Wild Is My Heart

by Connie Mason

  “You mean about the baby?” Colt prompted. A devilish smile split his handsome features.

  “You know? How? I’ve told no one but Spirit Dancer and Black Bear and they promised to say nothing.”

  “Don’t you remember? You told me yourself. Only I didn’t recall your words until a day or two ago.”

  Sam frowned, puzzled. “You must have been delirious.”

  “You have no recollection of beggin’ me to live the first day you arrived in Laredo? Tellin’ me you and our child needed me? Your words pulled me through, darlin’. Just knowin’ you were there with me gave me the will to live. Do you think we’ll have a son?” His face assumed a thoughtful look.

  “Spirit Dancer thinks so.”

  The thoughtful look on Colt’s face changed to one of incredible joy.

  “You’re pleased?”

  “Need you ask? ‘Course I’m pleased.”

  “But… he’ll be a half-breed, Colt. You told me once you wanted no half-breed children.”

  “I must have been loco. I’ll cherish our child just as I will you. I said those things because I was fallin’ in love with you but didn’t want to admit it even to myself. I know I’ve a lot to answer for, darlin’, but you’ve got to believe me when I say I want our child. You … you want him, don’t you?”

  His expression was so woebegone, so filled with remorse, that Sam eased his mind immediately. “I can’t think of anything I’d rather do than have your baby. I wanted him when I thought you hated me, and I want him now. Nothing has changed except the fact that you’ll be with me to raise our child.”

  “Then you’ll marry me?” Colt asked anxiously.

  “Whenever you want,” Sam assured him, snuggling against his warmth. “Now go to sleep, we both need rest.”

  “If I wasn’t so damn weak I’d show you how much I love you,” Colt murmured, his hands discovering the smooth heat of her flesh.

  “If you weren’t so damn weak I’d insist you back up your words with action. But since you’re in no condition for that kind of activity, I suggest you go to sleep.”

  The time spent with Black Bear and his people was a happy one for Sam. Not only was she able to renew her friendship with the chief and learn more about her mother, but she had Colt’s undivided attention while he regained his strength. Sam’s nursing skills proved more than adequate as did Spirit Dancer’s herbal remedies.

  Within a week after his arrival in Black Bear’s camp, Colt was on his feet again. Though Colt and Brave Eagle never became close friends, they grew to tolerate each other. Actually, the brave’s tender consideration of Sam had much to do with Colt’s swift recovery. Colt knew Brave Eagle still wanted Sam and was reluctant to remain longer than necessary in Black Bear’s village.

  A fortnight in camp found Colt ready to ride. Sam learned of his full recovery in a way that left her in little doubt of his strength and agility. When Sam cuddled beside him on the that that night, Colt did not settle down to sleep as he’d been wont to do during the course of his illness.

  Instead, Colt’s hands roamed provocatively over Sam’s warm flesh, settling on the rise of her hips as he pulled her close. The bold thrust of his manhood against her softness brought a gasp of surprise to Sam’s lips.

  “Colt, it’s too soon!”

  “It’s long past time, darlin,” he murmured in a voice made low and husky by desire.

  “You’re still weak,” Sam offered lamely. Her body flushed with heat, a familiar warmth that only Colt could assuage.

  “Weak?” Colt challenged, nuzzling the soft skin of her neck. “Does this feel weak?” Sam exhaled sharply as he slid atop her, his thick manhood probing her softness. “Or this?” In one fluid motion he easily penetrated the moist nest between her thighs.

  Sam gasped, her eyes flying open as Colt buried his steely length full and deep inside her.

  “Weak, am I?” Colt repeated, grinning with devilish delight.

  Then he proceeded to disprove her words as he began rocking forcefully inside her, back and forth, thrusting, withdrawing, demonstrating his strength over and over as he drove her to the brink of madness. And beyond.

  Later, when Sam was drifting off to sleep, completely sated and incredibly content, Colt once again demonstrated his returned vigor by launching another assault on her senses.

  “Colt,” she protested drowsily, “there’s no need to overdo. I agree that you’re fully recovered.”

  “Overdo? Hogwash,” Colt chuckled, highly a-mused. “These past weeks have been pure torture. I’ve wanted to make love to you so badly it nearly killed me. Now hush up and let me love you again. If my son growin’ inside you doesn’t object, why should you?” She didn’t.

