Chapter Twenty-Two
Things were a little tense in the ranch house over the course of the following week. Steve tried to talk to Runa in the evenings, but at first she ignored him or said nothing, directing all her conversation at Bucky. Bucky was annoyed at being stuck in between the two, but he figured someone had to play peacemaker, and no one else was going to step up to do it. He spent more time during the course of that week trying to talk Steve up to Runa than he had ever spent trying to charm anyone in his entire life. By Saturday evening, thanks to both his efforts and efforts and those made by Steve, things were close to how they had been before the previous Sunday’s disastrous night. They weren’t quite how it had been, but close.
Bucky would take close over most of the alternatives.
At least Steve and Runa were sharing a room still, Bucky thought grimly on Sunday morning as Runa came out in her best dress, calling someone to get the basket for their picnic dinner and load it onto the buckboard. Bucky watched as she went to greet both Salt and Pepper, offering each horse a half a green apple and an affectionate stroke of their velvety noses and pats on their arching necks. She had been nervous around the animals at first, but after spending enough time with Allegro, she was more used to horses now.
In fact, the little buckskin colt was standing at the fence of the paddock he was in with his dam, and was whickering at Runa impatiently. She laughed and went over to the colt, stroking him affectionately through the fence and offering him a small apple as well.
“She is going to spoil that colt.” Bucky warned Steve, though he was smiling a bit.
“Falsworth says he follows her like a puppy as soon as she steps into the stable or paddock.” Steve confessed to Bucky, smiling as well as he looked over at the woman and horse. “She needed a horse anyway, though it will be a few years before we can saddle train him.”
“You should have just gotten her a dog. Or a cat.”
“Probably, but they’re both happy this way.”
“Can’t argue with that.” Bucky agreed as Steve went to Runa’s side. Bucky watched as Runa’s smile faded when she looked at Steve, and instead of taking the arm he offered, she walked back to the buckboard slightly ahead of him. Bucky had a feeling that she would have tried climbing into the buckboard by herself, had Steve not lengthened his strides to reach the buckboard before her and then all but forced her to accept his help.
Bucky couldn’t see the look on her face, but he was betting she was somewhere between amused and annoyed.
Bucky shook his head as he mounted his horse. He hoped that Steve did plenty of talking during the drive to town, as he seemed so adamant that those conversations were crucial to his relationship with Runa.
~*~
Steve kept up a pleasant conversation that was hard for Runa to ignore as they drove to church. It was increasingly difficult for her to remain upset with him; he was trying so hard to get back in her good graces that it was almost comical.
He even held her hand through most of the service, a gesture that made her smile slightly the entire time. She was certain everyone would see, talk about how improper it was afterwards. A notion that made her stomach tighten into knots when Reverend Fury did not step down from his pulpit as the service ended.
“Before we go off to enjoy our dinners, I would like to remind everyone of the fourth of July celebrations the town will be having this upcoming Friday.” He stated, and Runa relaxed a bit, her smile widening at the thought of upcoming festivities. “There will be several activities, including music, and dancing after supper. I believe some of the ladies will be holding a sale of baked goods this year to raise funds for our new church building.”
There were a few murmurs of approval, and Runa wondered who was organizing the sale, if they would need more help or not. She decided that she would ask Laura; she was better connected to the community than Runa and might know. Runa wanted to help with the sale, wanted to give back to the community a bit after how good everyone had been to welcome her with open arms like they had. And, well, even after all the canning, she had more fruit than she knew what to do with, especially now that the apples were coming into season. It would be an easy thing to make a few pies for sale.
Runa turned to ask Steve if he minded if she helped with the bake sale, but that was when he released her hand and stood, moving off to speak to some of the other ranchers as they all stood to leave the church, just as he always did. She clenched her jaw and glared at his back before closing her eyes and taking a breath, before she opened her eyes once again and stood, going to go get the old worn quilts they were using as picnic blankets from the buckboard as was becoming routine on Sundays.
“Missus Rogers, do you need any help with that?” She heard a quiet voice ask as she gathered blankets from the buckboard. She half turned, startled, and smiled when she saw the man standing there behind her, solidly built with curly brown hair that was beginning to show a bit of frosted gray.
