“I ran into Thomas this morning in the hallway and he said he had plenty of time to talk,” Sabrina said, plopping down next to Brock on the edge of the bed after shooing Thomas in his dressing gown toward the rocker in the corner. Brock eyed her cheery explanation skeptically but did not question her.
“Um… sure. What questions did you have?”
“Brock has been very… reserved lately.”
“I am concerned about Sabrina and our child’s safety. I feel she needs more rest,” Brock stated.
“If I had any more rest I would be in a coma. Let’s not beat the devil around the stump. I want to be with Brock, in the biblical sense, and he’s worried he’ll hurt me or the baby. I need you to tell him it’s alright.”
Thomas blinked again in surprise before eyeing the stoic Brock.
“Um” was the only word Thomas managed to get out before turning rather red. Receiving angry glares from both Sabrina and Brock, he did the only thing he could do. Pass the buck.
“Perhaps you should wait until my father arrives and speak with him. I’m sure he is much more experienced in… these matters.”
Sabrina sat dumbfounded. She could not believe that Thomas was taking his side! Outnumbered, she left the room to find someone sensible.
Stepping into Amelia’s room was like stepping back into a time when she was young and innocent, a time before she knew that monsters were real. Sitting on the bed and shaking her cousin awake increased her sense of déjà vu.
Amelia sat up still rather sleepily, frowning at the disturbance; she had been having a lovely dream. “Why are you up so early? I figured you would still be in bed.”
“Couldn’t sleep.”
“There are other things to do in bed besides sleep. Especially when you have a handsome man like Brock to keep you company.”
Sabrina growled. “Brock is the problem. Ever since he found out I’m gonna have a baby he stopped um… well you know. At first it wasn’t a problem, since I was sick I didn’t feel like it anyway. Now that I do feel like it, he won’t touch me.”
Amelia frowned. “He’s not affectionate?”
“Oh no he’s even more doting than usual, but he won’t um…”
“Do the deed?” Amelia supplied.
“Yes! It’s not that he can’t, he just won’t.”
“Have you tried, um… getting him excited?”
“Oh sure, he gets excited. He just runs off to the outhouse to finish.”
“Well obviously it’s not a physical problem. It’s in his head. You need to talk to his mother.”
“You are not serious.”
“Absolutely. If you get her on your side, he won’t stand a chance. Trust me.”
Sabrina was skeptical, but what else did she have to lose. She leaned back on the carved wooden headboard still a bit sleepy. The house was quiet. So quiet, she could hear the grandfather clock downstairs chime five times. Yawning, she slid down and lay next to Amelia. Both of them drifted off to sleep with thoughts of dark-haired men haunting their dreams.
The next time Sabrina awoke a dark familiar head hovered over the bed.
“Morning!” Chase grinned throwing open the curtains, blinding the occupants of the bed.
Sabrina sat up still in a foul mood. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
Amelia sat up sputtering, “It isn’t very appropriate for you to be in a bedroom with two undressed women. That’s how rumors start.”
Chase laughed coming back over to plop on the bed. “Exactly. Plus for some reason no one wanted to wake up Sabrina. Heard it’s been awfully quiet around here these past few days.”
Sabrina snorted as she kicked him off the bed. “Like you know what the word quiet means.”
“I’d rather put up with your foul mood than Brock’s. He took off on Troy like the devil was after him. Oh yeah, breakfast is ready,” he said with a wink as he left the room.
The girls scampered to make themselves presentable and headed down to eat. Sabrina was worried about Brock. Maybe she should speak to his mother. After the quick breakfast Amelia offered to clean up, so she went to hunt down the older woman.
She was surprised to find her in the garden pulling weeds. Not sure what to say, Sabrina joined her. She peeked over from time to time to try and study Anna. She hadn’t much time to spend with her on her previous visit. With Jonathan so ill, he was her main concern. The full-blooded Comanche was stunning with her thick black hair tied in a knot at her neck and her almost black eyes that seemed to look right into your soul.
