Levi (Prairie Grooms, Book Five)

by Morgan, Kit

  A knock sounded on the door. Fina jumped and almost dropped her paintbrush. She was more on edge than she thought. “Now, who can that be?” she said as she went to the door. It couldn't be Levi, why would he knock? She opened the door to find Apple on the other side. “Oh, thank heavens it's you!”

  “Of course it's me, who else would it be?” asked Apple with a smile. She peered at Fina then looked her up and down. “Is something wrong?”

  Fina grabbed her, pulled her into the house, and shut the door. “I don't know, but I intend to find out!”

  Apple's eyes widened. “Whatever is the matter?”

  Fina was about to comment when she suddenly realized Apple was alone. “What are you doing here?”

  “I rode with Harrison and Mr. Kincaid,” Apple announced with pride. “They have a sidesaddle, you know, and let me ride Juliet. She's very gentle. Harrison brought some steers for Levi.”

  Fina calmed. “Oh yes, he bought some yesterday.”

  Apple studied her. “What's wrong? I can tell you're not yourself.”

  Fina glanced at the door, then grabbed Apple and pulled her into the parlor. “I have to tell you this quickly, before Levi comes into the house.”

  Apple's eyes widened as she glanced around the room as if Levi was about to pop out from underneath a chair. “What? What's wrong?”

  “Well, Levi and I started a sort of… game, and in this game we each score points when we find out something new about the other, you see.”

  Apple nodded. “Go on.”

  Fina licked her lips. “I thought I could get ahead by reading about him, you know in a diary or some such thing.”

  Apple leaned back and blinked at her a few times. “Levi keeps a diary?”

  “I don't know, but I wanted to find out and began to search for one.”

  “Did you find it?”

  “No.”

  “Then what's the problem? If you didn't find a diary then you can't be accused of snooping.”

  “That's just it,” Fina said with a sigh as she sat on the sofa. “I did snoop and I did find something.”

  Apple sat beside her. “What did you find?”

  Fina began to wring her hands. “There's a trunk upstairs, and I looked in it.”

  “So, what's so bad about that?” Apple’s eyes suddenly widened. “Was there a body in it?”

  “Of course not!” Fina snapped and closed her eyes. “But I did find something that might incriminate my husband.”

  “What did you find?”

  Fina opened her eyes and stared at her sister, a horrified look on her face. “An excessive amount of money; much more than someone of Levi's, shall we say, economic status should have.”

  Apple's mouth dropped open in shock. “How much money?”

  “I didn't have time to count it, but it looks to be… well… it could very well be thousands.”

  Apple put a hand to her chest as she gasped. “Thousands?”

  Fina nodded. “I'm afraid so.”

  Apple quickly stood. “Should we tell the sheriff?”

  “I don't want to jump to any conclusions, but yet I don't see how I cannot.”

  “Have you told anyone else?”

  “No, just you, and that's only because you showed up on the doorstep. I was going to try to see Lena today and tell her. She would know what to do.”

  “As would Cousin Imogene,” added Apple. “Do you want me to tell her?”

  “I don't know. What if it's nothing? What if it's some sort of an inheritance and he doesn't want to keep it in the bank?”

  “But he works at the bank,” Apple pointed out.

  Fina beat a fist against her forehead. “I must think about this. It could be nothing at all, but then, what if it’s something horrible?”

  “What if it belongs to the outlaws?” Apple whispered in fright.

  “Don't think I haven't thought of that.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “I don’t know,” she said and fell back against the sofa. “Father would know if he were here.”

  “Harrison's right outside,” whispered Apple. “He'll know what to do.”

  “But I don't want to accuse Levi of something, when he could be perfectly innocent. What if I tell Harrison and he has him arrested and there's nothing to it at all?”

  “Yes, but what if he's one of the outlaws and was told to stash the money upstairs in his trunk?” Apple's eyes widened. “What if you're not safe with him?”

