Unconventional Series Collection (19 page)

Luke went down on his knees at his pa's bedside
and Angel wanted to weep at the love passing between them. She heard him say,
"Pa, I'm home. I had to come."

His father weakly lifted his free arm and
touched his son's hair. "You always were hardheaded. And I'm always happy
to see my boy."

Luke leaned over and kissed his father's
forehead. "Pa, I'd like you to meet someone." He turned and motioned
Angel forward.

Inhaling a calming breath, Angel stepped and
knelt beside Luke.

"Pa, this is my wife, Angel."

Mr. Samson looked from Luke to Angel and back to
Luke. Then he smiled and Angel was struck by just how much Luke resembled his
father with the same charming smile, blue-sky eyes, and midnight black hair.

"I think I'm speechless," said Mr.
Samson.

Angel said, "I'm pleased to meet you,
sir."

"Oh, we'll have none of that 'sir' stuff.
My name is Brant or Pa to you." He tried to turn toward them, but the
movement sent a look of raw pain across his features.

Abby was immediately by his other side smoothing
her hand over his forehead. "Honey, don't try to move too much. Would you
like some laudanum?"

"Hell no, Abby. Not when I've got a
daughter-in-law to get acquainted with." Although his tone sounded gruff,
his eyes twinkled with affection for his wife.

Abby looked at Luke and laughed. "See, what
did I tell you about his stubbornness?"

Brant gave his wife an exasperated look, but the
effect was ruined because of the love shining in his eyes. He looked past Abby.
"Hello Charlie. You're eatin' supper with us, I hope. I've been smelling a
stew simmering all day."

Charlie replied, "That's right friendly,
Brant. I'd love ta eat with yer family."

Luke said, "After supper, Charlie's gonna
drive us to my place and then get the wagon back to Clyde. Tomorrow I'll drive
over in my own buckboard and see what needs to be done around here."

Brant nodded and smiled, but Angel could see he
was in pain. Abby bent and kissed his forehead and then invited everyone to the
adjoining kitchen to eat.

When Angel entered the room, her breath hitched.
It was magnificent; large and outfitted with the latest cook stove. There was
also a big sink with an indoor water spigot and faucets. A beautiful mahogany
table with benches sat in the center of the room. Lovely cabinets, some open
faced and some with carved doors, hung on every wall. The storage capacity
astounded and pleased her. She had never understood the lack of storage space
most kitchens had.

Abby said, "This kitchen was a Christmas
gift from Luke. I can see your appreciation of a well designed cooking space,
Angel."

Luke interjected, "Angel is a baker and her
specialty is apple pie."

Abby said sincerely, "Angel, we must bake
together so you can give me pointers. But more than that, what a lovely way for
us to get acquainted. I so look forward to it. Of course, if you like my
kitchen, you're going to love your own. Luke spared no expense on either."

For a moment, Angel forgot her charade and felt
happiness at the thought of getting to know this kind and compassionate woman.
When reality reared its head, she quickly looked away and pretended interest in
the stove.

Luke distracted his mother by pulling her to the
side and asking questions about his father's condition. His brother Rusty shyly
approached Angel. "Ma'am?"

She turned her attention from the stove to the
boy. "Yes, Rusty?"

"I'm glad you married Luke. Now maybe he'll
stick around more if he's got a wife. And besides that, you're sure
pretty."

The boy's complexion, covered with freckles the
same color as his hair, turned even ruddier. Angel was touched by his heartfelt
words. "Thank you, Rusty. That's very kind of you to say."

Rusty grinned and walked backwards toward the
door. "Well, gotta get James and let him know supper's ready. See you in a
minute, Miz Angel."

Angel kept herself from chuckling aloud when he
bumped into the wall. He blushed even more, which made her realize how well his
name suited him.

A maroon sky splashed the horizon when Luke
pulled the buckboard to the front of his ranch house. Since their descent into
the small valley that nestled his ranch, Angel had been breathless at the
beauty of his land and home. A barn, painted red, with adjacent corrals, had
first captured her attention. Now she appraised the long ranch house built with
wood siding and not logs like his parents' home. Painted white with deep green
trim, the home looked warm and inviting. Green railing enclosed a porch
stretching the length of the house that hosted a variety of rockers and wicker
chairs with swings hanging at each end. The front door, centered on the porch,
was also green and larger than most.

Beyond the house, a lovely cottage surrounded by
trees and spring flowers had a swirl of smoke rising from the chimney. A woman
exited the cottage and watched their arrival while a cowboy walking a horse
from one of the corrals toward the barn, paused and also watched the buckboard
come to a halt. The cowboy waved and continued walking the horse, but instead
of entering the barn, he wrapped the reins around a post and then sauntered
toward them. He called, "Howdy, Luke. I had a feelin' you'd be showin' up soon."

Angel noticed the woman at the cottage rushing
forward. Charlie jumped off the wagon and so did Luke, coming around to help
her down. He smiled and asked, "Do you like my home?"

The look of pride in Luke's eyes almost made her
cry.

