A Bride For Luke

by Cyndi Raye

  “Luke, I guess that’s about the best you can do. Okay, boys, let’s find Abigail.”

  Luke was amazed at his Ma’s determination and fight at her age, although it didn’t surprise him. She had been a fighter all her life and stepped up to the plate when their Pa died. She was born to the saddle and led the way through the dark. He rode up beside her. “Thanks for helping, Ma.”

  She turned to him. “I would do anything for my daughter-in-law. Now, do a bit less talking and more searching.”

  Luke, stunned, began to grin. His Ma was a feisty woman. Rusty found his way alongside her while he spread out in the opposite direction. No use worrying about his Ma, too. She’d be fine.

  The night air was cooling the closer they got to the small creek that ran through the property. The air was damp, a few chills ran through Luke’s body. The temperature always dropped at night.

  The others were calling out her name to no avail.

  The return silence was getting the best of him. Where was she? Luke was more alarmed then he’d ever been in his life. He slid from the saddle and began to walk along the bank of the creek, close enough so his horse was able to drink cold water to quench her thirst. His mare had been tirelessly working all day. She needed to rest.

  He stood by the creek while she dipped her nose into the water. Luke looked around, seeing nothing but darkness. He held up the lantern in his hand. A small glow made a circle surrounding him.

  His mare stopped drinking. Her ears perked upward. Luke laid a hand on her neck. “What is it? What do you hear?” he whispered, knowing a horse’s hearing was much better than his own.

  Then Luke heard the shuffling noise. A small whimper sounded from his left. Luke moved the lantern towards a tree with large fallen branches surrounding the trunk. The tree was dying, its limbs crumbling, falling off one at a time.

  A crack rent the air as another limb fell to the ground alongside the others. Luke left the horse at the creek, racing to the tree. That’s when he noticed a pair of ladies boots sticking out from underneath several branches. He heard a puppy whimpering, sticking its head out then disappearing from sight.

  “Abigail? Are you under there?”

  No answer.

  “I think I found her!” He yelled at the top of his lungs so the others would hear. Luke got to work, dragging the limbs away from the tree. It seemed like forever until every single limb had been cast aside. A shaking puppy curled up in Abigail’s skirts. He picked up the pup, removing her from Abigail’s lap. He placed the palms of his hands on her cheeks, finding them so cold. Her clothes were wet from the stream, it’s moisture drawing into the ground, causing the dampness.

  “Abigail!” Wake up!”

  He placed the pup onto her lap, picking Abigail up from the damp ground. She was so limp. He didn’t have time to waste. The others rushed to his side when they heard him call out.

  “Have you found her? Oh, dear!” Nora rushed to his side. “Adam, take her so Luke can get on his horse.”

  Adam did as told, then waited until Luke was astride, handing Abigail over.

  Luke gathered her close, the puppy still hiding within her skirts. Luke moved as fast as possible through the meadow land, hanging onto them both, fearing the worst. He didn’t want to loose Abigail.

  She was starting to mean the world to him.

  Chapter 8

  Abigail heard the sound of Nora’s voice speaking quietly to her son. She didn’t want to open her eyes to let them know she was awake. Actually, she was enjoying this time, listening to his Ma reprimand her husband. She tried hard not to move a muscle so they weren’t aware she was indeed awake.

  “Luke White. I’ve never been so ashamed of one of my sons before. The way you treated the Young twins was terrible. If your father were alive, he’d have sent you to bed without food.”

  “I’m a grown man, Ma, no one can send me to bed without my supper.”

  “That doesn’t mean you have to disrespect someone. Those two spent the night looking for your wife.”

  She heard Luke sigh. Abigail imagined he was staring at his boots right now. When Nora got mad, she didn’t hold back. Even though she was whispering from a corner of the room, Abigail heard her plain as day.

  “I’m sorry, OK? What do you want me to do? I feel the same way about them as before Abigail got lost. Why should it change anything?”

  “You didn’t have to tell them not to cross over onto our property or they’d be shot on sight!”

