LAURIE
Laurie's skin fairly glowed. She had soaked and scrubbed all the emotional pain out of her system with Lottie's perfumed soaps and had brushed her hair dry. She wound it up in a soft french knot and slipped one of the coral combs against the knot. Not his favorite look, but she was confident wearing his mother's comb would please him. She glanced at the clock and felt a tremor run through her hands. He could arrive at any moment.
She changed into the red silk dress, the collar of the dress high on the back of her neck, accentuating the plunging neckline that barely covered her corset. The designer had elected to do a simple drape of fabric in the front with matching trim along the bottom to make a gown that stressed the tiny waist made with Lottie's insistent tugging at Laurie's corset. The bustle in the back was soft folds of the same material, with no lace used at all. Instead of adorning herself with all the normal extras, Laurie had elected to wear a single necklace, a ruby encased in an intricate gold setting. She knew the simplicity of the gown supported her shapely beauty. She slowly twirled in front of the mirror, watching for flaws. Thinking she looked pale, she pinched her cheeks and dabbed on a little scandalous lip rouge.
Laurie glanced at the clock on the dresser again, even though it had been only a few minutes since the last time. She couldn't imagine what was taking so long. Perhaps Joshua and Jeremy couldn't convince Jason to come. What if he didn't want to come? Perhaps there had been another accident with the flume. What if he had been hurt? Or one of his brothers? Laurie closed her eyes and took a deep breath. If she kept this up, she would be in no condition to sing. She was better off thinking of happier things, like Jason's reaction to her appearance. It might keep her thoughts superficial, but superficial was safe.
Forcing herself to focus on the dress, she remembered Lottie running her hand over the soft fabric a half-hour ago. She had given Laurie a gleeful hug before hustling downstairs to watch over the bar, assuring her with the simple declaration, "Jason is going to love it." Laurie smoothed her skirt and gave into the innate desire to pull at her hands. Would he like it? Yes, he'd admire it, but even in San Francisco, it was a daring dress. She had meant it to be when she had asked Madame La Fève to design it. No matter how talented you were, every performer had to capture the audience's attention before she ever sang one note, strummed the first chord, or kicked her first dance step.
That's why Laurie had needed something to set her apart from everyone else. To catch the interest of the crowds she was singing to, she had refused to wear the more obvious dress choices that showed more of a performer's body than they covered, and the dancers often wore skirts short enough to get whistled at from the audience. The Maguire Opera House had even had a woman in a flesh-colored body stocking riding on a horse! That performance had been long before Laurie had arrived, but those that worked there still whispered of that night with pride mixed with scandal.
Laurie didn't agree with such tactics. It might be necessary for a dancer to show her legs, but a lady never would, and unnecessary for a singer. The dilemma had almost been crippling. After a long debate, she had decided on a dress that showed enough decollete' to intrigue a man but kept enough of her a mystery to compel him to return for the hope of more. After she had worn her red dress on stage carrying a large feathered fan singing "Oh Danny Boy" with her full Scottish brogue, her popularity had soared among San Francisco's Irish and Scotsmen earning her the title, "San Francisco's Scottish Sweetheart." Some men would not appreciate having their wives so exposed, yet over the last few weeks, Jason's curious glances at the garment suggested he might be different.
Laurie didn't agree with such tactics. It might be necessary for a dancer to show her legs, but a lady never would, and unnecessary for a singer. The dilemma had almost been crippling. After a long debate, she had decided on a dress that showed enough decollete' to intrigue a man but kept enough of her a mystery to compel him to return for the hope of more. After she had worn her red dress on stage carrying a large feathered fan singing "Oh Danny Boy" with her full Scottish brogue, her popularity had soared among San Francisco's Irish and Scotsmen earning her the title, "San Francisco's Scottish Sweetheart" from a prominent newspaper. Some men would not appreciate having their wives so exposed, yet over the last few weeks, Jason's curious glances at the garment suggested he might be different.
