“That would be wonderful. We’ll be redoing Anna’s bedroom and once it’s finished, I’d love to have Livy spend the night with us, too.”
Lucretia nodded. “They’re good friends. Race might matter to some folks but not to me and mine.”
“Nor to me and mine either.” Regan was glad she’d made the trip to see Lucretia. “I hope you and I can become friends, too.”
“I’d like that. Not many women around here. Be nice if we could all get along. Looking forward to knowing you better.”
“Same here.”
“Let’s see what our girls are up to.”
They found the girls in the barn. Livy was brushing the coat of a snow-white pony while Anna watched from the stall’s entrance. Beside her stood a man of average height with salt-and-pepper hair. He eyed their approach and offered Regan a nod of greeting.
Lucretia said, “Regan, this is my husband, Matt. Matt, this is Doc Lee’s new wife, Regan.”
“Pleased to meet you.”
“Same here.” Regan didn’t remember him being at her wedding.
Lucretia explained why. “Matt was in Cheyenne visiting one of our children the day of the wedding.”
He said, “So you’re the lady who has my wife wanting to pitch shoes.”
“Yes.”
“She’s getting pretty good at it.”
Lucretia beamed in response to the praise.
Matt added, “Livy and I are introducing Anna to Snowbird.”
Regan walked closer and ran a hand over the animal’s back. “Pretty name for a pretty pony.”
Matt said, “She is a beauty, isn’t she? Anna doesn’t want to get too close, but I told her it’s fine to watch from here.”
Anna’s eyes were riveted on her friend as she worked.
“Snow and I love each other, don’t we, girl?” Livy said, giving her pet a hug. “Anna, if you had a pony we could ride together.”
Whether Anna found the idea enticing or not was difficult to tell, but she didn’t appear afraid and Regan found that encouraging.
After a few more minutes of chatting with Lucretia and her husband, Regan and Anna were accompanied back to the wagon.
Livy said, “I’ll see you at school tomorrow, Anna.”
“Okay.”
Regan offered her thanks to the Watsons and turned the team back the way they’d come.
The clock on the wall of Colt’s study showed that Regan and Anna had been gone over two hours and he noted how hollow and empty the house felt. Before Regan came into their lives, he doubted he would have been attuned to it, but now it was noticeable. Her presence gave his home life. There was conversation, not only at the table during meals, but throughout the day. Anna’s voice and her laughs and giggles had become almost commonplace. None of that had been normal during Ben’s residence.
Thoughts of his grandfather surfaced but he didn’t let them linger. His mind was focused on Regan Carmichael Lee. Even a man as plumb dumb as he could be at times was smart enough to know she was still upset about last night. The veiled digs she’d directed his way during breakfast had pierced his hide like darts on a board, and the one about her bath cut deepest. Her talk of the warm water, her scented soap, and how good she’d felt when she left the tub painted a mental picture of her wet and nude that made him shift in his seat to accommodate the rise in his anatomy. That she’d done it deliberately, knowing the effect, made him want to retaliate by pulling her onto his lap and kissing that sassy mouth until she was breathless. To Anna’s innocent ears the conversation had been about soap and a bath, but he and Regan knew better. Did he wish he’d handled last night’s conversation differently so that she hadn’t been hurt? Yes. Had he done so, seeing her in the tub would’ve been real and not something he had to imagine. He deserved the darts she’d thrown at him, and when she forgave him, he planned to enjoy every lavender-scented inch of her satin skin. But he had to be forgiven first, something he had no control over; forthcoming apology or not.
Hearing heavy footfalls in the house, he rose and found himself face-to-face with his grandfather. “I came to get the rest of my belongings,” Ben said gruffly.
“You don’t have to leave. Just respect my choices.”
“I can’t.”
“But you don’t even know Regan.”
“No, I don’t, but she’s a woman and you can’t trust them.”
Colt saw anger in the old man’s eyes, but there was also a veiled ache that seemed so out of character words failed him. Finally, finding his voice, he said, “How about we sit and you explain what you mean.”
They sat and Ben began, “When I first met your grandmother, she was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.”
Colt froze. Ben had never talked to him about Spring Rain.
“Her tribe lived near the trading post Odell and I built, and every time I saw her, the more I wanted her as my wife. Her parents and the elders were opposed, but I’d traded with them, hunted buffalo and elk with them. They knew me to be respectful of their ways, so she and I became man and wife.” Ben quieted then as if thinking back and Colt wondered what he was seeing.
After a few more moments of silence, he continued, “She didn’t know English but I knew her language, so we had no problems talking. I built the cabin and we moved in. In those days, I made my living trapping and guiding new settlers into the Territory so I was away for weeks, sometimes months at a time. At first, she didn’t complain, but when her people pulled up stakes ahead of the new White settlements, she was isolated and alone.” Ben looked his way. “I’d thought I’d done her a favor taking her away from the tribe and making her a civilized wife . . .” His voice trailed off.
“So, what happened?”
“When I found out she was carrying your father, I figured that would help her loneliness, but she still talked about missing the Shoshone—the songs, the stories, the seasonal rituals, the open sky over her head. She hated the slurs people threw at her when she went into town. She wanted to return to her people, but I refused to let her go.”
