Promise Trail

by Davies, Shirleen

  San Francisco

  “Come here, sweetheart.” Bull wrapped his arms around Lydia, pulling her back against his chest as they lingered in bed on a rare morning when he didn’t have to meet with Dax.

  Hiring a manager, purchasing and provisioning ships, and locating suitable captains had taken a long time due to Dax’s desire to go with the best. What they thought would take a few weeks had stretched into months. During this time, Bull completed the plans for the warehouse, hired a well-experienced manager to oversee construction, and ordered materials.

  Suzanne’s brother-in-law, Quentin Briar, had been brought in as a partner, having the authority to work on behalf of Dax and Luke in their absence. His work complete, Dax had taken the train east the day before. He’d meet again with the commandant of Fort Douglas to finalize the contract supplying horses to the troops. Dax had already sent a telegram to Luke stating the need for Travis to plan for fifty horses to be delivered to the Utah outpost. The order would take almost all the stock available, but the opportunity was too great to be ignored.

  For Bull and Lydia, the time since their wedding had passed in a blur as they became reacquainted, settling into life as a married couple. They, along with Isabella, planned to leave for Splendor in a few days. Lydia wanted to be there for the birth of their baby, wanting Rachel by her side during the delivery.

  “What shall we do today?” Lydia felt Bull’s hands splay across her expanding stomach. It seemed her body began to grow the moment they married, making up for all the months her pregnancy didn’t show. With Bull sitting next to her, an arm around her shoulders, Doctor McLean had visited several times, assuring her she and the baby were progressing fine. Once he learned of Lydia’s desire to be in Splendor for the delivery, McLean had been the one to encourage the trip home as soon as possible. Taking Bull aside, he’d cautioned him the baby may come earlier than anticipated…a conversation Bull hadn’t shared with Lydia.

  “I’ve ordered a buggy, and the hotel kitchen is preparing a picnic for us. There’s a park I’d like to visit before we leave. We’ll lay out a blanket and spend the day.” His soft breath washed across her neck, producing shivers as he pressed a kiss to the sensitive skin below her ear. Letting his lips draw a path to her shoulder, he felt her body melt against his, trembling at his touch.

  “Bull…”

  “Hmmm…”

  Lydia moaned as his hands stroked across her belly, her body heating as he continued.

  “We could always stay here,” Bull whispered as a hand moved lower, causing Lydia to push back against him, then stiffen. He could hear her breath catch, her moans turning into a cry of pain. “Lydia…” He moved his arms, turning her so he could see her face. “Lydia, what is it?”

  She sucked in a breath, her face contorting, her legs drawing up as a sharp pain ripped through her. “Bull. Get Doctor McLean.”

  Conflicting emotions flashed through him as he jumped out of bed, grabbed his trousers, then slipped into a shirt. He whipped around at Lydia’s groan of discomfort.

  “Hurry, Bull.”

  Not bothering with his boots or hat, he ran into the hall and down the stairs, interrupting the clerk as he helped another couple. “My wife, Mrs. Mason…she needs Doctor McLean.”

  The clerk didn’t look at Bull, holding up his hand. “A moment please.”

  “Now!” Bull’s roar turned heads in his direction.

  The clerk’s pen shook, his mouth dropping open. “Yes, sir, Mr. Mason.” He signaled a uniformed young man. “Go for Doctor McLean right away. Tell him it’s Mrs. Mason and it’s an emergency. Do not come back without him.”

  “I need urgent messages sent to Mrs. Caroline Iverson and Mrs. Isabella Boucher.”

  “Yes, yes, of course. I have what I need from your last message.”

  Satisfied the doctor would be coming and unable to stand around any longer, Bull dashed back up the stairs, taking them two at a time. Shoving through the door of their room, Bull hurried to the bed, dropping to his knees.

  “Doctor McLean will be here soon, sweetheart.” He stroked her hair, feeling the dampness and the beads of sweat on her forehead. Standing, he poured water into the basin, then grabbed a towel. Soaking it and wringing it out, he gently wiped her face and neck. “Try to relax, Lydia, and breathe.”

  She moaned, her panicked gaze locking on his. Reaching out a hand, she gripped his arm. “I think the baby might be coming early.”

