by Annie Boone
“Perhaps I made the food too bland. Or possibly you’re taken by surprise that I can actually cook?” Christina teased quietly, glancing at him. Then she blushed and looked back at her plate.
It was just a glance, but it was enough to show their comfort level with each other. Susannah nudged her husband who nudged her right back. Mitchell grinned at Christina. “Maybe if I can have a second helping, I can be a better judge.”
Something was definitely there. Susannah wanted to reach forward and envelope the young couple in a tight hug before forcing them to hold hands. But she knew this wouldn’t help. It made supper agonizing, waiting for them to look at one another. At one point, as Christina passed around the pie, she noticed their hands touch.
“Did you see them linger?” Susannah brushed her hair late that evening as Lucas readied himself for bed. She glanced over at him as his shirt came off, revealing a myriad of old scars and a few fading bruises. “Their hands?”
“No,” Lucas snorted. “You’re the one who notices that sort of thing. But there is something between them, I’ll give you that.”
“I knew you’d see it, too!” She cried out triumphantly, clapping her hands with glee. He just laughed and took the brush from her before taking over brushing her hair. Sighing, Susannah thought back to the young adults. They looked so young with their lives fully ahead of them. “I’m going to be good,” she promised her husband quietly. “I’m not going to interfere this time, not one bit. Nothing more. I’ve done what I can, and I won’t tell them to do anything, or try any tricks. They don’t need me to figure this out. I realize that.”
Her husband paused. “No interfering, really?”
Looking over her shoulder at him, she winked. “Sometimes it works without a push.”
13
Mitchell
Mitchell glanced around the green pasture. It was a warm afternoon and a slight breeze picked up as he leaned against the fence. The sight before him was a lovely one and he suddenly realized he was smiling. He was happy, happier than he had been in a long time.
The sun was preparing to set. There was only a little bit of time left, but he would cherish every moment he had in the day. Looking back at the sight, he looked at the shoulders and the long dark hair. And the smile.
And he’d hardly noticed the horse.
This realization surprised him and he stepped back for a moment, hesitating as he tried to understand the sensation. Mitchell’s heart was thudding and it wasn’t from worry or tension. Gripping the fence post, he turned back to have another look.
Christina Bristol was a remarkably beautiful woman, inside and out. She was clever, passionate, and kind. Her life had been rough, from what she had told him so far, about her mother and growing up part Sioux. She even trusted him with her other name, Mahpiya. Life was good here and her happiness made his heart sing. And she never shunned him. Suddenly he appreciated the pounding heart even more for telling him the truth.
He grinned as she finished a loop around the pasture and turned his way. The moment she set eyes on him, Mitchell felt it. He fixed his jacket as she cantered the horse over cheerfully.
“Did you see that? Did you see me?” Her cheeks were flushed as she handed over the reins. She climbed down confidently and landed with both feet on the ground before turning to him again with that broad smile. “I can see now why you love horses so much. Oh, she’s marvelous, isn’t she?”
It took him a minute to find his voice. “Yes, she is,” he mumbled, and glanced down at the reins. Taking a deep breath, he tried to think of something else to say but his feelings kept rising from his chest paralyzing his voice. Mitchell had to swallow them down before opening his mouth again. “Are you finished riding? Or did you want to do another lap?”
She hesitated and stroked the mare’s neck and mane for a moment. “It’s not too late is it?” She bit her lip as she looked at him with her deep dark chocolate eyes. “Just one more, perhaps, past the house? And you should join me! We never ride together,” she added hopefully. “You’ll join me, won’t you?”
“Certainly,” he told her immediately. “I’ll get Rascal.”
She waited patiently and Mitchell moved quickly though he tried to appear unhurried as he went for his horse. They rode together for a good hour before it was time for her leave, and they parted ways.
