by S. C. Wilson
“Andrew?”
“Yes. He’s my right hand. He’s in charge while I’m away.”
“Oh, Sam. Thank you. Thank you so much. You don’t know what this means to us.”
“You need anything, you just ask Andrew. Come on. They probably think we ran off together,” he said, only half joking.
Abby hugged him. “Thank you again.”
“You’re welcome. Oh and hey, if you ever get the itch to sing, I have a new place down there. It’s called The Bay Water. I’d be thrilled to have you.”
“I appreciate that, but I think my singing days are over. For now, anyway.”
They returned to find Jesse and Helga chatting up a storm. Abby was surprised. She had never seen Jesse so talkative.
The four spent the rest of the evening getting acquainted with each other. The conversation was fluid, as if they were long lost friends catching up.
Jesse could see why Abby was attracted to Sam. She wanted to dislike him. He had been with Abby, after all. But she couldn’t. He was a kind man, and in the short amount of time she spent with him, she found herself enjoying his company. Again, she asked herself what Abby could possibly see in her.
Sam and Helga’s stories of their life and travels enthralled Jesse. She knew she still had a lot to learn about the world and all the things in it, but the more she heard, the more she wanted to see these things with her own eyes. And it wasn’t lost on her that Helga was living the lavish lifestyle that could have belonged to Abby. She could be traveling the world, living in the finest homes, and never worrying about money. Abby had given up all of that to have a life with her.
After a wonderful evening, the foursome made their way back to the hotel. The couples retrieved their room keys from the clerk and said their goodbyes. Sam and Helga went to their suite on the top floor, Abby and Jesse to room sixteen.
Jesse turned up the lantern, noticing right away the room was empty. “Aponi must be watching them in her room. I’ll go get ‘em,” she said.
“Uh, no you won’t. Aponi is keeping them for the night,” Abby said, turning down the lantern. Only the soft glow of moonlight, spilling in through the window, lit the room. She unfastened the top button on her dress and went on to the next. “Tonight, you’re all mine. No babies. No one sleeping in the loft above us.”
Jesse took Abby by the waist and pulled her close. Their lips met, softly at first and then more frantic.
It had been a long time.
They hurried now, pulling at each other’s clothes, rushing to see who could undress the other the fastest. Jesse’s shirt and pants fell to the floor, followed by Abby’s dress. Abby led Jesse to the bed, and pulled her down on top of her.
Chapter Sixteen
Gunshots echoed through the dark woods, shattering the still of the night. Wildlife in the dense brush scurried away, their invisible paths marked only by the quick crunching of leaves and the rustle of dry grass. The birds in the treetops flapped their wings as one and disappeared. Clutching the wound on her side, Jesse, eyes large and white with fear, collapsed to her knees. Blood spat from the wound on Jake Roberts’s neck. The ringing in her ears was so loud that she couldn’t hear the deafening roar of the waterfall tumbling over the rocky bluffs behind her.
Jesse’s pupils danced frantically beneath her closed lids and her legs fought to free themselves from beneath the tangle of sheets as the dream shifted. She found herself standing in an unfamiliar home, Abby seated at a nearby table. Fear took hold when she tried to move toward Abby and found her body unwilling to obey the simple command. It felt as if her feet were glued to the floor.
The snap of splintering wood broke the odd hush. Adrenaline tingled through Jesse’s body when a man kicked open the door. Though she had never met him, she knew who he was—Silas. Her mind’s eye had created its own rendering of Abby’s deceased husband.
Jesse saw fear register on Abby’s face. Desperately she willed her body to move, to step between the woman she loved and the man coming through the door. When it wouldn’t budge, she watched helplessly, frozen, as Silas jerked Abby up by her arm. Horror accompanied her paralysis when Silas drew back his fist.
Jesse’s arms flailed, a painful moan escaping her each time Silas landed a blow. The final punch connected with such force Abby crashed to the floor. Jesse shot up in bed, panting and sweat-soaked as her eyes snapped open. She glanced around the room, disoriented, her heart hammering. It was just a horrible nightmare, she thought as she fought to calm her racing pulse.
