Beauty And The Beast (Love Everlasting) Read online

  “You can stay right where you are.”

  Izzy shook her head now. “We can’t. Once the debt is paid, I’ll need to find a job. Pa won’t be ready to support us for a while.”

  Griffin pulled the horses to a stop in front of the store. “You can work for me. You can stay above the store. Then in the spring, you can go back to your old farm.”

  Tears rushed into Izzy’s eyes. Griffin had been so kind earlier, and now, the beast was once again showing himself.

  “Oh, you are so... so… beastly!” She shouted and jumped down from the wagon without his help. She stomped up the steps and into the store. She slammed the door closed behind.

  9

  What is wrong with me, Lord? Griffin sat on the wagon, wanting to jump down and follow Izzy into the store. Why do I act the way I do? It was strange to be thinking of God again, but there was a sense of peace in it as well.

  Griffin noticed several men staring at him and shaking their heads. They must have seen Izzy jump off the wagon and rush away. They’re probably deciding if they should come and kill the beast and save the beauty. I don’t blame them. I believe she was actually crying. What type of man makes a woman cry?

  Griffin slapped the horses and headed around the building to unharness them. The entire time he kept running the recent scenario over and over in his mind.

  Why had he acted like he did? What had come over him? It only made sense, what Izzy said about them leaving before winter. And the debt! Who cared about the debt? What made him press her to stay here? This was no place for a lovely girl like Izzy.

  Griffin picked up a brush and began to swish it over the horses’ backs. Suddenly, he stopped and stood still, as realization swept over him.

  The reason I don’t want to let Izzy go now is because I don’t want to let her go at all. I love her.

  Griffin threw down the brush, slapped the horses out of the way, stomped over to the trough and dunked his head into the freezing water. He kept his head under the water as long as he could stand it.

  Punishment for my crazy thoughts. Izzy is a beautiful woman. I have no right to even think about her in such a fashion. One need only look at my face to see that I’m a beast, and I acted like one.

  It only took a small prayer for Griffin to know he must allow Izzy and her father to leave soon.

  His shoulders sagged, but he was determined to do the right thing. Izzy should not be anywhere near him any longer.

  ~

  Izzy sat on the edge of the small trundle bed, which she slept in each night. She angrily brushed tears off her cheeks.

  That man is a… monster. She grit her teeth, wanting to yell, but after several minutes she calmed down.

  What did she really expect from the man? Just because he was building a lovely cabin in the woods didn’t change who he was. He was a beast. Not because of the scars on his face, but because of his boorish behavior.

  She wondered if he’d ever been in polite society? Living in a place like Dobytown, how could he be expected to understand how to treat people with kindness?

  Izzy got up, moved across to her water jug and cooled her face.

  No point in crying. It won’t change his mind. I’ll have to make the best of things until the spring. By then she will have worked off her father’s debt, and they would be free to go.

  Time to re-open the shop, she decided. She checked on her Pa once more and skipped down the steps. She was rather amazed at how quickly her disappointment with not being allowed to return home soon had disappeared.

  Izzy opened the shop door with a smile.

  ~

  Griffin was determined to tell Izzy she and her father could return to their farm, but he wanted it to be just the right time. It wouldn’t hurt to wait one more week. Perhaps, she would accompany him to the cabin once more.

  He shook his head at his own thoughts. She would probably never speak to him again, after the way he treated her.

  Griffin stepped into the store. His head shot up at the sound of Izzy’s gentle voice. She was singing.

  At the swish of the closing door, Izzy’s eyes turned toward him. He was surprised to see a small smile waver across her lips.

  ~

  The week had passed. Griffin knew he couldn’t hold off any longer. It was the day to tell her she and her father could return to their farm.

  His soul ached. He would not expect her to return to Dobytown. The next day or so would be the last days he would see her.

  He entered the upstairs room. Izzy was staring out a small window. Her father was standing beside a small table. He wasn’t completely recovered, but Griffin was sure the man could travel.

  Griffin cleared his throat.

