by Danni Roan
“Glad I turned back when I did,” Jackson grumbled. “Looks like we’re campin’ here tonight. Now let’s have a look at that leg and get you patched up,” he continued, turning to stomp back through the mud.
Cameron reached out his hand to Quil and she wrapped her small one in his, a soft smile gracing her pretty face as together they turned and led their horses to the big wagon.
Chapter 16
“That’s it,” Cam grinned as he pushed the stacks of money across the table to the men who’d made the drive with him. “Each brand counted, tallied and paid for.”
His eyes sparkled as Aquila placed her hand on his shoulder. She’d barely left his side since the stampede and the way she’d cuddled up against him in the night had him willing to rush the herd to town so he could have a little time alone with her.
“Looks like a nice, successful drive,” Rafe Dixon said rocking back in his chair, “and we didn’t lose a single cow critter.”
The other men chuckled with relief as they collected their pay.
“Now, if you’ll excuse me,” Cam said standing and taking Quil’s hand, “I’ve booked a room for me and my bride and I plan on sleeping for at least two days.”
“Sleepin’ my foot,” Old Jackson grumbled, then looked surprised when everyone laughed. “Did I say that out loud?” he added, his eyes wide as he took in Quil’s bright pink cheeks.
Cam practically dragged his pretty young wife along the street toward the hotel, with its promise of a hot bath and a warm bed.
When she finally had to skip to keep up, he slowed his pace with a shy grin. “I’m afraid I’m being careless, my dear,” he said, embarrassment in his voice. “I can’t think of anything except being alone with you.”
Quil smiled, a bright, confident smile. “Why, Mr. Royal, if I didn’t know better, I’d think you actually liked me,” she teased, wrapping her arm around his waist and snuggling in close.
“You might say that,” Cam agreed. “You might even say I’m in love.”
***
“I missed you something fierce,” Sara said breathlessly as Rafe released her.
“I rather missed you, too,” he jibed.
“I can tell,” she said, her cheeks flushed.
“How did it all go?”
“It could have been a complete disaster,” Rafe admitted, “but Cameron saved the day.”
“Quil keeps going on about how daring he was,” Sara said wrinkling her nose. “She’s disgustingly happy, you know.”
Rafe chuckled, a warm, rich sound bubbling from his chest. “I’m not surprised. She was scared half to death when that old cow clipped him.”
“I suppose I should be happy my sister has found someone to love,” Sara said, a bit of jealousy and joy mixed in her heart. “I truly am happy for her,” she continued, looking up into Rafe’s beautiful brown eyes.
“It’s alright, Sara,” he whispered, placing his hands on her arms and kissing her forehead. “Our time’s coming.”
“Do you really think so?” Tears threatened, and Rafe pulled her tight.
“I truly do. Even your Ma admitted that once upon a time she and my Pa were friends.” He squeezed her tight. “We just have to hang on a little longer.”
Sara sniffed. “If you, can I can,” she said, pushing away and drying her eyes on her sleeve. “I love you so much Rafe, and sometimes it hurts because we’re apart.”
“I know, sweetheart. I love you more than anything on this green earth. Be strong a little longer.”
Sara forced a smile and straightened her shoulders. “There is one thing I don’t understand,” she said. “Why did they bring that old cow with the crooked horn back?”
Rafe laughed. “Cam said if that old bag of bones hadn’t recognized the name young Amos gave her, the whole herd would have gone into that ravine at breakneck speed.”
“Are you telling me that that surly old longhorn actually answered to Bossy Mossy?” Sara looked at him doubtfully.
“That’s what Cam says.”
Sara Adams giggled, and the sound was a salve on Rafe’s weary soul.
Epilogue
“Quil?” Cam shuffled into the office, his hands behind his back.
“Hm?” Aquila lifted her eyes from the page she’d been scribbling on with a bright smile.
“I kind of did something,” Cam offered, not looking at her.
“What do you mean, you kind of did something?” Quil asked suspiciously, putting her pencil down and looking at him fully.
From behind his back, Cameron Royal revealed a crisp newspaper, handing it to her.
“Oh, how romantic,” she giggled, “most woman get flowers you know.” She took the paper, still smiling as she glanced at the page.
Cameron watched as his beautiful wife grew very still and wondered how much trouble he was about to be in.
“It’s one of my stories.” Quil breathed, turning surprised eyes to him.
“I hope you aren’t too put out with me.” Cam squirmed, “I sent it away to a paper in Chicago and they published it. You were paid four dollars for it.”
“Paid? They paid for it?” Her voice was incredulous.
“Are you mad?”
“Mad, no.” Quil stood to her feet. “Surprised, though.”
“I wanted you to have something that was just yours,” Cameron confessed, still looking sheepish. “Like an income or hobby or something.”
He ran a hand behind his neck pushing his hair out of the way. “I’m not saying this very well.”
Aquila Royal moved close to him, laying her hand on his shoulder and considering his hazel gaze.
“I understand, Cam,” she said, “and I appreciate it.” She lifted up on her toes and kissed him softly, then leaned back with a smile. “I don’t think a whole four dollars can be called an income, though.”
“Oh, that’s the thing,” he said, laughter bubbling in his voice. “They want more. There’s a contract folded up in there if you’re interested. They’ll print your stories as a set of serials.”
Quil scrabbled for the paper, pulling it apart and scanning the documents within. “I don’t know what to say.” She looked at him again.
“Say yes, or no, or whatever you want to. This is all yours.” He grinned. “There might be one more thing as well,” he finally added.
“Cameron Royal, what aren’t you telling me?” Quil asked, narrowing her eyes in mock suspicion.
With his other hand, Cam pulled something out of his waistband. The beautifully bound book was wrapped in fine hand-tooled leather, its intricate details transforming from darker to lighter shades.
“What’s this?” Quil asked, taking the book.
“It’s all the stories you already had done. I had them printed and bound, then made the cover myself.” Cam sounded embarrassed.
“It’s beautiful.” Quil was struggling to find the words as tears came to her eyes.
“You remember way back at the start when I told you I liked to work leather?” Cam asked, pulling her close and just holding her.
“Yes.”
Cameron shrugged, “Well, I still like to.”
Aquila giggled against him, feeling safe for the first time in a long time. It was wonderful to have someone you could trust completely. Someone who cared enough to consider the little things that meant the world to you.
“I love you, Cameron Royal,” she said, tipping her head back.
Cameron leaned in and kissed her softly. Who could have known when he stepped off that train in the spring that his life would change so radically and wonderfully?
“How much do you love me?” he joked.
“Oh, loads and loads,” Quil giggled.
“Enough to give me a haircut?”
“Why Cameron Royal, would you really trust me to cut your hair?”
“Darlin’,” Cam drawled, “I trust you with my heart and that’s a lot more important than my hair.”
Holding tightly to each other, they move out of
the office and toward the kitchen, where the rest of the family was busy preparing supper.
The End
