As Love Blooms (17 page)

Reese’s brows scrunched. What did he mean, a vested interest?

Mr. Nussbaumer clapped him on the shoulder. “Surely you realize I am considering you or Nels to be in charge of this new conservatory. That’s why I gave you each an area to develop. I’m watching you both to see who I believe would be the best fit and who can handle the great variety of demands.”

Reese’s face went lax. In charge of the new conservatory?

“Don’t look so surprised.” Mr. Nussbaumer squeezed his shoulder. “So now you’ll understand my next request. I’ve been invited to join some of the park board members and their families at a garden party. I’d like you to join me. It will be an excellent way for me to see how you interact with these men.”

“Certainly, Mr. Nussbaumer. When is it?”

“On Memorial Day—next Friday. I’ll get you the time and place later.”

Like the fluff of a dandelion, his hopes for the perfect day with Tessa blew away on the wind.

Mr. Nussbaumer hiked up his britches. “Now, what do you think about getting back to that garden of yours?”

“Yes, sir.” Reese gave him a firm nod. “I’ll make you proud, Mr. Nussbaumer.”

“
Gut
, but please God, Reese. Not me and not your father.”

That was easier said than done.

 15 

The spring breeze kissed Tessa’s cheeks. When she’d awakened, her headache was nearly gone. It had taken a while to persuade Aunt Sam that she was fit enough to visit the park. She’d chosen a pink walking dress so she wouldn’t look pale, and packed a picnic lunch. Aunt Sam didn’t need to know she’d added her sleeve protectors and an apron so she could assist with some of the planting.

Reese looked up as she approached. “What are you doing here? I thought you were sick.”

“I’m much better, thank you.”

He set his hand spade aside, pushed to his feet, and met her. He lifted her chin to look beneath her satin-trimmed hat. “Your eyes tell a different story.”

“I only have a little headache.” She held up the picnic case. “I brought lunch. After we eat, I’ll help you.”

He took the case from her and started toward the shade trees. “You’re not going to work in the dirt in that pretty dress.”

“Aunt Sam wanted me to stay home, but we compromised. I wore the dress to prove to her I wouldn’t work, but I brought my apron and sleeve protectors, so I’ll be fine.”

He set the case on the grass and took the blanket from her. “You’re not helping today. After we eat, you can rest here in the shade.”

She propped her hands on her hips. “And what am I supposed to do while I’m resting?”

“Watch me?” He took her hand and helped her settle on the blanket.

“You’re not that entertaining.”

“I’ll try to throw in a few tricks.”

“Cartwheels or somersaults?”

He chuckled. “I don’t think I can do either one.”

“It figures.”

“I can juggle some spades or something.”

“Never mind.” She grinned and unlatched the lid of the picnic case. Unlike a traditional basket, this hard-sided suitcase held plates, napkins, silverware, and even salt and pepper shakers, all attached to the lid with leather straps. The deeper bottom part of the case had a square metal box to hold food, a jar for canned goods, another jar for drinks, and a spot for four enameled cups.

She unbuckled the plates and gave him one before pouring milk into a cup for each of them. “I hope ham sandwiches are all right.”

“Fine with me.”

Tessa opened the glass jar containing canned peaches. “I can’t cook like Charlotte, but I did bring dessert.”

“Really? What is it?”

“Only the best thing ever made.” She lifted the lid on the metal box. Inside, next to the sandwiches she’d wrapped in waxed paper, lay a tin of Nabisco’s new Oreo biscuit.

“What are those?”

“You haven’t had an Oreo? Oh, this is going to be fun, but lunch first.” She plopped a sandwich in his hand, the paper scrunching.

After Reese said grace, he told her about a meeting he’d had that morning with Mr. Nussbaumer. Excitement swirled inside Tessa as she heard Mr. Nussbaumer’s plans for Reese. “I’m sure he’ll pick you, Reese. You’re the kind of man any superintendent
would want responsible for his prized possession. You’re smart and trustworthy and grounded and dependable.”

“You make me sound like someone’s faithful dog, Tessa.”

She playfully slapped his sleeve. “That is not what I meant and you know it. I simply meant you’re a man of integrity and your roots run deep. A salt-of-the-earth kind of fellow. Mr. Nussbaumer has got to see that too.”

“If I’m a salt-of-the-earth fellow, what are you?”

“A reach-for-the-stars kind of girl, of course.” She opened the tin of Oreos and held one out to Reese. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t need someone who keeps my feet on the ground.”

He met her eyes and reached for the biscuit. When his fingers touched hers, electricity fired through her hand and up her arm. Her gaze shot to his. He looked as unnerved as she felt.

Lifting the cookie to his mouth, he started to pop the biscuit in.

“Wait a minute!” Tessa grabbed his wrist to stop him. She then took an Oreo for herself. “You can’t just eat them. You need to twist them open first and dunk them in the milk.”

“I have to?”

“Well, yes. That’s the proper way to eat one, I’m sure of it.”

He chuckled. “Or is it the way you prefer?”

“That too.” She twisted her Oreo open, dunked one half in her milk, and then took a bite. She closed her eyes and savored the mingling of dark chocolate and creamy filling mixed with the cold milk. “Ah, perfection—but don’t tell Charlotte. It would hurt her feelings to be outdone by Nabisco. And now that I’ve demonstrated the proper way, it’s your turn to try them.”

