[2016] A Widow's Love

by Christian Michael

  Stunned by how much he wanted her to want to see the ranch, Curt sat there for another ten minutes mechanically eating his pie. She’d become a different person once she knew he wasn’t interested in marriage. He couldn’t fathom how much he liked the old Kayla better.

  ***

  Fuming, Kayla headed for the dress maker’s shop. “Good afternoon,” the man at the till greeted her. “Welcome to Lubbock.”

  “Thank you,” Kayla smiled. She immediately went to the fabric isle and picked out five useable bolts of fabric. She bought a denim fabric that would work well for shirts and trousers. Another that would be a good suit making material and two flowered patterns that would make her several dresses and blouses. She also bought a bonnet for her hair before cashing out.

  With her items in hand she started across the street when a gentleman stopped her. “May I help you with your packages Miss?”

  “I’d appreciate that, thank you.”

  “It’s not a problem Miss-“

  “Anderson. Kayla Anderson.”

  “That’s a mighty pretty name ma’am,” the man said. Kayla smiled. He was cute with his light brown hair the color of brown sugar with a hint of lemon. His blue eyes, while not quite as bright as Curt’s still shined. “You’re new to town I take it?”

  “How’d you guess?”

  “You’re heading for the boarding house and you don’t have a ring on your finger. Pardon my mentioning it.

  “That’s alright,” Kayla said. “I am new to town. I just arrived this afternoon.”

  “Where do you hail from?”

  “I’m from New Jersey. It’s on the east coast.”

  “Wow. Is the Atlantic Ocean as beautiful as people say?”

  “It’s breathtaking. Not to mention that it can go from beautiful and serene to stormy and rambunctious all at once.”

  “It sounds beautiful.”

  “It is.”

  “This may seem forward, but could I take you to dinner sometime?”

  “I would like that,” Kayla said. “I’d have to insist on a chaperone, however.”

  “Absolutely,” the man said. “My sister and her beau could join us if you like.”

  “That sounds good. Can I know your name?”

  The man laughed. “Forgive me Miss Kayla. My name is Buck Tyson.”

  “It’s nice to meet you Buck. When should I expect you?”

  “Is six o’clock okay?”

  “That sounds fine.”

  “Excellent. I’ll see you then Kayla.”

  “See you then Buck.”

  ***

  The next morning Curt woke feeling just as lousy as he had the evening before. Today was Kayla’s first day of work and he knew he needed to clear the air between them. When she showed up though, he felt tongue-tied and completely unsure of himself, a trait that was out of character for him.

  “Good morning,” she said, a smile pasted on her pretty face.

  “Morning,” Curt returned, shielding his eyes from the sun. Suddenly his morning coffee tasted like sandpaper. “Did you have a nice first night here in Lubbock?”

  “I had a wonderful time, yes. Buck Tyson took me to dinner with his sister and her beau. We had a great time.”

  “That’s excellent,” Curt said, feeling even more rotten. “If you’re ready, I’ll take you on a tour so you can get used to my place.”

  Curt took Kayla through his house first, showing her the bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen and laundry areas. He showed her the mudroom and the back stoop as well.

  “What will my jobs include?”

  “I’ll expect you to keep the house clean. Change the sheets once a week, keep up the laundry and cook. Anything you do outside those will be extra pay.”

  “And what is my expected pay to begin?”

  “I’ll pay you ten dollars a week for your regular work. Anything beyond that can be negotiated at the time of service.”

  “Alright,” Kayla agreed. “May I get started? There’s quite a bit to do.”

  “I’ll pay you ten dollars for today and ten for the week on Friday.”

  “Thank you,” Kayla said.

  ***

  She started in the bedrooms, stripping sheets for the laundry and finding new sheets in the linen closet. She threw the sheets down by the washer and went do dust the bedrooms. Once she’d run the sheets through the ringer washer she took them outside to hang them up on the line, whistling while she did.

