Michaela's Choice (10 page)

“Eric, I need to apologize—”

“Wait, please.” He held up his hand in protest. “I need to say this.”

Michaela swallowed hard and let her gaze sweep across the terrain, now a maze of shadows in the fading sunlight. Whatever he had to say, she deserved it.

Eric cleared his throat. “When you first offered to teach piano to the children, I was thrilled to have them gain that experience. I have slowly had to realize that there are many things I simply can’t do as their father. I struggle with talking to Rebecca about becoming a woman and to Sarah about how to dress like a lady. A man wasn’t meant to be both father and mother to his children. We need someone like you in our lives.”

Michaela’s hands clenched the rail. Surely he wasn’t planning to propose some kind of marriage of convenience. Eric took a step toward her. “I just wanted to thank you for being a friend to my children. I know I haven’t always put you in an easy position, but you’ve been there for them when they needed you, and I appreciate that.”

Michaela felt the heat rise to her face, thankful she hadn’t made a fool of herself by saying something she’d regret later. If all he was saying was thank you. . .

She coughed softly. “God has blessed you with six marvelous children, and I’ve enjoyed the short time I’ve been able to spend with them. However, I by no means want to overstep my bounds—”

“You haven’t, trust me. In fact, I was afraid you might feel that way, and I wanted to assure you that you hadn’t.”

Sarah stepped out of the house and onto the porch, a somber expression on her face. Michaela felt sure it would be awhile before Sarah attempted another stunt like she’d pulled today.

Sarah stood in front of her father, her hands fidgeting at her sides. “I apologized to Rebecca and the others, and I want you to know how truly sorry I am.”

Eric gathered his daughter into his arms, and Michaela slipped back into the house to let them be alone.

She found Emma lying on the couch in the parlor. “Are you all right?”

“Just resting. It’s been a long day, but I didn’t want Daniel to have to leave early. I believe he and Mr. Markham are caught up in a game of chess.”

“I think everyone has had a nice day today.”

“I noticed you and Eric spending a lot of time together today.” Emma propped herself up on her elbow. “Do you simply enjoy his company, or could it be something else?”

“Eric’s a good friend and nothing else.” Michaela immediately regretted her sharp tone. “I’m sorry, Emma. It has been a long day, and I’m tired.”

Michaela rubbed her temples with her fingertips. She needed to take a step back. Her emotions were becoming far too entwined in the lives of this family. She’d be leaving in a few weeks, and then what? Maybe if she went riding for a bit, she could clear her head.

“Since I rode Honey out here, I think I’ll go on home. If I’m not there by the time you get back, I’ll be there shortly.”

Emma pulled her shawl across her shoulders. “I need to get home soon as well. Don’t stay out too long. It will be dark soon.”

A crisp, chilly breeze played with the loose wisps of hair peeking out of Michaela’s hood as she left the Johnson farm. Squinting against the brightness of the setting sun, she took in a deep breath of the frosty air.

She touched her skirt pocket and felt the crackling of paper under the material. She had received another letter from Philip yesterday. Anna had celebrated her sixth birthday, and he and Caroline had spent part of the day with her, giving her the tea set Michaela sent and a wooden pony Philip had carved.

The most important news had followed. The couple planning to adopt Anna had changed their minds and decided to adopt only a boy.

The answer seemed so clear. Wasn’t Philip everything she could want in a man? He was a strong Christian with high moral standards who treated her with respect and one who would cherish and take care of her.

Michaela sighed, remembering how many times Daniel and Emma had each tried their hand at arousing her interest in Eric. He might be a handsome, eligible bachelor, but that didn’t mean he was the one for her.

Michaela pulled gently on the reins and brought Honey to a stop. She looked toward the west, where the yellow and red of the sunset spread across the sky like a bucket of spilled paint. Philip had asked her to marry him, and she was going to accept.

Michaela turned Honey and headed toward the farm, ready to tell Daniel and Emma her decision. She’d kept her feelings for Philip quiet for too long. It was time to move forward with her life.

After bedding Honey down for the night, Michaela hurried into the house, where she found Daniel and Emma sitting in the parlor. A smile played across Michaela’s lips.

“Eric proposed?” Daniel set down the book he was reading and looked up at Michaela with a sly grin across his face.

Michaela put her hands on her hips and gave her brother an exasperated look. “No, but it does have to do with proposals. I’ve made a decision. I’m going to marry Philip.”

