Come Home to Me (13 page)

Jake raised the cup to his lips. The hot liquid rushing down his throat only intensified the heat in his body. Believing that Rachel was married had kept him at bay the last few weeks. Now that he knew the truth, it felt as if the corral door had been opened, and he’d been set free. There was no barrier to keep him away from her anymore.

Yes, there is, Owens.
Jake muttered a curse under his breath. For the exact reason he was attracted to her, he could never take advantage of her. She was pure and innocent. Added to that was the fact that he was from an entirely different world. His time here was limited. How could he even think to take advantage of her, and then just leave?

Jake drained his coffee cup, perspiration beading on his forehead. Every time he was near her, it became more unbearable not to touch her. This morning had been proof of that. Without any forethought, he’d pulled her to him, intent on kissing her. The memory of her soft, feminine body molded to his, trembling and afraid of her own feelings, sent his mind spinning out of control.  How far might he have taken it had those Indians not shown up? She had quaked in his arms, had asked him to stop, but he also recognized the longing in her eyes.
Damn!

Jake stood abruptly as if a hoard of fire ants had crawled inside his britches. The bucket knocked over with a dull thud. He ran a frustrated hand through his hair. He had to get away.

“Owens. Can I have a word with you?” Thomas Parker’s voice drifted to him from out of the darkness. Jake cursed under his breath.

“Yeah. Sure.” Jake clenched his jaw, and waited for Rachel’s brother to speak. The man stepped into the circle of light from the fire.

“Not here.” He motioned with his chin toward the darkness of the prairie. Jake bent and righted the bucket on the ground, and set the coffee cup on top of it. Silently, he followed Thomas into the dark abyss, wishing it would swallow him up.

“What’s on your mind, Parker?” he asked when they moved far enough away from the wagon to not be overheard.

“Rachel.” Thomas sure didn’t beat around the bush. Somehow Jake had already known what Thomas wanted to talk about. He’d hovered and been almost overly protective of his sister all day after she gave those Indians a couple of loaves of cornbread and a sack of dried fruit. Jake was amazed at the complete change from how Thomas had acted over the last two weeks.

“You’re a good man to have around, Owens,” Thomas said. “But I don’t like the way you’re looking at Rachel.”

“How am I looking at her, Thomas?” Jake clenched his jaw. “Someone ought to be watching out for her. You sure haven’t paid much attention to her. Hell, you’ve been so lost in that bottle, your own kids don’t want anything to do with you.” Jake’s muscles tensed, and all of his frustrations from today shot to the surface. His hands fisted at his side. The last thing he needed now was to get into a fight with Rachel’s brother.

Thomas sighed. “I know I’ve been neglectful, but I’m changing that. I can’t help the mistakes I’ve made, but I aim to protect my sister from men like you.”

Jake’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Then why are you telling me she’s your sister, and not your wife like you’ve got everyone else believing?” His voice rose in anger. First the man completely ignored his sister, and now Thomas was telling him to stay away from her. 

“She told me that you know. She believes you’re a good man.” Thomas paused. “Rachel’s been too busy raising my boys over the last couple of years to have a life of her own. She had a beau just before my wife died, and I think they would have married. He left when Rachel was forced to tend to David and had no time for socializing.”

“Why are you telling me all this?” Jake gritted his teeth.

“My sister hasn’t had much experience when it comes to men, Owens. She’s had one beau, a hardworking man from a good family.” Thomas’ voice grew more forceful. “I will not see her get hurt by the likes of you. I’m sure Rachel is not the type of girl you’re usually after.”

Thomas had no idea how right on the mark his comment was. Jake smirked. The sound in the darkness seemed to fuel Parker’s anger.  “I’ve known men like you, Owens. I don’t know why women are drawn to your type, men who don’t want to be tamed and settle down. I’m sure every female dreams of corralling the unattainable stud, and you take full advantage of it.  You use women and then walk away when they no longer hold your interest. Well, my sister won’t be one of your acquisitions. Rachel deserves a good man, a family man. You’re not that kind of man.” He inhaled a deep breath. “Perhaps someday you’ll understand that the love of a good woman is something to be cherished, not something to be used and then discarded.” His voice cracked.

Jake could feel Parker’s eyes on him through the darkness. Part of him was glad that Thomas was acting so protective of his sister. Another part of him cursed the man for telling him to stay away from Rachel. And for being dead-on right with everything he’d said.

“Yeah. You’re right, Parker,” Jake said slowly. “I ain’t the kind of man for her. But I also don’t view her as, as you put it, an acquisition.”

“Just know that I’m watching, and if I see you try and take undue advantage of my sister’s infatuation with you, you’ll answer to me.”

“So noted.” Jake half-smiled. Perhaps this warning was exactly what he needed to temper the simmering fire inside him. He mentally shook his head. Who was he kidding? Thomas’ words stung. He sounded just like his own brother, Tom. Funny they should share the same name.

Taking a deep breath, he said, “I have a job to do, Parker. I aim to do it, and then I’m heading home. Good to know you’re looking out for your sister.” Without waiting for a reply, Jake turned and headed further away from camp, hoping the darkness would swallow up the turmoil in his heart and mind.

Chapter 13

Rachel licked at her dry and cracked lips. She’d have to dab some more of her precious bees wax on them when the train stopped for the day. She squinted her eyes against the sun beating hot overhead. Sweat trickled between her breasts. She adjusted the bonnet on her head, and tried in vain to stuff strands of damp hair back under it. Dust swirled around her, stirred up by a strong gust of wind, and she shielded her face in the crook of her arm.  Her dress snagged yet again on a branch of one of the countless sagebrush bushes she tried to avoid. Rachel cursed under her breath.

