Mrs. Cooper smiled. “She might at that.”
Charlie was headed back down the stairs ten minutes later. He didn’t bother to see where Mrs. Cooper might be, just headed out the front door and around the house, where he found Melody pumping water at the well.
“Afternoon,” Charlie said, coming up to where she was working. He took over pumping the water, and when the pail was full, he picked it up. “Where to?”
Melody smiled. “I’m nearly done. I’m on the last row.” She followed him across the yard to the garden.
Charlie held the pail while she used the large ladle to scoop out water to sprinkle over the row of dirt.
“How are you this fine day?”
“Doing well. And how about you, Charlie?”
“I’ve had a productive week. Signed up six new depositors and had three loans paid back in full.”
“Sounds very productive. I baked pies today, so you’ll get a chance to sample my work.”
“I heard about that from Mrs. Cooper and must admit my mouth is watering at the thought. I’ve heard from several people about your great cookies and pies. By the way, how’s your father?”
Melody glanced at him for a moment. “I’m not sure I know. Several people have suggested he might be ill and not simply recovering from his fall.”
Charlie frowned. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Da never makes his feelings known unless he has to.” She continued serving up water down the line, where Charlie knew they had planted seeds.
They reached the end, and Melody straightened, took the pail from Charlie, and emptied out the last little bit of water. She plopped the ladle into the bucket with a thud.
“I suppose I’ll be heading home now. Da has someone lined up to see me tomorrow, and I need to talk to him in order to know what to expect.”
“Your heart isn’t in this, is it?” Charlie asked.
She didn’t even try to hide her feelings. “No. Not anymore. I’m too worried about my father to think about securing a husband. I’m sorry I ever brought any of this up, in fact.”
“Why don’t I walk you home and say hello to your father?I haven’t seen him since he was in the bank. Maybe he’ll perk up with a game of checkers.”
“Oh, Charlie, I know he’d enjoy that, and maybe you can watch him and see what you think about his health. I just want to make sure he’s getting all the care he needs.”
“Of course.” He gave her a smile, knowing that her heart was heavy.
“But you’ll miss supper.”
“I’ll eat something when I get back. Mrs. Cooper will put something aside for me. I’m sure of it.”
Melody turned to head back toward the house but managed to lose her footing. She dropped the bucket as she reached for Charlie. He grabbed hold of her and steadied her. For a moment, he held her close and gazed into her eyes. He didn’t want to let her go.
“Oh, thank you, Charlie. I stepped on the hem of my skirt.”
He said nothing. He wasn’t sure he could even speak. The moment was strangely magical to him. Melody Doyle was in his arms, and it felt very right.
Realizing the moment was lasting longer than it needed to, Charlie let her go. “Are you steady now?”
“Yes, thanks to you.” Her expression suggested that she, too, had been moved by the experience. That surprised Charlie in a way that blurred reasonable thinking. Was she starting to develop feelings for him?
“I, uh, well, I’ll go ask Mrs. Cooper to save me some supper,” he stammered, not knowing what else to say.
“Actually, if Da doesn’t mind, you can eat with us. I’ll let Mrs. Cooper know that you’re coming home with me. I’ll ask her to save you a piece of pie.”
“I’d like that.” He felt his heart race.Be calm, Charlie. Don’t make a mess of things. He drew in a deep breath and let it outslowly. “I like your father a lot. He’s a good man with great insight. He values work, but also play. I wish my own father would have paused for a game or two, but business is all he thinks about.”
