Chapter 40: Blind

Larmie's steady steed guided her own way home at a much slower pace than the day before, and twilight set in before the horse and rider made it back home. The workers had gone home, and any resolve to help with the evening chores was gone. Edie's hands loosely held the reins, but the horse mostly kept on his own way. Some neighbors, enjoying the evening's cool on their porches, raised their hands and greetings, and she nodded numbly in their direction, a tight smile masking any lingering dread.

In the blink of an eye, they were in the barn, and she'd dismounted. Her fingers undid the saddle straps, removed the bit, and fed the deserving horse some oats. He lowered his head as she brushed his mane and undid the knots.

A strained whinny sounded from another stall, followed by a thud. She paused for a moment, and a twist curled her stomach. "Edie? Is that you, dear?"

"Yes." Her hand fell, and the brush thudded on the floor. "I'm home."

"That's…that's good. Was it a good visit?"

"Mother, he was injured."

"Yes, that's…that's right."

Edie left Larmie's horse untied in his stall and went into Dia's. The horse laid on its side, her head nestled on Hajule's lap. She knelt beside her mother and laid her head on her shoulder, stroking softly. "How are you?"

"I—" Hajule took a deep breath and brushed some hairs back. She kissed Edie's forehead, her hands lingering for a moment. "I don't know why, but a terrible sadness washed over me right after you left. I haven't been able to think right. Although, I suppose Larmie will be wanting his lunch soon. He came in only a bit ago to see how I was doing and let me be."

Not a good time. The doctor would return soon, she knew. We'll talk about this mess later. "It's been two days."

"Oh." She let go of her daughter and stroked Dia's neck, who whined and nuzzled closer. "Dinner, then."

"Let me take care of it. I'll bring you something, and…maybe a blanket, or a pillow."

"Larmie slept by himself last night," Hajule murmured. "He's only done that once or twice the last few years, I think."

"I'm sure he's alright. I'll check on him."

"Mm hmm." Hajule barely nodded. Edie stood, but her mother caressed her hand, running her fingers between Edie's. "Oh, nothing. Well, I suppose he was in a lot of pain."

"Marginally. He'd…had worse. But none of that matters, now. Let's just spend time with Dia."

"Don't be ridiculous. Of course it matters. Why, that little ring has been the main thing keeping me going."

"Ring?" Edie knelt back down and put her hand on her mother's cheek. "What do you mean, ring?"

"Oh, I've spoiled it now, haven't I? Although how much is there to spoil. Anyone can see, the way he looks at you."

She blinked and sat back. "You…you think he's going to propose?"

"I don't think, Edie, I know. It's practically obvious."

"I…I never thought…"

"It's alright, dear. I know married life is a bit intimidating at first, but trust me, it'll suit you quite fine."

No use pretending, then. But Dia still lay slain on the hay. She swallowed. "How could I not see this coming? I thought I…was…"

"Well, now that it's out, I don't have to keep to myself so much." Hajule straightened Edie's clothes and smoothed her hair. "In all seriousness, I never really cared for the man much at first. He was a mite too serious and sullen, I thought, for our family. Sure, Jamie liked him, but Jamie likes everybody, and Larmie just talks people's ears off. But you've helped him open up in a way that's so…glorious. The way you two look at one another, and lean in to hear, and help each other out of uncomfortable situations like you did at the wedding, or with Montae the other night, well…it was like you'd known each other your whole lives. It's only a matter of time, dear, only a matter of time. Let me know anything you need. Heaven knows I need a distraction."

"Yeah…"

"Every time he held your hand close, or pushed back your hair, or asked what you needed help with, I just…knew. It all sounded so familiar, so certain. And he's so doting in little things, like helping with the cleaning up and looking after that friend of his. I always hoped you would find someone who would make you happy, and not so careful. You do that, you know? Guard you heart like a fortress. Even Jamie, you keep him at an arm's length. I know it can't be easy, living with people who are practically complete strangers, but I'm proud of you. I'm so glad you came into all our lives."

"Yeah." She stared at the ground. "Me, too."

The news would wait. She left to go make dinner.