A Headstrong Woman(83)
Alexandria looked longingly at the small warm bundle but bit back her request to hold the infant; instead she forced her attention to Jonathon and Lilly beside her.
“Jonathon, you have spoiled her rotten,” Alexandria accused him.
“That’s because she stole my heart,” he smiled.
“The girls at church will be shattered,” Alexandria sighed dramatically.
“You think that would work, if I told them my heart had been stolen but didn’t tell them who?” Jonathon asked hopefully.
Rose smiled at the trio knowingly and moved on.
“No, they’ll have to see a wife on your arm before they’ll give up,” she predicted.
“But would it buy me some time?”
“I doubt it. Give it up, Jonathon, you have admirers, wanted or not.
“So do you.”
“Please, I’d rather not discuss it.”
“Hey where did your friend go?” he asked looking around for her.
“I don’t know,” Alexandria frowned as she scanned those around them.
Chapter Sixteen
“I have had a wonderful time today,” Alexandria told her parents as her father helped her lower herself to the ground and onto their blanket.
“The evening isn’t over yet; go dance,” her mother urged.
“I think I’ve pushed the bounds of polite society enough for one day,” she argued.
“Nonsense, besides you owe him a dance,” her mother nodded to Jonathon as he approached.
Alexandria watched his long legs eat up the distance between them; her heart accelerated at the idea of dancing with him.
“May I have this dance?” Jonathon asked her.
“I can’t, Jonathon.”
“Can’t what?”
“Dance.”
“You can’t dance?” his brow rose inquisitively, while his tone became incredulous.
“Of course I can dance but…,” she replied in irritation at being misunderstood; then blew out an exasperated breath when he smiled.
“Great, so let’s dance,” he tugged her to her feet.
Alexandria was laughing; she knew he had claimed the upper hand. “Mom, Dad, I’m going to dance,” her tone was one of amusement.
Jonathon led her onto the makeshift dance floor and pulled her close.
“I’ve enjoyed today.”
She smiled, “Me too. You dance quite nicely.”
“You don’t have to be so surprised,” he teased.
“You’re a surprising man, Jonathon. I’ve never met anyone like you.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“I figured you would, and honestly it was meant as one.”
“Alexandria, are you angry with me over last night?” his eyes searched hers.
“No. I was a little uncomfortable this morning but I decided not to let it affect our friendship,” she assured him.
“Thank you. Emily would have liked you,” he told her and watched her smile a small perplexed smile.
“How’s that?”
“Emily wanted to be a strong person but she wasn’t; she admired strong people, especially women.”
“She sounds like a fascinating person.”
“She was,” he admitted.
“Do you still miss her?”
“I do, don’t misunderstand me, but I’m moving on, it’s not as hard as it used to be when I think of her: just some fond memories and bittersweet nostalgia.”
“That’s good. Maybe one of the women at church will steal your heart yet,” she teased.
Jonathon smiled; he suspected that Alexandria might have already done so. “It’s doubtful but not impossible I suppose,” he answered as the song ended. “I guess I have to give you up now huh?” he asked her.
She smiled and nodded. Jonathon handed her off to Tristan who was waiting at their elbow.
“Good evening, Mr. Price.”
“Good evening, Mrs. Morris how are you?”
“I’m well, thank you, and you?”
“I would be better if I’d had the pleasure of sharing your meal with you. How selfish of your foreman to not share when he gets you all week,” Tristan said lightly.
Alexandria smiled. “Jonathon and I are good friends.”