by Caryl McAdoo
With a good hour’s worth of light still left, he reined the team into a wide spot with a big pinon oak dead center. Right nice little half-acre clearing for the mules to graze. She helped him unharness the team, then grain and water the old boys.
After he hobbled them, she lent a hand gathering deadfall.
Before the last bit of light faded, his ma’s beef stew heated on the coals. She’d sent fatback, too, so Lacey added two of her potatoes and went to frying. They’d have a true supper.
Being out there alone, cooking dinner together, and setting up camp like true grownups…it was kind of fun.
He mixed cornbread and had the Dutch oven on before the pork was half done.
Her mouth watered like a bubbling spring, and her belly cried for a taste, but she didn’t want him knowing how hungry she was.
Wouldn’t be ladylike, either, to pick out of the frying pan. But she’d spied one little piece broke off…couldn’t take her eyes off it. He turned to do something, and she went for it!
Popped it in and savored its flavor. Hadn’t eaten since daybreak; and overall, so little since leaving home.
He squatted next to her. “Once I offload the timber, I could take you where you’re going.”
She squinted one eye and studied on him with the other. Was he wanting to bargain again? Or just being nice? “Aw, your ma would strap you if you were late getting home. I couldn’t be the reason you got a beating.”
He chuckled. “She don’t hit very hard, not much more than getting a bug swatted. Besides, for all she knows, I might’ve got held up unloading. Jasper used that the time we…” He closed his mouth and shrugged. “Uh…got home later than she expected.”
“What did you two do?”
“Nothing. Not a thing.”
“Why do you keep on lying to me, Jed? Don’t you think I’m smart enough to know you and your brother did something you shouldn’t if you’re getting home late and making up excuses?”
“Just you forget I said anything.”
“Well, see? That’s better than lying about it.”
“Don’t need you preaching, Lacey Rose.”
“Is that so?”
“Just that, you want me keeping your secrets, and so does he.”
She didn’t know of anywhere this side of the Red that would entice a young man to lie to his folks about visiting, but then she probably didn’t hear about half the good stuff anyway.
More than once, Houston and Bart would be giggling like little girls over something, then hush when she got close. She hated it when they did that.
“You’re right, Jed.” She turned and put her hand on his knee. “I do want you to keep your word and not tell Jasper’s secrets—even to me—or anyone about giving me a ride either.”
The silence between them hung in the air, sucking up every bit of comfortable, but before it was all lost, she added, “Isn’t this sort of fun? Just the two of us? Cooking our own dinner out here in the woods?”
“Yeah, it is.”
Finally, supper was ready.
Fatback and taters along with stew and cornbread never tasted so good. First real meal she had since lighting out. Shame she hadn’t waited a day or two and gathered up more supplies, but then Charley shouldn’t have written her that horrible letter.
She hated him, too.
“Want me to get out my juice harp?”
“Sure, when did you start playing?”
“Oh, since forever, I guess, but never had the nerve to in front of anyone until Grandma heard me practicing in the barn.” He laughed. “She then took to bragging on me such. Ma and all the little ones begged me to show them. All of them claimed I weren’t half bad.”
She started to correct his English, but her mother did that, and she didn’t want to be anything like her. “What song you going to play?”
He pulled his harmonica from his bib pocket, drew it over his mouth, then smiled. “You tell me. I ain’t thought of a name yet.”
“You just make up songs?”
He nodded, closed his eyes, then put the instrument to his mouth. From the first note, his music carried her away. Just like somehow, he’d seen into her heart and turned her pain and sorrow into a melody.
How had he known? For the longest she listened, then scooted closer, and leaned her head on his shoulder. Tears streamed down her cheeks.
Oh, Charley!
She didn’t hate him. She loved him. But why didn’t he love her, too?
Why had he kissed her back?
A fly buzzed her nose. She swatted at it then rolled over and right up against a hard lump.
She sat up.
Jed Briggs slept next to her. She scooted out from under the wagon and smoothed out her dress, looking every which direction to be sure no one had snuck up and seen her sleeping beside the boy.
But why didn’t she remember falling to sleep or getting under the wagon?
“Good morning.”
She backed away a step. “Thought you was going to sleep by the fire.”
“I was, but I forgot I only brought one blanket. When you fell asleep on my shoulder, bawling like a new calf separated from its mama, I –”
“Did not.”
“Oh, yes, you did. Cried so much you about soaked my shirt through. Missing your ma?”
Other than the salty eyes, she didn’t seem any different. For a heartbeat, she replayed the night, and yes, he was right. But it wasn’t her mother she wept for.
“Now, Jed Briggs, hear me good! You can’t tell a single soul that we slept together, not even Bobby Ray. Do you hear?”
“We didn’t sleep together! Not like we was married or something, so there’s nothing to tell anyway.”
“Good. Did you bring any coffee?”
“Sure thing.”
“Let me make us some, and you break camp. Don’t want to be lollygagging around here all day, do we?”
He grinned. “The turnoff to Phillips is only a half mile up the road.”
“So? You’re not wanting to stay here. Are you?”
“No, but I figured we’d get our kiss out of the way before we get going.”
