Small Treasures (27 page)

Kicking, punching, and biting, Luke had the man backing up, howling in outrage. Without another thought Abby joined him. She lifted her hem and kicked out at the drunk while at the same time snatching his hat off and slap ping him with it.

Dirt flew in the narrow alley. Abby scratched her forearm on the rough wooden siding of the Mercantile but paid no attention to the splinters.

"What kind of man are you, picking on a defenseless woman and child?" she shouted. "Did your mama know what kind of man she raised?"

The hapless cowhand held his hands up in front of his face, trying to deflect the blows. "You're a man to be proud of, aren't you?" she yelled.

"You tell 'im, Abby!" Luke shouted gleefully and kicked the trapped cowboy in the shins.

"Hey, lady, leave off!" Chris yelled, and whiskey-soaked air fanned her cheek. "I'll teach you to —" An arm wrapped around her waist from behind and swung her off her feet. She pulled at Jason's arm, trying to free herself. "Let me go, you worthless drunk, or so help me, Hannah —"

"Shit, lady, shut up, will ya?" Jason's voice came low in her ear. "We didn't want no trouble. We was only funnin' the kid some. If you don't shut the hell up, we're gonna have the law down on us… "

Abby gasped. "Don't you swear at me, you . . ."

A shadow fell across the alley. Jason looked up, saw Samuel, and muttered, "Holy God Almighty…" just before he dropped Abby to the ground.

"Chris! Chris! Let's go. C'mon!" Jason yelled frantically.

Abby was back up in an instant, slapping, scratching, and kicking. Her hair hung about her face, partially blocking her sight, and still she went at him. Behind her, she could hear Luke cussing a blue streak while the other cowhand tried to peel the boy off.

Samuel didn't say a word. He was beyond speaking. From the moment he saw Minerva's face, he'd somehow known that these two men were behind the trouble. For days he'd worried and thought about the danger Abby was in. He'd been afraid for her safety. And now… it was all so ridiculous. These two were no serious threat.

In just moments Samuel had seen that if they'd wanted to, the two drunks could have freed themselves from Abby and Luke. All it would have taken was a couple of punches. But they hadn't done it. In fact, from what Samuel could see, they were doing everything possible to keep from hurting the woman and child even while taking their abuse.

He fought down a smile. It wouldn't do to laugh at Abby and Luke while they was busy fighting! And though he was almost enjoying the scene, he knew he should stop it before someone really did get hurt. Deliberately he stepped farther into the alley and shouted, "That's enough!"

His voice boomed out, breaking into Abby's and Luke's concentration. They both stopped their attack for a moment, and that was all the chance the two drunk cowhands had been waiting for. As one, they turned and ran down the length of the alley, made a sharp right turn, and kept on running.

Abby looked from Samuel to her escaping prey and immediately started after them, shouting, "They're getting away!" It only took a few steps for Samuel to catch her and lift her off her feet.

"Let me go, Samuel!" she shouted, pushing her hair out of her eyes. "We've got to catch them!" She swung her legs uselessly in an effort to get down.

"Let 'em go, Abby."

He spoke so softly, she thought for a moment she hadn't heard him. Blowing at her fallen hair, she glared at him. "What did you say?"

"I said, let 'em go. You done punished 'em enough."

Samuel grinned. She had dirt on her nose, her bright green dress was ripped at the shoulder, and her hair had come completely down. To him, she'd never looked lovelier.

To think, he'd spent all his life worryin' over losin' his temper with folks… he'd probably said more ABCs than all the children in Colorado put together. And Abby… why, she was about the most even-tempered female he'd ever come across. He'd yet to see her cross or mean. And then this!

Just like a mother bear defending her cub, she'd torn into those two like a screamin' tornado. And it had been quite a sight. His heart seemed about to burst, he was so proud. To be loved by a woman like that would be a real responsibility.

Samuel spared a glance for the boy standing beside him. Covered in dirt, his new shirt ripped up the side, Luke was staring at Abby like she was the Angel Gabriel.

"You all right, boy?" Samuel asked, never loosening his grip on Abby.

"Shoot, yeah. I'm fine." He looked down at his shirt, then up to Abby. "Sure am sorry, Abby. Them yahoos mint my new shirt."

He sounded so disappointed, Samuel narrowed his gaze to study him. If he didn't know better, Samuel would swear that the child was really upset.

"Samuel," Abby said softly, "put me down, please."

