How would she? She wasn’t getting any younger, either. Many girls would already have married by now, and have started their families. She was glad to have gone to school, to have learned all she had learned, and to have had the opportunities she’d had to travel and meet so many people…but she’d been alone, all her life. She still was.
And from the things Shiloh had told her, he was, too.
It was a leap of faith for her to take. A huge gamble. But she had nothing to lose, did she? “I saved your life, Shiloh,” she said, giving him a serious look.
He nodded. “Yes. You sure did.”
“The customs in many countries, of many civilizations around the world, would deem you to be indebted to me for—for all time, because of that.”
His eyes narrowed, and his look said he thought this was a game of some kind. “Uh…okay. What do I need to do, then?”
Oh, dear Lord! She had saved him. But he had kidnapped her! If she’d been sane, she would have jumped on Racer and ridden back to Talihina so fast…back to safety. Back to her home.
She had no home. Safety was not hers any longer—at least, not with her people. For she knew that kind of protectiveness would stifle her, smother her…
Safety was what she’d felt in Shi’s arms during the night…the way he’d held her close, even in sleep…the feel of his fingers spearing through her hair…his breath on her skin…
“You need…You-you need to marry me.”
• ♥ •
Shiloh’s eyes widened in surprise. Was he hallucinating? Because…he could’ve sworn Kalliroe White Dove O’Connor had just stumblingly proposed to him.
“Marry…you?” That came out sounding like he’d been asleep. Maybe he had.
But Kalli nodded. A mischievous smile curved her gorgeous mouth—had he kissed her, or only dreamed that, too? God knew, he wanted to—but he would never take advantage of her. Kidnapping her was bad enough, wasn’t it?
She shifted to move closer to him.
Automatically, he raised an arm in silent invitation for her to reclaim the spot where she’d slept against him all night. She moved to lie down.
Her head rested on his shoulder, her glorious, long hair falling across his bare skin like the softest, comforting shroud. He let go a deep sigh of contentment.
They lay together in silence, then Shiloh said, “Was that a dream, or real? Because, maybe the venom is making me hallucin—”
Her sweet mouth covered his, cutting off his words.
Shiloh felt his bones melt and leave his body. How could one kiss strip him of every thought? She’d seemed to replace every memory he’d ever had before her with what had come since he stole her away. Every emotion left him but one: love rose up in his chest from where there had been only emptiness, worry and pain.
How could one kiss do all this?
It had to be the snake bite. That was all there was to it.
But when she lifted her lips from his and smiled down at him, her dark eyes holding a mixture of mischief, warmth, and desire—he understood it was as real as it could ever be. This was no venom-induced vision; no dream. Kalli was solid in his arms, and her smile was only for him.
“Kalli…” His voice was a rough whisper. He pulled her back down to him for more. “Don’t stop…” he muttered, just as her mouth claimed his again, and the kiss became more heated than the one before. “Yes. Marry me…” he murmured against her lips, utterly bewitched. How could it be otherwise? She was ruined, now, for any other man. Though nothing sexual had occurred between them, she had lain with him through the night, and nursed him intimately…just the two of them. No chaperone.
Her reputation would definitely be tainted, now, though there was no reason for that. Still…it was the way things were.
She put a cool hand to his forehead.
“No fever,” he assured her. “Except for what burns for you.”
By the way her eyes darkened, he knew he had touched her more deeply than he had before, with anything else he might have said.
“I was afraid to say…the words to you,” she said uncertainly. “To speak them aloud. To make it real—”
He shook his head, wondering how long it might have taken him—if ever—to do what she’d done. To make things “real” between them, as she said.
Shiloh was used to taking his time before jumping into any situation—especially one that involved a permanent relationship such as this. A steady, forever love. How could he call this love? And under such dubious circumstances…he’d kidnapped her, for God’s sake!
But Kalli had had the upper hand ever since they’d got off Racer and Shiloh had taken that ill-fated walk to the creek for water. And got his fool ass snakebit…
And the way she was looking at him right now said it was love—or something very much like it. Yes, there was plenty of room, and God willing, time for love to grow between them. But it already had taken root and had a damn good start.
