He sighed and smiled sadly. “I promise. But I refuse to think about it or talk about it.”
He lay down beside her and she snuggled into his shoulder. “I love you, Caleb. I just want you to know I understand that side of you. As far as California, we’ll do whatever you think is best. But right now I don’t think I want to pull up roots again.”
“Then we won’t. It’s just something to think about.” He kissed her hair. “Tomorrow we’ll go together to the fort. We’ll celebrate your health and eat supper there. We’ll have a good time.”
She lightly stroked his bare chest with her fingers “Caleb, if there is another war with Mexico, do you think Tom would be in any danger in California? It seems as if the American government is bent on grabbing up all the Mexican territory it can. Doesn’t Mexico consider California theirs?”
He twisted her hair through his fingers, staring up at the log beams of the ceiling. “Yes, but they couldn’t even control Texas, remember? They have even less control in California. It’s too far away. I highly doubt there would be any real fighting there between Mexican soldiers and Americans. California is more on its own.”
“But most of the people there are Spanish. Maybe they don’t want American control. Maybe they want California to be their own country. Men such as the one Tom works for might fight an American invasion.”
“That’s possible. And considering the way Tom wrote about this daughter of his patrón, you can bet whose side he would be on.”
Sarah laughed lightly. “Oh, Caleb, I’d love to know he was in love and married and settled again. He’s been so restless and rebellious since Bess’s death and those years he spent in prison. And your getting banished from Texas—that seemed to change him; it took away some of that good-natured, gentle spirit and made him harder. There’s an angry spirit behind that handsome face that only the love of a good woman is going to calm down.” She sighed and pulled away slightly. “And even without Tom’s interest in that girl, I think he’d fight on the side of the Spanish anyway. He hates the Americans now for forcing you out of Texas and taking your land.”
“I know.” He closed his eyes. “God, I miss him, Sarah. I know he’s a grown man, but to me he’s just my Tom, my son.”
She turned and hugged him around the middle. “Well, knowing you two, you’ll end up together again. Tom will either come back home, or you’ll go to California.”
“Well, like I said, it’s just a thought. I won’t even consider it unless you’ve been good and well for several months. Besides, like I said, there’s Cale to think about—and James. I’m not sure how he’d like moving again.”
She closed her eyes. James. Her son had grown more quiet every year, and the barrier between him and his father worried her. She understood James’s haunting memories of bad times in Texas and that he was confused about his Indian blood. And she also understood Caleb’s love for his youngest son. They were so different. And what hurt most of all was that Cale and James hardly spoke anymore. That hurt Caleb more than anything. He had always been proud of his close, strong family.
“Maybe it would be good for James,” she spoke up then. “The ordeal of a trip would keep him busy and maybe draw the two of you closer together. He doesn’t seem to like it here much.”
She felt him stiffen. “He doesn’t like it here because he’s around the Cheyenne and because Cale has taken up with them. He’s jealous of them for taking away Cale’s friendship, and he hates them because their own blood runs in his veins and he doesn’t like to admit that.”
“Oh, Caleb, I don’t think—”
“It’s true, Sarah, and you know it. He learned in Texas how most people feel about Indians. I’m not blaming him. He’s my son and I love him. If he wants to go through life pretending he has no Indian blood, I’d never hold it against him. It’s just that I want him to be proud. I don’t want him to hate that side of himself, or hate Indians or—” He twisted her hair absently until it almost hurt. “Or hate me.”
“Caleb, you’re his father. He loves you dearly. That much I know for certain. He wants so much to please you. Remember when he was small and was so afraid of horses, but he rode one anyway because he wanted you to be proud of him?”
“I also remember screaming at him before that for being afraid in the first place. I don’t think he ever forgot it—or forgot the day those squatters attacked you and Lynda and killed his dog.”
