by Kit Morgan
“I'm not?” Libby asked in shock.
“No. I just want you to meet him; get to know him a little, and he you. I think you'll find that Jack's not such a bad fella.” He let go of her one hand and, still holding the other, led her to Jack. The big bay eyed them both as he swished his tail at a fly.
To Libby, the horse was huge. In fact, he was the biggest she'd ever seen or been this close to. She tightened her grip on Nate's hand. He gave hers a reassuring squeeze in response. “Jack,” he said. “I'd like you to meet someone. This beautiful creature standing before you is Mrs. Libby Dalton, my wife.”
Nine
The next day, Libby had a sense of freedom she had never experienced before. Her new husband had banished her fears as easily as falling off a log, and she marveled at such a talent. He'd spent the rest of the afternoon teaching her about horses; their confirmation, the different breeds, even how they thought! The man should breed and train equine, not herd cows for a living. But Nate had no desire to raise horses as yet. He was too wrapped up in helping his brothers build their ranching empire. An empire Walt was down right adamant about bringing to fruition.
After her lesson on everything to know about horses, Nate showed her how to remove Jack's tack, and then showed her how to groom him. She even brushed the beast, and was shocked when the horse gave no protest. In fact, he seemed to enjoy it.
Nate then showed her what to feed Jack, and by the time they were done, she had a sense of accomplishment. She didn't even flinch when Nate announced that he'd be giving her another lesson tomorrow.
Today she’d looked forward to not so much the lesson itself, but spending time with her husband. It was fine to fix him breakfast, watch him eat, leave, come home, eat some more, and go to bed. But there wasn't a lot of time for interaction. Often, he was too tuckered out, and wanted to turn in after dinner. She, of course, went with him, and once under the covers, he’d pull her into his arms and held her. Last night he'd even kissed her a little before he cradled her in the crook of his arm, and stroked her hair until she fell asleep. She closed her eyes at the memory and sighed. When she thought about the things he'd done for her the last few days, she grew warm all over, and a peace settled in her heart. Was this what marriage was all about? Was this … Love?
Libby sat at the table and glanced around her cheery cabin. “Oh, good heavens! Am I falling in love?”
How would she know? She'd never been in love before, and had no clue as to what it should feel like. A better question was, how to find out.
“Bonnie!”
Yes, of course, she’d ask Bonnie! When she could get her alone, that is. She didn't want to talk about this and in front of Gwen. She might make fun of her. That made Libby think.
Was Gwen already in love with Walt, and he with her? Gwen still looked annoyed at times. Bonnie, on the other hand, always looked happy with Bart. She must be in love!
Libby decided that if she didn't get a chance to ask Bonnie about it today, she’d catch her tomorrow. This particular day was going to be a busy one, and she wasn't going to waste it. Her mood was too bright and happy! It was a perfect day to go into Wiggieville and shop!
After breakfast, she and her sisters, with the help of Bart, loaded themselves into his wagon and they were off! She sensed a slight discord between Bonnie and Bart, as her sister fussed over the three of them not being able to drive to town themselves. Bart explained it was for their protection, and Libby immediately pictured Mr. Jenkins trying to flirt with Gwen in church the day before. She didn't realize till then that there was more than one Mr. Jenkins in town. In fact, there were probably quite a few. Libby was suddenly glad for Bart’s company, even if Gwen and Bonnie argued the point. It was one less thing to worry about, not to mention one less thing to dampen her spirits! She chatted and giggled with Gwen, or rather at Gwen, the entire ride to town.
When they reached Wiggieville, Bart parked the wagon in front of the mercantile, then helped them out of the wagon. Well, he helped Libby and Gwen. Bonnie all but tripped out and, as luck would have it, landed in her husband’s arms. Libby gawked at the feat before heading up the mercantile steps.
Bonnie’s husband didn't want much to do with their shopping time, and so wandered elsewhere to wait until they were done. Nate had left some money for Libby to get what she needed, and she was excited to look at bolts of fabric. She wanted to sew a dress in the worst way. Not because she wanted one, but because she wanted to look nice for Nate. The mere thought made her blush as they entered the mercantile.
