“I’m not sure. That’s why we need to be careful. I’m hoping if we’ve triggered anything, that it’s not critical. Otherwise, I think we’d have felt more serious effects than headaches and dizziness. From now on, we have to blend in.”
“What am I supposed to do for a living? If I remember my history correctly, there weren’t that many occupations for women in mining communities that didn’t involve slinging mugs or working on their backs.”
She caught Luke’s sideways glance.
“If you did either of those, your income would far exceed what I can expect to earn,” he said.
“Excuse me?” She stiffened. “Are you suggesting I earn my keep by—”
“The idea has its appeal, but no. I’m not suggesting it.”
Luke Maxwell had a way of keeping her off balance. She opened her mouth to object, but no words came out.
Instead taking offence at Luke’s comments, part of her was flattered by his directness. In her own time, she was awkward and tongue-tied around men. She hadn’t dated much in her twenty-seven years. Her only serious relationship ended unpleasantly with a disagreement about having children.
She’d wanted a family. Her fiancé hadn’t. He’d resented the time she spent nursing her grandfather. Ultimately, she’d decided to end the engagement.
With no experience to handle Luke’s innuendos, she opted to change the subject. “Do you think we can get back?”
****
“Honestly, I don’t know.” Luke was grateful Annie redirected the conversation. His comment had been out of line. It wouldn’t help his case to have her upset with him.
Since she arrived, he hadn’t been able to concentrate on anything but her appearance and what it might mean. She was the only person who could understand what he’d been through. The only person he could confide in. Besides, he couldn’t deny the fact that every time he saw her he simply felt better.
He gazed at her with the same rush of relief he’d felt yesterday. “Until you arrived, I believed I was here for the rest of my life. Now, I’m just not sure.” He took off his hat and ran his fingers through his hair. “Your arrival has actually raised more questions.”
“Like?” Annie asked, encouraging him to continue.
“Like why didn’t you appear when I did? And why am I living in your history instead of my own?”
Now that she was here, those questions were more relevant than when he’d thought about them two months ago. Also, when they held hands, his trembling stopped. He didn’t know what that meant, but suspected it might be symbolic of reconnecting to something from their own time.
“Those are good questions.” She lifted her eyebrows. “Any theories?”
“None yet,” he said. “I don’t even have a good idea as to how we ended up in 1891.”
“But you blame me,” she said.
“I didn’t say that.”
“You did—yesterday,” she said. “That much I do remember.”
He looked at initials carved in the young pine. “You have to admit it’s an interesting coincidence. Of all the places we could time travel to, we came here, to White Rock.”
Annie stood and walked over next to him. “Oh, I don’t know. If it really is time travel, then the place makes sense.”
He looked at her. “What do mean?”
“Examine the circumstances. We didn’t travel through space, only time.” She ran her hand along the trunk. “My ancestors are from here. This was my family’s land. I suppose in some way I am to blame.”
“So, how did I get here before you?” He gave her an indulging smile. At this point, he was ready to entertain any theory.
She pursed her lips, drawing his attention to their softness—reminding him of their sweetness. He was tempted to lean in, try another taste.
She snapped her fingers and pointed at him with a triumphant look. “I remember something.”
He forced his attention back on their conversation. “What?”
“You stumbled and your head struck mine before you fell to the ground!”
He frowned. “So?”
“Don’t you see? You lost consciousness first.” She pivoted, looking at the forest around them. “This is the very ground where we stood while carving my initials into the tree. There was the storm…”
“Don’t forget how much you wanted to keep something of the past alive,” he added, trying to keep up with her theory.
“Well….maybe you were right. I willed it all to happen. Your brain and mine made a connection as the lightning struck!”
He laughed at the outrageousness of the logic. “Now that’s the stuff of science fiction.”
Annie placed her hands on hips and glared at him. “Okay, Mister Maxwell, then let’s hear your theory.”
He shrugged.
“Then maybe all this happened to teach you a lesson.”
He started. “Why would I need to learn a lesson?”
“You were going to destroy the entire forest.”
“I intended to plant new trees.”
She folded her arms across her chest. “That’s not the same thing.”
Luke admired the spark in her eyes and the glow on her cheeks when she argued. He also liked the way her firm stance showcased her slim figure, rounded in all the right places.
“What are you grinning at?”
He hadn’t realized he was smiling. Now that he’d been caught, he let out a laugh. “You,” he said. “This was the same conversation we had before the storm.” He looked up at sky through the trees. “Maybe if we can get here when the next storm comes along, something might happen to transport us to our own time.”
Excitement lit her face. “Do you think so?” Annie peered up through the trees. Her voice sounded so hopeful.
“No.” He hated shattering her hope.
Annie looked back at him. “Why not? It’s as logical as anything else that’s happened.”
“Because I spent every rainy day my first month, right here in this spot, waiting for lightning to strike.”
“It didn’t work?”
He raised his eyebrow.
“Of course, it didn’t work,” she muttered to herself. “Otherwise you wouldn’t still be here.” She bit her lip, a charming tell that made him think about kissing her again.
