Bertie (Pendleton Petticoats Book 6) Read online

  “Are you okay, Bertie?” Ilsa asked. The girl’s fair skin had gone pale and she stared off at something unseen in the distance.

  Bertie yanked her composure together and offered Ilsa a tremulous smile. “I’m well.”

  Tony chuckled. “You probably scared her half to death talking about your sister like she’s some mythical heroine.” He winked at Ilsa then looked back at Bertie. “Have no fear, Miss Hawkins. Aundy is as human as anyone, faults and all. Although, she does make the best fried chicken and white cake, and those flat pancake things you like so much, chickadee.”

  “Lefse, Tony. How many times must I tell you they are called lefse?” Ilsa glared at her husband, but her smile was indulgent.

  “I just like hearing you say it.” Tony bent down and kissed Ilsa’s forehead. “You see, Miss Hawkins, my wife and her family have a strong Norwegian ancestry. Although I love my Italian family and the food my sister makes at her restaurant, sometimes it’s nice to eat something different. However, don’t ever let Ilsa cook for you. You’ll need to stop by the drugstore and purchase a packet of dyspepsia tablets on your way home for the indigestion it will likely cause.”

  Bertie was surprised when Ilsa laughed instead of taking offense at Tony’s words.

  Ilsa squeezed his arm then looked back at Bertie again. “I’d be upset if it wasn’t true. I can cook a few things, but most of what I attempt in the kitchen is inedible. We eat at Caterina’s restaurant often and Tony can cook if the need arises, but don’t let the word get out. He wouldn’t want that knowledge to damage the manly reputation he thinks he holds around town.”

  Tony frowned at his wife and Bertie couldn’t stop a giggle from escaping at their teasing. It was fun to see a couple so in love and so comfortable with each other as Tony and Ilsa Campanelli.

  After Kent destroyed her confidence and trust in the male species, Bertie couldn’t image ever trusting a man sufficiently to enter into a serious relationship.

  Before she could think more about it, Tony guided the horse off the main road. A sea of sheep grazed contentedly on the verdant pasture grass on the other side of a sturdy fence running parallel to the lane.

  Although she’d heard about Aundy’s sheep, Bertie hadn’t ever been out to Nash’s Folly. She gawked at the peaceful scene the animals created, with rolling hills of wheat in the background and a vibrant summer sky overhead.

  Much to her surprise, Bertie felt a little of her tension ease as she took a deep breath.

  Tony reined the horse to a stop in front of a one-story house sitting in an oasis of flowers and green grass. A white picket fence surrounded the yard and chairs on the porch practically begged for a body to sit down and rest awhile.

  Immediately drawn to the homey place, Bertie accepted the hand Tony held out to her and followed Ilsa through the front gate and down the walk.

  Tony took the horse to the barn where other men milled around.

  Ilsa took Bertie’s hand and led her up the steps. She tapped once on the screen door before pulling it open and stepping inside. “Aundy? Are you here? Bertie and I just arrived.”

  Footsteps echoed down the hall then Aundy appeared in the front room. Her golden hair hung in messy waves down her back and a sling held her left arm against her chest, but she wore a pleasant smile as she approached them.

  Bertie always forgot how tall Aundy was until she stood next to her. She was taller than many of the men in town, although not as tall as Garrett, Lars, or Kade Rawlings. She stood about the same height as Tony, though.

  At first glance, it was difficult to picture Aundy and Ilsa as sisters. Once she looked past the height and size difference, Bertie saw similarities in their smiles and the shapes of their faces. They both had beautiful blue eyes, but Aundy’s were several shades lighter than Ilsa’s.

  “I’m so glad you two got here before everyone else arrived. Thank you for coming out, Bertie. It’s so nice to see you.” Aundy offered her a welcoming smile then turned to her sister. “Ilsa, can you please put up my hair? I can’t move my arm high enough to do it and it is beyond Garrett’s capabilities to twist it up and stick in a hairpin or two. I let him give it a try yesterday. As many times as he poked me trying to get in the hairpins, I thought he’d perhaps confused my head with a pincushion.”

  Ilsa giggled and Bertie smiled as they followed Aundy down the hall to a bathroom. Bertie lingered at the door while Aundy sat on the edge of a large bathtub. Ilsa expertly brushed her hair and pinned it up.

