by Kit Morgan
Libby could only stare. Her father never helped her mother. Come to think of it, her parents hadn’t done much of anything together. The thought that Nate wanted to be at her side made the flutters in her stomach turn into summersaults. She smiled at him. “We could have our cake and coffee while the water’s heating.”
“That’s the idea, darlin’,” he said with a wink.
Another chill went up her spine and her shoulders shook with the force of it.
“Is something wrong?” he asked as he stepped to her.
She gazed up at him, adoration in her eyes. He was being so thoughtful and patient, she felt weak in the knees. “Nothing,” she breathed.
He took a step closer and put a warm hand on her shoulder. “You wouldn't be lying to me now, would you?” he asked in a soft voice.
Libby melted on the spot. Her knees almost buckled. “Uh-uh,” she said with a shake of her head as she looked up at him dreamily.
Nate grinned. “That's good to know, Mrs. Dalton. Let's have some cake.”
He turned and went to the sideboard. Libby's body followed of its own accord, and before she knew it, she was right behind him. He turned around and almost dropped the plate. “Whoa,” he drawled. “Where'd you come from?”
Libby looked over her shoulder to where she'd been standing, and pointed.
Nate laughed, and she delighted in the way his shoulders shook with his mirth. “Let’s sit down and try this concoction of yours.”
“I'll check the coffee,” she squeaked as she gathered her senses. What was wrong with her? Good heavens! She’d followed him to the sideboard like some love-sick puppy! She spun on her heel and went to the stove. “I don't think it's ready yet.”
“It's not; give it a few more minutes. In the meantime, come here.”
She glanced at him. He was already sitting at the table. He smiled again and patted his knee. Libby's eyes widened. Did he want her to sit on his lap? She approached him slowly, cautiously, as she caught the gleam in his eyes. What did it mean? When she reached him, he snaked an arm out, wrapped it around her waist, and pulled her onto his lap. “There now, isn't this cozy?”
She looked at him, not knowing what to do. “Is it?”
“I don’t know, let's find out,” he said in a rush. Then, he tickled her.
Libby let out a shriek. His hands and fingers were everywhere! Within seconds, he had her pinned against him with one arm, as his other went from one end of her body to the next, and tickled her without mercy. She screamed for him to stop, but to no avail. After a few more moments of the delightful torture, he did. “Do you think the coffee is ready yet?”
Libby gasped for breath, unable to talk.
“Guess not!” he chortled, and started in again.
“Don’t! Please!” she managed through her raucous giggles.
Nate heeded her plea and stopped again. “Why, Mrs. Dalton, I do believe you’re ticklish.”
Before she realized what she was doing, her arms went around his neck, her face inches from his own. “Terribly so!”
He laughed, as she continued to giggle. But when his lips touched hers, her giggles came to an end, and were replaced by a soft moan. This time, his kiss was not an introduction to his mouth, but a proclamation of what, and who, he was as a man. Libby was shocked when her arms tightened around his neck and he put a hand in her hair in response, anchoring her in place. He deepened the kiss, and somewhere in the back of her mind she wondered if she'd be able to breathe. Yet at the same time, Libby also found she didn't care.
Eight
By the time Sunday rolled around, Libby had her plan in place. It was simple, really. She'd invite her sisters and their husbands to lunch after church. If she kept them there long enough, there'd be no time for Nate to give her a riding lesson! Especially if she and Gwen were going to cook! As soon as Nate hitched up their wagon, she put her plan into action.
Libby nonchalantly pulled on her gloves as Nate entered the cabin. “Are you ready to go?” he asked.
“Yes,” she said. “I… I was wondering…”
He looked down at her and smiled. “Hmm?”
She couldn't help but smile back. For several nights now, they’d shared the same bed. The last two she’d woken up in his arms. “Could we invite your brothers and my sisters over after church for lunch?”
Nate took a deep breath and thought a moment. “I don't see why not.”
Libby smiled at him again and took a step closer. He closed the remaining distance between them and wrapped his arm around her. “I was kind of hoping to have you to myself today, as it's our first Sunday together.”
