Dance on the Wind

by Brenda Jernigan

  “Well . . . no,” Brandy admitted with a frown. “But I can get one. Just tell me where.” She was frantic to convince Ward to take her because their choices were now at an end. The second letter had arrived this morning from the bishop. Next month she and the children would be out on the street, and then what was she to do? She had thought money would be her only difficulty. But now she had money and still her problems persisted.

  Ward shook his head. “Lady, you’re wastin’ my time. I’ve other things to do,” he informed her with a vague hint of disapproval. “You can’t travel alone on my wagon train! This is not a pleasure journey, Miss,” he informed her. “It’s a hard, tough, demanding trip, and it’ll take every ounce of strength a man has. And you, my dear woman, are no man!”

  Ward looked at the petite young woman in front of him. Despite the fact she’d tried to look older with the severe hairstyle, she couldn’t hide her beauty or her youth. Her strong chin and high cheekbones gave her a stately appearance. And her eyes were rare flowers indeed. He’d never seen eyes the color of violets, and unfortunately for her, beauty was another disadvantage to her chances of booking passage on this train.

  “I’ll not be traveling alone,” Brandy persisted, determined not to give up.

  Ward gave a long sigh. “As long as you have a man who can handle your wagon, then your problems are solved.”

  “I have Billy. He’s fourteen,” she told him excitedly.

  Ward frowned. “Fourteen? That’s a bit young, and who is this Billy?”

  “He is—is my brother. You see, I’m from an orphanage.” Brandy sighed before pouring out all the problems she’d kept bottled up for so long.

  “It started when Father Brown died, and he made me promise to take care of the children. But I found out we didn’t have any money, and we were going to lose our home.” Once Brandy began to ramble she couldn’t stop. She had to make Ward understand just how desperate her situation had become. “I had to do something, so I answered the ad for a bride.” She grabbed Ward’s arm. “I have to get to Wyoming! I have to marry Sam! Don’t you understand? We have no place to go,” she said the last in a whisper as a tear slipped down her cheek. Shame washed over her for telling her troubles to an outsider. No matter how kind he appeared, he was still a stranger.

  Ward pulled her into his arms, and though she tried to resist, the need to be comforted overwhelmed her. She finally collapsed, comforted to once again be able to lean on someone else.

  “We?” Ward asked.

  “I’m taking care of five br—, children.”

  Ward rubbed Brandy’s back in a fatherly manner. She was much too young to have all these responsibilities thrust upon her. “Don’t cry, child. I really do sympathize with you, but I’m in charge of twenty wagons. Each one will demand my attention, and there would be resentment if I showed you any partiality.”

  “I know.” She sniffed into his shirt. “It’s really not your problem”

  “Perhaps you can find a man who will take charge of your crew, and can help you out,” Ward suggested, wondering just where that man would come from Out of the comer of his eyes, he spotted Thunder standing by a wagon. Now there was the perfect man. Ward grinned. It probably wouldn’t work, but it was worth a try.

  “I have an idea.” Ward held Brandy away from him. “See that big fellow over there? The one with the jet black hair?”

  Brandy glanced in the direction where Ward pointed.

  “His name is Thunder. He’s my scout. Perhaps you can persuade him to keep an eye out for your wagon, but I warn you, he can be difficult.”

  Brandy wiped away her tears with the heel of her hand. “Thank you, Ward.” She gave him a weak smile. “You’re a very nice man.”

  Ward became captivated by her dazzling smile and heart-breaking eyes. He would look forward to Brandy’s company on the trail west—that is, if she could convince Thunder. And that just might be the most arduous task she’d ever attempted. It would probably make all her other troubles seem simple. Ward smiled again, knowing it might make this trip a little more interesting.

  Taking deep breaths, Brandy walked toward Thunder. On top of the heat and everything else, she had developed hiccups. “Ex—excuse me, sir.” Brandy’s voice broke as she hiccupped again. She felt her face flush red as she stood behind the man called Thunder, staring at his broad back. The first thing she noticed was that his glossy black hair touched the top of his shoulders. It was beautiful. If this man was an Indian, he was dressed just like everybody else. Not at all what she pictured an Indian to be.

