“Ok,” John’s voice boomed, echoing off the walls, “Phase one is complete. We’re settled in, an’ everything looks good. However, it’d be perddy reckless o’ us t’ get too complacent. We gotta be on our toes, ‘cause those bastards over in Pouty already attacked us once. We can damn well expect ‘em t’ do it again.”
“Amen,” one of the women in the outer ring concurred.
“That bein’ said,” the man continued, his eyes darting around at the members he could see, “We will get under way. Bailey!”
“Yes, sir!” the girl replied crisply, sitting up straighter in her seat.
“You’re in charge o’ the greenhouse! You need t’ inventory our seed stock, an’ get that situated. See what pots are left, an’ if any o’ them are usable. Within a week, we need the garden stock ready to sprout,” he wafted a hand absently at the group. “You’ll choose four o’ the women to assist you.”
“Yes, sir,” she called again, already certain which four from the nice list she would be designating as her team.
“‘Manda!” his voice continued to boom.
“Yes, sir!” the blonde replied from the far side of the room.
“Are you fit for duty?” his question blunt, he glared at the girl through narrowed slits.
“Uh,” she faltered, shifting her gaze to Kathy for a moment. It had been only three weeks since the birth of her child, and although she wasn’t a hundred percent, she damn sure had no intention of letting her community down. “Yes, sir,” she replied as enthusiastically as she could muster, “I can lead the barn team.”
“Good,” he gave her a nod. “You get four o’ the women as well. Alissa!”
“Yes, sir,” her hands twitched in her lap.
“You’re in charge o’ the kitchen an’ household. You get everyone else, o’ the female persuasion,” his mouth twisted into a crooked grin, “Caleb!”
“Yes, sir,” he called with a snap in his voice.
“You got the stables, son, but you’re on your own. We have t’ keep the men rested for guard duty, an’ in case we’re attacked. Can you handle it?”
“Yes, sir,” the younger Cross responded confidently, unwilling to let his father down. “Could I recruit Carson at least?”
“That’d be fine,” his father relented without argument. “You all set up your teams an’ get th’ details worked out. Dinner’s in four hours, an’ I wan’ a report on where we stand from each o’ you then! Meeting adjourned.”
Exhaling a deep breath, Bailey stood, looking around for the girls she wanted to designate. Locating Amber, Judy, Lynette and Rebecca, she gathered them around one of the large tables, “You guys are with me, right?” Flicking her gaze from face to face, she half expected them to say no.
When all of them had mumbled their agreement, the girl smiled, ready to push on with greater confidence, “Great! I’m not even sure why he chose me! But thank you for your willingness to help.”
“We don’ really got a choice,” Amber pointed out, “Everyone works in Lawson. If you don’ work, you don’ eat.”
Bailey stared at her blankly for a moment, then grinned slightly, “Yes, well, I suppose you’re right. Ok, let’s get to the surface and see what’s left up top.”
With their new leader at the head of the pack, the group took the short stairs that led to the mid-level, which held all of the long term storage rooms Caleb had told her about. Having learned that the hallway ran east and west, with tunnels to the surface on both ends, she made a right. Arriving at the second set of stairs, they climbed and came out inside the safety of the tool shed that stood at one end of the greenhouse, closest to the ranch house.
Inside the long structure, the air would be warm enough for the group to work and move around without their jackets, provided everything was in order. Feeling that the air was cool but not frigid, Bailey grinned, “Well, that’s a good sign.”
Checking their drums of water, she began to give orders, “We’ll need to get all of these filled. That will help with the temperature fluctuations.”
“Yup,” Rebecca agreed, “You want me t’ take care of that now, or when we finish?”
“When we finish,” Bailey nodded at her friend, “Let’s make a list for the moment.” Looking around, she noticed that only a few of the tiles had been broken. “We need to find out if we have any replacement sections. Otherwise, we may need to cover them with plywood to keep out the excess wind. Where do you guys keep the pots when they’re not in use?”
“I think they’re in the end,” Amber pointed at the storage on the opposite end from the entrance, closest to the Cross house.
Following her suggestion, Bailey opened the doors, “Well, thank God they didn’t find these of any value,” she smiled broadly at the shelves covered in various sized receptacles. “We need seeds, and we’re all set.”
“Those are gonna be under th’ floor,” Judy turned, kneeling down and wiping the dirt off of a small section. “If we had a broom, this part’d be easier.”
Dropping to their knees beside her, the girls helped clear the area and rake the packed soil off of the wooden planks. They soon located the small holes that were used to grip the section and remove it. Once it had been pulled out of the way, Bailey gasped, “Oh my God, how long did it take you to collect these?”
The space was filled with small burlap bags, all stuffed with seeds for beans, tomatoes, okra, and the like. Lifting one, it measured about six inches square, and weighed about a pound or two by her best estimate.
“We put back a bag every year,” Rebecca wafted a hand over the collection, “An’ there’s two of each, the most recent years, stored below.”
“Nice,” Bailey nodded, flipping her long locks, “You guys are amazing! I love the way you always have a backup plan… for the backup plan,” she praised her friends genuinely. Getting to her feet, she announced, “Ok, we need to clean up the mess that the Pouty people left. Then, Rebecca, you and Amber take care of restocking our water barrels. Judy, you and Lyn pull out the flats and start setting them up. I’m going to go find out about our compost.”
