Chapter Fourteen

T he sound of a motor—a powerful one—caused Friday to shield his eyes from the sun and gaze into the sky. It couldn't possibly be an airplane, but as sure as he was standing in the pasture mending the fence, there was a plane flying overhead. A hand waved at him, and Friday waved back, amazed to see a plane this far south of Portland.

The plane circled and dropped lower, like it intended to land.

Friday knew the pasture wasn't long enough to serve as a runway. He watched as the plane made another circle, then landed on the road. He hopped over the fence and took off at a run, wondering if the pilot was having difficulties.

Thoughts of a pilot brought Harley John to mind. He'd written to Friday, letting him know he was finishing up his lessons near Tacoma.

Surely to goodness, the pilot wasn't Harley John.

Or could it be?

Friday ran faster. When he reached the road, it was to see Harley John climbing out of the plane he'd parked in a grassy expanse on the far side of the road.

"What in thunderation are you doing here?" Friday asked as he jogged across the road.

He and Harley John exchanged a brotherly hug, then shook hands.

"I came to see you, you big lunkhead." Harley John thumped him on the shoulder. "Mama Marnie is quite upset you aren't coming to Molly's welcome home party, so I came to fetch you."

Friday gaped at Harley John, trying to process the words that had trickled into his ears. "You came to fetch me? For a party? In Pendleton?"

Harley John nodded his head and grinned at Friday. "Do you have taters growing in your ears? You heard me. And no, I didn't fly from Pendleton. I came from Camp Lewis. The Army is selling off the surplus planes. This one was supposed to be used in training and was delivered at the end of October. It's hardly been used at all, so I bought it."

"You bought an airplane," Friday said, feeling like his brain had finally latched on to something and began clawing into gear. "You bought your own airplane?"

"I did. What do you think of her? It's a Curtiss JN biplane. The Jennys are great."

"I think she's a beaut, Johnny boy. A real beaut. Does Sadie know?"

Harley John shook his head. "Not yet, but I'll send her a note tomorrow." He looked at his watch and back at Friday. "Molly's party starts at six. If we leave by one, that gives us time to get there, clean up, and be ready for the festivities. Are you coming?"

Friday started to say no. Started to explain about Molly needing time to spend with her family without him there in the way. Yet, the longing he felt to see Molly again was too deep, too desperate for him to deny himself the pleasure of spending time with her. He knew if he went, it would be a declaration of intentions on his part, and he wasn't entirely certain he was ready for that next step in his relationship with her.

However, the look on Harley John's face said the time had come to make up his mind.

So, he did.

"All right. I'll go."

Harley John expelled an excited whoop, and Friday grinned.

Every picture that had flashed through his mind in recent months that concerned his future included Molly. He just couldn't think of spending his life with anyone but her. Of living his life without her in it.

Friday decided then and there if he wanted Molly, then he'd better start acting like it. It was one thing to write her sweet letters professing his love, but something else entirely to own up to his heart in person.

"Let's see what Ma has for lunch, and then we can go," Friday said, giving Harley John a shove toward the house. "How dressed up do I need to be for this shindig?"

Harley John broke into a full smile. "If you want to stamp a good impression on the Thorsen ladies, a suit. Otherwise, a pair of trousers and a pressed shirt is fine."

"It just so happens I had to get a new Sunday suit because army life deemed my old one ill-fitting."

Harley John gave him a commiserating nod. "I had the same trouble. It was kind of nice to get a new one, though. I've never had a new one."

Friday stopped before they got to the house and faced Harley John. "I'm powerful sorry about your father, Harley John. I'm glad you could be there with him at the end, although I'm sure that had to be hard on you."

"It was hard, but I'm grateful I had that time with him. Watching him die was a terrible thing, but it was a gift and a blessing to be there for him." Harley John's voice softened. "He talked about my mother and relatives I never knew about. Pa also spoke of where both he and my mother originated from. I might go back to those places someday just to see if there are any relatives remaining."

"That would be great if you found more relatives. Before you know it, they'll be trickling out of the woodwork."

A chuckle rolled out of Harley John. "I got all I can handle at the moment, and they are all related to my wife."

"Any word on Sadie's departure date?"

"I'm hoping to hear soon. She thinks it could be in the next week or so."

