A Different Shade of Blue, Shades of Blue, Book 2

by Hildie McQueen

  The Coles approached her family and her father jumped to his feet, shaking Hank's hand and motioning to them. "Thank you for hosting such a fine event. I do believe the entire town is here." His bright eyes lighted on Nora. "Nora is glad to get an opportunity to see your son."

  Mortified at her father's words, Nora's eyes flew wide and she looked to Elizabeth Cole, who smiled at her with a questioning look. The woman pulled her hand from her husband’s and came to where she and her mother now stood. "It's nice to see you, Carolyn, Nora." She embraced each of them, but kept her hand on Nora's forearm and leaned in to whisper into her ear. "Don't worry, darling, I'm sure your father didn't mean to embarrass you. But whichever of my sons you choose, I'd be glad about it."

  "Thank you, Missus Cole," Nora sputtered, not sure what to think of the statement.

  After a few minutes of conversation, the Coles moved on to greet another family.

  "Where's Mitch?" Her mother motioned for Nora to sit next to her. "He seems to have disappeared."

  Nora searched across the area, but did not spot him. "I'm sure he's about."

  An hour later, Mitch had still not appeared. Nora figured he was somewhere stealing a moment with a lady. "Nora, be a dear and go fetch Mitch. I need him to see about taking the wagon to the barn and loosening the horses to graze," her mother prompted and she agreed to go in hunt of him.

  The musicians began playing a lively jig and she ducked toward the barn before Bronson could make his way over to claim his dance. As much as she liked Bronson, there was no way she could allow a courtship with him. It wouldn't be fair that when seeing the similar face, she'd constantly think of Grayson. They looked too much alike; Nora would not hurt Bronson that way. Although if she were to be honest with herself, he was a better fit for her, yet for some odd reason, she found it impossible to think of him as a husband.

  The dimness of the barn was a welcome relief from the bright sun and the noise of the festivities.

  Nora peeked into several stables, most were empty, the horses being put out to enjoy the spring day. "Mitch?" she called out, hoping he wasn't in the hayloft with a woman. When no response came, she considered continuing out to the other side to behind the dwelling, but the thought of walking up on a couple that'd stolen away made her desist. Instead she eyed the ladder to the hayloft. Nora stole a glance over her shoulder; there was no one around but her. Before she knew it, her satchel slipped onto her arm, she climbed the ladder to the hayloft.

  Up in the loft, the air remained fresh, which told the Coles took proper care to ensure fresh hay was kept in the barn for the animals. With caution, she sat on the soft bundle of hay and let out a sigh. Beams of sunlight streaked in from a small window across the loft and she considered what a good place this would be for a short nap. Surely her mother would think she was walking about talking to her students' parents and wouldn't worry for at least an hour. Plenty of time for her to doze and get a few minutes of much needed rest. A yawn confirmed her plan and Nora pulled a shawl from her satchel to spread over the hay.

  Her eyes closed as soon as she lay back onto the comfortable hay. With a deep breath, she smiled at the wonderful turn of events. A soft breeze caressed her face and she sighed. Of all places to find peace, she never expected to find it here so near to Grayson Cole.

  Footsteps sounded, not loud, just enough to jerk Nora awake. Then the steps stopped and whoever it was began to climb the ladder. Nora scrambled backward, but there was no place to hide, she wasn't about to duck behind the hay. Goodness, was a couple coming to steal some time together? Maybe she'd make a noise and they'd realize someone was already up there.

  Her eyes widened when Grayson Cole's face appeared over the ledge of the loft. She blinked to compose her face and waited for him to notice she was there. He looked over his shoulder, and she wondered whom the woman would be climbing up after him.

  When he turned to face her, his mouth fell open and his eyebrows disappeared under the hair that fell across his forehead. "What are you doing here?" His words came out clipped. Obviously she was about to spoil his plans.

  "I came searching for Mitch," she replied watching his leg swing over the edge. "You can't mean to come up while I'm here." Nora put her hand out to stop him. "Go away, Grayson."

  Instead of leaving, he climbed up and lowered himself to the hay. He gifted her a lazy look. "Nope, not leaving. Your brother is obviously not here, so who are you really meeting up with?"

