The days passed and with them their first month of marriage. Lucas had at least begun to sleep in his own bed again, although he came to bed after she'd gone to sleep and left before she was up. He avoided being alone with her at all costs, but was cordial when he found himself with her. It wasn't that he was mad at her. Far from it. He was concerned about the growing attraction he was feeling, despite their distance. As she had told him so clearly, she had escaped Virginia because she feared a man would take advantage of her. He was determined he wouldn't try to do the same. She was young and inexperienced, she knew nothing of a man's heart and desires. And he feared his wants would frighten her more then they did him.
Mikayla continued to cook and clean the McCain house during the day, even finding time to walk down to the stream to read the precious books she'd brought along with her. She most looked forward to the evenings and weekends when Mark was home from school. He talked nonstop, filling her in on the townspeople and the North Fork area, where his favorite fishing spot was and the best sunset view a top the mountain. He was also eagerly teaching her how to ride his horse, Blueboy, and she looked forward to her evenings with her new friend, especially when her days were so lonely.
One particularly hot day, she was sitting at Mark's fishing spot, where the stream formed a small pool, reading her books. It was almost too hot to do anything but sit in the shade, and she gazed at the cool water longingly. Glancing around, she considered the propriety of taking a dip, and realized in this part of the world, she didn't have to fear about peeping toms. In Charlottesville she had often swam in the river with her childhood friends, but as a woman such ideals had to be abandoned. She quickly removed her dress, stripping off all her underthings until she stood in just her chemise. She weighed the pros and cons of removing that as well, but out of worry left it on, determining she'd have to lay in the sun for a while to dry. She slipped into the calm water, letting it cool her hot skin. The water came up to her hips, but she could easily float on her back. She closed her eyes, enjoying the sounds of nature and relief of the water.
Lucas wiped his brow, glancing up at the sun. It was the middle of the afternoon, and the sun was beating down on him. He pulled his sticky shirt away from his muscular frame, contemplating removing it, but self conscious of his proximity to the house. He wasn't going to walk around half naked with Mikayla about. It wasn't proper. Mark would be home soon and he could take him further out on the McCain ranch to work some ground till dark. Looking at the horses he thought it might be a good time for a break, a drink for them and maybe he could cool off too. He unhooked the plow and led them towards the best watering hole in the stream.
Mikayla was floating on her back, enjoying the warmth of the sun on her face and the cool water under her. Never in a million years would Charlottesville ever be this glorious. She felt so free out in the woods, slave to no man. Laughing, she wondered what her mother would say if she saw her now, floating in a pool in the woods with hardly a stitch of clothing on. Suddenly, she heard a horse's snort near her, and she quickly stood up, glancing around to see Lucas's stunned expression at the edge of the pool. His eyes glanced down to her chest, and she blushed, thinking of the thin, wet cloth clinging to every curve of her body. He quickly averted his eyes to the ground, stuttering, "I'm... Sorry, I was just... just watering the horses."
Her face was crimson as she quickly climbed out of the water, pulling her dress over her wet body. "No, it's my fault, I shouldn't be acting so childish, swimming in the middle of the day. I best get back to make dinner." And she turned, fleeing to the house, ashamed of her actions. What a childish thing to do. Now what was Lucas going to think. She felt very much like a nineteen year old girl at that moment.
Lucas was still standing at the creek, staring at the spot where she'd been, trying to get his breathing back to normal. He had gotten to the creek's edge and saw the most beautiful angel in the water, and when she'd stood, he caught his breath, gazing at her body, the wet, thin fabric tight over her breasts, leaving little to the imagination. His breath quickened and he blubbered an apology like an idiot and she'd run off. Finally, he shook his head, willing himself to put that image of her out of his head, and yet it was all he thought about for the rest of the afternoon.
She was starting dinner when Mark got home, giving her a quick hello before he darted out to the fields to help his pa. Mark found his father out back, and greeted him cheerfully. Lucas asked about his day, and Mark eagerly went on as they worked.
"Have you ever seen the ocean, Pa? Miss Tuddle says there's a whole ocean on each side of the country. She said you can stand at the shore and there's water as far as the eye can see!"
At the mention of water, Lucas thought of Mikayla. They continued to work until Mark said to Lucas, "Pa? Can I ask you something kinda personal?"
