Chapter 22
A/N #1: Gosh, feels like I've been working on this update forever-although I did step away for a couple weeks in early May to write another story in my ongoing Hearts series, "A Wish Your Heart Makes." Thanks for your endless patience, Timeless friends :) You're probably sick of seeing this, but as always, I want to express my appreciation to the readers who take a couple seconds to leave a review or maybe click "Favorite" or "Follow" on any story of mine, especially those guests I'm unable to respond to personally. Your feedback really keeps me motivated when I struggle to find the words to keep writing :) And now a quick reminder of where we left Lucy and Wyatt in 1881...
Previously...
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," she 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. He blinked at the unexpected touch and stared deeply into those dark amber eyes, his foolish, hopeful heart skipping a beat or two at the soft, intimate way she was regarding him. Maybe it hadn't been a mistake after all? He felt a little better when Lucy began to speak.
"I don't know if this is the answer you're looking for, Wyatt, 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." Wait...what?
Moving even closer to lightly rest her hand on his shirt and offer him a shy smile, Lucy's delicate scent teased Wyatt's senses as she watched him expectantly. Absently grateful the barn was deserted at the moment save for the two of them, his doubts faded completely as the subtle meaning of her words finally began to sink into his thick skull. C'mon, Logan, focus. Lucy plain as day just admitted that her goals, her plans, changed when she decided to take the teaching position here in Brady and met him. Could that possibly mean what Wyatt hoped it did? That she could be happy living here with him the rest of her life?
Then the answer hit him like a bolt of lightning out of a clear blue sky. All the little signals she was giving off came together at last in Wyatt's weary mind...like her willingness to pitch in with the mare before and the many questions she asked him. The inviting way Lucy was looking at him, touching him, even the very words she was using, was drawing him a picture he'd been slow to recognize. Well, hell.
Wyatt realized belatedly it was highly likely that as an unmarried lady of good breeding, Lucy was discreetly waiting for him to take the next step for them. To start thinking about their future together and assure her that yes, he did want her to eventually become his wife–although he thought it was probably too soon to actually come right out and ask (considering they'd been courting for all of a single week). Of course Lucy assumed Wyatt was the one who had more experience between the two of them, since he'd been married once before-even if only for a few short years. How foolish he was being, then, to let silly doubts cloud his mind when Wyatt knew deep down what he wanted...and that it was her...
His tense shoulders relaxed, lips curving in a faint smile as finally, Wyatt's body caught up with his thoughts and made the decision for him. Who was he to deny the lady what she wanted? His usually ironclad self control wavered ever so slightly, and heedless of the very public place they were in, he wrapped both hands around her trim waist and promptly lowered his mouth to hers, groaning under his breath at the way Lucy's soft lips parted in sweet invitation. Dear Lord, he could spend an entire day kissing this woman...
With a soft growl, Wyatt abruptly moved her hands from his shirt to the back of his neck and tugged her close, drinking in her faint gasp of surprise. Her slender body was soft and fit against his perfectly...as if made for him alone. Surrendering to his desire for Lucy, he greedily deepened the kiss, reveling in the tiny, breathless moan she couldn't contain. Her trembling fingers felt cool against the heated skin beneath his shirt collar as she clung tightly to him.
Just when he thought his lungs might possibly explode (from a very enjoyable lack of air), Wyatt dimly heard voices from outside the double barn doors. Dammit. Sighing mentally, he lifted his head and said with more than a little regret, "Much as I'd like to keep on kissing you right now, Miss Preston, probably oughta stop since it sounds like we're about to have some company."
He bit back a smug grin at Lucy's visibly dreamy expression and the wild color blooming on her pretty face. While it might be wishful thinking on his part, seemed to him Lucy's response to his kisses and caresses grew stronger by the day-that she desired him, too (something that pleased his masculine pride very much). Then Wyatt frowned slightly as something occurred to him.
Maybe being in no hurry to marry this woman and take her to bed was a bad idea. He could practically hear Sheriff Baumgardner cackling with glee at the realization Wyatt might be taking things with the pretty teacher too cautiously. Shut the hell up, Dave. Unfortunately, that decision didn't matter one way or the other right this second because apparently the intimate moment with Lucy was over...for now...
"Why don't you go back to the house and get ready for supper?" he suggested in a gentle tone. "And if you would, stop in the kitchen, please, and tell Martha I'll only be a couple more minutes. I need to talk to Jonah." When she shivered and continued to stare at him mutely, Wyatt chuckled affectionately, and leaning in for one last quick kiss, whispered against her rosy lips, "Go on now, sweetheart."