He took a step toward her, then stopped. He was too distracted by her charms. “We should head back.”
“Wait a minute.” She grabbed his arm. “What about those gold medallions we had?”
He let out a slow breath. “I wondered the same thing. I was holding them when the lightning struck, but I don’t know where they’re at now. I’ve been back here several times to look for them. I don’t think they made the trip through time.”
“Honestly?” She frowned.
“I haven’t lied to you about any of this, Annie. If those medallions were some sort of device that sent us here, they must have stayed in the future. Unless you have them?”
“No. I don’t.” Disappointment shadowed her face.
Luke wished he could have given her more hope, but he’d been working the problem for two months with no solution. However, Annie’s imaginative ramblings had given him more to think about.
He glanced around at the growing darkness in the grove. “Come on. I promised Paul I wouldn’t keep you away too long.”
They walked back to the grazing horses. Luke held the reins while Annie climbed into the saddle. For all that had happened to her in the last twenty-four hours, she’d taken in the entire situation without major hysterics.
Most of women he’d known would have been bedridden with a nervous breakdown. Emmaline, in particular, would have come unhinged.
It was strange he hadn’t thought about Emmaline until now. Hadn’t missed her at all in the last two months. And to think he’d considered proposing to her once. He could have chalked it up to the extraordinary events, but he realized now, something else had interfered with his memory of Emmaline. Actually, someone else.
>
Annie.
Astride her horse, her back was stiff against the hardships she was about to face. As they rode down the hill, rays from the setting sun gleamed off her chestnut hair like a golden halo. She looked like an angel. An angel sent to keep him from going insane.
Luke didn’t yet know how he would face the rest of his days in the wrong century. For now, he was glad he didn’t have to face them alone.
Chapter Eight
Except for a light in the main floor window, the Crawford home was dark when Luke and Annie returned. Dusk had fallen, but the spring night was pleasant and several townsfolk were out for a stroll.
As they reached the porch steps, Luke spoke loud enough for anyone within ten yards to hear. “I’d like to call on you again, Miss Annie.”
She paused on the first step and frowned at him. “What?”
He took her hand and together they climbed the steps onto the porch. “The whole town is watching,” he whispered. “Play along.”
When his hand closed over hers, a shiver skated over her arms. All the things they’d discussed this afternoon hadn’t yet settled in her mind. Her insides churned in a tangled mess and she struggled to control her reactions every time Luke touched her.
Annie swallowed, searching for calm. She peered through the dusk. A few people strained to see past the shadows onto the porch. “People are really nosey here, aren’t they,” she whispered back.
Luke chuckled. “This from the woman who thought it was wonderful for neighbors to take care of each other.”
She lifted her chin to argue, then stopped. “I said that, didn’t I?”
“Your very words.” He squeezed her hand. “So what do you say? May I call on you tomorrow?” His tone held more intent, as though vested in her answer.
Her heart thudded at the old-fashioned request. Reflexively, her fingers curled around his.
Rough calluses chafed her palm and told the story of how hard he’d worked since his arrival. Simply holding onto him steadied her world. With his help, maybe she could endure this bizarre accident of time. If she was stuck in this situation for the rest of her life, she could think of worse people to share it with. “I suppose you can, Mr. Maxwell.”
“Luke,” he prompted.
Annie smiled shyly. “Luke.”
His hold tightened. “I’d better go, before I do something I shouldn’t. At least not on the first date.”
“This wasn’t a date,” she corrected, even though the pitch in her stomach suggested otherwise.
“Actually, it was.” He smoothed a thumb over her knuckles. “Good night.”
Her senses rioted from the caress.
He let go and tipped a finger to his hat.
She barely registered the sound of his boots as he tromped down the steps.
He gathered the reins for both horses and turned with a wave.
Leaning against the post, she raised her hand in return. She stood there, staring long after he’d disappeared around the corner of the livery.
It hadn’t taken much for that spark of attraction to muddle her brain. She’d forgotten to ask him where he lived. What if she needed to get in touch with him quickly? She resolved to take care of that information tomorrow.
Looking out on the town, seeing the wooden building facades, it was easy to believe she was in a different time. In a way, it made perfect sense. There was no other explanation for the things she’d seen today. The old mill, running like new, the Chinese shantytown, even the costumes everyone wore.
Some residents passed by gazing curiously at her as if she was the one who was out of place. Their attention made her uncomfortable, so Annie smiled politely and went inside.
Paul sat in a rocking chair reading a book by the light of a lantern. He looked up when she closed the door. “Have a nice ride?”
“We did.” Annie didn’t want to elaborate further. Certain things she and Luke had discussed were best kept a secret. Like how she arrived in town.
“How is Elizabeth?” she asked. “Is there anything I can do for her?”
“The excitement tired her more than she expected. She went to bed a couple of hours ago.” He closed the book. “Now that you’re home, I think I’ll join her.”
“Mister Crawford,” Annie began. She may as well start right now to secure a place to live.
“We don’t stand on ceremony here. Call me Paul.”
