by Danni Roan
“Well my ma says that two people livin’ in a house like that’s just bound to get hitched, it’s only natural,” Toby spat.
“Boys that will be quite enough. Billy, you apologize to Toby now.”
“Me, he’s the one that started it.”
“I believe you are the one who hit him.” Grady raised a dark brow pointedly.
“I’m gonna git it when I get home ain’t I.?” Billy said, dropping his head.
“We’ll talk to your pa and see,” Grady offered, “but what you did was wrong. I hope you see that.” Bending one knee, he dropped himself to the level of the boy.
“I’m sorry.” Billy offered, raising his eyes to the boy across from him. “I shouldn’t a hit ya, but I’m still marryin’ Ms. Rebecca.”
“You’re crazy.” Toby chafed unkindly, “She’s too old for you anyhow, ma says she’s practically on the shelf as it is.”
Grady reached out an arm and stopped Billy mid-swing, effectively blocking him from reaching his opponent, but the gasp he heard from Ms. Carol, made him half want to knock the boy down as well.
By now, the other children who had gathered around had begun to wander off to play once more, but Billy’s oldest brother stepped up and took the boy by the hand. “We’ll wait for ya inside, Mr. Gatlin,” he offered, half-dragging Billy toward the school.
Grady Gatlin rose to his full height of nearly six foot one and glared down at Toby with blazing eyes. “Young man, I believe you owe Ms. Carol an apology,” he said, his stance strict but his words soft.
For a long moment Toby stared back at the teacher, then flicked an overly long hank of hair from his eyes. “I’m sorry Ms. Carol, I didn’t mean no disrespect.” He scuffed his toe in the dirt as a soft blush infused his cheeks. “Sometimes Billy gets on my nerves.”
Grady reached out a hand, laying it on the boy’s shoulder. “Best get used to it now Toby, for surely there will always be someone you don’t see eye to eye with, or who rubs you the wrong way. You need to reach inside you and find that better part of you to overcome it.”
“That ain’t always so easy,” Toby grumbled.
“No, it’s not, as a matter of fact it takes years and years and it will still be there, but life can be difficult, people can be difficult, and you must rise above it.”
“You ever know anyone like that?” Toby’s voice was soft.
“I’ve known more than one or even two,” Grady grinned, “and I’ll know many more in the future I’m sure, but I’m not responsible for how they make me feel, I’m responsible for how I behave.” He patted the boy’s shoulder. “Do you understand?”
“Yes sir, I think so.”
“Good. Now you go sit over there on the fence and think about it while I go see to Billy. He’s not out of it yet.”
“I’d better go,” Rebecca offered, looking up at the man who was quickly becoming her friend in a new light.
“I think Billy owes you an apology as well,” Grady said, his brown eyes soft. “He shouldn’t be fighting in your name.”
“You’d like me to help teach him a lesson, wouldn’t you?” she offered.
Instead of answering, he offered his arm and together they returned to the school.
“He promised he won’t fight again, Mr. Gatlin,” Johnnie’s words met them at the door. “Please don’t make him stay home.”
“You run along John, Ms. Carol and I need to have a few words with your brother.”
The lanky boy turned and walked out the door, offering a backward glance at his little brother.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Gatlin, it won’t happen again, I promise.” Billy’s voice was pleading.
“I don’t think you need to apologize to me again, Billy,” the big man rumbled. “I do think Ms. Carol has something to say, though.”
“Billy, do you understand what you did wrong?” Rebecca offered, leaning down to brush a lock of golden hair from the boy’s eyes.
“I shouldn’t ‘a hit Toby,” he replied.
“Yes, that’s part of it. It takes a real man to know when he should or shouldn’t fight.” She placed her hand under Billy’s chin and lifted his gaze to her pale blue one.
“There’s more to it than that, though. You see you were fighting over what you though was yours, when really it only belongs to me.”
“Huh?” Billy blinked, now confused.
“Well you were fighting because you said you were going to marry me, but you see; only I can decide who to give my heart to.”