Hesitantly biting that tempting lower lip of hers, the brunette turned away without a word and hurried towards the barn doors, innocently leaving him dangerously close to being in a certain interesting condition. Damn...how long was it until they went walking after supper and he found some privacy to maybe steal another kiss? he wondered ruefully while openly admiring the gentle sway of her hips. Wyatt exhaled roughly and tried like hell to calm himself down while waiting for his ranch hand.
The kitchen was warm and welcoming on this damp spring evening, filled with the mouth watering smell of beef stew, fresh-baked bread, and if he wasn't mistaken, Martha's applesauce cake. Wyatt's stomach rumbled eagerly in anticipation, the cold sandwich and coffee Lucy thoughtfully brought him and Gramps earlier in the day long gone. As he was thoroughly washing his hands, the housekeeper herself came through the swinging door.
"About time," she greeted Wyatt tartly, more out of habit than any real sense of offense–though the woman ran a tight ship and was known to be pretty strict about meal times. He grinned fondly. Not only was she their housekeeper, Martha was actually family, a distant cousin of Gran's from down around San Antonio who'd never married and moved to the ranch after her parents died to keep house for the family when his Mama was a young girl. Some of Wyatt's best earliest memories after coming to live with his grandparents as a little boy involved spending time in the kitchen having his skinned knees and elbows fussed over by Martha and swiping cookies when her back was turned.
"Damn, Miss Martha, something sure smells good," he placated, drying his hands and carefully draping the towel over the side of the sink (she was fussy about stuff like that, too). Clearly unimpressed by the compliment, she only sniffed disdainfully before going to the big wooden table and uncovering the delicious-smelling cake. Stealthily creeping up behind Martha as she picked up a knife and began neatly cutting the cake into thick slices for after supper, he started to reach around to grab himself a tasty sample when without warning, she lightly smacked his hand. Undeterred, Wyatt laughed and tried a second time just to see if he could get away with it (since he usually could).
"Here now, enough of that...you behave yourself, Wyatt Logan," Martha warned sternly, the scolding immediately offset by the fond smile she tried but couldn't quite hide. "Coming in here late for supper, talking all sweet and trying to turn my head with dimples and pretty words. And mind your bad language in my kitchen, young man." She flushed warmly when Wyatt impulsively kissed her worn cheek at the same time he pinched a chunk of cake, a sneaky move he'd perfected long ago as a child. Shaking her head in resignation, she bent to her task once more, observing, "I was glad to hear from Miss Lucy that you and your grandpa brought a fine wee colt into the world this afternoon. She was very excited."
Knowing full well he'd really catch hell for talking with his mouth full, Wyatt merely nodded. "Also told me how she was right there the whole time except for getting your lunch, taking in everything that was going on, even helping a little after it was over. Nobody asked me, but I think her interest in the horses is a good sign for the future of Sherwin Ranch. Tells me she understands how important the horses are to you, and not just as your livelihood. I've seen for myself over the years how much work goes into overseeing a big place like this and know any man that tries needs a good woman by his side-a woman who not only knows how to run a busy household but could be content living with that same man on a horse ranch in the middle of nowhere. This life isn't for everyone, but Miss Lucy seems to like it here well enough."
His heart warmed at the unexpected praise for the woman he was courting. Not only because he agreed with every word, but even inexperienced as she was, Lucy had proved to be quite helpful today. It meant even more to Wyatt because the older woman (who'd never been one to speak idly about anything) was in many ways a kind of second mother to him. Even as he opened his mouth to thank her, however, Martha set down the knife and wiping her hands on the apron tied around her waist, regarded him solemnly.
"One more thing and then I'll leave it be. Been nice the past few weeks seeing you gradually shed some of the grief weighing you down from losing your wife and baby son as you get to know and care for Miss Lucy. You deserve some happiness after suffering such a terrible loss. For what it's worth, in my opinion, this courtship would've pleased Miss Jessica. She was a fine young woman who loved you since she was a little girl, never asking for much in this life but the chance to make you happy. And remember, Wy, there's no rule saying how long a courtship should last before taking vows. Might seem to you like it's too soon yet to think about, but keep in mind God doesn't always hand out second chances for love, so don't let your stubbornness make such an important decision for your heart. Alright, then, I'm done fussing at you." Martha smiled wistfully. "Now, quit bothering me and go have your supper." He was touched to see the no-nonsense housekeeper turn away and discreetly dab at the corner of her eye with her apron.
