“Me, too,” smiled Jimmy.
“Here, take these,” Tom said handing them the rifle, shells and saddlebags. “Saddle my horse and get ready to go. I need a couple more things from the house.” Tom walked back to the house and made his way back to the kitchen where he found Jethro coming in the back door carrying a couple freshly plucked chickens. “Where’s my father?” Tom asked gruffly.
“He done left early for the high pasture,” replied Jethro.
“Fill some sacks with enough grub to last three men a couple of weeks, and be quick about it,” Tom ordered. Jethro didn’t answer as he took some empty sacks and started filling them. Tom turned on his heel and went to his father’s study. Behind the desk was a small safe where his father kept money and valuables. Ian was the only person who knew the combination, or so he thought. Tom knelt down and dialed his mother’s birthday. Tom had watched his father open the safe enough times to recognize the combination. He gave the handle a turn and it opened easily. Reaching in, he removed his father’s money belt that contained five thousand dollars and removed his shirt and wrapped it around his waist. Buttoning his shirt Tom looked around the room; hate was rising up in his chest again. He gathered a large mouthful of spit and phlegm and spat in the middle of the massive desk. “I’ll come back for the rest of what’s mine, you miserable old bastard,” he snarled.
He left slamming the door of the study and stomped his way back to the kitchen and, without a word, snatched up the food and headed for the front door. Tug and Jimmy were waiting holding his horse and Tom handed them each a sack and got painfully into his saddle. Taking one more look around the ranch, he grit his teeth and growled, “Let’s make some dust.” The three of them spun their horses around and left the ranch at a high gallop.
Chapter 15
The weeks passed slowly around the town of MacIntyre, spring had left and the summer was in full swing with hot sultry days and cool evenings. Blake and Caleb worked in the forge in the mornings and after lunch they trained Caleb’s horse, Rosie, as he named her. Her feet had improved greatly and now Caleb worked on gaining her trust. Blake marveled at the way she took to him and in little time he was riding her bareback with just a halter and a single lead rope. When Blake suggested that he might try a saddle, Caleb shrugged his shoulders and said, “W-we d-do fine.” He took to riding her to the café for school and people were astounded when he could just ask for her to bow down so he could get on easier, and she did it without hesitation.
Michelle and Percival purchased a two story house on the main street of town and opened a dress shop. Blake always found it funny that he would never see any women go in the front door but several times they were seen leaving out the back and up the alley with packages under their arms.
Blake attended church most Sundays and usually tried to sit next to Chrissy, but being a small town, people started to gossip and that made her uncomfortable.
It was the following week and Blake was in Josh Dooley’s store settling his bill and placing orders for more goods. “So tell me, Blake,” Josh said as they were finishing up, “have you called on Mrs. O’Bryan yet?”
“What? No. I mean what made you ask that?” Blake asked taken back.
“Well, it’s just the whole town is on pins and needles waiting for you to.”
“I don’t like being the topic of conversation, Josh. Tell them to mind their own business,” Blake said flatly.
Josh stared down at the counter. “Sorry, Blake, I was prodded into it.”
“Oh, for goodness sakes,” said Terry from behind him, “you men are so thick sometimes. Even Maddy thinks you two are right for each other.”
“Well be that as it may, I don’t think a four-year-old is the proper judge for my life,” smiled Blake.
With that, Madeline crawled up on the counter and took hold of one of Blake’s fingers. “I am almost five, and you have to stay here,” she said in a very determined little girl way.
Blake laughed, “And why would that be, Little Missy?”
“You’ll see,” she giggled.
Blake looked at Josh who shrugged his shoulders and then at Terry who just smiled like the cat who ate the canary. Just as he was about to say something the bell over the front door tinkled and Chrissy came in. “Hello, Josh, Hap said you needed to ask me something.”
Josh looked helplessly at Terry, who poked Madeline, who got up on her knees and whispered something in Blake’s ear. “Really,” he said smiling at Madeline. She shook her head rapidly. “All right, but if this goes wrong it’s your fault.” Madeline laughed.
