Catalina sucked in a breath the moment the door closed behind her. She couldn’t remember ever seeing such thorough darkness. In the city, they had electric lights, and there were fires lit even when folks chose not to turn the lights on. It was almost as if her sense of sight had been stolen from her. She was utterly helpless as she stood with her back pressed against the door, waiting and praying for her eyes to adjust, forcing herself to breathe through the fear.
Catalina tried to talk herself out of the panic by telling herself that there was nothing to fear from the dark. They weren’t in the city where people or other things lurked in the shadows, waiting for their moment. Out there, in the vast expanse of the desert, there wasn’t anywhere to hide. The rocks were jagged and harsh, providing nothing more than occasional shade from the harsh sun during the day, and with such sparse vegetation, surely there could not, or would not, be any larger animals lurking. Her breaths were coming easier now. She opened her eyes as a thought popped into her head. If it was that dark, then she could probably see millions of stars.
Catalina lifted her face to the sky and took in the beauty that was the night. She’d never felt very comfortable after dark. All the stories she’d grown up hearing and reading, the lessons they were taught for how to be proper ladies, all of them warned and scolded young women about the darkness. Looking up at the twinkling sky, Catalina couldn’t understand it. She was in awe of the elegance of the brightly shining stars in their ebony backdrop.
“Stunning, isn’t it?”
Catalina’s heart nearly jumped out of her chest. She’d been so focused on the sky above her, she hadn’t heard Oliver join her. She nodded before she could remember that he most likely couldn’t see the slight movement of her head. “I’ve never seen anything like it.” She spun on her heel, dropping the pail she’d been holding next to her feet. “It’s more than seeing though…”
Oliver’s voice softened. “There are many stories of the night sky. Minda’s father used to tell me of the ones his family would tell their little ones as they grew. Stories of epic battles over who would rule the heavens and expressions of love that painted the world as we know it.”
Catalina froze. In the darkness, every word felt as if it was covering her. Caressing her skin as if they were capable of bringing her physical pleasure. She exhaled slowly and retrieved her bucket. Now that her eyes had adjusted, she could see marginally. She made her way to the well.
“I wanted to let you know that you’re welcome to sleep in our room. I thought it might be best if I stay downstairs this evening. I want to give you time to adjust to your surroundings. That might be hard with a stranger lying next to you.”
Catalina hadn’t been able to settle her breathing back to a normal rhythm since he’d spoken last, but his words now…they helped to ease the hitch in her chest. Relief, and to her surprise, a bit of disappointment washed over her. She nodded. “Thank you, Oliver.”
Chapter Six
Frustrated and fumbling, Catalina attempted to flip a pancake. She struggled to hold the heavy skillet with one hand and the spatula with the other. There wasn’t much in the kitchen. She was even more grateful that Judith had sent them home with supper the night before. She panicked this morning when she realized there wasn’t even bacon for breakfast.
Minda squealed entering the kitchen and seeing the stack of pancakes on the counter. “Syrup!”
Catalina smiled to herself, shaking her head. “Leave it to a child to put things into perspective.”
“What was that?”
Her husband’s voice woke the parts of her that had remained asleep during her hunt through the kitchen. She turned to him with the plate full of fluffy pancakes. “I know you were hoping to wait a few days to travel back into town, but I’m wondering if we couldn’t make a trip today. There really isn’t much here in the way of food.”
Oliver nodded, taking the plate from her and finding his place at the pre-set table. “I’m sorry about that. I guess we should have stopped yesterday. I really wanted to not be on the road after dark though. We just didn’t have time.”
Catalina joined Oliver and Minda at the table. They were filling their plates. “Could we go today, then?”
Oliver shook his head. “I can’t, I’m afraid. Nathaniel and I found some broken fences yesterday that will need repairing. There’s a load of cattle scheduled to arrive tomorrow, and we need to be sure that the fence will hold them.”
