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Learning to Improvise…
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Ezra woke slowly, enjoying the luxury of being able to do so. Much of his life had necessitated waking with only an instant’s notice, ready to fight or flee. He delighted in being able to take his time in rejoining the rest of humanity, reconnecting slowly with the world he’d left behind in favor of resting his body and mind. He fully intended to indulge himself in this infrequently experienced pleasure for as long as possible.He breathed deeply, letting it out in a quiet, contented sigh. This was his favorite moment of the day. Everything was right with the world. He was warm, and completely comfortable. There was no pressing urge to be anywhere or do anything. And the best part was he could feel Vin curled up behind him, holding him close.
Ezra smiled. It had been Vin who’d convinced him going to bed early would be a good thing. Not that sleeping had really been the reason he’d agreed. When Vin offered to make it worth his while, eyes giving him a come hither look, Ezra was quick to see the merit in leaving the saloon earlier than he usually did. It didn’t really bother him that his lover had an ulterior motive. Vin had indeed made good on his offer to make it worth Ezra’s while, so he wasn’t going to complain.
Ezra stretched slightly, and burrowed deeper into Vin’s arms, still not yet ready to give up his comfortable spot and face the day. He could feel the muscle twinges and faint aches that only good loving could bring about. His whole body sang with that ‘I got mine’ feeling. Until getting together with Vin, it was not a feeling he could honestly claim much familiarity with.
No complaints from me with how the evening turned out. None what so ever. May just have to look into this whole ‘early to bed’ theory. Might just be worth doing more often. But only if Vin is interested in a repeat performance. I shall have to endeavor to make it worth HIS while.
Ezra sighed softly. He knew his time was growing short. He wasn’t going to be able to wallow much longer. Vin was a perpetual early riser. His lover simply wasn’t the sort to lie in bed for an indefinite period of time. And while not a morning person by inclination, Ezra could get up before the sun rose if he felt it was warranted.
It is unfortunate that the agenda decided upon at dinner definitely warrants rising early. Pity. Much nicer to simply stay here. Ah well, it was nice while it lasted. I have grown spoiled. There was a time when I would not have had even this much. I really should not allow myself to get used to this. Mother would likely tell me becoming accustomed to such a condition is a shortcoming of monumental proportions. Ezra, my boy, that will be enough thoughts about Mother for today.
Ezra forced himself to focus on the upcoming day. The plan had been to get an early start tomorrow. Or rather, Ezra mentally corrected himself, this morning. He hadn’t really been surprised when Chris suggested that he go with Vin when the tracker went out to assist Nettie with her roof repairs. Ezra suspected that the gunslinger was still trying to make amends for his perceived wrong by giving him and Vin every opportunity to spend time together.
Honestly, I don’t know why he feels he did anything wrong. So he took some time to come to terms with Vin and I being together. That is hardly a crime. I’d rather he took his time than have decided immediately we were not permitted to be together. And if he misjudged the whole situation initially, well, he isn’t the first person to do so. And I rather doubt he will be the last. He managed to see his error. So by all rights, there is no reason for him to feel guilty, or the need to make amends.
Ezra frowned somewhat, brows furrowing in deliberation. If Chris had planned for them to be able to spend more time together, then why had he worked so hard at getting Nathan to go along? Perhaps there was more to this than he realized. He wondered if Vin had said something to Chris regarding Nathan. The conman knew that his lover frequently sought counsel with his best friend, and he would not be surprised to learn that Vin had discussed the situation with Chris.
The gambler was somewhat surprised by how devious their leader could be. It was obvious to him, although probably not to Nathan, that Chris was working hard at dinner last night to coerce the healer into going along. The gunslinger managed it with a skill and finesse that Ezra would not have credited him with.
I never would have thought him capable of being subtle. Which I suppose is a personal shortcoming. I really need to remember that the man is far more devious than he appears. He may be plain spoken and straightforward most of the time, but by no means all of the time. I was rather impressed with how well he worked his mark.
