by Lynn Landes
Chapter 32
“Dust or Blood?” Aiden roars and Cassie wakes with a start, heart pounding and looks around in fear. The small cabin is empty and so is her bed. Dalton is gone. The echoes of Aiden's rage flutters in her mind, and she wonders what it means? Does she dare look?
She gathers the blanket around her shoulders and walks to the fireplace to add another log. The sound of heavy boots on the porch, causes her to move toward her rifle. Her hand is resting on it when Dalton stomps his way inside the small cabin. He freezes when he notices Cassie staring at him with fear in her eyes.
“What’s wrong?” he looks around and finding nothing out of place kicks the door shut behind him and places a tray of food on the small table.
Cassie rushes to him, and he wraps her in his warm embrace and soothes her trembling body. “Nothing, just a bad dream,” she whispers into his shoulder.
“No more bad dreams, Cassie. Only beautiful dreams are allowed here. I thought you might be hungry?” he asks kissing her softly.
“I'm famished. It smells amazing.” She moves to the tray and finds fresh eggs, toast and coffee. “You spoil me, Dalton,” she says, picking up a cup of coffee and watching him move around.
“Nothing is too good for you, Mrs. Rivers,” he says with a laugh. When he turns back from dropping his boots and coat, he finds her frowning at him.
“Dalton, you have to stop calling me that. It is cruel to do this to your family, and I won't be party to lying anymore,” Cassie snaps and drops her cup on the plate.
“Get dressed, then we will talk. My family is waiting to meet you.” Dalton ignores her and sits down to eat.
“Just as long as we understand each other, Dalton. I won't lie to your family.” She stomps to the back of the cabin to clean up and dress. Her velvet green riding dress is hanging in the bathroom. It is clean and pressed for her, and she sighs. God, she loves that man! When did he take the time to have her dress cleaned? He thinks of her needs before her own. If only she were his for life.
“Dust and Dreams are for fools, Cassandra.” She tells herself in the mirror and takes her time with her hair, wanting to look her best for him.
When she returns, he is finishing his coffee and just stares at her with a look of such love that her throat clogs with tears. Leaving him will be the death of her. Determined not to ruin the moment she spins slowly for him.
“Do you like?” Her hair is in waves around her shoulders, and the green velvet enhances the blue of her eyes. When she completes her spin, she finds Dalton in front of her on his knees. She is stunned speechless.
“Cassie, I love everything about you.” He is holding a one carat round cut emerald, set in a halo filigree, emblazoned with four small diamonds at north, south, east and west on the ring.
“I need you, no, I want you to be mine for life. Each of the smaller diamonds represents the members of your family, Cassie, so they are never forgotten.” Cassie sinks to her knees in front of him. Tears flowing, unable to grasp this moment she can’t look at him. Dalton lifts her chin, and she stares into his tear-filled eyes.
“I chose the emerald, because green represents hope, like the green of spring and new life. You thought your life was over, those left behind stripped you of the possibility. Some believe the emerald to be a seeker of love and the revealer of truth, inspiring a search of justice.” He wipes her tears with his thumbs.
“Cassie, I have been seeking you all of my life, I just didn't know it until you walked in and saved me. Those who dare stand against you, will not find you alone this time. I love you, and I will not let you go without a fight. Will you be my wife, my future?”
“I can’t Dalton? What about your family? Will you be able to live with the consequences if something happens to one of them, because of me?” she asks. Dalton smiles at her, hearing her yes in the question.
“They want my happiness, Cassandra, none of us are promised tomorrow. Dare to dream with me!” Desperate to hear her say yes, he pulls her closer and takes her left hand slipping the ring on. “A perfect fit, just like you! Say yes, Cassie!”
Dare to dream, Cassie! She hears in her heart. “What is the point of life, without love?” Cassie murmurs, looking at her hand and when her eyes lift to his she whispers, “Yes! God help us, I will marry you, Dalton.” He kisses her, and they laugh, and she cries happy tears. He pulls her to her feet from the floor and guides her to the fireplace.
