Beauty And The Beast (Love Everlasting) Read online

  The next few days, she trembled whenever he stepped into the store and swung his eyes around noting the changes, but finally she realized he didn’t plan to do anything about it except give her a beastly glare.

  She found herself covering her mouth to keep from giggling when he tried to appear angry and somewhat ferocious.

  As the days drifted by, they began to work more as a team. No longer at odds, Izzy looked forward to Griffin dropping in the store each afternoon. They would discuss what things needed to be ordered and pack boxes of supplies together.

  She made sure to have a plate of cookies and a cup of hot coffee waiting for him, which she prepared upstairs in his kitchen.

  The way to soothe the beast is through his stomach.

  ~

  When Griffin finally realized the changes Izzy was making in the shop were good, he stopped arguing and started to behave in a kinder manner toward her.

  He especially liked to drop into the store in the late afternoon, when most of the customers were gone, because Izzy kept a plate of cookies and a hot pot of coffee ready for him.

  They would discuss things about the store, but often they ended up talking about themselves as well. She told him all about her childhood, her hopes and dreams, and he told her small parts of his life. He wasn’t ready to trust her yet, but their conversations were enjoyable.

  To his surprise and delight, Izzy had also taken on the task of cooking. She suggested she do it after he had prepared a meal of bacon and beans for her, which were, in her opinion, inedible.

  She was an exceptional cook.

  From what he could tell, Izzy seemed happy, even if she were here only to care for her father and pay off his debt. She spoke often about what she would do back home when her Pa was better. Griffin didn’t like to hear about that. He liked having her here.

  It’s only for a few months, Griffin reminded himself. I mustn’t get used to having her here. Still, he couldn’t seem to keep his heart from leaping each time he stepped into the store.

  I’ve got to stop thinking like a young man who has the right to be interested in a lovely young woman. I’ve been alone too long, but I have to remember that no one could possibly care for me as I am, with this scar. I’ll always be just a monster.

  7

  Several weeks had passed. Izzy glanced out the front window. She could see Griffin lifting a large barrel onto a wagon. His muscles bulged under his shirt. Her eyes moved to the sky. The clouds had begun to move in yesterday, and by the looks of them, it would begin to snow soon.

  I hoped to be home before it snowed, Lord. What will we do if a blizzard hits? Pa is almost better but still not able to travel the distance to the farm in the snow.

  She bit her bottom lip. It was only the beginning of September, but storms had been known to roll in that early in the season.

  A part of Izzy wished she didn’t have to leave Dobytown and the store. She enjoyed the work and she liked the people in town she’d gotten to know so far. It was more interesting than life on their small, unfruitful farm had ever been. But, there was still the concern about the farm.

  “Izzy?” She turned at the weak voice. Her father was standing on the stairs.

  “Pa, what are you doing up? You’re going to get sick again.” She rushed across the room and began to move up the stairs.

  He held a hand up. “No need to make a fuss. I’m just fine. Wanted to move around.” His eyes scanned the store. “Nice place, lots of goods. I didn’t get a good look that night I come stumbling in…” His voice dropped when he noted the grim line of her lips.

  “Pa, I always thought you were an honest man. Did not finding any gold really change you so much? I can’t believe you stooped to stealing.”

  “Now, don’t be mad at me. I was tired and hungry. I wasn’t myself.”

  “Oh, Pa” her voice was sad. “I can understand you stealing the food, but how could you have taken that rose brooch? If it weren’t for that, we could leave today. I’ve worked off the supplies you stole and the cost of the stagecoach, but that brooch will take some time.”

  Her father waved for her to come closer, his voice was a whisper. “I’ve been thinking on that. Izzy, we can’t stay any longer. If a blizzard starts, we won’t be able to get back to the farm for months.”

  “I know, Pa, but what can I do about it?” She shrugged her shoulders.

  “If that man wasn’t such a beast, he’d just call us even.” He stomped his foot.