“Those were bad times, for all of us. We all have scars from it. He’s just got to live with the memories like the rest of us. God knows you and I have much worse memories. But love can overcome a lot of things, and no matter which way he goes, Caleb, the love of this family will bring him back and hold him to us.” She rose up on one elbow and looked down at him, her long hair falling over soft shoulders and resting against his chest. “And no matter what happens—to any of us—it isn’t your fault. You have spent half your life blaming yourself for what happens to those you love. It’s the fault of society and prejudice, not you. You’ve loved us and provided for us the best you could.”
Sarah bent down and kissed his chest. Her full breasts brushed against his skin and she stretched out across his chest. He stroked her hair, studying its reddish glow.
He closed his eyes and pulled her tight against himself. “I love you, Sarah,” he said in a near whisper.
Tom followed a maid down the long, cool hallway that led to Antonio Galvez’s office. He was dressed in a neat black suit, his black boots polished, a little black string tie at the neck of his white, ruffled shirt, and a trim black hat in his hands. He was as handsome as the most striking Spanish gentleman, and his eyes snapped with respect when he was ushered into the room where his employer waited.
The Galvez home was sprawling and cool, made of stucco, many potted plants and beautiful vases placed perfectly in each room. Tom had not been back inside it since the four nights he had first spent there healing from the wounds the black stallion had given him.
The horse now made a fine stud breeder for Galvez, and Tom was allowed to ride the animal whenever he chose, a situation that angered Emanuel Hidalgo. Hidalgo rarely spoke to Tom, and whenever he got the chance, he would always mention to Galvez anything he thought Tom was doing wrong. But so far his points had been minor. Tom knew horses and was doing a fine job of breeding and buying for the ranch.
Tom nodded to Juanita’s father as the maid closed the door behind him. “Thank you for seeing me, Señor Galvez.”
Antonio turned from their marble fireplace where he stood and stepped closer to Tom, his eyes taking inventory. The man suspected Tom’s reason for being there. “You are looking very fine, Señor Sax. To what do I owe this formal visit?”
Tom swallowed, bowing slightly. “I would ask first if you are satisfied with my work.”
Antonio smiled. “You know that I am. You are worth every piece of gold I am paying you.” He reached down and took the lid from a silver cigar tray. “Would you like a smoke?”
“No, thank you, sir.”
Antonio put the lid back and set his own cigar in an ashtray, clasping his hands behind his back then. “Well?”
Tom fingered his hat self-consciously. “I am wondering if . . . I mean . . . now that your daughter is sixteen, or so I am told, would it be possible to see her, visit with her, in the presence of others, of course.”
Antonio eyed him warily. “Of course.” He sighed deeply and walked back toward the fireplace, turning to look Tom over again. “I had a feeling that was why you had come. I am aware that you have respectfully kept your distance from Juanita, señor. I was also aware of the way you looked at her when you first came here; and ever since she asks about you all the time.”
Tom had difficulty hiding his pleasure at the words. “And Juanita? Is she well? I seldom see her.”
“She stays inside and studies, and I keep her away from the men. You can understand why.”
Tom nodded, taking a deep breath for courage. “She is the most beautiful yo
ung lady I have ever set eyes upon.”
Antonio rubbed his mustache. “I watch her carefully, Señor Sax. I love her, and I want nothing but her happiness. Some men of my station choose the man their daughter will marry, but that might mean Juanita would marry someone she does not love. I want her to be as happy as she can be—and I know that she would be very happy if I let you call on her.” He paced for a moment, then stepped closer. “I have been waiting, wondering when you were gong to come with such a request. I have given much thought to the fact that you are Indian.”
Tom stiffened. “I am proud to be Indian, just as you are proud to be Mexican. And just as I promised almost a year ago, I have proven my worth as a man. You told me yourself the day you hired me that you judge a man by his worth as a human being, not by whether he is Indian or Spanish or white.”
Antonio nodded. “This is true. And that is why I give you permission to call upon my daughter. But you must do so only in the presence of me or one of Juanita’s tutors or the woman who watches after her—Luisa. If I catch you alone with her, I will have you run off my ranch. Is this understood?”
