Homespun Hearts (55 page)

The suppressed giggle on her face was the first thing Daniel noticed. She looked so beautiful and happy that he vowed then and there to never make her cry. She was a good person through and through and never deserved to be treated with anything but the utmost respect and love.

He watched as she slowly walked down the stairs. She was halfway down when he noticed the slipper peeking out from under her skirt. He laughed out loud at the sight of it, his eyes meeting hers happily. “You wore our slippers!”

She grinned, her eyes meeting his. “I did. I thought you’d approve.”

He took her hand in his, tucking it through his arm. “How could I not? It’s perfect." He dropped a kiss on her cheek, giving Rose a half smile as they walked toward the door.

Lily walked proudly at his side, so happy to be his girl that she couldn’t express it.

When they arrived at the dance, she felt a moment’s qualm as James stared at her in disbelief. “Lily Sullivan? You brought Lily Sullivan?”

Daniel stood proudly. “I brought the most beautiful woman in Seattle. I couldn’t find anyone else half as perfect, so I had to bring her.” He took her coat from her and handed it to the maid who was waiting. “Don’t mind him. He’s an idiot.” Daniel led her through the hall and into the parlor where two other couples were waiting.

She did her best to make small talk, but more than anything she listened as Daniel talked to the others. There wasn’t a person there who had ever been kind to her at school.

Throughout the meal, she could feel the other young people’s eyes on her. She’d never really fit in with the other kids at school, because she’d enjoyed things that weren’t “right”. The boys didn’t want to do things with her, because she was odd, and the girls had nothing in common with her. It was strange to be sitting among them this way, but for Daniel, she’d do anything.

Once the meal was over, they danced. Daniel didn’t ask her to dance, but instead took her hand and led her to the middle of the dance floor and twirled her around. There was someone playing the piano for them, and she enjoyed the quiet music, but more than anything, she enjoyed being held in Daniel’s arms.

Once, about halfway through the evening, James tapped him on the shoulder. “May I cut in?”

Daniel looked into Lily’s eyes and must have read her feelings there, because he immediately shook his head. “I don’t think so.” He gave her a slight smile as they twirled away.

She politely thanked James for the invitation as they left that evening, but she was thrilled she hadn’t had to spend any more time with him than she had. As they left, Daniel asked, “You didn’t have a very good time, did you?”

She shrugged. “I enjoyed being with you, and I loved the dancing. I never really fit in with the others, though.” She’d do it every day, though, if that’s what it took to make him happy.

He slipped his arm around her shoulders as he walked her to the buggy. “We won’t spend time with them again, then. I had no idea you didn’t like them.” He shook his head as he looked down at her. “You should have told me!”

“It’s not that I don’t like them. They’ve just never been very nice or polite to me. None of them ever really felt like I was good enough to fit in with them, and that’s always bothered me.” Most of the time she hadn’t bothered being an outcast, but occasionally their stares and pointed laughter had hurt her feelings.

Daniel helped her into the buggy and climbed up beside her. “You’re so much better than them. I’m sorry I took you there.” He started driving toward her house. “I’d suggest going for a short drive before I take you back to your house, but it’s getting late. I don’t want to make your father angry with me.”

“It’s not that late. My parents won’t be expecting me for at least another hour.” She didn’t look at him as she said the words, hoping he would understand that she wanted to spend more time with him.

He looked down at her with a grin. She enjoyed their time together as much as he did!

He found a quiet street back behind the bank and parked the buggy, turning to her. She’d already unbuttoned her coat and reached for his buttons before he could. He smiled, grazing her cheek with the back of his fingers. “I enjoyed dancing with you.”

She nodded, her eyes on his. “I enjoyed it as well. I’d like to spend time dancing again, just maybe with different people.” She paused for a moment, wondering the best way to get her meaning across. “I know they’re your friends, but they were never accepting of who I am.” She shrugged. “I just had a hard time feeling like I was good enough when they were around.”

“I understand. I remembered after we were there. I’m so sorry I took you there and made you spend time with them now that we’re out of school.”

“It’s fine. You wanted to have fun, and really? We did.” Her hands went to his shoulders under his open coat. “I loved being able to touch you so freely.”

