Rocky Mountain Match (16 page)

Sam glanced her way. “He showed you our old haunt, eh?”

A wistful feeling came from deep within as she stared up into Joseph’s face. “Actually this is the second time. It’s such a peaceful, serene place. So picturesque.”

“How about you, Sam? How was your lunch?” Joseph asked.

“I’m glad to say that I had a nice time.” There was a mischievous gleam in Sam’s eyes as he narrowed his gaze on her. “But I could’ve sworn I was bidding on your box, Miss Katie Ellickson. I just know I saw you set a box with a big green ribbon and flowers on the table. I figured it had to be yours.”

“Oh, I’m sorry for the confusion, Sam. Mine was the one with the pale blue ribbon… Well, you know that now, I guess. For some reason, that other box had caught my eye and I wanted to get a better look at it.” With a certain amount of irony, she silently recalled holding the box. “Perhaps it was the flowers. They were just so…so large.” She remembered Julia’s potent, recognizable scent that had lingered like some caustic odor around the gaudy
package. “You must’ve been glancing my way when I set it back on the table.”

“Hmm.” With a furrowed brow, Sam tapped his forefinger against his lips. “Apparently.”

Joseph angled his head toward Sam. “So, what lucky lady was fortunate enough to go on a picnic with you?”

Sam paused. “None other than Miss Julia Cranston.”

“Really?” Joseph’s mouth twitched with a barely bridled grin. “I hope you had a nice lunch with her.”

Feeling a giggle working its way up her throat, Katie set her hand to her mouth and coughed to ward it off. Honestly, she felt genuinely sorry for poor, unsuspecting Sam.

“I’ll admit, I was disappointed that it wasn’t you, Katie,” he said, slicing his warm gaze to her. “Nevertheless, I did enjoy myself,” Sam assured, giving her arm a tender squeeze before he clapped Joseph on the shoulder. “I must say, Joseph, I was taken aback when Zach handed over his…prize.”

Joseph dragged in a breath. “So was I.”

Sam passed a slow, studying gaze from Katie then back to Joseph. “Is there any reason in particular why he’d do that?”

“You’ll have to talk with him about that.”

Hugging her arms to her chest, Katie peered up at Joseph. “I hope that Zach won’t really make you pay all that money.”

“Don’t worry about the money.” He focused down at her, his eyes…those beautiful, dark amber-colored eyes radiant with instant warmth that seeped all the way to her toes. “Spending time with you would’ve been a bargain at ten times the price.”

Katie silently drank in the moment, reveling in the unexpected show of affection from him.

“Well, kids, the fiddles are tuning up.” Sam pulled her out of her small indulgence and nodded toward the large barn. “That means the barn dance is about to start. Do you enjoy dancing, Katie?”

“I love to dance,” she breathed, then leaned toward Joseph and quietly spoke. “Do you want a guide into the barn?”

He lightly grasped her arm. “Sure. Thanks.”

“And you, Sam, do you enjoy dancing, as well?” she asked.

“Love it!” He clapped his hands once, then rubbed them together as though warming himself over a fire.

“How about you, Joseph?” she asked, steering him around a large dip in the ground. “Do you dance?”

“
Does
Joseph dance? I’m surprised your reputation hasn’t preceded you, my friend.” Sam reached around Katie, needling Joseph with a friendly pat. “Joseph Drake may as well have been born-and-bred nobility, the way he dances. Come to think of it, all the Drake brothers can twirl a lady around the dance floor like they stepped out of some castle ballroom.”

Sam leaned toward her and whispered conspiratorially. “The menfolk hate them for it, too. Makes us all look bad.”

“This year they’ll have two less Drakes to hate. Aaron’s not here and you won’t catch me out there doing any dancing.”

“What harm could a waltz or two do?” Sam prodded.

When they stepped into the barn doorway, Joseph stopped beside Katie and pulled his head back as if adjusting to the change in lighting. “Without my sight, I’d
be like a bull in a barn full of newborn chicks out on a dance floor.”

