Chapter 20
A/N #1: Sorry for the slight delay in updating. Had surgery on my right hand about a week ago which kept me off my keyboard several days. Hand's recovering nicely, so at last we're heading back to 1881 :) First though, I'd like to give a quick shout out to faithful reader Caroline for her encouragement when I was in need of some. Thank you, Timeless friend :) Also, imaginary bonus points to the sharp-eyed reader who catches the extremely brief reference to one of my favorite books since childhood, Little Women...
While Wyatt was taking care of his own errands, the women spent a delightful hour at the dressmakers. Because this was her first visit to Mrs. Larson's since arriving in town six weeks ago, Lucy wasn't sure what to expect considering Brady was a rather small community. Luckily, she already had a slight acquaintance with the owner, Mary Larson, a tall blonde maybe ten years older than her, as her daughters, Minnie and Kitty, were two of her best students. Lucy was pleasantly surprised by how well stocked the scrupulously clean shop was, offering a wide variety of fabrics and fairly up-to-date pattern books for their perusal.
After accompanying the seamstress to a tiny fitting area in the back of the store to have her measurements taken, Lucy happily occupied herself while Betsy placed her order by selecting material for a half dozen colorful shirtwaists and three lightweight skirts–hopefully enough to last until cooler weather returned in the fall. Before losing her courage (and maybe with Wyatt's approval in mind), she also found a sturdy twill material in navy blue and a dark brown suitable for making a couple of divided riding skirts. Lucy saved the enjoyable task of choosing a pattern and fabric to make her new Easter dress for last.
Sighing in pleasure, she examined the delicate cotton fabric the dressmaker had carefully spread out over the polished wooden counter. Of a creamy ivory color, it was charmingly dotted here and there with dainty yellow rosebuds. Not only were the flowers her favorite, but they also reminded Lucy of her coming out party seven years ago just before her 18th birthday...not many days before her father took ill...
"Oh, how lovely," Mrs. Sherwin exclaimed in admiration beside her, lightly running her finger over the fabric. "So spring like, and of course, Texas is well known for its yellow roses. And with your beautiful black hair, dear, the color is most becoming." The flush on Lucy's face at the kind compliment deepened noticeably after a moment when Betsy leaned closer and whispered, "Seems to me that not only would this material make a suitable dress to wear on Easter Sunday, but might also be appropriate for other formal occasions..." What kind of formal occasions was the other woman referring to?
Gazing quizzically into Mrs. Sherwin's twinkling blue eyes, Lucy's breath caught when the answer suddenly came to her. Oh...a wedding was a formal occasion, was it not? Her heart raced wildly at a sudden vision of her and Wyatt standing in front of Pastor Spencer, so fast Lucy was glad her voice barely shook at all when she hurriedly nodded in agreement and finished placing her dress order.
After the women paid Mrs. Larson a deposit equal to half the amount owed on their respective orders, they stepped outside into the chilly March sunshine. Lucy gratefully welcomed the cooling breeze on her rosy cheeks. Looking up and down the street but seeing no sign of either the carriage or her grandson, Mrs. Sherwin noted complacently that knowing him, Wyatt was probably still at the livery with Rufus catching up on all the local news.
"Wy and Rufus have been friends nearly all their lives," she explained, companionably linking her arm with Lucy's as they began walking towards the general store. "When they were just little fellows, not even in school yet, as a special treat, Rufus' father would bring him out to the ranch every so often to stay a few days with us. While of course the late Mr. Carlin was a fine blacksmith who trained his son well, it was really my James who taught Rufus all he knows about horses. From the time they were old enough for their feet to reach the stirrups, those two boys spent most of every spare minute in the saddle."
Well aware of how important the beautiful animals were to him, Lucy smiled at the mental image of a young Wyatt eagerly learning how to ride and take care of the horses, and before she knew it, the words fell out of her mouth. "Please, Mrs. Sherwin, what was Wyatt like as a child?" she asked impulsively. The older woman nodded at Lucy approvingly.
"An excellent question from the young lady courting my grandson," Betsy decided. "Well, as you can imagine, my dear, even from knowing him for only a short while, Wy was a sturdy, handsome little boy. Smart as a whip, gentle and well mannered–his mother saw to that–stubborn, too, of course, but sweet tempered all the same." She fell silent, lost in bittersweet memories of the boy she raised to manhood. Lucy waited patiently, her heart aching anew for the family's terrible loss all those years ago.
