That’s right, Timmy. Hold the rifle firmly against your shoulder. Just like that so that it doesn’t knock you down.”
Lou smiled at the look of concentration on the boy’s face. His tongue slipped between his lips and pushed to the side of his mouth as he closed one eye and aimed.
“Okay, take it easy. Squeeze the trigger. Don’t jerk it.”
Gunfire cracked through the air. A loud whoop followed as Timmy hit his mark, and the tin can flew up and back before landing on the ground a few feet beyond its original location.
Lou grinned and pounded his back. “You’re a natural!”
His face glowed, and in a moment of adulation, he threw his arms about her. A lump formed in Lou’s throat as she gave him a quick responding squeeze. “Set it up again. We have time for a few more rounds.”
Watching him swagger forward to reset the targets, Lou couldn’t keep back a proud smile. True, at nineteen years old, she wasn’t old enough to actually be his mother, but that knowledge didn’t stop the maternal feelings that had sprouted in her breast during the past few weeks.
She had discovered that, contrary to her belief, boys had more than a rough-and-tumble side to them. Timmy, for instance, had shown an interest in playing the piano. And despite frowns from the brothers and teasing from Davy, the two of them had spent hours in front of the ivories. Much to Grandma’s delight, he was already playing hymns. The boy had a gift and shouldn’t be discouraged for fear of looking like a sissy.
“Wish Davy could have seen that shot!” Timmy exulted as he stomped back to Lou’s side.
“Well, your brother should attend to his lessons a little more instead of staring out the window so much.”
Lou inwardly cringed at the words she’d actually spoken aloud. How many times in her life had Grandma said those very words to her? She understood Davy’s plight, but the fact remained that Trent was counting on her to see to the boys’ education. Well, he was counting on all of them really, but she had taken over instruction of reading, literature, and history. Sam, with his love for woodworking, had volunteered to teach the boys carving and building. Deborah had quite a head for numbers, it seemed, so she had volunteered to teach arithmetic and penmanship.
Josh was teaching the boys all about horses and tracking game, while Micah had agreed to teach them the ins and outs of ranching and had even allowed the boys to take part in day-to-day activities when their lessons allowed for it.
As for Grandma … she loved them to distraction and fed them endlessly. And everyone agreed that was the best contribution she could make.
The wind whipped up from the north, sending a blast through Lou’s collar straight to her neck. She shivered. Too bad she hadn’t listened to Grandma and brought a scarf.
“Fire off one more, and then let’s get back, Timmy. It’s about time for me to help Grandma and Deborah with supper.”
Lou mounted her golden mare, Summer, and waited while Timmy climbed onto his saddle. Another gust of chill wind blew across the field. Lou shivered. “I think the weather’s starting to turn. I wouldn’t be surprised if we end up with a little snow on the ground for Christmas.”
“Think the parson’s going to make it back by then?”
“He said he would, didn’t he? Christmas is a full two weeks away. I’m sure he’ll make it.”
The boy’s face lit. “You really think so?”
“Sure, I do.” Lou knew the boys missed Trent. They’d spent their Thanksgiving without him. But both had agreed that even though they missed their adopted father, the day had been a hundred times better than last year when they were on their own.
Lou’s words could have been prophecy. “Timmy, look!” Two horses were tethered in front of the house. And Trent, Grandma, and Davy stood on the porch.
“Pa–Parson!” Timmy nudged his horse into a gallop.
Lou had to restrain her own urge to do the same. Inwardly, she felt like shouting for the joy of seeing Trent again.
He bent down and hugged Timmy, then glanced up at her as Timmy pointed. Suddenly self-conscious about her appearance, Lou wished she could hide until she made herself more presentable. For the shooting lesson, she’d donned one of Josh’s cast-off plaid shirts and his old coat from last year. For the first time ever, she wished her skirt was long enough to cover the pair of men’s boots she preferred for the toe room. But at the moment, she would rather suffer the pinched toes and be a little more ladylike.
She dismounted and tethered Summer to the hitching post in front of the house. “Glad to see you made it safely, Parson.”
Her skin felt hot despite the chill in the air as his gaze perused her attire.
“Timmy tells me you’re teaching him to shoot a rifle.”
“Yeah. I just figure a ten-year-old boy ought to know how.” She knew she sounded defensive and cringed. Grandma always said, “You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” Until now, Lou hadn’t cared much about the adage. But the look on Trent’s face revealed his offense at her words.
