A Lady's Choice (2 page)

She looked around for a place where she could sit alone, a quiet spot where no one would notice her. Her gaze swept the field and came to rest on a woman sitting alone near the first base line in a straight-backed, cane-bottomed chair. A parasol shielded her from the rays of the sun, and another chair rested beside her.

Sarah looked at the women chattering under the tree near home plate and then back at the person in the chair. Maybe the solitary figure reminded her of the isolation and fear she'd felt since hearing her mother's diagnosis. She couldn't be sure what it was, but some unknown power urged her forward.

She eased up to the woman, placed her hand on the back of the empty chair, and cleared her throat. “Excuse me. Would you mind if I sat beside you for the game?”

The woman looked her way, and Sarah almost gasped aloud at the kindness that radiated from her dark eyes. Tanned skin stretched across high cheekbones, and her black hair lay twisted into a simple bun at the back of her neck. Tiny lines crinkled the corners of her eyes as her mouth curved into a smile.

“Gracious, have I finally found me a female baseball fan in Richland Creek?” The woman's voice reflected the rural drawl heard throughout the area. She laughed and waved Sarah into the chair. “I brought this other chair just in case I was lucky enough to meet up with somebody who didn't want to spend the afternoon gossipin' under that shade tree over there.” Sarah sank into the offered chair. “Thank you. I'm Sarah Whittaker. I wouldn't have anything to gossip about. I've only lived here a couple of weeks.”

The woman turned in her chair, reached over, and patted Sarah's knee. “Land sakes, child, I know who you are. My name's Ellen Taylor. I grew up with your mama, and I met your pa before he married her and took her off to parts unknown.”

“You knew my father too?”

“Sure did. Why, he was one of the best-looking men to ever come visitin' in Richland Creek. Swept your mama right off her feet.”

Sarah smiled. “He died two years ago, but he used to take me to baseball games in Memphis.”

A tiny frown wrinkled Ellen's forehead. “I was real sorry when I heard about your pa dying. Some kind of accident, wasn't it?”

Sarah glanced down at her dress and smoothed the wrinkles with her hands. “Yes.”

“Well, it's good to have you and your mama living here. And I'm glad you came over here to sit with me this afternoon.” Ellen laughed, nodded in the direction of the chattering group under the tree, and winked her eye. “I've always liked baseball, but them women think I've taken leave of my senses to get so excited over a silly ball game. 'Course, today I got me a special reason for liking it. My brother is the pitcher.”

Sarah pointed toward the home team's bench where Uncle Charlie talked with one of the players. “That's my Uncle Charlie over there. He told me there was a new pitcher today.”

Ellen glanced at the huddled men. “I know Charlie.” Her gaze lingered for a moment before she turned back to Sarah. “My brother's name is Alex. He's been off in Nashville in school for the past few years. He played on some local teams while he was there. He's home for the summer, and the team asked him to play with them again. I think he's a better pitcher than he was before he left.”

A roar from the crowd signaled the team had trotted onto the field. Ellen jumped to her feet, and her chair tipped backward. Sarah hopped up, ran behind Ellen, and replaced the seat to its upright position before facing the players.

She turned toward the field and froze at the sight of the young man headed to the pitcher's mound—the same one she'd seen earlier at the pump. He looked in Ellen's direction, tipped the brim of his cap, and walked to the center of the diamond.

He paused to dig his toe into the dirt and looked up again. This time straight at Sarah. Their eyes locked for a moment. He smiled at her before he turned his attention to the catcher positioned behind home plate.

Sarah groped for her chair with a shaking hand to steady herself. “Is—is that your brother?”

“Yep, that's him. That's Alex.”

“His name is Alex?”

“Yep. William Alexander Taylor. Alexander was his mama's maiden name, and we always called him Alex out of respect for her 'cause she died when he was born.”

“Didn't you have the same mother?”

Ellen shook her head. “No, his mama was our pa's second wife. I been taking care of that boy since the day he was born, and I'm mighty proud of the way he turned out. He's a good man and smart, just like our pa.”

There was no mistaking the pride for her brother that sparkled in Ellen's eyes. Sarah looked from Ellen to Alex. “I can see the family resemblance.”

His tall, slender body and straight back looked like his sister's. His unruly black hair, the same dark color as Ellen's, stuck out from underneath the cap he wore. Sarah's heart skipped a beat at the sight of the rippling muscles that stretched the shirt material across his broad shoulders. Her gaze drifted down to the mitt on his right hand. “He's a southpaw.”