“I’m sorry, I don’t…” She trailed off, not certain how to continue. She saw the understanding in his eyes, and he smiled kindly.
“I’m Bruce Banner, the town doctor. I don’t blame you for not knowing me, the day we were introduced I think you had half the town introducing themselves to you.”
She smiled at that. “I did. It was a little overwhelming, and I’m afraid I barely remember anyone’s name.”
“Understandable. Do you need help?”
She bit her lower lip. “Bucky usually helps by getting the basket for me.” She scanned the crowd as best she could, but since she was only chest high to most people, it was nearly impossible to see much.
“I think I saw him off talking to Mister Rogers. Here, I’ll get the basket for you.” He moved to get the heavy bushel basket from the wagon.
“Doctor Banner, I prepared plenty of food for everyone at Bluestone today, and there’s usually a bit left over on Sundays,” She fibbed, “Would you care to join us for dinner today?”
He smiled sheepishly at her. “To be perfectly honest, Missus Rogers, I was hoping you’d offer. I’ve heard good things about your cooking. I get most of my meals from the restaurant Jasper Sitwell runs, but he’s closed on Sundays, so I have to fend for myself.”
“Then you are joining us for dinner, and I won’t take ‘no’ for an answer.” Runa told him firmly, carrying the blankets off to what had become Bluestone Ranch’s usual spot on the church yard. Once the blankets were spread out and everything removed from the basket, Runa had a pleasant time chatting with Bruce, who shared a few amusing anecdotes with her, mostly from his time in Medical school.
“… Once we had gotten the horse into his office, we then decked out the stall in the stable with all the furniture from the office.” Bruce was explaining a prank he and a few other first year students had pulled on a particularly vexing professor. “I’m honestly amazed we never got found out. None of us ever confessed to the crime, but he tried pinning it on us anyway.”
Runa laughed. “Ohhh! I wish I could have seen the look on his face when he entered his office in the morning and found it decked out like a stable!”
“So do I.” Bruce confessed, looking up as Steve approached. He frowned slightly at the blonde cowboy. “Mister Rogers.”
“Doctor Banner.” Steve smiled at Bruce as he took his seat beside Runa. “Thank you for keeping my wife company. I knew she was in good hands when I saw you join her.”
Bruce looked like he wanted to say something, but instead he just forced a smile. “She is delightful company. She also invited me to join you for dinner today.”
“It’s good to have you join us.” Steve said honestly. “You can give us the latest news from town while we eat. Mostly I’ve been talking to other ranchers, there are some problems with the local herds.” Steve said rather apologetically. “Not all of them, but enough to cause worry.”
“What’s the matter?” Bruce asked with a frown.
“Mostly tainted water sources, we think, though the Fords have lost a few head.” Steve shook his head. “Our cattle mostly drink from the river, but we’ve still got to be careful.”
“I can understand how this would be worrisome. Are you sending someone out to check the water sources?”
“We did, but the new plan is to check them again.” Steve said as the rest of the Bluestone cowboys joined them, eagerly sitting down and passing out plates. “Doc is joining us today.” Steve told them, and there were hearty welcomes sent Bruce’s way. As the food was passed around there were mostly quiet murmurs of thanks, or ‘here you go’ and the like. They were silent for the usual mealtime prayer, before everyone began eating.
As soon as Bruce tasted the first corn fritter, he understood the silence was appreciative, not oppressive. Runa was looking at everyone nervously, and he smiled. “Jasper Sitwell should hire you to cook at his restaurant.” He told her, earning a smile and a faint blush.
“I got the recipe from Laura Barton and thought to try it out for today. I’m glad it meets with approval.”
“Missus Rogers, I think anything that came out of your kitchen would meet with approval.” Dum Dum said solemnly.
“These are mighty fine, but I think this is one area where Ma Wilson has her beat.” Sam protested. “No one makes corn fritters like my Ma.”
“Or my Nana’s apple pie.” Pinky added, not to be outdone.
“Nah, no one can hold a candle to the apple pie Steve’s Ma made.” Bucky shook his head. “Though they might come close.” He looked to Runa, “That’s what you should make him on the fourth instead of a cake. Apple pie. It’s his favorite.”
