Luke interrupted her thoughts. “How long have you known?” His eyes darted to hers, then back to the ground.
Jane cleared her throat. “Since the day of the wedding. When they were leaving. . .I saw your face.” Luke nodded his head. Jane had never been good with words, much less apologies, but she knew she owed him one. “I’m very sorry for what I said. My words were cruel and, if I had stopped to think, I never would have said them. Your feelings are none of my concern.”
Luke raised the corners of his lips in a semblance of a smile. “You didn’t do anything wrong. The problem is mine.”
Luke started for Brownie and began guiding her to the stable. “Don’t give it another thought. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Jane made a hasty exit, eager to escape his presence. As she walked the short distance to the cottage, she berated herself for letting her nasty temper have its way.
❧
Luke unsaddled Brownie mechanically, reviewing his conversation with Jane. He was ashamed, now as never before, that someone else knew. And why did that someone have to be Cassy’s own sister? Besides Caleb or Cassy, Jane was the last person he would want to know his secret.
No wonder she’d been so terse with him. How could she respect him when he loved his own brother’s wife? Even he couldn’t respect himself.
Luke felt his face growing warm as he realized anew that Jane was aware of his feelings for Cassy. He felt naked, having his deepest, most secret feelings laid open before Jane.
He was as low as a worm. He knew it, and she did, too. The thought of facing her again was enough to make him squirm. At least she wouldn’t bring the matter up again. He could tell she’d felt guilty about bringing up Cassy’s name in the first place. She’d even gone so far as to apologize, which had surprised him to no end. In fact, Jane had dealt him two surprises tonight.
Luke’s mouth unconsciously formed a smile as he reviewed their little mishap with the dismount. He had half-expected Jane to come stiffly to her feet and proclaim he was a clumsy oaf for dragging her to the ground in such a manner.
But to his surprise, she’d actually smiled. Not just a half-hearted grin, but a full-fledged, teeth-baring smile that had knocked him off his feet. Somewhere under that stern, brittle exterior was a woman he wanted to get to know. In fact, he would consider it a personal challenge to draw out the lighter side of Jane Cooper.
eight
The next day, the sun rose white-hot on a backdrop of clear blue. The air was still except for an occasional warm wind. By midmorning, Jane knew the day would be the hottest she had seen in Cedar Springs. She was grateful to be working outside in the shade, for the house was stuffy and oppressive already.
As she ran one of Luke’s shirts through the wringer, she thought back to breakfast. Jane had dreaded seeing Luke again after their uncomfortable conversation the night be-fore. During breakfast preparations, she had worried about what Luke would say and how he would act toward her.
Her worries were inflated, however, for after an initial flush, Luke proceeded to act as he always did, joking with Elizabeth and taunting Jane. Evidently, he had overcome the embarrassment of last night’s exchange. Jane was glad for this, not only because she regretted her words, but also because she didn’t want any further strain on her relationship with Luke. She still had to live here for another two weeks, after all.
Luke faced rough days ahead, and Jane wondered how he would cope once Cassy and Caleb returned. She didn’t envy him. Surely, to never love at all would be better than to love someone who didn’t return your love—much less your own brother’s wife. She would have to be careful not to even hint of his feelings to Cassy. Her sister would feel horribly responsible if she knew of Luke’s feelings. Of course, it wasn’t her fault, but her sister was very sensitive to other people’s feelings.
Jane heard a giggle and looked up to see Elizabeth standing in front of her. “Jane, you’ve been wringing that shirt for five minutes!”
Jane looked down at the shirt she’d been working on, then gave a laugh of her own. “I guess you’re right. My mind was someplace else.”
“Well, my mind is here, but I wish my body were someplace else! Like the creek, for instance! It’s too hot to work today!”
Jane handed the shirt to Elizabeth, who proceeded to hang it on the line with the others. “Hot or cold, there’s always work to be done.”
“Do you think maybe we could go wading after lunch? We’ll be done with the wash then.”
Jane wiped the sweat off her face with the back of her hand. “I suppose we could. There’s nothing else pressing to be done.”