  She found the busier she stayed, the less she thought about her stubborn and deceitful boss. Still frustrated that she’d been brought out to the arid desert of Texas to be a maid instead of a wife, she couldn’t bring herself to forgive him, no matter how handsome he was.

  “Will you have lunch now Mr. Langley?”

  “I’d ask you to call me Curt if you will and yes lunch would be nice.” Kayla bit her tongue. She needed this job and telling her boss that she’d prefer he be honest as well wasn’t a good way to ensure that happened.

  “Fine,” Kayla said, getting a prick from her spirit. Sighing she turned back toward him, noting the hurt in his still stunning eyes. “I’m sorry Curt. I was admittedly caught off guard by your admission yesterday, but that’s no reason to make us both miserable. Please tell me though, that from here on out you’ll always be honest and upfront with me. If there’s something I need to know, tell me.”

  “I can do that,” the man said, looking even better when he smiled. “So tell me, did you really have fun on your date with Buck Tyson?”

  “I did,” Kayla grinned. “He’s energetic and kind. He can hold a decent conversation which is something I find particularly important. He is stable and well-balanced, more important factors.”

  “He bored you didn’t he?”

  “He nearly made my ears ring,” Kayla chuckled. “I’m sorry, he is a very sweet man, but I told him that there just wasn’t anything there for me beyond friendship.”

  “How’d he take it?”

  “He’s too much of a gentleman to make a scene, but I could tell he was a little hurt. I told him that I thought it better to let him know straight away rather than drag it out. He still wasn’t pleased, until I told him that there was a pretty blonde looking his way.”

  “That was sweet of you.”

  “Nah. I always try to be nice. I even told him I didn’t care if he went over and talked to her.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Buck is kind and sweet. I didn’t want her to get away, seeing as there’s ten men for every woman out here. I’d imagine that number gets a larger gap if you compare the men to every single woman ere.”

  “I’d assume you’re right.”

  “It’s always good to assume I’m right,” Kayla laughed. She made hazelnut soup and sandwiches, serving Curt and then herself.

  “This is fantastic,” Curt said, digging into his soup after saying grace. “Can I ask you a question? It’s something I’ve always wondered but never had the right person to ask.”

  “Sure.”

  “How would you raise a child?”

  “One of my own or someone else’s?”

  “Either.”

  “Well if the child belonged to someone else, I’d have to raise it according to what they thought was right. If, however, the child was mind, I’d raise him or her in the admonition of the Lord. My child would learn that God loves them, that their life should reflect that love, and that no matter what, nothing can separate us from that love.”

  ***

  Curt thought about his time with Kayla for a long while after she’d gone home. He’d driven her into town and at her request dropped her at the library. He thought over their conversation as he drove home and ate dinner. She’d declined his offer to stay and have dinner with him, saying she had some things to take care of.

  He still couldn’t get over how beautiful she was. Much more so than he’d been expecting. She was smart as well and a pleasure to talk to, as long as she wasn’t miffed at him. He smiled knowing it
was his own fault. If he’d been upfront and honest, even in that first telegraph, she’d have been able to decide if the job he offered her what she was looking for.

  Still, it had worked out for the best. He certainly couldn’t complain about her work. She’d done his sheets, dusted, swept and mopped the kitchen. Made lunch and had left enough for supper as well. She’d swept the stoop and the large front porch as well. By the time she left, Curt found himself wondering if tomorrow she’d have anything left to do but cook for him.

  Getting ready for bed, Curt spent time in prayer. Thank you Lord for today. Thank you for helping Kayla and I work things out. Help me to always be honest and upfront with her and to always value the service she brings. Give us a great day tomorrow and thank you for our rest tonight.

  The next day dawned beautifully warm as the sun streaked across the sky. Curt was enjoying his coffee when he saw a horse coming up his driveway. Sitting tall and lovely in the saddle, Kayla smiled and waved when she saw him. She’d make a beautiful bride, Curt thought. Dumbfounded, he shook his head. Where had that thought come from? He didn’t want to get married. He liked his life just the way it was. Didn’t he?