  When he swung around, Brandy’s astonishment cause her hiccups to vanish instantly as she jumped back.

  She stared open-mouthed at this giant of a man who stood a good foot and a half taller than she. He was, without a doubt, the most attractive fellow she’d ever laid eyes on. His deeply tanned skin flattered his handsome features. A slight scar on his left temple kept him from looking too perfect. A square jaw gave him an authoritative air, and his chiseled nose added to his rugged appeal. Everything about him spoke of raw, untamed strength. A strong urge to run swept over her like wildfire. She willed herself to stay put.

  Thunder could do nothing but stare. He’d expected to find an older woman, just like all the others he’d given directions to today. He was totally unprepared for the delightful surprise that greeted him. The others had wanted to know where the wagon master was located, and what they needed to do. It seemed he was always directing somebody over to Ward.

  All this waiting around had been extremely irritating when all Thunder wanted to do was move down the road.

  It was the lady from the graveyard. He was actually face-to-face with the woman he’d seen twice before. The one, though he hated to admit it, who’d haunted his dreams. But in his dreams he hadn’t been able to picture her face because he’d only caught a glimpse of her until now. Maybe it would have been better if she’d remained faceless.

  Because the lovely creature standing before him with sparkling eyes would be hard to forget.

  Mesmerized by the rich hue of her eyes, Thunder remembered many a sunrise at home when he would sneak from his teepee to watch the beginning of a new day. Just as the sun perched on the crest of the hill and teased the sky with purple and orange color, chasing away the dark blue night, Thunder remembered that for a brief moment the awakening sky had been the exact color of her violet eyes. As he stared into them, he felt a stab of homesickness which didn’t improve his mood.

  Brandy didn’t know what to say. He stared at her so intently, she grew uneasy. A breeze caught his slate-black hair, giving him a carefree look; however, his piercing silver eyes showed no emotion. Brandy felt he went to great lengths to mask his feelings. The rush of adrenaline that surged through her scared her even more than the man himself. Without knowing why, she took another step backwards. Her heart pounded in her ears. Still feeling much too close, she moved again so she could see him better and put some distance between them.

  “You don’t have to keep backing up, ma’am. I promise I’ll not touch you.” Thunder’s gaze turned much colder than before. Dangerous—that’s how the man looked . . . like danger. “If you seek the wagon master, he is over there,” Thunder snapped, motioning her away from him.

  “I know,” she admitted, wondering why he appeared so angry. “But, I’m looking for you.”

  “Me?” His dark eyebrows drew together with a look of surprise, followed by the same guarded expression he’d had moments ago. “Why?”

  She held her breath and clasped her trembling hands together. “I’d like to see if you’d help me.”

  “Why should I want to help someone I don’t know?”

  She tilted her head. He was going to be difficult, she could feel it. “Haven’t you ever helped a stranger?”

  “No,” he stated flatly. “What do you want, lady?” he inquired, blunt and to the point. Evidently he wanted to get this conversation over quickly.

  His flat, unyielding tone and uncomp
romising manner left Brandy inwardly reeling, and again the urge to flee struck her. He wasn’t the least bit obliging, but the urge to run died once his deep-set, silver gaze came to rest on her, rooting her to the spot. She couldn’t run if her life depended on it.

  “I-I must book passage on th-this wagon train, and I need to hire you to help me.”

  What kind of woman would ask a perfect stranger for help, especially a breed? “Why me?”

  “Why not? I need a man, and you’re as good as any.”

  “Thank you for the compliment, ma’am.” Thunder felt like laughing at the insult. “You’re traveling alone?”

  “The wagon master recommended you. And no, I have five children who’ll be traveling with me.”

  He lost control and started to laugh. This woman was definitely crazy. “Lady, aren’t you a little young to have five children?”

  His insulting laughter drew Brandy’s anger. She didn’t appreciate him mocking her. It was embarrassing enough having to ask for help without being made fun of. She folded her arms. Her back grew rigid. “How dare you laugh at me! The children are my brothers and sisters. I don’t have a husband—yet!”

