“My folks were very religious,” Bruce continued. “I was brought up to fear God and to honor Him. That was always important in my family.”
“Mine too.” Melody considered the man as he paused to look at a display of what was labeledRare Egyptian Artifacts.
Bruce Cadot was her own age. Da had told her that she was, in fact, a few months his senior. With blond hair that held a slight wave to it and brown eyes, Melody was certain he was one of the handsomest men she’d ever met. But even being as good-looking as he was, Bruce didn’t seem to think much on that matter. He was nothing like Jefferson Lane, who knew he was handsome and expected compliments from everyone around him.
“It says that plate there is over four thousand years old. I can’t even fathom that much time. It would have been long before Jesus walked the earth.”
Melody nodded and studied the dish. “It is hard to imagine anything that old that a person could actually touch and hold.”
“When I think of how often I broke one of my ma’s dishes, it’s a real wonder to me that these things are still around.” He grinned at Melody. “Guess it’s a good thing they aren’t wantin’ to show off my ma’s dishes.”
They both laughed at that.
They progressed to the next marvel, but Melody’s thoughtsweren’t on the exhibits. Bruce seemed far more lighthearted and fun to be with than Jackson had been. He was her own age, and no doubt they would have a lot in common. Maybe he was the one.
Charlie was hopeful Melody would join them at the table for breakfast on Monday morning. Mrs. Cooper had insisted Melody eat with them, even if she was the hired help. The Coopers saw their boarders and staff as family. Charlie thought it a wonderful way of looking at things.
Unfortunately, after pouring coffee for each person, Melody disappeared. After grace was offered, Otis asked about her absence.
“Melody is in the garden,” Mr. Cooper replied. “I was able to lay my hands on ten dozen onion bulbs and a variety of seeds and vegetable plants. She’s working to get it all put into the ground.”
The conversation continued regarding gardens and weather. Charlie downed his bacon and scrambled eggs, then grabbed up a piece of toast and stood. “Excellent breakfast, Mrs. Cooper.” He hurried from the room before anyone could question his rapid exit.
He went upstairs and changed into more informal attire, then slipped down the back stairs and made his way outside. Usually, he spent the early hours before heading to the bank reading his Bible and writing letters. This morning he had other ideas.
Clancy Doyle had taken him off guard. Instead of wanting to focus on his banking situation, the older man had told Charlie flat out that he felt, after prayer and contemplation, Charlie was the man God had sent to marry his daughter.The news had come as a surprise to Charlie, but not nearly the shock he might have expected.
The more the older man talked about his thoughts on the matter, the more Charlie felt it was the truth that had been staring him in the face the entire time. Melody was, by his own admission, most everything he’d ever wanted in a wife. And the more he considered her being by his side for the rest of their lives, the more it seemed a perfect fit.
But, as he’d told her father, he felt it was important that the two be friends first. Charlie had seen far more success in romances when that element was in play. Clancy had agreed to say nothing but planned to allow Melody to go on her outings with the would-be suitors. He knew already that none of them would be her choice. Charlie wished he could be as confident.
Melody was on her knees in the rich garden dirt planting onion bulbs. She had her long brown hair braided down her back. It stuck out from under her sunbonnet, which she’d casually tied around her neck.
“Good morning,” he said, kneeling to join her. “Looks like rain, so I thought you might like some help.”
“The threat of rain is why I didn’t stay for breakfast. I told Mrs. Cooper I could have a good part of the garden planted in the time it would take to eat. A fresh rain will do wonders for the new plants.”
“I agree.” He grabbed up a handful of onion bulbs from the little basket beside Melody. “How are you planning this out?”
She motioned to the narrow line. “This is the second row, and I figure there’s enough for a third row as well. I’ve already staked it out.”
Charlie noted the string she had tied from one stake tothe other to mark where the long row would be. “I can get that planted. You go ahead with the second one.”
“Put the bulbs close, just a few inches apart. That way I can pull green onions when they’re ready, and that will give the others room to grow.”
Charlie got to his feet and took up the hoe at the end of the garden. He carefully followed the string to dig a shallow row. Next, he plopped in the bulbs just a few inches apart, as Melody had instructed.
Melody finished her row before he did and was taking up the string and walking the line to stomp down the dirt by the time he grabbed the last of the bulbs and finished his row. Dark clouds were moving in ever closer.
“I knew we could have that done in quick order.” Charlie grinned as she untied the string from the third-row stake.
“There’s still plenty to plant, but don’t you need to get to the bank?”
“It’s my bank, so I can go in when I want.” He chuckled and shrugged. “I don’t suppose I sound very much like a bank president, do I? My father would question my sense and loyalty.”
“Well, I wouldn’t want to get you in trouble over radishes and squash.”
“Well, the truth is, I was wondering how your dates went with the would-be suitors?”
