Sooner or Later Page 7

  With one eyebrow raised, Mason looked at her in mock indignation. He rather enjoyed this playful side of Rebekah.

  “Well, Jimmy does have a point,” she finally said, still struggling for some semblance of control. “I—” She seemed to struggle to speak. “I’m just glad I’m upwind of the two of you.”

  Mason stopped in midstep. “I’m not taking a bath in the middle of the day.”

  One of Rebekah’s eyebrows and one side of her mouth tilted upward. “Hypocrite.”

  “This isn’t about me. It’s about Jimmy.” Mason straightened. “C’mon, Jimmy, grab the soap and let’s get you washed up.”

  “Me, too. I wants ta be washed up.” Katie ran over and grabbed Rebekah by the leg. “I want Webekah to wash me up.”

  A roguish grin tilted Mason’s lips. “You know, Katie, now that you mention it, Rebekah doesn’t exactly smell too good herself.”

  All amusement faded from Rebekah’s face, and Mason had to hold back his own chuckle. A rosy tinge painted her cheeks. Somehow he didn’t think it was from working over a hot fire on such a warm, humid day. With her palm, she gently fingered Katie’s hair. It suddenly dawned on him how much Katie had taken to Rebekah. His stomach clenched and he felt his smile fade. He didn’t want Katie to have to suffer another loss when Rebekah left.

  “I—I don’t have any clean clothes to wear,” Rebekah said. She stood rigidly and thrust her chin in the air.

  Mason read the unspoken words he knew must be on the tip of her tongue. I’m not about to wash when you’re anywhere nearby

  An idea popped into his mind. “I know just what you need.” He turned and hurried toward the wagon and climbed in. After rummaging through a trunk of clothing, he found his objective.

  Hopping down off the tailgate and sending dust flying, he turned and marched toward Rebekah, smiling inwardly, knowing he’d won this round. He relished her questioning stare.

  “Close your eyes.”

  Rebekah’s curious gaze caught his. Excitement filled him, knowing she’d be pleased with his gift.

  “Go on, Rebekah, close your eyes,” he encouraged. C’mon, trust me

  “What you got, Unca Mathon?” Katie giggled. “You gots a th’pwise for Webekah?”

  Mason nodded at Katie then looked back at Rebekah. A tiny smile graced her lips, sending his stomach bucking like a back-busting bronc. Rebekah’s eyelids eased shut.

  From behind his back, Mason pulled out a dark green cotton dress and gave it a gentle shake. Holding it under his chin, he smoothed the wrinkles and then held it up by the shoulders.

  “Ohhh,” Katie exclaimed. “That’s Mommy’s.”

  Obviously overcome by curiosity, Rebekah peeked out of one eye. She threw him a questioning look; then her eyes twinkled with what looked like delight. Mason felt a surge of pride race through him. Suddenly Rebekah’s pleasant expression was replaced by something else as she turned toward Katie.

  “That’s your mama’s dress?”

  “Uh-huh.” Katie nodded.

  Rebekah knelt down and took Katie’s hand, turning the little girl toward her. “It must be a special dress if it was your mama’s. I understand if you don’t want me to wear it. I have a dress in my bag I can wear, but I need to wash it first.”

  “You can wear it,” Katie offered with a hesitant smile.

  Rebekah glanced up at Mason. A warmth flooded him at her concern for Katie’s feelings. He felt his wall of reserve toward Rebekah crumbling, and he didn’t know what to do about it.

  “Are you sure, sweetie? You really don’t mind if I borrow your mama’s dress?”

  Katie nodded and Rebekah looked toward Jimmy.

  “What about you, Jimmy? Would you mind if I borrowed your mama’s dress? I promise to give it back before I leave for Denver.”

  Denver Like a bucket of ice-cold water on a flickering flame, Mason’s enjoyment of the day’s antics dissipated in a plume of smoke. As if someone had reversed the biblical scene of Jericho, his wall of reserve and self-protection rose again.

  “It’s okay,” Jimmy offered.

  Rebekah stood up and looked back toward Mason.

  Amusement once again flickered in the blue eyes that met his. Her mouth quirked with humor. “It’s a very pretty dress, Mason, but don’t you think it’s a bit small for you?”

  Only the sounds of nature could be heard as he processed her comment. Birds flittered and chirped in the overhanging trees. The gentle ripple of water cascading over rocks mingled with the caw of a lone crow.

