Author's Note: Heartland, Wisconsin is a real place – it was settled by the Danish in 1846. Some of you might recognize Kirsten Larson – yes, her character's name is from the American Girl doll. However, my Kirsten is Danish, not Swedish, and is twenty, rather than ten. I do not own the character, and no patent infringement is intended.
FYI – I had salted rye bread at the 'Montgomery Inn', on a recent trip to Cincinnati, OH. I was told that it was baked by a local bakery; it was a delicious taste. The restaurant is also one of the best BBQ places in America, so if you are ever in Cincinnati, I highly recommend it!
Kirsten Larson surveyed the room, making sure everything was done for the day. The lunch rush was over with, and she really wanted to sit down more than anything else. The café had been opened for almost two weeks, and business was thriving. Even more, her parents were happier than they'd been in a long time. Everyone it seemed, but her was happy.
The Wisconsin winters, and hard work on the dairy farm had started to affect mother's health badly. Her father wasn't getting younger either, and was ready to be done with milking cows at 5:00am. His son, Kirsten's older brother had recently married. Lars and Britta were young, strong, and ambitious; more than ready to take over the farm.
Her parents had come over from Denmark almost thirty years ago, to the small community of Heartland, in Wisconsin. They were among the original settlers, leading an ever growing number who came to the Midwest. Kirsten had loved the farm, with the cows and the crops; the satisfaction of seeing your hard work flourish was like nothing else.
Inger Larson, Kirsten's mother had, as she'd gotten older, suffered escalating bouts of pneumonia every winter, and almost died last winter. Her father had made the decision to turn the farm over to his son, and take his wife, and younger children, to California. Olav was well known for his bread, while Inger had always been a good cook. Before she could even take it all in, Kirsten, along with her parents and siblings were in Stockton, running a café.
She had wanted to stay on the farm, but her mother had explained that a newly married couple wouldn't want a younger sister underfoot. Kirsten wished she was a young married woman, who would be able to stay in the only place she'd ever lived. Those were the thoughts in her mind when she heard the door open.
Kirsten brought herself back to the present, as she watched her father go over to greet a young couple who had just come into the café. The young woman was visibly enceintes, but very beautiful with glowing red hair and creamy skin. Her dress was sunshine yellow, sprigged with white and coral colored flowers, offset by frothy lace. Her hat was small, coral colored with flowers of the same hue decorating it.
The outfit was elaborate, but very becoming to the lady, who Kirsten noticed had an English accent. Her companion was dressed in what she'd come to know were ranching clothes. The young man was medium in height, and sturdily built, with brown hair and blue eyes. She noticed that he was keeping a close eye on his companion, who she took to be his wife.
"I'm sorry Ma'm, Sir but we're closed now." Her father, tall and spare with graying hair was saying, after the woman had inquired about something to eat. Kirsten knew that they had already shut down the ovens for the day.
"Emily, I'm sorry we were late! It's my fault, and I apologize for it. Do you want to go over to the hotel to eat?" JR felt bad, realizing that it was his anger at Clarissa that had caused them to linger on the front porch. He was sure that she was hungry, not to mention tired from the walk over.
Kirsten thought it very sweet how contrite the man was with his wife, and also how concerned he was about her. She wondered what it would be like to have a loving husband fuss over you like that. Sighing with longing, she came back to the business at hand. The couple was well to do, in spite of the man's work clothes. Kirsten could tell that from the ladies' ensemble, if nothing else and she didn't want them to leave the café hungry, and tell all their rich friends about it.
"What my Papa means is that we've closed the kitchen for the day, but we do have fresh bread, butter, and lingonberry preserves." Kirsten walked over to the couple, as she made her offer, while giving her father a glare. Thinking about the enceintes ladies she'd known back home, she added "Ma'm, why don't you sit and I'll bring you some cool lemonade if you would like." She was sure the woman's back was sore, and her feet probably swollen.