"That would be grand news."

"It would be." Harley John followed him into the house.

"Friday? Is that you? What was that noise I heard a bit ago?" his mother called from the kitchen.

"An airplane, Ma. It landed across the road, and I invited the pilot for lunch." Friday winked at Harley John, then led him down the hallway and into the kitchen.

"Hello," she said, glancing over her shoulder, then turning to wipe her hands on the skirt of her calico apron. She touched a hand to her hair and shoved in a few loosened hairpins. "Mercy, I wasn't expecting company today. I've been canning cherries all morning and am as big a mess as the kitchen."

"Ma, this isn't just any company." Friday settled a hand on Harley John's shoulder. "This is Harley John Hobbs, the best pal a fella could ask for."

"Oh! Oh, my gracious! Harley John, or is it Corporal Hobbs?"

"Harley John is fine, Mrs. Fitzpatrick. I don't mean to be an imposition."

"You aren't, dear boy. Not a bit. Oh, aren't you a handsome one," Fiona Fitzpatrick said, reaching out and grasping Harley John's hand between her own. "Thank you for being with Friday from the start of your service. He wrote home about how you two helped each other out, and we're grateful to you."

"I don't think I did anything, Mrs. Fitzpatrick, but it was a pleasure to serve beside Friday. He's a handy one to have around."

Friday watched as his mother dabbed at tears with the hem of her apron, then threw her arms around Harley John, giving him a tight hug before she stepped back. "I'm a hugger, Harley John, so I apologize if you aren't."

"No, it's fine, Mrs. Fitzpatrick. My wife's family would be millionaires if they could make a living on the number and quality of hugs."

Friday's mother smiled. "They sound like fine people, Harley John." She made a shooing motion toward the doorway. "Friday, show Harley John where to wash up, then ring the bell so your father knows to come in for lunch."

"Yes, Ma." Friday led the way to the bathroom and left Harley John washing up while he went to ring the big cowbell that hung on a corner of the back porch. After giving it a few loud clangs, he returned inside and washed up, then led Harley John back to the kitchen where Fiona was bustling around it.

"Friday, move those cherries off the table and set it, please. Harley John, would a glass of lemonade or milk suit you better?"

"Milk, please, ma'am." Harley John smiled politely at her, then helped Friday move bushel baskets of cherries.

"You are like our Friday, still getting your fill of good farm-fresh milk."

"Yes, ma'am. We sure missed it when there wasn't any to be had."

Friday wiped off the oilcloth on the table with a rag and then set out four plates. The house seemed quiet, and he wondered where his sister had traipsed off to today. The girl acted like a princess, doing whatever she pleased and expecting their mother to bend to her every wish. In the time Friday had been home, January hadn't helped their mother with any chores that he'd seen. She spent her time reading, or painting, or finding reasons to wander into town.

"Where is January?"

"She's spending the day with Mabel."

"No surprise," Friday muttered but caught Harley John eyeing him as they placed cutlery by the plates on the table. Mabel was January's best friend. Friday was convinced the two of them spent their days plotting ways to avoid doing any real or meaningful work.

The screen on the back door squeaked as Friday's father arrived for lunch and headed straight to the bathroom to wash up. Over the sound of water running, his voice carried into the kitchen.

"Did you see the plane across the road? Boy, now that is a sight you don't see every day. Any idea about the pilot? I would think …" Aiden Fitzpatrick stepped into the kitchen and gawked when he saw Harley John standing next to Friday. "Well, hello."

"Hello, sir. I'm Harley John Hobbs, Friday's friend and the pilot of the plane."

"Well, how about that!" Aiden crossed the kitchen and pumped Harley John's hand with enthusiasm. "You flew here just to see Friday?"

"Actually, I came to borrow him for a day or two. Our Molly is home, and Mama Marnie is throwing a party in her honor tonight. We'd all sure like for Friday to be there, perhaps none as much as Molly, though."

Friday might have slugged his friend if his parents hadn't been watching them.

"Of course, he'll go with you," Fiona said. "I'll press his new suit while you boys eat lunch."

"Actually, it will get all wrinkled on the way there. We've got plenty of irons at the house and hands willing to help smooth a few crinkles." Harley John pulled out a chair for Friday's mother. "Please don't go to more work. It looks like you've got plenty to do with the cherries."

