Thanks to those who have taken the time to review/favorite/follow. I love hearing that you're invested in this story! Thanks to the guest reviewers, Luvreading67, and MusesOwnMyMind for your comments on the last chapter. It makes me so, so happy to know people are reading and enjoying this story!
Chapter 14
Chris rinsed the last of the lunch dishes. He laid the plate on the counter where Lucy would pick it up and dry it without having to take it directly from him. He was well aware that she had stationed herself as far as possible from him to do the task and still be at the same counter.
He was also well aware that she kept cutting her eyes over toward him and studying him, quickly averting her gaze if he glanced her direction. So he tried not to look her direction.
Lucy was putting the last plate into the cupboard and he picked up the dishpan to empty out the door.
"I can get that," Lucy said.
Chris knew how uncomfortable she was having him do what she saw as her duties, but he wasn't given to walking out the door and leaving heavy lifting to a woman. He figured they'd both be glad when her stitches came out and she could take over the dishes again.
He emptied the pan of water over the rosebushes alongside the porch that Inez and Mary had insisted on planting when he'd built his cabin. When he went back inside, Lucy was wiping the table clean. She looked up at his entry, and there was that look, her studying him again. Chris fought the urge to squirm, doing his best to ignore the look.
Chris glanced out the door at the gray clouds building outside and went for his slicker. He'd keep it with him so he didn't need to come back up to the house when the drizzle started.
A square package in one of the pockets jostled when he took the coat from the peg near the door. Chris had forgotten about the impulse buy.
He took the bar of soap, wrapped in brown paper, from the pocket and set it on the table.
"That's yours," he said.
Lucy looked from the small square on the table to him. Chris wished he hadn't bought it when she looked at him like that. But he had and couldn't go carrying a cake of lavender soap around in his pocket.
Lucy tentatively picked up the package and carefully unwrapped it. When the bar of soap was revealed, a wave of lavender scent came with it. Lucy's eyes fell closed and she lifted the bar to her nose and took a small breath.
The look on her face made him glad he had bought it.
She opened her eyes and saw him watching her. Her cheeks flushed and she quickly lowered the bar. "You—you want me to do your laundry with this?" she asked.
For a second, the pure ridiculousness of the question threw Chris. And then he felt one corner of his mouth twitch. "Don't much want to smell like lavender," he said seriously.
"Right," Lucy said, embarrassment darkening the hue of her cheeks.
"Don't think Buck would let me live that down."
That time, Lucy looked at him again and her lips moved slightly. It was the barest hint of a smile, but Chris felt his own mouth respond. Lucy met his eyes and he saw the quick shimmer of humor before she dropped her gaze back down to the bar of soap.
"I'll be out in the barn. Won't be in until supper, but shout if you need anything."
Lucy nodded, looking from the bar of soap she held, back up to him. And there was that look again, like she was studying him hard enough to try to read him.
Chris backed away a step and she quickly looked down again. "No laundry," Chris reminded her. Not until her stitches came out.
He made sure she nodded her agreement, then made his getaway.
The cool air carried the smell of coming rain, but that lavender scent lingered with him.
#
Lucy stood still after the door had closed behind Chris. She lifted the bar of soap again and inhaled the scent.
She couldn't remember the last time someone had given her something. Something completely unnecessary. But something so thoughtful.
She didn't understand Chris Larabee.
She set the bar of soap on the table and looked at the tea kettle of hot water on the stovetop. Thought of the reservoir full of warm water.
Chris would be out until supper. She wasn't supposed to do laundry, but with only two dresses to choose between, maybe she could at least bathe and then rinse out one of her dresses in the bathwater. The lavender scented bathwater.
It had started to mist outside, so Lucy wouldn't be able to do any outdoor chores. There was nothing left for her to do inside.
Unable to resist the urge to freshen up and wash her hair, Lucy went outside to get the metal washtub from where it hung on the side of the house. She looked toward the barn and saw Chris go inside.
The tub was awkward to carry with her small size, but she managed to wrestle it into the house.
Filling the tub with water from the stove was a luxury. She had only been able to heat one kettle of water over the open fireplace at Eli Joe's cabin and there had been no large galvanized tub to soak in.
She placed the tub near the stove, knowing she would never be able to empty the tub if she had to haul buckets of water one by one from her bedroom. And she would never ask Chris to do anything more for her than he was already doing. She could easily bail out the tub with the short walk to the door and remove it before he ever came in for supper.
