Chapter 7

Will stepped out of the barn two days later and shielded his eyes from the sun. The day had started off sunny and hot and it was only going to get worse. He had finished all of the plowing the day before and was using today to get all the seed ready to be planted.

This year he had decided to plant half of his fields with wheat and the rest of them with corn. Making his way to the house, he mounted the porch steps, and whacked some of the dust of his jeans with his hat. Placing his hat back on his head, he opened the front door, and stepped in to the house.

Walking to the basin, he washed the dust of his hands, and face. Whipping his hands dry, he placed the towel back on the little table, and walked to the kitchen. Will stopped by the counter and leaned against it.

Beth was standing at the stove, flipping something in a pan. He could hear her humming while she worked. Pushing away from the counter, he walked around the table, and picked up Anna. "Would you like to go out to the barn and see the baby kittens? We can also check on Willow."

"Baby Kittens." Anna squealed and clapped her hands.

"I will take that as a yes." He lifted Anna closer and headed towards the door.

"Lunch will be ready in ten minutes." Elizabeth said over her shoulder when she heard them heading towards the door.

Will turned around and gave her a smile. "We will be back by then." He said and stepped outside.

He carried Anna to the barn and walked to an empty stall. Setting Anna on her feet, he took her hand in his, and led her over to one of the corners of the stall. Nestled on a pile of straw was an orange and white mama cat. Cuddled around her were four kittens. Two were orange and white, while the other two were almost all black.

Kneeling down, he picked up one of the kittens, and set it on Anna's lap. She reached her hand out and petted the little kitten. "You stay here and play with the kitten. I will be right back." He tweaked her nose, before standing and walking to one of the other stalls.

A black mare reached her head over the stall and nuzzled his shoulder. He reached his hand up and affectionately rubbed her nose. "How are you doing Willow?" walking in to the stall, he looked for any signs that she would foal early.

When he didn't find any, Will rubbed her nose again, before exciting the stall. Walking back over to where he left Anna, he looked over the stall door, and found her still playing with the kittens. Pushing off the door, he made his way to a small crate by the barn door, and reached his hand inside.

A few seconds later he pulled out a wiggling puppy. Holding him close, he walked back to the stall. Popping his head over the top, Will hid the puppy behind his back. "Anna it is time to go in for lunch."

She stood to her feet and ran over to him. Raising her hands, she said, "Up."

He lifted her up with one hand and smiled down at her. "Would you like to see the present I have for your Aunt Beth?"

Anna eagerly nodded her head and looked up at him with bright eyes. Pulling the puppy from behind his back, he showed it to her. She giggled and touched the puppy's nose. Will stepped away from the stall and walked back to the house. Setting Anna on the porch, he raised a finger to his lips, and hid the puppy behind his back.

Anna giggled up at him and ran in to the house, when Will held open the door for her. Closing it behind him, he washed up at the basin, and helped Anna. After she was finished, she ran ahead of him to the kitchen, and he quietly followed her.

Stopping in the doorway, he saw that the table was all set and lunch was ready. Clearing his throat, he smirked when Elizabeth spun around and glared at him. "You could have warned me you were here." She picked up Anna and set her in her chair.

After she handed the little girl her lunch, she straightened back up and realized Will was still standing by the door, his hands behind his back. Walking over to him, Elizabeth laid a hand on her hip. "What are you hiding behind your back?"

"I am not hiding anything. Can't I just have my hands behind my back?" he asked as he looked down at her.

She took a step forward and made to reach behind his back, but he stepped out of her way. He made sure to keep his front to her. "Will, what are you hiding?"

"I will show you, if you give me something in return."

Elizabeth raised a brow at him. "What would you like in return?"

He gave her an innocent little grin, "A kiss from my wife."

She reached up and placed a quick kiss on his cheek. "There is your kiss, now can I see what is behind your back please?"

Will sighed and brought his hands from behind his back. Holding the puppy close to his chest, he watched her eyes light up with excitement. She laid a hand over her mouth, to keep from squealing. "Can I hold him?"

He held his hands out and deposited the little puppy in her arms. She held him close and let him lick her face. The puppy was mostly black, with a white strip down his face, and two white paws. There was also a small white spot on his back. Raising her face from studying, Elizabeth gave her husband a huge grin.

"Does he have a name?"

Will shook his head. "I just got him this morning from a neighbor and I didn't have time to think of a name. Do you have any ideas?"

