The Frasers Clay by Ana Leigh

Author:Ana Leigh
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pocket Books
Published: 2004-07-15T00:00:00+00:00

Rebecca had made up her mind earlier that the only way to survive the hardships of this trip was to always put the previous day’s problems behind her. So today, last night’s kiss was ancient history.

Clay disappeared after breakfast and Etta had wandered off with Tom, so Rebecca cut up a couple apples and headed for the meadow where the stock was corralled.

All except Brutus were together. After feeding them the apple slices, she looked around for the missing mule. She spied him in the shade of a tree and, as she moved nearer, she was suprised to see that Brutus was tethered there. And Clay was squatted down by the animal’s front leg.

Strands of dark hair had tumbled over his forehead, and he looked appealingly boyish. Perspiration dotted his forehead, and he paused at his task to wipe his brow on his shirtsleeve.

Rebecca hurried over to them. “What’s wrong with Brutus?” she asked worriedly.

“He must have scraped his leg. I noticed it was festering, so I’ve put a poultice on it. It should make him more comfortable.”

“I hadn’t noticed it. Thank you, Clay, that’s very thoughtful of you. I didn’t think you even liked Brutus.”

“I don’t. I just don’t like to see a dumb animal in pain.” He finished tying a bandage around the mule’s leg, and then stood and untethered him.

“Say thank you to the nice man, Brutus,” Rebecca said, as she fed the mule the remaining apple slices. The mule swished its tail, then wandered toward its harness-mates.

Rebecca followed Clay away from the corral, and sat down in the shade of an ash tree while he washed off his hands in one of the many pools in the hollow.

He returned and sat beside her.

“It was very thoughtful, Clay. Thank you again.”

“My preference would have been to shoot the damn mule.”

“I swear you enjoy arguing. Just accept the compliment, and don’t spoil it by being nasty.”

“Nasty!” He chuckled. “Now, is that a nice thing for a woman to say to her husband? I thought you didn’t want to argue.”

“I don’t. It’s too lovely a day, and this place is so beautiful. It’s like a Garden of Eden. I wish we could stay here forever.”

“Speaking of Eden.” He dug in his pocket and pulled out a couple of apples. “Here,” he said, tossing her one.

“I didn’t have to use these after all.”

They sat in silence as they ate the apples, then Clay stretched out with his hands tucked under his head. The distant lilt of Etta’s laughter carried to their ears.

“What do you suppose those two are up to?” Clay said.

“They’re pretty smitten with each other, aren’t they?”

Rebecca smiled. “Yes, I think so. I guess I was the same way at their age.”

“And now?”

“I’ve learned you can’t put your trust in love. I prefer my independence.”

He sat up and gazed at her intently. “Are you saying you regret your marriage? I thought you loved your husband. You’re wearing his ring instead of mine.”

“I did love him. And I’ve learned that being in love makes you vulnerable.

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