Ella almost ran into The Griddle. Sara was finishing up an order in the back, so Ella signaled to come up to the front. “Hurry,” she mouthed, looking behind her out the window.

It took what seemed like an inordinate amount of time, but Sara finally finished and came up to give her hugs. “It’s been over a week. How are you holding up?” Sara winked at her as she made for the kitchen. “I’ll be right back. Let me put these few dishes in the sink.” Sara pushed through the half-doors and they swished back and forth in her wake.

Not sure what to make of the wink, Ella was taken back. What in the world was Sara communicating? Oh, never mind. She was worried Jackson would come back before she got to talk. “Just hurry!”

Ella saw him come down the steps to his headquarters on his way to The Griddle. “Damn!”

When Sara looked up sharply from the kitchen doors, Ella realized she had cursed out loud. She always tried to keep those words to her thoughts—ladies didn’t curse, her mother would have said. Heat flamed up her neck.

“Sorry, Sara, but hurry.”

“What is so important that you have to defame yourself with such words?”

“Come on, Sara. It’s me. We both think those words. Stop trying to make me feel bad. It’s not like I cursed in your daddy’s church.”

She looked back out the window. Relief was evident when she saw Colonel Ross stopped by some young officers to talk about something. “Sara, look! They’re back.” She waved her friend over to her side.

Sara walked over, and Ella immediately turned back to watch out the window. “He’s home!” she whispered loudly, the excitement nearly ripped the words from her mouth.

“He…who?”

“Sara…don’t…oh!” With her mouth open in an O, Ella’s voice lowered her whisper, “Nolan.”

“Nolan? My Nolan?” Sara’s voice was barely audible. She scrambled to get a better view.

“Yes, but he is leaving in two days. If you want to see him, you will need to—” she paused and checked to see if Jackson was still detained. “Come out to the house. I’ve thought of your excuse.” Ella leaned in, her heart beating fast. She was nervous.

“But what can my reason be to go there? You bring me supplies. And I have my restaurant.”

“Tomorrow is Sunday. You're closed. It’s been a long time, and you are coming out to help me get started on canning. Besides, you need to leave this building now and then. You work downstairs all day and you live upstairs.” Proud that she had thought of what she felt was the perfect reason, Ella beamed.

“But what will we can? You bring me all of your extra food to sell.”

“Oh!” Ella felt deflated. Sara was correct. There was nothing they could can. A conversation outside the restaurant drew her attention. “Tarnation! He’s already back.”

The door jangled open and in walked Colonel Jackson Ross. He looked at Ella and then at Sara. “Did I interrupt something?”

“Why no, Colonel, suh.” Sara chortled. “We were having a little girl talk is all. Ella, I’ll be back in a moment.” Hesitating, she turned and gestured to her friend. “Would you mind helping me, dear?”

Ella nodded. She pushed her baskets away from the edge of the counter and started after her.

Sara stopped and turned around. “Oh, bring the eggs, Ella. We can put those away and I can pay you from my office.”

“Sure, glad to.” Ella tittered, “We should be right back.”

The doors swished behind her. Ella looked around at the very pristine kitchen. Even the dirty dishes Sara had brought back only minutes earlier already soaked in a sudsy sink. How does she manage this? It’s incredible.

An arm reached out and pulled her towards the pantry. Without a word, Ella complied. “Shhhh!” Sara reminded. She held her finger in front of her lips, and then, pointed back towards the dining room.

“So,” began Ella, “I need to let you know. Nolan was very sick when he came home. Ol’ Indie has been at the house trying to get him well. I’ve been afraid to leave the house. Today, when I tried to leave, he came with me!” She nodded towards the swinging doors. “I cannot get rid of him.”

“It must be very stressful. Help me think of an excuse to my being out there, and so soon after this visit. I know! I will bring a birthday cake out there for Aiden. His birthday is this week, right?” She winked and smiled triumphantly, slapping her hands against the pleats of her skirt.

“That is a marvelous idea! I like it. And Aiden doesn’t keep up with what month this is. He won’t know we are celebrating early.”

“It’s settled, then. I’ll be out there with a—”

Before she finished her sentence, the doorbell jangled, and Jackson pushed his head through the swinging doors. “You have a customer, Sara.” Seeing no one, and hearing no reply, he stepped into the kitchen area. “Ella?”

“Ella, please take this for Aiden.” Sara spoke loudly, nodding towards the footsteps. “I will bake his cake and bring it to you. I may stop by tomorrow while I deliver a couple of meals to some of the shut-ins.”

“He will love that. Your cakes are the best. Thank you, Auntie Sara. Remember…six candles.” Ella smiled. Picking up a cake pan, she gave Sara a quick kiss. “Perfect!”

“Ladies?” Jackson smiled at both. “Sorry to intrude, but you have a customer, Sara. I didn’t think you heard me, and I thought you might want to know.” He smiled and tipped his hat.

“See you tomorrow, if it works out.” Sara winked at Ella. “And I may help you with that dress a little.” She turned and gave her biggest smile to the Colonel.

“Oh yes…you know I am terrible with the needle…but I’m trying.” Ella felt her head, making sure she tied her bonnet. They were ready to go.

“Colonel, perhaps I will see you again soon. Aiden’s birthday is in a few days, but I may bring his cake to him tomorrow.”

