Chapter 21
A/N #1: My only excuse for this latest delay in updating is a super annoying case of writer's block I've been dealing with. On a brighter note, since I am unable to personally respond to guest reviews, wanna say a quick "Thank you!" to readers Sarge and Jules for their kind words. As always, it's much appreciated...
Despite Wyatt's comforting words while they were alone before Mrs. Sherwin came out of the general store (and how sweetly he'd kissed the faint purplish mark on her wrist), Lucy's thoughts kept straying during the ride home to her unpleasant encounter with the man who'd given her the bruise...
Flashback
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, 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..."
End Flashback
Dimly aware of the light conversation between Wyatt and his grandmother, Lucy tried to pretend she was paying attention as they rode along, but it was difficult. She couldn't seem to stop the shocking words used by the rancher to describe her new relationship with Wyatt from echoing around her head. Because the Sherwin family was greatly respected in the community and had been for years, she could understand why Wyatt fully expected the people he'd grown up among to dismiss Jed Coleman's poisonous rumors outright...but she wasn't so sure. While Lucy admired his confidence, the stark truth was that she was still practically a stranger to most of the residents of Brady–an outsider who wasn't even a native Texan.
What if...what if even one of them believed she and Wyatt were guilty of behaving inappropriately? Lucy didn't consider sharing a few (stirring) kisses with him or the way he would occasionally take her hand in his during their walks after the evening meal to be anywhere close to being 'inappropriate.' Maybe the reason she was so upset was because this was the first time Lucy had ever been accused of an impropriety. After all, she'd grown up in the rigid, highly scrutinized world of San Francisco monied society and was well aware even before attending finishing school what actions did and did not constitute such behavior with a gentleman caller.
Even more ridiculous was his accusation she and Wyatt were 'living in sin.' Not only was it untrue, but to her dismay, might reflect badly on the Sherwins–which bothered Lucy a great deal after their many kindnesses to her these past weeks. Not helping her anxious state of mind either was the way his words conjured up the kind of tempting, intimate activities–like the ones shared by married couples–that the two of them were definitely not partaking of. Her cheeks heated just thinking about such delightful things...
Aside from her hosts' well-respected reputations conceivably being tarnished, it also concerned Lucy that it was well within the realm of possibility she might lose her teaching position (which would break her heart). Of course, now that she and Wyatt were courting, Lucy didn't have to worry about being asked to leave Brady...still, she enjoyed teaching and was already very attached to her students. It would be hard to step back and leave the children without a teacher for the remainder of the school year if it came to that.
Preoccupied with her thoughts, she was startled when in no time at all Wyatt was deftly pulling the horse to a stop in front of the house. Draping the reins over the front of the carriage, he squeezed Lucy's hand reassuringly before jumping down to help Mrs. Sherwin. Over her shoulder, she saw Wyatt lean close and whisper something in her ear, who briefly glanced at Lucy before nodding and going inside.
To her surprise, instead of helping Lucy down, he gracefully climbed in without a word. Lightly flicking the reins, Wyatt drove around behind the house, presumably to unload the supplies. Once more the carriage stopped, though this time, he stayed seated beside her. Shivering slightly as the sun leisurely dipped below the horizon and the early spring air began to cool, Lucy rubbed at a spot between her eyes where a persistent headache was starting to make itself known. How could a day that started out so wonderfully have turned out this way?
"Now, I could be wrong here, but looks to me like you're still fretting over the nasty run in with Jed Coleman," Wyatt observed, putting his arm around Lucy. Pulling her close, he pressed a tender kiss on the side of her head. "Listen, I don't want you wasting any more time thinking about him or his lies," he told her, "because I can guarantee that bastard won't be bothering you any more, sweetheart."