"Can't deny those early days after bringing Wyatt back to the ranch with us after Libby and her husband passed were very difficult...James and I dealing with our own pain and grief the best we could while trying at the same time to console a heartbroken little boy who only wanted his Mama and Daddy. He was so quiet, those big sad blue eyes constantly watching us as if we'd disappear, too, poor little thing. Nearly broke my heart all over again." Lucy's breath caught at the sudden rush of emotion the other woman's words evoked of an insecure, newly-orphaned young Wyatt. Poor little thing, indeed...
"But thankfully, as it always does, time passes and hearts gradually begin to mend, and in the way very young children seem to do, Wy quickly adjusted to his new life–probably much easier than we did when faced with raising a three-year-old at our ages," Mrs. Sherwin chuckled ruefully. "Still, unexpected or not, every day of the past twenty five years with that boy has been a true blessing-though just between us, I did my fair share of worrying when Wy rode with the Rangers. And, too, it was difficult to bear witness to his terrible shock and grief and loneliness after he lost Jess and Mattie. But again, time heals, and now that my grandson has made up his mind and chosen you to court and eventually marry, Lucy, I want you to know it eases my mind considerably that my grandson won't be all alone in this world after James and I pass on some day." Lucy was touched by the heartfelt confession.
Stopping several feet from the general store's heavy wooden doors, she pulled her arm free of Betsy's. Squeezing her hand, Lucy solemnly promised she'd always look after Wyatt. The women exchanged understanding smiles when they were suddenly hailed by the familiar voice of Mrs. Sherwin's best friend.
"Why, hello, there, Betsy, and you, too, Miss Preston," Miss Constance exclaimed happily. "Wasn't expecting to see you ladies before church tomorrow. Lovely day, isn't it? Now, I surely don't mean to interrupt your errands, but Betsy, would you have a few minutes to spare? There was something I wanted to discuss with you." Lucy courteously left the women to their conversation and went inside the store, intent on finishing her little bit of shopping so she'd be ready to leave when Wyatt came to pick them up.
Unsurprisingly, the usual Saturday morning crowd had thinned considerably to a mere handful of people at this time of day. Nodding here and there at folks she knew, Lucy picked out a couple writing tablets and new pencils, a pair of thin leather riding gloves to protect her hands the next time she rode Maisie, and was looking at some velvet hair ribbons when Jed Coleman suddenly appeared beside her.
Lucy's heart sank. Aside from seeing the rancher at a distance after Sunday church services or occasionally when he picked up his children after school, she'd purposefully had no contact with the man after refusing his offer to court her (a wise decision, as it turned out) precisely in order to avoid the awkward situation she now found herself in. Tipping his hat, Mr. Coleman smiled uncertainly and quietly bid her good afternoon.
Calling on the good manners drilled into her head since childhood, Lucy politely returned the greeting, but nothing more, not wanting to give the man any kind of encouragement (or false hope she welcomed his attentions). They stared at each other in uncomfortable silence a few seconds before he cleared his throat self-consciously.
"Sarah Jane will be disappointed she stayed at home today since she's always happy to see her teacher. You see, one of our barn cats had kittens, and unsurprisingly, she's already attached to the whole litter," the rancher informed her wryly. Lucy relaxed slightly, put at ease by the man's casual, affectionate tone. While she had no interest in marrying him, no one could deny Jed Coleman seemed devoted to his young son and daughter. When she smiled faintly and started to turn away, he unexpectedly put his hand on her arm.
"Wait, Miss Preston, please," the redhead implored, thankfully dropping his hand quickly when she pointedly looked down at her arm. Lucy bit back an impatient sigh and faced him once more, hoping he'd say his piece and be gone before Wyatt walked in any minute now. It was highly unlikely the man she was courting would permit such familiarity–especially not from Jed Coleman...
"There hasn't been an opportunity to speak with you alone since the winter social, and to be honest, Miss Preston, since you spoke so hastily that night, I was wondering, well, actually, hoping you might've given my offer a little more consideration since then and possibly changed your mind about allowing me to court you. I have prayed on the matter and sincerely believe you would make an excellent wife for me and mother to my children." Lucy's eyes widened at the outrageous declaration. Was he joking?
