Chapter Four
Before the sun was even up the following morning, Erna tiptoed outside. The air was already warming up. Texas summers brought soul-crushing heat that made her want to hide under a rock. And she’d only experienced June so far. Surely July and August would be even worse. She adjusted the simple cotton dress she wore, anticipation quickening her steps toward the barn.
“Let’s see what we have here,” she murmured, peering into the chicken coop. Her nimble fingers, so used to kneading dough and crafting small trinkets, now deftly gathered eggs, cradling them like precious gems in the folds of her apron. “One, two, three... perfect.”
The barn loomed ahead, its doors slightly ajar. Erna’s eyes scanned the shadows inside until they landed on the gentle bovine who was tethered there. As she approached, the cow looked at her with an expression that seemed almost welcoming. “Well, hello there,” she greeted, her voice a soothing whisper. With practiced ease, she settled onto the milking stool and began the rhythmic work of drawing milk. The warm liquid splashed into the pail, its sound a comforting melody in the quiet barn.
Beside the cow, a calf nudged her elbow gently, seeking attention. Erna couldn’t help but chuckle, her touch gentle as she patted its head. “You’ll grow big and strong in no time,” she promised, imagining the delicious meals she could prepare with the bounty this ranch provided.
She thought of the breakfast she would make, picturing Joel’s reaction when he tasted her cooking. A surge of joy filledher chest. This was her life now – caring, nurturing, and loving in the simplest of ways. Erna knew she had much to learn about this place, about her new role, but the warmth of the approaching day mirrored the optimism blooming in her heart.
JOEL STIRRED IN THEbed, the sheets cool against his skin. He blinked his eyes open to find the other side of the mattress empty, the quilt neatly folded back in place. The stillness of the house wrapped around him like a shroud. Pushing himself up, he frowned and listened for any sound that might tell him where Erna had gone.
“Erna?” His voice, rough with sleep, filled the air, but no answer came. With a growing unease, he swung his legs over the edge of the bed and reached for his trousers. He dressed quickly, his movements brusque, as thoughts raced through his mind. Had she regretted their hasty union? No, that couldn’t be—Erna wasn’t one to flee from her commitments.
He strode to the door, unlatching it with a flick of his wrist. Just as he was about to step outside, the sound of the front door creaking open halted him. There she stood, framed by the morning light, her cheeks flushed from the heat and her hair tousled by the breeze.
“Joel!” Erna exclaimed, a hint of breathlessness in her voice. She stepped inside, balancing a basket filled with eggs and a pail of milk so fresh it still carried the sweet scent of the barn. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here when you woke. Breakfast—”
“Shh, Erna,” Joel interrupted gently, his frown softening into a smile. “You don’t need to explain.” He took in the sight of her, the earnest concern in her eyes, the way she cradled the produce like precious gems. It was clear she had been up with the dawn,eager to care for him. His heart swelled at the gesture, and in that moment, he knew just how lucky he was.
“Let’s get to cooking then,” she said, her voice tinged with relief as she set down her morning’s work on the kitchen table.
Joel nodded, the corners of his eyes crinkling with affection. “I can’t wait to taste what you’ve made.”
Erna cracked eggs with a practiced flick of her wrists, the yolks landing perfectly in the sizzling skillet. Beside them, strips of bacon shrunk and curled as they crisped up, their rich aroma filling the small kitchen. She glanced at the empty bread box, a pang of disappointment fleeting across her face. “I’ll bake some bread today,” she murmured to herself, determined to fill the house with the smell of freshly baked loaves.
Joel watched her from his seat at the wooden table, his hunger growing with each sizzle and pop from the stove. “Smells good,” he said, his voice warm like the morning sun streaming through the window.
“Thank you,” Erna replied with a smile, turning to look at him. “Will you be coming back for lunch?” She plated the eggs and bacon and set it before him. The simple meal was made with care, and it was all they needed.
“Sure thing,” Joel answered, tucking into his breakfast. “What’s on your agenda today?”
Erna wiped her hands on her apron, her movements full of purpose. “Well, after breakfast, I plan on giving this place a real good scrubbing.” She surveyed the cozy room with an appraising eye. “Then, there’s laundry that won’t wash itself, and like I said, I want to get some bread baking.”
“Sounds like a full day,” he commented between mouthfuls.
She nodded, already listing the tasks in her mind. “A busy day keeps the heart happy,” Erna said, echoing a saying she had learned from Mrs. Jackson.
“Can’t argue with that,” Joel agreed, his eyes softening as he watched her bustling about. “I’ll be back at noon then.”
“Perfect,” Erna replied, her heart light with the promise of the day ahead.
Joel pushed back from the table, his chair scraping softly against the worn wooden floor. Erna watched him stand, his broad shoulders casting a long shadow in the golden light of morning. He glanced at her, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, and she felt a flutter in her chest.
“Erna,” he said, the word less a name and more a tender caress. With two long strides, he was at her side by the sink, where she’d been rinsing their breakfast dishes. She turned to face him, the porcelain plate slipping from her fingers and clinking gently back into the basin.
“Joel?” Her voice held a question, but her eyes were bright with anticipation.
He didn’t answer with words. Instead, he reached for her, his hands finding the small of her back and drawing her close. The warmth of his body enveloped her, and she lifted her face to meet his gaze. And then, his lips found hers—a kiss that was both a promise and a claim, fervent and filled with the heat of the Texas summer.
When they finally parted, breathless and flushed, Joel rested his forehead against hers. “Make sure you take a break today, all right? Don’t work yourself too hard.” His voice was low, tinged with concern and affection.
“I will,” she promised, her heart racing from the kiss.
“Good.” He gave her a last quick peck on the lips before stepping away. “I’ll see you at lunch.”
“See you then,” Erna replied, her words light as air.