"I do," the woman said, sinking onto the chair with a tired sigh.

Friday noticed his father looked around the kitchen and frowned. "January?"

"Town," Friday answered before his mother could make an excuse for the girl. "Mabel's."

Rather than rant about January being spoiled to the point of worthlessness, his father bowed his head and asked a blessing on their meal, offering a word of thanks for Harley John's unexpected arrival and praying he and Friday would have a safe journey to Pendleton.

Lunch wasn't anything fancy, but it was good. His mother had taken leftover roast and potatoes, added chopped carrots and onion, and made hash. She served it with biscuits and freshly churned butter. Dessert was slices of cherry pie, still warm from the oven.

"That was delicious, Mrs. Fitzpatrick. Thank you," Harley John said after politely wiping his mouth with a napkin.

"You're most welcome, Harley John. In fact, you're welcome to come anytime. I realize you boys need to hurry, so we won't keep you, but I hope you'll join us again sometime."

"I'd like that, Mrs. Fitzpatrick. We've got a few minutes before we need to go. Would it be all right if Friday showed me around your farm?"

"I'll show you myself," Aiden said, rising from the table and kissing his wife's cheek. "That was a fine meal, Fee. Thank you."

"You're most welcome, husband."

"Friday can pack his things while we look around outside." Aiden led the way to the front door. "How did you find our place?" Friday heard his father ask.

"We had a lot of time to swap details in the army. Friday described your place so well, where it was located in relation to the town, the color of the house and barn, and how the nut orchards grew on the west side with the road on the east, I had no trouble at all locating it," Harley John said before their voices faded as they stepped outside.

Friday helped his mother clear the table, then dashed up to his room and packed a bag with his suit and the items he'd need for a few days away. He changed into a clean work shirt and pair of denims and remembered to grab his billfold. He took money from his hidden stash and tucked it into his billfold before sticking it into his front pocket.

After slipping on his watch, he hurried downstairs to retrieve his toiletry kit from the bathroom and tucked it into his bag, then he hastily shaved, only nicking his chin once in the process.

He dabbed at the bleeding spot as he carried his bag to the front door, then wondered if he'd need a jacket. It was hot out today, but he had no idea how much cooler the air would be in the plane.

"Ma! Did you see the plane across the road?" January screeched as she raced inside the door and nearly plowed right over Friday.

"It's a little hard to miss, Jan," Friday said, grabbing her arms to steady her as she teetered on her high heeled shoes. "The pilot is with Pa."

"Oh, hush! I wasn't talking to you, Mr. Grumpy." January sneered at him and dashed upstairs.

Friday returned to his room and retrieved a light jacket as well as a heavy winter coat, carrying them downstairs. He was setting them on his bag when the door opened and Harley John walked inside with Aiden.

"Ready to go?" Harley John asked, looking at Friday's bag and the coats. "Do you have a leather coat?"

"No."

"I do," his father said with a grin. "Run on upstairs and get it, Friday. It's in the back of the wardrobe in our room."

"Thanks, Pa." Friday grabbed the two coats he'd carried downstairs and tossed them on his bed, then found the leather coat in his parents' room. He'd had no idea his father owned it and wondered where he'd acquired it. The coat was too small to fit his barrel-chested father, so it wasn't something Friday had ever seen. Quickly slipping his arms in the sleeves, Friday discovered the coat was a little tight, but it would work.

He took it off and stepped into the hall in time to see January rush out of her room in a different outfit than she'd had on a few minutes ago. The lavender dress trimmed in lace looked like one of her church dresses, so he wondered what she was doing with it on today, then realized she meant to flirt with the pilot.

Friday chuckled to himself, more gleeful than he should have been at the prospect of his sister making an idiot of herself in front of Harley John.

She charged down the stairs, then pulled herself into a picture of perfection as she stepped into the front room where Harley John waited with their father.

"Hello, Father. How lovely we have an unexpected guest. I'm Miss Fitzpatrick, January Fitzpatrick." Coyly, she batted her eyelashes at Harley John and sidled close to him, placing her hand on his arm.

Harley John grinned at her, but Friday saw the mischief in his friend's gaze. "You're little Jan? Why, from the stories Friday shared, I thought you'd have pigtails and be packing around your little dolly. What was her name again?"

