Teton Romance Trilogy Bundle: Includes Yellowstone Proposal (Short Story)

by Peggy L Henderson

  Caleb ran in Tori’s direction, his arms flailing wildly through the air. The boy had become her shadow over the last three weeks since he and Lucas’ folks had returned from visiting friends up in the Yellowstone country.

  “A girl mountain man?” he’d asked, wide-eyed, when he’d learned that she’d lived in a cabin in the high country for four years. His jaw had dropped even further when he’d found out that she had been on her own for more than a year.

  “What kind of trouble are you getting into now, Caleb?” Tori heaved herself up from the ground and dusted off her britches with a few hasty swipes of her hands. Her few moments of solitude were apparently over. She rubbed her hand through the boy’s hair when he came to a stop in front of her. With a triumphant grin, he held a freshly baked molasses cookie out to her, and stuffed another one in his mouth.

  Tori accepted the gift, and took a bite. “Mrs. Walker sure knows how to bake,” she said with a drawn-out sigh when the sweet morsel melted in her mouth. Her own skills in the kitchen were sorely lacking. She could manage to roast some meat over a spit, and throw together a stew in a pot from time to time, and her pa had never complained. She smiled. Probably because he’d done most of the cooking. Even Lucas had taken over the cooking duties while he was at her cabin. She’d already asked Evie Walker for some lessons so that she could be a good wife to Lucas.

  “We are a good team, and I know we can be better partners as man and wife. In all ways.”

  The memory of Lucas’ words brought a warm jolt to Tori’s chest. They had watched out for each other in the mountains. How would it be between them once they settled into the domesticity of married life? Her face flushed hot. How often had she lain awake at night, thinking about their last day together? In the mountains, Lucas had sparked her thirst for adventure. At the cabin in the woods, the way he’d held and kissed her had ignited a desire that still smoldered all these weeks later.

  “Someday soon I’ll show you how it’s meant to be between a man and his wife.”

  Tori sucked in a deep breath, thinking about his sensual words. Perspiration trickled between her breasts, and she rubbed her hand over the fabric of her shirt to wipe at the moisture.

  “Grandma Evie says your baking is getting to be just as good. And I know you won’t chase me out of the kitchen when you make a batch of cookies.”

  Tori stared down at Caleb.

  “What?” she asked absently, her voice slightly breathless

  Caleb’s forehead furrowed. He tilted his head and studied her. “You feelin’ all right? You look a bit red in the face, like you got a fever.”

  “I . . . I’m fine.” Tori wiped at some strands of hair that clung to her flushed cheeks. “It’s a hot day, is all.”

  “It ain’t that hot,” Caleb argued. “You nervous about baking cookies with Grandma Evie?”

  Tori laughed quickly. With Caleb around, it would be better to focus on baking rather than memories of Lucas’ touch.

  “Now why would I be nervous about that? Your Grandma Evie is the nicest lady and best teacher I’ve ever met.”

  At first apprehensive when Alex and Evie Walker returned to the homestead, Tori had soon relaxed in their company. Lucas’ folks were friendly and had welcomed her with open arms. If Alex Walker had been surprised when Sophie introduced her as Jasper Williams’ daughter, he hid it well. She had apparently successfully fooled him along with all the other Walker men into thinking she was a boy. He’d expressed his deep sorrow when he learned of the death of his old friend.

  Evelyn Walker’s eyes had sparkled, and she’d clasped her hands together with glee when Sophie informed her that Tori might soon become her daughter-in-law. The woman had embraced her, and welcomed her into the family. Tori’s chest had gone tight with emotion at the woman’s loving gesture. Sadness that she hadn’t seen her own mother in more than four years hit her like a strong gust of wind. How was she getting on? She didn’t even know that her husband was dead. Someday, Mama, we’ll meet again.

  “I’m so glad to see that Lucas is finally going to settle down,” Evie had said, with tears in her eyes. “And he’s found himself such a lovely girl, and right here in the wilderness, no less.”

  Tori had confided in Lucas’ parents about her trouble with the law, just as she’d told Lucas and Sophie. They were all of the same opinion that her name could be cleared, and that there was no reason for her to hide out in the mountains any longer.

