Leonardo (Romancing the Weavers #5) - Kit Morgan Page 0,48
of how some lost travelers had stumbled upon the farm, stayed a week or so, and one of them had wed Alfonso and carted him off to California. The Weavers always seemed to find a way.
“Why don’t ya go inside and make yerself at home?” Arlan said. “The boys and I will be in soon.”
“Thank you.” Parthena headed for the cabin. It reminded her of Arturo and Rayne’s place, but bigger, having been added onto over the years as the children came. Arturo and Rayne would probably do the same when they started having kids. Clinton and Mel had simply built their place with kids in mind – a good thing, as they were already expecting their second.
It made her heart ache. She wanted a husband and children. But the only man she’d ever been attracted to was Savannah’s beau. Didn’t it just figure?
“There you are,” Samijo said as she entered. “My, what lovely pieces of furniture Leo made.”
Parthena smiled and noticed the girls on a rug in front of the fireplace, putting their toy mice in the chairs. “They’re just the right size.”
Samijo stood next to her and watched the twins play. “How adorable.”
Parthena wasn’t sure if Samijo knew about the dollhouse Leo was working on, so she kept quiet. “Maybe he’ll make them little beds next.”
“The girls would love that.” Samijo returned to the stove. “Supper is ready.”
Autumn came out of another room. “Hello!”
Parthena smiled back. “Hello.”
“Come help me set the table.” Autumn went to a hutch and started taking dishes out. “Your folks will have to eat with us another time, but I’m glad you’re here. It’s been too long between visits.”
“It sure has,” Parthena agreed.
“I wanted to show you and Savannah the quilt I’ve been working on, but I guess Savannah will have to see it later.”
“Leo’s been keeping her busy, hasn’t he?” Samijo asked.
Parthena’s chest tightened. “Yes, he has.” She thought of how close he was in the barn. She swore she could still smell his scent. There was something earthy and wondrous about the man, along with an unfamiliar sophistication. Strange to find in an apple farmer/rancher with a talent for artistry.
She helped set the table, washed up with Autumn and sat with her. Soon Arlan joined them along with the twins and Samijo. After Arlan gave the blessing, they ate. “So Leo’s been spendin’ time with Savannah, I see,” Arlan mentioned as he buttered a slice of bread.
Parthena’s heart sank again. It was like she couldn’t get away from him. She’d just have to get over it. If that was possible.
“Ain’t he?” Arlan asked no one in particular.
“Yes,” Parthena mumbled.
“Well, we’ll see where that takes ‘em. Might be havin’ ourselves another weddin’ soon.”
Parthena almost choked.
“Are you all right?” Samijo asked.
She nodded and reached for her water glass. If this kept up, she’d never make it through the meal. She’d better get them off the subject and fast. “So has anyone told you about the spider my nephew Duncan tried to get Catarina to eat?”
“Tell us, tell us!” Lucy cried.
Parthena smiled. One could always count on a gruesome bug story to get everyone’s attention. Her smile broadened at the thought even as her heart lurched.
Chapter Sixteen
The next day Savannah got her way again and Parthena found herself getting dragged along to a picnic by the creek. It was a warm day, the air filled with the scent of apple blossoms. Some even managed to get blown to where they were picnicking.
Leo spread out a blanket and smiled. “Why don’t you sit here?” He motioned to the blanket.
“I’m fine,” Parthena said from her spot on the grass. This was going to be torture. Why had she come?
“You don’t look fine.”
She froze. Could he see it? Samijo did the other day. “Really, I’m okay.”
His brow creased. “No, you’re not,” he declared.
She swallowed hard and looked for Savannah, but she’d gone upstream with a fishing pole. Before she could join her, Leo sat next to her. “Qual è il problema, carina?”
Her heart melted. Did he have to speak to her in Italian? “Wh-what does that mean?”
He smiled and shook his head. “You first. How are you?”
Her heart in her throat, she did her best to look away.
Leo tucked his finger under her chin and brought her face back around. “Sei così bello. Come posso resisterti?”
She swallowed hard. “Please tell me what that means.”
He shrugged. “Tell me what’s wrong. I know there’s something.”
How could she tell him? I find you wildly attractive. I think you’re terrific. I may