Cassie stares at her hand and the ring unable to believe this is happening to her. Dalton sits in the chair beside the fireplace and pulls her onto his lap. She can't help but laugh at the satisfied look on his face. “Dalton, what is that look for?”
He pulls out a piece of paper and hands it to her. “We've been married since San Francisco.”
Her gasp of shock sends her shooting to her feet.
“What?!” she stares open-mouthed at the paper in her hands and remembers the hotel room with Mr. Wells, Mr. Constant, and Dalton. It was a conspiracy of distraction so she would sign the papers.
“Technically, I haven’t lied about us, but if you want a huge wedding Cassie, we will have one.”
“What! Why would you trick me Dalton?” but when she looks at him, she can only laugh. He isn't even trying to look guilty. She should be outraged, but in truth she is relieved.
“Monsieur Constant suggested we make it official before our first son is born.”
Cassie sputters at him… “Our first son! What did he say, exactly?” Dalton tugs her back into his arms and shakes his head no.
“Somethings are better left unsaid. I know it was wrong to trick you, but I love you, and I promise to spend the rest of our lives proving it to you.”
Cassie stares at him, and she smiles, “Is this what our life is going to be like?”
“I promise it will be full of laughter and love, Mrs. Rivers.”
“I’m going to hold you to that promise, Mr. Rivers, now take me to meet your family.” Laughing, he takes her hand and leads her from the cabin.
Chapter 33
Aiden looks up and smiles when William Young sits down in front of him. “Finally, a man who looks the part.” The man looks to be in his early thirties, cleanly dressed, black hair slicked back and a mustache.
“William Young, at your service, you can call me Bill.” As he sits, he pulls out a cigar from his coat pocket, lighting it, he smiles at Aiden. “I heard you were looking to hire some guns.”
“I am, indeed. So far all I have met are drunkards. Tell me what services you are offering, Mr. Young.” Aiden says sipping on his beer.
“Well, if you look carefully around the room you will see my crew, four of them. All members of my gang. Our skill set is unique because we are the best, train robbers, cattle rustlers, and Confederate guerillas.” He leans forward, and his black eyes meet Aiden's unflinching gaze. “The only thing we like better than blood is gold.”
Aiden leans forward with a matching gleam of lust in his eyes. “Perhaps you would like to discuss your payment in my room, Bill, over both blood and gold. I have a special treat waiting for me, and I hate to keep her waiting too much longer.”
Bloody Bill smiles, “Sounds perfect.”
One train robber, one gunslinger, one cattle rustler, and two guerilla soldiers, make up the gang known as the BB gang. Fueled on sex, alcohol, and revenge, they leave Brigham City two days later. Aiden didn't ask their names, he only hires them for their guns and time will tell if they are worth remembering. The only one he cared to speak with is Bill. In him, he finds a kindred spirit. He assures him that barring any bad weather, they should make the River's ranch in four days of hard riding.
The first day they ride hard stopping by a creek to make camp after close to fifty miles of riding. Bill shouts orders and everyone moves quickly to set up camp.
“Cole, scout. Frank, you will have the first watch, John relieves you then Bob, Cole and I'll take the last.” Soon a fire is lit, and Aiden has to admire the efficiency.
&n
bsp; “Gentlemen, I brought whiskey to celebrate our first night, together,” Aiden announces after the flurry of activity calms down. Murmurs of approval float on the evening breeze and soon the bottle is passed around.
“Cole, quick as ever. Tell us what you have found,” Bill demands when the scout returns and offers him the bottle.
“Rider coming from the east, fast. Headed straight for our camp,” Cole announces and sits with a smile.
“Excellent, he will no doubt be hungry, tired, and in need of refreshment,” Aiden announces and pulls a second bottle from his bag. They all laugh and wait for the evening's entertainment to arrive.
