Lizzie and the Rebel

by Stephy Smith

  “I used to come here when I was troubled and stare at Mama’s gardens.” Lizzie scanned the leafless garden.

  “We’re not troubled tonight, are we, Lizzie?” Frank lightly jabbed Lizzie in the side. They hadn’t been married a day yet and he prayed she wasn’t ready to give up on them this soon.

  Lizzie’s wild beauty stirred Frank. He stared at her under the setting sun, waiting to watch her luscious lips move. “No. Except there’s too many people lingering in the mansion.”

  “We could hide out here until they all leave.”

  Lizzie’s eyes glowed with a glint of wondrous hidden delight. “Abel is the only other one who would look here. He used to sit beside me. If I cried, he would cry with me. He didn’t know why we cried, only that we needed to cry.” Her angelic laughter was quiet.

  “Lizzie, do you think we’ll ever get to go home?” Frank pulled her head to rest on his shoulder.

  “We can go now. You need to tell your family we’re leaving. I’m packed and ready to go myself.” Lizzie straightened and leaned into him, catching his bottom lip between her teeth and teasing the small portion with her tongue before she released it.

  Frank held her soft face between his hands and gently parted her lips with his tongue, tempting her response. Her mouth opened and accepted his.

  His hand brushed her breast through the satin dress and slid over her chest down to her slender waist. He pulled her rounded hips into his lap and held her cradled in his arms.

  His lips crushed hers and his passionate desire flared deep within. Lizzie pressed against his body and Frank gently pushed her away and guided his wife into the mansion.

  “Let’s do it.” He held tight to his wife’s waist as they made their way to the ballroom. “Are you sure you don’t want to stick around here a bit? You may miss out on something.”

  “Frank, if there is one thing you can count on, that would be me not missing out on anything but a life with you. That one thing would be the underlying cause that would tear my world into pieces. Anything less, I can live without.”

  Lizzie and Frank stood at the edge of the dance floor. Lizzie stood on tiptoes to find Bart and Hannah Walling. In due time, the couple darted across the floor, straight toward Frank and Lizzie. Within a few seconds, they disappeared in the midst of the crowd.

  Hannah and Bart floated around the dance floor. Frank and Lizzie watched them a moment. Frank grabbed Lizzie’s hand and whisked her to his parent’s side. With care, he guided her through the crowd until they reached Hannah and Bart. Frank leaned into his mother and whispered their plans to leave. He said his good-byes to the rest of his family, and with his wife on his arm, they scrambled from the room and rode to the cabin in the moonlight.

  The air was crisp. Lizzie glanced toward Frank. “Peaceful night, wouldn’t you say?”

  “It is now. I’m sorry, Lizzie, but I’m not much of a socialite. I want my freedom without others minding my every move.” Frank glanced to the moon.

  “I agree with you. When I was young, I had my fill of balls and social engagements Mother set up. I would rather be on the mountain. Close to nature is where my life belongs, not caged up in fancy dresses and surrounded by people.”

  “I knew the first time I saw you, you were the woman for me.”

  “You mean the day I took you to the cabin?”

  “Yes, ma’am. At first, when I grabbed you, I was not in my right mind. The softness of your wrist sent a warm tingle through my body and I focused on the angel sent from heaven to rescue my sorry hide. You were, and still are, the prettiest woman I have ever seen.”

  “I thought you were hallucinating. I was frightened at first. I knew your mind needed a few seconds to realize you weren’t in the war any longer. I didn’t know how to respond to the sudden grab.”

  “I still wonder if I am hallucinating. It’s not every day a man has the chance to marry an angel. If it’s only a dream, let me dream in peace. Don’t wake me up; I like where I am.” Lizzie giggled at Frank’s confession.

  “When we get home, you may want me to wake you. I think the devil may take over the angel for a while.” Lizzie winked at Frank.

  The moonlight lit up her face. Frank nudged his horse to a faster pace. “Well, since you put it that way, let’s get home.”

