“I have to admit, Lee, I would have sedated her in this situation.”
Lee nodded. “There are times when that’s necessary, but in Mary’s case, we don’t have the luxury of time, and I need to return to Pennsylvania within four days. When I felt her respond, the way I’d hoped, to being held, I knew she’d be okay.”
“I’ve never seen that method before,” Lance admitted.
“I observed it in England while visiting a researcher at Oxford, but this is the first time I’ve used it myself. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised at her response.”
Chapter 17
Mary’s Farm
“What do you mean Lee doesn’t want us to visit Mary?” Claire demanded with a stomp of her foot. “I agreed to support his method, but it was with the understanding I would be able to visit her daily.”
“From what Doc Holloway said, Mary had a breakthrough yesterday and they feel she’ll be more open with him now. The good news is, it seems to be working,” Jim countered his sister’s feisty response.
“But Jim, Mary’s almost out of time. What happens if she doesn’t respond to the telegram?”
“Then they’ll take legal action to reclaim the farm, I’m assuming.”
“But we can’t let that happen. Mary would never forgive us!”
“Doc Jamison said that subconsciously Mary is aware, and that if she isn’t able to acknowledge it consciously, it’s more dangerous to push the issue or bring it to her attention. I think in this case, Claire, we need to pray and trust God to take care of the details.”
Claire sank down into the kitchen table chair. “Yes, of course, you’re right. God is certainly bigger than this situation—but do you think we should at least telegram father and let him know what’s going on?”
“No, I don’t. I think we need to stay the course we’re on, and pray that Mary can heal from this, and then make a decision based in her future—not her past. You have to trust Sully in this, Claire.”
Chagrin crossed her face. “Yes, you’re right, I do. He would be so disappointed in me right now if he knew I’d suggested reaching out to father without consulting him.”
Jim smiled at his sister. “No, sis, I think Sully would understand exactly where you are coming from. He knows you love Mary and want what’s best for her, it’s just in this case, you need to believe that Sully has yours and Mary’s best interests at heart.”
* * *
Claire stood before Colossal’s corral and starred at the massive Longhorn. “Hey boy,” she whispered. “It’s me,” her voice cracked.
“You’re so big, aren’t you Colossal? You stay in this corral and your life is simple—you eat and drink and graze and then do the same thing all over again. I would think your life would be boring,” she snorted, “but you are content with it, aren’t you, boy?”
She took two steps toward the fence and Colossal snorted back, then stomped his left front foot.
“Oh, don’t get into a tither, Colossal. I’m not planning to invade your space, I just needed to talk.” Her throat thickened and she swallowed against the sadness that stopped right at the edge, clogged, and unable to release.
Colossal took another step toward her.
Claire pulled an apple from her pocket and placed it in her palm, then she took another step closer to the fence.
Colossal shook his head.
“You know you want it, you big brute,” she scolded. “Why are you so stubborn, huh? I just want to be your friend.” She held the apple steady. “Remember the last time we tried this? You hooked my shirt and sent me flying through the air—let’s not do that again, okay?” She looked into Colossal’s eyes and could have sworn he understood exactly what she was saying.
“Colossal, I feel so sad.” Tears welled up in her eyes, shimmering, refusing to fall. “I’m worried about Mary. You know Mary, she’s your owner.” Claire explained as though Colossal could comprehend her words.
“You remember Mike, right? He was your owner, too. He brought you here. Well, after he died, Mary became sad, very sad, except she didn’t let herself feel the sadness and now it has made her sick.” Claire began to walk down the fence, and Colossal mirrored her direction.
Claire turned back to face Colossal and he stopped. “I’m worried about her. I’m worried that she won’t recover—that maybe she can’t because it will be too much. Now Mike’s family is threatening to take away the farm, and she can’t face it so she’s hiding. Do you understand what I mean?” She looked into the Longhorn’s eyes. He simply watched her. Listened.
“See, Colossal? This is one of the reasons why I like you. You listen,” she told him softly. He blew air through his nose, making Claire smile.
“So here’s the thing, Colossal. I feel scared and sad and guilty myself. I’m scared Mary won’t get better, and I’m sad that she’s hurting and I feel guilty that she’s had so much to deal with her entire life but everything has gone right for me—and I feel guilty that I feel guilty because I should really be grateful to God for all of it. It seems silly, right?”
Claire took another step toward Colossal and he reached toward her with his long nose and his long horns. They paused, looking at each other, and then Colossal’s long tongue reached toward her hand and grabbed the apple. They stood for a moment more and then Colossal turned and trotted toward the other end of the corral.
When Claire turned to leave, she realized Sully was only a few steps behind her.
He opened his arms to her and said, “Come here, Claire.”
She stood there, eyes filled with tears, her lips trembling, and then she ran into his arms. He scooped her up, carried her into the house, and held her until all the tears had fallen. Then he kissed her and told her that everything was going to be okay.
Chapter 18
Doc Holloway’s
Mary’s whimpers woke Lee. She tossed in the bed, moaning, then abruptly sat up straight and yelled, “Mike!”
“Mary, Mary, it’s okay. You’re here with me,” he took Mary’s hands in his and she opened her eyes.
