Train Station Bride by Holly Bush Page B

talking about. They needed rain soon to save some of the fields on higher ground. A bug of some kind was making headway into the stored corn for the pigs and cows. Two of the hands had run off leaving Jake mighty short-handed with harvest coming soon. But he found himself nearly running to get to the house when he and Slim pulled into the yard. Jake flew into the house, grabbed Julia from behind, swung her around and kissed her.
    “You’re a sight for sore eyes,” he said.
    Julia laughed. “Hardly with my hair pulled up and paint on my nose.”
    Jake leaned back to look at Julia and then glanced around the living room. There were open buckets of paint and packages still tied with string. “What are you doing?”
    Julia giggled. “Why painting, silly. What do you think?”
    There was junk everywhere, and Jake didn’t smell anything cooking. He should have been mad but Julia was grinning ear to ear. “I see you got some things from Snelling’s store.”
    Julia whirled around from item to item, showing her purchases to Jake and explaining her plans. “I know I should have put everything away first, but I couldn’t help myself. I just had to get started right away. I’m so excited I couldn’t wait.”
    Jake chuckled. “I’ve never been excited about painting.”
    Julia picked up her brush and itched her nose with the back of her hand. “Well, I’ve never done it before, and I think I’m going to like it. I’m only painting the trim around the windows. I’m going to wallpaper everywhere else.”
    Jake turned around the room slowly. “Mother said she was going to wallpaper this room. I never got around to it after she died.”
    “We’re going to have to order some furniture when I’m done, Jake. There’s hardly anything to sit on but these old chairs.” Julia studied the room. “And I think I want tall cupboards on both sides of the fireplace to hold pictures and books. What do you think?”
    Jake watched her, hands on his hips. He didn’t know the first thing about decorations and such. “You do what ever you want, Julia.”
    Julia ran to her husband and threw herself into his arms.
    “Oh, Jake. Do you mean it? Anything I want? Flossie thought you might be mad I spent so much money, but there’s a lot to do.” She looked up at Jake. “I want to make your house a home. Where our children will grow up. Where Danny and Millie want to come and visit. Where we can sit in the evening and talk or read.”
    The vision Julia painted slammed into Jake and broad-sided him. A roaring fire, children playing, his wife sewing and he lounging in a chair proud as punch of his family. It was far and away more than he’d envisioned for he and Inga. He pulled Julia close in his arms.
    “I’m not mad. Flossie and Gloria have been after me for ages to do something with the homestead. I’ll admit I didn’t know the first thing about it. And I’m sure you do. Did you get yourself something to wear, too?” he asked.
    Julia looked down at herself. “This thing is stained beyond repair. I’m going to make it my work dress. I got fabric for skirts and ready-made blouses at Mrs. Taylor’s. I had the most marvelous day.” Jake’s stomach growled. “And don’t you worry about dinner. You go on out and do what ever it is you do, and I’ll have dinner on the table at six.”
    Six was later than Jake was accustomed to eating, but Julia seemed so pleased with herself, he didn’t say a word. “I don’t smell anything cooking. What are we having?”
    “Mrs. Snelling had jarred mayonnaise for sale. I guess that’s quite a treat out here. I bought a jar and made egg salad. We’ll have sandwiches and soup for dinner. I bought a chicken, too, for Sunday dinner.” Julia cocked her head. “I don’t really know what to do with it, though.” She looked up at Jake wide-eyed. “It still has the feathers on it.”
    Jake laughed and kissed her forehead. “I’ll clean it for you.”
    “Oh, thank you, Jake.” Julia