An Unexpected Mother (The Colorado Brides Series Book 4) (12 page)

“You’re welcome,” said Jack.

“We got a few hours till sundown. Let’s get a wiggle on and find that little scamp.”

Our horses followed Nathan’s, the trail leading through a flattened expanse of grass, with flowering, purple weeds and the occasional prickly cactus. The words he had uttered reverberated in my mind, leaving me oddly exhilarated. Could it be true? Was Pastor Bailey sweet on me?

We continued on long after the sun went down, sometimes stopping to walk, as Nathan examined the branches on trees and bushes for signs that someone had been through this area. A set of footprints had given us hope, as we plodded on, but this had yielded nothing. Long after it was dark, we came upon a sheltered spot, a patch of grass surrounded by bushes. Nathan made a fire, while Jack disappeared into the brush, returning a few minutes later. I washed my face with a small amount of water, wishing I had more, but Nathan carried only a few pouches of the precious fluid.

“I don't have much, folks. Some dried jerky and a coupla apples. I’ve tins of beans and some flour for the mornin’.”

“That’s fine,” I said. “I’ll just have the jerky.”

Jack tossed a bedroll onto the ground, scanning the surroundings. “I’m worried now. We should have found her already.”

“She had a bigger lead than I thought.” Nathan untied his bedding, rolling out the flattened assemblage of blankets and pillow. “If it had been a few more hours, I’d say she was a goner. I’m sure we’ll find her in the mornin’.” He patted the pillow, fluffing it up. “Who knows? One night out here might just set her straight. If nothin’ else, it’ll be character-building.”

“I hope you’re right. I can’t imagine what she’s going through now. She must be terrified.” I gazed between them, knowing I hadn’t brought anything to sleep on. Nathan got to his feet, walking to his horse. When he returned, he tossed a rolled parcel my way. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I’m gonna heat up some of these beans.”

Pastor Bailey sat on the bedding, his expression thoughtful. He didn’t seem to want to add anything to the conversation.

I needed to relieve myself. “I’ll be back.”

“Just don’t go too far, darlin’. It’s dark as hell out there.”

“I won’t.”

I took the lamp, holding it before me, suddenly terrified to be alone. What must poor Jane be suffering at this moment?
Well, it serves her right for running away.
I did my business behind a tree, not wanting to go any further. The men were talking, and I followed their voices, my skirts snagging on bushes. The flames of the fire flickered at a distance.

“I didn’t mean to cause you trouble, Jack. I speak my mind pretty bluntly most of the time.”

“I’m just not sure whatever gave you that idea.”

My feet halted, while I stood behind a tree, wondering what they were discussing.

“You can admit it, if you want. She’s a handsome woman. She’s not married. It’s not a crime to find someone attractive.”

“I just…prefer not to speak of such things.”

“Well, if you can’t talk about ‘em, you sure can’t do ‘em.”

“What exactly is that supposed to mean?”

“Do I really have to spell it out? If you want her, you best hop to it. She’s liable to marry a granger, if you’re not careful. A missed opportunity is not a win, Pastor. It’s a loss.”

“I…oh, never mind.”

“Are you promised to someone back east? Is that it?”

“No.”

“You got a girl here?”

“No.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“There isn’t a problem. You’re making something out of nothing.”

“Ain’t that how some of the best inventions happened?”

“I doubt it. Necessity is the mother of invention.”

“Well, I stand by my earlier assessment. I say you’re sweet on that woman. My advice would be to snap her up. Is it the kids? Are there too many?”

“I don’t mind children. I…haven’t really given any of this all that much thought.”

“You haven’t? My mind started spinnin’ the moment I met Hannah, but she was married to Frank then. The first time I saw her, I’d been thrown out of the saloon. Those were my younger, rowdier days. I landed at her feet in the middle of the boardwalk. She looked at me with those pretty eyes and that peaches and cream complexion, and I knew I was done for. And that’s a fact. You ever meet anybody, and just know that’s it?”

