Page 66 of Magnolia Summer

The men raised a cheer loud enough to rival the huge tree’s crash.

Celia let out the breath she’d been holding. Everyone was safe. The house was safe.Thank you, God.

Surely now the men would leave and she could catch Truett and get a private word with him. But they all just stood around, talking and congratulating each other, seemingly unconcerned about getting back to their regular work. Every once in a while, one of the men would cast a glance her direction, probably wondering why she was standing outside watching them. Finally, Celia had no choice but to go inside.

She watched from the window as the men gathered their winch and rope . . . and then lingered a bit longer at the well, getting another drink. Finally, they headed toward Greenbrier’s wagon and loaded their stuff on it. Truett was just coming back around with Will when Celia stepped out the back door.

“You’re not leaving yet, are you?”

Will said, “He’s coming back tonight after supper to help me get that possum.”

“Oh. Well, I just—”

“He’s got to go get cleaned up.”

Truett smiled and quirked an eyebrow at her. He was about to say something teasing, she just knew it. But at least he wasn’t mad at her—or worse, indifferent.

“Is there something else I can do for you?” Truett’s intense gaze sent her heart to pounding again.

“No, I just—had something . . . to discuss with you.”

He and Will both stared at her as if waiting for her to continue. Heat rose up her neck and into her cheeks. Why couldn’t Will take a hint and leave? But she couldn’t risk saying anything in front of her brother. Or the men who were waiting for him just on the other side of the house. She did her best to swallow her frustration.

“I’ll talk with you tonight.” Celia retreated back inside the house.

Tonight, Lord, or else I’m riding over to his house and spilling everything I know, even if I have to do it in front of Mrs. Beverly and Griff!

* * *

Celia knewshe was behaving erratically during supper, but she didn’t realize Will and Lizzie had noticed until she caught them grinning at each other.

“What?”

“Nothing,” Lizzie said, and skittered away down the hall.

Will walked toward her and laid his hand on her shoulder. “It’s okay, sis. You don’t have to be so nervous. I’m pretty sure Truett likes you too.”

It was on the tip of her tongue to ask him how he knew this. She stopped herself just in time.

“Listen here. I—” She halted the tirade she wanted to unleash, lest she humiliate herself further. But she couldn’t bear to lose another chance to talk to Truett. If she didn’t enlist her brother’s help, she might miss her opportunity—again.

Celia took a deep breath. “The truth is, I need to talk to Truett alone tonight, just for a minute.”

Will took a step back and held up his hands. “Far be it from me to come between you and your beau.”

“He is not my beau.” Celia kept her voice low and spoke slowly, hoping the fierceness in her tone would scare the sass out of the boy. “I just need to talk to him, all right? It isn’t about me, it isn’t about you, but it’s important.” She leaned toward his face, hoping her brother felt the implication of a threat. “Do you understand?”

“Yes, ma’am, I understand perfectly.” But he never lost the silly grin on his face.

He wasn’t the least bit afraid of her. And he didn’t believe for a moment that she wasn’t sweet on Truett.

Could she blame him when she wasn’t sure herself?

Someone knocked at the back door. Celia jumped.

Will started down the hall then cupped his mouth and whispered, “Don’t be nervous.”

Celia glared at him and went to the door. Truett stood there looking much different than he had a few hours before. He was clean-shaven and wore a fresh white shirt. His wet hair was combed back from his face.