Where The Four Winds Collide

by Hildie McQueen

  Adeline threw her robe on and dashed into the kitchen. Sitting at the table with a cup of coffee in front of him, Jackson looked up as she emerged. His regard made her stomach flip and she managed to smile in return, her eyes darting about the room.

  "Hello Beauty," He stood and came closer to wrap his arms around her. "I overslept. Still I didn't expect you up yet, we were up pretty late."

  His words brought a warm blush. "I wanted to see you before you left." Adeline tipped her face to gaze up at him and was rewarded by a slow kiss eliciting a soft moan from her.

  "I'm going to check to ensure everything is well, then I'll come back early," Jackson murmured between kisses. "Would you like to plan an early supper, maybe on the floor in front of the hearth in there?" He motioned to the bedroom door. He bent to kiss her again and pulled her closer into him. "Or maybe I can check on things later."

  Adeline couldn't help but laugh. With his forehead pressed against hers Jackson's darkened eyes met hers. The slight curve of his bruised lips made it hard for her not to claim them again.

  Adeline reached her arms around his neck. "We have a lot to talk about," she told him caressing his jaw. "I don't want any secrets between us, we need to talk about everything. When you come back I'll have a great meal set up for us like you suggested in our bedroom, in front of the hearth."

  His blue eyes traveled to her lips and when he lifted them to meet her gaze, they were the color of midnight. Adeline shivered in anticipation of spending more time with him.

  "I'll be here before you know it. You're right we do need to talk. Amongst other things we need to discuss how much I love having you near me. " His smile was slow and with intent. He nuzzled at her throat murmuring words she barely heard, especially once his tongue began to trace a circular pattern.

  "Jackson," Adeline gasped, "don't you have things to do?"

  "You're right." Hands on her shoulders, he took a step away and flashed a wicked smile. "I better go, or else I won't leave at all."

  Jackson was still smiling when he walked into the dimness of the barn. Upon spotting his farm hand, Carl mucking a stall, he went to speak to him. A hard worker who rarely spoke, Carl didn't see him until he stopped a few feet away.

  "Mr. Pruitt, I was going to come speak to you once I finished up here." The rugged man told him not stopping in his work.

  "Is there a problem?"

  "Well," Carl scratched his head, "there's a squatter out there at the abandoned cabin. I told him to get gone, but he told me he had a right to be there."

  "How long has he been there?" Jackson asked as apprehension prickled.

  "Looked like he'd only been there a day or two at the most when I came upon him this morning. The smoke from the chimney is what got my attention. Saw it when I was letting the horses out."

  Jackson rubbed a hand over his face. "Is it one man or a family?" If it were the latter, he'd probably let them stay for the winter, although it would be harder to get rid of them the longer they remained.

  "No sir only one old man, doesn't seem well. It's like he's sick or something."

  He thought Carl said something else and waved his hand over his shoulder already making his way out toward his horse. "I'll take care of it. Thank you Carl." And he would. Jackson had pretty good idea who the squatter was.

  If Jack Pruitt thought he could walk back into their lives, he was about to be bitterly disappointed.

  Upon reaching the weathered cabin once his family home, Jackson dismounted and drew his gun. He'd not been to the abandoned cabin, other than to occasionally check for squatters in months. The sturdy structure remained in good condition.

  He'd lived there for eighteen years. As soon as he was strong enough and had the money, he'd hired help to build the larger home where he and Adeline lived now. Many a time he'd considered burning the old cabin, but memories of his mother and how much she loved it stopped him.

  Now he wished he had.

  Jackson opened the door to the dim interior with deliberate slow movements. He waited until his eyes adjusted to the darkness before going in.

  "I wondered how long it would take you to come throw me out, once your hired hand told you I was here," Jack Pruitt sat with his back to the door, not bothering to look up when Jackson stepped through the doorway.

  Hunched over on the only chair in the space, the older man faced the small hearth where a fire burned. "I tried to make do without heat, but it sure got bitter cold last night. Didn't it?"