Ellen slapped her leg and laughed. “You're sure right. I'll bet there's not another woman out here today who ever heard of a southpaw. Honey, I know we're gonna be great friends.”

A wobbly smile pulled at Sarah's mouth, and she looked from Ellen to her brother getting ready for the first pitch of the game. After Alex Taylor told his sister about the encounter at the pump, she doubted if either one would want to be friends with her. For some reason the thought made her sad.

Alex could hardly believe his eyes when he walked onto the pitcher's mound and saw Sarah Whittaker sitting next to his sister. His heart had pounded a bit harder when he'd seen her at church last Sunday, her hands folded and a cool expression on her face. It hadn't taken long to find out her name, and after that he couldn't get her out of his mind. He'd never experienced anything in his life like the need he had to know her better.

When he'd seen her go behind the store, he couldn't stop himself from following. Perhaps he shouldn't have done that. He'd certainly made a mess of his attempt to introduce himself. But he couldn't help it. When he walked around the corner of that store and saw her skirt lifted, he responded before he had time to think.

Alex pounded his fist into his ball glove and groaned. Now she'd probably never speak to him again. He frowned and shook his head to rid it of thoughts of Sarah Whittaker. Right now he needed to concentrate on the batter waiting at the plate. Three up and three down, he had promised the team before they took the field. His goal for the afternoon was to restore Richland Creek's pride in their community baseball team, which hadn't beaten Mt. Pleasant in four years.

Later he could try to make amends to Sarah for his behavior. The memory of how beautiful she'd looked with her skirt raised and her face red with embarrassment flashed into his head, but he frowned and shook it from his mind. Then he raised his arms above his head and inhaled deeply before delivering the first pitch of the game.

Two and a half hours later, in the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs and a full count on the batter, Alex took a deep breath and hurled what he hoped was the last pitch of the game. The Richland Creek spectators roared at the umpire's shrill cry. “Stri-i-ike!”

With a grin on his face, Alex walked off the pitcher's mound toward the men who'd cheered for their team throughout the afternoon. Charlie Weston was the first to grab his hand. “I can't believe it, Alex. A no-hitter. We've been waitin' for the day when our team could beat Mt. Pleasant, and you do it with a no-hitter. Congratulations.”

Alex smiled and glanced around at several men who slapped him on the back. “Thanks, fellows. I'm glad we won. Our team worked well together this afternoon.”

Three more men ran up and joined the crowd that gathered around him. Charlie turned and headed toward the store. “All you fellows on the team come on back over to the store and have a free soda pop in honor of our win.”

Alex watched the men follow Charlie before he turned and stared in his sister's direction. It wasn't Ellen he had his sights on, though. He couldn't take his eyes off the young woman beside her. The sun sparkled on her blond hair that was pulled to the back of her head. He wondered what it would look like if released and allowed to tumble around her shoulders.

His gaze traveled over her, and he remembered the pleasure he'd gotten from standing close to her earlier. The fire in her blue eyes had hinted she was a woman not easily intimidated, and he longed to see what lay below her cool exterior.

Taking a deep breath, Alex forced himself to walk forward. In a few moments, he'd learn if he had ruined any chance of getting to know the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen.

Sarah couldn't believe how quickly the afternoon had passed, but she knew it was because of how much she'd enjoyed being with Ellen. They'd talked and cheered for the home team, and Sarah was sad to see the game come to an end. Now as she watched Ellen gather up everything she'd brought with her, Sarah couldn't help but smile.

Ellen propped her hands on her hips and frowned as she looked on the ground around the chair where she'd sat. “Where on earth did I put that parasol?”

“When your brother struck the last batter out, you tossed it into the air. It's behind your chair.”

Bending over to pick up the umbrella for Ellen, Sarah stiffened at the sound of a deep voice. “What did you think of the game?”

Sarah turned to look behind her, and her breath caught in her throat. Alex Taylor stood just a few feet away. The hair sticking out from under his sweat-stained cap lay plastered to his skin, and perspiration had left trails in the dirt on his cheeks. Fatigue lined his face, and yet Sarah didn't think she'd ever encountered a more handsome man.

The intense look he directed at her bored into the depths of her soul as if it searched for the spots of hollowed-out loneliness in her heart. Her skin warmed, and she licked her lips that suddenly felt dry. His gaze flicked to her lips and back to her eyes.

Sarah took a step backward to put some distance between them. Ellen stepped forward and hugged her brother. “Boy, I nearly died before you struck that last batter out. Next time, just get it over fast so I don't have to suffer.”

Alex pulled his attention back to Ellen, threw back his head, and laughed. “Aren't you a little bit proud of me?”