“You know you’re not supposed to say things like that, right?”

“Does it bother you?” She didn’t want him to think she was doing something wrong.

“Not at all. I like it. It’s just not what a young lady is
supposed
to do.” There was laughter in his voice as he explained to her what he meant.

She shrugged. “I’ve never exactly been one to follow all the rules and do just what I’m supposed to do. I prefer to do what feels right to me.” She brushed her lips across his. “And this definitely feels right to me.”

He laughed. “I can’t think of anything that feels better.” Gathering her close, he kissed her wildly, realizing that they were getting out of control. Each time they were alone, they’d begun kissing and each time, they’d done more and more. He enjoyed it, of course, but he didn’t want to take advantage of her innocence.

Her hands went under his suit jacket and she rubbed his shoulders. Her fingers dug into the muscles there. She wished it was warmer, and she could just take his shirt off. She wondered if he’d let her if it wasn’t December and way too cold.

His hands moved to cup her breasts, and she moaned against his lips. “I like it when you touch me there,” she told him honestly.

He sighed into her mouth, pulling away. “We have to stop doing this, Lily. One or two kisses is fine, but we’re going too far. Every time we’re alone we’re unbuttoning buttons and touching each other.”

“What’s wrong with that if we both enjoy it?”

He swallowed hard. “You know that the church says you have to wait to have relations until you’re married.” His voice was deeper than she’d ever heard it.

“Is this having relations?” Her eyes were wide and innocent in the moonlight.

He shook his head. “No, but it will lead to having relations if we’re not careful.” He kissed her cheek softly. “We should probably try and make sure we’re always around other people while we’re courting.”

She pouted. “But I like doing this with you. I like touching you and I like it when you touch me.” Was he saying they couldn’t do this at all anymore?

He kissed her again, because he couldn’t help himself. She enjoyed it as much as he did, and what man could resist a girl like that? “It’s not right, though.” He sighed, wishing he could make her understand what he was feeling.

She sighed and pulled away, buttoning her coat up. “I’m sorry. I guess we can just hold hands and talk in the moonlight.” She felt like she’d done something wrong.

He groaned. “I don’t think I could handle not touching you.” His hands were fisted on his lap to keep from reaching for her again.

She looked down at her hands which were folded in her lap. “You don’t want to touch me, but you don’t think you can stop. What do you want to do then?” Her eyes turned to his and he saw they were shining as if she were suppressing tears. “Do you want to stop courting me?” She hoped that wasn’t what he had in mind.

“No! That’s not it at all.” He took her hand in his, winding his fingers through hers. “I want to court you for an acceptable period of time and then marry you and spend my life with you.” He brought her fingers to his lips, kissing the backs of them softly.

She looked at him, happy that he’d say that even if it wasn’t true. “That’s what I want, too.” She looked down at her lap. “How long is an acceptable period of time to court?” She’d never paid attention to courting rules or anything that had to do with weddings.

He shrugged. “Six months probably.” He sighed heavily. “In reality, I don’t see either of us waiting that long, though. Six months feels like forever at this point.” He watched her face in the moonlight, trying to see if she felt the same as he did.

She nodded. “It does. I want to be with you all the time.” She rubbed her cheek against his shoulder, wishing he still had his arms around her.

He squeezed the hand he held. “Let me see what I can do.”

“Does this mean we can’t go fishing tomorrow?” She’d looked forward to their fishing trip even more than she had looked forward to spending an evening dancing with him. Would he be okay with it?

“Of course we’re still going fishing tomorrow. I’m not going back on my word.” He sighed, buttoning his coat back up. “I’d better get you home, though.” He was obviously trying to figure out how to make things work out for them.

She nodded, pulling the lap robes back up over them. “What time will we leave tomorrow?”

“How about eight? Is that too early for you?”

She shook her head. “I like to get up early anyway. Especially when I go fishing.”

His arm slipped around behind her and he held her to him. “That sounds good to me. I’ll be at your house at eight then. Tell your mother you won’t be home for lunch. I’m having my cook pack a picnic for us. She thought I was crazy with as cold as it’s been, but I told her that we both love the cold.” He grinned down at her, happy to simply be with her.