Taken aback by Mr. Coleman's persistence-not to mention slightly irritated by his rather insulting disregard for her gracious dismissal of his offer a month ago–she struggled to hold onto her composure. Whether he was aware of it or not, the rancher's intentions had crossed the line from being vaguely flattering at first to presumptuous, and though everything in her shrunk from a public confrontation of any sort, it was past time he knew it. Henry Preston had raised his only child to be independent and take care of herself, and while she had no doubt whatsoever Wyatt would gladly (and none too gently) disabuse the man of his fruitless pursuit of her–she could handle the unpleasant task herself.
"Mr. Coleman, I can assure you that not only have I not given your offer any further thought, I have not changed my decision about becoming your wife, and I'd rather you never mention the subject again," she responded evenly. Though Lucy spoke as kindly (and plainly) as she knew how, it was clear from the way he instantly stiffened in offense, an ugly sneer abruptly twisting his features, the man was surprised and unhappy with her answer. Instinctively taking a step back in the face of his reaction, she looked around uneasily, but regrettably, there was no one around to witness their uncomfortable encounter.
Regarding her coldly now, Mr. Coleman then shocked Lucy to the core by reaching out and gripping her wrist securely. "Well, well. Naturally I didn't want to believe it, but perhaps the whispers swirling around our community are true, then? That you've made up your mind and chosen another." When she frowned in confusion at his accusation (and even worse, his unwanted touch), he clarified impatiently, "While naturally it pains me to pass along unsavory gossip of any kind, it's being said that the reason you refused my perfectly respectable offer is because you and Logan have been behaving inappropriately for weeks and are practically living in sin under his grandparents' noses." Living in sin?
Though he spoke in a hushed tone, it seemed to Lucy as if his malicious words echoed loudly around them for anyone to hear. There were whispers about her and Wyatt being spread around town? She gazed up at the rancher in disbelief, appalled at the idea of being the subject of such salacious gossip. He was lying. He had to be. Was it possible Jed Coleman's masculine pride had been injured by her continued refusal, and now he was trying to shame or upset her? She truly had no idea, but the reason why didn't signify because there were no rumors.
After all, wouldn't she or the Sherwins (or worse, Wyatt) know if there were? Lucy had learned soon after her arrival in Brady that the Sherwins and their grandson were highly regarded in the community. Therefore, it was doubtful anyone with any sense would believe such a thing. Still, she hoped to be part of their family some day, and it made her ill just thinking she might've embarrassed them in some way. So who would spread such lies? Despite the redhead's unforgiving grasp, her knees felt distressingly unsteady until thankfully, she suddenly felt Wyatt's strong arm wrapping around her waist...
"Easy now, Captain," Dave cautioned while Rufus watched anxiously. "Yeah, Jed Coleman has been acting like a dishonorable ass because Miss Preston turned him down, but brother, you need to cool off. Look, I understand how you feel, but there's not a damn thing you can do about him at the moment, and I'm pretty sure in your present state of mind, all you're gonna do is scare the hell out of her and Miss Betsy when you see them. Besides, you would be the first person to know if your grandparents heard about something like this, right, Rufus?" He glanced at the blacksmith for some support.
Rufus soberly nodded his agreement. "You know the sheriff and I seldom see eye to eye on much of anything, Wy, but Dave's right. Not only would your anger, justifiable or not, upset the ladies, but worse, what if Miss Betsy pressed you on why you're so mad all of a sudden? How you gonna answer her? Or what if Lucy thought maybe you were put out at her for some reason on the very day you started courting? Just slow down, take a breath. If it makes you feel any better, I haven't heard so much as a whisper around the livery or at Miss Emma's myself, so it's probably not that bad. And if Jed Coleman's the one who's been saying awful things about you and Lucy, your time of reckoning will come, mark my words."
Wyatt inhaled deeply, willing his temper to subside. Common sense told him Rufus was right, but his protective instincts were aroused and howling for Coleman's blood. Any shred of sympathy he might've felt towards the man in the past for losing his wife from the measles around the same time Jess passed away instantly evaporated. It appeared the rancher was fixated on Lucy-and Wyatt didn't like it one bit.
It was definitely a good thing the bastard was likely safely tucked away on his ranch because with the way he felt right about now, Wyatt would take a great deal of satisfaction in teaching the man a lesson he'd not soon forget for sullying Lucy's good name. Perhaps in an effort to distract him, Dave brought up the very possible threat of the James gang once more, and the men strategized a few ideas until at last the other two were convinced Wyatt had settled down enough he could be trusted not to head directly to the Coleman ranch and beat the tar out of him (though both readily agreed the man in all likelihood deserved it).