Emma leaned forward on the sofa. “I knew his feelings for you were strong, but if we’d realized you shared his feelings, we never would have teased you about Eric. It’s just that you’ve rarely spoken of Philip.”

“I know.” Michaela sat on the edge of the mahogany armchair across from them. “I may not have talked about him much, but in these past couple of months, I’ve been forced to think about where I want my life to go. Marrying Philip is what I want. He’s kind, compassionate, and he loves me unconditionally.”

“You don’t have to convince us. As long as you are happy, then we’re happy for you.” Daniel stood and pulled her to her feet, wrapping his arms around her. “Philip’s a good man, and I know he’ll make you very happy.”

“Why don’t you send him a telegram and tell him?” Emma suggested, drawing her legs up beneath her. “You know he’ll be elated.”

“I wish I could tell him myself.” Michaela felt the ache of homesickness increase for a moment, but she knew her place was here for now. Philip would wait for her, of that she had no doubt. And Anna would be there as well. A wave of peace washed over her. “I’ll go into town tomorrow.”

After the baby came, she would go home to Boston, where she belonged.

Ten

S
arah tried the scale for the tenth time.

“Have you been practicing?” Michaela asked.

“Well. . .”

“Sarah, if you don’t practice, I can’t teach you anything. You have to practice.”

“The other kids are always on the piano.”

Michaela felt her patience waning. “I happen to know that your father worked out a time schedule so each of you have at least thirty minutes a day.”

“Yes, but. . .”

“Sarah, you have to practice.”

“Then I’ll be able to play as good as you?”

Michaela decided to use a new approach. “Can I tell you a secret?”

Sarah leaned forward, her face lit with a grin.

“God has gifted you with a talent in music that far exceeds my own. Not only do you have a beautiful voice, but you have talent to play the piano as well.”

Sarah pulled back, looking doubtful at Michaela’s assessment. “Do you really think so?”

Michaela nodded. “I know it’s true. But even someone as talented as you are has to practice.”

Someone yelled outside, and Michaela and Sarah hurried to the window. Eric and the boys were running in circles around the front yard, chasing the chickens.

“The chickens are loose!” Ruby ran outside, whooping in delight.

Michaela steered Sarah back to the piano. “We’d better get back to our lesson.”

Fifteen minutes later, the front door slammed. Eric stomped into the house, followed by the boys.

“Someone left the gate open to the chicken coop.” Eric flopped down in a chair and started taking off his boots. “Do you know how difficult it is to catch over thirty chickens?”

“I saw how difficult it is.” Michaela stifled a laugh.

Eric didn’t smile. “Does anyone know who left the gate to the chicken coop open?”

By now all the children had gathered in the room, but Eric’s focus was on Sarah and Ruby. If Michaela remembered correctly, it was their responsibility to gather the eggs each day and feed the chickens.

“I’m sure we shut the gate.” Sarah nudged Ruby with her elbow.

“Did you latch it?” Eric leaned forward and rested his elbows against his thighs.

The girls looked at each other and squirmed in their chairs.

“The animals are part of our livelihood.” Eric pulled off his other boot and set it beside him. “You may think it’s humorous to watch your father run circles around a bunch of squawking chickens, but I don’t.”

Several of the children let out quiet chuckles. Michaela bit her lip, trying not to laugh. Eric’s gaze swept the room, then stopped at Michaela.

“Looks like we’re even,” she said with a grin.

Eric raised his brows in question.

“Have you forgotten the day I fell in the mud? I seem to recall at least one person who couldn’t keep a straight face.”

The sides of Eric’s mouth slowly curled into a grin as he shrugged in defeat. He turned to Ruby and Sarah. “I guess I owe you an apology. I had a frustrating morning in town, and I shouldn’t take it out on you. I’m sorry.”

The girls ran to give their father a hug, and Eric kept an arm wrapped around each of them. “But that doesn’t excuse the fact that you weren’t careful. From now on, please make sure you latch the gate so this doesn’t happen again.”

Two heads bobbed in unison.

Eric turned to his oldest daughter. “How long until dinner, Rebecca?”

“Ten minutes.”

“Good, because I, for one, worked up quite an appetite.”

“Can Mrs. Macintosh join us for dinner, Father?” Sarah asked.

“You’ll have to ask her.”

“Will you stay?” Ruby ran and jumped into Michaela’s lap.

Michaela pulled the young girl close and nuzzled her chin against the top of her head, breathing in the familiar scent of lavender. “How could I refuse? Daniel and Emma’s dinner’s on the stove, and I’ve been wanting some more of Rebecca’s excellent cooking.”