Ellen smiled and punched his shoulder. “I'm proud of you. I've never seen you pitch better. I guess you heard Sarah and me screamin' for you. I know we gave the ladies something to talk about with all our carryin' on.”

Alex returned his gaze to Sarah. “I could hear you, both of you.”

Sarah's chest tightened. The memory of their encounter at the pump faded as the new emotions produced by Alex's presence swirled through her. Her heart pounded, and she forced herself to smile.

Ellen's voice cut through her thoughts. “Oh Alex, I haven't introduced you to my new friend. This is Sarah Whittaker. She's a baseball fan. Knew right off you were a southpaw.”

Alex's smile directed toward his sister revealed straight, white teeth. “I know Sarah.”

Ellen frowned. “You do? How?”

Fear of what he was about to say replaced the warm feeling of a few moments ago. She should have known he wouldn't keep her lapse in judgment a secret. What would Ellen think when he told her about what happened?

His forehead wrinkled as if he was in deep thought. “I saw you…. I saw you at church last week, but I didn't get to introduce myself. I'm glad to finally meet you.”

His eyes twinkled, and she breathed a sigh of relief. “I'm glad to meet you too, Alex.”

He tilted his head and stared into her eyes. “So, you're a baseball fan.”

“Yes, but today's game is the best I've seen in a long time.” She swallowed hard. “I'm glad I came.”

His smile deepened. “I'm glad as well.”

Ellen turned back to Sarah. “I hope we see you and your pretty mama at church tomorrow. You know it's dinner on the ground, and I have a feelin' that the men will get up another game in the afternoon.”

Sarah reached out and grasped Ellen's hand. “Uncle Charlie and Aunt Clara are coming by to get us tomorrow. I'll make sure I see you, Ellen.”

Alex reached for the two chairs. “I hope I'll see you too.”

“Maybe so.” Sarah glanced around for her aunt and uncle, but they weren't in sight. “I'd better find Uncle Charlie and Aunt Clara now. They're going to take Mama and me home as soon as the last customer is gone from the store. It's been a wonderful afternoon, and thank you again, Ellen.”

Sarah walked away, her heart beating so hard she could almost see it pumping through her dress. What was the matter with her? Earlier she'd been angry with Alex Taylor, and then she'd melted like a silly schoolgirl when he flashed his crooked smile her way.

Against her will, she turned and looked in the direction of the Taylors. A wagon, driven by a young boy of perhaps sixteen, pulled to a stop next to them. Alex set the chairs in the back and then picked up Ellen as if she was as light as a feather and set her in one of the chairs. He climbed onto the driver's seat beside the boy and slapped him on the back.

She'd heard people speak of hero worship before, but she'd never seen it until the boy looked into Alex's face. It made her feel good to know that Alex was the recipient of such obvious respect. They exchanged a few words before the boy picked up the reins and flicked them across the team of horses. He guided the pair into the road headed in her direction. Alex looked down at her when they passed, smiled, and tipped his cap the way he had earlier.

Sarah watched the wagon lumber down the road and thought back to how different she felt now than she had earlier. Suddenly she didn't feel as alone as she had before. Maybe her mother had been right after all. Her reason for their coming here was for Sarah to meet the people she'd known all her life. She'd insisted there were good people in this community, and they would be the ones to offer Sarah help and support when she couldn't any longer.

Sarah hoped that Ellen and Alex Taylor would be two of them.

Alex leaned against the front porch post and stared into the night. Owls hooted in the trees near the barn, and the eerie sound drifted through the still air. Fireflies blinked across the front yard, and a hound bayed in the distance. It felt so good to be surrounded by the familiar night sights and sounds he'd known all his life.

Coming home always filled him with contentment, but tonight there was something else that filled his thoughts. He pictured a lovely young girl with beautiful blue eyes and long blond hair.

The screen door banged behind him, and Ellen stepped onto the front porch. “Well, I got the pies baked for tomorrow, the bread risin', and the supper dishes washed. I'm about ready to turn in, but I wanted to say good night first.”

“Great supper, Ellen. I can't wait to see what you cook up for tomorrow.”

“I'll need you to bring in a ham from the smokehouse first thing in the mornin'. I want to fry up some of it for the dinner.”

“Will do.”

Ellen stepped closer. “What did you think of my new friend today?”

“She seemed nice.”

“Nice, huh? Boy, you can't fool your sister. I saw how your eyes popped outta your head when you talked to her.”

Ellen's words brought him back to reality, and he laughed. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “Was it that obvious? I don't know what it is about her, but I can't shake the feeling she's different from anyone I've ever known.”