  “Apple,” Fina said in shock, “bite your tongue. Levi has been nothing but… attentive since we married. Until I have proof, I shan’t think the worst of him.”

  “Yet,” said Apple as she folded her arms across her chest. “I bet I can find out.”

  “How?”

  “I come to town every chance I get, so I won't be bored out at the ranch. Maybe I can go to the bank and look around, ask questions, things like that.”

  “For Heaven’s sake, you don’t work for the Yard! Er …what sort of questions would you ask?”

  “I don't know. I could talk with Mr. Van Cleet and ask him how many people keep their money in his bank.”

  Fina let out a long sigh. “Perhaps you could. But what if Levi doesn't keep his money in the bank because he feels it’s safer in his house?”

  “Then he’s not very confident in the place he works.” She rubbed her chin and bit her lower lip in thought. “He must have saved up for a long time,” she finally said. “Otherwise, how could he have so much?”

  “You're right; perhaps that's all this is, his savings, and I'm jumping to conclusions and being a complete ninny twit.”

  “A ninny twit?” Apple laughed. “What kind of a word is that?”

  “I heard Mr. Van Cleet use it.”

  “I rather like it,” said Apple. “I think I shall use it, too.”

  “Just don't become one when you do,” warned Fina. “And if you decide to ask any questions, be very careful. If Levi, God forbid, is in the wrong and has an accomplice, you could put us both in danger. You can't trust anyone.”

  “Not even Colin and Harrison?”

  “We’ll tell them, but I want Levi to have the benefit of the doubt first. I'm sure it's nothing, but…”

  “But if it’s bothering you this bad, it has to be something.”

  “Give me a couple of days to find out, not to mention calm down. I'm overreacting and I know it.”

  “And you want to tell Lena about this? You know how dramatic she'll get!”

  “You're quite right; I can't tell Lena. She’ll blow it completely out of proportion.”

  “I hate to say it,” said Apple. “But I do believe Cousin Imogene will do the same. Besides, she’s so wrapped up in that Cutty fellow, she hardly speaks to me anymore.”

  “What are you saying?”

  “I'm saying that Cousin Imogene is spending a lot of time with that man.”

  “Yes, I know, but perhaps she feels sorry for him.”

  Apple twirled a loose strand of hair near her ear and smiled. “I don't mind her spending time with him. I think it's rather romantic.”

  “Poor man, he’s so disfigured… perhaps our cousin has taken him on as a project.”

  “He makes her laugh,” stated Apple.

  Fina smiled. “And gives her something to do, I suppose. All in all, I’m sure they're good for each other.”

  “Yes,” agreed Apple. “Now, back to your dilemma. What are you going to do?”

  “I’m going to do what I always do in a time of crisis. I'm going to paint.”

  “That's what you said yesterday.”

  “I know. But now, I'm going to do it.”

  * * *

  “What else can you tell me about your cousin?” Levi asked, hoping Harrison would give him something to help him keep the upper hand. If he wasn’t careful, his pretty little wife would catch up to him, and then he’d have to wait the remaining seven days; which was okay, so long as he kept his distance from her. It was mo
re the principle of the thing.

  “What else? Haven’t I told you enough?” asked Harrison.

  “I’m glad you’ve shared what you have, regarding Fina, but it isn’t anything I don’t already know.”

  Harrison frowned. “Aren’t you the least bit curious to find out for yourself what kind of woman she is?”

  Levi froze. Should he tell him about the game he’d thought up? No, he’d best keep that to himself for now. Harrison would probably think it silly, anyway. “True, but it would be nice to know a few things about her already, like what’s her favorite flower?”

  “Lilies, I believe. But you’ll have a hard time finding any around here.”

  “There, you see what I mean? I’d have gone out and picked the wrong flower for her.”

  Harrison eyed him with scrutiny. “Did you two have a disagreement?”

  “What? No, nothing like that. I just thought it would be nice to … surprise her with a few of her favorite things.”