Rebecca blushed and headed into the kitchen.

Eric carried his boots toward the front door. “Everyone needs to get washed up.”

Michaela went into the kitchen to help Rebecca with dinner. “What can I do to help?”

“The bread still needs to be sliced.”

Michaela cut the fresh loaf of bread into thick pieces while the children began to trickle in and take their places at the table.

“Smells delicious.” Eric entered the room and kissed his oldest daughter on her forehead. “Nothing like a roast with vegetables.”

After Michaela finished helping Rebecca serve the meal, Eric pulled back the empty chair beside him and motioned for her to sit. “As our guest, you’re working too hard, Michaela.”

Michaela slid into the chair and glanced around the long table at the children who had, in such a short time, become an integral part of her life. Eric led the family in a prayer, which was followed by echoes of “amen” around the table.

“This meal is wonderful, Rebecca.” Eric put a large spoonful of vegetables on his plate.

Rebecca smiled, obviously pleased with her father’s compliment. “Sarah and Ruby planned to ask you to stay for dinner, Mrs. Macintosh, so I tried to fix something extra special.”

“I’m honored to be here.” Michaela spread homemade jam over a thick slice of bread. Besides the roast and bread, there were mashed potatoes, green beans, and apple cobbler for dessert.

Michaela took another bite of her roast and listened to the children’s laughter as they shared what had happened throughout the school week. The animated conversation centered on school and the upcoming Christmas holiday, and she found herself enjoying the lively banter between Eric and his children.

After a short lull in the conversation, Eric turned to
Michaela. “I’ve never asked you what you think of our house.”

She waved her hand in the air. “It’s beautiful. The girls gave me a tour a few weeks ago. They told me you built it yourself.”

Eric set his fork on his plate and chuckled. “It’s become one of those never-ending projects. We started off small, but with each child, we needed a bit more room and thus added on every few years.”

“Tell us about Boston.” Sarah leaned forward expectantly.

Michaela wiped the corners of her mouth with a napkin, then set the cloth in her lap. “My aunt and I live on the outskirts of the city, not far from the ocean.”

Sarah’s eyes widened. “I’ve never seen the ocean! What’s it like?”

Michaela smiled at Sarah’s innocent wonder. “It’s hard to describe, it’s so vast. As far as you can see, the blues and greens of the ocean spread out before you—wave after wave making its way toward the shore.”

“What about the city?” Samuel spoke for the first time.

“Boston is full of people, businesses, and crowded streets. There are so many stores and restaurants, you can easily get lost if you don’t know your way around. There are also museums, art galleries, and a university.”

“Sounds wonderful.” Samuel squirmed in his chair, excitement mounting in his voice. “Someday I want to go back East for school.”

“Samuel wants to be a doctor,” Eric said, the pride obvious in his voice.

“I’m sure you’ll make a fine doctor.”

“What do you do in Boston?” Ruby asked.

Michaela played with the linen napkin in her hands. “Before my husband died, I worked with him. He and his brother owned a cabinetmaking shop.”

“Is it a big factory?” Samuel asked.

Michaela nodded. “There are about a dozen men who work there, plus a showroom where they sell the furniture. My job was to keep up the books.”

“But you don’t do that anymore?” Sarah asked.

Michaela shook her head. “Lately I’ve been teaching piano lessons. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”

“And now you teach us.” Ruby grinned and turned to whisper something in Sarah’s ear.

“Girls,” Eric said, “if there is something you need to say, say it so the rest of us can hear you.”

They giggled, then looked at Michaela.

“Girls. . . ,” their father prompted again.

“We were wondering,” Sarah began. “Could we have a sing-along this afternoon?”

“Yes.” Ruby’s head bobbed up and down. “You could play the piano and the rest of us could sing.”

“That would be fun.” Rebecca stood and began clearing the dishes.

“Only if Michaela agrees.” Eric turned to her, and by his expression, he seemed pleased with the idea. “We haven’t done that for quite a long time.”

“Sounds like fun.” Michaela smiled but inwardly fought a wave of sadness. Sitting at the table with Eric and his children, she suddenly realized how familiar her presence in this house had become—and how at ease she felt. She wouldn’t be here to be a part of Rebecca’s courtship or Adam’s upcoming graduation. She swallowed hard. And then there was Eric.

Eric’s voice stopped her thoughts from wandering to a place she was afraid to go. “I need all of you to help Rebecca clean up the kitchen. I need to take care of something outside, then I’ll be in.”

