“Seth?” Ronnie touched his arm.
He swung to face her, an overwhelming desire to scoop her to his chest burning inside him. Lord, help keep her safe. I can’t lose her. He grasped her shoulders and bent his knees so they were eye level.
“Ronnie, I want you by my side tomorrow at all times. Understand?” He could get lost in those green eyes.
She nodded. “I understand.” She looked over her shoulder. “And I have my own personal watchdog.” Her lips tipped up. “Thank you for caring.”
“I do care.” His heart tripped in his throat. “I want to deliver you safely. Let’s move your blanket and gear to the other wagon, and Ernie will saddle up for you in the morning. Cookie can move out without you at daylight.”
A tiny wrinkle crossed her nose. “I hate for him to travel alone.”
“He won’t be.” For the first time, Seth thought about the chuck wagon. “I’ll have Mike ride with him.” He gave a tight smile. “Bet he’d be glad to be out of the saddle for a spell.”
Ronnie’s shoulder muscles tightened, and a flush painted her cheeks. Seth realized he still clung to her. If he bent right now, he could taste those pink lips. He released his grip like he’d been stung and stumbled backward.
Focus on cows. And rustlers. And riders.
Not on Veronica Fergus.
Journal
Travels fine. Weather holding. Ford Brazos in morning. Sheriff report concerns me.
Ernie updating count. Must keep sharp eye out. Watch over her. Especially her.
Chapter Fourteen
Excitement bubbled in Ronnie’s throat. She held the reins while Mike tightened the cinch on the Appaloosa.
“He’s strong, Miss Ronnie.” The cowboy reached up and shook the saddle. “Buster can get you across right fine.” He turned his head and spit out tobacco juice. “Just give him his head in the water.”
Ronnie nodded. “Buster and I will do all right. Thanks.” She tightened the rope belt she’d fashioned through the loops of an old pair of Trey’s britches. Seth had suggested she rid herself of cumbersome skirts, and she was glad for the freedom. Mike gave her a leg up. Buster pranced to one side. “Whoa.” She steadied herself in the saddle and made him stand still. Wonder if he feels the butterflies dancing in my stomach? She giggled.
Mike’s eyebrows rose. “You okay?”
She touched a finger to her lips. “Feeling my oats, is all. Thank you.” She reined the horse around and walked toward the herd and Seth. Ranger stood with his head down while Seth stared out over the parade of beef passing by. Horse and rider were attuned to one another.
Ronnie wiped the sweaty palm of her hand across her thigh and drew in a deep breath. “Lord, I pray for this drive and this day. Please watch over every cow, horse, rider…and me. I must admit to a bit of jitters.” She batted her eyelashes against tears. Sitting astride a horse reminded her of home. A home she would soon see. “But first I have to cross a river.” She tapped her heels against the horse and trotted to meet Seth.
Both he and Ranger looked up at her approach. He tugged the reins and wheeled toward her, his lips tipped up. “Morning. See you’re ready.” His gaze roved her face then across the horse and back. “Mike fixed you up with a better saddle, I see.”
Ronnie lifted herself in the stirrups and patted the cantle behind her. “Right sharp one, too. Thank you.”
Seth nodded. He settled Ranger beside her. “Let’s talk about the crossing. Ernie scouted our spot, and the river’s running higher than we thought. Must’ve had heavy rain upstream.” He frowned. “But it’s passable. Lead cows will show ’em how it’s done.” He leaned forward and patted Buster’s neck then eyed her. “Like I said, this is a strong horse. You hang on to him, no matter what.” He tipped his head. “Understood?”
“Yes.” Ronnie inhaled and held her breath for a moment, her adventurous nature taking a momentary lashing. “I’m ready.”
Seth pointed to her leg. “Nice britches, too.” He smiled, and her stomach fluttered. She could follow Seth into the river—and beyond, if need be.
Clad in denim, those long legs stirred Seth’s middle. Veronica Fergus cut a fine figure no matter her appearance. He watched her nudge the horse forward and sidle up to a stray. She had no idea how beautiful she was.
Seth sighed. “Focus, man.” He reined his horse about and moved to the front of the herd. Ernie rode beside him. “News?”
Ernie nodded. “It’s fine. We go in easy and those”—he pointed to several cows—“will take a natural lead. Kept my eye on ’em trailing, and the others been following ’em.” He wiped his mouth. “Sent Wally in, and it’s just past his stirrups in the deep. Shouldn’t be too hard.” He grinned. “Even for our new cowgirl.”
