Chapter 11
LAUREN
Grant sliding out of the bed wakes me up and I lie there pondering what happened last night, and what will occur on the trip to town today. The smell of wood smoke and coffee soon penetrates the air and I pull the covers up, enjoying the warmth for just a few more seconds.
“Get up, sleepyhead, I know you’re awake. Gonna head down to the creek and wash up, then I’ll meet you at the barn. I poured you a cup of coffee and it’s cooling on the table.”
Just a few minutes later, I hear the front door open and I make myself get up.
Reaching around awkwardly, I loosen the material that had been wrapped around my ribs and take a deep breath.
With a smile on my face, I button my new yellow blouse and smooth down my skirt before slipping on my new boots, the entire time sending up prayers of thanks for their warmth and protection against the hard floor.
Pulling my hair up, I loosen a couple of strands, quickly curling them around my fingers before picking up the mirror to look at my reflection.
For the most part, the worst of the bruising is gone.
There’s only a slight discoloration and puffiness on my cheek, but it’s a significant improvement from a few days ago.
Walking into the kitchen area, I take a few quick sips of my coffee before turning to grab my shawl and hat, then head to the outhouse before going to the barn.
Grant has just finished hooking up Bolt as I start down the hill, his long hair dripping on the ends from where he’s just washed it. He glances my way only to stop and look thoroughly at me again.
“Who is this beauty walking toward me?”
I shake my head and roll my eyes. “Stop it.”
Bolt whinnies as I approach, almost pulling the entire wagon with him starts my way.
“Whoa big guy, she’s coming. No reason to get impatient.”
I reach up, petting him lovingly as he pushes his big head against me. “My goodness, you are such a snuggler. Good thing you can’t get into the house or you would end up in the bed. And who is this pretty lady next to you?”
Bolt puts his head against me, actually pushing me closer to Star.
“Hello, beautiful. I don’t have any treats on me, I’m sorry.
” She turns her head away from me, so I don’t invade her space, just let her get used to me being there.
I’m about to walk around her to get up on the wagon when she nudges me gently.
Rubbing my hand along her beautiful face, I make sure to keep my movements slow so as not to spook her.
Before I realize what’s happening, a squeal leaves my lips as strong hands wrap around my hips, lifting me into the wagon.
I quickly have to grab the seat when Bolt stomps his massive hoof, agitated because he thought I was in distress.
“Grant, shame on you … you about gave me a heart attack!”
“A little excitement is good for the soul. You got everything you need?”
“Yes, thank you.” Settling back in the seat, I pull my shawl around my shoulders, then tie my hat on while Grant gets in.
His large hands gather up the reins, then with a simple click of his tongue, Bolt and Star start out.
Their movements are synchronized and smooth as they work together to pull the wagon.
“My goodness, they are quite the pair. I bet they could pull a cabin down with all their strength.”
“I’m sure you’re right and they make an excellent team, but it’s their personalities that I really love.
You’re right about Bolt and he would be in your bed in an instant; he has a puppy-like quality to him.
Whereas Star puts me in the mind of a protector and she’s leery until she isn’t.
I saw her take on a mountain lion over one of the hens. The big cat didn’t win.”
I marvel at the sights as we move along, this ride entirely different than the one that brought me here.
Grant’s easy conversation and explanations of property lines and landmarks have us in town before I realize it.
The sight of the lumber mill and the shotgun houses have me gripping my hands tightly as I try to figure out what time of day it is and my odds of running into Oren.
Grant reaches over with his big hand, covering both of mine. “Relax, I am right here.”
Although he doesn’t think that I’ve noticed the pistol strapped to his hip or the knife on his leg, Grant didn’t come this prepared if he wasn’t anticipating trouble.
He pulls the wagon up to the livery, tying Bolt and Star securely to their hitching post before reaching over to lift me down.
His height is almost as great as the seat I’m sitting on.
“I can climb down, Grant.”
“Why, you have me?”
That small effort has me smiling up at him as he leads us to the bank. To say I’m shocked at how he’s greeted is an understatement.
“Mr. Hayes, it’s a pleasure. What can we do for you this morning?”
“I need to add my wife’s name to my accounts.”
“No problem, let me get the paperwork. Can you sign your name, Miss?”
“Yes.”
“Good, good makes everything easier. Congratulations on your new vows and I wish you both many happy years together.”
He hands me a steel-nib ink pen and I look up at Grant.
“Go ahead Little Mouse.”
I manage to print my first name clearly, but I hesitate with my last, since I just learned Grant’s last name is Hayes. He leans down, whispering in my ear,
“Do you need help with my last name?”
When I shake my head yes, he gently takes my hand in his, quickly filling in the last letters for me.
