Chase reminded himself to go easy. It was his fault Jessie had left. Not the boy’s.
“How long do you think she’s been gone?” he asked more civilly.
Gabe shrugged. “She must’ve left around sunup, because I woke up not long after, and she was already gone.”
Chase went quickly to the door and swung it open. The sun was nowhere to be seen as large, dark clouds covered the sky.
How in the world did I sleep so late?
He went straight to the barn, threw his saddle on his horse, and was mounted within minutes. Cody, fresh from no use for a few days, humped his back and pinned his ears.
“Quit it.” Chase gave him a slight taste of his spur to get the gelding’s attention. The horse humped up again, this time honestly trying to throw Chase off. Chase rode it out with practiced ease, then collected the animal while scanning the area.
Jessie’s small, booted footprints in the dampened dust of the road were easy to see. He started after her at a groundcovering trot, a pace he knew Cody could keep up for miles.
After about a mile, Chase ventured off the road to the top of a knoll to survey the surrounding area. The jingling of a harness came from around the hill, where the road went next.
Loping Cody to some trees, Chase peered through the brush, as a buckboard with two people approached. There was a man and Jessie. She was looking at her escort as he said something to her.
She laughed.
Chase, too far away to make out any of the conversation, swore under his breath.
Chapter Fifteen
Chase knew he should be relieved at seeing Jessie—just to know she wasn’t lying dead somewhere. But he wasn’t. The sight of her made him angrier than he’d have liked to admit.
As they approached, the man placed his arm around the back of Jessie’s seat. Leaning toward her, he pointed at something alongside the trail.
“Well, Cody, isn’t that just the coziest picture you ever did see?” Jealousy gripped him like a vise. He waited until the wagon passed by, and then galloped ahead to another hidden vantage point. As the wagon approached again, he strained to catch their words.
“Jessie, I mean it. This only goes to prove…”
The wagon pulled away out of hearing range. Scowling, Chase turned Cody, and the horse bolted up the trail.
As the wagon approached a third time, Jessie finally turned her attention in his direction. It was the first time he’d seen her face since their encounter last night. Warmth flooded through him.
She was looking up the embankment. Alarmed he’d get caught in the embarrassing act of eavesdropping, he held his breath and didn’t move. Luckily, at that moment, a gust of wind picked up her skirt, billowing it around her knees. Hastily, she pushed it down, tucking it under her legs.
Chase couldn’t miss the man boldly taking in the curve of her calf and delicate ankle. He fought the urge to ride down there forthwith and introduce this Casanova’s teeth to the back of his throat. Instead he galloped ahead to another hideout.
“Is he home?”
Jessie again didn’t answer him. Without a doubt, the man spoke with familiarity. And why did he want to know, anyway? Chase thumped his fist onto his thigh.
With only a short distance to the cabin door, the buckboard stopped and the man passed the reins into his left hand. With his right he reached up, pushing a strand of hair from Jessie’s face.
Chase watched with grim fascination. Could they be sweethearts? Jessie had been alone for long stretches at a time. It was possible.
Standing abruptly, Jessie turned to climb from the wagon. The man reached for her arm, pulling her back in. He flicked the reins over the horses’ backs, starting the wagon rolling.
As the buckboard neared the cabin, Chase took the long way around the hill to the back of the homestead. He concealed Cody in the thicket by the stream and crept to the side of the cabin, where he had a view of the front—and could finally hear easily.
“I’m sorry! I didn’t want to make you angry with me, Jessie. It’s just…I had to let you know how I feel.” The man pleaded, his face a mask of remorse.
Jessie studied him, and Chase wondered what she was thinking when she looked at him so.
“Thank you for coming to our aid today, Garth. I don’t like to think of what might’ve happened if you hadn’t been there,” she said nicely.
Her aid?
“No need to thank me. You know I’m honored to help in any way I can. At any time.” The man’s voice was sincere.
