Battered Soul: Mail Order Brides of Spring Water Book Three, page 13
“Only Lex? What about darling or best husband ever? I can think of many things you can call me.”
“Start unbuttoning, precious husband.”
“See, there you go.”
Epilogue
Two Months later
Iris walked along the creek bed that wasn’t far from their house. She needed some time alone. Her day had been spent watching Bridey and Charlie for Veronica and Max. Bridey was walking and talking, and she was cute as a button as was the baby. She enjoyed watching them, but sadness tugged at her heart. She wasn’t expecting yet, and they had been trying and trying.
She sat on a wide boulder and watched the clear water rush by. She felt unsettled and a bit like a failure. Lex wanted a family.
Oh, Lord, I know things are done in your own time but couldn’t you just hurry this up for me? I know patience is a virtue, but I thought I proved that I had that living in a cellar for almost a year.
Her eyes widened. Oh no! She shouldn’t be complaining to God.
I’m sorry, Lord, I’m just in a mood I guess. I am so very grateful for my many many blessings. My battered soul is whole again, and I never thought it would happen. I’m loved more than a person should be, and I love just the same way. I have found a home and I’m safe but you already know that. Why am I having trouble praying today? I’ve been to church but other than that, I think I’ve neglected you and I apologize. There are many happy and healthy children on the ranch, and I know that is because of you and your blessings.
I couldn’t ask for a more loving or attentive husband. He stops home more than he should, but he says he needs to see me. Isn’t that sweet? Instead of asking for something for me, maybe you could bring peace to the South. Too many are unjustly judging others, and the army does nothing. We had the presidential election last month, and many people died. Some folks want no one but white people voting and they were shooting people who dared to defy them.
The whole country was in an uproar, and I’m hoping that the winner, Ulysses S. Grant will make a difference. I know he was the one who gave the order to execute me, but he was lied to. What will happen to the children of the black men who work here? It’ll be a bit before any are old enough to be on their own, but what will their future be? I can only hope that there is a place out there that will appreciate how hard they’ve worked to become educated.
You must be very busy, Lord, I know you still walk beside me, but my impatience isn’t really important in the scheme of things. I think instead of my request, I’d rather have everyone I know stay safe. Thank you for the conversation. I feel much better.
She jumped when she heard a twig snap behind her.
“It’s just me. I didn’t mean to startle you,” Lex told her as he sat beside her on the rock. “You were so deep in thought. Is there anything I can help you with?”
“I was praying. And I learned something. I thought I was a patient person.”
A rumble started deep in his throat, and before she knew it he was laughing harder than she could remember seeing him laugh.
“I don’t understand why you’re laughing.”
“You never want to wait for anything, and that’s fine with me. I just didn’t know you thought you were patient.”
“Patience is a virtue, you know,” she said defensively.
“I have heard that. I love you just the way you are. Were you asking God to change you?”
“No.” She turned away and watched the water go by.
“Iris, what’s wrong? Please tell me.” His voice was so soft.
“I’m not expecting again this month. I’m a failure as a wife, and I wouldn’t be surprised if you were having second thoughts.”
He put his hands on her shoulders and turned her until she faced him.
“That’s not how marriage works. There is no returning you. I wouldn’t part with you for all the gold in the world. I understand your patience problem now. Sweetheart, it can take a while before you’re expecting. We don’t have control over it, well except for the trying-to part. We’ve only been married about two months. Some couples wait years.”
Her mouth opened and then she snapped it shut. After a minute she spoke. “How could they have stood it? Waiting a year or more?”
“We have each other, isn’t that enough?”
The hurt in his eyes wasn’t right. “I didn’t mean to hurt you or to imply we aren’t enough. You’re everything to me. I’m just being impatient, and I’m making you unhappy. I must practice being patient. It’s good to be virtuous.”
He hugged her to him and as always she felt so safe, so loved. They didn’t speak for a time.
“Have you looked at the ring I gave you?” He sounded as though he already knew the answer.
She took her wedding ring off.
“Look inside the band.”
“It says Always. How beautiful, how sweet. You are a very loving man, Lex. I’m lucky to have you.”
“I’m not sure if Mary Beth would agree with you.” He grinned.
After putting her ring back on she lightly punched him in the shoulder. “She missed out. I’m glad she said no.”
His sigh told of his relief. “You and me both. Let’s look at the good. We have so much more than most people. I’ve never known that love can be so all consuming, so deep, so wonderful. After the war, I felt lost, and I had seen things no man should ever have to see. You healed me, heart and soul. Let’s celebrate every day and cherish each day we have together.”
Iris stroked his cheek and then traced his jawline with her finger. “You’re so good for me. You’re right; let’s celebrate each day we have. We’re actually the lucky ones.” Leaning over, she kissed him.
He kissed her back, a sweet loving kiss. “I love you, Iris.”
“And I you, Lex.”
