Shining Water 01 - The Icecutter's Daughter Page 25

  “And we’re still friends?”

  This made Rurik laugh aloud. “I wouldn’t be here if we weren’t, Nils. I hate sickrooms. I’d much rather be spending my time elsewhere.”

  “With Merrill.” Nils grinned awkwardly around his still-injured mouth and broken teeth.

  “That’s right. I’d much rather be courting and wooing than listening to you complain about your broken leg and ribs or your headache.”

  Nils laughed out loud this time. “Then you’d best go, because my leg is starting to itch something fierce.”

  Rurik shook his head and gave his friend a wave. “I’ll be back. Oh, and just to give you something to look forward to, Merrill has promised to send you some of her strudel. Men have fought wars over strudel like hers, so you are among the blessed.”

  “Where are we going?” Merrill asked Rurik. He had shown up at Granny Lassiter’s with a small buggy and a grin as big as Clear Lake.

  “You’ll see. It’s a surprise.”

  Merrill couldn’t imagine what he had in mind as he pointed the horse toward the north of town. She tried to recall if Rurik had mentioned anything before about that area, but nothing came to mind.

  “So Granny tells me you’re moving in with her on a more permanent basis,” Rurik remarked.

  “I am. Father needs the team, and it seems pointless to stay in town most of the time and go home for short periods. Not only that, but there’s no place to keep Jack and Jill there, so I would have to rely on one of my brothers or Father to get me back and forth. Nevertheless, I need to be here in Waseca. I have my work at the furniture shop and helping out with your uncle.”

  “For which I really want to thank you. I think the only reason Uncle Carl is still with us is because of your good care.”

  “That’s kind of you to say. I’ve come to love him like my own family.” She hoped the comment didn’t sound too forward. Since telling her father that he intended to marry her, Rurik had said very little on the subject.

  “I know he loves you, too. At least he loves your cooking.” Rurik laughed at his own quip and turned the horses onto one of the streets near Loon Lake.

  “So what is the surprise you want to show me?”

  Rurik pulled the horse to a stop in front of a rather large two-story house. “This.”

  Merrill looked at it. It was similar in style to Granny’s, but much larger. “It looks very nice. Who lives there?”

  Rurik just smiled, then said, “Uncle Carl says our place is too small. He asked me to find a bigger house. He wants to use the current house for office purposes and then eventually expand the workshop. He said it would probably do us both some good to have a place away from the work area.”

  “Well, I must say, this house is definitely bigger than your current one.”

  “Would you like to see inside?”

  “Are you sure it would be all right?” Merrill wondered, looking around at the nearby homes.

  Rurik climbed down from the buggy and reached up for her. “Come on. It’s just fine. I know the owner.”

  He led her up the walkway. “The house has just been painted. What do you think?”

  Merrill considered the white structure. “It’s lovely. The porch is especially inviting.”

  “I thought so, too. I think Carl and I could be very happy here.”

  She could tell by the tone of his voice he was playing a little game. Merrill decided he deserved to have her play right back. “Yes, I think Carl would be happy here. The steps might be difficult for him, but once he’s up here on this porch, I doubt he’ll ever want to leave. I suppose I won’t see as much of him if you two are living all the way up here.”

  Rurik didn’t seem to pay any attention to her comment. “There are five large bedrooms. One is downstairs for Uncle Carl.” He opened a beautiful glass-and-wood door. “Come inside.”

  Merrill stepped into the house and looked around in awe. The woodwork and papered walls spoke of an elegance and refinement she’d never known. This was not a house to have men tracking mud into all day.

  Rurik led her around the first floor, pointing out the various rooms. When they arrived at the large kitchen, Merrill couldn’t help but exclaim, “This is wonderful! Just look at all the space. Why, you could practically cook for an army in here.” She caressed the door of a cabinet as though it were silk. “So beautiful.”

  “It doesn’t yet have electricity, but I’m told it won’t be long until that’s available.”

  Merrill turned to Rurik, her eyes wide with delight. “I think it’s perfect.” Then she added with a little grin, “Yes, just right for you and Uncle Carl.”