Heart thrilling at both his protective manner and the casual endearment, Lucy felt bold enough to rest her cheek against Wyatt's broad shoulder with a grateful sigh. While she privately deemed herself to be a fairly independent woman ever since shortly after her 18th birthday when Henry Preston had taken ill, it felt rather nice to have someone else looking out for her after taking care of herself for so many solitary years. Off in the distance, a lone coyote howled mournfully as the the shadows lengthened around them. Lucy really needed to get inside so he could put the horse and carriage in the barn, but was so content being with Wyatt, she selfishly couldn't seem to make herself move.
"I love this place," she confided abruptly, unconsciously stalling for time, "It's so peaceful, no one else for miles and miles. No wonder you and your grandparents are happy here." Nodding in agreement, Wyatt turned to face Lucy. Wearing an expectant look on his handsome face, he waited patiently, acting as if the two of them had all the time in the world. Wyatt Logan was such a good man.
"I know supper is probably ready by now and you still need to carry things in and take care of the horse," she admitted guiltily, "but I just can't seem to stop hearing in my mind the awful things he accused us of-even though I truly appreciate your reassurances." Wyatt's eyes shone with sympathy, though he didn't speak. They sat quietly until he eventually broke the not uncomfortable silence.
"No problem at all, Ma'am, take your time. But maybe I can help if I knew what Coleman said to you," Wyatt urged earnestly, and oh, how Lucy was tempted. But what if he lost his temper and sought retribution for the rancher's slanderous lies (not to mention putting a bruise on her wrist)? Though he'd appeared to be calm enough at the time, Lucy easily recognized by the tense set of Wyatt's jaw and the way his fingers flexed on her waist that he was furious with the other man during the encounter.
"Will you tell me if I promise not to get mad? Please?" he coaxed, cupping Lucy's cheek and turning her face towards him. The sweetly intimate gesture made her heart race wildly. Oh, how she liked the gentle touch of his hands on her (especially when compared to Mr. Coleman's punishing, unwelcome grip). Wyatt's blue eyes glowed intently in the encroaching darkness as he waited for her answer. Maybe he was right, she reflected, and the ugly words would bother her less if she shared them with him.
So Lucy did, practically holding her breath in anticipation of his reaction. To her surprise, although his brows instantly drew together in displeasure, Wyatt remained calm, merely asking in an even tone, "Let me see if I fully understand what happened at the store before I got there. The man you turned down last month when he asked to court you has evidently been acting like an immature, spoiled child who didn't get his way behind our backs-but then when he saw you today, out of the clear blue sky decided maybe you'd changed your mind and asked again? And after you politely told him no for the second time, not only tried to upset and embarrass you in retaliation, but actually dared put his hands on you?" Goodness, when she heard it described that way, it did sound pretty bad...no wonder Wyatt had been so angry.
She nodded tentatively, her eyes searching his impassive face for any sign of what he was feeling when Wyatt relented and suddenly smiled. "Well, Miss Preston, first of all, around these parts, that's what is known as being a dishonorable ass, pardon my language–and no way to treat a lady, for sure. Don't get me wrong, if Coleman is ever foolish enough to touch you again, I will take him apart. Still, what's done is done, and I don't want you to give him another thought. I think the man has learned his lesson–and if he hasn't, I'm more than happy to remind him. Right now, though, I have an idea on how to take your mind off the whole thing," he promised, an intriguing gleam in those dark blue eyes despite his casual tone.
Jumping down, Wyatt absently patted the patient horse's neck as he made his way to Lucy's side and reaching up, wrapped his hands around her waist and effortlessly lifted her from the seat. Instead of releasing Lucy once her feet were securely on the ground, however, Wyatt tightened his grip, holding her so close she could feel the comforting warmth of his broad chest through their clothes as he gently rubbed her back. As she gazed up at the cowboy, the words, I love you, trembled on her tongue-even though her head told Lucy's wayward heart it was far too soon in their relationship to make such a declaration.
