Country Bride (Country Brides) (3 page)

Chester Hills was named for one of the families that settled there. The Chester’s ran a good part of the area, owning the small market, the notary, a tavern, and most of the land at the center of town.

There was talk of getting a traffic light put in sometime during the next year or two. A little bit more traffic was finding its way here, with a newer exit built off of the interstate highway.
A fast food restaurant tried to build at the exit, but the town voted to keep them out. While it would mean a few jobs, it would also mean gaudy lighting, late hours, more traffic, and the possibility of more trash and litter. They were trying to hold off on the progress. They knew once they were in, next it would be big box stores that were popping up all over. They already saw what happened in Lawrence with the amusement park, and what the owners left behind.

Ty would hate to see the town he knew and loved turn into another city of
franchises and big box stores. And what would become of all the small businesses – they’d be forced to close, and families that had worked for years, would be displaced. No thank you, they didn’t need that around here.

Ty had only left the area one time
to go to school; he needed to go to the city. He knew it wasn’t for him, and promised himself he’d settle back in a quieter, rural area when he graduated. Growing up on a farm, he wasn’t afraid of hard work, and longed for open space and being outdoors.

Stopping in the post office, he chatted with Sadie for a bit, a little woman with gray hair down to the middle of her back. Tomorrow was vaccination day, the day of the month he offered free or low cost vaccinations
for family pets, and it was usually busier. He was enjoying the slower pace today.

Kristin
drove into town, wanting to see if a package had arrived. Going into the post office, she found Ty at the counter chatting with Sadie. Her package wasn’t there quite yet.

“Well, hello there,” he smiled. “How’s Molly doing?”

“She’s good. She’s getting steadier on her feet every day.” She was happier to see him than she expected.

“I’m offering free or low cost vaccinations tomorrow if she’s not up to date on her shots.”

“We took care of those before we headed out here, but thanks so much for the offer.”

“Sure thing,” he said.

Sadie watched the couple talking. She hadn’t seen Ty smile that big in ages. Did this woman realize that smile was for her? She glanced at the new girl, Kristin, and saw a matching smile. She wondered if they’d figure out there was something between them.

They lingered, not sure what to say, but neither wanting to leave. What was it drawing them together? There was an attraction, sure, but
Kristin wasn’t even looking to meet someone, and certainly wasn’t ready, and…she found excuse after excuse, but still didn’t want to leave.

Sadie interjected, “Regina just made some fresh blueberry pie
. You’ve absolutely got to try it, both of you.”

“That sounds good, I could go for a slice of pie,” he jumped at just the right moment.

“I haven’t had blueberry pie in ages.”

“Would you care to go get a slice? Regina makes everything from scratch, good eats.”

“Only if I can have a scoop of vanilla ice cream on it,” she said, smiling bigger than she meant to.

Making their way over to Regina’s shop, Ty felt the urge to reach down and hold
Kristin’s hand, but resisted. He knew it was forward, and didn’t want to force things, but something was going on between them, he was sure of it. She had a wall around her, and he understood why, but he couldn’t turn off the feelings that were starting to bubble up inside of him. It had been such a long time since he’d been interested in somebody. She wasn’t even his type, and dear goodness she was from New Jersey of all places, but there was something that spoke to him, leaving him wanting to spend time with her.

Kristin
hadn’t intended to like the guy. In fact, he was a bit gruff, and certainly not her type. And yet when he was around, she felt better, happier, and she didn’t even know why. It didn’t make sense, yet here she was happy to spend a little more time with him, even if it meant getting a slice of blueberry pie. She hated blueberries, but she didn’t want to give up the chance of sitting and talking to him a little bit longer. She’d choke down a few blueberries if it meant she could look at his smile and take that image home with her.

The little café was quiet. The wood paneling on the walls went waist high, and framed black and white pictures lined the wall
s, one above each small table. The place could use another coat of paint, but was clean none the less. Sitting at one of the tables, a waitress took their order.