“Bucky.” Steve warned, his neck and ears flushing red from embarrassment.
“What?” Bucky asked Steve with a smirk that said he knew exactly what he was doing.
“What do you mean?” Runa asked, ignoring Steve and looking to Bucky.
“His birthday is on the fourth. I usually ask Laura to make a pie for him, but this year since you’re here I thought-”
“-So, Doc.” Steve interrupted in the most obvious of ways, “We were planning on picnicking on the fourth during the celebrations. Would you like to join us?”
Bruce’s lips twitched in a smile. “I would be pleased and honored.”
Runa raised a brow at Steve, unaware that they were picnicking on the fourth. He flushed scarlet. “I suppose I should have asked you first.”
“Probably, but I’m already cooking for twelve. What’s one more?” Runa asked, earning a bit of a smile from Steve. Bucky noticed the interplay, and was glad they were repairing the rift Steve’s stupidity had created between them, even as he felt an uneasy churning in his gut at the smile they then shared between them.
The rest of dinner passed in easy conversation, everyone willing to let Steve believe they had dropped the subject of his birthday entirely, though it did have Runa racking her brain as to what she could make for him. Wives were supposed to make gifts for their husbands after all. Only, she and Steve didn’t have the sort of relationship that most husbands and wives did. She was also still rather displeased with him, but that shouldn’t get in the way of her giving him a birthday gift, should it? Birthdays only came once a year, after all, just like Christmas.
She was still mulling that thought over while packing up after dinner when Laura approached. Runa smiled to see her new friend, Nathaniel in her arms.
“I can’t stop for more than a minute, but I’ve just been asked to help out with providing things for the baked goods sale on the fourth.” Laura explained. “I volunteered you as well.”
Runa laughed. “I was going to ask who I would need to talk to about offering to help. I thought you would know.”
“Well, Pepper Potts is organizing the entire thing. She’s asked if we can supply at least half a dozen items each.”
“I’ll Have to ask Steve if it’s all right by him, but I think it should be fine. I’ll need to go into town to get supplies for the baking though.” Runa frowned.
“Come over on Tuesday. We can go into town together and get a bit of sewing done. We still need to get you those pants made.” Laura pointed out. Runa grinned.
“All right. I’ll come over Tuesday morning at about eight, if that’s all right.”
“That’s fine. Make sure to bring your wagon, since we’ll be going to town. Clint and Cooper will help sort things into the correct wagons when we get back to my place, and I’m sure you’ll have plenty of help unloading when you get home.”
“It will be about time for a supply run for the ranch,” Runa said hesitantly, “I really should-”
“-Go back into town another day for the supplies.” Steve interrupted, having overheard a bit as he came to collect the basket of dishes from Runa. “I’m guessing you two are planning a visit and a trip to town?”
“If it’s all right with you.” Laura smiled. “We want her to help provide the baked goods for the sale on the fourth. She said she’d need to go to town to get supplies for the baking, and I will as well. We also thought we’d have a good visit on Tuesday.”
Runa looked up at Steve hopefully, and he couldn’t help but smile. She hadn’t asked for much for herself since her arrival, and this was such an easy thing to agree to. “I see no problems with any of that.” He assured them. “I’ll make sure Falsworth gets the team ready for you on Tuesday.”
“Falsworth?” Laura asked.
“Steve doesn’t want me hitching or unhitching the team.” Runa explained.
Laura smiled. “Clint is the same way with me. Doesn’t matter how capable I am, I’m not to hitch or unhitch the team.”
“Good to know I’m not the only one who insists on that.” Steve said as he hefted up the basket of dishes. “I’ll be back to help with the quilts.”
“Thank you.” Runa smiled up at him, before standing. She looked to Laura, “I’ll look forward to Tuesday. I’ll bring over the fabric I purchased for the pants.”
“Fabric for blouses as well.”
“And fabric for blouses.” Runa agreed with a smile, thinking of some of her leftover calico for a moment before her mind drifted back to pondering what she could make Steve for his birthday in the few days she had before the fourth, or if she should make him anything at all.