The Widows Choice by Hildie McQueen

shoulders lifted and lowered.  "You're happy here. Have a good life with Charlie and Joe.  Seems to me anyway."
    "I do." Her heart broke when he didn't speak of anything between them.  "Charlie already told me I could come back whenever I'm done with caring for my sister.  I don't expect it will be forever.  It's a bit of a sacrifice. But when it comes to family, we should do for each other, don't you agree?"
    He nodded and looked past her to the bunkhouse.  "I'd do anything for Rafe, so I understand."
    Mary Ellen walked away from him blinking back tears.  It was silly to cry for something not lost, as it was never going to be.  Like a fool she'd allowed herself to hope.  Allowed her heart to begin to feel something for Jerrick.  At thirty, she was too mature to be considered for marriage.  She knew this and shouldn't have been so silly as to wish for a man like him to want her.
    "Hold up, Mary Ellen, you sure are in a hurry tonight," Jerrick caught up with her and took her elbow.
    "I have much to do, pack and all.  Just getting a bit of fresh air before going back inside."
    He cleared his throat.  "I don't want you to leave Mary Ellen.  Too soon after getting here and all, didn't expect to meet someone like you."
    What was he trying to say? She held her breath hoping he'd say more, be clearer.  Instead he let out a breath.
    "But I understand when it comes to family you have to do what is best."  He leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss on her mouth.  "I'll be here when you get back, Mary Ellen."
    With that he walked away.  She eyed a rock and considered picking it up and throwing it at his back.
    "Ugh!" Mary Ellen growled and dashed inside, slamming the kitchen door behind her.  There was too much to get done before heading to town the next day to catch the evening train.  She wasn't about to waste time moping over a man. Yet, he had said he'd wait for her.  That was something, at least.
    "There you are," Charlie said walking into the kitchen.  "I'm going to help you pack..." She stopped and her eyes widened.  "Are you crying?"
    "No," Mary Ellen said wiping at the corner of her eye with the back of her hand. "Maybe a little."
    "Oh, dear." Charlie neared and wrapped her arms around Mary Ellen.  "Sit. I'll fix some chamomile tea. It will help us both calm our nerves."
    She sniffed and obediently sat.  "It's only for a few weeks, but I am going to miss being here.  It's my life now."
    "The days will go fast and before you know it, you'll be back home."
    Home.  That's what she'd wanted to hear, this was now her place, where she belonged.
    "Thank you," Mary Ellen said no longer pretending not to cry.  "I am so thankful for you, Charlie.  That you allow me to live here."
    "Allow you?" Charlie gave her and alarmed look.  "You belong here Mary Ellen and don't you ever forget it.  This is as much your home as it is mine.  Daniel was your brother longer than he was my husband.  Don't you ever feel you are here as my guest or because I allow it."
    She hiccupped and giggled.  "Don't scream at me."
    "Oh you," Charlie leaned over and kissed her cheek.  "You are the closest thing to a sister I could ever wish for."
    They drank tea and planned what Mary Ellen would take with her.  Finally Charlie couldn't hold back any longer.  "Did Jerrick declare himself?"
    "What?" Mary Ellen was shocked at the question. "No, of course not.  He's younger than me and we are just friends."
    "Hmm," Charlie gave her an incredulous look.  "He doesn't see you as just a friend.  His gaze tracks your every movement.  You should see the looks he sneaks toward you when you're not looking."
    Although her friend's words lightened her heart, she couldn't believe them after the talk she'd had with him earlier.  "I think you have a romantically vivid imagination."
    "No, it's the truth," Charlie told her.  "You need to hold on to the thought.  That man will be waiting for you when you return.  I would bet my grandmother's