The Christmas Journey (19 page)

She was up to something. But before he could form a response Cora Beth bustled up, closely followed by Sheriff Hammond.

“Thanks for packing the basket while I helped Iris,” she said, then indicated her companion. “And Sheriff Hammond has volunteered to go in your place. Wasn’t that kind of him?”

“Actually, I need to speak to Stan Clawson anyway,” the sheriff added. “Thought this would be as good a time as any.”

Ry hid a grin at Josie’s thwarted-plans expression. “How fortunate you should offer. Josie here was just saying she had some other matters to attend to.”

“Well, that’s that then.” Sheriff Hammond took the basket from Ry and turned to Cora Beth. “Shall we?”

As the two made their way out of the building, Ry turned to Josie. “Now, what is it we need to do to get the stage ready?”

A
s the children made their way to the makeshift stage, Josie was acutely aware of Ry sitting shoulder to shoulder beside her in the crowded hall. In fact, the man had barely left her side since mid-morning. Not that she hadn’t enjoyed his company. But how was she supposed to get him and Cora Beth to see how perfect they were for each other if they didn’t spend some time together?

It should be Cora Beth sitting here beside him, watching how he smiled encouragingly when Viola cast an anxious glance at the audience, inhaling his unique, spicy scent, experiencing how very safe and comforting it felt to be at his side.

Josie caught herself on that last thought. She’d had way too many thoughts like that recently. It was Cora Beth who was a match for Ry, not her. What she wanted was freedom to travel, just like Aunt Pearl. There’d be time enough to think about settling down once she had a few adventures.

The children’s program went off with only the normal snags—five-year-old Amy Dobbs took one look at the audience, burst into tears, and ran off the stage. A couple of the other kids forgot or stumbled over part of their lines. Joey
Lofton stubbed his toe. But they were all given enthusiastic rounds of applause.

Audrey, of course, said her lines with a great deal of melodrama. When Viola’s turn came up, Ry straightened in his seat. Josie was oddly touched as she felt equal parts pride and concern vibrating from him. When the little girl got through without a misstep he clapped louder than anyone in the audience. Just like a proud father.

How could her sister not fall head over heels for a guy like this? Why, if she wasn’t so dead set against putting down roots, she might even find herself falling for him.

“Looks like you’re quite the strategist, son.” Uncle Grover rubbed his chin as he studied Ry’s latest move on the chessboard.

Ry leaned back in his chair, keeping his gaze peripherally focused on the entry, just as it had been for the past few hours. He’d looked around for Josie after lunch without success and he was beginning to wonder if something had happened to her.

Uncle Grover made a triumphant sound in the back of his throat as he moved his bishop. “Let’s see what you can do with that.”

Ry shifted his gaze to the chessboard, then paused and turned back to the doorway. Sure enough, there was Josie, strolling in as if she hadn’t a care in the world. She spared only a quick glance his way before heading across the room to join a small group that included her sister and several neighbors.

Trapped by the chess game, it was fifteen minutes before Ry could extricate himself.

As he stood, she threw back her head and laughed at something Sheriff Hammond had said. Ry wondered irritably why he couldn’t draw that same kind of relaxed, unguarded reaction from Josie.

Surely she wasn’t sweet on the lawman? Ry frowned at Sheriff Hammond’s back. Any fool could see the man was all wrong for her. She needed someone who understood her spirited nature, who would encourage her rather than try to rein her in.

His jaw muscles tightened as he tried to navigate his way through the room in long, quick strides.

But the sound of someone tuning a fiddle ricocheted through the building before he could reach his goal. Suddenly everyone was in motion and Ry was drawn into the mix. Game boards and sewing baskets were put away. Tables and benches were dismantled and moved from the center of the room. Napping children roused and looked for ways to demonstrate their renewed energy.

More fiddlers took their places on the platform and in short order the room was filled with lively music. A moment later, couples began pairing off and making their way to the makeshift dance floor. Even those who preferred to sit on the sidelines joined in by clapping to the music.

