by Lynn Landes
“What can I take with me to Washington? Deidrick asks.
“Take everything pertinent to the case. Whatever it takes to make sure he doesn’t get out of jail.”
“If you’ll excuse me,” Savannah jumps up at hurries into the kitchen. She pours a glass of water and sips on it.
“What’s wrong?” Dayton asks from the doorway.
Savannah jumps, and the water sloshes in her cup. “N... nothing, I’m fine,” she stammers, but her trembling hands betray her.
Dayton walks towards her and covers her hand with his, stilling the tremors. “I thought you’d be relieved to know Fred’s in custody and Senator Buren will be shortly. It’s over,” he smiles.
“Are you certain?” she withdraws her hand from his and backs away. “I’d like to send a telegram to my family. I don’t want them to come to Kentucky. I’m going to stay away from them until I’m sure the danger is past.”
His eyes narrow, “No, Savannah. You will all be safer in Kentucky with me.”
“Dayton,” she steps forward with a glare, “I am free to do as I please. You said yourself that it’s over.”
“You’re still healing, Savannah. Why are you fighting this?” Dayton demands.
“You must think of your safety. Have you even thought about your family?” Her eyes plead with him to understand. “I won’t be the reason you get hurt.”
Dayton smiles with relief. Savannah’s thoughts are for his safety and that of his family. “I promise you that no one knows you are with me. The first place they will look at is your family farm. I need you to trust me and let us do our job.”
“I do trust you, Dayton. I wouldn’t go home.”
“Where then? Do you have someone waiting for you?” he asks, praying the answer is no.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” she whirls away from him. “I have a place to stay that isn’t connected with my family. It’s just seeing the images and knowing what they are makes it more real. What exactly did you do during the war, Dayton?” she asks.
His eyes darken, “I did whatever I needed to. I’m not ashamed of my service, though I’m ready for the new chapter of my life to start.”
“I wish I could see the next chapter of my life. Right now, all I can see is the promise,” she turns to put her glass on the counter and Dayton follows her.
“Really?” he asks softly and moves up behind her. She turns and startles at his nearness. “When I look at you, Savannah, I can see so many possibilities.”
Her lips curve in a smile, “You’re a dreamer, Dayton.”
“I’ll dream for both of us until you’re stronger,” he leans down and presses a kiss to her smiling lips. His beard is soft, and teases her, she sighs into him and Dayton destroys her doubt, soothing the worry from her mind.
It’s only later, as she’s lying in bed that she realizes he didn’t answer her. What did he do during the war and does it matter? He’s taking care of her as promised, and soon she will be reunited with her family, and their paths will separate. Savannah frowns and falls asleep, trying to envision her future without Dayton in it.
Chapter 32
Senator Buren stares at the telegram and hisses in rage.
Failed. Stop. Marshall coming. Stop.
“Can I bring you anything, Senator?” his young secretary asks and runs a hand over his shoulder. He balls the message up and tosses it into the wastebasket.
“Not now, leave me!” He jumps to his feet, slamming the chair back and paces. She slips from the room quietly. “Damn, I knew I should’ve handled this on my own. This S.E. Ward is costing me everything!” He quickly races to his wall safe and opens it, dragging out the cash he will need to disappear. He knew this was a possibility, that Fred would fail to protect his image. The cash withdrawals he’s been taking over the past few months will aid in his disappearance. It won’t be too hard to disappear, it’s a shame he will have to leave his wife and children behind.
“Not that I can’t find a new wife,” he grins and grabs a bag to drop his paperwork into it. He grabs the tintype of his wife and children and looks at it before frowning. Gently he lowers it to the desk and turns, decision made.
“Time to disappear and once I do, I’ll find a way to make Ward pay!”
Chapter 33
“What will you do with your tintypes?” Felicia asks. They have spent the past five days sorting through his bags. Dayton has been busy with the Marshall who arrived the day before.
“I don’t know,” Savannah replies softly. “For so long, I wanted to make them matter, count for something and now I’m not sure.”
