The Courtship of Izzy McCree

by Ruth Ryan Langan

  “This is Apple Betty,” she said as she placed one in front of each of them. “It’s even better if you pour a little sweet cream over the top.”

  As she sipped her coffee, she watched with satisfaction while Matt and the children devoured the treat.

  At last Matt leaned back, sipping strong, hot coffee. He nodded toward the dessert. “Aren’t you having any?”

  She shook her head. “I’ve had enough to eat. I thought I’d leave the rest for seconds, if the children would like some more.”

  Seeing their eager smiles, she refilled their bowls and watched as the second serving disappeared as quickly as the first.

  “That sure was good,” Aaron said as he licked his spoon clean.

  “Thank you, Aaron.”

  Not wanting to be outdone, the other three agreed.

  “It was the best ever.” Benjamin licked not only his spoon, but his bowl, as well.

  “We have you to thank,” she said with a grin. “It was your honeycomb that sweetened the apples.”

  The boy blushed with pleasure.

  “I think I could eat a whole tub of Apple Betty.” Clement pushed away from the table.

  “Me, too,” his little sister echoed.

  Izzy couldn’t stop smiling at their compliments. “If you did, you’d soon be as round as tubs.”

  They chuckled at her joke as they left the table and gathered around the fire. They were surrounded at once by their wriggling dogs.

  Matt drained his cup. “That was a fine meal, Isabella.”

  “Thank you.” His words warmed her more than the food or the fire. “Would you like some more coffee?”

  Before she could get up, he retrieved the coffeepot and carried it to the table, filling both their cups.

  He glanced around. “I can see you did a lot of work today.”

  “I just…cleaned.” She felt uneasy sitting there with him, but she felt obligated to drink the coffee now that he’d poured it.

  Sensing her discomfort, Matt bit back the smile that threatened. For some strange reason, he liked making her uncomfortable. “It smells different in here. Clean.”

  “I hope you don’t mind that I used the soap I found in a cupboard.”

  “That’s what it’s there for. We just haven’t had time to use it ourselves.”

  “Yes. I can see that. I mean, you and the children work very hard.” She swallowed a sip of hot coffee, gathering her courage. “I have a question.”

  “Ask it. Then I’ll have a few for you.” He leaned back, feeling replete. Content. There was nothing like a good meal and a hot fire to soothe a man after a day of hard work. Of course, it didn’t hurt to have a woman all primed to spar with, either.

  “Why doesn’t Del want to keep her chickens in the barn?”

  “Because dozens of eggs have been trampled. But she can’t leave them outside. She’s already lost several to the coyotes.”

  “Then why don’t you build a coop?”

  “I’d like to.” He gave a sigh of impatience. “It’s one of those things I always say I’ll do when I find the time. But for now she’ll just have to get used to them in the barn.” A grin tugged at his lips. “Unless you’d like to keep them in here with you.”

  She knew he was teasing. But the way he was staring at her had the heat rising to her cheeks. She gulped down her coffee, eager to escape. “I’ll wash the dishes now.”

  “Not just yet.” His tone was easy enough, but she sensed a hint of steel beneath. “I’ve got a couple of questions of my own now.”

  She glanced beyond him to where his children were sitting. “Why don’t we wait until later, when we’re alone.”

  He shrugged. “Suit yourself. I’ve got some harness to mend.” He picked up a length of leather harness, which he’d tossed over a peg near the door, and walked to the fireplace. As he settled into a chair and rolled a cigarette, Izzy stood a moment, watching.

  This was a scene she had pictured in her mind for a lifetime. A snug cabin. A handsome, rugged man, children and dogs at his feet.

  Yet, for all its beauty, she wasn’t really a part of it. She didn’t belong.

  The yearning of her heart was so raw, so real she had to turn away to hide the tears that sprang to her eyes.

  Needing to be busy, she filled a basin with hot water from the kettle on the stove and began to wash the dishes. She blinked in surprise when Aaron picked up a square of linen and began to dry.

