Free The Visions of Ransom Lake by Marcia Lynn McClure Page B

disappointment all too blatant on her face.
    “ I meant to tell you, Vaden. Really! But he just walked in so soon after you finished your story and—”Yvonne began.
    “ I know. I know. I suppose I should resign myself to him,” Vaden sighed.
    “ Don’t make it sound like an execution, Vaden.”
    “ But he’s not…he’s not…”
    “ Him ,” Yvonne finished for her. “Who is he, Vaden? You act as if you’ve already unearthed him. And knowing you, that’s probably literal.”
    Vaden wanted to confess to her sister—to shout, He’s Ransom Lake! Can’t you understand that? But she knew she dared not, for Yvonne would not understand. Yvonne did not see Ransom Lake as Vaden did. Her eyes were blurred by his shaggy appearance and lack of social graces.
    And so she endured supper with Jerome. Rather, she tried to enjoy it. He was forever staring at her, flashing his charming smile in her direction, inquiring about aspects of her life and family back east. Yvonne was delighted, and Vaden knew it was because she had hopes this charming, good-looking young man would have a settling effect on her sister’s wild-hare ways.
    But Vaden knew. She knew herself, and she could never settle for Jerome Clayton. And that is what it would be, were she to further encourage his attentions. Settling, settling for far, far less than she wanted, needed, would accept.
    “ You’ll have to take Vaden out to Vaughn’s pumpkin patch when he harvests, Jerome. I’m certain she would love to meander through the vines,” Myra suggested. Vaden sighed heavily, though she forced a smile at Jerome.
    “ It’s quite a sight to see, Miss Vaden. Wagons and wagons full of pumpkins. Yep, I’ll be sure and take ya ’round when the time comes.” Jerome winked at Vaden and continued with his meal. Vaden found it nearly impossible to stomach eating her own. Myra was a wonderful cook, but the company was affecting Vaden’s appetite.
    “ Ol’ Ransom Lake seems to be farin’ well,” Dan stated. “I don’t wonder if havin’ people so close might bother him. He seems to take to Vaden though. I suppose it’s because she’s so honest in what she says to him.”
    Every mouth at the table stopped chewing, and every fork or spoon paused in midair as all eyes turned to Vaden. She felt her cheeks begin to heat, and though she loved her Uncle Dan dearly, she could have pinched him hard for bringing up the subject.
    “ Just exactly what did you say to him today that was so honest, Vay?’ Yvonne asked, the snap in her voice all too apparent.
    “ Nothing. I…I…” Vaden stammered as she looked to her Uncle Dan for salvation.
    “ She plumb blurted out why it is that all the townsfolk avoid him so. Ya know…why nobody seems to feel comfortable ’round the man,” Dan answered for her.
    “ And, uh, just what reason is that, Vaden, dear?” Myra asked, though it was obvious she was uncomfortable speaking about another man in front of their guest.
    “ People are intimidated by him. Frightened at his unconventional ways. That’s all,” Vaden admitted. She looked at Jerome, whose smile had faded and whose eyes were narrow as they studied her intently. Again, the hair at the back of her neck prickled as she looked at this man. Something just didn’t set right in her estimation of his character. However, he grinned at her a moment later.
    “ I figure ya got that one square on the head, Miss Vaden,” he said in a low voice. “Looks to me like readin’ people is another one of your many lovely attributes.”
    Vaden somewhat resented his syrupy compliment, but she forced a friendly smile and said, “Thank you, Mr. Clayton, but you are far too flattering to me.”
    “ No one could ever be too flattering to you, Miss Vaden,” he responded, winking at her. Vaden could not help the blush that rose to her cheeks. It was embarrassing to have himso obviously flirting with her in front of her family. She knew she would never hear the end of it, one way