Thomas

Thomas was a complete idiot and he knew it. He was an absolute moron. "How can a person be so daft," he mumbled to himself. There was probably not a stupider man in all North America. He knew it when he said what he did to Sophie that he was out of line, but it didn't stop him from saying it. And the worst part was, he meant what he said. She was a ridiculous English woman, and he hated ridiculous English women. But she had also been so lovely today. She wasn't a typical Brit. She was spectacular and she was trying. He should not have been so cruel.

He shook his head in frustration. He had finished the Montgomery farm by himself and was on his way back to town still in the same sour mood. He kept seeing her hurt face in his mind when he had verbally struck her. He was such an ass. And the look Phil and Kathryn gave him, like he was some kind of monster. It was maddening. But he supposed he himself would look at any man that sent a woman running crying through the fields, the same way Phil looked at him.

He drove Maddox through the city gates and to the stables, unhooked him and brushed him down.

People in town were always friendly to him. They would nod companionably and greet him but no one went out of their way to be his friend. No one other than Jeremiah, and now Sophie. He shook his head again. Another reminder of what a total prick he was. He didn't think anyone disliked him but no one really liked him either. Sophie appeared to like him and that was truly unbelievable.

As he walked back to his shop, which was also his home, he caught a glimpse of her walking into town, clad in her striking black dress, both Phil and Kathryn at her side. She didn't notice him, though he stopped in his tracks to stair at her. She wasn't in town for more than two minutes before Frida, followed by the slinkering Willard, descended upon her. Willard was more suited for her but he did not deserve her.

He could see her manage a tolerable smile upon greeting the two of them. Sophie flinched noticeably as Willard touched her arm. Thomas felt a strange wave of jealousy or protectiveness maybe. He wanted to shove Willard away from her and tell him to keep his filthy hands to himself.

He was going to have to find a way to mend things between the two of them. There was no doubt about it. He had no idea how though. He had royally messed up.

Thomas wandered into the tavern and sat on his favorite stool.

"Beer?" Leonard asked in his gruff voice.

"Yes, thanks," Thomas said. "How's married life?" Thomas asked as Leonard placed a mug in front of him.

"Good," he grunted.

Thomas enjoyed the rest of his beer in silence. He caught a glimpse of Sophie's friend cleaning tables. She didn't look unhappy, he thought, but what did he know about women?

The next morning he woke with a plan. He didn't waste any time and after breakfast he marched straight to the governor's house and banged on the door. Frida answered it after just a few moments.

"Well, hello Thomas, what can we do for you this morning?" she asked.

"May I speak with Sophie please?"

Frida narrowed her eyes at him.

"I'm not sure," she hesitated.

"It's fine Frida," he heard Sophie call from within the house. She opened the door wide and he could see inside. Sophie was sitting rigidly on a chair directly opposite of Willard. Why was that guy here so early? Did he ever leave?

Sophie got up from the chair and walked purposely towards him.

"Thank you, Frida," she said, touching the woman's arm. Frida stood protectively between her and Thomas, "It's alright, go back with Willard everything is fine."

"You don't have to talk to him," Frida offered.

"I know, I'm fine."

Sophie stepped outside and shut the door behind her.

"I think I have Willard to thank for this don't I?"

"Yes," she said with a sigh. "He can be motivating to do all sorts of things I don't want to do. What do you want Thomas?"

"I'm just here to pick you up for our canoe ride. I promised you yesterday."

"Oh," she was surprised. "You still want to go on the canoe ride with me?"

"Look, I may be an inconsiderate prick," he said, dropping his hands to his side. "But I am a man of my word. I owe you a boat ride. And if you can endure spending more time with me I would like to spend more with you."

He watched her face and could see the conflict running through her mind. She looked at the door, then back to Thomas and fiddled with the key around her neck.

"I promise not to insult you for the duration of the boat ride," he added.

"Okay," she nodded. "That's very generous of you," she said sarcastically.

"Do you need to get anything?" he motioned to the house.

"Probably, but I'm not going to go back in there," she laughed.

"Right, let's go."

She followed him out of the city walls and to the river where there were several boats lined up on the shore waiting for them. Thomas pushed one of the canoe into the water and indicated for her to step in.

"Just get in?" she asked. There was a massive worry line across her forehead as she eyed the wobbly canoe. "Just like that? But how?"

Thomas held onto the end of the canoe to steady it and offered her his hand.

"Step right into the middle of the boat and then sit on the opposite side. If it starts to rock just sit right down in the middle."

"Okay, I can do that."

She tentatively took his hand and placed one foot in the middle of the canoe. He grasped her arm tighter to steady her and then lowered her into the canoe. He gave the canoe a big shove, his pant legs soaking in the river before he stepped in and started paddling.