Catalina tried not to give in to the disappointment that began stinging her eyes, threatening to cause tears to fall. “I understand,” she whispered as she took a small bite of the food she’d made. It tasted like dust on her tongue.
“Nathaniel and I will need to work on the fence, but I see no reason why, as long as you return before dark, that you and Judith couldn’t take the children and go, just the little ones. Leave the boys. We’ll put them to work today.”
Catalina’s disappointment quickly vanished, only to be replaced by concern. “Isn’t she too full with child? Should she travel so far?” She found her husband’s eyes, wanting to make sure he was being straight with her.
He nodded. “She’s getting close, but she’ll be alright for a few weeks we think. She’s done this a few times before, so she’s got a good idea for how she feels. You and Minda can come with me to their place this morning and ask her. If she doesn’t feel well enough, my guess is that she’ll let you know.”
Catalina agreed. She hadn’t talked to Judith for very long, but she could tell that the woman was strong both physically and mentally. She wouldn’t do anything that could put her or her family in danger. “Just let me get Minda together and change my dress.”
Catalina helped Minda into a sturdy dress that would wear well for the trip into town but also look nice for shopping. She was pleased when she got out her brush and the little girl climbed right into her lap, sitting still as stone to let Catalina brush her hair and plait it so it hung down her back. She was a wonderful child. Oliver had done a great job. Judith too. She was grateful she had a way to thank the other woman for taking such good care of them before she’d come along.
The two of them left the house, Minda’s little hand firmly clasped in Catalina’s as they met Oliver in the yard. He’d readied the buckboard and was taking a basket of eggs into the house. Catalina felt her face fall. She hadn’t even thought to look outside to see if there were chickens. When there hadn’t been eggs in the kitchen ready for her to use, she’d assumed there weren’t any. She would have been able to make a much heartier breakfast had she thought to go fetch eggs. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think.” Catalina shook her head at her own ignorance as Oliver climbed up beside her.
“It was dark when we arrived. I haven’t had a chance to show you the grounds. You couldn’t have known.”
Catalina took a chance and moved her hand to cover the one of his he’d set on his leg. “Thank you. I promise, I’m trying.”
Oliver turned her to face him, cupping her chin in his hand. “You’re wonderful, and we’re so happy to have you here with us.” He smiled. “Aren’t we, Miss Minda?”
Minda bounced and laughed, causing Catalina and Oliver to laugh with her. The child’s tinkling voice was contagious. “New Momma. New Momma.” The girl climbed onto Catalina’s lap, and Oliver took off down the dirt path while Catalina took in her surroundings.
Their property wasn’t as fully developed at the Harveys’, but there was a good sized barn, a chicken coop, and she could see where it looked like Oliver had tried to start a garden. Thinking of gardening made her think of home and the friends she’d left behind. “Would it be alright if I ordered some things from the mercantile today as well as getting the staple food items we’ll need?”
Oliver nodded. “Whatever you need. The chickens should produce enough to keep us stocked in eggs, and Moo Moo hasn’t failed us yet, so we should be set for milk, butter, and the like.”
“Moo Moo?”
Oliver shrugged and looked at Mind
a. “The cow. Minda named her Moo Moo.”
Catalina tickled the girl on her lap. “Of course she did.”
“I’d like to get some things to start a small school for Minda and the Harvey children. I have brought some money. I’ll need to buy books and tablets and chalk.”
Oliver shook his head. “No. You order what you need. Joe and Prudence won’t have much of that there, but I’m sure they’ll be able to order it for you. We can go back to town next week and pick it up. They’ll probably send you with a list to see Henry Perkins.”
“Prudence. Joe. Henry.” Catalina whispered the names, trying to commit them to memory. Oliver must have heard her.
“Prudence and Joe Weatherly own the mercantile. You’ll enjoy them, I’m sure, and Henry is the telegraph operator. He, his wife, and their daughter live in a small apartment above the telegraph office in town. I’m sure Judith will introduce you to everyone.”