  “If Lucas takes you back to St. Louis, you can get married there,” Evie had said eagerly. It was plain as day that she was more than happy about the idea that her youngest son had found love.

  “I’ll drag the chaplain through the mountains with me if I have to.”

  Tori had smiled at the memory of Lucas’ words. There was no doubt that he would do just that. She wouldn’t have to go to St. Louis, and Evelyn Walker’s wish would come true much sooner.

  “When do you suppose Lucas will be back?” Caleb asked conversationally, drawing her attention back to him. He reached for the remaining uneaten cookie in Tori’s hand. She willingly handed it over to him.

  “Soon, I hope.” Tori’s gaze drifted to the horizon. “Very soon.”

  “You miss him?” Caleb tugged on her hand, and led her back toward the cabin.

  “Yeah, I sure do.” Tori expelled a long sigh.

  “Wish I was older, so I could go with him. Sometimes when he’s gone off before, I’ve thought about sneakin’ out in the middle of the night and going after him,” Caleb whispered in a conspiratorial voice. “But I know Joseph would tan my hide if I did that.”

  Tori turned her head and looked down at the boy. Then a slow smile formed on her face.

  “I’m sure Joseph would do just that,” she mumbled.

  * * * * *

  Lucas lay on his back, his hands clasped behind his head, and his feet crossed at the ankles. He closed his eyes, even though there was still plenty of daylight left. He needed a few minutes to gather his thoughts. He should have gone off to do some hunting instead, then he could have had complete solitude.

  Around him, soldiers milled about setting up camp, laughing and talking loudly. Lucas had dropped his saddle near one of the fires, and hadn’t bothered to lay out his bedroll, yet. He’d head out to find something to shoot for supper in a few minutes.

  For the last two days, he’d led Captain Raynolds toward the Snake River Valley closer to the Tetons, which were now visible on the horizon, beckoning him home. Hopefully the main expedition would catch up with them within another day. The land was as familiar to him as the back of his hand, which was a good thing, because his mind had been far away since leaving the larger main group.

  “My name is Molly Williams, Mr. Walker, and I’ve joined this expedition with the hope of finding information on the whereabouts of my husband and my daughter.”

  Two days ago, he’d come face to face with Tori’s mother! Lucas had run a hand over his face. How had he not seen the resemblance between this woman and Tori sooner?

  You weren’t paying these people any mind to notice the resemblance, Lucas.

  What the hell was he going to tell her? How would Tori react to her mother being here? She hadn’t spoken much about her mother, except that she’d never wanted to leave St. Louis, and that she discouraged Tori’s adventurous spirit.

  Lucas had bent to the ground and retrieved his shirt, slipped it over his head, then looked down at Molly Williams. His jaw muscles clenched. “I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but Jasper Williams is dead, ma’am,” he’d said quietly. He’d reached for her hand when she expelled a loud gasp, and held it in a gentle grasp. “He died of a gunshot wound two winters ago.”

  Tears had filled the woman’s eyes, and Lucas cursed under his breath. There hadn’t been an easy way to say it.

  “What about . . . Victoria? My daughter. Is she . . . is she dead, too?” Molly Williams had glanced at the pendant that dangled from around his neck. Lucas fingered the silver cross.

/>   “Tori . . . ah . . . Victoria is alive and well, Mrs. Williams.” He’d offered her a reassuring smile. Hopefully, hearing good news that her daughter was well would ease the shock of learning that her husband was dead.

  Wide-eyed, the older woman had stared up at him. “Do you know where she is, Mr. Walker?”

  His smile had widened. “Yes, I do, and I can take you to see her when the expedition gets to Jackson’s Valley.”

  Her hand had tightened around his, gripping him with shaky fingers. “How has she been getting on without . . . without her pa to take care of her?” Her gaze had swept toward the mountains. “In this wilderness?”

  “She’s a strong and brave woman, ma’am. You can be proud of your daughter. She’s resourceful and resilient.”

  Molly Williams’ emerald eyes had searched his face. Lucas shifted his weight from one foot to the other, uncomfortable under her scrutiny. His own mother had often given him the same once-over whenever she knew that he was withholding important information from her in order to stay out of trouble.

