Chapter Twelve
The seeds of a happy life together had been planted and in the coming weeks the two women worked to nourish it. They worked side by side learning about one another, talking and laughing during the day and loving each other long into the night. For Rayne the will to live had returned, and while she missed Emma, she found the ache lessened each day she was with Lisbet. She found that she was able to smile at memories instead of wishing she had died that day.
One day Tom rode out to check on them. He walked up on the porch and noticed all the flowers that were blooming around the house. It only took one knock for Rayne to answer the door. “Howdy Rayne, I just thought I’d ride out to see how you two are fairin,”
“Tom, it’s good to see you, my friend. Come on in, wanna cup of coffee? Lisbet, we got company.”
“Howdy, Miss Lisbet,” Tom said as he stepped in and took off his hat. “Just thought I’d check in on ya’ll… see how you’re doin’.
“Well, come on in. Let me get you some coffee,” Lisbet said.
“We’re doing good, Tom. How’s Sal and that young one doing?” Rayne asked.
“She is doin’ real good.” Tom had a big smile on his face. “Jack is doin’ mighty fine, finally sleepin’ the night through. I’ll tell ya, I was about to move in to the jailhouse just to get a good night’s sleep. Sally is doin’ a real good job as a mama.”
Lisbet placed the cup of coffee on the table and hugged the tall man.
Taken a little aback, Tom wasn’t sure what to do. With uncertainty, his arms cautiously wrapped around the small blonde woman. When he caught Rayne’s eyes and smile, he relaxed and took a seat at the table alongside Rayne. “Lisbet, is Rayne takin’ good care of ya? From the looks of her,” he winked at his friend, “you’re takin good care of her.”
Tom grinned at Rayne’s reaction—she looked like she was puffing out her chest. Blushing a tad, Lisbet smiled sweetly at the sheriff. “She is. I can’t begin to tell you how much she has done for me.”
“Well that’s good, so is it safe to say you’re thinkin’ of stayin’ in these parts?” Tom watched as the two women looked at one another and smiled.
Rayne answered, “Yep, I do believe we’ve come to an arrangement we can both live with. Don’t you, Lisbet?”
“I do believe we have,” Lisbet said, avoiding Tom’s eyes.
Rayne gave a chuckle and then she and Tom enjoyed their coffee as Lisbet went about her morning chores in the adjoining kitchen.
“Sorry it’s taken me so long to get out here to check on you two, between home and things in town, I’m kept pretty busy.”
“It ain’t a problem, Tom. I sure do understand being busy. Lisbet and I’ve been planning the spring planting. Can’t wait to get out there and get things going.” Rayne pushed back in her chair.
“I can understand that. I saw the flowers outside, it sure does look purty.”
Rayne grinned. “Lisbet told me a home ain’t a home without flowers.”
“She’s a wise woman…Sally tells me the same thing so I’m not bringin’ her out here till I get that done.” Tom sipped his coffee then eyed Rayne. “So I can assume there ain’t been any troubles with missin’ cattle and what not?”
“Nope, none. Funny how that just up and stopped,” Rayne replied. “You still thinking Dobson had a hand in that?”
“Sad to say, yeah, I do. I’m surely sorry for all the troubles the man caused ya.”
“Tom it ain’t on you to be sorry.”
“Yeah well, I trusted him a lot more than I shoulda.”
“What’s done is done.”
Changing the topic Tom smiled and leaned toward Rayne. “So by the looks of things you and Lisbet are an item now, huh? It’s sure good to see you smilin’ and happy again.”
“We’re working at it, Tom,” Rayne replied, turning red.
With a laugh, Tom sat back in his chair. “Good to hear, my friend, I’ll be sure to tell Bessie that you’re doin’ fine out here. She’s been worried about you.
“Bessie worries too much, Tom, you know that.” Rayne chuckled.
“That’s why we all adore her.” He scraped his chair back and stood. “Now I suppose I should head back into town to make sure them boys down at the saloon ain’t causin’ too much trouble. Lisbet, thank you for the coffee. It sure hit the spot.”