“Two slices of blueberry pie, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on each please,” he ordered, and got a couple of drinks to go with it.

They sat looking at each other, both realizing something was going on, almost afraid to say it.

When he reached across the table to take her hand, she let him. “Maybe we could try dinner again sometime.”

“I’ll think about it, okay.” Looking into his eyes, she was slowly melting. “I almost feel guilty being attracted to you.” There, she said it, admitted it out loud.

“Why?”

“I feel like I’m betraying him.”

He pulled his hand away. “I’m sorry.”

“Please, don’t be. It’s almost been a year. I’m just not sure how to process the new feelings that are cropping up.”

“So are you supposed to be alone forever, to punish yourself somehow?”

“I don’t know,” she said, her blue eyes pooling with tears.  “I’m sorry,” she was embarrassed, and hadn’t meant to get so emotional.

“When you’re ready, okay?”

She nodded. “I need time, but I am interested.”

“I understand.”

“Thank you,” she said, just as the pie arrived.

She ate the ice cream, and played with the edges of the pie.

“Not hungry?”

Kristin
flushed, admitting she didn’t like blueberries, but wanted to spend time with him.

Ty laughed, “I’ll eat it, no need to let blueberry pie go to waste.”

She pushed the plate over to him, grateful he didn’t find her a fool.

“I’m glad you came for pie too,” he smiled.

There was something in the air, though even admitting an attraction, it couldn’t move forward. It meant they were exactly where they started.

Ty could wait, he’d waited this long to meet somebody that caught his attention, he’d wait longer.

Kristin thanked him for the pie, and excused herself before getting drawn in. He wasn’t the smoothest man she’d ever met, he was rough around the edges, but something kept pulling her back. Maybe it was his confidence, he sure of who he was, not trying to go out of his way to impress her and be something he wasn’t, and he had this raw masculinity.

There was no denying the physical attraction. He was a man’s man, strong, with a solid body, and not afraid of hard work. She felt safe around him, and didn’t even know why. It was almost a natural reaction should couldn’t explain.

Heading back to her truck, Kristin realized she was smiling. It was nice to smile again. It had been so long.

Driving back, Kristin hummed and realized she was growing more comfortable with the roads, and recognizing where to turn now. On pulling up toward her house, there was something in the driveway, a dog, no….a gray wolf. She slowed to a stop, reality hitting her she was in the wild.
Honking her horn, she scared it away, and then sat in her truck gripping the steering wheel. Was it gone? Would it pounce when she went outside? She realized she didn’t know their predatory habits, and never really investigate the wildlife she might come across.

She hit the horn again for a good measure and made a run for the front door. On getting inside, she set about pulling up information on Wyoming wildlife. Thankfully with satellite on the house, she was able to access the internet.

Would she panic every time she had to walk out to the truck now? Suddenly, the serene home and peaceful environment felt like a zoo without cages. Sitting out on the porch swing all this time, she was so vulnerable, and never thought about it.

Once the fear subsided, she reminded herself there were ways to deal with the wildlife, and most wouldn’t bother with her. It was surreal, she’d been living here and was oblivious – and now she had heightened awareness due to one gray wolf.

Putting Molly out back, she stood watching the grounds around her, nervous the wolf would be back. Was Molly seen as a threat? Suddenly everything she did, she examined and went over with a fine tooth comb, realizing she needed to be more aware – more cautious.

Not only that, but winter would be coming – and she was certain it wouldn’t be
like back home, where town snowplows cleaned out the streets. She’d need to be stocked well to get her through snow and ice storms. Nobody would be clearing the dirt roads here. She should have thought things through better.

Kristin’s heart raced, thinking of the wolf lurking nearby. Grabbing
onto the door handle of the back door, she gripped it with more force than she expected. Her mind started racing, realizing it was a mistake not to think things through before moving here. Her breathing grew ragged, and as she talked herself down from the edge, she reminded herself she’d been living here without a problem so far. She’d handle things, figure it out, plenty of people live out in the country and get by.

