Lightning Only Strikes Twice (13 page)

Annie.

Astride her horse, her back was stiff against the hardships she was about to face. As they rode down the hill, rays from the setting sun gleamed off her chestnut hair like a golden halo. She looked like an angel. An angel sent to keep him from going insane.

Luke didn’t yet know how he would face the rest of his days in the wrong century. For now, he was glad he didn’t have to face them alone.

Chapter Eight

Except for a light in the main floor window, the Crawford home was dark when Luke and Annie returned. Dusk had fallen, but the spring night was pleasant and several townsfolk were out for a stroll.

As they reached the porch steps, Luke spoke loud enough for anyone within ten yards to hear. “I’d like to call on you again, Miss Annie.”

She paused on the first step and frowned at him. “What?”

He took her hand and together they climbed the steps onto the porch. “The whole town is watching,” he whispered. “Play along.”

When his hand closed over hers, a shiver skated over her arms. All the things they’d discussed this afternoon hadn’t yet settled in her mind. Her insides churned in a tangled mess and she struggled to control her reactions every time Luke touched her.

Annie swallowed, searching for calm. She peered through the dusk. A few people strained to see past the shadows onto the porch. “People are really nosey here, aren’t they,” she whispered back.

Luke chuckled. “This from the woman who thought it was wonderful for neighbors to take care of each other.”

She lifted her chin to argue, then stopped. “I said that, didn’t I?”

“Your very words.” He squeezed her hand. “So what do you say? May I call on you tomorrow?” His tone held more intent, as though vested in her answer.

Her heart thudded at the old-fashioned request. Reflexively, her fingers curled around his.

Rough calluses chafed her palm and told the story of how hard he’d worked since his arrival. Simply holding onto him steadied her world. With his help, maybe she could endure this bizarre accident of time. If she was stuck in this situation for the rest of her life, she could think of worse people to share it with. “I suppose you can, Mr. Maxwell.”

“Luke,” he prompted.

Annie smiled shyly. “Luke.”

His hold tightened. “I’d better go, before I do something I shouldn’t. At least not on the first date.”

“This wasn’t a date,” she corrected, even though the pitch in her stomach suggested otherwise.

“Actually, it was.” He smoothed a thumb over her knuckles. “Good night.”

Her senses rioted from the caress.

He let go and tipped a finger to his hat.

She barely registered the sound of his boots as he tromped down the steps.

He gathered the reins for both horses and turned with a wave.

Leaning against the post, she raised her hand in return. She stood there, staring long after he’d disappeared around the corner of the livery.

It hadn’t taken much for that spark of attraction to muddle her brain. She’d forgotten to ask him where he lived. What if she needed to get in touch with him quickly? She resolved to take care of that information tomorrow.

Looking out on the town, seeing the wooden building facades, it was easy to believe she was in a different time. In a way, it made perfect sense. There was no other explanation for the things she’d seen today. The old mill, running like new, the Chinese shantytown, even the costumes everyone wore.

Some residents passed by gazing curiously at her as if she was the one who was out of place. Their attention made her uncomfortable, so Annie smiled politely and went inside.

Paul sat in a rocking chair reading a book by the light of a lantern. He looked up when she closed the door. “Have a nice ride?”

“We did.” Annie didn’t want to elaborate further. Certain things she and Luke had discussed were best kept a secret. Like how she arrived in town.

“How is Elizabeth?” she asked. “Is there anything I can do for her?”

“The excitement tired her more than she expected. She went to bed a couple of hours ago.” He closed the book. “Now that you’re home, I think I’ll join her.”

“Mister Crawford,” Annie began. She may as well start right now to secure a place to live.

“We don’t stand on ceremony here. Call me Paul.”

“Paul,” Annie conceded, although it seemed awkward to call her great-great grandfather by his first name. “Can I talk with you for a moment?”

The rocker creaked as he settled back. “Sure.”

She crossed to a chair near a small table and sat. “I’m grateful to you and Elizabeth for taking me in. I would pay you back if I could, but I don’t have any money.”

“That isn’t necessary,” Paul said.

