“Just curious. I have lived in several homes in my lifetime and I’ve liked things in each and things I didn’t like, so I was just wondering.”
“Since we are on the subject, what did you like the most about all of those homes?”
“Reggie’s parents had a fireplace in the great room that was as wide as the room. You could place a log taller than I am in it, and it would burn for days. Mom hated the cold, so when Dad built our townhouse, he had a fireplace placed in each room. I can remember people constantly commenting on how nice and warm our home was compared to others’ when they visited. I stayed at an inn once that had built-in wardrobes with drawers that could be locked in the bottom, which I thought were very nice. It also had removable metal pieces for hanging clothes, rather than everything being folded. I’m not sure how they madethose. But I think my favorites were the places that had running water fed from cisterns.”
“Like we have here in the cabin?”
“They were more advanced because it even worked in the kitchen. Where does all the water go when you’re done? I don’t know, but I need to inquire about that innovation because not having to haul water for the dishes would make your life a lot easier here at the cabin.”
“I felt really spoiled doing the laundry in the bedroom tub. Most of the time, my fingers were practically numb from washing them in a cold creek. Being able to heat the water up seemed to make the clothes cleaner a lot quicker too. Speaking of laundry, I need to do that tomorrow before it gets out of hand again. I also need to rearrange the clothes in the trunks and air out some of your nicer clothes. But I feel sticky all over, so I’m going to heat up some water and wash off before bed.”
“Do you want to take a bath in the tub?”
“I do, but it’s late and I’m mentally and physically exhausted for some reason. I’m just gonna grab my nightgown then wash off.”
“Alright then, I am going to go ahead and turn in for the night. Morning will be here quickly. Lock the doors before you come to bed.”
Grant gets up, kisses the top of my head and heads into the bedroom. I hear the creaking of the ropes as he climbs into the bed, and before the water is hot enough to use, soft snores can be heard throughout the cabin, and I smile.
Washing off quickly next to the fire, I check the doors, then tiptoe into the bedroom. Grant is sleeping on his back with onearm out like he is reaching for something, and the other thrown above his head. I stand there, watching his chest rise and fall, just admiring what to me is perfection.
CHAPTER 16
LAUREN
The next few weeks, we seem to fall into a routine of daily chores and preparations for the upcoming winter months, as summer is here with a vengeance. My bruises are all healed, and for the first time I can recall, my body is not damaged in any way.
Once I got the cabin arranged the way I wanted, I started on the outside. It took me several days to get the ground prepared, but the garden has become my pride and joy as I watch all the new sprouts pop up.
I often still see Grant stop at Eliza’s grave and I can tell he’s talking to her, but I always stay back, refusing to intrude on his time with her. Because her grave is close to the garden, I’ve caught myself looking at her marker regularly, wondering how she ever left him, even for the love of another man.
Even though I told myself that his true colors would show themselves in time, Grant has not changed. If anything, he has become even more dear to my heart. He never misses a chance for a quick kiss and always seems to know when I need a hug. Several times, he’s even attempted to cook on the new stove, only for us to giggle like kids because he’s convinced it’s ametal monster determined to sabotage all his efforts, burning everything. But the one thing that has torn down all the walls I had built around my heart is his patience.
Every evening, when all the work is done, he will pull my rocking chair over to his, and we will pick up where we left off in the book he bought at the mercantile called ‘The American Woman’s Home’. I never dreamed books could be so helpful and full of information, but this one only makes me want to know more.
I will read a page, then he does, making it easier for me to comprehend all the different words without being overwhelmed. When I get stuck, instead of him screaming or throwing a fit, he makes me sound it out, helping me along when I need it. I have found understanding numbers to be easier than reading, as there are not as many variables or words that sound the same but mean something different.
I’m just hanging up the last of Grant’s work shirts on the line he installed for the laundry when I hear the sound of his whistling coming my way. Looking toward the knoll that separates the mine from the cabin, he comes strolling over the hill. The moment he sees me, a huge smile graces his face and my heart hits my chest. It’s been hard sleeping next to him at night after long kisses, wanting more but not knowing how to achieve it.
“What are you doing back so early?”
“I had this sudden urge to spend time with my best girl. Thought we could take the rest of the day off since all we have done for the last few weeks is work. Run in the house and grab something for a quick lunch and a blanket. We are going to the pond.”
“There’s a pond?”
“Sure is, might wanna grab a towel or two as well. I’ll saddle Rebel up and meet you at the barn. Wait, you can swim, right?”
“Not the best in the world, but enough to tread water if I need to. Is it deep?”
For me it’s not, but I am a foot taller than you. But don’t worry, I won’t let the water sprites carry you off.”
Grant turns toward the barn before I can ask him what I need to wear. Picking my laundry basket up, I make my way back in, wondering what I can pack for us to eat real quick. Opening the warmer, I grab the rest of the biscuits and the hard-boiled eggs, then cut a few slices of ham before filling the water skin with the fresh lemonade I just made. Looking around, I pick up the raspberries I gathered this morning that I had intended to use for a cobbler later. I wrap it all up in a smaller basket I’d made last week out of some cattails. I was in the process of folding the towels earlier, so I grab two off the table and the top blanket off the bed before heading out to the barn.
Bolt meets me at the door. “Hello, handsome.” I pull a sugar cube out of my pocket, and he stomps his massive hoof, whinnying playfully. Star is slightly less excited but still wants hers. Walking through the barn, I notice a sleigh in the back.
As Grant leads Rebel toward me, I grab a sugar cube out of my pocket. Rebel, being the proper gentleman, takes it gently out of my hand, and it hits me that Grant’s horse has the same personality he does.
“You ready?”