Chapter Four
“Go on then and see to the mules.” Lacey threw her chin toward the little meadow. “See to any necessaries while you’re getting them, and don’t come back for a while…or without announcing yourself.”
“Yes, ma’am. Then we’ll…?” He raised his eyebrows. “Wouldn’t want anyone to say Lacey Rose Langley welched on a deal.”
She waved him off. “You’ll get your payment for sure and for certain. But right this minute, I need some privacy, sir.”
His lips about split his face in two. “Yes, ma’am.”
By the time he hitched the mules, she had coffee, warmed cornbread, fatback and potatoes ready for him, but didn’t see a reason to put it off any longer. “Jed, before we eat, go ahead and put your hands in your back pockets.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He complied then pulled one out and held it up, palm facing her. “Wait. Is it fine if I keep my eyes open?”
“I don’t care, but why would you want to do such a thing?”
He smirked. “Because you’re so pretty, and well, this is my first kiss—other than kin, and they don’t count—and I want to remember it.”
She figured that was another of his big old fat lies, but liked him saying it anyway. “Put that hand back where it best stay.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Again, he complied.
“And stop that ma’aming me. I’m only a year and a half older than you.”
He nodded like a red-headed woodpecker, licked his lips, then bent his head a bit toward her. She stepped in close and stretched up a bit. She placed a hand on his cheek and neck to steady herself, then touched her lips onto his, gentle like.
Not like when she kissed Charley. Jed’s lips were so soft and full.
She closed her eyes and turned her head, pressing in a little. Jed was such a kind boy, and polite, and oh, how he could play
that harmonica! Lifting her free hand to his chest, she snuggled in closer and tighter.
Then suddenly, like her hands had minds of their own making, they grabbed his arms and pulled his hands out of those pockets.
For a heartbeat, nothing more happened. Where were his hands? Hanging mid-air? Then finally, he wrapped her in a bear hug, kissing her the way she wished Charley had. Her heart melted into it.
But then reality cast a shadow over her soul.
Opening her eyes, she leaned back. His popped open, but he didn’t release his hold on her. “I love you, Lacey Rose. Truth be known, I always have.”
“Don’t say that.”
“But it’s true. Let’s get married, and you can live with us. You don’t have to run off.”
“Jed! Don’t be ridiculous. You’re only fifteen. My mother’d find out and come shoot you then drag me home.”
“I wouldn’t let her. And if you was in the family way…”
“No.” She pushed back. “I’m leaving.”
“But to where? How about I come with you? We’d have the cypress money.”
“No. You can’t do that. It’d be stealing. Now listen to me. You’ve had your kiss, and it’s time to get this load on to Philips. I’ve got to get on my way as well. So just climb on aboard and maybe we’ll see each other again sometime. Remember your promise, though. Wouldn’t want anyone to say Jed Briggs welched on a deal.”
A tear rolled down his cheek. “I’m coming sixteen next year. And just like you said, you’re only a year older. We could make it work.”
Her own tears threatened, but only because of the sadness flowing down his cheeks. The pain in his eyes was very familiar and still fresh in her own heart. He stuck his hand in his side pocket then pulled it back out.
Stepping forward, he took her hand, turned it, and pressed a coin in then closed her fingers around it. “Don’t you hurt my feelings any worse by trying to give that back.”
She nodded then stuck the coin in her pocket. “Thank you, Jed. You’re a good friend.”
Like he said, in half a mile, he turned south, but she kept on east. Took a few steps, before turning and watching until the mules carried him and his load of timber around the first curve. You’re a good friend.
Why had she said that? Couldn’t think up any new lines?
Remorse nicked at her heart, but she didn’t want a boy.
And the man she did, didn’t want her.
Chester resisted hurrying. The news was old just like his bones, and they didn’t take kindly to being bounced around. Besides, who liked being the bearer of bad news?
Soon enough, he hitched the wagon to the front post and walked what amounted to double time for him all the way to the library, but then found May in the kitchen.
“Sister? A word please.”
“Can it wait? Your wife needs me now, or everything else will get too cold.”
He shrugged, washed his hands, and went to helping. Now or later he could tell his sister what he’d found out, then she could decide what to do next.
Once the women shooed him and finished, she nodded him toward the library, then took the far wingback. He loved sitting it when he could beat Henry there, but that didn’t happen often.
And if the news proved true, maybe never again.
May slipped into the desk chair. “What is it? Supper about ready?”
“Paper reports they’ve promoted Henry to Major General and sent him east.”
“Oh, no. What does that mean, Chester?”
“I’m not sure, but it would appear they will be in the thick of it…if the papers have it right.”
His half-sister closed her eyes, but her lips moved. Oh, how the sight of that woman praying did bless his heart. After so many years, and all his own petitions to the Good Lord on her behalf, she’d found His sweet salvation.
Yes, he loved her, and it pleased him to no end how much she obviously loved the Lord.
But his blessed heart was broke, too. Over Henry fighting for the Confederacy.
How could he?
She looked up. “Anything else? You kept glancing around in the kitchen. I thought perhaps you harbored concern that Laura might come in. Any news on Lacey?”
