Chapter 14

14

L eah watched Miriam wipe each damp plate with a towel before placing it on the shelf. Dinner that night had been beans and cornbread—Ol' Mose's favorite campfire meal. Miriam had added bacon to the beans, though, and fried the cornbread in bacon grease, which deepened the flavor for both.

Leah released a dramatic sigh. "Miri, I'm going to grow out of my dresses if I lay here much longer and eat your good food."

Miriam's cheeks blossomed into a grin. "I imagine you'll be up before ya know it, and wishin' you could lay around again."

"It couldn't be soon enough for me." She was doing her best not to grumble, so she should change the subject. Before she could think of another, the thump of boots sounded on the front porch and Gideon appeared in the doorway, shadowed by Drifter.

Upon entering the room, the dog headed straight for Leah, propping his front paws on the bed to reach her. Gideon seemed to have made peace now with the affection his dog held for her, so she didn't worry as much about encouraging the animal's attentions.

"How ya doin' boy? Did you work hard today?" His tongue lolled to the side as she found the favorite spot behind one of his ears.

While she petted the dog, Gideon carried two long sticks to his chair in the sitting area. Even though the weather was too warm for a fire, Gideon and Miriam still gathered most evenings around the big fireplace to do hand work, read, or simply relax. Miriam usually curled up in the rocking chair, while Gideon took the ladder-back chair closest to the hearth.

He sat there now, working on one of the stick ends. Her curiosity finally made her turn full attention to watch him. He had attached a short piece, no longer than her hand, perpendicular to the long pole like the shape of a "T", and was wrapping strips of leather around the short wood.

He didn't seem to notice her watching him, or at least he didn't say anything. That was his nature, though. Most of the time, he never acknowledged her presence, except the occasional nod when he first entered the cabin. He was a little more vocal with his sister, but never said more than needed to get the job done.

What made him so quiet? Was it because he'd lived in such a remote place for the last eleven years? Maybe that had something to do with it, but surely it wasn't the only reason he rarely spoke. Was it due to all the trauma he'd endured with so many loved ones dying? Perhaps he blocked himself from getting to know or care about people, because he was afraid of losing them.

She was analyzing things too deeply now. She needed to get out of this bed and away from her own thoughts for a while.

She refocused her attention on Gideon as he laid one stick on the wood floor and reached for the other. Then it occurred to her what he was making.

Walking sticks.

Crutches, a doctor back home had called them. They would help her get out of this awful bed without putting weight on the broken leg.

Thank You, God, for Gideon. She wanted to cheer out loud, but kept it to a silent prayer for now.

As Gideon wrapped the last of the leather around the wood piece that would fit under her shoulder, the lamplight flickered and danced in his eyes. They shone like the richest of emeralds tonight, full of depth and wisdom. What she would give to hear his thoughts behind that mask.

At last, Gideon rose and carried the walking sticks toward her bed. Her heart picked up speed as he approached. His eyes locked with hers for a moment, then he leaned the smooth wood pieces against the headboard.

"These should help you get around some. Just don't put any weight on your broken leg."

"Thank you." It sounded like a paltry response when he'd just given her freedom, but she didn't know what else to say. Hopefully he could read the rest in her smile.

Gideon held the colt firmly between his left arm and right leg, using his free hand to stroke the little guy's chestnut shoulder. This foal was close to two months now and showed definite signs of maturing into a high quality stud. He had the lineage to do it, and his confirmation was looking to be just what Gideon had carefully selected in his breeding stock—square stocky hindquarters, wide chest, broad forehead, and good height. Now, if he could just get the temperament right. That was the part that usually took time, but he was laying the foundation.

Would Leah like to see the foals? Thoughts of their female houseguest had been slipping in a lot lately. He wasn't sure how she felt about horses, but she seemed to like dogs. She would likely fall in love with these guys, too.

He released the colt and stepped back to rub its mama. Rosie was a good broodmare and had thrown two fine fillies in past years. Now she'd more than outdone herself with this leggy, chestnut colt.

"How about it, Rosie girl?" He scratched the mare's jaw as she leaned into his hand. "Would you like to take a visit to the barn tonight? There's someone special I want you to meet, and she'll probably give you some of Miri's carrots if I let her."

The mare reached up to blow into Gideon's hair. Her agreement on the scheme, no doubt. He couldn't help but imagine the light in Leah's eyes when she saw the colt for the first time. When she got excited, her pale green eyes shimmered like early morning dew on spring grass.

He reminded himself again he only felt sorry for her. The broken leg was his fault completely. Yet the image of her sparkling eyes stayed with him as he mounted his own horse and led Rosie back toward the cabin. Drifter and the colt scampered behind, playing the animal version of a game of tag between the trees.

When they entered the yard, Gideon tied off his mount at the hitching rail in front of the barn, then led Rosie to the house. The colt stopped to sniff out a patch of dandelions, but at Gideon's whistle he gave a mighty leap sideways. Landing on all fours, he stood snorting at the fire-breathing dragon that was surely hiding inside the yellow flowers.

"You are a rascal." Gideon chuckled, as the colt scampered to the safety of his mama. Now to get the girls outside.

"Miriam!" he called loud enough for his voice to carry through the wooden door.

