Frontier Highlander Vow of Love (American Wilderness Series Romance Book 4)

by Dorothy Wiley

  Before Artis could answer, Bear began relating the story, embellishing it only slightly when it came to the size of the beast. She was pleased when Bear said she’d courageously fought the animal off, first shooting it and then clubbing it silly, until he arrived to just finish it off.

  “Dear God, it’s a wonder you weren’t killed. As long as I’ve lived here, almost two years now, I’ve never seen a mountain lion. But William has me well trained, and I always carry a pistol and sometimes my rifle too whenever I’m outdoors.”

  Kelly poured Artis some tea and added cream and sugar.

  “Just the way I like it, thank ye,” Artis said, and smiled at Kelly. “Who is this young lady?” Artis asked, pointing at the child playing on the floor.

  “This is Nicole,” William said, picking her up. Pride lit up his face.

  “She’s a year-and-a-half old,” Kelly said. “And becoming a handful.”

  “She’s so lovely,” Artis said. She couldn’t remember ever seeing a prettier little girl.

  “Let me clean those scratches for you,” Kelly said, retrieving a bowl, water, and a cloth. “Then I’ll put some ointment on them. Tomorrow, I’d be more than glad to help you mend your gown.”

  Artis’ felt drawn to Kelly. Her genuine warmth and concern was something she hadn’t felt since her mother’s death.

  While Kelly cleaned her wounds, Bear went outside, retrieved a massive log, and then threw it in the hearth to warm the room. Then he turned to Kelly. “I hung the mountain lion meat in the smokehouse along with the skin. Perhaps yer father can get it salted tomorrow mornin’. Tomorrow evenin’, I’ll scape the hide and then we can dry it.”

  “Tomorrow evening? Where will you be all day tomorrow?” Kelly asked. “Are you going to the Governor’s meeting?”

  “Aye. William and I are both delegates,” Bear answered.

  “Judge Webb appointed William,” Kelly said. “Did Colonel Logan appoint you?”

  “Aye.”

  “Logan made a wise choice,” William said.

  Artis could sense the camaraderie and love between the three and wondered if the rest of their family was equally close. “You mentioned you had two other brothers,” Artis said. “Where do they live?”

  Bear and William glanced at each other and Artis recognized a hint of grief in their eyes. But neither one offered an explanation.

  Kelly spoke up. “Actually, they have three brothers. Two here in Kentucky and one in New Hampshire. He chose not to make the journey to Kentucky.”

  “Aye, Sam, the oldest, lives south of Fort Logan, as does Stephen and his family,” Bear said. “Sam is married to Catherine, and Stephen to Jane. For two years, I’ve been helping first Stephen and Jane, and then Sam and Catherine build fine big homes. We started with Stephen’s house first because Jane was about to have a bairn. And she delivered a whopping lad before we even finished. His name is Samuel.”

  “It must be nice to have a large family,” Artis said. “I was an only child.”

  “Artis, how did you come to be in Kentucky?” Kelly asked.

  At the question, Artis stared silently at the flames in the hearth. The fire triggered recollections of her home burning. She couldn’t help tightening her fists and biting her lip.

  “Perhaps you’re too tired to tell us now,” Kelly said quickly. “We should enjoy our dinner before it gets cold. William will you go fetch Papa?”

  After William left, Artis stood and helped Kelly set the table for their dinner, while Bear played with his niece outside on the porch. The tantalizing aromas from the food made Artis’ mouth water. “Ye must be a good cook, the food smells wonderful.”

  “I do hope you enjoy it.”

  Artis reached into her bag and pulled out the ham. “Here, let me add this to the meal. We need to eat it before it turns bad. I also have some bread and an apple.”

  “It may have been the smell of the ham that drew the mountain lion to you.”

  “I’ll never carry meat on my horse again!” Artis swore.

  “We’ll put the ham into the beans I made, but keep the bread and apple. You may need it later. Will you be going to the ball that the Governor’s wife is hosting?”

  “I knew nothin’ of it.”

  “You must come. I would love to have your company. I don’t know many of the ladies in Boonesborough.”

