Love by Dawn

by Therese A. Kramer

  Casey awoke with swollen eyes. She must apologize to Laughing Tree; she was sure she’d kept the old Indian woman from her sleep. She opened her mouth to speak but Blake’s voice bellowed from outside.

  “Casey! I have to talk to you!”

  Her heart stopped. She looked perplexed at Laughing Tree. “What should I do?”

  “You seek answers, I have none.”

  “Casey!?” The impatient voice roared.

  “Go away!” Her tone reached his level of volume.

  “Please… let me in. We need to talk.” Blake toned down his voice a few octaves. “Honey, I’m not about to enter the old woman’s lodging uninvited.”

  “No!” she spat. Hers went up a degree.

  “Aw, come on sweetheart. I know I acted foolish and unfair but....Oh, for pity sake! Look, I can’t yell to you through this buffalo hide door. People are gathering, staring at me. I feel like a fish in a bowl!”

  Casey looked at the woman and felt her face heat. She was making as much of a spectacle of herself as was he. “Go away and you won’t look so foolish,” she snapped in a small voice.

  “Laughing Tree…please grant me the permission to enter… please,” Blake begged.

  The flap opened shortly and Laughing Tree came out. “I not stay, this not my fight.

  Sorry,” she shook her head, sweeping her long thin braids across her rounded shoulders. “That one is persistent, but I cannot go against girl’s wishes.” Standing on her tiptoes, she whispered into Blake’s ear. “You be as persistent, young man.”

  She winked and hobbled slowly away.

  Blake let out a long, heavy sigh. This wasn’t going to be easy, but he loved her and he’d be damned if he’d lose her now. Humility was not an emotion that suited him, but with hat in hand he tried again. “Casey, I’m sorry I acted crazy.” He fidgeted, looking sideways at his audience. As much as he wanted to kiss and make up, she put him in an embarrassing predicament and he was trying especially hard to keep his temper in check. Right now he so wanted to strangle her pretty neck.

  “You acted like a jackass and a nincompoop,” came the blunt reply making him wince.

  “Well… err,” he cleared his throat wishing that she wouldn’t catalog his faults aloud. “Yes, I guess you’re right.” Completely uncomfortable at seeing many smiling faces, his patience was dwindling but damn, he would humble himself just so far. “Can I come in now?” he intoned meekly.

  “No!”

  “Damn!” He threw his hat on the ground, a few chuckles rose from the crowd. This was ridiculous. “Casey, I’m coming in whether you like it or not. You hear me, woman!? I love you and I’ll not stand out here any longer with my tail between my legs. And… furthermore… His words were cut short when a teary-eyed, red faced, grinning girl tackled him. He was so taken back by her sudden appearance, he almost toppled over taking her with him. Arms whipped around his neck so tightly, he forgot to breath. She then proceeded to place soggy kisses all over his stunned face.

  “Say that again, you mule-headed, polecat!” she cried with another hiccup.

  Still unsure what had just happened, he stood mute for a moment. He didn’t want to ruin this wonderful moment of forgiveness and kissed her behind her ear whispering, “Say what?”

  Casey arched her brows and pouted. “Why must you be so dense?” She pounded lightly on his chest, but a small smile of enchantment touched her lips because she had to know how much he loved and wanted her.

  “Whoa! Take it easy, sweetheart.” He grabbed her wrists and grinned. She was so small, yet so full of spirit and his heart brimmed with love for her. He was tired of words and his jealousy had almost destroyed their happiness. Picking her up swiftly, he kissed her soundly on her moist mouth. Whoops and cheers were heard all around as he carried her to their wickiup.

  She held tightly onto him, burying her face into his chest. “Oh, Blake I am so embarrassed that my face feels on fire from all the attention. But I am so happy and I love you too.”

  Now, he would show Casey how much he loved her and he wasn’t playing on using any words!

  THIRTY

  It was a dreary day all around. Casey kissed Hunter and Summer Wind good-bye, wishing them both a happy and safe future. She hugged her friends, Moon Glow and Blue Thunder, thanking them for their hospitality and refuge when she and her brother needed it. And she signed, “I love you,” to Laughing Tree, feeling as if the woman was like an aunt to her. Both sadness and excitement filled her soul leaving behind friends and loved ones. She was heading for a new life with Blake.

