His Perfect Love

Chapter 9

Riley got up early, just as the sun was rising. It was so refreshing to be able to move about whenever she wished. She rinsed her face with cool water from her basin, fixed her hair and got dressed. Then Riley walked into the kitchen where Allison was busy making breakfast.

"Good morning, Allison. Would you like some help?" Riley inquired.

Allison looked up from the stove, "Good morning, Riley. Some help would be appreciated. I'm making oatmeal. If you could wash some strawberries and slice them to eat with our meal that would be wonderful."

"I can do that," Riley claimed.

She set to work as Allison stirred the pot of oatmeal.

"It should be just a few more minutes. When you're done, could you get the cream out of the icebox?" Allison said.

Riley nodded and sliced up the last of the strawberries. Then she went to the icebox and got the cream out.

"Is Clayton already up?" Riley asked Allison.

"You bet! He's doing his chores with quite the enthusiasm," Allison laughed.

"Does he always act like that?"

"Not always. He must be happy about something," she responded. "The oatmeal is done. Why don't you go get Clayton while I set the table?"

Riley nodded, left the kitchen and went through the front door. She paused for a moment and looked at the porch. This was the place she stumbled upon when she was hurt and alone. She would never expected to be treated with such kindness. Maybe things were looking up for her.

The barn doors were open so she assumed that Clayton was in there. There was cold, wet dew on the ground so she hurried across it in her bare feet. She stepped inside the barn that smelled like hay. Clayton was feeding the cows. He looked up and spotted her. Then he smiled.

"Good morning. To what do I owe for the pleasure of this visit?" he asked playfully.

"Allison says that breakfast is ready."

"Good, I'm starving. What about you?"

Riley nodded a bit shyly.

"If you can wait a minute, I'll walk with you," he uttered.

She nodded again and in a minute he was done.

"Ready?" he asked.

"Yes."

He offered her his arm and she awkwardly took it. He closed the barn doors behind them. Riley shivered as the cold dew chilled her feet. Clayton looked down at her feet and gave a bemused chuckle.

"Why aren't you wearing any shoes?"

"Allison's shoes are too big," she said simply.

"Ah, you have very small feet."

She didn't say anything.

"When we go to town next, you'll have to come with us to pick out the right size."

"Thank you," Riley said, "for everything."

Clayton smiled and said, "Anything for you."

They hurried back inside and sat down to eat breakfast. It was delicious and the talk was fun and upbeat. Soon after, Clayton went to work with his lunch packed by Allison. Then Riley helped clean the dishes. The two were quiet and Riley was drying the dishes absentmindedly when Allison spoke.

"I know that I washed your hair the other day, but how would you feel about getting a bath?"

"That sounds marvelous! Thanks!"