  Izzy put a hand on his. “Now, Pa, no use in getting yourself upset. We’ll just pray the snow holds off another month.”

  The old man shook his head back and forth. “You know we can’t hope for that. It might not snow in September, but it’s sure to in October.”

  Izzy could see her father starting to shake with exhaustion.

  “Time to go back to bed. I’ll talk to Griffin and see if he’ll let us go home before it begins to snow. I can always come back in the spring and finish working off the debt.”

  Her father turned shakily, climbed up the stairs and willingly slipped into the bed. Izzy sat beside him. It didn’t take long for him to begin snoring.

  Izzy closed the door and returned to the shop. Luckily there hadn’t been any customers while she sat beside her father. But three customers entered the store as she stepped behind the counter.

  As they shopped, the front door opened again. Griffin entered the store. Izzy nodded at him. He walked through the shop and disappeared into the back room.

  “The beast looks a bit tame these days,” one of the men standing by the stove joked. The other nodded. “If I had a beauty like that around,” he pointed at Izzy, “I’d be tame, too.” They both slapped one another on the back as they laughed.

  Izzy blushed at their words, but it bothered her when they called Griffin ‘the beast.’ Of course, Griffin did nothing to convince them otherwise. He was always gruff with the customers.

  ~

  Griffin stood in the back storage room, hands clenched. He could hear the men laughing and the word ‘beast’ floating through the room. His anger burned hot. He wanted to rush out and smash his fist into their smug faces, but that wouldn’t change things. He’d created this image, along with his scarred face. When he came to town, he wanted nothing to do with people. He didn’t want friends or pity. He had convinced everyone in town he was a surly, unfriendly man.

  But he didn’t want Izzy to see him that way. From behind the curtain which divided the shop from the storage room, he watched her reaction to the men’s words. He could see the pink flush on her face. He took a deep breath.

  She’s so beautiful. If only I wasn’t so hideous. I’d love to court her. If we were back home, I’d rent a carriage and take her for a ride through the park. She would be the most sought-after woman of the season.

  Griffin shook the thought away. There was no chance of that ever happening. The most he could hope for was that somehow, after the time she spent working off her father’s debt, she would decide to stay and continue working for him. Perhaps they could be friends. He would be content.

  When the men left, Griffin stomped from the back. Izzy’s head shot up, her eyes full of questions. She wondered if he’d overheard the men’s comments.

  “Starting to get cold out there. One of the old timers told me it’s going to be an early winter.”

  “Do you think so?” she asked. Griffin noted the concern in her eyes.

  “Never can tell. Uhm, I was wondering if I could show you something, tomorrow?”

  She cocked her head. “Something?”

  “I guess I mean, some place. There’s a special place I go…to get away…I thought you might like to see…” The words stumbled from his lips. Izzy’s eyes lit up slightly.

  “I’d like that. But what about the store? I’d hate for you to lose any money.”

  “Thought we’d close down for a few hours. If we put a sign on the door, customers will know to come back. I doubt we’ll lose much. Since your Pa is
better, do you think you can be away for an hour or two?”

  “Yes, of course.” She looked pleased.

  “Shall we say noon?” Griffin asked, staring into her lovely eyes.

  “Yes, I can pack a picnic lunch. Will there be any place we can eat?”

  “I can eat your food anywhere. You’re a wonderful cook.”

  Griffin was pleased to see the pink hue on her cheeks. Just then a customer opened the door. A cold breeze rushed through the room. It reminded Griffin that Izzy might not have proper clothes for the cold.

  “Do you have sturdy boots and a warm coat? It’s probably going to be chilly.”

  Izzy nodded. “I packed everything I owned when I got your message. I don’t own much, but I wasn’t sure how long I’d have to be here.”

  “Good, but if you need anything, you can take it from the store,” Griffin added then walked out the front door.