  “You gonna wear Mommy’s dwess, Unca Mathon? Daddies don’t wear dwesses.”

  Jimmy sucked back a loud snort and then exploded into a ball of laughter.

  Rebekah’s hand came up to stifle her giggle. Teasing laughter danced in her eyes.

  “Yeah, Uncle Mason, you gonna wear that dress?” Jimmy slapped his leg and hee-hawed like the joke had been his idea.

  Mason wadded the dress in one hand and tossed it toward Rebekah. He moved so fast in Jimmy’s direction that the laughing boy didn’t realize he’d been captured. “Let’s go, Jim. You’re gettin’ a bath whether you want it or not.”

  “Wait.” Instantly Jimmy’s laughter died. “But I thought Rebekah was gonna take a bath. You gave her the dress. I don’t want a bath,” he yelled as Mason dragged him toward the creek.

  Rebekah watched Mason stomp toward the water. She fingered the pretty dress as she considered the kindness he’d offered. If she knew her teasing would have upset him so much, she’d have kept quiet.

  Jimmy and Mason sat down along the creek bank and pulled off their boots. Mason helped Jimmy out of his clothes and then rolled up his own pant legs. Mason stood, never releasing his hold on his nephew. Rebekah smiled at Mason’s lily-white legs covered in dark hair, wondering when they’d last seen the light of day. Yanking Jimmy up into his arms, Mason waded out into the knee-high water and gently tossed the boy in.

  Jimmy’s squeal rent the air until a loud splash drowned it out. When she felt a tug on her pants, Rebekah look down at Katie.

  “I wanna baff, too.”

  A bath sounded delightful. Rebekah looked down at her dirty, sweaty clothes. How nice it’d be to get out of these pants and back into a cool dress. When they’d pulled alongside the creek an hour ago, Mason declared they were taking a day off to rest the animals. The first thing Jimmy had done was drag his quilt to the creek and wash it out.

  Rebekah eyed the water again. Even if she didn’t take a bath now, she could wash Katie and enjoy the water’s coolness on her hot feet. Maybe Mason and Jimmy could keep an eye on Katie during her nap, while she walked farther down the creek and bathed. Rebekah put the green dress in the back of the wagon, then walked back to the fire to stir the stew.

  “Webekah, can I wash up, too?”

  Rebekah smiled at the youngster. She was becoming very attached to the little girl. Pushing back the pain she’d face when leaving for Denver, Rebekah took Katie’s hand and started for the water. “Sure, sweetie, let’s give you a bath.”

  Katie tiptoed into the ankle-deep water and flopped down. Rebekah eased down on the creek bank and removed her boots and socks. Jimmy’s squeals split the air as Mason flipped water at him. Rebekah grinned. It looked like Mason was getting wet after all, as Jimmy splashed back at him. Mason took another step in, and the water covered his knees.

  Suddenly Rebekah got an urge she couldn’t resist. She put her finger to her mouth, silencing Katie, and tiptoed into the creek. She resisted the urge to cry out when she stepped on a sharp rock. The cold water stung the blisters on her feet and sent goose bumps racing up her legs and onto her arms.

  Easing up behind Mason, Rebekah held her breath. She caught the excited glint in Jimmy’s eyes as she sucked in a deep breath and gave Mason the shove of his life.

  “Hey!” he yelled as he landed in the creek, creating a huge splash that washed Jimmy several feet downstream. Katie’s laughter warmed Rebekah’s heart just as Mason surfaced and turned
a dark glare on her. Uh-oh A spark of amusement instantly kindled in his eyes, turning into a blaze. Like a wild stallion tossing his thick mane, Mason shook his shoulder-length black hair, sending sun-glistening droplets of water cascading in every direction.

  “Seems I was destined to take a bath today after all.” A flash of humor crossed his face, and his mouth twitched with amusement.

  Katie clapped her hands. “Unca Mathon got washed up.”

  Mason smiled at her; then his eyes narrowed. “What do you think, Katie? Think Miss Rebekah needs to get washed up?”

  Rebekah’s smile melted even as her heart gave a small leap. He wouldn’t dare

  “Yep.” Katie giggled. “Mith Webekah needs to get washed up.” Rebekah turned her head to see Katie toss a handful of water at her.

