Chase the Moon: A Historical Romance (9 page)

“You Lovett women are like fire and ice. Either blowing hot or blowing cold.”

“I’m not blowing anything. Now get out of here so I can finish washing your dishes. You had three plates full.”

“Now isn’t that sweet? I had no idea you were watching me while I was eating. For your information I only had one plate, I just filled it three times. Moreover, to prove I’m a gentleman. I’ll wash it myself.”

Amelia raised an eyebrow at him as she stepped aside so he could wash his one stupid plate. She rolled her eyes as he made a show of flexing his muscles as he held it up to the light to check for spots.

Warren and Riley choose that moment to come in through the back door.

“Amelia! Are you making our guest do the dishes?” Warren asked with a frown.

“Guest? What do you think I am?” Amelia asked really put out by now.

“You’re family.” Riley offered with a smile.

“You know I just had a wonderful idea! You two do the freaking dishes and I’ll show our guest around the ranch.” She said grabbing Chase’s arm and dragging him out the front door.

“Stupid pig headed men.” She spat as she slammed the front door shut. She dropped Chase’s arm but he grabbed hers instead spinning her around. Finding herself pinned to his solid chest she opened her mouth to complain. She was shocked into silence when his head dipped and he covered her sweet lips with his.

Amelia stood stunned and unresponsive. A part of her wanted to reach up grab his thick black hair with her hands and pull him closer. Another part was still ticked off by his antics in the kitchen. Unfortunately, for Chase the later part won. Pain shot through his spine as her knee connected with his neither regions. He released her and doubled over to catch his breath.

“What the hell was that for?”

“I don’t know what barn you were raised in but men do not go around manhandling ladies and stealing kisses.”

“Stealing? I do apologize. Should I give them back?” He asked again pulling her to him and lowering his head as her eyes widened. She was a might disappointed when he suddenly pulled away and turned to scan the horizon.

“Company’s coming.”

He announced as Amelia looked in the same direction not seeing or hearing anything.

Chase stuck his head in and announced the news to the men inside. Riley and Warren were there in an instant, both armed with rifles. It was almost funny seeing these bold men ready to act with soap bubbles still clinging to their shirt sleeves. Warren rang the bell on the porch to announce the visitors.

She glanced at the men’s faces. They were on full alert. She doubted they would ever be at ease again. With worry replacing her anger, she took a step towards Chase. She normally carried a one shot pistol strapped to her ankle but had left it in her room. It was easy to fall into the trance of this place. She was glad that Chase was so attentive. With the carriage barely a spec on the horizon, she felt Chase relax.

“It’s okay, Brock’s with them.”

Amelia squinted now able to make out two dots coming closer. How the hell can he see that far to know that is Brock?

“Must be the Reynolds.” Warren stated as he relaxed as well. Amelia lifted an eyebrow. She was curious to meet Thomas’ family. Sabrina had informed her about Thomas’ sister Sally.

She took another step closer to Chase.

Anna and Sabrina appeared around the side of the house and Brock rode up to her dismounting. Sabrina still full of emotion after her talk with Anna fell into his arms. He held her close. “I’m sorry Brock.”

“Shh… no need. We’ll talk later.”

Sabrina pulled away a bit still clutching to his arm as if she would collapse if she let go. Partly because she wanted to be close to him, and partly because the Reynolds had arrived.

Thomas and Jaelyn appeared slightly out of breath. Chase moved to help the coachman with the baggage as Warren went to greet Thomas’ family and help them out of the coach. Dr. Reynold appeared in his finery and turned to help Sally out as well. One second there was peace and the next Sally Reynold burst forth in a flutter of petticoats and drama. Her hat was askew and her once ivory outfit was covered in brown dust. She was lovely to look at though, like Thomas she was toe headed and had sparkling blue eyes. She stiffly hugged Thomas and offered Jaelyn a slight nod of acknowledgement.

Thomas quickly introduced them to the rest of the family and she practically purred over Warren, Riley and Chase.

Taking a deep breath Sabrina forced a smile and took a step forward to welcome them. Dr. Reynold kissed her cheek and Sally glared making it a point to stare at Sabrina’s belly.