  “They told me the same thing.”

  “That was ten years ago, Luke. When your father died I know they made some terrible allegations about him but none of it was true. I think it’s time all of you get together and stop this neighborhood feud. There is no point to all the bad feelings.”

  “They accused Pa of trying to scare the widow off and then offering to buy her land. I’ll never forgive them for trying to accuse a dead man of something he didn’t do.”

  “Maybe it’s time to forgive.”

  “You haven’t spoken to Widow Young in ten years either, Ma.”

  “I tried. She won’t speak to me,” his mother said softly. “She assumes I want her land as well.”

  Abigail listened as the two argued quietly in the corner of the room. She no longer heard precise words as they both lowered their voices again. Abigail was certain they were trying to avoid disturbing her. Now she understood why no one ever talked about Widow Young and her boys. Luke’s father wanted their land. It made sense since it was butted up to theirs. She still didn’t understand why there had to be so much angst among them all. Ten years was a long time to stay angry.

  Abigail flickered her eyes, trying to keep still and yet wanting the arguing to stop. Her head still ached from the tree limb that fell right on top of her, sending her reeling last night. When the limb hit her it had made her so dizzy her head began to spin right before she had fainted while holding onto the puppy for dear life. The next thing she remembered was Luke holding her tight, racing through the night on his mare, whispering in her ear to please stay alive. A small smile curved at her mouth, remembering his soft-spoken words of desperation.

  Luke had said if she were to live he would keep her forever, he truly did not want an annulment. Were those the words of a man who despised her? It sounded more like they were from someone who loved her. How had it happened so fast?

  Abigail didn’t want to face reality yet. She stayed as still as possible while the two finished their conversation. She rather enjoyed how Luke had sat by her side through the night, stroking her hand, running his fingers down her face, telling her she meant the world to him. She secretly wondered how long she would be able to stay like this? If she were to keep getting this type of attention, she may not want to awaken until Spring. By then the three month trial period would be long gone.

  Abigail felt a pair of lips press against her forehead. The lavender scent she knew well from Nora lingered in the air. “I’m going to make some broth so when she wakes up it will help nourish her.”

  “Thank you, Ma. I’m sorry I spoke unkindly to you.”

  “I love you son and I do understand you have your own opinion. We’ll talk about it later. Right now, we have to be here for Abigail.”

  Abigail almost felt a stab of guilt when she heard Nora hold back a sob.

  Luke hugged her before walking her to the door. “It’s going to be fine, Ma. Don’t worry, Abigail is a strong woman. I felt a strong pulse, she’ll wake up.”

  “I hope you’re right. She is like a daughter to me.” The front door closed quietly.

  The room became unbearably silent.

  Abigail opened her eyes to find Luke watching her, a smile curving his lips when he noticed she was awake. He moved closer, sitting on the chair beside the bed. Taking her hands in his own, he pressed them to his lips, his mouth lingering there. She felt the breath of warm air against her skin.

  “I thought you may be awake.” His quiet words made her feel even more guilty. />
  “I’m sorry. I didn’t want your Ma to know I was awake. Or you for that matter.”

  “Why not?”

  “All night long I heard you speaking to me. I heard what you said, Luke. I was hoping to hear more.”

  He sighed and looked into her eyes, his face serious. “I meant every word. I doubt I can be without you now, Abigail.”

  Her pulse raced at his honest words. She felt the same way. This was a dream come true, a turning point for them both. Even the pup got excited, his tiny tail pounding the blanket, making a racket.

  She tried to sit up but her head began to pound. She reached for her head, hoping to make the pain go away. “Oh, my, it hurts so much.”

  “You got a bump the size of a goose egg on your forehead. Don’t try to move. I’ll take care of you.”

  Abigail forced a smile through the pain. “Thank you. I guess I’m fine as long as I lie still.” A wet tongue slaked out, tickling her hand. Abigail giggled, grabbing her head again to still the movement.

  “This little feller stayed with you the whole time. He wouldn’t leave you even when I tried to give him back to the Youngs.”

