“The lumber mill provides credits that can be used at local stores. Oren would order what was needed if the credits were there and I just picked it up.”
“You mean you never looked around to see if you wanted something?”
“No … why wish for things that can never be?”
“My goodness Little Mouse, there have been so few luxuries in your life. Tomorrow, that’s about to change.”
Both of us hesitate heading to bed but finally, when I realize I’m falling asleep in this very uncomfortable chair, I get up. “In the morning after sunup, I’ll hook the wagon up. Don’t worry about breakfast, we’ll just eat at the inn. Good night.”
Walking to my makeshift bedroom I almost ask her to join me, but the last thing I want is for her to be uncomfortable. Instead, I watch as she banks the fire before heading to Eliza’s room. I wonder in my head, if that room and this house will always be Eliza’s.
I must have dozed off only to wake up chilled. Doesn’t take me a second to grab my pillow and blanket off the bed as I stumble half asleep, into the bedroom. Lauren is curled up so tightly that she’s just a small ball in the middle. Spreading my larger blanket out over the rope bed, I lift the covers and slide in. Gathering Lauren in my arms, her cold feet instantly make me hiss. The moment I touch her, she jerks.
“Grant, what’s wrong?”
“I’ve decided I no longer like sleeping in the cold or alone. Go back to sleep, morning will come quick enough.”
I can tell the moment she starts to warm up as her breathing steadies and her body uncoils, relaxing in my arms.
Breathing her natural scent in, I find myself content and for the first time in years, I am looking forward to the sunrise.”
CHAPTER 11
LAUREN
Grant sliding out of the bed wakes me up and I lie there pondering what happened last night, and what will occur on the trip to town today. The smell of wood smoke and coffee soon penetrates the air and I pull the covers up, enjoying the warmth for just a few more seconds.
“Get up, sleepyhead, I know you’re awake. Gonna head down to the creek and wash up, then I’ll meet you at the barn. I poured you a cup of coffee and it’s cooling on the table.”
Just a few minutes later, I hear the front door open and I make myself get up. Reaching around awkwardly, I loosen the material that had been wrapped around my ribs and take a deep breath. With a smile on my face, I button my new yellow blouse and smooth down my skirt before slipping on my new boots, the entire time sending up prayers of thanks for their warmth and protection against the hard floor. Pulling my hair up, I loosen a couple of strands, quickly curling them around my fingers before picking up the mirror to look at my reflection.
For the most part, the worst of the bruising is gone. There’s only a slight discoloration and puffiness on my cheek, but it’s asignificant improvement from a few days ago. Walking into the kitchen area, I take a few quick sips of my coffee before turning to grab my shawl and hat, then head to the outhouse before going to the barn.
Grant has just finished hooking up Bolt as I start down the hill, his long hair dripping on the ends from where he’s just washed it. He glances my way only to stop and look thoroughly at me again.
“Who is this beauty walking toward me?”
I shake my head and roll my eyes. “Stop it.”
Bolt whinnies as I approach, almost pulling the entire wagon with him starts my way.
“Whoa big guy, she’s coming. No reason to get impatient.”
I reach up, petting him lovingly as he pushes his big head against me. “My goodness, you are such a snuggler. Good thing you can’t get into the house or you would end up in the bed. And who is this pretty lady next to you?”
Bolt puts his head against me, actually pushing me closer to Star. “Hello, beautiful. I don’t have any treats on me, I’m sorry.” She turns her head away from me, so I don’t invade her space, just let her get used to me being there. I’m about to walk around her to get up on the wagon when she nudges me gently. Rubbing my hand along her beautiful face, I make sure to keep my movements slow so as not to spook her. Before I realize what’s happening, a squeal leaves my lips as strong hands wrap around my hips, lifting me into the wagon. I quickly have to grab the seat when Bolt stomps his massive hoof, agitated because he thought I was in distress. “Grant, shame on you … you about gave me a heart attack!”
“A little excitement is good for the soul. You got everything you need?”
“Yes, thank you.” Settling back in the seat, I pull my shawl around my shoulders, then tie my hat on while Grant gets in. His large hands gather up the reins, then with a simple click of his tongue, Bolt and Star start out. Their movements are synchronized and smooth as they work together to pull the wagon.
“My goodness, they are quite the pair. I bet they could pull a cabin down with all their strength.”
“I’m sure you’re right and they make an excellent team, but it’s their personalities that I really love. You’re right about Bolt and he would be in your bed in an instant; he has a puppy-like quality to him. Whereas Star puts me in the mind of a protector and she’s leery until she isn’t. I saw her take on a mountain lion over one of the hens. The big cat didn’t win.”
I marvel at the sights as we move along, this ride entirely different than the one that brought me here. Grant’s easy conversation and explanations of property lines and landmarks have us in town before I realize it. The sight of the lumber mill and the shotgun houses have me gripping my hands tightly as I try to figure out what time of day it is and my odds of running into Oren.
Grant reaches over with his big hand, covering both of mine. “Relax, I am right here.”
