Chapter 18
A/N #1: My humble apologies for another unexpectedly long-ish wait since the last update. Between the holidays and a busy work schedule, just haven't had much time to write. I'd like to take a second to wish my fellow Timeless fans a "Happy New Year" and express my sincere appreciation as well to those of you who continue to enjoy reading about Lucy, Wyatt and the rest of the gang. Here's to an amazing 2023...
Previously...
It was peaceful in the stables this time of day once the morning's feeding and grooming was done, with the hired hands scattered about the ranch, busy with other chores. An appreciative Maisie was delicately nipping chunks of apple from Lucy's hand as Wyatt brushed her thoroughly. She was chattering away about nothing in particular when without warning, he abruptly stopped grooming the mare. His large hand clenched tightly on the brush, Wyatt turned to face her, dramatically changing her life in the space of a heartbeat when he squared his broad shoulders and announced in a gruff voice, "Lucy, I think we should start courting..."
Lucy froze, not entirely sure she'd heard Wyatt correctly. Did he just tell her they should start courting? Or were her newly-discovered feelings for the man suddenly causing her to experience grand delusions? "I'm sorry...what...what did you say?" she asked breathlessly, charmed despite her inner turmoil to see him set his lean jaw firmly before taking a step towards her (as if his mind was resolutely made up).
Clearing his throat, he slowly repeated, "I think the two of us should start courting...um, well...that is, if you'd be agreeable." Torn between sheer relief she actually wasn't hallucinating and a kind of stunned happiness, Lucy drifted closer to Wyatt, her eyes anxiously searching his handsome face for reassurance. Could this really be happening?
Was it really possible Wyatt Logan, the man she'd given her heart to so easily might actually be developing serious feelings for her in return? It would be her dearest wish come true—especially since courting very often led to marriage and hopefully, children some day. Lucy inhaled shallowly, sternly willing away the riotous butterflies in her stomach at the mere thought of becoming this man's wife and having his child...
How wonderful it would be to have a tiny son or daughter with her black hair and Wyatt's bright blue eyes, she mused wistfully, caught up in the beautiful dream. At least until the sweet vision was interrupted when Wyatt suddenly said her name in a low voice, those same blue eyes now watching her in concern. Her face crimsoned. My goodness, pay attention, Lucy, and just breathe...
"I would...I am...I mean...yes, yes, I would like that very much," she stammered hastily after an awkward moment, feeling her embarrassment gradually fade, replaced by a warm glow of pleasure at the approval (and what might be relief) she saw in his expression. They smiled bashfully at each other until Maisie abruptly broke the magical spell by nudging Lucy's shoulder with her nose. Distractedly feeding the greedy mare the last chunk of apple, she wiped a sticky hand on her skirt and focusing her full attention on Wyatt, asked tentatively, "So...since I'm, as you put it earlier, 'new around these parts,' what exactly is courting like in Brady, Texas?"
It wasn't insecurity on her part prompting the question. Not only was the rancher a few years older (and almost certainly more experienced) than she was, he had been married once upon a time—whereas Lucy and Noah's courtship was rather half-hearted at best (at least on her part) and never reached the expected conclusion of marriage. Therefore, a good portion of this experience with him would be brand new to her.
Plus, even in her inexperience, Lucy sensed it was crucial they understand each other from the very beginning of this new stage of their friendship. Also, because she loved him, even more important to Lucy was that since Wyatt's heart had been broken from suffering the unthinkable loss of his wife and son, only he alone knew how quickly (or slowly) their courting should proceed (though a part of Lucy fervently hoped he chose quicker). Thankfully, Wyatt wasted no time setting her mind at ease.
Shoving the grooming brush in his coat pocket, he gave Lucy a dimpled grin that did funny things to her heart before reaching for her hand and squeezing it comfortingly. "Well now, sweetheart (oh, how she adored the casual endearment), I'm definitely not an expert since the only woman I ever courted was my late wife," he said mildly, "but seems reasonable to me that maybe we could keep doing what we have been. Things like taking walks after supper, hopefully going riding together when you feel ready, sitting beside each other at church, and such—but with one very important difference..." Wyatt paused rather mysteriously.
