Promise Trail

by Shirleen Davies

  Her body began to relax against his. Then a thought popped into her mind. “So you still want to marry me?”

  Before Bull could answer, a hard knock sounded and the door swung open. Lydia’s breath caught when Dax walked inside and smiled.

  “Caro sent a message you needed me here. Since I walked up the steps with a preacher, I hope it’s for your wedding.”

  Chapter Twenty

  “I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.” The minister took a step back, still somewhat mystified at the urgency of the wedding and the obvious lack of preparation. The bride appeared in a brown cloak, secured up the front and tied with a bow at the neck. The groom wore clothes more appropriate for work on a ranch than life in the city. He’d decided to silence his questions out of respect for Caro.

  Cupping Lydia’s face in his hands, Bull brushed a kiss across her lips, seeing the moisture in her eyes.

  “Are you unhappy, Mrs. Mason?” Bull whispered.

  Her smile washed away his doubts. “Quite the opposite. I’m very happy, Mr. Mason.”

  Giving her another quick kiss, he turned them to their friends. Caro and Isabella rushed forward to hug them before Dax stepped toward him, offering his hand.

  “You’ve made a good decision, my friend.” Dax clasped Bull’s shoulder, speaking in a low voice so no one else would hear.

  Bull glanced at Lydia, her face alight with joy. “Letting her go was never an option.”

  “You’re a good man.”

  Bull laughed. “I’m like any other man who has found a woman he loves and who loves him the same. Nothing more.”

  He turned at Caro’s approach. “You and Lydia are welcome to stay here. I have more than enough room.”

  “Thank you for the offer, Caro, but I’ll be moving Lydia in with me at the Clayton.”

  Her brows drew together before she masked her disapproval with a tight smile. “If you feel it would be best for Lydia.”

  “I’m sure you understand my need to have Lydia to myself. We’ll be staying in San Francisco for several weeks, so I’m certain she’ll be visiting you often.”

  “Weeks?” Lydia asked.

  Bull wrapped an arm around Lydia’s waist, pulling her to him. “Dax has business to finish before we go back home.”

  Dax glanced at Bull, deciding it would be best to speak with him alone about the need for Bull to stay longer. Today was a day to celebrate, not burden the bride and groom with unwelcome news.

  “If everyone will follow me, there are refreshments in the dining room.” Caro thread her arm through Dax’s, leading the way. She glanced up at him, unsure whether to ask the questions burning to get free.

  “Go ahead, Caro. Ask me what you want about Beau.”

  Her hand tightened on his arm. “Am I that obvious?”

  He chuckled, placing a hand on hers. “Not obvious. I’d be disappointed if you weren’t thinking of him.”

  “I miss him.” She hadn’t confessed her feelings to anyone, including Lydia and Isabella. Somehow, she felt safe admitting it to Dax.

  As the others filed past them, Dax took a detour into the library, leaving the door open, waiting to see if she’d continue.

  “Beau is so much more.”

  “More?”

  She looked up at him, her thoughts jumbled. “It’s hard to explain as I don’t quite understand it myself.” Taking a few steps away, she stared at a tapestry of mountains covered in snow, a small town at the base. “Most of the men in Splendor are so different from those in the cities. Even Gabe, who I’ve known since we were children, isn’t what I would have expected. Don’t misunderstand. You’re all honorable, hardworking men, and you’d do anything for those you care about. There’s just a hardness…a toughness not seen in the men where I grew up.”

  Dax chuckled, trying to figure out what she meant.

  “Oh, I’m not explaining this too well.”

  “Take your time, Caro. So far, it sounds interesting.”

  Glaring at him, she crossed her arms. “I’m used to men who are more refined, not given to violence as easily as those in Splendor. I don’t know if I could ever get used to it.”

  Dax walked up beside her. “War can do that to a man. Beau fought for the South, as did Cash, Luke, and I. We lost a great deal. Family, friends, property. Those losses changed us. Gabe, Noah, Bull, and others fought for the North. They also lost much.”

  “Perhaps not as much as those who fought for separation.”