  “Favorite things, well then… let me see …”

  Levi watched as Harrison pondered the subject at hand. If anyone could give him information on his new bride, it would be her cousin.

  “She and her sisters don’t do well parted from each other for long. Apple’s been pestering Colin and me ever since you and Fina married.”

  “Pestering?”

  “Yes, to come to town. I’m sure she’s hoping she’ll get to see one, if not both, of her sisters. That’s why I brought her with me today.”

  “Today? Apple is here?”

  “My dear fellow, didn’t you see the way she jumped off her horse and ran to your front door?”

  “No, I was in the barn.”

  “Well, I’m sure by now they’ve had a nice visit, and I could do with a spot of tea. Have you any by chance?”

  “Certainly. Follow me.” He led Harrison to the house. Logan Kincaid had just finished checking on Levi’s new stock, and rode up alongside the two men.

  “All done, Harrison. If you don’t mind, I think I’ll ride on over to the school house and kiss my wife.”

  Harrison smiled. “You do that. I’ll see you back at the ranch.”

  Logan tipped his hat and kicked his horse into a trot. Levi watched him go, and then turned to Harrison. “Before you know it, that school house will be overflowing with children.”

  “Yes. It will be nice to see it full of little ones, mine and Colin’s included.” Harrison smiled. “Have you talked with dear Fina about children yet?”

  Levi laughed. “Not yet.”

  Harrison smiled. “I take it you and my cousin … haven’t …”

  “She needs more time, and I aim to give it to her.”

  “Spoken like a gentleman. I commend you.”

  Levi gave him a slight bow. “Thank you.” They reached the house and went inside. There was no sign of the women. The men exchanged a quick glance. “Fella!” Levi called out.

  Silence.

  “Are they outside?” asked Harrison.

  Levi glanced around before his eyes riveted on the kitchen table. “Good Lord! What happened?”

  Harrison followed his gaze, grinned, and then burst out laughing.

  “What’s so funny?” Levi demanded as he stared at his once beautiful, polished, carved by his own hand, (he could go on but what was the point?) kitchen table. A table that had been painted the brightest red he’d ever seen.

  “Ahhh,” sighed Harrison. “I see that my cousin is feeling comfortable enough to be herself in her new home.”

  “Be herself? What is that supposed to mean? She likes red?”

  “No, no, it’s never about the color. It’s about putting it there. Dear Fina, how she does love to paint!”

  Levi groaned, walked to the table and stared at it, his jaw slack. “My poor table …”

  “Was it an heirloom?”

  “It was meant to be …”

  “Too bad.”

  Levi turned to the staircase. “FELLA!”

  “Interesting choice of a nickname,” Harrison chortled.

  “You really think this is funny, don’t you?”

  “Of course. You’ve met your match, if you don’t mind my saying so.”

  Levi groaned again and stomped to the stairs. “Mrs. Stone! I request your presence in the kitchen at once!”

  “I wouldn’t be too upset with her,” consoled Harrison. “It’s an outlet, you see, one Fina has employed since childhood. You should see what she did to her uncle’s granary in Kent.”

  Levi spun to him, eyes wide. “Dare I ask?”

  “Yellow, er … with black spots.”

  Levi turned to the staircase again. “Fella, come down here or I’m coming up!”

  A door at the top of the stairs opened, and Fina stepped out of the bedroom and onto the landing. She was wearing the green dress he’d presented her with the day before, and his breath hitched when he saw her. “What’s all the yelling about? I dare say, can’t a woman have a moment’s peace in this house?”

  “A moment’s …” Levi muttered then straightened. “Come down here, please.”

  Fina descended the stairs like a queen, her head high, chin up. “What is it you require, husband?”

  Levi narrowed his eyes. Why was she acting so funny? Was it because she knew he’d not take kindly to her painting the furniture? “What, may I ask, is that?” he said and pointed to the table.

  Fina glanced over his shoulder, innocence dripping from her every pore. “The table;

  anyone can see that.”

