Page 32 of A Joyful Ring
Risa stared at him for a moment before she dissolved into a fit of giggles that made him chuckle so much he had to set down his spoon before he spilled the stew. When their amusement finally waned, Gunder picked up the spoon and took a bite.
“This is delicious. How did you have time to prepare it this evening?” he asked, spooning another bite.
“I set it in the oven to cook all day and ran home at noon to check on it and add more wood to the stove. It was so nice to come home to a meal mostly ready to eat.”
“But you made hot biscuits,” Gunder said, buttering one and dipping the edge of it in his stew. “You make the best biscuits, Ree.”
“I’m glad you think so,” she said, appearing pleased by his praise.
She asked him about the jewelry projects he was working on, and he questioned her about the latest letter from Mrs. Franklin. Since the day of the picnic two months ago, when the women had met, they had kept up a frequent correspondence, with Lars and Gunder delivering the messages back and forth.
Gunder certainly didn’t mind. Both Risa and Mrs. Franklin seemed so happy to receive news from the other one.
“Do you think your father is getting any closer to proposing to Mrs. Franklin?” Gunder asked after they’d finished the meal that included canned peaches with cream for dessert. He carried dishes to the sink and began washing them while Risa dried and put them away.
Risa shrugged and put the bowl she held on a shelf. “I have no idea. I don’t know why he’s so fearful to grab on to happiness, but I’m starting to worry it’s because of me.”
“You?” Gunder stopped scrubbing the stew pot to look at her. “Why would you say that?”
“Because.” Risa stared off in the distance then down at the floor, before she lifted her gaze to meet his. When she did, her eyes were swimming in unshed tears. “If he didn’t worry about me, I’m sure he would have married Mrs. Franklin months ago. I don’t think he will until I’m settled with a home of my own.”
Gunder opened his mouth and closed it twice, uncertain what to say. He wanted to tell her he’d marry her right that minute if that’s what she wanted, but he didn’t. The time wasn’t right, and she and her father needed to settle matters between them before Gunder or Mrs. Franklin got involved.
“Just give Lars time to grow accustomed to the idea that you are all grown up and capable of taking care of yourself.” Gunder thought about wiping off his damp hands and holding Risa to comfort her, but concluded that probably wasn’t the best idea. If he held her like that, close to his heart, he wasn’t completely convinced he could let her go.
She took a step back, drew in a deep breath, then turned to dry another bowl. “Did your parents get the box you sent with their gifts?” she asked, changing the subject.
“I don’t know. I picked up a letter from Mama today, and she didn’t mention it. I hope they like what I sent.”
“I know they will. The gloves are something your father will find useful. The lace you bought from Mrs. Franklin’s friend is exquisite, and your mother will cherish it. And your sisters will love the ribbons you sent.”
“Thank you, again, for helping me choose the ribbons and wrap the gifts.”
Risa bumped her elbow against his arm and grinned. “You were all thumbs with the paper and twine.”
He wondered if that innocent contact sent spirals of heat swirling up her arm like it did his.
Although both of them acted as though they didn’t notice, Gunder could almost see the sparks of attraction dancing between them as they worked so close together at the sink.
Gunder rinsed the last dish and handed it to Risa, then dried his hands and looked at the clock. “It’s getting late. I should go.”
“It is late. I don’t know where the time went this evening.”
“Your fine company must have made the time fly quickly.” Gunder made a silly face and struck a ridiculous pose that caused Risa to laugh.
“Fine company, indeed.”
Before he gave in to the urge to hug her, or kiss her, Gunder rammed his arms in the sleeves of his coat and wrapped his scarf around his neck. Risa yanked on her coat and opened the back door.
“Where are you going?” he asked as she stepped outside and he followed.
“I just want to check and make sure the barn door is shut tight. I don’t want something sneakingin and bothering the cow or horses.”
“I’ll go with you,” he said, not liking the idea of her out alone in the dark, but she’d be alone in the morning when she did the chores before she headed off to work. He would have come over and helped her then, but he had to get an early start in the morning.
The only noise as they walked to the barn was the sound of their boots crunching on the snow. Risa checked the door and found it firmly latched, then turned and gasped.
Gunder moved beside her, ready to do battle and defend her if needed, but saw what had caught her by surprise. A big moon had risen over the top of the hill and immersed the world around them in silver beams and velvety shadows.
