In answer, she returned it to her pocket, sensing a tiny thrill. A heartfelt bridge had been built. He could not know how she had treasured that small bit of cloth, even putting it under her pillow when she slept. Nor had she wanted to wash it and remove all trace of him. And all the while she had wondered...
How would his hand feel upon her hair again? Her skin?
A tickle was her answer—the barest brush of his knuckles upon her heated cheek. They swept downward till they rested beneath her chin, tilting her head upward ever so slightly. Slowly he leaned in and closed the distance between them as her heart beat fast as a captive bird’s wing. Would he ... kiss her?
But his hand fell away as a rush of footsteps had them both looking again at the river.
“Xander? That you?”
“Who else?”
“Look at this!” Shay held up his catch with one hand, thespear with which he’d caught it in the other. At Xander’s praise, his smile widened. “Father shall have a fine striped bass for his breakfast.”
“No doubt you’ll teach the Naturals some fishing tricks.”
“Ha! I should like to teach and not only be taught.” He passed inside the kitchen doorway, leaving them alone again.
But the sweet moment betwixt them was lost. Or simply postponed?
Selah stood reluctantly, bringing an end to their unexpected meeting. “You must be weary from a day’s labor and then graciously calling on your new neighbors.”
He didn’t deny it. “Fare thee well, dear Selah. It sits sweetly with me that you’re not far.”
With that, he called for his horse and swung himself into the saddle with a seamless grace she never failed to note. Though her head tugged her inside, she let her heart sway her into watching him till the darkness swallowed him whole, the faint sound of his whistling unable to alleviate the sudden lonesomeness in his wake.
19
Soon their new home was nearly unpacked, and the warehouse along the waterfront opened its doors. A mere half mile separated the two and was easily had by a brisk walk or by horse. Most of their upriver trade came by boat, some by horse and wagon.
Though their start was smaller and the warehouse not yet full, business was brisk once word spread that outlying plantations didn’t have to venture clear to James Towne for supplies. Since Ustis knew nearly everyone in the colony, hearty shouts of welcome and parting farewells rang out from morn till late afternoon. Somewhat revived, he did not rely on his walking stick as much.
Selah marked time by Shay’s going. Only a few more days and they’d return to James Towne for ceremonies initiating the exchange. For now, as she stood in their new garden, making rows and hills and watering the precious seed Xander had given them and that which they’d brought, all else faded beneath the glaring Tidewater sun.
“Mother, should we plant the rose cuttings here or overthere?” Selah asked, blinking in the glare, her thoughts mired in moonlight and Xander.
“Train them up against the kitchen wall.” Candace’s voice reined in her daughter’s woolgathering. “Thankfully, the honeysuckle planted by the last tenant is full of health and vigor.”
Selah gave an appreciative glance at the luxuriant vine shading the arbor between house and kitchen.
Hours later, their backs pinched from bending over, the garden was done. Purslane, French beans, lettuces, parsnips, artichokes, maize, and Ustis’s prized potatoes. A lush if late harvest to put away for winter and to share with those in need.
Ustis returned from the warehouse, his hymn singing heard far down the shore, ahead of supper.
Selah didn’t miss her mother’s relieved expression. “I was about to ring the bell.”
“Forgive my tardiness. Business continued brisk till the last and has quite worn me out.” He all but fell into his chair, smiling despite it all. “I see the lines of worry about your face, dear wife. But I assure you I am better than when I left James Towne.”
“I think we are all better than when we left James Towne. And have better neighbors.”
Selah did not miss the glance cast her way by not one but both of her parents. Warming like the sassafras tonic she held, she couldn’t help a fleeting smile.
“I dreamt I heard hoofbeats a few nights ago. Mayhap a midnight visitation of the manly sort?” Ustis inquired, and Candace could not withhold a chuckle. “Does our fair daughter have something to report?”
Selah set the cup in front of her father. “Only that Master Renick came by, inquiring about your health.”
“Kind of him.” Candace took a seat nearest her husband. “Did he mention Oceanus’s return?”
“He did, indeed. Any day now.”
