Lawless Love

Chapter Fourteen

Jake carefully put the luggage on the back of the wagon, with the dogs and held a hand for Lucilla. She took it and took a seat. Next was Sarah with Matthew and she took her seat, next to Jake. Jake untied the horses and climbed up. He got the horses turned around and snapped the reins. They jumped and took off at a trot.

"So, how was your trip, Lucilla?" Sarah asked, breaking the awkward silence. Lucilla smiled, "It was just fine, despite the incessant bouncing and the heat." Sarah knew how her friend felt. She experienced the same feeling not that long ago. "I know what you mean. The heat takes some getting used to, but once you do, it's not that bad." Sarah said reassuringly. "I hope you're right, Sarah. I don't think I can bear this for another minute." Jake shook his head. What did she expect coming out here? Sarah told her all about the weather. 

Lucilla went on and on about how miserable the trip was and how she thought there had been some mistake when the driver told her that this was Lone Bluff. "I cannot understand why you never came back to Philadelphia. I thought you were exaggerating when you wrote about the heat." Lucilla fanned herself. "No, I wasn't exaggerating. Like I said, you do get used to it." Sarah looked down at Matthew, who was sleeping soundly.

The wagon bounced and Lucilla looked instantly ill. "How can he be sleeping? Doesn't this bother him?" "He's used to it. This is the only way into town." Sarah explained. Is this how I sounded when I first came to Lone Bluff? Did I complain that much? "We are almost there, Lucilla. Then we can get you settled and then we can catch up." Lucilla relaxed a little.

Sarah gave Jake a sideways look. He must be regretting this. I will make it up to him tonight. Jake put a hand on her knee as they continued on the way home. She was thankful that she had a man like him in her life. He was so understanding and patient. "How are your parents?" Sarah asked, trying to keep her friend's mind busy.

"They're doing great, actually. They took an interest in breeding horses, of all things. They have at least fifty of them. The foals are absolutely adorable!" Lucilla beamed. "You must come see them." Jake tuned the conversation out. He knew Sarah would fill him in later. "I think that's a wonderful idea. We could make the trip once Matty gets a bit bigger." 

"I still can't believe you have a baby. He looks a lot like Jake. May I hold him?" Sarah handed the baby to her friend and she started talking to him in Spanish. "You are the cutest little thing in the world! You're going to cause a lot of heartache when you get older. You be good for your mommy. She's the best person in the world and you're lucky to have her." Jake looked at her, confused. This is how Sarah must feel when I start talking in Apache.

The house came into view and Sarah watched her friend's face to gauge her reaction. At first there was confusion, then acceptance. "What do you think, Lucilla?" Sarah hoped her friend approved of the way she lived. "I love it! It's very quaint. The simplicity is refreshing." Sarah relaxed. "I'm glad you like it. There's the barn, chicken coop, and the hog shed." Jake slowed the horses and stopped them by the house.

"Well, Lucilla, let's get you settled." Jake said, more to himself because he knew they weren't really listening to him. "Thank you, Mr. Redman." Lucilla batted her eyes at him. Sarah couldn't help but feel a flash of jealousy. Okay, where the hell did that come from? This is my best friend, not Carlotta. I have no reason to feel this way but I can't help it.