  ~

  Izzy stared at his retreating back and wondered why he’d offered to let her take anything she wanted from the store, especially since the reason she was here in the first place was to work off her father’s debt. She was ashamed that her father had stolen the brooch, but a part of her was glad because she’d gotten a chance to travel, work and meet Griffin.

  She walked over and looked at the winter coats then shook her head. He probably didn’t mean what he said. He was just being kind. If I keep taking things from the store, I’ll never finish working it all off.

  Izzy picked up her cleaning rag and headed to the front window. Time to clean the grime off this glass and let the sunshine in.

  Within minutes she was happily cleaning, singing and wondering about the special place where Griffin wanted to take her.

  8

  Izzy rushed up to check on her father and then scurried to the small kitchen to fix a picnic lunch. Her cheeks were flushed with excitement.

  This is silly. There is nothing to be excited about. I’m acting like a young girl, waiting for her beau. This is just a lunch between two people.

  An image of Griffin’s face came to her mind. Yes, there was the scar, but really, in her opinion, it wasn’t important. His other side profile was handsome enough. The scar gave him a rugged look.

  She shook away the thoughts and reminded herself, her only reason for being here was to pay off her father’s debt. Griffin had no other interest in her. Why should he? She was nothing but a farm girl, whereas he was a wealthy shop owner.

  Izzy found a basket to put the meal in, closed and carried it to the store. She walked across the room and peaked out the window. Griffin had pulled a wagon in front of the store and was sitting on the front seat.

  She opened the door and stepped out onto the boardwalk. Griffin jumped off the seat and came around the wagon. He held out a hand for the basket.

  Izzy placed the basket in Griffin’s hand; he set it on the floor then turned to help lift her up onto the wagon. His large, callused hands touched her gently on her waist. A sense of tingling rushed through her.

  Once she was seated, she straightened her wool skirt and clasped her hands together in her lap.

  ~

  Griffin climbed into the driver’s seat and lifted the reins. He was glad his scars were on the opposite side of his face. At least for this ride he could feel like a real man, sitting beside a beautiful woman. For one moment, he wanted to forget he was a beast.

  “Are you comfortable? Warm?”

  “Yes, I’m fine. Now, what is this special place you want to show me?”

  “Wait and see.” Griffin clicked the reins and the horses began to move.

  They traveled for about ten minutes in silence, and then Griffin began to ask Izzy some questions about her life. He was surprised how easy it was to speak with her. She was so friendly. She asked him several questions as well, but he didn’t give her many answers about his past.

  After a half hour of travel, Griffin steered the horses off the main path towards the woods. The ground was bumpy so he told Izzy to hold on.

  From the corner of his eye, he could see a look of concern on her face.

  “Don’t worry. I’m not dragging you off to my lair.”

  Izzy’s hand covered her mouth, but a giggle escaped.

  “It’s just ahead.” Griffin pointed; Izzy’s eyes followed the direction. She could see a river through the trees.

  As they neared the river, Izzy smiled. It was a lovely, slow moving river. She took a deep breath, “Oh, the river is beautiful.”

  “Yes, but what I want you to see is over there.” He indicated the opposite direction. Izzy turned her head.

  “Ohh.”

  Sitting on a small hill, facing the river, was a quaint, wooden cabin. From what she could tell, it wasn’t completed.

  “Is it your cabin?” She asked.

  “Yes. I’ve been building it for a while now. Don’t have much time to work on it, but by spring next year, I should be able to move in. I’m tired of living over the store.”

  “It’s wonderful. What a beautiful view.”

  Griffin nodded.

  “That would be something to wake up and see every morning. My Pa’s farm is in the middle of nowhere. There’s nothing lovely to see.”

  Griffin stopped the horses in front of the cabin. He jumped out, came around and lifted her off the wagon.

  “I’ll take them around to the back. There’s some hay back there. Go ahead, step in and look around.”

  ~

  Izzy stood just inside the doorway and allowed her eyes to adjust. The room was dark, except for a bit of light streaming through one small back window. Once she could see, she stepped into the room. Across from the front door was a fireplace made out of large, round stones.