The End
I'm so pleased you chose to read Battered Soul, and it's my sincere hope that you enjoyed the story. I would appreciate if you'd consider posting a review. This can help an author tremendously in obtaining a readership. My many thanks. ~ Kathleen
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We’ve Only Just Begun
Susan jounced in the saddle as the horse careened through the streets of Independence, Missouri. Being jarred sideways, she grabbed for the pommel but her sweat-slicked fingers began slipping off. Another good jolt and she would find herself beneath Sunshine’s hooves. Frantically grasping the pommel with a solid hold, Susan closed her eyes and said a quick prayer. Her life couldn’t end this way, it just couldn’t. It had been a struggle to make her way to Independence. It was supposed to be a brand new start.
“Umphh.” Strong arms wrapped around her ribs and hauled her out of harm’s way. His firm grip hurt but it was much better than being run over by a horse. She found herself practically sitting on the stranger’s lap while he held her tight against him. His hard chest and the warmth of his body made her forget her pain. She’d barely been able to catch her breath until he slowed his horse. She gasped when she found herself moving through the air again as he handed her to another man on the ground.
Once free of the other man, she turned to thank her savior and was dumbstruck. She opened her mouth to thank him but words escaped her. She’d never seen a man so tall before. He towered over her by a few feet. Slowly she worked her gaze up from his dusty boots, along his legs that seemed to go on forever, to his trim waist and then to shoulders as broad as a barn. She gulped. She had to crane her neck to take in the strong, angular chin, the firm lips. Holding her breath, she met his blue eyes, and her heart stuttered at the fury they contained.
“You could have been killed! You shouldn’t be on a horse if you can’t control it. Where are your parents? Surely they don’t allow you to ride that horse all over town.” His voice boomed, and the crowd that had already gathered grew larger.
Flames of embarrassment licked at her cheeks. He’d chastised her as though she was a child. A child she certainly was not. “I thank you for coming to my rescue. You risked your life to save mine, and there is no way to repay your bravery.” She hoped she sounded like one of those rich Southern ladies. People never messed with a Southern lady.
She turned to the other man and blinked, struck by the resemblance to the man who had rescued her. “Thank you kind sir.” She raised a hand to make sure her hair was still up and suppressed a groan. Some of the strands still remained secure but most had haphazardly come loose and her tresses had all fallen every which way. So much for being a fine, Southern lady.
She gave them both a curt nod and then spun on her heel in the direction she assumed Sunshine went. The crowd was bigger than she’d thought as she made her way through it only to find her Sunshine eating hay out of cart. She marched up to her horse and grabbed the reins. “All this for some hay? Oh, Sunshine how could you? You had plenty of grass to eat, and we’ve only been away from home a little over a day.” Her shoulders slumped as she sighed. She needed a place to repair herself before joining a wagon train and she needed to find one leaving soon.
“Ya’ll have to pay for that there hay your horse ate. It’s not free you know.” A burly man with greasy blond hair approached, and as he came closer she could smell his filth. He had a gleam in his eye she’d seen before and she had no intention of being a victim.
“How much?”
The man smirked as he looked her up and down causing her to shiver. “I’m sure we can work something out.”
“How much do you charge for hay? Do you charge by the pitchfork full or cart full?”
His bushy brows came together. “I um, well—”
“It’s not your hay, is it?” She put her hands on her hips. If he hadn’t had smelled so fowl she would have taken a step forward. “How dare you try to steal money from me! I suggest you leave.” She hoped he left before the real owner of the hay came by.
“I’m sure we’ll run into each other again soon.” He smirked at her again before he turned and walked away. Her stomach clenched at the possibilities of what could have happened with such a lecherous man.
“He gave up easily.”
Startled, Susan’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly glanced over her shoulder and nodded to the man who’d rescued her. “I never did get your name.”
He waited for her to turn in his direction and then he smiled. “I’m Mike Todd. The man you just tangled with is a mean one. You’ll want to watch to be sure you’re never alone with him.”
“Thank you, Mr. Todd, for your advice.” She smiled back.
“No thanks needed, ma’am, and it’s Mike.”
“I’m Susan Farr. It’s nice to make your acquaintance. You’ll have to excuse my appearance I’m afraid.”
He stared into her eyes. “There’s nothing wrong with your appearance, Miss Farr.”
“Please, call me Susan.” She tilted her head a bit. She’d often observed how rich woman acted and it was paying off.
“Fine, Susan. Now where are your parents? Do they know how much trouble you’re making in town?” His voice grew deeper.
“My parents passed recently. It’s just me and Sunshine. I was hoping to join one of those wagon trains to the west. I’ve always enjoyed traveling.” She batted her eyelashes at him and felt affronted when he laughed.
“Listen lady, this is no vacation. You must be able to work and work hard in order for any wagon master to take you on. Since no one takes women traveling alone, you’ll have to rethink your plans.”
Dang, I overdid the fine southern lady act. “Mike, I’m quite adept at working hard.”
“Doing what? Needlepoint? I’m sorry but I’ve taken chances with women like you before, and it never ended in a good way. I can’t take the time to look after a helpless female and I refuse to break up fights among the men who will try to catch your eye. No. Like I said you need a new plan.”
“When are you leaving?”
“You’re not listening to a word I have to say.” He frowned.