The pony express rider was young and easily killed. Aiden and Bill took him by the river while the others searched his things. Over blood and whiskey, they formed a bond that would last for years. Aiden told Bill of Cassandra's betrayal and enjoyed the young man's twenty-year-old body between them. They forged an oath to reclaim his property and strip the mine of all the gold.
Frank watches from the bushes in disgust as Bill and Aiden do things to the boy that a man should never do to another human being. They slowly take him apart and enjoy every stroke and cut of their knives. Pleasuring themselves in the gory sexual perversity of the acts. When they finish and head back to their camp all that remains is a bloody pile of meat and bone. The unseeing gaze of the young man’s head rests on a stump overlooking the river never to gaze upon this world again.
Digesting all the information for future use, Frank shakes his head at their new employer. This man is a truly one sick fuck of an individual. He knows this job just got a lot more dangerous, and this Aiden character will need watching to make sure that he doesn't destroy them all. They would reclaim this woman and her mine, but that would be the end of Bill's unholy union with Aiden!
Cassie sits quietly and watches Dalton's family laughing, and it is impossible to miss the strong connection. They are quick to touch, hug and laugh. It reminds her of her family, and all she has left behind. She knows her family would be happy that she's found love again. Her husband would have wanted her to go on, but she fears for the danger she is bringing to them.
“Help an old woman to the front porch, won’t you, dear, then you can tell me what’s on your mind.” Dalton’s Grandmother prods and jolts her from her thoughts.
Cassie loops her arm gently and guides her out to the generous sized front porch to sit in the evening shade. She settles an afghan over her legs and steps back, “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather be inside near the fireplace?” Cassandra inquires.
“Heavens, no. I want to watch the sunset and sometimes, I just need the quiet.” Her wrinkled eyes sparkle and Cassie laughs softly with her.
“It is a bit much, I haven't been to a house this full in a long time…” Cassie's voice fades, and her smile goes with it. Tears threaten, and Grandma Jenny pats her hand.
“Today has been magical, you have all been so welcoming, but I'm afraid my time for dreaming is over.”
“There now, we are never too old to dream. If we are then, that means we have given up. You are no quitter. My Dalton would not have picked a quitter.”
“Mom is always right. The sooner you learn that, the easier your life here will be,” Dalton's mother, Hannah teases. She steps outside and sits with a sigh. “I imagine we have about fifteen minutes before they start rumbling about desert. Should we make a run for it?” Hanna implores.
“I heard that woman. I want pie! Don't even think about it,” Dane quips from inside the house. Dalton's father is intimidating. He is the picture of a rancher, tan skin, muscles, and his once blonde hair is now silver. He's a watcher, quietly taking in all his surroundings and waiting to have his say. When he speaks, everyone listens and they all respect and adore him.
Laughter floats through the door while the men do the dishes, much to Cassie’s shock. They welcomed her with open arms, teasing, laughing and loving each other, all the while waiting for the questions she knows they must be longing to ask. Her eyes, look for him and he crosses to her and offers his hand, pulling her to her feet.
“Let's take a walk.” Dalton guides her away, and she sighs in relief. As the sky is filled with red and orange streaks, they stroll near the pond. He pulls her roughly into his arms and takes her mouth with a fierce possessiveness that steals her heart.
“What is that for?” she wonders.
“It has been hours since I tasted you!” he growls and pulls her tight against his chest.
She laughs, “Poor baby, what if I told you I was thinking about how quickly I could get you out of your denims all through supper?”
His eyebrows raise, and he throws his head back and laughs out loud. “I would say, I found myself the perfect woman!”
Her smile fades, and his follows. “I hope you still feel so after we tell them everything.” She rests her head on his heart and listens to his heartbeat.
“No matter what, my family is loyal. Cassie, they will understand. Let’s get this over with and then go back to our little cabin. I want to see just how fast you can strip me?” he pulls her along back to the house.
Dalton gathers everyone inside the great room near the fireplace and looks at his family. “We have much to talk about tonight. I will ask that you listen to Cassandra’s story and mine without interruption. This is difficult for her and I won’t have her upset.”
