When they neared the front of the mill, Annie slowed and stared at the building. “You’ve restored it!”
“No, I didn’t,” Luke said. “That’s what I wanted to show you. This is the way it looked in 1891.” He cocked his head to the side. “Actually, it’s the way it looks now.”
“I can see that,” she said.
Luke glanced at her unbelieving expression. Way harder than he thought. “Maybe this wasn’t the best example.”
She shook her head. “Not really. You did a terrific job, though. It looks almost new.”
“Look over here.” He walked around the side of the building, motioning for her to follow. He pointed at the long wooded planks that made up the south wall. “No burn marks from the fire.”
Annie studied the building. Her expression told him he still hadn’t proven anything.
He touched her shoulder and pointed down the hill. The community of White Rock spread out below them. Homes, businesses, even the Chinese shantytown on the outskirts had to be enough proof. “We’re back in 1891. Before the fire burned the town. It’s all still here.”
He hated that his enthusiasm sounded more like desperation. She had to understand—to believe—or she wouldn’t comprehend how important it was to find a way to get home.
“Nothing here proves I’ve gone back in time,” she said. “I will admit I’m impressed with your change of heart. Before, all you wanted was to build fancy summer homes and make an artificial lake. It must have cost a fortune to re-create the entire town.” She rubbed the lump on her head. “I only wish I hadn’t forgotten so much.”
“This didn’t work.” Frustrated, he took her hand again and started down the hill. He wasn’t taking any chance that she’d run away from him.
“Where are we going now?”
“Back to the doctor’s office,” he said. “I don’t want him and Paul to return and find you gone.”
“I can’t imagine they’d care. I barely know them.” Annie trotted to keep up. “I should give the doctor some information to bill my insurance, though.”
“Trust me,” Luke muttered. “The doctor would rather you pay him with a chicken, than wait a hundred years for an insurance check.”
Annie pulled her hand free and stopped in her tracks. “Your jokes aren’t funny anymore. Give this time-travel thing a rest.”
Luke barely glanced at her. “Come on.” He quickened his pace, forcing her to catch up. They hurried past the livery and reached the doctor’s office just as Paul Crawford stepped out.
“Oh, there you are,” he said to Annie. “What are you doing out here? Feeling better?”
“Much,” she said, sounding a little winded.
Perspiration tricked down the side of her face. Hair plastered her head in a tangled mess. Luke thought she did look better. He admired her quick recovery.
“I took Miss Crawford for a short walk to get some fresh air.” Luke gave her a warning look to keep her from denying the statement. The last thing he wanted was for her to blurt out that they’d time-traveled from the future.
“Well,” Paul said. “I’ve talked it over with Elizabeth and we’d love to have you stay with us for a while.”
Annie started to refuse, but Luke seized her arm above the elbow and squeezed. She glared at him, but he ignored her and answered Paul. “That’s wonderful. I’m sure Doc won’t mind releasing her to your care.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I’m quite capable of taking care of myself!”
After the stubbornness he’d witnessed earlier, he wasn’t a bit surprised to see her temper flare. He hoped she didn’t say something they’d both regret.
“Independent little miss, isn’t she?” Paul observed with raised eyebrows.
“Quite,” Luke replied.
“Hey. I’m right here. I can hear you.” She turned on Luke. “I make my own decisions.” She wheeled away and collided with the doctor.
The doctor caught her shoulders and stepped to the side as he joined them.
“Well, Miss Crawford,” Dr. Smyth said. “It’s good to see you up and about. Your headache must be gone.” Without waiting for her reply, he looked at Paul. “What did Elizabeth have to say?”
“She’d love to have Miss Annie stay with us until she can find a place of her own.”
“Good, good,” the doctor replied. To Luke he said, “Why don’t you take Miss Crawford to get something to eat? They’re still serving over at Shelby’s. Then Elizabeth won’t need to feed her.”
