The Christmas Calamity by Shanna Hatfield

Author:Shanna Hatfield [Hatfield, Shanna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2014-11-13T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

“You’ve done a splendid job repairing Gramps, Mr. McIntosh.” Alex rubbed her hand along the spoke of a front wheel. Painted white with a vermillion and yellow stripe, it stood out in contrast to the dark red of her wagon. “I don’t know when the wagon has looked this good. It’s almost like new.”

Douglas McIntosh grinned. “It was a challenge to get all the repairs just right, but a pleasure to work for such a kind lady.”

Alex bestowed a favorable smile on him as she walked around the wagon again, admiring the refreshed appearance.

Clearly pleased with her appreciation of his efforts, Douglas grinned. “I’m hoping you’ll see fit to share your secrets of how you do your magic tricks.”

“I don’t share my secrets, Mr. McIntosh. Not with anyone.”

The blacksmith pointed to a latch on the side of the wagon. “I couldn’t help but notice the…”

“As a wise man once said, ‘Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.’” Arlan strode inside the blacksmith shop with a jovial smile on his face, interrupting Douglas.

Alex laughed. “Still quoting Ben Franklin, Mr. Guthry?” At his nod, she shook her head. “Since I’m still unwilling to share my secrets, I guess the two of you are safe for today.”

Douglas chuckled and thumped Arlan on the back. “What can I do for you, my friend?”

“I thought I’d take Orion out for a run. He’s been cooped up all week.” Arlan pointed to where his horse stood waiting outside. “I noticed Miss Janowski walk inside and thought I’d see if she would like to come along.”

“Oh, I’d love to, Arlan. Can you give me a minute to saddle Bill?”

His broad smile assured her he’d wait as long as necessary.

“I’ll saddle the horse for you, Miss Alex. It’ll just take me a minute.” Douglas went through a doorway that led to his livery stable. While he saddled her horse, Alex showed Arlan the improvements Douglas made to her wagon, although he’d seen them as the blacksmith made the repairs.

While the smithy worked on the wagon, Arlan frequently stopped to check on the progress, even though it really wasn’t any of his concern. He told himself he was looking out for Alex’s best interest, but if he cared to admit it, he was curious to see if Douglas discovered how she did any of her tricks.

“Are you sure you don’t want to give away even one little secret?” Arlan wished there were some way to coax a hint out of her.

Drawn to the mischievous twinkle in his eye and the boyish grin on his face, he appeared much younger than his twenty-four years. Her gaze lingered on the dimple in his left cheek and she struggled against the urge to kiss it. “Fine. I’ll tell you one secret, but only one.”

Eagerly, he waited to hear what she would reveal.

With a sassy smile, she crooked her finger at him and motioned him closer. “Secrets must be whispered.”

Arlan welcomed any excuse to draw close to the beguiling woman and stepped forward, stopping only when the toes of his boots touched hers.

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