Promise Trail

by Shirleen Davies

  Placing her hands on his chest, she laughed as she lightly shoved him away, careful of his still healing injury. Weeks before, he and their friend, Noah Brandt, had been ambushed, shot, and left for dead. The fact both had lived was a miracle.

  “You know exactly the kind of distraction you are, Bull Mason. Now come on. It’s not much farther.”

  Ten minutes later, she cut through a stand of pine trees, then stopped as the forest opened into a small clearing sprinkled with wildflowers in white, vibrant magenta, and pink.

  “Isn’t it beautiful? The perfect spot for a picnic.”

  He had to agree, although the idea of her coming up here with two young girls worried him. On his treks through Redemption Mountain, he’d spotted mountain lions, grizzlies, and wolves—all fierce and dangerous to humans.

  Noticing his furrowed brow and dark expression, Lydia took a step toward him. “Bull, don’t you like it?”

  Ignoring her question, he settled his hands on her shoulders. “Don’t ever come up here again without me or one of the ranch hands.”

  “But—”

  “This isn’t a discussion, Lydia. It’s not safe for you and the girls up here alone. I won’t have you putting yourself, and them, in danger. Do you understand me?”

  She didn’t like it, but the concern on his face and the way his fingers dug into her shoulders told her how important her safety was to him.

  Reaching up, she kissed his cheek. “If it will ease your mind, then yes, I’ll let you know if I want to come up here.”

  The relief she saw on his face felt good. From watching Rachel and Dax, and Luke and Ginny, she knew there’d be many disagreements after they married. Some would be worth fighting for. This wasn’t one of them.

  “Thank you.” Bull adjusted the saddlebags she’d filled with food and a blanket, then looked around for a spot to lay everything out. “How about over there?” He nodded to a spot a few feet away.

  “Perfect,” she breathed out, taking his hand.

  An hour later, Lydia sat on a corner of the blanket, Bull’s head resting in her lap as he dozed. Brushing a strand of molasses-colored hair from his forehead, she leaned down. Brushing a kiss over his lips, she squealed when strong arms wrapped around her. Shifting, Bull tugged her down next to him, deepening the kiss. Gathering her close, he held her against him, her arms encircling his neck.

  Burying her hands in his hair, she sighed, losing herself in the passion of the kiss. Heat ripped through her as she struggled to get closer. Pleasure took control as his kiss became more demanding, creating a need she couldn’t define.

  Loosening his grip, he let his hands roam up and down her back, one settling on her waist, his touch possessive. Blood pounded in his brain, fogging his senses.

  “Bull, please…”

  He knew what she wanted, what she needed. Breaking the kiss, he waited until she opened her eyes. The desire he saw stoked the fire roaring through him, yet he held back.

  “We should wait. It’s only a few weeks, sweetheart.” They planned to marry soon, although today, lying next to her, it felt like forever.

  Sure of what she wanted, Lydia pulled him closer. “Is that what you want?”

  “No,” he ground out. “It’s what I think is best.” His deep, ragged voice confirmed his desire ran as deep as hers.

  “I don’t want to wait any longer. I love you, Bull. Make love to me. Please.”

  “Ah, sweetheart. I don’t want you to regret our first time.”

  Her soft smile felt like a kick to his stomach. “I’ll never regret loving you. I can’t think of a better place for our first time. I want you, Bull.”

  “I want you, too, Lydia.” Leaning down, he claimed her lips, crushing her to him before raising his head once more. “You’re mine. You’ve always been mine.”

  Redemption’s Edge

  Two weeks later…

  “Come on, Bull. The women didn’t work you that hard.” Luke Pelletier slapped his foreman on the back. Less than three months before, Bull and Noah Brandt had been brutally attacked. Today, he’d hauled tables and benches from the barn, doing whatever else the women asked in preparation for Cash and Alison’s wedding.

  “You take a bullet in the chest, then we’ll see how much you can do after a few weeks.” Bull placed a hand over his chest, narrowing his eyes while chuckling. “It’s good to be outside and doing something useful. If Dax would just let me saddle Abe and join the men…”

  “It won’t be long. I have strict orders from my boss to make you take it easy.” Dax Pelletier walked up, stopping next to Bull. He and Luke owned Redemption’s Edge, the largest ranch in western Montana. “You know how tough Rachel can be.”