“Oh,” she said as her breath hitched. “That’s true, isn’t it? But I thought it would be nice for everyone if we got together today.”
“Very well, we’ll have them over.”
Libby sent him a brilliant smile. “Thank you.”
“Let's go,” he told her. “We don't want to be late.”
Libby took a deep breath. Now that she’d be spared the riding lesson that afternoon, she relaxed. But she still needed to make it through the morning services. What was church going to be like? It would be the first time she and her sisters would meet the townsfolk of Wiggieville. What were they going to think of the Dalton men sending off for mail-order brides? She'd always thought of it as being a last resort, on both ends! For Libby and her sisters, it was a form of escape. But what about Walt, Nate, and Bart Dalton? Had they done it out of desperation? Or practicality? Maybe there weren't any single women in Wiggieville.
When they reached the church and entered, Libby's eyes grew wide. The church was full. She didn't expect to see so many people, most of whom were men. Several sidled up to Gwen as soon as Walt wandered off to speak with some of the other townsfolk. One man in particular seemed overly interested, and Libby's hackles went up.
“I'm John Jenkins.”
Gwen smiled and held her hand out for him to shake. “I'm Gwen Blue. I mean, Gwen Dalton.”
Libby fought the urge to roll her eyes. Surely Gwen wouldn’t start flirting with the man?
John took her hand and brought it to his lips. “It will be so nice to have a beautiful lady to look at on Sunday mornings.”
Libby stiffened at his action. How dare he! Her head snapped to Gwen just as she snatched her hand away. Bonnie must have seen him do it, as she was suddenly on the other side of their sister. They now flanked her as Mr. Jenkins gave Gwen an oily smile.
Gwen shook her head. “I'm a married woman, Mr. Jenkins.”
Libby’s eyes widened in surprise. Gwen wasn’t going to flirt with him?
He shrugged. “Men die young out here. Just staking my claim.” He tipped his hat at the three ladies and wandered off.
Libby glared at Gwen nonetheless. “You can't encourage the men here, Gwenny. None of us need the kind of scandal we had at home!”
“I didn't encourage him, Libby. He walked up to me and introduced himself, and the next thing I knew he was kissing my hand. I certainly didn't ask him to!”
Libby looked skeptical even as Bonnie patted Gwen’s arm. “I'm sorry. It was unfair of us to assume you'd done something wrong without knowing all the facts.”
Gwen gave her sister a brief nod, and wandered across the church to where Walt stood talking to the preacher.
Libby let out a long sigh then shrugged when she noticed Bonnie eyeing her. “She’s learning, just like the rest of us. Don’t be so quick to think Gwenny can’t change.”
Libby cringed at the scolding as Bonnie turned to find Bart. She tried to shake off her sister’s words as she went to look for Nate. Bonnie was right, of course. When wasn't she? With another sigh, Libby found Nate and together they took a seat.
The service wasn't overly long, and Libby found it a pleasant diversion. She still had to make sure her sisters and their husbands had lunch with them. As soon as the service was over, she made a beeline for the nearest sister. “Bonnie, would you and Bart like to have lunch with Nate an
d me? I'm going to invite Gwen and Walt as well.”
“I suppose we could. What are you making?”
Whatever will take an enormous amount of time, she thought, but said, “Err… I have no idea.”
“I do; I have something already prepared. I can bring it over.”
Libby paled. Oh no! “Ah, but wouldn't it be nice if Gwen and I tried to make something for everyone?”
“Everyone?” Bonnie repeated. Libby studied her. Was she turning pale?
“Of course,” said Libby. “You have to admit, we do need to practice.”
“Yes, exactly,” said Bonnie with a grimace.
“I'll go invite Gwen!” offered Libby.
“And I'll tell Bart, but I'm bringing lunch. I've made a stew and have fresh biscuits.”
Now Libby paled. What was she going to do? If Bonnie brought lunch, they’d only be together for an hour or so! Then Nate would want to give her a riding lesson! What to do? She tried to think as she sought Gwen, found her, and offered the invitation. Gwen, of course, asked the obvious. “Who's doing the cooking?”