Nerves we starting to churn Catalina’s stomach. Shady Creek was completely new. She was more than thankful for her new friendship with Judith but also with Bethany. She could see the tip of the Harveys’ roof coming into view as they passed a particularly high and jagged rock formation. Catalina was awestruck by it. She’d never seen landscape the way it was in Arizona. Both places were colorful but resided on completely different palettes. New York was round and full, whereas Arizona seemed sharp and sparse. She thought she saw something move at the top of the rocks. Small and brown but fast. She blinked and whatever it was, if had been anything at all, disappeared. The sun hadn’t had a lot of time to get warm yet, but Catalina could tell that she’d need to be making herself some dresses soon. Her heavy materials would be the death of her in her new climate.
Minda jumped out of the buckboard before it had fully stopped moving. The little girl ran right to little Isabel, and the two of them started to chase her brothers around the yard. Judith was already outside; ready to greet them on the porch, a huge questioning smile on her face. “How was your first night?”
Catalina took Oliver’s offered hand and stepped down. “It was wonderful. The perfect start to our new life together. Thank you again for supper. It really was delicious and convenient.”
Judith laughed. “I’m not sure if convenient is a negative comment normally, but knowing the state of the kitchen you walked into I’m assuming it isn’t.”
Catalina hurried to reassure her. “I didn’t realize just how convenient until this morning when I attempted breakfast.”
“That bad?”
“Yes, I’m afraid so.”
Catalina watched as Judith narrowed her eyes at Oliver who was standing quietly on the edge of the porch, a guilty look on his face. “Dear sweet Judith…” He smiled and the look of it made pieces of Catalina melt. She had gotten so lucky. Not all mail order brides had such luck. She still wasn’t sure how a man like Oliver had gone unattached for so long. “Sweet, sweet Judith, would you be so kind as to help me correct my mistake by taking my lovely new wife into town for me today so she could shop?”
Catalina almost laughed, but Judith beat her to it. Nathaniel too. He’d come out the door just as Oliver was getting to the bulk of his underhanded begging. “You’d better watch yourself there, Wilson. You’re a married man now. I’m used to you trying to play nice with my wife, but your new bride might not appreciate it so much.”
Catalina couldn’t hold it in after that. Oliver’s begging, or what Nathaniel thought was him trying to butter up his wife was the most pathetic thing she’d ever seen. It also answered her question of why her handsome husband had stayed single for so long. The man had no idea how to talk to a woman. “Oh Nathaniel, I’m actually quite entertained by it all. Though I do feel badly for Judith. How she hasn’t laughed yet is beyond me.”
Now all of them were laughing together as Oliver shook his head. Catalina took slow breaths, trying to clam herself as she walked over to him. “It’s alright, husband. There’s no need for you to learn how to woo a woman now.” His eyes were bright and full of things she really wanted to ask about, but instead she stayed quiet. The smoke and heat in his gaze caused the laughter to die in her chest. Oliver stared at her for a long moment, so long that the hair on her arms started to prickle.
“Do you want to be wooed, Mrs. Wilson?”
Catalina opened her mouth to answer, but no sound came out. Oliver leaned forward, taking advantage of her silence, and pressed his lips gently to hers. “Get what you need from town. We’ll talk after supper.” And he disappeared, off with Nathaniel, calling for the young boys to follow them out to the barn. Catalina couldn’t turn. Her body had forgotten how to move on its own, her thoughts unable to reach her limbs, due to the fog that Oliver had created within her.
“I’ll just need to change and we can get along. Oliver left the buckboard, so I’m assuming we’ll take that.” Catalina could do nothing but nod in response. She stood watching the men’s backs as the boys ran on ahead of them. She’d never been more confused and uncomfortable yet happy at the same time in her whole life.