“But I could earn my keep,” she replied nervously. If breakfast and lunch were any indication of the duties she’d have, she would need to adapt quickly. “Luke mentioned you and Elizabeth could use the help. I’d love to lend a hand any way I can.” She wiped her damp palms, then folded her hands in her lap.

Paul let out a deep breath. “That’s mighty nice of you, Annie. I’d like to take you up on that offer. You see, Elizabeth’s not quite as strong as she puts on. Since our little Laura died this past winter, I see her struggle every day to keep a smile on her face.”

Annie clenched her hands. The child Paul mentioned was her grandfather’s aunt. One he never knew. “Luke told me about Laura. I’m so sorry for your loss.”

“I won’t pretend it’s been easy. If it weren’t for Elizabeth, I’m not sure I would have made it through these last few months myself.” Paul cleared his throat. “She’s been the stalwart one, but this baby is taking more out of her than she’ll admit.”

“I’d be happy to do whatever I can.”

Paul nodded. “That’s very generous of you.”

“I owe it to you and Elizabeth for all you’re doing for me. I could stay until she has the baby. Afterward, too, if you’d like.”

“I’d very much appreciate it. Doc Smyth thought you’d be a good help for her.”

“I’ll do my best.” Annie tried to sound confident. What had she just agreed to? She had no idea what to do if something went wrong. It wasn’t as if she could open the pantry and pull out a pre-made meal if she ruined dinner. What if Elizabeth got sick?

Although there wasn’t a state-of-the-art hospital or the latest medical equipment, they weren’t in the stone ages either. Women had babies all the time without the benefit of modern medicine. Maybe having a doctor right down the street would be all they’d need. Quelling her apprehension, she stood. “Thank you for letting me stay. I won’t let you down.”

Paul stood too. “I should be thanking you, ma’am. It will take a worry off my mind knowing she’s not alone while I’m up at the mill.” He picked up a small lantern and lit it. “It’s getting late. Here, take this with you upstairs.” He handed her the lantern.

Annie held the lantern high as she climbed the stairs to her room. It was a stark reminder that she was in a time without electricity. The days ahead would be long indeed. Below, she heard Paul move about the house, preparing for his day tomorrow.

Tomorrow.

Regardless of what had happened today, Annie promised herself to take tomorrow in stride. She couldn’t let her own dilemma upset these good people. She’d start bright and early in the morning and do her best to make sure Elizabeth was ready for the birth of her baby.

****

Luke tugged off his boot and placed it on the floor next to the first. The thin mattress was welcoming after the long day. Coupled with a previous sleepless night, and his apprehension about Annie, the tension he’d carried all day had left him exhausted.

He’d been surprised at how quickly Annie had accepted their circumstances. After he’d arrived, it had taken him days to accept what had happened.

Landing in jail under a drunk and disorderly charge was something he never dreamed would happen to him.

For three days, he’d called everyone around crazy. Especially when they looked at him like he was the crazy one. If it hadn’t been for Doc Smyth and Paul Crawford, he wouldn’t have adjusted as quickly as he did.

Just as he was starting to believe he’d live out his days in a time and place he didn’t belong, Annie appeared. Not only was she a person from his own time, but it was her family’s history he was living.

He was baffled how all this tied together. Like he’d told her, now that she was here, he was working on a theory. The hitch was how that theory would translate into a working plan that would return them to their own time.

All he knew was that she was the key—and he wanted to see her tomorrow. And the next day. At some point, their being together would have to eventually culminate in a return home. He didn’t know how yet, but it had to work.

Another thought crept in. Should either of them hook up with a person from this time, the ramifications for the future could be disastrous.

If they didn’t get back to their time, it would be best if they stayed together. Because of the culture of 1891, he’d be obliged to marry her. It was the decent thing to do, even if he didn’t love her.

****

The next morning, Annie groaned at the sound of the happy robin singing outside her window. The chirping was more effective than an alarm clock.

She climbed carefully out of bed, thankful not to trip on the hem of her nightdress again. Crossing the room, she reached for a light switch beside the door and found nothing but the bare wall. Right. No electricity.

Fortunately, there was enough light from the advancing dawn for her to wash and dress without relighting the lantern. A good thing, because she didn’t have any matches with her.

