by Lynn Hubbard
Chase the Moon
A Historical Romance
Lynn Hubbard
www.lynnhubbard.com
Hiram, GA
Chase the Moon
© Copyrighted 2011 Lori Lynn Pound
Cover Model-Julian Fantechi
Editor-Laura Nuttle
Graphic Designer-Dalal Al-Muhawes
Published By Lemon Press
www.lemonpresspublishing.com
ebook Version
Dedication
This book is dedicated to my parents William and Lula, who have supported me all of my life. Thank you for teaching me the love of reading and the love of giving.
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to my son’s Nicholas and Michael for brightening my days. You mean the world to me!
This was an endeavor dear to my heart. After finishing Run into the Wind, I didn’t want it to end. Moreover, neither did my fans.
To my faithful fan Dawn Jackson-It’s finally finished I hope it is as good as you imagined.
Where would we be without bookstores? Thanks Susan, Britaini and Rhonda from The Book Worm and Peggy from the Book Shelter, you have inspired me to no end!
To Cindy Smith the fabulous song writer that really captured the soul of RITW. Knock ‘em dead!
To Kennesaw Taylor, Lisa Elizabeth Rose, and Vee J. Mulkey and my other Lemon Press authors, thank you for trusting me with your books!
To Mary E. Pierce, who introduced me to signing to music. Thank you for your time and talent!
Thank you Dalal for “Tweaking” my cover Julian looks hotter than ever!
Thanks to Julian Fantechi for letting me use your inspiring picture for my cover. (Again!)
To my cousins Shauna, Donna and the “South Carolina Bunch” thanks for keeping it real.
To Laura Nuttle thank you for being there all these years, the sky is the limit!
May your life intersect with your dreams!
Books by Lynn Hubbard
Return to Love
Desperado
Run into the Wind
Chase the Moon
www.lynnhubbard.com
Chapter 1
With the train rumbling along the tracks beneath them, Sabrina Lovett sat stiffly next to Brock, her intended. She shifted her back, it was aching from resting on the seat for such a long period of time. The worn down padding in the seat cushion offered little comfort. The scenery flashing by the window was making her slightly woozy. Of course, these days it did not take too much to make her nauseas, she thought as she placed her right hand on her slightly rounded abdomen.
She blushed thinking back to when she had first informed Brock of the upcoming event. He had swept her off her feet and carried her to their bed where he ravished her for hours. Since then he had treated her like a porcelain doll. Upon learning of the excursion, Brock had offered to get them a sleeping compartment but she had instantly declined.
With memories of the past arising again, she gripped his hand for comfort as a small tether to reality. Not all of her memories were good ones. Her last train ride was not pleasant and she was having a hard time pushing it out of her mind. Through her own foolhardiness, the madman who had slaughtered her family years ago had kidnapped her. He had drugged her and rented out a sleeping car to keep her subdued during the train trip.
Awaking early, she decided to play along with his delusion until she had a chance to escape. In the end, she took his life and jump from the moving train to gain her freedom. Walking west, she eventually ran into Brock and her other rescuers.
The motion of the train was hypnotic and in her drowsy state, she glanced over at Brock. Her memories wandered back to when they first met and her heart beat a little faster. It was a bit awkward to say the least! She had first met Sheriff Stafford while she was portraying a stable boy in Oklahoma. Her spirit fell in love with him instantly; her aching heart took a bit longer.
She had been hiding from her brother’s vast resources and put her love of horses to good use. Falling for Brock had not been in her plans but fate kept bringing them together. He had saved her life in more ways than one and her heart was a willing sacrifice. Although, he was half-Indian he choose to live in the white world and uphold justice. Even though they considered themselves married by Comanche tradition, her brother Warren insisted on them having a ceremony. After much argument between Warren and herself, Sabrina reluctantly agreed, for Brock’s sake, to get married at her childhood home in Mississippi in the spring. Thus, the train ride.
Sabrina shifted again. She looked at Brock and frowned. She was annoyed that he was so comfortable and she was not, she poked him. He instantly awoke, drawing his gun as he did so. Looking at Sabrina’s amused smile he replaced it just as fast.
“Sorry.” He mumbled.
“I don’t blame you for being high strung, being on this train is giving me the heebie jeebies. I still think we should have just ridden the horses.”
Brock frowned. “Thomas said…”
Sabrina groaned, she was so sick of hearing about him. Thomas is a good friend of theirs, who also happens to be a doctor. A really irritating doctor. When Brock’s father was gravely ill, he had traveled with them to see if he could help. In the midst of saving Jonathan’s life, Thomas ended up meeting Brock’s sister Jaelyn and fell head over heels for her. He had decided to stay with the family much to Brock’s annoyance.
Of course, that was before he found out Sabrina was with child. In concern for her safety, he now consulted with Thomas by post on a regular basis and they were driving her crazy.
Sabrina settled down in her seat and leaned against Brock’s firm chest as he put his arm around her. She pulled the blanket over them both and tried to rest. She was very tired but she could not get her mind to stop, so that she could sleep. She was going home. Well, her brother Warren’s home at least. She had not called Montgomery home for almost four years.
