Straight From The Heart

by Janelle Taylor

  Dorry leaned back and looked into his face. She stroked his jawline, darkening with stubble since his shave last evening. He was so handsome and his gaze so entreating that it always stole her breath when she watched and touched him. How lucky she was to have met this special man; she would be luckier still if she were given a fresh start with him. As her fingers brushed over his parted lips, she said, “I wish a blizzard would lock you in with me forever, and no one would trespass on our land.”

  Luke captured the mischievous fingers and pressed kisses to their tips. He wanted to lift her in his arms, carry her to the bed, and make love to her again. Even if he did, it wouldn’t be enough. He desired her more often than food, water, or air. But he could not ignore the danger surrounding them; he should stay on guard during the daylight. “So do I.”

  Two days later, Luke said he was going to hunt before the threatened snowstorm arrived. While he was gone, Dorry busied herself with chores.

  By late afternoon, she was concerned when Luke hadn’t returned. She went to each window in turn and stared outside. Snow-burdened limbs displayed icicles of various sizes. White flakes were falling and getting thicker by the hour on the already covered ground. She heard wind whistle through the valley and saw it shake trees near the house. She heard wolves howling, but they usually remained in the forest. A growing haze allowed little light to brighten the surroundings, so visibility was limited. As dusk approached, the dimness increased.

  Dorry felt anxious. She prayed an accident hadn’t befallen her lover, because he’d be helpless against bad weather and wild animals. It was too late to saddle her horse and go search for him; darkness and snow soon would conceal his trail. He hadn’t even mentioned which direction he was taking when he left this morning. All she could do was wait and worry and pray.

  Then she heard the sounds of his horse’s ragged breathing and trudging hooves. She rushed to the door and opened it. She almost slipped on the porch ice as she hurried to the corner to peer toward the barn. Luke was putting away his horse after laying several rabbits on the frozen earth. She shivered, and her teeth chattered, but she refused to go inside until she saw him. She watched Luke retrieve the rabbits and join her.

  “Get inside, woman; it’s freezin’ out here. Porch’s slippery as grease; you could fall and break a leg.” Luke grasped her arm and guided her into the house, then bolted the door. He released his snug hold to place the rabbits on the work counter. “These shutters should be closed by now. I’ll go tend them. You get by that fire and get warmed.”

  Luke rounded the house as he closed exterior shutters to keep out the cold. Afterward, he bolted the door and the inside shutters before he removed his coat, gloves, and wool scarf. As he took off each one, Dorry hung them on sturdy wooden pegs and stuffed the gloves in a coat pocket. He tried to do the task himself, but she insisted on helping, making it impossible to conceal the clue that she soon discovered.

  “What’s this?” Dorry asked as her finger toyed with a hole in the sleeve of the jacket. She fused her alarmed gaze to his lowered one as she added, “Don’t tell me a limb snagged it. I know a bullet hole when I see one. What happened out there? What took you so long to come home?”

  “Some hunter probably mistook me for a buck.”

  “Did you fire a shot to let him know he was wrong?”

  “Yep, right over his head, and he took off like a scared rabbit.”

  “It was one of William Cleary’s men, wasn’t it? He was shooting at you on purpose. Cleary knows you’re here, doesn’t he?”

  “Don’t go gettin’ worked up, Dorry. I’m safe. No wounds. We don’t know he was aimin’ for me, and we don’t know if Cleary’s seen me around. I’ve hidden ever’ time he came to see you, and my horse ain’t in sight.”

  She sensed he was worried about the land grabber getting bold. “You don’t believe that for a minute, and neither do I. You’re in danger.”

  “I’ve been in danger for almost a year, woman. One more threat don’t mean much to me. I won’t let Cleary harm us. I can shoot better ’n all his men put in a stack. So can you. ’Sides, he can’t do nothin’ in this storm.”

  “Even so, we’d better stay alert. Supper’s ready, and I’m sure you are, too. Let’s get you warm and fed, then talk. I’ll mend your jacket later. Hot coffee sound tempting while you unstiffen those muscles?”