Tom nodded, irritated at the order but grateful for that much. It was a start. “Gracias. I have nothing but the deepest respect and admiration for your daughter, patrón.”
Antonio grinned a little. “Of that I am sure. You are a good man, Tom Sax. I am glad I hired you.” He frowned. “Tell me. What do you think of this thing of war with Mexico? They say Americans are already marching into Mexico, and that soon they will be here claiming California. We who own land here must decide whether to join with the United States willingly, or fight to keep to ourselves. We do not want to be part of Mexico any longer. Just as in Texas, they do us no good. They are too far away. But perhaps we can simply be our own country. We are not Mexicans or Americans. We are californios. At least that is what many of my friends choose to call themselves. Personally, I think it would be good to become part of the country called the United States. Otherwise they might try to take us by force as they did Texas and other lands around Mexico.”
Tom nodded. “It’s true they might. But you should set certain rules of land ownership and insist on them. To officially declare yourselves as wishing to be annexed by the United States is the same to the Americans as saying all of your land is now theirs for the taking. Believe me, I know what they will do. They will come here and try to take it all from you.”
Antonio frowned. “But if we unite with them in a friendly manner, they would have no reason to try to force our lands from us. I am telling my friends it would be very profitable to become part of the American states. They are builders, and trade with them will be very profitable. We can give them much and get much in return. And peacefully bargaining with them will bring a quick solution and save bloodshed.”
Tom’s chest tightened. Something about the Americans coming to California made him uneasy. How well he knew how many of them felt about people with dark skin, and now that they had cruelly and systematically cast out the Indians from the East and the South. They were doubtless determined to take even more land away from the Mexicans, for no good reason other than they wanted it and Mexico refused to sell.
“I am not so sure it would save bloodshed, señor. I hope you are right.”
Antonio chuckled. “Of course I am. You will see. Soon there will be meetings among the californios to vote on these things.”
“I hope it all turns out well, sir. I do worry about my own parents though. There are rumors that American soldiers will be moving through their area on their way to Mexico. I have seen enough of war. I hope we can keep it from coming here.”
Antonio nodded. “Sí. I am hoping for the same.” He broke into a grin and walked to a table on which several glasses and some brandy sat. “Now, let me pour you a drink. We will toast my daughter—and make a wish for a peaceful settlement with these Americans. We know that Mexican troops will do us no good here in California. So we will simply not have a war. It will be good.” He poured some brandy into each of the glasses and turned with them, handing one to Tom. “To Doña Juanita Rosanna Galvez de Sonoma.”
Tom smiled, his eyes shining. “I am very grateful, Señor Galvez. It will be a great honor for me to call upon her.”
They touched glasses, and outside in the hall Juanita listened like an excited little girl. Her heart pounded wildly. Her father would actually allow Tom Sax to call on her! She ran off and up the stairs to try on dresses and decide which would be the best to receive him the first time he came to call. She hoped it would be very very soon. She had dreamed of nothing but Tom Sax for months.
How glad she was that it was not Emanuel Hidalgo who had been given permission to call. If only she could somehow find a way to be alone with Tom. Perhaps she could bribe Luisa into allowing them time alone without her father’s knowledge. She was sure that if Tom Sax was alone with her, he would try to kiss her. Oh, what a wonderful thing that would be! The thought of it made her legs feel weak.
Several minutes later she heard footsteps in the hallway downstairs. She hurried out into the hall and leaned over the banister to see Tom walking toward the front door. She wanted to call out but knew it was not proper. He looked magnificent, and her eyes hung on him until he was gone.
Outside Tom walked toward the bunkhouse he shared with five other men, He had almost reached the doorway when Emanuel Hidalgo approached from another direction, calling out to him. Tom stopped and turned, reading the anger in Hidalgo’s eyes as the man came closer.
“I saw you going to the patrón’s house,” the man spat out, his eyes running over Tom’s appearance. “And I saw how you were dressed. Since el señor Galvez is not holding a fiesta, perhaps you can explain the fancy clothes, Señor Sax.”
