Lucy's Groom, page 11
I managed to sit up.
“Swallow this.” Aunt Lorraine handed me the cup.
I cringed. It was apple cider vinegar again. I opened my mouth and wished my taste buds would stop working. I swallowed. My throat was in pain as I swallowed the watered-down apple cider vinegar tea.
“Here.” Aunt Lorraine handed me another cup with just water in it.
I took a drink of the cup. I wiggled my tongue in the water. It helped, but it didn’t.
“Lay back down. I will check on you in a bit.” Aunt Lorraine gave me a kind smile.
I closed my eyes and listened to the footsteps walk away. I wanted to die. I had to live. My body was so worn out from the sickness, my brain didn’t want to work properly. I coughed..
Fix me God. Please fix me. I need to be back with Lucy. My thought became lucid, and I didn’t know anything else until I was woken up to swallow warm chicken broth.
I fell asleep until I heard someone open the barn door. I didn’t know how long I had been out. I opened my mouth.
I couldn’t talk. My throat hurt so much.
“Luke, you got a letter.” Aunt Lorraine put the letter on my blanket.
I pushed myself up and stared at the envelope. I could hardly see straight. I blinked twice. My throat was throbbing.
“I’ll go get you some more soup.” Aunt Lorraine stepped back.
“Thank you.” I croaked.
The letter was from Lucy. I swallowed and opened the letter. I blinked until I could see straight.
Luke,
I hope you are getting better. I wish you were home. I have so much to tell you. I love you with all of my heart.
You are a good man, Luke. You are strong. Fight this and come home to us… to me.
I miss you.
Your wife, Lucy
I had a tear trickle down my cheek. I rolled over. I didn’t want anyone to see me cry. I had to get back to Lucy.
There was a knock on the door. I rolled back over. A man walked in with a black bag.
“Hello, Mr. Larson. I am here to look at your throat. I hear it's still hurting.” The Doc was back.
The man put his hat on the chair by the door. He didn’t seem any happier to be here than I was to be sick. Another week must have passed. He’s been stopping by once a week since I got sick.
“Thanks for coming, Doc.” I coughed into my hand.
He pulled out a wooden stick and put down his bag. “Open your mouth.”
I opened up my mouth.
“I know it probably doesn’t feel like it, but your throat looks a little better.” The doctor set the stick aside.
“Can you fix me, Doc?” I stared at him hopefully.
“Keep taking your medicine. I have a feeling you’ve seen the worst of it.” The Doc pulled out a few more packets of medicine. “I’m going to leave these inside with your aunt and uncle.”
“Thank you, Doc. I appreciate you coming out here to check on me. How much do I owe you?” I hated to ask the question, but I paid my bills.
“Billy has already taken care of the bill. You can square it up with him.” The doctor stood up. “I’ll check on you next week.”
“Thanks, Doc.” I laid back down and held the letter to my chest.
Lucy missed me. I had to get home to her. I was glad she wasn’t sick, but I missed her so much.
The barn door opened again.
“I brought your soup.” Aunt Lorraine sat it down beside of me and picked up my last bowl.
“Thank you.” I mumbled.
“You’re welcome, Luke. I hope you start feeling better soon.” Aunt Lorraine left the barn.
I had to get better. Lucy needed me. I made sure I emptied the bowl this time.
I read the letter again. My finger stopped on where Lucy said she loved me. I missed her so much.
I laid down and put the letter beside my head. The horses moved in their stalls. I wiped the sweat from my brow.
I’m glad I told Tommy to stay. I wouldn’t have wanted him getting sick either. If it was my choice between me, Tommy, or Lucy, I would have chosen me to go through this.
“I love you, Lucy.” I touched the letter.
I closed my eyes and fell into a deep sleep.
forty-one
41
Isaw a horse coming up the path. I shielded my eyes. We weren’t expecting anyone. The glare of the sun shifted. My mouth fell open. It was my husband, Luke.
