Looking down, I dust off the bottom of my skirt, then check my shirt sleeves and elbows for dirt, thankful that nothing had marked the material yet. Grant’s huge form moves toward me, but he’s looking off down the valley at the small cabin and barn clearly in sight. He frowns, then shakes his head before looking over at me, almost like he forgot I was there for a second.
“You alright?”
“Yes, just seeing the place for the first time in a long time, from a different point of view.”
That seems like a very odd statement, so instead of commenting, I start down the hill. My own thoughts are all over the place as I try to figure out my role here. Grant’s much larger steps catch up with mine quickly, but he shortens them so that we are side by side instead of me following behind. Not knowing what to do in this new awkward silence, I start toward the house.
“I’m going to head in and get started on the dishes. If you have other things to do, I completely understand.”
“Sorry Lauren, I didn’t mean to become so befuddled and quiet on the way back down. All this time, I have simply been existing, but now, because of you, I need to look at our future.”
I try to make light of the situation, “My future says … dishes.”
Grant laughs and the smile on his shaggy, bearded face makes him look younger.
“Fine, I get the hint. I’ll gather the water if you want to build the fire up.”
We work quietly together. Grant washes while I dry, and then I organize them where I think they should be in the cupboard. What feels like hours later, Grant hands me the last dish to put away in the cupboard. I take a moment to count them, struggling to keep the numbers straight in my head. “A complete, eight-piece matching set. I’ve never seen this many dishes or pans in one home. Did your sister bring these with her?”
“I am not sure where they came from. Eliza didn’t leave home penniless; she had a few jewels and other valuables with her that I still haven’t been able to locate. But her knowledge of moneyand the cost of goods was limited, as I handled all her accounts. She was simply used to walking into a place and purchasing whatever she wanted without cost being an issue.”
Wiping the table off, I look up at him. “I can’t comprehend that world, but I think it would also be hard to adjust to.”
“I just wish she would have reached out to me. I could have made both of their lives easier.”
“Like you have done for yourself since arriving here?” I hold my hand up and back up a few steps. “Forgive me, I had no right to say that.”
Grant dries his hands off and I back up a little further when I see the frown on his face.
“Lauren, stop walking backward before you catch your skirt on fire.”
I stop, but I can feel my body start to tremble when I see his hand coming toward my face. I flinch, squinting my eyes closed tightly, anticipating the impact, only to jerk as he cups my jaw gently with one hand, while the other grasps my hip, pulling me to him slowly. When my body is flush against his, he tilts my head up, kissing my forehead before tucking me into his warmth. I stand there stiffly for a moment, my head lying against his chest, before hesitantly wrapping my arms around his thick waist. He doesn’t let me go until he feels me relax.
“You should rest the remainder of the day, Lauren. Your body is still trying to heal, and I have a few things that need to be done in the barn.”
I nod my head, slightly embarrassed and a little worried that I may have ruined what has been a very rare, peaceful day in my world.
CHAPTER 10
GRANT
I must rein in my temper as I force myself not to slam the door behind me. When Lauren flinched like I was going to hit her, my heart hit the floor and if I could have screamed down the heavens, I would’ve. Oren is lucky he’s miles away, because I’m not sure I could stop myself from going after him if he were closer.
Blue flares his wings when I get too close, and I snarl out, “Supper bird … just keep it up!”
Walking out into the barn, Star snorts, stomping aggressively. Taking a deep breath, I try to steady my thoughts and emotions. If the animals can feel the rage inside of me, then Lauren can as well. Grabbing the halter and saddle, I head toward Rebel. He walks up calmly, like he’s been waiting for me all day.
Quickly, I get him saddled and without looking back, we ride off out through the field heading nowhere in particular. I let Rebel have his head and simply quiet my mind as we make our way across the main fields into the forest area. Rebel snorting snaps me back to where I am, only to find a hidden gem. All this time, not a mile away from the cabin surrounded by giant oaks, is araised flat about a half-acre across. Taking the reins, I lead Rebel to the middle, turning him around slowly so that I can look at the entire area.
When I walked off that hill and saw that tiny cabin and barn that was already leaning sideways, Lauren’s words hit me hard. ‘Like you’ve done yourself since arriving here?’
That’s when I see it …. a home with a wrap-around porch, rockers sitting on it, a garden off the kitchen, and Lauren’s belly swollen with one of our youngsters.
The creek is close enough to dig a well, making it easy to get water to the house. The area has good drainage, so flooding is not a concern, and the surrounding trees make a nice windbreak. There is even enough room for a large barn if a few trees were knocked down toward the back.
Rebel stomping a hoof brings my thoughts back to the present, and I know what has to be done in order to bring this new vision to life. I slowly lead Rebel around the flat before heading back to the cabin, the entire time wondering if I should discuss this with Lauren now or give her some time to adjust first.
Taking my time riding back, I look for anything that might be a problem in making this new life I want to build for us. As I clear the wood line, I notice smoke from the chimney and the faint smell of rain in the air. Urging Rebel home, I decide to keep my plans and ideas to myself for now. Until I can get to town and send out a few letters, I need to concentrate on winning my new wife’s affections.