A sigh escaped, and he shook his head. “The girl bought a stage ticket in DeKalb, heading for Little Rock.”
“When? Do you know? Should we go after her?”
“No, that was a month or more ago.”
“I thought she was going west.”
“Smart girl, that one. Tells us she’s going to find her father’s people then heads east.”
“This come from the Pinkertons?”
“No, ma’am. Someone left a note on the Donoho front desk. Clerk never saw anyone. I wired Little Rock, but the man there said he didn’t remember any young lady traveling by herself.”
“Did you wire DeKalb, too?”
“Yes. Station master said Lacey paid with a twenty-dollar gold piece, claiming she was going to see her father. He didn’t think much of it at the time.”
May wanted to slap that man or worse. Hadn’t he got word about the girl running off? Everybody else in the valley had! “Any ideas?”
“How about we write that husband of yours and tell him to send us Levi Baylor and Wallace Rusk? They’ll have our little runaway tracked and back safe in no time.”
She snorted at her brother’s lame attempt at a joke. If anyone was coming home it would be Henry. He should’ve never gone in the first place. He’d served his time fighting for Texas, and the Rangers could take plenty good care of themselves.
If he hadn’t insisted on going, he could’ve kept Houston and Bart home, too.
“Any real ideas?”
“I upped the reward.”
She nodded. Not that they’d paid any out, but if the war wasn’t over soon, she might have to start digging up the gold her dearest had hid all over the ranch. “Anything else?”
“Not really. If she don’t want to be found…then…” He shrugged again.
Before she could say more, her baby burst into the room. “Supper’s ready, and Aunt Jewel needs you to come help her, Uncle Chester.”
“Oh, she does? Since I’m so busy in here talking with your mother, how about you handle my part? You’re getting so big and all.”
Charlotte grinned. “I’m not that big, and you’re only saying that to try and trick me.” She looked at her mother. “He keeps forgetting how smart I am.”
“Yes, he does, little darling of mine.”
“Hey little miss, how about helping an old uncle up, then I’ll assist your mama up, so we can wobble into the kitchen together.”
Grasping both his hands, she leaned all the way back, and he made a show of struggling to his feet in a cloud of giggles. “Why you’re so old, Uncle, you might just die before you get all the way in there to the table. But it’ll be alright.”
He put his hands on his hips. “Alright! Alright? What would make you say such a thing, young lady? Wouldn’t you miss me?”
“Oh, for certain, I truly would, but if you was dead, then I could get your helping of the blackberry cobbler! Don’t you see?” Charlotte giggled more and turned. “You see, don’t you, Mama? You’d let me have it, too. Wouldn’t you?”
Scooping his niece into his arms, he lifted her high over his head, tickling her ribs. “That’s a terrible thing to say, little girl. You want my cobbler, huh?” May loved the way Chester teased with her precious daughter.
May smiled.
She took so much pleasure in her baby girl but worried for her, too.
Lord knew of late, concern veiled any true joy in the Buckmeyer home.
He set a new stack of dirty dishes next to Lacey Rose, then scooted past, scraping himself against her backside in the too-small kitchen. She turned and glared.
He smirked. “What’s the matter?”
“You. Stop touching me.”
Grinning, all evil looking with his snaggledy teeth, he stepped forward and r
eached toward her chest. She flung the soapy plate in her hand at him, but he dodged it. The thing smashed on the floor into a million pieces.
“Don’t you dare. I’m warning you.”
He laughed. “Hey, little darling, this here’s my place. Sign out front’s my witness, and I’ll dare whatever I want.” He licked his lips then moved closer.
Grabbing a steak knife, she held it out toward him, as she backed toward the door to the front room. “Get me my money, every cent I’ve earned, right now. I quit!”
“What money? That plate you just broke cost more than a day’s wages, not counting all the food you’ve been wolfing down. Who could have ever telled you’d eat like a lumberjack?”
The guy acted like a chowerhead from the start, and she’d never liked him, but now she hated him. “Liar, give me my money, or I’ll go straight to the sheriff.”
“Aww now, no need getting the law involved. Put that knife down, and we’ll talk about it.” He leered, inching closer. “Let me show you how a fresh little gal like you can make loads of money—for the both of us.”
She backed away another step then bumped into something rock solid. She glanced over her shoulder. A gent in fancy clothes stood in the doorway.
“Something wrong here?”
“I’ll say! This gal is a thief, been hiding the silver in her dress.”
Lacey looked from the dandy to the man she’d been working for. “Liar, you been putting your hands where they don’t belong.”
“Now who’s lying?”
“That his knife you’re holding, miss?”
“Yes, but…”
“Put it down, and I’ll see you out.”
“Not without my money. He owes me.”
“How much? What have you earned?”
She tore her eyes off the liar and faced the gentleman. “He hired me for a dollar fifty a day plus found.”
“Why, you little…a thief and a liar! I ain’t never paid dishwashers more than a dollar, less food—not plus. I’d go broke quicker than a lightning strike paying those wages.”
The man stepped between Lacey and the proprietor. A pistol materialized in his hand. “Give the young lady her money now.”