  Izzy turned.

  “I don’t mean to disturb you.”

  “It’s your room. You have every right to step in whenever you want.” Frederick’s voice dripped with sarcasm.

  Izzy frowned at him. “Pa,” she scolded. “Can we do something for you?” She looked up at Griffin.

  “No, I think you have done enough.”

  Izzy’s eyes registered shock. “What?”

  “I mean, well, what I’m trying to say is, I think you and your father should go now. You were right about the snow coming. There’s no time to lose. There aren’t any stagecoaches coming through anytime soon so I’ve decided to give you one of my wagons.”

  Izzy stared at him.

  “And the debt?” Her Pa’s words broke the silence.

  “Consider it paid. Izzy has done more than I expected.”

  “Even for the rose brooch?”

  A growl escaped his lips. “Even the rose brooch.”

  Izzy rushed forward. “No, the brooch was worth more. I will return in the spring. I’ll finish working it off.” She tried to grasp Griffin’s arm, but he pulled away.

  Her father stepped in front of her. “Izzy, stop talking crazy. He said it’s all paid. We can go home.” The man actually took a few small leaps. “Isn’t that great?”

  Izzy nodded then looked over her father’s shoulder. Griffin gave a sigh, turned and left the room.

  10

  The next morning Izzy approached Griffin. “I wish you’d take me to your cabin once more before I leave.”

  A look of surprise crossed his face. “I figured you’d be packed up and on the road this morning.”

  She shook her head. “Tomorrow is soon enough. I brought an old sketchbook with me from the farm, and I want to make a picture of the view from the front porch of the cabin. It’s something I don’t want to ever forget.”

  And I don’t ever want to forget you. Griffin’s mind screamed. “We can go now; the store can open a few hours late today.”

  Izzy’s smile lit the whole room. “I’ll just run upstairs to get my coat and tell Pa.” She skipped lightly away.

  Since Izzy had been here, Griffin had taken more interest in the cabin than usual. He’d spent much more time planning things, using the ideas she had given him. Now, knowing she was leaving and never coming back, the idea of even going to the cabin again made his heart ache.

  Silly of me to feel like this. It’s not like Izzy was ever going to live in the cabin. Not with me. But it was wonderful to dream.

  Izzy returned quickly and followed Griffin out to the wagon. She stood to the side while he harnessed the horses. When he looked up, she was chewing her bottom lip.

  “Anything wrong? Changed your mind?”

  “Not at all. I was just thinking about the farm. We lost our last crop, and Pa has no money. I’m not sure what he thinks we will do once we get there.”

  “Maybe he plans to sell it.”

  “No fool would buy it in the winter. We can probably survive with the canned goods I left behind, if no one’s moved in while we were gone, but there’s no money to plant the fields and try for a crop.”

  Griffin turned with a scowl and offered to lift her onto the seat. She allowed him to grasp her waist and lift her up.

  Once they were both
settled on the wagon and heading out of town, Griffin spoke. “I could loan you some money.”

  Izzy gasped. “No, never. We have already caused you enough problems. I’m sure I haven’t worked off that brooch yet.”

  “Blast that brooch,” Griffin spat. “I wish I’d never gotten it. Well, at least, I wish I’d never forced you to work to pay it off.”

  Izzy’s head dropped slightly. “Don’t you like me?”

  “Like you? Like you!” Griffin almost shouted. “What does that have to do with anything? It wasn’t right to make you work off your father’s debt.”

  “But it had to be paid.”

  Griffin ran a hand through his shaggy hair in frustration. “I could have survived. But to answer your question: Yes, I like you. And because I like you, I should have treated you better. Never made you work.”

  A trill of laughter came from her throat. “You didn’t make me work. I’ve enjoyed every minute.”

  Griffin gave her a sidelong glance. He could see the sincerity in her eyes.

  “I never liked living on the farm. I always wished to live in a town, but Pa usually chose to leave me behind. This last gold mining scheme of his was the longest he ever left me. Gave me plenty of time to think about what I wanted, and I know I don’t want to live on the farm.”