  At first, she was reluctant to leave so soon, but Blake convinced her that traveling such a long distance would be uncomfortable as her pregnancy progressed. Also, he wanted to get home before it was too late. His mother was sick and he regretted missing his father’s funeral; he wanted to be by his mother’s side as soon as possible. She was a bit miffed that he never mentioned marrying her, but she let it slide for now, his mother’s health was the only thing he had on his mind and it was sort of understandable. Sort of.

  They spent three days on the trail. Blue Thunder had sent two braves with them for protection but on the forth day; they rode alone to the fort. Once inside, she received many stares from both men and women, which she suspected was because she had light hair and her skin had darkened considerably in the sun. Her complexion was not peaches n’ cream and although, Blake also was fair headed and dark skinned, no one seemed to give him a second thought.

  The Captain welcomed them and offered Blake a cot in the barracks with the enlisted men, while she slept with the Captain’s young daughter, Raini, who didn’t give her a moments peace. She was full of questions and she pacified the teenager by telling Raini about the White Mountain Apache’s and how people had the wrong idea about the Indians. How kind they were to her and some of their beliefs. She opted to keep her abduction to herself, for Hawk Nose was an exception. Finally, the girl fell asleep and Casey hoped she had planted a seed in Raini’s developing mind. The Apaches need all the help they can get and maybe if the next generation knew the truth, more lives would be spared. Maybe someday the white man and red man could live together in peace.

  Casey was glad she had saved her split riding skirt and shirt. But the next morning she found that the waist band was getting a mite uncomfortable so she purchased a simple cotton dress at the trading post. It was another two days before a coach arrived to take them to Phoenix which delighted Reini. They had bonded and Casey promised to write to the girl and maybe in the future, Reini would be able to meet Blue Thunder and the Apache clan. The girl’s face beamed with delight and she knew she had converted one soul.

  It was three days on the stage and a day’s lay over before they were on the road again, but not before the driver gave his passengers a few hints. The two young men they were traveling with said their goodbyes and a new passenger joined her and Blake. Now the driver, who introduced himself as Gabby, might have been speaking to everyone, but his gaze was on her.

  The driver grinned at her and this didn’t go undetected by Blake, but he believed the old coot was harmless. This was something he had to get used too; she was a beauty, which her sour disposition didn’t hinder.

  “Now, when I ask ya folks to git off, do it without grumbling.” Gabby chewed his words along with a wad of tobacco. “I don’t request it unless necessary, but if the team runs away, sit still and take yer chances. Don’t ya jump, ‘cause nine times out of ten ya be hurt. Don’t’cha growl at food stations ‘bout the food, don’t’cha keep the stage waiting and no swearing or napping on your neighbor when---”

  “Sir,” piped up a middle-aged, heavyset lady. “I’d like to be alive by the time I reached my destination.” She harrumphed making Blake chuckle. She gave him a look and he cleared his throat. “Now, I’ve traveled stage coaches many times, I can relay the important aspects of traveling in these uncomfortable four foot boxes to these nice folks, mind you.” Another harrumph and this time he turned to hide his
mirth but Casey nudged him, giving him one of her own-mind-you-own-business-glares.

  Were all women so grumpy? he wondered and would her mood swings cure him of more

  children? Be patient, you’d be in no better spirits if you lost most of your food every morning. His inner voice was right and this bouncing wasn’t helping the situation either.

  The driver didn’t hide his annoyance at the heavy woman and spat on the ground, but he nodded in compliance and helped the ladies to climb up. A mail sack was put into the boot along with luggage and as soon as everyone was seated, he shut the door. The annoyed lady sat beside Casey was the first to introduce herself.

  “Sorry if I was rude a moment ago. I’m Mrs. Augusta Avery.”

  Blake tipped his hat. “No problem ma’am,” he drawled. “I’m Blake January and this is, err, my wife, Casey.” He could see by the way her eyes cooled he knew what she was thinking, wife indeed! But she didn’t correct him because he assumed she realized that he was being kind and only looking after her reputation. After some small talk, each traveler lapsed into silence for a while, but Casey said she was miserable and wondered if she would survive the trip.