  She poked in one final pin then stepped back to admire her handiwork. “I think that will hold it, at least for this evening.”

  “Thank you.” Aundy stood and placed her good hand on Ilsa’s shoulder. “Come on, let’s go to the kitchen. I have a few things to finish before everyone arrives.”

  The three women walked to the kitchen and Aundy noticed the tin Bertie carried. “You didn’t need to bring anything, Bertie, but whatever it is, I appreciate it.”

  Bertie set the tin on the kitchen table and lifted the lid. The delicious scent of chocolate filled the air and both Aundy and Ilsa studied the contents. “Oh, those smell so good. What are they?” Aundy asked as she picked up a square and held it out to Ilsa. The two sisters broke the soft bar in half and each took a bite.

  “Brownies. I found the recipe in a new cookbook I purchased a few weeks ago.” Pride buoyed Bertie’s spirits as the women clearly enjoyed every bite of the treat.

  “That is tasty, Bertie. You’ll definitely have to share the recipe,” Aundy said as she shook the crumbs from her hand over the sink.

  “Yes, please share the recipe with Aundy so she can make them for me.” Ilsa smiled endearingly at her sister and batted her eyelashes. “You do know the men won’t leave a single one of these once they get a whiff, don’t you?”

  “That’s why we’ll hide a few in here.” Aundy handed Ilsa an empty tin and had her put a few of the bars inside. She set it on a shelf in her pantry then turned back to her guest. “Please, Bertie, make yourself at home. Can I offer you a glass of lemonade or tea? Perhaps some cold water?”

  “Just water, but please, let me get it.” Bertie removed her gloves and accepted a glass from Aundy then went to the sink and filled the glass with water. Ilsa opened the door to a new refrigerator and removed a few pieces of ice, dropping them into Bertie’s glass. After she placed ice in glasses for herself and Aundy, the three of them sat down at the table for a moment.

  “Have you decided about Garrett’s offer, Bertie?” Aundy asked as they sipped the cold water in the heat of the kitchen.

  Bertie nodded. “If you think I can do the work, I’d like to give it a try.”

  The two sisters smiled. Aundy reached out with her good hand and patted Bertie’s. “That’s wonderful, Bertie. I’m honored you’d leave the telephone office to come help us this summer. As much as I’m loath to admit it, I do need the help. I’ve struggled all day to get anything accomplished and the more I rest my arm, the faster it will heal. There’s no possibility I can do everything without some assistance. I promise not to work you too hard and hopefully you’ll have some fun and enjoy being out here in the country for a few months.”

  “It will be a new experience for all of us, I suppose,” Bertie said, looking up as Garrett walked inside the kitchen with Tony.

  “Honey, is there anything you need carried outside for supper? Li said he caught you in here trying to cook this afternoon when he brought some things over, since he couldn’t fit everything into the oven in the bunkhouse. I thought I told you to rest.” Garrett leaned down to kiss Aundy’s cheek and noticed a bit of chocolate at the corner of her mouth. He brushed it away with his thumb and lifted his eyebrows. “I think you girls are sneaking into the desserts before supper. Come on, don’t hold out on us.”

  “Bertie made the best chocolate squares I’ve ever tasted.” Ilsa opened the tin and held it out to Tony then Garrett. “What did you call them?”

  “Brownies. They’re called brownies.” Be
rtie ducked her head but couldn’t miss the sounds of pleasure coming from Tony and Garrett as they each ate one of the bars. When they reached for the tin to have more, Ilsa snatched it away.

  “You two are as bad as the children. You’ll spoil your supper.” Ilsa stood and looked at her sister. “What did you need help with, Aundy? You said there were still a few things to get ready.”

  Aundy directed Garrett to slice a ham and Tony to carry a large crock full of baked beans outside to the tables the hired hands had set up under the shade of a cottonwood tree in the side yard. Ilsa drizzled a special blend of oil and spices, a recipe from Caterina, over a platter of sliced tomatoes and cucumbers. Bertie took a bowl of frosting from Aundy and quickly spread it over a white cake.

  They carried the last of the food outside as the jingle of a harness drew their attention to the lane. Lars and Marnie arrived with a wagon full of boisterous children. Tony approached the wagon and reached up to take Laila from one of the older girls when Lars pulled it to a stop.

