Echoes of the Heart

by Webb, Carole

  Cash paced Rabbit making good progress back to town. He grew tenser the closer he became. Snow fell just as he reached the outskirts, swirling in a white vortex adhering to everything in its path. He jumped off his horse and walked in to the office to check in with John. He entered to find no one inside.

  While he poured coffee, procrastinating the inevitable meeting with Raeden, John walked in brushing snow from his heavy leather duster. He stomped snow from his boots. “Well, I guess you have finally decided to come back to work.”

  Cash glared up from his coffee and said nothing. John voice became animated.

  “Rae is really something.” His statement drew Cash’s undivided attention. “You know the little orphan girl, Janice or Jenny…well you know who I’m talking about, the neglected one staying with the Simpson’s?”

  Agitation sounded in Cash’s voice. “Yeah, I know who you mean. Is there a point to this story?”

  “Well, Rae made some dresses, cleaned her up, fixed her hair then brought her to church on Sunday and guess what?

  “Why don’t you tell me?”

  Admiration glowed in John’s eyes. “The Anderson’s decided to take her home permanently. What do you think?”

  Cash’s tone became almost a question. “Yes, she’s really something.”

  He grabbed a soft cloth and wiped down the rifle he carried, replaced it in the cabinet. Ignoring the mail on his desk, he put on his own long leather duster and rode to see Raeden. Could he swallow his pride? Maybe, maybe not. Hell.

  Going inside, he did not see Raeden. Could be she is at the hotel? “Hi, Diane, where is Rae? I see she is not sewing as usual.” A cold sweat formed on his brow. He could almost taste the crow he would be eating. He suddenly felt sick.

  Diane looked at him strangely. “Are you okay, Cash? You look like you don’t feel well.”

  Cash lied. “I feel fine.”

  “Rae’s not here. She’s been home for a few days. She’ll return tomorrow. Can I help you with something?”

  “No, I just wanted to ask her a question. It can wait.” No, it could not, in his state he would not live until tomorrow.

  Snow swirled from dark heavens, frozen dust devils covering the streets with a winter white blanket. Though still a bit early for such severe weather, it happened some years.

  Sadie met him at the door, appearing frantic. Something has happened to Raeden. Had she taken ill? He had after all, dragged her in the night air and disrobed her in the cold stall.

  He tried to keep his panic from showing on his face. He wasn’t sure he succeeded. “Sadie, what’s wrong?”

  “Cash, it’s Rae.” He placed a hand on her shoulder looking her straight in the eyes. “Nick said she went riding. She’s not back yet. He’s going out now to find her.” She started sobbing. “She might die out there.”

  “Don’t worry, Sadie, I’ll find her.” He knew he would find her. Would he make it in time?

  With no time to lose, he rode to the barn to find Nick saddling his horse. “Hey, Nick, do you know which way she headed?”

  Nick looked surprised when he turned to face him. “Cash, I’m sure glad you’re here. She rode out this morning headed north toward the Black Hills. I called out but she couldn’t hear me.” He continued to tighten the cinch strap. “I figured she would just make it a short ride and come back before the weather broke. I’m going out now to search.”

  Cash spoke with authority. “Nick, I’ll go find her, you go tell Diane and Mike. I’ll bring her back and you all can give her the scolding she deserves, after me of course.” Not allowing emotion to distract him, he mounted, ready to ride.

  “Wait, Cash, Sadie packed some food for me. Take this with you.” Cash grasped the pouch and rode into the storm.

  ***

  Arte forged ahead through the blizzard until they reached the old farmhouse, a welcome sight in the midst of the flurry. Hope surged through Raeden. They had made it. She slid down and sank to her knees in the snow. With great effort, she struggled to the barn and began shoving snow away from the door. Her hands felt frozen and awkward. She continued the task while a feeling of doom washed over her.