Laurie glanced at the clock again.
A knock sounded at the door, followed by Clancey's voice. "Look alive, dearie! Jason's here, and he's as anxious as any bridegroom to see ya."
Laurie took in a deep breath and opened the door. Clancey's eyes widened. He removed his formal captain's hat off his head, revealing his grey thinning hairs, and blew a low whistle.
"Too much?" she asked, her voice quivering.
"Well, I don't know about too much, but you're certain to capture Jason's eye, and that was the point, wasn't it?"
"Yes, that was the point." A glance in the mirror confirmed the heat she felt in her cheeks was a blush, pink tint deepening around the areas of her pinched cheeks.
"Well, you'll have his attention, you can count on old Clancey's word for that. And probably every other addle-brained donkey downstairs."
Laurie couldn't stop herself from chuckling. "Are Joshua and Jeremy ready?"
"Aye, whenever you are."
Laurie took a deep breath. "Okay, that's good. Tell them to start the music and I'll be downstairs. Oh, and Captain?"
"Yes, dearie?"
Laurie assessed his attire. He wasn't in his usual grey slacks, stained shirt, with a red bandanna somewhere on his person. Instead, he had put on dark dress pants and a dark coat with brass buttons. His hair had been slicked back with a strong hint of men's cologne. Someone had even trimmed his eyebrows and beard. She could only imagine Lottie had forced him to take a bath.
"You look dashing tonight."
He awarded her with a wide smile and with a tip of his hat and a little spring in his step, he ventured downstairs, whistling while he went. Laurie rushed back to the mirror and fluffed her bustle one last time. After a deep breath, she followed the Captain part of the way and paused, waiting for her cue from Jason's brothers. The sounds of rowdy laughter and chairs scraping the floors floated up to her. Joshua's voice, louder than usual, rose above the din.
"I said sit down, everyone! My sister-in-law has something nice in mind for my brother, and we're not bringing her down until you're all settled!"
Laurie heard rustling skirts, mumbled words, and chairs scraping across the floor as the crowd quickly quieted down. Her heart beat fast against her corset, and she took several breaths to calm herself. This is worse than my first time singing in Maguire's!
Jeremy popped into the hallway at the lower end of the stairs. "Ready?" he asked, walking up the few steps between them to offer her his arm. "And don't worry about things at your cabin," he whispered. "I've got it covered."
"Thank you," she whispered back with feeling, and let him lead her downstairs.
While they descended the last few steps, she tried to calm her mind. This was something she had done hundreds of times before, and this time wasn't any different. Nevermind the man she was singing for was quickly becoming the most important person in her life. Never mind her fear that if the people of Seattle didn't like her performance, she would have to listen to whispers for months. Never mind there was no orchestra to even out her voice.
I am a professional. I can do this. Jeremy grinned at her as they descended into the light of the barroom.
Lottie had transformed her saloon from a grimy, overcrowded, in-need-of-a-spit-shine barroom to a dance hall palace. Ribbons streamed down the banister, flowed from the wagon wheel chandelier, and decorated the bar with crepe paper bows stuck to the ends. Roses from Seattle's gardens filled the air with a heady perfume that with a little imagination drowned out the lingering effects of cigars.
Her husband sat front and center, and their eyes locked. She saw his eyes widen a little, a slow, sly smile growing on his face until it stopped at almost silly, but there wasn't anything silly about his eyes. Those held a promise that made her insides melt.
Jeremy had her stand near the piano. Joshua and Jeremy took their places on either side of her, each with a guitar, and together started the introduction to the piece they had practiced during the past month. "O Waly Waly" was a childhood favorite Laurie could have sung in her sleep, though for this audience she had practiced an Americanized version she had learned in San Francisco. When the right moment came, Laurie opened her mouth and sang the melody with rich, clear tones:
"The water is wide; I cannot get o'er;
Neither have I wings to fly;
Give me a boat, that can carry two;
And both shall row, my love and I..."