Colt heard anger but also what might have been regret.
“After Lewis’s birth, the complaints stopped, but on the morning of his first birthday, I woke up to find him in bed next to me and her gone. I was frantic. I found a wet nurse, left your father there, and went to look for her. There were rumors that she’d gone west to find her tribe, an old trapper I knew said he’d seen her walking north towards Canada. I searched on and off for the next two years, then gave up. I was angry, bitter, and left with an infant I didn’t know how to raise, and frankly didn’t want to because that’s women’s work.”
Colt found that painful to hear. He thought it might explain why his father had been so distant with him and Spring; he’d patterned their upbringing after the way he’d been raised by Ben.
Ben rose to his feet. “I never forgave Spring Rain for leaving me and never will. Never trusted another woman after that either. Neither should you. I’ll get my things.”
Colt thought over his grandfather’s story. Of course, Ben wouldn’t admit that his treatment of Spring Rain had more than likely caused her to leave. Had he loved her? Was he still bitter because he was going through life with a broken heart? Did his father, Lewis, know why he was motherless, or that Ben hadn’t wanted him? Why had his parents named their daughter after Spring Rain? Had it been over Ben’s objections? Colt had so many unanswered questions. When he heard Ben leave the house, he went to the window and watched him drive the old wagon away, maybe for the final time.
Regan and Anna returned a short while later and he went out to meet the wagon. His dart-throwing wife showed him a cool smile, which he took in stride. “Did you get everything you needed?”
“I did.” She handed him a basket. “There are eggs in there so be careful with it.”
Anna said, “Papa, I saw Livy’s pony. She’s white and her name is Snowbird. Livy said if I had a pony we could go riding together.”
“What do you think
of that?”
“I don’t know.” She climbed down and Regan followed.
Regan grabbed a small crate out of the bed. “Our hens for dinner. Has Spring arrived yet?”
“No, but Ben stopped in to pick up his belongings.”
She stopped. “He’s welcome here.”
“I told him that, but he’s going to live at the cabin for now.”
She seemed to sense there was more to the story. “Okay. You can tell me about it later.”
She looked to Anna. “Race you to the door, Anna!”
Anna screamed joyfully and took off running. Watching them filled Colt with his own joy. Ben’s advice didn’t apply here. Regan was a perfect choice. Carrying the eggs, he followed them to the house.
Spring arrived just as Regan placed the two roasted hens on a platter.
“Smells good in here,” Spring said, coming into the kitchen through the back door. “Brought you some bacon.” She placed the package on the counter.
“Thanks. How are you?”
“Fine. You need my help?”
“No. You’re a guest. I’ll put you to work next time. Go see your niece. She’s very excited about you joining us.”
“I’m excited to be here. What have you been feeding my brother to make him offer the invitation?”
Regan chuckled. “Not your grandfather’s awful stew, that’s for sure.”
“Lord, I despised it. Another reason I was happy to leave, but you and I can talk later. Going to go see Anna.”
“Thanks again for the bacon.”
“You’re welcome.”
Once Spring left, Regan resumed her preparations.
They had a leisurely meal filled with laughter and conversation. Each time Regan looked up, she found Colt watching her. There’d been no words between them about last night so far and she hadn’t encouraged any. She’d see what the rest of the day held.
Spring said, “One Eye was prowling around my place last night after you left, Colt. Ran him off with my shotgun.”
“Who or what’s One Eye?” Regan asked.
Colt explained about the one-eyed mountain cat, adding, “Ben and Odell were supposed to be hunting him and setting traps after the attack on Silas and his dog, Lucky, a few weeks back.” He then told her about nine-year-old Silas and his brave dog.
“And he’s recovering?” Regan asked hopefully.
Colt nodded. “The dog, too.”
Regan was glad to hear that.
His sister said, “I stopped over at Odell’s on my way here to let him know. He said the traps are out, but that cat is smarter than a lot of people. So far he’s avoided them.”
Anna asked, “Will One Eye eat Livy’s pony?”
Her father shook his head. “Her granpa has too many dogs. I don’t think One Eye wants to tangle with them.”
This was the first Regan had heard about the animal. That Colt hadn’t mentioned it before led her to believe she wasn’t in imminent danger driving back and forth, but she’d keep her eyes open.
After the meal, Regan brought the pie she’d made for dessert to the table. They dug in, and Spring groaned, “My goodness this is good, Regan.”
“Thanks.”
Anna piped up, “As soon as the new stove comes, she’s going to make me a cake.”
“Be sure to invite me over when she does,” Spring said.
“I will.”
With dessert finished, Spring pushed back from the table. “I need to stretch my legs after all that glorious food. Think I’m going to take a walk. Anna, would you like to come along?”
“Yes!” she replied excitedly.
“We’ll be back in a little while,” Spring said to Regan and Colt.
Their exit left Regan and Colt eyeing each other across the table. Regan sensed her sister-in-law had intentionally left them alone.
“Can I help you clean up?” he asked.
She shrugged. “Sure.”