“I should really be getting back,” Chrissy said.
“Mrs. O’Bryan I fear that we are victims of a very clever ruse,” Blake said.
“What are you talking about?”
“This young lady has made up her mind that I should ask you a question.”
“And what question is that?”
“You probably won’t accept anyway.”
“You won’t know unless you ask. Please, Mr. Thorton, I have a business to run.”
Blake looked at Madeline again and said, “What was I supposed to ask?”
Josh blurted out, “Ask her, or I’ll ask her myself.” Terry shot him a disapproving look. “For him, not for me.” He laid his head on the counter defeated. “Please Blake, end my hell.”
Blake chuckled, “Miss Madeline thinks I should ask you to go for a buggy ride this Sunday.”
Chrissy crossed her arms and cocked her eyebrow, “Does she now?”
“Yup, but I told her you would say no.”
“I haven’t.”
“Then you’ll go?”
“I didn’t say that either.”
Blake was confused. “Then what are you saying?”
“I would rather it be your idea, not Madeline’s.”
“I intended to ask, but I knew you would say no.”
“I haven’t.”
“Then the answer is yes?”
“Are you certain that this is completely your idea?”
“Mother of God, woman, you’re going to be the death of me.” Blake steadied himself and stood up straightly. “Mrs. O’Bryan, it is my sincerest wish that you would accompany me for a ride in the country this coming Sunday afternoon after church services. What is your reply?”
She made him wait a full thirty seconds before answering. “That would be lovely, Mr. Thorton,” she said smiling. “Shall I pack a lunch?”
Blake was stunned by the recent events. Finally, Terry poked his arm and he said, “That would be lovely.”
Chrissy dropped her arms and winked at Terry. “I’ll see you Sunday, then,” and she turned and left the store.
“God Almighty,” Josh said, “I think I need a nap after watching that.”
******
In preparation for the Sunday afternoon carriage ride, Blake purchased a new suit complete with a string tie and matching vest. He tried to clean his trail hat but determined that it was far too worn and bought a new one. He shined his boots to a high luster and even polished his gun belt and colt revolver. Standing in front of the full length mirror in his room he carefully looked at himself. “Well, I guess that’s as good as it’s gonna get,” he thought. Picking up his new hat, he left the room and headed downstairs. As he entered the kitchen Caleb whistled, “N-now a-ain’t you p-p-pretty,” he laughed.
“You’s take yourself a lesson, sonny,” Sadie said. “That a man who knows hows to dress fo’ courtin’.”
“It’s just a buggy ride, you two,” Blake groused.
Caleb snickered and Sadie smiled at him, “If’n a man came to my door lookin’ that fine, I be lookin fo’ a preacher man to marry him, sho nuff.”
Caleb looked up at Blake and batted his eyes, “Oh B-Blake w-will you m-marry m-me.”
Blake cuffed him lightly on the back of his head, “Finish your breakfast, boy.” Putting his hat on, he started for the door.
“I’
s told yo’ he’d have too many butterflies in has stomach to be eatin’ my breakfast,” Sadie said nudging Caleb, and they both giggled.
Blake snatched two biscuits off the counter and took a bite from one of them. “Keep it up and the both of you will be bunking in the hayloft down at the livery,” he said smiling. He left the house and could hear them laughing until he reached the street. The day was warm and promised to be clear, there was not a cloud in the sky. As Blake rounded the corner to the livery he saw Avery cleaning off the horse and buggy Blake had rented from Joe for the day. Avery spit on the wheel hub and wiped off with a dirty rag. “Some people actually use water for that,” Blake said disgusted.
“Joe said hisself to spitshine this here buggy for you, so that’s what I’m doing. An’ I got to say my mouth is getting’ purdy dry,” Avery said grinning back.
“I think I’m going to puke,” Blake said shaking his head.
“Oh, I was just funnin’ you is all, I used water for your sweetheart.”
“It’s just a buggy ride, for Pete’s sake.”