I hand the pen back to the solicitor, trying to hide my shaking as I’m worried I just embarrassed Grant. His large hand wraps around my waist, gently pulling me next to him and I feel my body relax instantly.
“That should do it, Mr. Hayes. Is there anything else I can do for you today?”
“I would like to inquire about my sister’s jewelry, something I should have asked you about sooner. Did she sell them to you?”
“No, I am sorry. Old man Harvey may know more.”
“Thank you for your help. If it is not too much trouble, could you get these two letters on the next carriage heading north? Also, before I forget, I wanted to inform you that we will be making several large purchases at the mercantile this morning.”
“Thank you in advance for the notification about the purchases. I will approve them right away. And I will include your letters in our own mail sack. We appreciate your business, Mr. Hayes.”
Grant tips his hat at the man before maneuvering me in front of him as he opens the door. “Are you hungry?”
“Starved, but I’ve never eaten at the inn or any establishment like that before. Am I dressed appropriately?”
“You’re beautiful. Stop fidgeting.”
“Easier said than done, when all you have to do is look at someone and they slink away in terror. I’m like prey; ready to be consumed.”
“Good thing you have me as a protector then, Little Mouse.”
I take my hat off as we enter the front parlor, and I know my eyes are huge as I look around, amazed.
The main serving room has multiple sitting areas, and two young girls in matching outfits are moving from table to table, refilling coffee and passing out food.
One of them motions for us to come on in.
“Sit wherever you’d like. I’ll be back with a menu and biscuits in a minute.”
Grant leads us to a table in the back. He pulls the chair out for me, making sure I’m comfortable, before sitting across from me where he can watch the door. Before I can say a word, the young lady is back with two cups of coffee and a tray of biscuits.
“Here you go to get you started. I’ll leave these menus with you and be back shortly to get your order.”
“How did she know you wanted biscuits?”
“I’m going with wood sprites …”
Smiling, I pick up the paper but all the words blur together. Confused and unsure of what to do next, I have to fight back the tears forming in my eyes. Lifting the menu, I hide behind it as I try to get my emotions under control.
“Lauren?”
“Hmmm?”
“Look at me.”
I lower the menu down. My mind is expecting him to snarl or even to see disappointment on his face, only to be shocked when I see nothing but concern.
“Little Mouse, what has you hiding now?”
“I can’t read this; there are too many words all strung together.” I wipe a stray tear off my cheek, hoping no one saw it, as I lower the paper back to the table.
“How about I order you the same thing as me?”
“That would be wonderful, thank you. I’m sorry about overreacting.”
“Who said you were overreacting? You have every right to express yourself when you’re upset or happy about something.”
I look at the real concern on his scraggly face. “I bet you were wonderful.”
“At what, Little Mouse?”
“Being a big brother. I bet you always kissed her booboos and encouraged her laughter and independent ways.”
He looks away from me and I wonder if he’s going to answer me.
“I enjoyed every moment, good or bad. I just wish she knew that.”
“Oh, she did, Grant! That’s why she told you she knew you would find her.
She knew your love would lead you to her, no matter the distance.
Did you ever consider the reason she died in your arms was because she finally felt safe enough to do so?
She didn’t have to be strong any longer because you were there to do it for her. ”
Before he can answer me, the young lady returns. “You folks ready?”
“Yes, we want two of your Pappy specials, eggs over easy, and sausage. Extra biscuits, please.”
“You want grape jelly or apple butter?”
“Apple butter.”
“Sounds good, have it out shortly.”
I look around at all the other people in the room. “What do we do now?”
“We’ll sit here while we talk and relax as someone else cooks our food.”
“Do we clean up when done?”
“Nope, that’s their job. I usually leave a tip on the table for them before we leave.”
“Well, this is a real treat then … I almost asked the girl if she needed help.”
“What do you say we do this every time we come to town? I think you deserve a break after having to clean and cook for me every day.”
“I’d never turn it down, but please don’t take on the extra expense just for me. I’m sure those funds could be put to better use.”
“Lauren, there is nothing more important than you.”
Every time he says something like that, it confuses me because I can think of several things that are more important.
“Now, since we have a moment with nothing to do, and I know how rare that is, I have a few questions. You said you know your numbers and letters. How far did you go in school?”
“I was allowed to go for two years before Father pulled me out because of the work around the house. My older sister Odette tried to work with me afterwards, but none of it came easily for me and I’ve always struggled to make sense of it.”
“I will not push this on you, but if you would like, I could continue your reading and math lessons until you become comfortable. Eliza struggled with math too, so don’t think you are the only one.”
“I bet you never did.”
‘No, but I can’t make biscuits either. See? We all have our strengths and weaknesses.”
The arrival of our food cuts off our conversation, but as I cut up my eggs, I wonder how he always knows what to say to make me smile.