The Salvation 0f A Runaway Bride (Historical Western Romance) Page 7

  The ride home with Bruce felt longer than usual.

  You stupid coward, he thought angrily at himself.

  Chapter Nine

  With the holidays approaching, demand for Aunt Ethel’s marmalade was at an all-time high.

  Aunt Ethel and Laura sat at the table, carefully spooning the sticky, cooling marmalade into jars.

  “I wonder where Abe has been these last few days. It’s unusual that he hasn’t dropped by,” Aunt Ethel remarked.

  “Yes, I think he’s been working on the ranch to get the cattle to auction,” Laura replied.

  “Ah, that makes some sense. Still, his presence is missed,” she smiled at Laura.

  “He perplexes me somewhat, Aunt Ethel. The last time he was here, it felt as if he ran away from me,” Laura said.

  “Is that right? Well, I can’t imagine why anyone would want to do that,” Aunt Ethel said.

  Laura bit her lip. “Aunt Ethel…do you think I’m winsome?” Laura asked.

  Aunt Ethel looked at her, shocked. “Of course, girl! Why would you ever wonder that? You are an absolutely stunning young woman.”

  “I’ve never really thought about it before, never really cared to think about it before,” Laura replied.

  “And you’re now concerned with this fact, due to what?” Aunt Ethel asked.

  A certain handsome cowboy.

  Laura couldn’t let the words escape from her mind to her lips.

  “Well, it just seems to be that time when I should be concerned. I’m sure Father will be lining up suitors for me soon,” Laura said, matter-of-factly.

  “Ah yes, well, you’ve nothing to worry about my dear. You’ll have the pick of the best when the time comes. Any man would beam with pride for the chance to have you on their arm,” Aunt Ethel replied.

  They finished ladling the last of the marmalade into jars, and Laura began to gather her things to bring them into town. She carefully packed each jar into her basket, being sure that they all sat nice and snug together. She grabbed her coat and her hat, and set out to the general store.

  As always, Mr. Mason was delighted to see her.

  “Miss Laura! Oh, am I glad to see you! The ladies have been absolutely clamoring for more of your and Miss Ethel’s jellied gold. Everyone wants it on their holiday tables this year,” he said, his smile beaming from ear to ear, as Laura carefully unloaded each jar.

  “Well, each one is made with love, as always,” Laura replied.

  “Oh, I don’t doubt it. Just give me a moment to settle up with you, after I put these away,” he said.

  “Of course,” Laura replied.

  While Mr. Mason busily packed away the jars, Laura wandered around the store a bit. It was a curious shop, full of all sorts of trinkets, in addition to the normal provisions. Laura came across a wood carving of a cowboy, lasso in mid-air, as he closed in on a steer. She ran her fingers across it.

  Reminds me of Abe in the ring. So confident and skilled.

  She had tried not to let it show, but Abe’s absence for the last few days had struck a chord in her.

  Was it something I did, or something I said? Or perhaps I misjudged our friendship entirely.

  She held the small wooden figure in her hands, admiring it. Mr. Mason’s voice rang out behind her.

  “You’re all settled, ma’am!” he said, as he counted out a few bills on the counter. He looked up at her, still holding the carving.

  “Oh, that’s nice ain’t it? Would you believe Mr. Mavor carved that himself? Don’t know where he finds the time, what with running that ranch and competing, and the like,” Mr. Mason said.

  Laura looked at him, shocked. “Abe Mavor carved this?”

  “Yes, ma’am, quite talented he is,” Mr. Mason replied.

  Why am I so surprised? The cane for Aunt Ethel is absolutely beautiful. I guess I didn’t realize he would be the kind to sell his carvings in a shop.

  Laura felt a strange sensation, almost a bitterness, that Abe’s talents weren’t shared with her alone. She put the figurine down and gathered up the money off the counter.

  “Thank you so much, Mr. Mason. You have a lovely day now,” she said, with a smile.

  “You as well, ma’am!” he said.

  As Laura stepped out of the store, she nearly ran straight into a tall, broad shouldered man.

  “Oh, my goodness, excuse me,” Laura said, as she collected herself.

  “No apologies necessary, Laura,” Abe said, with a smile. He was caked in dust from head to toe.

  “Abe! It’s lovely to see you!” she said, with maybe a bit too much enthusiasm. “We…we’ve missed you around the house.”

  “Unfortunately, the ranch has kept me busy these last few days,” Abe said.

  “I was just going to check in with Mr. Mason about some feed I ordered, but after that, would you like me to walk you back home?”

  “That’s very generous Abe, thank you,” Laura said, with a soft smile.

  Abe disappeared inside and reappeared just a few minutes later. They started off toward Aunt Ethel’s house, Bruce trailing behind them.

  “So, how are things at the ranch?” Laura asked.

  “Oh, they’re fine,” he said. “The cattle are doing well; they should fetch a good price.”

  “That is good news,” Laura replied.