“You don’t think I’m doing right by the boys?”
Lou shrugged. Better to keep her trap shut than risk making the situation worse.
“Now, Parson. Don’t go getting your feathers ruffled.” Ever the peacemaker, Grandma patted his arm. “Lou didn’t mean a thing by it. Did you, honey?”
“No, ma’am.”
“There, you see? How about letting the boys attend to the horses? Lou, go put on some fitting clothes and help me with supper. Deborah’s feeling a bit under the weather again.”
Alarm pressed Lou’s chest. “Think I ought to ride for the doc? She’s been sick an awful lot lately.”
A gentle smile tugged at Grandma’s lips. “I think Deborah will be fine. This will pass in time.”
Not quite convinced, Lou climbed the porch steps. Grandma didn’t seem concerned, so she was sure Deborah would be fine. Still, when a person got sick day after day …
Her mind wandered back to the present where the parson hung back, allowing her to enter ahead of him. Her knees went weak at his nearness. He smelled like the trail. Woods and wind. The subtle hint of soap revealed he’d stopped off at the creek and washed up—and probably changed his shirt—before riding to the house. A girl had to appreciate that sort of thoughtfulness, especially given as many cattle drives as she’d been on when the men smelled of cows and sweat and didn’t care.
Ducking around him, Lou entered the warmth of the cozy room. The house overflowed with the smells of fresh bread and the sweet, spicy smell of apple tarts.
Lou headed for the stairs. For the first time she saw the wisdom in taking up room space for the washroom the boys had recently added for Deborah and Micah’s comfort and privacy. She occupied the other side of the upstairs and had every intention of making the most of that washroom. When she came back downstairs, she planned to make the parson forget all about her minor suggestions that maybe Timmy should have known how to shoot a rifle before now.
She tiptoed past Deborah’s open door and couldn’t resist the urge to peek inside. “Deborah?” she whispered.
“Lou.” The weak response prompted Lou to step inside.
“Grandma says you’re ailing again. Can I get you anything?”
“No. I’m starting to feel a little better. Did I hear company downstairs?”
Lou’s cheeks warmed. “The parson’s back.”
Deborah’s pale face brightened. She squeezed Lou’s hand. “What are you going to wear?”
Releasing a frustrated breath, Lou shook her head. “I don’t know. I guess I’ll just have to get my other skirt. Grandma will skin me alive if I wear my Sunday dress for a plain old Tuesday night supper.”
“Didn’t you burn a hole in that skirt building a fire last week?”
“Oh, yeah,” Lou said dully. “Well, I guess I’ll just have to wear this one.”
“No, you’re not.” Deborah rose slowly and with determination. She knelt before the trunk at the foot of the bed and opened the lid. “Honestly, if you’d have just let us start sewing those new dresses a month ago like we wanted to, you’d have a couple to choose from.”
“I know, but the boys needed new clothing. Then we got busy with lessons. There’s an awful lot to raising children.”
“Yes, I know,” Deborah said softly. “But it’s worth it.”
Lou had to agree. She smiled broadly. “That Timmy is a crack shot. And Davy has a real love for animals. I think that’s why he gets along so well with Josh. They both love horses.”
“All right. Here it is.” Deborah pulled a white lacy blouse from the trunk and a simple light-brown skirt.
“I haven’t worn this since I made the new gowns. I know it’s not exactly pretty.…”
“It’s perfect.” Lou gave her a quick squeeze. “Thank you, Deborah.”
“Come back after you get washed and dressed, and I’ll help with your hair if you’d like me to.”
“I will.” Lou headed toward the door, then hesitated. “If you’re sure you feel up to it.”
“I do. I promise.”
Lou felt her heart skip a beat as she walked toward the washroom. This time she was determined to show the parson she could be a lady.
Trent sat where Grandma had motioned him, bewilderment forming a lump in his throat. He just never knew what to expect from that Louisa Stafford. She’d slipped out of her worn, sheepskin coat, revealing a man’s plaid shirt. The boots peeking from beneath the patched gingham skirt were obviously men’s. Her single holster hung from her hips, and he had the feeling she could probably outshoot most of the men he knew.
His mind wandered to the churches he presided over on a regular basis. They were brimming with proper women. Yet no one had come close to capturing his attention despite the attempts of more than one mother to make her daughter appealing. Just why Lou Stafford had invaded his thoughts, he wasn’t sure. Perhaps it was her unique personality and dress. But were those necessarily traits he could afford to condone in a wife?