  Dax nodded. “Perhaps. We all saw and did things we’ll never be able to erase from our memories. War does something to a man, changes his priorities. Your experiences in New York may have separated you from atrocities many men in Splendor witnessed.”

  “You’re telling me there are good reasons.”

  “I don’t know if they’re good. They just…are. You’re the only one who can decide if you’re up to taking on the challenges associated with men who’ll never be the same as they were before the war.”

  Hearing the laughter from the dining room, she walked toward the hall, then turned back. “He asked me to marry him.”

  Dax didn’t respond, although her comment surprised him.

  “I told him no.” She sucked in a shaky breath.

  “I’m sure you had your reasons.”

  “I thought I did. Now, well…I’m not so sure.”

  Dax took her arm, slipping it through his. “Then it appears you have more thinking to do.”

  “Yes. It appears I do.”

  Splendor

  “Oh my,” Rachel whispered, glancing up at Bernie Griggs. “Bull and Lydia got married. I have to go let everyone know.” She dashed outside, hurrying across the street, dodging riders on horseback and wagons filled with supplies on her way to the sheriff’s office. Pushing the door open, she stopped at the sight of Gabe, Cash, and Beau huddled around the desk. They all stood as she stepped toward them.

  “Rachel. What brings you in here?” Gabe walked around her, closing the door.

  She held up the telegram from Dax. “It’s Bull and Lydia. They’re married.”

  Rachel saw Beau’s features go slack, then harden. He forced a smile. “That’s great news.” Grabbing his hat, he walked to the door. “I’d better make the rounds.”

  No one spoke until Beau closed the door behind him.

  “What did I say?”

  “It’s not you, Rachel. Beau can’t get his mind off Caro. The news of Bull and Lydia brought it back up. He’s got to find a way to move past her leaving.” Cash held out his hand. “Now, let me see what you have.” Cash read the brief telegram, handed it to Gabe, then picked up his hat. “I’m going to let Allie know.”

  “We need to plan a celebration when they return.” Rachel’s eyes lit up. “Something special.”

  “Sounds like you need to speak with Lena, Suzanne, and the other ladies. I’ll let Noah and Abby know.” Gabe opened the door, letting Rachel precede him outside, then stopped. “I want you to keep Rosemary and the boys close to the ranch.”

  Rachel’s face sobered. “Why?”

  “I received a telegram from Sheriff Sterling in Big Pine. A couple people spotted Boyden Trask.”

  “I thought he left the territory.”

  “May have. It’s best to be safe in case he circles back and comes after them.” Gabe let his gaze wander up the street, then down. Cash and Beau already knew of the possible danger. He had to let others know, as well. “Can you get Luke and Ginny to come to your place to stay until Dax returns?”

  “They ride over almost every day. I’m sure they’ll stay if I ask.”

  “Do it, and let all your hands know about Trask. We have to keep Rosemary and the boys safe.”

  Beau stopped at the house he used to share with Cash before his friend married Allie. He’d hoped to share it with Caro someday. Few people knew how much time they spent together—quiet suppers, walks when the weather allowed, and on clear days, rides on the trails around Splendor. As winter turne
d to spring, they’d taken the stage to Big Pine, telling people Caro had business to attend to and felt better with him accompanying her.

  They’d kept it quiet, hiding how close they’d become, even from Cash, which hadn’t been easy. No matter how many times he reminded himself she’d be leaving, moving to San Francisco when the snow melted, Beau had fallen hard for the beautiful widow from New York. He believed she felt the same.

  After all he’d witnessed during the war, he thought little could affect him. Beau had been wrong. Watching her discomfort as she turned down his marriage proposal had nearly destroyed him. She’d been kind, telling him how much he meant to her, even saying she loved him. For Caro, love wasn’t enough to give up her dreams.

  Reaching into a cupboard, he pulled out a fresh bottle of whiskey. Not bothering with a glass, he downed a good portion, then carried the whiskey to a chair and slumped into it. Beau rolled the bottle between his palms, thinking of Bull and Lydia and all they’d been through. They deserved to be happy, to live their lives together, to raise a family. He envied them.