"Lucy?" he said, his gaze dropping to her mouth, "Because I consider myself to be a just and reasonable man–at least most of the time–this is fair warning that I'm about to behave inappropriately." Wyatt's deep voice (and clear intentions) sent an eager quiver of anticipation down her spine. Oh, yes, please...
"Alright," she whispered bravely, offering him her lips. As her eyes fluttered shut, she absently noted his satisfied grin–but didn't care. Wyatt's lips were firm and warm and did crazy things to her ability to breathe. Lucy's hands helplessly clutched the front of his flannel shirt as the possessive kiss went on and on and the rest of the world seemed to disappear. Without warning, their embrace was interrupted when the back door slammed loudly and James appeared on the porch. Despite her embarrassment at being 'caught in the act,' Lucy was secretly flattered when Wyatt slowly (and definitely reluctantly) dropped his hands and took his time stepping away from her.
"Pardon me, folks, for interrupting," he said mildly, "But Martha's setting the food on the table and making all kinds of grumbling noises under her breath, and you know how she gets fussed about a meal going cold, so Betsy made me come see if you needed any help." Lips tingling and cheeks flushed, Lucy pretended not to see Wyatt's unrepentant smirk and hurried up the steps and past the older man-whose vivid blue eyes he'd passed down to his grandson twinkled in amusement-without a word.
Once inside the thankfully empty kitchen, she leaned back against the door and pressed a shaking hand to her slightly swollen lips. Wyatt was definitely right about one thing...his kiss was an excellent distraction from her worries, Lucy mused, because all at once, the unpleasantness from earlier this afternoon seemed to melt away and all that remained was her deepening love for this man and the way he made her feel...
One week later
Saturday, April 2
It had been raining for the past 24 hours straight, weather his grandpa liked to call a spring gully washer. To Wyatt, the dismal weather-which put a damp chill in the air and turned the yard between the barn and the house into a muddy mess–somehow mirrored the somber atmosphere in the barn today when one of the younger mares unexpectedly went into early labor this morning...
Flashback
They were lingering over breakfast when Jonah suddenly appeared in the doorway. Knocking lightly on the doorframe, the hand first nodded politely to the ladies. "Morning, Miss Betsy, Miss Lucy. Sorry to interrupt your meal, Boss, but you and Mr. James probably need to come out to the barn. Charlie noticed when he stepped into her stall to fill the feed bag that Millie looks to be a little ways along in her labor."
Well at least it wasn't Sunday morning, Wyatt thought wryly, exchanging glances with his grandpa, who frowned slightly. He and Gramps would've been dressed in their church clothes and on the way into town by now. The mare in question-one of Maisie's offspring-was a first-time mother whose foal wasn't due for more than a good ten, maybe twelve days yet. Still, she was young and healthy and a couple weeks wasn't dangerously early, so there was no immediate cause for alarm. "We'll be along shortly. Thanks, Jonah," he responded briskly, standing and draining the last bit of his coffee. Wyatt was almost to the swinging kitchen door when Lucy suddenly spoke.
"Wyatt?" she asked eagerly, "Um, do you think maybe it would be alright if I came and watched for a little while? It sounds very exciting, and I promise not to get in the way..." The hopeful expression on her pretty face faded some when he hesitated briefly, but quickly brightened when Wyatt smiled and said to get her coat since it was raining. After Lucy hurried from the room, he noticed his grandparents had stood also and were regarding him thoughtfully. Why were they staring at him like that?
"What?" he asked curiously, looking between them. "Sorry, Gramps, I probably should've asked you first if you minded..." Wyatt's voice trailed off in confusion when the couple merely smiled and shook their heads. "Why are you two looking at me like that? I hope you don't mind I told her yes because you think maybe a big city girl like Lucy isn't ready for what life on a horse ranch is really like because I happen to think she'll be fine," Wyatt said firmly (and in his mind, quite calmly).
