Montana Dawn

by Caroline Fyffe

  Faith looked up at him, realizing only then that he’d been speaking to her. It gave her courage. With a little more force she pushed back on the head and with determination finagled until the rubbery tube slipped up and turned pink.

  “I think I’ve got it! Now we need to get Rachel to push for all she’s worth.”

  As Faith spoke, Luke was sure she was unaware of the tears that coursed down her face. She was so beautiful, so strong. She had no idea what a wonderful and compassionate woman she was. His heart felt full to overflowing with want, and he knew then he’d never love anyone else.

  With the next contraction they all encouraged Rachel to push. The baby slipped halfway out. Faith gasped. “Almost there, Rachel, almost there. Keep it up!”

  The baby fell into Faith’s hands a few minutes later. It was blue. Luke reached for the infant and gave it a quick smack on its bottom. The babe sucked in a breath and let out a cry. It didn’t take but a moment before its face was as pink as a ripe tomato.

  Luke grinned like everyone else. “A filly of your own,” he said, looking at Matt and Rachel.

  Charity hopped up from her chair and threw her arms around Faith. “You were wonderful!” Her face showed nothing but delight.

  Extracting Faith from his sister’s arms, Luke lifted her into his own. He carried her into the other room and laid her on the sofa. She struggled to sit up, but he captured her lips with his, tasting their sweetness. Desire flashed through his body.

  Nibbling at her lips he whispered, “See? You are the bravest woman on this earth. I’m proud of you.”

  Roady cleared his throat, making Faith struggle all the harder.

  “You should have seen her, Roady…” Luke’s voice trailed off as he sought to hide the thunderous emotions rumbling around inside him. “She was truly a sight to see.”

  Several days passed, and Luke couldn’t stop thinking of what had happened with his sister-in-law and Faith. Not until today. Now he relaxed in the saddle and surveyed the new herd. This rich Montana grassland had once been home to thousands of buffalo, animals that had grazed just like his own were now.

  Pride filled him as he watched the crimson-colored Herefords with their characteristic white faces. It had been a long time in coming, this addition to his family’s stock. It had taken months to locate and purchase a herd appropriate to crossbreed with their previous mild-mannered red shorthorns and rangy Texas longhorns. If things went as expected, breeders would soon be coming from all over the country to see the result.

  Luke heard a shout. Turning, he saw Charity riding in his direction. He hid his surprise when he saw Faith following very slowly on Buttercup. Not two days earlier she’d told him she was frightened of horses and didn’t want to learn to ride.

  Seeing Faith with his sister reminded him again of the episode with Rachel. His sister-in-law continued to grow stronger, though she was still confined to her bed by Dr. Handerhoosen. Thank God things had turned out well. When the doctor had sobered up and heard everything that had happened, he’d been sick with remorse. He was having a hard time forgiving himself.

  Luke had visited several times and marveled over the tiny baby girl whom Faith had delivered. Still astounded by the turn of events, he shook his head and couldn’t keep a smile from forming.

  The situation with Ward was at a standstill. Without the testimony of Eagle Gray, Luke’s hands were tied. He’d lost the debate with his family of running him off, but it wouldn’t be long before he was healed enough to be able to ride on. That’s what Luke was waiting for.

  Charity had said nothing about him and had not been seen with Ward again, and Luke hoped his words had sunk into that thick skull of hers. She didn’t seem particularly interested anymore, but would she be more careful where her reputation was concerned? Only time would tell.

  “Mornin’,” Luke greeted the women. “Nice day for a ride.”

  “It’s beautiful.” Faith fairly beamed with pleasure. Her eyes sparkled as she looked his way, and Luke had the urge to snag her off the saddle and roll her in the soft grass.

  Charity looked down at the cattle in the valley. “I thought Faith needed to get out and enjoy the beauty of the ranch. Do you like it, Faith?”

  “It’s breathtaking. I had no idea.”