  Artis realized a ball would require elegant attire. “I do na have anythin’ suitable to wear.”

  Kelly looked her over. “You’re about my size, but a little smaller in the waist. Having a baby added a few inches to mine. I have an exquisite gown that would be perfect! Catherine bought it for me to wear to Sam and Catherine’s wedding and it’s a bit too tight on me now. Since you are taller than me, we will need to add a row or two of lace or ribbon to the bottom…”

  “But…”

  “And I have a lovely roll of ribbon and maybe enough lace,” Kelly continued without pausing. “Or we can go to town and buy what you might like to add length.”

  “But…”

  “Please, it would mean a lot to me. I can’t wear it anymore anyway and you would look so lovely in it. I already ordered a new gown for me.”

  Artis could see the earnestness of her request and the thought of a party did hold appeal. She couldn’t remember the last one she’d been to. “All right. If it pleases ye, it pleases me.”

  Kelly squealed with delight.

  Bear came back inside carrying Nicole in his muscular arms. The grinning child’s hands pressed against Bear’s cheeks, making his lips pucker. “She’s goin’ to learn how to say ‘Uncle’ while I’m here,” Bear declared.

  “Un,” Nicole murmured.

  “That’s a fine start,” Artis told the child. “How long will ye be here, Bear?”

  “I have na home—yet. And na obligations. So, I do na know the answer to yer question just now.”

  William and Kelly’s father entered. Nicole squealed with glee at the sight of her grandfather.

  After William introduced the middle-aged but robust man to Artis, Mister McGuffin stole Nicole out of Bear’s arms. Artis could tell that the two would take turns spoiling the darling blonde-haired child.

  Kelly fed Nicole and after showering her with affectionate kisses, she laid her in a crib tucked into the corner by her parents’ bed. Artis could hear the child happily cooing to herself before drifting off to sleep.

  While Bear told Mister McGuffin the story, even more embellished this time, of the mountain lion attack, Artis helped Kelly serve dinner. They ate amidst a lively conversation between the men about the topics to be discussed at the meeting.

  Artis found every topic interesting and asked a number of questions that Bear patiently answered for her. Then something occurred to her. “Are women permitted to attend the meetin’?”

  Bear raised his brows and looked to William, who just shrugged his shoulders. They both seemed surprised by her question.

  “Wouldn’t you rather stay here with Kelly?” William asked.

  “I would enjoy her company, but I think I would also find the meetin’ interestin’ to observe. I’d like to learn more about Kentucky and how it’s governed.”

  “Why don’t we both go?” Kelly suggested. “I can leave Nicole with her Grandpapa. Would that be all right, Papa?”

  “Well, I guess,” he said, with a jolly grin, “I can force myself to take on the task.” Everyone chuckled. “While she takes a nap, I’ll quickly salt the cat’s carcass. I can get the skin stretched and salted here on the porch so I can hear her when she wakes up.”

  “It’s settled then,” William said. “I suggest we all retire for the night so we can get an early start. The town will be crowded with visitors coming from all over Kentucky.”

  Artis was already excited about attending the meeting. She’d always enjoyed learning new things.

  “I’ll show you upstairs,” Kelly told Artis. “Just let me grab sheets and a blanket from my trunk. I have a small pillow you can use t
oo.”

  “Before ye retire, give me yer dirk and I’ll sharpen it for ye tonight,” Bear volunteered.

  She handed him the blade. “My thanks, Sir.”

  After Kelly got the bedding and gave it to Artis, Kelly climbed the stairs leading to the loft and Artis followed. With one arm, Kelly carried a bowl with a pitcher of water in it. A towel hung from her other arm, which also carried a lit candle. Artis clutched her bag and the bedding.

  Before Artis ascended completely, she glanced back at Bear to find him watching her, holding her dirk in his hands. They exchanged a brief smile. But it was the look in his eyes that caused her pulse to quicken as she took the final steps to where she would sleep. Or at least try to sleep. She was exhausted and ready to collapse, her body weak from the day. But today had been so exciting—finding her land and meeting new friends—she thought she might be awake for a week.