Unfortunately, even he could tell his instinctive defense of Lucy seemed a bit louder than necessary. What the hell was the matter with him? he grimaced, feeling his face warm. Damn. Something about the pretty teacher and his growing feelings for her seemed to bring out Wyatt's naturally protective streak in a half second's notice. "Sorry for getting worked up over nothing," he said gruffly.
"No apology necessary, son," James soothed, winking at his wife. "Probably safe to say after traveling more than halfway across the country to start a new life, your Lucy has certainly proved she's not afraid of new experiences. As for her hanging around the barn while Millie has her foal, I'm afraid you've jumped to the wrong conclusion. Betsy and I very much approve of both her asking and you agreeing because this will be an excellent opportunity for Lucy to learn more about the way things work on the ranch, especially since as of a week ago, it's very likely she'll be spending the rest of her life here."
Well, hell, now he felt like a real ass...though he found the idea of Lucy living here forever very appealing. "And take it from me, Wy," his grandpa advised, tugging Gran close and fondly kissing her rosy cheek, "a man running a place this size needs a good woman at his side." While he still felt a bit embarrassed by his unexpected reaction, as always, Wyatt appreciated the older couple's wise counsel...
End Flashback
By the time the three of them reached the barn, Millie's labor has progressed even further, and Wyatt set aside the conversation with his grandparents to focus his attention on the mare. While there might be some extra risk involved with any premature birth, between them, he and Gramps had years of experience, and after a tense first couple hours, helped the laboring mare at last bring a fine colt into the world.
As was typical during any of the birthings, the minutes seemed to pass in a blur, with all of the men's concentration naturally centered on ensuring a safe delivery for mother and child. Wyatt was at first surprised, then touched, when it was all over and he realized a wide-eyed Lucy had stuck around the entire time. Clearly fascinated by the whole process, she'd planted herself in the farthest corner of the stall early on and said not a word-though he vaguely recalled her bringing him and Gramps some much-needed hot coffee and sandwiches at one point.
After James had gone inside the house to wash up (and most likely take a well-earned nap), Wyatt was gently wiping the slippery afterbirth from the foal's spindly legs and body with a soft old towel and patiently fielding Lucy's endless stream of questions. Far from being annoyed, he was pleased by her genuine interest...considering this would be her future if she married a horse breeder. Finally, after Wyatt had removed the damp, soiled hay from the stall floor and replaced it with fresh while she helpfully refilled the water and feed buckets, the new mother and her son were left alone to get to know each other.
As the cool, sweet-smelling rain continued to fall outside, they stood shoulder to shoulder on the other side of the stall door and quietly watched the mare lovingly nuzzle the new arrival, whose coat looked to be as black as that of his sire, Commander. Lucy sighed wistfully. "That was incredible to witness. There's something comforting to me about the miracle of new life. Like it's a way of God reminding us that no matter what trials and tribulations we face during our time here on earth, the endless cycle of living still goes on. Thank you, Wyatt, for letting me stay and watch."
Turning his head slightly to impulsively press a gentle kiss on Lucy's forehead, Wyatt murmured, "You're welcome." He discreetly inhaled the delicate fragrance of her hair. After spending hours in the barn and helping him after the foal was born, somehow she still smelled clean and fresh...and very desirable. He had the craziest impulse to kiss her, right here and now, but then the intimate moment between them was interrupted when the colt abruptly lurched to his feet, wobbling on new legs while his mother looked on proudly.
"Oh," Lucy exclaimed in awe, "Isn't he splendid?" His lips curved fondly at the way she couldn't seem to take her eyes off the foal. After helping his grandpa birth horses since he was just a boy, the two of them had fallen into a routine over the years, but it was kinda nice to see the process through new eyes.
"Yes, Ma'am. Not to sound boastful, but he does come from excellent stock. It's obvious Commander has taken to his retirement from the Rangers very well–probably better than me," Wyatt admitted ruefully. Though her cheeks pinked some at the casual reference to how the stallion came to be the little one's father, Lucy returned his grin. "Today was just a preview of what spring time is like around here. Some foaling seasons, it gets pretty hectic, with two, three, even four mares going into labor around the same time, and then we have to put everyone to work, including Gran. All part of owning a horse ranch."
