Redeeming Light

by Annette O'Hare

  “No!” Frederick raised his hands in defense. “I…I didn’t, I don’t! I mean…I’m sorry!” Every ounce of confidence seemed to melt out of the man.

  He had no idea what he’d done. Sarah’s anger deflated. She glanced from Frederick to his automobile, and then back at him. “Frederick, what in the world are you doing here?”

  “Why, I was looking for you, of course.”

  “Looking for me? But why?”

  “Why? Because I wanted to see you, that’s why.” Frederick took her hands in his. “I needed to know you were all right. I was concerned about you being out here…all alone.”

  “As you can see, I’m far from being alone.” She swept her hand out toward the others. “I have all these people with me, not to mention all the cattle.”

  “I suppose you’re right about that.” Frederick’s face became serious. “It was my hope to ride up on my steel horse and rescue you. I’d be the knight in shining armor, and you would be the damsel in distress.”

  Sarah could feel her eyebrows pinching together as she stared at him. “Look, I do just fine all by myself. I don’t need anyone to rescue me. Besides, you have no business being here. Don’t you have a girlfriend back in Beaumont?”

  “Oh, don’t get me wrong, I agree with absolutely everything you’re saying. But you simply must believe me when I tell you that I’ve tried desperately, diligently, with everything in my power, and still, I can’t get you out of my mind.”

  The green abyss of his eyes rendered her speechless.

  Frederick brushed her cheek with the back of his hand.

  And every ounce of the hardcore exterior she’d built up blew away with the Gulf breeze.

  20

  The sunset was breathtaking. Oranges, pinks, yellows, and blues were mixed together on heaven’s vast canvas.

  Supper was finished, and Pedro helped Inez put things away.

  The vaqueros were passing around the brown jug, their laughter growing louder as the evening went on.

  Reinhardt kept his distance during supper.

  Frederick was glad.

  “Come sit with me.” Sarah hooked arms with Frederick.

  Rex followed close behind.

  She led him to a big piece of driftwood, sat on the sand, and patted the ground.

  Frederick waited for Rex to sit, glanced down at his trousers, and sat beside her. “Here we are then.”

  “Hope you don’t ruin your trousers.”

  “Oh, no worries. I would happily pay the price for new slacks to be close to you.”

  She smiled and picked up a stick to draw figures in the sand. This Sarah McKinney was very different from the one he’d met in Galveston. She was in her element here. Not encumbered by layers of lace and satin and niceties. This side of her was attractive to him in a different way. She was formidable on the outside, and yet vulnerable underneath.

  “I’m really sorry for the way I yelled at you earlier. It’s just that something terrible happened back at the pass.”

  “I’m the one who should be apologizing—flying into your camp, yelling and honking the horn.”

  “You didn’t know any better. It’s all right.” She grasped his fingers.

  “And for that, I’m sorry as well.”

  “For what?” Sarah continued to hold Frederick’s hand.

  “I’m sorry for being so ignorant about the ways of cattle and such. It makes me abhor being raised in the city.”

  “Oh, don’t be silly.” She lowered his hand to her lap. “You know about things I’ve never heard of. Besides, I’d like the chance to teach you about raising cattle.”

  “Well then, I might have to give you the chance.” He squeezed her hand and smiled. “Tell me, how has the drive been so far?”

  “It’s been tough. Really tough.” She retrieved the stick. “It’s not easy being the lead woman on a trail drive.” The sand curled with every stroke of the stick. “Especially when my trail boss initially had no respect for me and neither did his hired hands.”

  “I’m so sorry to hear that. What a pigheaded man. Doesn’t he know it’s 1900?”

  “Aw, it’s not a big deal. Everyone has been a big help to me, including him, and his three men. He’s developed a bit more respect for me after all the things we’ve been through on this trip.” She blew out a long breath.

  “Well, I’d like to put Mr. Trail Boss in his rightful place.”

  She put a hand on his forearm. “Relax tiger. I can handle Reinhardt on my own.”

  “You’ll tell me if you need help, right?” He pumped his arm making his muscle bigger. “I was, after all, the Harvard University Boxing Club welterweight champion of 1897.”