His answer came shortly in the form of his sister's cheerful smile in the doorway, framed by blonde wisps. Her apron was splattered with red spots and charcoal smudges.

"Oh, you brought up Rosie!" She turned back into the house. "Leah, you have to come see this."

While Miriam disappeared inside the cabin, he stroked the broodmare's velvety muzzle as he listened to the sounds of shuffling and women's voices drifting through the open door, then a slow thump of wood upon wood. It sounded like Leah was moving slowly on the crutches, but that was probably a good thing. She needed to take it easy and not push herself yet.

When Leah appeared in the doorway with Miriam hovering beside her, Gideon's stomach did a little flip. There was no denying their guest was beautiful. Her honey brown hair was pulled back in several twists, revealing streaks of caramel here and there that drew out the light green of her eyes. Her skin was paler than it had been when she'd first arrived at the ranch. Was that from staying inside the cabin for so many days? Or from the pain that surely still radiated in her leg? Not once had he heard a complaint, though. For a city girl, she was pretty tough.

"Ohh…" Leah breathed as she stepped out onto the porch. "It's so little."

The colt stood on the near side of his mama, alert and watching these new two-legged creatures curiously.

"Look at how long his legs are." Miriam's voice held a giggle.

Leah kept hobbling on her crutches toward the stairs, and Gideon finally realized her intent. He dropped the mare's rope and strode forward to grip her elbow while she tried to descend the first step. "Careful there."

She turned sideways to maneuver the three steps. No matter how she turned, though, she couldn't find a way to lower herself without bending or putting weight on her right leg. She finally let out a frustrated little huff.

She was so blasted cute, he hated to deny her. But still… "It's probably better you stay on the porch anyway."

He was about to turn back to Rosie, when Leah looked up at him with the saddest puppy eyes he'd ever seen. Drifter at his hungriest moment had nothing on her beseeching expression.

Something fractured in his chest, breaking the ties that held him in place. He wrapped his hands around Leah's so-tiny waist, lifted her from the stairs, and eased her to the ground.

He had the insane urge to pull her close and wrap his arms around her. He caught himself just in time, jerked his hands away, and turned back to face the horses. He took in deep breaths as he fought to bring himself under control. What was wrong with him?

He stepped around to the other side of Rosie where the colt peeked under the mare's neck. Maybe the little guy had the right idea to watch from a safe position. Still, he'd brought the colt up for the ladies to see. Gideon wrapped both arms around the little body and half-led, half-pushed him out of hiding and toward Leah and Miriam.

Leah held out a hand, palm up, as they approached. The colt sniffed, ready to dart back at any moment. But he seemed to approve of her, for he took another step forward, this time close enough for Leah to reach out and scratch the base of his neck. "There's a boy. You're a cute fella, you know that?" The colt sidled closer, pushing into her hand as she scratched.

As the foal moved, Gideon released him and eased back. Leah's nearness radiated like heat from a roaring fire. He had to admit, though, the way she handled herself well around the horse. She didn't try to pet the colt's sensitive head, but started with a favorite itchy spot on the shoulder.

Miriam spoke up. "He's adorable, but I'd better get back inside or the meat will be tough as boot leather. I'm glad you brought him, big brother." She caught his gaze and approval shone in her eyes. But when she threw a glance toward Leah, then winked at him, heat climbed up his neck.

"What's his name?" Leah raised her gaze from the foal to meet his eyes, causing that now-familiar flip in his stomach.

He swallowed, trying to bring some moisture back to his mouth. "Doesn't have one yet. Any ideas?"

She smiled as the copper-colored foal sniffed his way up her arm. "Hmm. His coloring and thick body remind me of a painting I once saw of the Trojan Horse in Homer's Odyssey. Did you ever hear of it?"

"I've heard it a time or two." Pa had told that story over and over when the family was gathered around the fire on winter evenings.

He studied the colt again. He did sort of look like the Trojan horse the Greeks had used to sneak into the city of Troy and conquer. A glance at Leah showed she was doing the same, her brows puckered and her head tilted a little.

Finally, she turned the force of her gaze on Gideon, and all former thoughts left his mind.

"So what do you think about Trojan?"

He nodded, a little too dumbly. "I think it fits him."

She turned back to rub the colt's silky neck. Her face glowed in the light from the setting sun, the paleness now replaced with a rosy hue. She released a soft giggle as the colt reached up to sniff her chin.

"I think he likes you." Was that jealousy he felt? Pathetic. Who was jealous of a horse?

She flashed a delighted smile toward Gideon as she spoke again to the foal in a sing-song voice. "Hey, Trojan. Let's go see your mama, shall we? She's a good girl, but I bet she'd like some attention too."

As she wobbled forward on the walking sticks, the colt scampered ahead to hide behind his mother again. The expression on Leah's face had turned to grim determination, as if she was pushing through the pain, determined to make her body do what she wanted, despite its complaining. Gideon fought the urge to step up and help her.

Just as Leah reached the mare, Miriam appeared in the cabin doorway. "You two about done playin' with the livestock? Dinner's ready, and if you come now, it won't be burned."

Did Leah's nose wrinkle before the mare shifted to block his view?