  He grinned back. “I’m so glad you think so. Uncle Carl hasn’t seen it yet, but I told him all about it, and he seemed pleased. Would you like to see the upstairs?”

  “Yes, please.”

  They made their way through the house and up the beautiful mahogany stairway. Merrill wondered at the care that had gone into the place. She didn’t know who had built it, but whoever it was had definitely shown great attention to each detail and its upkeep.

  “This is the largest of the four rooms up here. The other three are about equal in size.”

  Merrill stepped into the room and smiled at all the light. The windows were large and the draperies were pulled back to give a full view of the landscape. “You can see Loon Lake,” she said, stepping closer to the window. “Why, it’s lovely.”

  Rurik came to stand behind her. He put his hands on her shoulders. “So do you think that maybe one day you wouldn’t mind living here?”

  She turned and saw the love in his eyes. “I think a woman would be quite blessed to have this as her home. Why, that kitchen alone would entice anyone to fall in love with this house.”

  He grinned again. “I was hoping you might feel that way. Especially since I signed the papers yesterday to purchase it.”

  “No wonder you know the owner.” She couldn’t help but laugh. “I must say, you do move quickly, Mr. Jorgenson.”

  He pulled her into his arms. “I’ve only just gotten started.”

  Chapter 27

  “Surprise!” More than a dozen people shouted their greeting when Rurik led Merrill into the large finishing room at Jorgenson Furniture.

  Merrill gasped. “A party? But what—?”

  “Happy birthday,” Flynn declared. Her other brothers followed suit, and her father came forward to embrace her.

  “Merrill Jean, happy twenty-first birthday.” He kissed her cheek and smiled. “You surely do look like your mama. She’d be mighty proud of the way you’ve turned out.”

  “Thank you, Father,” she said, near to tears. “I hope you’re proud, too.”

  “That I am, daughter. A man couldn’t be more so.”

  Granny and Grandpa Lassiter came up. “You’re as pretty as a picture, Merrill Jean,” Grandpa told her. “Happy birthday.”

  “We brought you some presents,” Granny began, “but you can’t have them just yet. You’ll have to be patient.”

  Merrill thought Granny sounded rather secretive but didn’t question her. “That’s quite all right. It’s enough that you’re both here. And, Corabeth,” she said, looking beyond them to her best friend, “you never so much as hinted at there being a party.”

  “I know how to keep secrets,” her friend said. Zadoc came to stand beside her, and Corabeth cast a shy glance over her shoulder at the tall man. “But I thought for sure your brother might give it away.”

  “It wasn’t easy,” Zadoc admitted. “The only thing that saved the day was that Merrill was staying in town with you.”

  “And it’s been wonderful having her. Just like having a sister of my own,” Corabeth declared.

  “Happy birthday, Miss Krause,” Arne, from the furniture shop, said. He handed Merrill a small jar. “My mother sent you some preserves.”

  “Why, how kind. Please thank her.” Merrill looked to Arne and then to his brother Lars. “I’m sure I’ll enjoy these.”<
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  The other workmen for Jorgenson Furniture were also in attendance. Most had brought their families, and Merrill was delighted to meet them all. In a rush of faces and names, Merrill received their blessings and gifts. Their kindness touched her in a way that moved her to unexpected tears.

  “Are you all right?” her brother Tobe asked.

  Merrill dabbed at her eyes. “Yes. I’m just happy.”

  Rurik and Uncle Carl joined them. “It’s time for more surprises,” Rurik simply said, looking to Merrill’s father.

  Her father nodded. “Yes, I suppose we should get on with it.”

  “What in the world are you two talking about?” Rurik grinned, making Merrill all the more suspicious. “You are clearly up to something.”

  Rurik motioned for her to turn around. “Now close your eyes.” He put his hands over her eyes to ensure she did as he directed. “Now walk forward.”

  “I’ll stumble,” she protested.

  “And I will catch you.”

  Merrill shook her head slightly, but stepped out in faith. “How far?”

  “Just a few more steps. Okay, boys, you can take down the covering.”