  “Believe me, I know. You’ve got one of the toughest women in the territory.”

  “In the entire country, Bull.” Dax turned at the sound of the fiddler starting a new tune, spotting Rachel, Ginny Pelletier, and Lydia Rinehart walking toward them.

  Ginny unconsciously rested a hand on her expanding stomach. In a few months, she and Luke would be adding to the Pelletier family, giving Rachel and Dax’s son, Patrick, a playmate.

  “It’s been such a lovely day. Cash and Allie look so happy.” Lydia’s eyes locked with Bull’s. As always, her heart beat faster when he was near. Today, she couldn’t help thinking how far she’d come since escaping the Crow camp. From a scared orphan, near death, lying in a damp cave in the mountains above the Pelletier ranch, to finding a home and falling in love with Bull Mason.

  “Too bad you and Bull didn’t want to join Cash and Alison, getting both weddings over with at once.” Rachel laughed as she placed a hand on Lydia’s shoulder. The Pelletiers had given the orphans a home and made them a part of their family, discovering them after they’d escaped the Crow camp. It had been a miracle they all survived.

  Lydia’s eyes lit up when Bull slipped an arm around her waist. “It would’ve been easier, but we wanted our own special day. A day I know will always be Bull’s and mine.”

  Lydia had lost so much after being taken captive when her parents were killed by the Crow. She’d become mother and father to Sam and Selina, kept them together, then found sanctuary with the Pelletiers.

  Rachel put an arm around Lydia’s shoulders. “You and Bull deserve such a day.”

  “If you all will excuse us, I believe I’ll take my girl for a walk.” Bull’s gaze never left Lydia’s as he turned her toward the dance platform he’d helped erect earlier.

  He’d fallen in love with her the day they discovered the orphans in the cave, cradling her in his arms as they rode down the mountain. By the time they reached the ranch, he’d already made up his mind. Someday, the young woman would be his. She’d been sick, shivering the entire trip, and all he could think about was finding a way to make her life better.

  In reality, Lydia had been the one who inspired him. He’d begun to see himself as more than an ex-Union soldier with memories he’d rather erase. Because of her, he’d accepted the ranch foreman position Luke and Dax offered, which included a small house. He saved the majority of his monthly wage, stashing it in an account at the bank. When he’d saved enough, Bull asked Lydia to marry him. The ceremony would take place in six weeks. It would be the longest six weeks of Bull’s life.

  “Everyone is having a wonderful time.” Lydia leaned into him as they walked.

  Bull leaned down, placing a kiss on her forehead. “Dance with me.”

  Clasping Lydia’s hand, he led her into the middle of those dancing. Wrapping her in his arms, not caring what people thought, he pulled her tight. He’d hear about their closeness later, probably through Rachel or Ginny, after the church ladies made their comments. Right now, nothing else mattered except for the feel of her close to him. He had everything he ever wanted right here in his arms.

  Movement next to them had Bull looking up, seeing Cash and Alison join them on the dance floor. Bull nodded, then turned his attention back to Lydia as the song changed to a lively jig. Cash a
nd Allie continued to dance next to them, clapping along with the rest of the guests.

  Cash pulled Allie to him as laughter filled the air. Ignoring anyone who might be watching, he brushed a kiss across her lips, then repeated it until she placed her palms flat on his chest to stop him.

  “Mr. Coulter, I do believe you’re trying to seduce me.” She flashed him a brilliant smile.

  “You would be right, Mrs. Coulter.” Cash started to lower his head again when ear-piercing screams had him stepping away, pulling Allie behind him.

  “Help! Someone help us!” The panicked cries came from behind the barn.

  “My God, Cash. It’s the children.” Allie started to dash toward the barn when Cash pulled her back.

  “You stay here, Allie. Let me see what’s happening.” Cash didn’t wait for a response as he, Bull, and most of the men took off at a run.

  Rounding the barn, they stopped at the sight before them. Billy lay on the ground, blood flowing from a gash on his head.

  “Somebody get Doc Worthington,” Dax shouted as he dropped to a knee next to Billy, checking his pulse, then tearing off his shirt, holding it to the wound. “He’s alive.”