She laughed, resting her head on his shoulder. “That sounds wonderful to me!”

L
ily dressed carefully
the following morning. She hated wearing a dress to fish but knew her mother would be angry if she left in pants, so she wore pants under her skirt. The blouse she wore was fine for fishing because she deliberately chose an older one she didn’t mind ruining.

When Daniel arrived for her, she hurried to the door, hoping her mother wouldn’t notice her attire. Luck was not with her. “Why would you wear such an old shirt to go out with Daniel?” Mary crossed her arms over her chest glaring at her daughter.

Lily shrugged. “We’re going fishing. I don’t want to ruin a nice blouse.” She tried to pull away to open the door, but her mother caught her arm, preventing her from moving.

“I think you should change into something prettier.” Mary’s look was stern.

“Oh, Mama. Daniel doesn’t mind. He’ll be wearing old clothes, too.” Her eyes pled with her mother to understand.

“And why is he taking you fishing?” Mary scowled. “I thought that boy had more sense than to take a young lady fishing when he’s courting her.”

“It’s what I want to do, Mama.”

Mary sighed, closing her eyes. “I want you to at least try to stay clean. Let him put the worm on your hook for you, for heaven’s sake. The man will think I’m raising a bunch of hooligans!”

Lily nodded, ready to agree with anything just so she could get out the door. “Yes, Mother.”

She rushed to the door as Daniel knocked again, opening it wide. “Hello.” Her smile was huge as she took in his old clothes. “I’m ready.”

Mary walked up behind her. “How long will you have her out?” she asked as she handed Daniel Lily’s coat.

“Most of the day, probably. I have a picnic lunch.” Daniel gave Mary his best grin.

“Okay.” She looked at Lily. “Mind your manners.”

Lily grinned and kissed her mother’s cheek. “I always mind my manners.”

Mary shook her head sadly, realizing she was talking to herself. “You know as well as I do that you don’t.”

Daniel helped Lily into her coat. “I’ll take good care of her, Mrs. Sullivan.”

Daniel took Lily’s hand and they walked to the buggy with Mary watching them, the door still open. Lily waited for Daniel to help her up and turned to wave to her mother. As soon as the door closed, she burst out laughing. “Mama’s convinced that I’m going to act like a hoyden and scare you off today.”

Daniel grinned as he covered them both with the lap robe. “Are you going to act like a hoyden?”

She shrugged. “You never can tell.” Her eyes sparkled with laughter as she looked up at him. “I’m glad we’re spending the day doing something fun!”

He drove toward the outskirts of town. “My favorite fishing spot is about a mile northeast of town. Is that okay?” He obviously wasn’t sure if she wanted to go to her favorite spot or if his was okay.

“Sounds good to me.” She smoothed her skirt down again. “Are there usually a lot of people there?” She really didn’t want to be around anyone else that day.

“Almost never. I’ll occasionally run into someone in the spring, but never in the winter.”

“Good.” She scooted closer to him on the seat now that they were out of sight of her house. “Mama says I have to let you bait my hook for me, but I’m going to do it myself. Okay?”

He laughed. “I don’t mind doing it for you or letting you do it.”

“For some reason she thinks you’ll think less of me if I’m not squeamish about worms.” She looked up at him. “Will you?”

“I went to school with you. I know you’re not squeamish about anything.” The smile he gave her told her that didn’t bother him one bit. “I brought fried chicken and potato salad for lunch with a thermos full of hot coffee to keep us warm.”

“Sounds lovely!” They’d reached the outskirts of town and he turned into a field and stopped the buggy. “I thought you said it was a mile out of town.”

“It is. We have to walk from here. Do you mind?” He had thought this place was perfect for Lily, but he wouldn’t have brought another girl here. Was he not showing her the kind of consideration she deserved?

“Of course not!” She jumped down from the buggy without waiting for him to help her and ran around to the back to get the fishing poles. “I enjoy walking.”

He followed her, getting the picnic basket and taking her hand in his. “There’s a good path through here,” he told her, indicating a small path through a wooded area. “It gets muddy sometimes, so be careful.”