  The decrepit door hanging on loose hinges would not swing open. She felt so cold and sleepy. Grabbing lower for better advantage she yanked harder, fighting, it did not budge. Once more, will it move? Gripping harder and using her knees for leverage, her hands slipped and flew off the ice-covered boards. She fell to the ground making a deep hole where she landed.

  Maybe I can get Arte inside the house. She attempted to stand and her knees buckled. She just needed to rest. I will just lay here a moment. Arte nuzzled her face, nickered softly while her brain got hazy and visions of her childhood ran through her mind’s eye.

  ***

  Raeden felt the sensation of floating, a vision of Cash staring down into her face his brows drawn together, and the warmth of his breath forming white gusts each time he exhaled. I must be dreaming. Her gloved hand reached to his face and brushed his cheek.

  Warmth, blessed warmth. Her skin burned while Cash briskly rubbed her limbs through her clothing. He walked to a pile of wood and buffalo chips left in the corner. Soon flames roared in the fireplace then he reappeared at Raeden’s side.

  “Cash, how did you get here?”

  A sly grin creased the corners of his mouth. “On my horse.” Moving closer he pulled her onto his lap and enfolded her in his arms letting her draw in his heat. Soon warmth from the fire began to penetrate, knifing through the arctic air. Cash laid her gently aside and stood. “I’ll be right back, Rae. I have to see to the horses.”

  Braving the relentless storm, he trudged through the heavy snow to the barn, kicking snow aside to force the door open. He led the horses inside then searched for anything useful, knowing they would be here a while. He grabbed an old wooden bucket and filled it with snow on his way back to the shack to melt by the fire.

  He entered to find Raeden shivering out of control, teeth chattering and body quaking. He hurriedly stripped off her clothing then his own and climbed under the blanket, pulled the length of her body along his and rubbed her down. “Rae, you need to stay awake, sweetheart. Can you hear me?”

  Her voice came out as a whisper. “I am so c..c..cold Cash and so sleepy.”

  “I know, just stay awake a while and let me warm you.”

  He finally relaxed when she stopped shaking and her body heat climbed. Relief went through him. He’d found her in time but her actions perturbed him. Damn greenhorns come out here without a lick of sense, not knowing what they are getting into.

  Keeping her close, he felt she belonged there, safe and warm in his arms. Her soft curls draped over his chest. A hint of roses drifted up from her hair as she snuggled closer pulling her knee up over his thigh while he attempted to maintain control.

  Twenty-nine

  The fire dwindled and Cash slipped from beneath Raeden’s warm body. Only flickering embers provided light, casting long glowing shadows across the small room. He added fuel to the fire and climbed under the blanket next to Raeden in their makeshift bed of saddle blankets tossed on the dirt floor.

  This time no attempts to refocus his thoughts helped as his mind drifted to how it felt inside her, wet, hot, inviting.

  She stirred in his arms. As her arm lifted and draped across his chest, he pressed her closer. He reached for her hand and pressed her fingertips to his lips. Sleepy eyes opened and she sighed and peered into his gaze.

  The now blazing fire emitted adequate light to see her green misty pools roving over his face as if trying to memorize each line. When their eyes met once more, the hunger to have her made him rock hard. Her hand drifted slowly down his chest tracing through the dark hair with a finger then across the muscles of his stomach. She moved them around and down his back then over the roundness of his buttocks. He thought he would burst.

  When she stroked the inside of his thigh, the pressure mounted to an unbearable state. His grasp tightened around her as
he sucked in a breath. Drawn close to the edge, he grasped her hand rolling her onto her back and admired her lithe figure while running his hands along her side and over her tiny waist.

  She had to be the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. The smooth pink skin felt like silk under his touch and her hair fell in thick masses, shining in the firelight like burnished bronze. Her green eyes seemed to pull him, drowning in their depths.

  His hands smoothed all over her body while he kissed her, deep and desperate. His tongue roamed her mouth until she could hardly breathe.