  The youngsters clamored over the sides and off the end of the wagon. Most of them ran off in the direction of the barn with two dogs and a sheep chasing after them.

  Bertie did a double take to see the sheep running loose with the dogs.

  Aundy noticed her surprised reaction and grinned. “The sheep is named Butter. Nik and I bottle-fed him when he was orphaned as a baby. He grew up with the dogs and thinks he’s one of them most of the time. Garrett bought the two Border collie pups just before we wed. The slightly taller dog is Sam and the other one is Ralph. They’re really good with the youngsters.”

  Bertie nodded her head and looked around the yard. Lars and Marnie approached where Garrett stood with Tony and Ilsa. Lars carried their adopted daughter Sophie on one brawny arm while Marnie’s hand rested protectively over her stomach. They were expecting their first non-adopted child in the fall.

  Aundy’s gaze lingered on the slight mound of Marnie’s belly. When she glanced away, raw pain filled her eyes. Uncertain of the cause, Bertie politely remained silent and glanced over the crowd gathering on the lawn. She recognized Garrett’s parents, Nora and J.B. Nash, as they visited with Dent, Aundy and Garrett’s foreman. The funny little Chinese man was Li Hong, the bunkhouse cook Aundy hired before she married Garrett. He hustled between the bunkhouse and the yard, carrying out bowls and platters of food. Hired hands wandered over from the barn and helped carry food to the table before joining in the conversations. A few of them eyed her and she stepped closer to Aundy, wishing she could hide in the house. She felt Aundy’s hand settle on her shoulder and glanced up at her.

  “We’re all friends here. When you’re ready, we’ll introduce you to the hired hands. I think you know most of them from church and some of the social events in town.” Aundy’s voice sounded reassuring as she gently patted Bertie on the back.

  “Thank you,” Bertie said quietly. Dust stirring on the lane drew her attention that direction. A wagon rolled up to the house with a young man on the seat. He parked and stepped down from the wagon, holding out a hand to Garrett in greeting.

  Bertie thought she recognized him as the man Millie had pointed out across the street at the bank, the one who purchased Marvin Tooley’s place.

  “Oh, that must be Mr. Walsh,” Aundy said, looking at Bertie. “Have you met him?”

  “No, I haven’t. I heard he purchased Mr. Tooley’s farm.” Bertie wanted to stand back and study the young man, but Aundy somehow managed to propel her forward. The two of them approached the group where Garrett made introductions.

  Garrett reached out and placed a gentle hand on Aundy’s waist, drawing her close to his side. “Aundy, this is Riley Walsh. You should see how much work he’s already accomplished at Marvin’s old place. Mr. Walsh, I’d like you to meet my wife, Aundy.”

  “Ma’am.” Riley had already removed his hat, but he tipped his head respectfully to her then to Bertie.

  “Oh, this is Bertie Hawkins. She and Bobby live in town. He owns a plumbing business. If you decide you want to add indoor plumbing to your house, he’s the man for the job.” Garrett smiled at Bertie with such engaging charm, she couldn’t help but smile in return. “Bertie, this is Riley Walsh, the newest resident of our fine community.”

  “Welcome to Pendleton, Mr. Walsh.” Bertie smiled at the handsome man and let her gaze settle on his for just a moment. The anguish in his eyes stirred something in her heart, something she didn’t want disturbed.

  An aura of melancholy clung to Riley Walsh. She didn’t know why, but she sensed something bordering on broken misery in him. Perhaps she easily recognized it because she saw it every time she looked in her mirror.

  While Garrett introduced their newest neighbor to those gathered in the yard, Bertie covertly watched Mr. Walsh. Riley was most likely several years her senior, but his face held a youthful, boyish appeal despite the sadness etched into the lines running across his forehead and around his eyes. A perfectly straight nose centered symmetrically between bright blue eyes. Dark brown hair, tousled and wavy, was cut short on the sides and slightly longer on top. A growth of stubble covered his face, as if he’d only recently forgotten to shave.

  Noah Webster ran up to the man and said something to him. Riley hunkered down and Bertie watched a smile lift the corners of his mouth. It transformed his face and she felt drawn to him. For a crazy moment, she wondered what it would be like to have his full bottom lip pressed against her mouth.

