by Sable Hunter
“Not by a long shot.” With a frustrated groan, she bent to rest her forehead on the counter. “Lou, I’ve dated six different men since New Year’s Eve, and I wasn’t able to connect with any of them. What’s wrong with me?”
“Not a damn thing.” Lou drained her glass and reached for the pitcher to pour a refill. “You’re just meeting the wrong kind of man. Maybe you’re not looking in the right place.”
This thought made Journey giggle. “Uh, let’s see. I met Casey at a bar. Will at the carwash. Jeremy online. Hamlet at…”
“That Hamlet.” Lou giggled, swirling the lime green concoction in her glass. “He was a weird one.”
“I met him at Torchy’s Tacos. He was okay.”
“Yea, okay for a dude who lives in his mother’s basement.”
“True.” She pushed her half-empty glass away. “I don’t even remember the other two, much less where I met them.”
Lou studied Journey’s face with a narrowed gaze. “Are you still sleeping with that guy’s picture under your pillow?”
The question made Journey jump a bit. “Who?”
“You know who. That cowboy. Rio.”
“Reno.” She stood up and grabbed the empty weekender. “Come with me. I need to finish packing my clothes.”
“So, you don’t know how long you’ll be gone?” Lou picked up a stack of Journey’s folded underwear as she passed the dining table.
“No, I don’t. Depends on how long my great uncle…lingers.”
“Oh, sorry. I keep thinking this is more of a vacation for you than a family thing.” Lou walked to the bed and placed the pretty panties and bras next to a stack of jeans and shirts.
“I’m looking forward to housesitting for my aunt. I love being at the ranch.”
Lou strolled around the room, glancing at this and that – a necklace lying on the dresser, a box of stationary on the desk. “This just cracks me up. You’re the only one I know who still writes letters by hand.”
“Surely not.” She began tucking her things inside the weekender. “I think it’s so much more personal than an email or a text. Or a tweet, for God’s sake.”
Lou laughed. “You’re right. The whole world has become lazy and isolated.” She returned to the bed to sit near the headboard.
“I agree. I use social media to advertise my products, doing so is a necessity. Other than that – I avoid such things. It kills me to see a family eating dinner in a restaurant, sitting across from one another, and everyone is on their phones. We may have gained ground in technology, but we’ve lost something when it comes to human interaction.”
Lou chewed on her lip thoughtfully before she spoke. “I swear. You were born out of time, Jo.” She glanced around the bedroom, taking in the antique dresser, the antique bedframe, and the antique bookshelves piled high with historical romances. There was even an old-fashioned washstand complete with bowl and pitcher. “Sweetie, just look at this place. You act like you’re from another century, always surrounding yourself with things from long ago.”
Journey made a face, wrinkling her nose at Lou. “Everyone has their own style. I just prefer classic things. I’m not into anything modern or contemporary. I can’t help it, I love antiques.”
“Yea. I can see that.” Lou gave her a knowing look as she held up the treasured tintype portrait of Reno Black. “Especially this antique man.”
“Give him to me, Louisiana.” Journey bounced on the bed, snatching the framed picture from her friend’s hands. Leaning against a stack of pillows, she held the sepia photo close, lovingly running the tip of one finger over his face.
“Girl, you need to quit mooning over a guy who lived a century and a half ago. This obsession may be one reason why you can’t make a relationship work.”
“No. It’s not his fault.” She sat up, glaring at the blonde. “Don’t roll your eyes at me. I’m just waiting for the right guy, that’s all. So far, all the men I’ve dated are selfish, narcistic jerks.”
“Okay. You’re right.” Lou reached over and zipped Journey’s packed-to-the-brim bag. “You have managed to pick a group of losers. But they’re not all like that. One day you’ll meet the right man…if you’ll give him a chance.”
Journey leaned over to grab her phone from the bedside table, setting the alarm for six a.m. Feeling a bit embarrassed, she didn’t look up. “Maybe I’m just not cut out for a relationship.”
“Nonsense.” Frowning, Lou threw a pillow at Journey. “You’re perfect. Smart. Sweet. Sexy as hell.”