Pulling on her jacket and taking a spade, Bailey hoped this would qualify as official business, as they would need to pull from the compost piles to make their soil mixture. Keeping the directive in mind, she kept to the edge of the field, where her foot prints would be the most difficult to notice. Crunching through the snow, she grew sad for a moment, recalling how much Martha had shared with her, and how much she had learned about the process over the last summer.
Arriving at the row of boxes that lay against the outer wall of the compound, Bailey used the hand tool to clear the snow out of the way, and swung the door open, her heart beginning to beat faster with excitement. Wow, we have plenty! Returning the cover to the tub, she cleared the rest of the row and called it good.
Making her way to rejoin her team, an odd sensation of peace came over her. The simplicity of knowing her job; my purpose, she pondered as she picked her way through the drifts. There’s something to be said for the honesty and self-awareness of this place.
Reaching the structure, an odd notion entered her thoughts; I actually like being here! There had been little in her life that brought her legitimate joy, and it was a real shame that the world had to face disaster in order for her to find it. But if Jase and Jess were here to share in it, this would almost be like… heaven.
Re-entering the greenhouse, she announced loudly, “We have plenty of compost, and the sand bucket is about three-quarters full. All we need is the seasoned soil, which is currently covered in a couple of feet of snow, and we’re good to go.”
“We’ll have t’ dig it out,” Amber lamented.
“Right; I’m hoping one of the men will volunteer to help with that, but if not, we’ll manage.”
“How many o’ these trays do we wanna lay out? We have more than enough,” Lyn pointed at their selection.
Bailey recalled that the flats, as they were called, were the starter co
ntainers for the seeds. After they have sprouted, we need to move them to pots. “How many pots will we have? There’s no sense starting too many of the seedlings if we won’t have enough room to house them at the next stage.”
Taking a quick count, they discovered that the pots were also in large supply; sweet. “Ok, we can fill all these, and get the seeds started. And actually, I would like to get them going as soon as possible, so tomorrow morning, we start digging that soil out bright and early,” she flitted her gaze around the faces of her crew. “But for now, I think we’re set, so let’s get downstairs and see what’s for dinner.”
The group, eager to get below and really settle in, chattered amicably in the passages. Arriving at the great hall, they split to go their separate ways, and Bailey made her way to her new bedroom; the one I will share with Caleb. The idea set loose a swarm of butterflies in her belly, and her feeling of happiness seemed to have her walking on air, despite all the dark clouds around them.
Practice Makes Perfect
Bailey arrived in her new quarters walking on sunshine, despite the depth of the snow up top. Enjoying a quick shower, she removed the dirt and grime she had acquired cleaning out and setting up the greenhouse, and her mind continued to pour over her new assignment while she dressed. I really wish the structure was twice the size.
Having the large field had been useful when they had warm weather for a proper growing season, but the abrupt change in it could be more than a fluke. If it continues, we may need more space for growing crops in a protected environment.
Brushing out her long auburn tresses, she left her hair wet to dry naturally, and made her way out into the great hall. Seeing that one of the tables already had the menfolk, along with Amanda and Caleb seated at it, deep in discussion, she felt a brief moment of panic; I hope I’m not late!
Pulling out a chair next to her blond-headed companion, she gave him a quick smile, “Sorry guys, I didn’t realize you were ready to begin.”
“It’s quite all right,” Peter offered from the head of the table, taking charge of the evening’s briefing. “We need to get our plates, and then we can really get down to business.”
Making a quick trip through the serving line they had set up on one of the other three tables, the group took their seats for the second time, with Alissa taking the chair next to Bailey. Giving the older girl a grin, Bailey complimented, “Dinner looks fabulous!”
“It sure does,” her brown eyes shone with pride, “I wanted to make sure our first meal put everyone at ease. I’m sure this won’ be an easy transition for us.”
“That’s good thinking,” Bailey praised her friend, casting a quick glance around at the gathering. Deciding to dive in, she inquired, “So, did everyone have a good day all around?”
“Pretty much,” Caleb pushed his leg over to brush against hers under the table, “I’m pretty set as far as th’ horses go. We lost two in th’ whole abduction thing, but the ones we got back are strong. An’ the colt is doin’ well, which is a relief.”
“Star?” her lip quivered slightly at the name her brothers had given the pony.
“Yup,” he caressed the back of her right hand with an extended digit.
Seeing her discomfort, Peter took over, “How are the barn animals, Amanda?”
“Well, we don’ have enough at the moment. We got the rabbits back, an’ with some breeding, their population will return, so we’ll have ‘em as a meat source. But, that’s gonna get old,” she summarized.
“Are they healthy?”
“Yeah, they seem to be doin’ alright. We got all the other stalls cleaned out, an’ ready, so when we get some other livestock, they’ll have a home. We’ll need t’ rebuild the chicken coop, since they totally destroyed the inside of ours for some reason. We’re gonna have a few repairs t’ make t’ the barn, too, but other than that, we’re good,” she concluded.