  “Then why are you going back?” Griffin grasped the reins tighter. He could feel his anger growing. Izzy deserved someone better than her father.

  “That’s part of what I’m worried about. I already know I’m not going to stay on the farm for long. Once Pa gets settled and gets a new crop in, I’ll move to town. It’s small but growing.”

  They were both silent the rest of the ride. When Griffin pulled the horses to a stop in front of the cabin, Izzy thanked him.

  “I’ll just sit on the porch and draw, if you don’t mind?”

  Griffin grunted and led the horses around the building. Then he took a walk along the river’s edge to stretch his legs. The air was very crisp. A reminder that it could begin to snow soon.

  I should have insisted they leave today, Lord. But I was selfish. I wanted just one more day with her. He lifted his eyes. Lord, help to ease this terrible pain in my heart. I know I can never have a woman like Izzy as my own. I know I’m too beastly for her to look at, but help me not to feel the pain.

  Just then a sound caught his attention.

  Griffin looked up and noticed a man dismounting from a horse, just steps away from Izzy. Without thinking, he began to run toward the porch.

  ~

  Izzy was enjoying herself. The sketch was going well. The scene was so beautiful; she couldn’t help but feel inspired.

  When Griffin strolled into her view, she sat mesmerized. Some people called him a beast because of the scars on his face. In a way, looking at him, he did seem a bit like a wild animal roaming the river’s edge. But he was no beast.

  Lord, Griffin is more of an injured animal. That’s why he strikes out in anger. I can tell from his other side profile, he was a very handsome man. I’m sure whatever happened to cause that scarring has scarred his soul as well.

  From the corner of her eye, Izzy noticed some movement. She turned and watched as a stranger on horseback rode toward her.

  When the man’s horse was only steps away, he halted the horse and began to dismount. Izzy stood up.

  “Can I help you?” she asked.

  “I’m just passing by, but I never pass by a lovely woman without stopping to pay my regards.” The man glanced over her shoulder at the empty cabin. “You all alone?”

  Izzy did not like the way the man’s eyes seemed to roam all over her body. She held her sketchpad up in front of her chest.

  “I’m not alone.” Her voice didn’t sound convincing.

  The man moved around the horse, and he took a step closer to Izzy. “Hmm, looks like an empty cabin. I think you are telling a fib. I think you are alone.” He moved closer. “It’s dangerous for a woman to be out here all alone.”

  The man reached out and grabbed her arm. Izzy tried to get loose. She pulled back from him, but he only laughed.

  “Yes, you are pretty. I just want to get a little kiss.” He pulled her close to his body.

  Izzy could smell liquor on his breath. She tilted her head away and struggled to get free from his grip. Suddenly, she heard what sounded like a grizzly bear’s growl. She turned in time to see the anger in Griffin’s eyes.

  “Let go of her.” Griffin warned as he grabbed the man’s hand and twisted it so he released his grip. But Griffin did not release the man’s hand. He continued to squeeze it in his bear like grip.

  The man yelped in pain then began to beg for Griffin to release him.

  “Stop, Griffin!” Izzy screamed, and Griffin’s eyes focused on her. “Let him go.”

  “He had no right to touch you.” Griffin released the man’s hand. The man sunk to the ground whimpering.

  Griffin moved closer to Izzy. “Are you hurt?” His eyes were gentle, and he took her hand and slightly turned her arm. He could see the man’s fingerprints already turning to bruises.

  Griffin let go of her and stomped towards the man. Izzy yelled, “No, Griffin. I’m fine. Leave him alone.”

  The man stared at them as he held his arm. “Get away from me, you… you… wild animal! You’re a beast! I’ll find the sheriff and hunt you down.” He stood and moved carefully to his horse and clumsily mounted, holding his arm.

  Griffin growled and lunged at him. “You better head away from town. If I ever see you again, there might not be anyone to stop me from teaching you a lesson.” He stepped up to the side of the horse and slapped the horse’s hindquarters. The horse jumped and began to canter away, the man fighting to grasp the saddle horn.