  "Get off my land," Jackson replied, not lowering his gun.

  Jack ignored him. "You've done good, I saw the herd of fat cattle out there grazing and those horses in the corral are beauties. I suppose this house wasn't good enough for you now, being how successful you are. Had to build you a bigger, grander one. New barn and stables too. You did good son." Coughing stopped his rant. The hacking continuing until he could not catch his breath. Still Jackson stood by the door not moving.

  "Your grandfather and the others who came with him knew this place would prosper. He always said the land here calls to the Pruitt's"

  Jackson looked up at the ceiling at the familiar story.

  Jack continued unabated, his voice catching from the exertion. "They came upon it, the wagon train headed west stopped when the men spotted the spread of land where the town now sits. They could literally see the winds coming together from each direction, north, south, east and west. It was where the four winds collided and it was a sign. They knew it, felt it and settled with their families here. If you ever leave it, you will understand what I'm telling you. The land will call you home Son."

  "Don't call me son."

  "Well its who you are whether you like it or not," yellowed eyes finally regarded him. "How is Heath?" He began coughing again, lifted a bottle to his lips and drank deeply.

  "If you came here expecting to be nursed, you can get your carcass on the hag out there and head back to wherever you came from."

  Jack laughed, the sound raspy and without humor. "Get nursed? I didn't come here hoping to get anything from you boys. I came because I want to be close to your mother now. I came here to die."

  "You don't have a right to be near her or what's mine. You don't deserve to die here, not after..." Jackson spun to leave deciding it was best not to say anymore.

  "I'm sorry Jackson." The man called out. Coughing again, he pushed the words out. "Please don't leave until I hear you say you forgive me."

  "What does it matter?" Jackson told him turning to look at him. "Why did you really come back now?"

  Jack stood and took a step toward him, but then noticed the gun pointed at his chest. "I left because I was a coward. I couldn't live without her, your mother. Every time I looked at you boys, I saw my Isabelle. Without her I could not control my illness, the voices, the constant battering of emotions made me do and say crazy things. Only your mother could soothe me." He rambled on and paced, pulling at his hair. "I was afraid. I didn't know what I would do to you or your brother if she wasn't here to stop me and help me." He continued mumbling, his words running together, not making sense. Jackson wanted nothing more than to grab the poor excuse for a human and toss him on his horse and never see the man again.

  "Just a two days, not one more." Jack stopped pacing and collapsed into the chair, his head lolling to the side. Jackson thought he'd passed out, but he lifted it and spoke again. "Tell Heath I'm sorry."

  "You have until tomorrow evening to be gone. If you come anywhere near my house or stables you will be shot on sight. " Jackson walked outside glad for the fresh air. He took a deep breath and holstered his gun. He kicked at a rock sending it flying. "Damn it."

  Jackson mounted and galloped away without looking back.

  Once at his house, Jackson burst through the door throwing it open with a loud bang. A startled Adeline turned from the pot she was stirring her eyes wide. "What's wrong?"

  Without speaking, Jackson went to her and pulled her against him, his mouth seeking hers with desperation h
e'd not felt before. In this moment, he didn't want to talk or feel anything other than his woman beneath him.

  "Wait," Adeline pushed away from him.

  "Adeline, I..." He started to apologize.

  "Shhh," seeming to understand his need, she silently removed the pot from the fire and took his hand. "Come, let me soothe you." She pulled him toward the bedroom.

  "Do you want to talk about it?" Adeline pressed kisses along Jackson's jawline. They'd remained in bed for hours, dinner forgotten and cold in the other room.

  "I don't, no." He replied not wanting to bring Jack Pruitt into his marriage bed. "I will tell you one day, but not now."

  "Well, I have something to tell you, though I suspect you already know," Adeline told him. "I lost the baby." She took a deep breath, "Jackson I feel so guilty while I felt a great sadness about it, I was also somewhat relieved when it happened. I didn't want to bring a child into a life with Billy Johnson."