“Oh sure it tis, and I am President Ulysses S. Grant,” Avery stated proudly hooking his thumbs high on his suspenders.
“You are an ass, is what you are.”
“I’s has no time to be trifling with the likes of you, I’s has me a Congress to address,” Avery said cackling, throwing his rag on the ground and marched back into the barn.
Blake stepped up into the carriage and muttered to himself, “I am surrounded by idiots.”
He snapped the reins and drove the horse out onto the main street toward the café. Chrissy and Bonnie, who was carrying a large picnic basket, were just leaving and Chrissy turned to lock the door. She turned back to the street just as Blake pulled the buggy to a stop in front of the café. Chrissy was dressed in a bright yellow dress with her blonde hair pulled back in a pretty fashion that accentuated her heart shaped face. She wore a small matching hat with a yellow feather in it, her blue eyes sparkled when she saw him and she smiled sweetly. “My, what a handsome figure you cut in that suit, Mr. Thorton.”
Blake tipped his hat. “It pales in comparison to the image of you fine ladies,” he said. “I thought perhaps you would like a ride to church today.”
“I’m not sure that would be proper,” she said pursing her lips.
“Oh, please,” Bonnie said. “This basket is heavy.”
“If that’s our lunch, the least I can do is put it in the buggy,” Blake said jumping down and taking it from Bonnie. “Can you drive a buggy, Mrs. O’Bryan?”
“Certainly,” Chrissy responded.
“Then why don’t you and Bonnie take it to church and I will meet you there?”
“That is truly gallant, but I think…”
“Thank you, Mr. Thorton!” Bonnie said as she hopped in the carriage.
Blake grinned at Chrissy and placed the basket in the back, then he held out his hand to help Chrissy into the seat. “It would appear the decision has been made, ma’am.”
“Apparently,” Chrissy said entering the carriage. “Thank you.”
The service was short and to the point that week. Father Grimm focused on the evils of drink. It had more than one man squirming in his pew. Blake sat with Sadie and Caleb but his eyes were fixed on Chrissy who sat several rows in front of him. After the service was over he waited outside for Chrissy and Bonnie. Ian MacIntyre came out of the church with his daughters behind him; there was a sour look on his face as he passed Blake. “Good morning,” Blake said pleasantly.
Ian stopped dead in his tracks and gave Blake a cold stare. “Girls, go to my carriage and wait, I wish to be havin’ a word with Mr. Thorton,” he said without glancing away.
“Yes, Papa,” they said in unison, and hurried to the buggy.
“What can I do for you?” Blake asked. He was somewhat bewildered as to why Ian wanted to speak with him.
“I would like to be knowin’ what your quarrel is with my son,” Ian said flatly.
The question took Blake off guard, so he kept a calm demeanor. “I don’t have a quarrel with him directly.”
Ian drew up to full height. “He thinks you are up to no good, and I’m tryin’ to discern if it is so.”
Blake’s voice became even and cold, he did not like being challenged and tried to control his temper. “I will not defend myself to anyone, especially your son. If he has anything to say, I recommend he comes to me personally … as a man would.”
“It tis dangerous ground you would be treading on, Mr. Thorton,” glared Ian.
“The soles of my boots have seen plenty of it, Mr. MacIntyre.”
Ian held his gaze awhile longer. “Aye, of that I’m certain,” he said and slowly turned and walked to his carriage.
“What was that all about?” Chrissy asked. She had come up behind Blake and overheard the last of his conversation.
“I’m not sure,” Blake replied, and then he smiled. “Are you ready to go?”
“Yes, I am. Caleb is going to escort Bonnie home, so we can leave whenever you like.”
Blake held out his elbow for her and she slipped her hand in it. He escorted her to the buggy and helped her in and then they were off.
As they started out he said, “I’m still not real familiar with the surroundings yet. Do you know of any nice places to go?”
“There is a lake south of here that’s very pretty, if that sounds good.”
“South it is then,” he said.
