Chapter Eight
Nathan carefully stretched his back and sent a silent prayer of thanks Heavenward. The pain was gone, his back was healing nicely and he was finally able to work again. He watched in anticipation as Kate uncovered the scythe. He stepped forward for a better view. The curved blade was impressive.
“May I see it?” Lawson asked, trying to peer around Kate.
Kate shifted, stepping back and to the side. Her heel landed right on the toe of Nathan’s firm leather boots. He caught her around the waist to keep her from stumbling, then gently guided her heel off his boot onto the floor. She stilled then lifted her gaze to his apologetically. Their eyes held for a moment, then they both glanced away.
Nathan’s gaze landed on Lawson who was looking back and forth between them with interest. Lawson turned back to the scythe and reached for it. “Do I get to use this?”
“Carefully,” Nathan amended. “You get to use this carefully.”
Kate leveled her serious blue eyes at him. “Nathan, have you ever used one of these?”
He frowned, then picked up the scythe to test its weight. It felt solid in his hand and the wooden handle fit nicely in his palm. “Absolutely not.”
Under Kate’s instruction, Nathan was soon wielding the scythe as though he’d been born a farmer instead of a rancher. He frowned as he thought about his family. He’d agreed to write a letter to them in a moment of weakness but he didn’t regret sending it. They must have received it by now. He wondered if his pa would let the family read it, rather than burning it upon receipt.
He hadn’t gone into detail about the events that had led him to answer Kate’s advertisement. At the time, they’d been too fresh in his mind. Those nightmares had been more vivid than he’d had in a while. He had a vague memory of Kate soothing him during the worst of it but he hoped that was part of the dream. If not, that meant he’d been talking in his sleep. The images racing through his mind weren’t meant to be shared.
He’d done his best to put them behind him but the image of one of his best friends dying right in front of him wasn’t always easily shaken. The feeling of being cooped up in a jail cell and the accusations that sent him there weren’t easily forgotten. Here with Kate and the children, that life felt an eternity away. He wouldn’t ruin that by bringing it up or even thinking about it.
He knew that staying here would be difficult. He kept thinking if only. If only, things had worked out with Kate. If only, he had an entirely new life to make him forget his old one completely. If only, there was hope that something might change.
But there wasn’t. He couldn’t change the situation and dared not want to. If he did, he was destined to find a new kind of heartache spelled K-A-T-E with an apostrophe Sean, Ellie and now Lawson.
It was thinking about Lawson not Kate that caused him to look over his shoulder. Kate was helping Lawson pull the wheat into neat sheaves. Having already paused, Nathan wiped his forehead on his sleeve then pushed it farther up his arm. The sun had already taunted him into unbuttoning his shirt yet, in consideration for Kate, he’d refrained from removing it completely. He turned to survey how far he’d made it down the row in the past hour and had to remind himself not to become discouraged.
He lifted the scythe again but paused when he spotted Kate making her way toward him. Her cheeks were tinged by the sun and her hair was a bit mussed from removing her bonnet, but she looked beautiful. She shaded her eyes to meet his gaze. “I’ve left you two some water. I’ll need to go inside for a while to do my own chores.”
“That sounds fine,” he agreed.
He watched as she turned and headed toward the house. Then, drumming his fingers on the scythe, he picked it up and prepared to swing.
“You like her, don’t ya?”
Nathan stopped the motion quickly. “You shouldn’t sneak up on me when I have this thing, Lawson. It’s plain dangerous.”
Lawson frowned back, “What do you mean sneak up? I was talking to you the whole way here.”
Nathan didn’t reply, waiting impatiently to get back to work.
“You like her, don’t ya?” Lawson asked for the second time.
“You like her, don’t you?” Nathan corrected.
Lawson grinned knowingly. “Sure, she’s very nice. What I mean to say is, I like her but you like her in a different way.”
“Lawson,” he warned.
“Well, it’s true. I may not be ancient but I’m old enough to recognize when sparks fly, and you two could start one of them prairie fires.”
Nathan stared at the young man whose freckled face squinted to peer up at him. “Sparks and fires?” Lawson nodded.