  Leaning his head against the back of the chair, he looked at the ceiling, closing his eyes. When he watched Caro leave on the stage, Beau had told himself it was for the best. She had a dream, a vision of her future. One where he held no place.

  As much strength as she’d shown traveling across the country alone, the vivacious blonde with violet eyes had a delicate side, one that drew her to a wealthier circle of people who enjoyed the city and all its trappings. The theatre, opera, balls, restaurants offering exquisite meals—all of these meant a great deal to her, more than any feelings she had for him.

  In contrast, Beau lived a simple life. Time spent with friends, a glass of whiskey, an occasional game of cards, and his job as deputy kept his life in order, giving him a purpose for getting up each day. He could have been happy in Splendor, living a modest life with Caro by his side.

  She’d chosen another path and he had to accept it.

  Lifting the bottle, he took another long swallow, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. Disgusted with himself, Beau stood, placing the bottle back in the cupboard and shutting the door…hard. He’d thought of getting drunk, slipping into a stupor and sleeping off the day. Instead, the whiskey had little impact, other than producing a slow burn of melancholy he didn’t want.

  Beau had been a captain in the Confederate Army, led men into battle, held his head high, even during the terrible defeat of Atlanta. He was a better man than what he’d shown his friends over the past several months.

  It was past time for him to bury his feelings and get on with his life. The same life Caro rejected with a few well-chosen words.

  Picking up his hat and tightening the gunbelt around his waist, Beau stepped outside. The warm afternoon air felt good. He took a deep breath, clearing his mind, ready to shrug off the pain Caro had left in her hurry to leave.

  Walking past the livery, he made his way up the main street of Splendor, taking time to speak with those he’d all but ignored since Caro left. Today, he’d start over with a new purpose, maybe even talk to Dax and Luke about the piece of land he’d been ready to buy if Caro agreed to marry him.

  The land would be a start. He’d build a house, raise a few head of cattle, and maybe even buy a cow. For the first time since before leaving to fight for the South, he’d be a landowner in a town he liked, around people who were his friends. In time, he might even find a special woman to fill the empty place Caro created.

  The thought came out of nowhere, but it stuck. Nothing serious, and not one of the women who worked at the Dixie or Wild Rose. An independent woman with no interest in marriage, who planned to make Splendor her home. Someone to share his free moments with, who wouldn’t expect his love in return.

  A thoughtful expression crossed his face as he considered the challenge he’d given himself. Beau would think it over a few days, maybe more, then start to put his own dreams into action. He’d talk to Horace Clausen at the bank, then with Dax and Luke about a piece of land. The rest would fall into place.

  “You’re certain you saw some of White Buffalo’s men?”

  “Believe me, Luke, after being their hostage, I know who I saw.” Mal hadn’t said a word to any of the other men. “We were bringing in some strays from the far northeast pasture when I spotted them.”

  After not seeing any sign of the Crow riders for months, Luke had pulled the sentries stationed at locations around the ranch’s perimeter. They now worked as ranch hands.

  “Looks like I’m going to be needing more men to keep watch. I’ll talk with Dirk, see who we can spare. If I have to hire more men, I will. We aren’t letting White Buffalo get near our women or the children ever again.” Luke stalked out of the barn.

  He and Ginny had moved back in with Rachel and Patrick after the news about Trask. The sighting of the Crow scouting party increased the urgency to consolidate the herd in the western pastures.

  “For the first time, I’m glad Lydia decided to visit Caro. We sure don’t need to have her around with White Buffalo keeping watch on the ranch. Sure wish Bull were here, though.” Mal slid from his horse, then looked over his shoulder. “Let me know what you want me and the men to do after you’ve talked to Dirk.”

  “I’ll have an answer for you after supper tonight. Make sure all the men know what you saw.”

  Luke had sent a congratulatory telegram to Bull and Lydia the day after Rachel had announced the news of their marriage. Now, another telegram needed to be sent advising them of what Mal had seen.