"Sally Soggybottom," Friday supplied, stepping into the room with a grin on his face. If January could have killed him with the angry glare she shot his way, he would have fallen dead on the floor. Although, as amused as he was for her to realize Harley John would not only resist her charms but held no interest in her, it might have resurrected him.

Deftly, Harley John moved away from January, placing an end table between them.

"January, this is my good buddy, Harley John Hobbs. If you paid any attention to my letters, you'll know he married Dr. Thorsen at Christmas. His wife is still serving in France."

"Yes, of course," January said, pasting on what Friday knew was a fake smile.

"Go tell your mother the boys are ready to leave," Aiden said, giving January a none-to-gentle nudge toward the doorway.

"Leave? Where is Friday going?" she asked in an imperial tone, arms crossed over her chest.

"Now, January. Go fetch your mother!" Aiden said quietly, but with force.

Friday watched his sister spin on her heel and march out of the room.

Harley John looked uncomfortable, and Friday couldn't blame him. Friday held up the leather coat and looked at his father. "I didn't realize you had this, Pa. Where in the world did you get it?"

The thigh-length double-breasted coat wasn't anything he could ever picture his father choosing for himself. Besides, it looked expensive, like it had been tailored for a man of a specific size.

"Last autumn, I was on the way into town with a load of nuts and happened upon a gentleman with a flat tire on his automobile. He didn't have anything to fix it, so I gave him a ride into town to get it repaired. After I unloaded the nuts on a freight car, I gave him a ride back and put the tire on for him. By then, the back of the car had sunk into the mud, so I pulled him out. In his gratitude, he insisted I take the coat. He was wearing a nice shearling coat, and this one was on the seat beside him, so I did. It was too small for me, but I thought you might cotton to it. I plumb forgot about it until you asked about a leather coat. It's yours if you want it, Friday."

"Gee, thanks, Pa." Friday settled the coat over his arm and picked up his bag, then looked at Harley John. "We better get to going, hadn't we?"

"Yep. Don't want to be late for the party."

"Party?" January asked, perking up at the notion of a party as she rejoined them.

"In Pendleton. For Molly." Friday gave his mother a one-armed hug, shook hands with his father, then opened the door. "I hope my absence for a few days won't be an imposition here."

"Not at all, son. Your sister can get her hands dirty for a change," Aiden said, giving his daughter a pointed look when she opened her mouth to refuse. He shook Harley John's hand. "You come back anytime you like, Harley John. We'll be sure to send a bag of nuts to the Thorsen family this fall."

"They will love that. When they are ripe, I'll see if Aunt Aundy will part with a basket of peaches for you. They are the best I've ever tasted."

"That sounds fine, son. Real fine."

Harley John smiled at Fiona and politely tipped his head. "Thank you for the good food, Mrs. Fitzpatrick, and making me feel so welcome in your home."

"Of course, Harley John. From Friday's letters, and what he's shared since he's been home, I feel like we've known you awhile. You are always welcome here."

"Thank you," Harley John said, then moved past Friday to stand in the open door. "Miss Fitzpatrick, it was an interesting experience making your acquaintance."

"Likewise," January said with another fake smile.

"Let's go," Friday said, walking past Harley John. Together, they made their way to the plane. "Where should I put my bag?"

"See if you can tuck it under the second seat," Harley John said, walking around to the front of the airplane.

Friday managed to wedge the bag under the seat, lifted the leather cap and goggles from the seat and slipped them on, then, despite the heat beating down on them, shoved his arms into the leather coat and buttoned it.

"Don't die of a heatstroke before we get off the ground," Harley John said, then motioned to Aiden, who had followed them out to look at the plane.

Harley John showed him a few key components, then gave him directions for starting the propeller.

"Just be sure you step back and keep your arms out of the way. Pull it down and step back." Harley John demonstrated the motion. "Got it?"

"Got it, Harley John," Aiden said, looking like a boy about to receive a Christmas gift.

Harley John motioned for Friday to climb in, then jumped into the cockpit. He started turning levers and toggling switches. When he yelled "Now!" Friday prayed his father wouldn't be cut to pieces by the propeller.

Aiden gave it a solid yank and jumped out of the way, then cheered, both hands upraised, as the propeller began spinning.