“Oh, I’m listening. When are you leaving?” She tapped her foot.
“In the morning. I wish you luck, Miss Farr. Good bye.”
She watched him until he was swallowed up in the distance. She needed a strategy to get on that wagon train and she needed one now.
* * *
The next morning, Mike and his brothers Jed and Eli were all busy helping the members of their party get ready to leave. There were stubborn oxen that needed to be yoked and hitched. Despite earlier instructions, meals were not all done being cooked and it was past time to pack up. A few of the women looked as though they wanted to cry. Children ran all over the place and most didn’t heed their parents’ calls.
Then there were those who’d been ready right on time griping about the delay. Mike had to bite his lip to keep from laughing. It was always like this the first few days. He rode Arrow up and down the line of wagons giving advice until he came to a wagon closer to the end. His eyes narrowed when he spotted Susan Farr. Dang it all!
He guided Arrow to the wagon she was packing. “Miss Farr, I’m surprised to see you here.” He hoped his voice conveyed his annoyance.
“Oh hello, Mike. Beautiful day isn’t it?” She gave him a quick uncertain smile and went back to loading the wagon.
“I already told you not to come. Why are you here?”
Her shoulders tensed as she turned toward him. “I got married yesterday. I’m not a single woman anymore, and my husband was already part of your party. There’s no reason I can’t go now is there?”
“Where is your husband?” Her news shocked him.
“Grabbing a few more minutes of sleep.”
Mike swung down off his horse and stalked over to the wagon. He took one look inside and shook his head. She’d paired up with a real winner. Clancy Willis was a bit of a drinker. He was hungover, no doubt. “Hey, Clancy!” he yelled into the wagon. “Time to go if you don’t want to be left behind.” When he received no reply he took a cup filled it with water and threw it at Clancy’s head.
Clancy sputtered. “Why’d you have to go and do that?”
“Get up and help your wife! We’re ready to leave.”
Clancy held his head in his hands. “You don’t have to yell so loud. Besides I’m sure Sarah has everything done.”
Mike took a deep breath and willed himself not to beat the man. “Susan, her name is Susan. Get up and help her.” He muttered under his breath and when he turned around he was tempted to swear. Susan’s big blue eyes were filled with panic.
“You won’t leave us behind will you?”
“Where’s your horse?”
“I gave Sunshine to Clancy to pay for my part of the provisions.” Her gaze fell to the ground and her shoulders slumped.
“Just get ready to go. I’ll send Jed down to give you a hand but this is a onetime thing. I have to check on the rest of the group. Good day, Susan.” He mounted Arrow, tipped his hat and rode off. The money from selling Susan’s horse was probably long gone, and Mike had no doubt it had not been spent on provisions. Except for more whiskey, of course. But with fifty wagons and over a hundred people to look out for, that wasn’t his problem unless it endangered the wagon train. Susan had made a poor choice, and he was sorry for her.
He sent Jed to help her. She was going to have a hell of a time with a man like Clancy, but it wasn’t his business unless it endangered the wagon train. It really was a shame; she was such a pretty little lady with a whole lot of gumption.
Finally both Jed and Eli joined him at the front of the train. It was time to go. “Wagons ho!” Mike yelled, his heart filled with pride as one wagon after another rolled by. The crunch of the wheels on the earth and the plodding sounds of the oxen as they went by lent to a sense of excitement. He could feel it in the air. Most heeded his advice about keeping the wagons light and having everyone but the driver walk. The exception was the Willis wagon. Susan struggled to drive it, but she looked to be giving it her all. Dang, she didn’t have a pair of work gloves. The traces were going to make a mess out of her pretty hands. He jolted upright with a little start pretty hands? He’d best stay away from Susan her being a married woman. Plus he never became involved with other women. He wasn’t in the market, and he didn’t trifle with their feelings. One thing he could say about himself, he wasn’t a cad.
“Jed, I need you to ride near the back for a while before you go and scout out where to camp. Eli, you take the middle. Remember we have a mixture of greenhorns and farmers. There’s bound to be plenty of frustrations until the greenhorns learn the way of things.”
“How far did you want to go today?” Jed asked. Of his two brothers, Jed was the most serious of them. “Let’s go for ten miles so we can make sure they have plenty of time to figure out a routine for taking care of the livestock, cooking meals and the like.”
“Sounds good, I’ll go eat some dust at the back of the line for a while.” Jed turned his horse and rode to the back part of the train.
“Eli, let me know if any trouble arises.”
Eli grinned. “You can count on me, Mike.” He too turned his horse and rode away.
Mike reached into his saddle bag and grabbed out two worn bandannas. He rode to the Willis wagon and slowed until he was riding at Susan’s side. He reached over and handed her the bandannas. “Wrap these around your hands; they’ll help a bit to keep them from being ripped to shreds. Where’s Clancy? Never mind, I already know. How many wagons have you driven?”
She tried to put on the cloths without relinquishing her hold on the lines. “I’ve driven small farm wagons. Nothing this big before, but I’ll get the hang of it. You won’t have a reason to send us packing.”