  Sarah giggled, released his arm and leaned back against the log.

  Frederick looked up to the heavens. The enchantment of twilight was upon them. “Oh, look, the first star.” Frederick reached for her hand. “Hurry, make a wish.”

  Sarah closed her eyes, giving Frederick the perfect opportunity to gaze on her beauty. When she opened her eyes, she caught him looking at her. Color crept up her neck, and she released his hand.

  “Sarah, I hardly even know who you are, but I must confess. Ever since your uncle introduced us, my life has been turned upside down. You are like a beautiful goddess with blonde hair and cowboy boots.” Frederick took a lock of her hair in his hand. “I thought I was in love with Eliza, but if that is so, then why can’t I get you off my mind?” He ran his fingers down the full length of the strands of hair.

  “Please believe me when I say that if I’d known you had a lady friend I never would have come to Galveston.” She sat up straight. “I’m not that kind of girl.”

  “Oh, heavens no. I would never think such a thing about you.”

  Sarah batted her eyelashes as her cheeks glowed red. “You do know I only came to Galveston to see you, don’t you?”

  “To be honest, I had no idea.” Frederick chuckled. “Thankfully, my Harvard education kicked in, and eventually I figured it out.”

  They shared a hearty laugh and took turns drawing in the sand with the stick.

  Frederick put his hand over hers, grasping the twig. He guided her hand and drew a heart in the sand. She looked at him. He wanted so badly to hold her body, to touch her. He took a deep breath and continued speaking. “I’m on my way to Beaumont, you know.”

  “Oh?” Sarah sounded out of breath.

  “Yes. I have a legal matter to tend to for your uncle.” Frederick continued to hold her hand and guide the stick. Her face was so close to his they almost touched.

  “Important business?”

  He could feel her breath on his cheek. “Yes, it is…quite important. I also have some loose ends that need to be tied up. I’m afraid that business might not have such a happy ending.”

  Sarah trembled. “I’m sorry to hear that. I love a good happily ever after.”

  “As do I, my dear.” He touched her cheek to his. There was only a glow left from the sun. “Tell me, Sarah, what did you wish for?”

  “I wished you would kiss me.”

  Not being one to disappoint, Frederick made her wish come true.

  21

  Sarah wiped grit from the corners of her eyes. The sun barely peeked above the briny Gulf. She stretched three nights worth of sleeping on the ground out of her stiff back. The camp was still quiet, except for the cattle grazing and waves lapping softly on the shore.

  Frederick had slept in his automobile.

  He looked so handsome, his spectacles pushed up to his hairline, and his arms crossed over his chest. Sarah stroked his stubbly cheek. He took her hand in his and planted wet kisses on her fingers, without opening his eyes. Sarah burned with desire to press her lips to his.

  “Good thing it was me standing here and not Reinhardt.” Sarah pulled her hand to her cheek.

  “I’m relatively sure that Mr. Reinhardt wouldn’t awaken me by caressing my cheek.” He winked at her and folded his arms behind his head. “You know, you’re
even gorgeous first thing in the morning. I could get used to that.”

  A flush warmed her cheeks. “I hate to say this, but we’re moving the herd out right after breakfast. I’m determined to make it to High Island today. I’m ready to have this all behind me.”

  Frederick sat up straight and grasped her fingers. “I understand. You’ve been through a lot, and I’m sure you’re ready for a break.”

  She squeezed his hand. “And I think it would be best if you leave before we do. I don’t want that contraption of yours to cause a stampede.” She bowed her head and grinned. “Freddy.”

  “Freddy?”

  “May I call you Freddy?” A playful lilt danced in her voice.

  He pulled her close. “You can call me whatever you desire, just please, don’t stop calling my name.” Frederick covered her lips with his in a kiss she wished would never end.

  ~*~

  Pedro helped Inez clean up after breakfast and load up the wagon.

  Benito and the other two men made preparations for the last leg of the journey. The cattle bawled and tried to scatter, anxious to get underway.

  Reinhardt approached the vehicle where Frederick and Sarah were saying goodbye. “So, Frederick…” He enunciated each syllable of the young man’s name. “Looks to me like you found yourself a good, strong woman.”

