Cole's Redemption (Love Amongst the Pines) by Leigh Curtis Read Free Book Online Page B

know?"
                  "Natty told me about her. She died a week ago."
                  The older man's face fell.  "Ah, that's right. I remember now. Such a shame."
                  Cole sat silent while Natty's uncle drifted into the haze of his memories.
                  "Could I get that bucket now?"
                  "Bucket? What for?"
                  "On account he can't go outside, and we don't have no outhouse," Natty's voice came from the pile of blankets on the other cot.
     
                  After he and Dermott finished with necessities, Natty was up and busy cooking something over the fireplace. A huge black pot hung on an iron bar over the flame. Within minutes, the room was full of the heady smell of stewing meat and vegetables.
                  "I'm starving," Cole said as he stumbled to stand beside her.
                  "You shouldn't be out of bed yet!" She darted a glance up at him but quickly looked away. He saw that her hand shook slightly as she pushed the wooden spoon around the pot.
                  "Are you all right?" When she didn't answer, he moved in closer. "I'd offer to do that for you, but your friends in town managed to set me back." He held up his hands in demonstration.
                  "I'm fine," she lied. "I don't need help. Go sit down, and I'll fix you a plate when it's ready."
                  "You don't have to be afraid of me," he told her evenly. "I'd never hurt a woman."
                  Her back stiffened. "I ain't afraid of you. I just don't know you very well yet. Besides, Uncle Dermott would kill any man that meant to hurt me. Last week, a neighbor tried to steal one of the mares. Said that we owed it to him for getting water out of the creek. The ol ' coot's a bully. He thinks because it runs through his property that the water is all his. Wants us to pay for it! Who ever heard of such a thing, paying for water?"
                  "What did your uncle do?" Cole asked, intrigued and glad to move their conversation away from more dangerous subjects.
                  "He snuck over to Lester's property and set his outhouse on fire."
                  "That sounds like serious punishment. I'll remember to try not to make him angry."
                  The object of their conversation came back into the cabin from emptying the bucket. He set it on the floor by the door.
                  "Well, Natty darling, I'm going to the fishin ' hole. You need me to bring anything back?"
                  "Just some big trout for supper, Derm . I'll fix you some apple dumplings later, okay?"
                  "Ah, don't go troubling yourself. I still got some taffy left to chaw on."
                  When they were alone again, Natty set the table and poured them both a glass of water. Next, she ladled up two bowls of stew and pulled some bread out of a box in the corner.
                  For the moment, Cole just watched her. She was the height of efficiency and grace as she quickly finished her tasks. He couldn't help but imagine what a picture she'd make if she was bathed and clothed in decent attire. He found himself curious about what she looked like under the layers of grime.
                  "I guess I'm going to have to feed you," she muttered, breaking the silence between them.
                  "I'm sorry to be so much trouble," he said as she seated herself beside him.
                  "Don't be silly. It's my fault you're here at all." Her voice had a course quality to it, one that he couldn't quite place.
                  "Actually, it isn't. I was headed to a hanging , remember ? If I were grateful to be alive, I'd have you to thank for it."
                  She gave him a small smile. "Your