Leonardo (Romancing the Weavers #5) - Kit Morgan Page 0,15

won’t go, but the rest don’t have a problem with it.”

“Ebba’d never go,” he said with a sigh. “She’d rather cook whatever gets brought home.”

Parthena smiled. She remembered Daniel’s wife was Swedish and made the most wonderful desserts. She was looking forward to the different dishes served on the Weaver farm, especially the Italian food. Bella was a wonder in the kitchen, and Clinton said that Mel knew all her recipes.

They passed the time in idle chitchat. In mid-afternoon Daniel took over the driving, but Father stayed put and took the lines now and then to help out. The countryside was beautiful, the apple and other trees in full blossom. Wildflowers peeked through the grass and everything was fresh and sweet smelling.

Parthena loved spring, always had. Savannah preferred summer, and they were pleased their favorite seasons were back to back. Hmm, what was Leo’s favorite season – fall? Winter? Gads, who enjoyed winter?

“Do you like what you see?”

“Huh?” Parthena and Savannah said at once, making them laugh.

Leo smiled. “Do you do that a lot?”

“All the time,” Mother groaned.

“We never have to think about it,” Savannah said, looking into his eyes.

Parthena glanced at Mother, who was smiling. She smiled too. Was this interest, or just Savannah having fun? Hard to tell.

“I don’t with any of my siblings,” he said. “But Mel and Gabby do it a lot.”

“I would imagine so,” Mother said. “Adele and Parthena as well.”

“Honoria and I don’t,” Savannah said.

Mother smiled. “I bet if you were closer in age you would.”

“Who did you share a room with?” Parthena asked Leo out of curiosity.

“Arturo, but now that he has his own house, I have a room to myself.”

Savanah smiled at him. “Me too.”

“You’ve always had a room to yourself,” Parthena pointed out.

“Not until Honoria got married.”

“She’s the oldest?” Leo asked.

“Yes.” Savannah took a sudden interest in her coat sleeve. “She and Major share a room and I …” She glanced at Parthena. “Um, well, I guess I did share a room.”

Parthena laughed. “With Honoria and Major’s children. But they’re good children.”

Leo shifted on the makeshift seat. A bale of straw. “What are their names?”

“Maida and little Duncan,” Savannah said. “We usually call him that to distinguish him from Uncle Duncan. Maida just turned eight, and Duncan turned nine in January.”

Leo’s eyes were locked on Savannah’s. Parthena watched, trying not to let her interest show. Would they gaze at each other the rest of the trip? Would Savannah change her mind about him? Would he start taking more of an interest? Who knew? She just hoped that if one was interested, the other would be too. There was nothing worse than unrequited love.

By the time Daniel brought the team to a stop in front of the main farmhouse, Parthena and the rest of her family were done spending time in a wagon. “I dare say, but I shan’t be able to sit for a week,” Father said.

“At least the weather was nice,” Mother added. “Thank you, Daniel, Leo, for fetching us from town. We know there’s a lot involved.”

“Don’t mention it, Mrs. Cooke,” Daniel said. “’Sides, it’s nice to get in an extra trip now and then. Ya just make sure ya have yerselves a good visit.” He winked at Leo, whose cheeks turned bright pink. Parthena did her best not to giggle.

Did Savannah see? No – Father was helping her out of the wagon. Too bad. But then, she might not take to everyone teasing her again so soon. Now that they were here, there were a lot more people that could join in. What if it got so bad that Savannah and Leo didn’t want to spend time together? That would be a disaster!

Parthena helped unload a few things and carry them to the house. She’d have to come up with a plan to make sure there wasn’t too much teasing and needling of Leo and her cousin on the Weavers’ part. But how?

“There you are!” Ma Weaver cried as she came out to the front porch. “Welcome!”

“Colin!” Harlan said as he joined her. Both hurried down the porch steps to the wagon. “It’s good to see you!” He gave Father’s hand a healthy shake. “And Belle!” Mother got a big hug.

“Land sakes, is this your daughter?” Ma asked.

“Yes, you remember Parthena?” Mother said. “She came with us to Lucy and Max’s wedding.”

“Of course.” Ma smiled at Parthena. “My, my, what a lovely young lady you’ve turned into.” She turned. “Savannah! How are you, child?”

Savannah grinned. “Fine, now that