"Be safe and have fun!" Aiden yelled, then hurried across the road to where Fiona and January watched.

Harley John guided the plane out of the expanse of grass and onto the road. After looking to make sure no one was coming, he pushed the throttle, and off they went.

Friday had already fastened the buckle that would hold him in his seat, but he wrapped both hands around the straps as the plane lifted into the air.

He held his breath as the plane climbed upward, then let out a whoop when the people below them looked like tiny little ants. As they flew over Dundee, Friday whooped again and waved to the people watching them.

The flight took a few hours, and by the time Harley John landed in a strip of pasture, Friday was ready to get out of the plane. Flying had been fun, but it wasn't something that grabbed on to him with a passion like it had Harley John. Then again, his friend had always wanted to soar in the clouds, and now he could.

They'd barely removed their goggles and caps and climbed out of the plane when dust billowed toward them on a road Friday hadn't even noticed.

He removed the heavy leather coat, glad that he'd had it to wear. The leather had kept the wind off him, and its warmth had been appreciated when they were flying so fast in the air. Harley John had mostly followed the railroad tracks and the mighty Columbia River as they'd headed east.

Even from way up in the sky, the river had looked big and majestic. As they'd veered away from the river and headed south to Pendleton, Friday had admired the fields of wheat, some that had already been harvested. He'd watched as a team of what had to be three dozen mules pulled a combine through a ripe field of wheat. A few farms over, he'd been able to see a tractor do the job of the mules.

He liked the openness of the area, with the mountains in the distance. It felt free and maybe a little wild, he mused as he grabbed his bag from beneath the seat.

"Where did we land?" he asked Harley John.

"On the back side of my land." Harley John pointed to a path that led to the top of the hill, where there were stacks of lumber and equipment. "The house Walker Williams is building for me is up there. I'll show it to you before you leave."

"I look forward to seeing it." Friday turned in a slow circle, noticing a house with trees around it set back by the road where dust rose in great clouds as a vehicle approached them.

Harley John waved as Noah pulled up in an automobile unlike any Friday had seen.

"Is this the auto you built?" Friday asked Harley John as they piled into the back seat.

"It is," Harley John said, then touched Noah's shoulder. "Thanks for the ride."

"Sure. I was just driving out of town when I saw you fly past. At least, I assumed it was you. I don't know anyone else in Pendleton with a plane," Noah said, then grinned at Friday. "Nice to see you again."

"You as well, Noah."

They didn't talk as they drove out to Dogwood Corners. Friday recalled the way from when Lars and Marnie had brought him and Harley John to see the dogwoods in bloom. The picture of the trees in their resplendent glory was embedded in Friday's brain, right along with every moment he'd spent with Molly. Considering how little time they'd actually been together, he didn't have many memories to draw on, but he cherished each one.

"Thank you," he said to Harley John as Noah pulled around to the side of the house and parked the automobile in a long low barn that held two other vehicles. Each bay of the barn had doors that could be closed to keep the weather out.

Now that he was here, Friday wished they could have gone somewhere to clean up before he saw Molly. He'd been sweaty and dirty working outside all morning, and even though he'd changed clothes, he was sure he smelled ripe.

"Do you think I could clean up before we see anyone?" Friday asked. As eager as he was to see Molly, he didn't want to repulse her with his pungent odor.

"We sure can." Harley John nodded to Noah, who led the way in a side door. They quietly snuck around to the back stairs and up to the second floor.

"You can stay here," Noah said, opening the door to a finely appointed room done in shades of dark blue and cream. The furniture, made of maple, all matched and looked like something that had been built a century ago. "It's one of the guest rooms."

"There's a bathroom," Harley John said, walking across the room and opening a door. "It's not big, but you get it all to yourself."

"You're joshing me," Friday said, stepping into the adjoining bathroom. It glistened with white tile, and the tub looked particularly inviting. "This is amazing. Thank you."

"Sure. I'm gonna go clean up." Harley John moved to the hallway and opened the door across the hall. "This was Sadie's room and where I'm staying. Noah's room is next door to yours. Molly's is …" Harley John grinned and winked at Noah. "Perhaps we better not tell you that."

Friday blushed.