Tom watched him warily. “I think you know why I’m dressed like this. I’ve asked to begin seeing Juanita. El señor Galvez has granted my request.”
Hidalgo stiffened. “I don’t believe you! You are Indian!”
“I am a man,” Tom answered proudly. “A man el señor Galvez apparently thinks is worthy enough to see his daughter. You had your own chance to go and ask the same. Why didn’t you?”
Hidalgo couldn’t bring himself to tell Tom he had already done just that and had been turned down. Galvez had told him his daughter was still not old enough. Now the man had turned around and told this Indian that he could see Juanita!
Tom read the rage in Hidalgo’s eyes. “I’ve never done anything against you, Emanuel. Why do you hate me so?”
The man’s jaws flexed in heated anger. “La señorita Juanita Galvez is mine!”
Tom stiffened defensively. “You can’t lay claim to her. No man can at this point. If you want to see her, then go ask. I can’t stop you.” He studied the man’s eyes closely, seeing the hurt pride. “Unless you’ve already done so.”
“You will go to hell someday, Tom Sax,” Hidalgo sneered. “I will see to it!”
“I’m not at fault for decisions el señor Galvez makes, Emanuel.”
“Until you came here, I was the favored one. Every night I dream about Juanita Galvez being my wife and you have ruined it.”
“I didn’t ruin anything. You had an equal chance. And I know what you did to Yolanda’s daughter.” He paused. “I’m glad Galvez had sense enough to turn you down. Juanita is too good for the likes of you.”
“But not too good for an Indian?” Hidalgo lit into him then, shoving Tom back into some bushes. No one was inside the bunkhouse to see the two men roll over the bushes and land in sand just on the other side. Emanuel punched wildly at Tom, but Tom managed to get to his feet and jerk him up, landing a hard fist first into Emanuel’s stomach, then his jaw, sending him flying backward. Emanuel sprawled into a bed of flowers. He rolled to his knees, then yanked a knife from his boot and jumped to his feet again, waving the knife at Tom, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.
“Don’t be stupid, Emanuel,” Tom growled. “I’ve done nothing against you. All I’ve
done is my job. You’ve still got your own position here, but if Galvez finds out about this, you could lose everything.”
“It would be worth it!” The man jabbed the knife toward Tom, who darted back, then quickly kicked out, catching Emanuel’s wrist and knocking the knife from his hand. Both men dived for it, but Tom came up with it and managed a quick slash before Emanuel could get away, cutting the man’s shirt and leaving a thin, bloody line across his chest.
Emanuel’s eyes widened and he stepped back. “You’ve heard about Indians and knives, haven’t you,” Tom sneered, his anger at full fury. “Well, it’s true.” He fingered the knife eagerly. “My father has killed men for less than what you just did to me. And I have also killed men! I’m tempted, by God, to kill again, but I might lose my chances with Juanita.” He jabbed at Emanuel once more to frighten him, grinning when the man jumped back. “You get away from me, Hidalgo, and don’t you ever pull a knife on me again. I’ll not let you go next time.”
He tossed the knife then, and it landed with a thud on the ground between Emanuel’s boots. “Get the hell out of my sight!”
Emanuel ran a shaking hand over the cut on his chest, then bent down and pulled up the knife, giving Tom a dark look before turning and walking off.
• Chapter Six •
“Look there, Caleb. What’s going on?” Jess spoke up. He and Caleb rode side by side as they approached the fort. James drove the wagon, with Lynda and Sarah on the seat beside him and young John happily taking in the bumpy ride in the back.
All of them noticed the large herd of cattle, foraging under soldiers’ guard several yards from Bent’s Fort, and a huge herd of horses beyond that. Just outside the adobe walls of the fort, squads of men, both on foot and on horseback, were drilling; and a literal village of Army tents was set up on the fields in the approach to the fort.
Caleb drew up his mount, and Jess halted beside him as James brought the wagon to a stop.
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