  She was surprised to see how large the room was—the same size as the lower floor, but with a pitched roof above that made the room cozy. They made a pallet against the log wall.

  “I’ll put your bowl to wash in over here,” she said, setting it against the opposite wall. And there’s a clean chamber pot. Be careful not to hit your head when you rise in the morning. That ceiling is close.”

  “Thank you, Kelly, for your warm welcome. You’ve made me feel at home for the first time in a long time.”

  “You are home Artis. Kentucky is your new home. Goodnight then,” Kelly said before leaving.

  Artis removed her clothing, leaving only her shift to sleep in, and washed up. Drained, she decided to forego her usual Bible reading and blew out the candle. She laid her head against the little pillow and breathed in the clean scent of the pine logs. The one deep scratch burned and she could feel nicks and abrasions on her other arm. She also ached from her fall from the horse and fighting off the mountain lion. She would definitely have sizable bruises by tomorrow. But it could have been so much worse.

  Remembering her terror, she gave thanks to God for letting her live. And for sending Bear. A mountain lion’s no match for a Bear, she thought smiling.

  She closed her eyes, and was not surprised when the first image that popped into her head was his handsome face.

  Chapter 11

  Early the next morning, to the sound of Kelly’s rooster crowing and hens cackling, Bear assisted William with harnessing two horses to the wagon. The women soon joined them and William helped Kelly onto the driver’s seat beside him as Bear lent a hand to Artis who climbed into the back of the farm wagon, carrying a tartan shawl. His mother had worn a similar blue and green plaid shawl and it caused a tug at his heart. He still missed the dear woman.

  As he took Artis’ hand, something surged through him that he didn’t quite recognize. It wasn’t just desire—it was far more than that. It felt as though her touch triggered an awakening within him. Something dormant that was now fully alive.

  If just the touch of her hand were enough to do that, what would a kiss do to him? He intended to find out.

  He hopped in behind her. His weight caused the wagon to wobble a bit and he took her hand again, this time to steady her. He spread a blanket out for her to sit on and she settled in.

  As William took off for town, they all waved goodbye to Nicole, held in Mister McGuffin’s arms.

  Bear could see how much McGuffin cherished Nicole just by the look on the man’s face. “Sir, load yer weapons,” he yelled to McGuffin, as they pulled away. “And keep a careful watch.”

  McGuffin waved and nodded his understanding to Bear.

  Artis’ long locks hung behind her back, neatly clasped by a silver hair ornament decorated with Celtic knots. She wore another gown today, this one equally as simple as the one she wore the day before, but dark blue instead of green. Her simple gowns did not detract from her attractiveness—if anything they revealed more of her alluring figure. But Bear couldn’t help but wonder what Artis would look like in some of the gowns he’d seen on Catherine. Sam’s wife was a keen follower of the latest fashions and she regularly ordered gowns shipped to her from a Boston dressmaker.

  Artis shivered a bit and reached for her tartan shawl, about three yards in length. She donned the garment, letting it fall gracefully around her.

  Bear took notice when she pinned the shawl closed with a brooch, embellished with their clan motto. He hadn’t seen the symbol of their clan for almost two decades. He recognized it right away and it brought back both memories and pride. He cherished the MacKay clan name—a proud name—a gift from his ancestors. He vowed he would keep the name highly regarded as a gift to his descendants. Perhaps he would start spelling it the traditional way—MacKay—instead of MacKee. The spelling had gotten changed somehow after the voyage to the colonies.

  For propriety’s sake, he sat across from her, even though what he wanted to do was swing her into the circle of his arms, and have her sit next him. Or perhaps on his lap. The delightful thought made him smile at her.

  He’d spent a restless night lying awake wondering what it would feel like to hold her against him. When he did finally sleep, he was holding her in his extremely pleasant dreams.

  He sat his rifle down beside him and bent his long legs at the knees to fit the width of the wagon, being sure not to touch her. The last thing he wanted to do was scare her off or offend her.

  “How are the scratches on yer arms this mornin’? Better?” he asked.

