Flower of My Heart
The next day, "Lilly" woke to the sound of pounding and tearing. Caine had been true to his word. He had stayed on his side of the bed, not letting their bodies touch one iota. Lilly unknowingly felt somewhat disappointed, but had let it pass. For the sake of modesty, she remained dressed, but changed into fresh clothes after realizing she was alone in the bedroom. After getting dressed, she put a pot of hot water on the stove for coffee and then went outside. She looked up to see that Caine had climbed up on the roof without a ladder and was ripping shingles off with his bare hands.
"You shouldn't be doing that," she called up to him.
Caine rose and stood looking down at her. He had removed his shirt and Lilly could see that where the bulletholes had been, there were two neat scars.
'How could he have healed so quickly?' she thought. "Come down and I'll make you some breakfast. How does pancakes sound?"
Caine gave a shrug then smiled. "Sounds good to me."
"Don't over do it. You may look healed on the outside, but you may cause injury on the inside if you do too much. Breakfast should be ready in 10 minutes. Don't forget to wash up."
Lilly moved inside and began preparations for breakfast. She put on an apron and began mixing the necessary ingredients. Soon Caine had come down and she could see him from the window, pouring water over his head and back from the horse troff with a ladle. She watched him as he wiped down his head, shoulders, chest and back. She could not help but notice, though he was a slender man and older than her, he was quite firm and muscular, but not overly so. He moved with the grace of a cat.
'Lilly, you silly girl,' she thought. 'Quit watching him like a love-struck school girl and make breakfast.'
As soon as Lilly turned away from the window, Caine had also turned toward the house and a small knowing smile appeared on his face. He had been aware that he was being watched. Secretly, it pleased him and he also found himself drawn to this woman with the golden hair. She had treated him kindly, and helped to heal his injuries. But it seemed as if it was more than that. Her kindness came from an acceptance. He had met many women in his travels; some that he had felt an attraction while others treated him no more than just a servant, being who and what he was. This Lillian did not.
'Lilly,' he said to himself. He would have to remember to call her by that name. He was most grateful for her help. In his fevered state, he had been barely aware that someone had come to the house. They had asked questions, perhaps regarding him, but Lilly had said she had not seen the man. Why would she protect him? Suddenly, he grew afraid for her. Perhaps it would be best that he move on. Her house, though, needed some long overdue repairs. Perhaps if he were to finish them, then he could move on, his debt paid to her for helping him. Still, something in his heart told him that some day, he would have to stop running, but would he dare stop for the sake of this woman and place her in danger; or any other woman for that matter. Perhaps some day there may even be a family in his future, one, which may be able to help him regain his honor, but he did not think it would happen in his lifetime. It would seem he had his chance with Chung Wang and lost. Their relationship had ended barely after it had begun. Caine let out a deep sigh, picked up his shirt, and headed to the house for breakfast.
An hour later found them on their way to town. The ride was uneventful. Lilly's farm was not too far from Martinsville, but just far enough to give her some privacy. She knew that singing in the saloon could also hold many dangers as well as excitement. At her last job, the men had become so rowdy that she feared for her life. That town had been even smaller than this one. Not really a town, more like a stagecoach station where people stopped in their travels to rest before they continued to parts unknown. When they arrived, Lilly pulled the wagon up in front of the general store. She opened her small silk pouch and handed him some money and a sheet of paper.
"Could you please see about getting some supplies? Since you've started working on the roof, you can also go over to the sawmill and pick up what you need for repairs. Don't do too much lifting. Ask for help. I don't want those wounds reopening. I have to report to work and begin rehearsing for this evening."
"Rehearsing?" Caine asked.
"I'm a singer. I work in the saloon, remember?" She smiled back at him.
Caine gave her a questioning look. She did not look like any ordinary saloon girl.
"Don't give me that look," Lilly said. "It's the only way I can practice my craft right now. I'd love to be able to sing in one of the bigger theaters, like in St. Louis. I can't afford to move and, well, I'm not good enough right now. My show finishes at 9:00 tonight. Pick me up then."
Caine climbed down from the wagon, walked to the other side, and helped Lilly down.
"Now remember what I said. Don't over do it. If you need help, I'm sure someone in town might lend a hand if you ask. I'll see you later."
Lilly planted a peck on Caine's cheek and proceeded down the street to the saloon. Across the road, a pair of steely blue eyes watched the exchange with interest closely. That same pair of eyes continued to watch as the couple parted and went their separate ways.
End of part 4
Alisa Joaquin Copyright@2000.
This story cannot be reprinted or sold in any other form without strict permission from
the author. It is being distributed here solely for your enjoyment.
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