  Levi sucked air through his nose and ignored Harrison’s snorts and chuckles behind him. He might think this was funny, but Levi didn’t. At least not yet … “You painted it!”

  “You just now noticed?”

  Levi closed his eyes but caught the slight smirk that marred her pretty mouth. “I would appreciate it if from now on you ask me if you can paint any of the furniture.”

  “Ask? Whatever for? We’re married, aren’t we?”

  Levi’s eyes widened as Harrison began to choke on his own laughter. “Now look, Fella, that may be true, but I would still appreciate it if you would …”

  “I think it looks wonderful!” Apple blurted behind her sister.

  Levi took a step back. He hadn’t seen her until now. He gave the girl a curt nod, and then turned his attention, or rather, his consternation, back to his wife. “Ask me next time,” he told her, his voice tight. “That’s all. Just ask.”

  “I think you’re making a big fuss over nothing,” said Fina. “All I did was … brighten it up in here a little.”

  Levi reached out, grabbed her hand and pulled her down the remaining stairs. “I’ll brighten something up if you do it again. Trust me on that.” She swallowed. Good, she should be worried! If they didn’t have company, he’d punish her by kissing her into a dead faint again.

  “I should paint the cupboards to match,” she suddenly cooed.

  Levi pulled her against him. “Don’t you dare!”

  “What’s wrong with a little color?” asked Apple. “I like it.”

  Harrison pushed past Levi and Fina and took his young cousin by the hand. “Come along, Apple,” he said through his chuckles. “Let’s leave these two love birds to their freshly-painted nest.”

  “She didn’t paint the house, just the table,” Apple pointed out as he pulled her toward the door.

  “You and I both know it’s only a matter of time …” Harrison chortled, then snorted and escorted Apple out the door.

  Levi waited until the door closed before he slowly turned to Fina. He watched in satisfaction as she gulped. “The whole house smells like paint,” he complained.

  “Funny, upstairs it doesn’t smell like anything at all,” she countered, her voice bordering on haughty.

  Levi smiled a slow, languid smile. Fina backed up a step. “So you like to paint things, do you? Anything?”

  “Almost anything …”

  His smile turned into a grin. That grin.
The one he knew she would recognize. She gulped again. “Well, I’m somewhat of an artist myself. Would you like to see?”

  She swallowed hard. “Wha … what kind of art?”

  In one swift move he had her in his arms. “A very special kind.” He kissed her neck.

  “Oh dear!” she squeaked.

  “What’s the matter, Fella? You don’t want to see how I can paint?”

  “Paint?” she breathed as he nibbled his way to her ear lobe. “Paint what?”

  He pulled away, and gave her the most devilish grin he could produce. “Let me show you.” With that, he swept her into his arms, and carried her up the stairs.

  Twelve

  The next morning, Fina once more found herself in bed, staring at the ceiling. How much more could she take before she gave in? How much more could he? One thing was for sure, she was getting to know him all right, and in more ways than one. But it was during the moments such as last night that she saw a side of Levi that she knew, without a shadow of a doubt, no one else had ever seen, perhaps not even he. It made her feel special, like she was the most important person in the world to him. And she liked it.

  He hadn’t brought up the subject of the table after he carried her upstairs, and she guessed she'd have to deal with it this morning. Last night they’d been too preoccupied with each other to harbor thoughts of a bright red table. If anything was red, it was her face after Levi kissed her. Once again, he'd not only inflamed her lips, but her heart and soul as well. And all he had to do was to hold and kiss her! She couldn’t begin to imagine what it would be like when he…

  “You awake, beautiful?” Levi called through the bedroom door.

  “I'll be down just as soon as I'm dressed,” she called back. By now, the table would be fully dry and they’d be able to eat their breakfast on it. She hadn't considered that when she'd painted it yesterday. She just wanted to brighten up the kitchen and figured that was the best way to go about it.

  She got up, dressed, and went downstairs. Once again, Levi was preparing breakfast for them. “What are you making?” she asked.