A Friendships Love - Settler series book 1 (Wattpad version, first draft)

I'm Sorry

I'm Sorry

“Ashley your bread is good today, it is light, and the crust is a good colour.” I said, turning the freshly baked loaf over in my hands. For the last few days, Ashley had woken early to make Pa and the boy’s breakfast. I loved my Pa; he never once complained about the near raw eggs, one morning and the burnt ones the next.  Oh and the ever ready burnt bread for the mid-day meals. Nash ate what he was served, but offered no praise or encouragement, even when her roast lamb leg was done quite nicely. She actually forgot about it, but lucky for her, she forgot to add more wood to the stove fire, so it slowly cooked in a low oven, which combined, made a tender roast. Nash was being strange. It could only clearly be for one of two reasons, and that was because he either liked having Ashley here, and he was nervous, or he didn’t like her, and he was trying to turn her away. I felt sad for Ashley.

“Thanks Payton. It’s all coming back to me now. I think we might have sliced lamb with the bread today. I churned the butter just as you said. And then maybe you could show me how to make something for supper. Something basic but tasty, I want to be able to remember how to do these things when you’re not around.” Ashley said heading into the pantry for some flour.

“What are you doing now?” I asked, watching her go through the spices I had.

“Judith showed me how to make a spice cake that I can mix diced apples through or, any fruit really.” She replied.

“Cake?”

I turned to see Nash followed by Charlie come through the back door. I was so fascinated watching Ashley work her way around the kitchen I didn’t hear them come up the back stairs. It was Nash who asked. I thought that it was terribly cleaver of Ashley to want to learn how to make cake. I looked at Ashley and saw her snap herself up. She did well to hide her surprise. She smiled sweetly and gently tucked some hair behind her ear.

“Yes I thought I would make a spice cake.” Now she looked unsure of herself. I felt terrible for her, she was trying so hard.

“That sounds good Ashley I for one can’t wait.” Charlie offered with a friendly smile at Ashley. Charlie had kept his kisses to himself since my cry to him on his horse. I missed them. He looked to me and winked. He wasn’t as stupid as Nash he knew what was going on. “Do you need fresh apples, they're falling off the trees and they need using.”

I looked to Ashley “Ash do you want fresh apples?”

“Apples would be nice I think.” Ashley said. “If, you all like I can make it with berries another time.” She said hesitantly. I wasn’t sure why she was being so uncertain, she didn’t need to, it was out of character. Maybe it was because the boys were right here in the kitchen.

“I’ll go get some for you Ash.” Nash said, pulling a basket from off its hook over the island. I looked at Charlie, I gave him as sly look that I hope he could read as, can you go with him’. He nodded his understanding and followed Nash out the door.

Ashley let out a loud breath “I’m so glad they left Payt. I’ve practiced this cake a few times, and it’s the only thing I know I can cook. But if those two men are watching I know I’ll leave out the eggs or something.” She looked so terrified at the thought.

“Ashley do you want some help?” I asked.

“No Payt you go sew or something, I’ll be alright.”

“Ok but I’m right in there if you need me.” I said, and pointed to the sitting room.

I could smell the cake; its perfume crept through the small house. Charlie was the one who bought back in the apples, and went back out to do whatever they were doing today. But it was near meal time, and heard voices approach the front door.