Page 10 of A Joyful Ring
Lars smiled. “She certainly is, ma’am.”
“Do you two have time for a glass of lemonade and some cookies? I just pulled a batch from the oven.”
The thought of warm cookies and cool lemonade made Gunder’s mouth water even though he was still full from lunch.
However, Lars shook his head. “As nice as that sounds, Mrs. Franklin, we need to get going. I want to finish showing Gunder around before we head out.”
“Of course. Perhaps another time. I assume I’ll see one of you the day after tomorrow.”
“Yes, ma’am. Likely me. Maybe both, depending on what Mr. Goodwin decides.” Lars tipped his head to the woman, then opened the front door.
Gunder politely tipped his head to her. “It was nice to meet you, Mrs. Franklin. I’ll look forward to returning.”
“Wonderful, Mr. Birke. Have a safe journey back to Lovely.”
“We’re just picking up supplies from the mercantile today,” Lars said, then smiled at the woman again before he nudged Gunder outside and followed him, quietly closing the door behind him.
If Gunder had known Lars better, he might have teased him about his interest in the widow. Instead, he settled his hat on his head and walked out to the street, following as Lars led the way to a lumber mill by the river.
Their last stop was at a general store with red, white, and blue bunting hanging across the front of it, offering a patriotic welcome.
Gunder realized then it had been a hundred years since America had adopted the Declaration of Independence. No wonder everyone seemed excited about the holiday tomorrow.
Lars led the way into the store and went directly to the counter, where a man who appeared to be as young as Gunder rang up a purchase of chewing tobacco for an older man in clothes that appeared so filthy they likely could stand on their own.
Apparently, they smelled as ripe as they looked because Lars took a step back and waited until the man left the store before moving closer to the counter.
“Apologies, Lars. That ol’ coot is convinced bathing will kill him.” The young man reached out and shook the hand Lars held out to him, then looked to Gunder. “A new hire at the mine?”
“Yep,” Lars said, turning to Gunder. “Gunder Birke, this is Frank Miller, proprietor of this fine establishment.”
“Welcome to Miller’s Mercantile,” Frank said, shaking Gunder’s hand. “Call me Frank.”
“Frank. Nice to meet you. Please, call me Gunder.”
“Gunder isn’t a name you hear every day. Where are you from?” Frank asked.
Gunder glanced at Lars and smirked. “Pittsburgh.”
“Pittsburgh,” Frank repeated, looking slightly confused.
“My parents are from Sweden, though.”
Frank smiled. “I see. And your family, are they still in Pittsburgh?”
Gunder nodded. “They are. I came out West on what I suppose most would call an adventure.”
Lars leaned an elbow on the counter. “He saw that ridiculous ad about Lovely.”
“Oh, that,” Frank said with a knowing look. “Well, I hope you get all the adventure you seek and enjoy being in the area.” Frank lightly tapped the counter with both hands. “Now, I’m sure this is more than just a social call, Lars. What’s on thelist?”
Lars extracted a folded list from his pocket and gave it to Frank.
Frank read the list, then nodded. “I’ll have this ready to load in about thirty minutes. Do either of you have any shopping to take care of?”
“I wouldn’t mind a chance to look around,” Gunder said, eyeing a display of gloves.
“You do that,” Lars said. “I’m going to see to an errand. I’ll be back with the mules in about half an hour.”