  A dark blur entered her side vision, and she turned to see Mason charging toward her. How could such a big man move so fast? Rebekah’s eyes widened and she felt frozen to the spot. A scream tore at her throat, and she heard Jimmy’s cackling laughter as Mason scooped her up and turned back toward the water.

  “No, please, Mason, I’m sorry. Really, I am.” Mason’s breath warmed her face. His playful but roguish grin told her she’d get no mercy from him. Rebekah clung to Mason’s damp shoulders, hands locked behind his neck, determined if he was going to toss her in, he’d go with her. His dark hair curled at his neckline, dripping tiny droplets of water on Rebekah’s arm.

  She felt her backside chill as Mason eased into the deeper water. When she saw Jimmy following, she looked up at Mason and indicated him with a nod of her head. Mason stopped and turned.

  “Jimmy, it’s too deep for you here. Move back there and keep an eye on Katie. I have business with Rebekah.”

  “Oh, shucks!” Jimmy commented.

  Rebekah saw the boy turn back and felt relieved. She looked up at Mason, who’d stopped walking. His eyes glinted with mischief. This was a side of Mason Danfield she could easily learn to love. Love? Where did that thought come from?

  “I predict Miss Rebekah’s ‘bout to take a plunge.” His dark eyebrows bounced up and down in eager playfulness.

  Rebekah took a deep breath, hoping to get her tumbling emotions under control. Being in Mason’s arms was something she could easily get comfortable with. Did he have any idea the effect he had on her?

  “If I go in, I’m taking you with me,” she ventured.

  Mason’s eyebrows arched in skepticism. “Is that a threat?”

  Rebekah pushed up, tightening her grip around his neck. “No, it’s a promise.”

  Mason flashed a grin that could light a moonless night sky, and Rebekah’s stomach churned at his nearness. He leaned his face closer to hers, and she thought for a moment he was going to kiss her.

  “We shall see,” he whispered.

  The next moment, Mason gave her a hefty toss in the air and yanked his head from her frantic embrace. Rebekah landed with a splash about three feet away. Coldness gushed over her body, taking her breath away. Her feet slipped on the muddy bottom, and she sank down, hearing Mason’s laughter booming through the air.

  Rebekah managed to get her head above water and cried, “Mason,” before she was sucked down again. Once again she broke the surface, searching, clawing for Mason. “Can’t swim!” she yelled as once again she sank down.

  Strong hands lifted her out of the water, and Mason pulled her against his chest. “I’m sorry, sugar, I didn’t know you couldn’t swim.”

  Rebekah took a deep, shuddering breath. As Mason took a step back toward the bank, Rebekah snagged her foot around his leg, causing him to lose his balance. In the next instant, Katie screamed as Mason and Rebekah hit the water together, a tangled mass of arms and legs.

  Breaking the surface first, Rebekah shoved Mason back down. He grabbed her waist and lifted them out of the water together. Rebekah threw her head back and laughed. It had been so long since she’d felt this free and full of joy.

  “Rebekah!” Mason’s harsh voice cut into her joy like a dull knife. “That wasn’t funny. Never joke about something as serious as drowning.”

  Setting her down in the water, he grabbed her by the arm and roughly pulled her to the shore. “C’mon, Jimmy, you’re clean enough. There’s work to be done.”

  Rebekah watched Mason jerk his socks on, stuff his feet into his boots, and stomp off. Why would a little horseplay affect him so?

  Jimmy splashed toward the bank. He paused beside her, wiping the dripping water from his face. “Don’t be mad at Uncle Mason. He’s just upset. Mama and Aunt Annie drowned when a flash flood raced through the creek they were crossing.”

  Rebekah stared at the little boy as he trudged to the bank, grabbed a towel, and dried himself. She glanced down at Katie’s stricken, tearstained face.

  “Oh, sweetie, I’m sorry. Did I scare you?”

  Katie nodded, wiping at her cheeks with a pudgy hand, smearing dirt and tears. Rebekah pulled the little girl into her arms.

  Remorse stormed through her being. Just the other night Mason explained how his wife and sister had died. How could she have forgotten so quickly?

  Oh, Lord, she prayed, what have I done?

  eight

  Mason sat on the ground, rubbing the oil into the leather harness with more force than necessary. His heart had finally returned to a normal beat after Rebekah’s stupid stunt. Through narrowed eyes, he glanced up to watch Jimmy moving the horses, one at a time, to a new grazing area. He sighed a deep breath of relief that they’d finally found water.