Seth glanced at him. “She’s earned the right to ride. But keep a sharp eye.”
“Yep. Let’s take ’em in, Boss.” Ernie prodded his horse into a trot and began to signal other riders to bring the stragglers in closer.
Seth rode alongside the lead cows. The riverbank sloped down at the beach head so they would be able to walk in. Wouldn’t take much encouragement, even when they had to swim. He spotted Ronnie close to his flank and smiled. Following directions. What a relief.
The lead cattle plunged into the water with no hesitation, heading up the north riverbank and shaking off the water. Waddies bunched them as they came out. Shrill whistles and sharp shouts filled the air. Seth waved his hat at a couple of strays to move them forward. Ranger cut and moved, dancing the way he’d been taught. For the most part, Seth gave him his head. When he reached the center of the river, he swiveled in the saddle to watch for Ronnie. Someone had passed on a lariat, and she flapped it against her saddle like a fly swatter, joining in the mayhem. Dust swirled and covered her, yet she didn’t miss a beat.
Seth’s heart swelled. Ranch girl, indeed.
Chapter Fifteen
Sweat trickled down Ronnie’s back and dirt caked on her eyelids, but there were cows to move, and she’d been given the chance to prove her mettle. Two mamas bawled their displeasure at losing babies in the crowd. “Move on. You’ll find ’em. Move on.” She flapped the rope across their backsides. “Hiyah. Move on.” Her raw throat ached for a drink of water. “Move on.”
Her ever-present shadow, Trey, nudged one with his boot. “Let’s go, let’s go.” He rode ahead of her.
She caught movement from the corner of her eye. Several strays rambled the wrong direction. “Come on, Buster, let’s round them up.” He trotted into the small grove of trees and bushes. Ronnie tried to flatten herself against his neck to avoid branches and brambles. The horse jerked to a stop and quivered. Ronnie raised her head.
Three men sat stock-still watching her. They’d rounded up the cows she chased. Ronnie felt bile rise in her throat. Her eyes darted from the cattle to the men and back again. Rustlers. Her heart hammered and her fingers dug into Buster’s mane. Time to move.
Giving a tug on the reins and a hard kick, she wheeled Buster around and set off at a gallop along the river’s edge. Branches slapped at them, but Ronnie stretched out and gave the horse his head. He plunged down the slope toward the river.
A crack split the air. Tree bark flew into her face. Gunshot. Fear ran its icy fingers up her spine, and tears welled in her eyes. She rose a bit in the stirrups to get her bearings. She didn’t want to scatter the herd as they forded the river, yet she had to find Seth.
Seth. A fierce longing and desire to protect him filled her. She had to warn him of the dangers skirting the herd. She spotted him across the river, on the bank, his back to her. She felt Buster’s strong legs begin to swim against the swollen river. She’d entered at a deeper spot. No matter, the horse could get her to Seth. She stretched as low as she could and hung on.
Another crack but no pain. She glanced over her shoulder at the young rider who wielded a gun. Probably no older than Trey. Tears blinded her. Panic stabbed her middle. Seth.
Oh, Lord, keep us safe.
Looking up, she saw Seth turn her way and spur Ranger into the water. She raised a hand and another shot rang out. She slumped in the saddle but felt no pain. Seth.
“Ronnie.” He yelled.
Terror licked at her. “Seth! Move out! Get help! Rustlers.” She waved the lariat in an effort to gain Ernie’s attention.
Seth and Ranger swam closer.
The next shot caught him. He slumped, grasped for Ranger’s mane, and rolled into the water.
Ronnie screamed and lunged for him. She caught his shirt collar and tugged his face up. His eyelids fluttered. “Seth. Oh, Seth.”
The current pulled her downstream, toward the men shooting. She kicked, pulling at the water with one hand and trailing Seth behind her. Ranger’s reins floated by and she grabbed them. Using the horse as leverage, she yanked Seth higher and up against the saddle. The horse swam between them and the rustlers. The growing blood spot on Seth’s shoulder frightened her. Ronnie drew him closer as Ranger swam toward shore. Soon her toes touched the ground, and she stood, mindful to keep the horse in place.
“Ernie, Wally, Mike! Help!” Glass shards of pain sliced her raw throat, but she continued to scream.
