Page 16 of Beyond Montana's Sky
Cai opened his eyes, saw everyone, and chuckled. He sat up. “Guess we must not have work around here today,” he said in a mock stern tone. He smiled at Edith and gestured to the group. “Meet the Anderson clan, or at least half of them. Most of the men are out checking fences.”
Sharon-Signe sidled forward. “Please, Mrs. Grayson, can you play a duet with Cai?”
Cai?Surprised, she glanced at him.
He shook his head, holding up a hand.
Edith couldn’t resist. “Which duets do you play?”
He kept shaking his head and wouldn’t meet her gaze.
“Play the march,” Sharon-Signe called. “Please.”
This time he looked at the crowd of Andersons and apparently saw the pleading on the faces of the children, the concern looks of the adults.
“‘Shubert’s Military Marches,’” he finally muttered.
“Ah…I play them with my son sometimes. Which is your favorite?”
He shrugged. “Number one.”
She slid farther on the bench and patted the spot next to her. “Join me.”
“Edith, ah, Mrs. Grayson.” His eyes held bleakness. “I…”
She held her breath, not wanting to push. Sensing that this moment was pivotal in some way, she refused to look away.Please, please, Dear Lord, let me help him.
“It’s been months.”
Now, Edith was the one who shrugged, pretending indifference. “So, you make mistakes. We haven’t practiced together. We’re bound to have awkward moments. I’ll probably make mistakes, too.”
Reluctance in every movement, he rose, moved to the piano bench and slid next to her.
“I never wanted to hear or play this piece again,” he muttered.
Normally, his close proximity would make her uncomfortable, but in her concern for him, Edith welcomed his presence. “Your sister?” she asked in a low voice.
He nodded but raised his hands over the keyboard, obviously indicating that he’d prefer playing to talking. “I have this memorized.”
She raised her eyebrows and positioned her own hands.
Cai began to play. Ragged at first, but by the seventh measure when it was her turn to join in, he’d somewhat smoothed out. For the first minute, he played stiffly, looking down at the keyboard, and making a couple mistakes. Slowly, synergy built between them. He gave her a small smile, his eyes more alive.
She dipped her head a few times in tune to the beat and smiled back. Soon, they were moving their hands more freely and exchanging nods and smiles. They finished the final notes with a flourish, grinning in pleasure, holding eye contact until applause made them spin off each side of the bench and stand.
A few of the women dabbed at their eyes.
Emotion rose into her throat.Thank you, God. Thank you that I didn’t make things worse. I didn’t hurt him more.”
Mormorpushed through her offspring, turned and flapped her arms in a move-on motion. “You all get back to work and your studies. Mrs. Grayson’s food’s getting cold.”
Some turned and fled, but a few lingered, as if hoping for more music. A few cast speculative looks in Cai’s direction.
“Go on.”Mormorshooed them out. “Skedaddle.”
Edith couldn’t help but chuckle, liking the old woman.
“Now, Mrs. Grayson, that was just lovely.”Mormorglanced at Cai, her eyes bright with sudden tears, but she continued in her no-nonsense tone. “I have your food dished out and sitting on the stove to stay warm. Won’t be at its best, though.”