For a moment, they all stood in silence as the words settled in the room. “Do you understand?” Rebecca finally asked.
“I think so.” Bill offered, “I shouldn’t fight ‘cause I wanna marry you unless you say you’ll marry me first.”
Rebecca chuckled despite herself. “Not exactly, but I think you get the point.”
“Can I still call on ya next week?” Billy asked, his bright eyes eager.
“Hm?” Rebecca straightened as if thinking. “I suppose that would be alright but it will only be proper if we have a chaperone.”
“Ah that’s alright, Mr. Gatlin’ll be there too, won’t ya Mr. Gatlin?”
“As a matter of fact, you can even walk home with me one evening next week,” Grady agreed. “Now you run along. There’s still five minutes of recess and I believe you have some fences to mend.”
Billy walked slowly down the aisle between the desk, his head still low as he went to find Toby.
“You said that very well,” Grady said, smiling softly at Rebecca. “I think that boy has learned something valuable today.”
“And what’s that?” Rebecca asked.
“That a woman’s heart is a precious thing.”
Chapter 6
“The table looks lovely.” Grady’s voice made Rebecca jump.
“Oh, you’re quiet on your feet, Grady,” she started. “I mean, Mr. Gatlin.”
“I’d prefer Grady,” the tall teacher answered, “I get enough of Mr. Gatlin all day.”
Rebecca dropped her pale blue gaze. “I’ll try to remember.”
“Can I help with anything?”
“No, you’d best get washed up though; I think the other couple is arriving soon.”
“Yes, Ma’am,” Grady teased, turning and heading for the stairs.
“Was that Grady?” Sara twirled through the back door into the kitchen, her arms full of kindling. “At least he’s here already.” She lowered her green eyes in frustration. “Honestly I told Rafe we had guests coming tonight. If he’s like this at the boarding house, how will he be when we move into our own home?”
Rebecca stifled a laugh but did not respond as she placed a lamp on the table. It was still light out now but evening would come quickly.
“So this couple, who are they exactly?” she finally asked, straightening the cheerful yellow and white tablecloth.
“Oh, Bruno’s a shepherd that works for one of the big sheep ranches in the area. He and Janine have only been married about a month now.” She smiled wickedly and Rebecca knew there was more to the story.
“Janine is the daughter of Mr. Williams who runs the bank; he wasn’t too pleased when his daughter fell for a simple shepherd.”
“Mr. Gatlin was just saying something about a woman's heart today,” Rebecca mused.
“About Bruno and Janine?” Sara asked, stacking the last of the wood in the firebox and dusting her hands.
“No about hearts.” The words were still clear in her mind. “He said a woman’s heart is a precious thing.”
“He did?” Sara asked.
“He was talking to my young suitor I’m afraid,” Rebecca admitted with a grin.
Sara giggled, a soft tinkling sound. “Billy is truly smitten, isn’t he?”
“I’m sure it will pass,” Rebecca echoed, removing her apron and washing her hands as she put the finishing touches on the table.
The sound of a horse in the backyard drew both women's attention and Sara turned back to the door, a stern look
on her face as she stepped through it into the yard.
"Rafe Dixon, what kind of time is this?" she chided as she walked toward the big, spotted horse her husband was busy swinging down from. "Hello, Chester," she offered in a kinder voice as the big gelding nuzzled her arm.
"Where have you been?" she continued after giving the horse a cursory pat. "I told you we have company coming today." Sara's bright eyes glinted irritably.
"I'm sorry darlin'," Rafe said reaching for her, but she moved away, placing her hands on her hips and squinting. "We didn't see Pa all day, so I had to go lookin' for him."
Sara straightened her spine her expression changing from irritation to concern. "Is everything alright?" she asked, laying a hand gently on his arm.
"Yah, I found him out driving with your mother," the young cowboy offered, pushing his hat back on his head. "He said they lost track of time."
"Oh, I'm glad he's alright," Sara said leaning into him, all trace of annoyance gone. "It's nice I guess that he and Mama can keep company now that we girls are all so busy."
Rafe grinned, finally pulling Sara to him for a kiss. "Let me get Chester settled and I'll be right in."
