“Ah, that’s part of the magic of the trunks. My mother collects dresses from her friends and ships them to me. So before the bride arrives, I can ‘fill’ the trunks with dresses I think will suit her size and coloring.”
“What a wonderful idea. I have a few dresses I might as well add to the trunks since I can no longer fit in them.”
“Why not swap them with ones which might fit you now? I know I have a very large dress that will work later on while you grow with child.”
Lorna looked at Cora, knowing she’d just found her first true friend in Clear Creek. “Thank you so much for offering. You don’t know what this means to me.”
“I’m just glad to offer. Please tell Lyle when you want to come back out and to exchange some clothes, and I’m sure he’ll jump at the chance.”
“I’ll do that soon, because my belly seems to be larger every morning.”
Cora wove her arm into Lorna’s and led her from the room. “Speaking about Lyle, I’m sure Dagmar is anxious to eat your dessert. Let’s go downstairs and see if he’s already eaten your cake. My husband loves anything sweet.”
Cora was so lucky to find Dagmar. Why couldn’t she have found her perfect mate in Maynard?
***
“Did you enjoy your visit to the ranch?” Lyle asked on the drive back to town. They visited so long they were coming home in the near dark, with lightning bugs starting to make their appearance. But Lyle didn’t push the horse, just let him set the pace to wander back to town. At least the temperature had dropped considerably so it was a comfortable ride home.
“I loved it! Who knew this city girl would fall in love with a rugged homestead?”
After their dessert they roamed the yard, meeting several ranch hands and peeked into the huge barn. Cora brought slices of apples to feed to the horses and it was fun to hold Lorna’s hand still while two of the favorite horses, Moon and Comet came up to nibble them out of her palm. Lyle liked standing behind her, inhaling the fragrance of lavender from her flaxen hair. He would have loved to tuck stray strands of silky hair behind her ear, but he didn’t dare.
“So you would have enjoyed living there, if it would have actually been Maynard’s ranch?”
Lorna twisted her mouth and thought out her answer first. “Actually, I’d prefer to live in a small town, like Clear Creek, rather than be isolated on a ranch. But it’s a place I’d love to visit often.”
“The dead of winter would be the time I’d prefer to live in town. There would be too many snow drifts to contend with while trying to feed the livestock, let alone trying to get into town for supplies, or an emergency.”
“I believe we’re destined to be townsfolk, Lyle,” Lorna laughed, relaxed from the day...mostly spent in his company, except for his short drive with Miss Ramsey. He’d already forgotten about the schoolteacher, enthralled with being with Lorna instead.
“Well, we’re safely back in town, Mrs. Jantz. Did you enjoy your day?”
“Immensely! I survived meeting everyone at church and actually enjoyed singing for them. And my curiosity about the mystery ranch has now been solved. Thank you so much for today, Lyle.”
“You’re more than welcome. I enjoyed my day, too.”
Lyle pulled the horse to a stop in the back alley by Lorna’s steps, pulled the buggy brake and hopped out to help Lorna down. He carefully circled her waist with his hands to lift her down to stand in front of him. Mesmerized, he started to lean down to kiss her pretty pink lips but caught himself in the last second. Lyle stepped back and took her hand to lead her to her staircase.
“I...uh, hope not too many customers order bacon tomorrow,” Lyle stumbled over the words, instantly thinking how silly it sounded. He was acting like a love-struck teenage boy!
He caught Lorna staring at his lips, before blinking back to his eyes. Did she want to kiss him, too?
“Uh, right. Um, good night, Lyle.” She stared at him another second before turning to walk up the stairs.
Lyle returned the horse and buggy to the livery, then walked up and down Main Street twice before going home. He was in trouble. How could he find a wife, when he was falling in love with a married woman?
Chapter 6
“No! Let go! Get away!”
Lorna panicked when she saw the dog shake the kitten like it was a rag doll. The tiny poor thing’s head was held between the jaws of the huge, mangy dog, but it’s tiny legs were moving so it was still alive.
