American Frontier - Chapter 9

Missy really didn't plan on eavesdropping on Parker and Isabella's conversation. She just ducked into the storage room for a moment to grab one of the dishes Emmaline used for the day-old bread she liked to take around to some of the poorer families in town.

But as she went to walk out, she heard Parker say in a very serious tone, "We need to talk." She hesitated, unsure whether they would welcome her sudden intrusion, and peeked out just in time to see Isabella throw herself into his arms.

"Oh Parker! How could you? We've been so close since you moved in, and then suddenly you're courting another woman. I didn't even get a warning!"

Parker let go and stepped back. "I don't think love really comes with a warning."

"Love!? You hardly know her! You didn't even know she existed until two days ago."

Missy pulled her head back in, blushing. It was definitely too late to escape. And hearing Parker talk about love. . .

"I know it's fast. I know I need to spend more time with her and we need to get to know each other." He sighed. "But I also know that I feel comfortable and just. . . happier, more complete, when I'm with her. I know that I admire her selflessness and her work ethic. And I- it's hard to explain- but I feel deep inside that getting to know her will only deepen my feelings for her."

Missy was so overcome by his earnest, sincere words that her legs began shaking. He loved her! She had a few moments of silence to replay his words and feel the thrill run through her again before Isabella answered.

"But she's so. . ."

Parker interrupted before Missy could find out what Isabella thought she was. "Be careful what you say, Isabella. I appreciate your friendship, and I'm happy to continue being friends. But if you insult or attack Missy, you'll lose more than you'll gain. I promise, our friendship ends the day you do anything to hurt her."

"You're really choosing her over me?" Isabella's voice was full of hurt.

"I have a strong feeling that, when the time is right, but probably not too long down the road, I will be choosing Missy over everyone except the Lord."

"You mean. . ."

"I intend to marry her, Isabella. You can't do anything to change that. You can either accept it, remain my friend, and hopefully get to know the lovely young lady you are so quick to demean, or you can fight it and lose me far more completely."

Isabella sighed. "I've been hoping for so long that your feelings for me would grow into something more. It's hard to acknowledge that it isn't going to happen."

"Nothing would have ever happened between us. I like you, but I don't think we are as well suited as you think. I've found Missy, and I'm sure there's a man out there who's a much better fit for you."

"I hope so." There was another pause in the conversation before Isabella continued. "I do understand what you see in her. I didn't want to admit defeat, but I've always thought that Missy was really strong, going through everything that she has and still being so kind and so faithful. And she's really pretty, in a quiet sort of way."

"Thank you. I hope you'll reach out to her. I think you two could be good friends. And I think she could use more friends."

Missy didn't hear Isabella's response, but she did hear their footsteps on the stairs as they left. She peeked out to make sure they were both gone before sneaking through the kitchen to the front of the bakery and gathering the few items that hadn't sold.

She took them back to the kitchen and then gathered and quickly cleaned all the dirty dishes. She was sweaty and tired by the time she finished, but she headed up the stairs to Emmaline's room.

Isabella was bathing Emmaline's forehead with a wet rag while Parker leaned in the doorway and watched. He turned at the sound of Missy's footsteps and walked to her, taking her hands in his.

"Are you sure you'll be alright, staying with her until Jacob gets home?"

"Yes. Besides, he'll probably be home as soon as he gets Timothy's message."

Parker nodded. "Hopefully. Do you want me to stay and help?"

Missy decided to be honest. "I would love for you to stay, but I know that if you do, I won't be focused on taking care of Emmaline. Besides, you have a shop to run."

Parker's grip tightened on Missy's and she saw a flame leap into his eyes at her words. "Tomorrow can't come soon enough," he whispered, pulling her against him.

"I know," she answered, returning his embrace. "But it will come."

Isabella's footsteps forced them apart. She peeked out the door at them with a frown. "If you two are done, I need to talk to Missy."

Parker said his goodbyes to both of them and headed downstairs.

"Are you sure you don't want me to stay?" Isabella asked after he had gone. "I don't want you to get in trouble with your dad."

"I appreciate your help and your offer," Missy answered. "But I'll be okay. I really think Emmaline would feel more comfortable with me since she knows me better."

"Probably. Do you want me to stay and help you, at least?"

Missy was grateful for Isabella's olive branch, and considered accepting her company. She finally decided against it. "I would love to have you here, but I'm sure your family is wondering where you are. Perhaps we can visit another time though." She offered a shy smile, which Isabella returned.

"I'd like that," she said, giving Missy a brief hug before taking her leave.

Missy smiled as she sat next to Emmaline's bed and adjusted the cool cloth on her forehead. In one afternoon, her classmate had gone from a distant acquaintance to a rival to a new friend.

She hoped that Father would be as understanding and soft-hearted tonight as Isabella had been. She hadn't seen him since dinner on Wednesday. This wasn't the first time she had gone days without seeing him. Sometimes he was happy to see her and they got on better than usual. Other times, he was upset by her absence and erupted into a fit of violent anger.

She prayed that he would be in a good mood tonight.