Solitude Gorge

by Shirleen Davies

  “I believe Ernst is quite pleased to have someone who knows the area going with us.”

  The glass Travis held stopped partway to his mouth. “I know Redemption’s Edge and the territory north of it, but I’ve never hunted it. When we wanted venison, I’d ride south, below the original Frey ranch.”

  Gabe looked at his father. “That land is now owned by the Pelletiers.”

  Walter scratched his chin. “Should we change our plans and go in that direction?”

  Shrugging, Travis took a moment to consider the idea. “I believe we’ll have better luck going north. The terrain isn’t as rugged up there.” He glanced at Isabella, seeing her raise a brow. “It’ll be easier for the wagons north of Redemption’s Edge. The southern section is rockier, with narrow, twisting trails. That’s why Dax and Luke didn’t raise cattle down that way. It was better suited for training horses.”

  “Papa says I can take his shotgun, Mr. Dixon.” Jack’s eyes lit up, a broad smile breaking across his face.

  Travis looked at Gabe, then back at the boy. “Is that so?”

  “Yes, sir. He says you can help me with it. Right, Papa?”

  “That’s what I said, son. You’ve had enough practice with it, so you shouldn’t have to bother Mr. Dixon too much.”

  Travis turned toward Gabe. “It’s no problem. I’ll be helping Isabella and possibly Johann.”

  “I’m certain Ernst will be grateful for any advice you can provide to Johann. I’d also appreciate your expertise, Travis.” Walter finished the last bite on his plate, sliding it a couple inches away.

  “Jack, if you’re finished, please say goodnight. You’ll be up early tomorrow.”

  Lower lip jutting out, he looked at Lena. “It’s not that early, Mama.”

  “Jack?”

  He turned his head to look at Gabe, his shoulders slumping. “Oh…all right, Papa.” Sliding from his chair, he started to pick up his plate.

  “I’ll take care of it, Jack.” Isabella pushed away from the table, stopping when Lena stood.

  “You finish getting ready for tomorrow, Isabella. Gabe will be happy to help me in the kitchen.” Lena smiled at her husband, enjoying the resigned expression on his face.

  Leaning toward her, Travis lowered his voice. “Do you have much more to pack?”

  “Not really. You told me to take only what I needed.”

  “Did you include a pair of pants and boots?”

  Her mouth tipped up into a wry smile, her voice sweet as honey. “Yes, I did. I packed what you told me to, Travis.”

  Chuckling, he stood, pulling out her chair. “If no one minds, Isabella and I are going to take a walk before turning in.” He held out his hand.

  Her eyes widened as she threaded her fingers through his. “We are?”

  “Yes, we are.” He ignored the hint of amusement on Gabe’s face. Letting go of Isabella’s hand, he placed his on the small of her back as they headed outside.

  She looked around, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “It’s a beautiful night.”

  He didn’t respond as he guided her down the steps to a path leading around the house to the creek in back. “I thought we could spend a few minutes alone. After tonight, we’ll have little privacy.” Settling an arm around her waist, he led them down the path. “Have you heard any more from Mr. Peeler?”

  Groaning, she looked up at him. “No, and I hope I don’t.”

  “You know he won’t give up.”

  Letting out a breath, she leaned into him. “I know. It’s so hard to believe Arnott would discuss the matter with David and not me. You would’ve had to know him, but he and I discussed everything. He never would’ve left me out of something so important.”

  Travis stopped, turning her to face him. “So you don’t believe David’s story?”

  Gazing into his eyes, she shook her head. “No, I don’t.”

  “Good.” Leaning down, he crushed her to him, his mouth covering hers in a hungry kiss. Feeling her cling to him, he deepened the kiss, hearing a ragged sigh escape her lips. Gentling his hold, he pulled back, taking in the glazed look in her eyes. “We’re too close to the house to do what I want.”

  Raising a hand, she touched his face. “And what would that be, Mr. Dixon?”

  “Ah, Isabella,” he whispered, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I’m certain you know what I want to do.”