“Ha!” This made Journey giggle. “Right.” After taking a leather cord from the side pocket of the bag, she captured her long, dark hair into a high ponytail.
“I’m serious. I’d date you if I were bi.” Ignoring Journey’s mock outrage, Lou picked up the antique picture once more. “I guess I can see why you’d fixate on this dude. I mean, he can’t let you down.” Lou grinned and winked at her friend. “And he is sort of cute.”
“Sort of?” Journey gave a very ladylike snort. “He’s gorgeous, Louisiana Evans!” She smiled, catching her lower lip between her teeth. “Without him, I wouldn’t be here.” A soft breath escaped her lips. “He sacrificed his life to save my family. He was a hero in every sense of the word.” Again, she touched the glass covering the well-worn image. “I just wish I could’ve known him.”
Lou crossed her arms over her ample chest and gazed at Journey with indulgence. “Your fixation on this guy is sweet. But I don’t think it’s healthy. If you were as focused on the present as you are the past…” Seeing Journey’s hurt expression, Lou moved closer. “Don’t look like that, I’m not fussing. I just worry about you.”
Journey held up her hand. “Stop.” She rose to give her friend a hug. “I am so glad you care about me. I promise I’m fine.” She playfully stomped her feet. “I’m grounded. Fully in the moment.”
“Good.” She ran a soothing hand over Journey’s hair. “Jo, there are some good guys out there. All you have to do is be open to finding one.” She took the photo from Journey’s hands, opened the drawer to the bedside table, and slipped it inside. With a gentle movement, she closed the drawer. “Preferably someone who lives in the here and now.”
Stepping back, Journey sniffed and shrugged. She knew she needed to try. The prospect of being alone all her life seemed too sad to contemplate. “I know. I’ll keep my eyes and my mind open.”
“Good.” Lou checked the time on her phone. “Heck, it’s getting late. I’d better be going. You need to get up early in the morning to get to your great aunt’s. Please give her my condolences.”
“I will.”
“Is her brother conscious?”
Taking a deep breath, Journey pulled the weekender off the bed to place by the bedroom door. “He has good days and bad days. Aunt Myra said she was looking forward to reminiscing with him when possible. They’ve already called in hospice, so she wants to get to Wichita Falls as soon as possible.”
Lou nodded. “I understand. Tough. I’m sorry. I’m going to miss you.”
“Oh, I’ll miss you too. For sure. There’ll be orders to fill, so I’ll be coming into town to pick up oils when they’re shipped.” She held Lou’s gaze, then smiled. “Why don’t you plan on coming for a visit? We can go horseback riding and do some hiking. With the workload you’ve been carrying, you need a break.”
“All right.” Lou brightened. “Thanks for the invitation! I’d love to. I know it’s near Fredericksburg, but text me the address.”
“I’ll do that now.” She tapped the information into her phone to send to Lou. “The ranch borders Enchanted Rock State Park. Beautiful country.”
Lou’s eyes grew big. “Seriously? There’s someone out that way I’ve been dying to interview, if he’s available. If not, at least I can observe you in your natural habitat. Try to understand why you’re so obsessed with the place….and – you know.” She nodded her head toward the drawer holding the tintype.
A blush rose on Journey’s cheeks
. “Well, I look forward to spending some quality time with you. I’ll have another pitcher of margaritas ready.”
“Sounds delightful.” Lou gave her a hug and turned to go. “You be safe, Jo.”
“I’ll be fine.” She followed her friend out and stood on the front stoop until Lou made it safely to her car. “Drive carefully. And I’ll see you soon.”
With a final wave, Lou departed. Journey locked up, then headed inside to get ready for bed. Once she showered and donned a comfortable sleep shirt, she turned on the oil diffuser to allow a calming mix of lavender and chamomile to rise into the air. “Come on, sweet dreams,” she whispered, opening the drawer of the bedside table to retrieve Reno’s portrait. With a flip of a switch, she threw the room into darkness. “Now, it’s just you and me, cowboy.” Scooting beneath the covers, she clasped the tintype to her chest like a guilty pleasure. With a sigh, Journey turned on her side and rubbed her cheek on the pillowcase, just letting her thoughts wander.