  Afterwards, Colt expressed his desire to leave the following day. “I’m anxious to know if the Logans have been brought to trial yet and if Lyle Crowder testified against them.”

  That wasn’t precisely the truth. Colt hated the way Brave Eagle looked at Sam. The Indian was too virile and handsome for Colt’s liking. The sooner he removed Sam from Brave Eagle’s company the better he’d like it.

  “Will we go directly to the ranch?” Sam asked. Though the Circle H was no longer hers, it was the only home she knew.

  “Nope. I aim to take us first to San Antonio. It’s important I speak to Cap’n Ford and Jim. When we return to the ranch it will be as husband and wife. I’ll find a padre to marry us in San Antonio.”

  “Are you going to accept another assignment?” Sam asked fearfully. She never wanted to be separated from Colt again.

  “Not if I can help it, darlin’. There’s only a few weeks left on my enlistment and once Cap’n Ford learns I’ve married, I’m hopin’ he’ll release me early. I want to be around to watch my son grow up. And perhaps a daughter or two,” he added, leering wolfishly.

  “You mean you’re through with the Rangers?” Sam asked hopefully. “For good?”

  “For good, darlin’,” Colt promised. “I’m no longer that hard-as-nails, gun-totin’ drifter you once knew. You and Laura changed all that.”

  “I love you so much,” Sam sighed happily, covering his face and neck with teasing kisses. “Even though you’re ornery and tough as a two-bit steak. We’re going to be so happy, I just know it.”

  “Forever,” Colt vowed, warming to her kisses. “Now go to sleep before I’m forced to demonstrate my strength again.”

  Smiling contentedly, Sam promptly squirmed into a comfortable position against Colt and went to sleep.

  San Antonio was just ahead, but Sam felt strangely reluctant to enter the city. She hung back, spurring her horse forward only when Colt halted and turned back to her with a questioning look. Forcing a smile, Sam joined him, trying desperately to shake the sense of impending doom as they rode into town. The feeling was so palpable she suppressed a shudder. Dismissing her misgivings, Sam squared her shoulders and tried to remember that she’d soon be Colt’s lawful wife, not just his Indian squaw. Not only would her son carry his father’s name, but she wouldn’t be forced to leave her beloved ranch.

  Before Sam knew it, Colt had reined in before the hotel, dismounted and was lifting her to the ground. After tethering the horses to a hitching post, Colt led her inside. Her unfeminine attire attracted stares and Sam was glad when Colt quickly signed the register and ushered her up the stairs. He had only one key in his hand and Sam belatedly realized he had engaged only one room. A slow flush crept up her neck when she imagined the knowing smirk on the clerk’s face. Colt seemed oblivious as they entered the room, firmly closing the door behind him.

  “You deserve a rest in a real bed, darlin’,” Colt said, surveying the room with satisfaction. He wanted only the best for Sam. “Take a nap, then order a bath.”

  “What about you?”

  “I’ll be at Ranger headquarters for a spell. I hope to have good news about the Logans when I return.”

  Sam looked longingly toward the bed. It would feel good to lie down on its soft surface, she reflec
ted. Her bottom felt like it was still a part of the horse.

  “A bath first,” she decided, “then rest.”

  “Sounds invitin’,” Colt drawled. “As much as I’d like to stay and wash your back, I reckon I’d be delayed longer than I’d like. When I return you can shop for somethin’ fancy to be married in while I bathe and change. First business, then pleasure,” he said, his voice low and husky with promise. Then he grabbed her for an exuberant kiss.

  Sam melted into his embrace, and when he began to pull away, she clung to him, reluctant to let him leave the room. Ridiculous, she scolded herself, Colt would only be gone a short while.

  Colt sensed her fear and was puzzled by it. “What’s wrong, darlin? You seem upset. I’ll be back before you know it”

  “I know, Colt, it’s just…I don’t know, I can’t explain it. Maybe the baby is making me sentimental.”

  Colt let out a relieved sigh. Of course it was the baby. Being a father was so new to him at times he forgot Sam was breeding. Didn’t all women experience strange feelings during pregnancy? After reassuring her again, Colt left, somewhat reluctant but anxious to conclude his business and return to Sam.

  “You mean there was no trial?” Colt exploded. “Damn! What happened?”