Checking his pocket watch, Dave announced he had to be going since he had an invitation to dine at the pastor's house later this evening. He cheerfully ignored Wyatt and Rufus's incredulous expressions and teasing remarks, piously declaring he thought it best to stay on the right side of the Lord...and then reminding them with a devilish smirk that not only was young Miss Spencer pretty damn easy on the eyes, but Mrs. Spencer was a fine cook, causing Wyatt to laugh out loud and momentarily forget his problems.
He shook his head fondly as they watched the sheriff swing gracefully into the saddle and with a jaunty salute, ride off. "That man is what my late Pa would call an unrepentant rascal," Rufus observed with a grin. "Still, I sure wish I had someone cooking for me," he added wistfully, but quickly declined Wyatt's immediate invitation to come out to the ranch for a meal. "Thanks, but I better finish up what I was working on when you stopped by, plus been invited to play cards at Miss Emma's later on. I'll have her cook make me a couple sandwiches. I'll take you up on that some other time, though."
In a somewhat calmer frame of mind, Wyatt bid his friend goodbye. Climbing into the carriage, he drove down the street towards the general store, struck suddenly by the need to be with Lucy. Hopefully, the women were finished shopping because Wyatt was past ready to head for the ranch and (and hopefully, some time alone with Miss Preston). Jumping down from the carriage and tying the patient horse to the hitching post not far from the front doors, he was–and yet, knowing her, wasn't–surprised to see his grandmother and her best friend, Miss Constance, standing outside chatting happily. Well, hell...so much for going home any time soon...
Jumping down from the carriage, Wyatt tied the patient horse to the hitching post before greeting the women. "Afternoon, ladies. Just a guess, here, but since your hands are empty, Gran, can I safely assume you haven't even been inside the store yet?" he asked dryly, grinning affectionately when she told him, never you mind, Wyatt Logan, and to run along and find Lucy. "Yes, Ma'am," he replied dutifully, tipping his hat.
Wyatt stood for a moment just inside the door, blinking in the waning late afternoon light and breathing in the various mix of pungent smells that always seemed to remind him of his childhood when he'd accompany his grandparents most every Saturday to run errands. Not seeing Lucy straight away, he nodded at the store owner standing behind the worn but clean wooden counter. "Hey, Virgil. How're things with you?" Wyatt asked the man he'd known since he was a little boy.
"Tolerable, Wyatt, like most every day, but appreciate you asking all the same. I think Miss Betsy is still outside with Miss Constance, but if you happen to be looking for the school teacher, I saw her over by the ladies sundries back in the far corner a few minutes ago," the older man replied helpfully, pointing to his left. "Tell your grandpa I said hey when you get home now."
"I will, Virgil. Much obliged," he replied amiably, making his way down the long narrow aisle in search of the woman he was courting. Turning the corner, Wyatt indeed found Lucy right where Virgil said she was, but unfortunately for his still simmering temper, she wasn't alone...
Wyatt's hands clenched as he fought the wave of fury sweeping over him. From where he was standing, it looked like Jed Coleman–someone who (in his opinion) had no business whatsoever being anywhere near her in the first place-was standing entirely too close, and of course, unfailingly polite as Lucy was, she likely wouldn't speak up about it. But that was all right, especially when he was practically salivating at the opportunity to put the arrogant rancher in his place once and for all when it came to Lucy Preston.
In the back of his mind, he was grateful the place was practically deserted this close to suppertime on a Saturday afternoon, since he'd just as soon not have a bunch of nosy busybodies around who were bound to tell tales later no matter what was about to happen. Intent only on getting Lucy away from the other man, it completely slipped Wyatt's mind he asked his grandparents earlier not to tell anyone about the two of them courting (which was then followed by telling his best friends he and Lucy were gonna take things slow). Moving quietly, he came up behind her and slipped a possessive arm around her slender waist.
"There you are, Lucy. You all ready to go?" Wyatt asked pleasantly, the easygoing words belied by the murderous glint in his eyes when he promptly caught sight of the other man holding on to one of her thin wrists. Luckily for him, the rancher must've sensed he was in danger--and definitely living on borrowed time--because he instantly dropped Lucy's arm and took an awkward step back, nearly falling into Virgil's neatly-stacked wooden shelves.
