Beauty And The Beast (Love Everlasting)

by Teresa Ives Lilly

  Once he had built a nice fire and left enough pieces of wood to feed it for several hours, her Pa turned back to the wagon.

  “Gotta go get the doctor.”

  “But Pa, what if you can’t find the way?”

  The old man shook his head. “It isn’t far, and I think the snow has eased some. This isn’t going to be the worst storm I’ve ever seen.”

  Izzy hugged him and watched as he steered the horses away from the cabin; then she turned back to Griffin, tears in her eyes.

  It seemed like days, but in fact it was only several hours before her Pa returned with the doctor.

  “Miss Izzy, I’m so glad you found him. Griffin was hurt pretty bad, but he still went looking for you.”

  She gave a curious glance then asked ”Should we have brought him to town? Can we treat him here?”

  “It’s probably best to have stopped here. The bumpy ride into town could have done more damage. Still, if he fell off his horse, his ribs are probably smashed. We will see what we can do. I brought sheets you can start to cut into long strips we will need to wrap them around him tight.”

  Her Pa carried in everything the doctor brought while Izzy worked on ripping the sheets into long strips. The doctor gave Griffin a thorough exam. Izzy watched his face for a sign of hope, but his lips stayed in a grim line.

  The fire was warming the cabin, and Izzy finally stopped shivering herself, but she couldn’t stop the tears which were flowing down her cheeks. “Lord, I love him. Please help him. Even if he never loves me, don’t let him die.” The words tumbled from her lips as she waited for the doctor’s instructions.

  She looked around, making a note of things they would need. She discussed the list with her Pa who agreed to go back to town once more and gather the items from the store.

  Finally, the doctor called for her to join him. Izzy rushed over to his side.

  “It’s pretty bad,” the doctor explained. “His ribs are broken, which he already knew, but I think they’re worse now that he fell from his horse. There could be some internal bleeding. If that’s the case, I’m not sure what will happen.”

  “What can I do?” Izzy moved closer to his side. Griffin’s face was drained of all color. His lips slightly blue.

  “He has a fever so keep his body warm with blankets, but cool his face and neck with cold cloths. Try to get some broth into him. But most of all, do not allow him to move. Those ribs need time to mend. I’ve given him some medicine to help him sleep, that’s all I can do right now.”

  Izzy wiped a hand softly across Griffin’s brow. He didn’t move.

  “Can you tell me how he got in this condition in the first place? What happened?” Izzy asked.

  “Let me ask a question first. Did Griffin attack you in this cabin?”

  Izzy’s back went straight. “Of course not! What would make you even think anything like that?”

  “There was a man who came to town. Accused Griffin of attacking you at the cabin. Got the men in the saloon riled up. They beat Griffin. I stopped it, but by then he was in bad shape. He insisted on going after you though. He was afraid the snow was going to catch up with you and your Pa and you wouldn’t be able to make it home. He was coming to bring you back to town.”

  As they were speaking, Frederick stepped into the room. He’d overheard the doctor’s story. He looked at Griffin’s pale face. “He’s a good man, Izzy. I’ve been wrong about him. He’s no beast.”

  “There isn’t much more I can do for him. I’ll try to get out here every day.” The doctor picked up his bag and headed out the door. Her Pa would take him back to town, gather the supplies they needed and return.

  When the room was finally still, Izzy sank onto her knees beside the makeshift bed. She rested her head on Griffin’s arm and allowed the tears to shake her body. Although Griffin was not well, they were safe and together. That was enough for now.

  Her father returned once more with enough supplies to last her a week. He even brought the small stove from the store.

  “If you think you’ll be okay, I’ll go back to town and run the store.” Her Pa offered.

  She was startled by the offer. Her eyes narrowed as she stared at his face. “Pa, you’ve never worked a real job. Why offer now?”

  Her Pa’s face flushed. “Izzy, I spent a lot of time alone the last month. I had nothing better to do than talk to God, and He revealed truth to me about myself. I haven’t been a very good father, or man. Griffin being hurt is partially, if not mostly, my fault. I feel I owe it to him to run the store so he doesn’t lose too much while he recovers. I can’t read, but I know numbers.”

