by Maggie Ryan
"Davy!" Sally screamed, evidently able to see her child.
"I've got them," Roger said, following after the boy.
"He's all right," Matthew said. "How are you? Are you hurt?"
"No… just my ankle a little but… I'm all right. Get me out of here!"
Matthew chuckled, the adrenaline beginning to dissipate, leaving him a bit light-headed. "I will, honey, but exactly how in the hell did you get in there?"
"I-I don't know but I can't move… I'm stuck."
James chuckled as well, pointing down into the boulders. "I can see her but don't think she can turn around. She'll need to back out the same way she got in. I'm going after Richard." He jumped down from the rock, slapping Matthew on the back. "She was lucky."
"Yeah," Matthew said, walking around the boulder, kneeling down to see a small opening low to the ground. How she'd found it, he'd never understand, but he was so very glad she had. He reached in and grabbed her ankle. Her scream split the air and he snatched his hand back, his heart leaping into his throat.
"Geeze, Sally, you're going to give me a stroke," he said. "I'm going to guide your feet back through the opening. You'll need to crawl backwards, all right?"
"Is… is the bear all right?"
"What?"
"Did you shoot her?"
"No, honey, but I would have if she hadn't run. She's fine unless you hit her. We just scared her off. I'm going to touch you, please don't scream again. I don't think my nerves can take it." He reached in again but she pulled her leg away. "Sally, come on. It'll be fine, I'm right here."
"That's what I'm afraid of."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"I love you."
Mathew shook his head. She wasn't making the least bit of sense. "I love you too…"
"Promise?"
"What, that I love you? Of course I do. I'd love to show you how much, but can't unless you crawl out."
"So… you won't be mad?"
"Mad? Why on earth…" he paused and then said, "Sally, enough games. What in the hell is going on? Why don't you want to come out?"
"I-I didn't think I'd need it… I-I left the rifle at the wagon…"
Suddenly it became clear. "You are telling me that you purposely made the decision to leave your gun behind?"
"We were just picking mushrooms—"
"You thought about bringing it and just decided, what? It's a bother?"
"No, I just… Davy wanted to but…"
"Young lady, it's pretty sad that a six-year-old has better sense than his ma. Enough, I'm going to help you out and then we'll have a much longer discussion about this."
"Are… are you going to spank me?"
Aware that Davy had just squatted down beside him, with King at his side, Matthew hesitated, but knew it could serve as a lesson for the boy as well. "You bet," he said, reaching into the opening and taking hold of her ankle, not allowing her to pull it free. "You promised me you'd remember the safety rules. You promised, and yet the first time you go off, you make a conscious decision to leave the rifle behind." He watched as her backside emerged from the opening, knowing now exactly why she'd hesitated to come out of her hidey hole.
Once Sally was free, Matthew turned her around and pulled her into his arms, burying his face in her hair. "But first, I'm going to just hold you. God, don't ever scare me like that again."
"I'm so sorry. I love you so much."
"I love you too," he said, setting her back a bit so that Davy could join them in the hug.
Sally crushed her son to her, bending to kiss his cheeks again and again until the boy pulled back. "Oh, Davy, I am so very proud of you. I love you, little man."
"I love you too, Ma."
It took a moment and then another scream rent the air as Sally dropped to her knees. "Oh God, you spoke… oh… oh, God, thank you… oh… oh thank you!" Tears streamed down her cheeks as she gathered her son to her breast again. Matthew watched, his own eyes welling with joy.
"Ma, you're squishing me," Davy said, and with a choked laugh, Sally reluctantly released her hold.
"When… how?"
"He knew you needed him. Knew it was up to him to get help. Love is a powerful healer," Matthew said. "Davy was incredibly brave when the one he loved needed him the most." They shared a group hug and then King gave a little whine.
"I've got him," Roger said, stepping up to pick up the dog. James and Richard held the reins to the horses, the danger of alerting the bear to their presence having passed. Matthew lifted Sally up, grinning when she settled before mounting himself, tugging her a bit closer so that her backside was tucked into his groin. She wiggled even closer and he grinned as Richard helped Davy onto Buttercup and the two led the way, King draped across Roger's saddle, exhausted and injured, but thankfully alive.