Tomorrow, I need to arrive in time to say goodbye to my aunt. There’s probably a list a mile long of do’s and don’ts. She’s a known fanatic about her pets and houseplants.
Although, I do feel sorry for her. Losing a sibling must be hard. Of course, as an only child I’ll never know.
A frown marred her delicate features.
When Aunt Myra is gone. I’ll be alone. She’s my only family. Of course, I’ll have my friends – like Lou. A husband – maybe. Certainly not Casey. After two months of dating, he’d shown his true colors. Probably because I wanted to wait to have sex. Until I was sure.
Yes, I’m old-fashioned. Like Lou implied, I belong to another time.
With a heartfelt sigh, she brought the portrait in front of her face. The only illumination in the room was from the almost full moon filtering through the curtains of the window next to the bed. In this dim light, Journey could barely make out the man’s features – but she didn’t need to see them, she’d memorized them long ago. With a contented sigh, she kissed the glass sheltering the familiar face and closed her eyes to dream.
In her mind’s eye, she could see Reno astride his horse, galloping into the night.
CHAPTER THREE
Reno
Astride his horse, Reno galloped into the night. “Giddy-up, Traveler.” He urged the black stallion forward. “Time’s a wasting.” His visit with Ela Blue went on longer than he’d intended. He needed to get a few winks of sleep before setting out on the next leg of his journey. Reno still hoped to meet the next stagecoach in Waco if possible. The sooner he was on the trail of the drummer boy, the better he would feel.
The hour was nearing midnight when he returned to King’s Ransom. He wasn’t surprised to see the light of a lamp shining through the front window of the main house. King was waiting up for him. “I swear, that man is as bad as an old brood hen with a bunch of biddies.” Not wanting to keep his Captain from his bed any longer than necessary, Reno rode right up to the porch. “I won’t be long, boy. I’ll take care of you in just a bit.” Dismounting, he gave the stallion a gentle pat on the neck, then bounded up the steps to tap softly on the door.
A fraction of a second later Fancy stood before him. “About time you got here. We were worried.”
“Ah, no need of that.” Reno removed his hat and gave Fancy a kiss on the cheek. “You’re looking exceptionally pretty tonight. What’s the occasion?”
“Oh, thank you.” Fancy blushed at the kind words. “No occasion. I’m just happy, that’s all.”
“Oh?” Reno was glad. “King being good to you?” After a lifetime of hardship, she deserved all the pampering her husband could lavish on her.
“Always.” She leaned in to whisper in his ear. “We just found out we’re having a baby.”
The good news went straight to Reno’s heart and a smile burst forth on his lips. “Marvelous!” He picked her up and swung her around. “I’m so happy for you!”
“Put the wife down, Black. Slowly.”
King’s growling voice didn’t surprise Reno. “Yes sir, Captain.” As instructed, he set the sweet woman gently on her feet.
“Glad you’re home.” King rose to clap Reno on the back.
“Thanks.” He held out his hand. “I hear congratulations are in order.”
“They definitely are, Reno. We’re thrilled.” He pointed him in the direction of the fireplace. “Come sit. How are you? Any problems?”
“No. Everything was peaceful. Ela has more energy than me and you put together.”
“Not surprised. She’s spry for her age. Join me for a nightcap?”
“Sounds wonderful.”
Ahead of them both, Fancy came forward bringing each of the men a cup. “Warm milk laced with a tad of whiskey. This will help you sleep.”
“Thank you. My favorite.” Reno accepted the treat with gratitude. “I’m going to miss your cooking while I’m gone, Miss Fancy.”
“I spent all afternoon baking. I have provisions for you to take on your trip and some to leave with Saul and the little ones.” She fussed with her apron. “I wish you’d get those children to move in with us. There’s room in the bunkhouse now that Gentry and Domino have built their own cabins. I’m sure Amelia and Ace would be thrilled to have them around.”
“I know. I’m working on changing their minds.” Reno stretched his legs out in front of him. “I’ve told them they’re welcome here as often as you have. Saul is just determined for them to live in the house their daddy built with his own two hands. There’s too many memories in that place he’s not ready to let go of yet.”