  Jackson, Lena and Gabe Evans’ seven-year-old son, stood ramrod straight, his gaze focused on the horizon, pointing. Selina, Lydia’s eleven-year-old sister, stood beside him, her face streaked with tears.

  “Jack?” Gabe knelt beside him, drawing the boy to him. “What is it, son?”

  Jack’s vacant gaze moved to Gabe.

  “They took him,” Selena sobbed.

  “Who, Selena?” Bull asked, kneeling down, turning her toward him.

  Her panicked face, flushed and wet with tears, tore into Bull.

  “Sweetheart, tell me what happened,” Bull coaxed in a soft voice as Lydia ran up to them, then placed an arm across her sister’s shoulders.

  Glancing around, Lydia’s heart began to race when she didn’t spot her brother, fifteen-year-old Samuel. Her voice shook as she turned Selena to face her. “Where is Sam?”

  A haunted look crossed Selena’s face. “They took him, Lydia,” she choked out. “The Indians took Sam.”

  Chapter Two

  “I’m going with Bull.”

  “I figured you would, Luke.” Dax thought of who else they could spare from the ranch. “Take Tat and Johnny with you. You’ll need to leave Dirk at your place.”

  Luke nodded, glancing at a group of their ranch hands standing several yards away. The Pelletiers owned two large ranch houses. Dax and Rachel lived in one, while Luke and Ginny lived in another a few miles to the east. Bull was the foreman for Dax, and Dirk Masters handled the job for Luke.

  “With Bull gone, we’ll definitely need Dirk to stay here. I’d like to take Mal. He’s a good tracker.”

  “Who else?” Dax asked.

  “No matter his injury, Billy won’t be left behind. He recognized White Buffalo, the brave Lydia had been promised to before the orphans ran away. Billy said White Buffalo made life hard on Sam, probably taking it real personal when they ran away.” Luke drew in a deep breath. “There’s no telling what the brave has planned for him as punishment, but it won’t be good.” He spotted Bull near the house, his hands resting on Lydia’s shoulders, his features stern. “I’d like to take Travis, but I’m not sure we can spare him.” Luke watched as the group of men moved his way. Judging by the look on each face, he knew they’d all volunteer to go.

  “What can we do?” Travis stepped forward, hands resting loosely at his sides, his eyes signaling the anger he felt.

  “Travis, I’d like you, Mal, Tat, and Johnny to ride with Bull, Luke, and Billy. This is a request, not an order. It will be dangerous. Some of you might not make it back.” Dax looked at the men who circled Luke and him. “It’s no problem if you choose not to go.”

  Travis crossed his arms and stepped forward, his face set. “I’m going.”

  Mal, Tat, and Johnny joined him.

  “I’d like to ride along, too, boss.” Dirk moved next to Luke.

  “We can’t spare both you and Bull. I’ll be counting on you to help Dax and keep watch on Ginny while I’m gone.”

  “I’ll do whatever you need, Luke.”

  “Then it’s settled.” Dax didn’t like what lay ahead, but the thought of Sam being tortured, or worse, caused a hard knot of anger to build in his gut. “Get your gear, saddle your horses, and meet near the barn in fifteen minutes. The sooner you move out, the sooner Sam will be back home with us.”

  Luke, Billy, Travis, Mal, Tat, and Johnny milled about outside the barn, their horses restless as they waited for Bull. They knew the cause of the delay, although none ventured forth to give their opinion.

  “What do you think, Luke?” Travis settled his hat low on his forehead, watching Bull and Lydia. From what he could tell, they weren’t having a friendly conversation.

  “She’s determined to go, and Bull’s equally determined she stay behind. As much as I don’t like it, my money’s on Lydia.” Luke raised his eyebrows as Bull’s voice carried toward the group of men.

  “You aren’t going. No argument, Lydia. I won’t be able to put my full attention on finding Sam if I’m worried about you.” Bull leaned toward her, his eyes pleading for understanding.

  “I don’t want to cause you more worry, but Sam is my brother. I won’t be left behind.” Lydia crossed her arms, chin tilted up in defiance.

  “What about Selina and Margaret? Who’ll watch after them with both you and Sam away? With so many men gone, Dax will need everyone who’s left to keep the place going.”