  Her words warmed Luke’s heart, feeding the hope he fought to keep at bay. This land was part of him. A very big part. She couldn’t want him without wanting the land, too. Then Luke mentally chastised himself. She hadn’t said anything about wanting him. Other than the kisses they’d shared, he had no more idea of what she was thinking now than a week ago. Plus, she was purposely making sure that they were never anywhere alone together. Still, with each passing day Faith stayed and didn’t go off to Priest’s Crossing and her job waiting there, Luke was a little more hopeful.

  “These cattle look quite different from the others I’ve seen on the ranch,” Faith said.

  “You’re right,” Luke answered, proud that she’d noticed. “This breed is entirely different from what we’ve bred in the past. They’re called Herefords.” He pointed. “See how that calf is strongly built at such an early age? This breed matures faster than the others. An animal that weighs the most at market time brings the most money.”

  Charity smiled, too. “They are a sight, aren’t they? I especially love watching them graze.” Dramatically, she popped her forehead with the heel of her hand like she’d just remembered something important. “Silly me. I promised Rachel I’d help bathe the baby!” Then, wheeling her horse around, she loped off with the ease of an experienced horsewoman.

  “Wait for me,” Faith called, fear crossing her face.

  “Just ride home with Luke,” Charity shouted over her shoulder.

  Luke could see Faith was gripping her saddle horn with white knuckles as Buttercup danced around. The horse tossed his head twice, then started off in the direction Charity had galloped.

  “Pull the reins,” he told her.

  Faith tried, but the reins were long and droopy and made no contact with the gelding’s mouth. Buttercup, sensing his rider had no control, was soon trotting after his companion as briskly as his old bones would go.

  “Luke!” Faith screamed.

  Luke loped up easily alongside her. He made no effort to stop her horse, just grinned.

  “Stop him,” she begged.

  She was in no danger of falling, not with him right there to grab her, so he continued riding alongside. “Promise me first.”

  “What?”

  “You’ll share the snack I have in my saddlebag.”

  The old horse suddenly increased its pace, and Faith’s eyes grew as round as saucers. Luke grabbed her reins and brought both mounts to a stop.

  Faith laughed, her eyes sparkling. “I never promised!”

  “Darn it. I know. But, when you really got scared I couldn’t just let him keep going.”

  She smiled. “All right. I’ll admit I am a bit hungry.”

  Luke hid his feeling of good fortune. He’d have to thank Charity for bringing Faith out. Ever since Rachel’s difficult birth, she’d shown a new and friendly interest in the other woman. She was a good ally.

  “How’s that spot look?” he asked, pointing back to where they’d first stood watching the herd. A cool breeze played with his hair and the sky was as blue as he pictured the endless ocean.

  She shrugged. “Looks fine.”

  Luke dismounted first and then helped Faith to the ground. They walked back in companionable silence until they reached the grassy spot. After taking his canteen from the pommel and saddlebags from the saddle, Luke slipped the bridles free from both horses to let them graze.

  “Won’t they run off?” Faith asked.

  “They’re trained to stay put. At least mine is.” He gave her a wink. “If Buttercup decides to run home, I’ll let you ride with me.” He waggled his eyebrows, and Faith laughed.

  Cross-legged on the ground, he waited for her to take a seat. He pretended to be lookin
g around at the contents of his saddlebags, when truthfully his awareness of her was driving him loco. Sitting out here with Faith by his side, under the endless expanse of the sky, just the two of them, felt perfect. His blood fairly hummed through his body, making it difficult to concentrate.

  “Here.” He handed Faith a strip of dried beef. Her expression was one of bewilderment as she looked at the withered morsel. “Go on. It’s good.”

  Taking one himself, he ripped off a healthy portion and chewed with vigor. He smiled. She was trying to get a corner of the tough meet to rip off, but she wasn’t having much success. The harder she tried, the more he chuckled.

  “Give it to me,” he finally said, purposely grazing her fingers with his own. He gripped her jerky with his teeth and ripped off a section, then placed it in her mouth. His fingers lingered a smidgen too long, and he watched as her eyes dilated.

  “Tasty?”