Ezra was equally impressed with Chris’ deft handling of Josiah. He had seen that the big man was ready to volunteer his skills, more than willing to assist with the repairs when Nettie’s situation became the topic of discussion. Obviously the gunslinger had seen the same thing, because Chris quickly assigned him the task of riding with Buck. He wanted them to check on other outlying ranches and see if they had suffered any setbacks related to the storm. Chris, for his part, would pass through those areas known to be prone to flash flooding. He wanted to look for damage to the roads, and search for any drowned livestock that some of the more hotheaded local ranchers might be quick to claim were stolen. JD would stay in town and keep an eye on things there.
"Hey there." Vin’s voice, soft and a little raspy, intruded on his thoughts.
Ezra smiled, opened his eyes, and turned his head to greet his lover. "Hello, Cheri. Sleep well?"
Vin’s lips quirked in his usual half smile, one arm pulling Ezra even closer. "Ya really need ta ask?" He tilted his head to kiss Ezra lightly on the lips. ""You sleep well?"
Ezra smiled warmly, green eyes bright. "Very, mon coeur."
Vin nodded, clearly pleased with his answer. "Then what are you doing awake at this hour?"
"You did say you wanted an early start today." Ezra answered, expression completely innocent.
"Uh-hunh." Vin raised both eyebrows. "Don’t seem to remember that makin’ much difference whenever Chris said he wanted ta start early."
Ezra chuckled quietly, one hand caressing Vin’s chest, more because he simply loved being able to do so than from any desire to ignite passion. "Yes, well, he does not offer the same inducement that you do."
"Inducement, eh? That what yer calling it now." Vin laughed, and hugged Ezra to him. Ezra returned the hug, enjoying the sound of Vin’s laughter, and his warm, hard body against his own.
The tracker pulled away and scowled at him, laughing blue eyes belying his fierce expression. "He better not try ta induce you inta anything the way I do. Or anyone else for that matter. Ya hear me?"
Years of practice, and an innate attention to detail, made it easy for Ezra to discern the nuances in Vin’s voice. Beneath the good humor, and mock seriousness, he could make out the faint tones of jealousy and concern. He raised a hand to caress Vin’s cheek, green eyes meeting blue directly. He wanted his lover to have no doubts.
"I hear you." Ezra responded, his voice soft but sincere. "No one but you, Cheri. Never anyone but you." I really cannot fathom how he could ever think anyone else could compare to him. He is a rare treasure the likes of which I have never before encountered.
Vin nodded, satisfied with Ezra’s answer. He glanced toward the window. The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon, faint rays of light adding a rosy hue to the sky. Vin sighed regretfully. "S’pose we ought ta get out o’ bed."
Ezra kissed the hollow of Vin’s throat. He would like to disagree, but knew that really wasn’t an option. "Mrs. Welles will probably be rising shortly, if she hasn’t already done so."
"Yeah." Vin agreed with a soft sigh. "Nettie ain’t one ta waste the day."
Ezra figured the old woman probably rose every day at the crack of dawn whether she needed to or not. It was a concept he simply couldn’t comprehend. In his opinion the whole sunrise thing was overrated. He much preferred watching it set. Ah well, variety is the spice of life. Or so I’ve been told.
Vin slid out of bed, and offered his hand to Ezra. It was a courtesy gesture, both men knowing he didn’t need help getting to his feet. The gambler smiled, and took the proffered hand, graciously allowing his lover to pull him easily to a standing position. Vin pulled him in close for another hug, holding him close for a moment before reluctantly stepping away.
Ezra moved to get dressed while Vin did the same. The gambler gave his closet thoughtful consideration before selecting the day’s apparel. Instead of his usual finery, he opted for a simple, but well made homespun white shirt, no vest, black pants and a plain brown jacket. While he really had no intention of actually assisting with repairs to Nettie’s roof, it probably wouldn’t hurt to dress in an outfit that he didn’t object to being damaged.
The others might believe him to be an overdressed popinjay with little or no sense when it came to dressing in a sensible fashion but that was not, nor had it ever been the case. He’d run too many cons, and been forced to blend in on too many occasions not to realize that a wardrobe for all situations was a necessity. His mother had drummed into him that appearances were everything. And while he was smart enough to realize her advice was not completely accurate, he also knew she wasn’t entirely wrong.
Ezra regarded his reflection in the mirror for a moment. Clothes may not make the man, but they certainly create a man for other people to see. Dress like a gentlemen and people assume you are one. Dress like a saddle tramp and they never think you might be anything else.