  Disturbed by the direction of her thoughts, Bertie walked over to where Ilsa tried to pour lemonade into glasses while Laila clung to her skirts. “May I help?”

  “Gracious, yes,” Ilsa said with an exasperated glance at her daughter. “If you wouldn’t mind taking over this chore, I’ll get this cranky girl a cup of milk. I think she must have missed her nap today. Playing with Lars and Marnie’s bunch always wears her out, but usually leaves her out of sorts until she falls asleep.”

  Bertie took the lemonade pitcher from Ilsa and continued filling the glasses.

  After everyone gathered in the yard and found a place at the tables, Garrett asked a blessing on the meal. Bertie found herself sitting across from Riley Walsh, with Marnie on one side of her and Marnie’s daughter Sadie on the other.

  Somewhat intimidated by all the men around the table, Bertie remained silent, focused on her dinner and answering Sadie’s occasional questions. Although she’d committed to working for Garrett and Aundy, she didn’t know how she would handle being around so many strange men all the time.

  With a sigh, she realized after a few days of working on the ranch, they would no longer be strangers, but that did little to calm her nerves. It was going to be a long, long summer.

  Riley Walsh felt out of place at the Nash’s table. This was clearly a tight-knit group who cared deeply about each other. He hadn’t felt anything akin to that since before his father died. He’d been on his own, alone, for too long.

  Garrett and Lars did their best to make him feel welcome, as had their brother-in-law, Tony Campanelli. Garrett had mentioned Riley’s need for help moving his cattle Friday, and Lars and Tony were quick to volunteer. Several of Garrett’s hands offered to help, too. Although he hated to be beholden to anyone, Riley appreciated their willingness to help a stranger.

  As he took a seat at the table and glanced around, his gaze settled on the blonde girl across from him.

  Bertie Hawkins.

  Riley had to assume someone as pretty as she was had to possess a more dignified name than Bertie, but maybe she preferred the nickname.

  The girl looked young with an oval face and smooth, creamy skin. He detected a hint of sadness in her smile, a haunting fear lingering in her eyes.

  Briefly, he wondered who had hurt her and what she’d been like before the damage had been done. She seemed like a girl who was probably full of fun at one time. Her generous pink lips naturally rested in a smile and her blue eyes shone with liveliness despite the pain he detected there.

  A
pink hat pinned at a jaunty angle drew his gaze to the wild mass of curls subdued into a fashionable style on top of her head.

  Bertie wore a gown the color of pink summer roses and she smelled every bit as good. Although he tried not to notice, he caught a hint of her perfume every time the breeze wafted by him.

  In the past three years, he’d never once looked at a woman the way he looked at Bertie. That fact left him antsy and irritated with himself.

  He’d made a promise never to become involved with a woman again and he’d be darned if he cast more than a passing glance at the beauty sitting across from him.

  She leaned down to say something to Sadie Thorsen, making the child giggle. Riley shifted uncomfortably on his seat.

  No good could come from catching the eye of the girl, especially when the anguish in her heart was plainly written across her face.

  He’d just make it a point to stay far, far away from the beautiful Bertie Hawkins. Besides, if he wasn’t mistaken, the man named Bobby who Garrett mentioned was most likely the girl’s husband.

  No matter how lovely and intriguing she might be, it was a hundred different kinds of wrong to hold any interest in another man’s wife.

  After the meal, Marnie and Ilsa helped Li with the dishes. The hands wandered off to finish evening chores as Nora and J.B. left for home. Sophie sat on Aundy’s lap while Noah leaned against Lars’ broad chest. The jangle of the phone trickled out the kitchen window so Garrett rushed to answer it.

  While he was inside, Tony and Ilsa left, taking a fussy Laila home to bed.

  When Garrett returned, he approached Bertie. “I’m sorry, Bertie. That was Bobby. He said he’s going to be tied up at his meeting longer than he planned and asked if you’d catch a ride home with Tony and Ilsa.” Garrett glanced around and noticed the couple had left. “Well, shoot. I’ll hitch up the buggy and run you home.”

  “I can take her.” Riley heard the words come out of his mouth with no idea how they’d escaped. Hadn’t he just given himself a stern lecture about staying away from Bertie Hawkins?