"Sir, would you like some lemonade also?" Kirsten turned to JR, and noticed how kind his blue eyes were. He had even features and a nice smile too. She also noticed the circles under them, and wondered if he'd been worrying about his wife. Why were all the good men already taken, she thought to herself.
"Thank you that would be wonderful! As would the bread and jam." The woman replied in the lilting English accent. Her next words sent Kirsten's heart soaring though. "I think my brother-in-law would probably prefer coffee. Oh, please call me Emily; I'm Emily Morton and this JR Morton."
Emily saw a light come into the pretty young woman's eyes, as she heard the words 'brother-in-law'. That caused her to discretely examine the lady standing opposite her. However, she wasn't the only one studying the young lady.
JR had, in between worrying about Emily, and kicking himself for being, yet again, an ass, did take a second look at the young lady. Her dress was crisp blue cotton, with red flowers printed on it; a white apron with ruffle trim covered the front of the dress. She had pale blonde hair that was done up in braids, with red ribbons. He noticed that she was petite, fine boned, with an oval face that showed off large, pale blue eyes. Her skin was almost milk white, with no blemishes, and soft features including very red lips.
The young lady reminded him of a doll that he'd seen at the general store, he thought to himself. JR then corrected that thought, because so far she had been more help to Emily than he'd been. He noticed how concerned, but calm she was, as she escorted his sister-in-law to a table. It came to him that not only was she the prettiest girl he'd seen in a long time, she was also a kind, caring person.
He was sure that she'd been waiting tables since breakfast, and had probably been looking forward to getting home. JR was impressed that the young woman was putting that aside to do something nice for them; he felt very contrite.
"Look, I don't need coffee – we don't want to be any more trouble to you. Thank you though for what you are doing, Miss?" JR announced, holding his hat in his hand. He could only imagine what she thought of him, and he realized he didn't even know her name.
"Mr. Morton, it is not a problem to do coffee. I drink it all day long, so we always have a pot on." Olav Larson had left the room, but was back carrying a tray. He had been in town long enough to recognize the last name, and was glad that his daughter had saved him from turning away such important people. "You are obviously a man after my own heart!" He told JR, before he introduced himself and his daughter.
"As Kirsten said, we have fresh bread with butter and lingonberry preserves for your enjoyment. I also though brought out a specialty of mine, a salted rye bread that is strongly flavored." Olav, after getting JR coffee, put the plates on the table, while Kirsten poured some lemonade for Emily. He added with laughter "I personally don't recommend the lingonberries with it, but to each his own!"
"The coffee is great – just what I needed." JR announced, drinking more of the wonderful brew. He gave Olav a smile, glad that the man understood what coffee should taste like. The bread was also delicious, and he told the man so, as Emily agreed with him. JR decided that not only did he want to get to know Kirsten better, but her father would also be interesting to talk to.
"Kirsten, do you have time to sit with us and visit?" Emily asked, having noticed JR looking at the pretty girl. Deciding to help him out, "I would enjoy the company, and the chance to talk to someone new." She was pleased when JR stood up right away and held out a chair for the girl.
Kirsten was slightly startled by the request, but then she saw her father imperceptibly nod his head, before he left the room. She was pleased with JR's manners, and she remembered her thought about how concerned he'd been with his sister-in-law.
"If you don't mind, Emily." Kirsten sat down, turning slightly to give JR a smile of thanks. She didn't know it, but his heart melted at the sight of the smile. He knew that, yet again, he was falling hard for a pretty face, but he couldn't help himself. The next several minutes were spent getting acquainted, while eating the delicious bread.
"Do you like Stockton, Kirsten?" Emily asked, thinking about some of the girl's other responses, and wasn't surprised at the answer she received.
"Please don't take it the wrong way – Stockton is pretty, but I miss our farm and living in the country. I'm really not fond of cities; they seem so small and crowded." Kirsten felt the need to be honest, with Emily, sensing she would understand what she was saying. She was surprised though that it was JR who replied first.