She slumped back against the pillow, contemplating the nightmare. For years after the brutal murder of her family, she had been plagued with terrifying dreams. It had been such a long time since she had had one; she hoped she’d outgrown them. The only conclusion she could think of was their return had been brought on by the uncertainty of living off the mountain.
It dawned on her then that she was alone in the room. No Abby. No twins. Her sleep-addled brain needed time to catch up. She glanced under the sheet and sucked in a breath when she realized she was naked. Slowly, she recalled Aponi had kept the babies last night. A smile tickled at the corners of her mouth as she thought about what had taken place in this bed a few hours ago, and how Abby had never been more beautiful than in the pale glow of the full moon. During the night their bodies had been bathed in soft light coming through the lone window, which now lit up the room like a flare.
Jesse threw off her thoughts like she did the sheet. She dressed, squinting against the bright morning sunlight. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she pulled on her boots, and noticed the chamber pot poking from underneath. It reminded her of Frieda and all the hours she spent sick, unable to care for herself. No thank you, she thought. With the heel of her boot, she pushed the container until it was out of sight. She would use the hotel’s communal privy out back.
Finished with the morning necessity, Jesse went to Toby’s room. “Anybody in there?” she asked, knocking on the door to room seventeen.
Aponi opened the door. “Just the twins and me.”
Jesse entered the room, her eyes going straight to the babies. “They didn’t give you any trouble, did they?”
“Oh, no,” Aponi said, smiling. “They good for me.”
“Good,” Jesse said. “Where’s Abby and Toby?”
“Don’t know.” Aponi shrugged. “When Abby finished nursing this morning, they left. Said they wouldn’t be gone long.”
Jim was fast asleep. Gwen, however, looked around with wide, alert eyes. Jesse picked her up. “Good morning, little girl. Did you sleep well?” She kissed her on the cheek and held her against her chest, breathing in the smell she had come to love.
The door opened. “Well, look who finally decided to get up,” Abby said. She couldn’t resist the opportunity to tease Jesse, who seldom slept in.
“Ha, ha. Where’d you go?” Jesse asked. When Abby stepped aside, it took her a moment to recognize the smiling stranger in the doorway. She ran her hand along her brother’s newly clean-shaven jawline. “Well, I’ll be. Soft as a baby’s bottom.”
“C’mon,” Abby said to her as she picked up Jim. “I have something to show you.”
Jesse noticed the envelope in Abby’s hand as she followed her back to their room. “So, how’d you convince him to shave off his beard?” she asked.
“I didn’t. Aponi did. She didn’t like it. A man’s beard can be very rough. So, he asked me to take him somewhere to get a shave this morning. Here,” Abby said, handing her the envelope, “read it.” Jesse lay Gwen back into the makeshift crib and took a seat next to her on the edge of the bed. Abby continued, “When I went downstairs, the man behind the counter said it was left for me early this morning.”
Jesse pulled the letter from the envelope and read it.
Dearest Abby,
Helga and I had a fine time last night. We wish our visit wasn’t so short lived. I’ve made arrangements for my driver to meet you when you arrive in San Francisco. He will take you to my estate.
I hope this will lift some of the burden from you. Also, if you need anything, do not hesitate to ask Andrew.
I was impressed with your husband. I could use a man like him at The Bay Water. I’ve wired the head of my security, Mitchell Franks. He has orders to put Jesse on the payroll, if he’s interested.
I hope to see you when we return. Wish us smooth sailing.
Bon Voyage,
Sam
Jesse folded the letter and slid it back into the envelope. “I can’t believe he’s doing all of this for us. Last night, when I first met him, I didn’t want to like him. But the more I got to know him…then this.” She held up the letter. “Well, I feel bad for not telling him the truth about the twins.”
Abby put her hand on Jesse’s leg. “Sam’s a wonderful man, but I don’t think he’d have any interest in raising children. He’s always away on business. He’d be just fine placing his children in a boarding school and letting someone else raise them. That’s not the life I would want for the kids.”