She took the cart home and he watched her go. Christina’s fading figure grew smaller and smaller until she disappeared. Since he was supposed to be cleaning up that evening, he didn’t have the time to escort her home. But Mitchell lingered, worried that the sensation in his chest would go away when she did.
The feelings didn’t die even though she was gone. As he turned to tend to the horses and the barn for his evening duties, the warmth lingered in his heart. Over the next couple of days Mitchell couldn’t stop thinking about her. What’s more, he wanted her around. That’s when it came to him, the idea to propose. If he could just muster up the courage, if she felt anything for him like he did for her, then it could be like this always. That thought made him smile.
“And come back before dark,” Matthew added as he handed over a few more coins. “The boys said there have been bears out waking up hungry from hibernation and I don’t want them getting any ideas about here. Be careful, yes?”
Mitchell nodded. “Of course, sir. I’ll be back with everything before the sun sets.” He tipped his hat and climbed onto his horse.
The ride was nice, and he liked the time he had to himself. There was a small part that he missed of the wild and not seeing folks for days, but Mitchell felt that those days were long behind him. It’s not what he wanted anymore. Instead, he wanted this. Rocky Ridge, a home, and her.
He reached town and was finishing up the last of his errands by picking up some extra lace that Eleanor Connor had ordered. It was at the mercantile and he was waiting for the woman to bring out the material from the back when something sparkled and caught his eye. There was a small selection of jewelry at the front table, some simple and some elegant. It brought to mind a memory of his mother, who had looked at a lovely ring once with a sad look on her face.
“Didn’t you have a ring?” He had asked her then, referring to the father who had passed away before he was born.
“I did,” she had told him quietly before turning away. “A long time ago, before we had to sell it. But don’t worry dear, jewelry isn’t the important thing. The love is. Never forget it’s all about love, not things.”
She had loved her husband, Mitchell’s father. As a young boy, he didn’t understand what she meant, and had always hoped that he could give her the pretty things of the world like she deserved. But she hadn’t lived long enough for that. Looking at them now, his heart pounded and he touched one carefully.
“What if Miss Bristol said yes?” His ears pricked at the mention of Christina’s name, and heard tittering from around the room.
Mitchell froze. Slowing his breath, the man caught sight of two younger girls nearby playing with the basket of buttons. He was used to feeling eyes on him, but then he didn’t expect them to be talking about him.
“You saw them at church,” one murmured, her whisper carrying across the room. “Ma can’t believe it. How could anyone be associated with someone who is disfigured that way?”
“Did you hear what Josiah said? Said he killed a and that’s how he got that thing on his face. Do you think the devil did that?”
“I should hope not.”
“Here we are!” The woman sang as she came back to the counter. Mitchell jumped, and hastily he pulled up his collar and kept his eyes down as he paid, his thoughts running wild as he grabbed the fabric and hurried out. He didn’t want to hear anything else those girls were gossiping about. He couldn’t stand it that they thought he was ugly.
As he tried to pack everything into his saddle bags, he could feel the stares. Every time he cheated a glance beneath his hat, there were folks looking and Mitchell could just guess what they were sayin
g about him. About his ugliness, his unnaturalness, that he was dangerous and possibly mean as the devil. Oh, it would be exactly what everyone else had ever said either to his face or behind his back.
“Let’s get out of here,” he muttered to Rascal as he swung into the saddle. What had he been thinking?
They were right. Even a fool could look at Christina Bristol and back at him only to immediately notice they didn’t fit together. He was dumber than anything for having thought she might agree to marry him. How could he have ever thought that any woman, especially one as beautiful and brilliant as Christina Bristol, would ever want to be with him?
In disbelief, he laughed. And there he was, thinking about proposing to her. Mitchell shook his head. No, that wouldn’t do. That would be too embarrassing for all of them. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he told himself to stop being foolish.
He could see clearly now.
When Sunday came around, he wanted to attend church and debated several times before deciding he had to deal with it at some point or another. After putting on his best jacket, Mitchell headed into town. After putting the horse into the stables, he started for his usual seat.