He pulled off his Stetson to let the slight breeze cool his face before setting it back on his head. He shrugged nonchalantly. “It makes no difference one way or the other.”
“Of course it does. If you two got married—”
“We’re already married. I assumed Sean or Ellie told you.”
Lawson looked thoroughly confused. “Did you two have a fight?”
“Not exactly.” He paused, looking at the boy’s expectant face. “Sean, Ellie and Ms. Lettie got together and decided Kate needed a husband. I wanted a wife and happened to see the ad in the paper. I wrote a letter. The person I thought was Kate answered. We got married without seeing each other. Kate didn’t know until I got here, so when the judge comes back we’re going to get him to…unmarry us.”
“Oh.” Lawson seemed thoughtful then shrugged casually. “I’m sorry she doesn’t like you back.”
Nathan froze for a second, then opened his mouth to reply to the comment but Lawson had already turned and walked away. Nathan shook his head, muttering, “Yeah, well, so am I.”
Kate placed her hands on Nathan’s shoulders as his slid around her waist and he lifted her from the wagon. The warmth of his hold disappeared as soon as her feet touched the ground. She glanced over her shoulder and happened to catch sight of her sister. “Ellie, don’t! You’ll hurt yourself.”
Ellie stopped just before attempting to hop out of the wagon. “The boys did it.”
“Yes, but they weren’t wearing a dress.”
“I’ve got you,” Nathan said as he lifted Ellie from the wagon.
Ellie thanked him then tugged at his hand. “Nathan, I want you to meet my friend. Come with me.”
Nathan looked back at her to shrug his shoulders helplessly while Ellie led him away. Kate glanced around the crowded churchyard and a thin brunette caught her attention with a quick wave. The young woman hurried toward Kate, hesitating only a moment to eye Nathan as he passed. As she reached Kate’s side she lifted her brows curiously. “Who was that?”
Kate rolled her eyes then gave her friend a wry smile. “Hello to you, too, Rachel.”
“Sorry.” Rachel laughed. “Hello, Kate. It feels as though I haven’t seen you in two weeks.”
“You haven’t seen me in two weeks,” she admitted.
“Part of that is my fault—my brothers and sisters started trading sickness so I had to stay home and help Ma last week,” Rachel said as they slowly walked toward the church. “I came to church but you weren’t here.”
“Nathan was too sick for us to come,” she said with a nonchalant shrug. This would be the first time they appeared together in public and she intended to make their relationship appear as innocent as it actually was. That way Nathan and Lawson could continue working at the farm while Kate’s reputation stayed intact.
She wanted to keep the news of their marriage a secret from the town but she thought that her best friend deserved to know. “Rachel, I’m going to tell you something that you can’t tell another soul. Do you promise?”
Rachel came to an abrupt stop then turned to Kate. “Of course I promise. What’s going on?”
Kate quickly told her who Nathan really was. When Kate finished Rachel shook her head in astonishment. “At least something good came out of it. You have Nathan and Lawson to help with the farm for now. I’ve wor
ried about you being out there all alone so much with your siblings in school. This is good.”
“I don’t think so.”
“Why would it be bad?” Rachel stopped to look at her with new interest. “Does this have anything to do with the fact that he’s married to you and happens to be one of the most attractive men in town?”
“No.” Kate glanced past Rachel and smiled. “Besides, I thought you said Deputy Stone was the handsomest man in town.”
Rachel’s turned to watch the deputy walk toward the church. “He’s all right, I guess.”
Kate laughed. “Has he gotten the hint that you’re in love with him yet?”
“Unfortunately, no.” Rachel winked. “Here comes your hired hand.”
Kate turned to find Nathan approaching. She introduced him to Rachel. It wasn’t long before Rachel excused herself to join her family and Kate decided it was time to find hers. They started toward Ellie but only walked a few feet before Mrs. Greene suddenly appeared with her daughter in tow.
“It’s wonderful to see you up and around, Mr. Rutledge,” Mrs. Greene exclaimed while extending a hand to Nathan.
Nathan smiled charmingly. “Yes, well, it’s good to be up and around.”