  As they walked there was a quiet, palpable tension.

  “Seems such a short while now, until my parents arrive,” Laura said. “I believe it will feel strange to have them here.”

  “Why is that?” Abe asked.

  “I feel so different than when I left. It’s as if my past and my present will be meeting in some way,” Laura said.

  “There doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with that,” Abe said.

  “No, maybe not.” Laura replied. “How is that bruise healing?”

  “Oh, very well. You’re quite the miracle worker I must say, never healed from a fall this fast,” he said, with a smile.

  “That’s good to hear. To be honest, I thought I might have scared you off, you left in such a hurry,” Laura said, as she bit her lip again.

  Abe stopped walking suddenly and looked at her.

  Oh no, have I said too much?

  “Yeah…I’m sorry about that,” Abe said, with a tinge of embarrassment in his voice. He looked at her apologetically. “Truth is, I haven’t had anyone be quite as kind to me as you have been and I didn’t really know how to react to that.”

  Laura was completely taken aback by this moment of vulnerability. Abe straightened his shoulders up and started walking again.

  “Do you have anyone to celebrate Christmas with?” Laura asked. “Because, if not, Aunt Ethel and I would love to have you for dinner.”

  “Well, that sounds nice, thank you,” Abe said, with a smile.

  “Does it bother you, being alone on the ranch so much?” Laura asked.

  “Not much, no. I’ve always enjoyed keepin’ to myself. It’s peaceful, keeps me away from the mindless ramblings of most folk.”

  “Do Aunt Ethel and I mindlessly ramble?” Laura asked, teasingly.

  “Sometimes,” Abe winked at her.

  “Well, I’m glad I didn’t scare you off. I was afraid; I’ve never had a friend like you before and I was worried…” Laura said softly.

  “Don’t be, Laura.” He looked at her earnestly. “I promise, there’s no way you’d scare me off. I enjoy my time with you and Aunt Ethel far too much.”

  Laura could feel herself swoon.

  “You know, there was this old swing hanging from the tree out in back of our house in Tucson. My father used to push me so high on it, I actually believed that I could fly. The only feeling that comes close to that feeling of freedom is riding. That’s why I get so jealous watching you in competition. It’s that flying feeling, weightless,” Laura said reminiscently.

  “Yeah, that’s one of my favorites as well. That and how my heart gets pumping,” Abe said. “It makes me feel invincible.”


  After a bit more walking, they arrived at Aunt Ethel’s house.

  “You have to come in and say hello. She’s been concerned at the lack of your presence over the last few days, as well,” Laura said to him.

  “Unfortunately, I need to be getting back to the ranch, but you give her my best for me,” Abe said.

  “I will. And I’ll, hopefully, see you soon Abe,” Laura said, wistfully.

  “Oh, you will,” Abe replied.

  “Well, goodbye for now then. And goodbye to you too, Bruce,” Laura said, reaching out and patting Bruce’s nose. He snorted happily.

  Abe swung himself up onto Bruce’s back and rode off. Laura headed back inside, where Aunt Ethel was happily knitting.

  “Hello dear, everything go well at the store?” she asked.

  “Indeed, and I ran into Abe, of all people, on my way back. He walked me home,” Laura said casually.

  “Such a gentleman,” Aunt Ethel cooed.

  * * *

  Abe kept his word and only a few days later was back helping out with everything, from gardening, to patching the roof when it unexpectedly sprung a leak.

  Just as he hammered the last shingle back into place on the roof, a storm rolled in from the horizon. Laura stuck her head out the front door.

  “You should come inside before you get drenched!” she shouted.

  Abe began to descend the ladder, when a huge clap of thunder shook the house, and the sky opened up, dumping rain on the town. Abe hurried down the ladder, but not in time to prevent getting soaked to the bone.

  He grabbed Bruce and led him to the small barn behind Aunt Ethel’s house, then darted inside the house.

  Laura ushered him inside. As soon as he stepped in the door, Laura let out a laugh.

  “You look like a dog after a swim,” she giggled, as she handed him a towel. He furiously attempted to dry his shaggy, waterlogged hair, as he stood in the doorway.

  “Laura, go into my bedroom. I believe there are some old clothes of Ernest’s still in there; we can’t have Abe catching a cold,” Aunt Ethel instructed.

  “No, really, I’m fine, just need to drip dry for a bit,” Abe insisted.

  “No, I’ll have none of that,” Aunt Ethel replied. “Men will hold their pride until the grave, in my experience.”

  Laura emerged from the bedroom with some dry, folded clothes and handed them to Abe. He grunted with resignation and stepped into the bedroom to change.

  He emerged moments later, and it was apparent Ernest was quite the stout man in his older age. The shirt and pants hung loosely on Abe’s well-built frame.

  “Give me your wet clothes; I’ll dry them on the stove,” Laura said. Abe handed them over and Laura carefully draped them next to the warm stove, then put a pot of coffee on.