“That’s nonsense,” Eli calls from the doorway, causing her to jump.
“I will not miss you when I leave, Eli,” she grumbles.
“I’m sure you won’t,” he stomps over to sit in front of her. “Mother, could I have a few minutes with Savannah?”
“Of course,” she stands and quickly leaves.
“What’s this about?” Savannah asks with a sinking stomach.
“Savannah, I owe you an apology.” Eli glances down, and when he lifts his eyes, she’s surprised by the emotion flickering in them. “You came here with the best of intentions and in doing so gave me back my brother and the woman I love.” Eli runs a hand through his hair choking back his emotion. He reaches out and takes her trembling hand.
“Eli,” she whispers, “You don’t have to…” he squeezes her hand gently, silencing her.
“I’ve spent the past few years under a cloud of anger. I was angry at my brother for leaving me, my father for dying and Kristin for betraying me. My pain was deeper than I realized. I know now that God was testing me, and I failed. I don’t want to fail any longer.”
“I understand, Eli,” Savannah takes a deep breath.
“I don’t think you do.” He releases her hand and sits back to stare at her. “I’d like to make you an offer. I prayed about it, and I think Oliver would agree. You’ve carried this burden for years. Savannah, it’s time to let it go and carry on with your life. We both owe it to Oliver, to God, and even to ourselves to live the life we were gifted with, to the fullest.”
Savannah doesn’t bother to wipe her tears this time, “I want to, Eli, but I’ve forgotten how.”
“No, you’re just afraid!”
Anger rips through her, and she jumps to her feet, “You don’t know me enough to say that.”
“Yes, I do. I figured out why we clash so hard, Savannah. We are kindred spirits, you and I.” Eli jumps to his feet to stop her from leaving. “I hid behind my anger and work, and you hide behind the promise.”
Savannah pauses at the door when his words strike home. Truth rushes through her, and she covers her mouth with her good hand. “No,” she gasps.
“I know, it stinks when we realize we have some work to do,” his eyes soften when he watches her turn back to look at him. They are brother and sister in a battle for their souls.
“What do I do, Eli?” she pleads.
“You pray, and then you release this blasted promise.” Gently he takes her good hand and pulls her back into the center of the room. “You live, you laugh, and you find love.” he smiles. “What you don’t do is hide any longer!”
“I’ll try.” Savannah smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes yet.
“Not good enough.” Eli looks at her, “I need a promise from you.”
“What?” Savannah huffs.
“Yep, you heard me. You gave one to Oliver, and now I want one from you. I want you to trust me with these images. Trust me to honor the sacrifice my brother made, the sacrifice you made in bringing them home to us. Let me take care of these, and I promise that you won’t regret it.” Eli is so intent on her that he sees the relief enter her eyes and his heart rejoices.
“Really?” she sobs, “Eli, it’s not an easy thing to carry,” she glances at the bags, Oliver’s and hers nestled together on the table.
“You’ve carried it long enough. Promise me that you will release this burde
n and carry on with the life you were meant to live.”
“I shouldn’t do it, but I’m ready to let it go, Eli.” Savannah straightens her shoulders and smiles, but this time her eyes shine with relief. “I promise.”
Eli grins and pulls her in for a hug. “Thank you,” he whispers. “For everything.”
“You’re welcome.”
Dayton sits with the Marshall in the kitchen, going over the details and supplying the evidence needed to build a strong case against Senator Buren. “Do you think it’s enough?”
“Hell yes. This is what we needed. Irrefutable evidence. Are you coming with me? The train for Washington leaves in two hours.”
Savannah enters the room hearing the last sentence and stares at Dayton. Fury, fear, anger, and guilt, all beat at her. She knew he would leave her at some point, she’s just not ready yet. “Gentlemen, excuse the interruption, I’m just on my way out to enjoy this beautiful spring day.”