My heart started beating rapidly as I started walking toward the barn. The horse came to a stop by the barn, before I arrived. It was really Luke. It wasn’t a dream.
I walked inside of the barn in time to see him put the horse in a stall. He latched the gate behind the horse without seeing me. I came up behind him and threw my arms around him.
“Luke!” I hugged him tighter.
His warm body shifted, and he pulled me closer. My husband buried his head in my neck. My hat fell off and my hair fell onto my shoulders.
“I missed you.” Luke’s warm voice whispered in my ear.
“I missed you more.” It was all I could do not to bawl my eyes out.
“I doubt that.” He rubbed my back before leaning his forehead against mine.
I couldn’t hold back the tears. I started crying. I put my head against his chest. I didn’t realize how much I wanted him around, until I had to live without him. Maybe want was the wrong word?
I needed Luke. I didn’t want to need anyone, but being with Luke made my heart complete. Luke put his hands on either side of my face.
“Hey, don’t cry, Sweetheart.” He rubbed my tears away with his thumbs.
I managed to cough back the tears. My eyes were still wet. Luke froze. His eyes went down. He took a step back and stared at me.
“Are you... you...?” Luke stumbled.
I hadn’t been with child for long. It was hard to tell when I wore baggie shirts like today. Millie, Tommy, Pa and Beth Ann still hadn’t noticed. It took Luke two seconds of being home to realize the secret I had been hiding from the rest of the family.
I nodded my head.
“How long?” Luke put his hand gently on my stomach.
“Right before you left.” I smiled shyly.
“Oh, Luce... I would never have left.” Luke closed his eyes and shook his head. “I’m sorry, Sweetheart.” He stepped closer and kissed my temple.
“How are you feeling?” I whispered.
“Doc said I’m no longer contagious. My throat isn’t sore anymore.” Luke whispered.
“I was about to come after you.” I confessed.
“You wouldn’t have.” Luke chuckled.
“Ask Millie and Beth Ann. I was giving it one more week.” I nodded.
Luke put his hand on my stomach again. “We’re a Pa and Ma.”
I touched his cheek. He felt perfect. The longing in my heart was deeper than I ever imagined. Somehow, he had taken over my heart when I wasn't looking.
Luke pressed his lips to mine. I felt like I was thirsty for water after working all day. I couldn’t get enough of his touch. When Luke broke our kiss, his eyes held mine. Our souls said words that our lips could not.
“Luke! Luke! You’re home!” Tommy ran in and threw his arms around his brother.
“Hey Tommy! Thanks for helping hold down the fort while I was gone.” Luke patted him twice on the back.
“Sure, no problem. I’m sorry you were sick.” Tommy shifted his weight.
“Yeah. Me too.” Luke’s gaze met mine.
“But you’re all better now?” Tommy’s concern was evident in his voice.
“A little tired, but I’m as good as new. I need you to do me a favor and take this horse back to Mr. Turnbull tomorrow.” My husband pointed to the horse in the stall.
“Sure thing, Luke.” Tommy nodded. “You’re right on time. Dinner is in a few minutes.”
“I’ll be right there. Give me a minute with Lucy.” Luke’s eyes were on my face.
“Okay.” Tommy backed out of the barn.
Luke stepped closer. “Does Tommy know about the baby?”
I shook my head no. “You’re the first.”
“Thanks, Sweetheart, for waiting to tell me first.” Luke whispered before kissing me again. “They’ve got to be blind.”
I giggled.
“You’re glowing.” Luke grinned.
“Only because you’re home.” I squeezed him and laid my hand on his chest.
“Can we tell them now?” Luke breathed.
“Okay.” I laughed again.
It had been weeks since I laughed. It felt strange. The happiness I felt was a huge relief. I didn’t realize how much Luke’s absence had been weighing on me until he returned home.
“Good, because I can’t wait to tell them.” Luke kissed my temple.
We walked to the main house hand in hand. Life was perfect again with Luke at home with me. I stared up at him. I was sure stars were in my eyes. My husband opened the door and smiled at me.