Leaning his aching head against the rough-cut logs, Chase closed his eyes wearily. It was clear this man was interested in Jessie. What he didn’t know was what she felt for him. Chase took a long breath, exhaling slowly. This web was getting stickier and more tangled by the hour. He clenched his fists. Somehow, against his will, and just as he’d feared, this slight woman had worked her way under his skin.
“Jessie, that you?” Gabe called through the door.
“Yes, you can open the door.”
The door swung wide, and Gabe stepped out, holding Sarah. Seeing the tall stranger standing next to Jessie, Sarah hugged Gabe tightly about the neck.
“It’s all right, Sarah,” Jessie explained. “This is Mr. Shepard. He’s the blacksmith in town and a friend of mine. He was kind enough to give me and the supplies a ride home.” She didn’t want to alarm either of them with details of what had happened in the mercantile.
“Who do we have here?” Garth asked.
“This is my new family, Gabe Garrison and Sarah,” Jessie said, taking Sarah from the boy. The little girl snuggled close, and Jessie savored her sweetness.
At the same time, her stomach was knotted tight. Any moment Chase might come barging out of the cabin. She had no idea how she’d explain his presence here. If the news got out she had a man staying at her place while Nathan was away, it would…be bad. Very bad. Folks around here didn’t take kindly to that kind of behavior.
“Here, sugar.” Garth offered a piece of candy to Sarah, but she just looked at him, holding tighter to Jessie. “She sure is a pretty little thing. Where’d she come from?”
Jessie’s irritation returned with a snap. She knew she should be patient as Job probably, but, honestly, he was making it difficult. It was none of his business. She was tired of his constant meddling.
“I have much to do today, Garth. Thank you very much again for the ride. And for all your concern. You did more than was called for, and I’m much obliged.”
“And the boy’s her brother?” Garth asked, as if he hadn’t heard a word she’d said. He was watching Gabe unload the sacks off the back of the wagon. With his legs spread wide and his huge hands stuffed into the pockets of his homespun pants, Garth looked something of a boy himself.
“Now he is,” Jessie replied, once more wishing he’d hurry up and be on his way. Chase was sure to hear them talking and come out. It was only a matter of seconds. That’d be a rock in a wasp’s nest she didn’t need.
“Is Nathan here?”
“Uh, no, Nathan’s not here.” She intentionally raised her voice, trying to signal Chase to stay inside. Thank goodness Gabe was interested in the horses and wasn’t paying any attention to them.
Garth gave her a strange look. “Hunting?”
She smiled.
“The wagon’s unloaded,” Gabe called, stroking the neck of one of the horses. “Want me to water them?”
“No, thanks. Now, you two run along so I can have a word with your new ma.”
Gabe’s back stiffened at the dismissal, but took Sarah from Jessie’s arms. “I’ll be right inside,” he said over his shoulder, stepping into the cabin.
“Well, he’s protective of you, that’s for sure,” Garth said, smiling. “I’m glad to see you have some dependable help. At the first sign of trouble, send him running to town, and I’ll be back quick.”
Stepping closer, he dropped his voice. “Is Mr. Strong really hunting, or you just saying that to get rid of me? He’s not
gone working somewhere far off again with winter coming on, has he? Because if he has, I have a mind to up and move you all into town where you’ll be safe and people can keep an eye on you. Even with the boy, you’re like a sitting duck out here alone, just asking for trouble.”
He lifted her hand and held it between his own. “I wouldn’t be surprised if those two drifters came out here later on with bad intent.”
She pulled her hand from his. “Now, quit your fretting. We’ll be just fine.” With that, she stepped purposefully toward his wagon in an effort to send him on his way.
“Never met a more stubborn woman—or one with more grit,” Garth announced, shaking his head ruefully. He climbed up onto the seat and picked up the reins. “You’re one heck of a woman, Jessie Strong. Without a doubt. One of a kind.”
Chapter Sixteen
Impatiently Jessie waited as Garth’s wagon finally disappeared around the corner. She wasn’t taking any chances he might turn around, before she went inside; she needed to know he was gone for good.