She’d just climbed her steps after work and heard the muffled cries of the cat. Lorna raced back down, almost stumbling the last step, trying to help the kitten.
The dog, still holding the kitten, growled at Lorna and backed under the staircase. The pitiful cries of the kitten were breaking her heart! She needed something to poke the dog with, so it would drop the poor thing.
She skirted around to the doorway of the café, lurching it open to grab the broom kept near the back entrance.
“Drop it! Let go!” Lorna screamed as she batted the dog with the broom. In return, the dog growled deeper, baring its teeth, still around the kitten’s head.
“Lorna! Get away from that dog before it attacks you!”
Lyle came rushing out his back door, and grabbed Lorna around the waist to pull her back from the animal. The dog had dropped the kitten, but now stood over it and starting barking at her and Lyle instead.
“Give me the broom and get behind me!” Lyle yanked the broom out of her hand, causing Lorna to stumble on the hem of her dress, and crash against Lyle before getting her balance.
“He dropped the kitten, but I can’t see if it’s moving!”
“What?! What kitten? I thought the dog was attacking you!” Lyle took a quick glance back at Lorna before returning his eyes to the dog.
“No, it had a poor kitten by its head and was shaking it to death!” she cried in anguish.
“Are you sure it’s not a rabbit, and his lunch, you were attacking him for? No wonder he’s upset.” Lyle pushed Lorna farther away from the dog and it quit barking.
“I swear I heard a kitten, Lyle. The monster had it in its mouth!”
Lyle slowly let his breath out and lowered the broom. In return, the dog calmed down and turned around, trying to pick up the little animal it had hold of before getting interrupted by Lorna.
“He’s going to bite it again!” Lorna grabbed the broom handle, but Lyle didn’t get go.
“Step back in the café and get something for the dog to eat—a bone, scraps—something we can throw to it so it’ll move away.”
“What’s all the racket out here?” Dan called from the opened door of the café.
“Lorna says that dog’s been munching on a kitten. Got something to distract the dog with so we can get the kitten away from it?”
“Ah, sure. Let me grab something,” Dan replied before stepping back into the kitchen.
“Hey, dog, you hungry?” Dan came out waving a biscuit–making Lorna about gag—because Dan had apparently swiped it in bacon grease. The dog sniffed the air, then perked up his ears and tail to follow Dan and the biscuit down the alley.
Lorna crawled under the stairs and reached for the ball of dirty fur lying limp under the bottom step.
“Careful you don’t get bitten or scratched,” Lyle said behind Lorna as she scooted backwards so she could stand up.
“See, it’s a kitten, Lyle. I can still feel it’s little heartbeat.” The kitten’s head was wet with dog slobber and laid limp against Lorna’s chest. As Lorna stroked it’s back, it sighed, either it’s last breath, or because it finally felt safe.
“Can I take it up to your sink to clean it up?” She asked Lyle, knowing he wouldn’t turn down her, or the kitten’s, pitiful looks.
“Go ahead,” Lyle waved up his stairs. “I’ll take the broom back to the café and thank Dan for his help.”
Lorna pulled up her skirt with one hand while keeping the kitten safely held against her chest with her other and trotted up the steps. She opened the
door to his apartment, then walked through to his kitchen.
She untied her apron with one hand, and laid it on the counter by the sink before laying the kitten on the apron. The poor thing’s eyes looked at her, begging for help. It’s legs all moved, albeit slowly, as the animal shivered and tried to tuck it’s legs underneath itself.
Was it hurt, or cold and hungry? Where was its home and momma cat?
Lorna rinsed the rag by the sink under the faucet to dampen it, then cleaned the kitten’s face and body. The female tabby’s coat—once cleaned—was a pretty, light-apricot color, except for her white front paws and a white collar. The kitten remained silent as Lorna massaged and dried her little body. Shouldn’t it be purring? Lorna’s grandmother never let her have a pet, but a friend had a house cat, so she knew how cats acted.
“Is it alive?” Lyle came into the kitchen carrying a small glass, half filled with milk.
