Chase the Moon: A Historical Romance

by Lynn Hubbard

  “How did you find the Stafford’s?”

  “She attacked me on the train.” Chase said speaking up with a laugh as Amelia glared at him. Jaelyn punched him in the arm. Sabrina was used to Chase’s carefree manner and rolled her eyes.

  “Looks like you won.” Sabrina muttered noticing the twigs and scrapes covering her usually immaculate cousin.

  “Not my fault, she rolled out of the wagon while Thomas was driving.” Chase said in his own defense.

  “I am very sorry ma’am.” Thomas apologized for the umpteenth time.

  “Nothing a hot bath won’t fix.” Amelia said not noticing Chase’s eyes darken as he imagined her taking a hot bath.

  They moved away so Thomas and Brock could lift Jonathan from the wagon. Normally he would object, but the long ride had made him stiff.

  Anna swung lithely out of the back to stand proudly next to her husband and children. Sabrina moved forward to hug them both.

  She squealed as Chase grabbed her from behind and swung her in a circle. Brock instantly stepped in least the motion harm his child. Sabrina laughed batting the over protective Brock away as she leaned up and kissed Chase on the cheek.

  Anna looked up at the house in amazement. “This is your home?” She asked Sabrina. Never in her wildest dreams had she ever imagined a house such as this.

  “It is your home as well, as long as you are here.” Warren said stepping up to the group. Sabrina introduced him, Riley, Samuel and Alma to the newcomers. Alma headed inside the house to whip up a late dinner of biscuits, country ham and beans.

  Guiding everyone inside Warren led Brock’s parents to their room so they could rest a bit before eating. Anna was speechless by the large ground floor room and could only nod her thanks.

  The rest of the group headed up stairs. He assigned Jaelyn and Amelia their own room as he turned to the men. “Thomas’ family will be arriving soon, do you mind sleeping in the bunk house?”

  Chase snorted, “I could sleep in a mud puddle, the bunkhouse is fine or a barn would be better. Plus, I won’t have to put up with Brock’s snoring.”

  Brock glared at him as Sabrina patted him on the arm to soothe him. Jaelyn gripped Thomas’ arm tightly. Sabrina noticed the small movement.

  “I’m sure, it will be fine Jaelyn if Thomas wants to stay with you.” She said glaring at her brother as if daring him to speak.

  “Thank you.” She said a bit shyly, quite different from the usual headstrong girl Sabrina was used to.

  “That’s what sisters are for.” Sabrina said as she led the group back down to the kitchen where delicious smells wafted out.

  They were seated around the massive table in the dining room. Sabrina was sandwiched between Amelia and Jaelyn. Brock, Chase and their parents sat across from them. The others were scattered about chatting as they ate.

  “I can’t believe you’re going to have a baby!” Amelia gushed.

  “It’s supposed to be a secret.” Sabrina joked with a slight blush.

  “There is nothing wrong with being with the one you love.” Jaelyn said matter of factly as her eyes sought out Thomas’.

  Sabrina smiled; it felt so good to be surrounded by family and friends. She was so thankful for Brock ‘finding’ her and bringing her back to reality. She hadn’t realized how lost and lonely she had been.

  Amelia hid a small yawn. It had been a long, hard trip. She had washed off the first layer of road dirt before she ate but she still felt filthy. Warren had given them a quick tour of the main level and she had been unable to get the thought of a tub filled with warm water out of her mind. There was a low hum filling the room as everyone chatted together and she felt herself nodding off.

  Laughter filled the room and her eyes popped open to find everyone looking at her. Had she been sleeping? Against her will, her eyes darted to Chase who winked back at her. She quickly turned her attention to Sabrina who had a thoughtful look on her face as she noticed the exchange.

  “I think I’ll take a bath and call it a night. It feels like I’m wearing the trail.”

  “You are wearing some of it.” Sabrina said with a grin as she reached up to pull a missed bramble out of her cousin’s hair. “Why don’t you grab some clean things from your bag and I’ll get the water heated for you.”