Libby tried not to grimace. “Bonnie is making lunch. But I have the best table for entertaining. We thought it would be nice to have all six of us sit down for lunch together.” Naturally, she knew what Gwen’s answer would be. Anytime Gwen saw a chance not to cook, she took it.
However, Gwen did offer to bring something, which made Libby smile. Bonnie suggested she bring jam for the biscuits, and Gwen was happy to comply.
When they returned to the ranch, Libby tried not to let Nate see how nervous she was. She hurried into the cabin, determined to make lunch last as long as possible. Before she knew it, Bonnie and Bart were knocking on their door. They’d brought the stew and biscuits. Bart hauled the pot to the stove and set it down as Bonnie put a pan of biscuits in the warming oven. “Where's Nate,” he asked.
“In the barn,” said Libby.
Bart tipped his hat and left the cabin to seek out his brother. Bonnie took the lid off the stew and gave it a stir. Libby plopped into the nearest chair and tried not to look anxious. No sooner had she sat than Gwen walked into the cabin. She proudly set a jar of jam on the table and looked at Bonnie. “Do you need any help?”
Bonnie shook her head and suggested that they set the table. Libby's mind was still racing as she and Gwen did as she asked. She went to the sideboard in a rush. She was more nervous about this riding lesson than she thought. Slow down, Libby, will you? she thought to herself. Even if you do have to get on a horse, Nate will be right there! He's not going to let me fall… Is he?
Libby took out a fresh tablecloth and napkins, along with the dishes and silverware they would need. Within moments, she and Gwen had the table looking as nice as the one at home in Beckham. A wave of homesickness hit out of the blue, and Libby almost stumbled. She missed her brothers, her mother; she even missed Pa. But that didn't mean she still wasn't angry with him. She pushed thoughts of home aside, took a step back and eyed the table. “It needs something, doesn't it?”
Gwen could only shrug in response. Making herself look beautiful was her greatest talent. Anything else; not so much. Libby tried not to sigh at the thought when the men came into the cabin. They wiped their feet, hung their hats, and crossed the room to the table. Nate had a funny look on his face, and Libby wondered what he was up to. “For my beautiful wife,” he said with a smile, and produced a small bouquet of flowers he had hidden behind his back.
Libby gasped in delight, despite the fact she was so nervous. “That's just what we needed!” Seeking another distraction, she fetched the one vase in the house, went out back to the pump, and filled it with water. She then returned to the kitchen and arranged the flowers in the vase. Setting it on the table, she admired her handiwork. “Isn't that better, Gwen?”
Gwen gave her a blank look and nodded. “Table’s set, Bonnie. Anything else we can do?”
Bonnie told her to pour everyone a cup of coffee. She did, and soon they were all seated and ready to eat. Before Nate so much as opened his mouth, Walt said the blessing.
Their meal had begun.
Libby wondered if it would be her last. What if she fell off the horse and broke her neck? It would serve Nate right for wanting to teach her how to ride! Libby had to force herself to calm down. Otherwise, the others might notice her hands were shaking. For Heaven’s sakes Libby! she thought. Get a hold of yourself! Her eyes darted around the table, and she hoped no one noticed how she’d begun to fidget. It was then that she noticed how happy everyone looked. Well, fairly happy. Walton Dalton, of course, topped the list. He looked downright ecstatic!
The three couples talked about this and that, until it was all Libby could do not to choke on her food. Her nerves were getting more frazzled by the minute. One would think she was going to be taken out to hang. Is this how one felt when walking to the gallows? Had someone just asked her a question? Good grief! She didn't even know who was talking to her! How much more nervous could she be? Maybe she'd better pay attention to the conversation. But by the time she did, the meal ended. Her time of reckoning had come.
* * *
Bonnie and Gwen helped Libby do the dishes, and clean up the kitchen as the men went into the living room and talked. Soon, after everyone left, the cabin was quiet but for the audible gulp that escaped her.