“Yes, she is, although cold and weak.”
“Dan sent up a little milk for the kitten. Said he saw a momma cat with one kitten in the alley about two days ago, but the adult didn’t look in too good of shape, as it had a mangled back leg. Bet her kitten’s been on its own for a while.”
“Poor thing. Can I heat a towel in your oven for a few minutes? I’m sure that would help her warm up.”
Together they worked to warm the kitten and get a little milk down its throat. Lyle was gentle and serious, softly talking to the kitten when he held it.
“I’m guessing it’s about five or six weeks old. We had cats in our stables and always had new litters to play with in the spring,” Lyle commented.
“Is that old enough to survive without her momma?”
“Oh yes, she can lap milk and eat tiny food scraps from a saucer.” Lyle looked at Lorna, then casually added, “So, shall we adopt her?”
***
Lyle loved watching Lorna hold the kitten like it was a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes. She’d been rocking slowly side to side, probably not realizing she was doing so. Hopefully it was comforting to the kitten, and not making it feel queasy. He didn’t relish cleaning cat vomit off his living room carpet.
“Adopt her? What do you mean?” Lorna asked, but looked hopeful.
“If the kitten makes it, she can live at one of our places, or go between them. I’d have time during the day to feed and check on her...since I’m not busy with clients yet. I think she’d be good company for you at night.”
“But what about when my baby arrives...”
“Well…that’s why it would be good for the cat to know both places.”
Lyle didn’t know what to think when Lorna didn’t say anything. He was thinking of a way they could spend time together, and a mutual pet seemed like a great idea to him...unless she didn’t like cats.
“Or, we can find a home for it,” Lyle countered. “I’m sure Cora could use another mouser on the ranch.”
“But what about when you marry?”
Her remark was like a splash of cold water in his face. Lyle had been thinking of himself and Lorna together.
“Then she better like cats, because I’ll be attached to it...” and to you.
“All right, I’d love to have a pet. But Grandmother wouldn’t allow it so I’ll need your help since I don’t know what all to do for it.”
“Feed and love it about sums it up.”
Lorna blushed, then kissed the kitten on the forehead. “So, we need to name her. Any suggestions?”
“Maybe wait a day or two to find out her personality first. And, since she’s been raised wild, she might scamper out the door, never to be seen again once she gets her strength back. The kitten might seem calm and lovable now while she’s weak, but she could turn into a hissing, biting feline you might want to boot out the door instead.”
“Oh, I hope that doesn’t happen with little Missy.” So, Lorna had already named her cat. She gently stroked the top of the kitten’s head and Lyle wished she was running her fingers through his hair instead.
How was he going to marry another woman when he suggested he and Lorna “set up house” with a mutual cat?
“I’m sure I have a crate in the back room which could work for a little bed for her. How about you take Missy up to your room now? You can put your feet up since you’re just off work, and hold her in your lap to keep warm. Shall I stop by the café and bring up sandwiches for our supper?”
“That would be nice. Thank you, Lyle.” She stood up and walked in front of him to the door, waiting for him to open it for her. Again she held the cat like a woman would hold a baby, and Lyle noticed her swollen belly. An image of Lorna holding their first born and pregnant with their second child flashed through his mind that instant. Why did he suggest they spend more time together when he should be keeping his distance, and finding a wife instead?
***
Lorna loved the routine Missy had Lyle and her into. After two days of food and cuddling, the kitten was pure energy and entertainment. Lyle took the cat to his office before he came to the café to eat breakfast, then fed it scraps from his meal and a little milk. Lorna would visit and play with it during her morning breaks. Lyle would feed it after his noon meal, then the cat would sleep most of the afternoon in a box in his office.
Lorna picked up the cat when she was off work and went up to Lyle’s apartment, as there was more room for them to eat supper there than her room. Only when the cat was winding down from playing did she take it back to her room for the night.
But Sunday came as a jolt of reality.