“Maybe he’s afraid they’ll forget,” Fancy muttered. “I can barely remember my mother’s face.”
Reno recalled Fancy sharing how she’d lost her parents as a baby. She’d been raised in foster care before running away to fend for herself. “I’m sure that’s part of it,” he agreed.
“From what I can tell, the boy has a stubborn streak a mile wide. He doesn’t want to be beholden to nobody.” King’s observation brought a chorus of agreement from Fancy and Reno.
“Yes, you’re right, but things will be different when I return. I plan on building a place for us all and Saul is just going to have to accept it. I’m not going to take no for an answer.”
“Good.” Fancy patted her skirt. “Oh! Wait. I have something else for you to take to Saul.” She hurried to the back and both men waited patiently for her return. When she reappeared, she was carrying a package. “Guess what? Those photographs I had taken the last time the children visited have come in. The photographer brought them by this morning.” Carefully she removed two framed pictures to show to Reno.
“Well, I’ll be. Look at that.” One was of the children and the others were of the adults. There was one group shot and a portrait of each individual.”
“Aren’t they beautiful?”
“Very nice, Ms. Fancy. Very nice.” He studied the faces of the Stanton children. “That Tess is the cutest little girl in the world. And look at Emory. His little snaggled tooth smile is something else.”
King and Fancy exchanged a knowing look. “You love those kids, don’t you?” She phrased her comment as a question, but the answer was obvious.
“Undoubtedly,” Reno whispered. “But this one…” He held up his own portrait. “We could’ve done without. Who in the world would want a picture of an ugly old mug like mine?”
Fancy laughed. “You aren’t ugly, Reno.”
“Careful, darling.” King pretended to be affronted.
“I know the children would love to have your portrait. I’m sure they’ll cherish it forever.”
Reno stared into the fire. “That I can’t imagine.”
“Oh, I’m right. They’ll probably pass that tintype down from generation to generation.” She stood up and stretched. “Well, you two men visit as long as you want. I’m going to go get ready for bed.”
King held up his head for a kiss, then smiled as he watched his wife leave the room. Once she was gone, he l
eaned back in his chair and sighed. “You just missed Clay.”
“Oh?” Reno was surprised. “Where did he go?”
“About noon today Domino brought a telegram home he picked up in town from the good reverend in Fredericksburg. He agreed to meet with Clay about sponsoring a church to be built here in Kingsland. So, Clay wasted no time, he took off for the meeting.”
“Good. I’m glad. Having a proper church here will make Clay happy.”
“He’s just worried he doesn’t have the necessary license and schooling. Reverend Coates is a robe-wearing preacher with a seminary education. Clay just knows what he learned from his father or taught himself.”
“If he was good enough to serve as a chaplain in the service, he’s good enough for me.”
“Me too.” King chuckled. “After all, he performed our wedding ceremony.”
“True. I sure hate I missed him. I don’t exactly know how long I’ll be gone.”
King leaned forward to stoke the fire. “You’re going to see Cole first. Right?”
“Yes, I want to see him, and I need to meet with the lawyer. Wallace is pulling some strings to discover the identity of the boy who witnessed our exchange. If I can find him, his testimony will go a long way to prove Cole didn’t pass along sensitive information to me.”
“Well, I wish you all the luck in the world. Don’t worry, we’ll check on those children for you. Do we need to look in on Miss Blue?”
“I’d appreciate it if you would.” Reno chuckled. “Oh, she’d love to see Fancy. Ela would be tickled to know your wife is in the family way.”
King stood up. “Speaking of Fancy, I think I’ll join her.”
Reno rose as well. “I need to get some rest myself.”
“What time are you leaving tomorrow?”
“Early. I want to spend some time with Saul and the other children before I leave for Waco.”
Shaking his finger, King walked to the mantle and took down a small rag doll. “I almost forgot something important. Amelia made this gift for Tess.”
“She’ll love it.” He took the doll and marveled at the fine needlework. “I haven’t seen Amelia in a while. How is she?”