"You'll need to wash up," Sara said, wrinkling her nose mischievously, "so you'd better hurry." She finished by raising up on tippy-toe and kissing him before running back into the house.
Rebecca couldn’t help her smile, but she tried to hide it as Sara returned. “There’s no use pretending you didn’t hear the whole thing,” Sara said. “I left the door open so you couldn’t have missed it.”
“I believe the housekeeper of a boarding house is supposed to be discrete,” Rebecca replied seriously, but could not maintain the ruse and started to chuckle.
“I knew there was a reason I liked you,” Sara laughed in reply.
Rafe stepped into the kitchen, hanging his hat on a peg and raising his brows at the two women, making them laugh even harder. Slowly shaking his head, he simply walked back the hall and up the stairs, headed for the bathroom.
“You alright Rafe?” Gady’s voice carried down the hall as he came down the stairs, then wandered into the kitchen, looking bewildered. “Is Rafe feeling alright?” he asked, looking at the women, who began laughing again.
Grady Gatlin stood flat-footed in the kitchen looking at the beautifully laid table, smelling the most delicious aromas imaginable, and gaping at two grown women who were nearly doubled over with laughter.
“I think I’ll see to my grading,” he mumbled, making a hasty retreat.
“Grady cleans up real nice,” Sara said, finally getting her laughter under control.
A solid knock on the door saved Rebecca from having to reply.
“I’ll get it,” Sara offered quickly. “I’m afraid I don’t know Janine very well, but I know her better than you do.”
Rebecca lifted the last item of food onto the table and surveyed the kitchen. The house was sturdy and practical without the frills her own home had always had. Her mother would have never dreamt of eating in the kitchen, but Rebecca felt at home somehow.
“Bruno, Janine.” Rafe’s voice drifted into the room from the front door. “Come on in.”
Rebecca smoothed her skirt nervously as the two couples made their way into the suddenly warm room.
“Hello,” she greeted shyly, stepping forward and offering her hand to a pretty young woman with flaming red hair done up in a simple, but becoming, twist at the back of her neck. “I’m Becky.”
“Pleased to meet you Becky, I’m Janine,” the young woman replied, taking her hand lightly, “and this is my husband Bruno.” The redheaded beauty turned a smiling gaze to the handsome, dark-haired man beside her.
“It’s nice to know you,” he said simply, smiling as his hand ran absently up his wife’s arm.
“I think we’re just about ready to eat,” Sara offered, looking at Rebecca for confirmation and accepting her slight nod as indication to continue. “Won’t you have a seat?”
“I’ll fetch Mr. Gatlin,” Rebecca said as the others began taking their chairs Sara indicated. “I’m afraid he loses himself in marking all of those papers.”
“I wish our teacher would have lost my papers,” Janine spoke, looking at Bruno shyly. “I didn’t like tests.”
“I don’t think anyone liked them,” Bruno said, his midnight blue eyes studying her face. “We all just got on with them because we had to.”
“I’m afraid I wasn’t a very good student,” Janine continued, looking at Sara and Rafe apologetically.
“You were good at reading,” Bruno sounded almost defensive.
“That’s because it’s all I ever did, well, that and shopping.” The girl’s soft brown eyes were serious.
“Well you can read to me anytime,” Bruno said, patting her hand gently and making her blush.
“I’m sorry I’m late,” Grady Gatlin entered the kitchen, stepping aside to let Rebecca enter first. “I’m afraid once I get started on a task I have a hard time stopping.” Quietly he pulled Rebecca’s chair out, seating her before he settled his bulk on his familiar chair.
Rafe jumped a little in his own seat, as Sara squeezed his knee. “I believe I’m to say grace,” he said smiling. “I hope you’re hungry.”
Bowing their heads, the assembled members of the little dinner party listened as Rafe offered a prayer of thanks and blessing for the food.
In only moments, plates were filling with roast, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans and an assortment of pickled items.