The crowd hushed, and encouraged, she sang the next lines with a shadow of truth:
"A ship there is, and she sails the sea;
She's loaded deep, as deep can be;
But not so deep, as the love I'm in...
I know not if I sink or swim."
Laurie continued to sing and reveled in the spellbound attention from the crowd. She was used to that—men putting their arms around their loved ones while she sang, or a woman would cling to the hand of a lover. Jason's gaze never wavered, a grin on his face until she sang,
"Must I go bound, while you go free;
Must I love a man, who doesn't love me;
Must I be born, with so little art;
As to love a man, who'll break my heart."
It was Jason's reaction that surprised her. There was an instant, deep sadness in the lines around his eyes. It was more sadness than he had ever shown her before—not even once—and the sight was unnerving. She dug her nails into her hands to stay present, opened her throat, and sang the last chorus, letting her voice fill the saloon with a crescendo that still rang when she finished. She gave a slow bow, and the room exploded with applause, though Jason's smile was all she needed. She nodded to his brothers.
"Right," Jeremy shouted, beginning to lively strum his guitar. "This is a birthday party, so let's start the celebration!"
Two fiddlers, a violinist, and a harmonica player joined them, and along with Jeremy and Joshua she sang, "Little Brown Jug." The room erupted in laughter, clapping, and foot-stomping. When it was time for the chorus everyone joined in,
"Ha, ha, ha, you and me,
Little brown jug, don't I love thee!
Ha, ha, ha, you and me,
Little brown jug, don't I love thee!"
Men tucked the chairs away into corners, and Jason got up to lean against the side of the piano with a beer in hand. Dancers collected where once the crowd had sat mesmerized to stomp out their dance steps. At the close of that song, Laurie continued with "Oh! Susanna!" and later, "Polly Wolly Doodle." She had just finished the last chorus when Jason stepped forward and offered her his hand. Laurie gratefully accepted it and with a wave to his brothers and company, let her husband lead her away from the entertainment.
Jason squeezed Laurie's hands lightly as they wound through the dancers and smiled at her when she looked up. His blue eyes had a light in them, and there was a boyish sense of excitement about his manner. His black tie was neat and his face shaven clean. Pretty as a picture, she thought, and almost giggled like a schoolgirl. She pulled him to a stop and reached to touch his usually rough skin, but hesitated before her fingers made contact.
"What is it?" he asked.
The deepness of his voice sent warmth shooting through her. "Nothing," she said, but the lump in her throat caused the word to squeak, so she swallowed and started again. "Nothing. I was noticing... um, I think you're very handsome tonight."
A flash of pleasure curled the sides of his mouth in an instant, and he gave her the same curious look he had worn before. He leaned forward and whispered in her ear, "Stay close. You're quite a vision yourself, and I don't feel like sharing."
She felt familiar flames heat her cheeks, and the sight seemed to please him. The strains of a waltz floated through the crowd, and with another flashed smile at her, Jason stepped back into the crowded area of dancers and escorted her to the middle of the room. He wrapped one arm around her and, pulling her hand to his chest, swung her around the room in a rapturous waltz. After a few steps, they found a rhythm. He guided her backward and then he was behind her, his head low, breathing on her neck. She felt delicious butterflies spread warmth through her body. He swung her out and captured her in his arms and twirled her slowly, purposely, around the room, his eyes flitting to her décolleté. He slowly dragged his gaze upward to meet her eyes.
Laurie laughed at his unabashed grin. She could hear the gasps around them but didn't care. The dress was working! He took her hands, and once again they repeated the steps, this time with Laurie responding a little more in kind to him. She felt his hands linger around her waist and occasionally drag over her dress in a teasing way. By the time the dance ended, they were both breathing heavily, not from exertion, but with desire.
The party-goers including Jason and Laurie clapped for the musicians at the end of the song. With the dance over, he gestured to the bar. She led him forward, his hand firmly pressed against her waist. As they passed, men clapped him on the back, and women wished him a happy birthday.