Dayton scans her, surprised to see that she’s no longer wearing the sling and his mouth falls open in shock when he realizes she is wearing denims with a white shirt and boots. Savannah rushes from the room, and he jumps when Deidrick starts laughing. “I can see the answer to my question.”
An answering grin spreads across his face. “Washington no longer holds the appeal it once did.”
“I can see that,” Deidrick teases.
“I’m not afraid to admit it. I’m not letting her out of my sight.”
“I hope it works out for you, Dayton. I’ll try to get this wrapped up quickly so I can visit this race I keep hearing about. News is spreading fast and excitement. Do you think you can win?”
“Hell, yes. I’m a Patrick. We never lose,” Dayton sits back with a grin.
Kristin runs inside the kitchen looking upset, and sags in relief when she sees Dayton. “There you are! Dayton, I tried to stop her, but she wouldn’t listen.”
Dayton leaps to his feet, heart pounding, “What’s wrong?”
“Savannah took a horse. The doctor cleared her yesterday, but if she falls wrong, well…”
Dayton burst from the house, followed by Deidrick. They run around the back of the barn and skid to a stop. Savannah is leaned low over the horse, whispering to it, encouraging it to run, and it’s a sight to behold. Horse and rider race across the field, as if one unit. Her long red curls burst free of the band holding them, and his body reacts instantly. Savannah’s laughter wraps around him, and he watches her enjoy the freedom of the moment. She looks like a wildfire bursting across the fields.
“Damn,” Dayton says and runs for his horse, followed by the sound of Deidrick’s laughter.
“I think this Patrick has met his match.”
Chapter 34
Savannah leans low and whispers to the mare, giving her some freedom and drawing on the energy she feels wrapping around her. What is that feeling? Her laughter bursts free, “Its freedom!” She sits on her mount, allowing the wind to blow her hair and wash away all her doubts and worry.
A new promise has taken hold in her heart, and she means to keep it. A Ward always keeps her word, she reminds herself and slows the horse. Glancing around on the hilltop she surveys the land before her.
‘I will not cause pain without allowing something new to be born. Isiah 66:9’ The verse floats through her mind and excitement ripples. Hope is a flame, burning inside of her.
Glenn sent a telegram explaining that they are going to Virginia for a week to finish up the sale of Anika’s family land. They will be delayed for a week. Truthfully, she is grateful for more time with Dayton.
Meeting the Irwin’s has been awful and wonderful all at the same time. She closes her eyes and gives a quick prayer, thanking God and asking him to watch over her family on their journey.
Pain flutters at the back of her mind, but she pushes it back. Her headaches are gone now, and her the doctor said she was free to remove the sling, reminding her to use it as needed. She swings her legs down from the mare and ties the reins to a heavy stick, while she chews contentedly on some grass.
Savannah stretches, lifting her arm the way the doctor showed her and groans. The sunshine feels so good on her skin. Yawning, she decides to stretch out on the ground and enjoy the peace of the moment.
Dayton rides up over the hill, and his heart drops to his stomach. Savannah is on the ground and not moving! He thunders towards her, jumping from his mount he falls down beside her. “Savannah, don’t worry,” he shouts, but her laughter bubbles out, infuriating him.
Blue eyes sparkle up at him, and she touches his face gently, “I’m fine. Just resting for a moment.”
Dayton sits back, stunned that she would laugh at him and watches with growing anger. He carefully climbs to his feet, watching her dust her denims and his anger switches from fury to passion in a flash. Her shapely legs are wrapped in tight denim, molded to her curvy backside, which she is busy dusting off.
Savannah turns to grab the reins of her mount only to be caged in from behind by Dayton’s strong arms. His hand grabs hers holding it on top of the saddle, and his sultry voice speaks in her ear, sending chills over her body. “This is not funny, Savannah.”
“Dayton,” she tries to turn, but his mouth nips at her neck, causing her body to jerk in response. Savannah gasps and leans her head to give him better access.
