Beauty And The Beast (Love Everlasting) Page 2

  Griffin could tell she had noticed him, but then she lifted a hand to her mouth and gasped; a reaction he was used to. But could she see my scar from there?

  Griffin began to move across the street, his eyes never leaving hers. He saw her take a small step backward, and he almost stopped, but her lovely features pulled him forward. This was not the woman he expected, but he wanted to get closer to her. Find out who she was and what she was doing in Dobytown.

  As he neared the wood walkway where she stood, her eyes suddenly filled with shock; again, nothing new. This was the typical reaction when people saw his scarred face. But, as if in slow motion, she took another step back. Her foot slipped over the edge of the walkway, her arms began to twist about and she started to fall.

  Without thinking, Griffin growled and thrust himself the final steps, catching her in his arms an inch from the ground.

  Her eyes, the color of rich cocoa, fluttered open and stared into his, then settled on his scar. Her hand slowly reached up and touched the mutilated skin, sorrow in her eyes.

  Griffin shook his head, slightly knocking her hand away, and stood. He righted her so she was standing on her own feet; however, he continued to steady her with his hands on the sides of her arms.

  Griffin could feel warmth in his hands where he touched her.

  “Thank you for catching me. I’m not sure why I was so foolish.” The girl’s voice was gentle and sweet.

  Griffin didn’t say a word. He could hardly fathom a woman as lovely as this speaking to him. It had been years since anyone had spoken to him in such a soft, kind voice. There was no quiver of disgust or fear.

  Griffin cleared his throat. “May I ask what you’re doing in Dobytown? Doesn’t seem the kind of place for a woman like you.”

  A flicker of amusement crossed her face. “A woman like me? I’m nobody special. My name is Izzy…”

  Before she could finish, a deep, dark moan echoed from Griffin’s throat.

  “No, you can’t be!” His shoulders slumped.

  5

  Izzy cocked her head and stared at the man. She couldn’t understand his strange reaction or words. Why couldn’t she be Izzy?

  “I’m sorry, but I am Izzy. Do you know where someone named Griffin can be found? He wrote and told me to come.”

  The man’s mouth moved, but no words came out. Finally, he asked, “You’re Frederick’s wife?”

  Izzy’s head shot up, and she quickly covered her mouth with her hand, but the giggle still emerged. “I’m not his wife; I’m his daughter.”

  Now a deep growl came from the man.

  “Are you Griffin?”

  The man nodded his head. His shaggy hair tussled to-and-fro.

  “I’m so thankful for your letter and the ticket you sent for the stagecoach. Is my Pa still ill? Will you take me to him?”

  “I can take you to him, but…”

  She looked straight into his eyes. “You can tell me. I’m not a weak flower. Is he dead?”

  The bearlike man shook his head. “No, but he’s not very well. The doctor isn’t sure he’ll make it.”

  A small tear formed in one of her eyes.

  “Please take me to him. I’m used to caring for him. I’ll know what to do.”

  Griffin nodded, bent over and picked up her suitcase.

  “Follow me; he’s next door to the general store.”

  ~

  Griffin was amazed how Frederick responded to seeing his daughter. His dull eyes lit, and he pushed up into a sitting position. Unfortunately, the movement caused a coughing fit.

  Izzy rushed to her father’s side and pressed him back onto a pillow.

  “Izzy, is it really you? I’m so glad you’ve come. But this is no town for you,” he gasped through coughs.

  “Shh, try to relax.” She turned and searched the barren room. When she spied a cloth hanging on a peg, she rushed over and grabbed it. She turned to Griffin.

  “Can you get me a bucket of cold water? He has a temperature. I want to cool him off.” Her eyes scanned the room and she tsked in disgust. “Where is the doctor? What kind of place is this?”

  Griffin moved toward the door. “I have a bucket at the store. I’ll bring some cool well water. This is actually a building I used to use for storage. I allow the doctor to see patients here. He’s probably out of town. A few families live several miles out. I believe the doctor mentioned one of the women was due to give birth.”

