Sweetwater (Birdsong Series)

by Addy, Alice

  Blake rushed to her side and put his strong arms around her, pulling her close to his chest. “Now don’t start beating yourself up for being human. You’ve suffered a great deal and there’s enough guilt in this town for every one of us to take a share. I love you, Emily Falkenrath, and it is said I have excellent taste.”

  She smiled. “You are too good for me, you know.”

  “Ha! I’ll remind you of that statement when we’ve been together for a good long time and see if you still believe it. Now, would you do me the honor and sit with me for a spell?”

  “Surely, Doc.”

  Dora spoke up, “Cup of coffee or tea, sweetie?”

  “Milk, I think. My stomach is not too reliable, today.”

  “Comin’ up,” Dora said. “By the by, that grinding noise you hear is Whiskey snorin’ to beat the band. He stayed up all night guardin’ the doors, but he’s not a young man anymore. Couldn’t make it through breakfast before he was noddin’ off. Bless his old bald head,” she said lovingly.

  All to soon, everyone had to get back to work and Emily waited to be summoned by Mr. Jenkins.

  When the time came, she didn’t want to bother her friends, and Blake was attending to a broken wrist, so as twilight approached on that blustery evening, she stood alone at her brother’s graveside to say her final goodbyes. Mr. Jenkins had chosen the spot for Dusty’s grave, very well, she thought. It was on higher ground and under the shade of a large tree, now resplendent in its scarlet fall foliage. Her heart was breaking for all the wasted years and all the opportunities squandered. She would never again, forget the sacrifices her older brother had made for her.

  “Dusty, I’m sorry it ended like this. I wish we had many years to get reacquainted. Thank you for saving my life. Thank you for being my brother. I love you.”

  A strong hand squeezed hers, and she turned to see Blake, tears filling his eyes and a gentle smile on his lips. “That was well said, my love. Let’s go back, now.”

  She nodded, turned around, and was startled to see all of her friends, even Cassie, gathered at the bottom of the hill. They had come for her sake, and they had allowed her the privacy she needed to say goodbye. It was gratifying to see them all, her family—and they were her family, in the truest sense of the word. Her face lit up, and for the first time in more than twenty-four hours, she smiled, knowing that things would get better.

  “Thank you, all,” she said, as she took Blake’s arm and allowed him to escort her back to the hotel, followed closely by the small entourage, walking two by two.

  Emily decided she was going to be all right. She was strong-willed and had a purpose to her life. It was important that she lend her support to Cassie, just now. Dora and Patty needed her help with the hotel and Blake needed her for other things, just as she needed him. Dusty was at peace—probably for the very first time in his short life—and Lucas was still out there, waiting for an opportunity to hurt her. She had to remain busy and stay alert.

  * * *

  Everyone heard the lonesome train whistle blow at the one-mile trestle. They all sat motionless, watching to see what Cassie was going to do. Her head jerked up at the sound, and her breath escaped her small body. It was time. Slowly she rose, and brushed the wrinkles from her skirt. She patted her curls, making certain she looked presentable. Adam’s brother would be on that train to take him home, and she wanted his approval. With her little black bonnet and shawl in place, she was ready. Forcing her shoulders back, she held her head high, and with great determination, she walked through the front doors, followed closely by Dora, Emily, and Patty.

  Once again the whistle blew, announcing the train’s arrival. Mr. Jenkins had his finest, black draped wagon waiting at the depot. Riding in from the opposite end of the street, was a column of finely dressed soldiers from Fort Hays—friends and officers of Corporal Adam Breyer.

  The little group from the hotel slowed their pace, as they drew nearer. Cassie was starting to falter, her courage began to wane, that is, until she saw the tall, black-haired man, with the warmest eyes, step down from the train. He looked about the crowd, and when spying her, his face lit up and he smiled Adam’s smile. Cassie’s heart twisted in her chest, as she almost collapsed in Blake’s waiting arms.

  The man ran up to her, immediately. “Oh, my dear. I’m terribly sorry. I know I must be a shock to you. We do share a resemblance. You’re Miss Cassie Miller, yes?”