Confused until she noticed that his gaze slid lower and deliberately lingered on her mouth, Lucy dropped her eyes, once again feeling herself blushing hotly. Even naive and (sadly) inexperienced as she was when it came to the ways of men, she had no trouble understanding his meaning. Oh, my goodness. At the light touch of a calloused finger along her cheek, Lucy looked up and trembled faintly at the intensity shining in his eyes.
"See, I was thinking since we are officially courting now, Miss Preston, that could and probably should include the two of us becoming more comfortable with touching each other, things like holding hands when we're alone, and, if you don't have any objections, some kissing now and again...or every day." By the time his husky voice trailed off, Wyatt had moved even closer, his mouth dangerously near hers. A shiver of longing suffused Lucy's whole body.
Biting her lower lip, she whispered shakily, "I think that's a fine idea, Mr. Logan," elated when Wyatt growled under his breath before wrapping strong hands around her waist and capturing her mouth, his tongue leisurely teasing the curve of her lower lip. Lucy reveled in the tender kiss and the secure—yet exceedingly gentle—way he held her. Oh, yes, I could definitely be happy kissing this man every day for the rest of my life, her dazed mind decided before surrendering to her thrilled senses.
Regrettably, what felt like mere seconds passed until they were interrupted. Again. (Lucy was starting to wonder if maybe the Fates were conspiring against them.) "Wyatt? Are you still in here?" Betsy Sherwin called out from just outside the open double barn doors as Lucy and Wyatt jerked apart, faces flushed and breathing heavily. Heart racing, she quickly smothered a nervous giggle when he grimaced and muttered, 'somebody needs to put a damn cow bell around a certain lady's neck to keep track of her whereabouts.'
By the time Betsy Sherwin reached Maisie's stall at the back of the barn, her grandson was calmly brushing the patient mare while Lucy innocently watched from a few feet away (desperately hoping the warm color in her cheeks at being quite thoroughly kissed wasn't too noticeable).
"There you are. Martha said to tell you lunch will be ready in a few minutes so don't dawdle, which I'm sure was directed at you, Wy. Oh, and before I forget, could you please hitch up the small buggy for after lunch when Lucy and I go into town?" Without looking up from his task, Wyatt mumbled, 'yes, Ma'am.'
Apparently satisfied by her grandson's somewhat muted response, Mrs. Sherwin smiled, petting Maisie's neck fondly as she turned to leave. "Thank you, dear. See you inside, then. Are you coming, Lucy?" Even as Lucy nodded and obediently began to follow, she was puzzled when Wyatt tugged sharply on her coat sleeve to hold her in place until she realized he was likely waiting for his grandmother to leave the barn. Eagerly (perhaps brazenly?) anticipating another kiss, Lucy was pleasantly caught off guard when he pulled her close and sweetly pressed his lips to the top of her head instead.
"I'm glad you said yes," Wyatt murmured eventually, his large hand stroking Lucy's back. She closed her eyes and rested her cheek on his chest, soothed by his familiar scent and the steady beat of his heart. It was absolute heaven being held by this man. Lucy hadn't felt this safe and cared for in such a very long, lonely time-not since before her dear Papa took sick and passed away, leaving his daughter all alone in the world. All too soon, though, mindful their noon meal was waiting and the possibility that one of the ranch hands or even Mr. Sherwin could walk in at any time and find them like this, Lucy leaned back in his arms.
"Wyatt?" she asked uncertainly, hands resting lightly on the front of his flannel shirt. "I was wondering, that is, I understand not wanting your grandmother to catch us embracing just now for propriety's sake, but does that mean you'd rather we keep our courting a secret from her and your Grandpa?" Lucy winced mentally at the unintentionally revealing hint of vulnerability she heard in her voice. For pity's sake, Lucy, why would you think such a thing?
Thankfully, her girlish fears were lessened considerably when Wyatt immediately frowned and cupping her cheek, replied, "Lucy, of course not. Yeah, while I'd rather our personal business not be common knowledge around Brady and the rest of the county for the gossips to chew over just yet, that in no way means I'm ashamed or worried about what other people think about the two of us courting, alright?" There was no doubting the quiet sincerity in his deep voice. Lucy tentatively returned his encouraging smile.