  Peeking out from under his hat, he glanced over to where Rebekah sat under a tree. Katie lay next to her on her quilt, sleeping. Mason stifled a grin at the sight of Jimmy’s freshly washed quilt lying over a bush, drying in the sun.

  Mason’s gaze drifted back to Rebekah, his emotions swirling faster than a cyclone. Rebekah had gone downstream and bathed after putting Katie down for a nap. Now she sat there, wearing Danielle’s dress and drying her waist-long hair in the sun as she used yellow thread to sew the hair back on Katie’s dolly.

  She was kind that way, doing little things that were important—things he’d never think to do. He couldn’t help smiling when he thought how pleased Katie would be to see that her doll had sewn-on hair and blue-button eyes again. In her grief over her mother’s death, the young girl had chewed the original buttons off.

  Glancing down at his shirt pocket, Mason raised his hand to finger it but decided he didn’t want to get oil on it. Last night Rebekah had asked him for his shirt—the one with the torn pocket. She’d washed it and laid it over a bush to dry overnight. This morning she took out her little tin box and stitched up the corner where it had flopped over for as long as he could remember. She even replaced the missing button. Afterward she made him change into it so she could wash his other shirt.

  Rebekah laid Katie’s doll aside to run the brush through her long tresses. Mason wanted more than anything to go over and take the brush from her hand and brush her hair. Evidently it was dry, because Rebekah set the brush down and began braiding. It amazed Mason that she could braid it behind her back. He still couldn’t braid Katie’s right even after lots of practice, but there sat Rebekah deftly plaiting her hair without even seeing what she was doing. After getting it started at the base of her neck, Rebekah pulled the thick, trifold cord over her shoulder and continued until she ran out of hair. Pulling a dark green ribbon from her pocket, she tied it off and flipped it back around behind her. He liked this version of Rebekah. Her hair wasn’t hidden behind some dirty hat, and she looked quite feminine wearing a pretty dress instead of those old farmer’s clothes.

  When she wasn’t being stubborn or foolish, Rebekah was an amazing woman. Her cooking, though not as delicious as Annie’s, tasted good and warmed his belly. She had more patience with the kids than Annie. Mason shook his head. Why am I comparing them?

  A warm breeze tugged at his hat, and Mason had to reach up quickly to keep it from sailing away. The children’s clean cloth
ing, drying on the nearby bushes, floated to the ground and lay in the dirt. Rebekah squealed and jumped up, chasing after them as the wind lifted them again and blew them out of reach. Mason grinned as she zigzagged from a shirt to a tumbling sock, then chased down a towel.

  Danielle’s green dress fluttered in the wind, grabbing at Rebekah’s ankles. She looked good in green, even though the dress hung more loosely on her than it had on his sister.

  “I don’t suppose you could help,” Rebekah said, shaking the dirt from the shirt in her hand. “All my clean laundry is getting dirty. Where did this wind come from?”

  Mason grinned and held up an oily palm. “Got dirty hands. Didn’t figure you’d want oil on your clean clothes.” He set aside the harness and grabbed a rag, wiping his hands as he stood. Another stiff breeze snatched up his hat, then dropped it next to one of the wagon’s wheels. Mason glanced upward. He’d been so focused on studying Rebekah, he hadn’t noticed the dark, grayish green clouds streaming across the sky.

  “Look’s like a storm is brewing.”

  “We’ve got to get these clothes inside,” she said, snatching up a pair of Katie’s undergarments. “How can the weather change so quickly?”

  “It does that here in the heart of the country. You’ll be swimming in the creek one day and wake up to snow on the ground the next.” Mason tapped down his hat and grabbed a pair of his pants as the wind whipped them against his leg. He gave them a sharp shake, and dust flew past on the stiff breeze.

  Together they dumped the pile of clothing in the back of the wagon. “I need to make sure the horses are secured.” Mason pointed toward the campfire. “You gather up all the loose things and get them in the wagon. I don’t like the look of those clouds.”

  Rebekah looked skyward and her brow creased. She turned her gaze back toward him, and he saw the unspoken concern etched in her face.

  “Uncle Mason!” Both their heads jerked toward Jimmy’s frantic voice as he raced toward them. “Look!”