“Lee? Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry, I guess I was dreaming.”
“Tell me about it,” he encouraged.
“No—“
“Yes, Mary, tell me about it, then I’ll let you bathe and get ready for the day.” He left no room for negotiation.
“I don’t remember it all,” she confessed. “I was dreaming about Mike,” she hesitated. “We were at the farm and he started walking away from me toward Colossal. He just kept walking right into the corral. He walked through it and out the other side, and he just kept walking,” she glanced up at Lee with worry-filled eyes, then took a deep breath. “It was just a dream.” She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, and then opened them again.
He nodded, his grey eyes locked onto hers and she couldn’t look away. An understanding passed between them. “Thank you,” she smiled shyly. “Thank you for helping me yesterday. I—I felt better somehow after.” She cocked her head at him, and he smiled back at her, waiting.
She felt tears leap into her eyes, but this time she didn’t hold them back. “I’ve felt sad and guilty for so long,” she admitted, brushing the tears from her face. “I realize it doesn’t make sense, but I did.”
He nodded, waiting.
More tears fell. “I have things I need to do today, Lee. I have to make some decisions—,” her voice broke, “a—about the farm.”
He squeezed her hand, and she looked away. “I feel like Mike was trying to tell me something but I don’t know what it was.” Desperation dripped in her voice.
“You don’t have to figure it out alone, Mary. We’re all here for you. Let me help you.”
Her head jerked back toward him and her eyes searched his. “I—I don’t know,” she admitted.
“I do,” he promised her. “I’ll send Melissa in and then we’ll have breakfast.”
* * *
Mary pushed her plate back. “That was delicious, Mags, thank you.”
“My pleasure,” Magdalena assured her. “It has taken me awhile to learn how to cook a few dishes well, but I’m getting there.”
Mary smiled. “It took me while, too. There’s something to be said for having a cook—until you don’t have a cook.”
Magdalena laughed.
“Married life agrees with you, Mags.”
Magdalena blushed. “Thanks, Mary. Who would have guessed when I came to Bareglen Creek that I would fall in love with a bullheaded and stubborn doctor, hm?”
Mary snickered. “Speaking of, is there anyway we can lock that kitchen door and keep them on the other side?”
Mags looked at her with sympathy. “You gave us quite a scare, you know.”
“I know I did. It wasn’t intentional, believe me.”
“Trust me, no one doubts that, especially when it comes to you.”
“Do you think they’ll ever let me out of here?” Mary arched her eyebrow at Magdalena.
Magdalena bit back her retort when Lee and Lance walked through the door.
“Speak of the devils,” Mary whispered, and Mags snorted.
Lee raised his eyebrows at them, then glanced at Mary’s plate, nodding in approval.
Mary looked at Mags and sighed.
Mags chuckled and said, “I’ve missed you, girl.”
“You, too,” Mary assured her, “but I’m back now.”
Lee held out his hand and Mary looked at it warily.
When he raised his brows a second time, Mary pushed back from the chair and reached for his hand.
If she had turned back, she would have seen tears in Magdalena’s eyes. It was such a simple gesture between Lee and Mary, but her willingness to take his hand spoke volumes.
After they left, Magdalena turned into Lance’s arms.
“it’s hard seeing Mary like this,” she whispered.
“I know it is, sweetheart.”
“I was so scared—I can’t even imagine how Claire feels.” She pulled back from Lance’s embrace and looked him in the eyes. “Is it okay if I ride out to the farm today? Claire is staying with Jim while Sully’s away today and tomorrow. I’d like to visit with her if that’s all right.”
“Care for some company?”
“Do you think Lee can handle this alone?”
“I’m certain Lee can handle this. In fact, if all goes as well as we hope, they will likely end up at the farm later today.”
“All right then, I’d love your company!”
Chapter 19
Mary’s Farm
“I’m going to see Mary,” Claire declared.
“Claire, we’ve already been through this. Just because Sully is away and can’t keep you in line doesn’t mean that you can just go all willy nilly and do whatever you want.”
“Jim Hawarden, how dare you?”
The sound of an approaching carriage cut off Jim’s reply.
Claire trounced to the front door. “It’s Magdalena and Doc Holloway,” she announced with a glare at Jim as she whirled through the door to greet them.
Magdalena waited for Lance to help her down from the carriage, and then handed a loaf of freshly baked bread to Claire. “Fresh from the oven,” Magdalena declared.
“It smells heavenly, Mags,” Claire grinned as she one-arm hugged her friend. “Doctor Holloway,” she greeted stiffly. “Come inside with me, Mags,” Claire dragged her friend toward the porch.
“Hi Jim,” Mags greeted as they passed him on the way to the house.
“Magdalena,” he bowed his head.
Jim reached out to shake Lance’s hand giving him a pointed look. “Someone’s unhappy today.”
“You don’t say,” Lance agreed.
“Yep, she pretty much blames you, Lee and me for the fact that she hasn’t been able to see Mary, and with Sully away…”
“Where are the deputies?” Lance asked.