  “His name is Trouble.”

  “Indeed.”

  Abigail wondered if he tried to give Trouble back before or after he warned them not to cross over on the White property. Now that she was staying, she began to wonder how to make everyone all get along. Maybe there was something miraculous she was able to do to bring peace to this family. It wouldn’t hurt to send a small prayer upwards right now.

  Twenty minutes later, the soft knock on the bedroom door sounded so loud to Abigail’s tender ears. She groaned aloud in agony. The more awake and aware she became, the more pain she felt. Without a doubt she needed more rest. Except the smell of chicken broth wafted through the air. Her stomach growled.

  Nora peeked her head through first before entering, the sadness no longer in her eyes. She seemed strong, pulled together, unlike earlier. “I brought some warm broth. Ah, you are awake. I knew you’d pull through.” She placed a kiss on Abigail’s cheek before handing the broth to her son. With a nod she left as quickly and quietly as she came.

  Luke dished a spoonful and held it to her mouth. Abigail opened up, sipping on the delicious liquid. Without opening her eyes, she moaned softly. “It tastes so good, thank you so much.”

  “You are under strict orders to rest today. Ma sent for the doctor but the closest one is in Wichita Falls. It’ll take a few hours for him to get here.”

  “I’m sure I’ll be fine, no need to go to all that trouble.”

  “I’m afraid it’s too late, he’s sure to be on his way.”

  After eating half the bowl, Abigail pushed the spoon away. “That’s enough. I’m getting sleepy.”

  Luke set the bowl aside then picked up Trouble. “I’ll take him outside for a run. You get some rest. I’ll bring him back soon.”

  “Can I keep him?” She batted her eyes on purpose even though it hurt to move them.

  He grinned. “I think he’s already claimed you. I’ll see what I can do.”

  “I’m sure the Youngs won’t mind if you ask nicely.”

  Luke frowned. “I don’t plan to ask them.”

  <><>

  Luke rode up to the front porch of the Young ranch. He hadn’t been this close to the place in ten long years. The last time he remembered being on the property besides having to rescue Abigail last night was with his father. In a way the place was a tiny version of the White Ranch.

  Widow Young stood on the porch, a shotgun cradled in her arms.

  “Put that thing away, I’m not here to start trouble.”

  “Seems to me you threatened my boys again.”

  “Again! I’ll have you know they were the ones who threatened me first.”

  “Humph! That was ten years ago and you deserved it acting like a darn fool.”

  It was a shame he had to keep this feud going for the sake of his father’s secret. Luke had always liked Widow Young. She didn’t mince her words. If she was mad, she let you have it. At the same time if she liked you, there was nothing she wouldn’t do for you. Luke was pretty sure he was on the bad side of her, which didn’t bode well with her carrying that shotgun around. It wasn’t entirely her fault what had happened.

  After her own husband died, she always treated Luke and his brothers with kindness. Pa, along with him and his brothers would help out whenever time allowed to keep the farm going. Even with all the work from their own farm, no one minded lending a hand for a poor widow woman.

  Then something happened and it was the last time he ever got a piece of pie or sat at her table again. When she turned on them, it wasn’t a good thing. He had better keep that thought in the back of his head no matter how understanding she appeared to be.

  Two riders came through the pasture like they were racing the wind itself. “Get away from our Ma!”

  Luke recognized Wesley’s voice. He was always the loudest of the two. As protective as Luke was with his own Ma, he more than understood how Wesley felt. Still, he wasn’t here to harm anyone.

  “That’s enough Wesley. Let the man speak.”

  Luke nodded to Widow Young. He reached in his pocket and handed Wesley a wad of cash. “This here’s for the dog. Seems like it done got itself attached to Abigail.”

  Wesley glared. “Who says we are selling the pup?”

  Luke moved his horse alongside Wesley. “Don’t much matter to me. I figure I can keep that pup for all the trouble it caused. Because of him, my wife may have died on your property. I suggest you take the money and be darn lucky that’s all I’m offering.” He made a fist, clearly making a statement to the twin.