At the bar, Jason poured Laurie a glass of punch. "I'm sure that's got booze," he warned her with a nervous chuckle, handing her the glass.
"That's a problem?"
"Only if you want to remember tonight," he said, his eyes searching. She took a tiny sip and set the glass down.
His eyebrows rose just a little. "Uh, just where is this going?" he asked, his voice so low it was almost a whisper. He leaned against the bar, his hand resting near her.
"Wherever you want," she murmured back, threading her fingers with his. "It's your birthday."
He slid down the bar a little closer to her.
"I didn't know you could dance like that," Candy told Jason, walking up to them with an out-of-breath Jeremy by her side. She was wearing her red dress, though it was a darker shade than Laurie's crimson, with her hair piled high on her head.
Jason gave her a shy smile, not moving from Laurie's side. "Well, it's been a while. I know the steps, but I think having the right partner makes the difference," he said with a wink to Laurie.
Laurie smiled back. She would love to hang on his arm, but she didn't dare. Not yet.
"Do you know how to dance like that?" Candy asked Jeremy, who stood at her side.
Jeremy flushed and shook his head. "Candy, I couldn't even dance when I met you."
"Oh, that's right," she said with a little laugh behind her hand. "I'm sorry, Jeremy, I forgot."
"A testament to an outstanding teacher, right Jeremy?"
Jeremy grinned at Candy. "I think so."
"Well, who taught you?" Candy asked Jason.
Laurie was glad she asked. She was curious too.
Jason's eyes clouded with a flash of telltale pain, causing one of them to twitch.
Jeremy stuttered for a second before saying, " Uh, uh... Our mother. Jason spent a lot of time with her on the mountain. She's the one that taught him how to dance and have manners and stuff."
"Oh. I guess I've never heard about that part of your past," Candy said to Jason. She looked at Laurie and teasingly said, "Of course, those manners were a little rough when we first came to Seattle."
Jeremy laughed and put his arm around her.
Laurie chuckled and shook her head. "I can only imagine. Thank you for training him for me." She turned her eyes to Jason and noticed he wasn't paying attention. Laurie touched Jason's arm, causing him to start.
He looked down at her, and his features softened. He cleared his throat. "Oh, well, Jeremy's right. I did learn to dance from Mother." He glanced at her chest and his cheeks bloomed into cherries while he added, "Well, maybe not quite like that." There was an appreciative laugh from everyone listening.
To Candy, he continued saying, "It's true, our mother taught me, and she said if I ever found a partner as half as good as she was I should..." his voice trailed, and he seemed to struggle with his voice. He shook his head and cleared his throat. "Oh, that's all in the past, and we're here to have a party!"
His voice had grown louder with each syllable and with a cheer, several people around them toasted him.
"C'mon, Candy, let's go dance," said Jeremy.
Candy opened her mouth as if to say more, but Jeremy firmly led her away. Laurie watched them go, waving when Candy looked back at them.
"Och, you don't want that stuff, man," Clancey said, moving to Jason's elbow as he watched Jason pour another glass of punch. "It's flatter than a bucket of bad beer."
Jason chuckled and clapped his hand against the crotchety old seaman's back. "Clancey, I know the good stuff is close at hand. But for the lady's sake, I think I'll be teetotaling the rest of the evening."
"What?! A teetotaler is it?!" Clancey boomed, clutching his chest in a manly swoon. "What have you done to him?" he wailed at Laurie.
She smiled back with mock concern.
Jason chuckled and put his arm across Laurie's shoulders to hold her closer. "Nonetheless, Clancey, tonight, I have promised to be stone sober." He looked straight into Laurie's eyes. "I want to remember every single moment."
Laurie's breath quickened. The realization that she wasn't imagining his overtures was overwhelming. Jason was acting like a schoolboy! No, like he's captivated. She blinked slowly and gave him a flirtatious smile that deepened his own.