Ezra was so used to wearing the love knot pendant Vin made for him, he failed to notice that the open collar of his shirt left it visible. His usual ruffled shirt, vest and jacket had always obscured it from view. He only checked to be certain it was still secure.
It was sufficiently early that neither man worried about being seen as they headed downstairs together. It was unlikely that the saloon would have any customers. And if anyone were to ask, Vin could easily say that he’d gone up to wake Ezra, justifying his presence easily. Most of the town probably knew that they were supposed to be leaving early to help Nettie with repairs. The gambler silently laid odds on, if anyone did ask, how many would fail to notice that Vin’s supposed entrance into his abode was not greeted with the usual warning shot.
Vin taped him lightly on the arm as they left the saloon. "How’s the shoulder?"
Ezra rotated the joint in question, taking care to keep the motion smooth and to hide the twinge it responded with. His shoulder was healing nicely. In a few days even the faint twinge he’d felt would no longer be there. "It’s fine."
Sharp eyes studied him, demanding honesty. "You need that sling Nate keeps saying you should be wearing?"
Ezra rolled his eyes. Nathan is always insisting on restraints of one kind or another. Being able to use both hands with equal dexterity does not mean I appreciate having use of one restricted. I detest confinement. Besides, the sling is hardly required now.
"That is not necessary." He grinned, dimples and gold tooth both putting in an appearance. "Besides, it will be you who will be undertaking strenuous physical labor. I will merely be passing the time with Miss Casey. Use of my shoulder is not required in helping the young woman to expand her base of knowledge."
Vin smiled back at him. He cocked his head to one side. Ezra knew he was studying the partially healed scalp wound that he’d sustained the same time he’d been stabbed. Nathan had removed the stitches yesterday. The bruising had faded, leaving the faint pink scar readily visible. Ezra wasn’t worried about it. He knew the scar would fade in time, just like all the others his body sported in various places.
"I’m fine, Cheri." Ezra spoke softly. "Honestly."
Vin huffed, and waved a hand in a meaningless gesture. "I know. I know. It’s just—"
Ezra cocked one eyebrow, his expression enough to stop Vin. "I’m not made out of glass, Mr. Tanner." His voice dipped to a husky whisper, and he tilted his head just enough so that he could cast a flirtatious look from under his lashes. "Or did last night fail to convince you of that? Perhaps a repeat performance is in order. Hmmm?"
Vin swallowed hard, pupils dilating in response to Ezra’s voice and suggestion, just as the gambler knew they would. The tracker took a deep, shuddering breath. "Yeah…yeah. Okay."
"Okay what?"
"Yer not made of glass. And a repeat performance might jus’ be in order." Vin grinned wickedly. "Wouldn’t want forget just how solid…hard…ya are."
Ezra laughed out loud. He raised two fingers to the brim of his hat in his trademark salute. "Shall we see about breaking our fast then? Some fortification for the day is probably in order." He let his eyes roam over his lover’s lean form before he winked lasciviously at Vin. "And most definitely for this evening."
The blush that warmed Vin’s cheeks made Ezra smile wider. It was one of those delightful paradoxes that made up the man. He could engage in some of the most incredible, mind-blowing sex Ezra had ever had the good fortune to experience, and yet still blushed at the mere suggestion of it.
They strolled in a leisurely fashion toward the restaurant. Ezra never really cared for breakfast. It wasn’t a meal he was usually awake to indulge in. Generally speaking, he didn’t have much appetite early in the morning. Nor did he like the heavy, fatty foods that were the predominant fare. For most of his life, Ezra was what some called a dainty eater. He usually didn’t eat much at one sitting, and he hated the bloated, over-full feeling that came with a large, heavy meal.
The gambler considered lunch the most important meal of the day and it was then that he consumed the most. When he did eat breakfast it was usually little more than coffee, and toast or a few strips of bacon. Lately though, when in town and awake for breakfast, he hoped for a large piece of Mrs. Anders’ cornbread. He liked nothing better for breakfast than hot cornbread drizzled with honey. Ezra had complimented Mrs. Anders on the quality of the culinary delicacy she was able to create. He was most gratified that she seemed inclined to regularly serve it.
