Free Providence by Karen Noland Page B

cold man was
not Will, she would never grow to love him as she had Will. Standing, she stepped
away from him and looked for her family. Jake appeared at her elbow. Almost
shaking with relief, she made her excuses to Matt and allowed Jake to escort
her out towards the large oak tree beneath which the tables were laid for the
afternoon picnic.
    ***
    Nana had spread the cloth in a
secluded area just away from the main tables. The baskets were already open and
Jo and Jonathan were arguing about who could eat the most pie. Sinking slowly
to the ground, she closed her eyes and breathed in the rich earthy aroma of
sun-warmed grass, new spring flowers, and the thousand myriad scents of fried
chicken, fruit pies, and fresh baked breads. She smiled at the petty bickering
between the children, and soaked in the love of these people she called family.
    “You all right, Kate?” Jake
asked.
    “I am now.”
    “Well, good. Then p’rhaps you
could see to giving me a hand with setting out this food!” Nana said. “Jon, you
go draw water from the pump there, and Jo, I want those napkins folded proper.
Just because this here’s a picnic, don’t give us no reason to behave like
heathens.”
    “Yes, Ma’am,” all three chimed in
at once. Bursting into gales of laughter, they each set about their appointed
tasks, while Nana supervised with an exacting eye.
    ***
    They ate and laughed and renewed acquaintances.
As the afternoon wore on, Kate sat in the shade beneath the old oak, watching
the children run and play. Jake dozed contentedly nearby while Nana busied
herself with knitting. The lazy drone of bees working a nearby patch of pink
and white clover had all but lulled Kate to sleep, when she was startled awake
by a familiar voice.
    “Kate, there you are. I’ve been
looking everywhere for you,” Martha called. “Come and walk with me a while.”
     “I’ll be back soon,” she
called to Nana. Rising and brushing the grass from her full skirts, she joined
her friend, already anticipating the coming meeting.
    “He’s waiting for us at the
livery. Lars is there with him, so there’s no need to worry. Just talk to him.
You need the help, and I know you’ll like him.” Martha fairly bubbled with
enthusiasm. Kate was as nervous and reticent as Martha was gay and excited.
    “Let’s get this over with then.”
    “Kathleen Rose Shaughnessey!”
Martha mocked her, “You straighten up that attitude, young lady,” she smiled.
    Kate gave her a withering look as
they approached the large gray barn that served as both Livery and blacksmith
shop. Two men stood in front, along with a large grey gelding, saddled and tied
loosely to the rail. They were examining the horse’s front feet, not noticing
as the women drew near.
    “Hello, Lars,” Kate smiled. She
truly liked Martha’s tall, lanky husband. He was as large and fair and quiet as
she was small and dark and talkative. They were a unique and special couple.
    “Miss Kate,” he nodded shyly.
    “Kate, I’d like you to meet Luke
Josey. Luke, this is Mrs. Shaughnessey.”
     The other man set down the
hoof he had been inspecting. Straightening and turning to face the women, Kate
was met by the same green eyes she had seen in the mercantile. A muscle twitched
near his jaw as he held out his hand, “Pleased to meet you, ma’am.” His voice
was rich and warm.
    “Mr. Josey.” She reached out to
shake his hand, and found hers completely engulfed in his firm grasp. A long
moment of silence ensued as each studied the other. Finally retrieving her
hand, she took a step back.
    “Well, somebody say something!”
Martha’s sharp command seemed to break a spell.
    “I understand you could use some
help on your ranch.”
    “I can’t offer you much.”
    “I don’t need a lot.”
    “I have a small bunkhouse, meals,
and when I can I’ll pay twenty dollars for a month’s work. It’s hard work.”
Glancing at his horse, she added, “If you’d like, I can provide a horse in
place of