"Why would you want that, man? Bah, it figures. Put a ring on a woman's hand, and a man's whiskey turns to water. It's a travesty, I tell you. A travesty."
"What's a travesty?" Aaron asked as he joined them, Biddie on his arm. She was wearing a new blue dress with a blue silk ribbon in her hair. There were thin strips of lace that decorated the white collar that made her neck appear longer than usual.
"Biddie, you look beautiful," said Laurie. "I think open courtship agrees with you."
"Oh, well," Biddie said, looking bashful and peeking through her eyelashes at Aaron while taking a glass of punch from him. "Thank you."
"Yes, Biddie dear, you're a vision to be sure," Clancey said, his voice slurred, "but we were talking about Jason, and how Mrs. Bolt here has done made himself into a blooming teetotaler!"
Aaron glanced at Jason, a nervous grin starting to creep across his face, followed by a frown. "He's kidding. Right?"
Jason gave his own roguish smile to Aaron. "Only tonight, Aaron. And then," he said, letting go of Laurie's hand to settle his arm around her shoulders and winking at Clancey, "I'll be back to my regular, non-teetotaling self."
Laurie giggled and shook her head at him. "But you can't break tradition," she said playfully, handing him the punch he had poured. "One birthday drink. That's what they told me."
"Aye!" Clancey said, looking a bit affronted. "You've gotta do the toast, man!"
"All right, Clancey. If it means that much to you, I suppose we could spare a few more minutes."
"Oh, where are you going?" asked Biddie. She fairly flounced toward Laurie, startling her enough to step back into Jason's body. His arm captured her around the waist, his closeness making her feel giddy. "It sounds romantic."
"Come on, Biddie," Aaron said, grabbing the empty punch glass out of her hand and steering her toward the dancing townsfolk of Seattle. "Let's dance."
"Aaron! Oh my, you are so forceful tonight!" She giggled, Aaron almost dragging her along.
Laurie glanced up at Jason. Instead of the normal amusement that she had grown accustomed to seeing Jason wear when Biddie was around, his eyes were soft and completely fixated on her. He leaned down and brushed her lips with a featherweight kiss. "What are you thinking?" he asked, his voice sensually deep.
"Forget what I was thinking, what are you planning?" Laurie asked, breathing so hard her corset dug into her ribs.
His eyes left her face and traveled further down.
"Och, ya both act like open-mouthed fish bait. Off with both of ya and save the rest of us from your moony eyes." His eyes settled on Lottie and in a pleading voice, he said, "Ah, Lottie, me darlin', join me in a drink, won't ya? Jason's done left me to drink alone tonight."
Lottie had just entered the room with a large cake, candles blazing. "In a minute, Fish Face. Everybody, come sing happy birthday to Jason!"
"So much for being left alone," Jason muttered, and after a brazen kiss on her lips, instantaneously became the life of the party.
There was a toast from Jeremy, a speech from Joshua, and more laughter at Jason's jokes. When he flamboyantly complimented her, she felt fairly on fire and worked hard to resist the urge to fan herself. Jason settled in to tell a quick story, and Laurie finally took her eyes off him long enough to scan the crowd, noticing a familiar shirt on the outskirts of the crowd. Brodie and Christopher were engaged in a heated argument. She grabbed a piece of cake for each and left her husband deep in the throes of a boisterous tale.
"I don't see the big deal," Christopher said as she approached. "So what if Frank's not in Tacoma?"
"Well, who's paying him?" Brodie fired back. "That's what I want to know."
"Does it matter? Your taxes are gonna get paid. Isn't that good news?"
Brodie scratched his ear and opened his mouth to say something else, but noticed Laurie and smiled instead. "Hi, Mrs. Bolt."
"Hi, boys. I thought you'd like some cake."
"Yes ma'am," said Brodie. "That's real nice of you."
Both the boys took the pieces from her and stood silently as if they didn't know what to do next.
"Well, dig in. I didn't make it for you to stare at."
