by Verna Clay
"I'm very pleased to meet you, Marylou. Luke has told me wonderful things about you and your husband."
The friendly woman sidled up to Boone and placed her arm around his waist. She smiled at Angel and glanced at Luke. "So, when did all this come about? You didn't say anything before you left."
Luke glanced at Angel and then back at his friends. "It's not quite what it appears. I'll fill you in later and ask that you not tell my family." He turned to Charlie, "I'll explain to you, too."
Charlie nodded and then greeted the Keiths.
Angel sighed when her little bubble of pretense suddenly burst.
Charlie unloaded their suitcases and Boone lifted one into each hand. When they entered the house, Luke said, "Boone, you can put those suitcases in the guestroom. Charlie, I'll relieve you of yours. Angel, follow me and I'll show you to your room."
Luke and Boone led the way down a hallway toward the back of the house. Luke opened the first door they came to and set his suitcase inside. Then he continued behind Boone to the last door. Stepping aside, he motioned for Angel to enter. The room was lovely with an oaken four poster bed and matching dresser, vanity, nightstand and desk. Floral wallpaper of yellow sprigs of flowers decorated the wall behind the bed, and the other walls, painted pale yellow, produced a cheery and inviting first impression. The single window boasted pretty green calico curtains.
"Angel, why don't you get comfortable while I explain our arrangement to the others," Luke suggested.
Grateful that he wasn't asking her to attend the explanation, she said softly, "Thank you."
Boone tipped his hat, his expression curious, and then followed Luke from the room.
Angel whooshed and collapsed onto the bed.
* * *
Luke clarified his relationship regarding Angel and finished with, "So, I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't say anything to my family. I'll explain everything before we leave. I just think my pa doesn't need another shock until he's stronger."
Marylou nodded. "We won't say anything. In fact, I don't even know if I could explain that arrangement." Boone nodded his agreement.
"My lips is sealed," said Charlie. After that, Charlie said goodbye and headed back to town with Clyde's buckboard and Boone excused himself to finish chores.
Marylou said, "Let me rustle up some supper for you and Angel."
"Don't bother about that, we ate with my family. Why don't you just set out some bread and jam and I'll see if Angel wants some."
"Sure thing, Luke." She turned toward the kitchen, paused, and turned back around. "You know, maybe I should keep my two cents to myself, but you're lookin' at Angel like maybe you don't want your marriage to be just temporary." She gave him a mischievous wink and hastened from the room.
Luke decided to ignore Marylou's remark; forget it, in fact. He had no plans to marry anytime soon. Hell, Luke, you're already married.
After a second knock on Angel's door, he heard soft sounds. She opened the door looking like she had been sleeping. Her hat was gone and her dress wrinkled. Some wayward strands of hair fell against her cheek. She looked lovely.
"Were you sleeping? I can come back later."
"I guess I drifted off. Please come in."
Angel stepped aside and Luke entered the cheery room. The spread on the bed was mussed and he averted his eyes when unbidden images entered his mind. "Ah, Marylou set out some bread and jam for us. If you're hungry, she can fix something else."
"Goodness, I think a slice of bread will be enough. Your mother fed us well."
"That's what I figured."
There was an awkward silence and Luke put his hands in his pockets. "I explained our arrangement and they're not going to say anything."
"When are you going to tell your family?"
"Probably not until we leave. Give my pa time to get stronger. Is that acceptable to you?"
"Yes, of course. Your family is wonderful. I…" her voice trailed.
Luke encouraged, "What, Angel?"
"I loved meeting them."
He chuckled. "I don't know if you noticed, but I think Rusty has a crush on you."
Angel smiled. "I noticed. But I think he's captured my heart, as well."
There was another awkward moment before Luke said, "Hey, let me show you the rest of the house. I'd like to know what you think, especially about the kitchen."
Angel's eyes sparkled. "I'd love to see your kitchen."