  Her laughter floated up the mountainside.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “The moon shining off the snow is almost as beautiful as you are, Lizzie.”

  “And the stars dancing through the clouds and across the sky are as wickedly handsome and mysterious as you, Frank.”

  “Is this what you stay out here for?”

  “Partly. This world is a part of my mother’s heritage. If you let it, nature will accept you into its world. It will pull you in. Nature will let you know whether you belong here or not.”

  “I’m already drawn in. I think I was when I was freezing to death on the side of the mountain. I felt warm and at peace. Safe and secure in a pocket of rocks I’d never seen before.”

  “That’s called half frozen, my love.” She searched the area for signs of wildlife to point out to him.

  “No. This was different. There was something pulling me to the earth. Something whispered to me and said I was safe and not to be afraid. It wasn’t the wind in the trees playing tricks on me. It was real.” She glanced at his silhouette perched on the back of his horse.

  “My mother use to talk about the spirits talking. She heard them when we would come up here. I listen to them and they warn me of danger. The day I found you, they told me not to be afraid. I thought trappers were on my mountain and I was determined on kicking them off. Or ridding the earth of the evil beasts, and it didn’t matter to me which trail they took.” She paused and then laughed.

  “I’m sorry I was so much trouble for you. I know you’re a free spirit like the wolf. I like that. I’m sure a wolf sat beside me and pushed me around that boulder. He snuggled up next to me and kept me warm for a few hours. That’s when I started hearing the spirits talk to me.” They stopped the horses in front of the cabin. With the reins in his hand, he led them to the barn.

  The cabin was cold and dark. Lizzie lit the lantern and moved to ignite a fire in the fireplace, walked to the bedroom, and dropped the bags near the closet door. She glanced at the bed.

  Her heart beat with fury and eagerness for her husband to return to the cabin. Nervous energy swept through her in anticipation of their coming together for the first time. She had never known a man in that way and she burned with a desire only he could suppress.

  Eagerness wore on her. Desire to know him, curiosity to explore his lean, taut body engulfed her with flames.

  She spun on her heels at the knock on the window. With slow anticipation, she opened it to the mischievous starry-eyed Frank.

  “What are you doing?” She cocked her head.

  “I’m crawling in. The first time I entered this cabin on my own, I had to come in through the window.” He motioned for her to stand back.

  Hoisting himself upon the sill, he tumbled onto the floor inside the cabin. Lizzie stared at his body splayed in front of the window. He lay flat on his back, looking up at her. She placed her hand over her mouth and laughed. His laughter joined hers.

  “I hope that’s not how you managed the first time.” She caught her breath.

  “Last time, I had snow up to my waist and a chair to stand on inside. I think I’ll use the door from now on.” Frank rose to his feet and dusted his dress clothes.

  He stood close to her. So close, they were breathing the same air. Undeniable desire glistened in his eyes. He held her face in his strong hands and his mouth tasted hers with unquestionable hunger.

  His kiss was driven by deep passion. Lizzie led Frank to the bedroom, closing the door behind them. His strong embrace wrapped around her, warming every inch of her body, setting it somewhere between paradise and ecstasy. Her arms tightened around his neck. She pushed her body against his.

  Their ki
ss deepened as he explored her mouth. His tender touches engraved into her heart. She was consumed with a burning desire she knew he would soon fulfill.

  Flames roared within her at his touch. Her arms tightened, refusing to let him go even for a minute. She reveled in the feel of passion igniting between them.

  Lizzie nibbled on an earlobe and trailed down his neck. His strong arms held her close, and he carried her to the bed, his lips never leaving hers. Her fingers slipped through his blond hair. Labored breathing blended with her thunderous heart. She pressed her hand against his broad chest.

  His liquid brown eyes pooled with desire, tempting her to take him to a higher plain. She fluttered kisses across his neck. He placed his hands on the sides of her face and lowered his lips to hers.

