Nodding, Theo moved a strand of hair from her face and rubbed the back of his wrist against her forehead. “She’s got a fever.”
Spence took her from him. “Get on Blacky, and I’ll hand her to you. I don’t trust Tumbleweed.”
Theo nodded, mounted the shorter black horse, and then he took Jillian from Spence’s arms. “Let’s go to Summer’s place. Her father can help.”
***
Jillian came to in the arms of the man who’d roped her. His face was young and kind, and for some reason, she felt safe in his arms. Something she hadn’t ever known since the Kyer’s had come into their valley and run everyone out.
She should fight and escape, but she was so weak and tired. It felt so good to have strong arms hold her. Her captor stopped his horse and put his jacket around her. She couldn’t believe anyone would put her needs first.
Even her Pa and brothers ordered her around as if she were more slave than family. At times, she wondered if what they were doing was right. She knew the Box R hadn’t taken their ranch. So, why were they stealing his cattle?
Thoughts tumbled in her mind, fueled by fever, and confusion, she leaned against his chest and burrowed in his jacket for warmth. And then she was at a house. An older man and young woman were helping her to bed.
More warmth. Jillian woke up briefly for hot soup and tea. She finally felt warm and fell asleep.
Jillian awoke. She scanned the room she was in. Clean and bright, it left her feeling with a sense of home. Something she hadn’t known since, well, she really didn’t know.
Idly, Jillian wondered if she were dying and if this was a holding room on the way to heaven. Then the door opened, and the kind man who roped her walked in.
He smiled a grin that reached his eyes. “How are you feeling?”
She stared at him but figured he deserved an answer. “Better. Warm.”
He smiled. “Good. I’m Theo. Sorry I roped you from your horse.”
She sat up and winced at a sore spot on her side. “I think you may have saved my life. The fever feels like it’s gone.”
“Good. I’m glad we found you when we did.”
She frowned. “The cattle—”
“I haven’t told anyone. It’s just between us.”
“And that other man.”
“He won’t say anything.” Theo turned to see Summer and Spencer walking into the room, followed by her father, Aaron Vance, the veterinarian. Theo introduced them to Jillian.
She pulled the covers to her chin. “I feel better. I can leave anytime—”
Summer went to her. “Easy. You’re still sick and need some care. You’re welcome to stay here. I’d enjoy the company.”
Jillian smiled at her. “Thank you.”
Summer’s father took her wrist. “I think your fever did break, but you need some good food in you, young lady. I assure you that you’ll be safe with us.”
Jillian glanced at Theo and couldn’t take her eyes from him. She felt safe with him around, and she’d been stealing his cattle. She struggled to rise, but sleep took her down, forcing her to trust him.
Chapter 3
Jillian Duff awoke and trembled under the sheets and under the gaze of Theo, the young man who’d saved her. She looked at him. “Nugget, my horse. Where is he?”
Theo shook his head. “Spence caught him and put him in the corral.”
“I love that horse.” She put a hand to her mouth. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what I’m saying, but he’s been one constant in my life. I’ll be leaving as soon as you bring me my clothes.” Embarrassment traveled up her spine to her cheeks. She wasn’t used to wearing a nightgown.
Summer chased the men out of her room and then turned to her. “Now, you just rest. You’re safe here.”
“You don’t understand—”
“That you were rustling Box R steers?” Summer put a hand on her arm. “Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with us. No one is going to tell or run and get the sheriff.” She sat down on the side of the bed. “In fact, I might be interested in interviewing you. I’m a writer. Published. And I would love to do a story on a girl outlaw.”
Jillian frowned. “It wasn’t my idea to steal.” She stared at Summer and felt that she could be trusted. “My pa and brothers. They’re the ones who wanted to rustle the cattle. As far as I know, they’ve never shot anyone.”
“Do you mind waiting a minute while I go and get my notebook and pencil?”
“I’ll wait.” Jillian yawned. “Better hurry, though. I’m awfully tired.”