Michaela joined in the familiar task of drying dishes. Sarah and Matt put them in their right places, and before long the kitchen was in order, ready for the next meal. As soon as they were done, Sarah and Ruby begged to be allowed to show Michaela the new litter of puppies in the barn.

“Pa’s not back yet,” Sarah pleaded. “Can we, please?”

Rebecca nodded her head. “Just don’t be long.”

Michaela followed the girls outside to the barn, where she was introduced to Sarah’s brood of animals.

“She’s adorable.” Michaela took the puppy Ruby handed her and was greeted with a face full of wet kisses. The puppy couldn’t have been more than a few weeks old.

“And this is Red,” Ruby announced, petting an older dog.

Michaela was then introduced to five cats, Pinky the pig, and Beaker, Sarah’s favorite chicken. She was campaigning so it wouldn’t end up on the dinner table.

After a few minutes, they stepped back outside and into the bright sunshine, with Red still jumping and barking around them.

On the way back to the house, Sarah pointed to their garden, freshly tilled for the winter months.

“The garden is our job.” Ruby puckered up her nose.

“We have to make sure there are no weeds,” Sarah added.

“Running a farm takes a lot of work,” Michaela said to the girls.

“Most of the time it’s fun,” Sarah jabbered. “There’s harvesttime when all the people in the area get together for a big celebration, swimming in the summer, horseback riding, and best of all, Christmas is coming.”

“Christmas was always one of my favorite times of the year.” Michaela felt a rush of emotion. “I always loved the lights and the trees decorated so beautifully. My mother and I used to make gingerbread men and frosted sugar cookies.”

Ruby stopped and looked up into Michaela’s eyes. “If you like Christmas, then why does your face look so sad?”

Michaela took a deep breath, wishing her feelings weren’t so transparent. She ruffled Ruby’s hair. “I had a little girl who would have been about your age. She and her daddy died in a fire on Christmas Eve.”

Ruby’s eyes narrowed. “Then this Christmas, maybe we can help make you happy again.”

Michaela smiled as each of the girls took one of her hands, seemingly trying to comfort her.

“Our mother died when I was born,” Ruby said as the three of them slowly walked back to the house together. A gentle wind blew, rustling the leaves in the trees. “Father’s always sad on my birthday.”

“I know she loved you.” Michaela knelt down and faced Ruby. “For nine months, she carried you inside of her and dreamed about what you would look like, what you would become someday.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

They were silent for a moment until Sarah spoke again. “We’d better go back to the house. I just saw Father go inside. It’s time for the sing-along.”

❧

Michaela ran her limber fingers across the keys, enjoying a final chorus. Her high soprano voice and Eric’s deep bass blended with the children’s voices, which rang with energy and enthusiasm. Even the boys, who hadn’t seemed excited about the idea, looked as if they were enjoying the singing.

“It’s going to be dark before long.” Eric slapped his hands against his thighs and pulled Ruby against his side. “This has been wonderful, Michaela. Thank you.”

There were groans of protest from the children until they saw their father’s stern look, reminding them he meant what he said. “I’ll be happy to take you home, Michaela.”

“You don’t have to do that.” Michaela stretched out her fingers, then tilted her head from side to side to loosen some of the muscles in her neck.

“It’s no problem at all.” Eric grabbed his coat from the hook beside the door. “Honey can follow behind the wagon.”

“All right then.” Michaela put on her coat and said good-bye to the children before following him outside.

“It’s beautiful out tonight.” Sitting next to Eric in the wagon, Michaela watched as the last sliver of sun sank into the horizon. “I remember sunrises with my grandfather. We would sit on one of the rocks along the beach until the sun made its appearance over the ocean.”

“I miss the ocean.” There was a wistful tone to Eric’s voice. “It used to be one of my favorite places. Someday I want to take the children to the coast and show them the ocean.”

“They’d love that.” Michaela’s spirits brightened at the idea. “Come to Boston. I’ll be there and can show them around.”

They rode in silence for a moment as a mass of stars took their places with the full moon in the sky.

After a few minutes, Eric spoke. “How long do you plan to stay in Cranton?”

“I’ll go back to Boston after the baby is born and Emma’s back on her feet. Probably just a few more weeks now.” The slight tug of disappointment returned.

“What do you want to do when you go back?”

“I’ll continue teaching piano for a while—”

He shook his head. “That’s not what I mean.”

She turned and looked at him, her brows raised in question. “What do you mean?”