  Raeden felt desire flood to her core. She wanted him so badly and now at least for this moment, she knew he needed her as well. She spread her thighs, inviting his entry. When he moved in close, her eyes widened at his size. When the tip of his member touched her, she tensed.

  “It won’t hurt, Rae. That’s how much I need you.”

  He held back, sliding a finger then two, stroking and stretching while his thumb played with the small bud, bringing her just short of her peak while she writhed under his touch, panting in short gasps.

  Wet and pliant, she arched her back then pushed into his hand moaning. Removing his hand, he took hold of himself, sliding the tip of his manhood slowly around, dipping and teasing, driving her mad.

  “Please Cash, I can’t stand it.”

  Inch by inch he slid through her tight walls. When he filled her completely, he remained still and he tilted her up with his hands around her rear. “Look at us, Rae.”

  Her eyes moved to where they joined, united in passion and the sight made her eyes misty.

  “Can you feel how much I want you?”

  “Oh yes, Cash darling, now show me.”

  He drew back then plunged deep, deeper while his rhythm increased. The sensation of his friction against the tight walls drove her into a fevered frenzy until she exploded from within. White lights passed through her brain as she held him tightly in her arms. A low growl rose from his throat when he stilled the thrusts and his muscles tensed.

  This must be what it’s like to be in heaven.

  Staying inside her, he rolled over on his back then sought her lips in a fervent kiss while she straddled his hips. She laid her head on his chest as the fire spread a dreamy glow around them, flickering light across his sun-bronzed skin and the contours of his muscles. The wind shrilled around their shelter an eerie whistle as they lay entwined in each other until they both fell asleep.

  Thirty

  Diane paced the sitting room floor while Mike poured brandy. “Oh, God Mike, do you think he will find her?” Tears streamed down her cheeks as she wrenched her hands. Mike set down the crystal glasses, wrapped an arm around her and led her to the divan.

  He sat down beside her and held her hand. “Of course, my dear, Cash is part bloodhound. He won’t give up until she’s home safe and sound.”

  She sipped the brandy and recalled her own youth. Like Raeden, she had been rebellious since childhood, a disappointment to her mother who wished she had been more like Sophia. Her mother desired her to marry a nice man with prestige and money like Raeden’s father, Samuel Newell, the banker.

  Diane desired freedom from bonds and preferred to ride full speed through the meadows releasing her restless spirit and feeling the wind in her hair. Turning down many proposals, she had not been ready to settle into a mundane life.

  On a warm summer afternoon while walking to the bakery, she spotted a tall handsome young man going into the hardware store. He exuded an air of assurance and pride, dressed in his blue jeans and western style shirt.

  Feeling bold, she strolled into the store to get a better look at the cowboy drawing her attention. To remain subtle she would buy something. That would work.

  He glanced her way. His full head of dark brown hair needed a trim. He tipped his hat, “ma’am.” Their eyes met and held for a moment. She blushed and turned, leaving the store with his image imprinted on her mind.

  The next morning, having lunch with some friends, the sound of boots nearing their table caused her to turn and glance upward into the face she had seen the previous day. His hair trimmed, he wore a black western suit with a black leather vest. He smiled down, removing his hat.

  “My name is Mike Adams and it is a pleasure to meet you, ma’am.”

  His confidence amazed her. She fidgeted in her seat. “And I’m delighted to meet you, Mr. Adams. I am Diane Madison and these are my friends Rebecca, Jessica and Joan.”

  He gave a slight bow in their direction. “Ladies. I must say you have lovely friends.”

  They started to giggle and glanced toward Diane while she blushed under his gaze.

  “Miss Madison, would you care to have dinner with me tomorrow evening? I’m staying at the Palace Hotel, here on business. I hear the dining is superb.”

  Being of age, she saw no reason to refuse his request. After giving him directions to her home, he said he would arrive by eight.

  ***

  While dining, they talked easily and found much in common—art, books and current events. He had gone to school in the east and partnered with his father in the only store in Chamberlain, South Dakota. Twice a year he drove a wagon in for supplies to restock.