  Frederick chuckled. “Is that so, Mr. Reinhardt? I must say she’s the first lady cattle baron I’ve had the pleasure to meet.”

  Reinhardt dipped his chin low. “I tell you what…you better not do anything stupid or you’ll hear from me.”

  “Reinhardt, it’s not like that!” Sarah scolded him.

  The cowboy chuckled and nodded his head. “Whatever you say, ma’am.” He turned and walked toward his horse.

  Frederick jumped inside the automobile and pulled on his driving gloves. “Well, I suppose I must take my leave now.”

  “I wish you didn’t have to go.”

  “Oh, I do too, Sarah, but I really must take care of some nasty business in Beaumont.”

  “I understand.” She tilted her head. “Will you be coming back through Bolivar or will you take the route back to Galveston?”

  Frederick bounced his palm on the vehicle’s steering wheel. “The automobile belongs to Eliza’s father. It’s brand new, actually. Shipment came through Galveston. I’m going to Beaumont to deliver it to him.”

  “Oh, I see. How will you return?”

  “I will take the express train back from Beaumont. It will bring me directly to Bolivar. Quite serendipitous, wouldn’t you say?”

  Sarah smiled. “I would, if I knew what that meant.”

  “It means that I’ll see you at the ranch on my way back home.” He playfully put his finger on the tip of her nose. “So let’s not say goodbye. Let’s say, until I see you again.”

  “I like that idea.”

  “Sarah…I’m going to tell Eliza that I cannot marry her.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yes. It wouldn’t be right when I’m clearly falling in love with you.” Frederick brought Sarah’s fingers to his lips and kissed each one.

  She had words she wanted to say, but they wouldn’t come out.

  “Until we meet again, Sarah McKinney.”

  “Yes, until we meet again.” Sarah backed away when Frederick started the engine.

  He drove away at the expense of the cattle’s peaceful grazing. They settled once the machine was out of sight, although dust still swirled in the air.

  God, thank You for listening to me. Her heart ached for Eliza and the pain their actions would cause the other woman. Ease her heart, God…perhaps find another person more suited to her. Because I’ve fallen in love with Frederick too.

  22

  The cows were taken from the holding pen and lead up a ramp into long, slat-sided cattle cars.

  It was over. She had done it.

  A man wearing a black leather vest and a bushy mustache shook Sarah’s hand. “It’s a pleasure doing business with you, Miss McKinney. Your daddy, God rest his soul, had a reputation for raising some of the best Longhorn cattle in South Texas. And I’m proud to take them off your hands.”

  Pride welled up in Sarah at the man’s compliment toward herself, and her father. “Thank you, Mr. Ainsley. I appreciate your kind words.”

  Mr. Ainsley pointed to a man sitting in the back of a buckboard conducting business from a small table. “Over there’s my bookkeeper. He’ll pay you what we agreed on.”

  Sarah tipped her hat and went to collect her due.

  Reinhardt waited with the vaqueros and the horses. He flung a saddlebag over his shoulder and met her halfway. “You get what we came for?” Reinhardt questioned.

  Sarah pulled a wad of bills from a sack and counted out the payment for him and his men.

  He sucked on his teeth as he thumbed through the stack.

  “Seems everything is in order. Suppose my business here is done. Unless you have more work for us, that is.” He shoved the bills back into the sack and stuffed it into a saddlebag.

  Sarah would miss the old coot. She smiled. “No. That’s all I have.” She folded the bank notes back into the sack and slid the wad into her pocket. “Say, Reinhardt, I want to thank you for all your help. I did a lot of growing up on the drive, and I have you to thank for it.”

  The old cowboy was clearly embarrassed by Sarah’s words. He threw the saddlebag back over his shoulder and put one hand in his pocket. “Aw, well, I can’t get over how much you remind me of my mama—the way you’re always praying. And you’re so strong, just like her. And that’s a good way to be.”

  Heat rose in her cheeks, but she extended her hand.

  Reinhardt took it. “It’s been mighty nice working for ya, Miss Sarah.”