  She walked across and ran her hand along the rocks. She had a small fireplace at home, but this was glorious.

  “Do you like it?” Izzy jumped at Griffin’s deep voice. She turned quickly.

  “Yes, I was admiring the fireplace. I’ve never seen one so large.”

  “It gets cold out here. I want a nice warm fire.”

  “That big of a fire would keep the whole house warm.”

  “That’s my plan. I’ll have to find lots of wood.”

  “But, I think a nice big window on the wall facing the river would be nice.” Izzy gasped at her own words. “’Course, it’s none of my business.”

  Griffin stared at the empty wall, his brows drawn together.

  “I’m sorry, Griffin. I didn’t mean any insult.”

  “No, you’re right. That’s what this cabin needs. I’ll begin work on the window as soon as I can. Now, come with me and tell me what else my cabin needs.” He reached out a hand. Their eyes met, and she shyly slipped her hand into his.

  Together they walked through the cabin, room by room. Griffin insisted she visualize the rooms with him. Where would a bed go? How big? Should there be a dresser or a chair? Izzy found herself enjoying the activity. There was little chance she would ever get to decorate a house as splendid as this cabin, ever, so a bit of imaginary play wouldn’t hurt.

  “And, what color quilts?” Griffin’s question brought her out of her reverie.

  “Color? Quilts? Oh, I don’t know.”

  Griffin stepped closer. “What would you like it to be?”

  Izzy felt his presence, so strong. “I, well, I would do pink and blue roses on the quilts. I’ve always thought that would be lovely.”

  After they had toured the cabin, they settled on the floor of the main room to enjoy their picnic, continuing to talk about decorating.

  Finally, Izzy thought that it was time to go. Izzy hated to leave, but they’d been away from her Pa long enough.

  “Best get back to check on Pa.”

  Griffin frowned. “Guess so.” He went out the front door. Izzy joined him on the porch and stood enjoying the view.

  “It’s the most beautiful place on earth. Surely, God made this one of His most special places. Do you believe in God, Griffin?”

&nb
sp; Griffin coughed. “Yes. But… but I can’t say I’ve been following His ways. I guess I’m sort of like the prodigal son.”

  Izzy placed a hand on his arm. She lifted solemn eyes. “Don’t you think it’s time to come home?”

  Griffin felt his chest squeeze, not only from her closeness, but for the first time in years, he sensed the presence of God. “Yes, I do think it’s time. I’ve got a lot of bitterness in my soul though.”

  “God can heal that, Griffin. Just ask Him.”

  Griffin nodded then stepped off the porch to get the wagon. Once again, Griffin lifted Izzy onto the wagon seat then got on. He jumped up beside her, clicked the reins and headed back to town.

  Izzy noted a dark cloud in the distance and it reminded her of the pending winter. She decided now was the time to approach Griffin about it.

  “Uhm, Griffin. I’m concerned about the weather. Winter is coming quick.”

  Griffin glanced at the sky and nodded. “Sure to be a long one.”

  “That’s just what I was thinking. And, you know, it won’t take much longer for me to work off my Pa’s debt. I’d hate to be a burden to you, after the debt’s paid off. But if we stay much longer, we are sure to get stuck here for the entire winter.”

  Griffin turned and stared at her. “What are you trying to say?” His voice took on a hard tone.

  “Just that, perhaps Pa and I should leave now. Head back to the farm. Once winter is over, I can come back and finish working off the debt.”

  “No! You aren’t leaving until that debt is paid.” Griffin’s growl was worse than ever.

  She held a hand up to her mouth covering a slight gasp.

  He leaned closer to her. “Do you hear what I’m saying? You may not leave here.”

  Izzy sat back, slightly stunned.

  “I…I don’t understand.”

  “There’s nothing to understand. You will stay here until the debt is paid.”

  “But, then we’ll be stuck here for the winter. Where are we supposed to live?”