The Widows Choice (7 page)

Mary Ellen understood.  She'd moved to live with Charlie and Daniel after all her siblings married, leaving her to care for their mother, their father long since gone.  After her mother died, although she had sisters, nieces and nephews, it was not enough to keep her in Billings. 

She had felt a strange stirring to go and find her own destiny.  "I came here to start again, to see what other possibilities were available to me.  But unlike you, at times, I wonder if I should have remained in Billings.  I should be helping my siblings look after their broods."

"So you are the only one not married then?" He stopped and looked to her, his gaze moving over her face.  At once Mary Ellen wished it were darker so he'd not see the coloring of her cheeks.

"I am the one who never married.  Four of us.  Two brothers and one sister, all married with children now."

He guided her to continue walking and they rounded the front of the house walking beside the fencing.  Finally she began to relax, her breathing returning to normal.  Jerrick patted her hand with his free one and she wondered if it was meant to say he understood why she remain single. 

Although pretty enough, not a woman someone like him would marry. A sharp sadness made her want to pull her hand away and hurry back inside, but she forced her steps onward, keeping up with his slow yet wide strides.

He spoke without looking at her.  "I find it hard to believe you managed to remain here in Colter Valley and not find a husband.  If that is what you want, of course."

Confused, she wasn't sure how to respond.  His comment was contradictory to what she'd assumed. How had they arrived at this subject?  Why was he asking her these questions?  His curious nature was making her uncomfortable.  She didn't want to admit out loud what he had to suspect.  She was not a raving beauty, if marriage proposals came, they were more out of necessity than desire.

"I've always wanted a family.  But some things are not meant to be." She deftly redirected the conversation.  "I can help you with your plans to purchase property. It occurred to me earlier that John Harrison, a widower who owns a small ranch just west of here is selling and moving back east to live with his daughter.  He and his wife lived here in Colter Valley for over twenty years.  Laura died just a couple months ago."

"Is that so?" His lips curved.  "That is good news indeed.  Would you kindly accompany me to see this gentleman tomorrow?"

Caught off guard she stumbled forward and he caught her by the forearms.  She put her hand out to catch herself, laying the flat palm against his chest.  Jerrick inhaled sharply, his lips parting and eyes flying to her face. His immediate reaction shocked her and Mary Ellen drew back. 

"Don't." Jerrick took her hand and replaced it on his chest.  Without words, he communicated how much he needed the touch.

Mary Ellen wanted to fall against him, instead she slid her gaze from where her hand lay against his chest up to his face.  He watched her with interest, his eyes darkening with what she could only construe as awareness.

"May I kiss you, Mary Ellen?"

The question so caught her off guard that she yanked her hand away and gasped.  "What?"

He leaned forward, closer.  "You heard me."

What was the proper reply?  Yes, of course, she wanted him to kiss her.  There was little she wanted more than for his lips to touch hers.  Yet she wasn't sure what he'd think if she blurted out a resounding yes.

"You think too much."  Jerrick took her shoulders and his mouth covered hers.  Mary Ellen closed her eyes and for a brief moment everything except Jerrick was gone.

Charlie looked up from the chair where she sat musing about the past day's events as Mary Ellen walked in.  There was a strange look about her, as if she were in a daze.  Her friend held her head cocked sideways, and her eyes were glazed over.  Without hesitation, Charlie rushed to her.  "Mary Ellen?"

"Yes?" It took several blinks before her eyes leveled on Charlie's.  "What is it?"

"That is precisely what I was about to ask you.  Are you ill?  You have this strange look about you.  Did something happen?" Charlie looked past her to the doorway.  "Something scare you?"

"No, nothing like that.  It's just been a strange day."

Something was off.  Mary Ellen never lied, but at the moment she did.  Her face flushed with color, she turned away toward the kitchen.  "I best get the dishes washed."

"Stop right there," Charlie rounded her, blocking her path.  "I already cleaned up." She leaned forward and narrowed her eyes.  "What happened outside?"  A sneaky suspicion it had to do with Jerrick Black tingled at her senses. 

It was apparent the man made the usually sensible Mary Ellen flustered.  She'd tried to hide it, but after living with her for several years, it was obvious to her.  Charlie was willing to bet, Joe suspected Mary Ellen was smitten with Jerrick as well.