“Something the matter?” asked Nate, concerned.
She shook her head. She was so scared at this point she couldn't speak!
Nate went to where she stood by the stove. “Libby? Are you all right?”
Should she say she was? Pretend she was sick? Die on the spot? Okay, so maybe that was a bit drastic…
“Libby, darlin', what's wrong?”
“No … no … nothing,” she stammered. “Everything's fine.”
“Good, you wait right here. I'm gonna go saddle Jack.”
“What?” she squeaked. Her knees went weak and she had to grip the nearest chair for support.
Nate didn't notice as he headed for the door, whistling, no less! Did he have to be so happy about her upcoming demise? “I'll be right back,” he called over his shoulder.
Libby fell onto the chair with the weight of a boulder on her. Maybe if she were one, Nate wouldn't be able to lift her into the saddle! She rapidly wiped her hands on the skirt of her dress, unable to think. What was she going to do? What if she landed on her head? Broke an arm? A leg? Maybe if she paid attention as she fell off, she could land on Nate!
“Ready?”
Libby yelped in surprise, and jumped from the chair. She hadn't even heard him come in!
“What is wrong with you?” Nate demanded.
“Uh… nothing,” she said as her jaw shook. Bile rose, and she felt as if she might vomit.
Nate went to her, took a chair and sat. “There's something wrong. Tell me what it is.”
She bit her lip and shook her head.
“Libby…” he warned. “What did we talk about the other day?”
She sucked in a breath and prayed she wouldn't throw up. “I… I…”
He let out a heavy sigh, and she wondered if he was impatient at this point. She then looked into his eyes. There was a tenderness held in them, and she knew instinctively it was meant for her. Her trembling lessened.
He scooted his chair closer and put his hands on her shoulders. “You're shaking like a leaf!” He looked her over a second time. “Hey now, darlin'. What's got you so riled up?”
Libby closed her eyes and shook her head. She was ashamed to tell him she couldn't ride. Worse, she was ashamed to tell him she was terrified to the point she might faint. With her luck, it wouldn’t happen until she was on the horse.
Nate cupped her face with a hand and drew closer. “You can tell me. In fact, I want you to be able to tell me anything and everything that's in that head and heart of yours.”
Libby relaxed another notch. “Really? You won't laugh?”
“Why would I?”
“It's silly, and stupid,
and I don't have any control over it!”
“Control over what?”
“Fear,” she said. The word felt as heavy as she did a few moments ago when she sat in the chair.
He studied her for a moment or two, scooted his chair even closer, and wrapped his arms around her. “What are you afraid of, darlin'?”
Libby couldn't help it. She started to cry. “Everything!”
His arms tightened around her and Libby couldn't help but relax against him. “Tell me,” he said.
He hadn’t laughed at her! Didn't berate her! Instead he wanted to know? “I'm sorry,” she began. “I should have told you before.”
“Told me what?”
She pulled away, looked him in the eye, and blurted, “I'm afraid of horses!”
She watched his jaw tighten and braced herself. Would he be angry?
“What happened?”
Libby started at the question and stared at him.
“Libby, why are you afraid of horses? People usually don't have this kind of fear, unless something happened to them.”
“I don't know if anything happened. I've never ridden a horse before.”
Nate cocked his head to one side as his brow puckered. “Well, I suppose some folks could be afraid of something they have no knowledge about. Do you think that's it?”
There it was again. Understanding. He wasn't angry with her, as she thought he would be. Instead, he was genuinely interested in the reason her fear plagued her. “I don't know. I've just always been terrified of them.”
Nate loosened his hold on her and sat back in his chair. “Well then, it's time we fixed that.” Without warning, he stood and pulled her up with him. “Come with me; there's someone I'd like you to meet.”
Before she could protest, he dragged her out of the cabin to where he'd tethered Jake. The big bay was saddled and ready to go. Libby shook her head and dug her heels into the dirt. “Oh, Nate, please no!”
Nate turned to her and took her other hand in his. “You're not getting on him.”