She walked over to the kitchen table and sat down. She tapped her chin deep in thought. "I think we should name him Scout. Do you like that name?"

"I think Scout fits him." He dished food unto his plate and noticed that she had set the little puppy on the kitchen floor. The puppy trotted off to explore his surroundings. "Oh no, the puppy stays outside, Beth."

Elizabeth gave him a little frown. "Why can't he stay inside? I have always wanted a dog and now I have one."

"I already have a dog house for him to call home. He will not be staying inside."

"He can sleep in his own bed and spend his day with me. Scout will be a good dog and behave himself while he is inside."

Will laid his fork on the table. "Beth, I said no. The puppy can spend some time inside, but the rest of the day he will be outside. I bought him for a pet for you and Anna, but also for a guard dog."

Her ears perked up at the mention of a guard dog. "Why do we need a guard dog?"

"There are coyotes and other rodents that come around and cause trouble. Scout will be able to keep them away. He will also be able to warn us if someone is here or if something is wrong."

She knew that was a logical answer, but she still wanted him to be in the house while was still a puppy. Folding her arms, she asked, "Can Scout stay in the house while he is still a puppy? I don't want anything happening to him while he is outside. He can't defend himself right now."

He shook his head again. "I know you mean best, but the answer still stands as a no. you will be able to see him outside."

She saw the firm set of his jaw and sighed. I guess I won't be having a dog in the house. Picking up her fork, she started eating her lunch. Elizabeth knew she should try and convince him to change his mind, but it probably wouldn't work.

Sometimes it is frustrating when he won't explain himself or closes himself off. I had thought he was starting to open up. I thought this was going to be an adventure when I came out here and it seems like it is, but I miss my family, and my husband is frustrating me.

After he had finished his lunch, he pushed back from the table, and helped Anna out of her chair. Walking to her bedroom, he laid her down for her nap, and tucked her in. He made his way back to the kitchen and found that Elizabeth had cleaned off the table and was starting on the dishes.

Walking up behind her, Will laid a hand on her shoulder, and turned her around. Tears were streaming down her face and her chin quivered when she looked up at him. "Why won't you talk to me?"

He looked at her confused. "I have been talking to you."

She shook her head and pushed of his hand. "You have been talking, but every time something comes up and you close yourself off. I know we have only been married for a short time and we don't really know each other, but I am your wife."

He pinched the bridge of his nose. "I would like to open up to you, but I can't. I don't want to burden you with my problems."

"We are husband and wife now. You can share anything with me and tell me what is going on with you."

Will reached out a hand, but she took a step back. I can't share my suspicions with you Beth. You shouldn't be dragged in to this.

Elizabeth watched as his face closed up and his lips formed a thin line. She quickly slipped past him and out the front door. Making her way down the porch steps, she started walking down a worn trail. "Why is he making it so hard? I thought we were starting to get to know each other, but he still won't tell me what is going on with him." She muttered through gritted teeth.

As she made her way through a small stand of trees, her ears picked up the faintest sound of footsteps. Spinning around she saw Will running towards her. Picking up her skirts, she took off through the trees. I don't want to talk to him right now.

Elizabeth had almost made it to a small meadow, when her foot caught in a gopher hold, and she was thrown forward. She cried out in pain as she fell. Through the tears filling her eyes, she saw Will kneel down in front of her, and she could see the concern and worry mask his face.

He gently helped her to a sitting position and lifted her foot in his hand. Running his hand along the boot, he could already feel that it was swelling. Not saying a word, he stood back to his feet, and scooped her in to her arms.

She threw her arms around his neck and buried her face in his chest, to keep him from seeing the tears. Gritting her teeth against the pain in her ankle, she allowed him to carry her back to the house. Once through the front door, he made his way to his bedroom, and gently laid her on the bed.

"I am going for the doctor. You might have broken your ankle." Will said and put a few pillows behind her so she was sitting up. He left the room without waiting for her response and came back a few minutes later with a glass of water and a sleepy Anna.

"I didn't want her getting worried if she woke up and didn't see you. You can't be walking on that ankle of yours until it is seen by a doctor." He handed her the glass of water and laid Anna on the other side of the bed. Walking back out to the kitchen, he found where Scout had drifted off to sleep and picked up the little puppy.

Making his way back to the bedroom, he handed her the little guy. Without a word, he moved a curl out of her eyes, kissed her forehead, and headed out to the barn. A few minutes later she heard the sound of hoof beats. Why do I always seem to get hurt when I am frustrated and angry? I hope he comes back soon.