  Colt stood facing Captain Rip Ford in his office at Ranger headquarters. As luck would have it Jim Blake had been there when he arrived. Now he sprawled in a chair listening to Colt’s angry tirade.

  “Did Lyle Crowder refuse to testify?” Colt raged.

  “Not exactly,” Captain Ford hedged. “Actually, both Logans were arrested and brought to San Antonio. A swift trial date was set. We were afraid Crowder would turn nasty and refuse to talk. And then—”

  “Then—” Colt prompted, growing impatient.

  “Calvin Logan suffered a heart attack in his cell and died.”

  “Christi” cursed Colt, long fingers tunneling through his hair as he began to pace. “What about Vern? Surely Crowder’s testimony indicated Vern was privy to all his father’s fraudulent deals.”

  “Crowder never testified.”

  “What!”

  “He was hung before Vern’s trial,” Jim explained in disgust.

  “A lynch mob stormed the jail and dragged Crowder outside, despite the sheriff’s best efforts to protect him,” Captain Ford explained. “By the time I got there it was too late.”

  “Damn! Why couldn’t the citizens of this town wait for the due process of the law?” Colt spat.

  “The Crowders had terrorized the area far too long for rational thinking,” Captain Ford replied. “Tempers were hot. People feared that Lyle Crowder might escape the fate he richly deserved. Most knew nothing about the Logans’ dealings in Karlsburg. Some drunks starting talk of a lynching and the idea was promptly taken up by the mob.

  “Vern Logan got off scot free,” Ford continued. “When Crowder was lynched we lost our star witness. We had no choice but to release Vern due to lack of evidence.”

  “Jim worked for the Logans. What about his testimony?” Colt wanted to know.

  “I didn’t have enough evidence to convict Vern,” Jim replied. “My orders came mostly from Calvin. He was a wily old man who kept his dealin’s to himself. I reckon he had little use for his son.”

  “Why do you say that?” Colt asked sharply.

  “It’s common knowledge that Vern was disinherited by the old man. Vern was a big disappointment to his father. The bank was left in the hands of trustees until a nephew from Chicago shows up to claim it. Vern got the house and little else.”

  “What about the land Calvin cheated the settlers out of?” Colt wondered.

  “It all goes to the nephew, his brother’s son and by all accounts an accomplished businessman. I imagine he’ll make a killin’ by sellin’ it to the railroad. Calvin despised Vern’s weakness and penchant for gambling and whores. Vern squandered the fortune his mother left him on those activities as well as unwise investments.”

  “At least Vern didn’t escape entirely unscathed,” grumbled Colt. “Is the case closed, Cap’n?”

  “It is as far as I’m concerned. Vern Logan may not be behind bars, but he’s been made to pay in other ways. If you’re wondering about your next assignment, Colt, there’s a renegade Indian on the rampage up around Fort Worth and I thought—”

  “Forget it, Cap’n,” Colt interrupted. “No more assignments for me. I’m gettin’ married today and my enlistment’s nearly up an way.”

  Jim leaped to his feet, his face revealing his surprise. “You’re gettin’ married! It damn well better be to Sam. She loves you, you know.”

  “I know, and I love her.” Colt grinned foolishly. “It took awhile but I finally came to my senses when I realized how close I’d come to losin’ her.”

  Jim’s expression brought Colt to an abrupt halt, and he suddenly realized that Jim cared deeply about Sam. He recalled that Jim had been at the ranch during his absence and had had time aplenty to fall in love with Sam. A pang of jealousy churned his gut until he remembered that Sam loved him, Colt, and not Jim. Compassion guided his words. “I’m sorry, Jim.”

  Jim merely nodded, his lips tight, eyes bereft.

  “What are your plans, Colt?” Captain Ford asked. “Are you certain you’re ready to settle down?”

  “Damn right, Cap’n! I recently bought a ranch near Karlsburg and intend to settle down with my wife and child.”

  “Child?” quizzed Captain Ford, his eyebrows raising several inches. Colt had the grace to flush and the captain understood perfectly. Being a gentleman, he discreetly dropped the subject. Instead, he said, “Jim tells me you’ve found your sister.”

  Colt beamed. “It’s a dang miracle. I’d nearly given up. I think Laura’s finally settlin’ down to the life she was meant to live.”