"Well, admittedly, I know very little about horses, but would be glad to help also anytime you need an extra pair of hands," Lucy volunteered, leaning over the stall door and offering her fingers to the curious foal to sniff as he staggered closer. She gasped in delight when he clumsily pushed his nose into the palm of her hand. "Oh, you handsome fellow," Lucy crooned, glancing at Wyatt over her shoulder with a bright smile. "Look, I think he likes me," Sorry, little one, I understand the attraction, but the lady is taken...
He was struck by the obvious pleasure in her voice as she gently stroked the colt's forehead. As far as Wyatt could tell, for someone who'd been born and raised in the big city, Lucy seemed to be enjoying her time as a guest at Sherwin Ranch. But did that mean she could be happy living the rest of her life here with him? Though he'd decided a week ago (and even told his friends) there was no big rush for him to propose, maybe it wouldn't hurt for the two of them to start talking some about the future...
Clearing his throat, Wyatt asked hesitantly, "Lucy? I was wondering...do you like being here at the ranch? Staying with me and Gran and Gramps? I'm sure it's probably been an adjustment for someone who has always lived in the city..." Immediately feeling a little silly for impulsively bringing the subject up, his voice trailed away when Lucy straightened up and turned to look at him curiously.
"Yes, I do like staying here at Sherwin Ranch, very much," the brunette answered slowly, her eyes never leaving his face. "You have a lovely home and your grandparents have been exceedingly gracious to host me these past weeks. Why do you ask?" Damn. Though he was reassured by her response, Wyatt hadn't expected her to turn the question back on him. Probably should've given this a bit more thought...
Briefly closing his eyes, Wyatt tiredly scrubbed his hands over his face, realizing way too late he was more wore out than he realized. Otherwise, why in the world had he started what might be an important conversation with Lucy about their future when his brain felt like a heaping bowl of Martha's fried mush?
"Never mind...forget I said anything," he muttered, tearing his gaze from her and purposefully staring into the stall, hoping she would forget he even asked such a dumb question–not when they were both tired and he doubtless smelled worse than the horses. Suddenly, Wyatt felt the faint warmth of Lucy's small hand on his arm. Taken aback at her unexpected touch, he blinked and stared deeply into those dark amber eyes, his foolish, hopeful heart skipping a beat or two at the soft, almost intimate way she was regarding him. Maybe it hadn't been a mistake after all?
Things were much quieter in the barn now that the new foal had arrived safely. Claiming he was in need of a wee bit of shuteye, Mr. Sherwin winked at Lucy and left the two of them to finish up in Millie's stall. Eager to help in any way she could, at Wyatt's direction, Lucy carefully filled the mare's water and feed buckets. Even while focusing on her task, she couldn't help noticing how gently he tended to the new colt. In her short time staying at the ranch, Lucy was aware early on how much the horses meant to Wyatt. While it wasn't hard to imagine that he'd been an excellent officer who's served honorably in the Texas Rangers, it was obvious to her his heart was most content raising the noble, beautiful creatures.
As she leaned over the stall door and wiggled her fingers enticingly at the foal, Lucy reflected on what an exciting, memorable afternoon it had been. Witnessing first hand the miracle of new life as Wyatt and Mr. Sherwin competently helped the laboring mare bring her baby into the world was truly awe inspiring. The two men were clearly experienced and worked together with an ease that she very much admired.
Lucy gasped in delight when the colt eventually spied her and wobbled over to clumsily push his moist nose into the palm of her hand. Happily cooing at the foal, she was stroking his velvety head when Wyatt abruptly cleared his throat and out of nowhere, asked if Lucy liked staying at the ranch. Her hand stilling on the little one's head, she turned and gazed into his oddly intent blue eyes. It was a simple question, yet she couldn't help wondering if there was a deeper meaning involved...
