Summer of the Midnight Sun (8 page)

Maybe that was why he didn’t feel right about quitting early to attend a birthday party. Even if that party was for Leah Barringer—although he seriously doubted that she wanted him at her party. Leah’s attitude was a complete mystery to him. At times she seemed congenial, civilized . . . but most of the time she was almost hostile. But why?

Jayce wished he could understand the woman. She was more beautiful than ever—her dark brown hair beckoned his touch and her blue eyes were the color of a summer sky. But it was more than her appearance that seemed to draw him. There was something about Leah that he had never been able to forget.

He had to admit that he’d decided to find Jacob and his dogs mostly because he knew Leah would be here. He’d long ago heard of another man near Nome whose dogs were excellent and very reasonably priced, but Jayce had put that notion aside. He had convinced the expedition leaders that his old friend Jacob Barringer would give them a much better deal and perhaps even consider coming along to handle the animals. Given the fact that the expedition was already facing financial problems, it didn’t take much persuasion. And while Jayce knew Jacob would supply only the best animals, his decision was driven by a need to see Leah again.

She’d been on his mind so much over the years. When he’d left Ketchikan ten years ago, Jayce immediately found that he missed Leah. Missed her so much in fact, that he’d temporarily left Alaska in order to forget her. But it hadn’t worked, and Jayce had come back to the land he loved . . . but not to the woman who captured his thoughts. In fact, he’d done his best to avoid her.

Now the expedition had brought them back together. . . . No, he’d brought them back together.

But why? Why did I come? So much has changed. So many years have passed by. She can’t possibly care for me after all this time
. But in his heart, Jayce hoped that she did. He hoped that somehow he might be able to get to know her again. The time he’d spend here working with the dogs would allow him to see her every day and that in turn would hopefully show him if he’d ruined his chances ten years ago.

Glancing up from the pan of water Jacob had provided, Jayce squinted against the sun. There were several men down by the water’s edge. An
umiak
—a small boat made from animal skins—sat nearby. The men seemed to be asking about something. One man in particular held Jayce’s attention.

“It can’t be him,” Jayce muttered.

He watched the man, being careful to keep out of sight.
Why is he here? Is he looking for me?
It would have taken careful investigation for him to find Jayce. Or was it pure coincidence?

This ghost from Jayce’s past life rose up to disturb him like nothing else in the world. This man could ruin everything Jayce had worked for.

Jayce eased around the corner of the inne and fought to settle his nerves. He continued watching as best he could and felt only moderate relief when the man and his companions got back in the umiak and pushed out into the water. As the boat disappeared around the bend, Jayce let out a heavy sigh.

“You coming?” Jayce startled to see Jacob watching him. “What’s wrong?” Jacob asked. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Jayce wasn’t about to let Jacob know the truth of it. If it was who he thought it was, Jayce could very well be in big trouble.

“I’ve just got a lot on my mind. The
Homestead
should be arriving soon, and I need to know my way around handling those teams.”

“Well, maybe it won’t be as bad as you think. I’ve decided to come with you.”

Jayce forgot about the man and looked at Jacob with a grin. “That’s wonderful news, Jacob. I can’t tell you how excited I am to have you join us. You won’t regret it. The pay’s not great, but the adventure more than makes up for it.”

“I don’t think Leah took the news well, but I did mention having her go see Karen and Adrik. I think she consoled herself with that.”

“She’s not in charge of you, Jacob. A man can’t live his life attached to his sister’s apron strings.”

“That’s not the way it is between us,” Jacob snapped.

Jayce waved his arms. “Whoa, now, I didn’t mean anything by it. I’m sure you two stick together because you have no one else.”

“We also happen to appreciate each other’s company. We’ve been looking out for each other since we were kids, and I don’t intend to stop until Leah is properly married to a husband who can take up the job.”

“I understand perfectly,” Jayce replied, feeling an odd sensation run through him at the mention of Leah marrying.

Jacob leaned in, his tawny brown hair blowing back in the gentle breeze. “I care about what she thinks. You should too.”

“I do. Honestly, Jacob. I’m sorry.”

Jayce wasn’t sure why his friend had become so angry, but he wanted to make things right. “I need to go back to the house and get my gift for your sister. Point me in the right direction for the party.”