Except his regular seat was with her. Mitchell had been sitting with the Jessups and Christina for over a month now. He froze immediately, seeing her sitting reverently with her beautiful dark hair pulled into a loose bun. That old feeling was creeping back into his chest again. But this time, it hurt. Immediately he turned around and found an empty space in the back. He had deceived himself that they could remain as friends, but clearly that would be too difficult for him.
It wasn’t as though she would miss him, Mitchell reflected. She probably wouldn’t even notice that he’d stopped talking to her. She deserved better than him. Swallowing hard, he lowered the brim of his hat when he noticed Christina had turned to look around. She wouldn’t be searching for him, he told himself, and didn’t move.
When the sermon ended, he was one of the first ones outside. There would be no more lingering outside with Christina or anyone else. Mitchell retrieved Rascal and headed out of the stable.
“There you are!” Christina was right there as though she had been waiting for him. She squinted up at him, fixing her bonnet. “Why didn’t you sit with us, Mitchell? I saved you your spot as always.”
He glanced around hesitantly but paused when he saw several people staring at them. That was enough to support what he’d always known and Mitchell gritted his teeth. “I’m afraid I decided I won’t be sitting there anymore,” he said finally. “I prefer the benches in the back. Thank you, but it won’t be necessary to save the space for me again. Have a good day, Miss Bristol.”
As he left, Mitchell’s heart thudded the entire ride home, breathless as he tried to confirm again this was the right thing to do. Best for Christina to not be put in a difficult situation. Best for Christina that she wouldn’t be the center of gossip in town.
14
Christina
“But I was going to invite you over for cake,” she murmured, watching Mitchell race away and completely dismayed he didn’t wait for her to say a word. Christina squinted to be certain that his horse’s tail hadn’t suddenly caught fire, considering the way he raced away from her. What had happened? She’d seen him in the back sitting by himself and wondered why he hadn’t joined her as he had in the past.
What had she done wrong? Swallowing, she straightened her skirts and tried to tell herself she was imagining things. Maybe he was busy. But then why did he say he wouldn’t be sitting with her again? She was more than confused.
He didn’t make any sense, saying he preferred the back of the church. They had discussed just the other week how those seats were newer but less comfortable. They agreed that sitting close to the front was much better than being in the back. Why was he lying now? Or had he been lying before?
If he honestly didn’t want to sit with her when had he changed his mind? She had too many questions and no answers. Christina turned to the church house and then stared at the ground. She just wanted to be alone.
She tried to tell herself she was being unreasonable or that she had misunderstood. With a shake of her head, Christina took a deep breath and marched back over to Susannah and Lucas. They were a popular couple in town and always had people to talk to after the sermon. They didn’t attend every Sunday since Mr. Jessup often had to be on duty in the sheriff’s office sometimes. She thought a break from having to speak to almost everyone in attendance was probably a good thing since it looked tiring.
Mrs. Jessup yawned as she finally returned to Christina and offered a smile. “Is he coming, then?”
Inhaling, Christina shook her head and tried to think. “No, I’m afraid he… um, I think he’s busy,” she managed. “On the ranch, there was something going on and he needed to help.”
Susannah cocked her head over at her husband. “Really? We were just speaking with Matthew and he didn’t mention a thing. I mean, I guess maybe he didn’t think to tell us about an issue, but are you certain? Since when does that young man refuse your cooking?”
Usually she would have blushed at that remark but now it just pained her. Christina tried to chuckle about it, but the enthusiasm was dampened by her confusion. “Perhaps another time,” she mumbled, and prayed they would leave soon. She could feel eyes on her, judging and laughing, and wanted to be away from it all immediately. Her head was in such a swirl when she just wanted to be alone and think.
“Of course,” Susannah responded finally. Within a few minutes, they were able to gain Lucas’s attention and detach themselves from the crowd. After Susannah gave one final hug to Rowena Jensen, the party of three returned to the Jessup’s home.