Lucy filled the tub, adding the steaming water from both the reservoir and the tea kettle. Dropping her dress over the back of a kitchen chair, she stepped one foot into the water, nearly groaning with pleasure at the pure bliss of sinking into a tub of hot water.
Lucy leaned her head back against the back of the tub and let her eyes close. She took a long breath, imagining she was able to wash away everything that had happened in Tuscosa, on the stage…that she could start fresh, be the sister Vin remembered instead of the damaged woman she was now.
She indulged in the daydream longer than she should have, picturing herself able to meet Vin's friends without cowering, finding a job for herself and not having to be hidden away on Chris Larabee's ranch.
The sound of the rain on the roof finally drew her out of her musings. Reminded her of where she was. Who she was.
With a heavy sigh, Lucy reached for the soap and washed up quickly. She washed her hair, dunking under the water to rinse the soap from her locks. She wiped the water from her eyes and reached over the edge of the tub for the towel she had set aside.
She couldn't quite reach it. Standing up from the water, and shivering against the air that pricked her flesh, Lucy reached for the towel. She had just managed to grab it when the door opened.
#
Chris needed his hammer. And the nails he had left inside. He headed up toward the house, his thoughts on the projects in the barn he needed to get done.
He jogged up the porch steps and pushed open the door.
And stopped.
Lucy's big blue eyes were the first thing he saw. Widened in shock, then in fear. After that, it was a blur of skin, shapely legs and the towel she was frantically trying to hide behind.
It was the splash of water as she quickly got out of the tub that finally broke Chris from his stunned state.
He turned away quickly. "Sorry," he managed to rasp out.
Behind him, Lucy didn't say anything, but he could hear her still scrambling to get covered.
The image of what she was trying to cover drove him back out the door.
Chris slammed his way into the barn. The horses in their stalls jumped at his entrance.
Almost as much as Lucy had.
Chris let out a curse and rammed a hand into his hair. He stared down at the dirt floor, fighting for control.
He had terrified Lucy. The look on her face told him exactly what she thought of him. He didn't know why he was trying to decipher the meaning of those long looks she kept studying him with. The fear on her face when he came inside and found her…indecent…had told him everything he needed to know.
And then he had just stood there, too stunned by the sight of her in nothing but a towel, a towel that was slipping out of place as she fought to adjust it, leaving way too much skin exposed. Smooth skin with beads of water running down…
Chris cursed again, this time kicking one of the wood posts in the barn.
She was Vin's sister. She was running from a murderer. She had been attacked on the stagecoach and nearly killed a man to defend herself. And his traitorous thoughts kept veering back to what he had seen. To the heat that had flashed at the sight of her.
This wasn't working. This entire plan of the judge's to protect Lucy with a marriage license and Chris' protection wasn't working.
#
Lucy's bare feet slapped against the floor as she ran for the safety of her room. The air chilled her damp skin as soon as she left the heat of kitchen. She shut the bedroom door firmly behind her and pushed her hand against it, bracing it shut while her other hand clutched at her towel.
Her chest heaved with breaths borne of fear and her mad dash to her room. Her gasps for air was the only sound in the room, the rain overhead having petered out.
There was no sound outside her door. Of course there wasn't. What did she think, that Chris Larabee was going to chase her into her room? He had turned away. He had apologized.
Lucy shook her head, trying to clear her racing thoughts. When the door had opened, with her standing there at her most vulnerable, it had shot her back into the moment the stagecoach door was yanked open and she had been defenseless in front of those men. Or when Eli Joe would come through their bedroom door without a word, but she knew what was coming.
Her hands shook harder.
But Chris had apologized. Had looked away and apologized. Then left.
Lucy sank down on the edge of her bed, pulling the towel more securely around her, her fingers tightening against the coarse material, her thoughts abruptly turning the opposite direction. She tried to force her thoughts towards the present. It was nothing like when those men had attacked her on the stagecoach. Nothing like Eli Joe demanding his due as her husband.
Lucy took a deep breath, struggling to slow her gasps. She couldn't make heads or tails of what was happening.
She needed to just focus on right now. She could do that. She went to her carpetbag, her extra set of undergarments there, her spare dress hanging on a peg on the wall. She dressed quickly, feeling better as soon as the fabric covered her.
She reached for her hairbrush, the handle long since broken off, but still functional, and started running it over her hair. She focused on the task and nothing more. Concentrated on pulling her wet hair back into a braid. Nothing else.