“Good,” Pete turned to Alissa, “I assume the meal is an indication that it’s all going smoothly in housekeeping?”
“Yes,” Alissa reached for a notepad she had placed on the table next to her in the empty spot to her left. Handing it to the man next to her, she indicated the list, “We only have two washing machines an’ dryers down here, so we will need a schedule o’ who will be laundered on which days.”
Peter nodded, folding back the sheet, “Wow, you did all this, an’ cooked!”
“Well, I do have help. An’ it was easier for us, since this place didn’t get trashed by those asshats while they were here,” she grinned.
“Agreed,” John held out his hand, accepting the tablet from his co-leader while smiling at the young woman across from him. “You did good, Alissa.”
“Yes, you did, so finalize your rotation then, so that everyone has their assignments,” Peter finished off, ready to get to what his niece would contribute, “How’s the greenhouse?”
“Fantastic, actually,” Bailey swallowed her bite and washed it down with a swig of water, “We pulled out the trays, and I checked on the compost. We would love some help clearing a patch of ground for our seasoned soil, if a few of the men wouldn’t mind shoveling about a ten or fifteen foot section of snow, but other than that, we’ll be good to go.”
“And the structure?”
“A few minor repairs will be in order. And we might use a space heater to bring up the temperature, at least initially. Once we have everything sealed properly, with the water barrels we recharged today, it should be fairly easy to maintain,” she cut her eyes over at the thus far silent man seated across from her tentatively.
Nodding at her, Michael grinned, “I guess you learned quite a bit from ol’ Martha.”
“Yes, sir,” she swallowed visibly, nervous that they may have been testing her.
Picking up on her discomfort, Peter chuckled, “You did fine, little bit. Do you need anything else?”
“No, sir,” she met his gaze, “I think we’re as ready as we will be.”
“All right. Be sure to inform us right away if anything changes,” he pushed his empty plate back. “I guess we are adjourned. You guys can go as soon as you’re finished eating.”
Polishing off their meal eagerly, Caleb rose and offered her his hand, smiling brightly when she took it and accompanied him to their chamber. Closing the door behind them, he spun her around in a twirl and planted her against the wall. His arms locked, palms flat against the smooth surface on either side of her head, his smile morphed into something more like a sneer, “Did you miss me?”
“Of course,” her hand moved to his chest, fingers sliding lightly over his ribs. “I was worried you would overdo it today. How do you feel?”
“Like I could walk on water,” his body dropped, his arms folding enough to bring them face to face, “I couldn’ get you outta my head.”
Raising her face to touch her lips to his, she exhaled a long slow breath through her nose. Pushing lightly against him, she whispered, “I have something I need to tell you.”
Picking up on the tension in her body, he relaxed, allowing about six inches of air between them, “Ok. I’m listenin’,” he felt a stab of fear at what she might divulge.
Her green eyes wide, she stared at him, her pulse loud in her ears, “I think I love you,” she managed in the strongest voice she could muster, which turned out hardly audible.
“Wow, don’t sound so excited,” he pushed further away from her, slightly disappointed in her weak admission.
“I’m sorry,” she stammered, “I told you; my family was never big on this sort of thing!”
“Oh,” he recalled their previous conversations, “So I guess that’s the best you can do?”
“Well, yes! And it’s not like you’ve been over the top professing your devotion!” she heard the twinge of anger in her voice, and immediately back pedaled, “I’m sorry, it’s not right for me to shout at you.”
He showed her his full set of perfect white teeth, “You mean you don’ know?”
“No, I don’t,”
she clipped, laying her head against the wall behind her.
“I’m crazy about you, Bailey,” he leaned in to nuzzle her face, his lips finding her ear, “I love you more than I can say; I need you more than anything else I can think of. More than food… more than water… maybe even more than th’ air that I breathe.” She giggled, her hands pushing lightly on his chest. “What?” he allowed her a bit of room, “Is that not what you wanted t’ hear?”
“I don’t know,” her hand found his chin, “I’ve never been like this with anyone, so this is all new to me. I’m not sure what I want, except to make you happy.”
“Me too,” his grin twisted, “But I like it!” Dropping his hands, he fumbled for her clothing, ready to strip her down and have his way with her. Eager to please him, she gave no argument, helping to remove them so they could get down to business.
Lying in the darkness with him after his hunger had been satisfied, Bailey sighed loudly. Petting her bare skin with his large hands, Caleb picked up on her distant mood. “Wha’s the matter, baby?” his words cut through her scattered thoughts.
“Nothing,” she replied listlessly. “You obviously enjoy it, and I guess that’s what matters.”
Pushing himself up onto an elbow, he stared down at her in the dim light that filtered under their door, “Whadda you mean? You don’ like it?” he demanded incredulously.
“I didn’t say that,” she lied flatly. Inhaling deeply, she didn’t want to hurt his feelings, and exhaled through tight lips, “It’s just not like what I thought it would be.”
“Yeah, me either,” he confessed.
“That’s nice to know,” she bit with a stab of displeasure, afraid she had let him down somehow. “I guess Amanda was a better lover.”
The Irrevocable Series Boxed Set Page 44