Ry smiled as he saw Audrey drag Viola to the edge of the crowd and begin an enthusiastic if not graceful bit of whirling. And they weren’t the only youngsters on the floor.

This was like the barn dances from his youth. He’d forgotten how family oriented they’d been.

“Do you dance, Mr. Lassiter?”

He smiled in pleased surprise as he turned to find Josie at his elbow, Sheriff Hammond nowhere in sight. Was that an invitation? “I do when I find the right partner.”

She pulled her sister forward. “Then you should ask Cora Beth. She loves to dance.”

Having little choice in the matter, Ry gave Josie’s sister a bow. “I’d be delighted.” He offered his arm. “Shall we?”

With a smile, Cora Beth allowed him to lead her onto the floor.

They’d barely taken their first turn when she met his glance with an amused twinkle in her eye. “I do believe my sister is trying to do a bit of matchmaking,” she said demurely.

Ry almost missed a step. He hadn’t realized she’d caught on to Josie’s scheme, too. And how in blue blazes was he supposed to respond without insulting her or her sister or both of them?

She laughed. “Don’t look so worried. You’re not in any danger from me.”

Good grief, had his trepidation been that obvious? “My apologies, ma’am, I—”

Her smile broadened. “No offense, Mr. Lassiter, but while I do enjoy your company, I’m not looking for another husband just yet.” She tossed her head, for all the world like a saucy schoolgirl. “And if I ever do start looking, I’m afraid you and I just would not suit.”

Ry wasn’t quite certain how to take that. So he veered away from a direct response. “Shall we tell her that we’re on to her?”

“Oh, heavens, no. I wouldn’t want to spoil her fun. Besides, this fits nicely with some plans of my own.”

“Ma’am?”

“Oh, nothing for you to concern yourself with.”

Ry was beginning to believe there was the merest touch of lunacy running through the Wylie family, at least in the female members. “Whatever you say.”

The song ended and he escorted her from the floor.

“Now, see if you can convince my sister not to spend all night playing the wallflower.” Cora Beth leaned in conspiratorially. “She’ll try to convince you she doesn’t dance but I know better.”

Ry spotted Josie talking to Sheriff Hammond again. He started toward her but was hailed by Dr. Whitman who inquired about
his arm. The good doctor in turn introduced Ry to his daughter, Lucy. Good manners dictated that Ry invite her to dance.

Afterward he was twice more put in the position of escorting virtual strangers onto the dance floor. Josie hadn’t been far off the mark when she said he’d be in demand. Once, in an effort to forestall yet another attempt, he asked Audrey and Viola to stand together as his partners. Delighted, the girls each took one of his hands and giggled their way through the entire song.

With some expert maneuvering and a good sense of timing, he managed to land beside Josie when the music stopped. “Ladies,” he said with a formal bow to both girls, “I thank you for a most enjoyable dance.”

The comment earned him another set of giggles.

“Did you see us, Aunt JoJo?” Audrey asked.

“I certainly did.” Josie’s eyes strayed to his as she answered, and he saw approval mixed with some softer emotion. “And a fine group of dancers you made.”

“Come on, Viola.” Audrey latched onto the other girl’s hand. “Let’s see if there’s any lemonade left.”

Josie smoothed her skirt. “Looks like you’re popular with the ladies this evening.”

“As you said, I’m just a novelty.” He studied her, trying to figure out what was going on in that scheming mind of hers.

“You and Cora Beth looked pretty good out there. From the way y’all were smiling at each other it appeared you were enjoying yourselves.”

Did he detect a touch of jealousy? That thought cheered him up. “Your sister is both a fine dancer and good company.”

She gave him a sideways glance. “But you only danced with her that one time.”

He shrugged. “She hasn’t lacked for partners tonight. I didn’t want to monopolize her time.”

“She’s popular because she’s such a good catch. A fellow would be mighty lucky to be able to claim her for his own.”

“I agree.” But he was tired of discussing Cora Beth’s virtues. “I noticed you haven’t been out on the floor yet.”

Her expression closed off. “I don’t dance.”

“Don’t? Or won’t?”