  “How did you come about the necklace you are wearing, Mr. Walker?” Molly Williams had asked with a trembling voice.

  “Tori gave it to me, just before I left the valley to meet this expedition at Fort Pierre.” There was no sense beating around the bush. He’d stared down at her. “The day I get home, I plan to make her my wife.”

  Lucas had straightened. How would she react to finding out that her daughter would marry a backwoodsman, the same type of man Jasper had been? No doubt she’d want to bring her daughter back to St. Louis.

  Molly’s eyes had grown rounder still. “I saw it on your face already,” she’d whispered. Then she’d smiled tentatively. “You love her.”

  “Yeah, I do,” Lucas had replied. His body relaxed. She hadn’t seemed upset at the idea. “And she loves me back.”

  Tori’s mother had studied him with the knowing eyes of a parent. “I think I can understand what she sees in you, Mr. Walker. She often talked of her beau, Timothy, and how they were going to get married.” She’d laughed softly, shaking her head. “A young girl’s first infatuation, that’s what he was. She’s always had too much of her pa in her to have been happy settling with Timothy. If she’s the same girl I remember, I believe she’s met a better match in you.”

  Lucas had liked the soft-spoken woman. Other than similarities in their features, Tori didn’t seem to have inherited her spirited personality from her mother. This woman was much too demure.

  “Once I can convince her to go to St. Louis, I’m gonna get her name cleared of the false murder charges.” Lucas had wanted to assure Tori’s mother that he would do whatever it took to free Tori from living the life of a fugitive.

  Molly’s forehead wrinkled. “Convince her to come to St. Louis?”

  “Yes, she’s been too afraid to go back. Too afraid she’ll be arrested again for Timothy’s murder.”

  “Mr. Walker.” Molly Williams had stared up at him, an insistent look on her face. “Victoria’s murder charges were dismissed years ago. Timothy Dalton’s death was declared an accident.”

  Lucas had stared at her, stunned. “What? When?”

  “She’s had no reason to remain in hiding all these years. I had no idea where Jasper had taken her to get word to them. I vaguely knew that he used to trap the mountains west of the Missouri, and suspected that’s where he’d taken her. I’ve had no means until recently to try and find them. For several years, I hoped he and Victoria would come home.”

  Tori had been fretting all this time for nothing? She wasn’t wanted for murder? She could have saved herself all the suffering she’d endured, living on her own, trying to survive. Jasper might not have died.

  Tori was free. An overwhelming urge to leap on his horse and ride straight for the homestead had engulfed him. Mustering all of his restraint, he’d faced Molly Williams.

  “She’s been adamant that she’ll hang if she returns to St. Louis.” Lucas had let go of Molly’s hand. He reached for his belt on the ground. Captain Raynolds and his company of soldiers were mounted on their horses, ready to head out. As much as he’d wanted to talk more with Tori’s mother, it would have to wait.

  “Timothy’s close friend, Paul Holden, told the judge on the morning of the hanging that he hadn’t been truthful. He said he’d been so grief-stricken about his friend’s death that he blamed Victoria. After having more time to think about it, and realizing that she would actually hang, he admitted on the day of the hanging that the events which led to Timothy’s death were not Victoria’s fault; that it had been an accident. In fact, Paul is the one who-”

  “Walker, let’s head out,” Captain Raynolds had shouted at that moment.

  Lucas had strapped his weapon belt around his waist, and picked up his horse’s reins.

  “It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Mrs. Williams. I’m sorry to give you the bad news about your husband. I promise that I’ll take you to Tori as soon as Raynolds is done with his survey.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Walker.” She’d grasped his hand again, and squeezed it. She’d smiled, despite the tears that ran freely down her face.

  “Call me Lucas,” he’d said, and pulled his hand from hers. Captain Raynolds did not like to be kept waiting. With a nod and a smile of his own, he’d leapt onto the gelding’s back.

  “You’ll see your daughter in a week,” he’d called to her, then kneed the horse into a trot to take the lead at the head of the group of soldiers, and guided the animal into the water to cross the river.