“I asked you first, I think…” Kalli whispered. “But you never answered—except to ask me.” There was laughter in her tone, and that made Shiloh smile.
“One of us has to say yes.”
“Let’s do it together, Shi.” Kalli rose up on her elbow, looking down at him. Her hair tickled as it caressed his bare skin, and he closed his eyes in pleasure as he nodded.
“Ready?” She smiled and nodded, then shook her head. “You go first.”
Despite her bravado, Shiloh could see she was unsure of herself, after all. She wanted to know she wasn’t throwing herself at him. To know he cared for her—and not just because he was grateful to her for saving his life.
Suddenly, looking up into her expectant face, his heart was so full he wasn’t sure he could find the right words. He had to, if he expected to keep her. She was proud. She wouldn’t be able to accept a man who wasn’t a match for her, in that regard.
“I’m older than you, Kalli. I’ve seen—a lot of the bad things in life. I’ve pretty well given up on any dreams of my own—especially recently—with having to take care of…other things. See to what others needed.
“I can’t say the moment I started losing my heart to you.” He gave a wry smile. “Maybe it was when I kidnapped you. Maybe it was even before that…when your father gave me the picture you’re carrying around in your pocket.”
She looked away at his words, and he laughed at her guilty expression.
“It’s all right. I was supposed to show it to you for proof of my intentions. But…I think you know what those are.”
“I hope you don’t mind,” Kalli said softly. “I didn’t know the picture existed. It is so precious to me.”
“I don’t mind. You may have to fight your pa to hang on to it for keeps, though.” He sobered. “He’s mighty proud of you, and he does love you.”
Kalli looked down, and Shiloh figured she was hiding tears. He went on, giving her time to compose herself.
“Anyhow. My heart is gone—not my own any longer. It belongs to you. I couldn’t ask for anyone more caring, more gentle, and more giving than you have been.”
“I have a temper,” she murmured, and though her head was still lowered, Shiloh saw the curve of her lips.
“So do I,” he answered.
“I suppose I meet all the requirements of a good wife,” she went on, finally raising her eyes to meet his. “I do know how to cook, I can sew, and I even learned needlepoint—as all fine ladies must engage in stitchery arts. Oh, and I can play the piano, too.”
She was teasing him, but Shiloh understood she needed something from him. She needed the Cherokee half of her to be acknowledged and respected, as well as the Anglo half.
He reached out and let his fingers sift through the dark tendrils of her hair. “But can you tan a hide? What about beadwork? Can you make frybread?”
She smiled at him, giving his heart a hitch, then she leaned down and kissed him lightly.
“Yes. All those things, I can do. But what I will do best is love you, Shiloh
Barrett.”
• ♥ •
The next day, Shiloh was ready to ride south. No amount of pleading on Kalli’s part would sway him to wait one more day. He burned to take Kalli to Seamus and put this behind them so they could move on with their future. Suddenly, he was tired of the life of a prairie gypsy he’d lived for far too many years. He wanted to settle down. Today was as good a day as any to start back toward Ft. Worth again, and though Kalli didn’t agree, Shiloh was determined.
Finally, Kalli gave up and gave in, muttering something about stubborn men as she gathered the medicinal herbs and packed them away.
Shiloh gingerly stood and walked a few steps, but realized his leg was not as strong as he’d hoped it would be. Kalli shot him a glance and shook her head, but she didn’t say a word.
Finally, Racer was packed up and Kalli made certain the fire was completely cold. “Ready?” she asked brightly.
He nodded. “Climb up—uh, do you need help?”
“Not at all,” she answered with a shake of her head, as if to chastise him. “I was going to ask the same of you.”
“I—no. I can manage.” He smiled at her realizing she was trying to lighten the mood. She was worried.
“We won’t be traveling far today, Shi,” she said, her tone telling him she knew exactly what kind of shape he was in.