  Izzy smiled. “Pa, I’m glad you feel that way. We will be all right here. If the doctor comes each day as he promised, we shouldn’t need anything else. Make sure you replace that rose brooch.”

  “Wish I’d never seen that brooch. None of this would have happened. We’d be home right now.”

  Izzy nodded, but she didn’t agree. In her heart, she was glad the way things turned out because she was with Griffin now.

  She stood on the porch and waved goodbye as her Pa drove away. She was glad to finally be alone with Griffin.

  The days crept by; Griffin’s fever grew worse. The doctor assured her it was natural, but one night he stayed the whole evening, a worried expression on his face.

  “Is he going to die?” Izzy begged for a negative answer, but the doctor only shook his head.

  “If he survives the night…”

  Izzy spent the entire evening cooling Griffin’s forehead with cold cloths and praying. Several times, his eyes opened, but he stared blindly at her. Instead he mumbled her name then fell back into a disturbed sleep.

  After hours and hours, Griffin’s fever finally broke, and Izzy could tell he had fallen into a natural sleep. Each time he moved, however, he groaned, so she knew he was in a great deal of pain. The doctor couldn’t offer anything for the pain so Izzy sat beside the bed, often twisting her hands as the man moaned in agony.

  Over the next few days, Griffin’s eyes would flutter open for a short time and begin searching the room. When they settled on Izzy, he would calm down and drift off to sleep again.

  Finally, one afternoon, Griffin’s eyes opened. He searched the room and met Izzy’s eyes. When he didn’t drift back to sleep right away, she moved closer to the bed.

  “Hello, Griffin.” Her voice was gentle.

  He started to move, but she pressed a hand on his chest. “Griffin, you have several broken ribs. You mustn’t move.“

  He stared at her for a moment then with a hoarse voice asked, “What are you doing here?”

  “I’m taking care of you.”

  “But, you were going home. The snow… I thought… I tried…” his voice faltered with his confusion.

  “Shhh. Don’t worry about that now.”

  “I wanted you to be safe.”

  “I am safe, Griffin, and I’m right here for you.” She ran a hand gently over his cheek.

  Griffin’s eyes were full of questions. “Not going home?”

  Izzy shook her head. “No. I’m not going home. Winter is settling in so I won’t be going anywhere for several months. Now, relax and get some rest.”

  Griffin smiled and fell asleep. Izzy noticed she was still holding his hand, but she sat beside the bed for a long time without withdrawing her fingers from his.

  ~

  Griffin’s recovery was slow. Izzy stayed near because whenever he did awaken, his worried eyes would scan the room searching for her. When he was asleep, she was able to cook on the small stove.

  Finally the day came when he was able to sit up and eat a hearty bowl of stew instead of broth. Izzy sat beside him, holding the spoon to his lips.

  “I feel like a baby,” Griffin complained.

  “You’re weak; you have to gain your strength.” She scooped another large helping onto the spoon and pressed it to his lips, but Griffin had stopped eating.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked
.

  “Has the store been closed all this time? There are people who will need supplies before the real winter settles in.”

  Izzy flashed a lovely smile. “Griffin, your job is to gain your strength. The store is in good hands.”

  “But, Izzy. You are here with me all the time. How can you be running the store as well?”

  “Pa’s taking care of it.”

  Griffin started and tried to sit up straighter. His voice growled, “Your Pa? He’ll steal me blind.”

  Izzy pressed her hand on his chest. “Shhh, Griffin. Pa’s a changed man. You would be surprised. He’s running the shop as if it were his own. From what the doctor tells me, Pa’s even better at it than I was. He even dusts the shelves and sweeps the floors.”

  Griffin relaxed, but he didn’t look convinced. “Hmm, sounds a bit fishy to me.”

  “I’m telling you the truth. He seems very happy working in the store. I think he’ll be a bit disappointed when you are well enough to take back over.”

  “What about his farm?”