  “Sure does. Maybe we can do some readin’,” he suggested with hopes it would distract her from this new trouble. “I’ll keep us safe.”

  Dorry knew he would try, but his prowess and confidence might not be enough against a determined man like William Cleary. Bill hadn’t wanted or needed to harm her, not yet. But it was different for her lover and protector. Whatever it took, she had to keep Luke James safe and alive.

  Two weeks later, Luke insisted on going hunting again. “We need fresh meat, woman. We can’t eat salted-and-dried meat any longer. We can’t live off of eggs and biscuits and gravy. And we can’t butcher them steers or cook them hens; you’ll need ’em later. We can’t be prisoners here, Dorry. Cleary ain’t tried nothin’, so maybe that shootin’ was an accident.”

  “And maybe he’s just letting us get confident before he strikes again. I don’t trust him, Luke. Please don’t go. We can eat anything until it’s safe.”

  “When will it be safe to hunt, Dorry? Winter’s the hardest time to hunt if your prey is a man. Spring thaw’s gonna help him more ’n us. A big buck or mule deer would give us plenty of meat for a while.”

  “I should go with you. Cleary’s men won’t—”

  “Who’ll guard your home? If it’s gone, you’d hafta change your mind about leavin’ or marryin’ him; ever thought of it that way?”

  Dorry was shocked and panicked. “He wouldn’t dare burn me out!”

  “Wouldn’t he to get what he wants? Stay here. Stay armed.”

  “I can’t argue with your words, Luke. Be extra careful.”

  “I will. Dorry . . .”

  She noted the expression in his brown eyes and the way he ruffled his sable hair. “What is it?”

  “Leave if you hafta, but don’t marry that snake for any reason.”

  “I promise I won’t. Maybe I should sell to him and leave with you.”

  “I wish you could. But it ain’t safe, and I can’t make you hunted like me. Long as that reward’s on my head, bounty hunters’ll be lookin’ for me. I can’t let you catch a stray bullet with my name on it. Maybe in a few years I can return from Canada and we can . . . if John don’t come back.”

  “Perhaps I should go to Bismarck and ask the authorities to get me facts. I could if you’d stay with the animals; then we’d know for sure.”

  “I can’t make that promise. If the law or them flesh hunters came, I’d hafta take off. We’ll talk later; light’s awastin’. See you by dark.”

  After midday, Dorry Sims was stunned to see William Cleary riding up to her house. He was alone. He was grinning and whistling and gazing about the land he craved. She wondered if he knew Luke was gone. She donned her coat, gloves, and scarf to meet him outside, since she didn’t want to invite him—neighbor or not—into her home. Besides, she fretted, clues to Luke’s presence were lying around and might be noticed.

  The gray-haired man dismounted and joined Dorry at the steps. His piercing slate eyes made a slow journey over her body and settled on her face. “Good morning, Miss Dorry. I wanted to see if there was anything you needed or wanted before I send my men downriver for supplies.”

  She wondered why he persisted in addressing her as “miss” when she was a married woman. To hurry his visit and to avoid more problems, she didn’t correct him this time. “Good morning, Mr. Cleary. That’s very kind of you, but I have all I need.”

  “Surely those supplies I brought you at Christmas have run low by now. It’s no bother, and I won’t charge you. John can settle up with me when he returns. Have you heard from him yet?”

  Dorry refused to break their locked gazes and expose any
weakness or fear before this man. “No.”

  “Perhaps we’ll have a reply to my query about him by spring thaw.”

  “I hope so. I’m sure something important is delaying him.”

  The fifty-year-old rancher lazed against a porch post. “I fear it’s more than difficult business or a minor accident, Miss Dorry, to keep him away this long. If such were true, he would have sent word to halt your worries. I wish you would come to my ranch and remain there until he or word arrives. The boys will guard your place and tend your animals.”

  “That’s a kind offer, sir, but I—”

  “If your husband has met his fate, my dear lady, my offer to purchase your property still stands. However, my offer of marriage is the one I hope you’ll accept. I’ve been a widower much too long. I can take care of you and provide for all your needs if you’ll marry me.”

