Page 50 of My Heart Will Find You

Rufus seemed to fight himself for a moment, but then he said things about pulling reins and using her heels and not trying to run. It all merged into one incomprehensible lecture.

In the end, he led the horse outside and gave it a rump smack to get it going. Etta pulled the map out of her pocket and followed it. The horse ambled along and after a while Etta relaxed. There were few turns, and the Kansas landscape was beautiful. She wondered if this area would someday be full of roads and buildings.

When she got to the homestead, she was almost sad for the journey to end. Tulip went straight to the water, then Etta had the task of getting down. She threw her leg around and slid to the ground.

Pain shot through her inner thighs. “Oh for bucket seats of Corinthian leather.”

She tied the horse reins—she’d seen that on TV—looked around to make sure she was alone, then stripped naked. The water was cold but she didn’t care. She soaped every inch of her body, swam a bit to rinse, then soaped again. About a pint of grease came out of her hair.Wonder how many fish I smothered?she thought.But they’re Kansas fish so maybe I delighted them. Beef rules!

When she finally got out, she felt much better. She ran her fingers through her hair, wishing she’d brought a comb. Bar soap wasn’t good as a shampoo.

She wrapped the sheet around herself, tucking it over her breasts, her arms bare, then sat down and leaned against a cottonwood tree. She didn’t think that she’d ever in her life been as contentedly happy as she was at that moment.

When Tulip nudged her shoulder, she patted its nose. “Thanks for letting me ride you,” she said.

The horse snuffled, then stepped back. There was some new spring grass nearby.

When Tulip moved, Etta saw Max standing there holding two open cans of peaches. She wasn’t surprised. “Rufus ratted on me.”

“He is sure he sent you to your death. You may have to give him the worm.” She laughed, knowing he meant the tequila worm.

He handed her a can of peaches and a spoon. “I figured you’d be hungry after that.” He motioned to the river.

“Did you see it all?” she asked.

“See what?”

She wasn’t sure if he was telling the truth, but his eyes were twinkling.

He sat down beside her, their backs against the tree, sides touching, and for a moment they ate peaches in silence.

Max spoke first. “How do you know things? And don’t lie to me about my sister’s letters.”

She took her time before answering. “I dream them.”

He nodded at that. “I dreamed of my mother right after she died. She made me swear to take care of Alice. But you’ve dreamed about everyone.”

“Not really. Just a few people. Cornelia and Bert. Freddy and Sally. And Alice.”

“Is that all?”

“Actually, there was Martha, the woman you nearly ran over. She’s with Henry, but I haven’t seen him. And Tobias goes with Lily.” Etta swallowed at the mention of her mother. “But I don’t think she’s here.”

“Any dreams about me?”

“No. You’re completely new to me. I’ve never seen you in a dream, or outside of one. I first saw you in the church.” She smiled at him. “You’re something I made up for myself. My dream man. I’m not sure you’re real.”

He lifted her hand in his and laced their fingers together. “I’m very real,” he said softly, then kissed the back of her hand. It wasn’t one of those little pecks, but his full, lush lips were pressed on the back of her hand.

She turned to him, ready for anything. Her sheet slipped down a little.

But Max turned away. “I think you have things you must do. It’s like a quest in the olden days.”

With a sigh, she leaned back against the tree. He was right.

“You seem to be afraid you won’t have enough time.” Again, he was right.

“So what do we do next?” he asked.

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