I had no doubt in my mind that Luke was going to be an amazing father. I couldn’t wait to move on to the next step in our lives. Soon, we would be teaching our baby to ride horses and take care of the land. I had so much hope for the future.
forty-two
42
“Lukey!” Ma came running across the kitchen.
Ma only called me that when she missed me. It had been two and a half months since I left home. If I had known it would have been that long, I’m not sure I would have gone in the first place. If I knew Lucy was expecting, I know I wouldn’t have left home.
“Ma.” I hugged her.
“Are you okay?” She grabbed each side of my cheeks and pulled me closer to her face. She kissed each cheek.
“Yes, Ma. I’m better.” I chuckled.
“I would have made pie if I knew you were coming home today!” Ma let go of my face, horrified.
“That’s okay Ma. You can make all of my favorites tomorrow.” I grinned.
“I will.” Ma laughed.
“I hear supper is ready?” I looked over her shoulder and waved at Lucy’s Pa.
“Glad to have you home.” He smiled back and waved.
“I can sure say I missed being home, and I definitely missed Ma’s cooking.” I grinned at mother.
“Sit down, so we can pray and eat.” My Ma blushed.
“Yes, Ma’am.” I grinned. “Lucy.” I held out a chair for her.
“Thank you.” A shy smile was on my wife’s face as she slid into her spot.
I sat down beside her and held out my hand for her. Lucy bit her beautiful lip and took my hand. I rested it on the table. I missed my wife’s touch. A hand would have to do for now. We had a lot of time to make up for.
“Let’s say grace.” Lucy’s father spoke up.
We all bowed our heads.
“Thank you for bringing Luke home to us safely. Thank you for the food. Thank you for the hands that prepared it. Lord, we thank you for your provision. In Jesus’ name, amen.” His head came up with a smile on his lips. “We’re all happy to have you home, son.”
“Thank you, sir.” I smiled at him and squeezed Lucy’s hand. I glanced at my beautiful wife. She nodded. “Apparently, Lucy is really good at keeping secrets.” I smiled at her. “We’re going to have a baby.”
“What?” Beth Ann’s mouth fell open. “Why didn’t you say something?”
Lucy laughed. “I didn’t even tell Luke. He guessed.”
“Congratulations.” Lucy’s Pa smiled proudly.
“You should have said something.” Ma hurried over to hug us both.
Lucy smiled and shrugged slightly. She never looked more beautiful than she did right now. I was going to be a Pa. We were a real family now; me, Lucy, and the baby.
Having a baby meant one more mouth to feed. I mulled over the thought, and decided that I was okay with that. My thoughts drifted to our home; we might be adding to the house sooner than I thought.
Laughter bubbled around the table as the food was passed between each family member. I filled up my plate. The first bite melted in my mouth. No one cooked like Ma.
“How is the leg feeling?” I pointed my fork at my father-in-law.
“I feel when the rain is coming now.” He chuckled.
“Pa walks real good now.” Beth Ann spoke up.
“That’s good to hear.” I nodded my head and took another bite of my food.
“It’s good to have you home.” Ma smiled at me.
“It’s good to be home.” I squeezed Lucy’s hand under the table.
Lucy smiled at me, and my heart bubbled with love. I missed her so much while I was at Uncle Billy’s house. My aunt and uncle were good to me while I was there, but Lucy was my home now. It wouldn’t hurt my feelings if I never left the farm again.
forty-three
43
Iwas happy Luke was home. I crawled closer to Luke and put my arms around him. I felt his lips on my temple.
“Did I mention that you’re not allowed to leave again?” I whispered.
Luke chuckled. “I hear you, Sweetheart.”
“Good.” I didn’t want to let him go.
“So what should we name our son? Luke Jr.?” Luke whispered into my ear.
“And if it is a girl?” I challenged.
“Lucy Jr.” He whispered.
I giggled. “Won’t that be confusing?”