  He extended his stay and they met daily—love from the start. They married at the Justice of the Peace then broke the news to her family. Her mother fainted and her father did not look pleased, however gave them his congratulations. Sophia pretended happiness.

  Only a child at the time, Raeden bawled when she realized the extent of the separation. Diane assured her she would be back twice a year with Mike and they could spend the time together. She had always encouraged Rae’s independence and now this happened. The same independence may be her demise.

  Diane had three miscarriages and could no longer have children. She thought of Raeden as the daughter she would never have. The idea of losing her became agonizing but somewhere deep in her heart she knew Cash, a survivor, would find and protect her until she came safely back home.

  Except for the years back east attending school, he had spent his entire life in South Dakota, the time spent with the Cheyenne honed his animal instincts, and the rules of survival always served him well.

  The storm continued through the night as well as the next day. Gales vibrated the windowpanes and a high-pitched shrill passed in a torrent of sleet and ice. Clouds blocking out sunlight made her feel even more dismal than the previous day.

  Thirty-one

  Raeden stirred from a dream-filled slumber when she felt Cash swell inside her and the new sensations he had shown her smoldered as she thought about their lovemaking. It almost did not seem real. All the wondrous emotions trapped and dormant inside had finally escaped guiding her down a path into a magical realm.

  She drew her knees up to feel him more deeply; his sleepy eyes opened, a widespread smile spread across his handsome face. “Well, good morning, my sweet. I see you have wasted no time luring me into your spell.”

  He reached to run his hands over her breasts. Her nipples grew hard under his touch. He urged her mouth down to kiss him, slow, deep and sensual. Moving her upright his hands passed over her back and down to her slender hips. He motioned her in a slow circular movement. She fought for air as the once smoldering embers began to ignite into flames. An urge now becoming familiar, began driving her into the place she wanted to be.

  His hands returned to the soft firm mounds on her chest, increasing her wanton desire. She arched her back, releasing soft moans while he rolled each nipple between his thumb and fingers. He shifted his hands once again to her waist and rocked her forward and back, increasing the cadence until she screamed out calling his name when he quaked beneath her.

  Warm mist covered their bodies when he drew her to him, both short of breath, their chests heaving, pulling in air. She rested her cheek on his shoulder until he laid her to the side and withdrew. Raeden snuggled under his arm and draped hers over his chest feeling gloriously sated. He held her tight against him, r
ubbing his hands slowly down her back.

  “Rae, do you want to get married?” A question, not a proposal. “I will do it if you want. What has happened is my responsibility.”

  Damn his duty and protective instincts. She did not want to get married and neither did he and it angered her think of his pious condescending attitude. What may have started as a forceful misunderstanding had changed. She had given herself to him willingly in the end, after all.

  She compelled herself to remain composed. “You know, Cash. I don’t need marriage, I wanted you, also. Our first joining had not been one-sided. Perhaps we can just see each other on occasion. I would like that.”

  He did not appear relieved when he stood up, leaving her on the blankets.

  “I need to get dressed and see to the horses. I melted snow, so I’ll take them some water and see if there is any feed in the barn.” He finished putting on his clothes. “I’ll come back with the canteens and some food Sadie sent along.”

  He came back with the food and water and sat cross-legged facing her. I found some grain in a stall in the barn to tide over the horses.”

  “It looks like Sadie planned on feeding a posse. How is it there is firewood here and food for the animals?” Raeden asked.

  “It is an unwritten law out here to replace what you use for the next person who may need to find shelter. I will have to return and replenish what we’ve used.”

  “Well, I have to admit it’s a good ethic.” Raeden watched him remove the food from the rucksack, admiring his rugged features. How did he manage to find her out here in the middle of a snowstorm? Whatever the reason, she felt grateful for his rescue.

  “Cash, thank you for saving my life. I would surely have died out there if you had not found me.”