“Oh my! I had no idea!” She exclaimed in a loud whisper.

“Yes, we are very pleased.” Brock said stepping up behind Sabrina protectively and placed his hands on her stomach.

Sally frowned a bit at the happy couple before turning her attention to Warren.

“Mr. Lovett, your home is spectacular! You must give me a tour once I freshen up.”

“It would be my honor ma’am. Let me show you and your father to your rooms. I’m sure you’re exhausted after such a long trip.”

Thomas, Riley and Samuel moved to help carry the countless bags they had brought with them for the journey.

Amelia watched with amusement as the woman latched herself onto Warren’s arm. Her eyes met Sabrina’s and she winked. If they had to sacrifice Warren for the safety of others, so be it.

T
urning to Amelia Sabrina spoke, “Since the Reynolds are resting, this would be a good time to head into town. Jaelyn and I need to get fitted for gowns. You and Chase should come as well.”

“You just want me to share in your agony. Very thoughtful. I’d love to go, the men can get the horses and I’ll make the sacrifice to find Thomas and Jaelyn.”

Sabrina accompanied Brock and Chase to the Stable. She insisted upon brushing down Troy after his morning workout with Brock. He saddled Justice to ride and picked out some mounts for the other riders while Chase tethered the horses for the wagon.

Congregating at the stable, they were surprised that Riley wanted to join them as well. Jaelyn insisted on riding so Brock begrudgingly let her borrow Justice as he joined Sabrina and Amelia in the Wagon.

The group headed off for the journey into town. Sabrina watched the scenery taking note of the changes here and there since her last visit to town many, many years ago.

The ride seemed quicker than she remembered and the town itself seemed a little bit smaller. Pulling up to the corral, they left the wagon and horses.

They split off into two groups as the women headed to the seamstress shop and the men went to check out the town.

The three lovely young women caused much stir in the usually quite town. Amelia who was used to city life just ignored them, Sabrina still not used to her femininity looked away, and Jaelyn glared at them.

One man not only stared openly but also turned to watch them walk away. A thoughtful look crossed his face as he moved to talk to the clerk that was sweeping the walk outside of the Saloon.

“Those sure are some fine looking women. Who are they?”

“Not sure, probably part of the Lovett crowd.”

“As is in Warren Lovett?”

“Yup, his sister is getting married. Gonna be a big shin dig.”

“Which one is his sister?”

“Don’t rightly know.”

The man continued to stare until they were out of sight and the other returned to his futile chore.

The women soon spotted the wooden sign which simply said “Seamstress”. Getting closer they looked on in awe of the beautiful gowns on display in the window. A bit more eager they pushed their way into the shop.

They were greeted by an older woman with gray hair pulled back tightly into a bun.

“I am Mrs. Cranbrook, the owner May I help you?”

“Yes, we are here for our fittings. I believe my brother Warren Lovett has made the arrangements?”

Even though the store was completely empty she shuffled back to her desk to look at her blotter on her desk.

“Um.. yes. Sabrina Lovett and Ja...”

“Jaelyn Stafford.” Sabrina supplied receiving a frown for her interruption.

“Yes, yes two wedding gowns.” She said as her eyes raked over the girls disapprovingly. They came to rest on Sabrina’s stomach.

Amelia who was used to dealing with seamstresses stepped up. “Yes, we need two gowns. If that is too much for you handle I’m sure there are other seamstresses in town who can.”

An instant change came over the woman. She even forced a smile. “No need for that! This is the best shop in town and I’m sure that Mr. Lovett wants the best for his sister. Why don’t you come in the back and we’ll get started right away.”

She led them to the rear of the shop where there were bolts of fabric everywhere. A settee and some chairs were in one tight corner and a sewing machine in the other. A young woman with long blonde hair about their age sat next to a dress form. She looked up from hand stitching beads onto a dress as they entered.

“Shauna! We have clients. Come, write down the measurements.”

“Yes ma’am.”

Sabrina recognized her instantly. “Shauna Jackson?”

“Sabrina! What on earth happened to you? We were all so worried! I couldn’t believe it when I heard you were back.”

“Well, I ended up in Oklahoma and met an amazing man named Brock. Jaelyn is his sister and I’m not sure if you ever met my cousin Amelia.” She said hugging Shauna and introducing the others.