Before she could form the words, however, Wyatt's eyes closed and he wearily rubbed his hands over his face. Afraid he might be embarrassed and regret the impetuous question, Lucy quickly reached out to clasp his arm reassuringly. "Would this be a somewhat awkward way of trying to find out if a big city girl like me could be happy living in the middle of nowhere, Texas, for the rest of my life?" she teased gently. Although Wyatt's eyes widened slightly at her audacity, for whatever reason, he chose not to answer, and she understood instantly that while seemingly a casual question, it actually was quite the opposite and therefore required a serious reply.
"Yes, I do like staying here at Sherwin Ranch, very much," Lucy answered carefully, after taking a moment to collect her thoughts. "You have a lovely home and your grandparents have been exceedingly gracious to host me these past weeks. Why do you ask?"
She was faintly disappointed-but not necessarily surprised-when instead of answering, Wyatt's shoulders stiffened and he mumbled, never mind, forget I said anything, before abruptly turning his attention back to the mare and her new son. While they'd been courting for only a week, Lucy had recognized not long after meeting Wyatt Logan that like most men, he greatly disliked talking about his feelings. Sweet, silly man. Her heart filled with a rush of tenderness at his blatant discomfort, and she searched her mind for the right words to put him at ease.
"I don't know if this is the answer you're looking for, Wyatt," she said finally, "but after my father passed away and I made the complicated decision to move halfway across the country to further my education, somehow, I knew in my heart I'd never again live in San Francisco-although I have lovely memories of my life there. Then, after arriving in Texas and starting college, I devoted myself to my studies with the intent to some day become a professor or maybe a teachers assistant. That was always my goal and the reason I left California. While of course I hoped to some day meet a kind, decent man to marry and have a family with, it definitely wasn't a priority for me the past five years. But all that changed when I agreed to move to a little town in the middle of the Texas plains and teach school for a year...and I met you."
Three small (perhaps inconsequential to some) words to be sure, but-whether Wyatt realized it or not-they still carried all the love in her heart for him–these feelings that seemed to grow stronger every day. Lucy practically held her breath while he silently thought about what she'd actually just confessed. The whole time she was speaking, Wyatt had watched her closely, and it was a relief to see his shoulders gradually relax, his lips curving in a slight smile by the time she finished. It appeared then that she'd chosen well. Thank goodness.
Gazing into the dark blue eyes of the man she loved, Lucy rested her hand on his chest and shyly returned his smile. Maybe this wasn't exactly the proper time and place for them to have a serious conversation about their future together, what with both of them a little weary at the moment (and probably in need of a good washing up). Sometimes, though, an opportunity arose in life when you were least expecting it, one that you had to take advantage of or regret letting it slip away. Which meant if Wyatt hadn't fully understood before this moment how Lucy felt about marrying him (sooner rather than later if it was up to her), at least now (hopefully), he had a much better idea...
A/N #2: I know this chapter is a bit shorter than usual, but seemed like a good place to stop. Maybe it's just me, but ya know, I think Wyatt might be changing his mind pretty soon about taking things with Lucy slow (if he hasn't already, lol). Not a lot of action in this chapter, but some good introspection for the not-quite-engaged couple :) Plenty more to come, though, as I've already begun working on the next update. My thanks to those Timeless fans who are still enjoying this story I began writing way back in August 2021. It does sadden me to see the number of readers in our fandom has steadily declined over the past year or so, but I understand that folks only have so much time in a day to read fanfiction and often move to new fandoms after a series is cancelled. In my heart, I'm just not there yet, and very much appreciate all of you who continue to be interested in reading about Lucy and Wyatt and the gang. My sincere appreciation as well to everyone for your follows, favorites and kind reviews. It means more than I can express :))