Free Red Rose by J. C. Hulsey Page B

a big blob of butter. I carried it into the house and placed it in a bowl. I rounded it out until it looked absolutely beautiful sitting there on the dry sink. I went back out and poured the buttermilk into a pitcher. I finished with that and realized it was getting close to supper time. The twins had already left for their home.
    I could hear Chet whistling while he took care of the stock. I suppose since he was helping me, I should fix him something to eat before he goes back to town. I still had some smoked ham left. I sliced off a few slices of bread along with the ham and placed them together. It wasn't fancy, but I had survived on less. I placed them on the table along with some canned peach juice that the twins brought me. I looked out the door and Chet was walking towards the house. His boots made a crunching sound as he walked across the yard.  I stepped to the door.
    "Wash up before you come in. I’ve got a little something to eat before you head back to town." He came in wiping his hands on his trousers.
    "It looks delicious. Thank you."
    "Sit down and eat it. It isn't all that much."
    "Um. This is delicious." We didn't talk as we ate. I could feel his eyes watching me.
    After a bit I looked up and said, "Stop it!"
    "Stop what? I'm not doing anything."
    "You're looking at me and I don't like it."
    "I'm sorry, Rose, but I can't help myself. You're so beautiful. With your red hair sticking out in all directions. I love it, and I love you."
    "My hair is nothing but a tangled mess of unruly curls. I knew this was a bad idea."
    "What was a bad idea?"
    "Inviting you to my table."
    "I like sitting here with you. It reminds me of our time together on the train. And those long red curls hanging down your back, swirling around your head, look like brilliant red flames."
    My jaw tightened as I tried to control my temper. "I think you should head back to town. Surely someone there needs a doctor."
    "I think since it's so late, I'll stay the night and get an early start in the morning."
    "I don't think that's a good idea."
    "I'll sleep in the barn, if you'll loan me a blanket."
    "Oh, what's the use? I tired of arguing with you." I went over to the bed and pulled a box from under the bed. I opened it, took out a blanket and handed it to him.
    "This will do just fine. Thank you for the meal." He stuck the blanket under his arm and walked out the door.
    Why did I feel so upset with him all the time? After all, this is the same person that I had feelings for on the train. I don't think he’s changed all that much, so it must be me that's changed. Maybe I act this way because I still have feelings for him. Oh, why does everything have to be so confusing?
    I cleaned off the table and got ready for bed.

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
    The next morning I was up at the crack of dawn. Enjoying the crisp morning air, I walked out to the barn. The air gently stirred the leaves of the giant oak tree that had stood sentinel over this place for as long as I had been here.
    “I’m taking care of everything here. You’re supposed to be taking it easy, or did you already forget? Now back inside with you. I’ll be in in just a bit. One of the twins is out checking the fence line. Go on, back inside.”
    “Can I at least gather the eggs? I would like to have eggs for breakfast.”
    “Alright. But nothing else. I don’t even want you carrying a bucket of water.”
    “So how am I to wash and do dishes?”
    “I’ll bring it in when I come in. Now gather the eggs and while you’re at it, I like mine over easy. Four of them, please.”
    “Oh! Sometime you infuriate me.”
    “Yes, I know.”
    I gathered the eggs without the threat of Oscar the rooster. He must be hiding this morning. Come to think of it. I didn’t hear him this morning. I wonder where in the world he’s at.
    I was just finishing with the eggs when Chet came in with a bucket of milk and a bucket of water.
    “I give the milk to the hog each day except Thursdays and Tuesdays. There