Leonardo (Romancing the Weavers #5) - Kit Morgan Page 0,47

it, then handed her the table and chairs.

“What if they break these before you give them the house?”

“I thought of that. So I’m giving these as a test to see how well they take care of them and how much interest they have.”

“Do they have dolls this small?”

“No, but they each have a little toy mouse Gabby and Mel made them for Christmas last year. They love them.”

Parthena smiled. “How sweet.”

“Yes, it was.” His eyes swept over her once more. Thankfully his sister was already leaving the barn – he didn’t need her questioning him. But what of Parthena? Did she notice? He watched as she stroked one of the chairs. His chest swelled with pride at her earlier praise, and he wanted to make her something. But what?

“I should go,” she said softly.

He came closer. “I’m glad you like my pieces.”

She looked into his eyes. “They’re stunning.”

“Stunning?”

She nodded. “I always wanted a dollhouse when I was little, but Father never got me one.”

His eyes locked on hers. “Is that so?”

She swallowed hard and nodded.

A chill went up his spine. He had to get away from her and fast. The urge to take her in his arms was overwhelming – it hit so hard he didn’t know what to think! “Too bad he never got you one.” His voice was soft, coaxing. Great Scott, what was that about?

“I …” She swallowed hard again. “I really have to go.”

He wholeheartedly agreed. “Yes.” It took almost everything he had to step away, but he was blocking her path.

“Parthena, are you coming?” Bella called from outside.

“Yes,” she replied weakly.

“I’ll show you more of my work later,” he said.

“I’d like that.”

“You should go.”

She smiled. “I know.” But neither of them moved.

“Parthena! Leo! Get out here.”

They both jumped and headed for the door.

Parthena said goodbye and hurried to Samijo and Arlan’s house, cutting through the orchard as fast as she could because she was late. And because she hoped it would cool her flushed face. Had Leo been about to kiss her again? No, that was impossible. Her imagination would be the death of her if she wasn’t careful.

She reached the middle of the meadow and slowed her pace. She could see Justin and Jason chopping wood near the woodshed. Arlan was nearby with the twin girls. Autumn, who had to be thirteen now, must be in the house with Samijo. Arlan waved as she approached. “Howdy!” he called. “Glad ya could make it.”

“I’m sorry I’m late, but Leo had me stop by Bella and Calvin’s. He made something for Lucy and Sadie.”

The twins perked up. “What is it?” Lucy asked. Parthena knew it was Lucy because the girls were wearing the same clothes as earlier: Lucy a blue dress, Sadie a red calico. Samijo said she dressed them differently so she could tell them apart.

“A table and two chairs.” She came over and held out the pieces of furniture Leo made. The girls ran to her, all smiles and laughter.

Arlan followed. “Well, I’ll be – look at those. I tell ya, that young man gets better and better every day.”

Justin and Jason came to look. “Fancy,” Justin said. Parthena knew it was him because of his eye patch.

“They are. He’s very good.”

“You bet he is,” Jason said.

Parthena studied the boys. They had to be sixteen now, and though not as broad or as tall as their father, they should grow into handsome young men. “He showed me some of the things he’s working on. I was very impressed.”

“So are we,” Arlan said with a laugh. “Bella’s siblings are real talented.”

Jason smacked his father’s arm. “Hey, what about us?”

Arlan hit him back. “Yer talented too. Maybe not like Leo, but ya whittle well.”

Jason rolled his eyes and went back to the chopping block. Justin followed. Lucy and Sadie took their new treasures and ran for the house. “Mama, Mama!” Sadie cried. “Look what Leo made for us!”

Parthena watched them as her heart pinched. There was so much love here, so much … giving. Not that there wasn’t at home, but here all the Weavers had was each other. That had to make a difference. What would they do when the children grew and married? They couldn’t start marrying each other – how in Heaven’s name would they find spouses?

And yet … all the Weaver men had, sending away for mail-order brides. All the Cucinottas had except the youngest – heavens, two of them had married her cousins Max and Clinton. And she’d heard the story