“It’s over there.”

Jayce glanced across the way to see a reasonably sized wood house. He could only imagine that it must have cost a small fortune to bring in lumber for such a project. The natives and even the Barringers had houses put together with driftwood, whalebone, and sod. It was rumored that many of the missionaries would not come north without better housing, however. Jayce had read an entire report given by one of Dr. Sheldon Jackson’s missionaries that told of the unbearable cold when living in less than a reasonable American house. Jayce had laughed at the situation then, knowing that he would probably live in nothing more substantial than a tent once they were on shore mapping and taking geological samplings in the Arctic.

Still, he couldn’t begrudge a worker of God good housing. “I’ll be right there.”

“Well, hurry it up. We’re already late.”

Jayce tried not to think about the earlier encounter or of the man from his past. He told himself the sun had caused the man only to look like his old adversary.
He wasn’t here. I’m safe
.

He hurried to the Kjellmann’s house and knocked lightly before opening the door. Surely they were expecting him, and he knew that no one stood on ceremony north of the fiftieth parallel.

The first sight that greeted him took Jayce’s breath away. Leah was standing to the right of the door, her expression one of sheer delight. In her arms she held a baby girl. The child was quite captivated by Leah’s attention, and Jayce couldn’t help but stare. Leah’s face fairly glowed. She seemed so clearly at ease with the baby—so happy.

“She’ll make a good mama, ja?”

He looked to find Emma Kjellmann at his side. “I think you’re right,” he said, shaking off the thought. “Sorry I’m late. I had to go back for her present.”

“Not to worry. We do things as they come,” Emma said. “Although my son Bryce would rather this party come quickly. Are you hungry?”

“To be sure. Jacob worked me hard today.” He couldn’t help but say this a little louder than need be, as Jacob approached.

“Oh, quit your complaining. I don’t know how such a
cheechako
is ever going to make it up north.”

“Don’t call me a cheechako. I’m hardly a newcomer. I just need a lot of help,” he said, laughing. “That’s why I’m taking you with me. Somebody has to look out for me.”

Emma chuckled. “Well, there’s none better. Our Jacob might as well be native. But what’s this about you going away?” she asked, turning to Jacob.

“I’ve been asked to join Jayce’s expedition team to the North.”

“Why would any sane man want to go farther north?” Emma asked quite seriously. “I may be Swedish, but this is cold enough for me.”

“Me too,” a man said, thrusting out his hand. “I’m Emma’s husband, Bjorn.”

“Jayce Kincaid. I’m glad to meet you and equally glad to be invited to the party. Jacob tells me there is actually to be a birthday cake.”

“Can’t celebrate a boy’s birthday without cake,” Bjorn replied.

“Can we eat now?” a young boy asked.

Jayce presumed it was Emma and Bjorn’s son. Jacob had already told him the boy shared Leah’s birthday.

“Ja. We’ll eat now, but you promised to say the blessing in Swedish,” Emma reminded her son.

Bryce lit up at this. “I know it all. I can do it.” He fairly danced to the table.

Jayce smiled in amusement as the boy took his place and called to everyone else. “Come on. We’re going to pray.”

Leah looked up to find Jayce watching her. She blushed and clutched the baby close as if to shelter the child from harm. Jayce couldn’t help but wonder, however, if Leah meant to protect the baby . . . or herself.

“On the occasion of Bryce Kjellmann’s fourth birthday,” Emma announced, “he is going to offer a traditional Swedish blessing.”

They bowed their heads and Bryce began. “
Gud, som haver barnen kaär se till mig som liten är.”
He paused for a moment, then added in English, “Bless the food, amen.”

“Amen,” several people said in unison.

“What did he say in Swedish?” Jayce asked Emma.

She grinned. “Bryce will tell you.”

Bryce nodded and smiled. “God, who loves all the children, look on me so small.”

“Wonderful job, Bryce.” Leah handed the baby to Emma and went to hug the boy. He eagerly climbed into her arms and hugged her tightly about the neck.

He whispered loud enough for the entire room to hear, “I’m glad it’s our birthday.”

“I am too,” Leah replied, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek.