“You never know, it might just make you feel more like yourself again,” Sam urged.

“I’m feeling like myself without dancing, thank you.” He dropped his hand from Katie’s arm and held his head high. “If one of you’ll point me in the right direction, I’ll just find my way to where all the men with two left feet line up. You two go on ahead.” With nonchalance, he gestured them away with small sweeping strokes of his hand. But his jaw muscles clenched, and his casual manner didn’t quite reach his voice. “Enjoy yourselves. Dance all night.”

Confusion tugged at Katie’s heart, threatening to tear it in two. She just couldn’t understand how Joseph could look visibly irritated when Sam showed her attention, yet seemed bent on shoving her straight into his friend’s arms.

As good and as nice as Sam was, it wasn’t his arms she dreamed of holding her. She yearned for Joseph’s strong, muscled arms encircling her, making her feel tenderly cared for…and loved.

She swallowed hard. Joseph seemed set on shutting down his feelings for her. Even if he did want her, he very well might not feel the same way knowing the truth of her past.

But she could dream. No one could steal that from her.

Several moments of silence ensued. Sam continued to stare at Joseph as though seeing his friend for the first time, and then turned a hesitant, lingering gaze on Katie.

“Katie, if you wouldn’t mind, I’d be honored if you’d grace me with a dance before the night’s out,” he uttered
calmly, suddenly lacking the excitement he’d shown only moments ago.

She glanced at Joseph, then to Sam. “Well, I—”

“Yoo-hoo, Samuel!” Julia’s shrill voice demanded attention.

The hair on the back of Katie’s neck stood on end as she witnessed the woman whisk across the wide-planked floor with graceful elegance. Her dark silky hair was pulled back in a fashionable twist and her cobalt-blue dress glimmered in the barn’s soft yellow glow. Julia’s striking emerald eyes glinted hard as steel as she shot a look of warning at Katie, then slithered up next to Sam like a snake to sun.

“My dear Samuel, the music is about to begin,” she cooed, trailing a finger down his arm. “You promised me the first dance. Remember?” she whispered, soft enough not to wake a baby. Loud enough for Katie to hear.

Sam peered at Joseph again, then with what seemed a deliberate, painstaking length of time, passed his gaze back to Katie. When her eyes met his, she found something strangely different there. Something that almost made her sad for Sam.

While he gave Katie a single measured nod, he responded to Julia. “I did promise you the first dance, Julia.”

He peered down at where Julia possessively looped her arm through his and gave the woman a genuine but dim smile as he patted her hand. “If you’ll excuse me, Joseph, Katie, I have a dance to enjoy.”

Katie swallowed hard, watching Sam lead Julia out on the dance floor with gentlemanly grace and undivided attention. He was such a good man, so warmly attentive. She said a silent prayer for him, yet wondered if it was
Julia she really needed to pray for. Sam, perceptive and astute as he was, seemed to be able to see past all of the flash and flourish Julia acted out like some grand performance. She might not be prepared for the candid and guileless way with which Sam operated.

T
he night had just begun and Joseph already wished that it was over. Slowly inhaling the rich summer air, he listened as Sam ushered Julia toward the dance area, reminding himself that he’d vowed to go the distance tonight. If he was going to get on with as normal a life as possible, he wanted to start living it like he had in the past. Living like he had a future.

When he sensed Katie shifting beside him, he leaned toward her and asked, “Would you like something to drink? I’m pretty sure I caught a whiff of apple cider. If it’s anything like in past years, I’m sure it’s good.”

“That sounds delicious. Thank you,” she answered, her sweet voice raised a notch, compensating for the loud music and the dancer’s stamping feet as the announcer called for the Virginia reel.

“Do you mind leading the way?” He reached up and grasped her arm. “I’m a little uncertain with all the people. Can’t rely on shadows when it’s so dark in here.”

