She smiled bashfully but moved even closer to him. “Do you think it is also a land of love?”
Her question climbed right up and onto the summit of his heart and found its answer. “I do now,” he said. Her loving gaze seemed to send a message straight to his soul. So did her touch as she moved her hands up his back.
Then her face grew serious. “You feel it too don’t you?” she asked. “You feel love here. The love between us.”
He nodded. He saw it in her eyes. He felt it in his heart. “Yes. Before I spoke to your father about courting you, when I caught my first glimpse of you, I knew my heart was feeling something special. It was the beginning of love. But here, there is no question that it’s fully real. It’s as though the spirit of this place has bound my heart to your heart. Linked my life to your life. I do love you, Rebecca.” He held her close, feeling the heat of her body. He wanted to link his body to hers. He needed to become one with her.
He needed to marry her.
“And I love you,” she whispered. Her voice held a sweet intimacy, and her hazel eyes lit from within with a golden radiance. “I love how I feel safe with you. I love how deeply you love your family. I love how you care for people and horses. I love how you wanted to help my Mother and how you respect my father. Most of all, I love the fine man you are inside—you stand up to wrong, and you fight for what is right. You respect me and I respect you.” Then she grinned seductively. “And when I’m near you my body gets...”
“I know,” he said as she struggled for the right word. A word that meant fiery, hot-blooded, fervent passion.
A sort of happy energy surged through him. Perhaps it was the good spirits she spoke of. More likely, it was God-given. With crystal clarity, he knew his future stood before him. She wasn’t just a part of his future. She was his future, now and forever.
They fervently clung to one another in an emotional embrace that bound them together with a sense of permanence. From now on they were one.
He knelt to one knee. “Rebecca Tyler, my first and only love, will you marry me?”
Her eyes sparkled with joyful tears as she answered, “I will.”
He stood and drew her into his arms again. “Do you think I’d be breaking my promise to your father if I kissed you?”
“There is nothing dishonorable about a kiss. It’s how two people speak the language of love.”
His lips brushed against hers. “I’m in a talkative mood.”
When they dismounted their horses at Rebecca’s home, Steve was happy and famished. The ride, the fresh air, and his excitement had stirred his appetite.
“I have one question for you,” he said. “I should have asked you this before I asked you to marry me.”
“That sounds serious. What’s your question?” she asked. She peered at him, her brows furrowed with worry.
“Do you know how to make tortillas?”
Rebecca laughed. “No, but I can learn. One of the three cooks for our workers is Mexican. She can teach me.” The fresh air and sunshine had made her cheeks even rosier than normal.
He smiled broadly in approval. “That would be good. Okay, I can still marry you.” Laughing, he gave her a quick peck on the cheek, and she gave him a playful shove.
They were laughing with silliness and happiness as they went in the front door. Never had he felt such joy. Such a love of life. Such optimism about the future.
Rebecca went upstairs to change out of her riding clothes.
At once, Steve went into Mr. Tyler’s office and said, “Mr. Tyler, Sir, I need to ask you something.”
“I was hoping you might,” Tyler replied with a broad grin and stood.
“I’ve asked Rebecca to marry me, and I respectfully request your approval,” he said.
Tyler stood and gave Steve a warm pat on the back. “Gladly given. I was about to tell you that you had my blessing just before you left.”
“Thank you, Sir. I don’t have land yet, but I am trusting that Providence will provide,” Steve said. His stomach growled loudly, and he chuckled with embarrassment.
“Let’s go feed you, and we’ll discuss the future.”
Thankfully, a bountiful meal was already being served, and they sat down to lunch with Mrs. Tyler, Melly, Louisa, and Abigail. Rebecca soon joined them.
During lunch, Rebecca told them all about their trip to see the Indian mounds.
Louisa held the babe with one arm and ate with the other, and Steve also listened to Little Stephen cooing. The sounds the infant made seemed a language both nonsensical and profound at the same time. Now and then, the babe’s blue eyes seemed to regard him. He couldn’t help but smile back at Little Stephen. He was going to love being an uncle. Someday, he would teach the boy to ride.