That news seemed to put a bounce in Elizabeth’s step for the rest of the morning. In fact, even Jane was looking forward to dipping her feet into the cool water.
Jane and Elizabeth ate lunch on the porch to avoid the suffocating heat inside the house. The meal of cheese, apples, and bread allowed them to eat without having to use the stove. After a quick cleanup, they checked the clothes on the line and found them dry. Elizabeth assisted in folding and storing the clothes and linen, eager to head off for the creek.
When Jane proclaimed that all the work was done, Elizabeth responded with animated glee, then led the way through the prairie grass toward the creek.
The walk was longer than Jane anticipated, and she was glad for her light-colored bonnet and dress. Eventually, she heard the trickling that indicated their arrival at the creek. Cottonwoods and willow trees lined the shallow creek bed, their heavy limbs providing a glorious reprieve from the sun.
Jane removed her bonnet, then sat in the tall grass to tug off her boots. Elizabeth was already dipping a toe into the bubbling water.
“Oh, Jane, water has never felt so wonderful!” Elizabeth stepped into the stream with both feet.
Jane finished peeling off her stockings and tiptoed to the bank feeling like a child. Elizabeth was knee-deep in the middle of the narrow creek when Jane pulled her skirt through her legs and tucked it into her waistband. She waded into the sun-speckled water, closing her eyes in ecstasy as the cool water rippled over her knees.
“Didn’t I tell you this would be wonderful? I only wish the creek was deeper so I could jump in and get wet clear up to my neck!”
“Well, I can’t make the water deeper, but I think I can help you out a little.” Jane reached into the creek and brought up a cupful of water, slinging it toward Elizabeth. It was only a little water, so that barely a few drops fell onto the girl’s pinafore, but she delighted in the play.
After a surprised laugh, Elizabeth sent a small spray of water back to Jane.
❧
Luke could hardly bear the incredible heat. Perspiration soaked his clothes and, beneath his favorite tan hat, his hair was plastered to his head. Luke nudged Gretyl onward and swept away the rivulets that trickled down his face. He lifted his canteen from his saddlebag and drew it to his lips for a drink. However, he found the container nearly empty. Thankfully, he wasn’t far from the creek where he could replenish his supply.
When the trees that lined the creek came into view, Gretyl quickened her pace as if she smelled the nearby water. “Got a thirst, do you, girl?” Luke asked as he patted her side.
As he neared the willows, Luke heard voices. He reined in Gretyl, pulling her to a stop just behind the huge, feathery willow branches. Luke peered through the foliage, wondering who was in his creek.
A grin pulled at Luke’s mouth when he caught sight of Elizabeth wading in the center of the creek. He had just straightened and was about to advance when he heard Elizabeth address Jane. Luke glimpsed through the branches again, and a moment later Jane came into view. Her back was to him, and he was surprised to see she was only a dozen or so feet away.
Jane hiked her skirt up to her knees, and Luke turned away, certain that Jane would not appreciate having an uninvited spectator. After hearing the telltale splash of water, he looked back to see that Jane was standing knee-deep in the water. She and Elizabeth ex
changed words, which he couldn’t hear, then Jane shocked him by splashing water at Elizabeth.
The younger girl retaliated in kind and, within moments, Luke was witnessing an all-out water war. If he hadn’t seen it, he never would have believed that Jane could be so playful. Why, it was only yesterday that he’d seen her smile for the first time. The laughter and squealing from both girls held his attention, and he found himself laughing at their antics as they frolicked in the water.
Eager to join the fun, Luke urged Gretyl forward and led her to the edge of the water. Elizabeth and Jane were so caught up in their game, they didn’t see Luke until he spoke. “So this is what you two do all day while I’m working.”
Their hands stopped midair, and Luke was almost surprised the water they were spraying didn’t freeze in midair, too. The expressions on their faces were comical and induced a laugh from Luke. Elizabeth recouped quickly.
“Come join us, Luke! We’re having a grand time!”
