by Caryl McAdoo
“You in love with him?”
Rose nodded. This lady didn’t mince her words. “Yes, ma’am, I am.”
“What about Mister Nightengale? What’s he going to say about that?”
“I have no idea. Far as I know, he may count me dead, and he never even knew I was pregnant when I got stolen. Happened over five years ago. ”
“Well, I haven’t known Levi Baylor that long, but long enough to know he’s a good man. Hadn’t ever stood for me talking about the Lord with him, but saved or not, the ranger has a good heart. I don’t want him killing some man over his wife.”
Tears welled. “I don’t either.”
“Good.” She set her brush down. “Then what are you planning?”
She shook her head, willing herself not to cry. “Don’t know. Haven’t got any plan. I don’t have any idea what I’m going to face or what I’m going to do. I can tell you that it’s going to break mine and Charley’s heart if—when—that man rides out of our lives.”
“What about a divorce? Tell Levi you want to go back to Austin and file the papers. You can leave the boy with us, and you two could be back in no time.”
“Oh, much as I would love that, I can’t. I stood before my family and friends, and even more important, vowed to God I’d love and honor my husband, forsaking all others when I married Charley’s father.”
Sammie Jo shook her head. “You best think of something. I’ve never seen a man more in love with a woman as Levi is with you.” She placed the metal lid over the pig. “He’s not going to be able to let you and that boy go, no matter what he says. The heart wants what the heart wants, and the brain hasn’t got a lot to say about it.”
Chapter
Fourteen
More in love than any man she’d ever seen. That’s what the woman had said. From the tavern’s porch, Rose stared at the moon as it sank toward the western horizon.
She’d slept a little sometime after midnight, but woke too soon with Levi on her mind and quit trying to go back to sleep hours ago.
While she gazed at the harvest moon, a line of dark gray clouds peeked over the tree line. She watched for a while then the wind picked up out of the west.
Wrapping her shawl tighter around her shoulders, she shivered once, then decided to find a place by the fire.
Levi kneeled on the hearth stirring the coals. He looked up when she came in. “Where you been?”
“I was out on the porch. Didn’t know you were up.”
He held the coffee pot toward her. “Want to help?”
She pulled her shawl tighter. “Sure.” Then she looked past him. “The bucket got any water?”
It did, and soon enough he had the fire going, and she had water and coffee in the pot hanging over the blaze.
“So.” He pulled a chair close and offered it to her. “What were you doing on the porch?”
“Oh, just watching the moon. Thinking.”
“What are you thinking on?”
“Oh, I guess mostly about you.” She sighed and shrugged. “About us.”
He leaned back in his chair letting the two front legs come off the plank floor. “I’ve been doing a lot of that myself.”
“Looks like a storm is going to blow in.”
“Is it now?”
“Coming out of the west though, shouldn’t be too cold.”
His chair flopped hard on the floor then shook his head. “What about us, Rose? What have you been thinking?”
She looked at him. “Levi, I wish I had an answer, but I just don’t know. I mean, I thought I loved Charles, but I was only fifteen when I married him.” She closed her eyes and shook her head then looked up.
“I know for sure I love his son.”
She smiled. “But for the life of me, Levi Baylor, I do not know what to think about us. I can tell you I’ve never felt like this about anyone else I ever knew.” She ducked her head. “Not the way I feel about you.” When she looked up, his eyes seemed deeper than any well.
“Know what you mean. Sammie Jo thinks we ought to light out for Austin and file papers, said she talked to you about it.”
“She did.”
“She also said you wouldn’t hear of it.”
Before she could say anything, the front door blew open. The room’s temperature dropped a good fifteen degrees. The wind swirled through the grand room and enveloped her heart.
He jumped up and closed the door, making sure he latched it then retrieved a couple of split pieces from the firebox and put them on the fire.
Waiting until he sat back down, Rose leaned forward. She wanted to take his hand and tell him everything was going to be fine, but she couldn’t. Because it wasn’t. How could everything ever be fine again? “I can’t divorce him, Levi.”
The words appeared to pierce his soul. “Why not?”
“Above all the many other reasons, there’s God.”
“What’s He got to do with it?”
“He hates divorce.”
Bless Levi’s heart. He leaned in and extended his hand. She took it. He looked into her eyes. “You’re right, Rose. I know you are. No matter how much I love you, we can’t build a life on another man’s heartbreak.”
“What are we going to do then? It’s so impossible.”
“I’m taking you to Uncle Henry and Aunt Sue’s. I don’t think Charles would understand – or he’ll misunderstand – if we were to show up together at his place.”
“Hadn’t thought about that. You may be right.”
He sighed. “And I don’t think I could stand to just… just.…” He turned away and faced the fire. The silence between them widened a separation more than any chasm could. He turned back to her. “I can’t just drop you and Charley off and ride away. It’ll be hard enough watching Uncle Henry take you two to him.”
His eyes filled with tears. Hers did as well. He pulled his hand away, wiped his cheeks, then walked to the counter and retrieved two cups. She hooked the bar holding the coffee pot and swung it out grabbing the pot with a holder.