"As for my grandparents, I can just about guarantee that not only will they be tickled to pieces by the news–especially Gran–but knowing them as well as I do, they probably figured it was only a matter of time until I came to my senses about you. There'll be no need to keep this a secret." The remark pleased Lucy greatly since she had grown exceedingly fond of the Sherwins during her stay as their guest (and personally, didn't care if the whole world knew she was being courted by Wyatt Logan).
"Well, I suppose at least one of us better get inside before someone else comes looking," she sighed in resignation, her feminine pride gratified by Wyatt's clear reluctance to let go of her. After telling Maisie goodbye, Lucy slipped out of the stall, quietly informing him over her shoulder as she walked away, "Hey, Wyatt? In case you had any doubts, I'm glad I said yes, too." Exquisitely aware of his interested gaze as she walked away from him, there might've been a subtle extra little sway in her hips...
Heart brimming with happiness, Lucy hummed under her breath as she crossed the barnyard, stopping for a second to lean down and pet Spot, who was napping in the chilly sunlight. "Spot, I have the most glorious news," she whispered to the old hound as she gently scratched behind his ears. "Your master and I are courting now. Maybe, just maybe, that means I won't be moving into town this summer after all." She laughed merrily when Spot wagged his tail and woofed eagerly in response.
Straightening up, Lucy looked around and took a deep, cleansing breath. Though born and raised in one of the busiest, most sophisticated cities on the west coast, there was something about the peaceful, wide open spaces of the Texas plains that inexplicably touched a part of her soul. With very little effort, she could imagine blissfully living the remainder of her days at Sherwin Ranch with Wyatt Logan...
After Lucy left, all was quiet in the stables once more except for the occasional whinny from one of the other horses, including the two stallions. Making a mental note to exercise Commander and Caesar sometime this afternoon, Wyatt stuck the grooming brush in his coat pocket once more. He lifted the front of the worn shirt he was wearing to his nose, smiling at the faint trace of violets. Damn, but holding the pretty brunette in his arms felt more natural all the time...and Wyatt hoped to make it an everyday occurrence from now on.
What a morning it had been, he thought in amazement, what with Lucy deciding today would be her first attempt to sit on a horse for the first time since she was a child and then bravely riding Maisie all the way around the corral. Even more surprising to Wyatt was his impulsive (reckless?) declaration to her afterwards they should start courting. Holy hell...had he lost his mind? Breathe, Logan. Remaining perfectly still and taking several deep, cleansing breaths, Wyatt realized there was no need to foolishly panic because this was Lucy he was thinking about, not some desperate old maid trying to drag him to the altar, for God's sake. It was clear from her manner the teacher was more than willing to follow Wyatt's lead–and at the moment, that suited him just fine. Hmm...how did the old proverb go? Slow and steady wins the race...
"Lucy Preston and I are courting," he tested the words out loud—half expecting to feel uneasy or maybe a sense of dread? Instead, Wyatt was taken aback when a feeling of what he thought might possibly be a long-dormant hope for the future sputtered and gradually sparked to life. One side of his mouth curved wryly.
"Guess what? Lucy and I are courting," he solemnly informed the mare, who swung her long neck around to stare at him, dark eyes seemingly full of pity as if to say, I know, silly man, I heard...what took you so long? Wyatt couldn't help but laugh at her almost human expression. Yes, Ma'am, quite a morning.
"Well, Miss Maisie, what with all the brushing it's had this morning, I'd have to say your pretty coat has never looked better, but if I don't hurry inside and get cleaned up, Martha herself will be coming to find me—a scary notion indeed." Giving the mare one last pat, Wyatt hung up the grooming brush on a hook outside the stall and was just walking out of the barn when Jonah came around the corner and hailed him.