  “You’ll do no such thing in your condition. I’m sure Chase wouldn’t mind helping.” Jaelyn said mischievously.

  Chase looked up as his name was spoken. “What are you conspiring about?” He asked his twin.

  “I was just telling Sabrina you would love to help Amelia into the tub.”

  The peach cobbler Chase was in the middle of swallowing lodged in his throat. His face turned a deep shade of red as he coughed and grabbed for his water. Sabrina wondered whether the added color was from embarrassment or lack of oxygen. Probably, the later she supposed. She knew him fairly well and had yet to see him get embarrassed in any situation no matter how awkward.

  Brock, in a deep conversation with Warren and Samuel reached over and slapped him on the back without looking. Chase cleared his throat and wiped the water from his eyes as he caught his breath.

  “Are you okay?” Amelia asked n concern.

  Chase laughed, “Yep, would take more than some tasty cobbler to take me out. I would be glad to assist the lady.” He said nodding to the others as he stood stretching to his full height. Amelia thanked him excusing herself to head upstairs.

  Jaelyn and Sabrina exchanged a conspiring glance as they watched Chase head for the kitchen to start pumping water to heat.

  Sabrina turned to her future sister in law. “We need to go into town tomorrow to get fitted for our dresses. Warren has made an arrangement with a seamstress.”

  “Our dresses?”

  Realizing her mistake, Sabrina instantly covered her mouth as an apology squeaked out.

  Thomas instantly taking in the situation quickly moved to Jaelyn’s side. Sitting in Amelia’s vacant chair he grabbed her hand. “I was going to tell you tonight. Sabrina thought it would be grand to have a double wedding. If you’ll have me.”

  Jaelyn was stunned by the news. “You have had this planned the whole time!” She asked a bit angry at being left out of such a major decision. No wonder he kept reassuring her about her apparel.

  “I’m sorry Jaelyn; I thought you would be happy.”

  “Of course I’m happy, just a bit shocked is all. What about your family?” She asked Thomas.

  “They are on their way.” Sabrina said forcing a smile.

  “Well then yes, I would love to go with you Sabrina. Perhaps, Amelia and Chase should come along as well.”

  “Absolutely!”

  Chapter 10

  Amelia dragged her weary body up the stairs. Why someone would put so many stairs in a house was beyond her. She thought to herself as she slid her hand up the hand carved mahogany railing. She used her arm strength to pull her achy body up the next step-One at a time. It was so good seeing Sabrina. She had been very worried about her cousin. Now, she was not only safe but getting married and expecting a child. Brock seemed very capable and doted on her feisty cousin. It was cute.

  Stepping into the wide hallway she headed to her appointed room and rummaged through her bags. The bed was beckoning to her. The thought of a relaxing bath and being clean again was the only thing that kept her going. Well, that and thinking of Chase. She hadn’t realized how tall he was until he stretched out in front of her tonight. He definitely wanted her to notice him. She wasn’t completely ignorant about men. She had been around many back in San Francisco.

  Her hobby of choice, poker, made sure of that. There were lots of fast talkers, some of them devilishly handsome but there was always something missing. Heat, passion, devotion. She was sure that Chase had all that. Licking her lips she grabbed her clean clothes and headed down stairs.

  She was surprised to find the table had been cleared. Brock and Sabrina were washing dishes while Chase was still carrying water for her bath.
r />   “The other travelers headed off to bed.” Sabrina supplied her unanswered question.

  “Do you need help? Looks like the dishes are washing you.” Amelia said for the first time noticing both Sabrina and Brock were both rather damp and covered in soap bubbles.

  “Nope, I got everything under control.” Sabrina said facing Brock. She reached up with her wet soapy hands grabbing his hair and pulling him down towards her giving him a long deep kiss.

  “There are children present.” Chase said shielding his eyes as he stepped from the tub room. Sabrina and Brock used to his antics ignored him.

  Amelia laughed. “You have no idea how much I appreciate your help.”