Harley John and Noah both laughed, then Noah hurried into his room. Harley John took a step back. "Just knock on our doors when you're ready. If we don't answer, come down the back stairs. The kitchen is just a few steps away. You can't miss it."

"Thank you, my friend. I truly am grateful you made the effort to fetch me, as you put it. I'm glad I'm here."

"Anytime, Fitz."

Friday closed the door, opened his bag, then hurried out of his room to knock on Harley John's door. Harley John opened it with the shirt he'd just removed in his hand. Friday had nearly forgotten how bad Harley John's scars looked, but they appeared to be healing.

"Forget something?" Harley John asked.

"Yes. My suit and shirt are a wrinkled mess. Where can I find an iron?"

"Give me your suit. I'll take care of it. You have anything else to wear in the meantime?"

"I have a pair of jeans."

"That's fine."

Friday returned to his room, stripped out of his clothes, and hurried to take a bath. When he felt clean and was sure he no longer stunk like the back end of a billy goat, he got out and dried on a thick, fluffy towel that smelled of sunshine, then dressed in a worn pair of jeans and a soft cotton shirt.

After he rolled his dirty clothes into a ball and left them in a corner of the bathroom, he hung up his towel on the rack to dry and combed his hair.

Wait until he told his family about the guest room having its own bathroom! His mother would want a description down to the exact shade of paint on the bedroom walls.

He was just about to reach for the doorknob when he heard a tap and swung the door open, expecting it to be Harley John or Noah.

Instead, Molly stood with his pressed suit on a hanger. She was brushing away a speck of lint instead of looking at him.

"Here's your suit, sir, all pressed. I had no idea Harley John was back until I ran into him downstairs. He said …" Molly's words trailed off as she lifted her gaze to Friday's and shock filled her features.

"Friday!"

Friday grinned and opened his arms to her. Molly dropped the suit and flew into his embrace.

"Oh, you are here! You are really here!" Molly peppered his left cheek with kisses, then his right. "That Harley John is in it now. He said he brought a friend with him who was in the blue guest room and needed his suit ironed. Shea and I hurried to press it, but I never thought … I never dreamed it was you. Oh, Friday!"

Molly buried her face in his neck, and he felt her tears hot and damp on his skin. He was mighty glad he hadn't followed his first instinct to race straight to Molly and had cleaned up first. This was better, anyway. Her coming to him upstairs away from dozens of curious eyes.

A door opened, and Harley John grinned as he picked up the forgotten suit, carried it into the room, and hung it on a hook, then left.

"Mame?" Friday asked when he felt Molly relax against him.

She raised a tear-streaked face to him, and he used the pads of his thumbs to chase away the salty drops.

"You're so beautiful, Molly. Let me get a gander at you."

"I'm a mess, Friday. A terrific mess." She took a step back and grabbed on to both of his hands, as though she couldn't bear the thought of not touching him.

Molly wore a blue gingham dress that had seen better days. In fact, there was a tear on one sleeve and a smear of something that looked like berry pie across her middle. Her hair was in a long loose braid down her back, the end caught with a frayed length of pink ribbon. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyelashes damp with tears, her lips a sweet temptation Friday found irresistible.

"You are beautiful," he repeated, then took a step closer to her, pulling her into his arms and kissing her tenderly.

"Oh, Friday. I—"

What sounded like a herd of elephants pounded up the stairs from both ends of the hall. Molly stepped back from him as the hallway filled with children. Friday recognized them as residents of Dogwood Corners from when he'd been in Pendleton in April.

Sophie pushed through the dozen children staring at them and gave Friday a hug. "It's about time you got here. Molly has missed you so."

"Is that right?" Friday said, waggling his eyebrows at Molly when she scowled at Sophie.

"Yes," Sophie said, offering her sister a sly grin. "She's been moping all day, wishing you were here."

"Sophie!" Molly said in a sharp tone, making all the youngsters laugh.

"Well, it's true." Sophie looked from Molly back to Friday. "We're all glad you came. You'll have to tell us later about riding in Harley John's airplane. Noah said he left it over at his place. It's a good thing he did, or Alek would already be trying to figure out how to fly it."

"Enough! You little hooligans have things to do before everyone arrives. Shoo!" Molly waved her hands at them, and the children ran down the stairs, laughing and calling greetings to Friday.