  Dorry frowned at him. “It isn’t proper to propose to a married woman, sir. I’ve—”

  “It’s less proper for one to be living here with a stranger, Miss Dorry. I’m sure John would be upset to learn that fact. Surely you didn’t hire a drifter; that’s unwise and dangerous.”

  “How do you know I have a hired man?”

  “Our properties aren’t that far apart, my dear lady. I and the boys have seen him around doing chores and hunting.”

  “What were any of you doing on my land?”

  “Does that mean strangers are welcome but neighbors are not?”

  “Of course not, but it sounds more like spying to me.”

  “Concern for your safety and comfort, Dorry dear, nothing more. I had hoped he wouldn’t stay long but I can see he has. My advice is to tell him it’s time to move on.”

  “I appreciate your . . . concern, but I’m perfectly safe.”

  “I hope you remain so. If anything frightens you, please come to me. My boys will encourage him to move on if he gives you trouble. Now, are you certain, with two mouths to feed, you need no supplies?”

  “Nothing, sir, but thank you.”

  “I’ll check on you again in a few weeks. Goodbye, Dorry. Remember, I’m close by if you need or want anything.”

  “Thank you again, sir, but it isn’t necessary.”

  “Please, dear lady, don’t call me sir. Bill, please.”

  “Good-bye, Bill,” she complied to be rid of him. She didn’t like the way his ravenous gaze feasted on her from head to foot. She didn’t like his slick talk. She didn’t like or trust him.

  “Until I see you again.” William Cleary mounted, smiled, nodded his head, and left, again whistling a merry tune.

  Dorry watched his departure until he was out of sight. He knew from spying that Luke was there! He had known for a long time! Perhaps his visit was an alibi for—her fair complexion paled even more as she worried that Cleary’s men might be ambushing her lover even now. She rushed inside and changed into better clothing for her task: breeches, wool shirt, heavy boots, wool socks, long johns, her thickest coat, wool scarf and hat, and leather riding gloves.

  Using caution on the slippery ground, Dorry hurried to the corral to put away the stock. Ice crunched under her boots, and she glanced at the familiar haze over the landscape, which told her the heavens were making fresh snow. In response to her urgent proddings, the three steers ambled into a large stall they shared. The two milk cows were in separate ones. She made certain they had water and hay, in case the weather prevented her from coming to tend them later. She knew the chickens were fine, so it wasn’t necessary to check on them. After saddling her horse, she walked him from the barn and bolted it against cold and predators. She mounted, checked her weapons, and headed out to search for Luke James.

  The sun was out today, so the ice and snow were melting a little, only to freeze again in the bitter cold. When she exhaled, her breath came forth in smoke puffs. She heard the suction her mare’s hooves made with each step. She saw the trail Luke had taken, because his tracks were distinct holes in the crusty snow. She prayed once more for his safety.

  Time passed, and she didn’t catch up with Luke; nor did she find him dead. She shivered, and her teeth chattered. The sun had vanished behind ominous clouds. The temperature was dropping rapidly. She had to get home and out of this frigid air before darkness came. If Luke failed to return tonight, she decided, she’d search again at dawn.

  The ground was freezing again, and she heard the crunch of the snow beneath her mount’s hooves. The wind was frigid and numbing. It took her longer to return by backtracking than she had imagined, but she finally made it. She dismounted, unsaddled her horse, and put away her gear. Before going inside, she checked on her animals. Her footsteps and labored breathing were loud in the almost eerie silence of the sheltered valley. She sighed with relief when she was inside, with the doors and shutters locked. She leaned against the wall, closed her eyes, and was thankful to be home safe. She only wished Luke were here with her.

  Dorry reminded herself that the weather was unpredictable this month, and travel over snow-covered landscape was hazardous and slow. She also reminded herself how skilled and smart Luke was. Still, she fretted. What if she’d spent her last night in his arms? In his life? What if Cleary’s men or bounty hunters had killed him? What if she never saw him again? No, she must not think that awful way! Her ancestor had not given up in the face of despair; the book her mother had passed on to her said so. Her ancestor had found a way to surmount impossible odds, so she must do the same. Nothing and no one would be allowed to destroy her; she must remain strong, proud, hopeful, and cunning.