  “Good luck in all your endeavors, Colt,” Captain Ford said. “You’re a damn good Ranger, the best, and I’ll miss you.” He held out his hand.

  “Same here,” Jim added. “I couldn’t ask for a better partner. I’ll be goin’ home myself soon.”

  “To Fort Worth?”

  “Yep. I reckon I’ve had my fill of excitement for a spell. Pa is gettin’ on in years and needs my help.” They shook hands. “If there’s ever anythin’ I can do for you, just holler.”

  “The same goes for me,” Captain Ford offered.

  “Well, there is somethin’,” Colt drawled. “I was hopin’ you’d both act as witnesses at my weddin’.”

  Jim grinned. “Just name the time and place.”

  “I’d be honored,” Captain Ford said.

  “Meet us at seven o’clock this evenin’ at the mission church,” Colt responded happily.

  “We’ll be there.”

  “Stop at the paymaster and collect your pay,” Captain Ford said. “You’ve earned it. I’m looking forward to meeting your bride. It takes a special woman to tame Colt Colter and I have a feeling you’ve met your match.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Sam savored every delicious minute of her bath. Afterwards she felt so invigorated a nap no longer seemed as inviting as it had. Dressing quickly in clean pants and shirt, Sam decided to buy a simple frock to surprise Colt when he returned. By now he must be tired of seeing her in nothing but masculine attire.

  Counting the meager coins in her pocket, Sam decided she had sufficient funds to buy something attractive. The wedding dress could wait until Colt returned. Debating on whether or not to leave a message with the desk clerk for Colt, Sam decided against it, certain she’d be back long before he was.

  Excitement seized Sam as she left the hotel. She paid little attention to her surroundings, never even noticing the man stepping into the lobby behind her. Vern Logan had fully intended to check out of the hotel today, but seeing Sam altered those plans. During the long days in jail Vern had laid all the blame for his troubles on Samantha for refusing his marriage proposal and on that blasted Texas Ranger for ruining everything his father had worked for. It was Sa
mantha’s fault that Vern had been disinherited and left with nothing but a house he didn’t want. All the money and land amassed by his father was to go to a cousin he barely knew. It had shocked Vern to learn that his father had actually carried out his threat and left him penniless.

  As for the Ranger, his snooping into things that didn’t concern him had led directly to Vern’s downfall. Damn Lyle Crowder for not finishing the Ranger off when he’d had the chance.

  Finding Samantha in San Antonio stoked the fires of revenge burning in Vern’s heart. Rage seized him and he wanted to hurt Samantha and that blasted Ranger in the same way they had hurt him. He was a broken man, Vern ruminated darkly, and someone must be made to pay.

  The minute Sam walked out the front door, Vern rushed to the desk and inquired of the clerk, “Is that Miss Samantha Howard I just saw leavin’?”

  “The lady’s name is Colter. Mrs. Steven Colter. Just checked in today.”

  “Hmmm, I could have sworn she was a friend of mine from Karlsburg. Can you describe her husband to me?”

  Obligingly the clerk described Colt perfectly. Vern blanched as comprehension dawned. The Ranger! Now he understood everything. Colt Andrews and Steven Colter were the same man! For some reason the Ranger used an alias. More importantly, he had purchased the Circle H using devious methods. Did Samantha know? Was she a part of the plot to keep the land from becoming part of the Logan empire? That thought inspired Vern with a burning desire for vengeance. No one made a fool of a Logan and lived to tell of it. If Vern had learned only one thing from his father it was that the Logans were a vengeful lot.

  Vern Logan knew exactly what he had to do. Abruptly he turned and sped out the door, leaving the clerk with his mouth hanging open. Vern reached the street in time to see Sam ambling unhurriedly along the boardwalk. He followed discreetly until she entered the mercantile two blocks down the street from the hotel. His lips curving in a malevolent smile, Vern slipped into the alley between the mercantile and the feed store to wait and plan his next move.

  It took no more than a few minutes for Vern to map a course of evil with Sam and Colt as the victims. Aware that Sam, like most women, would spend some time in the mercantile, Vern hurried off toward the livery stable where he boarded his horse. It was but a brief distance away at the end of the street. A short time later he was tethering his saddled mount behind the mercantile near the rear exit of the alley. Then he proceeded to the opposite end, where he slouched in the shadows, hat pulled low, waiting for Sam to emerge from the store.