Lisbet wiped her hands on a dishtowel as she turned toward Tom and Rayne. “Anytime, Tom. Why don’t you and Sally come to dinner one of these evenings? I’d sure love to meet your son.”
Rayne had a glint in her eyes. “That sounds like a fine idea, Tom. I remember us talking about it. It’s about time we done it. How’s Wednesday, next week, sound to you? You should be able to plant flowers by then.” Rayne grinned.
“I doubt it but havin’ dinner with you both sounds good to me. I’ll talk with Sally and we’ll see you then, unless I tell you otherwise. Thank you for the invite Lisbet, and thank you for what you’re doin’ for Rayne. She looks…well, she looks good.”
With a shy smile, Lisbet gave a nod and went to hug the man goodbye. “We’ll see you on Wednesday.”
“That you will, Lisbet.” He slapped Rayne on the back. “You keep takin’ good care of her.” Tom walked to the door, put his hat on, and nodded before he walked outside.
“I like him,” Lisbet said, watching him ride away.
“Yeah, he’s a good man. He did figure out you and I are a couple now, hope that doesn’t bother you.”
“No, Rayne it don’t bother me none. Fact is I’m proud to be with you and you make me feel happier and safer than I’ve ever felt in my life.”
“I’m glad you feel that way, Lisbet, and I’m glad you’re here too. When I lost Emma I figured I’d lost any chance of happiness in my life. Then you show up and turn my world upside down, proving me wrong.”
“I know you loved her very much.”
“She was my whole world, my reason for breathing. Until you,” Rayne ran a finger down Lisbet’s cheek. “I think I forget how to breathe when you’re near.” She moved toward Lisbet and wrapped her arms around her.
“You don't have to say that,” Lisbet said. There was an ache in her heart for reasons she couldn't even begin to explain. She moved out of the embrace.
“I'm not talking just to hear myself speak, Lisbet,” Rayne said softly. “What I’m telling you is the truth. Please believe that.”
“You are? You found me on the street and took me in. I don’t mind keeping your bed warm, and you don’t have to say things like that just ‘cause you think I need to hear them.”
“You think I am just looking for someone to keep my bed warm? That day I found you going through my saddle bags, I was saying bye to a friend of mine who would have liked nothing more than to warm my bed every night. I told her no every single time she brought the subject up because I wanted more than that.”
Rayne was trying to hold her temper in check. “I spent a year with a woman who I could laugh with and cry with. We were building a life together, and she meant more to me than just a bed warmer. I ain’t ever brought another woman here since her. For me, to open my home to you means something to me. That’s why I told you about Emma that day, Lisbet. I wanted you to understand what living with you meant to me.”
Rayne turned on her heel, grabbed her hat off the hook, and went out the door.
†
A couple of hours had passed and Lisbet had begun to worry about Rayne. When the door opened and Rayne walked in, Lisbet let out a sign of relief. “Thank, God. I’m so glad you’re back. I was beginning to worry. Rayne, I’m so sorry about what I said earlier. Please forgive me.”
“I didn’t mean to worry you, Lisbet; I took Delilah for a ride. I’m sorry for getting angry. I coulda handled that a lot better than I did. All I was trying to say was that I want more than just someone in my bed, and I feel things with you that I ain’t felt in a long time.”
“I know. I was feeling insecure, and I let it cloud my th
inking, I’m sorry. Rayne. I feel like I am home when I’m with you and that is a feeling I never thought I’d ever have. Please forgive me.” Lisbet walked up to Rayne and wrapped her arms around her.
“I’m glad you feel like you’re home, I always want you to feel that way, to think of this as your home,” Rayne responded, her arms welcoming Lisbet into them.
“Now that that’s settled, tell me what in the world I am gonna make for dinner with Tom and his wife, I never cooked for anyone other than you.”
“Maybe I’ll shoot a duck or a goose. If that fails, I’m sure they won’t mind stew.” Rayne laughed.
“Don’t laugh, I’m really worried about making a good meal for them,” Lisbet swatted Rayne’s arm.