  The coach traveled about fifteen miles an hour; dust and heat entered the vehicle under the leather flap that served as a window cover. Mrs. Avery noticed how peeked Casey looked and asked, “My dear, are you all right?”

  Blake watched seeing Casey force a smile. “I’m with child and this journey is not helping the situation,” she half whispered, leaning closer.”

  “Oh,” gasped Mrs. Avery. “Here, child, I’ll move over. Sit behind the driver, the bouncing of the coach is not as bad. You see I do know a lot about these coffin boxes. You’re such a pretty thing, but I cannot help but notice how tan your skin is and you’re, um so…”

  Casey thanked the kind lady, accepting the offer. Blake knew she wasn’t being rude only curious and it was going to be a long ride. He hoped a little conversion might help her get her mind off her doldrums.

  “We lived with the Apaches for awhile, Ma’am.” The woman’s mouth makes a perfect O but she didn’t comment. He listened as Casey told Mrs. Avery what she had told the girl Raini. He knew she was hoping to convince another to the fact that the Apaches weren’t blood sucking heathens. A smile ruffled over Mrs. Avery’s thin mouth at Casey and she nodded, but the lady’s face didn’t show the enthusiasm that the girl back at the fort had.

  He heard Casey sigh and say that she missed the snow covered mountains. He couldn’t believe his ears, the mountains nearly killed her and she still groaned about leaving them. He assumed it was her new friends that she was feeling melancholy about. Soon conversation died of natural causes; Mrs. Avery’s eyelids began to droop and her head nodded until her double chin rested on her chest. Casey, watched the scenery go by and he watched the sagebrush roll by a while before he closed his eyes to take a nap feeling drowsy from the heat.

  It seemed as if he had hardly closed his eyes when a shot rang out and then another. Blake’s eyes snapped open immediately. “What the hell?!” he barked and looked over at Casey who’s face was pale. The lady across the way woke in fear and clutched her large bosom, not appearing any better than Casey; their eyes reflected the dread that he felt. Just then a body fell off the coach and Blake stuck out his head seeing three masked men gaining on the stage, their guns blazing. “Damn!” He quickly pulled back inside and cried, “Ladies keep you head low, we’re being held up.” Both women lost all their color and Mrs. Avery began screaming, “We’ll all be killed!”

  “Shhh!” Blake snapped having no time for a hysterical female. “Be quiet, they’ll not harm you if you do as they say.” Now if he could only believe his own lie.

  Hellfire! What else can go wrong?

  Never should one ask that! snapped his inner voice.

  The stage stopped and Casey looked at him as if to say, “This can’t be happening.” He shot her a twisted smile. Many scary moments snailed by until a sinister voice ordered. “Okay, yer folks in there yer wanna c’mon out!” Blake nodded and stepped out first, his hands away from the gun belt that was strapped to his waist. He didn’t want to make the outlaw to shot him just on principle, so he held his hands up high.

  Casey jerked to her feet and followed, more angry than frightened. She turned to see Mrs. Avery frozen in the doorway. She winced when the gruff voice belonging to the outlaw holding his gun on them snarled, “Git down here lady!”

  He spat a wad of tobacco juice in the dirt and ordered another varmint to relieve the passengers of their valuables. Casey assisted the shaking woman as the gun-toting outlaw told the other bandit to climb up and get the strong box. All the while Mrs. Avery was bawling into a hanky, Casey knew Mrs. Avery wasn’t helping the situation one bit.

  And then, something inside of her snapped because she had had it! Her brain screamed this is the last straw! Before the three outlaws had a chance to do as they were told, she marched up to the one who was ordered to take their personal effects. Placing her hands on her hips, leering angrily at him, she hissed, “Keep your filthy hands of my things!” She poked him in his chest and saw the outlaw’s eye bug out. “You look here mister, miscreant!” She placed her hand over the turquoise necklace that was a gift from Star Gazer.

  “Dammit, Casey, have you lost your mind, what there is of it! What the hell are you doing? Do as he says!” Blake’s curt voice lashed at her, his hands shaking. “Give him the jewelry I’ll---”

  “Hell, no! No cur dog is going to take what is mine.” Her voice held a challenge and her anger yielded quickly to fury. “I’ve gone through hell and back! This is the last straw!” she voiced her previous thought aloud. The outlaw didn’t know what to do and looked up at his leader.