  His intense touches aroused her desire as he caressed her skin. She slid his coat and shirt from his shoulders, letting her fingers explore his massive arms, then tossed his clothes on the chair. Lizzie held her breath. His magnificent body was displayed before her. She stood and let her dress fall to the floor.

  Her breath caught at his touch. His fingers blazed tiny paths along her sides. She cradled his slightly whiskered face, then reached for his bronzed arms. Her fingers roamed, explored his taut back, and slid down his muscular torso to his firm hips.

  “I love you, Lizzie.” He buried his face in her hair. Drifting on waves, they melted into one. They held each other tight.

  “I love you, Frank.” She felt her heart swell, and a smile crept across her face.

  His warm breath steadied, and she lay exhausted, cherishing the feelings he instilled in her. She snuggled into Frank’s arms, her head resting on the crook of his shoulder. For the first time in a long time, Lizzie slept a strong, peaceful sleep.

  The chill of morning brought the couple to life. Frank dressed and added wood to the fire. Lizzie cooked breakfast. A savage hunger swept over her as she watched him.

  A smile passed between them at a scratch on the door. Lizzie ran to let the wolf in. Spirit stepped in with tail wagging. Both reached to stroke the wolf before he found his place near the fire to lie down.

  “Will you be as excited to see me when I come home after a day’s work?” His smile teased in wonderment.

  “No,” Lizzie said, with instant regret as the hurt crept across his face. “You won’t be out of my sight that long. I’ll be next to you day and night.” She approached Frank, kissing him passionately to assure him she loved him more than life itself.

  Frank rolled his eyes. His disappointment faded. “Not when you’re with child, my love. You’ll be here waiting its arrival.” His thunderous heart pounded under her hand, and the sparkle in his eyes held his happiness.

  The thought of a child thrilled her. The thought of having one of her own had never stayed with her for any amount of time. She thought forward to the day her body swelled with his child.

  Frank took Lizzie’s hand and led her back to the bedroom. His eyes gleamed as she playfully nibbled on his neck.

  Pure white snow continued to fall on the mountain. Weeks passed into months. Lizzie reveled in the rugged handsomeness of her husband.

  The days grew brighter with the warming sun. The snow melted, filling the creek with cold, peaceful waters, giving it a voice of its own as the water rushed down the side of the mountain.

  “I want to show you a place you haven’t seen yet. Come on.” She led him to the barn and they saddled their horses. Lizzie led the way down a steep, winding trail that cut back up the side of the mountain. They reached a ledge Lizzie called her learning point. She waved her hand across the land. Frank peered out.

  “This is where my mother would bring me to teach me about nature. In this spot, I watched the eagles soar, heard the water sing, and listened to the wind rustle the treetops. When the weather warms, I’ll bring you here and teach you the things to watch for when you’re on the mountain alone.”

  “I’m not a good student.” His gaze focused on the outstretched mountainside.

  “One of the first things you must learn is to learn. Up here, it’s the link between life and death. You’ve already experienced the warnings. There’s more to survival.” The seriousness of the conversation reminded her of the severe winter day. A day she wouldn’t soon forget.

  Chapter Sixteen

  “During the war,” Frank’s eyes faded into a faraway place, “something was always beside me.”

  “What do you mean?” Lizzie glanced at him.

  “A spirit. It would cuddle up next to me when we were in heavy gunfire.”

  “What kind of spirit? Did you see it?”

  “Many times. It was a wolf. At some of the battles, it was bitter and cold. Rain, snow, sleet; you name it, we went through it. Anyway, the wolf would protect me from the brunt of the storms.” A sad smile passed over his face.

  Lizzie listened and waited for Frank to continue.

  “There were times I wasn’t certain we would make it out of a situation and the wolf would talk to me. It would tell me to go one way or another and take the men with me.” He glanced over at Lizzie.

  “You put your trust in the wolf?” She furrowed her brows.

  “I guess. I don’t recall having a choice. After a while, I naturally followed him. He never led us down a wrong path. The other men thought I was losing my mind. Soon, they realized, just like I had, the wolf was helping us, and we all learned to accept it.”