  Since he was at least a head taller, she had to look up when she talked to him. “Aaron, there’s no need. I’m sure you’ve done your share of hard work today.”

  He took the pretty cup from her hands and dried it, then placed it carefully in the cupboard. “Yes’m. And so have you.” He gave a nod behind him. “I haven’t seen our place this clean in years.”

  “It was awfully dirty. Of course, the chickens and dogs didn’t help.”

  They shared a laugh.

  He dried a platter and placed it under a stack of plates. “I’m sorry about the mud. I saw what our boots and the dogs did to your clean floor.”

  “It’s your clean floor, too, Aaron.”

  “Yes’m.” He dried in silence for a couple of minutes, digesting her words. “We didn’t mean to make such a mess. But with Ma gone, it’s just…” He shrugged. “It’s been a long time since we could think about anything except just getting by.” He glanced at her. “Do you understand?”

  Under the water she gripped the fragile china plate tightly in both hands. “Yes, Aaron. Of course I do.”

  He accepted the plate, drying it carefully. “But we’ll get better about things if you’ll just give us some time.”

  Time. He was so sweet And wise beyond his years. She waited until he dried the last dish, then took the linen cloth from his hands. “I have all the time in the world, Aaron. Now, why don’t you join your sister and brothers by the fire.”

  “Yes’m.”

  “And, Aaron?”

  He turned.

  “Thank you.”

  He gave her a smile so like his father’s, she felt her heart melting.

  When he walked away she continued cleaning, wiping the table, the chairs, even the floor, erasing all the muddy spots and footprints she could find. She knew she was filling time, avoiding the moment when there would be nothing more to do.

  Matt glanced up from the harness. “Are you going to join us?”

  “In a minute.” She walked into the bedroom, then returned with a basket filled with clothes.

  “What’s that?” Benjamin asked.

  “Things that need mending.” She took a seat by the fire and began to thread a needle.

  “Clement,” Matt called. “Set that lantern beside Isabella.”

  The boy did as he was told and she gave him a smile before bending to her task. She picked up a torn shirt and began to make fine, even stitches.

  When she was done, she dropped it and picked up another. Del, who had been watching, caught up the shirt and examined the neat seam. “How’d you do that?”

  Izzy motioned her close. “I’ll show you if you’d like.”

  The little girl sat beside her and watched as she gathered a small section of fabric and stitched it with needle and thread.

  “Want to try?”

  Del shrugged.

  Izzy handed over the shirt, along with the needle and thread, and watched as Del’s little fingers fumbled with the task. Though she managed to stitch a small section, the fabric was bunched and puckered, the seam jagged.

  “I hope that isn’t one of my shirts,” Benjamin said teasingly.

  “If it’s mine,” Clement said with a laugh, “I’m never going to wear it again.”

  Embarrassed, Del tossed aside the shirt. “I didn’t want to learn anyway.”

  Izzy caught her hand. “It takes practice to master anything. I’ll bet the first time you tried to walk, you fell right on your little bottom. But in no time you were able to keep up with your brothers.” She turned to the b
oys. “Now, since you’re having so much fun teasing your sister, why don’t we challenge you to do it better?”

  “Not me.” Benjamin shook his head. “That’s girl stuff.”

  “Yeah,” Clement chimed in. “Who needs to sew, anyway?”

  “That’s probably what your father said. But it would have been nice if he could have mended some of these clothes that were piling up.”

  Matt winked at his sons. “Isabella has you there. Why don’t you give it a try?”

  “There’s nothing to it.” Benjamin picked up the shirt and wasted no time sewing a seam. When he was finished he held it up. The seam was so crooked, the shirt hung at a lopsided angle. The whole family burst into laughter.

  “All right, Clement,” he said, passing the shirt to his brother. “Let’s see you do better.”

  Clement took a great deal more time. But when he was finished, the shirt looked no better.

  Their laughter grew.