Both cups filled, he sipped his coffee and stared into the fire. She wanted to hug him, make the pain in his eyes go away, but that certainly wasn’t the answer. A heavy gust rattled the windows then the silence that followed only thickened.
Finally, he drained his cup. “If ever you or Charley need me, doesn’t matter where I am or what I’m doing, I’ll come.”
She hated thinking about a life without him near, without him protecting her. She swallowed hard. “I’ll remember that.”
For the longest, while the storm blew in, she stayed there with him. Neither saying anything, for there were no words to speak, no plans to make, no future. Not for her and Levi.
Slowly, the place came alive. One after another drifted in; Laura in her new dress looked so nice. Food was prepared and eaten. More coffee got made and drunk.
Words were spoken, but not by her to him or him to her. Those words lay on the plank floor already said and dead. They could never be taken back, no matter how much she wanted things to be different.
There would be no ‘us’ when it came to her and Levi.
The storm blew in harder and colder than expected. After half a day of cold drizzle that turned to colder sleet, everyone decided it was the first Blue Norther of the season.
That evening, Sammie Jo served her smoked pig. Everyone, especially Charley, raved about it, but Rose couldn’t enjoy it. She didn’t know if she’d ever enjoy anything else again in the whole of her life.
Lord, have mercy on my soul – and my love’s.
Levi made himself breathe and move and even speak when spoken to. And maybe because of the cold or that he hadn’t slept any the night before, he managed a solid six hours of dreamless sleep that night.
The next morning broke colder. After the necessaries, he made his way to the barn, careful to dodge the worst of the mud and ice. Wallace already worked graining the stock.
The man looked up then shook his head. “Well, look what the
cat drug in.”
Levi took the bucket from him. “You’re right about that. No dog wants me.”
“Well, I don’t know, Captain, but you ask me, it sure does seem like you and Miss Sassy are borrowing a heap of trouble.”
Sinking the bucket in an open tow sack, he scooped it almost full then pulled it out. “Where’d we get this wheat?”
“Code had it.”
“What did you say?”
“Code had it, or about you and Sassy borrowing trouble?”
“The latter.” He looked at his friend. “How you figure?”
“That Nightengale fellow that you refuse to let me take care of, isn’t he in the logging business?”
“I think that’s what Rose said. Leastwise he was five years ago.”
“There you go. Lumber jacks die all the time, and if a tree hasn’t fallen on him by now, he’s probably up and married again. Might even be daddy to two or three other little kids by his new wife.”
“Wouldn’t that be great?”
He took the bucket back. “Could be, once you get her there, he doesn’t want her or the boy. You and her best look on the bright side and start enjoying life, or I’ll have to shoot you both dead.”
“Oh yeah?”
He shrugged. “Charley and I can make it just fine, especially if Rebecca is as pretty as you claim.”
Levi stared at his friend. He hated admitting it, but the sergeant made sense, especially the part about Nightengale not wanting her anymore. He had been borrowing trouble.
The man might have gone and got himself killed. Pilgrims got themselves planted every day in Texas. “You’re right, my man.” He looked around. “What still needs to be done?”
Wallace waved him off. “I’ve got this. Go on and see what Sassy is about this fine morning.”
“Thanks. Believe I will.”
Other than Sammie Jo, the tavern remained empty. He grabbed a cup of coffee and joined her at the bar. “Seen Rose this morning?”
She looked up from her dish drying. “She’s out back, should be in soon enough.”
“You outdid yourself with that shoat.”
“He was tasty, wasn’t he?”
“Yes, ma’am. Care to share your sauce recipe?”
She laughed. “We’ve had this conversation before.”
“I know, but I keep hoping.”
She spread her towel over the side of her number two wash tub. “You want some breakfast?”
“Rose eat yet?”
“No, and I’m not hungry.” He spun around. She stood just inside the room.
“Care to keep me company while I eat?”
“Sure, why not?”
Facing Sammie Jo, he circled a finger in the air. “I’ll take whatever you got and lots of it if that shoat’s involved.”
Before he could get it for her, Rose pulled a chair close to the fire. He joined her then reached over and gently lifted her chin. “Wallace thinks we’ve been borrowing trouble.”
“How so?”
“Well, he thinks even if Charles is still alive, that he’s probably gone and got himself married again. Might have kids.”
Rose closed her eyes, not sure she wanted to entertain any hope. “Why wouldn’t he be alive? And how could he get married again when he’s married to me?”
“Wallace pointed out that logging is a dangerous profession. That’s how my dad died. But he also said something that I hadn’t thought of, because to me, it makes no sense.”
She leaned in, a little ray of hope shined into her soul. “What did he say?”
“That even if he is alive, and isn’t married again, he still may not want you and Charley.”
She shook her head and sat back a bit. “Why wouldn’t he want us?”
“Think about it. You were Bold Eagle’s third wife for five years.”
Her hand went to her mouth, like she didn’t even want to say it herself. What if Charles didn’t want her? Would that change things? “How would that work, if he refuses to take us back?”