  “And I’m as certain that I want you to do it.” She watched his mouth open, then close, his eyes burning with something she couldn’t quite define. “We’re adults who’ve been married before. There’s nothing stopping us from, well…from…” She wanted to say making love, but the words stuck in her throat. “From being together.”

  He brushed a kiss across her lips, then stepped away. “It isn’t that simple.”

  “Why not?”

  Scrubbing a hand down his face, he looked at her. “Because it isn’t.”

  Crossing her arms, she cocked her head. “Do you find me so unattractive?”

  His eyes bulged, jaw tightening. “Now that’s a fool thing to say, Isabella. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known.”

  “Then what is it?”

  Pacing away a few feet, he fisted his hands on his hips, staring at the ground. A few moments went by before he turned to lock his gaze with hers. “I want you so much I ache with it, Isabella. You’re the only woman I’ve wanted since my wife died, the only person who understands what I’ve gone through.”

  Walking up to him, she placed a hand on his arm, her voice softening. “That makes no sense. You want me and I want you. Why are you so hesitant?”

  Closing his eyes, Travis grit his teeth. Opening them, he gripped her shoulders, staring into her upturned face. “It’s not the time, Isabella.” Dropping his hands, he moved farther away, shifting his gaze from hers.

  “You still love your wife.” Her whispered words held no censure, only a painful understanding.

  “No…yes. Ah, hell…” He shook his head, not knowing how to express his feelings.

  “It’s all right, Travis. I will always love Arnott, although I’m certain it’s not in the same way you loved your wife.”

  His gaze shot to hers. “What do you mean?”

  Letting out a deep sigh, she walked past him, then stopped. “Your love was built on passion and desire. My marriage survived on mutual respect and friendship.” She turned, taking a couple more steps before glancing over her shoulder. “Perhaps you’re right. I’ve no idea how to fill the void she left in your heart.” A sad smile tipped up the corners of her mouth before she turned back toward the house.

  “Isabella, wait.”

  Halting, she shifted enough to look at him. “It’s all right, Travis. There’s no need to speak of it anymore tonight.”

  She hurried inside. Under no circumstances would she let him see the tears forming in her eyes. She didn’t know if he meant to reject her, or if there were other reasons for his caution. Still, her heart cracked with a searing pain that felt the same as being discarded.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Travis forced his gaze away from Isabella and the enticing image of her wearing pants. They fit as if they’d been made specifically to hug her waist and hips, creating a distraction he didn’t need. And he certainly didn’t want any of the other men to see her this way. His options were slim. Travis had been the one to suggest she leave her dresses behind.

  Helping Ulrich rearrange bags in the supply wagon, he peered at the others preparing to leave. Even Johann, with his furtive glances, couldn’t hide his fascination with the way she looked. Travis doubted the twelve-year-old had ever seen a woman in pants. Judging by their expressions, perhaps the same could be said of Walter, Ernst, and Ulrich.

  Travis shifted toward the eastern mountains, the sun glowing with the first rays of morning. If he hurried, he might have time to ride back to Gabe’s and grab a couple dresses.

  “Baron. We are ready to leave.”

  Cringing at Ulrich�
�s announcement, Travis mumbled a curse, chastising himself for being the one who’d convinced her pants would be more appropriate than a skirt. He’d been a fool to suggest it.

  “Quite so, Ulrich.” Ernst walked toward Travis. “Are you satisfied with our provisions, Mr. Dixon?”

  Chuckling, he stared at the wagon. “You have enough supplies for two weeks and twice as many people, Baron.”

  “Very good. I’ve found it always best to be overprepared. Don’t you agree?”

  It’s your money, Travis thought. “I’ve no objection to your thinking.”

  “Excellent. Then we shall be off when everyone is ready.”

  Unable to put it off any longer, Travis grabbed Banjo’s reins, walking toward Isabella. He’d ridden into town ahead of her, wanting to check the wagons one more time. She’d arrived with Gabe, a coat covering a man’s shirt and her new pants. It had taken no more than five minutes for her to shed the coat to help Jack and Johann with their belongings.