  “Hey boss, what...?”

  His partner in crime atop of the coach laughed. “I say, Hank, she’s got gumption for just a pip-squeak,” he spat again.

  She narrowed her eyes giving him a hostile glare for his remark about her size; a deep chuckle greeted her. Well, she’ll not back down now and jabbed the scumbag before her with her finger. “I’ve have had all I can take from this God forsaken land!”

  Jab.

  Jab.

  She heard Blake groan and grumble, “You’re gong to get all of us killed.”

  But for some silly reason the leader seemed to be enjoying her little performance.

  Casey had no doubt that her cowboy was going to strangle her, if he lived. That notion didn’t stop her and she continued to say what was on her mind, her temper flaring.

  “My pa died, my brother was shot and taken to a fort, but I help him escape. We traveled

  across the country to keep him safe and journeyed with an old couple, who were like grand-parents to us and they died. Then we where capture by Indians.”

  Jab.

  Jab.

  The stunned outlaw stepped back, tripping over a rock, but he managed to steady himself. His eyes remained wide with confusion. Filling her lungs, she continued, “I was knocked out by a crazed brave and almost died in the mountains. Two snakes,” Jab, “the ones without legs, not like you, attacked me. I was accosted by a wolf in a cave, then one in a dwelling, well, um, maybe not a wolf, but it still counts. Then some low dawn, piss ant Spaniard tried to keep me for his slave! And now this!”

  Jab.

  Jab.

  The outlaw’s eyes were darting back and forth and Casey could hear him mumbling under the bandanna. “Look, lady, I never killed a woman before, but you’re unnerving me and hell, my boss is enjoying this too damn much! So back off or---”

  “Do you think for a minute a gunman frightens me?” she snapped back. She was so incensed she foolishly pushed away his weapon; it fired shattering a nearby boulder. Expletives followed. In fact, many words of blasphemy were heard and she was certain Blake had uttered a few of them himself. She had managed to distract the robbers and she noticed Blake reach for his weapon, but when one of the men cocked his gun, he raised his hands again.<
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  All this was too much for the weeping lady and she clutched her chest and swooned, falling against Blake who instinctively went to grab her. Her weight was too much for him and Mrs. Avery fell on top of him. All Casey could see were two arms and two legs spread eagle under the big bulk.

  “Sh-e-e-e-t!” she heard the leader spat and raised his weapon. Casey screamed but a gun shot drowned out her out. Her heart stopped thinking he’d fired at Mrs. Avery, but when she looked up, the outlaw was clutching his blood splattered chest. The other two gunmen looked at each other for split second before they hightailed away from there. Confused, she stood rooted with her mouth gaping. What the hell happened? Then her question was answered. Over the ridge came a lone rider who halted his mount before her and tipped his hat. A smoking rifle lay across his lap, he drawled, “Howdy, ma’am. You folks all right?”

  Puzzled, she would’ve stood there gaping all day if it wasn’t for Blake’s loud moan and a string of profanities.

  “Oh, Blake!” She ran to him and helped him struggle from under the dead weight of the fat woman. They rolled the lady over and her eyes were staring into the sun. Casey sucked in a painful breath, the poor dear had been frightened to death, but then all that weight couldn’t have been good for her heart. What a thought at a time like this! she scolded herself.

  When Blake managed to stand on shaky limbs, she heard him take in large gulps of air. Relieved, Casey hugged him, but she was gently pushed away.

  “Darling,” he drew in another large gulp, “I need to catch my breath. I thought sure I was a goner.”

  Casey giggled, she was being insensitive but she couldn’t help it. “What a way to die. Totally mortifying, I’d say,” she added shamelessly and burst out with whoops of laughter. She didn’t miss the look he gave her that could make Satan run for the hills.

  Blake now noticed the newcomer and the dead outlaw. “What happened?”

  “I’m Jimmy Six Shooter, a bounty hunter.” He said as he dismounted. “I’m obliged to yer folks for stallin’ ‘em varmints. “I’ve been after the leader, Luke Smart for quite awhile. Too bad he never lived up to his name,” Jimmy Six Shooter chuckled. “He has a good price on his head, yep,” he twirled his handle bar mustache, “a mighty fine reward. Say mister, yer got a handle?”