"Logan," Coleman stammered, hastily straightening up and eyeing him warily. Smart move on his part. Maybe the man was remembering Wyatt was plenty experienced dealing with all kinds of violent outlaws during his Rangering days and possessed a hard-earned reputation as a man able to take care of himself.
Any satisfaction Wyatt might've gleaned from the alarmed expression on the other man's face was erased in a heartbeat, however, when Lucy practically threw herself at him and murmured against his cheek, "I'm glad you're here, Wyatt. Mr. Coleman was saying there are awful things being told all over town about us, and I'm so worried your grandparents will hear and be embarrassed and upset with me..."
Son of a bitch. Coleman had not only been spreading lies around Brady about them, but actually had the nerve to tell her. His natural instinct to protect Lucy warred briefly with the fierce desire to physically make the man understand the error of his ways. However, Wyatt didn't want to have words with the rancher (or maybe punch his face) in front of an already upset Lucy and probably make her feel worse.
"Shh, now, don't fret, it'll be alright," he murmured, tenderly pressing his lips to the tiny frown creasing Lucy's forehead (though Wyatt was normally a man who shied away from public displays of any kind, even back when he and Jess were married.) Still, it seemed important in the moment he make his intentions towards the pretty teacher perfectly clear to the other man. Luckily, from the sour expression Coleman wore, Wyatt's obvious familiarity with Lucy had not gone unnoticed. Message received.
"Why don't you go ahead and take your things up front to Virgil while Mr. Coleman and I have a very short conversation?" Drawing back, Lucy gazed up at him, her soft brown eyes anxiously searching Wyatt's face for reassurance. Willing his need to take the rancher apart to be patient a little longer, he gave her a warm smile and gently squeezing her waist, urged softly, "Go on now, sweetheart, everything's gonna be fine. I won't be but a minute, promise." Sure, it might've been mean-spirited of him, but Wyatt was nonetheless gratified when the older man visibly winced at the casual endearment.
As he expected, she didn't make a fuss, merely squared her narrow shoulders bravely before turning to face the other man. "Good day to you, Mr. Coleman," Lucy said with a hell of a lot more courtesy than the rancher deserved before nodding shakily at Wyatt and walking away. What a woman Lucy Preston was...and he couldn't be prouder of her.
Once the sound of her footsteps on the creaky old wooden floors faded away, Wyatt moved lightning fast, pinning the slightly taller man up against the shelf with his forearm before he could even blink. "Out of respect for my grandmother who happens to be just outside right now, as well as the woman that I plan to marry," he gritted out, "I've decided not to teach you the lesson you have coming for trying to tarnish her good name with your ugly lies." Despite his anger, he enjoyed the shock on Coleman's face at the news.
When the redhead squirmed and opened his mouth to argue, Wyatt pressed harder on his throat. "That's right, even though it's none of your damn business, Coleman, Lucy and I are courting now, which means she's off limits. And as for that gossip nonsense about the two of us you tried to scare her with, don't bother to deny it, I know it came from you. Instead of acting like a man when she turned you down last month, you decided to get a little revenge and try to shame or maybe punish her—something a coward without honor would do. But that's all done now, and this is the only warning you're getting from me. Leave Lucy Preston alone." Wyatt was glad to see he had the rancher's full attention now.
"That means you don't try to talk to her alone, ever. In fact, probably best to keep your distance if you see her at church or school or around town. And if you value your hide, I better never hear of her name coming out of your lying mouth or that you dared put your hands on her again. Are we clear?" Took a second for the rancher's sense of self preservation to overcome his manly pride, but eventually, he nodded sullenly.
Wyatt removed his arm, watching impassively while Coleman absently rubbed his hand over his throat and with a vicious glare, pushed past him without another word. Following at a slower pace, he was pleased to see the rancher gave the counter where Lucy was paying Virgil for her things a wide berth as he rushed out the front doors. Dishonorable bastard. There was little Wyatt Logan despised more than a man putting hands on a smaller, unwilling female-and he damn sure wouldn't allow it when his woman was the one being mistreated...
Virgil was putting Lucy's purchases in a small sack when he got up front. Though he knew her well enough by now to realize her nerves were still a bit shaky, her voice was calm enough when she politely thanked the storekeeper. Taking the sack from her, Wyatt held out his other hand. "C'mon, sweetheart, why don't we go outside and wait on Gran, seeing how she's still talking to Miss Constance and hasn't even set foot in here yet?" he suggested, pretending to be annoyed in the hopes of making the brunette feel a little better. While encouraged by Lucy's tentative smile, Wyatt was none too happy at the revealing tremble of her fingers when she obediently placed her small hand in his. Damn Jed Coleman and his arrogant, interfering ways...