  Touching the brim of his hat, he focused on her face. “Good morning, Isabella.” His chest squeezed at her brilliant smile.

  “Good morning, Travis. It’s going to be an extraordinary day, isn’t it?” Nothing in her voice or stance indicated she held any anger toward him for the way they’d parted the previous night.

  Shielding his eyes from the glare of the early morning sun, he nodded. “I suppose.” Dropping his hand, Travis studied her face, deciding the slim-brimmed hat wouldn’t work in the intense sun.

  “You need a better hat.”

  Lifting her hands, she adjusted it to shield more of her face. “Is that better?”

  “Better, but not good enough.”

  Scrunching her face, she tried again. “How is that?”

  Shaking his head, he tried to not show how her efforts amused him. “You’ll need a different hat.”

  Face falling, she removed the hat, staring down at it. “This is the only one I brought.”

  “I have another hat in my room.” Johann moved closer, his face bright with excitement. “Shall I get it, Mrs. Boucher?”

  She touched his shoulder. “That would be wonderful. Hurry, though, so we don’t hold up the others.”

  Travis grabbed Johann’s arm before he could rush past. “Do you have another pair of gloves?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Bring them, too.”

  Nodding, Johann ran into the St. James, Jack not five paces behind him.

  A faint blush crept up her face as she watched the boys disappear inside the hotel. “Thank you. I didn’t think about a better hat.”

  Travis looked down at her hands. “And your gloves?”

  A self-deprecating grin twisted her mouth. “They’re still on my bed. I was so excited and in such a hurry, well…” She shrugged, noticing the glint in his eyes. “Do you find this amusing, Mr. Dixon?”

  “No, Mrs. Boucher. I find you charming.” He didn’t have a chance to hear her reply before Ernst shouted for them to mount up. “You’ll be riding next to me in the back. Jack and Johann will be in the middle, with Walter and Ernst in front.”

  Catching her lower lip between her teeth, she tilted her head, her gaze landing on the two older men. “Is that wise? For them to be in front, I mean. Neither one of them knows the territory.”

  Travis shook his head. “It’s not wise, but it’s what the baron wants. He’s paying for this hunting trip, so that makes him the boss.”

  “I have what Mrs. Boucher needs.” Johann handed her the hat and gloves.

  “Thank you, Johann.” Settling the hat on her head, she looked at Travis. “Is this better?”

  Reaching up, he adjusted it slightly. “Much.”

  Isabella lifted her face, eyes widening. “Oh no.”

  Travis crossed his arms, an amused expression on his face. “What now?”

  “Look.” She nodded past him.

  Turning, his smile faded. “What the hell is he doing here?”

  David Peeler rode toward them, bouncing in the saddle, appearing more than a little uncomfortable atop the large roan. “Good morning, Isabella.”

  “David. What are you doing here?”

  A nervous frown appeared, his gaze moving between Isabella and Travis. “Baron Klaussner invited me. I dined with him one night and he mentioned the hunt. I’m quite pleased to be included.”

  She had no time to respond before Walter came strolling toward them. “Good morning, David. I see you were able to join us.”

  “Yes, sir. I’m excited to see the wilderness I’ve heard so much about.”

  Travis lifted his head, staring into the early morning light, mumbling an oath.

  “Is everyone prepared to leave?” Walter’s gaze stopped on Jack.

  “Yes, Grandfather. We’re ready.” Jack’s voice squeaked with excitement.

  “Excellent. Baron Klaussner says it’s time to leave. Do you need any help, Jack?”

  Shaking his head, Jack rushed to his horse. Holding the saddle horn, he jumped, his left foot catching in the stirrup before he swung into the saddle.

  Walter chuckled at the speed Jack mounted his horse. “Appears the boy follows after his father. I’ll let Ernst know we’re ready. David, you’ll be riding in front.”

  “Is that where you’ll be, Isabella?”

  “No, David. I’ll be with Travis in the back. Enjoy your morning.” Grabbing Blossom’s reins, Isabella followed Jack’s lead, settling herself into the saddle, pointedly ignoring David’s scowl before he kicked his horse and followed Walter.