The same black eyes that were looking at her curiously now.
“This is a beautiful home. I had no idea homes such as these existed.”
“Thank you. It’s… difficult being back. I’m not sure that I belong here anymore.”
“Sometimes destiny has a way of deciding for us.”
“Perhaps, but I wanted to speak to you about Brock. He’s been very… um… worried.”
Anna’s dark eyes twinkled with mirth as she replied, “Yes, I have noticed.”
“Amelia thought I should talk to you.”
“She is very wise for her age,” Anna said.
It took a second for Sabrina to realize that Anna had made a joke. It seemed so odd coming from the majestic woman.
“Well, I’m not sure why he’s worried. Thomas is a doctor and he said it would be okay for us to, ahh, be together.”
“That is perhaps my fault.”
“Your fault?”
Anna turned to look at the house while she spoke. Sabrina had to lean in closely to hear lest the wind whisk away her soft words.
“I had a hard time with the twins. I was very ill afterwards. I wasn’t sure if it was my time to pass or not. Brock was very worried about me. He helped with the babies and took care of me while Jonathan hunted and provided for us. And I grew stronger.
I recovered and was blessed again with a child. I wasn’t as lucky with this one. The full moon took him early. I was unable to have any more children after that. The twins were too young to remember, but Brock does.”
“I’m so sorry, I had no idea.”
“I’m sure Brock would not mention it to you. He would not want you to worry as well. Of course he is causing you more stress from not explaining his actions.”
“Did you um…?” Sabrina sputtered out as she felt her face reddening.
Anna smiled at her new daughter. “Yes we did. Jonathan is very… affectionate. However, no harm was done by him. Life can be cruel sometimes, but we go on.”
Chapter 12
Amelia stared out the window as she watched the two women hug each other. She was very happy for her cousin to find not only a husband but a new family as well. She liked Anna a lot, and Jonathan was a piece of work. He kept everyone in stitches; it was very clear where Chase got his personality from.
“Have we resorted to spying?” A deep voice rumbled in her ear causing her to jump. Unfortunately, her shoulder hit Chase’s chin causing him to bite his tongue hard. He cursed tasting the blood as she spun around angrily.
“Good enough for you! Sneaking up on me like that.”
“You Lovett women are like fire and ice. Either blowing hot or blowing cold.”
“I’m not blowing anything. Now get out of here so I can finish washing your dishes. You had three plates full.”
“Now isn’t that sweet? I had no idea you were watching me while I was eating. For your information I only had one plate, I just filled it three times. Moreover, to prove I’m a gentleman, I’ll wash it myself.”
Amelia raised an eyebrow at him as she stepped aside so he could wash his one stupid plate. She rolled her eyes as he made a show of flexing his muscles as he held it up to the light to check for spots.
Warren and Riley choose that moment to come in through the back door.
“Amelia! Are you making our guest do the dishes?” Warren asked with a frown.
“Guest? What do you think I am?” Amelia asked really put ou
t by now.
“You’re family,” Riley offered with a smile.
“You know, I just had a wonderful idea! You two do the damn dishes and I’ll show our guest around the ranch,” she said grabbing Chase’s arm and dragging him out the front door.
“Stupid pigheaded men,” she spat as she slammed the front door shut. She dropped Chase’s arm but he grabbed hers instead, spinning her around. Finding herself pinned to his solid chest, she opened her mouth to complain. She was shocked into silence when his head dipped and he covered her sweet lips with his.
Amelia stood stunned and unresponsive. A part of her wanted to reach up, grab his thick black hair with her hands, and pull him closer. Another part was still ticked off by his antics in the kitchen. Unfortunately, for Chase the latter part won. Pain shot through his spine as her knee connected with his nether regions. He released her and doubled over to catch his breath.
“What the hell was that for?”
“I don’t know what barn you were raised in, but men do not go around manhandling ladies and stealing kisses.”