  The storm raged outside, but inside, they all settled in.

  “Will your herd be alright in the storm?” Laura asked.

  “They’ll be fine, the smart ones will find some shelter in the pasture and the rest will follow.”

  “I actually love a good thunderstorm, something about it calms me,” Laura said.

  “As long as it doesn’t take a tree down, I don’t mind ‘em,” Abe replied. He found a spot next to the fireplace and sat back. He pulled a piece of wood out of his pocket and started carving.

  Laura settled in and worked on her knitting. They all sat in contented silence. Laura noticed that every so often, Abe looked up at her, then would turn immediately back to his carving.

  The strength of a cowboy and the heart of an artist.

  After some time, the storm outside began to wane. As it settled to nothing but a drizzle, Abe stood up.

  “Looks like it’s about done. I should be getting back.” He walked over to the stove and grabbed his clothes. “Dry as a bone. Thank you, ladies.”

  He disappeared into the bedroom to change and re-emerged in his old clothes. Laura stood up, to walk him out.

  Just before he stepped out of the door, he placed something in Laura’s hand. “See you soon, Laura,” he said.

  As she closed the door behind him, she opened up her hand. Staring back at her, carved in beautiful detail, was a small figure of a woman.

  Oh, my goodness, it’s me!

  “Aunt Ethel, look at this!” Laura exclaimed, as she handed it over to her. Aunt Ethel examined it carefully, with a smile.

  “Well, I’ll be, that young man is always full of surprises,” she smiled.

  Yes, yes he is.

  Chapter Ten

  Abe ran his fingers across the smooth rectangle of wood. He grabbed some sandpaper and kept running it over the surface, trying to catch every bump. His hands were practically white with wood dust. After some time, the wood felt like velvet. He reached over next to him and dipped a rag in oil, polishing and polishing.

  As he worked, he thought about his dad. How he had shown him how to work with wood as they built the ranch house. How to cut, how to shape, and how to fit them together perfectly.

  His father used to say, “Each piece is as important as every other one.”

  As he rubbed, the grain went from being one color of dull, flat brown, to a kaleidoscope of tones. There were light caramel colored tones and bands as dark as chocolate. A whole universe in one little surface. When he was finished, he wrapped it up in a piece of burlap and tucked it into his saddlebag. He walked outside, placed the saddlebag over Bruce’s back, and rode off to Aunt Ethel’s house.

  When he arrived, he didn’t walk up the porch. Instead, he rode around back to where there was a large apple tree. He pulled the smooth piece of wood out of the saddlebag, along with two long pieces of rope. He carefully threaded the rope through the two holes he had cut on either side of the wood and knotted the ends. He led Bruce under the tree and looked him in the eye.

  “Alright boy, steady, just like we’ve practiced,” he said, firmly but gently.

  Holding the wood and rope, he placed a boot in the stirrup and stood straight up on Bruce’s back. Bruce remained still as a rock, with just a small snort, when Abe put his weight on his back. Abe tied each rope to a strong branch just above his head. He eased himself back down onto the ground and the piece of wood swung gently between the two ropes just a few feet off the ground.

  “Abe?” Laura’s voice rang out behind him. “What are you doing?” she asked.

  Abe turned around and stepped to the side, revealing the swing. Laura’s face lit up with surprise.

  “Want to fly again?” Abe asked.

  “Really?” Laura exclaimed, still looking at him with shock.

  “Really, come on. You said, you missed the feeling,” Abe said.

  Laura slowly walked over and sat down on the swing. Abe walked around behind her. He leaned over and whispered in her ear. “You ready?”

  She nodded and he gave her a gentle push. She began to swing back and forth.

  “Oh, come on, you can do more than that!” she called back to him.

  When she swung toward him, he gave her a big, strong push, that sent her up toward the sky. She let out an excited squeal. Abe watched as her golden hair spiraled back behind her, the sun’s rays catching on it and shimmering back like strands of gold.

  He kept pushing her up and up, her voice ringing out with laughter in the autumn breeze.

  “Can you get me any higher?” she called back.

  Abe widened his stance and gave a big push that sent her soaring, the ropes slackening as she went upwards. But then, as she came down, the ropes tightened again, jolting her and unseating her. She began to fall.

  Oh no!

  Abe jumped underneath her; his arms were outstretched, as she tumbled from the sky. She landed squarely on him, knocking him off his feet. They both landed on the ground, knocking the wind out of Abe. Laura’s blonde hair covered his face.

  “Oh my God, I’m so sorry!” she said breathlessly.

  Abe struggled to suck air back into his lungs, coughing and wheezing. All of Laura’s weight was on top of h
im.

  “It’s fine. Are you okay?” he finally choked out.

  “I’m okay.” Laura laughed. “Oh my, I’m crushing you!”

  “It’s fine,” Abe chuckled, as Laura rolled off of him and laid in the grass next to him. She looked over at him.