"I really am sorry. I should have listened to Davy."
"Yup, you should have," Matthew agreed. "You give that some thought until we get a chance to address the issue in private."
"You really don't have to—"
"Oh, honey, I absolutely do have to," Matthew countered, pulling her a bit closer and kissing the top of her head, loving her soft sigh and her small nod of acceptance.
When they rode out of the trees, Sally said, "Wait, my basket!"
"Honey, I don't think…"
"Please? I wanted to make a casserole and Davy and I worked all morning to pick the mushrooms." She twisted around in the saddle to look up at him. "Um, unless we aren't going because…"
"We're still going," Matthew said, pulling Ranger to a stop. He dismounted and scooped the spilled mushrooms back into the basket, handing it up to her.
"Thank you."
He chuckled, remounting. "You're welcome." After dismounting a second time to retrieve Davy's basket, the group rode back across the river.
"Sally, why don't you gather up whatever it is you'll need, and you can cook at my place?" Richard suggested. "Charity is already there."
"That's a good idea," Matthew said. "Davy and I will take King into town and get Doctor Williams to look him over."
"Are you sure Anna won't mind?"
"She'll be pleased as punch," Richard assured her. "We'll meet you there."
It only took Sally a few moments to get the other ingredients, her hand only hesitating as she caught sight of the rifle beneath the wagon seat. Hearing a chuckle, she turned to put the bag of rice into the box Matthew was holding.
"I know," she said, sighing. "You don't have to remind me."
"I didn't say a word," Matthew said, slipping an arm around her waist, guiding her back to the horse. "Just like love is a powerful healer, guilt is a powerful reminder to help a naughty girl accept the fact that she's earned herself a good, hard spanking in order to learn the lesson."
"Hmph, if that's not saying a word, I dread to hear what you have to say when you start lecturing me." Matthew's laugh had her giving a giggle and a wiggle as she pressed close.
By the time they reached Richard's, he'd already hitched a team to the wagon. Roger had just settled King onto the quilt Anna had placed in the back. Matthew dismounted and helped Sally down.
"I'm so glad you're all right," Anna said, both she and Charity running to envelop Sally between them. "I can't even begin to imagine how scared you must have been."
"And Davy, what a miracle!" Charity said, her eyes shimmering with tears.
Matthew barely got a chance to say they'd be back soon before the women had Sally inside the cabin, the door closing with a soft slam.
"Guess that's one meeting that's gonna start a bit early," Roger said with a grin.
Matthew just shook his head and helped Davy into the back before he climbed up onto the seat. He smiled as he heard the three men chuckling as he snapped the reins to start the team. His little cowgirl could meet with her friends, and cook all she wanted, but if she were smart, she'd take the opportunity to sit as much as possible, for tonight she'd definitely be sleeping on her tummy as her bottom bur
ned.
Chapter Sixteen
"He'll be good as new," Robert said, tying off the gauze he'd wrapped around King's right front leg. "He's one lucky dog."
"Just like his owner, he's one incredibly brave dog," Matthew said.
"A bear, just imagine!" Harriett said. "And you, young man, my, you deserve a medal."
Davy just grinned, his cheeks a little flushed. Matthew thought it was most likely from both embarrassment at being fawned over, and pleasure that he was being praised for his part in the day's events. After listening carefully to the doctor explain how to check the wound and apply the salve, Davy accepted the jar and a roll of gauze.
"Thank you, Doctor," he said.
"You are most welcome, son. If you have any problems, you just get Mr. Stone to bring you back to town, all right?"
"Yes, sir."
Matthew thanked them as well and then carried King back out to the wagon, grateful that the dog's injury wasn't life threatening. When Robert had quietly inquired as to the behavior of the animal who'd clawed him, he'd understood the man's concern had been about possible hydrophobia. Rabid animals behaved differently than healthy ones, and could transfer rabies to any other animal they bit or clawed. He'd assured the doctor that the bear had been symptom free, no slobbering, no foaming at the mouth, just defending her cubs.