“Everything looks delicious,” Janine spoke, smoothing her napkin on her lap, while Bruno dug into his potatoes with gusto. “I’m afraid it’s probably the best meal Bruno will have until Sunday.” She dropped her eyes, toying with a green bean.
Rebecca looked at Sara in shock at the obvious discomfort the young woman was feeling.
“I’m afraid I’m not a very good cook,” Janine spoke again, her voice small.
“Now honey.” Bruno put his fork down and took her hand. “You’re learnin’ and we sure ain’t starving.”
“But you know I burned the biscuits again today,” she corrected.
“Yes,” Bruno drew the word out slowly, “you did burn the biscuits, but the bacon and eggs were just right.”
A bright smile broke across Janine’s face and she began to eat, obviously feeling less inadequate.
“I keep tellin’ her I didn’t get hitched for her cookin’,” Bruno said, slathering a thick pat of butter on a piece of bread and reaching for the jam. “Besides, no one starts out a good cook, ya gotta’ learn just like with everything else.”
“That’s true,” Grady offered. “Some people have a knack for things, like that baker at the Grist Mill, but someone has to teach them first.”
“We’ve been going to Pa’s house every Sunday,” Janine spoke more confidently now, “and Nana has been teaching me, but it really isn’t enough. I don’t feel it’s fair to take too much of her time.”
“Why don’t you come into town next week and work with Sara and me.” The words were out of Rebecca’s mouth before she thought to ask and her eyes grew wide, realizing she’d just volunteered Sara in her offer.
“That’s a wonderful idea,” Sara agreed.
“It’ll be a hen party every day around here,” Rafe teased, catching his wife’s quick glare with a smile.
“Yes, it will,” Sara said sticking her chin in the air. “It will be lovely to have you, Janine, and Rebecca’s a good cook. She can teach you some simple meals and I’ll teach you to bake.”
“Really?” The girl’s eyes were wide with delight.
“See honey,” Bruno said, “I knew it was a good idea to come for dinner.”
“I guess it was,” Janine agreed.
The meal continued, with the young people discussing events around town and Grady telling funny stories about teaching. His last one had everyone laughing as he explained about one girl trying to insult another over her lack of understanding.
“That’s not very funny,” Janine said. “She shouldn’t be putting down a class mate.” Her eyes sparked as she shook her head.
“I agree,” Grady continued, “but you see it backfired on her. She’d just told her friend that she was dumb because she couldn’t find something on the map, but instead of saying simply saying it she went on to spell it like this: ‘you’re dumb D-U-M-N.’”
The entire table erupted in laughter at the mistake.
“The whole class laughed I’m afraid and I had to have a talk with them about being polite, but when the young lady caught on she laughed as well and apologized to her friend. I want my students to know that not everyone is smart in the same way but everyone is smart in their own way.”
“Like me with reading?” Janine ask, her ire assuaged.
“Just like that,” Grady agreed. “Some students are good at math; others are good at building things. We should encourage them to do what they enjoy and are good at.”
“Sara’s sister Quil is good at writing.” Janine warmed to the subject. “I love reading her stories.”
“And I love you reading the stories to me,” Bruno smiled.
“How’s business?” Rafe asked, changing the subject as the meal was cleared away.
“Oh, it’s alright, though things have slowed down. Mr. Simon’s boys are getting older now and I’m only needed for the night and morning work because their Ma don’t like them out in the hills at night.”
“Are you all alone out at the house?” Sara asked, looking at Janine.
“Yes, but I rather like it,” Janine replied. “And Bruno taught me to shoot, so I feel perfectly safe.”
For a moment, Rafe’s brows climbed toward his hairline and he looked at Bruno.
“Oh, don’t worry, she’s an excellent shot.” He grinned proudly. “She’s got amazingly steady hands and when she’s really mad, she never misses.”
An uncomfortable silence settled over the table for a few ticks of the hall clock before Janine smiled. “Don’t miss understand,” she said sweetly. “I’m afraid I get easily frustrated, but Bruno didn’t let me quit and the madder I got the better I shot.” Her eyes sparkled up at Bruno, who bumped her with a thick shoulder.
