Forever by Your Side (Willamette Brides #3) - Tracie Peterson Page 0,16

well. I’ll trust you to set it up.”

Chapter 5

Clint hesitated at the corner before approaching the Carpenter house. Constance Browning stood on the porch, laughing with several people. He couldn’t help being mesmerized by the way she moved. She appeared to be telling a story about something very active as she twirled and whirled on the porch. Her audience was completely captivated, and no one seemed even the tiniest bit aware that they were being observed.

Connie was certainly no longer the gangly and awkward fifteen-year-old he’d watched leave the reservation. The little girl who was so enraptured with him that she followed him around everywhere like an obedient pup, declaring her feelings for him. No, this was a woman full-grown and quite beautiful.

There was something of the little girl that remained, however. Something animated and childlike in her delight. He could hear her laughter all the way across the street, and it sounded like music.

He crossed the avenue and gave a wave when Nancy Carpenter caught sight of him. She returned the wave, and the others turned to greet him. Connie stopped at the porch railing but didn’t wave or smile. She observed him like a specimen she’d just been introduced to for the first time. Clint thought it almost humorous. She was no longer the lively storyteller. Instead, she looked bored—almost indifferent.

“Mr. Singleton, I see you’ve returned to join our company,” Mrs. Carpenter declared.

“I did indeed. You said to come to supper, and I’m not one to turn down a good meal.”

She smiled. “I’m sure you remember everyone.” She turned to her cousin. “Of course, this is Connie. It’s been what, seven years since you last saw each other?”

He took off his hat and gave her a smile. “It seems like a lifetime ago. Connie, you look quite lovely—all grown up.”

She gave a smirk and glanced momentarily heavenward, which only made Clint smile. It would seem she had developed some sass.

“How are you, Mr. Singleton?” she asked.

“I’m quite well—especially now. It seems like I haven’t seen you in forever. I kept thinking you’d make a trip back to the reservation. I know your folks would have liked that.”

“Yes, but I was much too busy.” She looked beyond him. “Oh good, Faith and Tom are here.”

Clint turned to find the couple coming up the walkway. “Is that her husband—the sea captain?” he asked, not really meaning to voice the question.

“Goodness, no. That’s Tom. He’s my dearest friend and the man I’ve been working with in Washington. We’re going to be working together at the reservation.” Connie brushed past Clint and went to where Faith and Tom had stopped. She pressed between them and looped her arms through theirs. “I thought you’d never get here. Supper smells amazing, and Nancy has baked three different kinds of pie.”

Faith chuckled. “That certainly has put you in good spirits.”

“I’m always in good spirits,” Connie said, pulling them along. “Tom, there’s someone I want you to meet.” She brought him to stand in front of Clint. “This is the man I told you about, Mr. Clinton Singleton. He’s been a friend of the family for a long time. He and my father have worked together for years and years.”

Clint extended his hand. “Most folks call me Clint.” What did she mean, this is the man I told you about?

“Thomas Lowell,” Tom replied, shaking his hand. “Most folks call me Tom.”

“Very nice to meet you.” Clint knew that Connie was sizing them up. It was impossible to know what went on inside the head of a woman, but this particular woman almost seemed to be plotting something. “I’m looking forward to getting to know you, Tom. Of course, I already know Connie. We spent a lot of time together before she left for school.”

“Yes, back when I was just a little girl,” Connie threw out. She looked at Clint with a smile and added, “And Clint was a much older man.”

“As I recall, you didn’t think the age difference was all that important.” Clint returned her smile. The tension grew.

“Yes, but now that I’m more mature,” Connie began, “I can see just how silly I was as a child. Goodness, but children come up with some of the most ridiculous notions.”

“Like losing your heart to me?” He could see that she was momentarily stunned by his bold words.

All at once she burst into laughter. Everyone was briefly taken aback. Connie let them feel a few moments of discomfort before she sobered. “Exactly like that. Oh my,