They walked the mile mostly in silence, both of them enjoying the outdoors. Lily was surprised that he obviously enjoyed the same things she did and didn’t mind that she liked them. That was the thing for her. Every boy who had talked to her since she’d made her transformation to a young lady had made it clear they didn’t expect her to like the things she did. She didn’t care what was expected. She just knew what she liked and didn’t like.

When they got to the stream, she smiled. It had a fallen log on one side that would be perfect for sitting on. She removed her heavy coat and hung it on a low hanging branch before reaching behind her to unbutton her skirt. As she pushed it down her legs, she caught the look of utter shock on Daniel’s face and chuckled. “You didn’t think I was going to fish in a skirt, did you?”

He sighed. “I couldn’t figure out why you were suddenly taking your clothes off.” The look on his face told her he wished it were for other reasons, though. He opened a small jar filled with worms and dirt and baited his hook, trying not to let her see just how shaken he was by her undressing in front of him.

She tossed her skirt over a branch and put her coat back on before walking to him, noting he’d baited both hooks. “I told you I’d bait my own.”

He shrugged. “I was keeping busy while you changed.” His eyes didn’t meet hers.

She took the pole he offered and climbed onto the log, immediately dropping her line in the water. “What do you usually catch here?” She gave him a sideways glance wondering why he was so shocked by her taking her skirt off. She’d said she was going to fish in pants.

“Typically salmon.” He settled down next to her on the log. “My father used to bring me here when I was a little boy.” He had a faraway look in his eyes as he answered her.

She knew his father had died when he was a child, and his mother had remarried. She couldn’t imagine losing a parent. “Do you miss him?”

He shrugged. “I was only nine when he died. I have some good memories of him, though.” He stared off into space. “My step-father is a good man, and he took care of us, but he didn’t like the outdoors like my father did.”

They spent the next little while fishing in silence, simply enjoying being together. By lunchtime, she’d caught six fish to his three. “Are you getting hungry?” she asked. She’d tried to wait until he brought up food, but her stomach was growling.

He shrugged. “Yeah, let’s go ahead and eat.” For some reason he seemed to be distant to her today.

She spread the blanket out for them and fixed their plates. Fried chicken was one of her favorite things, and she’d smelled it for too long. She took a huge bite of her chicken and sighed contentedly. “I wish we could do this every day.”

He laughed. “You wouldn’t get tired of fishing?” He watched her eat her food, obviously not upset that she didn’t have perfect manners.

She shook her head. “I love being outdoors. I wish my mother considered it appropriate for girls. We can take ‘healthful walks’ through the park, but if I want to spend a day fishing or hunting, I have to sneak away.” And the way she ran everywhere made her mother crazy, but he already knew that.

“You enjoy hunting?” He didn’t know why he was surprised by that, but he was.

She nodded. “I prefer a bow and arrow to a gun, but I can use either.” She didn’t really like the recoil of a gun, but she didn’t explain that to him then.

“You amaze me.”

“Why do you say that? I’m just like everyone else.” She knew she wasn’t a typical woman, but there was nothing amazing about her at all.

“No, you’re not. You’re fun to be around. You have a good sense of humor. Do you know how Rose would have reacted if I’d asked her to come fishing with me when I was trying to court her?” He shook his head.

Lily’s face fell at the mention of his time trying to court Rose. She loved her sister, but she didn’t even want her name to come up when she was with Daniel. “She wouldn’t have been happy, I’m sure.” She could just picture Rose standing beside the little stream refusing to sit on a log.

Daniel watched Lily not certain what he’d said wrong. “I’m so glad I’m with you and not her.”

Lily let out a half laugh, not believing him at all.

“Really. If I’d married her I’d have been bored to tears within a week.” His face was earnest as he said the words.

“You don’t have to say that, you know. I know I’ll always be second best with you.” She looked down at her plate as she said the words, wishing they weren’t true.

“You’re not second best with me!” He put down his plate and scooted closer to her on the blanket. “Look at me, Lily.” When she complied, his hand cupped her cheek. “I had a crush on Rose. I love you.”

Lily bit her lip and shook her head. “I know that’s not true, Daniel. Really. You don’t have to lie.”