“Don’t speak,” he presses a soft kiss, one after another working his way to her lobe, he sucks it gently, and Savannah’s knees threaten to collapse. “You’re a beautiful, vibrant, woman, Savannah,” he says punctuating each word with a nip to her pale neck. “I’d like to keep you in one piece. I promised your family. I’d see to your safety.”
Savannah whirls around, and he lets her this time. Fury and passion ripple through her body and something else she can’t identify. Feeling dangerous, she leans into his body and wraps her arms around his neck, “Is that all I am to you, Dayton, a duty?”
Dayton’s eyes drop to her lips and his body jerks when her tongue wets her lips, “Savannah, don’t tempt me…” he groans when she molds her body against his and takes his mouth, pouring all her frustration and desire into the kiss.
How many times has he been the aggressor in a kiss? He can’t remember, in that instant all others before her wash away and Dayton finds his home. His hand slips up into her hair, gently fisting a hand in her hair, he jerks her mouth back from his. Swollen, pink lips and eyes aflame with the same desire he feels reflected in his body. “I plan on showing you exactly what you mean to me,” he softens his grip.
Savannah huffs in frustration, “How if you’re going to Washington?” she tries to push him back, but he refuses to budge.
“If you had stayed a moment longer, you’d have heard me tell Deidrick that I’m done with that life. I have a new dream, now,” he smiles at the look of relief in her eyes.
“Oh?” she whispers.
“Yes, and I’m going to kiss you again,” he replies and leans down and softly swallows the gasp that puffs out. Softly he savors her, tasting, sipping, sucking and lapping until Savannah forgets every lonely moment that came before.
Dayton pulls away and grins a cocky smile. He backs away from her, and she covers her hand with her mouth. “I finally understand why the women flock to you,” she says.
“I will take that as a compliment. Now explain to me what you were doing riding like that? You are supposed to be healing, Savannah. What happens if you fall?”
Irritation flashes for a second, but she pushes it away. “I didn’t mean to scare you, Dayton. I didn’t know you were looking for me, besides I’ve been riding since I was old enough to talk.”
“You ride like a professional jockey, Savannah. It was impressive to watch,” and sexy, he thinks.
“I know,” she smirks at his raised eyebrow. “Your just lucky you were racing against my brother Glenn at the last race and not me.”
“Oh, really? You think you could out run my racehorse, Survivor, with a Patrick on his back?” His da
rk eyes laugh at her.
Savannah grins and tosses her curls over her shoulder. “I don’t think it. I know it.”
“Who are you and what’ve you done with Miss Ward?” Dayton demands and stalks towards her. This confident women staring at him intrigues him, among other things.
Savannah swings up into her saddle and looks down at him. “You don’t really know me, Dayton.” Her smiles fades a little as he looks up at her and covers her hand with his.
“I hope to remedy that on our journey,” he replies.
“What if you don’t like what you find?”
“Not possible,” Dayton spins and grabs his horse, mounting with an ease that has her mouth-watering.
“Now, where were we? Oh yes, you were explaining to me how you could beat me in a race.”
Savannah grins, “As soon as I’m healed completely, I will show you exactly what I can do, but for right now I will settle for an afternoon ride.”
“Agreed,” Dayton laughs. They ride in companionable silence for a little while, and she stops to take in the view of the prairie with its tallgrass dancing. It dominates the landscape in this area.
“It’s lovely here. Is Kentucky this pretty?” she asks.
“No, Kentucky is perfection. I can’t wait for you to see it. Bluegrass and rolling hills. Our horses are superior due to the richness of the soil that can only be found in Kentucky,” he smiles over at her. “Tomorrow can’t come soon enough.”
“You sound homesick, Dayton. Thank you for coming to my rescue. I know I said I didn’t need a hero, but it turns out that all I really needed was you.”
“Good, she finally speaks sense.” He laughs at her look of mock outrage. “Dayton are you always so arrogant?” she demands.
“Only when I’m right,” he kicks his horse into a trot, and she follows with a soft laugh.