Luke showed her another bedroom across from hers and then his own. He opened the door and she glanced inside, blushing prettily. Next, they walked back into the living room while he explained that he'd gathered all the stones for the fireplace himself and helped the mason build it. After that, he opened the door to a library off the main room and smiled at her shocked expression over the quantity of books. "If you want to read anything, feel free to help yourself."
Finally, he led her to the kitchen and smiled again at her gasp.
* * *
Angel's eyes rounded as she twirled around noting the spaciousness and elegance of the kitchen. With windows facing a field of flowers and dense trees beyond, it afforded the person lucky enough to work in the kitchen a beautiful view. Just as Luke's mother had claimed, it was equipped with the most modern conveniences—especially, running water, a Glenwood Grand cook stove, and a beautiful oak ice box. A large oak table centered in the room was topped with a loaf of bread and a jar of jam. Abundant cabinets and a massive fireplace completed the affect. Angel imagined sitting in the rocker before a fire on winter days while enjoying the aroma of fresh baked bread. She envisioned children running into the kitchen begging for a slice as soon as it came out of the oven. A tear threatened and she blinked it away. "Luke, I'm speechless. You have a wonderful home," she said sincerely.
He replied softly, "Consider it your home for as long as you're here. Would you like me to slice you some bread?"
"I think I'll have some later." Shyly, she said, "I would love to bake you an apple pie if you have apples. But how about I start with breakfast tomorrow morning?"
Luke grinned. "Angel Samson that sounds like a mighty fine idea and the last time I was here, I saw apples in the cellar."
After Luke excused himself, Angel forgot all her worries as she set about exploring every drawer and corner in the delightful kitchen. Afterward, she retrieved a book from the library and returned to her room with some bread and jam. Shortly thereafter, unable to keep her eyes open, she undressed and prepared for bed, falling asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
The next morning, Marylou entered the kitchen carrying a basket of eggs just as Angel finished taking inventory of the pantry.
"Good morning, Angel," Marylou said cheerily.
Angel had expected a cold reception after Luke's explanation of their arrangement, so Marylou's friendliness surprised her. "Good morning. Your timing is perfect with those eggs. I was considering what to make for breakfast." She paused and then said hesitantly, "If that's alright with you?"
"It's more than alright. I'm not much of a cook as my poor husband can attest. Give me a few minutes and I'll be back with a pail of milk."
Angel fired up the stove and then set about retrieving the staples and spices she would need. After Marylou returned with fresh milk, she began happily doing what she enjoyed most—cooking. Marylou excused herself to finish morning chores and told her to ring the bell hanging on the front porch when breakfast was ready.
At eight o'clock, Angel wiped her hands on her apron and walked through the front door to clang the bell. Immediately, Luke rushed from the corral and Boone and Marylou hurried out of the barn. The pleased looks on their faces when they entered the kitchen and sat at a table loaded with flaky biscuits peeking from beneath a cloth, fluffy pancakes, and a bowl heaping with scrambled eggs mixed with crumbled bacon, made her smile with delight. After breakfast she was going to bake two apple pies.
* * *
Luke couldn't take his eyes off of Angel. As impossible as it seemed,
she was even more beautiful. Only this beauty radiated from within, causing her eyes to sparkle and her skin to glow. The smudge of flour above her left eye and on her cheek endeared her to him. When he realized he was staring, he quickly glanced around. It appeared everyone was waiting for him to sit at the head of the table. He said, "Angel, you have outdone yourself. This is incredible."
She blushed. "Later I'm going to make that apple pie with my secret recipe."
Luke said a quick prayer of thanksgiving and then buttered a huge biscuit. Taking a bite, he closed his eyes and savored the experience. He opened them to see Boone and Marylou doing the same thing.
Boone said, "If there're biscuits in heaven, they taste just like these."