  Izzy felt her cheeks turn pink from embarrassment. Birth was a private matter where she was raised. “Then, I’ll take over here for him. Is there a cot I could use? I can set it up next to my Pa. I believe, once I get him cooled down, his temperature will break, and he will be fine.”

  Griffin frowned and looked at the older man. “Hmm, I’ll get you what you want.”

  When Griffin turned to leave, Izzy scooted near the door and blocked his way.

  “Excuse me, Mr.…?”

  “Just Griffin.”

  “Griffin. I haven’t even asked how you discovered my Pa and why you sent me the letter and ticket. From everything I knew, my Pa was trying to mine in Colorado. How do you even know him?”

  Griffin noticed a streak of sunlight streaming through the window and how it fell across Izzy’s hair. It made her mahogany strands glitter as if they were coated in gold dust.

  “I, uhm, well. Your father had…” Griffin couldn’t bring himself to tell her about her father’s thefts.

  Suddenly, a weak voice interrupted them.

  “I robbed his store.”

  Izzy gaped at her father then turned back to Griffin, questions in her eyes. “Is it true?”

  Griffin’s head lowered. “Yes. It was a cold night, and he was tired, hungry and, as you can see, pretty sick.”

  “What did he take?” She stood with arm crossed.

  “Just some food. He dirtied up a blanket and broke a door lock, too.”

  Izzy moved over and lifted her father’s hand. “Oh, how could you?”

  The old man seemed to shrink again. “I’m sorry, Izzy. I was trying so hard to get home. I didn’t find any gold, my mule died and I was plain out starving. Griffin’s going to let me work off my debt as soon as I’m better.”

  Izzy shook her head. “You are too sick to even think about that.”

  “But, Izzy. You don’t understand. I promised.”

  Izzy turned angry eyes toward Griffin, full of disbelief. “You can’t really expect a sick man like this to work for you?”

  Griffin was stunned by her tone.

  “Are you some kind of monster?” She flung at him.

  Griffin’s heart pounded in anger. He’d wondered how long it would take for her to finally acknowledge what she really thought of him. As everyone else, she too only saw the Beast.

  Griffin growled out a reply. “Do you expect me to allow anyone to break into my store and steal from me? Do you know how many miners I see come through this town daily? They all think they are going to strike it rich; and then when they don’t, they come looking for handouts.”

  “Well, you can see my Pa is too sick to work off his debt. What do you want us to do?” Izzy’s voice rose.

  Griffin’s hand pounded down on a box that was set by the door. “You can work it off.”

  Izzy’s eyes grew large. “Me?”

  “Yes, you. There is the broken lock, the food, the blanket, the ticket to bring you here, and now you and your father are going to need food and a place to stay. Who do you think should pay for all that?”

  Frederick pushed himself up weakly. “No, Griffin. Please. Wait until I’m better. I’ll work for you.”

  “No. Pa. I’ll do it. Please don’t be upset. I don’t mind.” Izzy’s lower lip trembled.

  “But, Izzy, there’s more. I also stole a brooch. It was a lovely gold rose; I knew you would like it. But, now I’ve lost it.”

  Izzy groaned.

  Griffin felt anger burning in his eyes. “The rose brooch? That was the most expensive one
in the box.” His shout was so loud, Izzy lifted her hand as if to ward off the sound.

  Griffin noted the look of fear in her eyes and felt his anger cool into embarrassment.

  He turned and stomped to the door. “The rooms above my store will work better for you both. I’ll gather my things and move into the storage room. We can move your father there. It will be more convenient.”

  Izzy understood what he meant. More convenient for her to care for her Pa in the same place she would be working to pay off her Pa’s debt.

  Griffin slammed the door as he left.

  ~

  “Izzy, help me up right now. If we go fast, we can get out of town before he knows it.” Frederick pleaded, trying to swing his legs over the side of the table.

  Izzy’s nursing instinct took over. “Don’t be foolish. You’re too sick to go anywhere. Besides, you owe a debt, and it has to be paid.”