"What kind of farm did you have? I know what you are saying, about living in a city. I couldn't imagine living anywhere else but my ranch." He offered, and for the next ten minutes Kirsten told him about the dairy farm, while he told her about the ranch. Emily stifled her giggles, as the pair bonded over cows, and could hardly wait to tell Zack about it tonight. She also saw that both Kirsten and JR loved the outdoors, and decided to help things along.
"JR, you should take Kirsten out riding and show her some of the countryside." Emily announced, as they were saying their goodbyes. She had not wanted to overstay their welcome, and said thank you for the snack they'd been offered. It pleased her to see both JR and Kirsten look happy with her suggestion. Before they left, the couple had arranged to meet in three days, for the riding excursion. Emily was careful on the drive home to stay quiet on Kirsten's charms; she knew that men didn't like to feel forced into a relationship. JR, for his part, was happier than he'd been, while hoping he wasn't making another mistake.
Three days later JR presented himself at Kirsten's house, which turned out to be the back and upstairs of the café. The porch was small but tidy and neatly painted, while the tiny garden had been planted with flowers. He tied his horse, and the one he'd rented from the livery stable to the rail, before he mounted the steps to knock on the door.
He was feeling better than he had in a long time, and it showed in his face and step. JR had spent the last three days working hard, not drinking, and getting plenty of sleep at night. The change in him had been noticed both by his family and the workers too. He was back to the cheerful, jovial man they were used to, and everyone speculated on what was going on. Emily, and because of her Zack, knew why but they didn't say anything to anyone else, even Rufus. Zack had observed to Emily that he hoped his brother wouldn't muck it up by being an asshole, a sentiment she echoed.
Knocking on the door now, he took his hat off, as Kirsten answered the door. JR gave her a big smile, which then turned to a look of puzzlement. She wasn't dressed to go riding; rather she had on a simple skirt and blouse. He noticed her pale blonde hair, which he had been thinking about seeing down, was simply pulled back.
"Hello Kirsten, how are you?" JR stammered, trying to figure out what to say, before he blurted out the obvious. "I thought we were going to go riding." He was sure that he had the date right, and she had seemed very excited when they'd set it up.
"JR, I should have sent you a note, but then I thought it would be impolite not to talk to you in person." Kirsten stepped out on the porch as she delivered her statement, in a cool voice. She looked up at him, and remembered all the thoughts she'd had about him the first time they met. It still amazed her that she had been so wrong.
"What's going on Kirsten? I was looking forward to taking you out riding!" JR was starting to feel annoyed that she was playing this game with him.
"JR, we have lots of female customers at the café, and I've heard all about your behavior. I'm sorry, but you are not a gentleman I wish to associate with." Kirsten worked to keep her voice steady, to hide how awful she was feeling.
She had spent the first day so excited about both going riding and spending time with JR. However, the second day she'd happened to overhear several young ladies talking about 'JR Morton' and who he had misled this time. There had followed stories of what he'd done to each of them; Kirsten did her best to hear everything that was being said. The ladies didn't understand why their waitress was given them such good service, being too absorbed in talking.
Kirsten tried to put it out of her mind, as petty female gossip, but the next day a party of older women was in to eat. While serving them she heard how JR had chased the daughter of one of them, Clarissa, and then dropped her like a hot potato. By the end of the day Kirsten wanted to cry, and had spent sleepless night thinking about JR. In the morning though, the decision was clear – she would have to put JR out of her mind.
"I don't understand!" JR replied, even as a sinking feeling was coming over him. Her comment about the female customers at the café had sent off warning bells in his mind; her next words confirmed his fears.
"If I had known about your behavior, I would never have accepted you offer of riding." Kirsten had seen the acknowledgement in his eyes, in spite of his denials, which made her madder. She wasn't going to be sweet talked into going out with him, no matter who is family was, or how much money his father had.