  Bull swallowed the fear her words produced.

  “What will we do if the doctor doesn’t get here in time?” She groaned again as another sharp pain ripped through her.

  “Shhh, sweetheart. He’ll be here.”

  Bull continued to stroke her face, neck, and shoulders with the damp cloth, whispering words of encouragement as the minutes passed. Each time her body curled in pain, Bull’s chest tightened to the point he couldn’t draw a breath. After an hour with no sign of Doctor McLean, Bull’s calm vanished. He waited until another agonizing episode passed, then leaned to her ear.

  “Lydia, I’m going to talk to the clerk to see if there’s word from the doctor. Will you be all right for a few minutes?”

  A knock on the door had him on his feet and crossing the room in seconds. Pulling it open, he saw two anxious females.

  “Where is she? Is the doctor here?” Caro moved past him, tossing her hat and gloves aside as she made her way to the bed.

  “How is she doing, Bull?” Isabella placed a hand on his arm.

  “She’s in pain. I don’t know how much more she can handle.” His shoulders slumped. The truth was, Bull didn’t know how much more of her suffering he could stand.

  Isabella saw the distressed look on his face, something few people had witnessed in the strong man who never gave up. Steeling herself, she stepped back.

  “Bull Mason, you need to get in there and do whatever you must to help deliver your child.”

  His eyes widened at Isabella’s strong tone.

  “I believe you told the doctor you’ve delivered three babies. That gives you more experience than either Caro or I. If the doctor doesn’t get here, it’s all up to you.”

  They both turned as an agonized scream pierced the air. Taking a quick look at Isabella, Bull sucked in a deep breath and nodded. “Will you help me?”

  “Caro and I will do whatever you need.”

  Hours passed with Isabella and Caro taking turns sitting by Lydia’s side, holding her hand as she squeezed tight, her body contracting in pain over and over. Bull didn’t move from her side, knowing it could be hours before the baby came. After another tortured cry, Lydia stared at him, her face covered with a damp sheen.

  “Bull, I can’t do this.”

  Pushing away damp strands of hair from her face, he kissed her forehead. “You’re doing fine, sweetheart. It takes time.” He covered her hand with his, keeping his voice low and calm. “Keep breathing and try not to worry. The baby will come when he’s ready.”

  “You keep saying he.” She tried to smile, her face twisting as another spasm ripped through her. “Bull, I think the baby is coming.” Her deep groan had him reaching for the sheet as the door of the hotel room burst open.

  “How is she doing?” Gavin McLean hurried to the bed, set down his bag, and pulled back the sheet. After a short examination, he looked up at Bull. “It appears the baby is ready to join the world. Mr. Mason, you’ve done an admirable job, but you may want to step outside.”

  “I’m not going anywhere, Doc. As I told you before, I’ve been through this three times. Tell me what you need.” Bull felt some of the tension ease at the presence of McLean. Somehow, delivering three babies didn’t amount to much when Lydia was the one suffering.

  Gavin studied him for a moment, then nodded and looked around. “We’ll need more warm water. The towels you have here should be fine.”

  “I’ll get the water,” Isabella said, dashing into the hall. Caro continued to mop Lydia’s face and neck, whispering to her in a soothing
tone.

  “Mr. Mason, please move behind your wife’s head and brace your hands under her shoulders. She’ll need your strength when she pushes. It shouldn’t be much longer.”

  Bull closed his eyes and prayed. It seemed he hadn’t stopped talking to God since Lydia’s pains started. His silent plea never changed. I don’t care who the father is. Please don’t let Lydia or the baby die. He repeated the words over and over until they became a chant inside his head.

  And Bull believed every word. No matter the actual father, the baby was his. There had never been a doubt, only a period of acceptance. He knew, with absolute certainty, if anything happened to either Lydia or the baby, his life would never be the same. They were his family.

  “Not much longer, Mrs. Mason. You’re doing quite well.” Gavin wiped his brow, blinking several times to clear his vision.

  Instead of finding comfort in the doctor’s words, Lydia glared at him, preparing to scream her thoughts when another contraction stole her breath.

  “That’s it. Push hard now.”