  “I can’t have you working for that monster.”

  Izzy laughed. “He’s no monster.”

  “No monster? Why, Izzy, did you see his face?” Her Pa asked.

  “’Course I did. So he must have gotten hurt, but a scar doesn’t make him a monster. I have to admit, his behavior a few minutes ago was rather beastly, but I think he didn’t mean everything he said. He was hurt when I called him a monster.”

  Frederick lay back with a long moan.

  “For a moment, when he first agreed to send for you, I thought he was an angel of mercy, but I can see now he isn’t. Oh, Izzy, you always see the good in everyone.”

  Izzy smiled. “Isn’t that what God would want me to do?”

  Frederick relaxed with a deep sigh. “I’m glad you’re here, Izzy girl. I’m sorry for all the trouble.”

  She came over and smoothed his hair back and kissed his forehead. “Don’t worry, Pa, I’ll take care of everything.”

  “Even the beast?”

  “Yes, Pa. Even the beast.”

  6

  Izzy moved down the stairs and stepped into the general store. Her mind was on her father. She’d spent the night beside his bed, trying to ease his symptoms, and he’d finally fallen into a healing sleep. Now she was ready to begin working off her father’s debt. It would take several months to do; then they could return home.

  She scanned the store curiously, but soon found herself coughing from the layers of dust. Plus the floor was covered in dirt.

  Hasn’t the beast ever cleaned in here? she thought, using the name her father had given Griffin. Of course, she would never call him that to his face because she didn’t believe it, but in her mind it did seem a funny sort of joke.

  Just then her thoughts were interrupted by a deep voice. “I didn’t expect you today.”

  Her head shot up, and she jumped slightly. When she turned around, Griffin was standing only a short step from her.

  “Goodness!” She stumbled backwards. “You frightened me.”

  She watched as Griffin’s friendly smile turned into a frown. “I don’t bite.”

  “I didn’t mean…I don’t think…” She wasn’t sure what to say, and before she could make amends, Griffin stepped away.

  “What do you want me to do?” Izzy followed him.

  Griffin stopped by the counter. Without turning back around, he answered. “I’m not sure. If it was your father, I’d have him loading wagons, but I won’t have you doing that.”

  “I can lift quite a lot of weight. I did have to work the farm while my Pa was away.”

  “Doesn’t matter. You’re a girl…a woman…I can’t have you out in the streets.” He turned slightly, glancing at her.

  “Why not?”

  “This town is full of men, miners and drunks. It’s not safe for a woman to be out walking alone.”

  Izzy began to laugh. “I’ve never heard anything so silly. I’ve lived alone for the past several years. I’ve been to town alone. If you need me to load wagons, I’m prepared to do that. ‘Course, this place could use a good cleaning.” She swung her arm around indicating the room.

  “Can you read?” Griffin felt strange asking, but not many farm girls where educated.

  “Yes, my mother taught me from the Bible. I can do sums as well.”

  Griffin lit up slightly at that. “I can load the wagons if you can work the counter.”

  “I can do that. I’d like to clean this place as well.”

  Griffin looked around. “Won’t make a bit of difference to anyone in this town, but if you want to do it…”

  Izzy smiled, noted a broom against the wall, grabbed it and started sweeping. Griffin watched in amazement as the woman sang as she swept.

  ~

  Several hours later, Griffin realized he hadn’t been back inside the store to check on Izzy. He wiped his hands on his leather apron and made his way down the wooden walkway, but before he entered the store, he peeked in the window.

  Izzy was standing at the counter, a pile of dried goods in front of her. From what he could see, she wasn’t very happy. Her hands were on her hips, and she was wagging her head back and forth.

  Griffin stomped into the store, his eyes flashing. “What’s going on?” his voice thundered. The man Izzy had been speaking to cowered back.

  “There’s nothing wrong. I was just explaining to Mr. Jackson, we no longer accept liquor on trade.”