And someday he was going to love being a father, he thought with a smile across the table at Rebecca. And creating those babies with her would be… an adequate description totally failed him. It had to be the best feeling a man or a woman could experience. Just the thought of making love to Rebecca made his insides vibrate with ardor. He needed to shift his thoughts to something else.
Finished eating, he placed his fork on the plate. “How are Mr. Watson’s slaves doing?” he asked Tyler.
“They’re regaining their strength and health. Melly and Rebecca have been checking the children every day and making sure they eat well and have a place to play,” Tyler answered.
“I’m glad to hear it,” Steve said.
“How is Mr. Watson faring?” Mr. Tyler asked.
“He’s recovering well from what was likely malaria. His strength is returning, and he is up and walking about with his slave, Taynay. And with Amos, Taynay’s little boy. But the true miracle is that he actually seems remorseful for not getting his slaves to safety before the flood.”
“Perhaps God will use the tragedy of the drownings to change his heart,” Rebecca said. “To make him kinder toward those poor people. There are far too many hard-hearted slave owners like him.”
“Indeed,” Mr. Tyler said. “On the other hand, in Louisiana, I also knew some who treated those they own with kindness; even like members of their family. Several generously provided for their slaves in their wills.”
“I believe the man’s heart has already changed,” Steve said. “And that he understands the depth and seriousness of his wrongs against his people.”
“Glad to hear it,” Rebecca said, “otherwise, I was going to have to give that man a talking to.”
Steve didn’t doubt that she would. “Melly already did.”
“I did,” Melly said. “We had an honest, heart to heart talk, especially about the way he treated his female slaves.”
“Did he listen?” Rebecca asked.
Melly nodded. “We’ve all tried to help him, and I believe his heart is changing for the better with every day that passes.”
“Speaking of hearts,” Steve said as he smiled at Rebecca. “I was going to wait until our entire families were together again to say this, but I find myself unable to wait. The good news is wanting to burst right out of me.”
“Well, what is it?” Louisa asked him.
“Earlier this morning…” he glanced at Rebecca and smiled, “I told Rebecca that I loved her. And she said she loves me!”
“I do,” Rebecca said with a broad grin. “Very much.”
“Even better, she has agreed to marry me!” Steve declared.
“Finally!” Louisa said. “I thought you’d never marry. I’m so happy for you, Steve. And you, Rebecca.”
“That’s wonderful!” Melly said.
“Indeed, it is!” Mrs. Tyler said with a clap of her hands. “I had a feeling about you two, although I hadn’t expected an engagement this soon!”
“I never believed in love at first sight,” Steve said. “Until I caught my first glimpse of your daughter, Mrs. Tyler. When I saw her, I fell in love, although it took me a little while to realize that was what had happened.”
“And I smiled back at him,
” Rebecca said, “because I knew it too. So, there is no reason for us to wait to marry. I only need time to have a gown made.”
“Then we’ll have a wedding!” Mrs. Tyler declared.
“And that means someday soon you’ll have one of those in your arms,” Abigail said brightly, pointing to the babe. “Then we’ll all have babies!”
Along with Rebecca, Steve blushed.
“I certainly hope so!” Mrs. Tyler said with a happy chuckle. “Grandchildren would do my poor heart a world of good.”
“And mine,” Mr. Tyler agreed.
Louisa kissed the top of Little Stephen’s downy head. “When you are a father, Steve, you will feel as though the same blood that flows in your veins flows in them. You will be bound so closely to them that you will feel their every emotion. And you will know that nothing in this world could ever be as precious to you as your child.”
“All true,” Mr. Tyler said.
“I think that’s how my father feels about my brothers and me,” Steve said. “He has always been a hero to us, but he has also always been a part of us.”