  “Good morning!” Kayla called as she dismounted. He found it odd to see a woman riding a horse as if she were a man. He’d never seen a woman riding anything but sidesaddle and the thought perturbed him. A woman wasn’t a man and shouldn’t be riding like one.

  “Good morning. Did you enjoy your ride?”

  “I did. It’s beautiful on the ride out from town. My horse, Rose Bud, seems to know the way well enough. I barely had to remind him where he was going.”

  “He’s been out here a time or two.”

  “He’ll be out here a lot more from now on. I bought him from the livery.”

  “You did?” Curt asked, surprised. “How much did they charge you?”

  “I spent the ten you gave me for my work yesterday. I figured I needed transportation seeing as I’d be working out here every day. I couldn’t ask you to transport me both ways all the time.”

  “Where will you put him?”

  “I used some of the money you sent me to stable him at the livery for the month. I’ll keep paying a month in advance.”

  “Is it expensive?”

  “Not terrible. Far cheaper than I would have found trying to stable a horse back home.”

  “Alright,” Curt said. “Have you eaten?”

  “I got something light at the café. Gladys was kind enough to let me in and feed me early this morning when I couldn’t sleep. Then she told me anytime I was up early to come join her for coffee. I’m grateful for a friend.”

  “We’re friends aren’t we?”

  “Yes,” Kayla smiled. “There is a different, however, in having a female friend.”

  “Ah, I suppose I can understand that. I can talk to Pecos in a way I could never talk to a woman.”

  “See, there you go.” Kayla stepped up on the porch and sat down across from him. “I wouldn’t mind a cup of coffee if you have any.”

  “Sure,” Curt smiled. He got her a cup, cream and sugar, waiting for her to finish fixing hers. “What do you think about my ranch? Do you think a woman could be happy here?”

  “I think so. You have a beautiful piece of property and your home is wonderful. It’s warm and inviting, not something every home can brag about. I think the right woman could be very happy out here, especially if she loved you.”

  “That eases my mind some.”

  “I take it you’ve got a woman in mind?”

  ***

  The fact that Curt was now thinking about marriage when he’d distinctly told her he wasn’t grated on her nerves. Did he say that simply because he wasn’t attracted to her? Not accustomed to keeping her thought quiet, Kayla asked him.

  “Why are you suddenly interested in marriage when you weren’t yesterday?”

  “I…I realized that I may be standing in God’s way of blessing me. I’ve asked Him to help me remember that my plans for my life may not be His plans. I’m hoping that I can be a faithful servant, even if that means getting married.”

  “I see,” Kayla said. And she did. Curt certainly wasn’t the first person to ever try and wrestle the reins of their life from God. She herself wasn’t nearly as close to Him as she had been, especially since her parent’s death. “Can I go to church with you on Sunday?”

  “Absolutely, I can pick you up before the service with the wagon if you’d like.”

  “I’d appreciate that.”

  Sunday came and for the first time in forever Kayla was excited. Nervous energy had her waking earlier than usual. She showered and dressed and was down to breakfast early enough to have beaten Katie McClaire to making coffee.

  After her morning breakfast, Kayla waited patiently for Curt to drive up. The moment he did, she ran out to the wagon and hopped in before he could get down and help her up. “Good morning,” she smiled.

  “Morning. You’ve certainly got some pep in your step.”

  “I’m excited. It’s been a while since I’ve been to church. Back home everyone knew my parents and it was a constant reminder that I’d lost them. Here I can attend church without anyone reminding me that they’re sorry for my loss.”

  “Well, regardless, I’m very sorry for the loss of your parents. I’m also very excited for your first Lubbock church service.”

  When they pulled up to the church Kayla allowed Curt to help her down and took his arm when he offered it. “Thank you,” she said, adding a wink and a smile.

  ***

  Curt couldn’t explain what had happened to him when Kayla had winked at him. Her grin only added to the confusion, because for a man who said he didn’t want to be married, a man who liked his life as it was, he was spending an awfully large amount of time thinking about Kayla Anderson.