If she started thinking of anything else, she may not make it through this day. Through this marriage.
#
Chris stayed in the barn a long time. Until the rain had passed. Until the afternoon light that came after the rain started to fade into evening.
He couldn't sleep in the barn. As much as he wanted to, he had promised Vin he would protect his sister and he couldn't leave her alone in the house overnight.
Chris forced himself to leave the barn. He had had an easier time calling out gunfighters with tens of notches on their belt and strolling outside to meet them in the street than he had walking back into his own house.
Lucy was in the kitchen, her faded dress in place, her hair in a long braid down her back, still damp from the bath. That hint of the wet hair that had been tangled and falling over her bare shoulders had Chris fighting against the sight he had seen. He moved to the sink to wash his hands.
The tub was gone, every sign of what had happened earlier erased. Except for the look on Lucy's face. The tight line of her mouth.
"Supper's on the table," she said from where she was pressed back against the wall near the table. Her voice was uncertain and it was tight with the same discomfort Chris was feeling.
Chris half expected her to retreat to her room, but she had set the usual two places. He took his seat. She took her seat then stole a look at him. That look like she was trying to figure him out. Chris avoided her eyes, keeping his eyes on the food.
Chris took the bowl of mashed potatoes and dished up a hearty helping. He handed it towards her and she took it without comment. The slight movement sent the scent of lavender his way and Chris felt his body tighten automatically at the reminder of her, in a state of undress, in his kitchen—
"Vin should be back soon," he said, the words ringing out too loud in the kitchen. He wasn't sure if the reminder of Vin returning was to reassure her or to get his mind back where it needed to be.
Lucy nodded, giving him another intent look before ducking her head.
They ate in silence. Chris couldn't have said if the meal was any good. He only smelled lavender and couldn't taste a thing.
When Lucy rose to carry her dishes to the sink, Chris took them. She took her post down the counter from him.
They worked without talking, Chris trying to ignore every look she sent his way.
He was washing the last mug when he heard the sound of hoofbeats outside.
Lucy looked at him, fear in her eyes and moved a step closer.
That small move, a tiny show of trust, had Chris looking over at her. But the sounds of coming riders didn't give him any room to think of what that trust might mean. He pulled his gun, motioning for Lucy to stay put, and moved toward the door.
#
"Shoulda brought Mary with," Buck said.
"She was busy," Nathan reminded him.
They rode in silence, the creaking of their saddles the only sound.
"You figure Chris and Lucy are doin' any better?" Nathan asked.
Buck let out a snort. "They can't be doin' any worse than the last time I was here." He thought of the sight that had greeted him and Vin, Lucy passed out exhausted on the bloodied kitchen floor after whatever terror had gone along with cutting her hand and facing Chris. At least Buck could reassure himself that there was no way Chris could've managed another run-in with Lucy within the few days he and Lucy had been back at the ranch.
There was lantern light coming from the kitchen. Buck didn't see any movement in the house. He let out a sharp whistle.
"Larabee!" he called. "It's us!"
The door opened and Chris stepped out, gun in hand. He holstered it and nodded to Buck and Nathan.
"Nathan wanted to check on Lucy's hand," Buck said.
Chris nodded once and moved aside in silent invitation. Buck and Nathan tied their horses to the hitching post and went inside. Chris didn't say anything else.
Buck didn't take it as a good sign his taciturn friend was quieter than usual.
Lucy barely managed a greeting for him or Nathan. Also not a good sign.
Buck quickly scanned the clean kitchen. No signs of blood this time. Nothing worse could have happened. Maybe it had just been a long day.
"How's it feeling?" Nathan asked, doctor's bag in hand.
Lucy whispered something Buck couldn't hear, but sounded like 'fine'.
"You keepin' it clean?" Nathan asked. "Washing it up without soaking it in dishwater or a bathtub?"
Lucy's gaze was pulled to Chris' and Chris met her look, his jaw clenching before they both quickly looked away.
Buck felt his eyebrows raise. Interesting.
"She ain't doin' dishes or laundry," Chris verified without looking at Nathan or Buck.
Lucy curled her hands into fists and was clearly avoiding looking at Chris. Chris looked uncomfortable.
Very interesting.
"You need anything from me?" Chris asked.
Nathan shook his head.
Chris headed for the door. Buck followed after him.
Buck managed to hold back until they were off the porch. "What's goin' on?"
Chris didn't answer.