“So, what do you think of me working for him?”
Abby’s brow furrowed. “Absolutely not.”
“But—”
“But nothing. You’re not working in a saloon. You’d be out all night and it’s too dangerous. I don’t want them to be orphans,” she said, glancing at the twins.
“All right. We’ll figure things out as we go. I need to go pack up and get those panniers to Felix.”
Abby picked up Jesse’s hat and put it on her head. “Mabel will be here shortly. Then, I need to run by the post and get some more fabric to make extra diapers for the trip.”
Jesse gave her a kiss. “Enjoy your visit and I’ll meet you at Edith’s later this afternoon.
Edith, Abby, and Aponi spent all afternoon preparing a feast. It had been a long time since Jesse had tasted Edith’s cooking. She couldn’t wait to put a taste to the smell. Everyone took places around the table. With hands joined and heads bowed, Felix gave the blessing. Afterward, they all dug in, the scraping of utensils against fine china plates filling the room. As the food disappeared, conversation flowed.
Jesse took a few more bites and then set her silverware down. She needed to discuss something serious with Edith and Felix. “I hate to keep asking, but I need another favor from you,” she said.
“What can we do?” Edith asked. She set her own cutlery aside, giving Jesse her full attention.
“It’s about Mount Perish.”
Felix paused, focusing on Jesse, his knife and fork stationary above his plate.
“I need to know if men ever plan on stepping foot on it.”
Felix went back to cutting his chicken. “You mean when they figure out how to cross the river,” he said. He took another bite of food.
“Yes.”
Felix swallowed. “Why do you care about that old mountain?” he asked, pointing with his knife over his shoulder in the direction of the mountain.
“I…I’ve just always been fascinated by it. That’s all. I’d love to do some trapping on it. So, if you ever hear of them building a bridge or figuring out some other way to cross, will you please let me know?”
“You know Felix always hears all the gossip,” Edith said, picking up her silverware. She smiled and continued, scooping up peas on her fork. “You think women like to talk? Please. You men have us beat.”
Felix smiled. “You send us your address when you get settled and if I ever get wind of anything, we’ll let you know.”
The rest of the meal was ideal, except for Burton’s screaming tantrums. Jesse couldn’t believe the differences between the twins and him. No matter what Edith tried, nothing seemed to soothe him.
After a delightful evening, they left Sam Bowman’s address with Edith and Felix, telling the Nicholas’ they would forward the new address when they moved into a home of their own.
The big morning arrived and after a hot meal at the Tin Plate, the only thing left to do was to get the horses and meet the stagecoach at noon. Jesse and Toby headed over to Edith’s barn to get Buck and Titan. Aponi and Abby stayed behind at the hotel, visiting with Mabel, who had come by to see Abby before she left.
Edith entered the barn to find Jesse and Toby mucking the stalls. “Well, you boys all ready to go?”
“Just about,” Jesse said, dumping manure-caked straw into the wheelbarrow.
“Felix has to mind the store, but Burton and me are coming to see you off.”
Jesse smiled. “I’d like that.”
They led the horses through town while Edith walked alongside, trying to soothe Burton through another screaming fit. Jesse couldn’t help but notice Toby’s expression. She wondered if Burton’s behavior would turn her brother against the idea of wanting children of his own, or if the twins’ peaceful nature would convince him having children really wasn’t that bad.
Everyone gathered on the street in front of the hotel, watching the approaching cloud of dust.
“I’m sure going to miss you—all of you,” Edith said to the small group huddled together. “Don’t be strangers, and try to get back for a visit from time to time.”
Jesse placed her hand on Edith’s shoulder. “If you ever get down to San Francisco, you better look us up.”
“We will. You be careful and have a safe trip.”
The coach rolled to a stop, a swirl of dust settling in its wake. As the seven passengers got off, Abby and Edith hugged as best they could with babies in their arms.
The driver quickly unloaded the baggage and then gave a signal. Jesse and Toby hoisted the steamer trunk up to him.
Mabel kissed Gwen and handed her over to Aponi. She then wrapped her arms around Abby.
