Page 24 of Scarlett

Chapter Eight

The first thingScarlett noticed upon waking was the soreness of her body and still feeling tired. She wondered if every morning when being intimate would be the same.

Surely not.

The day before had been exceptionally long and she’d barely rested since arriving in Laurel.

Emmett slept on his left side with his back to her. The wide expanse of his shoulders looked to be larger when so up close.

It had been a night of discovery for her and she wondered if upon waking he’d remain distant as seemed to be his nature.

Unable to remain abed any longer, she slipped from the bed.

All the while sliding looks at the slumbering man, Scarlett splashed water on her face and washed away the remains of the night before from her body. She quickly dressed, the entire time stealing glances at the slumbering man. Emmett didn’t stir. It seemed he was as tired as she.

As she prepared coffee and placed a skillet on the stove, she wondered what the first interaction with her new husband would be like. It would be their first full day alone in their home and although a part of her tingled at the thought of more times like the night before, her stomach tumbled with nerves at him waking.

“Good morning.” Emmett walked into the kitchen and went directly to the coffee pot, pouring coffee into a mug she’d placed on the counter beside the stove.

She smiled at his back. “Good morning. I’m about to cook breakfast if you wish to sit at the table.”

Instead of a reply, he nodded. Cup in hand, he walked back out of the room after only giving her a cursory glance.

No need to fret, Scarlett told herself. The man was in all probability not a morning person and needed time to fully wake to hold a conversation.

An hour later, Scarlett’s opinion changed. They ate in silence as he read a journal, which he did explain held notes left by Evan.

When Emmett finished his meal, he then thanked her for breakfast and went back to the bedroom.

It was probably that he was as shy as she after what they’d shared the night before. Scarlett put the matter of her sullen husband to rest and devoted the next hour or so to washing dishes and cleaning up the kitchen.

“I’ll be at the clinic. There’s no need for you to come there, Gladys will be with me if I need anything. If you require something, the mercantile has a line of credit set up that I pay monthly. Whatever you need, don’t worry about cost.” Emmett went through what he had to say while standing at the kitchen doorway. His tone was flat, as if he spoke to an employee.

Scarlett smiled at him. “I will certainly go and get items required. Is there anything you prefer not to eat for supper?”

For an instant his brows lowered as he considered her question. The man was astonishingly handsome, and the expression seemed to enhance it. “No, not that I can think of. I don’t like onions so much.”

At Scarlett’s nod, he turned and left.

It was certainly going to be interesting getting to know her husband, Scarlett mused. No matter, she had plenty to keep her busy. Once she washed the sheets, she’d put them out to dry and then head out to find the mercantile.

“I certainly didn’t expectto see you today,” the woman behind the counter at the mercantile called out to Scarlett. Her wide smile put Scarlett at ease.

The woman rounded the corner and came to her. “My name is Gemina. We met yesterday, but I’m sure the day was a complete blur.”

“Yes ma’am it was.” Scarlett looked around the well-stocked shelves. “Emmett returned to work today, so I thought I’d come and get all the items I need.”

The woman frowned, but didn’t comment on the fact it was only the day after Scarlett had gotten married. Most would expect the newly wedded couple to remain cloistered for at least a couple days.

It had not occurred to Scarlett to remain home that day. “Should I have remained inside today?”

“As long as you feel well enough, no,” Gemina said matter-of-factly.

Scarlett looked around the space to ensure not being overheard. The only other person was at the far wall. “Are you sure I shouldn’t have remained home? I don’t know anything about these matters and would hate to make a mistake that would cause any kind of talk.”

“Honey, there is no need to worry. I suppose every couple is different. However, most do take a few days to spend time alone and get to... know each other better.”

While she chose different items, Scarlett wanted to complete the task and return to the house.