Summer waved and slipped out of the room.
After a quick knock, Theo and Spencer entered the room.
Spencer, with notebook and pencil in hand, smiled at her. “I hope you’re feeling well enough to answer some questions.”
Jillian struggled to sit up. “You aren’t telling the sheriff.”
“No, no.” Spencer looked at Theo, who shook his head. “This is for a story I’m doing. I thought people would like to hear from an outlaw about what it’s like to live on the run. Especially one who is a woman.”
“Oh, I thought Summer—”
“We work together.” Spencer smiled and held his pencil at ready. “How did you get into this business?”
Jillian yawned. “My family. Big ranches stole our land and cattle. Pa and my brothers decided to take it back.”
Spencer was writing when Summer entered the room.
“Spencer, what are you doing? She’s my story.”
“I got to her first. It was Theo and I that rescued her.”
Summer grabbed his pencil from him. “This is my house. I can’t believe you would do this to me. That’s it. The wedding is off!” She shoved Spencer until he was halfway out the door.
Spencer waved at Jillian. “Later, Miss Duff. I’ll talk with you—”
Summer slammed the door. Then she glared at Theo. “You right now choose sides. If you’re with me, you can stay. If you’re with Spencer, then get out.”
Theo looked from Summer to Jillian and back. “I’ll stay.”
Summer nodded and then turned her attention to Jillian. “Are you all right to answer some questions?”
Jillian nodded. “But I don’t want my family to be in trouble.”
“That’s okay. We’ll change the names. I basically want to know about you anyway. Do you always go out and rustle cattle with your father and brothers?”
She nodded.
“Why did they leave you today?”
Tears welled up in her eyes. “They don’t really care about me. I told them to wait.”
“Do you think they’ll come back looking for you?”
Jillian shook her head. “No, unless it’s because they need someone to cook for them.”
Summer cocked her head and patted her hand. “I’m sorry. It is a hard world.”
Jillian sniffled. “I don’t want to be bad. I don’t want to be an outlaw, but I don’t know what else to do or how to get away from them.”
Theo broke in. “I’ll save you. I don’t want you to go back to them.”
Jillian looked at him and smiled. “I know. You’re also the one that held me and carried me on your horse. Thank you.”
Summer paused with the pencil to her lips. And then looked at Theo. “All right. That’s interesting. Do you think you could give up your outlaw ways if you fell in love?”
Jillian stared at Theo and nodded.
The door burst open, and Aaron Vance strode in. “It’s time for my patient to rest. Summer, Theo, let’s let her sleep. She’s not going anywhere, are you Jillian?”
“No, sir. The only place I’m going is to sleep.” She yawned.
“Good girl. Out you two.”
Aaron caught Summer as she passed him. “You better go set things right with Spencer. You hurt his feelings.”
“Ha! He was stealing my story.”
The door shut, and Jillian strained to hear more of the argument. She’d planned to find her clothes and escape out th
e window, but she was tired. And then there was Theo.
Chapter 3
Summer stomped out of Jillian’s room and nearly ran into Spencer. “I can’t believe your nerve.”
Spencer yanked his pencil from her ear. “My nerve. You stole my pencil.”
“That is not as bad as stealing a story.”
Theo got between them. “Listen to you, two. What has happened?”
Spencer pointed at her. “Ask her. She doesn’t want to get married unless she can wear the pants in the family. I should have known that when she wore those crazy bloomers.”
Summer tossed her head and glared. “You know nothing about fashion.”
“Oh, yeah. Like you do.” Spencer turned to Theo. “Remember when you were trying to rob us, and you heard what sounded like a shot? Well, that was her blow-up bustle exploding. Ha! Fashion.”
Summer’s eyes stung with tears. “I told you that in confidence. Now, you tell it to him. I’m surprised you didn’t put it in one of your stories.” She stared at Spencer and saw the look on his face that said he’d been caught.
