“Perhaps you and I see her from a different perspective.”
“Most definitely. You forget that I live with her.” She noted his arched brows and barreled ahead. “As you will shortly, if you choose to marry her.”
“We were to announce our date to the family today,” he said. “Do you suppose she got cold feet?”
Tariana could not lie. “No, she is definitely sick.”
“I suppose the announcement can wait. It won’t change the date.”
It was all for naught. The torment in her soul must have shown, for Michael rested his hand on her arm and said, “Such a sad face, little sister.”
“Sister? Yes, I suppose we will be family.”
“You don’t sound happy about it.”
“I am,” she responded weakly, feeling the sudden need to change the subject. “How is the ship building coming?”
“Actually, Oregon’s biggest need is ship re-building. Most of them were constructed in the fifties and sixties. The first steamboat on the Willamette River and a part of our proud heritage was the Whitcomb.” Michael seemed delighted in the history of ship building. “But many of those early steamboats are showing years of wear and tear. Racing the rivers between the upper valley and Oregon City was, and still is, a dangerous journey. They’re building a vessel from scratch in Canemah, and I must admit that I am a tad jealous. But then, I am reminded that my life and family are here, and there’s a sense of satisfaction in creating the new from the old. It’s nice to know that all parts can be re-used to serve us in future endeavors.”
“I respect men who work with their hands, diving into construction with fiery inspiration. Civilizing our piece of the country profits all, economically, but more so, I should think, providing a sense of personal worth.” She wondered why he was staring at her that way – almost as if in wonder. It boosted her morale but she was pleased to see that his acceptance had not caused her to tread beyond the lines that sadly defined their relationship. For that touch of sanity, she felt grateful. Perhaps there was hope for her soul, after all.
She rambled on: “I often think of the men who dare tackle jobs on the big boats. In all the books I read, the idea is romanticized to a most entertaining degree. Knowing there’s a girl praying for him, waiting at home for his return, must warm a man’s heart.”
“I fear it is only romantic for those who get to come home. Many have been lost in unpredictable waters.”
“Figures it would take a man to spoil a well-imagined picture.” Tariana grinned.
“Perhaps that’s why our breed of water enthusiasts need to be the practical ones when bonding with women.”
“I am so relieved to hear you say that. It’s nice to know you are entering this marriage with your eyes wide open.”
His next words ruined her ability to keep a clearly-focused mind: “Why don’t you visit me at the docks? I’ll show you around.”
Her heart leapt at the thought, but she forced herself to stay calm. “Shall I bring Frances?”
Michael roared, and she was mesmerized by the music of his voice in her ears. Tariana found herself slipping dangerously and miserably back into the realm of sin.
“Your sister is not interested in walking around dirty metal and decaying wood.”
“I’m confused – should a wife not be interested in what her husband does for a living?”
“I have surrendered to reality, and in acceptance, I find that I appreciate the separation from home and work.”
“I shall have a hard time adjusting to such division of interests,” she said.
“You mean if you ever find the man of your dreams.” He laughed again, and she felt her mind drift. It was the first time she had found fault in Michael. She wanted to spend every waking minute of her entire life with the man, and he had so casually asserted his idea of leaving his wife at the door after breakfast, content to wait for him until he returned for supper. Religious convent life was sounding better by the minute. It would be a safe haven where no man could confuse her heart.
“So, will you come next week?” Michael asked.
How could she say no? She’d longed for a closer look at the work the men did at the dock, and she appeared unable to pass up an opportunity to spend quality recreational time with Michael.
“I shall be there.” Tariana mentally reviewed next week’s schedule before blurting, “Tuesday afternoon is open. Is one o’clock all right?”
“It is. I shall look forward to your visit.”
The thunderous beating in her chest and his eyes alive with pleasure instilled new hope in her confused heart. At the same time, an uncomfortable aura accompanied what she should be celebrating as a marvelous victory.
She turned back toward the house with a strange sense of loss. “I should go inside. Mother will be wondering what’s become of me.”
Chapter 4
On Monday, the entire day was set aside to build props for Sunday. The fourth of July celebration happened to land on the Lord’s Day that year, which made the celebration even more special. Jamie spent his day off helping the volunteers. The event promised to be a wonderful mix of the Word, fun, food, and fellowship. He noticed his buddy arrive and beckoned him over to where he was pounding nails into a sign.
“Cornhole?” Todd said, greeting Jamie with a friendly slap on the back.
“Yeah. It’s a favorite with the young at heart.”
“It’s easy enough for any age and something to occupy the time with one’s sweetheart,” Todd said. “Especially if you need to teach her how to toss a bag. You got a girl hooked on that fishing line of yours yet, Jamie?”
“No, but I might