Shelving the supplies and preparing the evening meal, Jessie’s thoughts went round and round. Her hands quavered a bit as she placed the kettle on to warm. She’d already covered the eggs she’d purchased at the mercantile with limewater to preserve them.
Nonchalance was hard when she asked Gabe about Chase’s whereabouts. He whispered to her Chase had been quite angry when he’d found her missing and was out looking for her.
Her first reaction was concern over Chase’s health—was he strong enough to be out riding so soon after receiving a head wound? But soon she began to brood over the confrontation to come. Would he still be mad she’d walked into town alone without telling him? Or would he be more appalled at her wanton behavior last night?
Gabe looked confused with her quiet state. “Can I set the table?”
“Please.” Jessie worked busily, absorbed in thought. Her movements were automatic as the apple slices caramelized in the pot she stirred. Mrs. Hollyhock had given her the pie recipe when Jessie had first come to town. She’d worked hard to get it right, trying to impress Nathan with her baking skills. After her first few disasters, he’d declared her pies the finest he’d ever tasted.
Pleasure warmed her as she remembered Nathan’s face the day he’d contemplated her first perfect pie. Nothin’ better to soothe a man’s soul than a fresh-baked apple pie, he’d said, picking up the sweet and holding it to his nose. Have I died and gone to heaven?
Poor Nathan. Barely passed, and still she hadn’t taken any time to mourn him. She hoped he would understand why. There just hadn’t been one free second!
Jessie retreated to her room, seeking the comfort of solitude. She splashed cool water on her face and ran her brush through her hair, then let it fall loose down her back. She didn’t have the will or the energy to fix it any other way.
Waiting for Chase’s return was making her sick. She wished he’d hurry up so she could get it over with. Whatever his reaction was going to be, it would be easier to endure than this torture of facing the unknown.
Now isn’t this fine? she chastised herself, slipping on a clean apron and tying the strings behind her back. You’re worrying yourself sick, and he’s not even your real husband. He can be as mad as he wants, and that’s just too bad.
A light tapping on her door made Jessie jump. It was Gabe. “Jessie, he’s home. He’s bedding down his horse.”
When Chase stepped into the cabin, a sweet scent in the air caused his mouth to water. The warm aroma of cinnamon enveloped him, making his taste buds tingle.
Jessie, stirring something in a pot on the stove, glanced in his direction. Her face glowed from the heat; her glossy hair hung in loose locks down her back. Chase, reminding himself he was angry with her, looked away.
Gabe gave him a worried smile, and little Sarah scampered up and hugged his leg.
“How are you feeling?” Jessie asked.
Chase hesitated. The memory of her in that wagon still rankled. He decided to let her stew. Then, against his better judgment, he picked Sarah up, swinging her in the air.
“And how are you, little bit?” Taking one of Sarah’s long brown curls, he tickled her nose. She giggled and squirmed in his embrace.
“Sure smells good, don’t it, Chase?” Gabe went to the washbowl and scrubbed his face and hands. Slicking his hair back with his wet fingers, he took his seat.
“It’s ready,” Jessie said, placing a plate filled with biscuits in the middle of the table. “Sit before it gets cold.”
When they were all settled, Jessie began, “Lord, we thank you kindly for this food.”
Chase looked around, uncomfortable with the prayer. The children sat, heads bowed and eyes closed. He glanced down at his hands in his lap, and shifted in his chair.
“Thank you for our family and the help you send our way.”
A cautious glance found her looking at him from beneath her lashes.
“Thank you, too,” she continued, closing her eyes, “for the roof over our heads. May we always be thankful for all your blessings. Amen.”
“Amen,” the children chorused.
Chase looked up with relief.
“Pass me your plates and I’ll dish up your supper,” Jessie requested softly.
Chase ate in silence. Gabe shoveled as fast as he could, and Sarah pushed her food around her plate, never taking a bite.
It was one of the best suppers he could remember. After three huge helpings, complemented by three or four hot, flaky biscuits, he finally pushed his chair back.