“You did put it in one of your stories. How could you?”
Spencer shook his head. “It’s funny, Summer. I was going to ask if you mind, but you yelled at me and threw me out of the house.”
“Like I’m going to do now!” She pointed for the door. “Out!”
Aaron came into the kitchen and caught Spencer before he could get out the door. “Wait a minute, you two. I have tried to stay out of your troubles, but I fear you are both going to make the biggest mistake of your lives.”
Summer turned her back on them.
“Summer, sit down at the table.” Aaron grabbed Spencer and sat him down across from her. “Now, you take those pencils and pads of paper and write down all the things you like and dislike about each other. I’ll have dinner finished by the time you’re done.”
Theo stood by the wall as if he were afraid to move.
Aaron pointed at him. “You can take care of the horses and then help me make dinner.”
Summer watched as Theo ran outside. He was no doubt glad to be away from the ruckus.
Spencer looked at her in that way that melted her heart. “I’ve been miserable without you. I can’t even write a word.”
She shook her head. “Me either. It would seem that you are my muse.”
“I love you, Summer Vance. I’m sorry I hurt you.”
Her heart warmed to him. “I love you, too. I’m sorry I accused you of stealing my story. I should be more professional.”
“You should trust me more than that.” He stared at her.
She stared back. “You really wrote about my bustle explosion?”
“I haven’t turned it in. I was going to ask you.”
She put her head in her hands. “How did we go so wrong? And right before our wedding whenever it will be.”
Spencer took one of her hands in his. “I want to marry you.”
She gazed into his eyes. “I love you. Do you think this month is too sudden? Or do you think we need to postpone it to later in the year?”
“I’m afraid if we do put it off, we’ll never get married.”
“What if we shouldn’t?” Summer stared at him and gasped at the question she’d asked. She’d not had any hesitation saying yes, but now that they’d missed the New Year’s wedding, the real question was more should they, than when will they.
“Don’t say that, Summer.” Spencer took her hand and stroked it gently. “I love you more than life. You’re the light that brightens my day. Without you, I’d be living in darkness, and I can’t do that.”
“I don’t want to live without you either. Let’s stop fighting.”
Spencer nodded, pulled her to him and hugged her, kissing the top of her head.
Summer looked up and kissed his lips. After a moment of passion, they broke apart. Breathing heavily, Summer smiled at him. “Maybe in a week.”
Spencer caressed her cheek. “I can barely wait. I’m sorry I wrote about your bursting bustle.”
Summer laughed. “It was funny. I remember you falling off the wagon and Theo falling from his horse.”
Laughing, Spencer nodded. “I think we’re going to have a fun life together.”
“Me, too. Maybe we should write together, so we’re not competing.”
Spencer snapped his fingers. “You know, that’s a great idea. I could write the heroes viewpoint, and you could write the—”
“Heroines. Let’s do it. Maybe we can get Jillian to tell us her story.”
“I love you, Summer.”
She kissed his cheek. “I better help Father with dinner. We need to take care of Jillian now that she’s our story.”
***
Theo came back in and was relieved that Summer was cooking, and she and Spencer seemed to have made up.
Aaron came out of the kitchen. “I’m happy to see you two made up.”
She put her hands on her hips. “Making dinner, you were listening. But yes, the wedding is on.” Summer grinned. “The end of the week, we’ll go to the preacher. Of course, you’re welcome to come.”
“Keep it that way. Love only comes along a few times in a person’s life.”
Summer lifted an eyebrow and studied her father. “A few times. Does that mean you and Olive—”
Aaron held up his hand. “Let’s get your wedding done before we talk about another.”
Spencer grinned. “I’m happy for you, Aaron.”
“We haven’t set a day, but we enjoy one another’s company.”
Theo smiled. “Seems love is in the air.”
Summer elbowed him. “I saw the way you looked at Jillian when you carried her inside.”
