by Rita Hestand
“We must have been five or six miles down,” Hunt said, remembering his long trek along the banks back to the herd. “I have no idea how we got there except the current must have carried us. When we woke up, we were a few feet from the water, ice cold and wet, and not smelling too pretty.”
“Yeah, well, you got that bum shoulder from trying to save Bud, that's for sure. Last I saw of you, you were holding on to him,” Cole remarked. “You were already too far down the river for me to do any good. You were going down steam so fast. Nobody thought you could survive it.”
“It must have been the current itself that saved us,” Hunt recalled, trying to remember the details and coming up blank. “I mean, the current carried us so fast, all we could do was keep our heads above water.”
“Well, we don't have far to go,” Cole chuckled. “We've almost made the trip now.”
“I expect Jodi and I are going to have to go on into Abilene and find a buyer. I got a list of names from Bud's outfit that we can contact. Said the going price is anywhere from eighteen dollars a head to twenty-four. Since we've been herding the cattle for that other outfit, I'll see what needs doing about that too.
“You'll all get a bonus of fifty dollars for swimming them every river and a take on all the strays we picked up along the way. Your return home will be paid for. You can go by rail or by cowpony, whichever you like,” Hunt said, seeing all the men were well pleased. “We got a little over four thousand cows, six hundred belonging to Mr. Williams down by Salado. And I want to thank each and every one of you for sticking with me and helping out so well. I'd be proud to have you on the next drive.”
The men nodded and got back to the herd. Everyone seemed in a jovial mood.
Hunt was pleased.
Jodi looked at Hunt, her cheeks turning a bright crimson. “I want you to know I threw the tansy away.”
“I'm sure glad of that,” Hunt said with a curl to his lips.
“I-I guess I should tell you, well…” She hesitated, her face a mask of emotions as she spoke. “I told the boys...well, when I thought you were dead. I told them this baby was yours.”
Hunt looked at her closely, his eyes holding hers. “Thanks.”
“I just saw how disappointed they were when they all thought you were dead. Everyone was so sad, I couldn't stand it. I thought it might make them…somehow happier. And it did! Actually, it made me happier, too.”
Hunt pulled her to him. “I'm very glad you did that, Jodi. And I'm also glad I'm not dead. I have been doing a lot of thinking about you and me. And there are a few things I'd like to talk to you about when we finish up our business. But for now, can I have another one of those Texas-sized kisses you were handing out back there?”
Without asking twice, she grabbed his neck and pulled him down to her. “You can have as many as you want.”
“Only one,” he whispered. “Any more than that and I wouldn't be making it back to the herd.”
The kiss was long and drugging and promised more than Hunt hoped for, but he still held back a little. He had some things to talk to her about and he wasn't sure how she was going to react to some of it. The idea of her rejecting him after all they'd been through tore at his heart more than he wanted to admit. After the ordeal on the creek bank, he was more than certain of his feelings for Jodi. He just wanted to make sure she knew how she felt.
Still, his hands stole around her and he held her against him tight. He kissed her till she was breathless and wanting much more. He wasn't sure how she felt about everything, but her kisses promised heaven. For a short while, he was going to enjoy them. He felt too good to worry right now.
“We'll ride into town in the morning and see what we can find,” he said as he turned her loose and tried not to think about taking what she offered.
Jodi backed away from him, her face quite still and furrowed.
“All right, I'll be ready,” she said, and got back into the wagon.
He knew she didn't understand his reluctance. He didn't understand it, except somehow he knew that if she didn't accept what he had to tell her, then everything would change. Again.
He rode up to Cole and spelled him from the first herd. They had strung the cattle out well and everything was moving along fine. Everything but the worry he had created in Jodi.
If Waco and Ft. Worth had been wide open towns, then Abilene was a law unto itself. Not as big as Waco, yet it was growing, and all because of one man with a vision. McCoy was his name.
There was a shoddy-looking row of sod houses that employed gambling and prostitution.
Jodi looked around the town. She wasn't sure why, but she kept expecting to find something different in each town, and didn't. But when she saw the newly built stock yards, and the hotel, The Drover's Cottage, she knew she had found something just a tad out of the ordinary. This town catered to drovers.
She also didn't understand Hunt. It embarrassed her that she had thrown herself at him so. She vowed never to do that again. She'd let her guard down, trusted him. He was acting as though he didn't want her. Maybe he had had time to reconsider his words. Or maybe it was because he was at the end of the line and the prospect of having a wife and child didn't appeal any longer. She didn't know, but she wouldn't do it again, she vowed silently.
Now that the herd was being delivered, she could relax about everything but her and Hunt.
She silently wished the baby wouldn't move so much. It made her so much more aware of what her future held, a future that may or may not have Hunt in it. She squashed all her private feelings, because for now, there was business to attend to.
They went to the Drover's Cottage. It was a rather large, three story hotel with a huge veranda and a good eye's view of the cattle yards. A man with a vision, McCoy was going to quickly turn Abilene into a cow town.