After the “train incident”, Sabrina and Brock had tried to make their life in Tulsey Town where they met. It was difficult though; there were too many bad memories to add to Sabrina’s already long list.
Walking down the main street, she had to pass by the still burned out barn where Brock had saved her life. Although she had lived, she had lost Star, the horse she loved. It seemed so long ago that she had been sleeping in the hay and pretending to be a boy. She thought of the first time that Brock had realized she was a girl and giggle escaped.
“What’s so funny?” He asked kissing the top of her head.
“I was just remembering the look on your face when you found out I was a girl.”
Brock groaned. “You tortured me so.”
Sabrina smirked moving her hand to his chest under the cover. “I could make it up to you.” She said sliding her hand down further and cupping his crotch. Perhaps a sleeping car would have been better after all. They could have created new memories.
“Behave.” Brock whispered but he did not move her hand.
“Supper.” A perky voiced called and Sabrina frowned at the woman hovering over them her hands laden with food. Reluctantly pulling away and sitting up the woman placed a steaming plate of chicken and greens in front of her. Sabrina took one whiff and scrambled over Brock, almost toppling the plates as she hurried to the lavatory.
She had barely shut the door before being sick into the commode. Catching her breath, she thanked Brock silently for his good sense in choosing seats that were closest to the back. Resting her head on her hand, she sat trying to settle her stomach. Her gaze landed on the lavatory. There was no basin and you could see the tracks below as she watched the earth fly by underneath them. The blur of the ground plus the swaying f
rom the train was too much and she heaved again.
Brock was there this time holding her hair from her face and gently rubbing her back. Exhausted, she sat on the floor of the small room with her back against the wall. Brock knelt next to her in concern.
“You okay?”
She nodded. “I’m sorry, it’s all the motion and then the food.”
“Shh. It’s okay. Do you want to sit here awhile?”
Sabrina shook her head no before climbing to her knees. She took the cup that Brock offered her and rinsed out her mouth. He handed her his handkerchief then she gratefully wiped her lips and face before handing it back to him.
He helped her up and led her back to their seats. He took the window seat allowing her to sit on the aisle. She frowned seeing that the food had been removed.
“You had them take the food?”
“I didn’t think you would feel like eating right now.”
“You still need to eat.”
“I’ll live.”
Sabrina sighed not having the strength left to argue. Snuggling up against him again, she soon fell into an exhausted sleep.
Switching trains, the iron horse carried her closer and closer to her past. She had loved her homestead growing up, her family had years of happy memories there. However, every time she thought of Montgomery all she could remember was her father, mother and sister dead in the yard. They had died horribly and Sabrina had witnessed the last part of it. She would have been dead too if it had not been for her best friend Samuel.
Samuel was now the foreman at Montgomery and handled everything since her brother Warren traveled much of the time. It was unusual for a man of color to be in such a powerful position. However, Samuel was not help; he was part of their family. Sabrina had saved his life when he was younger and they had been inseparable ever since. Well, at least until her family’s death.
With her brother away and her home destroyed, she stayed with Samuel and his mother Alma. When Warren finally returned from Boston, he put her on a train heading North against her will. Sabrina hopped off and decided her own fate; she headed out west where destiny led her to Brock.
He gently nudged her awake from her nap seeing that their food was coming. He hated to disturb her sleep but figured she needed to eat as well. Sabrina reluctantly sat up and wearily watched the cook set a tray down in front of her. She smiled at the woman as she eyed the large pile of mashed potatoes and butter on her plate. She sat down an identical one for Brock and winked knowingly as she moved to the next travelers.
“You could have gotten a steak.” Sabrina said taking a small nibble to test out her queasy stomach.
“I know.” Brock said taking a big bite of potatoes.
Sabrina took a larger bite and then another as her body craved the food. They ate silently and Sabrina pushed away her empty plate, which was whisked away quickly.
“Feeling better?”
“Much. I hope your family can come. Do you think Thomas will be able to keep the secret?”
“I don’t know. I know I wouldn’t be able to.”
“Darn right.” Sabrina said smiling at him. The train started slowing and she looked past Brock out the window in surprise. She had not realized that they were that close to their stop. She must have slept longer than she thought. Her nerves set in and she again grasped onto Brock’s hand for support. As the train came to a complete halt, he helped her to her feet and gathered up their baggage. Not knowing how long they would be gone, they had brought most of their belongings, which was not much.
Sabrina had never thought of the homestead outside of Tulsey Town to be home. The only things she insisted on bringing were the horses. She felt bad for having them cooped up in the cattle cars but did not want to trust their care to anyone in town. Most everyone she was close to in Tulsey was gone now.
Mac, her old gruff friend, at the saloon had passed on. He had died trying to save her and she could not force herself to set foot in the place ever again. Sabrina’s heart was heavy; she had felt responsible for Mac’s death. Brock of course told her that he knew the risks, but it did not help. She still missed him.
Her previous employer and friend, Mr. Jack Swanson, had decided to move on and sold the saloon and everything else he owned in town. The only thing he took with him was his wife’s piano.
