Page 380 of Conveniently Wed
Happy to have escaped the drivel, he entered the storeroom. “That wife of yours, Robert, is an absolute gem. She could read my mind without?—”
Thereshewas.
Katherine stood in front of Robert, laughing about something he must have said. They both looked at him when he entered, and Katherine’s smile vanished like the sun behind a storm cloud. Just seeing her tied his tongue in knots.
“Josiah, meet my good friend, Katie.”
“We’ve met.” They both said.
Katherine caught his stare and looked away. “I’ve got to run, Robert. Say hi to Winnie for me.”
“But you just got here. She’ll be most disappointed if?—”
“Pa is waiting.”
“I’ll walk you out.” Josiah offered his arm. “I’d like to say hi to your pa anyway.” There was nothing he wanted more in that moment than to be with her.
“I’m quite capable of walking myself.”
Her words shattered his confidence, and he dropped his arm.
“Carry on with your business.” She waved her hand and slipped out the back.
Robert lifted up his hands. “What was that? Katie is not one to be easily run off.”
“She must be busy.” He couldn’t very well tell Robert he had offered marriage. If she didn’t agree, he’d be humiliated. And by the way she hightailed it out of there, the chances of her accepting were slim to none.
Robert hit his arm. “Not your usual response from a woman. We’re usually trying to help you fight them off.” He laughed. “Now you know what us mere mortals face every day.”
Josiah offered a weak smile, but the gnawing of uncertainty dug a deeper hole in his gut.
“Sorry, my friend,” Robert said. “But Katie has been off limits to everyone since Charles died.”
“Charles?”
“They were close friends who would’ve grown into more. Then the war. He was one of the first to go. She hasn’t looked at a man since, and trust me when I say that she’s had ample opportunity.”
An icy wind blew across the plains of Josiah’s heart. The very woman he would love to have spent time with was the only woman who wasn’t interested. He’d been counting on her accepting his marriage proposal and had let himself dream, hope, plan. The realization that she may decline his offer brought a wave of loneliness and grief he’d not experienced since Georgina passed away.
The thought of the other available women in the valley caused an immediate yawn. He could not abide the tedious boredom. He would rather be alone.
Katie placed the last plate on the table and looked to see what was missing. “Where are the preserves for the pancakes?”
“We’re plumb out. With all these kids needing the milk, we don’t even have butter. We just had enough to fry the pancakes up.” Aunt May threw her hands in the air. “Butter is a scarcity these days. We’ll have to make do. Can you call the others? Breakfast is served.”
She flipped another pancake in the fry pan, and Katie’s stomach growled at the buttery scent wafting her way.
“The boys are in the yard playing, your ma is gathering eggs, and your pa and Uncle John are in the barn. Put a rush on it. This eating for two has me famished.” Aunt May laughed as she rubbed the ever-growing mound.
Katie yelled up to the loft. “Come on, sisters. Up and at it. Breakfast is served.”
“Well, I could’ve done that, girl. Thought maybe you’d have a gentler approach.”
Katie smiled. “Gentle? Me? You’ve got the wrong Williams girl.” She opened the door. “Jacob, run and tell your Aunt and Uncle that breakfast is on, then y’all get on in here.”
Her aunt chuckled. “I love your spunk and your plucky spirit. I shall so miss you.”
Katie’s voice warbled as she fought back the sting of tears. “So, you assume like the rest that I’ll marry Mr. Richardson? You were the one person I thought…”