They entered and spoke with the proprietress, a rather handsome woman with a rare, open warmth about her and an air of authority they quickly recognized. They introduced themselves and asked for an appointment with the buyers on their list. They got one right away with the first name, as they were the first bunch of drovers to come to town. The buyer was from Missouri and he was very interested in the cattle. He met them in the billiards room and spoke all the while he played. Hunt found it strange that a man conducted his business this way, but kept quiet and listened.
This buyer was only paying nineteen dollars a head. Hunt talked with the man while Jodi tried her best to keep up with the business end of it. After a long while, Hunt thanked the man and said he'd be in touch.
As they walked out of the hotel, though, Hunt shook his head. “We can do better than that, I’m sure of it.”
“Nineteen a head isn't bad.” She defied him, anxious to get this part of the trip over with.
“Maybe, but we came a long ways and we didn't lose a head. We deserve as much as we can get for them. Let's hear a few out before we jump.” Hunt surprised her with his determination to do better. Jodi wasn't against more money, that was for sure.
Knowing he made good business sense she didn't argue further, but she wanted to. As usual, Hunt was making the best decision for them all, she knew it. It was pure stubbornness on her part as she persisted to agitate him in every way she could. Even her own mind warred with her, making her wonder why she was acting so stubborn.
The next appointment came that afternoon. Hunt knew he could impress them with his figures and facts, since he'd personally seen to the herd and brought them in.
He was right on target. The buyers were more than a little impressed with his double responsibility and didn't fail to let him know it. Jodi listened and was amazed at how these men wanted to impress Hunt now. Begrudgingly, she had to admit, he'd done a great job of bringing those cattle through. Much better than she had ever hoped for.
“Mr. Johnson, you did our company a huge favor by bringing that herd in like you did. We didn't expect it. We'd heard some rumors that there was trouble and I got a telegram that the trail boss was kil
led. I figured we'd lost the entire herd then. What you did was quite remarkable and your crew should be more than paid for their troubles. We'd like to make a deal with you on this and even your own herd if you're interested. We'd be willing to pay your men double their salaries, give them a bonus, and pay for any extras you picked up along the way. That could come to a considerable amount since we're offering the going price of twenty-four dollars a head. And as a reward, we'd like to pay all expenses. Honestly, we never thought we'd see a head from that herd.”
Hunt was not only thrilled, but amazed at doing business with such honest and forthright men. He shook hands on it, and signed the deal then and there with Jodi's approval.
Jodi couldn't help but be elated. She never figured on that much for the cattle, nor anyone offering such a great deal. But they weren't finished.
“You know, Mr. Johnson, if you were to bring more cattle through in the next few years, I'm sure we could do business. We're from Illinois, and I don't know if you remember the problems we had last year getting the cattle up our way. They were in such bad shape, they were skin and bones and we lost money all the way round on that one. So you see, we know a little about what it is like to not make it. We like the way you handle yourself. I'm told that your outfit is one of the very few that had no casualties, and no losses. Very impressive. We'd like to offer you any contract you like in the coming years.”
Hunt was astounded and very happy over his deal.
When they left the hotel this time, even Jodi had to smile.
“You did a bang up job, Hunt,” she commented, trying not to add anything personal to the conversation.
“No, we did, Jodi. I couldn't have done it without you.” He smiled. “Now, I don't know about you but I'd like to get spruced up a little and have one of those juicy, Texas-sized steaks. Then a nice, clean room and some sleep.”
“Sounds great to me,” she laughed, catching his enthusiasm.
“I'll get us a room here at The Drovers Cottage” he said, glancing at the hotel. “It's a pretty nice place, don't you think?”
“Very nice, and I like the manager, too. She seems to really cater to drovers and their troubles. You don't find that everywhere you go,” she added.
“Yes, I couldn't believe she got us an appointment that quickly.” Hunt smiled derisively.
“Can you see about two rooms, though?” Jodi added, watching his smile fade to a frown.
He glanced at her, confusion lining his face. “All right, two rooms.”
As they tried to register, the hotel manager sized them up quickly and smiled. “I've only got one room left, honey. It's the wrong time of year to be askin' for extras, if you know what I mean. And you signed in as Mr. and Mrs., didn't you?”
“Oh…well, that will be fine,” Jodi said, trying to be friendly. “Yes, of course.”
“The name's Mrs. Lou Gore, and if you need anything, you just let me know. It's the first door on your left.” The woman smiled.
“Can we have a tub?” she asked shyly. “You see, we've been on the trail for some time and a good hot bath sounds wonderful.”
“Of course. We have a private bathing room in the end of the hall, with hot water too. It's fifty cents extra.” Mrs. Gore said. “When you're ready, just ring the bell and I'll get the key for you, honey.”
“That's sounds wonderful.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Jodi was looking forward to the bath. Taking a bath in the river was exhilarating, but there was nothing like enjoying a tub full of warm water.
After obtaining the key from Mrs. Gore, she undressed and slowly sank into the warm haven. Mrs. Gore had thought of everything, leaving a pleasant smelling bubble bath to be enjoyed. The room was empty except for a chair and a large mirror on the wall. The floor was a shiny wood with a bear rug to step out on when she was finished. Everything looked so clean, Jodi felt like a queen as she relaxed. While she scrubbed up with the perfumed lye soap, she noted the hump in her belly. Somehow, things had managed to change. There was no longer an urgency to rid herself of this child. However, she felt oddly unfamiliar with motherhood.