“I’m sure whatever we come up with will be fine, and you’ll make it tasty and they’ll love it.” Rayne walked to the fireplace and added more wood.
“I’ll make a pie, everyone likes apple pie. Sure wish we had some fresh vegetables, green beans would go nicely with a duck, don’t you think?”
Lisbet sat down in her chair and picked up her knitting. She kept missing stitches because her mind was busy going through all the possible ideas for their upcoming dinner with the sheriff. Rayne nodded and gave a contented sigh as she picked up her book and sat down. There was a little time before she had to tend to the animals and Lisbet would fix supper. She would take this time to enjoy the feeling of home that had once again settled into her life.
Chapter Thirteen
The weeks went by and turned into months. The two women grew closer and learned yet more about one another.
One afternoon Rayne came into the house and found Lisbet sweeping the floor. She walked over to her, took the broom from her hands, put it down, then picked Lisbet up, and spun her around.
“What do you say we take the day off and have a picnic down by the stream?”
“Are you daft? I’ve got my chores to do and need to start making supper soon.”
“It’s too hot in this house for you to be cooking. We can get something together to eat and go down to the meadow and sit under that big old oak tree. It will be cooler down there with the breeze.” Rayne kissed Lisbet and hugged her close. “Come on, it will be fun and the chores ain’t going nowhere that I know of.”
Lisbet smiled. “We have the leftover chicken from last night in the cold cellar along with the cheese we got last time we were in town.” She hugged Rayne. “Why don’t you find a basket and get us a quilt to sit on and I’ll gather something for us to eat.” Lisbet began walking toward the kitchen before turning around. “Never did I think I’d get so lucky to have you in my life.”
Rayne turned from the bedroom door and smiled broadly. “No, I think I’m the one who’s lucky.”
The two gathered the rest of their picnic and walked out into the hot afternoon sun toward the meadow.
†
Rayne closed her eyes for a moment as the shade of a large oak and the breeze coming across the water washed over her. “Isn’t this coolness wonderful?”
Emma spread the blanket on the soft grass before placing the picnic basket on it. “Yes. Isn’t this glorious?”
“Yes. Would you just look at it, Lisbet, Have you ever seen anything so beautiful? I think I may have died and gone to heaven. I gotta say, this day is almost as beautiful as you are. Thank you for sharing it with me.”
“What’s gotten into you, Rayne Mathews? You’re tossing around the word beautiful an awful lot.” Lisbet warmed at the compliment and the love she felt emanating from Rayne.
“Nothing really, I just got to thinking that I don’t tell you that often and I want you to know that I…I’m just so happy that you’re in my life.”
Lisbet reached out and gently placed her hand on Rayne’s cheek, “Hmm, you sure that’s all?” she asked as she searched Rayne’s face and eyes. “Because if there’s more, you can tell me. Just go ahead. If not, then know that I feel the same way. I love you, in a way I never thought possible.” A lone tear slid down her cheek.
“I promise you, Lisbet, there is nothing more. I was out in the field this morning thinking of our life and I suppose it just hit me how lucky we are.” Rayne gently wiped the tear away from Lisbet’s cheek with her thumb.
“Growing up I never thought this,” she motioned to the two of them, “was possible. I was expected to marry, and trust me that was not the life I wanted.” She chuckled then grew somber as she remembered the last time she saw her father.
“Why is it that I’ve never heard you talk about your childhood or your family, Rayne? All I’ve only heard about your Uncle Luke and Aunt Martha, Jason and Maggie. What about your mother?” Lisbet asked. “And don’t go changing the subject…that is growing old when you do that.”
“Nothing much to tell really.” Rayne quickly looked away, busying herself with straightening out the quilt.
Lisbet took Rayne’s shoulder and spun her around. “Rayne, you know there is nothing you could tell me that would change how I feel about you. Shoot, you know about how I was raised and the things I’ve done to survive.”
“Lisbet, if I tell you all about it…it could change our life if you spoke of it to others. I don’t want that to happen.” Rayne looked away again not wanting Lisbet to see the fear in her eyes.
