Return to Holliday Creek (13)

If only....

          -By Robert Faulkender ©

Ted had been away from Leitha for over nine hours and it felt like another nine years. He left Clara on her own cloud, and hurried back to the Emporium. The first kiss expressed the excitement of good news; the second, longer kiss, had the power of passion. When he released her at last, she did not pull away and they lingered, entwined. 

     He said with a soft chuckle, “Did you know that Millie is Clara Maud’s niece?”

     Leitha drew back slightly, “No. Does this mean Clara knows about us?” Concern in her voice.

     “Are you kidding? If Clara Maud knows the whole town knows. The secret to my success as sheriff here was her uncanny ability to always know what’s going on.”

     Leitha pulled away altogether. “Oh, my; it’s probably good I don’t live here anymore.” She nervously straightened her hair.

    “Not to worry. Clara says the whole town is basking in the romance of it all.”

    That evening the two closed the store and left by the front entrance -- arm in arm.

     The following days were intense. Ted joined in the inventory project.  Customer traffic increased. Town folk dropped by to “browse” and, of course, to observe the fabled couple.  The meeting with Clara and Howard went extremely well, with both parties taking a like to each other – in ways beyond business.

    In the evenings they shared their life adventures: Leitha; about the millinery business, her aunt, and St. Louis; Ted, about the army, Bill Hicks, and plans for life in the east.

     Ted asked, “Did you ever go back to Holliday Creek?”

     “Oh, yes. After my aunt defused my anger, I returned home and made-up with my father; but you were gone without a trace; nothing for me in Holliday; never was except for you. I went back to St. Louis.”

     Ted wanted to ask why she hadn’t married, but she guessed the question before he screwed up the courage to say it.

     “My uncle was a tailor.  Aunt Angela kept his books and customer records. I helped by taking care of their two small children. When a runaway horse and carriage killed Uncle Charles, my aunt was suddenly the owner of an established tailor shop: except, she was not a tailor. 

     The idea of a millinery shop came from the wife of one of my uncle’s wealthy customers.  It was our salvation. But, starting a new business and raising two children kept us fully occupied. Time slipped away; entertaining suitors wasn't a part of it. 

     And you, Sheriff Skillman, were just a maiden’s dream.” Her smile was wistful, “I wished; I hoped; I told myself someday…”

   They sat in silence a few moments. Ted was lost in "If only... " thoughts when Leitha brought him back. "And where did Sheriff Skillman go, Sergeant?"