He stared at her in shock. Lily had never seemed insecure to him before. He took her hand and brought it to his lips. “You’re very special to me.”

She gave him a half smile and resumed eating, wishing she could put her worries into words without upsetting him.

He watched her for a moment before returning to his food, but the mood was broken. He could tell she had lost the sense of fun she’d started her day with, and he wanted to kick himself. He needed to be more careful about mentioning Rose to her.

O
n his way
home that evening, Daniel thought about their day together. Lily had been happy as could be until he’d mentioned Rose, and then she’d completely shut down. They hadn’t even kissed, but every other time they’d been together, they hadn’t been able to keep their hands off each other.

He wondered if maybe it was time to tell her exactly how he felt. Monday was her birthday. An engagement ring would be a perfect gift. He’d talk to her father at work and make sure he agreed.

A
s they were closing
up Monday, Fred turned to Daniel. “I assume you’ll be at the house tonight for Lily’s birthday supper?” The smile he gave Daniel made it clear that he was welcome.

Daniel nodded. “I will. And…sir?” Daniel wasn’t sure how to ask his question, but he knew he needed to get the words out now or it would take him a while to get up the courage again.

Fred raised an eyebrow as he looked at the younger man. “Yes?”

“I was wondering if you would mind if I gave Lily an engagement ring for her birthday.” Daniel said the words quickly, embarrassed. It was hard asking his boss for permission to marry his boss’s daughter.

Fred smiled. “Of course not. I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have for a son-in-law.” He clapped Daniel on the back as he locked the door to the bank. “I’ll see you in an hour or two.”

Daniel breathed a sigh of relief, not believing how easy it had been to ask for her hand in marriage. He wandered to the jewelry store, a new addition to the town, and looked over the selection of rings.

“May I help you?” The man behind the counter had a slight English accent and seemed to look down on Daniel.

Daniel nodded. “I’m looking for an engagement ring.” His eyes kept scanning the rings, trying to find one that would best suit Lily.

The salesman’s eyes lit up. “Oh! I can certainly help you with that.” He pulled out a tray of diamond rings and placed them in front of Daniel who made a face.

“I don’t want what everyone else has. My lady is unique.” He looked back at the glass counter. “Maybe an emerald ring? To match her eyes?” He needed something truly special for Lily, because there was no one else quite like her. He still wasn’t sure how he’d gotten so lucky as to have her interested in him.

The salesman made a face, but pulled out a different tray. Daniel looked through the rings until he found the one that seemed to suit Lily the best. It was a small stone, and had two tiny diamonds beside it. It would be perfect for Lily, because she wouldn’t have to worry about snagging it when she was outside. “I like this one.”

The salesman nodded. “Yes, sir. If that’s the one you think will suit her.” He was obviously just humoring Daniel, but at that point, Daniel didn’t care.

“I do think that one will make her very happy.” Daniel watched as the salesman put it into a small box for him. He paid the man, wincing slightly as he did so. He had come from wealth but hadn’t had a good deal of time to accumulate money himself. It didn’t matter, though. Lily was all that mattered.

He slipped the ring into his pocket and walked toward the Sullivan house, wanting to surprise Lily with the ring before dinner. Five years before he never would have dreamed of marrying a tomboy like Lily, but he couldn’t even remember what he had seen in Rose.

L
ily was wandering
around the back gardens, feeling slightly blue. She knew she was in love with Daniel, and she was thrilled that he said he loved her, of course, but she knew they were just words. How could anyone go from loving Rose to loving her? Rose was pretty and dressed correctly and behaved perfectly at all times. She was just herself. She didn’t care much about what people thought. Well, she didn’t care what people other than Daniel thought.

She sighed and kicked at a small rock. It bounced against the tree where she’d been perched when she threw her slipper at Rose. She grinned. She was eighteen today, and a young lady, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t climb trees anymore did it?

She walked to the tree, quickly finding the knot she’d always used to get up the trunk. Within moments she was sitting on the branch she’d spied on Rose and Daniel from.

Her eyes lit up as she saw Daniel come into the yard. Obviously he was looking for her. “Lily?”