Free Silverton: Claims On The Heart by Karen Cogan

pulse lurched as she climbed the steps. The bell’s tones rang and she stepped into the quiet entryway. A murmur of voices arose. A few moments later, a woman with a coffeepot in hand poked her head around the corner of a doorway.
    “We’re full, miss, if you’re looking for a room.”
    “I’m looking for a resident, a Mr. Collin McAllister, if he’s in.”
    “He’s here at breakfast. I’ll tell him he has a caller.”
    A second later, Collin sprang into the room. “When she said it was a woman, I knew it must be you. But what brings you here?” He took her hands and led her to the parlor where they sat side by side on the settee.
    Kathleen’s senses were so aflutter that it took her a moment to remember why she had come. “I wanted to tell you that Papa and I are moving to a new house. It’s on Blair Street way at the other end.”
    “When are you moving?”
    “Today. And I wanted to let you know to come there before our picnic tomorrow.”
    “Would you be too busy today to give me a tour of this house?”
    “No. I’m just on my way there now.”
    “If you’ll wait, I’ll tell Mrs. McGee that I’ve finished my breakfast.”
    “But I’ve interrupted you. Please finish eating.”
    “I’ve had all I want.” He disappeared into the dining room to return a few moments later. “Mrs. McGee told me she didn’t blame me for hurrying off with such a pretty colleen waiting for me.”
    “I think you’re flattering me now.”
    Collin feigned insult. “I never flatter, though I won’t deny the truth in what she called you.” He took her bag.
    “Papa had me pick out some furniture. It’s supposed to come this morning.” A breeze ruffled the hair that curled around her face.
    They chatted companionably to the end of Blair Street.
    When they reached the house, Kathleen gave Collin an uncertain smile. What would he think of her improved surroundings? Would he feel uncomfortable?
    He gave no sign of it. He smiled agreeably. “I like it. It looks well-built. I hated to think of you in that drafty house this winter.”
    “Come inside.” She took his hand and tugged him to the front door.
    They entered together and paused in the parlor to look around.
    “What do you think of it?”
    “I think it’s perfect.” He stared at her rather than the surroundings.
    “Come on,” she said, flustered by his scrutiny. “I want to show you the rest of the house.” She was flinging open the cabinets in the kitchen when they heard the clatter of a wagon in the front yard. “That will be the furniture.”
    The two strong sons who worked at the furniture store were outside. The boys were climbing down from the wagon and arguing about who should climb up and hand down the end of the settee.
    Collin rolled up his sleeves. “Let me give you some help.”
    The boys stopped arguing and set to work.
    Kathleen was amazed at the subtle way Collin took charge. He had the boys laughing even as they lifted and strained. They took pains to get the furniture exactly where she wanted it as they joked and kidded. And all the while Collin was right beside them, lifting and straining, too.
    Finally, only the last small side tables were left on the wagon.
    Kathleen was directing them through the door when Martin came striding towards her. The smile that had graced her lips died away. She was having a perfectly wonderful time with Collin and didn’t want it spoiled by Martin’s uninvited intrusion.
    Martin tipped his hat as he walked onto her porch. “I stopped by the store and your father told me you were here.” He glanced at Collin who was carrying a table into the parlor. “You should have told me you needed help.”
    Kathleen forced a smile. “We’re doing fine. In fact, we’re almost finished.”
    “If your hired help is finished maybe you’ll give me a tour of the house.” He included Collin in a wave of his hand.
    “I brought over some lemons from the store and was just going to offer everyone some lemonade.