He and Vin made their way past the closed and shuttered doors of town. At this early hour only the restaurant was open for business. Both men unconsciously noted that the town appeared to be in order, nothing out of place or amiss.
Vin opened the door. He waved a hand in a polite, elegant gesture that would not have been out of place in the antebellum South Ezra knew in his childhood, inviting the gambler to enter before him. The tracker grinned. Ezra smiled and bowed slightly, playing along.
"Why thank you, Mr. Tanner."
"My pleasure, Mr. Standish."
A quick glance around the room revealed Nettie had indeed risen with the sun. She appeared to be comfortably ensconced at the same table the seven usually claimed for their own. Ezra led the way over to her.
Because he loved to tease the old woman, Ezra removed his hat and bowed to her in an exaggerated courtesy. "May we join you, Madam?"
Nettie rolled her eyes at his manner, but Ezra could easily make out the humor in her cornflower blue eyes. She gruffly pointed toward a chair with her fork. "Sit down, Fancy Man." Her eyes shifted to Vin, warming in obvious welcome. "You too, boy."
They took their usual seats, waiting for the waitress, Emily Kazinski, to come take their order. The young woman and her family were recent immigrants to Four Corners. Mrs. Anders had hired her a few months ago, and had not yet had reason to regret it.
"What can I get for you gentlemen today?" Emily asked, her voice softly accented by a touch of the old country she inherited from her parents.
"Coffee, if you would be so kind, Miss Kazinski. And a piece of Mrs. Anders’ cornbread, assuming of course that gastronomic delight is available this fine morning."
Emily smiled at him. "For you Mr. Standish, I’m sure Mrs. Anders has some cornbread on hand. She mentioned making some special because she thought you might be in this morning."
Ezra flushed slightly, embarrassed that someone might have gone done something nice just for him. He wasn’t used to it. "Please relay my deepest feelings of gratitude."
Emily tipped her head in acknowledgement. "And you, Mr. Tanner, what will you be having for breakfast today?"
"Fried taters, bacon, fried eggs, and some o’ that bread Mrs. Anders had on hand yesterday iffen she still has some. Oh, and a cup o’ black coffee."
"Might as well bring a pot." Nettie raised her own cup indicating she’d like another as well.
Emily nodded. She didn’t need to write either order down. It was not as they had asked for anything complicated or terribly difficult. But Ezra had noted that the girl had a very good memory, and no matter how busy the restaurant was she seldom made a mistake even without a notepad.
"I’ll be back with your coffee in a moment." She left, heading back to the kitchen.
"If I may be so bold, Mrs. Wells, where is Miss Casey this morning?" Ezra cocked his head to one side. "I would have expected her to join you."
Nettie sighed, and sat back in her chair, sipping the remainder of her coffee. "She’s fussing with her hair and her clothes. Will likely be awhile for she gets it all to suit her."
The old woman shook her head. "Been awhile since I felt the need ta try and impress a man, but she seems hell bent on making sure JD notices her." Nettie’s lips pursed, annoyance marking her countenance. "Not like he hasn’t already seen her before. Just plain foolishness."
Ezra smiled slightly, tipping his head slightly to hide it. Casey must at times find the age gulf between herself and her guardian a trial at times. And Mr. Dunne will have his work cut out for him with Nettie Welles as his in-law. He knew the fiery old woman was not nearly as put out as she would have them believe, but he wondered if his young comrade would be equally adept at reading her. Probably not. Will make for some interesting times between them, I’m sure.
Nettie’s sharp eyes studied him. At first, he thought she was silently reprimanding him for his earlier smile. It wouldn’t be the first time he made the mistake of forgetting to suppress that subtle display of humor, or had not managed to successfully hide it completely. But her gaze narrowed in speculation, and then shifted toward Vin. Her expression seemed to harden.
Ezra felt a frisson of unease. He was missing something, of that he was certain, but he didn’t know what. He glanced toward his lover seeking reassurance, and answers. Vin met Nettie’s look, raising his chin in a gesture that was almost defiant, his sky blue eyes unflinchingly meeting hers. That did nothing to ease Ezra’s worry.