  Merrill felt Rurik tighten his hold over her eyes and lean closer. His warm breath on her ear gave Merrill a delightful shiver. “Are you ready?”

  “I hope so,” she said, barely able to speak.

  “All right, then, this is from your father and brothers.” He pulled his hands away.

  Merrill opened her eyes and stared in wonder at the piece of furniture before her. Her father stepped closer. “It’s a schrank. I promised your mother I’d have one made for you. I meant to have it done for your eighteenth birthday, but . . . well . . . time got away from me.”

  “It’s absolutely beautiful.” Merrill stepped closer to touch the polished wood.

  Her father added, “Rurik is the one who built it for you.”

  “But your father planned it all out. I just followed his directions.”

  “When did you ever have time to make this?” she asked in wonder. “I would have noticed you working on it.”

  He laughed. “I did it at night in my spare time. It was a pleasure knowing it would one day be yours.”

  “Now open it up,” Granny declared. “You’ll find some presents from Corabeth and me.”

  Merrill went to the double doors. The grand piece was taller than she was by several inches. Inside were drawers and compartments, hanging rods and shelves. On one of the shelves she found a folded quilt.

  “Oh, Granny, it’s beautiful!” She reached up to take the piece down. The delicate quilting stitches suggested the hours of work that had gone into it. “I’ll cherish it forever.”

  “There’s more,” Corabeth said, pointing to the drawers.

  “This is more than enough,” Merrill said as she replaced the quilt on the shelf. She began opening the first of three large drawers. Inside there were stacks of embroidered dish towels. The next drawer revealed pillowcases and towels, and the third drawer held a variety of doilies, tatted handkerchiefs, and a table runner.

  “You’ve done too much!” she exclaimed.

  “Nonsense,” Granny said, moving to stand beside her. “A girl doesn’t come of age every day. Besides, I know you haven’t done a lot to save up for having a home of your own. Been too busy keeping your father’s house. So Corabeth and I have been working on pieces for you for some time now. We’d make up one for Corabeth and one for you.”

  Merrill choked back a sob and hugged the old woman. “Thank you, Granny. Thank you so much.”

  “I think she likes it.” Zadoc chuckled.

  Merrill looked up to find him beside Corabeth. “I love it. It’s the best birthday I’ve ever had.”

  “Well, there’s more,” Rurik said, taking hold of her arm. “You see that finished dining room table and chairs?” He led Merrill to a beautiful set crafted from maple wood. “This is Uncle Carl’s gift to you.”

  Merrill shook her head. “I don’t know what to say. I . . . I . . . never expected any of this.”

  She ran her hand along the top of the table, imagining the gatherings she could have. There were eight perfectly crafted chairs, each with a lovely upholstered seat.

  “We all had a hand in making them,” Rurik told her. “The boys wanted to be a part of it as soon as Uncle Carl explained what he wanted.”

  Merrill turned and looked at the gathering of people. “You are all too wonderful. I’m so blessed.”

  She wiped away her tears, certain that the evening couldn’t possibly get any better. But when she looked back at Rurik, she found him on one knee beside her. In his hand he held out a ring.

  “Merrill Jean Krause, would you do me the great honor and pleasure of marrying me?”

  Her breath caught and words failed. Merrill had known in her heart that this day would come, but she’d not expected it like this. Rurik stood and put his arms around her. “I know we haven’t courted for long, but I feel as though I’ve known you forever. You’re the woman I’ve been waiting for all of my life. Please say you’ll marry me.”

  She lost herself for a moment in his gaze. This was everything she’d ever dreamed of. “Yes,” she whispered. “I will.” A cheer went up as Rurik slipped the ring on her finger, then lowered his head to kiss her. Before his lips touched hers, however, a voice called out.

  “You’d better be careful.”

  Merrill and Rurik parted to see Nils standing not far away, balanced on crutches and wearing a big smile. “The only time I tried that, Miss Krause punched me in the mouth. Hit me harder than most men.”

  Rurik looked at Merrill, then back at Nils. “I think I’ll . . . take my chances.” He gave her a tender kiss and looked back at Nils. “See, it’s all about one’s skill.”