“I always thought I was Father’s favorite, but I never dared ask my brothers if they thought they were. I was afraid they’d say they were.”
It was the first time Steve had heard her mention her brothers without sadness. He thought that was a good sign.
Mr. Tyler grinned. “No, you were my favorite,” he admitted. “I couldn’t help it. You, darling girl, had me wrapped around your finger.”
“And you had me wrapped around your finger,” Rebecca countered and chuckled.
Everyone was silent for a moment, relishing the warmth of family.
Steve pushed back his chair. “Well, thank you for lunch. If you’ll excuse me, I must be getting back to help Samuel with the cattle.”
“I’m glad Samuel’s back,” Melly said.
“Yes, but now our situation becomes even more critical,” he said. “Those cows can’t stay there long. We are in dire need of land.”
“I may have a solution for you,” Tyler said. He took a drink from his water glass.
“You’ve already done so much. I don’t want to burden you with this problem too,” Steve told him.
“It’s no burden. In fact… well, just allow me to explain. I own two side-by-side plats of land. Each five-thousand acres. I bought them for my sons to farm with sugarcane. They had learned the business and were both about to become planters themselves when they were...”
“Murdered,” Rebecca finished for him. Steve heard the understandable bitterness in her voice. Although she tried to hide her deep-seated anger, her need to see Procela punished went beyond determination. It had progressed to desperation.
She would never let it go and now, neither would he. Her brothers’ murders had gone unpunished for far too long. Somehow, someway, he would do something about that. He was willing to do whatever it took to ease the pain Rebecca felt, no matter the cost to himself.
Tyler glanced down and swallowed before he could continue. “Unfortunately, that dream for them will never happen now. You can keep the cattle herd there until my daughter marries. At that time, I will deed the acreage jointly to her and you, Steve. After that, you can raise cattle or horses on it. Or both. It will be up to you. I want Rebecca and you to have that land as our wedding gift to you.”
Rebecca gasped.
Steve’s mouth hung open as he marveled at the astonishing offer. When he could speak again, he said, “Your generosity is overwhelming, Sir, but that’s too much for a wedding gift.”
“Not for my daughter and her husband. And if I get grandchildren, you will more than pay me back.”
“What about water?” Steve asked.
“It has a large pool of spring water that flows year-round and has for years, even during dry spells. Good, clean water. And there’s a natural basin too that catches rainwater that seeps through the grass growing on the pastures and surrounding hills,” Tyler answered.
Steve had only one other concern. “I have to ask. Do you have a clear, incontestable title to the land?”
“Yes, as incontestable as is possible these days. The land belonged to a Spanish noble who wanted to return to Spain after the Mexican revolution took Texas from Spain. I arranged to buy both that land and this sugar plantation from him, while we still lived in New Orleans. I traveled here, and after viewing the land, I signed the documents in front of the Alcalde that held the office before Procela. He witnessed our signatures and signed the document himself. He was an honest man. I wish he was still here.”
“What happened to him?” Steve asked.
“When the new Mexican governor of Coahuila and Texas took office in San Antonio, he sent his own man here to hold the office of Alcalde. Someone he could control,” Tyler explained. “But if you ask me, the man is out of control.”
“If I may ask, where are these documents?” Steve asked.
“In my safe.”
“Are you certain you want five-hundred head on the land?” Steve asked.
“Of course, they will keep the grass and brush down and fertilize the land,” Tyler said. “But I have one condition.”
“What’s that?” Steve asked.
“I want to be regularly supplied with good, thick beef steaks. I’ve had my fill of venison, wild turkeys, and the occasional chicken. A man needs real meat.”
Steve laughed. “That can be arranged, Sir.”
“Where is this land?” Abigail asked.
“It’s east of town. Between here and the Sabine,” Tyler said. “When Samuel’s ready to move the herd, I’ll saddle my gelding and take all of you there.”
“This is wonderful news,” Steve said. “I can’t wait to tell Samuel.”