“She’s a pretty woman. I can’t imagine why she would be a rustler.” Theo frowned. “I don’t want her turned over to the sheriff. Or to tell my boss about her.”
Aaron nodded. “I think she’s safe here and with all of us. But a lot of it is going to be up to her.”
Theo carried plates to the table. “I want to help her.”
Spencer looked outside. “We need to get back to the ranch. It will be dark before we get to the bunkhouse.”
Theo shrugged. “I hate to leave her.”
“You know the boss doesn’t take to us shirking our duties. Besides, they might get worried and send the boys out to look for us.”
“You’re right. We better skip dinner, Mr. Vance, Summer.”
She grabbed Spencer and held onto him. “Don’t you go and get into any trouble. You have a date with me in a week.”
“I won’t miss it. Promise.” He kissed her.
Theo grabbed Spencer and dragged him out the door. “Let’s go. We’ve got a long ride in a short time.”
Spencer slapped his arm. “Hey, I like that. Mind if I use that sentence in one of my books.”
Theo grinned. “No, not at all.” He brought his horse from the barn and tightened the cinch. He watched Spencer to make sure he did the same. Sometimes his friend reverted to his tenderfoot ways and needed watching.
“Let’s go.” Spencer urged his horse forward, and together they set out in a comfortable lope.
After an hour of riding, Theo pulled his horse to a slow walk and turned to Spencer. “We’re going to have to go after Jillian’s family.”
Spencer nodded. “I know. Guess we don’t have to tell her.”
“You’ll be the one to find out where they hide out. You and Summer, when you ask Jillian about her story.”
Spencer fingered the reins in his hands. “The sheriff is going to want to know about her. He might let her go.”
“No. Swear to me you won’t tell a soul.”
“All right. Your secret is safe, but I’m not so sure about Jillian. You don’t know anything about her. I’ve read about women who were every bit as bad and mean as the men in the outlaw gangs.” Spencer shook his head and stared at Theo. “Be careful around her.”
Theo nodded. “I already thought of th
at. Thought about her family coming to look for her, too.”
Spencer shook his head. “I think you should tell the boss that some cattle were taken. At least tell him that.”
“I will.” Theo saw the lights in the bunkhouse. “We’re almost there. I’ll tell the boss tomorrow.”
Chapter 4
Jillian woke up to an ache in her head and wheezing in her lungs. She’d been sick for some time, told Pa, but he hadn’t cared. Feeling bad, she’d fallen behind the rest of the gang. She squinted, trying to block the bright light coming from a window. The next thing she noticed was the bed. A soft bed with clean sheets and blankets. If she didn’t know better, she’d have thought she died and went to heaven.
Then again, that she’d be in heaven would be a bigger surprise than waking up in a soft bed. She remembered the kind man who carried her and then shook her head. Who was she kidding? He was also the same man who had roped her and yanked her off the horse.
She struggled to sit up, and that set off a round of coughing.
There was a knock on her door, and the girl, Summer, Jillian thought her name was, came in.
“I heard you coughing. Father left this for you. Take a spoonful whenever you start coughing.” She held out the bottle and a spoon.
Jillian nodded. “I should be going. Where are my clothes?”
“I’m washing your clothes. We’re about the same size. I have some that would probably fit you if you want to borrow some.”
Looking at the young woman, Jillian shook her head. “In my line of work, such frilly things won’t do.”
Summer laughed. “I have some pants. I haven’t always been frilly. But for now, you need to rest. You’re still sick. Father said if Theo hadn’t brought you in when he did, you’d have been dead in a matter of days.”
That stung. Jillian knew she hadn’t been well, but neither her father nor brothers bothered to care about her welfare. They probably hadn’t even figured she wasn’t with them until dinner when they had to fix it themselves.
Summer poured some water. “Drink as much water as you can stand. It helps get rid of the sickness, but my father said you’re not to worry. He believes with a little care; you’ll be up and around in no time.”
Setting Things Straight Page 2