No matter when he asked Lucy to marry him, it was odd and bittersweet indeed, Wyatt mused, to contemplate Jess even knowing Lucy, let alone approving of her as his second wife. However, now was certainly not the time or place to give serious thought to such an emotional subject (though he appreciated Martha's forthright advice). Swallowing hard against the sudden lump in his throat, he abruptly hugged her and whispered 'thank you' in her ear before squaring his shoulders and heading for the dining room. Pushing open the swinging door, Wyatt paused at the pleasant sight and sound of his grandparents and new sweetheart waiting at the table for him, laughing and talking together. You'd think the three of them had known each other for years, he marveled with a pleased smile.
Putting his (sometimes) confusing feelings for her aside, it struck Wyatt how nicely (how quickly) Lucy had settled into life at Sherwin Ranch. It was easy to tell how attached James and Betsy were to her-and getting more so every day. With very little effort on her part, by just being her sweet, kind, well-mannered self, Lucy had already begun to secure her own special place in their family. And Wyatt found he liked that...a lot.
Right off the top of his head, he could think of at least a couple ways her presence here made a difference in their lives. Take his grandpa, for instance, and how it was a rare evening indeed when Lucy didn't read aloud to the family-which delighted James to no end. Not to mention how thrilled his grandmother acted to have another woman around the place. It was reassuring, too, that, as Martha had pointed out, Lucy most likely did have practical experience running her childhood home after her father took sick. And if her witnessing the birthing earlier could be considered some kind of test, the teacher passed it easily.
As for Wyatt? Before Miss Lucy Preston from San Francisco, California, tumbled out of the stagecoach and into his arms that fateful day back in February, he hadn't been in a proper frame of mind to notice how dull, how lonely, his life was after Jess and Mattie were gone. Too busy dealing with his sorrow, he guessed. But after meeting the teacher, everything had changed...or maybe it was him who'd changed?
As he slowly emerged from beneath the crushing sorrow of losing Jess, a grieving Wyatt stubbornly convinced himself he preferred a solitary future, unwilling to risk experiencing such pain ever again. Once he was a contented husband and father...and then he wasn't...and never again would be. To him, it was that simple–until he met Lucy. The pretty brunette amused and interested (and most definitely aroused) him in ways he never could've predicted. Still, despite his body wanting her something fierce, his not quite healed heart might not be ready for the logical next step, though if Wyatt was being honest, he could privately admit the idea of marrying Lucy (and God willing, raising a child or two together) became more and more appealing every day...
Hurriedly slipping past Jonah and one of the other hands on their way into the barn with a flustered smile, Lucy stood just outside the open doors and welcomed the refreshing misty drizzle on her heated cheeks. She gently touched a shaking hand to her kiss-swollen lips. My goodness. Despite his momentary uncertainty when Wyatt asked Lucy if she liked staying at the ranch (which may or may have been due to his weariness), it seemed her diplomatic answer had been more than satisfactory-considering the way he proceeded to very nicely ease any doubts she might've been having about the future.
Lucy reasoned it was perfectly understandable for Wyatt to experience some concerns when it came to thinking about getting married again. After the unthinkable loss the man suffered when his wife and child were taken from him, she felt it was quite normal for Wyatt to worry about risking his bruised heart again...especially with a woman who'd lived her entire life in the big city. After all, his home, though beautiful and peaceful, was located in a part of the country completely different than what Lucy was used to. Anyone, she imagined, might have those kind of reservations because, unfortunately, sometimes even the strongest love alone wasn't always enough to guarantee a happy marriage without a man and woman sharing some kind of compatibility.
Maybe it was a little early in their brief courtship for a serious discussion like this, but Lucy was very glad they'd talked...and kissed. She sighed blissfully. Dear heavens, the things that man made her feel. Not only his masterful kisses, but even the most innocent of touches like taking Lucy's hand to help her down from the carriage, usually made her blush and her heart race. She considered herself to be a fairly intelligent, and definitely well-educated, young woman, but her brain felt like it turned to porridge when Wyatt Logan held and kissed her. It was rather enlightening to discover what the right man's touch could do to a woman's body. He might've been the first to ever touch her intimately, but Lucy knew in her heart that no matter what the future held for the two of them, he would be the last one also. It was the cowboy for her...or no one.
With a pensive sigh, she trudged across the sloppy barnyard to the back of the house, wrinkling her nose at the thick, reddish mud still clinging to her boots. Beside the back door was a wooden tray to leave them until the mud dried and could be brushed off. An inconvenience to be sure, but well worth it considering the exciting day she'd had. Lucy truly had no idea what made her impulsively ask Wyatt if she could accompany him and Mr. Sherwin to the barn this morning, but she was awfully glad she had...