  "What? I am not meeting anyone," Nora hissed, resisting the urge to slap the smirk off his face. "After finding Mitch was not here, I decided to rest a bit."

  The beautiful blue eyes slid from her face down to where her shawl was spread on the hay. "Looks like a love nest to me."

  "Well, if it were, then you are definitely not welcome to be here," she said emphasizing the word "you."

  Instead of making to leave, he picked up a hay straw and placed it between his teeth. He studied her until she began to fidget. "It so happens I came here to get a few minutes of quiet myself. So Miss Banks, would you please leave. We wouldn't want someone to happen upon the prim and proper little schoolteacher and the town rake up here together, now would we?"

  "You are no gentleman, Grayson Cole, you should leave immediately so that such a thing doesn't happen."

  "You said it. I'm no gentleman." He took the straw out of his mouth and tossed it away, only to pick up another one. "Go on now, get yourself down the ladder. Be careful." He motioned toward the ladder.

  "Grayson, if you don't leave now I am going to push you off." Nora's heart quickened and she let out an annoyed breath at the arrogant mans lack of manners. "Get on now." She pushed at his shoulder with both hands and of course he barely budged. "Go!"

  "Nope."

  "Grayson, go away!" In her anger she forgot to keep her voice down.

  "Be careful before we both fall." He put a hand down to ensure she could not move him. "Here, I'll help you get down." Grayson took both her upper arms in his hands and attempted to lift her from sitting. "Darn it," he cursed when his knee slipped.

  Next thing Nora knew, she was flat on her back and Grayson was on top of her. Wind knocked from her, she could only stare at the handsome face. Not even in her dreams, had she ever dared think of him being this close. Grayson lifted up straightening his arms, his eyes darkening when they met hers. "Well, Miss Banks, I would apologize, but this is your fault for not leaving. Now, we are certainly in a compromising position."

  Her head demanded she push him away, and scream, but her mouth and arms partnered against her. He felt so heavy, but at the same time the proximity of his body to hers made her want to reach to wrap her arms around him. When her gaze lowered to his mouth, the rake had the nerve to chuckle. "Not today, darlin.'"

  "Of all the arrogant, most dreadful beings!" Nora pushed at him. "Get off me."

  "What's going on up there?"

  Oh no, Mitch.

  Grayson rolled off and sat next to her, at the same time Nora jerked upright.

  "Nothing," both she and Grayson replied at the same time. Nora almost giggled at the frown Grayson directed at her.

  "Like hell," Mitch replied climbing up the ladder. "Grayson what the hell are you doing up there with my sister?" He reached the top of the ladder and glowered at them. "Get down from here, Nora," he instructed and grabbed Grayson's boot. "You too, Grayson, come down and face me."

  "Not until you listen to me, Mitch. This is a misunderstanding." Grayson yanked his leg back. "I climbed up here not knowing she was here."

  "And somehow ended up on top of her?" Mitch's eyes narrowed. "I know what I saw."

  "He slipped," Nora said, but when a giggle escaped, the words fell hollow. "Mitch climb down and we'll follow."

  Mitch growled and yanked at Grayson's foot again. "You'll make this right, Grayson." He pulled at the boot with force and Grayson's foot slipped out of it. Mitch's eyes widened with realization right before both he and the boot disappeared from sight.

 
Nora screamed and Grayson scrambled to look down to where Mitch landed. All was quiet for about two seconds and she decided to crawl beside Grayson to look over the edge.

  "Oh God, Mitch!" Nora shrieked at seeking her brother on his back his mouth opening and closing, the air knocked out of his lungs.

  Twin shadows fell over Mitch and her blood ran cold. Both Hank Cole and her father rushed to where Mitch lay and both looked up in unison at her and Grayson.

  Her father found his voice first. "What in the hell is going on here?"

  Mitch sat up and shook his head. Of course his voice returned right before Nora could tell her father it was all an unfortunate misunderstanding. "I interrupted Grayson attempting to have his way with Nora," Mitch announced. Her father's narrowed eyes lifted up to the loft and then turned to Grayson's father. "Hank your boy is going do right by my daughter. He has disrespected my family and I won't stand for it." Without looking back at her, he spoke to Nora next. "Nora, get yourself down here. Of all the things for a woman your age to do."