  Wesley puffed up his chest. His brother sat silent, watching.

  “Leave it be, son,” the widow warned. She spoke to Luke. “You can have the pup, no charge. Now go on, ride out of here.”

  Wesley tried to hand the money back. Luke stared hard before ignoring it and moving away, backing out of the range of the Young family. He doubted they would try something but he wasn’t about to turn his back on anyone. Not after everything that had happened over the years.

  Once he left the Young spread, Luke shot across the open prairie giving his mare full rein. He needed to get some frustration out before going back to spend time with Abigail. Seeing the widow so close up and in that environment made him think of his father. He did miss his Pa. In ten years the ache in his heart was lighter but the anger at what his father did had grown. Luke thought it had faded but it hadn’t. He’d always be angry at what the man had done, what it had cost them.

  He also needed to speak with his brothers. There was so much going on in his head right now. He had made a promise, a pact with his brothers so long ago, forcing them both to promise never to reveal their secret. Under no circumstances would they ever let their Ma find out.

  He knew exactly where his brothers were riding the range. He headed that way, determined to get the conversation over with. It wasn’t going to be easy to admit he had been wrong.

  “Luke!” Adam noticed him first. He headed towards his brothers, kicking in his heels knowing Samuel would catch up and join in. It didn’t take long for all three brothers to be racing against the wind.

  The adrenaline pumped through his system. This was exactly what he needed. Adam flung his head back and laughed, while Samuel, a grin on his face, leaned in to the horse, forcing it to move faster. The three men raced against each other with sheer determination. They were headed for the creek that ran through one section of the property. Luke was in the lead. It never failed, he always won.

  Except today he didn’t want to win. He pulled back, letting the two go ahead of him. A look of surprise rendered across Adam’s face while a yippee came stumbling from Samuel’s mouth. The two ran their horses into the creek at the same exact time.

  “It’s a tie!” Adam shouted.

  “I can’t believe Luke lost!” Samuel lifted his hat in the air, waving it aro
und.

  The two looked at each other for a few seconds before Luke came to a stop.

  They stared at him, their faces quite serious.

  Adam spoke first. “Something is wrong. You let us win.”

  Samuel nodded. He placed his hat back on his head, watching his oldest brother carefully.

  “You are right. I let you win.” Luke slid from his saddle. “We need to talk.”

  “Since Ma’s not around, we don’t need to fake a wrestling match.” Adam sat down on the river bank, loosening the reins so his horse could get something to drink.

  Samuel and Luke did the same.

  Luke closed his eyes, listening to the running water trickle against stones and small rocks alongside the banks. The air was clear, even the birds didn’t make much noise today. “I need to get some things off my chest.”

  “We’re listening,” Samuel piped up.

  Adam nodded, staring at the water flowing by. To all appearances, he didn’t seem to be paying attention. Luke knew better.

  “For ten years we’ve been able to keep Pa’s secret. I still plan to and I ask you both to honor that promise.”

  Adam frowned. “Of course we will honor it. Ma would be crushed if she found out.”

  Samuel agreed. “I won’t ever spill my guts.”

  Luke sighed. “Things have changed for me and I think you both know making us swear to never marry was a foolish idea. I’ll be first to apologize for holding you both to a promise I can’t even keep.”

  Adam smiled. “You’ve fallen for Abigail, haven’t you?” He reached out to pat Luke on the back.

  Samuel brushed Adam’s arm aside and pounced on his older brother. “Yahoo! I knew it!”

  Luke laughed. There was no getting around it now. He’d have to fight his way out of this. Twisting his whole body, he pretended to slam Samuel to the ground, taking his arms and placing them behind his back. Samuel was no match for him, at least not yet. Maybe in a few more years he would be.

  Forty minutes later they were all spread out in the grass alongside the creek bank, laughing and teasing one another. Luke sat up on his elbows. “I best get back. The doc should be here by now. I want to check on Abigail.”