When her feet touched the ground, Abby went to Luke and enfolded him in a warm hug. As she patted his back gently, she told him, "Don't you worry about that shirt, Luke. It's only torn at the seam. I'll fix it up like new first thing tomorrow. I promise."

Over Abby's shoulder, Luke's gaze sought out Samuel. The big man had a hard time smothering his laughter at the sight of the boy's disgusted face.

But Samuel's amused grin became tender as he watched the little boy turn his face into Abby's shoulder and wrap his arms around her. Somehow, Samuel didn't think Luke would much mind wearing his new shirt anymore.

He knew he wouldn't be hiding his ugly new shirt under a coat anymore, either.

Chapter Eighteen

Abby pushed at the partially opened door again, but it still didn't catch and close.

"Oh, Abby," Minerva said, "don't bother with that durned door. It never did shut proper. 'Sides, it's only open a crack. The men know we're back here."

"But I wanted you to try the dress on," Abby said.

"Well, I'm gonna." Minerva reached around behind her and began to undo the buttons on her severe black gown. "Any of them come to the back of the house, they'll knock before they come in." When she was down to her chemise, Minerva took a deep breath and forced herself to say, "All right, Abby. I'm ready. Let me see it."

Abby walked to the nearest chair, picked up the navy blue dress she'd made, and shook it out. Then she held it up for Minerva's inspection.

Slowly a pleased smile crossed Minerva's face. She crossed the room to Abby and took the dress from her. Carefully she checked the seams and hems, making admiring coos over the tiny, even stitches. Her fingers moved over the tucks Abby'd taken in the wide skirt just below the waistline and the full-cut sleeves.

Minerva shook her head slowly. She could hardly believe it. It was as fine a job as anything she'd ever seen. And to think… Abby Sutton did it. Well, she told herself, that should teach you something. Never judge a horse by the bridle it's wearing! 'Cause to look at the outlandish getups Abby was forever wearin', no one would have guessed that she was such a fine hand with a needle.

"Do you like it?"

"Like it?" Minerva looked up at Abby and grinned. "Why, it makes the dress I bought from that woman in Wolf River look like a horse blanket!"

A broad smile lit Abby's face as she hurried to Minerva's side to help her try the dress on. "Now, let's just make sure it fits properly… "

After the last button was fastened, Minerva stood before the full-length mirror in the corner of her bedroom. She met Abby's reflected gaze and said softly, "Abby, I ain't never owned a dress that suited me so well."

"Oh, I am pleased." Abby walked to the nearest chair and plopped down. "Do you think the other ladies in town might be interested?"

"Huh!" Minerva tugged at the sleeves on her new dress, then turned sideways to check the hang of the gown. "You just wait till folks see me in this rig. Especially Charity Whitehall! That woman can't sew a button on a shirt without it falls off… and her with them three girls… Shoot. You could work just for Charity and do real well."

"That's wonderful, Minerva."

"Just you remember," Minerva said, turning to look at Abby. "I found you first, I get first call."

"Agreed!" Abby grinned happily and leaned back in her chair. While she watched Minerva primp and preen in front of the mirror, Abby let her mind wander. She still couldn't quite understand Samuel's reaction to that fight she and Luke had had in the alley.

Idly she toyed with the fresh white bandage on her forearm. Not even removing several splinters from her arm had upset him. He'd still had the same, pleased look on his face. Alone in Minerva's kitchen, while the other woman took care of cleaning Luke up, Abby had given herself into Samuel's care.

She closed her eyes and saw him again, bent over her, gently removing the small wood slivers. His touch tender, his eyes warm, his smile had only faltered when she winced with the pain.

"I'm sorry, Abby, but they've got to come out," Samuel said softly. "I know." Abby twisted her arm to look at the row of splinters. "But it still hurts."

"Next time you should have your fight out in the wide open." His voice was stern, but amusement shone in his eyes. "Away from wood walls."

"Next time?" Her offended gaze flew to his. "I don't believe there'll be a next time. I don't often get into fights, you know, Samuel. And I wouldn't have this time, but those two bullies were tormenting Luke, and I couldn't let that go on, now, could I?"

He smiled again and tugged at a long splinter. "Course not. Now, hold still."

"Ow!" She pulled her arm away, but Samuel snatched it right back. "Might as well behave. I'm gonna get 'em all, y'know." Reluctantly she gritted her teeth and held her arm steady. “I’ll try to be careful," Samuel said.