  Jackson closed his eyes and nodded. "I did know. You shouldn't feel guilty about those feelings; it's natural for you to have wanted a better life for the child. I'm so very sorry, I take full responsibility. I'm to blame for the infant's death."

  "No Jackson, I share the blame," Adeline told him firmly. "I should have told you the truth from the beginning." She met his gaze, her beautiful green eyes full of remorse. "I panicked, didn't want to take a chance you'd reject me, and send me away."

  "I wouldn't have," Jackson replied kissing her. He held her close against him. "Let's forgive each other Adeline. I understand I can never make it right, turning my back and letting him take you. No matter how many years pass, know I will forever carry this inside me." With his fist over his heart, Jackson continued. "I'm hopeful one day I will earn your trust again."

  A tear spilled down her cheek and she wiped it away with her fingertips. "I do forgive you Jackson with all my heart. It will take time for both us to get past feeling remorse. Will you forgive me for the lie?"

  "I already have," Jackson replied.

  "I need to hear the words."

  "Why?"

  "Look at me Jackson," Adeline prodded, and when he did, she continued. "I've been thinking a lot about a verse I read in the bible on forgiveness. When you forgive me, and speak the words, then I know you will begin to heal. You see when we forgive someone whose wronged us. We do it more for ourselves than for them. Letting go of the resentment is like removing a festering piece of flesh that can spread and eventually kill you. I need to hear you say it, so I know you are healing."

  "I forgive you Adeline."

  "Good, that's good," she replied and yawned.

  Her words resounded in his mind and Jackson stared at the ceiling mulling them over. Could he ever bring himself to forgive Jack Pruitt? Would it matter either way? If what Adeline said was true, then he needed to do it. The man was mad, didn't make sense half the time. But if what Adeline said about healing was true? Maybe one day he'd say the words. But right now, the thought of saying them out loud, or even thinking it made a knot in his gut.

  He couldn't do it.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  The telegram from the Sheriff in Roanoke, Virginia, was short, but had enough information to make Heath read over the words several times.

  Socialites Walter and Meredith McGuire are dead. Murder suicide committed by Walter McGuire. One surviving daughter Jessica McGuire. Marriage to Ronald Jackson called off by groom's family.

  The answer to why Jessie McGuire accepted a marriage proposal and moved west was obvious. Her fiancé cancelled their wedding after her fall from grace within society, which no doubt his family pressured the coward into. Although Heath didn't understand why she'd walked away from her inheritance, which was a considerable sum according to the telegram. It was possible she didn't think coherently, especially if heartbroken.

  "The judge is heading this way," Earl interrupted his thoughts. "The woman, your fiancée is with him. She seems none too happy."

  "It's nothing new," Heath replied getting to his feet. The poor judge arranged to meet Jessie at the schoolhouse this morning in hopes she'd accept a position they'd talked the schoolmistress into creating.

  The day before, after much discussion he and Jessie arrived at a compromise. Heath refused to marry her until they got to know each other better which threw her into an all out panic, she cried, which almost made him change his mind, but in the end, she'd calmed and they'd had a reasonable discussion. They'd marry in the spring.

  He caught sight of her through his small grimy window and had to admit he was being a fool. There was no denying she was the best-looking woman in town. If he wasn't careful another of the many bachelors would step in and offer for her hand. Besides, he couldn't disallow there was attraction between them.

  Heath stood when Jessie and the judged walked in. The sheriff's star still pinned on his vest, the gun still slung low on his hip, the self appointed guardian for Jessica McGuire, he held a chair for her. The men waited for her to sit and then took their seats. Heath raised a brow at Earl, who slumped before he got up and went outside.

  "Miss McGuire has graciously accepted the position of teaching at the school house," Judge announced smiling at the lady beside him. "Albeit only temporarily."

  "Only until June when the children break for the summer," Jessie told him with a challenge in her tone. "At that time, I will decide whether I will remain as a teacher or return to Roanoke."