Mrs. Greene twittered almost more than her daughter, and Kate could hardly keep from rolling her eyes. The golden-haired young woman smiled demurely. “Ma told me how you jumped in front of that runaway horse. It’s quite thrilling. I meant your bravery and not your injury, of course.”
Nathan nodded. “Thank you, Miss?”
“Greene. Emily Greene. Will you be in town long?”
Nathan glanced at Kate. “I don’t think so. Probably only another month or so.”
“Oh, I do wish you would stay longer,” Emily protested with a smile. “Though this town is rather rustic, it can be very diverting if you give it half a chance.”
Kate nearly choked at the blatant flirting but Nathan’s smile grew and he looked as though he would say something else. Kate beat him to the punch with a gracious smile. “Emily is right. This is a very nice town, but speaking of leaving, I think it’s time I rounded up Ellie and Sean. Mrs. Greene, Emily, it was nice talking to you.”
Mrs. Greene stepped forward. “Mr. Rutledge, I don’t suppose you’ve been able to see the gazebo the town is building. My husband donated a large portion of the funds. I think Emily could show you now. It’s just around the corner of the church.”
Nathan’s eyes widened. “I don’t think we’ll have time. Perhaps after—”
“Nonsense. You have plenty of time.” Mrs. Greene nudged Emily forward causing the girl to blush becomingly. “Go ahead, Emily.”
Nathan met Kate’s gaze for a long moment as though waiting for her reaction. She started to make up an excuse for him but suddenly realized he might not want one. She pressed her lips together then glanced away. Nathan offered his arm to Emily. “A quick trip wouldn’t hurt.”
Emily took his arm then pointed him in the right direction. Kate chewed her lip as she watched the woman’s beribboned hat thread through the crowd. Mrs. Greene turned to give her a satisfied look. “I think they hit it off rather well, don’t you?”
Kate turned, her blue eyes flashing as she whispered, “He’s still a married man.”
“Not for long,” Mrs. Greene replied, then strolled away.
Kate took a steadying breath, inwardly warning herself to let the woman walk away and not say anything impulsive. She didn’t see Ellie with the other children so she decided to check inside the church. Stepping inside, Kate almost ran into Lawson who proudly held the church bell, which was actually a cowbell, in his hands. He muttered an excuse before hurrying out the door. Sean and a host of little boys of a variety of ages followed him out.
As Kate sank into the pew beside Rachel, the bell clanged loudly. A moment later the sound of Ellie’s voice drew her attention. She glanced back to see her sister walk inside with Mrs. Greene and her husband. She groaned. What was Ellie telling Mrs. Greene now?
It had to be a humdinger because the woman’s face had grown even redder than it usually did when Ellie was around. Mr. Greene seemed to listen in amusement. Kate grimaced as Ellie waited in anticipation. Mrs. Greene loudly snapped, “No, I do not want to learn how to howl.”
Kate covered her warm cheeks with her hands. What could she do with the girl?
Ellie patted Mrs. Greene’s arm comfortingly, then headed up the aisle to Kate and sidled in next to her. Before she could scold Ellie, the girl looked up at her innocently. “I know you told me not to talk to Mrs. Greene, but I was sure her face would turn purple. Too bad that whenever I have a good one Mr. Greene always has to be around. He calms her down too much.”
“You better be glad he does,” Kate scolded in a hushed voice. “I really mean it, Ellie. I want this behavior to stop. What does the Bible say about how you should treat people?”
“‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,’” Ellie supplied.
“How would you feel if someone was constantly trying to make you angry about something?”
“All right, Kate.” Ellie sighed as if her world was coming to an end, then looked up at Kate. “After all, I don’t think it’s even possible for someone’s face to turn purple. Is it?”
“I hardly know.”
Ellie leaned toward Kate. “Wouldn’t you like to?”
“No.”
“Oh.” Ellie sat back to stare sedately at the front of the church.
The first hymn started just as Sean and Lawson slipped into the pew. Ellie tugged at Kate’s hand. She bent down and her sister’s voice sounded just above the music. “Is he really going to sit with her?”