“It seems to be the day for good news,” Melly said. “But what about our homes? The rest of us can’t build homes on land that will belong to Rebecca and Steve. It wouldn’t be fair.”
“I don’t know why not,” Rebecca said.
Steve nodded in agreement. “That’s exactly what we did at Pecan Point. We all built on land claimed by Father. We’re family. We stick together, no matter where we are.”
“There’s already what the Spanish called casas fuertes, or fortified houses, on each of the two places,” Tyler said. “Melly, you and the doctor and Adam could take one and perhaps share it with Thomas and Abigail until they get a home built. And Samuel, Louisa, the baby, and Mr. Wiley could take the other. They’re sturdy, with thick walls formed with stone and logs plastered with mud. The roofs are thatched and covered with hides. And each has a stone hearth.”
“What about Rebecca and Steve, once they marry?” Melly asked.
“Why they’ll stay here, of course,” Mrs. Tyler said decisively. “They can have the entire upstairs until they’re ready to build their own home. It will give Steve a chance to get his horse business going well before he has to invest in building a fine home for my daughter.” She smiled at Rebecca.
Steve’s eyes widened. “Now that’s really good news. Later, we can all build a home for Rebecca and me, and then for Thomas and Abigail.”
Abigail giggled and shook her head. “Don’t you think that since I’m already carrying a child that our home should be built first?”
“Yes, my mistake,” Steve said. “But I have a feeling Rebecca and I won’t be far behind you and Thomas.”
Everyone at the table chuckled, especially Rebecca who was blushing furiously. Steve couldn’t believe he’d said what he was thinking out loud. Love was making him impulsive.
“The casas have been abandoned for some time, but they will clean up easily enough,” Mr. Tyler said. “And they’ll probably have a few critters and snakes you will have to kick out.”
“I’ll let Steve and his brothers take care of that,” Melly said. “But I can help clean.”
“All you’ll have to do is furnish them,” Mrs. Tyler said. “There’s an excellent furniture and rug store in town. If they don’t have what you want, they’
ll order it from Louisiana or back East.”
“I must go,” Steve said and stood. “I can’t wait to tell the others.”
“Yes, Samuel has been worried sick,” Louisa said. “I told him all would work out if we just waited until God provided the answers.”
“He certainly has,” Steve said with a smile at Mr. Tyler. “Thank you again, Sir.” He reached over to shake the man’s hand.
“You’re welcome,” Tyler said as he shook Steve’s hand. “Now, go!”
Chapter 26
“You’re getting married!” Samuel nearly shouted. “And Rebecca’s father has ten thousand acres we can use now?” Samuel was beside himself, nearly jumping in the saddle for joy.
“All true, brother,” Steve said, hardly able to believe it himself. “As soon as you’re ready, he’ll show you where the land is. Let me tell the others my good news.”
“Of course!”
Their father, Thomas, Baldy, and Adam, all horseback, and about to help the hands move the herd a short distance, quickly gathered around the two of them. He told them about the land Tyler said they could use and they couldn’t believe their good fortune.
“Do we continue with our little ploy when we go see the Alcalde tomorrow?” Baldy asked. “Now that the need for land isn’t quite so urgent?”
“Of course,” Father said. “Samuel still needs land of his own. And it’s always a good idea to rotate cattle to different pastures. If the distance between the two places is not too great or difficult, one place can be a spring and summer grazing area, and the other can be a fall and winter pasture.”
“It gives the grass time to recover on each place,” Samuel explained. “All the big cattle raisers do that on Mexican ranchos.”
“I have some other good news. You might like this even better,” Steve said, grinning impishly.
“What could possibly be better than finally having a place to graze Samuel’s herd?” Father asked.
Calling it Samuel’s herd, reminded Steve of his intentions. As a single man, he was content to be an employee, but now that he was going to be married, he wanted to do more with his life.
LAND OF STARS: The Texas Wyllie Brothers (Wilderness Dawning Series Book 2) Page 23