"They are a jolly, grand bunch," Friday said when everyone had disappeared from sight.

"They are, and sweet most of the time." Molly stepped close and grabbed onto his hand again, lacing their fingers together. She moved another step closer, stood on tiptoe, and whispered in his ear, "Mama said she didn't think you planned to be here, Friday. I tried not to be, but I was so disappointed. I know it is silly, but the only person I really wanted to see today was you. I missed you so much and look forward to whatever time you can spend here in Pendleton before you have to return."

"I can stay a day or two. Harley John said he'd show me his place. I suppose you haven't seen it either."

"No, I haven't. I just returned yesterday. Noah and Alek brought me here midafternoon. I fell asleep and didn't awaken until eight this morning. I've never slept so long in my entire life, and it was wonderful."

Friday kissed her cheek. "You needed the rest. That's one of the reasons I was going to stay away. I thought this should be a time for you to be with your family and rest instead of entertaining me."

"Obviously, we need to straighten out a few things in your thinker." She lightly tapped his temple with her index finger. "Truly, Friday, I'm over the moon you're here. I need to get ready for the party, but I'll see you downstairs in a little bit."

Molly kissed him quickly on the lips, but Friday's hands wrapped around her waist and held her in place. He'd only intended to tease her but found himself caught up in the heat of the kiss, in the pounding of his heart against hers, in the love for her that burned so fiercely in his blood he felt as though he might erupt in flames.

One passionate kiss turned to two, then three before Friday realized what he was doing, where he was. Slowly, he lifted his head and offered her a lazy grin without a hint of remorse that her lips looked just kissed.

"Why, Mr. Fitzpatrick, what kind of girl do you take me for?" Molly asked in a stern tone, pulling away from him.

For a moment, he worried he'd overstepped an invisible boundary. Then she smiled and pecked his cheek, and all was right in the world again.

Molly's hand tightened on his. "We'll take a walk later, just the two of us. I feel like we need time alone."

When he gave her a playfully lecherous look, she laughed and swatted his arm. "To talk, Friday! Good heavens. We will just talk."

"Promise?" Friday asked, leaning against the doorway.

"I promise." Molly backed down the hall and disappeared into a doorway on the far end.

Friday hurried to dress in the suit that had a few wrinkles from being dropped on the floor, but not enough to worry about. He wrangled with his tie for a full five minutes before he managed to get it twisted into a suitable knot. He tucked a clean handkerchief into his pocket, slipped on his polished shoes, then stepped into the hallway.

He assumed he'd find Noah and Harley John downstairs. He went down the front stairs, wanting to see the beautiful house where Molly had spent part of her childhood and all her adult years. At the bottom of the stairs, he took in the large foyer with a magnificent bouquet of summer roses scenting the air. He walked around the foyer and peeked into a formal parlor, then followed the sound of voices down a hall to a massive kitchen.

Half a dozen women darted around, talking and laughing as they worked. He caught sight of Marnie about the time she noticed him in the doorway.

"Friday!" Marnie exclaimed, rushing toward him as she wiped her hands on her apron.

She pulled him into a motherly hug, kissed his cheek, then stood back, observing him. "You look quite dashing. I heard the stampede earlier. The kids didn't give you much time to say hello to Molly."

"It's fine. I'm just so happy to be here. Are you sure you don't mind me staying? If I'm an imposition in any way, I can get a hotel room in town."

Marnie patted his cheek. "We're thrilled to have you here, and you are welcome to stay as long as you like, sugar. The boys are outside, setting up tables and chairs. You're welcome to join them, if you like."

"Thank you, Mrs. Thorsen."

"You're welcome, Friday. Now, before I completely forget my manners, let me introduce you to everyone."

After meeting the women who buzzed around the kitchen like bees in a hive, Friday was ready to head outside. He had a feeling every female in the kitchen was sizing him up and measuring his worth to see if it would be equal to Molly's. Before anyone realized how lacking he was, he experienced a need to escape.

He edged toward the door, but Gertie, the cook, held out a cookie jar to him. "Here, honey, take a few cookies to tide you over."

"Thank you, Mrs. …"

"It's just plain ol' Gertie, honey. Now, go on with you."

Friday tipped his head to her, grabbed three cookies, and exited out the kitchen door.