“Mr. Elison, Lyle?” Both she and Lyle turned when the schoolteacher called Lyle’s name as they walked into the church. Maeve quickly caught up to them and put her hand on Lyle’s arm to detain him. She smiled pointedly at Lorna and Lorna knew Maeve was waiting for her to leave so she could talk to Lyle in private. What else could she do but walk on to the front pew where Cora and Dagmar were already sitting? Lorna was playing the hymns for the service today so she needed to be seated near the piano.
It was a few minutes before Lyle eased down beside her. Pastor Reagan was already standing in front of the altar, obviously waiting for Lyle and Maeve to be seated. At least Lyle didn’t sit with Maeve, instead of her…and his sister and brother-in-law.
Lorna tried not to think about what they might have talked about, but she was anxious to know.
“So, what did Maeve want?” she whispered when Pastor turned toward the altar to start the service.
Lyle shook his head, and folded his arms across his chest. Was it none of her business, or he did he not want to talk about it, now that the room was quiet again?
He didn’t say a word until later when Pastor was walking over to the pulpit to give the sermon. Lyle leaned over to Lorna and whispered, “She already has a picnic lunch basket along for ‘our drive’ after church.”
“I...didn’t realize you were taking her out today.”
“Neither did I...” Lyle’s flustered look told Lorna he didn’t plan it, so it made Lorna feel a little better. “But I couldn’t refuse her since she already went to the work of fixing a special meal.”
What could she say? She was a married woman for Pete’s sake…
Good thing I have a cat now, Lorna thought as she walked back home alone after church. She’d talked to a few people mingling outside after church before she could ease away from the crowd. Several thanked her for playing the piano today, and she murmured the appropriate responses, all the while keeping an eye on Maeve, who was keeping a protective hand on Lyle’s arm.
Lorna couldn’t wait for her first wedding anniversary. Not because of enjoying one year of wedding bliss, but because she’d be free to consider a real marriage, not that Lyle would be available then.
“I wanna see kitten!”
Lorna stopped in her tracks realizing two-year-old Tate Robbins was standing in front of her. When had the child run around her?
“Tate, leave Mrs. Jantz alone, please.”
Lorna turned back to
see Darcie Robbins and her fiancé Reuben Shepard a few steps behind her, along with Darcie’s parents, the Donovans. They must be walking down to the Donovans’ boarding house to eat Sunday dinner together.
Lorna had spent time with Darcie’s children, Tate, and his baby sister, Amelia, at the Bar E Ranch last Sunday evening. The couple worked and lived on the ranch and Cora always included them in family gatherings. Reuben’s son, Gabe, recently moved from New York to live with his father, too.
“How did you know I have a kitten, Tate?” Lorna bent down so she could look Tate in the eye.
“Uncla Adam said so.”
Ah, Marshal Wilerson knew about the commotion of the dog and the kitten, as did half the town, Lorna assumed.
“Can I see it?” Tate asked this time, after looking slyly at his mother. The little boy was adorable, so how could Lorna say no?
“If your mother says it’s okay, we can go upstairs so you can meet him.” They were at the end of the block where she’d turn to go down the alley anyway.
“Yay!” Tate shouted while dancing down the alley in front of them.
“Lorna, you don’t have to show him the kitten,” Darcie tried to tell her, while running after her son, who continued to dodge her grasp.
Lorna laughed. Oh, she hoped to have a healthy child and be doing the same thing in two years. She just wished she had a husband to share the joy with. And of course, Lyle came to mind again.
“I think little Missy would love the attention so, if you don’t mind...” and she watched Tate and Gabe run up her stairs.
“Gabe,” she called to catch the teenager’s attention, “she should be in her box by my bed. Why don’t you carry her down for me and we can play with her here?”
Just as well use the boys’ energy to save some steps. Gabe opened the door at the top of the landing and Tate disappeared into the room. Maybe she shouldn’t have suggested they collect the kitten for her. The poor thing was going to be surprised when Tate reached into her box because she doubted Gabe would get to Missy first.
Lorna Loves a Lawyer: A Historical Western Romance (Brides with Grit Book 9) Page 7
