Dead End Winter

Chapter 6

Freedom!

Well... somewhat.

Riding was the closest thing to freedom Noelle had as a newly married woman. Her chest strained with heavy breaths against her corset as she and her mount flew across the frostbitten ground. A laugh escaped her lips as her loose chignon fell free. The cold air had warmed in the last few days. Staying inside had become pure torture. Surprisingly, it was Wes who had insisted that she take her new mare out for a ride. Noelle bowed low over Opal's neck and urged her further. The thick trees and brush had long since thinned as the two swiftly approached the Weston's land. Noelle reined Opal in at the edge of the barnyard. She was so close to home. That little cabin she cooked and cleaned in still wasn't home. Noelle wasn't certain it would ever be. But here, on this little stretch of land? This was home. Home was where the people she loved lived. It was where she had formed her biggest hopes and dreams. She bit her lip as she dismounted and led Opal to the barn. A melodic whistle drifted from the dim interior of the barn. What little reticence held her back shriveled away at the cheerful sound. She smiled as she caught sight of Grant crouched beside a horse, the animal's hoof in hand. He gave the horse a gentle pat as he lowered its hoof to the ground and stood. He turned slowly, so as not to startle the horse. Noelle smiled. As mischievous as Grant was, he had always held his horses in high regard. And that meant taking care not to startle one of the creatures. Especially one that was still training.

"Hello."

"Back already," Grant asked as the greeting fell from Noelle's lips. The two shared a smile before Grant noticed the mare behind Noelle. A smirk quirked at Grant's mouth.

"I see someone followed my advice."

Noelle's wind chapped cheeks seemed to light on fire at Grant's comment.

"It was very sweet of Wes to think of me. And thank you for suggesting Opal to him."

"Your welcome Ellie. But I have to wonder how you know I suggested Opal to your husband."

Noelle twisted the reins in her hands as she spoke.

"I had come to visit just a few days before my accident. You and Matt showed me Opal. You were so proud of the fact that you had gotten such a good deal on such a great horse. I said something about retiring Bluebonnet, and you offered up Opal. I had declined, but I still had Blue. After the accident..."

Noelle's voice trailed off and let the boy who was as close as a brother to her fill out the rest of the story.

"So when Wes showed up with Opal to surprise you, you were reminded of that day in the corral? What if it had been Pa who'd offered the mare?"

Noelle shook her head.

"It was you. Matt would have suggested something practical or pretty from town. Your pa is a good man. He just doesn't know me the same way you do."

Grant smiled and shook his head.

"Boy, Ellie. I'm not even sure how well I know you. Or my sister. Has she mentioned she's been making cow-eyes at the new fellow Uncle Alex hired on as deputy?"

Grant faked a gag.

"Makes me sicker than a dog watching those two flirt and make eyes at each other."

Noelle laughed softly. A part of her heart sympathized with Grant. It felt like she was losing a sister. Yet at the same time she was happy for Louisa. She was growing up. Beaus would be lining up at the door to win her heart.

She'd fall in love.

A twinge of jealousy pricked at Noelle's heart. A shiver raked her spine as a cold breeze swirled through the open doors.

“Let's go inside for now.”

Noelle followed Grant inside the wide farmhouse after stabling Opal. The warmth of a fire glowing in the fireplace seeped through her frigid skin. The tangy scent of apple cider led Noelle to the kitchen. Robbie and Nora sat at the table scribbling across their slates as Louisa hummed and sewed. Noelle cleared her throat and all three heads came up. The room exploded into chaos as Robbie and Nora rushed to greet Noelle. Louisa jumped up from her seat in a hurry to get to her best friend. The sudden action sent a spool of thread rolling across the wooden floor. Grant held Noelle steady as the younger twins crashed into her skirts. Noelle bent down and hugged the two before straightening to embrace Louisa.

“Come, sit down!”

Louisa lowered her voice to a whisper as Grant distracted the twins.

“Tell me everything.”

Noelle shrugged slightly, letting go of a modicum of decorum.

“What could I tell you? That Wes surprised me with a mare a few days ago? That Sunday was the only day we said anything beyond polite conversation?”

Noelle released a shuddering sigh.

“It feels like he's avoiding me. I want to be a good wife, Louisa, but it feels like I'm failing. I have no earthly idea of how to gain my husband's attention, no less his affections.”

Louisa's hand covered Noelle's.

“Oh, Noelle…”

Noelle retracted her hand from Louisa's gentle touch.

“I need a plan.”

-❄️-

Noelle was plotting something.

That much was evident. Wes wasn't sure if he should be scared or intrigued. Ever since her ride a few days ago, Noelle had been acting… different. Whatever had been weighing her down had lifted. She wore a permanent smile and seemed to actually be happy. Wes liked to think it was because of him, but he had a feeling it was more than that. His wife had become bolder. She sought him out. She smiled whenever he came near. Wes smiled to himself as he rounded a few head of cattle back into the herd. Noelle Hamilton had become downright stubborn, insisting on more than polite conversation and brief meetings. No, instead his wife had gotten the idea to sit down together after dinner each night and discuss their days and thoughts. Their conversations we're more and more often of a personal nature, of getting to know one another. Wes was finding that that time together was quickly becoming his favorite part of his day. Even now as he worked in the bitter wind rounding up stubborn, smelly cattle, he looked forward to seeing his wife.

His wife.

The title didn't seem as foreign anymore. Nor did the woman herself. Noelle had forged her way into his life and had ingrained herself in such a way that Wes could barely remember what life was like before her. A bitter memory of his time back in Montana rose to taunt him. Marcy's mocking laughter haunted him from memories long buried. He forced the old feelings of inaptitude back down and moved his focus to his work. He gazed out over the herd as he rode. He'd gotten an early start today and his work was nearly done. Wes squinted up at the sun, deciding to call it a day and head back home. A plan began to formulate as he got closer to home. An old wash bin lay abandoned in his hay loft. And as long as Noelle was out on her usual ride, he'd have access to the cabin. All he needed was time to grab his shaving kit and some clean trousers without raising his wife's suspicions. Wes urged his mount to a trot, eager to get home and surprise his wife.