by Ford, Linda;
Donna Grace and Luke picked up their sleeping baby and called, “Goodnight. It’s time to tuck this little one into her bed.”
Sophia got to her feet. “I need to get Maxie to bed as well.” When she bent to pick him up, Buck had already scooped him into his arms, cradling him carefully.
To refuse would disturb the baby so Sophia fell into step beside Buck as they crossed to the fort. He carried Maxie up the stairs and waited while she opened the door. He stepped inside and gently deposited Maxie on the fur rug. He tucked a blanket about the baby and smiled.
That small gesture and his gentle expression melted Sophia’s heart and left her feeling so vulnerable she feared she would either cry or hold her arms out to Buck for a hug.
Thankfully, he went to the door without glancing her way. He stopped and faced her.
“I enjoyed this evening,” he said.
“Me too.” She narrowed the distance between them. Her excuse being she didn’t want to disturb Maxie. “Polly did a wonderful job.”
“Yes, she did.” He caught her hand and drew her closer. “I think we will all remember this as a special Christmas.”
She nodded, studying the button on the front of his coat. “I certainly will think of it with fondness in the future.”
He held her chin and tipped her face upward. “Will I be part of that feeling?” His voice was low.
Why was he asking her this? Her eyes went to his. His gaze trailed down her cheeks and lingered on her lips.
She understood he wanted to kiss her, perhaps waited for her permission, and even though she knew she should step away, she lifted her face to his. After all, it was Christmas Eve and she might as well crown it with something to carry with her into the future.
He caught her lips gently. She tasted the sweetness of the cookies they’d had. Her heart disobeyed her every order and clamored upward, reaching for more, wanting more. Wanting forever.
He broke away. “Good night.” He stepped outside and closed the door.
She stared at the slab of wood between them. The kiss was only a goodwill gesture given because of the season.
If only she could believe that.
She sank to the mat beside Maxie. What was she going to do with her wayward heart?
* * *
Buck took the stairs in three bounds. His steps didn’t slow until he reached the wagons. Several of the teamsters lingered around the glowing coals, talking about the Christmas Eve dinner. They paid him little attention as he got his bedroll and climbed into one of the empty wagons for the night. With no intention of continuing on to Santa Fe, Luke, Warren, and Gil had sold their goods here.
But sleep did not come. Why had he told Sophia that spending the evening with her was a good start to enjoying future Christmases? Even if they both joined the trek to California….
Could he allow himself to once again dream of home and family and a forever love?
Even if he did, would she ever be prepared to trust him, given her past experiences?
He crossed his hands under his head and smiled into the darkness and for tonight—only because it was Christmas Eve—allowed himself to picture watching Maxie grow up, sharing special smiles, and kisses with Sophia.
He woke next morning with his heart full of hope. Today was Christmas. Polly had said they would exchange gifts on January sixth according to the Mexican tradition. That gave him a few days to come up with a perfect gift for Sophia and Maxie. He would get Niteesh to prepare a soft rabbit fur for Sophia and maybe even fashion it into a hat or mittens. For Maxie? He wasn’t much of a carver but he could make some blocks of wood for the boy.
Eager to get on with his task he went immediately to the tent of his Indian friends.
Niteesh laughed at his suggestion. “Fine idea for your woman.”
“She’s not—” He stopped as he realized he wished she was or would be.
His heart too unsettled to face them, he trekked along the river, his thoughts filled with hopes and plans. It was Christmas day. Was there a better time for him to look toward a new future?
7
Sophia glanced continually toward the gate but Buck did not show up. If she needed any other evidence that the kiss they shared last night meant nothing, this was it. Obviously he did not feel the same as she did. When she wakened this morning, she’d risen eagerly, anticipating seeing him, perhaps sharing a quiet walk with him away from the hustle and bustle of the fort.
Not that she was disappointed. Hadn’t she learned long ago that the men in her life made plans with little regard for her feelings? Why should she think him any different?
And yet she did. Or rather, had.
Mary Mae noticed Sophia’s distraction and frequent glances toward the gate. “He’ll come. You can count on Buck. He’s one of the most reliable men I know.”
Perhaps when it came to taking care of a wagon train. But Sophia kept her thoughts to herself. “I wasn’t watching for him.”
Mary Mae chuckled. “Of course you weren’t.”
Thankfully, Polly called Mary Mae away at that moment, so the discussion ended.
Sophia sat on a bench that happened to allow her a view of the gate and worked on Maxie’s shirt. Her son played at her feet but fussed often. She wouldn’t admit that he seemed to miss Buck.
She should never have let Maxie get fond of him. But didn’t he need a man in his life?
Her thoughts drifted, unattended, to the dream she had clung to all her life. A home where a man welcomed her and swung her off her feet in joy at returning home.
It was almost noon when horses clattered through the gate. Newcomers! Her heart slammed into her ribs. Her fear grew as the riders streamed in.
“No.” The word burned up her throat. She recognized the man in the midst of the riders. Maximillian’s uncle Gilberto. He would be here for one reason only.
She grabbed Maxie and drew back into the overhang of the roof. She couldn’t hope to hide forever but so few knew her as Sophia Lorenzo. Maybe if she stayed in her room until the riders left again….