  Chase grinned. “Anytime you need help with a bath, I’m there.”

  Amelia blushed a bit watching him take a large pot of boiling water from the stove. The thick muscles in his arms flexed. The motion caused the fabric of his shirt to strain against them in protest.

  Unconsciously, she licked her lips following him into the small room as he added the hot water to the already half-filled tub.

  “You should be good.” He said with a wink closing the door behind him. Unable to keep from smiling, Amelia quickly disrobed and stepped into the warm bath with a sigh. It was heavenly.

  She winced a bit as she settled down into the water. Apparently she had more scraps from her spill than she thought. The warmth did soothe away her soreness. Leaning back against the rim she decided to just relax a bit before she started to wash.

  It felt so good to be back around Riley and her family. There was so much love here. She really wished her father would have come. She figured him and Jonathan would get along great. Warren was still a bit stiff but Sabrina was as full of life as she always had been. And of course there was Chase and Jaelyn. Although they argued constantly you could see how devoted they were to each other.

  Chase was so different from the other men she had met. He was very funny, strong, considerate and handsome. Yes, this trip could get very interesting. With a small smile she slid down into the warm water soaking her hair before she started to wash.

  Chapter 11

  Leaving Chase to dry the dishes, Sabrina and Brock headed up stairs to bed. Each content with having their loved ones arrive safe.

  Brock was unusually quite when he undressed and slipped into the sheets. A bit concerned Sabrina slid in next to him.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing’s wrong, why?”

  “Thomas is here.” She hinted her body aching for him.

  “Thomas is asleep, we can talk tomorrow.” He turned gathering her in his arms as they drifted off to sleep.

  It broke his heart hearing her sigh in frustration. But he couldn’t risk it. He could wait. Sometime later he was awakened by her thrashing. The nightmares had returned, almost as bad as they had originally. Holding her tightly and whispering in her ear she soon calmed and slipped into a fitful sleep.

  She awoke before dawn. Looking out the window she could see the sun’s rays peeking out over the horizon.

  Hoping out of bed she went to get dressed and freshen up. On the way back to her room she hesitated for an instance before knocking on Thomas’ door. She waited impatiently until his tousled blonde head appeared as he opened it a crack.

  Sabrina couldn’t help but smile seeing the always perfect Thomas a bit unkept. She was sure Jaelyn was the cause.

  “You have to talk to Brock he is driving me crazy.” She whispered loudly.

  Thomas batted his eyes trying to banish away sleep. It gave him an owl-like resemblance. “Sure I’ll be glad to talk to him later.”

  “Now.”

  “Now?” Thomas cried as Sabrina grabbed his arm and dragged him down the hallway to her room.

  Pushing him in and slamming the door behind her, the noise causing Brock to sit up with a jolt. His taunt chest was exposed in the process and Sabrina couldn’t help admiring the view as she turned to address him.

  “I ran into Thomas this morning in the hallway and he said he had plenty of time to talk.” Sabrina said plopping down next to Brock on the edge of the bed after shooing Thomas in his dressing gown towards the rocker in the corner. Brock eyed her cheery explanation skeptically but did not question her.

  “Um…sure. What questions did you have?”

  “Brock has been very…reserved lately.”

  “I am concerned about Sabrina and our child’s safety. I feel she needs more rest.” Brock stated.

  “If I had any more rest I would be in a coma Lets not beat the devil around the stump. I want to be with Brock, in the biblical sense, and he’s worried he’ll hurt me or the baby. I need you to tell him it’s alright.”

  Thomas blinked again in surprise before eyeing the stoic Brock.

  “Um.” Was the only word Thomas managed to get out before turning rather red. Receiving angry glares from both Sabrina and Brock he did the only thing he could do. Pass the buck.

  “Perhaps you should wait until my father arrives and speak with him. I’m sure he is much more experienced in…these matters.”

  Sabrina sat dumbfounded. She could not believe that Thomas was taking his side! Outnumbered, she left the room to find someone sensible.