“I’ve had relationships before, Nathan. I’m not green.”

“But more green than worldly, I’d imagine.”

“I’ve had my fair share of experiences.”

“Well, that’s a relief. Don’t you want to set a good example for the vagabonds of Denver City? Gettin’ married would show those rascals that there’s a better way than drink and whores. Lord knows…I’ve had my fill of both.”

“I commend you on settling down and taking care of Hannah. You do seem to get on rather well.”

“It’s easy. I love that woman. I’d walk through fire for her. I’d throw myself before a train, if I had to, if it meant her safety.”

In that moment, after having overheard most of this conversation, I felt a twinge of jealousy, wishing someone would feel that way about me. My sister was a lucky woman. What I wouldn’t give to have a man who was as smitten and devoted.

Chapter Twelve

I waited, holding my breath, wondering if Jack would say anything, but when silence reigned, I stepped into camp.

“The beans are almost done,” said Nathan. “You sure I can’t entice you to a few spoonfuls?”

“No. I’m fine.” I sat on the bedroll, reaching for my hair and pulling out pins. I couldn’t sleep with them in because they dug into my scalp. This movement did not go unnoticed, as Pastor Bailey eyed me, watching as the hair came tumbling down over my shoulders. “It’s lovely out here. At least I won’t have to worry about anyone freezing to death.” Grasping the bottom of my boot, I pulled it free. “Doesn’t this remind you of being on the trail? I can hardly believe I spent two months sleeping in a wagon. It feels like a lifetime ago, but it was only two weeks. And here I am again.” For some reason, Jack continued to stare at me; his expression was peculiar. His regard sent little tingles down my backbone.

“It’s a hell of a trip. No two ways about that.”

“What’s a granger?” I glanced at Nathan. Then I realized my mistake. I had spoken without thinking.

“Listenin’ to our conversation, eh?” He grinned. “It’s a farmer.”

“Oh.” Jack’s look was questioning, and I found it amusing that he now knew I had overheard what they had said. “I was going to attend a social in town. Sally Higgins had invited me, but I declined. I asked Jane, if she wanted to come. Don’t you think she should share in all the amusements of town? She’s old enough to marry, or at least be engaged. No one would think twice about a year-long engagement.”

“That’s somethin’ to talk to Hannah about.”

“What do you think, Jack? She’s quite mature for her age.”

“I…really don’t know. I would just like to find her, safe and sound.”

“Yes, of course. I’d like to know why she hates me.” I ran fingers through my hair, untangling knots. “I wish she wouldn't be so cold. I’m not a bad person. I wouldn’t punish her, although I probably should for running away and causing all this trouble. I do hope she’s learned her lesson from this. One night out in the prairie might be good for her.”

“If she survives.” Nathan held the can with a cloth. “Who wants some beans?”

“I’ll have a few bites,” said Pastor Bailey. “I hope we’re not here tomorrow night. I’ll suffer once, but twice is unthinkable.”

“Gracious!” I suddenly had a thought. “What about bear attacks? What about snakes?”

“I think we’ll be fine,” said Nathan. “Now eat up, cause I want to get some shuteye. I’m fair on exhausted.”

After we had eaten and settled into our beds, with the hardness of the ground at our backs, I rolled to my side, facing Jack. He hadn’t fallen asleep yet; his eyes were on me. The fire had died down, but the remaining flames cast off a small amount of light. Crickets droned on, while an eerie stillness filled the air.

“Do you have any idea why she hates me?”

“Who can say what goes on in a woman’s mind.”

“That sounds a bit sour.”

“Think what you will.”

I got up on an elbow. “Can’t we speak plainly? I know we got off on the wrong foot, but…I…would like your opinion.”

“About what?”

“Jane.”

“I believe she’s had trauma, Fanny. She’s at that age where things can be blown out of proportion. She plays a good game, but she’s afraid of something. Abandonment perhaps. It would make sense. She’s lost everyone who was close to her.”

“What would it take for her to feel secure?”

“A stable family.”