JR noticed the set to her chin, and a bible phrase about reaping what you've sowed came to mind. He saw that his pride, ego, and anger had brought him to where he was now. It was those feelings that had made him act like he did towards the girls at the parties. He'd been so impressed with all the attention he received, because of his name that he hadn't thought about anyone else but him.
Not only had he been an asshole, he'd been selfish too, in how he'd acted to the girls and his family. It served him right, he thought, that when he'd finally met a girl who seemed to share his interests, she wouldn't have anything to do with him. JR thought about Emily's comment, about Jesus liking a repentant heart, and he realized that if he wanted Kirsten he would have to be honest about what he'd done.
"Look Kirsten, I'm not going to lie to you! Quite frankly, I like you too much to do that to you." He paused, and took a deep breath. "Would you listen to my side, before you decide to judge me? That is all I ask?" JR didn't think he'd ever been so afraid in his whole life, and one part of his brain was amazed at what she'd done to him. He felt like she held his future in her hands, and he wanted those hands in his.
She let him lead her over to a small bench on the porch, trying not to like how his warm hand felt holding hers. JR's hands were strong, and used to work, she could tell, which was a contrast to the image she had, of the champagne drinking party boy. Kirsten looked him in the eye and saw fear there, which surprised her; it was not an emotion she would have associated with him.
"Those girls, and yes there were lots of them – I'm sorry to say now." JR paused, as he recollected the last seven months of his life. "They were all impressed with the Morton name, position, and money – but none of them ever really cared about what was important to me. I took advantage of that, because it was easy to do. No, that doesn't excuse my behavior, but at the end of the day, I was a man with women throwing themselves at him."
Kirsten tilted her head, as she listened to his confession, and was surprised that she could understand what she was saying. Her older brother Lars, once the news got around that their father would give him the farm, had found himself very popular with the single girls. Britta, now her sister-in-law, but at the time just the girl her brother was courting, had gotten very upset with his behavior, and they had quarreled. She had not understood her brother's behavior, or those of the other women, only wanting some man just because of what he possessed, but knew that she was in the minatory among women.
"I never talked to any of them like I talked to you, the other day at the café. Kirsten, it seemed that you understood my feelings about animals and land – that was a new experience for me. None of those other women cared enough to ask me the kind of things that you did!" JR sighed, as he took her other hand, and clasped them both in his.
"To say that I've been an asshole is putting it mildly – oh, just so you know, I'm rather good at that!" JR observed, and then caught himself. "Ok, so I curse, drink, smoke, and play cards, just to put it out there. I also love my family and land very much, go to church every Sunday. I'm not a saint, but I am a good person who would do anything for someone who was important to me; like you are!"
His hands clasping hers were playing havoc with her brain – without meaning to the thought of them on her body came to mind, shocking her enough to flush slightly. JR's confessions didn't really surprise her, after what she'd heard, knowing her father, brother, and cousins. Kirsten liked the fact that he was man enough to acknowledge the person that he was. Honesty was very important to her, and she was flattered that he cared enough about her to tell her the truth. JR's next words though, took her by surprise.
"You don't need to give me a decision now, Kirsten! I want you to think about what I've told you, and we can talk next week." JR released her hands and stood up, leaving her sitting there looking startled and flushed. The pink of her cheeks offset her white skin, blue eyes, and blonde hair prettily, making him want to see her in a pink dress with white lace and ribbons. Or, he corrected privately, pink and white underwear, before he shut the thought down.
"Good day." JR bowed, and putting his hat on his head, did the hardest thing he'd ever done in his life, walked away from her. Kirsten had looked so pretty sitting there, and before today he would have taking her in his arms and tried to force his attention on her. He knew now though that was not what either of them wanted.
Kirsten watched him leave, without saying a word, still trying to sort out the thoughts in her mind, and the feelings in her body. There was a part of her that wanted to go after him, to stop him from walking away. Her mind though was clearing enough to realize that doing that would be a big mistake; JR was right, she needed to think about what she'd heard.