She briefly touched his hand at her elbow. “Not at all. It’s just over here, to the left.”

As she weaved through the crowd, Joseph returned several greetings sent his way, trying to appear as casual as possible.
Other than the fact that he was holding on to Katie’s arm with one hand and the long cane in the other, no one would guess a thing was different about him,
he mused sarcastically.

He took in all the sounds around him…the voices, the music, the apple press grinding in the background. When the edge of his cane came into contact with a barrier, he reached out and touched the waist-high board that doubled as a beverage counter for these gatherings. He felt the nudging of people beside him and behind him, and was threatened with a moment of panic, but knowing Katie was there gave him confidence.

“I’m right behind you,” she spoke low, edging closer.

“What’ll it be, Joseph?” Mr. Heath’s easy timbre was a welcome sound.

He smiled. “Two glasses of cider, please.”

“Coming right up!”

“Joseph Drake, it does my heart good seeing you here today.” Mrs. Duncan scooted next to him and barked out an order for cider.

“I’m glad I could make it,” he answered, picturing the older woman’s round, rosy-cheeked face.

“This event just wouldn’t be the same without you.” When she patted his arm as though she was burping a baby, a sliver of irritation wriggled down Joseph’s spine. “I suppose you’re bored stiff and just chomping at the bit for things to do now that you’re blind.”

Not wanting to appear rude, he endured her thick-handed touch and ungainly words. “Well, actually—”

“It’s a shame about your eyesight and all, young man.
The whole town thinks so.” Her stale breath fanned across his face and he could easily picture Mrs. Duncan’s pinched features framed in wisps of carrot-orange hair. “A pure waste of a promising young man, that’s what it is.”

He set his back teeth. “I wouldn’t consider—”

“You needn’t feel ashamed of yourself,” she half yelled as she pushed closer, bumping into him with her doughy-soft figure. “It’s a cryin’ shame you never married, seeing as how you’d probably be grateful for someone to take care of you now. But as handsome as you are, I’m sure you could find some young woman who’d be agreeable to marrying you in your condition.”

Joseph threaded his fingers through his hair, striving to maintain his patience. After all, this was Mrs. Duncan, and it was no secret that she spoke her mind, the words flying from her mouth without a thought.

“Oh, really? Is that so?” he finally said, as though responding to news about the local logging industry.

“I don’t usually do this sort of thing, but my niece, well, she may not be beautiful by some men’s standards, but she’s a good girl. Practical, nurturing and strong as an ox,” she said, each quality emphasized by a sharp poke in his chest.

Joseph balled his fists around his cane and when Katie’s hand came to rest at his back, he felt a sense of relief.

“She’s from Longmont,” Mrs. Duncan announced, her voice carrying through the barn as the music came to a snappy halt. “She’ll be arriving before winter sets in. I’d be more than happy to introduce—”

“I appreciate the thoughtfulness,” he interrupted, holding up his hand in hopes that she’d just drop the subject.

“I’m sure you’d find her pleasant-enough company. Why, she can read, cooks real good and is charitable just like me,” she added as the music began again. “Mind you, it’s not as if I’ve given this a lick of thought, but if the two of you married, you could just move in with Horace and me. We have plenty of room.”

“Does she have all of her teeth?” came Katie’s voice from behind him, the sharp but humorous bite in her words cracking a smile on Joseph’s face.

Mrs. Duncan huffed and pressed in closer, making Joseph’s level of irritation shoot upward. “As I was saying…the two of you could live with Horace and me.”

He suddenly felt more compassion for Horace Duncan than he’d ever felt for another soul. “Mrs. Duncan, I—”

“That way Horace could tend to the
manly
things around the house.” When she sidled even closer, it was almost his undoing. “Since you’re not able-bodied, why, it’d be the perfect arrangement.”