  It wasn’t long before Dorry heard noises. She rushed to the door, pressed her ear to it, and strained to listen. She dared not open it and allow possible peril to enter. She couldn’t unlatch shutters and peer out because the exterior ones were fastened. Time passed as she wondered who or what was out there. She squealed and jumped when somebody knocked on the door.

  “It’s me, Dorry!”

  Dorry unbolted the door and opened it. She flung herself against him and hugged him. “I was so scared and worried,” she murmured.

  Luke embraced her for a minute before he backed them inside, closed the door with his foot, and replied in a hoarse voice, “I’m fine, woman. I shot a nice buck and hung him out of any wolf’s or bear’s reach. He’ll freeze fast and stay fresh. Sorry it took so long. I had to discourage some wolves from stealin’ him while I was skinnin’ and guttin’ him.”

  “Was there any trouble?” she asked as she helped him out of his jacket and hung it on the peg.

  He grinned and teased, “I just told you what happened.”

  “I meant, with Cleary’s men. He came by today,” she began and related the incident, her panic, and her actions.

  Luke removed his gloves, hat, and scarf. “I told you to stay put, woman. That was dangerous. Game seems low for some crazy reason, and those wolves and bears are gettin’ hungry and bold. Might be best if we stay close to the house and keep the critters penned up awhile. In a few weeks, game should return.”

  Dorry followed him to the chair before the fire, where he sat down to doff his wet boots. “Do you think they’ll try to break into the barns?”

  “Might try, but those barns are sturdy. Your animals are safe. But I’ll check for any weak spots tomorrow. Repair any I find.”

  Dorry set the boots on the hearth to dry and faced him. “What are we going to do about Cleary?”

  “Nothing we can do yet. That tells me why I felt eyes on me all day. Figured it was those wolves, but I guess it was more like the two-legged kind. They didn’t try nothin’. See, no new holes.”

  “Don’t joke about something serious, Luke. He tried to appear calm and polite, but I could sense evil coming from him. I don’t want you to leave, but if you must go to stay safe, please do.”

  The desperado pulled her into his lap. “You tired of me already?”

  Dorry cuddled against his hard chest and stroked his icy cheek. “You know I’m not and never will be. I love you and need you.
I—”

  “No more sad talk, woman.” His lips roamed her face, a soft terrain he had learned well since their meeting in early October of last year. His fingers wandered into her red tresses and warmed themselves. She was a perfect fit in his arms and life. He loved her and wanted her with all of his being. It pained him to know how short time was for them. When April came, he had to leave, leave so she’d be safe from the men pursuing him. Yet, how could he leave her in peril? If only he could prove his innocence . . .

  Dorry unbuttoned his shirt and pressed kisses to his chest. She wound sable hairs around her fingers and made tiny curls. She peeled the garment off his broad shoulders with his assistance. She spread kisses on the bronze surface, tanned deep from years of working shirtless beneath countless desert suns, so dark that even months of winter hadn’t faded it much. She trailed her fingers over that firm territory and reveled in exploration. He was sleek and hard and smooth. Touching him aroused her to a desire hotter than the flames in the fireplace. She removed her dress and tossed it on the floor; numerous nights in his arms had erased her modesty just as she erased the slate after their writing lessons.

  Accepting the heady inducement, Luke rose with her in his arms and walked to the bed. There, he removed her chemise and undergarments, then discarded the rest of his clothes. He gazed into her expressive blue eyes and said, “I love you, Dorry Sims, and I need you, too.” He covered their naked bodies with the quilt she had made and covered her parted lips with his. Supper could wait; this was the nourishment he needed . . .

  March tenth came, and so did William Cleary. Luke was out hunting again. A glorious month had passed since her neighbor had shown his wrinkled face at her home—weeks of relaxing, sharing passion, reading and writing lessons, and peace. Dorry hated for their reprieve to end as she went to see what the gray-haired man wanted.

  “Lovely day, Miss Dorry. Spring will be here soon. You’re looking as lovely and sunny as always.”