Reese grinned. “First, I twist.” He copied her movement in an exaggerated manner. “Then, I dunk.” He took a bite. “Wow, Tessa, these are great. I have to admit the milk seals the deal.”

Laughing between cookies, they each devoured three or four, but when Tessa spotted an unfamiliar man approaching, she froze. “Reese, do you know that man?”

He turned and sighed. “Yes. That’s Nels Anderson, the other fellow Mr. Nussbaumer is considering for that position.”

“What’s he doing here?”

“Probably looking for a reason to get me in trouble. He’s that kind of fellow.”

“A snitch?”

“No, not necessarily. He just doesn’t mind stepping on someone to get what he wants.” Reese stood up. “Wait here.”

As soon as Reese walked away, Tessa scrambled to her feet and hurried to join him.

“Hello, Nels.” Reese crossed his arms over his chest. “What brings you to my garden area? Need some advice?”

“Thought I’d come see how your work was going, but I see you’re not actually working. Who’s your lady friend?” He nodded his head toward Tessa, who was standing behind Reese.

She stepped forward. “I’m Tessa Gregory, and Mr. King has been gracious enough to educate me about the plants in his garden.”

Nels sniffed. “I saw how he was educating you.”

Reese took a menacing step forward. “Why, I ought to—”

A smile bloomed on Tessa’s face, and she stepped between the two men. “Sir, I don’t believe I caught your name.”

“Nels Anderson.”

“Well, Mr. Anderson.” She linked her arm through Nels’s. “Why don’t you join me over here and I will demonstrate what Mr. King has so aptly taught me?” With a tug, she urged him toward the garden. “According to Mr. King, this is to be an Arts and Crafts garden. Because much of England’s climate can be so similar to Minnesota’s, he felt like the same plants would do well here. He said that he was inspired by the works of Gertrude Jekyll.” She swept her arm toward the plot. “This area will contain bergenia, better known as elephant ears, and here he intends to plant dicentra. In this spot, I believe he said he was planting African orange marigolds with pale anthemis behind them. Need I go on, Mr. Anderson?”

“No, miss. Apparently you learned your lessons well.”

Releasing his arm, she stepped away. “And is Mr. King not allowed a lunch? I offered to share mine in exchange for him taking the time to educate me. Isn’t educating the public part of your job as gardeners, Mr. King?”

He nodded. “It is.”

“Well then, I shall have to write Mr. Nussbaumer a letter commending you.” She pressed the back of her hand to her brow. “Now, if you men will excuse me, I feel a terrible headache coming on.”

Reese took her arm. “Are you all right, Miss Gregory?”

“Would you be so kind as to assist me to the shade?”

“I can help you, miss,” Nels offered.

Reese shot him a glare. “I’ve got her.” He led her away. “That was quite a show.”

“Did he buy it?”

“He’s probably scared not to.” He helped her settle on the blanket. “Now rest—for real. I mean it.”

She sighed and batted her eyelashes at him. “How can I rest when the scenery is so fine to look at?”

Cheeks flushed red, Reese walked away with his shoulders held a little stauncher and his walk showing a bit more pride.

Tessa leaned against the tree. Yes, she’d enjoy this scenery a great deal.

Tessa walked over to the garden and bit into an apple. The loud crunch broke the silence. “As much as I’ve enjoyed watching you work, I’m bored. Either you let me work or I’m leaving.”

Reese dipped his hands in a bucket of water and scrubbed them clean. He straightened and turned toward Tessa standing beside the empty wheelbarrow with her hands on her hips. He chuckled and pulled out his watch. “It’s time to call it a day. What do you say to a nice, leisurely stroll by the lake?”

“I suppose that will have to do.”

“I’ll throw in a ghost story.”

She tossed him an apple. “Well, Mr. King, you’re full of surprises.”

Reese flung his jacket over his shoulder, and they headed toward Lake Como. He’d suggested they leave the picnic suitcase by the wheelbarrow and he’d retrieve it later.

The breeze off the lake contrasted with the late afternoon sun, bringing uncharacteristically warm spring temperatures. Gray clouds had begun to thicken on the horizon, but so far nary a drop had fallen.

Only a few park visitors seemed to be enjoying a quick reprieve after work. One family had spread a picnic, and some other patrons sat on the benches along the veranda. Hopefully, any rain would hold off and not drench the visitors.

“Hungry?” Reese slipped his jacket on and nodded toward the concession stands in the pavilion.

“I could be.” She flashed him an impish grin, but he didn’t respond. Was he completely unaffected by her?

Quit teasing him. He
isn’t interested in you that way.

The concession stand owner recognized Reese and presented him with two mustard-topped frankfurters wrapped in fresh, soft buns and an opened Coke for each of them. Reese paid the man and tucked the two Cokes into the crook of his arm and then picked up the frankfurters.

Raindrops began to speckle the sidewalk. Patrons scattered like mice to their automobiles or to the streetcar station, but Tessa shrugged and glanced up at Reese. “I love the rain.”

He chuckled. “Of course you do, but why don’t we wait this shower out in the bandstand?”

Wide and open, the octagonal bandstand stretched from the shore. Tessa spun inside, her shoes clicking against the oak floorboards. “This place is amazing.” She glanced at the rafters of the
pergola and sang a few lines of “Amazing Grace.” “Listen to how the sound bounces off the roof and water. No wonder the concerts are so grand.” She hurried to the railing, leaned as far over as she could, and studied the lake below. “It’s almost like being on a ship.”