“I can see that.” Luke saw that Jane was looking a bit embarrassed at having been caught playing like a child, so Luke decided to tease her. “Well, I’ll come in, but only if Jane can control herself. I can see she’s the best splasher around these parts.”
Jane ducked her head, but not before Luke saw the beginnings of a smile. Dark spots speckled the bodice of her dress where water had splotched her, and her skirts had come loose, ballooning around her legs.
Luke tugged off his boots, then tied Gretyl near the stream so she could quench her thirst. After rolling up his pants, he walked to the water’s edge.
❧
Jane watched as Luke splashed into the water, giving no thought to the rough fragments of rock that lined the bottom of the creek bed. Their eyes met, and he smiled as he called out, “You have no idea how silly the two of you looked. Jane, I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen the sight myself. And you even started this fracas.”
Jane stared at him as her mouth dropped open, leaving a slit between her lips. He must have been spying on them from behind the trees, for she surely would have noticed him if he had been standing near the water. And he had been there from the beginning of their little battle. Had he seen her enter the water? Why, she’d hiked her skirts clear up to her. . . Colorless heat suffused her face and branched out to her ears.
“Luke Reiley!” Jane jammed her fists onto her hips. “You were spying on us. Just how long did you hide behind those trees watching us?”
Luke waded over to the girls, a telling blush creeping up his neck. “I wasn’t spying exactly. . . .” A sheepish grin and hands that were turned palms-up completed his sentence.
Jane looked at Elizabeth and saw a mischievous glint in her eyes. Jane hadn’t known Elizabeth very long, but she was certainly capable of reading the intent in her eyes. Jane’s eyes took on an impish look of their own before both of them reached into the creek and showered Luke with simultaneous sprays of water.
“Hey!” Luke shouted with surprise as he put his hands out to ward off the gush of water.
Jane and Elizabeth advanced on him, getting bolder as he retreated from them. Elizabeth was giggling with delight, and Jane herself was having a good laugh at Luke’s expense when he suddenly lost his footing and toppled backward into the bubbling brook.
He landed with a splash, and Jane and Elizabeth stopped their hands in midair. Luke looked momentarily shocked, as if he weren’t sure how he came to be sitting in the middle of the creek.
“Luke! Are you all right?” It was Elizabeth who recovered first.
Luke shook his head to clear it, sending droplets of water everywhere. “I’m fine, I think. My foot slipped on a rock,” he said, making no effort to stand. “Well, what are you waiting for? The least the two of you could do is help me up.”
Jane and Elizabeth each extended a hand to Luke. Jane no sooner felt her hand being engulfed by his than she felt a powerful tug that sent her plunging into the water beside Luke. She automatically flung her other hand out to break her fall but, even so, she found herself sitting in the creek only inches from Luke. Elizabeth came splashing in only a second behind her. Luke’s laughter followed shortly after.
Elizabeth wiped the droplets from her face. “I can’t believe you did that! We’re soaking wet!”
Luke seemed hardly able to contain himself. “You were already wet anyway.”
He turned to look at Jane just then, and she was momentarily stunned by the beautiful expression on his face. His eyes were a reflection of the water that surrounded them, twinkling as the sun played with its surface. Crinkles lined his eyes, and his one dimple appeared to the left of his smiling mouth, inducing Jane’s smile. If a man could be described as beautiful, Luke was surely such a man. Jane memorized his expression, intending to sketch him later.
Elizabeth stood to her feet with a swash, drawing Luke’s attention once again. Within moments, another water war commenced, and the three frolicked audaciously in the creek.
Later that afternoon, as she and Elizabeth walked back to the house, their dresses clinging stubbornly to their legs, Jane realized she could not recall having ever enjoyed herself more.
❧
The heat in the cottage was so stifling that evening that Jane opened the front and back doors to draw in the cooler evening air. Her mission that night had been to sketch Luke and, since the cabin’s heat was unbearable, she took her tools out to the front porch. After propping up her tablet, Jane closed her eyes for a moment to recall the details of his face. She saw clearly in her mind’s eye the expression he’d worn that afternoon. Eager to begin, Jane picked up her lead pencil and began sketching the outline of his face. She would put the sky in the background, she decided as her pencil flew in familiar form around the page. Perhaps some wispy clouds, but nothing so detailed as to pull one’s attention from his face.