"Yes ma'am," Brodie repeated, and together they attacked their dessert with gusto.
Laurie looked around the room. "I don't see the Carson's tonight."
Brodie shrugged, suddenly keen on studying the cake's frosting.
"Oh, Mr. Carson came down sick this morning," Christopher answered. "Wouldn't let Cindy or Elwood come to the party without him."
Laurie bit her lip. She was sure illness wasn't what kept Mr. Carson away. He was another worker that had quit when the rumors about her being cursed had started.
"Well, I hope it's not serious," she said aloud. She smoothed her skirt and saw Megan Smith standing beside her parents, looking particularly bored. "Megan looks like she could use someone to talk to." When both the boys exchanged a dubious look, she put her hand on Brodie's shoulder. "Why let that shirt go to waste? You traded two fish and a squirrel for it. Besides, don't you know girls talk? How can Megan tell the others at school how handsome you were tonight if she didn't get a good look at you?"
"Oh Aunt Laurie, Brodie doesn't care about no girls."
Brodie studied Megan with an appreciative eye. "Well, I suppose I could at least go say hello."
"Take her a piece of cake," Laurie suggested, nodding her head toward the pieces laid out across the bar. "It'll help break the ice."
"Yeah," Brodie said, his tone thoughtful. "It'd be rude for her to say no."
Laurie watched the two boys drift off, following Laurie's advice as if in a dream. Megan looked a little startled and her father a little stern, but the piece of cake was accepted, and Brodie stood talking to her for a few moments with a bored Christopher rolling his eyes next to them.
"Matchmaking?" Jason said next to her.
Laurie jumped, and when she turned, he bowed low. She opened her arms to accept his wordless invitation to dance. "I don't mean to be. He's really interested in Cindy Carson, but the Carson's didn't come."
"No loss there."
She flinched a little at the bitterness in his voice. "Well, we can always hope people are going to come to their senses, right?"
"I suppose," he said, twirling her around. He pulled her to him and held her closer than what was appropriate and said in her ear, "I don't want to talk about Carson right now. I want to talk about sneaking up to the room you changed in." He loosened his hold around her waist to look her in the eye. "Lottie just told me you spent the day up there. I bet we could still make good use of it."
Her eyes lowered, and she peaked at him through her eyelashes. His eyes were bright and had that brilliant cornflower color to them. But she could also see he was sober, and something about their proximity had Laurie's insides quivering. She licked her lips and noticed his eyes went immediately to her mouth. Before she said anything else, he leaned down and kissed her quickly.
"Hell of a time to do this to me," he whispered. "Not a soul in this room doesn't have something suggestive to say about what's happening between us tonight."
Laurie couldn't help but giggle and tried to bat her eyes innocently and failed. Didn't all newlyweds go through the same growing pains? It came with the territory.
"I think I'm okay with that," she admitted.
A blush fanned out over Jason's cheeks. "I had no idea proper women could be so bold," he muttered, and when she tilted her head in question, he cleared his throat and became very interested in dancing.
JASON
Jason hated to admit it, but his brothers had been right. He didn't want to leave her. Good, merciful heaven. Her dress had him wound so tight there were moments on the dance floor he thought he might devour Laurie with his eyes. He had noticed Candy wore the red dress he and his brothers bought her two years back, still soft with the lower neckline he'd always appreciated, but had Jeremy wanting to hide her in his coat. Certain it wasn't the same for his brother, Jason found Candy and all the other women next to Laurie to be almost invisible.
Every woman should have a red dress.
Jason held the fixed opinion that when a woman put on red, she innately glowed. Why that was, he couldn't say. Maybe it was the reaction of their peers that brought a blush to their cheeks. Could be the case with his wife. Men gave him knowing looks; women whispered about her as he twirled her around the room. Not that she seemed to care. Her eyes were only for him, and while he knew his behavior was shameful, she didn't rebuke him for it. In fact, she seemed to enjoy it, serving only to fuel his desire to retire from his own party early. That would give him plenty of time to enjoy her before he headed back to camp. That was another thing his brothers were right about: she deserved the attention.
