Trace bought chickens and wood and supplies to make them a house. Blue and Lizzie worked with him to make a chicken house stout enough to keep out the fiercest creature and the winter.
Blue loved the chickens and named each one. Although Trace thought that there were a couple Reds in the group.
Lizzie had gone over to Charlie’s house to learn to cook, and she could actually make biscuits and pies now. Molly came over and brought her signature chicken pot pie, complete with instructions. Lizzie’s recipe book had doubled in size from a day ago.
Things were going well. They had been married a week. Lizzie still slept with Blue, and Trace stayed in the small room. He hoped things would change, but he wasn’t going to rush Lizzie. She needed time.
So, did he. They’d gone to church last week. He’d felt restless and nearly bolted out of the church when Lizzie’s delicate hand reached over and caught his. Her stillness and peace helped to calm him.
But the more he thought about what happened in Shade, the more Trace knew he needed to go back and make amends. He’d gone into the town in a foul mood because his last bounty had been picked off in a gunfight in the saloon just before he got into town.
Not that Trace needed or wanted the money. Still, he would have gained satisfaction hauling the thief back to Cheyenne to stand trial for the murder of an old friend.
Well, that wasn’t to be, but that was when Trace had made his mistake and played cards with the wrong man. How was he to know that Cyrus was the sheriff’s brother? The man cheated in cards, and Trace had called him out.
The moment he called Cyrus a cheat, Trace should have known by the groan in the saloon that he was in trouble. The gunplay started, and he was now in possession of the sheriff’s saddle and horse.
In church, the pastor had made mention that while Jesus paid for his sins, Trace knew he was responsible for his actions. He needed to return that horse. If he could do it and keep his neck from a noose was another story.
He glanced at Blue and Lizzie. They’d grown on him and lodged deep in his heart. He didn’t want to leave them, but he knew what it was like to have a wanted poster on your head.
Yes, Trace had always been on the other side, but he’d heard men give stories and excuses how they’d not meant harm and shouldn’t be brought back to a place they left years ago to stand trial or worse.
Now it was his turn. Was it penance for all the times he’d taken men back to a town bent on vengeance? If so, Trace figured it was what he deserved. Like he’d told Pastor Smith, his past was too sordid to be glossed over even by Jesus.
Trace was going to have to pay for taking that horse.
Lizzie called them in for supper.
He rounded up Blue and listened to her talk about her chickens and the chance that she could get a puppy. “Yes, I think there’s a good chance.”
She smiled at him and put her small hand in his. The weight of the responsibility to raise her right and take care of her and Lizzie burdened Trace’s shoulders and heart, but he kept it to himself and smiled at Lizzie as they entered the cabin.
Lizzie met him at the door. “I think I have an edible dinner tonight.”
Trace grinned, grabbed her by the waist, and drew her close. Without thinking or asking, he kissed her. Then he was shocked that he’d been so forward.
Lizzie stared at him, then kissed him back. “I liked that greeting, Mr. Logan.” She smiled at him and led him to his chair at the table. “Sit down. I’ll bring it right out.”
Blue shook her head and pulled on him. “We have to wash first.”
“You’re right, Little Bit. The last one to the sink has to dry dishes.” He got up and started to run but let Blue beat him.
All washed up, he sat where Lizzie had placed him at the head of the table. “It smells good, Lizzie.”
She brought out a roast with potatoes and carrots. Then she brought out the butter and biscuits. Setting the plate down, she took a biscuit and buttered it for him. “Try it.”
Trace took it from her, their fingers touched, and warmth shot through him. He looked at her and smiled. Taking a bite, he set the biscuit down and closed his eyes. “That is one of the best ones I have ever eaten.”
“You’re not just saying that?” Lizzie stared at him, hope in her eyes.
“Nope. I’m not kidding. Mrs. Logan, you have become an accomplished biscuit maker. Now, let me see about the roast.” Trace portioned out the meat and vegetables to Blue and Lizzie and his own plate.
After a few bites, he smiled at her. “I do believe you have become a good cook.”
Blushing, Lizzie took a bite. “It is good. I didn’t think I would ever get the hang of making biscuits. Molly told me her secret is to use cold flour and lard. It seems to have done the trick.”
“I would say so.”
After they were finished, Trace pulled Lizzie from the kitchen. “I’ll help you wash them later. Let’s go look at the night sky.”
Blue ran outside with them. It had become a tradition for the small family to spend the evening on the porch and watch the stars come up.
Blue pointed. “The first star.”
“Good eye, Little Bit.” Trace sat close to Lizzie and took her hand in his. “It’s a bit chilly tonight. Are you warm enough?”
Lizzie looked at him, scooted closer, and nodded. “It is a bit chilly.”
Trace smiled at her and put his arm around her. “A husband’s job is to keep his wife warm.”
Lizzie leaned against him. “The sky is beautiful. I love it when the dusk is overtaken by night. Oh, look, there’s Orion’s belt.”
Trace was about to point out the Big Dipper when a bright flash flew across the sky. “A falling star.”
“Where did it fall, Trace?”
“Oh, I don’t know. It could have burned up.”
“I made a wish.” Blue looked at them and smiled. “Think it will come true?”
Lizzie nodded. “I believe so, Blue.”
Finally, Blue was yawning, and it was time to go inside. Trace caught Lizzie’s hand. “You put Little Bit to bed, and I’ll wash the dishes.”
She rose on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek and whispered, “Thank you.”
Trace had just finished the last plate when Lizzie walked into the kitchen.
“She’s fast asleep.”
“I could tell she was tired. She loves those chickens. I hope the birds remember they’re to lay eggs and not be pets.”
Lizzie laughed. She walked to him and put her head on his shoulder. “I’ve never been so happy.”
“Me either.” He hung the towel on the peg. “I’m glad you’re happy.”
She looked at him. “I think I’m ready to go to bed.”
Disappointment shadowed Trace’s bright mood. “All right. You earned it today. I saw how—”
She put a finger to his lips. “Shh, I can cook and clean the house. Tonight, I want to be your wife. I love you, Trace.”
He looked into her eyes. They were the same beautiful blue as her daughter’s but tonight they shone with mature love. “You’re sure.”
She nodded.
He took her in his arms and kissed her tenderly. “Blue’s asleep.”
“Yes. She won’t wake up until morning.” Lizzie took his hand and led him to his room.
Trace shut the door and opened his heart.