“Miss Ronnie, Boss!” Horror filled Ernie’s voice. Dirt from his horse’s hooves slapped her in the face, but she held Seth to her chest. The cowboy slid to her side and dragged them from the water.
Ronnie collapsed in a heap, her chest heaving. “Rustlers.” She pointed downstream. “Shot.”
She laid her face against the sweet-smelling grass and let tears trickle down her face. When she caught her breath, she rose on an elbow. “Will he be all right?”
Ernie ripped Seth’s shirt open. The blood trickled from a wound in his shoulder. “He’s not gut shot. For that be thankful.” His mouth drew in a grim line. “We got to move him.” He glanced at Ronnie then searched the riverbank. “No sight of ’em now, and ain’t no never mind. We got to tend to the boss.”
Ronnie nodded. “Tell me what to do.”
Fire. He was on fire. Seth jerked his body to one side, but arms clamped him down. He had to move out of the fire. He tried again.
“Lie still.” Ronnie leaned over and pressed her cheek to his. “You have to lie still,” she whispered into his ear.
A hint of lavender tickled his nose. She usually smelled of firewood or dust. Lavender. He smiled. He would like to wake to that smell every day.
“Seth.” Ernie’s voice prodded him from reverie. “Seth.”
He didn’t want to open his eyes. He only wanted to think on lavender. Soft, sweet-smelling hands rubbed his cheek. Fire wasn’t so bad when you weren’t alone. He shifted, and Ronnie pressed him down again. But he had to move. Couldn’t she see the flames licking him? He drew in a sharp breath. Was she about to burn, too? Dread filled his chest. He would lose her. Biting his lower lip, he raised an arm from the fire. Ronnie grabbed it and pulled it against her chest.
“Boss?”
The smell of tobacco filtered into his nose, drowning out the lavender. Ernie. He opened his eyes.
A sob burst from Ronnie. “Oh, Seth. You’re awake. Thank goodness.” She pressed her lips to his hand.
“Ronnie,” he croaked. He licked his lips. So thirsty. Fire did that. Burned a thirst into you.
She reached back and poured water into a cup. Ernie lifted his head, and he took a sip. She pulled the cup away before he could take a long draw.
“Enough for now.”
She was using that settle-the-cows tone. Crooning. He closed his eyes.
“Seth, open your eyes. Now.” The croon changed to determination.
He did as he was told. A bolt of fear ran through him. He saw no flames, only prairie grass. He could hear cows lowing and the ranch smell filled his nostrils. What was he doing sprawled out on the trail? He stared the question into Ronnie’s eyes.
She tipped her head. “You were shot.”
His eyes widened. “Shot?” He swallowed hard. Memories of fire then muddy water filtering into his eyes and nose. He’d crumpled into the river. “How—”
“Rustlers.” Ernie’s gruff voice spat out the word. “Shot at Miss Ronnie and then hit you.” He slapped a hand against his thigh. “But as luck-of-the-draw would have it, that sheriff didn’t ride far. He reckoned they’d be back. So he’s rounding them up.” Ernie tugged his hat low and rose. “We got to get you tended, though.” He frowned. “Gonna get you to Cookie.”
“I patched you up for now.” Ronnie gripped his hand. “Wally rode out and stopped the chuck wagon, so it won’t be a far piece to ride in the store wagon.” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes. “I’ll ride with you.” Worry tinged her tone.
“Thanks.” He lifted the free arm and wiped his forehead. “The others?”
“Boss, we’ve got everything across.” A shadow pressed against Ernie’s back. “Mike and Wally here are going to load you. Then we’ll go.” The boys leaned into his line of sight. He tried for an encouraging smile. “Don’t you worry none.” Ernie nodded.
The waddies took corners of the blanket spread beneath him and carefully slid him into the nearby wagon. Fire burned his body once again. He gritted his teeth until his jaw ached. Ronnie arranged herself above him, and he placed his head in her lap. Her upside-down grin made him chuckle, and fire filled him.
“Ranch girl, you’re something else.” He closed his eyes against the pain.
Chapter Sixteen
Rusty handed her soap and the wreck pan. “Wash up, then wash the wound some.” He stared at Seth lying so still. “He’s tough. He’ll be fine.” He eyed Ronnie. “Not so sure about you, though.”