“I've known her mama since we were girls, and I knew her father too. He died a few years back. I never expected Julia to come back here to live. She never visited much after she left.” Ellen put her hand over her lips to stifle a yawn. “But I guess it's none of my business. So I think I'll just git myself to bed.”

Ellen patted Alex's hand resting on her shoulder and turned to reenter the house, but he reached out and stopped her. “Ellen, it's so good to be home for the summer. To be here with you.”

“I'm right glad to have you home.”

His arm tightened around her shoulder, and he pulled her closer. “But I'm not going to stay, and that's bothering me. I don't feel right about leaving you to take care of the farm when I join Mr. Buckley's law firm in Memphis. On the other hand, I'll be making more money than we've ever made on the farm, and I can take care of you better. But I worry about you here alone. I wish you'd come to Memphis with me.”

Ellen reached out and patted his arm. “We've talked about this before, and you know my answer's always gonna be the same. This is my home. I could never leave it. You weren't meant to stay here forever. God gave you a love of the law, and you're going to make a great lawyer. I'm so proud of you.”

“I worried about you all the time I was in school, but I kept thinking that it would all be worth it when I graduated. Now that I have a job, we can get a house in Memphis and be together again. You won't be alone here on the farm.”

A laugh rumbled in her throat. “Alone? I ain't seen a day yet that I was alone. Ever since you brought Augie home after his pa left him, I've had him under my feet. I have to admit, though, I've loved every minute of it. He ain't going nowhere, and neither am I.”

“I do feel better knowing he's here. What if he decides to get married and move out? What then?”

“Married? I don't think that's going to happen any time soon. That boy can't even talk to a girl without swallowing his tongue. But if it does, it'll be fine. The important thing to remember, Alex, is that we have to do what God wants. Right now He's put you on a path to work at a law firm in Memphis and me on one to stay right here. If we trust Him, then things will work out for the best.”

He exhaled a slow breath before he leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Thank you, Ellen. You have a way of making me see things clearer. No matter where I go or where I work, I promise I'll always take care of you. I love you.”

“I love you too. Now I'm goin' to bed. You have sweet dreams.”

“Good night.”

Alex waited until Ellen had disappeared into the house before he turned and stared into the night. The moonlight danced across the young cotton plants that lined the straight rows of the field next to the house. Thank goodness for Augie and the tenant farmers who lived on their land. He could trust them to keep the farm going, but Ellen was his responsibility. She was more than his sister. She was his compass and had steered him in the right direction all his life. With the money he'd be making, he finally had the opportunity to repay her for all she'd done for him.

His heart stilled, and the old resolve flowed into his heart. He intended to work hard and show Mr. Buckley he was a good candidate for partner in the firm. If he achieved that, he would be able to take care of Ellen for the rest of her life.

Sarah didn't think she'd ever been so hot. The humid air hung over the group of worshipers gathered in the small church.

The choir members appeared oblivious to the heat as they raised their slightly off-key voices in praise to the glory of God.

Sarah wanted to stick her fingers in her ears, but instead she clutched her hands in her lap. The soprano in the first row hit a high note and made Sarah wince. She glanced around to see if anyone noticed her reaction. Alex Taylor smiled at her from across the aisle. He raised his eyebrows and shook his head as if to chide her.

Her face warmed, and she grabbed a fan from the hymnal rack on the back of the pew in front of her and whisked it back and forth in front of her face. Determined not to glance Alex's way again, she turned her attention to Brother Hughes, as everyone called him, who'd walked to the pulpit. He held a Bible in his right hand, his index finger wedged inside the book.

A smile pulled at his lips as his gaze drifted over the congregation. “All of you know Alex Taylor has returned home for the summer from law school. We've all known Alex his entire life, and we're proud of his accomplishments. He'll be leaving again soon to join a law firm in Memphis. Today before I begin my sermon, I want Alex to voice our prayer.”

Alex rose from his seat and gripped the back of the pew in front of him. He closed his eyes, and a serene expression covered his face. With his head bowed, he began to pray.

“Oh, sweet Jesus, our Lord and Savior, we come before You to thank You for the gift of life and for the many blessings You give us each day. We praise Your name for watching over us and providing for us. These are days we don't understand, Lord. Nations are at war and men are engaged in battles far from here. We ask You to watch over them. I thank You, Lord, for the faithful people of this church and their witness in this community. We pray that Your spirit of love will fall upon each member of this church and that we will take it with us wherever we go. Thank You for loving us and caring for us, and we give You the honor and glory. Amen.”