"Hey, boss, hold up. Any chance you or Mr. James might be heading into town today? I'd go myself, but me and some of the boys are gonna try and finish re-stringing the fence along the southern property line after lunch. There's some bridles at the livery Rufus fixed for us needing picked up, and we could probably use another barrel of oats for the expecting mares if you happen to swing by the general store."
While he hadn't actually planned on leaving the ranch until tomorrow morning for church, Wyatt didn't mind the errands when it meant spending more time with Lucy (even if Gran would be with them most of the afternoon). Plus, as his best friend, he felt it was only right the blacksmith should hear it straight from Wyatt that he and Lucy were courting. Probably should try and track down Dave, too, while he was at it. It was highly unlikely either one was gonna be surprised by the news—considering the way they'd (not so gently) been pushing him toward her for weeks now.
"I'll take care of it, Jonah, thanks for letting me know," Wyatt told the hand before sneaking in the back door. Luckily for him, the warm kitchen was empty at the moment, with the likely irritated housekeeper nowhere to be seen. Hanging his coat on one of the hooks beside the door, he hurriedly washed up and pushed through the swinging door to the dining room to find the others were already seated.
Sliding into his chair across from Lucy and taking the heaping plate of thick roast beef sandwiches his grandpa held out, Wyatt apologized for keeping them waiting, explaining that Jonah needed him to go into Brady later on. "Gran, I think the big carriage will have enough room for the three of us and the things I need to pick up if you ladies don't plan on buying out the general store and wouldn't mind the company." As he expected, both readily agreed. Wyatt was secretly pleased to see Lucy's face light up at his words.
The meal passed pleasantly, with he and Gramps discussing the ongoing fencing repair the hands were working on while the women talked happily about visiting the dressmaker. During lunch, Wyatt kept glancing across the table at a pink-cheeked Lucy (who he was amused to see seemed to be stealing peeks at him), contemplating how best to divulge the change in their relationship to his grandparents. Eventually, Wyatt decided it might be less overwhelming for Lucy (hell, probably him, too) if he did it while the three of them were alone. From her silence on the matter, he guessed maybe she felt the same since they were his family after all.
Fortunately for Wyatt, as if she'd read his mind, Lucy finished eating first. Sending him a shy, blushing smile, she rose and placing her napkin on the table, politely excused herself, promising them she'd be ready to leave in a few minutes. Once Lucy's footsteps faded away and he was certain she was out of earshot, Wyatt cleared his throat self consciously, face flushing when his grandparents stopped talking and stared curiously at him.
Wyatt was pondering exactly what he wanted to say when suddenly, a voice in his head that sounded like the town Sheriff scoffed, Jesus, man, don't be a coward...just spit it out. Wyatt scowled. Shut up, Baumgardner. Pulling the napkin from his lap and dropping it on the table, he swallowed hard and brusquely announced, "There's something I need to tell you...Lucy and I are courting now."
If Wyatt wasn't feeling so unsettled at the moment, he might've enjoyed the near identical expressions of shock on their faces, followed immediately by pure delight. "Oh, Wy," Gran breathed, placing a hand on her heart, even as his grandpa jumped up, grinning from ear to ear, and slapped him on the back. Wyatt was alarmed at first to see his grandmother's bright blue eyes well up until she shook her head and insisted they were good tears. "My heavens, when did all this happen?" she asked, daintily touching the corners of her eyes with a white lace-trimmed hankie.
Damn...might've known that would be the woman's first question. With a resigned sigh, Wyatt grudgingly admitted talking to Lucy right before Betsy came looking for them. Far from being surprised, though, she responded complacently (tears completely dried up), "Ha! Didn't I tell you, James, when I came inside there was something going on with Wy and Lucy? She was clearly flustered, and you didn't even bother to look up from brushing Maisie when I asked about the carriage. I may be getting on in years, dear boy, but these eyes of mine still work just fine." Well, hell. He could've sworn they'd fooled her...but then again, this was Betsy Sherwin he was talking about...
Grinning sympathetically at the bemused expression Wyatt wore, Gramps added dryly, "You know how your Gran is, Wy. Not to mention it was pretty clear you two couldn't seem to take your eyes off each other all through lunch. I'm not sure either one of you even tasted your food," he chuckled. Wyatt's eyes widened in dismay. Good lord, were he and Lucy that obvious? Mercifully for his discomfort, James moved the conversation along.