"Come on, Chris. I ain't blind. What's got you so on edge?"
Chris' breath came out in a harsh outburst. "You know what that Eli Joe did to her?" he asked.
Buck shook his head. "Ain't heard the details, but I can guess enough."
"I ain't going to do anything like what he did to her," Chris exploded.
The vehemence caught Buck off guard. "I know that."
Chris slapped a hand against his thigh. He started to walk away. "She don't," he ground out.
Buck watched his friend's lean form stalk off toward the barn. He wondered how much time Larabee was spending with the horses these days. He glanced back at the house, but there was no sign of Chris' new wife. He jogged after Chris.
Chris was in the barn, grabbing at a piece of lumber. He picked it up, then tossed it back down with a clatter.
"Damn hammer's in the house," he said, with more acrimony than a missing hammer merited.
"So go get it," Buck said.
"I did—" Chris started, then clamped his mouth shut and turned away.
Buck watched as Chris clammed up. When Chris didn't say anything more, Buck tried for an easy tone. "You still got that bottle out here somewhere?" he asked.
Chris jerked his head towards the grain bins. A half gone bottle of whiskey was tucked behind them.
Buck tried to be optimistic that at least things weren't bad enough out at the ranch that the bottle was empty.
He pulled the top and took a long swallow, then handed it to Chris.
Chris took a drink without comment.
Buck didn't say anything more. He stayed with his friend who was clearly in too far and drank in silence.
#
"Your hand's healin' up nice," Nathan commented.
Lucy nodded her acknowledgement and withdrew her hand from his.
"Probably take those stitches out by next week," he said.
Another nod without words.
Nathan sat back in his kitchen chair, giving Lucy a little more breathing room.
"You know, you remind me of my ma," he said quietly.
Lucy's eyes lifted to his in surprise.
Nathan grimaced, he didn't want to picture what thoughts of his ma brought up. "She had a rough life. Was pushed into something of a marriage she didn't want."
He saw the sympathy in Lucy's eyes, was surprised when she didn't avert her gaze. Like she wanted to know someone understood. Even if it wasn't Nathan himself who would understand, but the woman who he spoke of.
"The thing about my ma…" Nathan stopped and cleared his throat, emotion building too much to let the words past. "She was a strong woman. She…" he stopped again to clear the emotion from his throat. It didn't quite work. He looked at Lucy and saw she was listening to him, understanding in her blue eyes. Nathan thought of his ma killing herself when she found out she was pregnant by the slave owner who had pushed her into agreeing to an intimate relationship. His hands curled into fists. Not a relationship. Nothing like that. She had been a victim and had seen no way out. He pulled in a breath through his nose and brought himself back to the present.
"I'm just tryin' to say, if this all gets too much for you, you let Vin know. Or me. Any of us."
Lucy nodded slightly.
Having said his piece, Nathan slid back his chair. He was heading out to find Buck and Chris when her soft voice stopped him.
"Nathan?"
He turned back to her.
"I'm really sorry about your ma." And she was. He could see it in her expression. Not pity like he had seen from so many, but understanding. And it was that understanding that worried him. He didn't want to think about all the ways Lucy understood what his ma had suffered.
"Appreciate that," he said. He left the overly warm kitchen and made it outside where the air was cooled off from the rain shower that had passed through.
He found Buck in the barn with Chris.
"You all done?" Buck asked.
Nathan looked at the bottle Chris held. He looked back at Buck. "Yep."
"Let's ride, then," Buck said. He started toward their horses.
Chris stopped Nathan from going to his horse. "Her hand? It's healing up?" he asked.
Nathan nodded. "Might be a scar, but it's healin'."
"You let me know what I owe you for the doctorin'," Chris said.
Nathan felt his eyebrows lift in surprise, but nodded. He waited, Chris looked like he had more to say.
"It hurtin' her?" Chris asked.
Nathan hadn't expected that question coming from the hardened man.
"She didn't say nothin', but it's gotta be achin' now and again."
Chris nodded to himself, looking like he was making a mental note of that fact.
"You need anything from town, Chris?" Buck asked from up in his saddle.
Chris looked toward the house. "Send Mary or Inez out soon. They can ask her what she needs."
Again, the hardened man caught Nathan by surprise. It went a long way towards setting his mind at ease with where Lucy was forced to be right now. But then he saw the look on Chris' face as he headed toward the house and there was nothing in that look that would reassure anyone about this marriage.
#