“But—” Annie’s protest was stopped short when Luke took her elbow.
“I’d be happy to,” Luke said. He turned to Paul. “I’ll bring her over to your place after we’ve eaten.”
Luke steered Annie across the street before she could object. The best thing to do was get her away quickly.
“I can walk perfectly well without you dragging me around.”
She tried to free her arm, but he kept a tight grip.
“I’m sure you can.” Dipping his head near hers, he whispered quietly in her ear. “I want you out of earshot before you say something that will land you in the asylum.”
“I’m the only sane one here!”
A passerby glanced over and he gripped her arm a little tighter.
She got the message and lowered her voice. “It’s the rest of you who have stretched this celebration out of proportion.”
“I thought you were hungry. Let me buy you dinner.”
“I’m not hungry any more.”
Her stomach growl just then and he chuckled. “Liar.”
“I’m leaving after I’ve eaten.”
“Suit yourself.” He wished leaving White Rock would be as easy as she thought, but he supposed she’d figure it out soon enough.
They walked over to a long table set outside on the dirt street in buffet style for the celebration. The spread of beef brisket, rolls, and freshly made pies made his mouth water. One of the things he did like about this time was the home cooking.
Luke heard Annie’s stomach rumble again. He took that as a sign that she was recovering, at least a little, from her ordeal. He grabbed a couple of tin plates and handed one to her.
She stared at a short stack of cloth napkins. “Why don’t they use paper?”
“Because paper plates and napkins haven’t been invented yet.”
She gave him a scowl.
He ignored her. At some point, she’d realize he wasn’t pretending.
She put a roll on her plate and helped herself to a slice of the brisket. At the end of the table, they found a hodgepodge of utensils.
He headed toward an empty table, away from other diners, figuring it was safer in case she started babbling about cars or computers.
Her shoulder brushed his as she sat.
Tingles raced up his arm and his insides steadied. The intensity of his reaction to her touches surprised him. He wasn’t sure if he liked the sensation, although not feeling the constant wooziness was a nice change.
Annie took a bite of brisket. “This is really good. I didn’t realize how hungry I was.”
“Just remember, there’ll be days when food won’t be as plentiful. While you’re staying at the Crawfords’, you’ll at least know when your next meal will be.” He took bite, enjoying the tender meat. “When I first got here, I had to work in the livery to earn my meal ticket.”
She frowned and pushed her plate aside. “You sure know how to kill an appetite. You promised I could leave after we ate.”
“You can,” he said. “I’ll walk you to Paul’s house.”
“No, I want to leave.” She gestured around her. “Leave this town—or whatever it is.”
“You can’t.” He took another bite of his brisket and gave her a sidelong glance as he chewed. “I can’t leave either. We’re stranded here.” He no longer saw a point in trying to convince her. It was what it was. They were stuck.
“You’re repeating yourself. It stopped being funny a long time ago.”
He picked up a roll and stacked his plate on hers. “I’m telling the truth, Annie. You’ll have to accept it sooner or later.”
“Later would be better,” she said. “Much later. When I’m in my own home.”
“Look around you.” He nodded toward the buildings. “It’s getting dark. Do you see anyone turning on lights?”
“I’m sure keeping the atmosphere is all part your celebration plan,” she said. “Even I know electricity was invented before 1891.”
“But White Rock is an out-of-the-way mining town. It hasn’t been wired yet.”
“I’ve had enough.” Annie stood. “If you’re not going help me, then I’ll find my own way home.”
Luke gave her a short head start before leaving the table to join her. Just as he reached her, the Beacher kids came running up.
“Miss Annie!” Willie called.
She smiled as they approached. Her smile was almost as sweet as the one she gave him when he handed her his knife back in their own time—when this whole mess began. He could get used to seeing it more often.
“Hello, Willie.” She looked at the older boy and his sister. “I’m sorry. I don’t remember your names.”
The oldest boy stepped forward, puffing out his little chest. “I’m Kevin Beacher and this is our sister, Susie.”