Angel giggled and covered her mouth with her hand and Luke envisioned lifting her hand and kissing it before kissing her pretty pink lips. Realizing again that he was staring, he turned his attention to his pancakes and eggs.
For the next hour, the group forgot chores and settled back to a leisurely gathering filled with friendly conversation. Although Angel didn't talk much, she smiled and often jumped up to warm coffees or replenish the biscuit platter.
When everyone reluctantly stood and started to clear the table, Angel insisted, "No, I'll take care of the clean up."
Setting his plate down, Luke reached to wipe the smudge of flour off Angel's cheek. "You have a little flour on your face, darlin'."
She waited for him to finish. "I always end up with flour on my face and in my hair."
Luke's hand lingered a second on her cheek and then he winked, "I'm looking forward to that apple pie."
Angel said shyly, "And I'm looking forward to making it."
* * *
While Angel filled the sink with water to wash the breakfast dishes, she tried to swallow the lump in her throat. She hadn't enjoyed a meal as much since she was a child. To silence her memories, she immediately began preparing two large apple pies after cleaning up. She also started a pot of beans from the ones that had been soaking. Marylou entered the kitchen and said, "Thanks for starting the beans. I got so involved helping my husband with a foal, I forgot about them."
Luke returned to the house mid morning. "I could smell that pie as soon as I stepped on the porch." He hovered over the pies cooling on the table.
"They're still hot, but would you like me to cut you a slice anyway?"
Angel received her answer by the grin on his face. Even though she was still plagued by melancholia from memories, she grinned back and lifted a plate from the cupboard. Cutting Luke a slice, she held her breath while he took his first bite. He didn't say anything at first—just made joyful munching sounds.
With his second bite and his mouth still full, he said, "Angel, this pie is delicious. I'm telling the truth when I say it's the best I've ever eaten. Your bakery is going to have customers lined out the door."
Delightedly, she responded, "Thank you."
He took another bite. "I'm riding to my parents' place to check on my pa and see what needs to be done. Would you like to come with me?"
"Yes, very much so. I'll bring the other pie to your family."
Luke laughed, "My brothers are going to fall even more in love with you."
Swiftly leaving the kitchen so she didn't have to answer, Angel returned to her bedroom for her bonnet.
The ride was peaceful and Angel lifted her face to a lovely breeze. She said, "I understand why you wanted to build your home here. You have an amazing family and your land is lovely. I wish…" Angel clamped her mouth shut. What was she thinking? She didn't want to reveal too much about herself and her sordid background.
"You wish what?" Luke prodded gently.
Turning her head aside, she said, "Nothing. Just thinking out loud."
Unexpectedly, Luke reached and covered her hands in her lap with his big one. "If you ever need to talk, I'm a good listener. After my mother died I went through a bad time and I understand the feeling of being lost."
Angel knew she should avoid physical contact with Luke, but she couldn't make her body respond. His presence was comforting and she sniffed back a tear. Her mouth moved of its own accord. "My father died when I was thirteen. Up until that time, I had an idyllic childhood. My father and mother were madly in love and showered affection on each other and me. My mother taught me to bake." Luke squeezed her hand, encouraging her to continue when she faltered. "My father wanted to move west and went to scout out a home for us. He never returned. We got word from the sheriff of a Colorado town that he was killed by a stray bullet from some drunken cowboys shooting up the saloon." She paused again, drawing a deep breath. "My mother was never the same after that. Eventually, she remarried because we were destitute. The man had a small farm and worked us unmercifully. He was cruel and my mother died when I was sixteen. No matter what the doctor said, I know she died of a broken heart. After her death, my stepfather sold me in marriage to a neighboring farmer thirty years my senior. He was also cruel." Angel could say no more and turned completely away from Luke, staring at the trees. She felt him pull on the horses' reins.
"Whoa!" he called.
The deep timbre of his voice said close to her ear. "Angel, look at me."
Placing her hand over her mouth, she shook her head and whispered, "I can't."