  “You see,” Isabella said gently. “It isn’t as easy as it looks. But I think you all show great promise. With a little practice, you could soon be mending your own things.”

  Aaron, seated closest to the fire, stifled a yawn. He’d been up since dawn and in the saddle for most of the day, doing the work of a man.

  “I think I’ll turn in, Pa.” He stood and the dogs, as if on command, headed for the door. Aaron let them out, then started up the ladder to the loft.

  “Good night, Isabella,” he called.

  “Good night, Aaron.”

  One by one the others followed him, calling out their good-nights as they did.

  Izzy picked up another shirt and bent to her work, glad for the excuse to avoid looking at Matt.

  “I haven’t heard them laugh like that in a long time,” he remarked.

  “They’re good children, Matthew.”

  “Yes, they are. I know it hasn’t been easy for them.” He worked in silence, occasionally glancing over at her.

  He liked the way she looked, with the lantern light spilling over her. Head bent. Eyes downcast. Fingers moving in a graceful dance.

  He stood and draped the harness over a peg, then crossed the room and banked the fire.

  “I think it’s time we turned in.”

  Izzy’s heart started pounding. It was the time she had been dreading. Once again, it was time to face her fears.

  Very deliberately she set aside her mending and picked up the lantern, then led the way to the bedroom.

  Chapter Six

  Matt followed Izzy into the bedroom, then closed the door and leaned against it. Even before he looked around, he knew it was different. It smelled clean. Fresh. As clean and fresh as she looked.

  He tore his gaze from the woman long enough to glance around. “Are you sure this is the right room? I don’t recall ever seeing it look like this.”

  Though her heartbeat was erratic, she managed a smile. “I wasn’t certain you’d notice.” She set the lantern atop the dresser.

  “I notice a lot of things.” He took a step closer and saw the wary look that came into her eyes. “For instance, the way your hair looks by lantern light.”

  No one had ever said such a thing to her before. Confused, she took a step back and felt the press of the cold wall against her back.

  He drew closer. “And the way your eyes widen when you’re troubled.”

  “I’m not…” She brought a hand to her throat.

  Before she could finish, he caught her palm and pressed it between both of his. “Don’t lie to me, Isabella. And don’t lie to yourself.”

  Her cheeks flamed.

  His eyes narrowed. “That’s what I thought. Now it’s time for some truth. What are you really doing here?”

  “I told you. I came in answer to the letter…”

  “And this?” From his waist he pulled out her knife and held it up.

  In her haste this morning, after discovering she’d overslept, she had forgotten about her knife. In fact, she’d been so busy all day, she hadn’t even missed it. The razor-sharp blade glinted in the light of the lantern.

  “How did this happen to find its way under your pillow?”

  “I…put it there.”

  “So you could kill me while I slept?”

  “Of course not. It’s just a habit.”

  “You mean a fine, upstanding lady from the First Pennsylvania Congregation always sleeps with a knife under her pillow?”

  “Yes. No.” She gave an exasperated sigh.

  “Which is it, Isabella? Yes? Or no?”

  She hated lying. But each one led to the need for another, and then another. “I was warned that there would be many dangers in the wilderness. Like—” her mind raced “—those wolves we heard last night. My friends advised me to carry a weapon. And since I don’t know how to shoot a pistol…” Her voice trailed off as she looked up into his dark, watchful eyes.

  “Is that the truth now?”

  She swallowed, crossed her fingers. “Yes.”

  “Why were you afraid to tell me?”

  “Because I thought you would consider me foolish. After all, this is your home. The things I fear probably seem quite harmless to you.” She glanced away. “Now, do you have any more questions?”

  “No questions. But maybe it’s time to admit some truth of my own.”

  Before she could pull free he dragged her into his arms. With his lips mere inches from hers he muttered, “The truth is, I’ve been wanting to kiss you since I first walked in that door tonight.”

  She turned her face away at the last moment, and instead of her mouth, all he managed to kiss was a tangle of hair at her temple.