“I sent them home. There isn’t enough work here for three men, although I was able to complete a few projects in advance with them here. Things will be in good shape when Mary returns.” Jim watched Lance’s reaction closely.
“Lee is taking her out today. He’s hopeful he can bring her here at he end of the day, but I’m not sure he’ll want to leave her. Do you have spare room if he decides to stay?”
“Of course. I’ll make sure there are fresh linens in the guest room.”
Lance glanced around the farmyard and inclined his head toward Colossal. “How are things between Claire and Colossal?”
“Funny you should ask,” Jim smirked. “Claire had a long talk with Colossal yesterday. It’s strange, but that Longhorn is somehow therapeutic to her.”
Lance shook his head, incredulous. “Let’s hope that Longhorn doesn’t spear her someday.”
“Don’t let Claire hear you talking like that about Colossal,” Jim warned.
“I’m surprised Sully lets her anywhere near it.”
“This has been hardest on Claire,” Jim acknowledged. “Sully rode in yesterday when she was standing inches from Colossal’s nose, and I thought Sully was going to pull her back, but instead he stood behind her and just listened to her conversation with the big guy. I’ve got to tell you, doc, it brought tears to my eyes watching it. She offered an apple to that Longhorn and he reached his tongue out, took the apple, stood and looked at her, and then trotted to the other end of his corral.” Jim shook his head in wonder.
“What happened then?”
“Claire turned and saw Sully. He opened his arms to her and she ran into them sobbing.” Jim blinked rapidly then cleared his throat. “Sully took her inside the house—carried her like a baby—and after a long while they both came out and he took her home.” He paused. “As dangerous as that Longhorn could be—for Claire there’s just something special about him. I wouldn’t have dreamed an animal like that could help her grieve, but I think he did.”
Lance glanced at Colossal who stared right back at him. They stood like that for a long minute before Colossal dropped his head and began to graze.
“Let’s go inside,” he said to Jim. “I’d like to set some expectations for Mary’s return.”
* * *
That evening, Lee and Mary rode into the farm just before dinner.
Mary’s stomach knotted. She wanted to be here, right? It was her farm, after all, but spending the day with Lee had been enlightening and freeing. He had helped her talk through many of her concerns and fears—but it was when he encouraged her to role-play with him—to pretend that she was Claire and he was Mary—that was the pivotal moment she’d been able to pull back and look at her situation in a different light.
“You okay?” He asked.
“Yes,” she answered softly, “but I’m exhausted.”
“We’ll eat a quick dinner and then you can retire to bed.”
She nodded but looked away. She mustn’t get attached to Lee or rely on him. He was just acting in a professional capacity and nothing more, she reminded herself.
Chapter 20
Mary’s Farm
Mary woke with a start. It was the same dream she’d had before where Mike was walking away from her, just walking away with no intention of coming back.
She rubbed her eyes and took several long breaths, trying to make sense of what her dreams might be telling her.
Her conversations with Lee had been helpful, but she was still confused about what she should do with the farm. What would she do without it? Could she let it go? Could she return to Philadelphia now as a widow?
Mary threw off the covers and rose. Walking over to her bedroom window, she drew back the curtains and watched the sun begin to rise over the horizon.
It was a new day—a day that the Lord had made and she needed to get busy.
Once dressed, she tiptoed into the kitchen to begin preparations for breakfast. She was the first one up, so she put water on to boil for coffee and tea, then hurried out into the farm yard to gather eggs.
Walking back with her arms loaded with
eggs, she took a moment to stop in front of Colossal. “Hey Colossal, did you miss me?” She asked him. Tears started to build up in her eyes as she stared into the eyes of her Longhorn. “You don’t have the answers either, do you buddy?” Lee had told her to let her tears fall—that it was important for her to stop repressing her emotions—but there was no time for it today. She’d been away from her farm far too long, and it’s not like she could just cry all day even If she felt like it.
She was confused by her emotions. She loved the farm and she didn’t want to leave it, but did she really want to stay in Bareglen Creek? She didn’t know.
When she entered the kitchen, Lee was making coffee. He paused and studied her. She forced a cheerful smile. “We have plenty of eggs for breakfast.” Her stomach did that weird flip when he didn’t answer, but simply watched her. Darn mind reader.
Claire swept into the kitchen and immediately offered to help Mary with the eggs. Suddenly the morning turned into any other morning at the farm, and a familiar routine took over. Mary found herself laughing as Claire recounted Colossal’s antics and the deputies who had spent several days helping Jim at the farm. Mary relaxed into the familiarity, but she could not help but feel Lee’s eyes observing her at every turn.
When Jim entered the kitchen, Mary asked him to set the table. She wanted to give Lee something to do too, so he would stop staring at her, but she didn’t want to appear rude after all he had done to try to help her—even if he was more than a little annoying. Okay, maybe a lot annoying.
“Claire, can you help me quickly and then we’ll be ready for breakfast,” Mary declared with satisfaction.
Claire joined her in the kitchen, and Mary whispered. “You have to get Lee off my case. Help me out, sis, he’s driving me crazy.”
CHARMED Boxed Set 1, Hero Hearts Historical: Inspirational Western Romance Page 27