Instead of driving out of town, Matthew drove over to the mercantile. "Stay here," he told King, who had started to rise from the quilt. Matthew gave him a pat as he sank back down. Before Davy could hop down, Matthew lifted him from the bed and swung him up to sit on the bench, bending slightly until they were at eye level.
"Son, I need to ask you something important."
Davy nodded, his blue eyes locked onto his.
Matthew felt his heart thudding inside his chest. "What do you think… I mean, I'd like to ask you… how would you feel…" Christ, this was the hardest thing he'd ever done, and though he knew he was the grown up, he also knew his entire future depended upon a six-year-old boy.
"Davy, I love you and I love your ma. I want you to be my family… I want to ask your ma to be my wife, but only if you'd like…" He almost lost his balance, rocking back on his heels when Davy launched himself at him. Standing, holding him tight, ignorant of the people on the sidewalk behind him, Matthew asked, "Does that mean yes?"
"Yes!" Davy yelled, his smile wide.
"Thank you," Matthew said, hugging him close. "You've made me the happiest man alive. Shall we go find your ma a ring?" At Davy's enthusiastic reply, Matthew kissed his cheek and set him on his feet. They entered the emporium hand in hand.
"Let's try that one," Matthew said a few minutes later, pointing at a ring. Samuel Franklin took it from the cabinet and held it out. Davy took it, slipping it on his finger. When it only slipped a little, Matthew smiled. It had been a stroke of luck that he'd seen the mother and son's hands pressed together only the day before. "Yup, that should fit just fine. Thanks, buddy." Fishing a coin from his pocket, he handed it to Davy. "There aren't any medals but there is a candy counter. Get whatever you want."
"Really?" Davy asked, his eyes wide.
"Absolutely," Matthew said, watching as the boy turned and darted across the store.
"I can't believe it," Beatrice said, joining her husband. "And here I thought you were not only averse to shopping, but to marriage."
Matthew accepted the good natured ribbing with a smile. "It just took the right woman." He looked again to where Davy was standing on his tip toes, studying the array of jars on one end of the far counter. "And a certain little man."
"We wish you the very best," Beatrice said, reaching out to place her hand on his. "Sally seems like a lovely woman."
"She is," Matthew agreed as Samuel handed him a small box with the ring inside.
"I'll make sure Bea doesn't flap her gums, Matthew. It would be a shame if the news reaches your gal before you have a chance to put that on her finger."
"Thanks, but I'm hoping she'll be wearing it soon." He tucked the box into his pocket and sighed. "Well, as long as I'm here, I might as well pick up a few other things." That statement lit up Beatrice's eyes and she stepped from behind the counter to help him find what he needed.
"A needle? What exactly are you sewing?" she asked as they reached the dry goods portion of the store.
"A surprise," he hedged. "Just give me a strong one, oh, and some thread. Gray if you have it."
She did and wrapped the needle in a piece of felt, adding a spool of grey thread. "Anything else?"
"Nope, theses will do for now," he said. "Oh, wait, some gloves, small?"
"Right over here," Beatrice said, leading him to where he and Sally had found Davy's boots. Taking two pairs, he went to the front. "Here, buddy, give these a try."
Davy set the two bags he'd been holding onto the counter, pulling on the gloves. Though still a bit large, they were a far better fit than the ones Roger had loaned him. Adding them to his purchases, Matthew nodded towards the bags as Davy took them again.
"Gumdrops?" Matthew asked.
"Some," Davy said, holding up one bag. "I got some red ones for Hope, since she didn't come."
"You are a good man, Davy," Matthew said with a chuckle. "That little gal is gonna be sweet on you."
"I think it's adorable," Beatrice said, handing him his change. "A man is never too young to begin learning how to keep a woman happy, though it seems to take some years to actually do something about it."
Matthew chuckled, the two leaving with their treasures. "Not a word to your ma," Matthew said as he lifted Davy into the wagon. The boy nodded but didn't seem as happy as he had only moments before.
"Hey, what's wrong?"