“Two Lukes? Or two Lucys?” Luke’s tone was teasing.
“Both.” I laughed.
“So, that’s a no?” My husband chuckled.
“Right.” I giggled.
“So, it’s a yes?” My husband teased.
“No!” I laughed again.
“Then what is it?” Luke was grinning from ear to ear.
“We need to pick something else.” I giggled again.
This is the happiest that I’ve been in months. Luke brought out a side of me that I hardly recognized. He was different with me too.
“We have time.” Luke pulled me closer.
“We do.” I nodded my head.
“If you can’t tell, I’m happy to be a Pa.” Luke whispered in my ear.
“I’m real glad. I think you’ll be a good father.” I smiled.
“I think you’ll make a real good Ma too.” Luke rubbed my arm.
“I hope so. I don’t know much about raising children.” I swallowed.
I knew I wouldn’t be like other mothers. I wasn’t the kind of woman that like to stay in the kitchen or do dishes. I like to work with my hands. My favorite place was with Luke or the barn. The only thing I knew how to do right was take care of animals and run this place. I hope it would be enough for Luke and the baby.
“I don’t want to hear you talk like that. You are perfect just the way you are.” Luke turned to face me.
I remained quiet, because I wasn’t sure if I agreed. I was glad that Luke felt that way. He had a way of letting me be myself.
“You helped raise Beth Ann, didn’t you?” Luke tried another angle.
I nodded my head.
“She seems to be turning out all right.” Luke brushed the hair out of my face.
“Yeah, I think so. She still has some growing to do.” I smiled.
“That’s okay, because you still have some teaching to do, right?” My husband smiled at me.
“I reckon you’re right.” I stared into Luke’s face. “I really missed you.”
“I think I missed you more.” Luke’s warm breath hit my face.
We shared a long, slow kiss.
“I love you with all my heart, Sweetheart.”
“I love you, Luke.” I kissed him again.
“Kissing you is one of the things I missed the most.” Luke grinned.
I giggled.
“Do you know how beautiful you are?” My husband whispered.
“Being beautiful isn’t something I’ve ever been accused of.” I shook my head.
“You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.” Luke kissed my neck and made me giggle.
“Okay, I’ll believe you.” I giggled again.
“I love you.” Luke put his hand on my stomach.
I couldn’t wait to meet our son or daughter. I put my hand on my stomach beside my husband's hand. I wondered if our baby could hear Luke’s voice. I hoped so. He had a nice voice.
“Do you think our baby can hear us?” I bit my lower lip.
“Good question.” Luke’s eyes met mine.
“I think you should sing to him or her.” I giggled.
“Is that your way of saying you missed my singing voice?” Luke chuckled.
“Maybe a little?” I held up my thumb and index finger.
“Okay, let me think for a minute.” Luke stared at the ceiling. “Okay, I got one.”
forty-four
44
“Lucy, that’s too heavy for you!” I ran over and took the bag out of Lucy’s hands. “Where do you want it?”
Lucy pointed.
I put the bag down. “Lucy, that’s too heavy for you right now while you are with child.”
“I’m not broken.” Lucy put her hand on her hip.
“I know, and I want to keep it that way.” I leaned closer.
Lucy let out a deep breath. “You’re overreacting.” She turned and walked away from me.
“What are you talking about?” I stomped after her.
“Nothing.” Lucy muttered.
“Is this one of those women things?” I caught her hand and held her in place.
“It’s just since you came back... well..” Lucy pulled her hand out of mine. “Never mind.”
“Sweetheart, what’s wrong?” I leaned over her.
“It’s just that ever since you found out I was expecting that … that...” My wife avoided my gaze.
“That, what?” I touched her shoulder.
“You don’t let me do anything anymore!” Lucy yelled at me.
I took a step back. Lucy almost never yelled. I messed up, and I wasn’t sure how. Is this where I say I’m sorry? I don’t know.
“I was trying to help.” I bit my lower lip once and shook my head.