  It was incredible that her father actually thought she'd sneak away with a man in the middle of a town picnic. Not sure what to do, she looked to Grayson who gave her a bored shrug. "I'll go down first and help you." He began to climb down, his mocking blue gaze meeting hers as he descended. "Come now, Nora."

  She climbed down without looking below, too preoccupied with what she'd say to her father. When she reached the bottom, Mitch shoved Grayson out of the way. "Keep your hands off my sister."

  "For goodness sakes," Nora's voice was loud with anger. "It's all a huge misunderstanding. Nothing happened between us. We can barely cross two words without arguing." She looked past her father to where Grayson stood next to his father, who more than anything seemed to be amused. "Tell them, Grayson, don't just stand there."

  Everyone turned to look at the cowboy who frowned as if in thought. "I went up to the loft to relax. Found Nora there."

  That was all he planned to say? "And?" Nora prompted.

  "Why were you on top of my sister when I came in?" Mitch asked

  Grayson shrugged. "I slipped when she was trying to push me off the loft." He went to Mitch and grabbed his boot. "That's the truth. I didn't..."

  "You'll marry my daughter," her father interrupted and Nora gasped.

  "What?" both she and Grayson exclaimed in unison.

  "How could you?" A red-faced blond Amy Foster picked the worst time to walk in and Nora finally found out whom Grayson really planned to meet. The girl seemed not to care about anyone else standing in the barn, because she stomped over to a startled Grayson and slapped him across the face. "I knew it. When your brother said you went to the barn, you were meeting someone else, I never thought it was her you were rolling in the hay with." She directed a sharp look towards Nora.

  "I did not roll in the hay with him," Nora snapped.

  "Enough." Hank Cole's deep voice cut through and everyone looked to the man who'd now put his hand on Amy's shoulder, possibly in an effort to keep her from hitting Grayson again. "Amy, you've misunderstood. Would you please excuse us? Grayson just told me he planned to ask you to dance shortly."

  Amy softened and her lips curved up at the elder Cole. "Oh, that would be lovely."

  Once she left, Hank shook his head. "Arthur, if your family will please remain until after the festivities end this evening, then we can all talk in private. I will apprise Elizabeth. "Come on, son, we'll have a talk now."

  Dread filled her when the Coles left and she swung to her father. "Why did you say he has to marry me? Surely you don't believe anything happened, Father."

  Arthur Banks's shrewd eyes met hers evenly. "It’s only proper. After the compromising position your brother found you in."

  "Grayson Cole told the truth, I was attempting to shove him off the loft and he slipped."

  "Be that as it may, it's a blessing in disguise," her father walked away as if the matter was settled.

  She gawked at him and turned to Mitch. "Do something."

  "What can I possibly do, Father has that look in his eye. He's made up his mind of how it will be handled. You just stumbled upon a way for him to make Mother happy."

  Realization dawned and her knees wobbled. Her parents would push this, they'd see it as a way to get their spinster daughter married and finally have grandchildren.

  "Oh for goodness sakes," Nora said and glared at her brother. "Look what you did."

  Chapter Four

  "What are you planning to say to the Banks later, Pa?" A tingle of fear trickled up Grayson's spine at his father's stern expression. They left the barn and headed straight for where his mother stood with Bronson. Mother and son overlooked the carving of the meat by several of the ranch hands.

  "We'll speak of it in a minute, let me get your mother, for now go help Ashley out back."

  Banished, Grayson did not argue, it was best to keep from angering his father. Although he knew the final decision would be his regardless of what the parents decided, he worried about his hand being forced by Arthur Banks.

  His mother's eyes flashed from his father's to him.

  "Hold up, Grayson," his father told him watching his wife.

  Elizabeth's brows knit together, perceptive as always, she rushed to meet them before they got close enough to be overheard. "What happened, Hank?" She reached for his father's hand and was immediately pulled into his side.