Ronnie glanced down at her filthy shirt. Dirt and blood caked her. She shivered and trudged to the water barrel. She scrubbed her hands and arms raw then returned to Rusty’s side.
“How do we take the bullet out?” The very question made her stomach roll.
“We don’t.” Rusty reached for the petticoat, which once again would prove itself as a bandage, and ripped strips. “Town ain’t far. The doctor can take care of him. All we gotta do is try and stop the bleeding.” He pressed a bandage against Seth’s shoulder. Seth grunted.
“But I thought—”
“Wrong doctoring can bring too much infection.” Rusty held the bandage in place with one hand and bit another piece and ripped. He nodded his head. “Little help here?”
Ronnie ripped more of the petticoat and handed it to Rusty. He made a compress, tied it down, and splinted the shoulder with a blanket.
“Don’t want him moving around.” He stepped back and eyed Seth. “Think he’s all right for now. You haul in and hold on to him. Mike’s taking this wagon on ahead.” He lifted a brow. “It ain’t but a few hours till Fort Worth, anyhow. Reckon you can stand it.” His lips tipped up. “Don’t think you mind just you and the boss.”
She clambered into the wagon and settled in to cradle Seth’s head. His wan face concerned her. She longed for the strong cowboy with the ever-changing eyes to sit up and order them to move out. But he remained still.
The wagon jerked, and the slow journey to help began. Tears clouded her vision. She swiped at the lock of hair on his forehead then bent low and pressed her lips to his cheek. “I think I love you, Boss.” He didn’t stir. Ronnie stifled a sob and checked his shoulder. Nothing had moved. If only they could gallop to town. She closed her eyes, drained, and leaned against a crate. The sharp corner jabbed her back. Maybe that would keep her awake. She had to keep watch over Seth. For just a while longer.
For just a while longer. She wouldn’t see him after they got to town. The realization stung. Tears tipped over and trailed down her cheeks. Yes, she’d go home. Her very mission accomplished.
But she would once again be alone.
Lavender again. Seth smiled. He hoped she would always wear lavender when they were together. He opened his eyes and stared into an unfamiliar face. The lady patted his cheek. “There, there, dear boy.” She stepped back and said, “Dr. Mery, he
’s awake.”
Dr. Mery? Only one he knew was in Fort Worth. He struggled to sit up, but the woman pressed him against the bed. Bed. Soft. He was no longer on the trail. How long had he been out? He swallowed hard, his throat scratchy.
The doctor appeared at his side and nodded. “Looking good, McKenzie. Sight better than when they brought you in last night.” He pushed his spectacles on his nose. “How you feel?”
“Like I got shot.” Then run over by a flaming stampede. Fire no longer ran up his arm so he knew he was in better shape. “Where’s everybody?” He only cared about one, but he dare not mention her name.
“Gone. Lady settled into the hotel, and your hand said he had to bring in the herd.” Dr. Mery quirked a brow. “Nice girl you had riding with you. Reminded me of my Lorena when we first came west.” He smiled. “Now you rest up. Another day here and you’ll be ready to move on.”
Seth rolled his head against the pillow. Ranch girl disappeared. She hadn’t stayed. Well, what did he expect? She wanted transport to Fort Worth and she got it. He sighed. “Well, Lord, You got part of us here safe, please bring the herd the rest of the way.” He stifled a yawn. “Watch over her, please. And let her know I’m grateful—”
“Grateful? For what? All I did was cook and feed a bunch of cowboys. Then save you from drowning.” Ronnie sidled up to the bed. “What do you have to thank me for?” Her eyes twinkled. She patted his hand. “I’m grateful, Seth. To you. Your generosity allowed me to get closer to home.” She hitched her skirt and perched on the edge of the bed. “Soon I’ll find me a way out to see what shape my ranch is in.” She toyed with the hem of her shirt. “Reckon it will take me some time to get it in shape again.” She glanced up at him. “But I’m the one grateful.”
She leaned over, and a sweet fragrance enveloped Seth’s senses. Wasn’t lavender, sweeter. Ronnie pressed a kiss on his forehead. “Thanks, Boss, for everything. I’ll check in before I leave town tomorrow.” With a swish, she left the room before he opened his mouth. He ran a finger over his forehead. He closed his eyes and let sleep overtake him. Her soft lips and sweet smell filled his dreams.
The Courageous Brides Collection Page 19