The mercantile was small, much smaller than their father’s store in Beckham. But beggars couldn’t be choosers, and at least it had what they needed most; bolts of fabric, a butter churn, sewing supplies, even knitting needles and yarn. Libby and her sisters quickly got to work, each gathering the things on their lists, and it wasn't long before she and Bonnie, at least, had a pile stacked atop the mercantile counter. Gwen was still hovering over the bolts of fabric, and after settling on one, finally joined them. Libby tried not to smile. It was a bolt of corn flower-blue cloth.
While they waited for the their purchases to be wrapped up, Bonnie asked Gwen about getting a few things for Thanksgiving, even though it was a month away.
“Are we going to eat at Libby's?” Gwen asked.
The question made Libby blush with pride. She did have the nicest table, even if the others might have to bring extra dishes.
“She does have the best place for entertaining,” agreed Bonnie, who then went on to talk about kitchen gardens; one more thing to add to their ever-growing list of duties. But at this point, Libby began to see how those duties helped them survive. Their husbands worked hard, very hard, and needed the care of their wives when they got home. How did they ever survive on their own before Libby and her sisters arrived? What did they eat? How did they sleep? Libby couldn't imagine sleeping alone ever again. Nate's arms were safe and strong, and she'd never slept better in her life than she had the last few nights.
As Bonnie went to fetch Bart to help them take things out to the wagon, Gwen took the opportunity to mail a letter to their Aunt Edna. They then got on the subject of laundry, of all things. Probably because neither one of them enjoyed it.
Gwen, least of all. “I don't even want to think about washing the yellow dress I came here in. It's rank.”
“I don't think there's anyway we'll be able to convince Bonnie to do it for us,” Libby said as she scrunched up her face. She was teasing but, at the same time, there was some truth to it. For years, they’d both depended on Bonnie to help them.
“I know. I wish we were rich, and we could just hire someone to do everything,” Gwen said with the same look. “Not that I'm not happy with Walton.”
“I understand exactly what you mean,” Libby said with a nod. “Walt seems like a good man.”
Gwen nodded. “Oh, he is. He's just...larger than life sometimes. I really think he thinks everyone should be able to do everything he can, plus a million other things. I'd like to see something he's not good at just once, you know? He even cooks better than I do.”
As much as Libby would like to think otherwise, Gwen was right. Walton Dalton was larger than life, and Libby didn't envy her sister living with such a whirlwind. She did, however, believe that he was a much better cook than her sister. “Gwen, honey? The horses cook better than you do. You need to start applying yourself when Bonnie teaches us.”
“There's no need to be rude, Libby.”
“Sometimes there is,” Libby said. She wasn't trying to be rude; she just wanted to get her point across. The Dalton men deserved to each have a good wife. The sooner Gwen learned that, the better. “Sometimes you need to hear that you can't be a spoiled brat here.
We're all going to need to work hard if we're going to make the empire Walt has in his head a reality. You say all the right things, but you don't really try while Bonnie is teaching us. You're so convinced you can't do it that you just don't.”
Gwen frowned, a
nd Libby hoped she didn't go into a tirade. Thankfully, she didn't. “That's not true. I try really hard.”
“Sometimes you're your own worst enemy,” Libby sighed. “Being pretty doesn't get the food cooked or the laundry done. Bonnie's willing to teach us, but she's not going to spend all her time teaching us forever, you know.” She wanted to say more, but Bonnie entered the mercantile. It was time to go home.
* * *
Not long after Bart and Bonnie dropped Libby off at home, Nate showed up for lunch. “Hello, darlin'; how was your trip to town?”
Libby spun to him. “I didn't think I'd see you until supper time.” Not that she minded seeing him now…
“Got done earlier than expected, and thought I'd come home and spend time with my pretty little wife.” He walked to where she stood. “How are you, wife?”
Libby smiled as a chill went up her spine. She gazed up into his eyes, with a strong urge to kiss him. “Fine. And you?” her voice came out a soft lilt, and she wondered if it had anything to do with the wild flutter in her belly.
“I ain’t feelin’ too bad,” he drawled.
“I'm afraid I don't have anything ready for you. I just got here myself.”