"What is it, son?"
"Do you think I'll every have a brother or sister?"
Lucas was silent, glancing at the boy's hopeful face, all Lucas could respond with was, "maybe."
His mind went back to thoughts of the wife he barely knew, and they ways he'd like to know her. Mentally scolding himself, he knew he was no better then the men she was trying to get away from in Virginia. Sighing, he led the team to the barn as the sun set behind the mountain and Mark ran for the house, excited to see what supper was. Lucas put away the horses and washed up outside, entering the house as Mikayla set the table. Her gaze caught his, and she gave him a small, gentle smile that made his heart skip a beat. Her hair was hanging loose down her back, still slightly damp, but she had it tucked behind her ears to keep it out of her eyes. Lucas knew it was common for a woman to wear her hair down in her own home, and he felt joy thinking that Mikayla felt comfortable enough with them to do so. He watched her as she listened tentatively to Mark talking about his day, asking questions and commenting on his classes. Mark practically leaped out of his seat with excitement when he heard that Mikayla had been to the ocean. She proceeded to tell him about the white, hot sand on her toes and the smell of the marshes and the taste of salt in the water. Mark was in awe, vowing that one day, he was going to see the ocean. Lucas was pleased to see how much Mark and Mikayla were getting along. He appreciated that she was so genuinely interested in the boy's life. Like a mother should be.
Mikayla was surprised when Lucas stayed in the house that evening instead of hastily disappearing to the barn after supper as usual. She was startled when Lucas suddenly joined her at the water pump, taking a dish towel in his hand he started to dry the dishes she had cleaned. Their elbows occasionally knocked as they worked closely but silently. Mark sat at the table, a frustrated look on his face as he worked over his math problems.
Mikayla was trying to keep her nerves from making her drop a plate, Lucas so close was causing her to feel dizzy. She kept replaying the look on his face when he'd seen her swimming. A look of shock. Shock that a woman her age would partake in such a childish act, no doubt. When the last dish was dried, Lucas helped Mark with his fractions and Mikayla worked on some sewing, until Lucas declared to Mark it was time for them all to go to bed. Mikayla slipped into her bedroom, their bedroom, and changed quickly into her nightgown, crawling into the bed, anxious about why Lucas all of the sudden was acting different. She didn't want to admit that it probably had something to do with what happened that afternoon.
Lucas sat on the edge of Mark's bed as he said his prayers, pulling the blanket up around his son, he fondly tousled Mark's hair and said, "Goodnight, son."
"Pa?"
"Yes?"
"I don't remember my real Ma too much, and I know she was real good, but Pa, I don't think you could find somebody who'd be a better Ma then Mikayla," he said with a yawn.
Lucas smiled, patting the boy's head. "She is real nice, Mark."
"And pretty, too. Did you see how pretty her hair was, Pa?"
"I did."
Mark yawned again, his eyes closed he mumbled, "Goodnight, Pa."
Lucas went into the bedroom, noticing Mikayla was already in bed, her back to him. He quickly changed, laying down beside her, looking at her long hair fanned across her pillow. It still smelled faintly of honeysuckle and rain, and he inhaled the sweet smell, wishing he could be closer to it. Closer to her. It took all of his strength to not reach out and stroke her hair. Even so, he shifted his head a little closer, so the tips of her chestnut locks were touching his lips. He took a deep breath, inhaling the intoxicating scent of her.
"Goodnight, Lucas."
He practically fell off the edge of the bed as he yanked himself away from her. He hadn't realized she was still awake, and was embarrassed. Had she realized how close he'd been to her? Probably. With all the commotion of him moving about, she turned towards him, giving him a curious look, her head still resting on her pillow.
"Are you quite alright?" She asked, wondering what had gotten into him.
He was glad the only light was from the moon, because she couldn't make out his red face. "I'm sorry, I thought you were asleep."
"No." She thought for a second and continued, "I'm sorry about earlier today. It was a childish thing to go off swimming, I should've been working in the house."
"Nonsense. Everyone deserves a break. In fact, that's why I was headed to the water hole too."
She thought back to his expression at the pool, the shock she had assumed was directed at her childish antics.
"So, you didn't think I was being childish?"