While struggling into the long dress, she realized wearing the same clothes would get old fast. For now, she’d have to make do.

Elizabeth had told her she could borrow a couple of dresses. A change once in a while would be nice. She hoped Elizabeth’s clothes would fit without too much alteration. Tasks like cooking on a potbelly stove and working with a needle and thread took skills she lacked.

The one skill she had, running accounting software on a computer, wouldn’t serve her here.

In the kitchen, she lit a lantern the way she’d seen Paul do it last night. Then she studied the potbelly stove. All she had to do was keep it hot while she cooked. Right? She reached for the chamber door. “Ouch,” she said jerking her fingers back. The stove was still hot from yesterday’s fire.

She sucked on her finger while reaching for a thick potholder before she tried that again. With her hand sufficiently protected, she opened the door and found the ash and coals inside still glowed red, but it needed more wood to get a real fire going.

Locating the kindling in crate beside the stove, she arranged it in the feeder chamber like building a campfire. She knelt on the floor level with the opening, pursed her lips, and blew.

Ash swirled around inside the chamber and right out the door into her face. She coughed and brushed soot from her nose and cheeks. Not a good first try. Her second attempt was better, but it took three more tries before the tinder finally caught a spark.

As the flame grew, she added larger chunks of wood. In less than five minutes, she had a fire going. Feeling please with herself, she secured the chamber door and looked around to start her next chore.

Then the kitchen filled with smoke.

“Oh no!” Annie swatted at the smoke billowing from the stove with a towel. She spotted the flue and twisted the knob. Smoke stopped filling the kitchen. She opened the back door to air out the room, hoping none of the smoke made it into the hall and bedrooms.

“Are you trying to burn down the house?” Elizabeth asked with a yawn as she peered around the corner.

Annie whirled around. “Elizabeth!”

Elizabeth stood in her dressing gown, smiling at Annie. “It’s a good thing I didn’t sleep in any later or we’d be eating outside.”

“I wanted to have breakfast ready before you woke. I’m sorry about the smoke. I forgot to open the flue.”

Elizabeth’s laughter immediately lightened Annie’s mood. “Here.” She took the towel out of Annie’s hand. “You’ve got a smudge on your cheek.”

Annie stood still while the other woman wiped away the dirt as if she was child. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” Elizabeth kept the towel and lifted the coffeepot.

Annie studied how Elizabeth measured coffee into the basket and added water before placing the pot back on the stove. “That’s how it’s done,” she murmured.

“I beg your pardon?” Elizabeth said.

Annie cleared her throat. “I should be doing that.”

“Don’t be silly, you’re a guest here.”

“Not any more. Didn’t your husband tell you? I’m going to earn my keep by helping you until the baby comes.” Annie pulled out a chair. “Sit here and tell me where I can find you some milk.”

Sinking into the chair, Elizabeth pointed to a wooden box on legs standing in the corner. “That’s the ice box.”

Annie opened the door and was surprised to find a cold pitcher of milk. She poured some in a cup she’d found in the cupboard and handed it to the expectant mother.

“Paul didn’t say anything.” Elizabeth took a sip. “But I think it’s a wonderful idea. Between you and me, I could use a hand. Lately, I get so tired.”

“Well, you can leave the housework to me. Relax and enjoy your days before you have to start changing diapers.”

“I’m looking forward to holding a baby again.” Elizabeth sighed.

Annie could have kicked herself. How could she have forgotten that this kind soul had already lost one child? She laid a comforting hand on Elizabeth’s shoulder. “Luke told me about your daughter, Laura. I’m so sorry.”

Sadness crept into Elizabeth’s eyes and tears formed. “I’m just grateful we had our little girl for as long as we did.” She took a deep breath and forced a smile. “Maybe you’d like to come with me when I visit her grave later. I try to go every Sunday. With all the activity yesterday, I didn’t make it out there.”

“I’d love to.” Annie marveled at the other woman’s fortitude. Would she have been able to endure the heartache of a child’s death? True, she’d lost her parents and grandfather, but they’d all been much older. Parents weren’t supposed to outlive their children.