“Paul,” Annie conceded, although it seemed awkward to call her great-great grandfather by his first name. “Can I talk with you for a moment?”
The rocker creaked as he settled back. “Sure.”
She crossed to a chair near a small table and sat. “I’m grateful to you and Elizabeth for taking me in. I would pay you back if I could, but I don’t have any money.”
“That isn’t necessary,” Paul said.
“But I could earn my keep,” she replied nervously. If breakfast and lunch were any indication of the duties she’d have, she would need to adapt quickly. “Luke mentioned you and Elizabeth could use the help. I’d love to lend a hand any way I can.” She wiped her damp palms, then folded her hands in her lap.
Paul let out a deep breath. “That’s mighty nice of you, Annie. I’d like to take you up on that offer. You see, Elizabeth’s not quite as strong as she puts on. Since our little Laura died this past winter, I see her struggle every day to keep a smile on her face.”
Annie clenched her hands. The child Paul mentioned was her grandfather’s aunt. One he never knew. “Luke told me about Laura. I’m so sorry for your loss.”
“I won’t pretend it’s been easy. If it weren’t for Elizabeth, I’m not sure I would have made it through these last few months myself.” Paul cleared his throat. “She’s been the stalwart one, but this baby is taking more out of her than she’ll admit.”
“I’d be happy to do whatever I can.”
Paul nodded. “That’s very generous of you.”
“I owe it to you and Elizabeth for all you’re doing for me. I could stay until she has the baby. Afterward, too, if you’d like.”
“I’d very much appreciate it. Doc Smyth thought you’d be a good help for her.”
“I’ll do my best.” Annie tried to sound confident. What had she just agreed to? She had no idea what to do if something went wrong. It wasn’t as if she could open the pantry and pull out a pre-made meal if she ruined dinner. What if Elizabeth got sick?
Although there wasn’t a state-of-the-art hospital or the latest medical equipment, they weren’t in the stone ages either. Women had babies all the time without the benefit of modern medicine. Maybe having a doctor right down the street would be all they’d need. Quelling her apprehension, she stood. “Thank you for letting me stay. I won’t let you down.”
Paul stood too. “I should be thanking you, ma’am. It will take a worry off my mind knowing she’s not alone while I’m up at the mill.” He picked up a small lantern and lit it. “It’s getting late. Here, take this with you upstairs.” He handed her the lantern.
Annie held the lantern high as she climbed the stairs to her room. It was a stark reminder that she was in a time without electricity. The days ahead would be long indeed. Below, she heard Paul move about the house, preparing for his day tomorrow.
Tomorrow.
Regardless of what had happened today, Annie promised herself to take tomorrow in stride. She couldn’t let her own dilemma upset these good people. She’d start bright and early in the morning and do her best to make sure Elizabeth was ready for the birth of her baby.
****
Luke tugged off his boot and placed it on the floor next to the first. The thin mattress was welcoming after the long day. Coupled with a previous sleepless night, and his apprehension about Annie, the tension he’d carried all day had left him exhausted.
He’d been surprised at how quickly Annie had accepted their circumstances. After he’d arrived, it had taken him days to accept what had happened.
Landing in jail under a drunk and d
isorderly charge was something he never dreamed would happen to him.
For three days, he’d called everyone around crazy. Especially when they looked at him like he was the crazy one. If it hadn’t been for Doc Smyth and Paul Crawford, he wouldn’t have adjusted as quickly as he did.
Just as he was starting to believe he’d live out his days in a time and place he didn’t belong, Annie appeared. Not only was she a person from his own time, but it was her family’s history he was living.
He was baffled how all this tied together. Like he’d told her, now that she was here, he was working on a theory. The hitch was how that theory would translate into a working plan that would return them to their own time.
All he knew was that she was the key—and he wanted to see her tomorrow. And the next day. At some point, their being together would have to eventually culminate in a return home. He didn’t know how yet, but it had to work.
Another thought crept in. Should either of them hook up with a person from this time, the ramifications for the future could be disastrous.
If they didn’t get back to their time, it would be best if they stayed together. Because of the culture of 1891, he’d be obliged to marry her. It was the decent thing to do, even if he didn’t love her.
****
The next morning, Annie groaned at the sound of the happy robin singing outside her window. The chirping was more effective than an alarm clock.
She climbed carefully out of bed, thankful not to trip on the hem of her nightdress again. Crossing the room, she reached for a light switch beside the door and found nothing but the bare wall. Right. No electricity.
Fortunately, there was enough light from the advancing dawn for her to wash and dress without relighting the lantern. A good thing, because she didn’t have any matches with her.
While struggling into the long dress, she realized wearing the same clothes would get old fast. For now, she’d have to make do.
Elizabeth had told her she could borrow a couple of dresses. A change once in a while would be nice. She hoped Elizabeth’s clothes would fit without too much alteration. Tasks like cooking on a potbelly stove and working with a needle and thread took skills she lacked.
The one skill she had, running accounting software on a computer, wouldn’t serve her here.
Lightning Only Strikes Twice Page 10