  "It's nothing too serious, Grayson here got caught with the Banks girl up in the hayloft."

  Elizabeth Cole burst into laughter, which continued until she had to wipe tears from her eyes. Her eyes twinkled when meeting Grayson's. "You're both a bit too old for that aren't you?" She began to chuckle again.

  "Ma, I didn't mean to be up there with her, I went to get away from Amy Foster who's been constantly finding a way to be around me. Unfortunately Nora was there and then her brother and father came upon us." He left off the part of him crushing Nora for fear his mother would start laughing again.

  She patted his arm. "Don't worry, sweetheart, I'm sure it'll all be worked out. Goodness, Grayson, it's the last thing I expected today. You in a hayloft with Nora Banks."

  His father kissed Elizabeth's forehead and got her attention. "Her father is demanding he marry the girl due to the compromising situation in which her brother claims to have found them."

  "Oh goodness," his mother replied, her eyes sliding towards where the Banks sat. "Arthur Banks is not usually so demanding, although this is his only daughter."

  "I'm not marrying her, Ma," Grayson interjected. "Nothing happened, her parents are just trying to get her married off since she's a spins..."

  "Grayson Cole, don't you dare call that poor girl a name. She's probably your age, if not a year younger," his mother admonished. "Why women are looked down upon if they're not married by twenty is beyond me."

  "Calm down, dear." his father soothed her. "Let's decide what we're going to do about this before we have to talk with the Banks." His father spoke while rubbing her arm.

  Elizabeth Cole met Grayson's eyes and she softened. "It would not be a bad match. Nora is a beautiful girl. And if her father demands for her honor's sake, you cannot deny it, Grayson. It would be horrible for Nora if word got out that she was taking a tumble with you up in the hay loft."

  A sick feeling descended into his belly and Grayson could only gape at his mother.

  "Now, now," she soothed. "What if you agree to court the girl, spend time with her and see if you are a match. Perhaps they'll agree to that. And who knows maybe you'll change your mind."

  Grayson took the hat off his head and wiped his brow. "I sure hope so, Ma. 'Cause I'm not getting married by force." He looked across the field and saw that the Banks were making their way toward the food tent. Carolyn Banks was wringing her hands, her husband speaking to her with hurried hand gestures. Nora however remained behind, her head bent over a book in her lap. Oblivious to her surroundings lost in her reading, she seemed without a care. His heart lightened
, perhaps she'd convinced her parents against the needless talk of marriage.

  As if sensing his regard she lifted her head and her eyes met his. The distress displayed on her face made his heart pitch and gut sink again. They held gazes and Grayson felt an unexpected compulsion to go over to where she was and comfort her. When his father's hand touched his shoulder, he broke eye contact.

  His father blew out a breath. "Let's see what happens, Gray. It'll all get worked out, you'll see."

  The day passed without incident, Nora finally gave in and danced with Bronson maintaining an ongoing conversation with him about the ranch and the weather. Finally, she and her family made their way into the Cole's home.

  Her face felt too hot, Nora could only imagine how red it was. At her age, the town's schoolteacher for God's sakes and here she was, waiting in the Cole's front room to be paraded before the Coles, what an embarrassment. Bronson walked in and gave her a questioning look to which Nora responded with what she was sure was a weak smile.

  The festivities had ended over an hour earlier. The last of the families finally departing late day or set up camp nearby which allowed for them to finally have privacy. Grayson came to view as he passed the doorway with his older brother Ashley. They carried a table toward the kitchen. He'd been busy fetching furniture or tearing down temporary tents since she'd come inside. Nora figured they usually left those things for the next day, but he was keeping busy to avoid being in the same room with her.

  "Would you like something to drink?" Bronson asked, his eyes sliding toward their parents who'd yet to get past the pleasantries.

  "No, thank you, I've had more than my fill today." Nora looked out the window to note the sunlight was almost completely gone.

  "Are you staying here tonight?" He neared and sat next to her. "Is there something wrong?"

  Nora swallowed, not sure how to answer his question. Bronson who had made it abundantly clear he was interested in her did not deserve to be hurt. "You could say that. It was a misunderstanding..."