“Stealing? I do apologize. Should I give them back?” he asked again, pulling her to him and lowering his head as her eyes widened. She was a might disappointed when he suddenly pulled away and turned to scan the horizon.
“Company’s coming,” he announced as Amelia looked in the same direction, not seeing or hearing anything.
Chase stuck his head in and announced the news to the men inside. Riley and Warren were there in an instant, both armed with rifles. It was almost funny seeing these bold men ready to act with soap bubbles still clinging to their shirt sleeves. Warren rang the bell on the porch to announce the visitors.
She glanced at the men’s faces. They were on full alert. She doubted they would ever be at ease again. With worry replacing her anger, she took a step toward Chase. She normally carried a one-shot pistol strapped to her ankle but had left it in her room. It was easy to fall into the trance of this place. She was glad that Chase was so attentive. With the carriage barely a speck on the horizon, she felt Chase relax.
“It’s okay, Brock’s with them.”
Amelia squinted, now able to make out two dots coming closer. How the hell can he see that far to know that is Brock?
“Must be the Reynolds,” Warren stated as he relaxed as well. Amelia lifted an eyebrow. She was curious to meet Thomas’s family. Sabrina had informed her about Thomas’s sister, Sally.
She took another step closer to Chase.
Anna and Sabrina appeared around the side of the house and Brock rode up to her, dismounting. Sabrina, still full of emotion after her talk with Anna, fell into his arms. He held her close. “I’m sorry, Brock.”
“Shh… no need. We’ll talk later.”
Sabrina pulled away a bit still clutching to his arm as if she would collapse if she let go. Partly because she wanted to be close to him, and partly because the Reynolds had arrived.
Thomas and Jaelyn appeared slightly out of breath. Chase moved to help the coachman with the baggage as Warren went to greet Thomas’s family and help them out of the coach. Dr. Reynold appeared in his finery and turned to help Sally out as well. One second there was peace and the next Sally Reynold burst forth in a flutter of petticoats and drama. Her hat was askew and her once ivory outfit was covered in brown dust. She was lovely to look at though. Like Thomas, she was tow-headed and had sparkling blue eyes. She stiffly hugged Thomas and offered Jaelyn a slight nod of acknowledgement.
Thomas quickly introduced them to the rest of the family and she practically purred over Warren, Riley, and Chase.
Taking a deep breath, Sabrina forced a smile and took a step forward to welcome them. Dr. Reynold kissed her cheek and Sally glared, making it a point to stare at Sabrina’s belly.
“Oh my! I had no idea!” she exclaimed in a loud whisper.
“Yes, we are very pleased,” Brock said stepping up behind Sabrina protectively and placed his hands on her stomach.
Sally frowned a bit at the happy couple before turning her attention to Warren.
“Mr. Lovett, your home is spectacular! You must give me a tour once I freshen up.”
“It would be my honor, ma’am. Let me show you and your father to your rooms. I’m sure you’re exhausted after such a long trip.”
Thomas, Riley, and Samuel moved to help carry the countless bags they had brought with them for the journey.
Amelia watched with amusement as the woman latched herself onto Warren’s arm. Her eyes met Sabrina’s and she winked. If they had to sacrifice Warren for the safety of the others, so be it.
Chapter 13
Turning to Amelia, Sabrina spoke, “Since the Reynolds are resting, this would be a good time to head into town. Jaelyn and I need to get fitted for gowns. You and Chase should come as well.”
“You just want me to share in your agony. Very thoughtful. I’d love to go; the men can get the horses and I’ll make the sacrifice to find Thomas and Jaelyn.”
Sabrina accompanied Brock and Chase to the stable. She insisted upon brushing down Troy after his morning workout with Brock. He saddled Justice to ride and picked out some mounts for the other riders while Chase tethered the horses for the wagon.
Congregating at the stable, they were surprised that Riley wanted to join them as well. Jaelyn insisted on riding so Brock begrudgingly let her borrow Justice as he joined Sabrina and Amelia in the wagon.
