Tom thought over the plan as he tore the roll apart. The dog nudged his leg, so he quickly slipped a piece of it to him when no one was looking. He quickly patted the dog’s head and chewed the other half of the roll.
He really had hoped to find a bride before he made arrangements for his own land and house, but what if his family’s fears were going to come true? What if he never found a wife? Did he really want to grow old and die here...in his parents’ home?
“Alright,” he finally agreed.
“Yay!” Joel cheered.
Their mother shot him a ‘be quiet’ look.
“We’ll get started in November,” their father stated.
That soon? Tom thought they were talking about next year.
Their father picked up his cup of coffee and said, “That way we don’t have to rush the rest of the harvest or the planting season next year.”
It made sense. But still, Tom didn’t relish the thought of living alone...even if his brothers were a big nuisance. Sighing, he finished his meal.
Chapter Three
Jessica sat on the swing on her front porch, trying to read the book in her hands, but she couldn’t concentrate on it. Though three days had passed, she still couldn’t get Tom Larson out of her mind. Maybe that was because every time she touched or looked at her hair, she remembered why she had to cut it. That, of course, led to thoughts of Tom.
When she saw a young man walking down the road toward her house, she thought he was Tom simply because he’d been on her mind a lot. Then, as he got closer, she realized that it was Tom, and he was holding a package in his hands. Was he coming to see her? She quickly adjusted her shirt and skirt and straightened up. Why did she even care how she appeared? He may not be coming by to see her. And even if he was... Well, why should that excite her?
She picked up the book and turned her attention to the words on the page in front of her. She read the first sentence three times before she realized that, though she was reading it, she really didn’t know what it said. This was ridiculous. It was just Tom Larson. And she was engaged to Peter. Oh good grief. What was wrong with her?
Tom halted in front of the porch and cleared his throat.
She pretended to be startled and glanced up.
He shifted from one foot to the other. “I hope...I mean, can I...?” He motioned to the top of the porch.
Realizing what he was trying to say, she nodded. “Come on up.”
He lumbered up the steps and stood in front of her. “I wanted to apologize for the other night. You know. Your hair. I can see that you had to cut it.”
His contrite expression made her smile. Shrugging, she said, “It was due for a trim.” Suddenly, it didn’t seem like a big deal. It was just hair after all. It would grow back. She scooted over. “Would you like a seat?”
“Thank you.” He sat next to her, keeping a safe distance between them and held the box to her. “I thought that this..gift...might help...you know, with your hair and all.”
She had to admit that she was flattered he seemed to be shy around her. Not that it meant much. He was shy around every lady he came across, from what she’d seen. Still, it was nice that he cared so much about what she thought. She took the box and thanked him. She lifted the lid, surprised by the number of items in it. There were several ribbons, three bonnets, a brush, a comb, four barrettes, and a hat.
“I wasn’t sure what you like to wear, so I picked up everything I found at the mercantile. I hope something in there is to your liking.”
She laughed. It was a sweet gesture. “A simple apology is enough, but I do like all of these.”
He looked relieved.
“Try not to feel bad about what happened. I know you didn’t mean to do it.”
He smiled. “I appreciate that. I see that you’re reading. I won’t take up anymore of your time.”
“Wait,” she said as he began to stand up. She placed the lid back on the box. “Do you have to go somewhere?”
“No. I mean, I do have to get back to my pa’s farm, but that can wait.”
“Would you like to have something to eat and drink? It is around noon.”
He seemed surprised by her invitation. “Are you sure?”
She stood up. “I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t mean it. I can make you a quick bite to eat and some coffee to drink before you head back home.”
“That’s really nice of you.”
“It’s the least I can do for a man who bought me all these gifts.” She opened the screen door and motioned for him to follow her. “I can’t get you anything out here.”
He immediately jumped up and joined her as she went into the house.