“Well, Kevin, Susie, and Willie, I’m glad I got a chance to thank you before I go home.”
“Where do you live?” Susie asked.
“In Boise,” Annie answered. “As a matter of fact, I’m leaving now to make it home before midnight. It’ll be a long drive.”
Uh oh. Luke moved in to intervene.
“Midnight? Tonight?” Willie asked.
Annie nodded. “Yes.”
Willie frowned and turned to his brother. “I thought Pa said it took two days to get to Boise.”
“Pa’s right. It does,” Kevin said.
Three pair of curious eyes gazed up at her as if they expected her to explain.
Annie stared back, speechless at their innocent observation.
“Miss Annie is a still little confused.” Luke told the kids. He touched her elbow. “I’m going to take her to stay with Mr. and Mrs. Crawford until she feels better.” He tipped his hat. “If you’ll excuse us.”
Susie giggled.
Kevin tugged on Willie’s shirt. “Come on. Ma’s waitin’ for us.” The kids ran passed them and down the street.
Annie stared after the children. “They really believe this stuff, don’t they?” She turned wide-eyed to look at Luke. “How’d you get them to play along?”
He answered as gently as he could. “I didn’t do anything, Annie. It’s not a game.”
He saw the moment the truth of his words sank in.
She started to sway and latched onto his forearm to keep upright. “You honestly believe this is real.”
“I swear, Annie, I wish it wasn’t.”
“But how? Why?”
“I don’t know.” He swallowed hard. “I’ve told you about my theory. That’s all I have right now.”
“No,” she whispered.
“I’m sorry, Annie, but unless we can figure out how to return, we’re trapped here for the rest of our lives.”
A muffled sound of distress bubbled past her lips. She teetered on her feet.
Luke caught her just as she collapsed.
Chapter Five
An annoying chirping sound penetrated Annie’s dream. She rolled over and pressed a lumpy pillow over her head to muffle the birdsong. She could still hear it. The bumpy mattress wasn’t comfortable either. So much for a few minutes of extra sleep. With a silent oath to do bodily harm to the bird if it didn’t shut up, she flung back the covers to get ready for work.
She stood, tripped on her long nightdress and landed hard on rough-hewn planks. Pushing to her feet, she looked around the dimly lit room.
A sense of foreboding stole over her. This sparsely furnished bedroom wasn’t hers.
Pale morning light filtered through the linen curtains that covered the small window next to the single bed.
In her bedroom, the dresser was next to the window with venetian blinds. Whose house was this?
She examined the nightdress. Not hers, either.
A single step brought her to the window. She drew back the curtain and looked out. A dirt-filled yard lay several feet below. Like her room in Boise, this one was on the second floor.
As she raised her gaze, she noticed the pre-dawn landscape was surrounded by a close mountain range. Beyond the mountains, the sky had lightened to a washed-out blue.
She couldn’t see the bird that woke her but knew it was out there somewhere. The obnoxious morning song hadn’t stopped.
Events from the previous day rushed through her mind in a sequence of flashes. The kids. The doctor. Luke. His kiss.
Annie shivered as she pressed her fingers to her lips. Last night hadn’t been a dream. She was in another place. Yet, she refused to believe she’d been thrust back into the past.
She still couldn’t remember the details between Luke’s presentation and returning to White Rock for the Founders’ Day celebration. How could she have forgotten so much? What had happened to her?
Luke Maxwell had some explaining to do. Apparently, after she collapsed last night, he’d taken it upon himself to find her a room. The joke had gone on long enough. She was ready to go home and prepared to battle anyone who stood in her way.
A quiet knock at the door startled her.
Her heart pounded in her throat and she chided herself for being so jumpy. Although the nightdress covered her from neck to toe, she grabbed a blanket off the bed and wrapped it around her shoulders.
“Miss Crawford?” a soft feminine voice called.
