Chapter 17
Daisy knew that she needed to say something and it needed to be good. She wasn’t sure about how a few words could do that, unfortunately.
After Kyle helped her sit down—ignoring her protests the entire time—he said, “I’m sorry if my being here has caused a commotion.”
She had to smile. “Don’t worry about it. Practically everything that happens around here causes a commotion. We Lapps are an excitable bunch.”
“I was starting to get that idea. But still, it does seem that my appearance here has taken everyone by surprise.”
“Are you really that shocked?”
“Honestly? Yes. I thought everything was okay between us,” he said.
“Everything between you and my family is great. Wonderful-gut.”
Yes, sarcasm was thick in her voice, but what did he expect? He not only had helped her when she was injured, but had brought her flowers. He and his mother had stopped by, too. Ruthie kept making the pies.
Kyle was also one of the reasons her brothers felt justified in never wanting her to farm in the first place.
He was obviously doing real well at the Millers’ farm.
He, Mervin, and Ruthie were all working together to make it a success.
And since they were next door, Lukas had a good view of their work.
So far, her brother hadn’t found a thing to complain about.
If Daisy had gotten her wish, she knew that she wouldn’t have done nearly as good a job. She would’ve been drowning in work, and likely too full of pride to ask for help.
“What is that supposed to mean?” he asked.
It took Daisy a second to remember what he was referring to. “I promise, everything between us is fine.” She swallowed. “I told them that you are interested in Winter Walker and not me. They understand.”
Kyle’s blue eyes clouded before he recovered. “I’ve only gone calling on Winter a few times. That’s all.”
“I understand.”
“I, ah, wanted to see if you had any idea about what you wanted to do next. Are you going to return to work at the bulk food store?”
“Nee. Even if Melissa took me back, I don’t want to go back there. It wasn’t a good fit for me.”
“So … what will you do?”
“I’m not sure. Lukas said I could help him around here. I’ll probably do that for a while.”
“Ah.”
Kyle didn’t appear to be all that enthused about the idea either. She waved a hand. “I’ve been thinking that maybe I should look at some other jobs, too.”
“Oh? Like what?”
“I don’t know. I like to read. Maybe I could read to children at the library? Or perhaps volunteer my time in the school?”
“I can see you doing both of those things. I bet working in a library might be fun. If you don’t mind the quiet and all.”
She chuckled. “Since most of the animals around here stay pretty quiet, I don’t think that will be a problem.”
A sweet appreciation appeared in his eyes. Warming her spirit and making her want to share more about herself. “Everyone keeps telling me that I have lots of time to figure out my future. I need to remember that.”
“Time really does heal wounds.” His expression tightened. “You know, I’ve always loved farming, too. I had hoped to stay on our land in Kentucky, but that wasn’t meant to be.”
“Aaron told me that your parents sold off some of your land.”
“They did. They got a good price for it.” He took a deep breath. “I’ve been going through some growing pains as well. I had a longtime girlfriend back in Kentucky. We, ah, broke things off.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“Jah, me too.” Taking a sip of water, Kyle added, “I didn’t break my leg, but I have been feeling rather broken up lately. All my grand plans for Mary and me disintegrated within a matter of minutes.”
“Ouch.”
“Jah. Ouch.” He smiled at her suddenly. “We have a lot in common, don’t we, Daisy?”
“I think we do.”
“Let’s concentrate on being good friends, then. I could use a good friend here in Walden.”
“I could use one, too.” She winked. “Especially if Ruthie sends over pies with you.”
He lowered his voice. “She’s an amazing baker. I’m going to be lucky if I don’t gain ten pounds this year.”
“Does that mean that you wouldn’t be opposed to sharing a slice of cherry pie with me?”
“I wouldn’t be opposed to that at all.” He gently squeezed her bicep. “I’ll go ask your mamm for a slice and two forks. You stay here, okay?”
“Okay,” she said.
When he was out of sight, she smiled.
And only had to remind herself that they were “just friends” four times.