Nate's eyes raked over her, and she noted they’d changed color. Deeper, darker … Now what would cause that? “Maybe we can come up with something together,” he said, his voice low and husky.
Libby's inside’s turned to mush as her back tingled. “Maybe…”
He pulled her into his arms, gazed into her eyes, and then cupped her face with a hand. Without a word, he lowered his face and kissed her. She didn't protest in the slightest; she'd been waiting for it—no—make that praying for him to do so. His kiss was just as she imagined it would be. Powerful, filling, and if she wasn't careful, he'd have her begging for more. But then, what would be wrong with that?
Nate gently broke the kiss, and rubbed a thumb across her cheek. “I think you're beautiful, Libby. He then pulled her into his arms and held her. “My little Libby, so frightened and alone.” He pulled away so he could gaze at her. “Was that just yesterday?”
She nodded, embarrassed, but didn't mind. She had acted like a frightened child the day before, and didn't want to ever be like that again. She wanted to be a woman for her husband, not some silly girl. “Are you going to teach me more about horses today?”
“You know I am,” he said. “In fact, let's have a little lesson right now. Jack’s out front.”
“You don't want me to ride him, do you?” she asked with a hint of panic.
“Yes and no. I'll let you sit on him, and then I’ll lead him. How does that sound?”
Libby felt the familiar fear rise, but quickly batted it down. She wouldn't have to ride the horse by herself, not while Nate was in control. “All right,” she said with a nod.
“Great, let's go.” They went outside and, sure enough, there was Jack. He looked like he'd been napping. “Come over here, darlin’, and I'll give you a leg up.”
“Leg up?”
“Yeah, I'll help you mount.” He showed her the stirrup, explained its use, and as he had the day before, eased her fear before he helped her climb onto the big brute.
Much to Libby's dismay, she felt dizzy atop the bay, and grabbed the saddle horn to help keep her balance. “Oh, dear…”
“It's all right,” Nate soothed. “Just get your seat. He's not going anywhere. I haven’t untied him yet.”
Libby looked down, way down (at least to her), and saw that it was true. Jack was still tethered to the hitching post. She sighed in relief and relaxed a little. How on earth did Nate gallop across the prairie on this thing?
Nate removed the reins from the hitching post, and then glanced up at her with a wry smile. “Ready?”
“What… what are you going to do?” she asked, nervous.
“Just lead him around a little. Don't worry. It'll be fun.”
“For you, maybe,” she said as she gripped the saddle horn.
Nate laughed and took a few steps forward. Jack automatically followed. Libby gripped the saddle horn harder and hung on for dear life. And to think the horse was only walking! But the feel of his huge body underneath her was foreign, as was sitting in the saddle, and she wished Nate had given her another minute to adjust. But, he was the horseman of the two, and so he must know what he was doing.
“Now, this ain't so bad, is it?” he asked as he walked beside Jack. Was he even holding onto the reins?
Libby couldn’t tell from her vantage point. But she did notice she could see a lot better from her perch, and studied her surroundings. “No, not too bad,” she said with a small smile. And it wasn't. In fact, the more they walked along, the more she began to enjoy the ride. There was a rhythm to Jack's movements, and she tried to relax and move with the animal.
“Ready to go faster?” Nate's asked.
“No!”
“C’mon, Libby. I think you can handle it.” Before she could protest, Nate quickened his pace, as did Jack.
Libby stiffened at first then relaxed. The horse was walking faster, but that’s all. She chided herself for being afraid, and figured if she would just stop worrying so much about falling off, she could enjoy herself. She was getting to spend time with Nate, after all.
“A little faster?”
Libby gripped the saddle horn again and braced herself. “Okay.”
Nate turned to look up at her, and gave her a huge grin. “Okay, you're the boss.” He then broke into a jog, as did Jack.
Libby held on tight as she was bounced along. “Pl…ease…don’t ma…ma…make him go … any …faster,” her voice came out a staccato as her teeth rattled.
Nate laughed. “Faster?”
Did she dare? But how else was she going to face her fear? “Yes!”
Nate laughed again, just as a shot fired.
BOOM!
