the room. “How about we work together? You remove the old curtains, and I’ll hand you the replacements.”
“All right.”
While they worked, she gave him a commentary on that morning’s services. Apparently a bird had gotten inside and had interrupted the sermon, swooping toward women’s hats and causing mayhem as a few of the men attempted to capture it. She described the scene in such detail, Alexander couldn’t help smiling.
“I’ve never seen you there,” she mused. “Why don’t you attend?”
His smile faded. Rolling the ratty curtains into a bundle, he twisted to hand it to her. Why must she persist in stirring up painful issues? First she’d questioned him about Texas. Now this.
He stepped down from the chair, bringing him close enough to notice her thick, curling eyelashes and a tiny scar edging her lower lip. Once again, he became distracted by her loveliness.
The change in her wasn’t that dramatic, he reprimanded himself. Ellie was simply the first woman he’d spent any significant amount of time with since arriving in Tennessee several years ago.
“I haven’t gone to church in ages,” he said. “I have no desire to sit and listen about God’s goodness and love.”
Compassion softened her eyes. “I’ve suspected for some time that you suffered a horrible hurt, something you haven’t shared with anyone. But God sees your private struggle. He’ll give you the grace to work through it, if you let Him.”
Alexander couldn’t deny he craved freedom from the burdens coiled around him like heavy chains. Her gentle understanding and the conviction of her words tempted him to let go of the hatred he carried for his enemy, the disillusion directed toward his Creator, the guilt and anger he felt over his own actions.
Her small, soft hand curved around his forearm. “You don’t have to shoulder your burdens alone, you know. You could talk to me. Or Duncan. Reverend Munroe. No one will judge you.”
“Please, Ellie, don’t press me on this.”
Her countenance pensive, she gave a reluctant nod. “I can still pray for you, can’t I?”
Startled, he was trying to form a response when there came a rap on the door. Moving blindly to release the latch, he stared at the couple on the boardwalk wearing matching grins.
“Alexander.” Duncan McKenna clapped him on the shoulder. “We were passing by and saw you through the window. Mind if we come in for a minute?”
He absently moved aside as the auburn-haired Scotsman escorted his wife, Caroline, into the midst of their redecoration project. The pair was partly responsible for hiring Ellie. While he hadn’t been happy about their meddling, and he’d been pulled into his new cook’s affairs, he no longer resented their actions. The Plum was better because of it.
“How are you getting along, Ellie?” Caroline inquired, her blue eyes softening with fondness. “We’ve come in to eat several times, and we’ve yet to be disappointed.”
A blush tinted her cheeks. “Satisfying customers is my top priority. It’s nice to hear I’m succeeding.”
“I’m still learning my way around the kitchen. Eating here is a treat for both of us, trust me.”
Laughter rumbled deep in Duncan’s chest. Taking hold of his wife’s hand, he placed a gallant kiss on her knuckles. “You’re improving every day, my love.”
The affection passing between them made Alexander uncomfortable. He glanced at Ellie but was unable to gauge her reaction. She’d only recently lost her husband. Did it pain her to see a couple so deeply in love with each other?
He ran his finger along the empty spot where his wedding band once rested. The hole Sarah’s death had created was complete. He made it a point not to dwell on how much he missed having a connection to another person.
The blonde’s next words brought him out of his ruminations.
“Ellie, have you considered offering classes? I’m certain young women on the verge of marriage would pay for your instruction.”
“Don’t most girls learn to cook from their mothers? Or grandmothers, as I did?”
“There are some whose mothers aren’t around or aren’t able to impart their knowledge. Others might wish to further what skills they possess. I’d be your first student.”
Ellie’s hand drifted to her midsection in a protective gesture, something she did often, he realized. The move struck him as familiar, somehow.
“I’m not sure. I’d have to give it some thought.”
Alexander spoke up. “I have serious reservations about such a plan. While a valid one, Ellie is stretched thin as it is. Most of her time is spent planning and preparing meals.”
Caroline’s gaze reflected concern. “I didn’t think about that.”
Ellie simply looked surprised he’d voice an opinion.
Duncan’s grin had a sly slant. “We share your concern for Ellie’s well-being. She’s been an asset to this community.” Rubbing his hand along his jaw, he scrutinized Alexander. “For you, in particular. You’re looking much improved.”
When he’d been confined to the sickbed over at Doc Owens’s, the Scotsman had been his only visitor.
“I have benefited from Ellie’s nurturing nature,” he conceded. “She’s made it her mission to nurse me back to health and is always on hand with a glass of cold milk to soothe my upset stomach.”
A spark of mischief entered her dark eyes. “Don’t let him fool you. Alexander isn’t the least pleased with my interference.”
Duncan laughed outright. “Oh, I’ve had a taste of his displeasure. You’ve a thick skin, ma’am.”
“Most of the time,” she agreed, her gaze skittering away.
Alexander studied her. For so long, he’d been mired in his grief to the point of being oblivious to others’ feelings. Although he hadn’t been outright cruel, he hadn’t exactly been kind. Shame shafted through him.
“We’ll let you get back to work,” Duncan said. “Caroline and I are taking a ride into the mountains this afternoon.”
When Alexander remained silent, Ellie followed them to the door. “That sounds fun.” A gust of wind pushed through the opening, tugging at her ribbons. “Have a wonderful time.”
Caroline’s smile encompassed them both. “Thank you. We’ll see you around.”
“Thanks for stopping by.”
They left hand in hand, heads together as they engaged in conversation. This time, Ellie couldn’t hide a wistful expression. She leaned against the closed door and sighed.
Alexander resumed his spot on the chair. “Let’s get this over with so you can enjoy what’s left of your day off.”
She complied