Jesse could see the sadness in Abby’s red-rimed eyes as she clung to her best friend. She knew the pain of leaving behind the ones you care about.
Mabel kissed Abby’s cheek and took her place next to Edith. Both women’s hearts weighed heavy as Abby mounted the stage steps.
“We’ll be right behind you,” Jesse said, helping Abby board.
Abby took her seat next to Aponi. “You two stay safe back there,” Abby said, leaning through the small window.
“Yes, ma’am,” Jesse said, winking.
After five other passengers loaded, the driver closed the door. Abby, still leaning out the window, waved goodbye as the stage rolled away.
Jesse turned to Edith. “Don’t forget to send me that letter if you ever hear of anyone crossing the river.”
“I know. I won’t forget. Promise.”
“You take care.” Jesse swung up in the saddle.
Choked on tears, Mabel said, “You take good care of ‘em.”
Jesse smiled. “I will. And you know our home will always be open to you.”
Mabel nodded and sniffled.
Riding out of town, Jesse stopped and turned Buck around for one final look. Edith stood with her hand waving high in the air. To Jesse, it felt like the sad ending to something safe and familiar, yet at the same time, the start of something new and exciting. She returned the wave, turned Buck, and with a quick click of her tongue she rode out of Ely.
Chapter Seventeen
The few clouds drifting overhead did little to shield Jesse and Toby from the relentless heat of the sun bearing down on them. The only breeze they felt on their way to Big Oak, the first stop en route to San Francisco, was cast off from the stagecoach. It offered no relief, kicking up plumes of dust in its wake, the dirty powder feathering through tall tussock grass alongside the road as it rumbled past. Small groups of cattle huddled together under the trees, seeking shade from the scorching sun.
Jesse, coughing from the dust collecting in her throat, kept Buck at a smooth trot as she trailed behind. The mouthful of ever-present grit crunched between her teeth and sucked the moisture from her tongue. She tugged at her sweat-soaked collar and swatted away the horsefly buzzing in front of her face. Only an hour into the trip, she cursed it all: the sun, the insects, but most of all, the constant veil of dust that sh
rouded her.
An hour and a half later, the stagecoach driver sounded the bugle. They’d arrived in Big Oak. Once the stage had rolled to a stop, she rode up alongside it. She bent down and rubbed Buck’s sweaty shoulder before dismounting, kicking up her own small cloud as her boots hit the ground. The dirty particles had become an inescapable plague.
Abby stepped through the door of the coach. When she saw Jesse, she broke out in laughter before reaching the bottom step.
Jesse took off her hat and combed her fingers through her sweat-soaked hair. “What? What’s so funny?” she asked, adjusting the hat back on her head.
Abby kept laughing. She couldn’t help it. “You. That’s what. You should see your face,” she said, shifting Jim to her other hip.
Jesse swiped a hand down the side of her face. It only smeared the grime, her fingers leaving lighter streaks through the filth. It looked much worse, causing Abby to laugh harder. Jesse spat a murky glob into the street. “And you think riding inside is dusty. Ha! Try riding behind one.” She offered a crooked smile revealing teeth, which stood out white as snow against her dirty complexion.
“Sorry. I know I shouldn’t laugh. We’ll be stopping in Lagro in a few hours. You’ll have time to clean up then,” Abby said.
It felt good to wash down the grit and stretch their legs, even if it was only for ten minutes. Jesse and Toby had barely finished tending to the horses when the driver signaled for everyone to board.
As the wheels of the stage started to roll, Jesse stood beside Buck, reins in hand. To the west, Mount Perish loomed in the distance, its wild and towering presence ominous, yet somehow comforting. It dawned on her how much she was going to miss the mountain—home.
The realization took her breath away in a way the scorching sun and dust could not. Letting go of her comfortable, familiar life crushed her with a fear she did not understand. She had been parting with pieces of her true self over the years, leaving them scattered on and around the mountain she knew and loved, but it was terrifying to leave behind this life. Her life. Still, something inside drove her to follow this new road, if only to see where it would lead.