This time she crossed her arms and didn’t quite meet his gaze. “Doesn’t matter. I’m not getting out on that floor.”

“That’s where you’re wrong.” Ry took her hand and tugged her toward the area where couples were forming for the next dance.

Josie dug in her heels. “I said I don’t dance.”

He turned to face her. “I have it on good authority you’re actually a very good dancer. I think it’s high time you gave it another go.”

He saw the mutinous look in her eye. “I’d count it a personal favor,” he said quickly, “if you’d allow me to take the woman who saved my life for a spin around the dance floor.”

He felt her hesitation, sensed the weakening of her resolve and decided that was as good as an agreement.

Placing a hand at her waist, he took her other hand in his and stepped forward as the music started. He smiled when he realized they were playing a waltz.

For a moment or two they simply danced, each adjusting to the other’s movements. And they moved surprisingly well together.

She wasn’t soft like other women he’d danced with. Years of hard work in the livery, doing the job her father had done before her, had given her firm muscles and rough, callused hands. But there was also a well-honed grace, a sureness of movement that he found much more appealing.

The dress she wore was plain, with none of the fripperies most girls seemed to enjoy—no bows in her hair, no lace on
her bodice, no ribbons at her waist. Strangely, none of that detracted from her femininity, not tonight.

Holding her in his arms as they moved around the dance floor stirred all manner of unfamiliar, protective, tender feelings. And when one of the movements of the dance brought them unexpectedly close, the catch in her breath set his heart pounding with a beat he was certain she could hear.

This moment—holding her, inhaling her unique scent, trying to fathom the secrets locked in her eyes—was one of the sweetest things he’d ever experienced.

This felt oh, so right.

This was all wrong! Jo’s heart hammered in her chest. Her breath caught in her throat every time she met Ry’s glance. She felt plumb light-headed, and it wasn’t just from spinning around the dance floor. That moment when they’d come so close together, she’d felt an unaccountable urge to kiss him, which was just plain chuckleheaded. What in the world had gotten into her?

She should never have allowed Ry talk her into this dance. How could she let herself get all besotted over him? He and Cora Beth were supposed to end up together, she had it all planned out.

She had to pull herself together. She was just letting her imagination get the best of her. Besides, he couldn’t possibly be sweet on her. No man had shown the least bit of interest, at least not in that way, since she’d taken over the livery when her pa got so bad sick.

No, someone like Cora Beth was much better suited to a man like Ry.

She looked up and found herself staring into his smoky gray eyes, and her step faltered. The way he was looking at her was so…“tender” was the only word that came to mind.

Father, help me please, I think I’m in trouble here
.

The song finally ended but they didn’t move apart immediately. It was only when they were jostled by another couple leaving the floor that the spell was finally broken.

Josie took a deep breath, feeling as if she’d forgotten to inhale for the past few minutes. She sure didn’t remember a simple dance getting a person so all-fired flustered.

Not that she would call what had just happened a “simple dance.”

Ry took her elbow and moved toward the door. “You look flushed. Let’s step outside for some fresh air.”

Not trusting herself to speak, Josie nodded. They wended their way through the crowd, pausing to speak to others along the way.

What was he thinking? Had she given away any of her thoughts? That would be too mortifying to even consider. When they stepped outside, she took a deep breath of the cool evening air and let her jangly nerves settle a bit.

Ry motioned toward a bench set against the outer wall of the building and with a nod, she took a seat. He settled beside her, leaving a respectful distance between them. She refused to look at him, but was keenly aware of his presence, of his gaze on her.

Better to concentrate on the other things around them.

Murmurings of conversations mingled with the music of the fiddles from inside, making a pleasant backdrop of sound.

It wasn’t quite evening yet but the overcast sky had made it necessary to light the lamps around the building, including the one directly over the bench she and Ry shared. A few other folks milled around outside, braving the cold to escape the crowded dance floor. Even so, situated in their own pool of light, Josie felt as if they were somehow enclosed in one of those water globes Mr. Miller had on display over at the mercantile, visible yet separate from everyone and everything around them.