  Griffin turned back to Izzy. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes.” She answered, but suddenly tears began to flow down her cheeks.

  Griffin rushed over and pulled her into his arms and allowed her to press her face onto his chest. She cried for several minutes.

  When the tears slowed, she pulled back.

  “What a ninny I am. I have no idea why I’m crying.”

  Griffin grunted. “It’s a normal reaction. Most women would have fainted. You held your ground against that… that… beast.”

  Izzy nodded.

  Griffin pulled her beside him on the porch. “And he called me a beast. I may look like one, but at least in this case, I wasn’t the one acting like a beast.”

  Izzy tilted her head and looked into his soft eyes. “I don’t think you look like a beast.”

  Griffin pulled back a bit in surprise. “What? Have you noticed my face?” He turned the scarred side toward her.

  Izzy reached out and gently touched the rough skin. “I see a scar. That doesn’t make you a beast. How did you get it, Griffin?”

  Griffin swallowed. Her soft touch had warmed his heart. He told her the story of finding the woman he loved with another man. How he had attacked the man and how the man had protected himself.

  “And then she told me I was a beast and a selfish, spoiled child. She assured me I would never find love again until I realized those things about myself.” His eyes sought her face, hoping to find understanding, but expecting to see a cold, accusing stare. Instead, he found tears once more on her cheeks.

  “I’m sorry you’ve been hurt so much.” Izzy leaned over and pressed her soft lips to his scarred face. “But, you aren’t a beast. Sometimes you just act a bit ferocious.” She pulled back, smiling.

  A grumbling laugh spilled from Griffin. “That’s an understatement. I’ve been full of anger, self-pity and self-loathing. I’ve behaved like a beast. I’ve never allowed people in town to get close. I’ve kept everyone away by playing the part of the beast.”

  “I think it’s time for a change.” Izzy’s voice was gentle. “Time to show them all the gentleman in you.”

  “Hmm, I’m not sure if I can remember how to be a gentleman. If only you were staying longer, you coul
d teach me.”

  “I know nothing of society ways.”

  “Perhaps not, but you know about things like kindness and gentleness. Both things I have forgotten. Anyone can dress the part and bow and be polite, but it’s the inner qualities of goodness that make a true gentleman. I promise to work on it though.”

  “I know you can do it.” Izzy placed the sketchbook in his hands. “I was making this picture to take with me, but I want you to have it.”

  Griffin opened the pad and grew still.

  “Do you like it?”

  Griffin nodded and then wiped his own eye as a lone tear slid down his cheek.

  Not only had she drawn the lovely river scene, but she had added a sketch of him beside the river. Not as a beast, but as a handsome, rugged man with a scar on his cheek.

  “That is what I see when I look at you, Griffin. Not a beast.”

  He bent his head and mumbled, “Better get you back to town. You have to finish packing.”

  11

  Early the next morning, before anyone in town was even awake, Griffin watched as Izzy and her father drove out of town. He stood for a long time replaying their final conversation over and over in his mind.

  “Griffin, I’ll send money as soon as I get a job to pay for the horse and wagon.”

  Griffin shook his head. “This whole thing has been ridiculous. I should never have made you come here to work. At least allow me the dignity of making it up to you by giving you the horse and wagon.”

  Izzy lowered her eyes and nodded. “I’ve learned so much working here. Now I’ll be prepared to get a job back home.” She’d allowed her eyes to scan to the small street of Dobytown then said, “This place was starting to feel like home.”

  Now, as she and her Pa disappeared, all Griffin could do was berate himself for not asking her to stay. Griffin kicked at a stone on the ground and turned with an angry growl.

  Who am I kidding? This town is no place for her, no matter how much she liked it, and the further away from me she is, the better it will be for her. I can’t seem to control the beast inside.

  He looked up at the sky and frowned. In the distance, the sky had changed. He knew too well what that meant. Snow. It would begin to snow within the week. Hopefully, Izzy would be back to their farm by then.