He swung up into the saddle, barely stifling a groan. He was grateful for all the years he’d spent on the back of a horse, giving him the inborn grace and agility to not make a fool of himself in front of Kalli. He reached down for her hand, but she shook her head.
“I’ll walk a while. We need to take it slow and easy, anyway. I look forward to the exercise.”
“Kalli—”
She held up a hand. “I want to, Shi. I enjoy it.”
Their gazes locked for a moment. Finally, Shiloh said, “I enjoy having you up here next to me, too.”
“I can keep up, Mr. Barrett. Never you mind.” The smile she gave him took the sting from her words, and she walked into the sunlight from the cave.
Shiloh wasn’t fooled. She was walking to slow their pace. So he wouldn’t fall out of the saddle. He’d been a damned fool to try to move on so soon, but what could he do, now? He gave a muttered curse, ducking low as Racer followed Kalli through the cave entrance, and they began their long trek southward.
Chapter Six
How could sitting atop a horse make him so tired? Shiloh shook his head to wake himself up, then cast a quick glance at Kalli who walked vigorously beside Racer. She hadn’t seemed to notice Shiloh’s grogginess.
Shiloh hated to admit she’d been right. They should’ve waited one more day in the warmth and safety of the cave. Now…they’d need shelter for tonight, and he wasn’t as familiar with this area as he was with the more southern regions of this route.
Kalli had made fry bread last night, and they’d had a meal fit for kings with some of the golden honey Mrs. Colbert had given him when he’d passed through on his way up from Texas a few days ago. The sweet honey on the warm fry bread had been a wonderful change in their usual fare, and there was enough left for them to eat for their midday meal, along with the fresh water Kalli’d filled the canteens with. Shiloh had brought two, knowing he’d have her with him when he departed from Talihina back toward Ft. Worth.
Of course, he’d never dreamed it would be his captive who’d be filling them, making sure they had food to eat, and worrying over his wound. His carelessness had led to all sorts of changes in the situation he could never have foreseen. He shook his head again, this time, in exasperation at himself.
“I know what you’re thinking,” Kalli said. She didn’t look at him. Her attention was focused on the trail they followed down out of the mountains, gradually leading them to the more level terrain southward.
“No, you don’t.” Because you can’t possibly understand what all this means to me.
She smiled, then looked up at him. “Let’s see if I’m right.” She cocked her head, then said, “You’re thinking how differently things turned out from what you’d planned. You came to steal me away for my father, get your deed back, and go back to being a Ranger until someone shot you dead or you got too old for the job.
“Instead, you ended up with a couple of surprises. Mr. Rattlesnake definitely changed things…”
Shiloh nodded, giving a grim smile. “He did, at that.”
“And if it hadn’t been for him, you and I might never have realized that our paths could become one.”
“So we have a rattlesnake to thank for our good fortune?” he asked caustically.
She laughed. “We do.”
Shiloh had to grin. “My leg hurts, Kalli. I don’t thank him for that.”
“Ah, but your heart, Shiloh. Your heart is healing. Just as mine is, now that our lives have come together.” She gave his good leg a gentle pat. “Your wound will heal. You’ll be fine in a few days.”
“That’s all true. Is there more?”
“Of course.” She shot him a quick glance. “Isn’t there always? People are complex creatures, with so many facets. You worry about what my father will say about—you and me. About us marrying. How will he react?”
“Gotta admit, that thought did cross my mind a time or two. He could see it as me playin’ some kind of game. He could look at it as me messin’ with him over killin’ my brother. Not being sincere in my intentions toward you.”
After a moment, Kalli said, “And?”
“You know nothing is further from the truth, Kalli. I never meant for any of this to happen like it did. But I am not afraid of Seamus O’Connor.”
“He could refuse to give you the deed.”
Shiloh nodded. “He could. Then, I guess you’d have to decide if you still wanted to be my wife. Because you can bet, if he refuses to give me the deed, backs out on his word, he’ll be mad enough about everything that he’ll forbid you to marry me. And I’m not gonna lay down and let him get away with it.”