“I’m trying to give her that. I’m doing the best I can.” I lay my head on the pillow, facing him. We were nearly two feet apart. My hand strayed, my fingers playing with grass. “I can’t do anything more for her. I’m hardly able to take care of myself. I’m relying on my parents for everything. I’ll be a burden to them now.” It pained me to think that finding a husband would be nearly impossible with so many children. “No man in his right mind would take up with a woman who has five children.”

“You don’t know that for sure.”

“Why aren’t you married?”

“I haven’t met the right woman.” He’d spoken those words softly.

“I see.”

“I’ve a vision in my head of what she looks like. It’s quite juvenile actually. I somehow doubt a blonde with angel wings will appear.”

This was a revelation, especially considering how he never spoke about his private affairs. “No one can be an angel. It's not possible.”

“There is some mention of them in the Bible, but they’re male.”

“Then you’re out of luck. You’ll just have to settle for a mortal who can’t fly.”

“I suppose.” A hint of a smile appeared.

“I’m just sick at heart from all of this. I’ve been tested, but I failed.” I met his gaze. “If anything happens to her, I’ll never forgive myself.”

“We’ll find her tomorrow, Fanny. Don't worry.” His hand reached out to touch mine. “Try not to make yourself uneasy. She’s nearby, I’m sure. A night in the wilderness will set her straight.”

I glanced at where our hands were joined; his fingers played with mine, sending the sweetest of sensations up my arm, which in turn shot through me, gathering in my tummy, where butterflies began to flutter.

“I hope so.”

Nathan had begun to snore lightly, while Jack and I held hands, our fingers threading. The feeling was remarkably intimate, yet comforting. I wasn’t afraid now to be out in the open the way we were. The stars shone above, brilliantly, a shooting star flashing for a second. In that instant, we were the only two people on the planet. He didn't seem to mind that our fingers were joined, because he made no move to break the connection. As sleep began to descend, the exhaustion of hours spent in the saddle forced my eyelids to close. I gloried in the hope that maybe Pastor Bailey had finally found the right woman. I knew then that I was falling in love with him. I prayed he felt the same way…he had to.

Something woke me in the early hours of morning.

“I’m gonna take a gander up ahead and see if I can find her.”

I squinted in the sunlight, while a shadowy figure loomed over me. “Nathan?”

“Yes, ma’am. I started the fire. There’s coffee brewing. I’m heading out for a bit.”

“Oh, oh…thank you.” I’d slept far deeper than I thought, having emerged from a lengthy series of disjointed dreams. “Fine.” I struggled to sit. “I’ll get myself ready.”

“No, take your time. I’m on a little scouting mission. I suspect she’d up around the bend. If I go myself, it’ll be quicker.”

“Do you need my help?” Pastor Bailey turned towards us; his expression was bleary, while messy hair fell to his forehead.

“Nope. Sit tight. I’ll be right back.” He pointed in the other direction. “There’s a little creek that way. The water looks clean.”

“Thank you.” I got to my feet, examining the campfire, finding coffee in a tin. “Would you like some?”

“No, I’m fine.” Jack was in the process of pulling his boots on. “Did you sleep well?”

I met his gaze. “I did.”

His grin was appealing. It seemed as if he had become even more handsome in the last twenty-four hours, if that were possible. As Nathan’s horse disappeared from sight, I eyed where the creek might be.

“I’m going to find the water.”

“I’ll go with you.” He was by my side. A wide-brimmed hat shaded his eyes. A hand was on my back. “You shouldn’t go alone.”

“It seems peaceful out here.”

“Yes, but that could change in an instant.”

We walked towards a line of trees, which was an indication that water was nearby. There was a grassy meadow; the dew from morning clung to the vegetation, dampening the bottom of my dress. I perceived Jack’s hand on my back occasionally; his presence was entirely welcome, but a bit distracting. I seemed to buzz every time he touched me. When we found the water, it trickled down a rocky indentation, no more than a foot deep in places, but it was enough to have a drink and wash my face and hands.