A Friendships Love - Settler series book 1 (Wattpad version, first draft)

Intimate Conversations

Intimate Conversations  

A few days after Ashleys visit I had my room back.  Charlie said he didn’t want to take up my bed any longer so we switched.  He now slept by the hearth, until mama deemed he was well enough to go back to the loft at the stables.  In truth, I don’t think Ma would be encouraging him to go back.  With Pa leaving I knew she wanted us all around to fill the upcoming void when he was gone.  Both mama and Pa had gone to bed, Nash had come down for supper and I’m pretty sure he was going to stay as he was showing no signs of leaving.  Even though it was going into summer the nights sometimes had a slight chill to them and tonight was one of those nights.  

“Are you going to bed soon too Payt?” Nash asked me.  He was sitting on the floor near the small fire he had built in the hearth.  

“Not yet, I’m just going to make sure Charlie had enough blankets.  I suppose I better get something for you too.”  I replied going back to retrieving the usual bedding we used for when Nash was home  

“You’re too kind to us” Charlie said   I rewarded his statement with a smile over my shoulder

“Yes well, someone has to make sure you both sleep well.”  

“So, did you go see Ashley today?”  

“Yes I did, why Nash?”  I placed the pillow and blankets next to him then turned to roll out Charlie's

“What, you’re not going to put my blankets out?  After all I do for you.”  Nash was shaking his head in mock anger  

“No, I’m not.  You’re a man you can do it.”  

“Charlie is half a year older than I am.  He’s capable why does he get the special treatment?”  

“Well for one, I am more handsome than you are.”  Charlie said while straightening out the other end of the blanket I was working on  

“No silly, well yes” I said blushing  

“No, and yes?” Nash asked stopping what he was doing to look at me with a raised eyebrow   I quickly replied “No, you don’t get special treatment because you didn’t just get beat up by your pa”  Charlie winced slightly at that remark.  I realized that I could have said that without the sarcasm in my voice.  I looked to Charlie with what I hoped was an apologetic look on my face “and well, yes”  I said straightening up to try and own what I was about to say.  I looked back to Nash “Charlie is better looking and he’s nice to me” then I poked my tongue out at him.  Nash got up and ruffled my hair.   “Stop that” I said swiping his hand away “I truly don’t like it when you do that”  

“Leave her alone Nash” Charlie said plastering a lopsided grin on his face. “Any sister of yours would think I’m good looking with you for a brother.”  We all laughed.  

“Well, did you see Ash?”  

“Yes Nash, I saw Ash.  Why?” I said sitting in a chair a little breathless from my efforts of making up the bed for Charlie.  

“No reason” Nash said while starting to get comfortable on his pallet.  Charlie was chuckling to himself whilst doing the same thing.  I didn’t understand boys sometimes.  

“Well goodnight you two, and Charlie...” I said emphasizing Charlie’s name “If you need anything, just let me know."  

“Thanks Payt, I appreciate all you do for me.”  I got up and turned toward my room. 

I could only just hear Nash whisper to Charlie “Sweet talker.”  Then they both chuckled again.  It was very lovely being told that you’re appreciated even if it was for just for making a bed.  Nash rarely said anything nice to me anymore so I was just fine with Charlie “sweet talking” me.  As always I slept extremely well after my longs days, even if Charlie did need something I would never have heard him call.