  She nodded, all the while chewing and looking out at the grazing cattle. The sight of her fueled his blood. She was his. Dawn was his. Why couldn’t she see it?

  Taking his canteen, Luke unscrewed the cap and held it out to Faith. “Thirsty?”

  “Yes, I guess I am.”

  She took the canteen and enjoyed a small sip before handing it back. Luke held it to his mouth and took several long gulps, all the while never taking his eyes from hers. He let his gaze drop to her lips and then lower.

  He set the canteen in the grass next to him. Scooting closer to Faith, he tried to read her expression, her mood. As always, she was a mystery. Did she want him as much as he wanted her? Did the sight of him set her blood to coursing?

  He had to know. Without words, he slowly laid her back in the soft, fragrant grass. He pulled free the pins that held her hair and let it flow around her shoulders.

  Chapter Thirty-eight

  LUKE?”

  “Shhh, don’t talk,” he said. “Just let me feel your hair free from its bonds. I’ve been wondering about it for a long time.”

  Faith closed her eyes as he slowly feathered her long hair over her shoulder and ran his fingers through it. Picking up a section he held it to his nose. The lowing of the cattle in the distance could be heard over her breathing. He felt the pulse at the base of her throat with his thumb and stared into her eyes. He saw what he needed to see.

  First he brushed his lips across hers, as if testing their softness. Getting no resistance, he lowered his head, letting his mouth meander slowly over hers, barely moving, reveling in the closeness.

  His hand moved down her side, then back up past the curve of her waist, stopping just below the fullness of her breast. She was strong. Even for just having had a baby, her body was firm and beautiful.

  He waited for her to tell him to stop, to show any sign she didn’t want him to take such intimate familiarities, but she lay by his side, kissing him back. She sighed and pressed her lips more firmly to his, answering his unspoken question.

  “Luke,” she whispered against his lips, “I like lying in the grass with you.”

  He slid his arm around her body and pulled her closer, leaned back and touched her nose with a finger. “You know what I thought when I found you in that wagon, pouring rain all around?”

  “What?”

  “I thought you were a little girl, lost.” He pulled again, and their bodies meshed together as only a man’s and woman’s can. “Not a vixen.”

  It seemed she was having a hard time paying attention to what he was saying. She finally responded, a bit breathlessly. “I’m no vixen, Luke McCutcheon.”

  “Oh, I might argue with that. Every cowhand in the outfit is in love with you.” He cleared his throat. “But, I can’t blame ’em. You’re by far the prettiest woman I’ve ever known. And sweet, too.”

  “Oh, Luke…”

  To his utter amazement, this time she initiated the kiss, gently, sweetly, but with an undercurrent of passion that set his head spinning. Embracing her, he rolled until she was on her back, the high fragrant grass making a wall around them.

  He deepened their kiss until they were both breathing heavily. When he attempted to draw away, to give her some air, she protested and pulled him back, frantic.

  “Faith?” he whispered against her temple. He’d felt the change in her body the moment she tensed. Her deep, dark secret was back building the wall between them. Whatever it was, it wasn’t going away. Her thoughts were elsewhere. He smoothed the hair from her forehead and looked down into her eyes. “Faith. Talk to me, sweetheart.”

  Faith tried to push everything from her mind except the joy of being with Luke, safe and secure in his arms, enjoying the closeness and wonder of him. She wanted to remember every tiny detail: his taste, the way his cheek rubbed against hers, the timbre of his voice when he said her name, the feel of his hands as they ran the length of her body. Her senses fairly hummed with acute awareness of everything around her. She was finally, truly and unbelievably alive.

  But now the world was trying to intrude. She wouldn’t let it. No. She wanted—needed—this memory to keep with her in the years to come. She reached for his hand and placed it between them on the bodice of her dress.

  When he didn’t move, she began releasing the tiny buttons. They ran down the front of her dress, from her chin to her waist. She peeled back the fabric until a thin cotton chemise was the only barrier between them.

  “What’s this about?” he whispered.

  “I want…” She rolled her head to the side where he couldn’t see her face. She didn’t have the nerve to finish her sentence.