Once the outline of his face was complete, Jane executed the feathery strokes that would represent Luke’s hair, leaving the areas white that would become highlights. His wavy brown hair seemed to attract the sunlight, just as his eyes did. Of course, one could see highlights on dark eyes and hair much easier than on light. Jane wondered if her own eyes reflected the sun. They were very dark, after all.
Luke’s eyes were even easier to portray than his hair—eyes, forever laughing and flickering, giving off warm, vibrant light.
With her pencil, she gently darkened in the hollows of his face and the dimple that adorned his left cheek. The shadowing and highlighting gradually gave birth to Luke’s familiar face. This was the part Jane liked most about drawing: the fine details that perfected the representation. Jane worked diligently on each feature, leaving the mouth for last, since she couldn’t remember exactly the shape of his lips.
When the sun sank in the sky, withdrawing the last of the day’s light, Jane stretched her taut neck and shoulder muscles. She’d been sitting motionless for well over an hour. Her work had paid off though, for staring up at her from the tablet was Luke. At least, Luke without his mouth. She would have to take particular notice of his lips tomorrow.
As she studied her handiwork, Jane realized for the first time that she no longer found Luke an annoyance. In fact, she had to admit, she was growing to like him. A smile formed of its own volition. Yes, perhaps Luke wasn’t so bad after all.
nine
Getting breakfast on the table the next morning was a hassle. Elizabeth overslept, then scurried to gather the eggs while Jane rushed to have the food ready before Luke returned from his morning chores. Everything that could have gone wrong did: the bacon burned, the water boiled over, and in her hurry, she sloshed milk all over her frock.
Even so, she managed to have the food ready by the time Luke had washed up. The acrid smell of smoke had dissipated somewhat, and most of the bacon had been salvageable. Elizabeth scooted into her seat just as Jane placed the milk pitcher on the table.
Luke and Elizabeth carried the conversation throughout the meal, while Jane mentally reviewed the tasks she
needed to do by day’s end.
When Elizabeth finished eating, she excused herself from the table. “I’ll do the dishes, Jane. You had to fix breakfast all by yourself, and it was my fault for sleeping late.”
Jane thanked her as she passed her with an armful of dishes. Luke leaned toward her, helping himself to another piece of bacon when Jane suddenly remembered her intent to study the shape of his lips. She lowered her fork and focused on Luke’s mouth, narrowing her eyes and unconsciously biting her own lip in concentration. His lower lip was average sized, but his upper lip was rather full for a man’s, she thought. She wondered if it thinned much when he smiled. She would have to find out, since he was smiling in his portrait. If only he would smile so she could see. . .
Jane felt a prickling heat that crawled up her arms and converged at the base of her neck before suffusing her face. She knew without looking she’d been caught. Slowly, with instinctive dread, she raised her eyes to meet his.
His dark brows knotted in confusion, and she opened her mouth to explain. Just as quickly, she snapped it shut. What was she going to say—that she was studying his features so she could complete his portrait? What would he think of that? She felt warmth flood her face and was glad the heat would not culminate in a telltale blush.
Luke’s eyes darted down to her mouth. She stilled, afraid to blink or even swallow. The moment dragged on, a tense silence enshrouding them.
Suddenly, Luke cleared his throat, shattering the silence and breaking the trance. Both of them awkwardly turned their attention to their plates as Elizabeth returned to retrieve more dishes.
It was unlike Luke to be so quiet and reflective. Why hadn’t he made a joke or asked if he had preserves on his chin, anything but sit there all tongue-tied. And what must he think of her—staring at his lips from across the table like a brazen wench. Jane excused herself, her head bent in mortification as she carried her dishes to the basin in trembling hands that threatened to reduce the china to a stack of shards.
Never a Bride Page 7