“Mrs. Duncan! Really, I’m
not
interested,” he ground out, his voice raised a notch. Closing his eyes, he steadied his nerves, thankful again that Katie was behind him.

“Well!” The woman gasped. “I was
just
trying to help.”

“I’ll let you know if I need your help.”

After Mr. Heath handed him the mugs of apple cider, he turned and gave Katie hers, then followed her lead back through the crowd.

“That was outrageous,” Katie whispered.

“That’s Mrs. Duncan for you,” he clipped off, swallowing a mouthful of cider along with his pride.

When they reached the benches that were lined up around the barn’s perimeter, Joseph secured his cane
against the wall and sat down. He rested against the thick, sturdy walls as he tried to compose himself. His sour mood was in direct contrast to the light, playful music.

“I’m sorry that happened,” Katie spoke next to him.

Hearing the quiver in Katie’s voice, he knew he’d have to ignore his frustration or her evening would be lost on him. He didn’t want that. She loved to dance and deserved to enjoy herself tonight, but if she stuck around feeling sorry for him, she might bow out of the frivolity, and Sam had yet to dance with her.

“Are you all right?” Her voice was tentative enough to broach a hibernating bear.

“I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.”

“But Mrs. Duncan…she was so thoughtless,” she added.

“She’s not known for her tact.” He hoped his casual dismissal was convincing. “Go have fun now. I’m sure there are plenty of men waiting in line to dance with you.”

When Ben chose to stop by at that very moment and pull Katie out on the floor for a lively number, Joseph tried to be grateful. He sat back on the bench, determined to enjoy the pleasant music, rhythmic stamping of feet and the satisfying sounds of laughter woven like a cheerful cord through the night. While the evening wore on, one dance after another, he remained resolute on staying to the end.

“Having fun over here?” Sam sounded winded as he sat down with an unceremonious plop next to Joseph.

“Sure. The music’s good, as always. And I have a great view from here,” Joseph retorted, smirking.

“So…the man has a sense of humor?”

Joseph gave his friend a disingenuous grin and stretched his legs out in front of him, hooking one ankle over the other.

“Where’s Katie?” Sam asked on a deep exhale.

“I’m not sure. Last I knew she was out there with Zach.”

After a pause, Sam said, “There she is, dancing with Mr. Heath—that sly, old dog.”

A smile tipped the corner of Joseph’s mouth. “Does she look like she’s having fun?”

“She’s glowing,” Sam responded with a certain reverence. “Has been all night.”

Hearing Sam say that, Joseph was very glad that he’d jerked himself out of his irritation earlier. Had he not, she might still been sitting beside him missing out on the evening.

“Katie sure is something, Joseph.” Sam cleared his throat. “Listen, I came over here to let you know that Julia’s come down with a headache and asked if I could see her home. You know, since I bought her box lunch…”

“Of course. Go ahead.”

“I’ll be back later to walk you home,” Sam added.

“I’m sure I can get Ben or Zach to see to it. I might even be able to make it myself.”

“You might as well get a lead. I know I would if I were you.” Sam’s voice suddenly grew serious. “There’s something else…. I was wondering, since I haven’t danced with Katie yet and there are probably a few waltzes left, I thought that maybe you could do the honor for me.”

Joseph gave his head an adamant shake. “Sam, you’re a good friend, but—”

“It’s just a waltz. You could do it in your sleep.”

“I’m flattered by your confidence in me,” he shot back sarcastically. “But I’m
not
getting out on that dance floor.”

“What will it hurt?” Sam prodded.

“If I talk with her again, I’ll let her know that you had
to leave and were sorry you couldn’t dance with her. I’m sure she’ll understand.”

Even as Joseph uttered the words, he wished he could take them back. Just one dance. Why couldn’t he find it in himself to at least try one dance? One more chance to hold her, to touch her, to burn into his memory her scent, her soft skin, the sound of her sweet voice so near him.