“I don’t know, but I can get a lawyer if need be. Who knows? He may have already divorced you or got an annulment or even had you declared dead.” He smiled. “But Wallace is right. We have been borrowing trouble.”
Hope, he offered her hope. Maybe everything would work out. Bless Wallace Rusk’s heart. Oh, what a wonderful thing hope was. “Hey, Sammie Jo, I’ll take some of whatever you’re fixing Levi.”
After maybe the best breakfast she’d ever eaten, Rose filled their cups then sat next to him. “What are we doing today?”
“If it warms up, want to take the lead mare and that biggest colt out on the trail?”
“Sure, should we let Charley go?”
“He could ride that bay filly; she’s the best natured of the bunch.”
Like Texas was want to do after a Blue Norther, with the sun finally showing again, the temperature rose faster than bloodweed in the cotton patch. Rose loved it. Levi and Charley rode on either side of her.
For most the afternoon, the mustangs did as asked. Not until she stopped the mare at the corral gate then turned her back did the old girl crow-hop and swing her head around as if saying, ‘Enough’s enough.’
Yanking her head back, Rose dug her heels into the mare’s rib. The mustang bolted then jumped high and landed hard. She shook once then kicked and twisted all in the same motion. Rose squeezed her legs tight and went with the old girl.
Charley whooped his best war cry.
Levi whooped. “Turn her, Rose.”
To stop the mare’s temper tantrum, she could pull her into a tight circle, but she decided instead to show her who’s boss. The horse bucked herself out, then Rose took her back to the gate.
She reined her away again. The mare went with her without any protest, so she took her again. Twice more, she repeated the process, then the last time, swung out of the saddle and patted the mare’s neck.
She looked up. Levi and Charley both wore the biggest grins she’d ever seen. If only this day could last forever, her life would be perfect.
Chapter
Fifteen
Laura pulled the thread through, tied it off then held the shirt out. “Don’t look half bad.”
She folded it over then hurried to the grand room. Wallace sat at the bar with two men she’d not seen before. With the shirt behind her, she remembered not to slouch or waddle and strolled up next to him.
The man kept on talking, so she waited. Her pap didn’t truck with children interrupting grown men.
The taller of the two strangers obviously noticed her and smiled.
Wallace turned around. “Hey, Laura, did you need something?”
She held out the shirt, searching for the exact right words. “I made it. Miss Sassy give me the cloth and thread.”
“Well, how about you.” He reached for it, but she jerked it back.
“No, it ain’t done. I need to fit it – won’t take long – if I can borrow you for a shake or three.”
The shorter man bumped Wallace with his shoulder. “Who’s your friend, Sarge?”
Wallace looked from her to the man. “This is Laura; she’s under mine and Captain Baylor’s protection.”
The man shrugged and politely nodded at her. She liked the ranger saying straight out that she were under his protection. She liked that a lot, and loved the way the stranger backed down, ‘cause it seemed he might be about to josh the ranger over her. She touched his arm, and Wallace looked back to her. “I’ll be in my room, if you get a chance directly.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He smiled. “I’ll catch up with you.”
She returned to her place and laid his shirt out on the bed. Taking her seat next to the window, she went to working on a miniature version for Charley. Miss Sassy had said the boy would love having one made out of the same material as his partner.
Laura chuckled to herself at the thought of the young’un. Him wanting her to cook that horned toad then throwing it on her brought a smile. She rubb
ed her belly.
She’d gladly take a boy if he could be like Charley, but really hankered for a girl. Once the evening’s light faded, she lit the coal oil lamp and changed seats.
A knock on the door pulled her from her work. “Laura, you in there?”
She jumped to her feet and opened the door. “Yes, sir, come on in.”
Wallace looked down the hall then stepped inside the room. “So, here I am.”
“Yes, you sure are.” She grabbed the shirt and held it up to his chest. “Seems pert near right. Skin that one and throw this ‘un on for me.”
He did as told. She made herself look away, not stare at his bare chest. Sure did have lots of muscles. “If you ask me, feels like a right nice fit. What do you think?”
She turned around, stepped back, and studied her handiwork. “Reach out.”
He did. Right tempted to walk into his embrace, she kept her place and marked the sleeves then tugged on the shirttail and marked where she wanted the hem.
“Yes, sir, that’ll do right nice. I’ll finish it for you by the mornin’.”
He took the shirt off and put his back on then turned toward the door.
She bit her lip then blurted out just as his hand touched the handle. “Miss Sassy says your lovin’ on the Captain’s little sis.”
He turned back. “She say that?”
“Sure did. Claims you been hankerin’ after her for a spell now even though you ain’t never met her.”
“Guess she’s right. Been hearing about her for years.” He smiled.
She ducked her head then hugged her belly. “Iffin it don’t work out for you, Wallace, I’d, uh, well I’d –” She looked up and met his eyes. “Me and the babe here, we’d be right pleased to see you come callin’.”
He stepped close then took her hands into his. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
She peered deep into his eyes. He was such a good man. “If lightning was to strike, and us’uns got hitched, I’d be the very goodest wife you ever seen.”
He laughed. “I’m sure you would.”