“Yes?”
“Are you okay? May I come in?” The latch turned. The door swung inward with a loud creak.
Annie backed against the wall, clutching her chest to calm her pounding heart.
A blond-haired pixie-faced woman peered around the corner. “I thought I heard you stirring,” she said.
Embarrassment heated Annie’s cheeks. The woman was no older than herself and at least half a head shorter. She couldn’t possibly be a threat.
Annie relaxed a little and stepped away from the wall. “I tripped getting out of bed. I’m sorry about the noise.”
The woman entered, a frown etched on her pretty features. “Did you hurt yourself?”
The woman’s dress was in the same period style Annie saw yesterday. The clothing was like something out of the 1800s. Surely, the celebrations would be over by now.
For a moment, she considered Luke Maxwell might have been telling the truth, but then dismissed the silly notion. Time travel was the stuff of science fiction movies.
“No. I’m not hurt.” Annie brushed grit off her palms. “Well, maybe my pride. That was clumsy of me to trip.”
The woman smiled. “You can’t possibly be as awkward as me.” She patted her rounded, protruding belly.
An innate sadness filled the woman’s eyes, yet there was something endearing about her that Annie liked immediately. From the bulge in the woman’s middle, Annie guessed she was close to having the baby. “I’m sorry if I woke you.”
“You didn’t.” The woman laughed. The sound was pleasant, like water trickling over rocks. “I don’t sleep much these days.” She patted her belly again. “As soon as junior gets here, getting around will be easier. But I expect I still won’t get much rest.”
“When are you due?” Annie asked.
“Next month,” the woman said. “Oh Lordy, where are my manners?” She held out her hand. “I’m Elizabeth Crawford.”
Elizabeth Crawford. The name echoed through Annie’s mind. It had to be a coincidence. This woman couldn’t possibly be her great-great grandmother.
A buzz grew in her ears as the dizziness started again. She reached out to steady herself and found the woman’s delicate hand in hers. It was so slight, Annie was afraid to
clasp too hard.
“My name’s Annie…” Her own voice sounded as though it came from a distance.
“…Crawford. Yes, I know. My husband told me you might be related.”
“I’m not sure.” As Annie released Elizabeth’s hand, the dizziness faded. “Can you tell me where I am?” she asked.
“Goodness.” Elizabeth’s eyebrows rose. “Don’t you know?”
Annie was reluctant to answer. Time travel wasn’t possible. And yet, she couldn’t deny something very strange had happened. “I bumped my head yesterday. I guess I’m a bit disoriented.”
“Perhaps you should sit for moment.” Elizabeth led Annie to a chair. “You’re in our house, here in White Rock. Do you remember coming to White Rock?”
Annie shook her head. She wanted to remember, but couldn’t. Even more curious was a sense she shouldn’t say too much. It took effort to quell the questions hovering on her lips. If she asked what year this was, would Elizabeth think she was really sick and insist she go to the doctor? If her memory didn’t return, she might not have a choice.
For now, she’d just play along with whatever was happening. On the remote chance Luke was right, there must be rules about the space-time continuum she shouldn’t break. Of course, her only reference was what she’d seen in movies.
Then she realized if she had traveled back in time, she’d probably broken every law that existed. What if she changed her own future by interacting with her relatives?
She closed her eyes. Why was she thinking like this? None of this was real.
“Well, don’t worry your head about it,” Elizabeth said. “We’ll make sure you get some rest. You’ll feel better in no time.”
Annie doubted that. She felt disadvantaged by the circumstances and wanted nothing more than to go home. She pulled the blanket tighter around her. “I don’t want to impose on you.”
Elizabeth waved a hand at the objection. “You’re no trouble. Besides, where else would you go?” She crossed to the bed, smoothed the covers, and fluffed the pillow as she made the bed. “It must have been hard to lose your only family.”
“How’d you know about my grandfather?”
Lightning Only Strikes Twice Page 6