  The news from Dax made it clear he’d be returning home as soon as he hired a manager, leaving Bull to finalize designs and hire a foreman to handle construction. The delay in his return could benefit everyone. Perhaps if White Buffalo realized Lydia had moved away from the ranch, he’d give up and return to his village.

  Luke stopped halfway up the steps to the porch, taking his time to look around. The hairs on the back of his neck danced, as they always did when he thought someone watched him. Seeing nothing, he continued into the house, wishing he knew a way to get a message to the Crow warrior that the prize he sought was well out of his reach. Unless his intentions were even more sinister, such as revenge on anyone who took part in rescuing his captives.

  “What’s wrong?” Ginny set down her sewing. She’d always been much too perceptive.

  He walked up to her, trying to conceal his concern as he kissed her. Breaking away, he smiled. “Hmmm…You taste good.”

  “It’s the lemonade, and don’t change the subject. Tell me what’s happened. Is it Trask? Did someone see him?”

  Luke didn’t want to alarm her, but she needed to know. “Mal spotted a group of White Buffalo’s warriors on the northern edge of the ranch.”

  “Did I hear you right?” Rachel walked in from the hall, holding a squirming Patrick. Setting him down, she watched as he took hesitant steps to Luke, then wrapped his arms around his uncle’s legs.

  Luke stroked his nephew’s hair. “You did. I’m going to have Dirk post guards, the same as before Dax left. We need to keep all the children close to the house, and that includes Sam.”

  “He won’t be happy. With Dax and Bull gone, Travis and Billy at the old Frey place, and Mal acting as the second foreman, he’s been taking on more work as a ranch hand.” Rachel dashed over to Patrick before he toppled a small table. “Sam will fight you on this.”

  “I suspect he will. The truth is, I need him here to keep watch on you two and the children. Pulling men to keep watch around the property is going to leave us short until I can hire more.”

  “Jimmy is fifteen, Luke, the same age as Sam. Rosemary says he’s good with a gun and even speaks some Crow.” Ginny said it as if everyone knew.

  “The boy speaks Crow? How did he learn it?” Luke crossed his arms, his brows knitting together.

  “According to Rosemary, his father traded with several tribes, including the Crow. Haven’t you noticed his dark coloring?”

&nb
sp; “His coloring is the same as Teddy’s, Ginny. Come to think of it, they’re almost twins with their reddish-brown hair, green eyes, and golden brown skin.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Tell me what you know.”

  “Rosemary thinks their mother was Crow. She hasn’t asked Jimmy or Teddy outright, and they keep quiet about what happened to their parents. There have been times one of them has said something to make her think their father was white and their mother wasn’t.”

  Luke thought a minute, feeling a sense of guilt about how little he knew about the four orphans who’d been rustling their cattle. He’d heard the stories about Rosemary and Ben’s father taking off with a woman he met in one of the saloons, leaving his family to fend for themselves. Their mother had been too ill to take care of them, eventually dying without the medical care she needed. When Suzanne heard of their plight, she’d stepped forward, offering Rosemary a job. He didn’t know anything about Jimmy and Teddy.

  “Where is Jimmy now?” Luke grabbed his hat from the peg, then walked to the door.

  Rachel bent down, pulling Patrick away from falling into another table. “Find Tat and you’ll find both the boys.”

  Stepping out into the late afternoon sunshine, Luke checked the barn first. Finding no one inside, he walked out the back doors, seeing Tat, Jimmy, Teddy, and Ben near the fence where Sam had been taken. Putting two fingers in his mouth, he let out a high-pitched whistle, drawing their attention, waving for them to return to the barn. Taking off at a run, Ben led the others to Luke’s side.

  “Tat, take Teddy and Ben to the porch and ask Ginny for some lemonade. I want to talk to Jimmy.”

  Tat glanced at Teddy and Ben. “You heard the boss. Let’s go.”

  Luke took one more look around. His stomach churned, all his senses on alert. He knew, without any doubt, someone watched them, yet he saw nothing.

  What he didn’t see were the three sets of eyes hidden in the bushes, crouched low, keeping watch.

  Chapter Twenty-One