The Fire in Ember - DiAnn Mills [29]
“I think you have your sights on Bert and want me to stand aside.”
The comment took John aback, especially when he felt certain he’d hid his feelings. “You know better than that. How many times have you boys said I was married to the ranch?”
“I didn’t say a word about getting married. But you must be thinking about it.” Evan crossed his arms over his chest, his feet firmly planted on the ground. “I don’t want to argue like a couple of schoolboys fussin’ over who’s to get the biggest piece of pie.”
Whoa. What brought this on? “Neither do I. We’re men, and we should be able to talk about any differences.”
“So you admit to liking Bert?”
John scowled, not wanting to lie when he didn’t understand his own heart, and yet not wanting to encourage Evan. Bringing up the horse thief charges or her refusal to reveal where she’d come from might drive his brother closer to her. “Like I already said, I’m concerned about your education. Becoming a veterinarian means a commitment to studying hard for a long time. It would be next to impossible while courtin'.”
“Not impossible.”
“Right. Remember a few years back when the McCaw gang killed Pa and then kidnapped Davis?”
“I do. Who in this family could forget?”
“Remember when I went after them alone?”
“Sure. You nearly got yourself killed.”
“The reason I almost came back in a pine box was because I didn’t have the knowledge to go along with my thinking. Same thing with Bert. All you’ve talked about for years is becoming a vet, but now you want to court Bert too. One thing at a time, Evan. That’s all I’m suggesting.”
“What if she feels the same way for me? Because I believe she does.”
Had Bert broken her word? “If she does, I’d think she’d want you to do what’s best for your future—maybe her future too. The Bible says love doesn’t take. It gives.”
“That’s exactly what I’m talking about.”
John swallowed his frustration. If he wasn’t careful, they’d be scuffling in the dirt. “Why don’t you slow down? Wait on speaking your mind until after she’s fulfilled her obligations here.” Maybe she’d leave the area, and all of John’s worries about her and Evan would be for naught.
Evan leaned on one leg. “What am I supposed to do in the meantime?”
Nothing on the ranch had prepared John for this. “Be her friend. Besides, she’s only seventeen.”
“I could find out her birthday.”
“Be careful about asking too many questions. She gets aggravated when I provoke her.”
“Maybe you need to be nicer—not so surly. Mama acts like she hung the moon, and she found out her given name.”
“When did this happen?”
Evan shrugged. “Davis told me yesterday.”
“What is it?”
“Ember. I like it ‘cause it’s different. Maybe you ought to consider being nicer to her. She might tell you what you want to know about Oberlander’s mare.”
John refused to discuss being nice to Bert. Being around her made him jumpy, nervous. “I’ll think about it. Right now, let’s take a walk toward the house. I don’t want Mama alone with Oberlander for very long. She might not feel comfortable around him.”
“Right.” Evan chuckled. “Looks to me like you want to make sure the whole family lives their lives according to your rule book.”
John wanted to lecture Evan until nightfall. But that wouldn’t solve a thing. Perhaps Bert would show a side of herself that wasn’t appealing, and all of John’s concerns would fade.
Ember? Strange name. Pretty too.
A short while later, Bert heard the pounding of horse hooves and stood from her crouched position among the rows of pea bushes to watch Mr. Oberlander ride off. She must have caught John’s attention because he waved and walked toward the garden. At the sight of him, her heart hammered against her chest. He was a fine looking man, and she’d never forget his kindness.
“Need some help?” he said, once he was a few feet from her.
She glanced up into his blue eyes, like a piece of the sky. “My basket is nearly full.” She hesitated. “I heard what went on with Leon.”
John’s face clouded. “Be careful. He has a quick temper.”