He rapidly reviewed everything that had happened since they’d entered seeking anything he might have done wrong. He was mystified as to what he might have done to upset the old woman, and cause what seemed to be some sort of rift between her and Vin. Ah hell. This is why I avoid getting up early. Things going wrong after noon do not seem quite so insurmountable. The day is already half over and I will have the opportunity to start anew that much sooner.
Nettie’s gaze shifted back toward him, her expression mild. "Mighty nice pendant yer wearing, Fancy Man. Looks like a love knot if I’m not mistaken."
Ezra’s hand rose immediately to the hollow of his throat. He cursed mentally with a vehemence he’d never use aloud when his fingers felt the beloved symbol of Vin’s affection. He carefully kept his face neutral, green eyes shuttered giving away nothing.
"It is an exquisite piece." Ezra tipped his head as though he were simply acknowledging her earlier compliment. "And yes, it is a love knot." He’d already come to the conclusion that lying was not an option in this case.
Nettie smirked slightly. Ezra got the distinct impression his answer had somehow caused him to raise a notch or two in her estimation, although he wasn’t sure why. The situation reminded him of playing a high stakes poker game. He had already placed his bet; the next ante would be hers.
Nettie’s attention returned to Vin. "Looks like you figured out how to make a nice one." Her voice held a note of pride. "Always figured you were a quick study. Well done."
Ezra took a slow breath completely caught off guard by that statement but managing not to show it. Nettie knew about Vin’s efforts to construct my love knot? He chose to ignore that fact for the moment, focusing on her voice and mannerisms. What was more important was did she know Vin was making it for him. And even more imperative, will she find Vin’s choice of me as the recipient of his token to be unacceptable?
Ezra’s eyes narrowed. Out of habit he flexed his right arm, feeling the derringer rig, checking his weapons to be certain he was prepared for whatever came. It is one thing if she voices disparaging opinions of me. It will be quite another matter entirely if she belittles Vin. If that cantankerous old crone says one thing to hurt him, I’ll will make damn sure she regrets it. Ezra mentally slapped himself for thinking that. A true gentleman would never have even considered violence against a woman.
The proper, gentlemanly course of action would be to bow out, to do whatever was required to not create an irreparable rift between Vin and Nettie. Ezra knew how important Nettie was to Vin. And how important Vin was to her. She showed far more concern for him than Ezra’s own mother had ever deigned to show for him. It wouldn’t be right for that relationship to be damaged because of him.
Ezra opened his mouth to speak, but closed it with a snap when Emily appeared carrying a pot of coffee, and two cups. It would have been impossible for the girl to miss the almost palpable tension that now engulfed their table. To her credit she merely filled their cups, ignoring the strained silence. Ezra wondered if she were astute enough on her own to realize that tension involving any of the seven peacekeepers of this town was to be avoided at all cost, or if Mrs. Anders had filled her in.
"Your orders will be up shortly." Emily softly offered before quickly disappearing once more into the kitchen.
Nettie cradled her cup of coffee. She cocked her head to one side, studying Ezra. "Yer not the man I expected him ta take be sparking on."
And just how did she know he was interested in a man? For that matter, when did she know, and why was she not bothered by him being attracted to a member of the same gender? Is there someone else she’d rather he were involved with? Someone she would, no doubt, approve of more so than myself.
Ezra’s jaw tightened imperceptibly. He tried to rein in his runaway thoughts. They were not helping him deal with the situation. He felt Vin’s hand on his thigh, but ignored it for the moment, choosing to keep his focus on Nettie.
"And whom, pray tell, were you expecting?" Ezra could hear his tone taking a measured and precise cadence, subtly revealing his emotional upheaval, but it was too late to fix it.
"Don’t get yer dander up, Fancy Man." Nettie shrugged casually. "Meant no insult ta you." Ezra got the uncomfortable feeling her sharp eyes were seeing more than he meant for her to; more than even he knew he was giving away.
"All the boy told me was he had someone he wanted to make a gift for." She smirked, eyes flicking to Vin for a moment before commenting in a clearly fond tone, "Boy can’t lie ta save his life. So even though he didn’t tell me who, he did have ta tell me it was a man when I called him on it."