She felt Luke set the brake and jump down. He walked around to her side and smiled up at her. Tears brimmed and she rapidly blinked as she gazed down at him. Without a word, he reached and lifted her to the ground. Taking her hand, he gently tugged her away from the wagon. "I want to show you something."
Angel allowed him to pull her up a rise. When they crested it, her breath caught. From their vantage point, they could see both Luke's and his parents' homes separated by trees and meadows.
Still holding her hand, he raised their interlocked fingers and gestured. "There's a shorter route, but I thought you might enjoy this view."
Angel momentarily forgot her sorrow. "It's so beautiful."
"Whenever I need a new perspective, I come here. From below, I can't see beyond my own ranch, but from up here, I can see for miles. Look over there."
Angel looked to where he pointed.
"That's the MacGregor ranch. Now look in the opposite direction. You can't make out the town, but you can see where the trees fall away."
For a moment they stood silent before Luke continued. "In the valley, the perspective is from the floor of the valley. Up here, the perspective is from the mountain top. Much sorrow abides in the valley. I lost my ma and my baby brother. Marylou lost one of her brothers a year back. Charlie lost his whole family, wife and five children to fever. Everywhere you look in the valley you find sorrow and heartache. But from up here, just for awhile, the view changes and all you see is beauty."
A sob wretched itself from Angel as she scanned the valley overflowing with sorrow, but realized she was far above it, if but for a moment. Gently, Luke circled her neck with his palm and pulled her cheek against his chest. Unable to resist, she rested her head against his solidity, but continued to gaze at the valley.
With quiet sobs, she confided, "I was only sixteen and he stole my innocence. I tried to run away once, but he found me and hurt me. I hated him and wanted him dead. And then he died when I was twenty-one and I was glad. What does that say about me as a person?"
"Angel, it says you're human with limitations. It also says you're strong and admirable for having endured so much and yet still worry about what kind of person you are."
For a long time they stood gazing below and Angel allowed Luke to caress her hair and back.
Chapter Twelve: Family Tradition
Over the next week, life settled into a routine for Luke. Daily, he visited his parents and helped out at their ranch. He also hired another ranch hand to help the ones already working for his father. Since the day Angel had confided in him, she had not returned to visit his family and he made excuses for her. She seemed content to spend most of her time in his kitchen baking culinary deligh
ts. Often he would deliver baked goods to his family and listen to them rave over her creations. He dreaded the day he would have to tell the truth about his marriage. Abby and his father and brothers talked incessantly about how happy they were that he had married. Abby wanted to hold a wedding reception at the church to celebrate the newlyweds and introduce Angel to the community.
As for his father's recovery, it was slow, and Doc Henry warned Brant about the dangers of doing too much, too soon. One day, Luke stepped into the cabin to hear Abby chastising his father for trying to sit on the side of the bed, and then he watched her kneel and kiss him passionately. He heard his father say, "Abby, if you kiss me like that every time I do something you don't like, I'm going to try your patience often. As soon as I'm out of these damn splints, we're going to spend all day making love." Quietly, Luke backed out of the cabin to allow his parents privacy.
During his return horseback ride to his own ranch, he pondered Abby and his father's relationship. It became stronger each year. After his mother's death, he hadn't wanted his father to remarry because he had believed it would make him unfaithful to his mother. Of course, he had been a teenager and full of himself at the time. Now, seeing how happy Abby made his father, Luke wanted the same happiness for himself when he married the woman he loved. After he delivered Angel to her destination and ended their marriage of convenience, maybe he would begin searching in earnest for the woman he wanted to spend his life with.
Turning his horse suddenly in the opposite direction of his ranch, he galloped to the old oak where his mother and brother were buried. Dismounting, he removed his hat and sat at the base of the tree. Often, he had come to this place to sit and contemplate his life. Somehow speaking his thoughts aloud to loved ones long dead helped him gain insight into whatever beset him.