  “Pa was never a very good farmer. He didn’t like the work so he wired home last week and put the farm up for sale.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, really.”

  “What will you do once it sells?”

  “We’ve decided to stay in Dobytown. Pa and I wanted a new start. Once we sell the farm, we can buy a small place here, maybe start our own business. Pa’s got all sorts of plans, but he likes working at the store.”

  Griffin reached out a shaky hand and placed it over Izzy’s hand. “You are both welcome to stay above the store and continue to work for me.”

  Izzy shook her head. “No, Griffin, we’ve been enough of a burden. You need your rooms. I’m sure we will come up with some idea for opening a different kind of business.”

  “Honestly, Izzy. I need the help. I’ve wanted to expand the business. If your Pa is really a changed man, I could make him my partner.”

  “Do you mean that?” Izzy asked.

  Griffin nodded. “As long as you stay.”

  Izzy leaned over and lay her head on Griffin’s chest. “Thank you, Griffin. I know he’d be proud to be your partner, and I’m not going anywhere.”

  14

  Griffin was tired of laying around. It was time for him to get up. He sat for a few minutes then slowly stood. Luckily, the chair Izzy usually sat in was beside the bed so he was able to steady himself.

  Lord, help me. I need to get strong again. Izzy’s had too much of a burden, taking care of me.

  Griffin took a small step but gripped the chair harder; his head started to swim.

  “Griffin, what are you doing?” Izzy’s soft, but worried voice interrupted him.

  Griffin looked at her, like a boy caught stealing candy.

  “It’s time.”

  She bustled over and stood with her hand on her hip. “Time for what? Time for you to fall and re-break those ribs? The doctor will tell you when it’s time.”

  Griffin sighed and sat back down. He was surprised at what a relief it was to sit.

  “I’m sorry, Izzy. I just have to start pushing myself some.”

  Izzy stared at him. She chewed her bottom lip a moment then nodded. “Okay, Griffin. But only when I’m here for you to lean on.”

  “I don’t know, Izzy. I’m a pretty big man. If I fall, you won’t be able to do much.”

  “No, but I’m strong enough for you to lean on. We will talk to the doctor later today and see what he says about all this.” She sat on the chair across from him, reached over and placed her hand in his.

  Griffin looked down at her tiny hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

  “Izzy, how can I ever repay you for all you’ve done for me?”

  “You don’t owe me anything. If it wasn’t for my stubbornness, insisting Pa and I return home before the snow, you wouldn’t be in this condition.”

  A bitter laugh came from Griffin. “That wouldn’t have stopped the drunks from beating me.” He winced at the memory.

  “Yes, Griffin. Even that is my fault. If I were here, I would have been able to prove to them that you had not done anything to hurt me.”

  Griffin just shook his head back and forth.

  The cabin’s front door opened, and the doctor walked in, a smile on his face when he saw Griffin sitting up.

  “So, he lives.”

  Griffin scowled. “Yes, it would take more than a mere beating and fever to kill this beast.”

  Izzy pulled her hand away. “Griffin, please, don’t talk like that.” She stood and left the room.

  Griffin watched her go then turned to the doctor. “How long before I can start walking? I tried to stand today, and it didn’t go so well.”

  The doctor sat in the chair Izzy had abandoned. “I’d say a few days of sitting up, then you can try standing a few minutes at a time. At least a week before you try walking.”

  Griffin crossed his hands over his chest.

  The doctor laughed. “Griffin, you’re acting like a spoiled child. You need to obey me so you can get better. It would be a shame to push too fast and undue all the hard work Izzy has done.”

  Griffin’s grim scowl relaxed. “I don’t know why she didn’t just leave me out there and let me die.”

  The doctor laughed. “Izzy couldn’t let a fly suffer, but aside from that, it’s obvious, she loves you.”

  Griffin relaxed against the pillow. A bead of sweat had formed on his brow from the exertion. He shook his head.

  “You’re crazy, Doc. Maybe she sees me as a wounded animal and feels the need to help me.”

  “No, Griffin. I’ve watched her care for you. It’s plain as anything. Izzy loves you.”