Flashback
Standing on the other side of the heavy stall door, Lucy ignored the pervasive damp chill in the air and found herself caught up in the whole process...how bravely the mare struggled to bring forth her baby...how patient and compassionate and skilled the two men were at helping the animal in her pain and distress. She could hardly take her eyes off Wyatt as he quietly took charge of the situation. His grandpa had taught him well, she observed in admiration. When a couple hours swiftly passed with little progress being made (possibly because the foal was early), Lucy decided to make herself useful and went back to the house to see about getting the men something to eat and drink.
Carefully pulling off her muddy half boots first (the constant rain over the last day or so had turned the yard between the barn and the house into a bog), she opened the back door. The good-sized kitchen was homey and inviting on this cool, rainy afternoon. Martha, the Sherwins' housekeeper, was standing in front of her work table industriously peeling potatoes as something that smelled really good simmered in a big pot on the stove behind her. She looked up with a welcoming smile when Lucy slipped in the back door and went straight to the sink to wash her hands. "How's it going, then, with the birthing?" the other woman asked briskly.
"In the opinion of someone who knows absolutely nothing about any creature giving birth, I don't think the poor mare is close to delivering yet," Lucy offered with a shrug, "but Wyatt doesn't appear to be worried or anything." Martha nodded complacently at her reply.
"Well, those two have been bringing foals into the world together for many years, since Wyatt was just a small lad. I doubt there's any man within a half dozen counties of here who knows more about horses than James Sherwin and his grandson," she assured Lucy. "Not only because they love and respect them so much–which they do-but you have to remember, each one of those beautiful animals is as valuable and important to a horse breeder as any piece of farm equipment."
That was interesting. She had never really considered what it meant to run a successful horse ranch before. Lucy was rather surprised (and understandably impressed) to learn exactly how vital every single birth was to the ranch, especially since the mares could be bred only once a year. She had no idea a horse of excellent breeding could fetch a price of upwards of $150 cash or more–a not inconsiderable amount of money. No wonder Wyatt and Mr. Sherwin and their hands spend the entire summer, fall and winter taking good care of the expecting mothers to ensure each delivered a healthy, viable foal, though it was readily evident that as Martha pointed out, the horses meant much more to both men than just ranch stock.
After staying with the family these past couple months, Lucy had certainly gotten a vague sense her hosts were comfortably off–if not necessarily wealthy—but had no idea how prosperous the horse breeding business could be. She thought it likely a self-made man like her father would very much admire James and Wyatt's business smarts and strong work ethic...and wished fleetingly the men could've known each other. Henry Preston would be well pleased with the family she hoped to marry into some day.
The older woman smiled approvingly when Lucy asked politely if she might take the men some hot coffee and maybe a bite to eat? It took only a few minutes for the two of them to make several thick ham sandwiches that Martha wrapped in a clean towel and placed in a sturdy woven basket, along with two speckled tin mugs and the half-full coffee pot warming on the top of the stove. "Thank you, Martha," Lucy said cheerfully, picking up the basket. Mindful of not dropping her surprise in the mud, she headed back to the barn, cautiously picking her way across the yard. Placing the heavy basket on the old wooden table just outside the tack room near the barn's open doors, Lucy gathered up the bundle of sandwiches in one hand and the coffee pot and cups with the other and headed towards Millie's stall.
Loathe to interrupt the men, she peeked over the side of the stall to find Wyatt on his knees beside the laboring mare, his hands moving carefully over her enormous, bumpy stomach. His grandpa crouched down by her head, stroking Millie and murmuring soothingly. As Martha had mentioned, they really did make an excellent team. After a minute or two, Mr. Sherwin glanced up and caught sight of Lucy. "There you are, young lady. I told Wy I hoped you weren't getting a bit overwhelmed by your first time watching a birthing," the older man teased, chuckling when she immediately shook her head.
"No, sir," Lucy replied staunchly, "Not at all, though I suspect things will be getting very interesting here soon enough." Her cheeks pinked when Mr. Sherwin laughed in appreciation, causing Wyatt to glance up from the mare long enough to send her an approving, if slightly distracted, smile. Clearing her throat, she held up her offerings. "Anyway, I don't want to intrude, but thought maybe you two could use some hot coffee and a bite to eat, so I went to see Martha and helped her make sandwiches."
She was gratified when the men practically inhaled the food and coffee while taking turns looking after Millie. Draining the last gulp of coffee and handing his empty cup to Lucy, Wyatt leaned close and whispered, "Thank you, sweetheart. That was a big help." She beamed, pleased to be of some use to them. By the time she'd carried the empty pot and dirty cups up front and neatly put everything back in the basket, the mare was very close to delivering. Leaning over the stall door, Lucy held her breath, sudden tears welling up unexpectedly when the new arrival slid easily into Wyatt's waiting hands...