  “So, what’s next for you, Reinhardt?”

  He released her hand. “Well, me and those boys are gonna head on over to Beaumont and see what kind of trouble we can get into.”

  Sarah put both hands on her hips as they shared a laugh. “Now don’t you get yourself into too much trouble!”

  “I don’t plan to.” Reinhardt turned and sauntered to his stallion, giving a two finger wave. “Goodbye, Sarah!”

  Rex barked incessantly at the man he never quite saw eye to eye with.

  Sarah joined Pedro and Inez waiting with their donkey and cart. She mounted Ginger. “You ready?” She asked the older couple. The three of them, along with Rex, headed toward Bolivar.

  ~*~

  The car bounced over rocks and plunged into holes the entire way. Frederick wasn’t proud of his driving skills. He would have to work on them in order to keep up with the current changes in transportation. Thankfully Sarah hadn’t seen him ride a horse because he was no better at that. What was I thinking, falling in love with a girl like Sarah? I’m not the kind of man for her. She needs a cowboy, not a city lawyer who knows nothing about cattle or ranching. Frederick shook his head and ran his fingers through his hair as it blew in the breeze. His thoughts of Sarah extinguished when the most recent problem he faced flashed across his mind. Oh, Eliza. How will you take the news that there will be no ring, no engagement, no wedding, no…us?

  A thought more chilling than telling Eliza was how her father would react to the news. Frederick hoped he wouldn’t be home and he could do the deed without the man butting in. What if he was there? What would he do to Frederick and Frederick’s career?

  ~*~

  Sarah rode Ginger ahead of Pedro and Inez’s cart. They had been through much over the past few days, and there was no need to push it. She was glad for the leisurely pace. It gave her some much needed time to think. They had lost a few head of cattle, but it wasn’t enough to change the amount she received. She was as tired mentally as she was physically.

  The best part was Frederick showing up. His plan to rescue her was absolutely adorable. She could live with surprises such as that in her life. Every woman secretly wanted a knight in shining armor, especially one who could kiss like Frederic
k. She swooned at the thought of his lips on hers. But you’re not supposed to be my knight. Who am I to stand in the way of another woman’s dreams of happiness? Why does it have to be this way? Why did I fall in love…with you?

  No matter what happened in Beaumont, she was determined to stick to her original plan. She would ship her father’s breed stock to Uncle Jeremiah’s place in Houston, and then she needed to find a ranch of her own. She was anxious to get away from the Gulf Coast and all the crazy storms her family had weathered. The blizzard that blew through in February of 1899 was completely unforeseen and out of the ordinary. It was in June of the same year that they lost cattle in a huge flood. Sarah looked out toward the waves rolling in from the Gulf of Mexico and nodded her head. Yes. I’ve got to get away from here. Lord only knows what could happen next.

  23

  Sarah descended the stairs and followed the smell of griddlecakes cooking in the kitchen.

  Mama stood before the stove, bowl of batter in one hand and a spatula in the other. Her sisters were nowhere to be found. Since returning from the cattle drive three days ago she’d spent untold hours catching up on the chores that were left undone. She was happy to see that none of her animals had died from starvation. “Good morning, Mama.”

  “Morning, Sarah.”

  “Looks like you’ve been cooking a while by the size of that stack of cakes.”

  “Yep, takes a lot of food to feed all my kids.”

  “Why aren’t Louise and Grace in here helping you?” Sarah took the bowl and spatula from Mama. “You go sit down. I’ll finish this.”

  “Thank you, honey.” Mama didn’t sit. Instead, she went to the cabinet and proceeded to pull down dishes to set the table for breakfast. “The girls are in the living room tearing my Sears Catalogue to pieces planning for my grandbaby and for Grace’s wedding.” She laughed halfheartedly and shook her head. “That’s the only thing on our minds here lately.”

  “Well, I have more important things on my mind, Mama.”

  “Now what could be more important than my grandbaby?” Saying the word put a smile on Mama’s face.

  “I’m going to Galveston right after breakfast to talk to Uncle Jeremiah about shipping the breed stock to his place in Houston.”