“Then, let’s do it before we get there.”
Shiloh drew Racer to a halt. Kalli looked up at him, her eyes full of daring—and love.
“Is that really what you want, Kalli? It could make him even angrier—”
“And it could solve everything for all of us, Shi,” she said softly. “I haven’t seen my father in thirteen years—not since I was five. He doesn’t know me anymore…and I truly don’t know him.”
“He wants the best for you, honey.”
“You’re the best for me, Shiloh. And I’m a woman—not a child any longer. We can say our vows at Colbert’s Ferry, if…that’s what you want, too.”
There was a vulnerability in her voice she tried to hide, but it was obvious to Shiloh. He reached down and touched her hair, wanting to kiss her; but the dizzy feeling had grown so strong that if he leaned any farther, he was liable to pitch right off Racer’s back. “I want, Kalli. I want, very much.”
• ♥ •
Colbert’s Ferry was a welcome sight to both of them four days later. Progress had been slow, since they only had one horse, and Shiloh thought Kalli walked a lot of the time to prevent them from travelling too far too fast, due to his recovery.
But as the ferry station came into view, Shiloh realized she’d been right in doing so. His relief at reaching the station was greater than it should have been—for many reasons. Not the least of which was being able to sleep in a real bed tonight.
Arriving in the mid-afternoon as they were, they were sure to get a room with a bed and a door that closed, and wouldn’t have to sleep outside on the porch or on a pallet in the main room inside where there would be many other travelers seeking shelter for the night.
Ann Colbert greeted them as they rode into the large yard area. One of her sons ran to take Racer’s reins as Shiloh dismounted and helped Kalli down.
“I’ll see to him real good, Ranger Barrett,” the boy promised with a grin. “Come on, Racer. Let’s get you some water and grain.”
“Th
anks, Freddie,” Shiloh said.
“I’ll bring your gear in soon’s I get him fed, then come back to groom him.”
Shiloh pulled the Winchester out of his saddle scabbard just before Freddie led Racer away.
“Shiloh Barrett, who is this beautiful young woman you’ve brought with you? A new bride?”
Shiloh and Kalli turned toward the front porch steps where Ann Colbert stood to welcome them. Shiloh grinned at Ann’s shameless guess. “Not yet, but we’re planning on getting married today, if that’s possible.”
Ann’s face brightened. “You’re in luck! As Fate would have it, Reverend Thompson is here. He’s been up in the Territory, you know, saving souls. But he got word a family member was taken ill, down toward Ft. Worth. He’s on his way to minister to the poor unfortunate, but will be spending the night here. He rode in about a half-hour ago.”
“His presence is a blessing for us,” Kalli said, when the woman stopped to take a breath. She put a hand out to Mrs. Colbert and smiled. “I’m Kalli O’Connor.”
“I’m Ann Colbert, my dear! So pleased to meet you. And I’m so glad to know Shiloh’s caught himself such a beautiful bride.” She took Kalli’s hand and shook. “Come on inside. The weather’s unseasonably warm today, thank goodness…”
Her voice trailed away as Shiloh followed the two women inside, Mrs. Colbert leading Kalli down the long hallway to one of the larger rooms at the end.
“…and I’ll have the boys bring in some water right now, to get it heated for a bath. Do you have a wedding gown, my dear?”
Shiloh’s attention wandered as the women spoke together in the distance. He looked around the large dining room, noting the few other travelers who sat at the tables and various settees and leather chairs.
From the back room where Kalli and Ann had disappeared, he heard Ann shout out an open window to one of her sons to “Get Mark to help, and y’all start hauling in bathwater,”—then the sound of the window closing.
The few occupants of the main room gave Shiloh a glance or a nod as he looked around—two younger men, standing near the fire; an elderly Mexican man, also in that area as he tried to warm up; and by his clerical collar, Reverend Thompson, at a table, studying his Bible.
Kidnapping Kalli Page 4
