Leonardo (Romancing the Weavers #5) - Kit Morgan Page 0,35

expect one of three answers: yes, no or wait. Which one he’d get this time, he had no idea. He hoped for specifics, but that would be too easy. He’d have to sort this out on his own. “She’s here to tempt me – that must be it. Why else would I react the way I do whenever she’s near?”

He walked deeper into the woods, not caring where he went. He had to think this through. If Parthena was a test, he was determined to pass. He’d spend more time with Savannah. If the good Lord brought her to him, he had to make sure he honored Him and see if they’d suit. He’d forgotten about his prayer these last few days, probably because both women had been such a distraction. Especially Parthena.

He took a deep breath and studied his surroundings. The pine here was old, tall and dense. He should see about using some of it to build his house – if he had need of one. Something in his gut told him he wouldn’t, but why wouldn’t he? It made no sense.

With a sigh he started back, taking his time. Bella probably thought he’d gone back home and would question him once he got there. He’d have to come up with something to tell her or she’d badger him later in an attempt to “help.” He reached the meadow and walked along the tree line. If Samijo or Arlan happened to see him, they’d think he was checking on one of the orchards. But he still couldn’t come up with a viable plan. Maybe he should enlist some help – but who?

He suddenly smiled. “Thatcher. He’ll help me.” Why didn’t he think of that before? Thatcher could keep Parthena busy while he spent time with Savannah. But what could Thatcher do to keep Parthena occupied long enough that he and Savannah could slip away? And how interested would Parthena be in passing time with a fourteen-year-old boy? Hmm … he’d have to think about that. Maybe he should enlist Gabby’s help instead … no, she’d tease him relentlessly later. Thatcher was the better choice.

Leo reached the barnyard feeling a little lighter. As least he had an idea going forward. Now he just had to put it into action.

Chapter Twelve

“You want me to what?”

Leo stood, his arms crossed, staring out his bedroom window. “I want you to keep Parthena busy this evening.” He turned to face Thatcher. “What part of that is unclear?”

Thatcher grimaced. “But why?”

“Because I asked you.”

Thatcher sat on Leo’s bed. “That’s not enough. What’s in it for me?”

Leo knew he’d get around to this at some point. If nothing else, Thatcher was a negotiator. “I’ll do your morning chores for a week.”

Thatcher shook his head. “My only morning chore is milking the cows, and I like milking the cows.”

All right, what chore did Thatcher dislike … ah, got it. “I’ll clean your room.”

That got the boy’s attention. “Really?”

“Really what?” Hugh asked as he entered the bedroom.

Leo sighed. He didn’t need either of the twins butting in. “Nothing.”

“He wants me to keep Parthena Cooke busy so he can go spark with Savannah,” Thatcher replied. “He says he’ll clean my room.”

Leo’s eyes narrowed, but it was too late now.

“What?” Hugh said with interest. “If I help, will you clean mine too?”

Leo approached the bed. “I don’t need more help.”

“But I want to!” Hugh whined.

“Me too!” Alastair said, grinning as he joined his brothers. “What are we helping with?”

Leo groaned. This was not going as planned.

“Keeping Parthena away from Leo so he can some steal kisses from Savannah,” Hugh said with glee.

“I want Hugh and Alastair to help me,” Thatcher said. “We could take turns keeping her busy. That way she won’t suspect anything. And it would only mean one more room.”

Leo opened his eyes. As much as he hated to admit it, Thatcher had a point. “That might work.”

“Of course it will,” Thatcher said. “We can even work out a schedule.”

“This is starting to sound like too much work,” Hugh said. “I want to have fun.”

“Trust me,” Thatcher said with a grin, “it’ll be fun.”

Alastair sat next to him on Leo’s bed. “When do we start?”

“Tonight,” his brother said. He grinned at Leo. “Right?”

Leo went to the door and closed it. That last thing he needed was Bella or Gabby listening in. “Yes. Just keep her busy after supper so I can take Savannah for a walk. And I’ll clean your rooms – once each.” If he didn’t