  The heat that flared between them was instantaneous. And shocking.

  This wasn’t what she expected. This…strange curling sensation deep inside. This dizziness, as though she’d spun like a top. This weakness in her limbs, causing her to clutch the front of his shirt for support.

  Moonlight spilled through the clean window, bathing her in its golden rays. He reached up, lowering the wick until the light of the lantern was extinguished.

  “What are you doing?” she demanded.

  “It can’t compete with the moon.” He brushed his lips across her cheek, knowing she would welcome the darkness. “You look even lovelier in moonlight.”

  Her lashes fluttered, then closed as his lips made a slow, lazy exploration of her face. Against her will she sighed. Until his hands moved up her back, igniting little fires of their own. Then she stiffened, tried to push away.

  “Don’t be afraid. I don’t bite.” His voice was low, seductive. “How about you, Isabella? Do you bite?”

  She knew he was trying to put her at ease. She attempted a smile. “I haven’t been known to.”

  “Good. We’re both safe, then. Let’s get undressed.”

  Nerves skittered along her spine.

  He felt the tremors. “Would you like some help, Isabella?”

  “No. I…” She took a deep breath, fought to control the tension she knew he would detect. “I can do it myself.”

  Before she could lift a hand to the buttons of her gown, he stripped off his shirt and sank down on the bed to nudge off his boots.

  “What’s wrong?” He sat very still, watching her.

  “Nothing.” The sight of him, half-dressed, had her heart pumping overtime.

  She could do this, she told herself. Maybe she couldn’t work up as much enthusiasm as Matthew, but she would get through it.

  With nervous, fumbling fingers she undid the first button, then the second. And all the while he was watching. Even when embarrassment had her looking away, she could feel his dark gaze burning into her as she finished unbuttoning her gown to the waist. But she couldn’t remove it. Instead she drew the fabric together to hide the delicate chemise that couldn’t quite cover the display of flesh beneath.

  “Come here.” He patted the bed beside him.

  Slowly, as though being led to her execution, she crossed the room and sat d
own.

  When she bent to untie her shoes, he dropped to his knees in front of her.

  “Let me help.”

  She should have been moved by his thoughtfulness. Instead she was distressed by the touch of his hands as he unlaced her shoes. He removed first one shoe, then the other, holding them in his palms for a moment as though weighing them. He gave her a curious look before setting them aside. Then, before she could stop him, he reached up beneath her skirt and began to unroll her stockings. The feel of his strong, callused fingers against the softness of her inner thighs had her stifling a gasp.

  She stared down at his bent head, wondering if he knew what this invasion of her privacy was doing to her. Could he feel the trembling in her limbs? Could he detect the strange collision of fire and ice that occurred with each touch of his fingers against her flesh?

  “You have strong legs.” He set aside the stockings, then glanced up at her. “You must have spent a great deal of your time walking.”

  “I…Yes.” She knew her cheeks were flaming.

  “I’ll help you off with your dress.”

  “No.”

  Ignoring her protest, he caught her hands and drew her up. But instead of letting go, he linked his fingers with hers and dragged her close. “Your modesty is admirable, Isabella. But it certainly isn’t necessary now that we’re properly wed.”

  He slid his hands along her upper arms, across her shoulders, kneading with his thumbs the knots of tension in her neck. She closed her eyes a moment, allowing a sigh of pure pleasure. With her eyes still closed she moved her head from side to side like a cat, unable to resist the lure of his seductive touch. Oh, she could stay this way all night, lulled by his tender ministrations.

  “That’s better.”

  At the sound of his deep voice her lids snapped open. She found herself staring into dark, fathomless eyes that glittered with a strange light. His face was so close their lips were almost touching. She could feel the warmth of his breath as it feathered the hair at her temple, could feel the way his breath hitched slightly as their gazes locked, held.

  His hands, those wonderful, clever hands, had lowered slightly, until they were now stroking the pulse at the base of her throat.

  She swallowed, and the sound seemed overly loud in her ears.