"Oh, yes. It's the most beautiful home I've
ever seen."

Before greeting the cowboy, he reached and
brushed aside a lock of her hair the evening breeze had blown across her mouth.
Turning, he said, "It's good to be back, Boone, although I wish it were
under happier circumstances." They shook hands. "I'd like you to meet
my wife, Angel."

There was a squeal from behind them and the
woman from the cottage said, "Praise the Lord and hallelujah! Luke's
finally tied the knot. Howdy Angel, I'm Marylou and that handsome cowboy is my
husband."

Marylou's smile was infectious and Angel
returned it, forgetting for the moment that her arrangement with Luke was only
temporary. Luke's welcoming family and friends made her want to become part of
something, if only for a few days. Playing along was dangerous to her emotional
wellbeing, but she simply could not prevent herself from pretending.

"I'm very pleased to meet you, Marylou.
Luke has told me wonderful things about you and your husband."

The friendly woman sidled up to Boone and placed
her arm around his waist. She smiled at Angel and glanced at Luke. "So,
when did all this come about? You didn't say anything before you left."

Luke glanced at Angel and then back at his
friends. "It's not quite what it appears. I'll fill you in later and ask
that you not tell my family." He turned to Charlie, "I'll explain to
you, too."

Charlie nodded and then greeted the Keiths.

Angel sighed when her little bubble of pretense
suddenly burst.

Charlie unloaded their suitcases and Boone
lifted one into each hand. When they entered the house, Luke said, "Boone,
you can put those suitcases in the guestroom. Charlie, I'll relieve you of
yours. Angel, follow me and I'll show you to your room."

Luke and Boone led the way down a hallway toward
the back of the house. Luke opened the first door they came to and set his
suitcase inside. Then he continued behind Boone to the last door. Stepping
aside, he motioned for Angel to enter. The room was lovely with an oaken four
poster bed and matching dresser, vanity, nightstand and desk. Floral wallpaper
of yellow sprigs of flowers decorated the wall behind the bed, and the other
walls, painted pale yellow, produced a cheery and inviting first impression. The
single window boasted pretty green calico curtains.

"Angel, why don't you get comfortable while
I explain our arrangement to the others," Luke suggested.

Grateful that he wasn't asking her to attend the
explanation, she said softly, "Thank you."

Boone tipped his hat, his expression curious,
and then followed Luke from the room.

Angel whooshed and collapsed onto the bed.

* * *

Luke clarified his relationship regarding Angel
and finished with, "So, I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't say anything to
my family. I'll explain everything before we leave. I just think my pa doesn't
need another shock until he's stronger."

Marylou nodded. "We won't say anything. In
fact, I don't even know if I could explain that arrangement." Boone nodded
his agreement.

"My lips is sealed," said Charlie.
After that, Charlie said goodbye and headed back to town with Clyde's buckboard
and Boone excused himself to finish chores.

Marylou said, "Let me rustle up some supper
for you and Angel."

"Don't bother about that, we ate with my
family. Why don't you just set out some bread and jam and I'll see if Angel
wants some."

"Sure thing, Luke." She turned toward
the kitchen, paused, and turned back around. "You know, maybe I should
keep my two cents to myself, but you're lookin' at Angel like maybe you don't
want your marriage to be just temporary." She gave him a mischievous wink
and hastened from the room.

Luke decided to ignore Marylou's remark; forget
it, in fact. He had no plans to marry anytime soon.
Hell, Luke, you're
already married.

After a second knock on Angel's door, he heard
soft sounds. She opened the door looking like she had been sleeping. Her hat
was gone and her dress wrinkled. Some wayward strands of hair fell against her
cheek. She looked lovely.

"Were you sleeping? I can come back
later."

"I guess I drifted off. Please come
in."

Angel stepped aside and Luke entered the cheery
room. The spread on the bed was mussed and he averted his eyes when unbidden
images entered his mind. "Ah, Marylou set out some bread and jam for us.
If you're hungry, she can fix something else."

"Goodness, I think a slice of bread will be
enough. Your mother fed us well."

"That's what I figured."

There was an awkward silence and Luke put his
hands in his pockets. "I explained our arrangement and they're not going
to say anything."

"When are you going to tell your
family?"

"Probably not until we leave. Give my pa
time to get stronger. Is that acceptable to you?"

"Yes, of course. Your family is wonderful.
I…" her voice trailed.

Luke encouraged, "What, Angel?"

"I loved meeting them."

He chuckled. "I don't know if you noticed,
but I think Rusty has a crush on you."

Angel smiled. "I noticed. But I think he's
captured my heart, as well."

There was another awkward moment before Luke
said, "Hey, let me show you the rest of the house. I'd like to know what
you think, especially about the kitchen."

Angel's eyes sparkled. "I'd love to see
your kitchen."

Luke showed her another bedroom across from hers
and then his own. He opened the door and she glanced inside, blushing prettily.
Next, they walked back into the living room while he explained that he'd
gathered all the stones for the fireplace himself and helped the mason build
it. After that, he opened the door to a library off the main room and smiled at
her shocked expression over the quantity of books. "If you want to read
anything, feel free to help yourself."