Calling Molly, she went back inside and dropped onto the sofa. Focusing on slow, deep breathing, she cleared the panic and anxiety out of her
, trying to calm down. For the first time in a long time, she felt completely alone.

A hot tear rolled down her cheek, and letting go of her past,
she sobbed. She was alone, and had to start over. Her body shook as she cried. She didn’t choose this life; she didn’t choose to be lonely in the middle of the woods – did she? She did run away wanting to escape, Ty was right, but it didn’t change anything. Whether she was in Wyoming or New Jersey, her heart was still hurting from her past. She clung to it like a life preserver, and realized until she let the pain go, it would hold her prisoner.

She needed to move forward, stop being afraid to feel things, to lose people, and it was time to live life again.

Molly
was getting better each day. She was steadier on her feet, and seemed to stumble less. Kristin was grateful her friend was healing and would soon be back to herself. She noticed that while the day temperatures were warmer, it got cooler at night, which only reminded her fall and then winter would be coming. Winter was going to be quite the experience on a back country road.

Kristin found herself thinking about the veterinarian more and more, and though it hadn’t been that long since she’d met him, there was definitely something there, whether she wanted to admit it or not. It’s not like she wanted a relationship, or even romance, but she liked being around him.

She really should make him some muffins, just to say thank you for all he’s done. It was the least she could do. Drawing up a list of ingredients, she checked the cabinets to see what she had and what she would need. Heading into town, she gathered up the necessities for the baked goods along with a few other things.

Singing in the kitchen, she mixed the ingredients in a bowl. She somehow felt lighter, happier. Something had changed, almost like an acceptance that she needed to continue living. Turning on the oven, she slid the muffins
in to cook, and sat at the table to wait. She’d run them over while they were still warm.

The house smelled delightful, and inhaling the aroma, she smiled. Thinking back to the blueberry pie
with Ty, she blushed remembering his hand coming over hers. Something kept drawing them back together.

When the muffins were ready, she wrapped them up carefully, and then headed out to her truck. Molly came along for the ride. She’d drop them off, say a friendly hello, and then be on her way.

She was actually looking forward to seeing him, but hoped dropping by wasn’t an inconvenience. On arriving, he wasn’t there. She was disappointed she wouldn’t get to see him, but left the muffins on the porch. Digging through her glove box, she found a pen and a scrap of paper. Leaving a small note, she placed it inside the bag and left it at the door. She was about to pull away, when she realized leaving food out wasn’t the smartest thing to do out here. Picking up the muffins, she brought them back with her. It was foolish to drop by unannounced anyway.

On driving back toward her house, she was pleasantly surprised to find Ty’s truck in her own driveway, waiting on her.

Getting out she laughed, “I was just over at your place,” she handed him the bag of muffins. “I made you something.”

“How sweet,” he smiled. “I appreciate the thought. I wanted to drop by and let you know I won’t be around for a bit. My father’s not doing well, and I’m going to help out on the farm. Between my own work and his, I won’t have much free time. I’d hoped to see you before I headed out.”

The air crackled between them, a growing attraction beyond their control.

“Can I help?”

Ty laughed, “That’s funny, a Jersey girl on the farm.”

“Hey! We have farms in New Jersey, we are the garden state!”

“I’m sure you do. I just can’t see you working on a farm.”

Kristin blushed, “Maybe I don’t have a lot of experience, but I have two hands and can learn.”

“I appreciate the offer, really I do, but we’ll be fine. Thank you.”

They stood looking at one another, not sure what to say or do. What they wanted to do, they didn’t
, knowing it wasn’t their time. It would be eventually. They let it linger in the air between them.

“Do you want to come inside?”

“I should get going,” he said, not wanting to leave. “I need to head to the farm and get settled in. The days start early and go all day. I’ll be in town for my appointments, otherwise there’s work to be done.”

“Right, I won’t keep you.” They stood staring awkwardly. “If you need help,” she offered.

“Thank you.” He wanted to kiss her, to run his fingers through her soft hair, to hold her in his arms, but instead he got into his truck and left.