  Bending close, he slowly nibbled at her lips, sending fire coursing through her veins. He lightly touched the swell of her breast and said, “Faith, honey, this is very sweet of you but—”

  “It’s the only thing I have to give you, Luke,” she interrupted. “You’ve done—”

  “Hush,” he whispered, as he took her face in his hands and turned it so he could see into her eyes. “Don’t you know I don’t want this unless I can have what’s here?” He tapped softly on both of her temples. “And this, too.” He leaned down and kissed the spot where her heart beat wildly in her chest. “It would mean nothing to me without the rest of you.”

  Luke rolled onto his back, taking Faith along with him, snuggling her into the crook of his arm. He looked up into the blue sky and pointed to a bird flying high on the breeze. “See the hawk?” he asked, all while his fingers were lightly tracing, barely touching, slowly moving back and forth over her heart.

  She ran her hand across his chest in answer, sneaked it inside his shirt. At his intake of breath when she actually touched his skin, she smiled. “I see it.”

  His horse nickered loudly. Lifting his head up above the tall grass, Luke looked around. His mount issued another shrill call, sides heaving and eyes bright, looking to the west. Luke followed his gaze.

  “What is it?” Faith asked.

  Luke looked down at her open bodice and quickly pulled it closed.

  “What?” Faith asked again, her voice an octave higher. She struggled against Luke, trying to see.

  “Rider. Coming this way. Looks like Roady.”

  Faith pushed Luke’s hands aside and, with flying fingers, began doing up all the tiny buttons of her dress.

  Luke took another quick peek. Roady had stopped. He sat halfway down the draw, studying their two horses grazing peacefully side by side. Without a word he reined his horse around and loped back in the direction he’d come.

  “He’s gone,” Luke said, pulling Faith to her feet. With her hand in his, they walked through the tall grass to the edge of the bluff atop the rim rock. “Careful now, darlin’, don’t slip,” he cautioned.

  To his delight and amazement, Faith wrapped her arms around his middle and hugged him tight, her face buried in his chest. In return, he circled her in his arms and stroked her hair. They stood that way for a long time, looking out over the herd, him just enjoying the feel of her. It was a perfect day—a day that could turn into thousand
s just like it if she’d consent to becoming his wife.

  He kissed the top of her head, which was warm from the sun. Her hair sparkled with golden and amber highlights as it moved in the breeze. “Are you happy?” he asked.

  “Yes,” she said.

  But her sorrow was so deep it couldn’t be hidden. With his hands, he tilted her face up so he could look into her eyes. “You don’t sound too happy.”

  “I am,” she insisted breathlessly. “How couldn’t I be?”

  Not knowing what else to say, he said, “I’m glad.”

  Faith turned in Luke’s arms to look out over the valley. Please God, not now. The day had been too sweet, too good, something she’d remember forever. But…Don’t let him ask me to stay.

  “Faith,” he said, bending to whisper in her ear. “We belong together. I feel it as sure as I see that herd out there under God’s blue sky. And I know you feel it, too.”

  Feel it? She lived it, breathed it, and it would kill her when she left. What could she say to deny feelings that were written so clearly in her heart?

  “Faith?”

  Pulling herself from his protective embrace, she turned and walked back toward the horses. Within moments, he had her by the shoulder and turned around. His face was angry with frustration. His injured eye, a dark purplish brown made her heart constrict.

  “For God’s sake, Faith,” he gritted out, “you’re not going to start that nonsense again about working in Priest’s Crossing. I can’t believe that after today. I just can’t.” When she didn’t say anything, he went on. “If you’re waiting for the right words…then you may be waiting an awful long time. My words, they just come out plain and simple. Just like me.”

  “Luke.” She steeled herself against her longings and looked him in the face. “I want to work. I want to be on my own. How many times…” She almost choked. “How many times do I have to tell you before you accept it?” She looked away. “I don’t want you.” She glanced back, but his stunned expression was just too much. She turned away so she couldn’t see his face.