The blast came from the direction of Bonnie and Bart's place. Jack, on the other hand, was determined to go in the opposite. He lunged at the sound, yanking the reins out of Nate's hands as he did, and took off. Libby screamed and held on. What else could she do? She heard Nate yell after them, but his voice was drowned out by the sound of Jack's thundering hooves.
BOOM!
Libby hung on for dear life, and was surprised when Jack didn't speed up at the sound of the second blast. Instead, he started to slow his pace, and Libby silently thanked God for the miracle. She then heard a loud whistle behind her. Jack obediently came to a stop. Libby shook like a leaf, and hung on as Jack responded to a second whistle, turned around, and trotted back to his master. When they reached Nate, he pulled Libby from the saddle and crushed her against him. “I'm so sorry, sweetheart! That never should have happened! Jack usually doesn't spook like that.” He looked down at her as he gently set her on her feet. He’d been holding her so tight they hadn’t even touched the ground. “You okay?”
She nodded, unable to speak. On the one hand, she was terrified. On the other, she felt proud of herself for not falling flat on her face.
Nate pulled her into his arms again and held her close. “It's okay sweetheart, you’re safe now.”
She pushed him away. She didn’t want him to think of her as some baby. “I know I am!”
He stared down at her, dumbfounded. “What?”
“I know I'm safe. I'm not a child; you don't have to always coddle me.”
He gaped at her. “I'm just trying to protect you, is all! Yesterday you loved it when I held you! Today you don't?”
“It's not that… it's… oh, I don't know what it is!”
She turned to go into the cabin, but he stopped her. He took her by the arms, turned her around to face him, and then claimed her mouth with his own. Another shotgun blast rent the air. Nate held her tighter still.
When he finally broke the kiss, she was panting. “Well, now,” Nate drawled. “I do believe my little Libby is growing up.” He pushed his hat back. “Don't that beat all?”
Before she could say ano
ther word, his mouth descended upon hers once more. Another shot fired, but neither of them paid it any mind.
Ten
Nate Dalton burned.
Burned with a desire he never knew existed. He wanted Libby, wanted her something awful, and if he didn't get her soon, he thought he might die.
When Jack spooked and took off with his wife, a deep fear gripped him. Nate had never experienced anything like it, and for a scant moment, understood her panic as if he were on the horse and not her. It so rattled him, he yelled after the horse instead of whistling, which was what Jack would respond to. Gathering his wits about him, he finally did, and Jack, God bless him, obeyed as he’d been trained, and brought his Libby back. Nate pulled her off the saddle and held her as if their very lives depended on it, then was shocked when she scolded him for it. Yet, wasn’t that what he was after? Getting his wife to fight back? Show a little gumption? Of course it was. The only problem now was that he was more attracted to her than ever.
Nate looked at her, still in his arms, and fought a wave of passion. “Libby,” he rasped. “We should go inside.”
She stared blankly back. “Huh?”
He smiled. By God if he hadn’t kissed her senseless! About time! Unable to help himself, he scooped her up into his arms and headed for the cabin's front door.
“What are you doing?” she yelped in surprise.
“I think it's about time I carried you across the threshold, don't you?”
Libby laughed, the sound sending a tingle up his spine, not to mention a few other places. He’d better decide right now what he was going to do. He wanted to woo her proper, win her over, and make her desire him with every fiber of her being. If he took her now, she'd be confused. He wanted her sure of her feelings for him, wanted their desire to be mutual.
Of course, he knew he could seduce her easily enough, but he didn't want that with Libby. He wanted her heart and soul, not just her body. He'd been on the other end of that all his life. Women were easy for the Dalton men to get when they wanted one. Their looks alone achieved it. But he didn't want Libby to just desire him; he wanted Libby to adore him and chase after his heart as much as he wanted to chase after hers. He hadn't realized it until he and Walt headed out to check another fence line that morning. Bart got the pleasure of driving his wife and her sisters to town, and Nate realized he was jealous he’d been appointed the task. He wanted to spend more time with Libby and, dagnabit, Bart got the pleasure and not Nate! At least he got to come home early and spend time with her now. Maybe too much time…