  Travis’s initial surprise at seeing David wore off as he stood next to Banjo, watching Isabella get comfortable. She caught his stare and squirmed, noticing his gaze wander from her boots up her legs to where she sat in the saddle.

  “Is something wrong?”

  Giving his head a quick shake, Travis swung up onto his horse, forcing his thoughts from the beautiful woman a few feet away. Clearing his throat, he focused on Ernst and Walter, who were already on the move.

  “Not at all, sweetheart,” he mumbled to himself before glancing behind him. “Let’s go.”

  Over an hour into the ride, Ernst signaled for the group to stop, his expression bleak. Dismounting, he took long strides past Jack and Johann, coming to a stop next to Travis.

  “Do you know where we are, Mr. Dixon?”

  “Yes, sir. We’re still on Pelletier land. Another hour and we should be close to the northern edge of their property.”

  “Good. Since you know where we are, I believe you should take the lead, Mr. Dixon.”

  Leaning forward, Travis rested his arms on the saddle horn. “If that’s what you want.”

  Turning in a slow circle, Ernst took in the miles of open land before him, mountains on the west, rolling hills to the east. Nothing from the last hunt looked familiar.

  “Yes, it is. Isabella may ride with Walter, David, and I.”

  “She stays with me, Baron.” Travis’s voice indicated no room for negotiation.

  A knowing grin crossed Ernst’s face. “Of course, Mr. Dixon.” Taking another quick look around, he turned to leave.

  “Baron?”

  “Yes?”

  “I’d appreciate it if you’d call me Travis.”

  He gave a brisk nod. “And you shall call me Ernst.” Turning on his heel, he hurried back to the front.

  “What did he want?”

  As always, the sound of Isabella’s voice sent a burst of pleasure through him. Reining Banjo around to face her, he motioned toward the front.

  “Ernst wants me to take the lead. You’ll be going up front with me.”

  She nodded at Jack and Johann. “What about the boys?”

  “They’ll stay where they are, behind us and in front of Ernst and Walter. The wagons will continue at the back. Come on. You’ll enjoy it up there.”

  Reining Blossom to follow him, Isabella gave David a curt nod before taking in the vast landscape and beauty of the Pelletier ranch. “I had no idea their land extend
ed this far north.”

  “Dax and Luke say it’s the largest spread in western Montana. Some say it’s the biggest ranch in the territory. I tend to agree with that. It won’t be long before we’ll need to move the herd up this way for a couple months.”

  “Do you just leave them here?” Isabella shifted in the saddle, clucking so Blossom kept pace with Banjo.

  “There are always a few ranch hands who stay with the herd. The men rotate, each group staying a few nights.”

  Isabella watched him with a good amount of appreciation. A competent rider on a beautiful horse. “Is this what you do when you aren’t training horses?”

  Reaching behind him, he grabbed the canteen, holding it out to her. She took a small sip, then handed it back, watching as he took a long, slow swallow. Replacing the cap, he set it back behind him.

  “Sometimes. Luke would rather Wyatt and I take a few men and search for wild mustangs. With the number of contracts they’re getting, we can always use more horses. We couldn’t possibly breed them fast enough to fulfill the need.”

  “Do you think I could ride with you sometime?”

  His head whipped toward her. “Did I hear you right?”

  Lifting her chin, she nodded. “I want to ride with you when you go after wild horses.”

  A curse almost slid past his lips before he caught it, stifling a groan. “No.”

  She blinked at his terse response. “No? You aren’t even going to consider letting me come?”

  Watching for the trail west he wanted to take, he shook his head. “That’s right. You aren’t riding along. Not while I’m riding for Redemption’s Edge.”

  “And why not?” Isabella shot back.

  “How many reasons do you want to hear?”

  “Every one of them.”

  He opened his mouth to answer, closing it when a spot of color raced through the thick brush ahead of them. “Stay here.”

  “Stay? Travis, wait! Where are you going?” She almost rode after him, then considered the look in his eyes when he rode off. Determined, focused, and tolerating no argument from anyone, least of all her.