"I would've said 'free-spirited' which frankly, is refreshing to have around here. I tend to be more cautious... which is also important. You have to still be safe. But I see no harm in a mid day swim when it's as hot as the sun outside."
She laughed, relieved he wasn't angry with her. All she wanted was to be the woman he needed. The woman he wanted. She didn't want him to think of her as another ward of his. She wanted to be his partner. His friend. Maybe someday, something more.
She said Goodnight again, turning away from him. Mikayla was very pleased that he had opened up to her a bit. She fell into a peaceful sleep, dreaming of Lucas's arms wrapped around her. As the morning sun began to make its way through the curtains, she was surprised to sense his presence next to her still. Her heavy blanket was bunched at her waist, and as she shifted her body to straighten it, her back collided with something hard. She opened her eyes, glancing at her waist she saw that the heaviness wasn't from her blanket, it was his arm, draped across her middle. She felt his steady breathing on her neck, and realized that at some point in the night, he had curled around her. A pleasant warmth spread through her body, and she slowly pressed herself into him, relishing his unconscious reaction to pull her closer. She wished she could see his face, hoping it was relaxed and peaceful, not distressed. She lay there for a bit, focusing on each part of her body that was touching his. When he began to stir, she pretended to still be asleep. His hand ran absentmindedly down from her waist to her hip and back up, for a second he caressed her side, then suddenly realized that it was reality and quickly took his hand away, slowly rolling away from her and off the bed, getting up and starting his day. She was disappointed when he was gone, but eager to see how the day went now that they were seemingly friends again. After breakfast he was headed into town, and asked if she'd like to go along, which she eagerly accepted. As they rode he told her a little about his childhood. Before he was even a grown man he'd fought in the war, he quickly glazed over that part of his story, mentioning meeting Mark's mother soon after. They had a quick engagement and were married, welcoming Mark nine months later when Lucas was almost twenty.
"I grew up fast, for sure," he commented vaguely.
"What was she like?" Mikayla questioned boldly, curious about Lucas's first wife.
He smiled fondly, thinking about Margaret. It wasn't something he did often. "She was beautiful, for sure. Honey colored hair and eyes as blue as the sky. She wanted nothing more then to be a mama. She loved Mark with her whole heart. She was shy and timid, but with me and Mark she'd sing for us in the sweetest voice. She had a kind heart," pausing, he thought for a bit then noted, "I think she would've liked you."
"Oh?"
"Yeah," Lucas was not one to open up about his feelings, but when he felt like he needed to say something, he said it, so he continued, "in some ways you remind me a lot of her."
"Really?" Mikayla was feeling a bit self conscious, feeling like she had some big shoes to fill in this family.
"Yeah, you have a kind heart, too. And you love Mark, even if he's not your own," in a quiet voice he added, "and you respect me as your husband. That means a lot."
Mikayla's heart swelled at his revelation. Curious, she asked, "are their parts of me that aren't like her?"
He laughed, "well she'd never been caught swimming in the middle of the day," smiling at her he added, "she was the picture of propriety. Always. I'm not sure I ever saw her with her hair down." As it came out of his mouth, he regretted mentioning it, hoping she didn't take notice of how big of an effect her chestnut mane had on him.
If she thought it was odd, she didn't act like it. Covering her face she giggled, "I'm never going to live that down."
He laughed again as they continued down the road, noting that she seemed to be sitting closer to him then she had before. As they pulled into town, he tied up the horses and they headed into the store, Mikayla chatted with Hattie while Lucas grabbed some supplies, Hattie commented slyly, "don't you two make a handsome couple!" They laughed nervously as Lucas settled his account, and Hattie nodded at them knowingly.
Suddenly, a busty blonde burst through the door. "Help! Somebody help! Doc Burrage is gone and somethings wrong with Samantha and we just don't know what to do!"
Mikayla glanced at the woman, whose dress scooped down in an immodest dip, her face painted, her lips stained red. Mikayla could easily guess what her occupation was, and the woman she was speaking about was probably in a similar situation.
Mikayla stepped forward, "I have some nursing experience, show me where she is."
She began to follow the girl to the saloon, but Lucas grabbed her wrist. "I don't feel right about you going in there."
Her eyes pleaded with him. "Lucas, a woman needs help."
"Then I'm coming with you." He picked up his gun, following the women down the street to the saloon.