In the kitchen, she poured hot water from the pot on the stove into the tub to wash the dishes. “I’ll wash. You dry.”
He nodded.
They worked silently. His movements with the plates were awkward and clumsy. She’d wondered if he’d ever done this before and she supposed she had her answer.
“I owe you a very big apology, Regan.”
She paused. His features were as serious as his tone. “I asked for the truth and when you gave it to me . . .”
“You didn’t want it?”
“No.”
“I will never lie to you, Colt. Being truthful means a lot to me.”
“I understand. Now, my truth.” He paused then added quietly, “The idea of you being with another man ate at me. I was wrong to turn those feelings on you. I’m sorry.”
Regan sifted through her responses. She wasn’t one to hold a grudge, but on the other hand, she hadn’t deserved his ire. “Thank you for the apology.”
“I shattered our pact.”
“Yes, you did.”
“My apology for that as well.”
She nodded acceptance.
“Are you willing to try again?”
She wondered if he’d ever opened himself up this way in the past, but realized it didn’t matter. He was doing it for her and she needed to appreciate the olive branch he’d extended. They’d never make this marriage work if she slapped it away. “I am.”
“I’ll do better.” The firm declaration offered a quiet promise that made her eyes sting. “I don’t want you to leave.”
“Then let’s go forward.”
“Agreed.”
Frantic knocks on the front door caught their attention and Colt immediately went to investigate. Regan followed.
Colt asked the young woman at the door, “Addy? Is something wrong?”
“I need you to come and see my daughter. I think she’s dying.”
“Let me get my bag. You can tell me what happened on the way.”
He ran to his study.
Regan waited with the young woman. The red-rimmed eyes in her pale soiled face showed her distress.
“I’m Regan Lee, Doc’s wife. I’m so sorry your child isn’t faring well.”
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Colt came hurrying back and said to Regan, “I’ll return as soon as I can.”
“Godspeed.”
Addy mounted her horse. Colt mounted his and the two rode east.
Chapter Thirteen
Spring stayed to keep Regan company, and later, after they put Anna to bed, the two women sat out on the back porch to pass the time. As dusk fell, Spring asked, “So, have you and the good doctor kissed and made up?”
The question took Regan by surprise. “You know about the argument?”
“Yes. Colt came to see me last night. He was pretty upset with himself.”
“He should’ve been, but the answer to your question is yes, to the latter, and no to the former.”
“One out of two isn’t bad.”
“I wondered where he’d gone last night.”
“I was surprised to see him quite honestly. He never seeks me out for advice.”
Regan thought back on the sincerity of his apology. They might have kissed afterwards had he not been called away. “Apparently, you advised him well.”
“I mostly listened, and I think that was all he really needed. He’s in love with you.”
Regan paused.
Spring continued in an easy tone, “Not sure he knows it yet, or is ready to admit it, but he is.”
“No, he isn’t.”
“He is, so it would be nice if you were in love with him, too.”
Regan was sure Spring was pulling her leg so she chuckled. “Don’t tease me this way.”
“I’m not teasing you, Regan. My illustrious doctor brother is so in love, he’s drowning in his feelings, and I’m enjoying knowing he can’t get back to shore and save himself.”
She scanned her sister-in-law’s dark eyes. “Truly?”
Spring nodded
. “You’re good for him.”
Regan sat back against the porch chair and thought about the surprising revelation. Spring knew Colt far better than Regan. Did she want her assessment to be right? Her heart knew the answer. “Why are you telling me this?”
“Because I want you to keep doing whatever you’re doing that’s making him change. I haven’t had dinner here in years, and I attribute today’s invitation to you.”
Regan dearly wanted to ask what caused the family breach. She knew it stemmed from Spring refusing an arranged marriage, but the details had yet to be shared. “Are we sisters enough yet for you to explain to me the story behind the estrangement?”
When Spring didn’t reply, Regan said apologetically, “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be rude. I shouldn’t have asked.”
“It’s okay. I’m trying to decide if you’ll think less of me after the telling. Many people here still do.”
“I can’t imagine anything that would put me in that camp.”
Spring gave a bitter chuckle. “Remember you said that.”
Regan waited.
“Ben tried to marry me off to an old codger he knew in Cheyenne. I refused. We argued about it for weeks. When I stuck to my guns he said either agree or leave. So, I left, but I had nowhere to go. Odell let me stay with him for a while, but I knew I couldn’t live there forever. Mitch Ketchum was a neighbor and a horse wrangler. When I was younger I’d sometimes ride over to his place and clean stalls, curry the mounts, do little odd jobs just to have some coins in my pocket, and to be able to ride. He had the most magnificent animals and I loved horses even then. I told Mitch about my blowup with Ben and asked if I could work for him, maybe keep his books and work with the horses when it was needed. He sort of smiled and asked what else was I willing to do.”
Regan’s heart stopped. Darkness had fallen and she couldn’t see Spring’s face but she didn’t need to.
“I was nineteen. Both my parents had passed away. Colt was in Washington. My grandfather didn’t want me. I had no place to live and nothing to offer but myself, so I followed him to his bedroom, gave him my innocence, and I went to work for him the next day.”