"All joking aside, son, I think I speak for both of us when I tell you how tremendously pleased we are to hear that," he declared warmly, his wife nodding enthusiastically. "Though she's only been staying with us a short time, we have grown quite fond of Lucy. She's shown herself from the very beginning to be a fine, well-bred young woman who will hopefully make you an excellent wife some day...that is, if the two of you suit and choose to get married."
Married...to Lucy Preston. The simple words unknowingly made his heart pang ever so slightly, but only because he and Lucy had been courting for all of maybe an hour now—and his growing feelings for her were so damn new yet. Wyatt's instinctive reaction definitely didn't have anything to do with him being married before for a tragically brief time. Hell, no. That would be unfair to both of them, but especially Lucy, who should never have to worry about living under the shadow of his deceased wife.
Forcing his thoughts away from Jess, Wyatt was sincerely touched by the unmistakable joy reflected on the faces of the only parents he'd ever known. The last time Wyatt had seen James and Betsy Sherwin this proud and happy was probably the day his son Matthew was christened. He was aware the couple still grieved over the loss of little Mattie, and would no doubt eagerly welcome another great-grandchild or two sharing their lives (if he and Lucy eventually married and were so blessed).
Yet, nice as it would be to brighten his grandparents' later years in that way, the thought of having another child did make Wyatt's throat feel tight for a few seconds...but maybe in a good way? he considered pensively, his sweet baby son never far from his thoughts. "Thank you, sir," he replied sincerely, reaching over to clasp Gran's small hand in his. Though it very seldom happened, she truly appeared to be at a loss for words, but her radiant smile was enough for Wyatt.
"One more thing. I appreciate you're really excited and happy for Lucy and me, but I'd rather you didn't tell the whole congregation at church tomorrow, Gran, please? And that also includes doing anything reckless like talking to Pastor Spencer about a spring or even summer wedding. Bad enough that whether I like it or not, the news will spread like wildfire around town the way it always does, especially when unfortunately, Lucy and I don't seem to be very good at hiding our feelings. Anyway, while it's likely she did have a beau at one time back in San Francisco before moving to Texas—though we haven't discussed it—and I was married before, this is still extremely new for us. I see no reason to rush into anything, and I don't think Lucy does, either. Probably best if we take things kind of slow for now, okay?"
Wyatt wasn't surprised in the least when his grandparents glanced meaningfully at each other, appearing to have a whole conversation without saying a word. Rather than be offended by his plain-spoken request, however, Gran merely patted his hand and promised with a mischievous twinkle in her blue eyes, "Well, of course we can be circumspect, can't we, James?" He snickered under his breath at the amused snort his grandpa hastily choked back (though to be fair, after forty some years of marriage to his beloved Betsy, Wyatt assumed the man was quite familiar with the quirks of her personality).
"Yes, dear," James agreed patiently enough, though he winked discreetly at Wyatt over his wife's head. "Say, before you leave for town, son, I have some papers needing dropped off at the bank, if you don't mind. Be right back." Betsy stood and with Wyatt's help, started clearing the table. They worked in comfortable silence until the dirty dishes were neatly stacked and ready to be carried into the kitchen when his grandmother suddenly spoke.
"Wy? As highly as I regard Lucy and truly believe in my heart the two of you could have a good life together, I also rejoice at the possibility this courtship is a sign your broken heart is finally beginning to mend. No one knows better than your grandpa and I the pain you suffered from losing your wife and baby son. It's been difficult at times to sit back and let you grieve in your own way and time because we love you with all our hearts, and when you hurt, we hurt. It's been like that from the day you came to live with us-a quiet, sweet-tempered little fellow with such sad blue eyes."
Wyatt swallowed thickly at the raw emotion in her voice that conjured up memories from his earliest days at the ranch. "I know, Gran, I've always known, and I love you and Gramps, too," he answered, wrapping his arms around her slight frame, smiling when she sighed and rested her head on his shirt. Wyatt thought absently that long after Betsy Sherwin departed this earth, he would always remember her warm hugs.