Several of the natives who’d come to the party circled round the two and offered their greetings, blessings, and gifts. It was easy for Jacob to see that Leah was greatly loved. But why not? She was kind and gentle with everyone. Well, maybe everyone but him. For some reason she seemed perfectly content to make him miserable.

After a dinner of seal, tomcod, and some things unrecognizable to Jayce, Emma produced a birthday cake. He knew Jacob had brought some ingredients with him from Nome, but the cake still amazed everyone. It didn’t take long for the dessert, heavier than most of the cakes Jayce had known in the States, to disappear.

Then it was time for gifts. There were many hand-carved trinkets for Bryce, as well as several articles of clothing. Leah received new mittens, a traveling pouch, a fur-lined hat, and a small ivory carving. Jayce felt his book of poetry paled in comparison to the other gifts, but she thanked him for it and seemed pleased.

When they concluded the party at nine o’clock, it was still as light as noonday outside. Jayce loved the long days. He felt they afforded him more working time. He motioned to Jacob as they left the Kjellmanns’ house.

“I’m going to work more with the dogs. Would you come and help me?”

“It’s nearly time to turn in,” Jacob protested, his arms full of Leah’s gifts.

“We still have plenty of light.”

“We’ll have plenty tomorrow, too. Besides, I have to take these home for Leah. I promised I wouldn’t get sidetracked.”

“I can help you,” Jayce offered, “and then we can get back to work.”

Jacob stared at him in disbelief for a moment. “I’m tired. I’m going home to clean up and go to bed. You do as you like.”

Jayce realized he wasn’t going to win the argument. “All right. I suppose it will wait until tomorrow.”

“I heard from Ayoona’s son John that there has been a lot of fog and storms to the south. Your ship will probably be delayed, so there’s no hurry.”

“It’s your ship too,” Jayce reminded him.

Jacob frowned. “I know. I just wish I could help Leah to understand why I think it’s so important to do this.”

“Let me talk to her,” Jayce offered.

“No. You’ve done entirely enough,” Jacob countered and headed for the house. “Just leave her be.”

Jayce stood frozen in place. What did he mean by that? What had he done? “Wait up!” he called out. “What are you trying to say?”

Jacob waited, but only for a moment. “I said what I meant to say. Leave her alone. It’s that simple.” His calm was more unnerving to Jayce.

“But why?”

Jacob shifted the items and shook his head. “You really don’t understand, do you?”

“I don’t know what it is I’m supposed to understand. I thought we were all friends here.”

“You rejected Leah—why should she listen to you? She was in love with you, and you hurt her badly.”

Nothing could have surprised Jayce more than this declaration. “That’s what this is all about? She was just a girl.”

“Doesn’t really matter what her age might have been,” Jacob replied. “It still hurt.”

“So that’s why she’s treating me like she is—all fire and spit?”

“What do you expect? You throw her feelings back in her face, disappear for ten years, then reappear as though nothing had ever happened.”

“But ten years is a long, long time.”

“Not where the heart is concerned.” Jacob turned and began walking again.

Jayce followed but waited until they were at the inne to say anything more. “I never meant to hurt her, Jacob. You know that. I never lead her to believe I cared more than I did. I wanted to explore the territory and travel. I wanted to live a life of adventure.”

“And that couldn’t have included Leah?”

“I . . . I didn’t figure she’d stay. I really didn’t figure either one of you would.”

“Well, you were wrong. We both love this territory. And if you would have bothered to give Leah a chance, you might have learned that for yourself. You might not have had to spend all this time alone.”

“What about you? You’re alone.”

Jacob shook his head. “Not by choice. If I’d had a woman that loved me as much as Leah loved you, I would have married her on the spot. Anyway, just leave her be—I don’t want anything to mess up our friendship, but I won’t see her hurt. Besides, we’ll soon be leaving, and then you won’t have to concern yourself with her.”

“What if I want to concern myself with her?”

Jacob eyed him warily. “What do you mean?”

“I mean . . . well, I’ve been thinking about Leah since I first left Ketchikan. I guess I’d like to know if we couldn’t find a way to put the past behind us—if she might feel the same for me now that she felt then.”

“Are you serious?”

Jayce ran his fingers through his hair. “I think about her all the time.”