  “The wolf was your animal spirit guide. That’s why it was there. To protect you, keep you warm. They stay with you as long as you need them.”

  “When I woke up in your cabin and saw Spirit…” His voice cracked.

  “You weren’t afraid because you knew he had returned.”

  “Something like that. I knew everything was going to be fine. I was shocked you could see him.” Frank chuckled. “He was real this time, not just a spirit walking beside me. I could touch him. I was safe.”

  Lizzie listened in stunned silence. She had never thought about the men in war having their spirit guides, animal or angel, with them. The thought sent goose bumps running down her.

  “Mother taught me about the spirits. She always said to listen to them and thank them for their guidance.”

  “I wasn’t the only one to thank them. Wolf became our main subject in prayer. All of the men would take turns giving the blessing. They all asked wolf to stay with us and guide us in times of trouble. He gave us something tangible to believe in. We knew he was guided by a higher being. We never questioned that guidance; we only followed it.”

  Lizzie swiped a tear from her face. She never would have believed Frank to be one to accept the strong emotional support of an animal spirit guide. He never talked about the war. Yet, here he sat, on the ridge of the mountain, talking.

  “If I hadn’t listened to the wolf, I wouldn’t be here. Lizzie, I think he led us to the mountain. He intended you and me to be together. I’m not sure my cousins acted alone when we got lost.” Frank’s voice changed in a peculiar way.

  “You could be right, my dear husband. You could be right.”

  They sat on the brink, scanning the landscape before them. A peace fell over the mountain.

  Each passing day grew warmer. Lizzie would lead Frank across the mountain. She told him more stories of her younger years. Her stories held a lesson for him to behold, lessons well taught on a personal level that stuck in his mind as he envisioned Lizzie as a young girl.

  Her transformation into a woman intrigued him. Not just any woman, but his woman. Bright, sassy, and so full of spirit she pulled him into her. At night, when the sun went down, he held her against his pride filled chest and waited for morning to greet them again.

  Wildlife returned, bringing about a liveliness the winter had robbed. The call of the wild echoed through trees and brought an energy city life couldn’t.

  “You amaze me. When I look at you, I have a sense of love, caring, and extensive worry I never felt before. You make my life complete.” He sat o
n the horse next to hers and scanned the valley where the cabin stood.

  “Do you miss Texas?” she asked.

  “No. I didn’t know as many people there as the rest of my family did. I didn’t like crowds, so when Mother had her parties, I would go to Grandma and Grandpa’s farm. I felt more comfortable there than anywhere else. I wasn’t attached to the land. There was no sense of belonging like I feel here with you.”

  “Your mother told me she liked living in the country. However, being a doctor’s wife, some things were expected of her. So she did what any doctor’s wife was expected to do.”

  “There were times when I would catch her staring out across the country. She had that faraway look in her eyes. I often wondered if she was going to run away from home, but she never did.”

  “My mother and father split the difference to work things out for both of them. It worked out perfect. If you ever miss Texas, then we should visit. I’ve never been there and I hear it’s strange land. All flat and gold like the sun.”

  “We can visit, but the part where I was raised isn’t the flat lands you talk about. We have more green than they do on the high plains.”

  Each day, they rode the ranch. Lizzie led Frank to the boundaries to acquaint him with the land. They hunted fresh game and prepared the meat the way her mother had.

  Every night, when the sun sank low, they entered the house. Frank closed the door and drew Lizzie’s body against his. She responded to his touch. Leaning into his solid frame, she wanted and needed him, his closeness, tenderness, and love to etch into her heart and soul.

  Alone, just the two of them, they set out on a journey to their own secret mountain. Lizzie and the rebel made their own cherished memories.

  About the Author

  Stephy Smith was born and raised in the Northwest Texas Panhandle. She owns and operates her own ranch. Stephy enjoys her family, country living and writing.

  Astraea Press, LLC

  Where Fiction Meets Virtue

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