Kristin watch
ed him pull out of the driveway. She wanted him to kiss her, she wanted him to take her into his arms, and yet she was terrified of how she would feel if he ever did. She washed with guilt and longing, trying to cross to the other side.

She hadn’t even known him that long, had only spent a bit of time with him – and yet she wanted more. She wanted to sit and get to know him better, she wanted to feel his lips on hers, and she wanted to openly admit that she was ready to move forward. She felt a small twinge in her chest, was she ready to move on?

What would her friends or family say? Would they think she mourned long enough? Would they tell her to live again, to feel things again, to love again, or would they call her a whore for wanting more, wanting another man so soon. It shouldn’t matter what others thought…why did it matter? The inner turmoil tore her to shreds. It was ridiculous that she even cared how others might judge her – and yet she did care.

On not seeing Ty for a few weeks, the pull wasn’t as strong. Maybe it was a sign. Maybe there wasn’t magic between them after all. Kristin buried herself in writing, knocking out the first few chapters of the book she was working on. She’d have to pull it apart on edits, and would scribble notes, figuring out what worked and what didn’t. There was no path, she’d never done it before, but it was clearing her head, keeping her distracted.

She wasn’t expecting the knock on the door, and got up to answer it. There was a piece of her that hoped it was him. It’s not like she knew many others around the area.

On opening it, she was surprised to see a sheriff.

“Good day,” he said. “We’re just notifying you that there’s been a cougar spotted in the area on the prowl. It took out a dog a few miles down the road. Watch your pets, and keep your eyes open. They usually don’t stick around this area too long and move on. Wildlife official are aware and are looking to draw him back into a less populated area.”

“Thank you,” she said, realizing how much she hated Wyoming in the wild. It was scary. She was used to animals at the zoo, not ones that could openly roam on your property and threaten your life. The most she dealt with in New Jersey were deer, raccoons, and squirrels. Out here, she’d already had a run in with a wolf, and now there was a cougar.

“Good day,” he said, heading back to his car.

Kristin locked her door, and worried about putting Molly out. She should quick put her out, and then she’d be set for a while. She hated how she was afraid to even open the door, thinking the cougar was waiting to pounce. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door and let her dog out.

Kristin heard a crackle of a branch in the distance and jumped. Was it a deer, was it the cougar, or was it simply her imagination?

Rushing Molly back inside, she locked her door, grateful to have the safety of four walls around her.

She couldn’t live here full time, at least not this remotely. If she stayed in Wyoming, she’d have to move to the safety of a development, a suburb with more homes around her. This wasn’t who she was. It might have been Ty’s world, but it wasn’t hers. The idea of being in the middle of nowhere was one thing, but living out here was quite another. She wasn’t prepared for these kinds of things. She pictured sitting on the porch swing, listening to the birds, not worrying about large wild cats.

There was no point in trying to fit into Ty’s world, she belonged in New Jersey. She wasn’t even sure she’d last the full year.
It was a novel idea, but reality was different. She missed her street lights, missed her paved roads, and missed her backyard that saw little more than a bird, a squirrel, or maybe a neighborhood tomcat passing through it - small cats, domesticated cats, and not big, scary ones.

Pacing, she realized it bothered her more than she expected. This was probably part of life out here, and maybe you got used to it, but she wasn’t sure it was something she’d ever get used to. She double checked the lock on the door, making sure it was secure.

Nothing ever came of it, and after a week of not seeing anything, she relaxed a little more. Was that what life would be like here, all year. Would she love it one minute and hate it the next, fear taking her over, realizing how alone she was, forced to rely on herself?

She finally got to the point where she could walk out to her truck without constantly glancing over her shoulder fifty times. The cat hadn’t bothered her home, hadn’t attacked Molly, and hadn’t knocked on her door looking for dinner.

With fear behind her once again, she headed into town. She didn’t expect to see Ty’s truck at the market, and was surprised how much she wanted to see him.