"She was okay with it, Ez." Vin offered quietly. "Weren’t offended or upset about two men being together that way." The tracker’s hand tightened once on Ezra’s thigh, offering a physical reassurance to vocal. Green eyes turned to meet blue.
Vin sighed. His expression and tone both became apologetic. "I wanted to give ya somethin’ special. Somethin’ that would be right ta give to a man. But…See the thing is…I wasn’t makin’ much headway on my own. Know I shoulda jus’ come to you…but, I thought if I worded it the right way, I could ask Nettie. Didn’t think I’d have ta tell her who." Vin bit is lip nervously. "But you know I ain’t good with…subterfuge."
The tracker had stumbled over the last word, but Ezra still felt a faint flush of pride in hearing his lover correctly utilize vocabulary he’d learned from him. Ezra’s hand moved to wrap around the one Vin had placed on his thigh earlier. He wove their fingers together, squeezing Vin’s hand once. He wasn’t angry, not really. More like he’d been caught off guard, a condition that he generally reacted badly to, his unease often being misread as hostility or umbrage.
"But you did not tell her it was me?" Ezra asked softly seeking clarification.
"No." Vin’s answer was firm, blue eyes unwavering. "Wouldn’t have been right. We agreed to do stuff like that together. Just told her that I’d have ta ask him first ‘fore I told her any more. Never really got a chance ta talk to you…what with everythin’ else that went on in town the last few days. Meant to, but it sort o’ slipped my mind."
Ezra nodded his understanding. He didn’t doubt Vin’s honesty. The Texan truly was a lousy liar. And in some ways, Ezra mentally lumped Nettie in with Chris. She was a natural choice for his lover to speak to when seeking advice and guidance; someone the tracker trusted implicitly. So Ezra really wasn’t upset that Vin had revealed, at least in part, their secret. He was more concerned with Nettie’s reaction to finding out he was the man Vin had constructed the love knot for.
After their rocky start, he had made a lot of headway in the past year toward creating an amiable relationship with the homesteader. There was a lot of good-natured verbal sparring between them, but little real hostility anymore. Her recent request of his services to teach Casey a reflection of the fact they were on good terms. But the question remains; Does she think me a suitable companion for Vin?
Ezra’s gaze shifted back to Nettie. The gambler wanted no misunderstanding; this was too important. Ezra steeled himself to ask the question he didn’t really want the answer to, but needed just the same. Best to be sure that I heard what Vin said correctly. Which is as good a place to start as any, I suppose. Courage, Ezra.
"Vin said you had no objection to his being involved with a hypothetical male lover." He raised an eyebrow in askance. "Is this true?"
She cocked her head to one side, eyes studying them both. The old woman squared her shoulders, and finally fixing an intent look on Ezra. "Like I told Vin…I found out long ‘fore either o’ you were outta short pants that love comes in a lot different forms. More important that you find someone who can stand with you, shoulder to shoulder, when everything is going from sugar ta shit, than finding someone the rest o’ the world thinks is who yer supposed to be with."
She gave an unladylike snort, and waved one hand in a dismissive motion. "Like the rest o’ the world has any business telling a body who he or she ought ta have soft feelings for. People love who they love. Never seemed ta matter a hill a beans whether they were supposed to feel that way or not."
She rolled her eyes, and huffed out an exasperated sigh. "Ain’t nothing wrong with it if the person ya love jus’ happens to be the same sex you are. Too much hardship in this world all ready to turn down a good thing when ya see it. Ya get a gift that precious from the Almighty," she pointed one finger emphatically at both of them, "and believe me, boys, that is just what love is…then you’d be fools not to take it."
She smirked, eyes twinkling. "And ‘fore you ask, Ezra Standish…it don’t bother me knowing it’s you that Vin’s with."
Ezra frowned, uncertain. "But you have already stated that I was not who you expected."
Nettie shrugged one shoulder, settling further into her chair. "I been wrong before, and ‘spect I will be again." She shook her head. "Don’t matter a tinker’s damn what I think. What matters is you are his choice. And from the look o’ things, he’s yours."
"Most definitely."
"Well there ya go." Nettie stated as though Ezra had just proved her point, which he realized his unqualified statement probably had.
Uncharacteristically hesitant, Ezra asked, "You are not…disappointed…by his choice?"