“Yeah, we all know what she does when she's upset,” Chase quips.
The boys laugh, and Cassie blushes and ducks her head while Hannah yells at them for embarrassing her.
“Don't pay them no mind, Cassie. Tell us your story,” Grandma Jennie prompts.
Dalton sits on the loveseat and reaches for her hand. Holding it tightly in her own, she starts at the beginning. Life on her family ranch, before the mine and after. Dalton's father listens silently, watching the way she looks at Dalton for reassurance and the way his free hand covers her when she looks to him, and he smiles at Hannah.
The women weep with her when she describes the death of her Mother and husband, and Dane gasps in horror when she tells them of her father’s death and the loss of her baby. Grandma Jenny wipes a tear away with a withered hand, unable to comprehend such horrible things happening to one so young.
“More, Dalton?” She asks pleading with him to save her from the rest. He shakes his head no and speaks to her mind. ‘Tell them everything.’
“Okay,” she whispers. Taking a deep breath, she starts to pace in front of the fireplace. They all go still as the tension rise in the room. “Something broke in me, and I did something that…” she looks at the expectant faces in front of her, and she hurries through the rest.
“I took my revenge, all the hatred, anger, and loss inside of me, and I made them pay.” She explains about the mine and resulting explosion and to her utter shock, three of the men smile.
“Of course you did,” Dane said. “I would expect no less from a daughter of mine.” Stunned speechless Cassie looks at him and starts to sob, covering her face she whirls and finds herself in Hannah's arms. Dalton hovers trying to get at her, but the boys have all surrounded her, and he smiles through his tears. Pride in his family overwhelms him, and he looks at Grandma Jenny.
“Amazing, isn’t it?” she whispers. “Family. This is what a family looks like.”
“Cassie, let’s get you cleaned up.” Hannah tries to lead her away but Cassie jerks away.
“Are the whole lot of you crazy? I killed them! On purpose! One man escaped. And now because of me, you're all in danger! They are hunting me, with one thought, and one thought only. To take back what they believe I stole from them! Eustace is crazy, and his son Aiden is even crazier. They live to torture the innocent, and you're all so… good.” To Cassie's astonishment they all laugh. Dalton pushes his way to her side as his father speaks.
“No one is perfect Cassie. You did what needed to be done, and if they dare to step foot on our land, then God help them. I will show them no mercy!” Dane snarls.
“I know ways to make a man suffer,” Harris says, “It’s a perk of the job.”
“If that's what doctoring teaches you, I approve,” Pierce professes.
“Sweet lord, you’re all crazy!” Cassie insists laughing through her tears.
“I have a question for you, Cassandra,” Steele says. All eyes turn to him as the housekeeper walks in with his four-month-old daughter. His wife died in childbirth, leaving him one treasure to hold onto. She is the key to his sanity, the only reason he didn't go crazy when he buried his love. He takes his daughter Violet in his arms and kisses her chubby cheeks, then walks to Cassie. He holds her out to Cassie, and she doesn't hesitate.
Violet lights up at the beautiful lady reaching for her. The two stare at each other and Cassie cuddles the blonde baby, “Hello beautiful,” she whispers, and Violet blows bubbles and coos at her.
“Look at my daughter and tell me, Are you sorry? After what they took from you?” He demands.
“No,” she responds instantly defiantly. “If I had known that he was alive, I would've stayed to finish what I started.”
“Good answer. I barely survived losing my wife, and only because of the support of my family and my daughter do I make that choice every day. The choice to stay. It's a miracle you are alive and a testament to your character,” Steele says, reaching for the baby who screams and clutches at Cassie.
“Ha, she likes me, don’t you angel? You don’t want some stinky cowboy, do you?” she says, baby talking and walking towards the other women who laugh at Chase’s grumbled, “Hey.”
“Thank you, Steele, but that's just it, I didn't think past my revenge.” Cassie knows she can't be the reason one of them gets killed.
“We have more to discuss,” Dalton reminds them, and she nods and gives the baby back to Steele.