He was walking out, as she was walking in. “Hey,” he smiled on seeing her.

Kristin couldn’t hide her grin. “What are you doing here? I thought you were at the farm.”

“I have appointments today. I’ll head back over tonight. My dad’s starting to feel better, so I’ll only be there for about another week or so. Do you want to grab a bite to eat, before I go back tonight? We could do dinner.”

“That would be nice,” she said. “Why don’t you come to my place, and I’ll cook.”

“Sounds like a plan. Does six
o’clock work for you? My last appointment is at 4:30.”

“Sure, six o’clock. Do you have any requests? I’m about to go shopping.”

“Anything is fine,” he said, “and by the way, those muffins you made, delicious.”

“Thanks,” she blushed. She thought she’d gotten over her attraction on not seeing him, but with him standing before her, she knew it was still there. Only this time there was electricity in the air. She wondered if he felt it too.

They went their separate ways, but Kristin walked a little lighter, happy to have company later in the evening.

She decided to make the basics, steak with potatoes. She could mash them, and add a bit of cheese for a twist.

When Ty knocked, she greeted him with a smile. He’d missed seeing her smile, and was tired from the extra work he’d taken on. He was trying to juggle his own work with his father’s. A nice dinner with a friend was exactly what he needed.

Watching her move around the kitchen, he couldn’t look away. He was drawn to the woman unlike he’d been drawn to anyone in a long time.

“Can I help?”

“Nope, I’ve got everything under control,” she said. Looking over, she didn’t want to look away. Their gaze locked on each other, nobody saying another word.

She’d stopped paying attention, and as the potatoes boiled over, it snapped her back to reality. Ty laughed, running to lift the pot off the stove, as she turned the heat down. Placing the pot back on the burner, he turned to look at Kristin.

They stood, barely a foot apart, their bodies almost touching, and without thinking Ty brought his hand to Kristin’s cheek, gently stroking it. “You’re so beautiful.”

She blushed, turning away, breaking the moment. Her heart was racing, unsure what to do.

“I’m sorry,” he said quietly.

“No, don’t be,” she looked back at him, her blue eyes full of questions.

“Kristin,” he said, unable to get out any other words.

She stepped closer.

Ty brought his hand back to her face, stroking it gently, and then ran his fingers through her hair. Leaning in, he tenderly kissed her forehead. “I know you need to go slowly.”

She gave a small nod, terrified of what she was feeling. She hadn’t wanted to be kissed in so long. His tender warm lips on her forehead made her feel like a child, safe in the comfort of someone who can take care of you.

Looking up into his eyes, she got lost, knowing she was being pulled in, knowing she wanted more.

Breathing slowly, deeply, they stood locked in the moment – both afraid to move, afraid to break the spell.

It was as if time stood still, and nothing else in the world mattered. Ty’s hand came back to her cheek, and slowly his finger came across her lips, tracing them tenderly. “I want to kiss you,” he said, “but I don’t want you to be upset.”

“I want you to kiss me,” she whispered.

Ty leaned forward, letting his lips brush against Kristin’s, his arms wrapping around her.

Pulling back, she tucked her head against his chest, letting him hold her. As emotions washed through her, she let go of her past, and knew she was ready to step into the future. She didn’t know where it would lead, but it felt right.

The timer on the stove caught them off guard. Jumping out of his arms, she turned the oven’s broiler off.

Nothing was spoken, and getting the steaks out of the oven, she plated them up.

“I just need to mash the potatoes,” she said, barely able to speak. Her head was full of thoughts, swirling around, confusing her, but more than anything, staying busy would keep her out of his arms. She wanted to be in his arms, but needed to move slowly, and it would be too easy to rush things.

Talking was awkward at first, but they found their stride once again. Serving dinner, they discussed the jobs that he was doing on the farm, and talked about his parents. She filled him in on the news of the cougar, and how it scared her for a good week, but then she finally made peace with it, well, as much as she could.

“You don’t get cougars in the suburbs?” He smiled, teasing her.