End Flashback
There was no sign of the housekeeper when Lucy stepped into the kitchen this time, though there were two large loaves of fresh baked bread cooling on the work table, plus something on the stove that smelled wonderful (unlike her at the moment). The dining room was empty as well, though the table was already neatly set for supper. She hurried upstairs to her room, eager to change clothes and get freshened up.
Shrugging out of her damp coat, Lucy hung it up to dry before stripping down to her drawers and chemise. Pulling a clean shirtwaist and skirt from the closet, she laid them on the bed to put on after washing up. What a nice surprise to find a pitcher of hot water on the stand, mentally making a note to thank Martha when she went downstairs. Bending over at the waist, Lucy thoroughly brushed her hair before fixing it in a loose braid since it was Saturday and she'd be washing it later this evening anyway. The water felt heavenly on her skin. Gently patting her face dry, Lucy peered in the oval mirror on the wall above the wash stand. The woman staring back at her looked happy, she decided, all bright eyes and rosy cheeks and (thoroughly kissed) lips.
Thankfully, her impulsive request to accompany the men to the barn turned out to be an excellent idea. It had been truly awe-inspiring for Lucy to witness the new colt's arrival, which then led to a surprising conversation with Wyatt, and ended with a kiss that left her a little dazed (and very happy). Sharing kisses practically every day with the man she loved was fast becoming an addiction, Lucy realized, her just-washed face warming anew, as necessary to her existence as the very air she breathed. It would be improper for her to pursue the subject, but oh, how she hoped they could marry sooner rather than later. There was nothing in this world Lucy wanted more than to become Wyatt Logan's wife and everything that went along with that like sharing a bed and having children...
When she entered the dining room, the Sherwins were already seated, patiently waiting for her and their grandson. Mr. Sherwin politely rose to help Lucy with her chair. Thanking him breathlessly, she draped the cloth napkin over her lap and suddenly ravenous, reached for a slice of bread from the basket Mrs. Sherwin offered her and the small crock of Martha's delicious blueberry jam. They were talking about the exciting arrival of Millie's new colt when the swinging door abruptly swung open to reveal Wyatt. Their eyes met and held for several charged seconds until James coughed discreetly. Lucy blushed, her heart racing when he gave her a lazy, unrepentant grin. That devil...
Now that Lucy had seen first hand what foaling season on a horse ranch was like (and realized just how important it was), she listened raptly as he and his grandparents talked about the rest of the expecting mares as they ate heartily of the beef stew Martha prepared. After getting past her initial surprise, she honestly found it quite interesting, especially since in the rigid, monied society she'd been raised in, the topic of animals giving birth would be strictly frowned on and considered a tremendous breach of good manners. Lucy snickered under her breath at the mental image of some of San Francisco's haughtiest society matrons slipping from their padded chairs to the floor in a heap of petticoats at the very mention of livestock during polite dinner conversation.
After finishing a thin slice of applesauce cake, Lucy wiped her mouth and politely set the soiled napkin beside her plate with a contented sigh. Though she contributed very little to the discussion, she very much enjoyed it. Her gaze kept straying across the table to Wyatt, and the way his dark blue eyes gleamed with enthusiasm when he talked about the horses. Martha was right. The beautiful, noble creatures meant so much more to him and his family than just a way to make a living, and she greatly admired that.
When Wyatt looked up suddenly and frowned inquisitively at Lucy, it occurred to her that today she'd been given a tiny glimpse into what her future as his wife would probably be like. A simple yet wholly rewarding life...days filled with fulfilling labor and and companionable things like sharing meals...and nights of love and intimacy and eventually–if they were so blessed–children to raise. Her heart filling with emotion at the promise of the sweet image, she tremulously returned Wyatt's smile, overwhelming grateful for the series of seemingly unrelated events that led her to him and this place and this moment...
A/N #2: Dang...so many feels with these two, right? When I started it, didn't actually intend for this chapter to be ANOTHER one filled with lots of introspection and not much action, but it seems Lucy and Wyatt aren't finished yet working through their fierce emotions when it comes to each other and the future. Hopefully, though, Wyatt is finally starting to figure out a long courtship isn't necessary...and is actually just prolonging his torture, lol. Thanks to those readers still interested on spending time in 1881 with this AU version of Wyatt and Lucy. I hope you continue to enjoy this story as much as I love writing it :))