  She shifted her gaze toward Dax, his arm around Rachel as they spoke to Luke and the others. Letting out a sigh, Lydia closed her eyes. As much as she hated leaving them with one less person to help, she needed to search for Sam.

  “I won’t be able to sleep while you’re gone. Please understand, Bull. I need to go with you. Besides, I’ll follow if you don’t let me ride along. It’s your choice.”

  Bull raked a hand through his hair, settled both hands on his hips, and looked up at the sky, trying to calm the fear he felt at the thought of her going along. She’d become a decent rider and could handle a gun with accuracy. Still…

  “Listen to me, Lydia. We’ll be riding hard and fast with few breaks and little sleep.”

  “I understand.”

  “You’ll slow us down. Is that what you want?”

  “I’ll keep up. No matter what happens, I won’t slow your pace.”

  Bull looked at her as if she were crazy, which she very well might be given the circumstances. Out of all of them, Lydia knew more about what could happen if White Buffalo got his hands on her. Bull’s biggest fear centered on what he believed was the true reason the Crow raiding party took the risk of riding into a settlement of white men. White Buffalo wanted Lydia, and Sam could be his way of getting to her.

  Taking a step forward, he wrapped his arms around her, resting his chin on top of her head. “He wants you, Lydia, not Sam.”

  Resting her cheek on his chest, she closed her eyes, tears threatening. “I know.”

  “He’ll use Sam to get to you. Maybe offer a trade. If you aren’t with us, his bargaining power is gone. We’ll have nothing he wants.”

  Clutching his arms, she pulled away, looking up into stormy brown eyes, wishing they hadn’t been put in this situation. Their life at Redemption’s Edge had been good, much of the physical and emotional scars healed by the love and friendship of those at the ranch. White Buffalo had opened old wounds, forcing choices no one wanted to make.

  “Please, Bull. Give me ten minutes.” Turning, she ran up the steps and into the house.

  Bull watched her leave, tempted to get on his horse and ride out with the others before she had a chance to return.

  “What’s going on?” Luke stepped beside him.

  Bull sighed, dragging a hand down his face. “Lydia refuses to stay behind. Hell, she even threatened to follow us if I don’t let her go.”

&n
bsp; “Where is she now?”

  “I don’t know what she’s doing, but she asked me to wait. I’ve half a mind to…” His voice trailed off as Lydia emerged from the house. At least he thought it was Lydia. He’d never seen her in men’s clothing. The image would’ve been funny if they didn’t face such a dangerous journey.

  “What do you think?” She stretched her arms out and turned around. “Do I look like a man?”

  Luke’s wide grin said it all. “Sorry, Lydia. But I think it’s going to be real hard to hide your, uh…well, your…”

  “That’s enough, Luke.” Bull’s snarl stopped him from saying more. “Where did you get those clothes?”

  “They’re Sam’s. It’s the best I could do, but it should work to make White Buffalo believe I’m one of the ranch hands.” The hope in her eyes squeezed Bull’s heart. He didn’t want to take Lydia with them, but he couldn’t find it in him to leave her behind.

  “If you’re determined to go, then yes, you’ll need to dress the part. And you’ll need to do exactly what I say, when I say it. In fact, it won’t matter if it’s me, Luke, Travis, or any of the other men. You’ll do what you’re told. No arguing. Do you understand?”

  “But I—”

  “Those are the terms, Lydia. If you don’t accept them, I’ll tie you up, leave you in the storage shed, and post one of the men as guard. And trust me, you’ll never find our tracks.”

  Crossing her arms, she glared up at Bull. “I accept your terms. Can we leave now?”

  “We need to get a horse for you.”

  “Uh, Bull…it’s already done. I asked Travis to get her horse ready.” Luke didn’t wait for a response as he turned, smirking, and strode toward the barn.

  Cursing under his breath, Bull slapped his hat down on his head. “You stay with me. I don’t want you more than two feet away.”

  “I understand.” Stepping forward, Lydia wrapped her arms around his neck and placed a soft kiss on his lips. “Thank you, Bull.”

  “We’ll see what you say a few days from now.” He pulled her tight, then dropped his arms. Nodding toward Dax, Bull walked to the barn, taking the reins to Lydia’s horse and helping her up. “All right. If we’re all ready, let’s go find the group of Crow who stole our boy.”