Читать книгу The Texan's Twin Blessings - Rhonda Gibson - Страница 14

Chapter Six

Emily Jane enjoyed the walk to the store. Rose giggled as they strolled. The twin pointed at a little boy and his dog as they ran across the street. Ruby giggled along with her while William strode in silence. She couldn’t help but wonder if he regretted inviting her along. His brows were pulled into an affronted frown, and a muscle flicked in his jaw. She didn’t know him well enough, so she couldn’t decide if he was angry or contemplating some deep subject.

The bell jingled overhead as he held the door open for her. She stepped inside the store and waited for a few seconds to give her eyes a moment to adjust. The wonderful scents of spices and leather filled her senses.

Carolyn Moore stood behind the counter. “Emily Jane, how good to see you.” She walked over to where they stood. “Who is this cute little girl?” Carolyn asked, touching Rose’s arm.

Rose tucked her thumb in her mouth and laid her head on Emily Jane’s shoulder. She pressed her body as close to Emily Jane’s as she could. For a brief moment, protectiveness rose in Emily Jane. She realized how foolish that was, considering the store owner was a good friend and would never hurt the child.

“This is Miss Rose.” Emily Jane smiled at them both.

Carolyn laughed. “It’s nice to meet you, Miss Rose.” She turned her attention to William and the child he carried. “And who might this be?”

When William didn’t answer but stood with his mouth twisted in a wry smile at Carolyn’s teasing, Emily Jane answered. “That is Miss Ruby.” Carolyn knew who both girls were, of course, but knew the method of pretend surprise would make the girls feel more comfortable. She was an old hand at winning children over.

“Well, hello, Miss Ruby.” Carolyn laughed. “My, aren’t we all being so formal today?” She waved her hand in front of her face much like Emily Jane assumed a woman of wealth would wave a fan.

Carolyn’s laughter was contagious, and soon Emily Jane’s, Ruby’s and Rose’s giggles joined in. William stared at them all as if they’d lost their minds. Emily Jane couldn’t help but laugh harder, looking into his bemused face.

Mr. Carlson, Carolyn’s elderly father, called from the back of the store. “Women sure are a funny breed. William, come on back here and let the women get their cackling done.” He busily set up a checkerboard that was his constant companion.

“I’d love to, Phillip, but I need to get some shopping done before I return to work here in a bit,” William called back to him.

Emily Jane enjoyed the way his voice rose to answer the other man. It was loud enough to be heard but not booming like her father’s. So far there wasn’t much she’d found dislikable about the man. From his beautiful blue eyes to his full lips. He carried himself with a commanding air of self-confidence, and yet there were times when he appeared so vulnerable.

Reining in her wayward thoughts, Emily Jane pulled her gaze from his handsome face and looked to Carolyn. Being caught staring at William caused heat to travel into Emily Jane’s cheeks. She quickly blurted out, “Violet asked me to pick up some coffee for her, too.”

The other woman grinned and nodded. “I’ll have Amos run it over. He’s been pestering us for a job this morning. We use him as needed to run deliveries for us, so he’ll be happy for the work. I told him to come back in a bit, so he should return soon.”

Emily Jane dug into her purse and pulled out a coin. “Would you make sure he gets this for helping me out?” She handed the money over with a smile and prayer that Carolyn would forget whatever thoughts she had about her and Mr. Barns. Amos and his mother could use the extra coinage, and Emily Jane was always happy to find a way to assist them. “Also, tell him to stop by the house when he gets done.”

Carolyn looked at her with a quizzical expression. “We’re paying him, Emily Jane.”

Relief washed over Emily Jane that Carolyn seemed to be distracted now. “I know, but I want to make sure he knows he’s appreciated.” And that was the truth. Amos worked hard to help his ma out, and he was growing into a fine young man. For that Emily Jane was grateful.

An understanding glance passed between them before Carolyn tucked the money into her apron pocket and turned her attention to William. “Now, do you need any help with your shopping, Mr. Barns? I know you know where everything is, but with these two sweeties, I’m not sure you will be able to gather up what you came for. If you’d like, I could take your list and gather your supplies for you.”

William shook his head. “No, thank you. I’m sure there are more things I’ll need that I forgot to put on the list. Luckily, Miss Emily Jane has agreed to help me with the girls, so I should be able to manage for now.”

Emily Jane nodded. “I’m going to pick up a few spices, too.” She noticed a small wagon sitting beside the door. It had tall railings on each side and the back. Emily Jane pointed at it. “Carolyn, may we use that wagon?”

“Oh, yes. Of course.”

She carried Rose to the wagon and set her inside. “Look, Rose. Want to ride?”

The little girl giggled and kicked her small legs. Emily Jane picked up the long handle and pulled Rose to William and Ruby.

“What a great idea.” He put Ruby down beside her sister. The two girls laughed and banged against the wagon’s sides. He dug inside the bag he had flung over his shoulder and gave both the girls their stuffed animals.

“Those should keep them busy while we get our shopping done.” William made his way to the sugar and flour barrels. He pulled a sack from the pile and began filling it with sugar.

She heard him humming as he scooped the white granules into the bag. Emily Jane looked back at the girls, who seemed content to slap at each other with their toys and giggle. Experience with her siblings told her the girls wouldn’t be content long. She hurried to help William complete his shopping so that she could get on with her own.

For the next thirty minutes, Emily Jane and William piled merchandise on the front counter while the children played in the wagon. She helped him pick out canned goods that the girls could eat, as well as breakfast foods such as eggs and salt pork.

Emily Jane looked at the mountain of supplies and decided that his basic shopping was complete. William had moved to the men’s department, which consisted of ready-made shirts, pants and boots.

Happy to have his shopping done, she turned her attention to the fabric and ribbons. Emily Jane chose yellow and green ribbons to replace the girls’ bows. Impulsively, she added matching yellow and green fabric. The girls needed new dresses, and since she was good friends with Susanna Marsh, the local dressmaker, Emily Jane decided to add those to William’s pile.

Next, Emily Jane walked to the wall of spices. She needed baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and ginger to resupply her baking cabinet at home. Thankfully, Levi Westland, the owner of The Bakery, had agreed to let her have a running tab at the general store so that she could practice making various sweet breads, tarts, pies, cakes and cookies for the eatery or she would not have been able to afford all the wonderful seasonings.

Someday she’d have her own bakery. It would be as big as The Bakery and would have round tables with blue-checkered tablecloths. She’d pay extra for a large glass window so that people passing by could see inside. And she’d also find a way for the smell of her freshly baked goods to vent outside and entice passersby to come inside.

The recipes she created each day and passed on to The Bakery were hers, and someday she’d be making them in her own store. She’d need to move from Granite, so that she wouldn’t be in competition with Mr. Westland and Violet. Moving was not something she looked forward to doing. Emily Jane frowned, as she wondered once again where she would go.