Page 20 of A Letter to Adaya
He was the grumpiest man she’d ever met. It didn’t seem to matter if he was having a good day or not. Deep frown lines rested on his face, and eyebrows furrowed into a scowl.
In her opinion, he needed some more joy in his life. If asked later, she’d say the devil made her do it, but she pinched a piece of the toast off and pressed it against his mouth. “Here, taste this.”
He stared at her for a moment, his mouth agape, and his eyes wide with wonder. She offered him the morsel, and he opened his lips like a hatchling, his teeth gently grazing her fingertips as they retreated. He savored the bite and swallowed it in one graceful motion.
As she watched his throat bob with the effort of eating, she felt the air leave her lungs. Was that a smile? She thought so - a slight upturn of his lips that spoke volumes. Her heart skipped a beat, as if it knew that something unforgettable had just happened.
Without looking back, he called to his brothers, giving her a wink, and taking the plate from the workbench. “Sorry boys, she burned the bread. You’ll all have to find breakfast for yourselves.”
The first giggle burst forth, and soon she doubled over laughing. If she’d known feeding him would make Beau Pickett playful, she’d have started days ago. When she’d gathered herself, he’d already taken the plates to the table and was waiting patiently behind her chair.
Once breakfast was over, Emily and Georgia disappeared with Aunt Cleo. Adaya was still sipping her tea and listening to the conversation.
Apparently, the brothers were building a paddle fan today, and they were discussing the best way to complete the plans that Beau drew up.
“Walter built one of those for my bedroom back home,” she said.
“I’ll go fetch him,” Jesse said, leaving the table.
“I’m headed back to my office. Yell if you need me,” Simon said.
Adaya looked around and noticed it was just her and Beau, alone at the table. There was something about him that intrigued her, despite his gruff exterior.
“Are you going to eat that?”
“Am I going to eat what?” She looked around in confusion.
“Those two pieces of your special bread I set on your plate so my brother’s couldn’t get them.” There was a glint in his eyes, and Adaya decided right then that she would make it her life’s mission to keep him smiling there.
“My grandmother’s cook calls it French toast. I called it eggy bread when I would visit. I’m glad that you liked it.” She slid the two pieces onto his plate and stood to clear the table.
When she turned back from the sink, he was gone, and a folded piece of parchment was sitting on the table beside her teacup. Keeping one eye on it, she refilled the kettle and placed it back on the stove to warm the wash water before returning to the table.
The wordsTo Miss Adaya Breckenridgewere emblazoned in bold script on the front.
Dear Miss Breckenridge,
My name is Beau Pickett. I am soon to be thirty years old, much too old for you.
I have experience with horses, cows, goats, sheep, and mules. I enjoy working with all animals and helping them to serve the purposes the Lord gave them.
I’m glad that Emily’s letter could reach you in your time of need. I believe nothing happens without reason, so the good Lord had plans of his own for you, as well.
I recently purchased a herd of horses from Chicago. Phileas wouldn’t be a spotted gelding that prefers his own company, would he? You’ve chosen a rather unique name. I have a stallion named Fogg based on a character called Phileas Fogg. I wonder if your horse is based on the same character.
Since I cannot visit you at your home, would you be interested in going to the harvest picnic at a neighboring farm with me this Saturday? My brothers and their wives are going as well.
Have a good day,
Mr. Beau Pickett
Adaya’s face split into a grin as she pocketed the letter and turned to finish cleaning up.
Chapter Seven
Beau felt pleased with himself as he made his way out to the barn.
It wasn’t until he reached into his pocket to retrieve a piece of rope that he came across her letter folded together with lint, a leather braid, and a silver coin. He was looking for the rope when the letter fell to the floor.
