The Chill of an Early Fall by Mary Alford

Author:Mary Alford [Alford, Mary]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-11-11T16:00:00+00:00

“I can’t believe this is happening to Sadie,” Jonah said after Elam finished telling what had happened.

“It’s bad news.” Elam wiped his brow and stared out at the field ahead of him. Every minute seemed like an hour since he’d left Sadie and Irene. All he could think about was their safety.

Jonah pinned him with a familiar glance “How is it being close to her again?”

Elam pretended not to understand what he meant. “She’s only here because she’s scared.”

“And you’ve only been in love with her since you were ten years old.”

“Jonah!” Elam’s sharp tone—meant as a warning—didn’t faze his brother.

“Don’t Jonah me. You’re in love with her.”

Elam blew out a sigh. “Well, it doesn’t matter because she’s no longer part of our world. As soon as her troubles are finished, she’ll be gone.”

“Are you so sure she doesn’t have feelings for you?”

Elam’s mouth twisted into a bitter smile. “What do you think?” He couldn’t let himself have hope. As soon as he was sure Sadie was safe, he’d head to West Kootenai to his cousin’s dairy farm there. Put distance between the memories. Hopefully, get her out of his heart for good.

“Well, I hope you’re wrong. I think you and Sadie were meant to be together.”

Elam shook his head at the hopeless romantic standing before him.

“Let’s get these fields harrowed and planted. I’d like to be done before the first snow.” He glanced up at the threatening skies. “And that could be any time.”

Elam climbed up on the plow and shook the reins.

Ever since Jonah had fallen in love with Willa, he’d been after Elam to find someone to settle down with. But when Elam thought about love, Sadie’s pretty face materialized in his mind. The hopelessness of the situation made him realize he’d been clinging to something that didn’t—couldn’t—exist. He had to find a way to move forward with his life. Maybe the temporary relocation to West Kootenai would be what he needed to set him on the path to letting Sadie go once and for all.

With Jonah’s help, by midday, they’d made a huge dent in the work. When all the planting was finished, he could leave without feeling guilty. He’d spoken to his gut friend, Saul Lantz, who’d agreed to help Jonah out with all three farms so it wouldn’t be a hardship for his brother.

“Willa made fried chicken for lunch.” Jonah brought the horses to a stop next to Irene’s porch.

Elam cringed. “Is Willa getting any better at cooking?” He hesitantly lifted the cloth covering the basket. Several pieces of chicken appeared overcooked to the point of burned.

“No. But she tries, and she makes me happy, so who cares?”

As happy as he was for his brother, sometimes watching Jonah and Willa holding hands or sneaking little kisses reminded him of what was missing in his life. He’d spent way too long hoping Sadie would return to her faith and realize he loved her. It was time to move on and time to tell his brother about his plans.

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