She pulled her shawl over her head and began a slow shuffle toward the nearest set of stairs. How had her life gone from the best Christmas Eve since she was a child to the worst Christmas Day ever?
Where was Buck and his promise to protect her?
She made it to her room and shut the door firmly behind her. Maxie wouldn’t like being confined to this small space especially if he heard the other children at play. Mary Mae would surely miss her and come to investigate.
It wasn’t long before Maxie began to fuss at the door. Her own stomach rumbled so she knew he was hungry. But she wouldn’t leave the room. Gilberto Lorenzo would expect to be welcomed like royalty and be seated with the most important man, but that did not mean he wouldn’t be asking questions and expecting answers. He’d be studying every woman in the fort and likely go poking around the wagons outside.
She pulled Maxie from the door and played finger games with him which amused him for a short time. She could only hope Mary Mae came to her rescue.
A short time later, someone rapped on the door and Mary Mae called softly, “It’s me.”
Sophia opened the door and hid around the wooden frame until Mary Mae entered the room and then closed the door tightly behind her.
“I brought you food. I knew you wouldn’t be showing your face with Gilberto Lorenzo snooping around.” She handed Sophia two covered dishes. “I said I was taking this to a friend who was indisposed.”
Maxie drooled as he saw the food and she fed him first.
“What is he saying?”
“He’s asking for you but people are a little cautious because they know you as Greta. Someone did say there was a young woman with a little boy about the age of the child he seeks so he’s suspicious. It won’t be long before they realize it’s you he is asking after.”
“I know.” She finished feeding Maxie then turned to her own food. “How long can I hide, do you suppose?”
T
he way Mary Mae rolled her head back and forth did not offer much encouragement.
Sophia choked down the food she’d lifted to her mouth. “Could I hide in one of the wagons?”
“Gilberto is watching the gate closely.”
Sophia shuddered. “I will not go back with him. Nor will I let him take Maxie.”
“Of course you won’t.”
“Where is Buck? He promised to help me.”
“I haven’t seen Buck since last night. Warren said he hasn’t either.”
“What choice do I have but to hide here as long as I can and hope if they discover my presence, someone will defend me?” Where was Buck and why was she pinning her hopes on him when he had disappeared without so much as a word? “Thank goodness Maxie will sleep a few hours. He’s not going to like hiding out here.”
“I’ll ask Judith to bring Anna to visit later.” Mary Mae took the dishes, and slipped out.
Sophia closed the door securely and leaned against it feeling trapped in the safety of the room. She settled Maxie for his nap then paced the floor, her thoughts too tangled for her to settle. She would not give up Maxie without a fight, but the Lorenzos were accustomed to getting what they demanded. Would her friends be able to defend her against Gilberto’s plans?
Her footsteps began to stir up dust and she retreated to the bench by the fireplace and opened her Bible to read. She’d decided to trust God, but it was hard when things piled up against her. She calmed herself. What kind of trust was it that wouldn’t last through challenges?
She would trust God and give Buck a chance to explain himself.
Judith visited later, bringing tea and cookies. The little ones played on the fur rug and chased each other about. But after a few minutes Maxie leaned against the door and cried.
Her heart went out to him. He couldn’t understand why he must be cooped up.
“What is that man doing?” Sophia asked.
Judith studied her. “He’s spreading lies.”
“Like what?”
“He says you’ve kidnapped Maxie and that you are a woman of ill repute.”
Sophia looked down, unable to meet her friend’s gaze.
“No one believes him.”
Sophia knew Judith meant to be encouraging, but among all those at the fort, there would be some who would think the words must have some truth to be spoken.
“The men are working at getting you to a safe hiding place.”
Sophia’s heart lightened. “What are they planning?”
“Somehow they’d have to get the Lorenzo crew distracted.” She lifted a shoulder. “I’m sorry. So far no one has come up with a good plan.” She gave a mirthless chuckle. “Luke said maybe we should roll you up in a buffalo hide and carry you out that way.”
Sophia shuddered at the idea.
“Gil thought it would attract too much attention.”
Judith turned the talk to activities of the other women. No doubt she hoped to distract Sophia from her loneliness but it only made her feel more imprisoned than ever.
After a bit, Anna grew bored and Judith departed with the little girl. “I’ll be sure someone brings you supper.”
“Buck hasn’t shown up?” She had promised herself she wouldn’t ask but she had to know.
“Gil says he must have gone hunting.”
Sophia leaned against the door after Judith left. Buck picked a fine time to leave. Not that she should let herself think he would take care of her.
She must trust God to help her take care of herself. But she had no idea what she could do with Gilberto guarding the gateway.
* * *
Buck hurried back to the fort as darkness descended. He had not planned to be gone so long but he’d found an injured trapper and couldn’t leave him. He managed to get the man to his meager shack, tended his wounds, made sure he had water, food, and firewood before he left him. On the way back, he’d stopped to ask Tarek to check on him.
All the while, the delay crowded his thoughts. He wanted to be with Sophia, gauge her reaction to the kiss they’d shared last night, and enjoy spending time with her.