  Griffin growled. “I’m a beast. Look at me, Doc. She couldn’t possibly love this.”

  The doctor frowned. “Griffin, don’t you think you’ve been hiding behind that scar long enough?”

  “What do you mean by that?”

  “I mean, getting that scar and losing your first love hurt you, made you angry, but it didn’t kill you. In fact, it made you a stronger person. Izzy doesn’t see the scar on your face. She sees the strong man you’ve become. But the scar on your heart is what keeps her at a distance. You need to let go of your past and allow love to come in once more. Izzy isn’t the kind of girl to walk away from you.”

  “But it’s not fair to tie a beauty like her to someone as disfigured as me.”

  “I think that’s her choice. Why don’t you give it a chance?”

  Griffin didn’t answer. The doctor changed his bandages then left. The procedure was painful, and afterwards Griffin lay very still, fighting a wave of nausea.

  Later, when Izzy came in with a large bowl of stew, Griffin was able to sit up again. This time he was able to feed himself.

  “I’m glad you are getting better,” Izzy assured him.

  Griffin locked eyes with her. “Izzy, I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”

  Izzy was silent.

  Griffin gave a forced laugh. “The doctor told me something pretty funny.”

  She cocked her head. “What was that?”

  Griffin paused then blurted out, “He seems to think you might love me.”

  The room was silent. Griffin stared at her then shrugged. “Of course, I told him he was crazy.”

  Izzy sat down and leaned in. “Would that be such a crazy thing, Griffin?”

  “Sure, just look at me. I look like a beast, and most of the time, I act like one. Surely, no one could love me.”

  “I admit you can be a bit gruff.” Izzy agreed. Griffin’s hope died. He clamped his eyes shut.

  “Forget I said anything, Izzy.”

  “No, Griffin, I won’t forget it because the doctor happens to be right. Although, I would have preferred to tell you myself.”

  Griffin’s eyes popped open. “Do you mean...are you saying that…”

  “That I love you, Griffin? Yes, I love you.”

  Griffin pushed u
p again. “That’s too good to be true, Izzy. I mean, why would someone as beautiful as you love me?”

  “Love doesn’t care about the outward appearances. It looks at the heart. I know you are mean sometimes because you have been hurt. But you have a good heart, Griffin. Just look at what you did. You risked your life for Pa and me. According to the Bible, no greater love has a man but that he lays down his life for someone. That’s why I love you.”

  Griffin reached out his large hand and caressed her cheek. Then he reached for her hand and gave a gentle pull until her face was close enough to his that he could press his lips against hers.

  15

  Izzy stood at the back of the small church which her Pa, Griffin, the doctor and new preacher had built. She was dressed in a lovely ivory lace gown.

  “You ready to go down the aisle?” Her Pa had moved to her side.

  “Yes, Pa. I feel like I’ve been waiting my whole life for this.”

  “So, I guess my stealing that food and that rose pin wasn’t such a bad thing after all,” he joked.

  Izzy gave him a cold stare. “Pa, just because things worked out so well doesn’t mean stealing is ever good.”

  The man held up a hand to stop her words. “I’m only joking, girl. I learned my lesson, and now that I’m part owner of the store, I wouldn’t like it much if some drifter came in and stole anything. Okay, it’s time to go.”

  Izzy slipped her hand in the crook of her Pa’s arm, and they began the slow steps down the aisle. Izzy didn’t notice who was sitting in the pews; her eyes were riveted on Griffin. Since his recovery, he had grown stronger than ever, and the once grim look on his face was replaced with a friendly smile. In general, no one even noticed his scars any longer.

  When they reached the front, her Pa pushed her toward Griffin, who took her hand in his.

  She gazed into his loving brown eyes.

  “You sure you want to marry me?” Griffin whispered. “I’ve been known to be a real beast.”

  Izzy giggled and nodded. “I’m sure. I love you, Griffin.”

  The man sighed. “I can’t believe I’ve ended up with such a beauty, but I plan to be thankful every day of my life.”