Confused for a moment, she followed Ellie’s pointed gaze and found Nathan strolling down the aisle with Emily Greene still on his arm. A woman behind her spoke to someone in a low tone but one that Kate could hear over the singing. “It seems Emily has found a beau. Won’t her mother be relieved?”
Kate, still watching Nathan, saw him glance toward the woman as he passed that row. His gaze then met Kate’s. He sent her a panicked look as Emily made a big show of allowing him to precede her into the pew where her family sat.
Kate bit her lip. Short of reaching out and dragging him into the seat beside her there was really nothing she could do. She widened her eyes and lifted her shoulders in a minuscule shrug. She caught a glimpse of disappointment in his eyes before they dropped to the floor, then lifted to Emily. He guided her into the pew then settled on the end.
This might be a good thing, Kate realized. By sitting with Emily, he’s showing there is nothing between us, and Sean and Ellie see that he isn’t really tied to our family.
Ellie made a dissatisfied sound deep in her throat. It was loud enough to draw the attention of a few people nearby. Kate was sure others heard it but were too polite to acknowledge it.
Once everyone looked away, Kate sent her sister a reproving look, then gently poked her in the ribs which unfortunately caused the girl to gasp just as the music paused. Several more people turned to look at them but Ellie only seemed to notice Nathan. He looked back at them and winked. Ellie smiled in satisfaction, then leaned onto Kate’s leg and stared up at her. “I think that means he still likes you better.”
Warmth rose in her cheeks as the women from earlier began to murmur behind her. Ellie had just managed to undo all of Kate’s efforts. She lifted a finger to her lips and whispered, “No more talking.”
Ellie nodded, obviously satisfied that her work was done. Kate let out a frustrated breath. Lifting her voice with the rest of the congregation, she tried to shift her focus to God and ignore the tiny part of her that was relieved Ellie might be right.
Chapter Nine
Kate pulled the ties from her bonnet and glanced down the peaceful residential street as she waited for Ms. Lettie to respond to her knock. The door opened a moment later. Ms. Lettie stared at her in shock, then glanced past her. Realizing Kate was alone, Ms. Lettie’s brow lowere
d in worry. “What’s wrong? Is it the children? Did Nathan relapse?”
“Nothing is wrong. Everyone is fine. I just came to visit you.” She lifted the small plate of tea cakes she’d baked for the occasion as proof.
Ms. Lettie watched her for a minute as though unconvinced. “I don’t think you’ve ever just come for a visit, child. Are you sure nothing’s wrong?”
Kate rolled her eyes. “Nathan and Lawson started harvesting last Friday. I tried to help them when I was done with my chores today, but they shooed me away like I was unnecessary. I believe Lawson’s exact words were, ‘Why don’t you bake a cake and bring it to a friend or something. You do have friends, don’t you?’”
“Oh,” Ms. Lettie breathed, then a smile lit her face. “In that case, come right in. I was about to have tea. You can tell me all about it.”
The woman ushered Kate into the breakfast room, then bustled into the kitchen for another place setting. Ms. Lettie returned just as Kate set her tea cakes on the table. Ms. Lettie smiled as she poured Kate a cup of tea. “I am so delighted that you came. I can’t remember the last time we were able to just sit and visit. You said Nathan and Lawson took over most of the chores?”
“Yes, they’ve been doing all of the outside chores and the heavy labor. I’ve been doing more sewing, mending, washing, cooking and cleaning type of things.” She frowned as she stared into her teacup. “Honestly, I don’t like it.”
“I’m sure you don’t,” Ms. Lettie said as she gingerly sprinkled a teaspoon of sugar into her tea. “I bet it’s been simply awful having them take control over your farm. You’ve managed on your own for over two years. How dare they act as if you’re unnecessary? Why, it’s practically an insult.”
“Thank you!” Kate exclaimed. “I’m so glad that I’m not the only one who sees it that way. I…” She narrowed her eyes at Ms. Lettie who was obviously struggling to keep a straight face. “You’re laughing at me, aren’t you?”
Unlawfully Wedded Bride (Love Inspired Historical) Page 9