“Wow, it’s really good to have you back! This place is so boring! Remember after church how we used to run up and down the planked sidewalks?”

“I’d forgotten that. I guess when I tried to block out my memories I blocked out the good ones as well.”

Mrs. Cranbrook cleared her throat. “If you still need these gowns in two weeks we need to get started. Sabrina we’ll start with you.”

Sabrina reluctantly moved forward she stripped down to her undies and moved to stand on the small stool. The lady called off dozens of numbers to Shauna who meticulously wrote them down. Jaelyn was next. Mrs. Cranbrook eyed her fawn colored skin with a frown but did not comment. After the measurements, they moved to the bolts of fabric.

“I assume you both want white?”

“Actually, I want mine to be yellow.” Sabrina stated, she had given it a lot of thought. Yellow just seemed right, it was her mother’s favorite color and it went well with her dark hair. It would be a tribute to her.

“Alright then, what shade of yellow?” She asked pulling out bolt after bolt of yellow fabric each one slightly different from the rest. The woman piled the discarded bolts on Shauna who would replace them in the racks. Sabrina finally found the best one, a bit deeper than the rest it reminded her of daffodil’s blooming in the spring.

“We can add a bunch of ruffles around your waist to hide your belly.”

“I do not want you to hide my baby. I am very proud to be carrying Brock’s child. I do not care what you or anyone else in town thinks.”

“But my dear, Warren suggested…”

“If Warren likes gowns with lots of ruffles that is fine, he can wear one at his wedding. I don’t like ruffles and I despise lace!”

“Beads?” The woman asked hesitantly.

“Beads are fine.”

Without another word, she turned to Jaelyn and pulled out about twenty different bolts of white before finding one that went perfect with her creamy complexion.

“Do you like ruffles and lace?” She asked Jaelyn hesitantly.

“She will love them.” Amelia spoke up with a wink.

They thanked the ladies and made arrangements to come back in two weeks to pick them up.

They met the men for lunch. Thomas had met with the local Doctor in town while Brock had stopped in at the jailhouse. Riley and Chase left to their own accord ended up at the saloon playing cards. Amelia frowned at that, she would have loved to have been playing cards instead of cooped up for hours with a stuffy seamstress. Nevertheless, Sabrina needed her. What sacrifices you make for family.

The food soon arrived. It was good but could not hold a candle to Alma’s cooking. There was much laughter mostly at Chase’s expense. He seemed to be a target since Amelia was with them. He was able to hold his own and retorted back without hesitation.

“I need to stop by the post. I want to let my father know that I arrived safely.” Amelia said, as they were getting ready to leave.

“I’ll go with you.” Chase offered bringing more laughter.

“You just wanna get out of saddling your horse.” Brock replied.

“In that case I say Chase should drive the wagon on the way back.” Sabrina added with a wink to Jaelyn as they parted ways.

***

“Thank you for accompanying me. I’m sure this town is full of vagrants and thieves.” She joked looking around at the deserted streets.

“You can never be too careful. My mother always said ‘Coyote is always out there waiting, and Coyote is always hungry
¹
.’”

“And what does your father say?”

“Love many, trust few and always paddle your own canoe
²
.”

Amelia laughed as she pushed open the door to the clerk’s office. A bell tinged above her head and a man in glasses appeared behind the counter.

“May I help you?”

“Yes, I need to send a telegraph to California.”

All business the man jotted down the message. When he came to her name he looked up.

“Are you related to Warren Lovett? You wouldn’t happen to be his sister would you?”

“No, I’m his cousin. I came for his sister’s wedding.”

“I am so glad that her fiancé found her.”

“What do you mean?”

“Her fiancé, a nice gentleman, yellow hair? He stopped by looking for her some time ago and was very determined to find her.”

Chase immediately stepped up to the counter and lifted the man in the air by his shirt collar with one arm.

“Sabrina is marrying my brother. She was kidnapped by a mad man with yellow hair. The same man that slaughtered her family. I do hope you have no idea how he found her.”

The man’s eyes were practically bulging out of their socks and his face turned from red to an odd blue color.