Would she have missed him? Or was she happily occupied with her friends? Perhaps making plans for the trip to California. He had made up his mind. He would be joining the others heading that direction.
He hoped Sophia would welcome his presence.
He reached the gate and stopped. A stranger leaned against the corner post watching him.
Did he know this man? Perhaps not, but his haughty bearing sent alarm skidding up and down Buck’s arms. He drew closer and swallowed hard. There was no disguising how much the man looked like Maximillian. The Lorenzos had come after Sophia and he had not been there to protect her.
How could he have let other things distract him from his promise? How could he ever hope she would trust him when he’d failed already?
“You there,” the man called.
Buck stopped, taking a casual stance with his legs wide and his arms crossed. “You talking to me?”
“Yes, you. Who are you?”
Buck didn’t care for the man’s tone. “Who wants to know?”
“I am Gilberto Lorenzo.”
Buck shrugged. “Means nothing to me.”
The man looked offended but Buck didn’t care. “Have you by any chance seen a young woman with a little boy?”
Buck snorted. “Mister, look around you. There must be a dozen young women with small children.”
“Mind your tongue.”
Buck didn’t blink before the other man’s hard glare.
Lorenzo continued. “This woman might or might not be calling herself a Lorenzo. The child she has is not hers. He’s a Lorenzo heir and I’ve come to return him to his rightful home.”
It was all Buck could do not to react to the lies. “Best of luck finding them, mister.” He pushed on by.
The man grabbed his arm.
Buck shook his hand off and gave him his hardest look. Three men stepped from the shadows. It was easy for Lorenzo to be bossy and controlling when he had others to do his fighting.
“The woman is not what she claims to be. She is a loose woman off the streets and hoping to profit from kidnapping the boy.”
Buck’s fists curled. His stomach soured. He clenched his teeth until he had control over his emotions. “Mister, those are ugly accusations. There might be those around here who would take objection to hearing them.”
“You one of them?”
“One of many, so watch your step.” He strode toward the dining room, hoping to find someone to tell him if Sophia and Maxie were safe.
He stepped inside. Before his eyes even adjusted to the light, someone called his name.
“Buck.”
The women from the wagon train sat together. He joined them. “Where’s Sophia?” Too late, he realized he should have asked about Greta.
Mary Mae answered his question. “She’s hiding in her room but that man is beginning to get suspicious. He’s also telling lies and I fear someone will believe him.”
“Where are the men?”
“They’ve gone to the wagons. They’re trying to plan a way to get her out of the fort and hide her somewhere.”
“There is a way that might work. But I’ll need help.”
“Anything.”
The women leaned close as he described his plan. Then they hurried to carry it out.
He ached to go to Sophia’s room and assure her he would take care of her but knew it was best if he waited.
The women returned with their husbands. Judith handed him a Mexican sarape. He traded his cowboy hat for a sombrero.
Judith pulled a heavy shawl about her head and shoulders and wrapped little Anna under the material. Gil put on Buck’s coat and hat and they stepped from the dining room.
Buck went through the kitchen and out to the portico where he edged his way toward the closest set of stairs. He waited as Judith and Gil shuffled their way across the courtyard.
Lo
renzo stepped from the gateway. “Hold up there.” Several men removed from the shadows and circled Gil and Judith.
It was Buck’s signal and he raced up the stairs, tapped on the door of Sophia’s room and softly called her name.
She opened the door. “Buck. Where have you been?”
“I’ll explain later. We must hurry. Put this over your head.” He lifted Maxie and wrapped him up, praying the child would be quiet until they escaped. “Follow me.”
“Where are we going?”
“Trust me.”
She nodded and they slipped from the room.
Below them Gil and Judith were fending off the Lorenzo crew. The others had joined in, making it impossible for Gilberto to get a good look at the pair and the baby in her arms, now crying.
Buck practically dragged Sophia down the stairs and toward the passageway to the corrals. The horses shuffled at their intrusion then ignored them. “There’s one gate. Once we’re out of here, we’ll head for the river and I’ll take you to Tarek and Niteesh. They’ll hide you.” He knew they would take Sophia to another family a distance away to keep her safe.
They made it to the gate and he slipped the latch to release it, then held it for her to follow him out.
“Stop right there.” A voice with a thick accent uttered the order. Something that he was certain was a gun jabbed into his back.
He stopped. Tried to think what the best thing to do was. Tell Sophia to run. Hide. Or keep her at his side. He preferred the latter.
“Don’t either of you move.” The man’s words made up Buck’s mind. He only wished he could pull her close and reassure her. But at least he had Maxie.
“I will protect you both no matter what,” he whispered.
“Mr. Lorenzo,” the man behind them yelled. “I got someone.”
By now Lorenzo would know he had the wrong couple cornered in the courtyard.
“Let’s go to the gate,” the man ordered them and they went that direction, a sharp jab in his back reminding Buck that this was serious business.
They entered through the gate. Lanterns and the light of campfires provided uncertain light. Lorenzo grabbed one of the lanterns and shone it in Sophia’s face then yanked the blanket from Maxie and did the same.