  “Yet?” Thunder chuckled. “But you anticipate finding one? Maybe you should get married first and then you’ll have your problem solved.”

  “My future husband lives at Fort Laramie, and will pay you handsomely to take me there.”

  “I bet he will. He’d be foolish not to want you near him,” Thunder said in a serious tone. He’d not meant for his thoughts to slip out so easily.

  “Does that mean you’ll take the job?”

  “Why would I want the responsibility of a woman and five children?” He shook his head. “I don’t need that kind of trouble.”

  “We are very self-sufficient. And we wouldn’t be any trouble,” Brandy argued persistently.

  Without warning, Thunder reached out and grabbed Brandy’s hand. He turned her palm up, then rubbed the tips of his fingers across her hand. It was as smooth as a baby’s face.

  “Just as I thought. Your hands are soft. You’ve never done a day’s work in your life, Miss . . . Miss . . .” Brandy held her breath. She felt the strength of his fingers as they slid across her palm. Awakening desire blossomed within her. A new emotion that excited, yet scared her, all at the same time. Her name came out in a breathless whisper. “Brandy.”

  When she said her name, Thunder’s gaze automatically focused on her pink lips. He saw the way she bit her bottom lip, and he felt a tightening in his lower body. “What is your last name, Brandy?”

  “I don’t have one. I’m an orphan.”

  The remark stung Thunder. He’d figured she was like the women he’d met in Boston. Spoiled. Maybe this lady had a little more spunk than he gave her credit for. She was all alone, just like himself, and he sympathized with her, but still—. He’d have to be crazy to take on the responsibility of a family that wasn’t his. And he definitely wasn’t in the market for a family.

  “Miss Brandy, find yourself someone else!” he snapped before be let go of her hand abruptly, turned on his heel, and walked away. He needed desperately to put some space between them. He hadn’t been prepared for the sudden attraction he felt for the little lady with the huge purple eyes. Hell, he’d have to be insane to take on such an obligation.

  Yet, he did feel a stab of guilt. Just like before when he’d seen her from the hill, he felt like she was very much alone. And now he knew she was alone. He gritted his teeth ... she wasn’t his problem.

  For several minutes, Brandy remained motionless. Then, completely unaware of her actions, she rubbed the palm of her hand against her dress, trying to rid herself of the feel of the bronze man’s touch. She had never been touched like that before, and even though he had only held her hand, her whole arm felt like fire, and a sudden disappointment that she couldn’t explain filled her.

  This had definitely been a trying day, and nothing had been accomplished except for paying her bills. However, if she didn’t get a guide they would be no better off than when they started. They had to have a home.

  What was she going to do? An idea struck her so fast it scared her. She must act quickly before she could change her mind. She had to find the wagon master.

  “Ward,” she said softly, touching his arm.

  He turned with a frown, but his eyes softened upon seeing she was back. “Did he agree?”

  “As a matter of fact, he did, thank you.” Brandy smiled brightly, never flinching at her falsehood. “Now, can I book passage with your wagons?”

  “Sure can. It’s three hundred dollars,” Ward said as he rubbed his chin. Surprise was clearly stamped on his face. “Perhaps Thunder has mellowed over the years,” Ward mumbled.

  Brandy handed a small, brown leather pouch to Ward. “I believe you’ll find the correct amount in here.”

  “Thank you, ma’am. I hope we’ll all have a pleasant and safe journey. We’ll be leaving next week,” he informed her.

  “We’ll be ready,” Brandy said, then left, saying to herself, “I hope.”

  She felt Ward watching her walk away. So it was a small lie, she convinced herself on her way back to the parsonage. However, the lies were adding up quickly. Father Brown would have to intercede and ask God to forgive her.

  Brandy needed a plan. She refused to give up on the man with the silver eyes. Surely there was some kind of sympathy in him. He was going to help them one way or the other. She would give Thunder a little time to think about her offer, and then she’d simply ask him again. And if bad came to worse, she’d beg.

  He’d see the wisdom of helping her and the children. He just had to!