Just as they reached the doors, his grandmother came hurrying in at last, apologizing for taking so long. Betsy's blue eyes widened in concern at Lucy's pale face and subdued demeanor, but she said nothing when Wyatt discreetly shook his head in warning. "That's fine, Gran, take your time. I think Lucy and I will wait for you in the carriage." Thankfully, she only nodded briskly and moved past them.
After helping Lucy into the front seat, Wyatt climbed in beside her. They sat quietly for a moment, their shoulders touching comfortably, before she sighed, "Truthfully, that was certainly a very unpleasant encounter with Mr. Coleman. There was hardly anyone in the store, so I had no idea he was there, and then suddenly, he was standing right beside me. I really didn't want to talk with him, but unfortunately, he was being rather persistent." Lucy glanced at Wyatt hesitantly when he growled under his breath at the word 'persistent,' privately wondering exactly what that meant to her.
Turning to face him, their knees touching, she observed, "Wyatt? Despite me being caught off guard by the awful things Mr. Coleman was saying, I got the feeling you weren't surprised at all by the possibility that there's supposedly terrible rumors going around Brady about us. Why is that? Had you heard something but didn't want to tell me?" Wyatt immediately felt bad about the hurt he heard in her voice, that maybe she thought he didn't trust her. Nothing could be farther from the truth. And while not wanting make Lucy feel any worse, he also didn't think starting their courtship by keeping secrets from each other was a smart idea.
"No, I wasn't surprised," he admitted cautiously, before going on to tell her about the conversation he'd had earlier with Dave and Rufus at the livery–well, all except for the part about the James gang. No sense in frightening her just now when Lucy and Gran would both find out tomorrow anyway after church services when the sheriff deputized him, Rufus, and possibly Gramps. "To be honest, I don't know exactly what you'd call it, but all of a sudden, I got this feeling...I just wanted to find you and take you home." Her face softened at his shy confession.
"I think the word you're searching for is 'protective,' Wyatt Logan, my knight in shining armor," Lucy teased lightly, patting his knee. Wyatt felt himself relax a little when it appeared she wasn't quite so upset any more. "I suppose you're probably not going to tell me what you and Mr. Coleman talked about?" She probed delicately, smiling fondly when he instantly shook his head and told her, "No, Ma'am."
Wyatt picked up her hand, and pushing back her sleeve, ever so gently rubbed his thumb over the light purple spot marring her skin from Coleman's harsh grip. "It doesn't even hurt," Lucy hastily assured him, easily reading the tense set of his jaw. Maybe he shouldn't have been so quick to let the rancher get away without beating on him some, Wyatt lamented in hindsight.
Glancing around the deserted street, he brought her wrist to his lips and pressed a sweet, lingering kiss on the bruise. It was a damn shame they were out in the open here in front of God and anybody wandering by, he thought idly, tempted by the warmth and fragrance of her skin. Other, more satisfying, kinds of kisses would have to wait until after they got home. "There. All better now," he promised, gratified by the pretty blush warming Lucy's pale cheeks at the intimate gesture.
Clasping her hand firmly, Wyatt unconsciously mimicked her own words closely by asking, "I don't suppose you'd like to tell me what that bastard Coleman said to upset you before I got there? You did say he was being persistent." Apparently, his interrogation skills from the years spent with the Rangers had gotten pretty damn rusty, because Lucy only smiled and shook her head. Regrettably, before Wyatt could press the matter further, his grandmother came outside just then, followed by Virgil carrying several bags for her. Looked like a deeper conversation about what really happened between Lucy and Jed Coleman would have to wait, but that was alright. Wyatt had no doubt that Lucy trusted him fully, and when the time was right, she would willingly tell him everything he needed to know...
A/N #2: Have to confess, I seriously enjoyed writing the confrontation between Wyatt and Jed Coleman. So many ways it could've turned out, but I went with Wyatt not wanting to embarrass the women in his life 'cause that's just the kind of guy he is. Hopefully, it was still satisfying to read! My continued appreciation to all of you who continue to be interested in reading Timeless fanfics, since I have no plans to "retire" any time soon from writing about these characters I love so much. Thanks, too, for those of you kind enough to follow, favorite and review any of my stories. Your support means more to me than I can express :))