Pulling back, Grant tenderly cupped his cheek like she used to when he was a child. "And, Wy? Though you've never said much about it, James and I are aware you might still feel a lingering anger towards God for 'taking' Jess and Mattie from you. Painful as it might be, you have to remember, dear, our Lord works in mysterious ways, some of which we are not meant to understand in this life. And while you might not agree, I choose to believe He brought Lucy here all the way from California to help heal your broken heart, because after all, the two of you are courting now, yes? And that makes me so very happy," she sniffed, pulling the hankie from her sleeve once more.
"Aww, Gran, don't cry. Makes your pretty blue eyes all red and puffy," Wyatt advised fondly, feeling a bit emotional himself. (He purposefully ignored her gentle admonition about God.) "Why don't you go upstairs and put a cool cloth on your eyes for a couple minutes before we leave while I get the big carriage hitched up? Go on, now. I'll take the dishes into the kitchen." Betsy thanked him and lovingly patted his cheek before leaving the room. He exhaled in relief. Though Wyatt fully expected the older couple to be glad he and Lucy were courting, their obvious approval was still reassuring. As for the rest of the world? Wyatt didn't care a lick what any of them thought.
Hands full, he nudged open the swinging door with his shoulder and carefully stacked the dishes in the sink as he'd been taught from a young age. From behind him, Wyatt heard a familiar voice. "Well, it's about time, Wyatt Logan." He whirled around to see the usually somber Martha holding an empty woven laundry basket in her arms, regarding him with a wide smile. Because he'd known the woman all his life, Wyatt had a pretty good idea what she was referring to (and it sure as hell wasn't the dishes). His cheeks felt warm all of a sudden. Damn. Apparently everyone at Sherwin Ranch approved of him courting Lucy Preston (though, to be fair, Wyatt hadn't yet checked with their hound, Spot).
"Hmm...sounds like someone might've been doing a little eavesdropping," he teased, wiping his hands and taking the basket from her and setting it on the floor besides the wash tub. He hoped that was the end of it, but as was usually her way, the housekeeper didn't hesitate to call his bluff.
"Not at all. Lands sake, as if I would ever do such a thing. I have much better manners than that," Martha replied tartly. He grinned at her indignant sniff. "More like I just happened to come downstairs and be right outside the dining room and accidentally heard you and your Gran talking. No need to eavesdrop. And though you didn't ask for my opinion, I'm giving it to you. Miss Lucy is a good girl, and probably much better than you deserve, you rascal." Wyatt laughed outright, feeling a warm glow of affection for the older woman, who, despite her no-nonsense demeanor, had always had a soft spot for the orphaned child who'd come to live at the ranch more than twenty five years ago.
Stepping forward and pressing a kiss on her worn cheek, Wyatt whispered, "I'm glad you approve, Miss Martha...and I agree one hundred percent." Her startled chuckle followed him out of the kitchen as he shrugged into his coat and went looking for Gramps. A quick glance up the stairs assured him the women were still getting ready, leaving Wyatt plenty of time to hitch up the carriage. Taking the brown envelope from James and tucking it under his arm, he grabbed his hat from beside the front door and headed for the barn, whistling under his breath. Yes, indeed, what a morning it had been...and Wyatt had a feeling his afternoon was going to be just as eventful...
A/N #2: Oh, Wyatt, sweetie, you have NO idea how eventful your afternoon is going to be...dun, dun, dun ;) Sorry, friends, if it feels like this chapter is a bit shorter than usual, but considering it took me around a month to write, I thought (hoped?) maybe a briefer update was better than making readers wait at least another week for me to write an additional 1,000 words. Fewer words than usual or not, I'm proud to announce that with this update, Yellow Rose of Texas officially crosses the 100,000 word mark (and gee whiz, it only took me a year and a half, lol). And even better news is I already have a rough outline of the next chapter, and am quite excited to get started on that. My sincere thanks as always to everyone for their favorites, follows and of course, reviews! I can think of no better encouragement to keep writing :))