“You know that I’d never leave without extending her my deepest regrets. I already did that.” Sam paused a moment, the uncomfortable silence drowning out the fiddle music in the background. “There’s no good reason why you can’t dance
one
waltz with her.”

Joseph stared straight ahead, wide-eyed. “Being blind isn’t good enough reason for you?”

“Just try. Dance with Katie,” Sam urged, his words sounding as though they’d passed through gritted teeth.

Joseph pushed himself up from the bench and drew his mouth into a tight, grim line. “Stop badgering me about this. Please.”

“Let me put it this way,” Sam ground out, coming to stand right in front of him. “I could continue to set my sights on Katie, falling over myself to win her affection, but it wouldn’t do me a bit of good.” When Sam moved closer, Joseph bridled to meet him, nose to nose. “I want you to listen, and listen good. There’s a fall-off-your-horse gorgeous woman out there who takes my breath away. But believe me, it’s been painfully obvious all night that she has eyes for only
one
person in this room,” he said, jabbing a finger in Joseph’s chest. “And it
ain’t
me.”

The words permeated every inch of Joseph, weighing down the protest that struggled to break free. He stared into darkness, confusion hanging over him as Sam walked
away. A swirl of emotions rocked his mind and heart. Frustration at the helplessness that still snaked through him, challenging his sense of value. Dread that dare he follow his heart he’d find that he really did lack what it took to be a worthy husband.

And hope. Hope that
if
he dared to follow his heart, he’d find things to be far different than what he feared. He’d discover that Katie cared for him, not out of pity or loyalty, but because of who he was, blind or not.

Sensing his stubborn resolve slipping away like water through a sieve, he reminded himself again why he shouldn’t be the one to pursue Katie. He wasn’t a whole man—like Sam. He couldn’t take care of her like a husband should. He couldn’t love her like—

But he could love her. Maybe he already did love her.

All at once, the insecurities that had permeated his mind these past weeks now smelled more like pride than truth. And the gallant motivation that had held his focus captive seemed as unclear as the indistinct shadows in his world.

Turning to grab his cane, a tremble worked through him as he realized that Sam had just relinquished the object of his desire…Katie. He’d as much as pushed Joseph toward her, the last few words he’d said ricocheting through Joseph’s mind like a bold flash of light jerking him from some strange, dark dream.

He was still reeling from the sentiment when he felt a light touch on his arm, and instinctively knew it was Katie.

“Joseph?”

He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to remind himself of why she deserved more. But he couldn’t seem to grasp even the smallest bit of prior reasoning.

“Are you feeling under the weather?” she asked, her
touch working like a mesmerizing fire to calm his uncertainty, her light lily scent like an intoxicating draw. “Would you like to step out back for some air?”

“Sure,” he heard himself saying.

He swallowed hard, fighting to sink his teeth into his resolve again. Each time he started to protest with some excuse as to why he couldn’t go with her, he felt his tongue get thick, his mouth go dry with the unspoken words. When he grasped her arm and walked with her around the dance area, each step felt like a thousand mile’s distance from his former rationale.

“Are you sure you’re not feeling ill?” Katie asked as they walked into the cool night air. “You look a little flushed.”

He shook his head, working his cane in front of him. “No, nothing like that.”

His footsteps fell in perfect rhythm with Katie’s across the hard ground as they neared the spot where a new fence line had been erected to flank the lot. Slowing to a stop next to her, he felt helpless to drag up even one argument.

As another melody ended from inside the barn, Joseph concentrated on the noises surrounding him. The crickets chirping their own playful song, pigeons cooing from their roost in the barn, the light wind whispering through the nearby pines.

When he thought he heard movement from the area of the trees, he turned, training an ear that way. Had someone run into the trees when they’d come out here? Perhaps some of the children who seemed to delight in spying on private moments? Listening closely, he knew for a fact that he didn’t want an audience right now.

After he was satisfied that they were alone he pulled his attention back to the moment and heard her sniffing the air.