  Lydia gave one more hard push before the baby burst free and into the doctor’s hands.

  Another whispered prayer crossed Bull’s lips as he lowered his head to stare into Lydia’s eyes, seeing her exhaustion, then relief when the baby let out a fractured cry. Bull’s gaze jerked up to see the doctor holding a screaming infant in his arms.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Mason, you have a son.” Gavin walked closer, handing the baby to Lydia.

  Bull heard the words, but his gaze was fixed on the thick patch of strawberry blond hair and hazel eyes—the exact image of Lydia. His eyes filled with tears, which he quickly swiped away.

  “He’s so beautiful, Bull.”

  His watery gaze slid to Lydia, a smile curving his mouth. “That he is, sweetheart.” Bull leaned down, kissing his son on the forehead. “He is a miracle. Our miracle.”

  Splendor

  “You’re certain they’ve disappeared?” Dax had been home less than thirty-six hours before the conversation turned to White Buffalo. Luke and he stood on the lower rungs of the corral, watching as one man after another attempted to break a string of horses.

  “Men were posted as soon as Mal saw them on the north border a few weeks ago. Since that day, nothing. Not once have any of the men seen a trace of the Crow scouts.” Luke pulled off his hat in salute when Johnny calmed the second horse, riding in circles until the animal stopped fighting him.

  “It makes no sense. Why come looking for Lydia, then disappear?”

  “I wish I knew. I had formed a plan to get word to White Buffalo about Lydia moving far away. I’m glad the scouts disappeared without me having to use it.”

  Dax quirked a brow. “How would you have gotten word to him?”

  “Jimmy.”

  Dax’s gaze narrowed. “Jimmy?”

  Spotting Rachel and Ginny walking toward them, Luke jumped to the ground. “We’ll talk later.”

  Dax slipped an arm around Rachel, pulling her to him. “It’s good to be home.” His soft whisper sent shivers down her spine.

  “It’s good to have you back. I know the trip was important, I just didn’t expect you to be gone so long.” She tightened her arm around his waist. “Ginny and I need to go into town.”

  “I can ride along if you want company.”

  “I’d love to have you with us, Dax, but I know you’re needed here. We won’t be gone long. I want to see how Clay is doing at the clinic with Uncle Charles gone, and I’m hoping there’s another telegram about the baby.”

  Caro had sent a telegram the morning after the baby arrived, although it was woefully lacking in details. Lydia had the baby. A boy. Both are doing well. No name yet. Rachel and Ginny had been disappointed in the lack of details.

  “You’re right. I shouldn’t leave so soon, but I can send someone else along. Tat! Johnny!” He waved at the young cowhands standing at the fence and motioned them over. “Rachel and Ginny are going into town. I want you two to ride along.”

  Tat nodded. “We’ll get our horses.”

  “You don’t need to send them with us, Dax.”

  “Between the threats of Trask and White Buffalo, I’d feel better with them riding with you.” He brushed a strand of hair off her face. “Humor me, darlin’.”

  “Rachel.” Rosemary came running toward them from the barn. “Tat said you’re going to town. May I come with you?”

  “Well, I’m—”

  “All my chores are done and I won’t be any trouble. Please, Rachel.” Rosemary shot looks at both Dax and Ginny, who tried to hide their amusement at her enthusiasm.

  “We leave in five minutes. If you can be ready by then, you can come.”

  Rosemary dashed to the house, reappearing a few minutes later in a wool dress and bonnet. “I’m ready.”

  Rachel chuckled at the excitement on the young woman’s face. “All right. Climb up on the wagon and we’ll get going.”

  “Hold on.” Luke walked up, handing a rifle to each woman.

  “I already have a shotgun, Luke.” Ginny pointed to the weapon she’d already placed below the seat.

  “Keep it, but take these also.” Luke shifted his gaze to Tat and Johnny. “You boys keep watch. With all that’s gone on, we can’t be too careful.”

  “Yes, sir. We won’t let anything happen to them.” Johnny reined his horse around, taking a position behind the wagon, letting Tat ride in front.

  “Hold up, Tat. I want you to check with Sheriff Evans. Find out if he’s heard any more about Boyden Trask.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Dax and Luke stood shoulder to shoulder, watching the wagon disappear down the trail.