  Cassie nodded. “You’re Adam’s brother?”

  He reached for her delicate gloved hand and held her fingertips to his lips. “Yes. I’m Benjamin Jason Breyer. I know much about you, Cassie, and you’re every bit as beautiful as he said you were. Adam wrote more than a few letters describing your many virtues. You made him extremely happy, and for that I am eternally grateful.”

  Holding out his hand, Blake introduced himself. “I’m Dr. Blake Donovan. I wired you. Do you have any questions, sir?”

  “Hello, doctor. I do have some questions, but I dare not ask them in front of the women. May I take you aside?”

  “Certainly.”

  The two men walked amiably together, until out of hearing range. There, they conversed and Blake described the crime scene the best he could. “What he did was extremely brave and he did it to save the woman I love. I can never repay that debt.” Blake’s face was deeply etched with the pain and exhaustion of the last few days. His eyes reflected his pain, but also his gratitude.

  “Dr. Donovan, Adam was meant to do just what he did. From the time he was a young boy, he came to the rescue of small animals, young children, and even lovely damsels in distress. Once, when he was seven, he tried to rescue an older lady of thirteen,” he smiled at the memory. “Of course, he failed, losing a tooth in the process, but he was proud of his efforts. He’s always been a hero. I guess he was just born that way.” He smiled wistfully, remembering his little brother fighting off a large dog to protect a small kitten or an injured bird.

  Shaking his head, trying to clear his mind, he asked, “How is Miss Miller holding up? Adam was planning on asking her to marry him. Did you know that?”

  Blake nodded. “Yes, I knew. That very night, he proposed marriage. Cassie was thrilled. She is very much in love with your brother . . . still. She’s taken it hard, but she’ll come around eventually. These women are strong and they’ll survive.”

  Tears formed in Mr. Breyer’s eyes. “I so regret meeting her under these circumstances. Adam deserved to be happy and I know she would have made him so. Now . . . I think it is time I get back to the others. Thank you for telling me what happened, Dr. Donovan.”

  The two men walked back to the train, where the military column was slowly removing Adam’s casket from the wagon, with much pomp and ceremony. Several of the men were openly weeping. It was quite obvious that these were personal friends of the corporal.

  His brother walked over to the draped casket and laid his hands upon the lid. He bent his head close and spoke words for his brother’s ears, only. Then standing, slowly, he followed the body onto the train.

  A few minutes later, he once again stepped down from the car, after having seen to the securing of the casket, and walked directly over to Cassie. He needed to tell her something.

  “Benjamin,” Cassie said softly. “I need to return this to you. Adam told me that all the men in your family wear a ring, such as this.” She reached up and untied a delicate pink ribbon from around her neck. As she pulled it up through her blouse, he saw the glint of gold, suspended from it. It was their family signet ring—Adam’s ring.

  Cassie held it out to him, noticing it was the exact match for the one that he wore on his little finger.

  A lump formed in the man’s throat, as tears cascaded unashamedly, down his face. When he could speak, he gently touched the ring, as if a part of Adam was still a part of it, then he looked through sorrowful eyes at the beautiful young woman, so bravely standing before him.

  He reached out and took Cassie’s hand and curled her fingers
around the ring in a tight clasp. “Adam gave his ring to you, Cassie. He wanted you to have it, and so much more. I would consider it an honor if you would keep it and cherish it. It belongs to you, my dear.”

  The two people fell into a tearful embrace, holding onto one another for strength and comfort. For several minutes they said nothing, but took solace in the presence of the other.

  The train blew its whistle. It was time to depart. Everyone said his last goodbye and Mr. Benjamin Justin Breyer stepped aboard the train for the final time, to escort his brother home. With a powerful jolt and a loud burst of steam, the train pulled slowly away from the station. The soldiers mounted their horses and saluted their fallen comrade. The townspeople that had gathered to see the young man off, slowly dispersed. Only the Birdsong staff remained in the street. They watched until the train disappeared from view.

  Then, as they wandered back to the hotel, Cassie stopped and gasped. “I didn’t tell Mr. Breyer how much I loved Adam.”