“Have a cup of coffee, Parson.” He turned to find Grandma studying him.
Clearing his throat, he took a seat at the table and accepted a mug of steaming liquid. “Yes, Ma’am. This’ll hit the spot, for sure.”
Grandma joined him a minute later with a mug of her own and a plate of pastries.
“Help yourself to an apple tart. Supper won’t be on for a while. I thought you might be hungry.”
“That’s kind of you.” Trent’s mouth watered at the cinnamony, apple aroma, and he reached for a tart without hesitation. He took a bite and sighed at the burst of flavor exploding over his tongue.
“Now I want to talk about you and my granddaughter.”
Trent nearly choked. He covered his mouth with his fist and tried to keep from spitting apple tart all over the table. “Excuse me?”
“Don’t try to deny it. You’ve been casting sheep eyes at each other since Deborah and Micah got married.”
“Sheep eyes? I’m sure you’ve misunderstood.”
“Maybe. But there’s no mistaking getting yourself knocked senseless because you were daydreaming about Lou’s eyes.”
She had him there. He gave her a wry grin.
“They are quite remarkable.”
Grandma harrumphed. “They’re eyes.”
How could she even suggest they were anything less than sensational? “I don’t want to seem disagreeable.…”
“The girl’s eyes are identical to Sam’s. But I didn’t hear you mumbling about him when you were coming to that day on the porch. I would like for you to make your intentions known.”
He studied the determined expression on the woman’s face and knew he needed to be honest. “There’s no denying that Louisa has some attractive qualities, but …”
Grandma’s eyes narrowed, and he could tell she was about to let him have it. So he hurried on, speaking the truth from his heart. “But there are some quirks that make me stop and wonder if she would be a proper minister’s wife.”
There. He’d said it. Now the Stafford matriarch knew he had honorable intentions toward Lou, if a few misgivings.
“Our Louisa lost her ma when she was barely past girlhood. It … changed her somehow. Turned her from a girl just like any other to the tomboy she is. We’ve done our best with her, but I admit she’d rather rope a steer than stitch a pillowcase.”
Grandma stood and patted his shoulder as she walked past him to the oven. She pulled out a pan of bread and straightened up, her face pink from the heat. She set the pan on top of the stove to cool, then turned to him, the expression on her face pensive. “Love has a way of softening a woman. Lou’s growing. She’s learning. She’ll always love the outdoors, but when she’s finished blooming, she’ll be the best of both types of woman. The one that captured your interest is the rowdy Lou. So don’t try to understand why you like her, and don’t talk yourself out of liking her just because she’s not like other women. Trust the Lord and me that we’ll get her into shape to be the woman you need by your side if that’s His will.”
Trent’s reply was cut off by a blast of cold air shooting through the room as the door opened, allowing Timmy and Davy entrance. “Can we go out and shoot the rifle, Parson?” Timmy asked. “Miss Lou says I’m a natural.”
Trent smiled and ruffled the boy’s brown hair. “How about we wait until tomorrow? Grandma Stafford’s getting supper. Grandma Stafford, you think I can hole up in the bunkhouse?”
The old lady fixed him with a fierce frown. “No, sirree. You’re not staying in the bunkhouse. The boys got the cottage finished. But Deborah’s not up to moving, so she and Micah will stay put upstairs for a bit longer. They discussed it and gave me leave to tell you that you’re welcome to the cottage for as long as you’d like to stay.” She turned her gaze upon the boys. “Did you take your pa’s things to the cottage?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Davy replied without hesitation. Trent’s heart leapt. These boys were his sons. They would be forever. But hearing Grandma call him “Pa” made it seem even more real, and he longed to hear it come from their mouths.
“How long do you get to stay this time, Parson?” Timmy asked, his hazel eyes filled with query.
“As a matter of fact, I’m not going back out until after Christmas.”
The boys whooped, and Grandma gave him an approving smile. “A lot can happen in two weeks,” she said pointedly.
Lou breezed into the room. “I’m sorry I took so long, Grandma.”
“That’s all right. You can set the table.”
Trent swallowed hard as, once again, Lou took his breath away. Grandma was right. A lot could happen in two weeks, and he had the feeling that his time off would prove to accomplish one of two things. He would either know for sure Lou wasn’t the right choice of a wife for him, or he would be completely in love.