******
It was a very pleasant ride to the lake. They talked about their lives and how they got there, but mostly where they wanted to go with them. They circled the lake and found a secluded place to spread the blanket for their picnic. The day had become quite warm so they sat under a large oak tree with a spectacular view of the lake. The lunch tasted wonderful, fried chicken and biscuits with apple pie for dessert. Chrissy brought a bottle of wine and they shared that, too. She had removed her hat and let her golden hair cascade down around her shoulders. Blake lazed on his side holding his head up on his hand and marveled at her beauty. Finally she stood and leaned against the tree looking out onto the lake. There was a melancholy look on her face as she tried to hide wiping a tear away. Blake stood slowly and came up behind her. “Have I done something to upset you?” he asked.
“No,” she said softly. “Yes, I mean, I’m not sure.” She turned and looked at him with sad eyes. “I don’t know what to feel. You are a strange man. One minute you make me mad and then an instant later I feel attracted to you.” She placed her hand lightly on his chest. “It has been a long time since I have let myself feel like this, I’m afraid of being hurt.”
“I would never try to hurt you, but I’m not perfect. Just know from the second I saw you I knew you were a special woman and I would be the luckiest man alive just to be around you.”
“That’s very sweet,” she said. “But there are some things you don’t know, I….”
“Chrissy,” Blake interrupted.
“Yes?” she said her lips quivering.
“Hush,” he said and leaned down and kissed her. They held the kiss for a long time and she slipped her hand around the back of his neck. Slowly the passion grew and he pulled her tiny waist closely to his own. When the kiss parted he looked deeply into her eyes and she brought a trembling hand down to the end of his string tie, pulling gently she untied it and unbuttoned the top button of his shirt. “It’s been so long,” she whispered and undid another button. Tears ran down her cheeks as Blake kissed her again, with more urgency. He could taste her salty tears as he slipped his hand behind her and unbuttoned the top of her dress. He moved his mouth down to her neck and softly caressed it with his lips. Her breath came faster as she frantically opened his shirt and pressed herself firmly against him. They brought their mouths back together and started removing each other’s clothes. Blake slid her dress and bodice from her shoulders exposing her breasts and pulled her tightly against his naked fl
esh. When they were both naked he slowly lowered her to the blanket and lay beside her. He glanced down and admired her soft creamy flesh and caressed her with his strong hands. She cupped his face and brought his eyes to hers, “Make love to me,” she whispered and brought her lips to his.
When they were finished, they laid side by side holding each other, Blake reached up to brush away one of the curls of her hair that slipped down on her face. Suddenly her mood changed dramatically and she burst into tears. “Damn you,” she sobbed.
Blake was shocked. “What the heck did I do?” he asked.
Chrissy rolled away and stood up with her back to him and started getting dressed. “I gave into temptation with you, I’m no better than one of the saloon girls.”
Blake was mystified. “I don’t see how you can say that. We are two adults that have a strong attraction for each other, that doesn’t make this wrong.”
“We’re not animals,” she snapped. “I think a man and woman should be wedded first.”
“It’s a ring and a piece of paper, that’s all,” Blake said pulling on his shirt and buttoning it.
“Not in God’s eyes it isn’t,” she stated trying to button the back of her dress. “I don’t think I could ever marry a man like you, you’ll never settle down.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa, who ever said anything about getting married?” Blake stammered. “I like you a lot, but I don’t know if I’m ready for that.” The second the words left his mouth he would have given all his money and more to get them back.
Chrissy stared at him and her mouth hung open.
“Damn,” Blake said hanging his head. “That came out all wrong.” He took both of her arms in his hands and looked deeply in her eyes. “Look, a couple of months ago I didn’t know this town existed. All of the sudden I’m opening a blacksmith shop and living in a house. I’ve taken on a wayward kid and stared creating a life. Ever since I got back from sea I’ve only taken life a day at a time, not giving much thought of how it would affect people. One part of me is scared out my wits and wants to pack up and skedaddle, while another part wants to stay here and settle down.”
The Blacksmith Page 18