  Blake put his arm around her small shoulders, “He knows, Cassie. He knows.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  The days that followed were difficult for everyone at the Birdsong, and Blake was exhausted. He doctored the injured and the sick during the day, and then, after the women had retired for the night, he would leave the hotel and try to pick up information on Lucas. He was certain he had wounded the man just before he made his getaway.

  Emily worked extra long hours in her gardens and lawn, but she was always under the constant watch of Whiskey or Dora or Blake. The season had changed and she had made certain everything was as neat and as tidy as possible. She lovingly planted fall bulbs and lifted plants in preparation for spring. Not one blade of grass was out of place.

  When there was nothing more to do in the yard, she washed windows, cleaned outdoor furniture, and repaired the picket fencing. Dora just about had a heart attack when she accidentally discovered Emily up on the roof, removing a bird’s nest from the chimney.

  Cassie was a mere shadow of her former self. She almost never smiled, but she didn’t cry, either. She was surviving—but just barely. Blake figured she needed something to care about, and he knew the perfect solution.

  “Cassie, dear, could you come into the kitchen?” Dora hollered up the stairs. She crossed her fingers, hoping that Dr. Donovan’s plan would work.

  Cassie came through the door, just as expected. She was always willing to lend a hand, whenever needed. “Did you need something, Dora?”

  At that moment, a movement from behind the warm stove caught her eye. “What was that?” she shrieked, as she jumped back. It could have been a rat. It was then she noticed that the kitchen was filled with all her friends and they were giggling and smiling as if they had no sense at all.

  Blake got on his knees and reached behind the stove, pulling a silky, but very reluctant little puppy out for her inspection. “This little guy needs someone to care for him, Cassie, and no one is inclined to help him. You’re my last hope. Could you find the time to feed him and give him the love he needs? He’s had a pretty hard time of it. When I found him, he was nothing but bones, but he’s healthy enough now. He just needs a home.”

  Cassie stared at the precious little bundle. His eyes were huge and his coat was curly and black with a white tip on the end of his tail. She really didn’t know if she could care for a puppy. She’d never had one before.

  Cassie decided she could not get involved. “I’m sorry, Doc, but . . .”

  Just then, the little pup whimpered the saddest and most pathetic cry anyone could imagine. He whimpered over and over again and looked directly to Cassie for help. Now and then, his tail gave the slightest wag.

  “Fine! Fine. I’ll take him,” she grumbled, “but I don’t know a thing about dogs. I don’t know how come I have to care for him. You all are no busier than I am . . . He is kind of sweet though . . . in a sort of pathetic way . . . and I think you’re holding him wrong, Doc. That’s probably his trouble. Dora, will you get him a saucer of milk? You should probably heat it some. Oh, and Emily, he’s going to need his own place to do his business. You pick the spot and then, maybe you can fence it off or something? Patty, he needs some bedding. I will not allow a dog to share my bed. Mercy boocoo, everyone.”

  “You’re welcome, Cassie,” Patty giggled.

  “I might as well get started now. I don’t know how I get stuck with all the jobs nobody else wants. It’s not fair, I tell you. I suppose he doesn’t have a name, either. You expect me to name him too? Ha! Of course you do. I have to take care of everything.

  “Hand him over, Doc,” Cassie said, as she gently removed the puppy from Blake’s arms and nuzzled his small floppy ears against her cheek. As she headed back through the doors, she talked constantly . . . giving orders to anyone who would listen.

  As soon as she had disappeared, everyone felt like shouting, but stifled their excitement. They all agreed that this was the most she had spoken since Adam was killed, and she seemed to truly care for the little orphaned creature.

  Emily smiled at Blake, thinking he was the smartest and kindest man in the world. “That’s my puppy,” she whispered. “The one I rescued that horrible night. When did you take him?”

  “I went back looking for Lucas and found the little guy was still in the shack, back in the corner, quivering and shaking from fear and hunger. I brought him home with me. I thought about gifting him to you, but then I realized you have me and Cassie has no one to care for. You don’t mind, do you?”