The group headed off for the journey into town. Sabrina watched the scenery while taking note of the changes here and there since her last visit to town many, many years ago.
The ride seemed quicker than she remembered and the town itself seemed a little bit smaller. Pulling up to the corral, they left the wagon and horses.
They split off into two groups as the women headed to the seamstress shop and the men went to check out the town.
The three lovely young women caused much stir in the usually quiet town. Amelia who was used to city life just ignored them, Sabrina still not used to her femininity looked away, and Jaelyn glared at them.
One man not only stared openly but also turned to watch them walk away. A thoughtful look crossed his face as he moved to talk to the clerk that was sweeping the walk outside of the saloon.
“Those sure are some fine looking women. Who are they?”
“Not sure, probably part of the Lovett crowd.”
“As in Warren Lovett?”
“Yup, his sister is getting married. Gonna be a big shindig.”
“Which one is his sister?”
“Don’t rightly know.”
The man continued to stare until they were out of sight and the other returned to his futile chore.
The women soon spotted the wooden sign which simply said “Seamstress.” Getting closer they looked on in awe of the beautiful gowns on display in the window. A bit more eager they pushed their way into the shop.
They were greeted by an older woman with gray hair pulled back tightly into a bun.
“I am Mrs. Cranbrook, the owner. May I help you?”
“Yes, we are here for our fittings. I believe my brother Warren Lovett has made the arrangements?”
Even though the store was completely empty, she shuffled back to her desk to look at her blotter on her desk.
“Um… yes. Sabrina Lovett and Ja…”
“Jaelyn Stafford.” Sabrina supplied receiving a frown for her interruption.
“Yes, yes two wedding gowns,” she said as her eyes raked over the girls disapprovingly. They came to rest on Sabrina’s stomach.
Amelia who was used to dealing with seamstresses stepped up. “Yes, we need two gowns. If that is too much for you to handle, I’m sure there are other seamstresses in town who can.”
An instant change came over the woman. She even forced a smile. “No need for that! This is the best shop in town and I’m sure that Mr. Lovett wants the best for his sister. Why don’t you come in the back and we’ll get started right away.”
She led them t
o the rear of the shop where there were bolts of fabric everywhere. A settee and some chairs were in one tight corner and a sewing machine in the other. A young woman with long blond hair about their age sat next to a dress form. She looked up from hand stitching beads onto a dress as they entered.
“Shauna! We have clients. Come, write down the measurements.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Sabrina recognized her instantly. “Shauna Jackson?”
“Sabrina! What on earth happened to you? We were all so worried! I couldn’t believe it when I heard you were back.”
“Well, I ended up in Oklahoma and met an amazing man named Brock. Jaelyn is his sister and I’m not sure if you ever met my cousin Amelia,” she said, hugging Shauna and introducing the others.
“Wow, it’s really good to have you back! This place is so boring! Remember after church how we used to run up and down the planked sidewalks?”
“I’d forgotten that. I guess when I tried to block out my memories I blocked out the good ones as well.”
Mrs. Cranbrook cleared her throat. “If you still need these gowns in two weeks we need to get started. Sabrina, we’ll start with you.”
Sabrina reluctantly moved forward and stripped down to her undies and moved to stand on the small stool. The lady called off dozens of numbers to Shauna who meticulously wrote them down. Jaelyn was next. Mrs. Cranbrook eyed her fawn-colored skin with a frown but did not comment. After the measurements, they moved to the bolts of fabric.
“I assume you both want white?”
“Actually, I want mine to be yellow,” Sabrina stated; she had given it a lot of thought. Yellow just seemed right since it was her mother’s favorite color and it went well with her dark hair. It would be a tribute to her.
“Alright then, what shade of yellow?” she asked, pulling out bolt after bolt of yellow fabric each one slightly different from the rest. The woman piled the discarded bolts on Shauna who would replace them in the racks. Sabrina finally found the best one, a bit deeper than the rest that reminded her of daffodils blooming in the spring.
The Stafford Collection, Historical Western Romances Page 32