  Shouts and arguing by several of the soldiers brought Lucas back to the present. He groaned, opened his eyes and raised his head. Two men closest to him looked up from their task of pitching the captain’s tent, obstructing his view to where the commotion was taking place.

  “Let go of me, you varmint. I ain’t done nothin’ wrong.”

  “We caught this miscreant spying on our camp, sir. He had a loaded rifle ready and pointing at us.”

  “Of course I have a loaded rifle. Even a greenhorn like you oughta know to always carry a loaded weapon. And I wasn’t spyin’, you yellow belly. How was I s’posed ta know who ya was and if ya was friendly?”

  Lucas’ heart ignited in his chest. He’d know that voice anywhere. But what the hell was she doing here? How had she found this camp? A frown quickly replaced the wide smile that spread across his face. She’d promised not to run off again. He stepped around the half-erected tent, and headed for the group. Blood surged through his veins, tightening his chest at the sight of her.

  Two soldiers held her between them. She struggled like a bobcat caught in a trap, pulling and twisting against the larger men’s grips on her arms, kicking and spitting mad. He stared. She was dressed from head to toe like the ‘boy’ he’d mistaken her for all those months ago, and from her speech, had completely reverted back into that role.

  The urge to rush up to her, pull her into his arms, and kiss her senseless flooded him. He moved fully out from behind the tent, and strode toward the commotion. The rest of the soldiers had gathered around her, and Lieutenant Matherson stood just in front of her, obviously unsure of what to do with the struggling captive. Captain Raynolds must still be concluding his field surveys somewhere away from camp.

  Tori glanced up at that moment, and saw him. She ceased her struggles, and their eyes met. Something jolted in Lucas’ gut, and pride for her rushed through him. The large fur cap on her head hid much of her face, and she had stuffed her beautiful hair up under it. Her oversized shirt and the thick hide she wore over it concealed her feminine curves. If he didn’t already know what was under all those heavy layers, he would have mistaken her for a rambunctious youth, just as he’d done the first time he’d met her.

  “That miscreant, private, is my future wife. I suggest you release her immediately.” Lucas stepped between the gawking soldiers, his stare directed at the two men holding Tori’s arms. They gaped at him, then down at Tori. They must have relaxed their hold on
her, for she twisted her body at that moment, and kicked at the legs of one of the men. Her foot connected with the private’s shin. He yelped like an injured coyote.

  “Release her now, soldier.” Lucas’ voice had dropped to a dangerously low tone when neither of the men made a move to take their hands off of her.

  The privates glanced toward Lieutenant Matherson, who nodded, then let go of Tori. Like a rabbit freed from a snare, she ran at Lucas, and threw herself at him. Her arms snaked around his neck, and he pulled her into a tight embrace, lifting her off her feet. He buried his face in her neck, the fresh clean scent of her skin so unlike the unpleasant odor she gave off when he first met her.

  Unmindful that seven pairs of eyes were watching them, Lucas kissed her squarely on the mouth, a deep groan rumbling in his chest. He’d ached to hold her all these months, and now she was here.

  “What are you doing here?” he rasped against her lips. “You promised you wouldn’t run off.”

  Tori pulled her face back, and clasped his cheeks between her hands. Her palms were so soft. The wide smile she wore, her emerald eyes shimmering with love, ignited the blood in his veins.

  “I came to find you, Lucas,” she whispered, breathless. “I couldn’t stand being without you any longer. I’ve missed you so much.”

  The feeling of love that rushed through him nearly knocked Lucas off his feet. He tightened his hold around her. Still lifting her off the ground, he kissed her again. She sighed and melted against him, her arms firmly wrapped around his neck.

  “God, I’ve missed you.” His husky words were barely audible. “I never want to be apart from you again.”

  His lips sought hers once more. Tori melted against him, her mouth soft and pliant to his hungry assault. He couldn’t get enough of her, crushing her to him, the heavy hides she wore preventing him from feeling her feminine curves. When he broke the kiss, they were both panting. Tori stared into his eyes, her own eyes large and dilated.

  “Marry me, Lucas,” she breathed. Her face lit up in a hopeful smile, and she laughed nervously. A tear spilled from her eyes, leaving a streak of dirt in its wake as it rolled down her cheek.