After the Storm by Jo Ann Ferguson Page A

and Cailin saw his fingers were holding on to the door as tightly as she was her mending. Was he unsettled, too, by this odd connection that had nothing to do with the children? Or was something else entirely bothering him?
    â€œEmma,” he said in a voice that gave no suggestion of the source of any agitation within him, “I thought that was your wagon I saw coming up the road.”
    â€œSean was eager to come out and see Brendan, and I wanted to visit with Cailin.”
    He released the door, leaving a greasy mark behind. With a grimace, he pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped off the door. His denims were covered with spots of grease as well, and his shirt stained with sweat. It clung to him, showing off every muscle. He dragged the handkerchief across his forehead before stuffing it back into his pocket. His hair spiked over his brow.
    â€œIf you aren’t finished chatting with Cailin, I’ll go and unload my supplies from the wagon.” He smiled. “If you’ll just tell me which things came in on my last order, so I don’t take someone else’s like I did last time I made that offer.”
    Emma laughed. “Actually you’re my last delivery today, so everything in the wagon is yours. Now that I’m not delivering to River’s Haven, you’re the last stop in this direction. However, I hear that’s going to change.”
    â€œSomeone is moving in at River’s Haven?” Samuel asked, surprised. He saw Cailin was listening, clearly trying to figure out what he and Emma were discussing.
    â€œRumor is that someone has bought all the property not taken by former members of the Community.”
    â€œThere’s a lot of good land left, although I think all the land along the river has been claimed. I know Wyatt has a large portion where he built his pier so steamships can dock there for repairs.”
    Emma shrugged. “As I said, it’s just a rumor at this point. I’ll let you know if I hear you’re definitely getting new neighbors, Samuel.” She smiled at Cailin. “I’m so glad to have a chance to talk with you again. I’m sure I’ll see you in town one of these days.”
    â€œYes, I’m sure you will. I look forward to it.” Cailin’s voice had a thready sound Samuel did not like.
    Her face was almost colorless, save for those endearing freckles. Lines were furrowed in her brow, and he knew she was trying to do too much too quickly. He almost laughed. In that, she was much like her impatient son.
    â€œDo you need help to get back to bed?” he asked.
    â€œBed?” Her eyes widened, before focusing on the dress she had draped across her lap. “No, no, I think I’ll finish this now.”
    Samuel had no intention of arguing with her in front of Emma. Holding the door open, he followed Emma out of the room and onto the porch. She started to speak, but he shook his head and hooked a thumb back toward the bedroom.
    They walked to the black wagon that had D ELANCY’S G ENERAL S TORE , H AVEN , I NDIANA, painted in white on the sides. Here their voices would be hidden beneath the children’s loud ball game.
    Even so, Emma asked in not much more than a whisper, “How are you, Samuel?”
    â€œAll right.”
    â€œReally? I think I’d be furious if someone came and claimed Sean and intended to take him away.”
    He picked up a box holding bags of sugar and flour. “I’m not happy about it. I intend to let Cailin know that as soon as she’s feeling better.”
    â€œBe careful. She’s frightened, Samuel.”
    â€œFrightened? Of me?”
    Emma laughed as she reached for the horse’s halter to turn the wagon back toward the road. “Of course not.” She glanced at the house. “She must have married young, and she probably never wandered far from where she was born until she came to the United States. When she found out her