Page 41 of Scarlett

Chapter Fourteen

The quiet ofthe empty classroom made Isabel sit for a bit at the front and study the empty room. Chairs were askew, the door had been left open and someone had dropped a pencil. Despite the mess, calmness filled her. Although her students were at times hard to keep on task, she wouldn’t change anything about them. They were children after all.

However, admittedly, the end of the day when they headed home was a time she did look forward to. It was nice to have peace and quiet to clean up and prepare for the following day.

A figured darkened the doorway and Isabel looked up only to smile. “Hello Father what brings you here?”

Her father, the town’s preacher, walked in and looked around. “I thought I’d help you straighten up and you’d take me to have supper.”

They had a standing dinner date, usually on Wednesday. This day however was Monday. “Of course.” She got up and gathered the broom. “If you’ll straighten the chairs, I’ll give the room a quick sweep.”

Her father remained youthful, only in his late forties and Isabel had always hoped he’d remarry. It hurt her to think of him alone in the large family home after she married and left to start a family of her own.

Minutes later they walked out and down to the end of the street where they turned toward Main Street. Once at the small eatery, they ordered fried chicken. Isabel studied her father. “You must have something to say to me since you’ve changed our routine this week?”

Pastor Ward smiled. “Am I that obvious?”

“I know you don’t care much for deviating your routine. On Mondays you usually go to the barbershop and play cards.”

Isabel smiled at her father. “So tell me what is it?”

“I’m going to Wyoming for a couple weeks to visit your aunt and uncle. They sent a telegram telling me of a new church they are starting up and need my help with.”

It was good news that her father would travel and spend time with family. He’d been dedicated to Laurel for too long without taking time for himself. “How enjoyable. I would go with you, but classes don’t end for another few weeks.”

“I don’t expect you to,” her father said, much too eagerly.

Isabel narrowed her eyes. “Trying to get away from me, Father?”

Just then food was placed in front of them and both began to eat. In between bites, Isabel got details of what her father planned to do while away.

He drank from his glass of water just as Colton Blake walked in. Isabel couldn’t help but straighten. The man had been part of her dreams since she was old enough to know anything about attraction. Unfortunately, he insisted on treating her like a child.

The man was handsome in a rugged sort of way, with a shadowed square jaw, deep brown hair and same color eyes. As always he wore his gun belt low on his hips and the tin star shone bright on the left side of his chest.

“Good evening, Isabel, Pastor.” The sheriff’s gaze barely touched on hers before going to her father. “How are the plans going for your upcoming trip?”

Although there was a bit of a difference in their ages, her father and Sheriff Blake were good friends. So, it didn’t surprise Isabel that he knew about her father’s upcoming travel before she did.

“Well,” her father replied. “Please join us. I was just about to tell Isabel that I’ve asked you to keep an eye on her while I’m gone.”

Water caught in her throat and Isabel coughed, sputtering while attempting to catch her breath. Blake reached over and pounded her between the shoulder blades while her father motioned for her to breathe, demonstrating with deep breaths.

“I--I’m fine,” she finally said giving Blake a sharp look. “I think you dislodged my shoulders.”

Instead of looking remorseful, Blake smiled. Her insides melted and Isabel was grateful that her face was probably already an alarming shade of red.

“Thank you Father, but I do not need to be looked after. I’m a grown woman and can take care of myself.” She looked to the sheriff. “I appreciate it, but I’ll be fine.”

The men exchanged looks and Blake turned to her with brows lifted. “It is because you are a woman, a beauty at that, why your father would ask that someone keep an eye out.”

Her eyes widened and she looked to her father. “Really Father? The sheriff can look all he wants, but I will do what I wish.”

“I will see you at home. Good evening sheriff.” With that, she stood and walked out.

She wasn’t certain, but thought to have heard chuckles.

“Canyou believe Father did such a thing? I am mortified,” Isabel explained to the group of women gathered at the seamstress shop the following day.

Isabel was glad for the group of women she’d become friends with.

“I’m sure your father has no idea how you feel about Sheriff Blake,” Gemina said with a light giggle. “My goodness, can you imagine if he did?”

Scarlett, her new friend gave her a knowing look. She’d shared her infatuation with Colton Blake. “You know, this could be the perfect opportunity for you to get him to see you in a different light. Perhaps we can help.”

The women began to plan different scenarios, each becoming more outlandish until they could barely sit straight from laughing so hard.