“Honey, I would never do anything to jeopardize us. That I swear.” Lisbet pulled Rayne to her.
Taking a deep breath and confronting her fears, Rayne looked at the sincerity in Lisbet’s eyes, and turned her face away from the woman she loved. She knew in her heart that she was going to tell the deep dark secret that followed her every day since it happened so long ago.
Lisbet stroked Rayne’s hair as she waited for Rayne to say something.
“Like I told you, my father was a preacher back east. Mean son of a bitch to his family, well to me anyways…but loved his congregation and let me tell you they loved him right back. You know I could never figure out what made them all so blind to him. If I said the wrong thing or looked the wrong way…hell, I didn’t even have to do anything and the bastard took a switch to me. Now that I think about it, I don’t recall him ever hitting Maggie. My mother, well, she loved Father and was devoted to him. She took care of his every need and seemed to turn a blind eye to his darkness. I used to wonder if she wasn’t scared of him.”
“Honey, did something happen to your father? Because you say things like he was, or just now you said adored. Why is that?”
“Here’s where you repeating anything could be real bad for us.” Rayne took a deep breath and looked at Lisbet, “I killed my father, Lisbet.”
“What?” Lisbet asked, as the words Rayne had spoken sunk in. “I’m sure you’re mistaken, sweetheart.”
“No, I’m not. I took his paperweight off his desk and hit him. I saw the blood seeping out onto the carpet and his body was crumpled on the floor. I heard from someone passing through and was in the bar that he was alive, but I don’t believe it ‘cause I saw him not moving and bleeding.” Rayne covered her face with her hand. “It was awful.”
Lisbet held Rayne close and soothed her. “Your secret is safe with me,” she whispered. “Maybe you should consider that what the man in the bar said is true and forgive yourself for what you did. He sounds like a perfectly awful man, if you ask me.”
“That he was, Lisbet. That he was.”
“Thank you, sweetheart, for trusting me. I do love you so.”
Rayne felt the warmth and love radiating from Lisbet and was buoyed by it. “I love you too.”
†
Chickenpox had prevented Tom and Sally Kennedy from coming to their original dinner date but now with their son doing better, dinner with the two couples had been arranged once again. The excitement of the upcoming dinner had Lisbet buzzing. She was baking breads, pies, and a cake for good measure. She had decided on a venison roast with some root vegetables and Rayne told her the meal sounded delicious.
Rayne had dug a pit and filled it with wood. She would
light it first thing in the morning then they could put the venison in a pot and down among the coals. That way they could cook the meat and not have to worry about the house becoming overly warm.
That evening around suppertime, when Tucker, the newest arrival to the household in the form of an Australian Shepard pup, alerted them that horses and a wagon were pulling up. A rail thin man who was both sweating and shivering sat in the driver’s seat barely holding on to the reigns. As soon as Rayne saw him she realized something was wrong. “Lisbet, we got company and they don’t look good, I think I need you to saddle up Samson right quick.”
Lisbet rushed out the door behind Rayne who ran to the covered wagon “Whoa, easy there,” she said gently to the horses. As soon as she got the team stopped the man uttered weakly, “Help us, please.”
Rayne reached for the man and her eyes opened wide in shock—it was her brother, “Oh my God, Jason.” She heard the cry of a baby coming from the back of the wagon. Seeing that her brother was moving to get down she rushed to see to the crying baby. What she saw was a woman and a baby and she reached out to check on the woman. Her breathing was rapid and though she was burning up with fever, she was shivering. Rayne felt sick to her stomach, as she remembered the pallor and heat radiating off of Emma the last time she had seen and held her. She gently picked up the infant just as Lisbet appeared. “Here, take the baby, see if you can get him to drink some milk. He doesn’t feel feverish or anything. I need to get Jason and this baby’s mama in the house before I ride into town to fetch Doc Adams.”
“Rayne, put them in the bedroom, then grab cold wash clothes and place them on their foreheads. I’ll get the baby settled down, then be right in.” When she saw Rayne just standing there, she continued. “Well come on get to it, they need help.”
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