Mary Ellen's hands went to her hair and she patted it into place.  "Honestly, Charlie, I don't know what to tell you.  Nothing happened other than a simple walk for fresh air.  Jerrick accompanied me and we spoke of his love for Texas."

"Ah," Charlie said with a smile.  "So that's it.  Is that all that happened?"

Shoulders back and spine straight Mary Ellen gave her a withering look.  "That is all I wish to speak of, yes."

Charlie matched her stance.  "Well, well, aren't we mysterious all of a sudden." She decided to stop bullying her and moved out of her way.  "Fine, don't share, just don't expect me to share any secret I may have in the future."

With a soft chuckle Mary Ellen shook her head.  "All right I will tell you, but only because I have to share this otherwise, I may burst."  Taking both of Charlie's hands, Mary Ellen pulled her to the chairs.  "Sit.  Let me tell you what happened."

"He kissed me!" Mary Ellen covered her face with both hands.  "It was wonderful."

Charlie's eyes widened and she smiled broadly.  "Oh my goodness."

The sound of their laughter wafted through the open window.  Charlie looked up just as a shadow crossed and she hoped it wasn't either Rafe or Jerrick.

––––––––

A
few days later, Rafe spent the morning cleaning out the stables. For it only being May, the weather was quite warm.  Rafe walked from the stable and stood just outside the doorway.  He was of half a mind to go in search of Charlie.  Speak to her about herbage for her headaches.  Once again she'd missed dinner the night before because of it.  Meanwhile Jerrick and Mary Ellen had exchanged conspicuous glances throughout the dinner, leading him to believe his friend was very interested in the pretty woman.

He went to a rain barrel and scooped out a bucket of water to use to wash his hands and face.  Just as he dried off, he saw her.

In her garden, she kneeled on a small mat wearing a wide brimmed hat and simple dress, she weeded and tended to her vegetable garden.  He headed there, not sure what he'd say once he arrived.

Bent over her work, Charlie didn't look up when he approached, but by the stiffening of her shoulders, she was aware someone neared.

"Good morning, Charlie," he said and crouched down to her level.  "The garden looks good."

Her eyes moved to his face and then away.  "Good morning, Rafe.  It gives me something to do and a good excuse to get fresh air.  A cold spell may still come and ruin these young plants, so I'm ensuring to provide enough barrier by mounding earth around them."

"Are you feeling better?" He asked noting she looked a bit pale, but not unwell.

That they could speak so casually felt right.  He'd not been able to shake the feeling of her hand between his when he'd held it to help her calm after Winfrow's visit.  And now, next to her outdoors on the pretty, late morning he wished to remain as long as possible.

Charlie straightened and rolled her shoulders.  Her smile was bright.  "Yes, thank goodness.  The headache was not as bad as the last one."

"Good, I remember one of the herbs my mother used was Valerian root, she mixed it in a tincture with lemon grass.  Do you have those here in this region?"

She considered his words.  "I can see how that would work.  There is a woman in town, Mrs. Delworth, she owns an apothecary.  She gets herbs, spices, and such from everywhere.  I will check with her right away. Thank you so much." Her gaze met his and for a moment neither spoke.

"I best get back to work," Rafe told her.

Charlie pushed up to stand and he took her elbow to help.  She dusted her dress.  "Would you ask Joe if he can accompany me into town please?" Her eyes scanned past him looking for the older man.  "Since it's early yet, I will go and fetch the herbs you mentioned."

Rafe was not about to let an opportunity like this escape.  "I can accompany you, if you wish?  I want to purchase some items myself."  In truth, he wasn't sure what he would purchase, but was thankful his excuse made her consider it.

"Very well.  I will be ready in a few minutes.  We'll use the smaller wagon and Wildflower, the tan mare."  She hurried into the house, and he in the direction of the barn.

Settled next to Rafe on the small bench, Charlie was very aware of his large strong body that on occasion touched hers.  As hard as she tried to keep from it, each time the wagon jostled, she held her breath when his leg pressed against hers or his arm grazed her own.

"Joe asked me to pick up tobacco," he told her, his attention on the road.  "Would that be sold at the mercantile?"