  She invaded his thoughts at the oddest times. When he brewed coffee in the morning. When he was brushing his teeth before bed, when a breeze carried her whistled tunes to his ears. The more he wondered about God’s plan for his life, the more he couldn’t seem to stop thinking about the woman who’d taken a train across the country to marry him.

  God, I need your direction here. She’s beautiful and kind and lovely. I don’t want to jump into anything too soon though. I can’t undo anything once it’s done. Please guide me.

  Curt prayed silently, hoping his heartfelt words would reach the ears of the Father. “Thank you ladies and gentlemen,” the pastor said, interrupting Curt’s thoughts. “If you’ll turn in your Bibles to Jeremiah 29 I want to start today by talking about plans. We all have plans, dreams of things we like to accomplish or experience. How often though, do we wait to see if our plans are God’s plans also? Do we charge ahead and make a mess, or do we wait patiently for an answer and peace?”

  Curt listened intently to the sermon and felt properly chastised for his doubtful attitude. Immediately he prayed for God to work on him. Thank you for never giving up on me. Please help me to wait patiently for your direction and guidance.

  “Thank you for bringing me today,” Kayla said as they exited the church.

  “It was my pleasure,” Curt smiled. “Would you like to get something to eat at the café?”

  “I’d really enjoy that, thank you.”

  “So, you enjoyed the sermon?”

  “Immensely,” Kayla smiled. “I have to admit that it spoke to me more than usual. I’ve found, especially since coming here, that I’m impatient. I want to know where God’s guiding me before I’ve even thanked him for His current blessings in my life.”

  “I can understand that,” Curt said. “I too have found myself not letting go of control. I’ve spent too much time recently trying to lead my own life instead of following His leading.” Curt felt a peace come over him in the coming weeks when he thought about courting Kayla. He needed to explain himself fully first. To help her understand that it was God bringing her into his life that changed his mind about marriage and its possibilitie
s and blessings.

  “Happy Thanksgiving!” Kayla yelled from the back of Rose Bud as she came up his lane.

  “Happy Thanksgiving to you Miss Anderson.” Curt went out to help her off her horse, realizing she held a pie in her hand. “Did you come all the way out here with that in your hand?”

  “I did,” Kayla smiled. “Thankfully Rose Bud is a gentle horse. I was easily able to switch hands when I needed to.”

  “Well come inside before it gets any colder out here,” Curt said, showing Kayla into the house. “Kayla Anderson, this is Pecos and his wife Sadie. Their children Tomas and Annabelle are running around outside somewhere.”

  It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” Kayla said. “Curt do you have a place I can set this pie?”

  “Yes,” he smiled. “Anywhere in the kitchen will do. Or you can save yourself the time and just put the whole thing on my plate.” She laughed, adding a new thrill for Curt. Dinner went smoothly as everyone went around the table saying things they were thankful for.

  “I’m thankful for Curt,” Sadie said. “It’s because of him that Pecos has a job he loves. A job that supports our family.”

  “I’m thankful for friends and fellowship.” Curt had said. “Both new and old, God has truly blessed me.”

  “That’s what I’m thankful for,” Kayla said. “This year I’m even more grateful for God’s blessings in my life. For the son He sent to save me, for the relationship I’m able to enjoy with Him and through that the benefits I receive as a child of God.”

  Pecos and Sadie eventually took their children home and Curt offered to drive Kayla home. “I’d appreciate that. After all the food I ate I won’t make it halfway before I fall asleep.”

  “Well then, your chariot awaits milady,” Curt joked. He helped her up and climbed easily up beside her. Tucking a blanket over her lap as the wind picked up, Curt asked if she was comfortable before he got the horses moving. “I know that when you first came here I convinced you under false pretenses…

  “I want you to know how sorry I am about that. It wasn’t anywhere near Christ like.”

  “I’ve already forgiven you Curt. I can understand why you did what you did.”