  “Aye, Kelly’s ointment has already started them toward healin’,” she said. “They’ll be just fine in a couple of days.”

  “Did ye sleep well in the loft?” he asked, trying his best to make polite conversation.

  “Indeed. I was so exhausted, I fell asleep directly and slept quite well.”

  He noted her eyes dart down as though she wasn’t being completely truthful. Perhaps she’d spent a restless night too. He almost hoped she had and that the reason was the same as his.

  For a while, they just sat in comfortable silence behind William and Kelly listening to the two chatter, but only able to catch a few of their words here and there, with the noise of the wagon and horses.

  But sitting this close to Artis was proving a challenge. Her beauty was overwhelming. When she nervously moistened her dry lips, a tremor heated his groin. He was dismayed at the magnitude of his desire. He hardly knew the woman. Yet he already felt a tangible bond between them.

  His heart seemed to beat faster with each turn of the wagon wheels. By the time they reached town, it would be racing. Clearly he was physically attracted to her—more so than he could ever remember being with a woman. But he knew virtually nothing about her, save for the fact that she was raised in the Highlands. He needed to get to know her better.

  “Artis, what made ye leave Scotland?” he asked, trying to keep his voice gentle and soothing, remembering how she’d reacted to Kelly’s question the night before.

  Anger flashed in her eyes. An inner fire hardened her exquisite features, followed by raw hurt. Her mouth tightened, but she said naught. She lowered her head and studied her calloused rough-skinned hands.

  Where had she worked so hard that her hands would appear as hardened as a man’s?

  “Sometimes talkin’ about a pain will lessen its ache,” he said. He quirked an eyebrow at her questioningly, trying to get her to open up to him.

  She peered up at him, her face full of remoteness, and then her eyes seemed to see something horrific. He could almost see her troubled spirit fighting to control her emotions.

  “Were ye forced to leave by the clearances too?” he asked. “I heard that they have gone on for some time.”

  “Aye, durin’ Bliadhna nan Caorach, ‘the year of the sheep’.”

  “I’ve heard others call it that. What happened to your parents?”

  “Da died of a fever the year before the clearance. The Sutherland estate factor killed my mother right in front of me.” She paused to regain control of her emotions.

  “Och, lass, I’m so s
orry. What was the bastard’s name?”

  “Steller.” She hissed the name. “I know he murdered her because I would not accept his attentions. If I’d been more agreeable to him, she might still be alive.”

  He heard guilt in her tear-smothered voice.

  “Not only did he kill her, he and his henchmen set fire to our home, our village, and many other townships along the Strath. My dear aged Uncle was caught in his blazin’ home. Some of the men plucked him from the fire, but he died shortly afterward.”

  “How long ago was this tragedy?”

  “Seven years.”

  “Oh, Artis. I’m sorry for all yer sufferin’. Tis clear it still pains yer heart even though it’s been some time.”

  Her anguish evident on her face, she said, “It will always pain me. Because I have done naught to appease my anger. If I could, I would go back to Scotland and kill him. That would ease my pain. An Diabhal air na Sutharlanaich.”

  After damning the Sutherlands, she crossed her arms in front of her, and stared off into the forest. Her blazing eyes filled with moisture, and hate.

  “And I would go and do it for ye—if it were the right thing to do. But it is na.”

  “Aye, it is.”

  “Artis, ye and I are descendants of a race of whom we have abundant cause to be proud. We are not murderers. But this Steller is. And, ‘…there is nothin’ covered that shall not be revealed, neither hid, that shall not be known.’ When the time is right, Steller will pay for all the evil he committed. I promise you.”

  “But he stole my home and land and the land of many others. Our beloved Highlands will become a howlin’ solitary wilderness, from which our pride and love are fled forever!”

  “Aye, he and others like him did steal our land. And the passionate notes of the bag-pipes will be replaced by the bleatin’ of sheep. But we did na lose what is most important. We carry the pride of our ancestors and our love for Scotland with us in our hearts. It is na left back in the Highlands. The Almighty sent us both here for a reason. It’s yer duty to learn what that reason is.”