Chapter Five
Erna’s arms wrapped around the stray pieces of wood as she hefted them across the room. Her brow furrowed in concentration, she carefully positioned each plank and stick against the wall, creating a neat stack that transformed one corner of the house into a makeshift lumberyard. The wood carried the scent of earth and age, a smell that mingled with the aroma of fresh-baked bread and herbs from her earlier efforts in the kitchen. She stepped back to admire her handiwork, her mind already churning with possibilities – perhaps a picture frame or maybe even a small stool.
Erna turned her attention to the supper table. She laid out plates and utensils with practiced ease, arranging a simple meal of stew and homemade bread. A warm breeze wafted through, carrying the distant lowing of cattle, a reminder of the wide-open spaces just beyond the door.
The screen door creaked, announcing Joel’s return. His large frame filled the doorway, his shadow falling across the room like an evening shroud. “What’s all this?” he asked, nodding toward the organized wood.
Erna, wiping her hands on her apron, glanced at the corner. “Found it in the barn,” she said, her tone light as she moved to serve him a bowl of stew. “Got to thinking about crafts I could make. Maybe sell them at the market.”
“Crafts, huh?” Joel took a seat. He eyed the woodpile again, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “You’re full of surprises, Erna.”
“Life’s too short for boredom,” she said with a grin, taking the seat opposite him. “And besides, I’ve always enjoyed making something beautiful out of nothing much.”
Joel chuckled, taking a hearty bite of his bread. “I can’t wait to see what you come up with.”
The clink of porcelain and the swish of water filled the air as Erna finished with the last of the dishes. She dried her hands on a towel and turned to find Joel, who had been quietly observing her from the doorway.
“Supper was delicious,” he said, breaking the silence with his deep, comforting drawl.
“Thank you, Joel.” Erna smiled. “I’m glad you liked it.”
They moved to the sitting area, taking their usual seats on either side of the fireplace. Thank heavens he didn’t feel the need to keep the fire going on summer evenings. The heat from the stove was more than enough. In the quiet that followed, they found themselves speaking of dreams and plans, the kind of talk that drew people closer, weaving their lives together one thread at a time.
“I’ve always wanted a house full of laughter and little feet,” Erna confided, a wistful tone in her voice.
Joel nodded, his brown eyes reflecting a spark of something akin to joy. “Children, huh?” He glanced around the modest living space, his mind already turning over the logistics. “We’ll need more room for that. I can build an addition to the house, keep the ranch running too.”
Erna watched him, admiration in her gaze. “You’d do that? For our family?”
“Of course,” he replied.
They sat in comfortable silence, just enjoying each other’s company. Joel’s eyes wandered through the home they shared, noting the changes that had come with Erna’s touch. The oncedull wooden floors now gleamed, and every surface was free of dust.
“Place looks different already,” he mused. “Cleaner. Brighter.”
“Still needs a woman’s touch,” Erna teased gently, her eyes dancing with the vision of what could be.
“Guess we’ll see about that when we drive the cattle to town,” Joel said, thinking of the funds they would need for any further improvements. “Should have enough then to make this place shine like you want.”
Erna’s expression softened. “It’s not about the shine, Joel. It’s about making it ours. Building a life together, here.”
“And so we will,” he affirmed, reaching across to take her hand, his large fingers enveloping hers with a tender strength that spoke volumes.
“And in the meantime, I’ll do what I can with what I find sitting around,” she said, squeezing his hand, her heart full as she watched him. She was glad she’d found the courage to approach him at the dance before someone else had.
JOEL’S HANDS MOVEDmethodically, a small knife moving between his fingers as he whittled away at the piece of wood resting in his palm. Shavings curled and fell like autumn leaves to the floor, piling up by his boots. The evening sun cast long shadows through the open window, the light playing over the quiet determination etched into his features.
“See this here?” Joel held up the emerging figure for Erna to see. “Sometimes, I swear the wood whispers its secrets, telling me there’s a creature trapped inside, just waiting to be found.”
Erna watched him, her eyes reflecting the last golden rays of daylight. She laughed. “I know exactly what you mean,” she said,her gaze shifting to the pile of unused lumber she had organized earlier. “Give me a piece of wood, and before you know it, it’ll be a spoon or a trinket box.”
“Is that so?” Joel asked, his voice rich with amusement. He set aside his work, looking at her with an expression of fond curiosity. “Looks like we’ve got more in common than we thought.”
“Seems like it.” Erna smiled. “Who’d have guessed?”
“Who indeed,” Joel mused, picking up another block of wood. His thumb brushed over the rough surface, feeling for the shape hidden within. “Maybe you can show me one of your creations.” He handed her the block of wood, not sure what she’d do.
“Maybe I will,” she replied. She took the block and walked to the kitchen for a small knife. He only had two knives, so it was easy to choose. She’d never whittled, but she was going to give it a shot. Why not?