"How long?" Davy asked, finally meeting his eyes. "I-I don't want to wait years…"
Beatrice's words came back to Matthew and he shook his head. "As soon as possible. Think you can handle that?"
"Yes!" Davy said, his grin returning as he settled next to King, scratching between his ears, bending close to the dog to say, "Don't say anything, but we're getting married!"
***
"We were just about to go down to Agatha's," Anna said as the women entered the cabin. "Poor thing is so bored she is about to go nuts."
"You can tell us what happened as you fix your dish," Charity said.
"Even though you weren't supposed to bring anything," Anna added, gathering a few items for Johnny.
"I know, but I didn't want to come empty handed," Sally said and then sighed. "But if I'd just listened to you…"
"Oh, honey, I didn't mean to upset you. I can't even imagine how scared you must have been."
Sally smiled and then was shocked at herself when she actually giggled. "Sorry, yes, it was scary but that's not what I meant. I'm not sure if I wouldn't rather face that bear again than face Matthew. He was definitely not happy when he learned I decided not to take the rifle with me."
"Whoa," Charity said, turning from where she'd been putting some items into a bag for her two children.
"Nope… not another word," Anna said. "Save it for the Tick-Tock meeting. Besides, Agatha and Teresa would kill us if we started without them!" She opened the door and called for Richard. "Honey, we're ready to go. Can you get the bread and the beans? I've got Johnny."
Richard gathered the items and James took his youngest daughter into his arms, Hope skipping beside them as Roger carried one of Charity's offerings. "This doesn't look like a pie," he teased.
"Man does not live on pie alone. Cake is also quite lovely," Charity said, her blonde curls bobbing as she shook her head.
"No pie?" Sally said, giving a moan. "Pie might have gone a long way towards softening a certain man."
"What does that mean?" James asked, causing Richard to laugh as the women all shot him a look.
"Nothing, nothing at all," Anna said, she and Charity moving a bit closer to Sally. Richard and Roger both starting clicking their tongues, the sound exactly like the ticking of a clock. James shoo
k his head and the women just giggled.
***
Dinner was a huge success. Sally's mushroom and rice casserole disappeared quickly. "You've got to show us where you found these," Agatha said, sliding her fork into her mouth. "I haven't had mushrooms in ages."
"I'd be glad to," Sally said. "Davy could, as well. Just don't ever eat one you aren't positive is safe. You could get really ill."
"And don't go into the woods without each other," Richard said.
"And take your guns," Wyatt added.
"We know," Agatha said. "I still can't imagine a bear. That makes the mountain lion look like Charity's kitty cat."
Charity reached across the table and slapped at her arm. "Are you ever going to let me forget that?"
"Nope," Anna said, giving Sally and Teresa a quick rundown of the day they had been picking leaves for candle making when a mountain lion had almost pounced on Charity. "Believe me, we were sick and tired of being reminded to carry our guns, but if we hadn't, we could have lost Charity that day."
"I'm so glad you had them," Sally said. "I know I will take mine from now on." Her comment earned her a grin from Matthew. In fact, now that she thought of it, he'd not stopped grinning since he'd returned from town.
Once the meal was over, Matthew suggested they wait a bit before dessert.
"Just because it's not pie?" Sally teased.
"Nope, just because," Matthew said cryptically, giving her cheek a kiss before following the men as they went outside.
"Does anyone else find that rather strange?" Charity asked.
"I consider it as a sign that we should start our meeting," Anna said, bending down to check beneath the table before sliding into her chair.
"I don't think we need worry about Johnny," Teresa said, "and Davy went with the men."
"Oh, I wasn't checking on Johnny, I was just making sure Agatha was comfortable."
"Good grief, you too?" Agatha growled. "Yes, I'm sitting. Yes, my feet are up. Yes, I'm doing absolutely nothing!"
"Sorry," Anna said, "we just care about you."
"I know, and I didn't mean to snap. I'm just feeling like a worthless blob. Now, Sally, please tell me what you've done to our Matthew. It's like he's someone else. I've never seen him smile so much in all the time I've known him!"