Finally, he led her to the kitchen and smiled
again at her gasp.

* * *

Angel's eyes rounded as she twirled around
noting the spaciousness and elegance of the kitchen. With windows facing a
field of flowers and dense trees beyond, it afforded the person lucky enough to
work in the kitchen a beautiful view. Just as Luke's mother had claimed, it was
equipped with the most modern conveniences—especially, running water, a
Glenwood Grand cook stove, and a beautiful oak ice box. A large oak table
centered in the room was topped with a loaf of bread and a jar of jam. Abundant
cabinets and a massive fireplace completed the affect. Angel imagined sitting
in the rocker before a fire on winter days while enjoying the aroma of fresh
baked bread. She envisioned children running into the kitchen begging for a
slice as soon as it came out of the oven. A tear threatened and she blinked it
away. "Luke, I'm speechless. You have a wonderful home," she said
sincerely.

He replied softly, "Consider it your home
for as long as you're here. Would you like me to slice you some bread?"

"I think I'll have some later." Shyly,
she said, "I would love to bake you an apple pie if you have apples. But
how about I start with breakfast tomorrow morning?"

Luke grinned. "Angel Samson that sounds
like a mighty fine idea and the last time I was here, I saw apples in the
cellar."

After Luke excused himself, Angel forgot all her
worries as she set about exploring every drawer and corner in the delightful
kitchen. Afterward, she retrieved a book from the library and returned to her
room with some bread and jam. Shortly thereafter, unable to keep her eyes open,
she undressed and prepared for bed, falling asleep as soon as her head hit the
pillow.

The next morning, Marylou entered the kitchen
carrying a basket of eggs just as Angel finished taking inventory of the
pantry.

"Good morning, Angel," Marylou said
cheerily.

Angel had expected a cold reception after Luke's
explanation of their arrangement, so Marylou's friendliness surprised her.
"Good morning. Your timing is perfect with those eggs. I was considering
what to make for breakfast." She paused and then said hesitantly, "If
that's alright with you?"

"It's more than alright. I'm not much of a
cook as my poor husband can attest. Give me a few minutes and I'll be back with
a pail of milk."

Angel fired up the stove and then set about
retrieving the staples and spices she would need. After Marylou returned with
fresh milk, she began happily doing what she enjoyed most—cooking. Marylou excused
herself to finish morning chores and told her to ring the bell hanging on the
front porch when breakfast was ready.

At eight o'clock, Angel wiped her hands on her
apron and walked through the front door to clang the bell. Immediately, Luke
rushed from the corral and Boone and Marylou hurried out of the barn. The
pleased looks on their faces when they entered the kitchen and sat at a table
loaded with flaky biscuits peeking from beneath a cloth, fluffy pancakes, and a
bowl heaping with scrambled eggs mixed with crumbled bacon, made her smile with
delight. After breakfast she was going to bake two apple pies.

* * *

Luke couldn't take his eyes off of Angel. As
impossible as it seemed, she was even more beautiful. Only this beauty radiated
from within, causing her eyes to sparkle and her skin to glow. The smudge of
flour above her left eye and on her cheek endeared her to him. When he realized
he was staring, he quickly glanced around. It appeared everyone was waiting for
him to sit at the head of the table. He said, "Angel, you have outdone
yourself. This is incredible."

She blushed. "Later I'm going to make that
apple pie with my secret recipe."

Luke said a quick prayer of thanksgiving and
then buttered a huge biscuit. Taking a bite, he closed his eyes and savored the
experience. He opened them to see Boone and Marylou doing the same thing.

Boone said, "If there're biscuits in
heaven, they taste just like these."

Angel giggled and covered her mouth with her
hand and Luke envisioned lifting her hand and kissing it before kissing her
pretty pink lips. Realizing again that he was staring, he turned his attention
to his pancakes and eggs.

For the next hour, the group forgot chores and
settled back to a leisurely gathering filled with friendly conversation. Although
Angel didn't talk much, she smiled and often jumped up to warm coffees or
replenish the biscuit platter.

When everyone reluctantly stood and started to
clear the table, Angel insisted, "No, I'll take care of the clean
up."

Setting his plate down, Luke reached to wipe the
smudge of flour off Angel's cheek. "You have a little flour on your face,
darlin'."

She waited for him to finish. "I always end
up with flour on my face and in my hair."

Luke's hand lingered a second on her cheek and
then he winked, "I'm looking forward to that apple pie."

Angel said shyly, "And I'm looking forward
to making it."

* * *

While Angel filled the sink with water to wash
the breakfast dishes, she tried to swallow the lump in her throat. She hadn't
enjoyed a meal as much since she was a child. To silence her memories, she
immediately began preparing two large apple pies after cleaning up. She also
started a pot of beans from the ones that had been soaking. Marylou entered the
kitchen and said, "Thanks for starting the beans. I got so involved
helping my husband with a foal, I forgot about them."