“Watch your step!” The conductor called out forcing her to focus. She took his hand while he helped her down the steep wrought iron staircase. Her feet landed on the ground and she was back in Mississippi. She felt Brock’s hand on the small of her back and she moved forward automatically as they stepped away from the metal beast. Her legs felt wobbly as she walked along the dusty street. It felt as if the ground was swaying. She held onto Brock’s arm tightly afraid she would lose her balance.
She heard someone holler her name and looked up to find her brother Warren waving his gray hat in the air. The sunlight glanced off his glorious red hair that he kept trimmed short to hide. Her heart filled with happiness at seeing her brother. She hadn’t realized she had missed him so. Dragging Brock with her, her determined steps quickened until she was in his arms. Pulling free she turned to greet the large hulk of a man standing next to the wagon.
Before she could speak, Samuel swept her up in a bone-crushing hug. Sabrina was relieved when she was finally released with all of her ribs intact. The men then stepped forward to shake Brock’s hand hardily. Warren’s observant eyes darted down to Sabrina’s rounded stomach. Brock chose that time to leave to claim the horses.
“Looks like the wedding was planned none too soon.” He stated casually.
“I was gonna ask if you had a good winter but apparently you did.” Samuel said leaning forward to kiss her cheek and hug her again.
Sabrina knew her face was scarlet and for once in her life, she was at a loss for words. She silently cursed Brock for leaving her alone and gave him a dirty look when he came back with the horses and the rest of their belongings. She became even more bitter as he was clapped on the back, congratulated, and hugged by both men.
Brock sensing her anger hugged her gently from behind and kissed her jaw as he whispered his apologies in her ear. She would have felt more appeased if he was able to hold in the chuckles. Elbowing him in the chest, she turned her attention to her horse, Justice. She ran her hands down his neck and flank as she soothed the horse after the long journey. She was pleased to see no scuffs on his smooth coat.
She had purchased Justice all by herself with the reward money she had earned from helping to capture train robbers. It was during that escapade that Brock discovered she was a girl. With the memory lightening her mood; she thoroughly checked him from head to hoof. She was glad to see that he endured the trip quite well. She next moved over to check Troy, Brock’s horse. She knew of course that Brock had already examined the horses but she wanted to ignore the men for a while longer so she took her time to Troy’s delight.
The men had loaded up their trunk and baggage and they were soon ready to head out. It would still be a long ride to Montgomery and Sabrina was not looking forward to more travel. Warren and Samuel had driven a buckboard for her to ride in on the way back. She frowned as she looked at the wagon.
“Who’s riding in the wagon?” She asked a bit aggravated.
“You are of course, can’t go around riding horses in your condition.” Warren said smiling down at her. She looked over at Brock who just shrugged innocently. With her child’s safety the foremost in her mind, she climbed up awkwardly with Brock’s help. He kissed her cheek mindful of the others watching them closely before he climbed down and hoped up on Troy effortlessly.
Sabrina felt the familiar chill run down her spine as she watched his smooth movements. He was magnificent and soon he would be hers, officially. She was not nervous about the wedding. After all, it was more a legality than anything else. Warren, who was an attorney, was insistent upon it and Brock was willing. So what was holding back her enthusiasm? It was not the wedding that was making her
nervous; it was the coming home part.
The lurch from the wagon wrenched her from her thoughts as she grabbed the seat frantically to keep from toppling into the dirt. She glared over at Warren, who was seated next to her driving the team. He held the reins tightly in his grasp as he guided the horses out of town. Yup, much safer.
Clinging to the rough wooden seat Sabrina sat trying to keep her teeth from breaking as they clattered together from the bumpy ride. Warren had padded the seat with quilts but the thoughtful gesture did not help much. Her back ached and her butt was numb from the long slow journey. She looked up at Brock riding smoothly in front of her. He was riding Troy and Samuel was riding Justice. She was taken aback by the burst of anger that flowed thru her. She has been more aggravated than usual as of late. She was not sure if it was from her body changing from the baby, like Thomas suggested, or if Brock was just more irritating lately.
After hours of travel, Sabrina was fit to be tied. She was used to being in control, whether it was riding a horse or driving a team, it was too much for her to sit back and do nothing. Perhaps that was why she did not like trains. She was not in charge of her destiny.
After another sudden dip, she turned her bad temper on Thomas. She promised herself to slap him upside the head when she saw him next. She did not consider being jolted on a hard bench safer than riding a horse. It seemed as if as Warren as hitting every aperture in the road. She was tired, nauseas, her back ached and she felt like crying.
“Stop! Stop! Stop!”
“What’s wrong are you okay?” Warren asked as Brock returned to check on the commotion.
“What’s wrong?”
“I need a break. Just get me down from here.” She said as Brock dismounted and lifted her easily down to the ground. Her stiff limbs complained and she walked a bit before sitting down in a clump of grass next to the side of the road. Brock offered her some water from his canteen and she took a sip even though she was still fuming. The water was surprisingly cool and Sabrina splashed some on her face making her feel a little better.