He had relinquished his hold on her hand to Joshua, and while his brother took a few spins with Laurie around the saloon, he hooked his boot on the rest at the bar and sipped a questionable drink that could use two shots of whiskey, at least.
"Mr. Bolt?"
Jason looked down. Brodie stood beside him, his hand stuck out. Curious, Jason took it.
"Brodie."
"Wanted to be sure 'n wish ya happy birthday."
"Well, thank you."
"Your wife... I don' want her to get in trouble none. I know she ain't told ya about the fish 'n squirrel."
"No, I don't suppose she did," glancing at Laurie. Joshua had stopped dancing, and Laurie stared at Joshua as if he had said something shocking. Joshua's neck was red around his collar. Jason made a mental note to ask her about that later.
"Well, I felt like it was fair when we talked but... well, it's a very nice shirt."
"What shirt?" he asked, the boy once again grabbing his attention.
"This one," Brodie said, motioning to his attire. "Mrs. Bolt made it for me. Sometimes she feeds me and Henry when the fishing ain't too good."
"Does she now?"
"Yes, sir. And I know you don't care for me none..."
"Now wait, Brodie. I never said that."
"But I want you to know, I don't take advantage of women. And Mrs. Bolt... she shouldn't have been nice to us. Most menfolk tell their women to stay away because of Frank's temper. I don't blame them none. But she is nice, and careful, 'n I got to thinking about it, and I think two squirrels with the fish would be a better price, but I wanted your opinion. Man to man."
Jason paused, as though he were considering it, but inside his sides were shaking with silent laughter. He knew his wife had been sending food and made small trades with the boys, but creating a business arrangement?
"Man to man," Jason said to Brodie as he squared his shoulders, "I think that sounds fine."
Brodie gave him a grin and with another shake of Jason's hand, began to hedge his way past the crowd. Jason watched him, reflecting on how different the boy was from just a few months ago. It seemed Laurie was onto something. Maybe all the boy needed was to be treated more like a man and less like an orphan.
"Brodie," Jason called out. Brodie stopped to wait, and when Jason reached his side he lowered his voice. "I always meant to ask. When you took Christopher to... well, peek at my wife, did you...?"
"No, sir, I didn't see a thing. And I'm a heap glad I couldn't."
"It's a relief to hear."
"Yes, sir. And a relief to honestly say so."
Jason studied Brodie for a moment. "How is Frank these days? I heard he got a job?"
"Gravedigging," said Brodie, looking at the floor. "In Tacoma."
"That's right. It's an honorable profession."
"I still don't like it. Has to be bad luck, dealin' with all those dead people."
"Well, I know I wouldn't want to be doing it, but the dead need someone to care for them. I'm glad some things are working out for you."
Brodie nodded with a frown and disappeared into the crowd before Jason could call him back. Jason watched for a moment to discern the warning that had settled around his shoulders. Feeling unnerved, he started back to rendezvous with Laurie. He was serious when he told Brodie that grave digging was honorable. He'd had to help dig a few graves himself. Perhaps it was just the nature of the profession, and Frank's disposition, that had him so skittish.
"Party's winding down, eh, Jason?" Aaron asked him as Jason leaned against the bar.
"Looks like it. Aaron, where's Biddie? I'm surprised you got her off your arm."
Aaron chuckled. "Oh, she's around somewhere saying something that will make me feel awkward later."
They both laughed. Jason put a hand on Aaron's shoulder. "Well, she's been kind to Laurie. That's something I'll always be grateful to her for."
"Hmm. She likes her. The fact is, most people in town do. Oh sure, took a little while to get used to her, but most folks have come around. By the way, I need to thank you."
"Thank me? For what?"
"Tonight you gave them something to talk about 'til Christmas. Kinda overshadowed the whole Aaron and Biddie gossip."
