Read Online Sunflower by Jill Marie Landis - Free Book Online Page A

recovered from the measles, but the illness was far behind him now. Caleb knew that if he didn’t send word to Parker within a month or two, the man might become alarmed and send someone out in search of him. Soon, Caleb reminded himself for the hundredth time, he would have to move on.
    The embers of the dying fire near his bedroll pulsed with what little life remained in them. Caleb watched the coals glowing red against the white ash and let his mind drift over the weeks he’d been helping Analisa. An awkward truce had existed between them during the first few days of his stay, but Caleb could sense Analisa’s increasing gratitude as he worked with Opa and Kase. He had kept the old man and the boy occupied while Analisa worked from dawn until far into the night on the green satin gown. The dress had been ready when the pompous Clara Heusinkveld arrived to pick it up. Caleb had spent the day fishing at the creek with Kase and Edvard in order to avoid the woman’s scrutiny and to spare Analisa embarrassment.
    He watched a shooting star as it fell from the heavens. Behind him, the water in the creek splashed softly over the rocks and lulled him into a peaceful contentment. Caleb had been sleeping beside the stream under the cottonwoods since the day Analisa agreed he could stay to help out. He recalled their conversation after he had finally changed into his own clothes and returned to the house. When he handed the folded nightshirt to Analisa, Caleb had become aware of her scrutiny. She seemed surprised by his appearance, in a way almost wary of him. He sensed that it would be best to move out of the soddie and put her mind at ease. Now that he was up and dressed, their roles had changed. Analisa was no longer completely in control, and rather than unnerve her any further, Caleb felt it was best that he move out.
    “I’ll be sleeping outdoors now. I’m sure you need the space, anyway.” He looked around for his hat and found it hanging on the wall near the window. “Where does the boy sleep?”
    “He has a pallet under the bed; I pull it out at night for him.”
    “So you did give up your bed for me?”
    He turned and caught her glance before she lowered her lashes and studied her hands, hiding the thoughts he tried to read in her eyes.
    “You needed it. I slept in the rocker.”
    “One more reason for me to repay you.”
    “I told you that is not necessary.”
    He could see by the sudden protest that she did not wish to be beholden to him.
    “It’s something I’d like to do, Analisa, not something I have to do.”
    There was an awkward silence in the room while he pulled up the comforter in an attempt to straighten the bedclothes.
    “I will tend to the bed. You are welcome to take your meals with us, Mr. Storm. I’m sure that you should rest for a few days until you feel stronger.”
    “Thanks. I’d appreciate the meals. If you don’t mind, I’d like my gun and holster back.” At her questioning look he hurried on, “I’ll keep it with my gear out back, but I would feel better knowing where I can get my hands on it.”
    She walked to the trunk that served as her bedside table. After carefully setting the medicine bottles and water on the floor, she opened the lid and lifted out Caleb’s gun and the dark leather holster. As if she were carrying a live shake, Analisa crossed the room and held the gun and holster out to him at arm’s length.
    “Are you afraid of guns, Analisa?”
    “No, just respectful.”
    “I see.”
    “I’m not afraid of much anymore, Mr. Storm.” She tilted her head and raised an arched brow as she stared at him. “Do you remember anything about the night you arrived?”
    “No.” He hid his puzzlement.
    “I was the one who aimed a shotgun at your heart. I thought perhaps you would remember.”
    “No, I can’t honestly say I do ... but I’ll keep it in mind, if that’s a warning.”
    She smiled, and Caleb laughed with her. He admired her spirit, and although there was