“I hope you saved room for dessert.” Jessie’s voice was carefully neutral.
“I’ll have to wait a while. Couldn’t eat another bite even if I wanted to.”
He took the last sip of his coffee from Jessie’s tiny porcelain cup and set it carefully back in its saucer, trying not to feel silly. “That was one of the best meals I’ve ever had, Jessie,” he said, rubbing his stomach. “Thank you.”
Her face flushed prettily and her eyes darkened with pleasure. He could see how a man could find himself getting used to this kind of spoiling right quick. A little word of kindness was magic in itself.
The twilight hours passed. Gabe helped Jessie clean up, while Chase sat by the fire, polishing his guns. With dessert eaten and everything put away proper, Jessie read to Sarah from a tattered little book she’d brought from her room. It was a story about a princess and a frog, and his occasional chuckle garnered him a smile from Jessie, with a look in her eyes he couldn’t decipher, but which all the same made his insides feel warm. Finally, with Gabe in his bedroll by the fire and Sarah tucked away, there was nothing left to do but retire.
Jessie excused herself and went to her room, leaving Chase looking out the window.
There was no doubt they needed to talk.
May as well get it over with, he thought. He went to her door and tapped lightly. It swung open, and there she stood.
“Mind if I come in?” Chase kept his voice low.
Stepping back, Jessie gestured for him to enter. As he did, he reminded himself he was still angry with her for her behavior this morning. It had been inconsiderate and foolish. He shouldn’t let her off too easy. At the same time, the hearty supper and apple pie had mellowed him considerably, and if he wasn’t careful, he would put the whole issue to bed without a word.
“I’m sorry if I made you mad,” she started, looking into his eyes. The sincerity in her voice softened him further.
He sat on the edge of the bed. When she remained standing, he looked to the spot beside him, arching his brows in expectation. She resisted for a moment, and then took her place next to him.
He cleared his throat. “When I woke up this morning and you were gone, it gave me a scare. I didn’t know why you’d run off, or if you were even coming back. For all I knew, you could’ve been on the next stage to who-knows-where, or maybe abducted by a band of Sioux on your way into town.”
He couldn’t remember a sight as fetching
as the way she looked at this moment. Her hair was so enticing, falling around her shoulders in the soft candlelight. The vision would be one he’d hold forever, to take out and savor on cold, lonely nights. Nathan had been one lucky man.
“And also because you said I was in charge, then you ran off without so much as a by-your-leave. I was planning to make that trip tomorrow, and get you all stocked up for winter.”
Jessie reached up gently to check his wound. Her chin tilted slightly as she regarded him. “You were hurt and needed to regain your strength,” she countered stubbornly. “Besides, I’ve done it before. Lots of times”
Chase smiled to himself at her attempt to avoid the real reason for her trip into town. He wanted to have it out. Clear the air.
“I know why you went, Jessie, and it has nothin’ to do with my injury or your needing supplies. I’m going to be honest, so you can put yourself at ease. What happened last night was a mistake. I should never have kissed you. It won’t happen again.”
Jessie looked surprised, as if she’d been expecting him to chastise her, or something else. “It wasn’t all your fault,” she whispered. “I…”
“Shh…It was. You were asleep. Dreaming. I’m sorry.”
“Why’re you being so nice?”
“Believe me, Jess, I’m not all sugar and nice. I just don’t want you feeling bad about something you had no control over. Now tell me what happened in town today that has you spooked.”
Jessie gave him a funny look. Chase knew she was trying to figure out how he’d learned of the confrontation.
“I was waiting for my supplies when two men entered the mercantile. One was being a nuisance, is all.”
“Out with it,” he persisted. “I know there’s more to this story.” Chase’s gut was tightening.
“A man—I think his name was Lonnie—grabbed my arm and tried to kiss me.” Jessie took a breath. “Mrs. Hollyhock got knocked to the floor when she came to my aid. I hit the man in the face.”
“Do you know him? Seen him around town before?”
Where The Wind Blows Page 8