Jason laughed clear from his toes. "Oh Aaron," he said, wiping his eyes. "You're welcome."
Aaron chuckled. "That saying, be good to her. She's vulnerable."
"Aaron, I don't need you to—"
"Yeah, you do. Every man forgets exactly what he has. I'd rather remind you occasionally than see you brooding in a bottle later."
Jason's mouth twitched. "Alright, Aaron. I thank you kindly."
Aaron opened his mouth to say something else, but two Seattle brides interrupted him. Jason gave a wave to his friend and let them capture his attention for a few moments. By the time Jason had told another story, Joshua and Laurie had returned, laughing together. A long time coming, the sight gave him a warm, comfortable feeling.
"Where did you get off to?" Laurie asked him.
"Oh, I followed Brodie almost to the door. He's giving you two squirrels instead of one for the shirt." Laurie's mouth opened slightly. Sensing she was about to apologize, he continued, gesturing to her and Joshua," You two seem to be having a good time."
"Yes, Joshua keeps making me laugh."
Even with her Sunday shoes on, she was much shorter than him, and he enjoyed the bird's-eye view very much.
"Well, you two probably want to call it a night," Joshua said, clearing his throat.
Jason looked back up at his brother, and a wide grin escaped him when he saw Joshua's knowing look. He'd been caught, again.
"Thank you," said Laurie, and kissed Joshua on the cheek. Jason felt a pang when Joshua nervously looked at him.
"Yes, Josh. Thank you. I'll see you later tonight."
He felt his wife straighten her back, and there was a moment of silence. Joshua gave him a withering look. "Don't worry," he said to Laurie. "He's kidding. He knows he's not going anywhere."
Jason frowned. He had given Laurie the night, just as his brothers wanted. Flirted with her and made a fool out of himself. He'd even considered taking her upstairs to enjoy a few private moments but had lost the chance. Yes, she was beautiful, but that didn't mean he'd lost his head. Never mind what he had said before, that flume had to be taken care of, and it had to be done right.
"Josh—"
"Laurie, it was a lovely party," Candy said, walking up with Molly.
"Thank you," said Laurie, and she glanced nervously at Jason. Jason cursed himself the moment he saw the uncertainty in her eyes. "I'm glad you had a good time."
Mentally, he kicked himself. Stupid. Didn't he just say she deserved attention? And now she thought he didn't appreciate her efforts. Outwardly, he put on his public smile and thanked them for coming, followed by Swede and Miss Essie, Ben and Emily, Corky and Sally... when did they start seeing each other? On and on the list went until it was only Lottie, Clancey, Aaron, and Biddie standing with them. Joshua had slipped away, and Jason wasn't sure if he was relieved they had avoided the inevitable fight, or if he was just annoyed.
"Oh my, looks like we're the only ones left," Biddie said and giggled.
"That's right, Darlin," said Clancey with a long yawn. "And if the master there would shove off, we'll get this place shut down."
Laurie smiled and gave Clancey a long hug and said, "Thank you for everything. Lottie, do you mind if I come over tomorrow morning to help clean up?"
"Oh, don't you worry about a thing," answered Lottie, grabbing her arm and pushing both Laurie and Jason toward the door. "You don't think I'd have a shindig like this without a plan."
"Oh, she's right," Biddie said. "Why, half the women in this town are helping Lottie in the morning. We figured you'd be... well, you'd be..."
"Busy," Aaron supplied, followed by a quick drink when Clancey and Biddie both burst out laughing.
Laurie's eyes drifted up to Jason's, a question in them, and he smiled and drew her close. No use in causing her public humiliation. "Alright, Biddie, Clancey," Jason said when the suggestive comments continued. "Lottie, thank you for supplying the booze."
"It was my pleasure." She blinked in mock innocence and added, "Have fun, you two."
Jason met Aaron's eyes over Laurie's head. "We plan on it." He forced himself to hold his back erect while escorting her outside, giggles and chuckles chasing after them.