The following Monday she returned to the Connors to assist in the kitchen with Eleanor. After getting a good night’s rest, Christina had convinced herself she was only being silly and that everything would be fine once they saw each other again. It was a nice day so she rode Lemondrop instead of taking the cart and once she turned onto the ranch, she kept an eye out for Mitchell.
Lately, he was right outside the barn or in that small pen right where he would be able to meet her when she arrived. Mitchell was always there to help her unhook the cart and put away the horse. But that day he wasn’t around. She paused Lemondrop in the doorway before entering the barn and looked about her hopefully.
Further towards the pasture and beyond the house, Christina was certain she recognized his hat. He was working with two horses and though he would have been sure to see her arrive, he’d made no move to join her. Though she lingered there for several minutes, Mitchell never came. Eventually, she had to put the horse away on her own and hurried to the house so she wasn’t behind on the baking schedule.
Eleanor welcomed her inside and the two women hurriedly got to work. They were just taking a break to let the dough rest when there was a knock at the back door. Since she was washing her hands, Eleanor went to open it.
“Good afternoon, Mitchell. Please, come in.” Christina froze the moment his name was mentioned.
“That’s all right,” he told Eleanor quietly. Christina had to scoot closer towards the hallway to hear. “I was just wondering if Matthew had left his brown belt behind? He’s working on repairing a saddle and wants to use that until he can get that fixed. Thought it might work and wanted me to get that from you.”
Eleanor laughed. “Of course. He’s handy like that. I’ll return in a moment.” She left the door open and headed through the other room. As her footsteps faded away, Christina’s heart pounded as she went to the open door.
He was right there, shuffling his feet and looking down. She was at the door by the time he looked up. Mitchell stepped back in surprise, but it wasn’t the look that she had hoped for. Her smile slipped a little when he dropped his gaze again. Her stomach churned, and she started to believe that perhaps after all, she wasn’t imagining things.
“I didn’t see you this morning when I got here. I missed you,”
she said hesitantly, losing the confidence she’d had only a moment ago. Fiddling with the doorknob, Christina hoped he would just look at her. But his eyes moved everywhere else. “Is everything all right? How are you?”
Mitchell shrugged. “Busy.”
She waited for something more, but that something more never came. “I see.”
Dread filled her heart and she tried to think back. Had she done him wrong, or had something happened? Christina couldn’t think of anything that had gone wrong. She had thought Mitchell was a good man, a gentleman she could trust. Usually he made her heart flutter and he could always make her smile but suddenly it felt as though everything was a lie.
Eleanor returned and they didn’t have a chance to continue the conversation—one-sided as it was. Eleanor didn’t notice the tension in the air, sending Mitchell on his way and joining Christina back in the kitchen. The young woman worked through the dough and accepted the harder job to crush the berries. It required a lot of muscle and energy, and there was enough on her mind that kept her moving.
She couldn’t understand the abrupt change in Mitchell for it made no sense. It tormented Christina for the entire afternoon. Eleanor noticed she was quiet and invited her to help deliver the pies. After she accepted, the young ladies made their way into town and headed towards Dr. Fitzgerald’s office.
“Mrs. Connor, is that you?” The cheerful man was already stepping out of his office and threw his hands up in the air enthusiastically. Eleanor’s pace hastened so Christina did her best to keep up as they went to greet the man. She only knew of him from a distance, but her friend and employer welcomed him like an old friend. “Oh, it’s good to see you, Missus! How are your children? Is Susie feeling better? My oh my, that must be my pie!”
Eleanor laughed and greeted him warmly. “It’s good to see you, too! They are wonderful, just wonderful. I’m sorry it took me so long, but there’ve been quite a few orders. I don’t know what it is, but everyone’s been ordering these pies. If Miss Bristol hadn’t come along to help me out, I don’t know what I would have done.”