  Stepping into Amelia’s room was like stepping back into a time when she was young and innocent, a time before she knew that monsters were real. Sitting on the bed and shaking her cousin awake increased her sense of déjàvu.

  Amelia sat up still rather sleepily, she frowned at the disturbance; she had been having a lovely dream. “Why are you up so early? I figured you would still be in bed.”

  “Couldn’t sleep.”

  “There are other things to do in bed besides sleep. Especially when you have a handsome man like Brock to keep you company.”

  Sabrina growled. “Brock is the problem. Ever since he found out I’m gonna have a baby he stopped um...well you know. At first it wasn’t a problem, since I was sick I didn’t feel like it anyway. Now that I do feel like it, he won’t touch me.”

  Amelia frowned. “He’s not affectionate?”

  “Oh no he’s even more doting than usual, but he won’t um...”

  “Do the deed?” Amelia supplied.

  “Yes! It’s not that he can’t, he just won’t.”

  “Have you tried, um… getting him excited?”

  “Oh sure, he gets excited. He just runs off to the outhouse to finish.”

  “Well obviously it’s not a physical problem. It’s in his head. You need to talk to his mother.”

  “You are not serious.”

  “Absolutely, If you get her on your side he won’t stand a chance. Trust me.”

  Sabrina still was skeptical but what else did she have to lose. She leaned back on the carved wooden headboard still a bit sleepy. The house was still. So still, she could hear the grandfather clock downstairs chime five times. Yawning, she slid down and lay next to Amelia. Both of them drifted off to sleep with thoughts of dark haired men haunting their dreams.

  The next time Sabrina awoke a dark familiar head hovered over the bed.

  “Morning!” Chase grinned throwing open the curtains blinding the occupants of the bed.

  Sabrina sat up still in a foul mood. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

  Amelia sat up sputtering, “It isn’t very appropriate for you to be in a bedroom with two undressed women. That’s how rumors start.”

  Chase laughed coming back over to plop on the bed. “Exactly. Plus for some reason no one wanted to wake up Sabrina. Heard it’s been awfully quiet around here these past few days.”

  Sabrina snorted as she kicked him off the bed. “Like you know what the word quiet means.”

  “I’d rather put up with your foul mood than Brock’s. He took off on Thor like the devil was after him. Oh yeah, Breakfast is ready.” He said with a wink as he left the room.

  The girls scampered to make themselves presentable and headed down to eat. Sabrina was worried about Brock. Maybe she sho
uld speak to his mother. Amelia offered to clean up and she went to hunt down the older woman.

  She was surprised to find her in the garden pulling weeds. Not sure what to say, Sabrina joined her. She peeked over from time to time to try and study Anna. She hadn’t much time to spend with her on her previous visit. With Jonathan so ill, he was her main concern. The full blooded Comanche was stunning with her thick black tied in a knot at her neck and her almost black eyes that seemed to look right into your soul.

  The same black eyes that were looking at her curiously now.

  “This is a beautiful home. I had no idea homes such as these existed.”

  “Thank you, It’s...difficult being back. I’m not sure that I belong here anymore.”

  “Sometimes destiny has a way of deciding for us.”

  “Perhaps, I wanted to speak talk to you about Brock. He’s been very..um..worried.”

  Anna’s dark eyes twinkled with mirth as she replied. “Yes, I have noticed.”

  “Amelia thought I should talk you.”

  “She is very wise for her age.” Anna said.

  It took a second for Sabrina to realize that Anna had made a joke. It seemed so odd coming from the majestic woman.

  “Well, I’m not sure why he’s worried. Thomas is a doctor and he said it would be okay for us to, ahh, be together.”

  “That is perhaps my fault.”

  “Your fault?”

  Anna turned to look at the house while she spoke. Sabrina had to lean in closely to hear, least the wind whisk away her soft words.

  “I had a hard time with the twins. I was very ill afterwards. I wasn’t sure if it was my time to pass or not. Brock was very worried about me. He helped with the babies and took care of me while Jonathan hunted and provided for us. And I grew stronger.