  Griffin was about to laugh, but noted the sincerity of her voice and her determined look. He didn’t often trade for alcohol, but from time to time…

  “This is my store. If I want to accept a bottle of moonshine as trade, I will!” The sound of his voice was harsh.

  Izzy moved out from behind the counter and started up the stairs. “I’m sorry then. I will have my father moved within the hour, and I’ll have to find some other way of paying off his debt.”

  Griffin’s hand slammed down on the counter. “Just a minute. You’re not the boss here; I am.”

  “You were concerned about me loading wagons, but that didn’t bother me at all. I’m much more upset about working in a place that buys, sells or barters liquor.”

  Griffin stared at her.

  “No. I’m sorry, but I can’t stay if that’s your policy.”

  Izzy took another step.

  “Just, stop!” Griffin growled. “Okay, Jackson, you heard the lady; no more liquor trades.”

  The man’s eyes darkened with anger. “You gonna let a piece of fluff tell you what to do?”

  Griffin stomped forward, his eyes flashing. The man stepped back with one hand up in the air. “Okay, okay. I get it. I’ll pay for my supplies. No need to get all heated up.”

  Griffin looked at Izzy. She nodded. “I want to check on my Pa. Can you finish the transaction with Mr. Jackson?” She hurried up the stairs.

  Griffin’s head swung back to Jackson. He wondered what to do now; the man had always paid in liquor.

  Jackson reached into his jacket and pulled out a small bag of gold dust and told Griffin to measure out what was needed.

  Griffin was stunned. He always assumed Jackson was a hard-on-his-luck miner.

  “Guess you had me fooled all this time, Jackson.” He grabbed the small bag and headed over to weigh out the dust.

  ~

  The next few days Griffin found himself pleasantly surprised. Izzy had transformed the store with her broom, mop and dusting rag into a clean, organized establishment. She had even persuaded him to add a small stove, to keep it warm inside the building, on the grounds that it tended to make customers shop longer.

  The store was also taking in more gold dust because Izzy insisted on ending the trade business with most customers.

  “You’ve been trading with these men for items not worth as much. They all act as if they haven’t any money, but when pushed, you see most of them have their bags of gold.”

  Griffin was impressed with her abilities; and with the extra time he now had, he too was able to get more things done.

  It had been his goal to add another transport wagon to his business,
and now he’d be able to do it. However, he wasn’t ready to just walk away from the store and turn it over to Izzy. There were things the girl wanted to change which he didn’t feel were needed or necessary. Several times they argued over them.

  “You won’t be here forever,” he reminded her, “And when you’re gone I don’t want to have to wonder where everything is.” Griffin yelled one day while stomping through the store after Izzy asked to be able to rearrange several of the shelves.

  She stood, with hands on hips, glaring at him. Her eyes searched his face. He could see she wanted him to soften, give in, but her beauty only reminded him of another woman.

  “You won’t have to wonder because everything will be in the place it belongs. I’m surprised you can find anything the way it is now. This store is a pure mess.” Her eyes filled with tears, and she stumbled away from him, leaving Griffin feeling more and more like a monster.

  He wanted to give in to her desires, but a part of him was unable to bend. No woman was ever going to have a say in his life again. He’d been hurt enough.

  The following weeks, however, Griffin noted more and more changes in the store. Izzy had given up asking his opinion; she just made small changes as she went along. Although he would give her a dark scowl when he noticed a new change, he didn’t argue about it. He was more than surprised to find that everything she changed ended up being better.

  ~

  Each day Izzy became more and more interested in the store and re-organizing it to run smoother. Since her father spent most of the day sleeping, she had plenty of time to work around the store. She enjoyed meeting the customers, even the rough miners, but she liked taking care of the shop best.

  Of course, there were many days she found herself glaring at Griffin’s back as he retreated to the barn after barking orders telling her to leave things alone.

  She couldn’t understand why he was so against change. She could see the benefit to each of her suggestions, but Griffin wasn’t open to hearing her opinion. Finally, after their third face off, she decided to start making small changes without asking his permission.