She'd never been a mother and had no idea what to expect.
She was not totally prepared for this. Her folks hadn't been a wealth of information, and although the book had enlightened her on having the child, it gave no instructions on being a mother. That part, she realized, would have to be gained by on hand experience.
It scared her witless to think about what was coming. So like everything else she knew nothing about, she vowed to study up on it.
When the door key turned, she shrieked and covered herself with the large rag she was using. Plus, the bubbles in the bathtub kept her well covered.
≈≈≈
“Hey, I need to talk to you,” Hunt said, walking into the room and locking the door from the inside. He knew she wouldn't like this invasion of her privacy, but he had to settle a few things and he couldn't do it with her running off every time he started a decent conversation.
“I'm taking a bath,” she shrieked with indignation. “Could I have a little privacy, please?”
“I realize that, but honestly, this is the best place to talk about this.” He gazed at her for only a second, it was a thorough gaze. Keeping his hands busy was necessary, too. Otherwise he might haul her out of the water, or join her in it.
“You want to talk to me while I'm taking a bath?” Her brows knitted and her hands still covered all the important parts from his vision. “Hunt…I don't understand you. You've been such a perfect gentleman up until now…”
He cleared his throat and drew up a chair by the tub. He straddled it and stared at the door as though it were more interesting.
Yes, he'd been a gentleman and it had cost him nearly his sanity, he thought with a frown. The way the woman kissed him back, she was lucky he hadn't taken the advantage by now. But her innocence was what saved her from him. That and the fact that she was carrying a child stopped him. “I'll try to leave you some privacy. But at least you will hear me out and we can settle things between us.”
“I'm sort of at a disadvantage here.” She frowned up at him. “And what, pray tell, do we have to settle?”
“Please, try to relax. I'm not gawking at you like a school boy. I'll keep my eyes trained on the door,” he said. His smile spoke volumes. Knowing she was just as uncomfortable made it all the more interesting.
“Why here?” She asked.
“Because here you are sort of forced to listen. You can't get up and run away.” He chuckled softly. She had such beautiful, innocent eyes. But then he thought she was beautiful all over.
“Point taken,” she agreed. “All right, say whatever it is you want to say so I can get on with my bath. I was really looking forward to this time. Now you've come along and spoiled it.”
Hunt hung his head for a long moment, then looked up at the door. How could he tell her all he needed to tell her in one day? There was so much he wanted to share with her, but they had to get past a few of the impasses first. “Back on the trail, we kind of came to some conclusions.”
She rolled her eyes. “And you are worried I took you too seriously?”
“No.” He shot up out of the chair and looked at her again. This time, his eyes softened on her, all of her. His gaze went down the length of the tub. He still couldn't see anything, the tub was full of bubbles, but he intimated he could. A man could only stand so much and his limits were close. After all, he was her husband. “No, I only hope you were serious.”
She blushed.
There was a dangerous arousal to his gaze, he was certain. He couldn't hide everything from her.
“Go on and turn your head back to the door, please.”
“All right, that's fair.” He smiled seductively. “I couldn't concentrate on what I needed to say if I kept looking at you.”
She studied him a long moment, her eyes going up and down him thoroughly, obviously trying to embarrass him a little. But he didn't fee
l the slightest bit embarrassed.
“Couldn't we take this up…later?” she suggested.
“No.” He didn't hesitate with that word. His voice was soft, but serious. He cleared his throat. “We can't. I've got some things to tell you. Then maybe we can take it up later.” He rubbed his chin and frowned at the door. “When you first met me, you couldn't stand the sight of me. You knew nothing about me, really, but your feelings were completely honest, and I understood them.”
She squirmed a little. “Well, I didn't know you then.”
“Exactly.” He nodded. “But before you go out of this room, you will know me for what I am. It wouldn't be fair to start a relationship with someone without knowing a little more about them. And us being a family is certainly a relationship.”
She seemed to consider his words, then leaned forward a little, lifted her foot out of the water and began to wash her toes. “All right…”
“Do you have to do that right this minute?” he asked, his agitation showing.
“Well, this is a bathtub and I am bathing,” she defended.
This time, he turned those dark blue eyes on her, and without a word, he poked her foot back into the tub.
“What is the matter with you?” she yelled.
“I'm trying to talk to you, and you keep…seducing me…with those pretty pink feet.” He frowned, turning away again.
“Humph,” she grunted, “feet are not pretty; they are practical, not pretty.”
“Will you shut up and let me talk for a while?” he shouted. The look in his eyes told her he was very affected by her lack of dress, and that if she pushed it, he might actually join her in the water.
“So talk.”
“Look…” His face was desperate, raw emotion peeled away any façade. “I had to find some place to talk to you that you would sit still and listen. This was the last straw. I've got some things I need to say, but how can I talk when you sit there looking at me with those beautiful cow eyes, and pink feet, and God only knows what's beneath those bubbles, that is driving me crazy. Don't you know how bad I want to jump in that tub with you? Now settle down and behave. I've got some important things to say…first.”