  5

  Later that night, Brandy was quiet during dinner, wondering how she was going to present the upcoming trip to the children. Many things needed to be done as they prepared for the journey and she would need everyone’s cooperation. But what could she say?

  Direct and to the point, she thought. That had to be the answer.

  She stared at the food on her plate, not seeing what was there. What if they all refused to go? How could she care for them and keep her promise to Father Brown?

  She couldn’t put it off any longer. She laid down her fork, then blurted out, “We’re going to Fort Laramie.”

  “Oh, boy!” Scott squealed, jumping up and clapping his hands. Suddenly he looked at her with questioning eyes. “What’s Fort Laramie?”

  Brandy laughed, realizing Scott would be excited over anything. He was easy to please, but the others .. . they had yet to speak. Their typical negative response, she thought as she saw all the frowns.

  “It’s a beautiful place that has plains as far as the eye can see, Scott. There will be wild ponies, streams for fishing, and fresh air. Nothing like this dusty old place.”

  “I don’t want to go anyplace, especially a fort!” Mary said curtly, her foul mood clearly showing on her face.

  “I’m afraid we don’t have a choice.”

  “Why can’t I just stay here?” Mary stormed. “I don’t need the rest of you.”

  “Is that right?” Brandy questioned.

  “Yes. The new priest will be here soon and I can help him,” Mary informed Brandy. “And I’ll be rid of you.”

  Brandy stood slowly, counting to ten and resisting the urge to strangle Mary. “I probably should have told everyone earlier, but I didn’t want to upset you before I had an answer to our problems. There will be no priest. After next month we won’t have a home, and I, for one, don’t want to sleep in the street,” Brandy admitted as she looked at her brothers and sisters.

  “I don’t believe you!” Mary’s tone hardened, then she retorted tartly, “Where did you get the money when you’ve been preaching about how poor we are?”

  “It’s true, Mary.” Billy prevented Brandy from explaining. “Father Brown just hadn’t told us they were doing away with the orphanage. Even if he’d lived, we would still have to leave. Plus we owed money to near everybody in tow
n.”

  “What are we going to do when we get to this fort?” Ellen finally spoke. “Where will we live?” “I’ll be marrying a gentleman by the name of Sam Owens, who has sent enough money to pay off our debts and purchase a wagon and supplies,” Brandy explained.

  Married. The word still sounded foreign to Brandy. Marriage was something other people did, not her, but fate seemed to be changing all their lives. “He will provide us with a good home.”

  “Married,” Mary spat. “You’ve never kissed a man, and you’re going to get married!” She laughed. An inexplicable look of withdrawal slid over her face. Evidently, Mary thought the whole idea was absurd, and Brandy really couldn’t disagree.

  Brandy shrugged. “Let’s just say it’s a marriage of convenience.”

  Mary pushed her chair back and stood. Apparently, she wasn’t going to give up. “Why? And where did you meet him?”

  Brandy sighed and looked to heaven. Father, give me strength.

  She began a lengthy explanation of their situation, beginning with when they’d first discovered the orphanage was going to close.

  Mary slumped down onto the chair and crossed her arms, still in a huff, but kept her mouth shut.

  ‘‘Thank you,” Brandy murmured as she glanced up to heaven again.

  “I’m afraid,” Ellen admitted in a timid voice. Glancing at Ellen, Brandy asked, “Of what?”

  “There are Indians out there.” Ellen’s voice cracked. She burst into tears. “I’ve heard they scalp people.”

  Brandy placed her arm around Ellen, who leaned her head against Brandy. “There are Indians here, too,” Brandy said softly. “But, to ease your fear, we’ll be traveling with twenty wagons. And—” Brandy paused and lifted Ellen’s face up with her finger “—I’ve hired a big, strong man to take care of us in case there’s any trouble. Believe me, he’d scare off anyone who would threaten us.”

  Amy toddled over and pulled on Brandy’s skirt. “I’m sleepy, Bran.”

  “All right.” Brandy let go of Ellen, then bent down and picked Amy up. “Say good night.”