"No. I am not disappointed." Nettie smiled softly. "Surprised maybe, but definitely not disappointed." For a moment, Ezra fancied he could read a certain genuine fondness for him in her eyes.
She pointed a finger at both of them again. "Mind you…I expect you to be good to one another. Treat each other with love, respect, dignity, and honesty." She shook her finger as she said each word, adding emphasis. "I’ll tan yer hides if I find you doing otherwise."
There was no mistaking that she meant her words for both of them, something Ezra found surprising. I would have expected her to admonish me to take care in how I treat Vin, but for her to admonish Vin…well, that I certainly did not anticipate. It would appear that Nettie has more in common with Buck than I realized. Neither was at all shocked by a romantic relationship between two men, or painted either of us as a villain with regard to treatment of the other. Amazing to think two people I would have otherwise thought of as having nothing in common should respond in such a similar fashion.
"In the end," Nettie sighed softly, "all that really matters is that you’re happy, and aren’t hurting each other or anyone else."
Ezra was struck by how similar her statement was to the sentiment JD had voiced yesterday morning. Perhaps he will do better with her as an in-law than I thought. Hah. He may well fare better than I in that area. Good lord. Somehow she is not quite what I pictured when I imagined a mother-in-law. But then, Vin isn’t want I pictured as my life mate either…and I’ve no regrets with how that has turned out. No, definitely no regrets.
"Anyone else know the two o’ you are…," Nettie paused for a moment as though seeking the right word. She grinned, suddenly looking years younger. "Guess for all intents and purposes the two o’ you are married."
Ezra gave her a startled glance. He was surprised by her characterization and how it uncannily mirrored his own thoughts a moment ago when he’d mentally dubbed her his mother-in-law. She may well be right in using ‘married’ to portray us. Perhaps without all the traditional ceremony and trappings, but committed to one another nonetheless. We have even exchanged tokens…albeit they were not rings, but still symbolic just the same. Married is a most apt interpretation of our relationship.
Ezra smiled, and glanced toward Vin. His lover wore a grin to match Nettie’s, unmistakably delighted with her description. Seeing his lover’s expression, Ezra felt his spirits lift. It was heartening to see such an unaffected response that plainly indicated Vin felt the same way he did.
"Chris, Buck, Nathan, and JD know." Vin answered the question Nettie had begun to ask, but hadn’t really finished. "And you. Makes five people who know."
She pursed her lips in thought. "You told me that you weren’t telling people unless they asked…So, I’m guessing they put the pieces together, and asked ya then?"
"Yes, ma’am."
Her eyes narrowed. "They give you any grief?" Ezra got the impression she would be willing to confront even the formidable Larabee on their behalf. That was not something he’d ever expected. The moment felt almost surreal. He was having trouble shifting mental gears. Focus Ezra. You have spent years being able to adapt to virtually anything instantaneously. This is no different.
"Nothing we can’t handle, Miz Nettie." Vin stated, calmly handling the question that so befuddled Ezra.
Nettie snorted. "That ain’t the same as a no, boy."
Vin shrugged one shoulder, but didn’t back down. "No, it ain’t."
She frowned. "You want me to straighten out whichever one’s being stupid?"
"No. No, Mrs. Welles that will not be necessary." Ezra was quick to field that question. He knew her offer was sincere, and while he found heartwarming, even gratifying, the gambler really didn’t even want to contemplate how letting Nettie act on their behalf might affect things. I’m sure it would prove to be an enlightening experience, but it simply wouldn’t do to allow her to ‘straighten’ out any of our comrades. We asked all of them to keep our confidence, it would not be proper to allow anyone outside our troupe to interfere. Rather like what I’ve always heard about family. Squabbles are supposed to stay within the group, and should be handled internally whenever possible.
"While we do appreciate your offer," Ezra dipped his head in a genteel bow, "as Mr. Tanner indicated, it is nothing we cannot handle."
Nettie studied him for a moment, eyes searching his, before she nodded slowly. "If that’s how you want it. But, you let me know if anything changes. You ain’t alone. You need help all you gotta do is ask. Ya hear me?"
"We hear ya, Ma’am."