Squeals from the girls brought her back to the moment, clearing her head and forcing her to turn to see what they were fussing about. Isabel and Minda had found a small lizard, and they were taking turns holding it. Catalina shivered at the thought of letting the small creature touch her bare skin. “Girls. Put it down. We’ve got to get going.”
The girls looked at her with wide, sad eyes and pouting mouths. “Bring him?”
Catalina cringed, shaking her head. “No. We’ve got a lot of things to do, and taking the little guy so far from his friends and forcing him to go shopping wouldn’t be fair.” She paused as she got closer, crouching down so she was eye level with the girls. “Would it?”
Both shook their heads. “No.” They set the small creature back in the dirt they’d retrieved him from.
Judith joined them. “Ready?” she asked, raking a hand over her swollen belly.
The concern Catalina had felt when Oliver first suggested she go with Judith returned. “Are you sure this is okay?”
The other woman nodded as she helped the little ones into the wagon. “It’s honestly perfect. I’m not sure how much longer I’ll want to travel, so this will give me the chance to get stocked up on the things we’ll need.”
Still unsure but not having a decent retort, Catalina nodded. “Let’s go then.” She climbed up, realizing too late that she hadn’t the first clue how to manage a buckboard. She looked at the reins hanging loosely between her and Judith, then up to Judith, who was smiling largely. “Don’t worry. I’ll teach you.”
Oliver had a fitful first night as a married man. He’d had to learn to sleep in a lot of places throughout his time with the scouts, one time even high in the branches of a tall spruce in the Northwest territories. The big cats in those mountains truly were big, and the only chance they’d had of not being eaten was to not be seen. So they’d strapped themselves to the boughs of sturdy spruce and slept. Even that night hadn’t been as bad as his night in his living room while his new bride was just above him in their bed. His bed. Her bed. Their bed…he wasn’t sure what to call it.
“You’re not as bright eyed as a newly married man should be after his first night with his wife.”
Oliver loved Nathaniel, but his words had come just as they were passing the manure pile on their way to the barn, and it took all the strength he had not to push his friend sideways into it. “Mind your own business, Nate.” He knew he was surly. Lack of sleep always made him growl more than usual.
Nathaniel laughed and nodded. “Troubles already, friend. You work fast.”
Oliver shoved him just enough to make him stumble. “No troubles. Just being gentlemanly. Wife or no, I barely know the girl. We did just meet yesterday.”
“Marriage not what you were thinking it would be? I know Judith and I are hard to live up to.”
It was Oliver’s turn to laugh. “You’re the luckiest man alive that you’re still breathing. That woman is way
too good for you and we both know it.”
Nathaniel’s laughter remained in the deepest part of his voice. “You ain’t wrong, but from what I can tell, Miss Smith, or rather Mrs. Wilson, is much the same. You just haven’t had time to screw up too badly yet. You will though. I’m sure of it.” They’d reached the barn. The boys were already climbing the walls to get to their favorite horses. Oliver had enjoyed watching them grow. They were full of energy, but Nathaniel and Judith handled it all with patience and peace. The woman really was a saint.
“You need to let them eat before you can lead them out to the paddock. Make sure they’ve finished, and you need to take all six, not just Honey and Biscuit.” Nathaniel turned back to Oliver. Now that the boys had their orders, the two of them could get to work. He motioned him over to a stall that was usually empty but they’d recently been using to hold all the fencing they were putting up around the property.
“One piece of advice…” The smile on his face made Oliver nervous. Nate only smiled like that when he was up to something. It was mischievous and telling, and no matter how much he and Judith pointed it out to him, he’d never been able to hide it.
“You should never play poker. You know that, right?”
“Yeah, yeah. I know.” He rolled his eyes and picked up a length of fence, tossing it to Oliver to catch. “But advice…even though you and I both know that our females are way too good for us—” he raised his eyebrows, “and they are for sure—they don’t need to know that we know that.”
Catalina’s Cause: The Alphabet Mail-Order Brides Book 3 Page 5