.

In a much kinder tone, she repeated her earlier question. “What’s wrong with you?”

He shook his head, looking down. “Nothin’.”

Sadie sighed. “I don’t believe you, but I’m not in the mood to placate you. So go on home, Sid. When you’re ready to talk, you know where to find me.” She stomped off toward Main Street. He called her name, but he didn’t come after her, so she kept her head low and scurried onward. Hopefully, Miss Melva and Miss Shelva would have some leftovers from their dinner they wouldn’t mind sharing.

She rounded the corner and moved quickly past the barber shop and Cora’s café, eager to reach the mercantile. Just as she turned to move through the gap between the mercantile and café, she heard a masculine voice call her name. Her heart lifted, and she looked backward, hoping to see Sid coming after her with a smile and an apology. But no one followed behind her.

“Sadie!”

The voice called again, from the opposite direction. Sadie turned her gaze and found the sheriff striding toward her. His wide, friendly grin juxtaposed Sid’s surly expression. Without effort, Sadie answered his smile with one of her own. “Hello, Thad.”

He leaned his shoulder on a porch post, a casual pose that put Sadie completely at ease. “Did you enjoy the Sunday service with Reverend Wise?”

“Oh yes. Very much. You were right—he’s a fine speaker.” She hugged her Bible with both arms to give her hands something to do. “Did you enjoy the service at the Episcopal church?”

He pursed his lips for a moment. “I’m glad I went. Always good to worship with like-minded folks. But I think I liked Reverend Wise’s ways of presenting the gospel a little bit better.” He shifted slightly, his boots shuffling against the planked boards beneath their feet. “With me rotating through the churches, though, I’ll be able to get a taste of Reverend Wise’s teaching on a regular basis. Be nice to just join one, but I think being seen in all of them’s a better idea for me.”