Vin squeezed Ezra’s hand once, signaling to the gambler it was better not to argue the point further and just accept the situation. Ezra squeezed back, letting Vin know he understood. He hadn’t survived this long by not knowing how to pick his battles. And he was smart enough to realize Nettie made a better ally than enemy. Lord, but I think she’d take on the Devil himself if she thought it were necessary.
Nettie smiled warmly. "Good. That’s settled then." She relaxed, settling once more comfortably back into her chair.
Ezra took a deep breath, and let it out slowly, regaining control of his wayward emotions, relieved that this hurdle seemed to have been cleared. He sincerely hoped the rest of the day went smoothly. He wasn’t certain of his ability to withstand such a turbulent emotional tornado more than once a day. He was pleased to note his hand was steady when he reached for the cup of coffee Emily had placed in front of him.
"You might want ta take more care, Ezra." Nettie raised a hand to tap her chest in roughly the same spot where Ezra’s love knot lay on his. "Wearing that pendant where other people can see it is likely ta raise an eyebrow or too. Might get people asking questions that you don’t wanna answer."
"Ordinarily, good lady, it is hidden from view." Ezra smiled wryly, realizing that had he taken the same care this morning that he did most days, the previous five minutes were never have occurred. "But given the task we are to undertake today, I considered it prudent to forgo my usual attire."
Nettie quirked an eyebrow at him. "Thought all yer were gonna do was teach Casey. Can’t see how that would get yer fancy duds dirty."
Ezra shrugged one shoulder. "It pays to be prepared for any eventuality."
Nettie chuckled. "That it does."
Emily reappeared with their breakfast orders. Ezra could tell by the set of her shoulders the young woman had braced herself to deal without an escalation of the tension she’d noticed earlier. When she relaxed minutely, he knew she had correctly read the situation finding that whatever was wrong earlier had apparently been settled. Good girl. She deftly placed their plates on the table, and checked the level of coffee in the pot before slipping away again.
Nettie watched with a motherly satisfaction as Vin started eating. She shook her head at the small meal Ezra had ordered. "Don’t see how you expect ta do much only eating that little bit." Nettie gave him a firm look. "That ain’t enough ta keep a bird going."
Ezra sighed silently as he carefully drizzled honey over his cornbread. While he was relieved to have the topic of conversation shift, Ezra wasn’t sure this was the direction he wanted it to go in. Wonderful. Yet another to critic my dietary habits. I can’t remember anyone ever noticing before…now suddenly it seems everyone monitors my intake. Buck, Chris, Nathan…Vin is by far the most vigilant, if not the most vocal. Funny, but I don’t really mind when he does it. From others it feels intrusive, judgmental, but from Vin, well, I know he is just concerned, that he cares.
"It is all I require." Ezra kept his voice, and expression, serene.
"Nonsense." Nettie frowned. "Breakfast is the most important meal o’ the day. Only way to get the day started right is with a good meal."
"Yes, well, my day usually begins a bit later than most." He pointed out with a smile. "I find a large meal at this time of day to be more than my appetite can withstand."
Her eyes narrowed studying him in a frank appraisal. "That mean you eat a good lunch then?"
"Usually."
"All right then." She nodded firmly. "I’ll make sure there is some good fixings ready for you boys when it’s lunch time."
Ezra was about to tell her that it wasn’t necessary, but Vin kicked him lightly under the table. He sighed, resigned to losing this battle as well. "That would be most generous of you. Thank you."
Nettie smirked, obviously pleased that the matter had been settled to her satisfaction. "While we wait on the others ta show up…Why don’t you fill me in what’s been going on in town the past few days? Understand there was a bit of a dust up in the saloon."
The gambler knew Vin usually made a point of stopping to check on the old homesteader, and keep her abreast of what went on in town. He also knew that Vin hadn’t been out to her ranch in the past few days. Ezra waved one hand in a graceful motion, inviting Vin to proceed, not wanting to intrude on what was something of a personal ritual between them.
Vin finished nibbling on the piece of bacon he’d been eating when Nettie made her request. "Well, ma’am that little scuffle started with…"
Ezra smiled, and settled into to just enjoy listening to the sound of his lover’s voice. It was one of his secret pleasures, and he fully intended to enjoy it.
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