“It’s a holding tank mounted under the roof that holds rainwater. Back home, these were common in most houses. They were used for inside toilets and for bathing. When I left, there were rumors of heaters that could be installed as well, but I would have to investigate that further.”
“A fully functioning inside toilet? I can’t even imagine the smell.”
“There was no smell; just like this tub, the water and waste were piped out and away from the house.”
“Where does this water go?”
“I had that same thought initially until I found some piping when I was expanding the front of the cabin. It was so small before, I felt like I was bouncing off the walls. The pipes actually run under the pit of the outhouse, flushing it into the field.”
“Well, that answers a few of my questions. I should have known that you were not from around here, as your speech is more proper than most.”
Lauren’s belly growls, making me laugh and she blushes, embarrassed. “Come on, let’s go feed you.”
Shockingly, we work well together. She peels the potatoes while I cut the ham up. When she motions toward the pan, I lift it so she can put a scoop of lard in, waiting until it melts before placing the potatoes in. Once the thick pieces of ham are done, she cracks the eggs into the leftover grease to cook them.
“How do you like your eggs?”
“Anyway, you fix them, but if possible, a little runny.”
“She flips the perfectly cooked eggs like a pro, scooping them onto a now-clean plate, alongside the potatoes and the ham.”
“I have died and gone to heaven. Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve had a meal like this?”
“Actually, no I don’t, but I understand the sentiment. Once we’re finished, the pie should be cool enough to eat. I’m not sure how the crust turned out in that Dutch oven, so it may be more of a cobbler than a pie when I get it out.”
“As good as it smells, I couldn’t care less the version you serve me.”
“The old saying must be true: the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”
I nod my head in agreement, practically groaning at how tender the potatoes are. Glancing up, Lauren has a slight smile on her face. We eat in comfortable silence, both of us simply enjoying agood meal. Of course, I get up and have seconds, but when she starts to clear the table, I get up and gently push her back into the chair.
“I’ll clean up, you sit here for a minute.”
While she’d been cutting up the potatoes earlier, I prepared the coffee. It just needs to percolate for a while over the fire, which gives me plenty of time to grab a few things to make her more comfortable.
Sitting two clean cups on the mantle, I head to Eliza’s room and grab one of the blankets off the bed. Picking Lauren up chair and all once again, I place her closer to the fire before tucking a blanket around her now bare legs, because my socks keep falling down to her ankles. Pouring us both a cup of coffee, I raise the lid off the Dutch oven. “Is this ready?”
“Yes, there are two small plates ready on the counter if you want to scoop us out a piece.”
She doesn’t have to tell me twice. Grabbing the spatula, I serve her first. The crust and apples steaming up in my face have my mouth watering. She giggles when she sees the size of the piece I’ve cut for myself. Settling down next to her, I don’t even try to stop the moan I make with each bite.
“Will you marry me?”
“According to you, I already did.”
Her sassy remark has both of us laughing. “Yes, but after eating this pie, I feel bad for the auctioneer. He had no idea what a gem you were. I do believe I may have cheated him. You must admit, it will be quite the story to tell your grandchildren one day.”
“Are we skipping a generation and just aiming for grandkids first?”
“Why not? After all, we got married before we even knew each other’s names. We can do anything we want. You may only live once, but if you do it right, that’s enough.”
The smile on her face as she shakes her head lightens my heart. I realize the courage she’s showing and the fact that she can smile after all she has been through is amazing.
CHAPTER 7
GRANT
Grant