  Heath leaned forward. "What of our agreement? Our marriage?"

  Judge patted Jessica's hand and gave her a fatherly smile. "Miss McGuire has decided not to pursue the matter of marriage."

  Not sure why, Heath shot to his feet. "But I signed the paper, I'm bound to marry you Miss McGuire," he sputtered all the while his brain screaming for him to shut up. "You demanded I marry you and then over the course of two days, you decide you are not going to 'pursue the matter'?"

  Her grey eyes rose to meet his. "I've had time to think on it, I was irrational. What kind of a marriage would it be if I had to force my husband's hand?" She slid a look towards the judge. "Although I am without family and want nothing more than to have a husband and children of my own. It came to me perhaps I should reconsider pressing the issue."

  "I agreed to marry you," Heath told her now walking around the desk to face her. "You agreed to a courtship Miss McGuire."

  When she stood, he was forced to take a step back at her proximity. "The problem Mr. Pruitt is you don't like that I forced you into it. I have little doubt you would have found a way to break our marriage contract sooner or later."

  The truth in her words didn't stop the strange urge to reach for her and touch her.

  "I'll be right outside Miss McGuire, come along Earl." Seeming to sense the underlying currents, Judge Maphis and the deputy practically ran outside closing the door firmly behind.

  Neither bothered to acknowledge the judge's retreat.

  "You insult my honor Miss McGuire." Heath worked very hard to maintain an even tone. "If I requested a courtship, it was with regard to your sensibilities, an effort to give you time to become used to the idea of marrying the brother of whom you thought to marry."

  Her eyes narrowed at him. "Oh really? Well I don't believe a word you are saying Mr. Pruitt. I recognized the panic in your countenance at seeing your signature on the letter. It was almost comical to watch the expressions crossing your face, when the wheels in your head began to work at a plan to hold off the marriage."

  She shifted away from him and he almost stopped her. "I should thank you Mr. Pruitt, by giving me time to think on it, I came to the realization it would be a mistake to marry someone like you."

  "Someone like me? What do you mean?"

  A smile curved her lips and he couldn't help but imagine what they'd feel like under his. "You are the type of man who prizes his rogue status and remains a bachelor until dying a lonely death with no one for company but his dog, if he's lucky enough to have one."

  "Rogue? I assure you I
am not a rogue." Heath replied and then frowned. "Has someone called me that?"

  She shook her head making the curls framing her face bounce. "It took but one short walk with you to see the familiar glances of the few women in this town directed toward you to know."

  Heath searched his memory in vain trying to remember whom they'd walked past when he'd walked with her to find the judge and then to his office. "Miss McGuire, let's get back to the original subject. You and me. We will be married by spring." He leaned toward her and was glad to see her eyes drop to his mouth.

  "Truly?" She replied breathless. "Why would I marry you? There are plenty of single men in this town."

  "Because we have an agreement," he replied taking a step closer to her. "And you're attracted to me."

  "What?" Jessie's eyes widened, but then her gaze flickered to his mouth again. "I am not."

  Not a gambler by nature, he decided to take a chance and moved closer to her until they were practically nose-to-nose. "You are. Admit it."

  "I--I can't believe your conceit."

  Hoping not to be rebuffed, he placed his hands on either side of her face. Jessie stood very still, her pupils dilated and he took it as a good sign. "I am going to kiss you Miss McGuire."

  When his lips covered hers, she stiffened at first, but within seconds began to respond to his touch. His eyes closed, Heath could not remember a sweeter kiss than he experienced at the moment. His hands traveled to her shoulders and he pulled her to him while he continued to sample her lips. When his hands reached her waist, she managed to step away and slap him across the face at the same time.

  "You take too many liberties," her voice was breathless, her eyes remained locked onto his lips. "I must go."

  Heath took her arm. "We will marry by spring Jessica."

  The door opened and the judge walked in. His eyes went from Heath's face to Jessie's and then back to Heath. "Is everything all right?"