Glenn stares at her, “Does that mean you’ll stay?”
“I’ll stay, on one condition.” She sits in the chair next to him, longing to touch his hand but knowing she can’t. “I would ask that you not drink spirits in front of Delaney. It scares her.”
“Only her?” His blue eyes stared hard at her, daring her to deny it.
“No,” she wrings her hands together in her lap not able to meet his eyes.
“Of course. I have a request of my own. I would ask that you not wear widows’ clothes for a man who doesn’t deserve it.”
Anika’s mouth falls open in shock. No one male or female has ever pushed her buttons the way he does.
“You have no right to judge him, Glenn,” she hisses and points to the black stripe on his arm, “while you drape your life in the colors of death?”
“He beat you...” Glen jumps in surprise when she leaps up from her chair.
“Yes, he beat me, took me away from my family, dishonored our marriage vows and much more, but I wear this for my daughter. To show her that only God gets to judge her father.”
“How long?” He glares up at her, ignoring her impassioned speech.
“How long what?” Anika glares at him, tempted to pinch him, and her impulse shocks her. Glenn makes her feel that she can say or do anything. Is that a consequence of a growing friendship?
“I’m going to give Sue one more month of my life before I try to find peace and move on. I think Delaney would understand if we had the same time frame, don’t you?”
Anika gapes at him, “One month, is all she’s worth to you?”
“Now who’s judging. You think because we have a big house and money that we didn’t have problems. It looks like we have a lot to learn about each other.” Glenn reaches out and takes her hand, staring at it in awe. “For instance, tell me, how is it that such delicate hands could ever shoe a horse.”
Anika freezes, eyes leaping to his and Glenn laughs. She jerks her hand away from his and can’t help but laugh with him. Soon he is wiping a tear from his eye that threatens to open a damn.
“You're right, we do have a lot to learn about each other,” she teases and reaches out and tucks his blonde hair behind his ear. Glenn's smile fades, and his eyes latch onto hers, and her heartbeat accelerates.
Anika drops her hand and walks away, gathering her composure.
“I’ll just let them back inside.” Glenn jumps up quickly and opens the door to allow the men back in the room.
“Do we have an accord?” Dr. Parker asks.
“We do,” Anika turns away to sign the documents and Glenn leaves without another word.
“Allen, you and Daisy didn’t have to make me such a generous offer, but I’m not stupid enough to refuse it. I thank you for it.”
Allen looks out the door and back at her, “No thanks are necessary. Now we can get back to the business of living.”
“That sounds nice,” Anika says. “Excuse me, I’ll go see to the boys.”
Dr. Parker waits until she leaves before speaking. “Glenn is headed for trouble, Allen. You need to get him to sleep and not work so many long hours. His anger grows stronger every time I see him.”
“I know, I’m not sure what to do about it.”
“Perhaps now that the stress is gone, it will abate somewhat.”
“We will just have to pray that is true. Let's go eat. I'm starved.”
Glenn skips dinner and storms from the house and out to the barn, no longer able to stand the glances of those around him. He knows it was wrong to use the boys to get Anika to agree to stay, but it's what's best for her and the boys. At least that's what Glenn tells himself. Anger fuels his step when he thinks of the predicament they're in. He knows God’s plans are not always clear but to bring her into his life now when things are this complicated seems cruel.
“It’s best for everyone if we keep our space.”
Chapter 9
“Anika, we will walk with you to Mrs. Flannagan’s dress shop and then run to the General Store to purchase supplies for the canning we need to do. I have your list of ingredients,” Daisy says.
“That sounds complicated. I know my way around town, and her shop is only two doors down,” Anika teases.
Allen smiles, “That may be, but you are not alone any longer. Let’s compromise. You walk down, and we will pick you up when we’re finished.”
Anika nods, not trusting herself to speak. They have spoiled her, and Delaney, it is hard to believe how her life has changed in five weeks.
“Perfect.” Anika glances around the town as she walks away and is shocked how different it seems now. All the shops are connected. From the General store to the post office, even the courthouse. The town is booming with activity. Main street is busy this time of day, but she is all too aware of the time. Her eyes lock onto the Saloon, as men stumble in and out for their lunch break from the Mill.
Anika straightens her plum colored dress and cropped jacket, thankful for the gloves Savannah gave her this morning and turns away determined to put that life behind her. Armed with her first paycheck, she is ready to spend some of her money. Today is a day for celebration. They have a large dress order waiting for them, and Delaney is beside herself with joy. She gives a quick wave and hurries to Mrs. Flannagan's Dress Shop.
The bell over the door rings and Mrs. Flannagan’s voice rings out, “Have a