  Emily smiled. “Come here. I’ll show you how much I mind.”

  Blake leaned over and Emily wrapped her long and lovely arms around his neck and proceeded to kiss his eyes, his cheeks, the tip of his chin, and settled on his firm lips. She drank him in, her tongue searching for a way to enter the warmth of his mouth. A small breach formed and she slipped in.

  Everyone had silently vacated the kitchen, leaving Emily and Blake to themselves. He allowed his hands to roam up and down her back, stroking her feminine curves with his fingers. Her breasts pressed up tightly against his chest and her hips fit snugly against his own. Blake took command of the kiss, while being uncommonly gentle.

  Emily moaned softly, expressing her need for something more. Her sounds of passion were almost his undoing. Blake wanted to be a gentleman, but she was his obsession and she was bringing him perilously close to the edge of no return.

  “Darling,” he whispered hoarsely, his voice trembling with need, “ we have to slow down. I must step back a moment or I may not be able to stop myself.”

  “I don’t want you to stop. I want you to make love to me. I’m a woman, Blake, and I need you.”

  God, . . . he knew she was a woman. That was just the problem. “All right, sweetheart. Step over by the pantry,” he said softly.

  Looking around the darkened room, Blake made certain that they would not likely be intruded upon. Still, he needed to be swift. With Emily up against the corner, he placed his hand just under the hem of her skirts. “I’m going to bring you pleasure, my darling. Close your eyes and enjoy it.”

  In only a few minutes, his hand, wet with her desire, brought Emily to the precipice and forced her over the edge. Trembling with every spasm, he knew she was experiencing pure erotic satisfaction. Slowly, her quaking subsided and a smile settled on her lips. When she opened her eyes, it was obvious that she was still reveling in the afterglow of her sexual fulfillment.

  Blake’s own body, however, was in agony. Never had he been harder or in more need of having his woman beneath him. He knew it would be a long and sleepless night.

  “Blake?” Emily whispered. “I can touch you like I did before.”

  “No, darling. This is something that I must take care of.”

  “I could kiss you,” she offered.

  Laughter escaped his throat. “That’s all I need, Emmie.” He had to catch his breath. Being so close to her and smelling her slight, musky fragrance, was overwhelming for him.

  “W
hat I need Emmie, is for you to say you’ll marry me. That would solve all my problems and I’m certain it would please you, as well. You know, angel, what we’ve done here is such a very small part of what we could be enjoying every night. I can show you so much more. You’ve no idea the ecstasy we could reach, together.”

  “Yes.”

  “No, I don’t think you do,” he insisted.

  “Yes, Blake.”

  “Ha. You are a stubborn woman, Emmie.”

  “And I believe you are deaf, darling. I am saying yes to your proposal, Blake. But of course, we will want to wait a respectable amount of time—for Cassie’s sake.”

  Blake was speechless. He simply stood there, with his arms at his side and his mouth hanging half open, looking stunned.

  “You could catch flies, if you’re not careful,” Emily laughed. “Say something, darling.”

  “I can’t believe it. Oh Emmie, I swear you’ll not be sorry. You’ve made me the happiest man in the world. Emmie, sweetheart, . . . thank you. Thank you so much!”

  “About my farm . . . ”

  “Oh yeah, about your farm. I’m real sorry you lost the one you had your eye on, but like I said before, I used to have one.”

  “Used to?” Emmie muttered.

  “Yes, angel. I had no real use for it, so I recently gave it away.”

  It was Emily’s turn to look shocked and dumbfounded. “You simply gave it away? A farm? How could you have done something so foolish? If I had a farm, I’d live there ‘til I died.”

  Blake could barely contain his laughter, seeing her so wide eyed at his announcement. But it was cruel to let her get so distressed over nothing. “Yes, I didn’t want it any more, so I gave it away to a very pretty lady.”

  “What?” Emily was not only bewildered by Blake’s actions, but if she had heard correctly, he had given the gift of a farm to another woman. She took a firm stand, with her hands on her hips, and waited for an explanation. “Who? And this had better be good, Doc,” she huffed.