“Oh…I almost forgot.” Jackson grinned. “Marshall asked me to bring back some of your delicious cinnamon rolls, Miss Sara. Would you have any baked today?”

“Oh my! Yes! Please bring the lieutenant colonel these.” She picked up a small tin of cinnamon rolls, wrapped them in a towel, and handed them to Jackson.

* * *

Miss Sara, I would prefer that you had an escort to Silver Moon. There are quite a few miles to cover, and the roads are isolated and lonely. Not to alarm you, but we believe we have men—we suspect former slaves from a nearby plantation—that have attacked people. They are still running loose, and that could pose a danger to you. We are trying to track them now.”

Jackson watched her, familiar with Ella’s adverse reaction to anyone helping her.

“Of course. Would there be someone who could leave about noon? We close tomorrow, and I have some shut-ins to visit in the morning.”

“Yes. Let me head back to my headquarters and plan. I will return in ten minutes.”

* * *

Ella and Sara looked at each other as the door shut behind him. Sara’s face showed alarm. “Now what? How will I see Nolan if I’m surrounded by his men?”

“Ah! You now understand my dilemma,” Ella smirked. “Well, just leave that to me. I will take care of the colonel’s man.”

The next few minutes passed quickly. The bell to the restaurant rang, announcing that their time for plotting was over.

* * *

Jackson entered and approached the two conspirators at the counter.

“All set. Sergeant Johnson will drive you. He will be here with a wagon at eleven-fifty tomorrow morning.”

“Thank you, Colonel. You are most thoughtful, suh.”

They are guarded, he thought. About what, he hadn’t a clue, but he was sure it wasn’t about their kiss. He knew Ella well enough to know that she kept things to herself until she was ready to share. He hoped when she shared anything about their kisses, it would be with him. Maybe there could be another…moment.

Jackson smiled and tipped his head. “I think we should get back on the road, don’t you, Miss Whitford? It’s getting a little late, and I think it would be a good idea to travel the road in the daylight.”

“That’s probably a good idea. I hadn’t noticed the time.” She gave Sara a quick hug. “Everyone will be so happy to see you.”

“You be careful around Jason,” Sara said, speaking low into her ear.

Ella nodded and clutched her basket.

Leaving the restaurant, Jackson looked up at the sky. “We should hurry. It’ll be dark soon. It’s one thing to drive back myself at dusk, but I don’t want to have you on the road.”

* * *

Ella felt irritation at his remarks, but she noted it was much less than she usually felt. Perhaps he was getting to her. She looked up at him and couldn’t help the smile.

Taking her hand, Jackson helped her into her buggy, and then hoisted himself up beside her. As he touched her hand, a familiar but nagging surge of heat coiled in her stomach. She studied Jackson, the warmth of their touch still on her mind. He was concentrating on the drive, but she was concentrating on him.

Ella tried to hide her smile, but when she couldn’t, she looked down at her lap, still thinking. It’s hard to dislike him—he’s such a gentleman, and so kind and thoughtful. And his gorgeous eyes don’t hurt. She had to concede that he looked better than what she was used to around here. There had been little to look at since the war started.

“So, did you have a good visit?” Jackson smiled in her direction.

“Yes, I did. Thank you kindly for escorting me.”

“Do you mind if I ask you a question?”

Guarded, she nodded. Ella noticed his face had turned serious.

“I overheard Miss Sara’s comment about your overseer, Jason, and I can’t help but wonder why she was cautioning you.

Ella was peaked. How dare he listen in on her private conversation? He goes too far! Her face heated with anger. Balling her fist into her skirt, she started to convey her anger, but stopped. What was wrong with her? He was in the room and Sara had not whispered. Of course, he could hear it. Maybe she should tell him.

“He frightens me.” She responded and went silent, trying to decide how much she should say.

He slowed the wagon down and faced her. “It’s important. I have reason for asking.”

“He follows me with his eyes whenever we are close. And when we are on the wagon or go to town, he gets too close and…well, he slides real close on the seat. And there is this smirk he always wears lately. Our interactions are…disturbing.” She felt relieved sharing this fear of Jason with Jackson.

“Has he ever touched you?”

Ella thought about that. “Yes. I find it very inappropriate he tries to sit so close that his leg touches mine. He slowly slides towards me, thinking I won’t notice. May I ask why you ask?”

“Well, I noticed him staring at you this week, so I approached him and pretended I needed information about some of your folks still working your land. Instead of answering me, he told me I was paying too much attention to you and said your brother asked him to protect you.”

She shuddered. “I don’t know what to say, except that cannot be true. Nolan would have told me.” The concern etched on Jackson’s face was palpable. She trusted him. “I try to avoid him.”

“Thank you for sharing this with me. The behavior I witnessed seemed odd—almost possessive, but I did not think it dangerous. However, it bears watching. Would you let me know if you notice anything else?”

“Thank you, I will.” She smiled, feeling a sense of relief for having shared her fears with him. He didn’t dismiss her anxiety but listened and offered support. This just added to the feelings that Jackson stirred in her.

Colonel Jackson Ross muddled her thoughts when he was around, yet she was most comfortable when he was near. That sudden realization alarmed her. His presence was making her life very interesting, but maybe not all in a bad way.