The Lumberjacks' Ball (The Christy Lumber Camp Series Book 2) by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Author:Carrie Fancett Pagels [Pagels, Carrie Fancett]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hearts Overcoming Press
Published: 2015-04-03T23:00:00+00:00

10

The bells jingled as the door opened. Rebecca jumped up from where she’d bent over a shipment of fancy buttons, dropping a card of mother-of-pearl buttons in the process. Without Garrett in the store and Amy gone, all her fears had returned, including nightmares of Myron showing up, waiting in the shadows. She shivered as Tom removed his bowler hat and hung it on a peg.

“I’ve come to check on you and make sure all is well.” If Garrett had stated those words, there’d be warmth in them—a promise of something just beneath the surface. But with Tom, she sensed the offer was one forced on him by Jo, and his tone was almost as brisk as the Lake Michigan breeze that day.

She cocked her head at him, appraising the difference between the two men. Tom was handsome, but his attempts to be clever always fell short with her, whereas Garrett understated his capabilities and instead produced a level of craftsmanship she’d never seen before. “Thanks. It’s been slow, other than the ladies coming to pick up their fabric and notions for new gowns for the ball.”

He laughed. “That’s an oxymoron. A Lumberjacks’ Ball. Woodcutter’s dance maybe—but a ball?”

Offense rose up in her. “You should see the fancy gowns that Sister Mary Lou is whipping up! Once you view those, you won’t be looking down your nose.” She was beginning to understand why Jo had thought Tom could be cocky.

The handsome teacher shook his head. “It just strikes me as funny. Sorry. And yes, even my own sweet fiancé will be lovely in one of Sister Mary Lou’s creations.”

Rebecca stretched her shoulders, hoping to ease some of the tension.

The door bells jingled again as the door opened. The elderly dockworker limped inside. “Good day, Miss Hart.” He closed the door gently behind him, scooting out of the way on his good foot.

“What is it, Charlie?”

“I was supposed to give you a message from Mr. Christy.”

“Which one?”

He stroked his chin. “Only know the one fella.”

Tom surprised Rebecca by pulling a chair over for the infirm man. She should have thought to do so. But Charlie shook his head. “Only here for a minute. Mr. Christy said to get word to you and his sister that he was going to see his Pa downstate.”

“Is anything wrong?”

“Dunno, he just hollered that at me when he saw me at the dock on the island. I was getting my daughter settled back in at her work over there.” Charlie shrugged. “Mr. Christy boarded a ship going to Mackinaw City. Looked like he was surrounded by a whole bunch of kids.”

“What?” Rebecca pressed her hand to her stiff collar, which suddenly felt tight.

Tom edged toward the dockworker. “Did he say anything else? Like whether something happened to his father? I’m marrying Mr. Christy’s daughter, Josephine.”

“Nope. And I gotta get back to work.” Arching a shaggy white eyebrow, Charlie surveyed Tom. “You’re marrying that pretty gal, Jo?”

“Yes.” Tom stood straighter.

Shaking his head, Charlie clucked his tongue as he headed out the door, disapproval evident in the glimpse she had of his face.

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