Charlie nodded, thankful for the neutral conversation.  "Yes, it is."

Wildflower hobbled and Rafe pulled the wagon to a stop.  "I think she's got a rock stuck in her shoe.  I'll see to it."

Unable to keep from worrying, Charlie rushed from the bench and climbed down to see about her horse.  Wildflower seemed to preen at Rafe's attention, her head shaking side-to-side, mane flying in fluid waves.  Charlie approached to stroke the horse's face.  "There now, you seem not to be upset by whatever is wrong with your hind leg."

Rafe folded the mare's leg up and worked at prying the pebble out, while Charlie continued to speak to the horse in soft tones to keep her calm.

"It's out," Rafe told her dropping the mare's leg.  "She's fine."  He patted Wildflower's rump.  "Aren't you, gal?"

The horse nickered and nudged at Charlie in an obvious request for a treat.  "Very well, I suppose you deserve something."  Charlie went to the wagon and produced a young carrot and fed it to the horse.

Just a she walked to Rafe out of the corner of her eye she caught movement on the ground.  Something slithered across her path, almost touching her shoe.  Charlie screamed and jumped into Rafe's arms sending him backward to land on the ground with a loud grunt.

"Oh!" Charlie scrambled to get off him only to become tangled in her skirts and fall sideways onto the ground, which in turn sent her in a panic that whatever was there would bite her and she climbed back over him.

With wide eyes, she scanned his face.  "Are you all right?"

His hat to the side, he looked dazed.  His brows came together in a frown and he looked up at her.  "There's a rock under my left side, but other than that I'm fine.  Do you plan to stay on top of me?"

A shiver ran through her and she wasn't sure if it was the possibility of a snake or of being curled up on top of Rafe Preston.  "I am terrified of snakes." Her voice shook.  "Is it gone?"

"If it's smart, it's long gone with all the ruckus you raised."

He didn't move except to adjust sideways.  Probably off the rock pressed into his back.  Finally he lifted his head and looked around.  "Snake is gone."

Feeling foolish, she scanned the ground around them to confirm he didn't lie.  When she looked to him, he expression was different.  Darker almost dangerous.  His darkened eyes met hers and she let out a soft gasp.  "Oh goodness, I should get off you, shouldn't I?"

He cupped her face with both hands, the touch so gentle, it was difficult to fathom it.  "I rather like you just as you are.  If it wasn't that we are out in the middle of nowhere and looking rather imprudent, I'd say it's quite pleasant."

Charlie swallowed, her breath hitching.  "I suppose it is rather comical." Instead of moving away, she leaned forward and did what she'd dreamed of since the day she'd first seen him.  Charlie pressed her lips against his, amazed how soft they were and how easily he responded.  Not moving, but only kissing her back with a tenderness that brought tears to her eyes. 

So there she remained, perched on a man's chest on the side of a road between her home and Colter Valley. Charlie felt something for the first time in her life.  A passion that filled her to brimming.  A sensation so amazing she wanted to cling to it forever.  Her heart thudded in a fast beat, while her breathing and rush of blood joined the symphony of sensations.

More sensible, Rafe pulled away first and caressed her cheek.  "We should be on our way."

"Of course." Charlie moved off of him, and he sat up and reached for his hat.  "I'll help you up," he spoke in a gruff voice and she couldn't help but study his body only to die of mortification at the obvious display of arousal by the bulging between his legs.  She looked up at his face well aware of her flushed face.

He took her hands and helped her to her feet and then pressed a soft kiss to her brow.  "Are you all right?"

Dumbfounded she could only nod and swallow before speaking.  "I don't know what came over me.  Please excuse my behavior."

His lips curved and she wanted to kiss him again.  "You took advantage of me, Charlotte Kennedy, which I thoroughly enjoyed."

"Ugh," Charlie huffed and pushed at his shoulder.  "We should go."

Even as he helped her to the bench, Rafe had the audacity to chuckle.  Charlie lifted a brow.  "I fail to see the humor in this." Yet her lips quivered in mirth at what a sight they would have made if someone happened upon them.

The rest of the ride into town not as awkward as she expected.  Rafe continuously asked questions about the local area.  The people, trees, lakes, rivers, even the animals.  He seemed to be very interested in learning as much as he could about Colter Valley.