"I know." She watched him silently for a moment and tried to ignore the painful tugs at her flesh. Then Abby suddenly touched the sleeve of his shirt with her free hand. "Do you really like your new shirt, Samuel?" He looked up at her, and she went on. "I mean, I heard Alonzo teasing you about the bright colors… and I know that you once told me you didn't like it, but" — she lowered her gaze — "when I saw those beautiful red and yellow stripes, I just thought it would look so handsome on you that I bought it anyway and—"

He kissed her. Just a brief touch of his lips.

"I think this here is the best-lookin' shirt I ever saw, Abby." His breath touched her face, and his green eyes moved over her features lovingly. Abby's heart skipped, then thudded. "Don't you pay no attention to the likes of Alonzo. He's only jealous that he don't have such a fine shirt."

Abby smiled and hesitantly touched his cheek.

"And," Samuel continued with a smirk, "if Luke don't wake up again like he did last night, I'll come to your room and show you just how thankful I am… for the shirt — for everything."

She grinned mischievously. "And how are you going to make sure he doesn't wake up?"

"I ain't figured that one out yet." Samuel smiled wryly. "But I'll think of somethin'." He leaned toward her and covered her mouth with his. After a long moment he pulled away just a bit. "Oh, yes, ma'am. Believe me. I'll think of somethin'." He winked and added, "I didn't about kill myself gettin' that room done in a hurry to be stopped by a wakeful child!"

"Abby! Abby girl, wake up!" Minerva gave the woman's uninjured arm a good shake. "For corn's sake, Abby!"

"Huh?" Abby's eyes blinked, then flew wide open. Good Lord, she'd gone right off into her thoughts without even noticing.

Minerva stood in front of her, hands on her hips, and a grin on her face. "By the looks of you… I imagine you wasn't thinkin' much on dressmakin'?"

A hot blush rushed to Abby's cheeks. "No. No… I'm uh, sorry, Minerva. I was, uh… "

"Uh-huh." The other woman nodded. "Reckon I know just what you was thinkin' about. I mean, who."

Abby smiled softly. "So," Minerva said, "you love him, do ya?"

Abby's golden brown eyes lifted to her friend's. "Oh, yes, Minerva. I do." It felt so good to say it out loud. "For the longest time, now."

"Can't say as I blame you." Minerva cocked her head to one side. "Gonna marry him?"

"He hasn't asked me." Abby sighed and frowned thoughtfully. "He hasn't even said that he loves me."

"So?"

"So?" Abby stood up and crossed the room nervously. At the opposite wall she stopped, held back the white lace curtains, and stared out the window. "So, if he doesn't love me, how can I marry him?"

"Horse patties!" Minerva snorted.

"What?" Abby choked out a laugh.

"I said, horse patties!" Minerva crossed the room to stand beside the other woman. "Hell, of course he loves ya. Anyone can see that!"

"I don't know." Abby sighed and looked back out the window. "If he does, why doesn't he say so?"

"Abby…" Minerva plopped down on the edge of the bed. "All men are slow on the draw when it comes to love." She shook her head slowly. "Oh, they'll buy a pig in a poke ordecidetoridehundredsofnules for nomore reason than because they're tired of the same old thing… but love? Shoot." She patted the mattress beside her and waited for Abby to sit down before continuing.

"Why, my man Alonzo?" Minerva smiled at some secret memory. "Hell, he didn't even know he loved me until I told him! You never seen a more surprised man in all your life! But by thunder, he knew the right of it once , an’ he said it."

Abby grinned and shook her head.

"You think I'm foolin', don't you?" Minerva reared her head back and looked at her friend. "Well, I'm tellin' you the honest to God truth… sure as I'm settin' here."

"Well, then," Abby asked softly, "how did you do it?"

"Easiest way is straight out." Minerva nodded and smoothed down the front of her new dress. "That way the poor man don't miss nothin'. I walked right up to Alonzo one day in the middle of town — not Rock Creek… a little place back home in Arkansas — and I says, 'Alonzo Mullins, you love me and I love you. Think it's time we done somethin' about that!' "

Abby's jaw dropped. It was hard to imagine. "What did he say?"

"What do you think he said? Just what he always says. 'Yes, Minerva.' " she gave Abby one firm nod. "Yessir, we was married the very next Sunday and set out for Colorado a week later."