  “My instincts tell me we shouldn’t let the women go into town.”

  “I know the feeling, Luke. As you said, nothing has happened in weeks and we can’t keep them imprisoned around the ranch forever. Tat and Johnny will be careful. Remember, they were part of the search party to find Sam.”

  “I hear what you’re saying, Dax. Still, I don’t like feeling vulnerable where the women are concerned. I’ll be glad when Trask is found.”

  “And the threat of White Buffalo returning is over.”

  “I wish I had more information for you, Tat, but I haven’t heard any more about Trask. Sheriff Sterling sent another telegram a few days ago saying Trask hadn’t been seen in Big Pine since a couple people thought they saw him weeks ago. Sterling thinks he and his men have left the territory.” Gabe kept pace with Tat as they walked past the Wild Rose to the telegraph office.

  “What do you think?”

  Gabe stopped. “I don’t have the faith Sterling does. Trask has a grudge, and those kind of men are dangerous. I’m afraid we haven’t heard the last of him.” Continuing down the boardwalk, he nodded at Johnny, who’d taken a position outside. “The women still inside?”

  “Yes, sir, except for Rosemary, who’s in the clinic. She wanted to talk with Dr. McCord.”

  Gabe put his hands on his hips, shaking his head. “I still can’t get used to Clay being a doctor. I’m sure glad he’s here, though. Doc Worthington definitely needs the help.” Leaving Tat and Johnny outside, Gabe pushed the door open. “Ladies.”

  Rachel and Ginny turned to see Gabe a few feet away.

  “It’s from Bull.” Rachel handed him the piece of paper.

  “And this one is from Caro.” Ginny held up the telegram, but didn’t offer it to Gabe.

  He scanned Bull’s message, then chuckled. “Joshua Joseph Mason. It’s a good, strong name. Says they’ll be coming back to Splendor as soon as possible. What does Caro say?”

  Ginny shot a quick look at Rachel, not wanting to reveal Caro’s private questions about Beau. “Lydia and Joshua are doing well. The baby’s hair and eyes are just like Lydia’s.”

  Gabe blew out a breath, choosing not to comment. “It would be good if they could get home before the heavy snows start.”

  Ginny nodded, folding Caro’s telegram and sliding it into her
reticule.

  “I’m going over to the Dixie to let Lena know the news.”

  “Can you tell Cash and Noah, Gabe? I want to be sure Alison and Abby know.”

  “I’ll be happy to tell them, Rachel. How much longer will you ladies be in town?”

  “I want to speak with Clay, see how he’s doing, then stop by and let Suzanne know the news. Why?”

  Gabe looked through the window. Tat and Johnny stood outside, their gazes scanning the busy street. The scene bothered Gabe more than a little. Waiting for danger was never an easy feeling.

  “Have Tat or Johnny let me know when you’re ready to head back to the ranch. Beau told me he wants to ride out to speak with Dax and Luke. He might as well ride along with you.” Gabe touched the brim of his hat before stepping outside, facing Johnny. “Either of you seen Beau?”

  “Last I saw, he was headed into the bank.”

  “Thanks. Don’t leave town before letting me know. He may be riding back with you.” Gabe left the two, making his way to the bank, stopping when Beau stepped outside.

  “Rachel, Ginny, and Rosemary are in town. Tat and Johnny are with them, but it might be a good idea if you rode back to the ranch when they return. We still don’t know where Trask went, and I’m not convinced he left Montana.”

  “I’m not convinced either. Sure, Gabe, I can ride back with them. It will give me a chance to speak with Dax and Luke.”

  Both fell silent as they walked back to the jail, Gabe seeing Tat and Johnny now standing outside the clinic across the street.

  “Are you still planning to buy some land from them?”

  “Clausen says I’m good for a loan, and I’ve already selected a few acres not too far from town. If they’re still interested in selling, I’m going to buy it and build a place.”

  “Good decision.”

  “I believe it is. I’ll be a landowner again, which will keep my mind off things better left in the past.”

  Gabe clasped Beau’s shoulder. “Let me know if you need anything.”

  “Thanks, Gabe. Right now, luck and time are all I need.”