  Everyone roared in laughter at this, and Merrill couldn’t help but laugh herself. Nils gave a slight bow. “I stand corrected.” Since he’d recovered enough to be on his feet, Nils had proven himself to be a changed man.

  “So when’s this wedding going to take place?” Granny asked. “We’ve got a dress to make.”

  Rurik looked to Merrill, his brow raised in question. Merrill had already determined the date. She wanted to be married on the same day and month that her parents had chosen years earlier. “May, like any proper German bride.”

  Rurik nodded, adding, “Or a proper Swedish bride.”

  Merrill’s brow rose in acknowledgment of this fact. “How very appropriate.”

  “And the date?” Rurik asked.

  “I’d like the thirty-first like my parents . . . if you approve.”

  “You heard the lady. It’s May thirty-first. You’re all invited.”

  “Thanks for inviting me to the party,” Nils told Rurik. “I wouldn’t have blamed you if you hadn’t.”

  “The past is behind us,” Rurik replied.

  Nils looked to Uncle Carl. “I know this isn’t the right time or place, but I want you to know that I intend to get a job and pay back everything I . . . I stole from you.”

  “You have a job, young man, and I expect you to be here bright and early on Monday morning to do it,” Carl said. “We’ll work out a payment plan for you to pay back what you owe, but we’re also going to discuss our newest contract and expansion.”

  “Expansion?” Nils looked at Rurik, who only smiled.

  “We just got word today that Sears & Roebuck wants to carry some of our furniture in their mail-order catalogue,” Carl said. “I told the boys this morning. It’s going to mean doubling the size of this building. We’re going to set the office up in the house here and build right across the yard. There will be a small covered walkway to join it to the house.”

  “That’s incredible news.” Nils shook his head. “And you . . . you’re willing . . . you’ll give me another chance?”

  Carl reached out and touched Nils’s arm. “Everyone deserves a second chance, son. Rurik told me about how you’re trying to overcome your desire to gamble. I figu
re you’re going to need our help to fight off those demons. You need to understand that your work will be watched closely. Rurik will be double-checking it for me.”

  “I do understand. I’m . . . grateful for the chance to prove myself. You won’t be sorry.” He looked to Rurik and added, “I promise.”

  Bogart Krause joined them and motioned toward Rurik’s friend. “Did you tell him the news?”

  “We did,” Rurik replied. “I think he’s just about as dumbfounded as we were.”

  “More so at knowing you would give me another chance,” Nils said. “The contract with Sears & Roebuck doesn’t surprise me at all. The furniture you make is incredible. I’ve always thought so.”

  Krause nodded, then put his hand on Carl’s back. “Carl, I promised Rurik I wouldn’t let you hang around here for too long. How about you let me drive you home in your new carriage and we have a game or two of checkers? The boys can bring Rurik back and pick me up when this party is over.”

  “The new carriage belongs to Rurik, but if he doesn’t mind, I think I’d like that,” Carl said. “Just be sure to have Merrill pack us some of that birthday cake to take with us. I heard Granny say she made her special red velvet cake for this occasion, and I’m quite a fan.”

  Bogart laughed. “I’ll get Merrill to take care of that right now. Rurik, if you’ll help your uncle, I’ll get the cake and be right out.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Krause.” Rurik glanced at Uncle Carl, who appeared quite tired. He wondered if it had been a mistake to let his uncle attend, but Carl had insisted. “Are you ready, then?”

  Carl motioned to the door. “My hat is over there.”

  Sometime later the party finally wound down, and Rurik and Merrill bid good evening to the guests as they departed for their homes.

  “We had such a good time,” one of the women told Merrill. “I can hardly wait for the wedding.”

  “Me either,” Rurik quipped.

  Merrill elbowed him in the ribs while the woman laughed.

  “Well, we’re going to get this mess cleaned up and head home,” Granny Lassiter told them. She looked at Merrill and shook her head. “That hair of yours, Merrill Jean. I tell you, I’ve never seen the likes.”