“Come ride up here with me for a spell,” Thomas called from atop the driver’s seat. He glanced over his shoulder at her as she trudged alongside their rig.

“It’s all right. I don’t mind walking,” she called to her brother. “Less weight for the mules.” She hastily closed her mouth to avoid choking on the endless dust stirred up by the wagons, and now by the wind. Thomas shot her a disapproving look, then shrugged, and faced straight ahead again. At least walking gave her something to do, even if the blisters on her heels and toes burned with each step she took.

For the last two days, the wagon train moved through the endless plains of the Platte River Valley. Nothing changed. Everything was flat and boring, and it seemed to go on forever. Occasional sparse strands of cottonwoods along the banks of the river offered the only change in scenery.

Several times today, a wagon had gotten stuck in the deep sand if it followed too closely to the river. It usually required the effort of several men, and an added team of mules to pull the unfortunate wagon out of the bog. Mr. Wilson tried to keep the train a half mile or so away from the actual river, but the Platte’s course was so unpredictable and wide, it was difficult to judge. The river was shallow in most places, but seemed almost more dangerous than raging water. Sand bars and quicksand were a constant threat, and everyone was warned to stay away except to get water.

“When’s Tommy and Jake gonna be back?” Billy grumbled next to her. “They’ve been gone all day.”

Rachel glanced at her nephew, then scanned the distance. Where had Jake gone off to? And with her nephew, no less. After the train had stopped for a quick noon meal and to allow the animals to graze for an hour, Jake had offered to take Tommy with him to scout ahead. He’d asked Thomas for permission, which had both surprised and annoyed her.

Since the day he pulled her in his arms and nearly kissed her, Jake had avoided her. He’d eaten supper with them that evening, but she’d hardly seen him since. Anger flared up in her, which only caused more sweat to trickle down her back past her shoulder blades. Heat crept up her neck. For two days, she hadn’t been able to erase the feeling of his strong arms around her from her mind. She’d wanted him to kiss her. He would have, if those Indians hadn’t shown up. 

Rachel conceded that she was more than attracted to him. Jake Owens was a man like no other. He was handsome, strong, and brave. He obviously loved children, judging by the attention he bestowed on her nephews. He’d shown his tender side on more than one occasion. He was also incredibly rude and brazen. Rachel fisted her hands at her sides and gritted her teeth. And she’d completely fallen for his charms.

“Rachel,” a voice called from behind her. Rachel glanced over her shoulder in surprise. Mary Holland waved to her and hurried toward her. Rachel’s forehead wrinkled at the unexpected gesture. She’d been isolated from almost everyone since the beginning of this trip. The other ladies barely spoke to her, and whispered in hushed tones when they thought she didn’t notice. Rachel knew it was because of the way Harriet Edwards talked about her, and because of Thomas’ drinking habit.

Rachel waited for the other woman to catch up. “Run ahead, Billy, but be sure to stay clear of the wagons. I don’t want you getting caught under a wheel.”

“What a miserable day,” Mary huffed when she caught up to her. She swiped a hand across her damp brow, and offered a warm smile.

“I wonder if I don’t prefer the rain from a few days ago,” Rachel said.

“Look at this land.” Mary swept her arm in front of her. “Nothing but flat sagebrush and grass. And sand.” She laughed. “I never thought I’d look forward to seeing just a simple tree. I wonder how many more days until something changes. Will we ever get out of this endless prairie?”

“I heard that once we reach Fort Laramie, we’ll see mountains,” Rachel said. She wondered why Mary Holland suddenly talked to her. She’d avoided her and barely been cordial since they left Kannesville.

“My Ben says once we’re over the Rocky Mountains, we’ll truly be in Oregon Territory.”

Rachel stared off into the distance. As flat as the landscape was, she could see for miles, and couldn’t even picture mountains in her mind. She scanned the seven rigs ahead of them. Mr. Wilson rode at the head of the train. Marcus Powell and several other men on horseback herded the cows and spare oxen behind the line of wagons.

“How have you been holding up?”

Rachel’s eyes darted to the woman. “I’ve managed,” she said tentatively. She wondered again why Mary was acting so friendly.

“I want to apologize to you, Rachel,” Mary blurted, and took hold of Rachel’s hand. “I’ve seen how difficult this journey has been for you. You’ve got your hands full with those young’uns and, well, your husband needs attention.” She avoided Rachel’s eyes as she spoke, clearly uncomfortable. “We were getting to know one another before this trip started, and I was hoping we’d become friends. I’m sorry for not coming to visit with you sooner.” She shot Rachel an uncertain smile.

“Why did you stop talking to me, Mary?” Rachel couldn’t help but ask. She didn’t bother to disguise the hurt in her voice. “Is it because Thomas is a drunk, or because Harriet Edwards likes to stick her nose in other people’s business?” Her voice was strained. She longed for another woman’s company. Mary couldn’t be more than a couple years older than she, and at first she had even reminded Rachel of her sister-in-law, Polly.  Anger welled up inside her. Oh how she wanted to give Mrs. Edwards a piece of her mind. 

“So, what nastiness does Harriet have to say about me? Does she say I’m not faithful to Thomas? That I enjoy the company of our scout to that of my family?” Rachel glared at the other woman. Strands of Mary’s blonde hair fluttered in the wind, and she hastily brushed it out of her face, trying to push it back up under her bonnet. She stared at the ground as they walked.

“I’m sorry, Rachel. I shouldn’t have let that old biddy influence me. I truly want us to be friends. Your husband’s been so helpful to Ben with our wagon. And  . . . and that scout saved Ben’s life. Despite what folks say about him, he sure seems to be a decent man.” She looked up from beneath the brim of her bonnet, and smiled sheepishly. “And he’s extremely handsome to boot.”

Rachel inhaled a deep breath. For a minute, she stared at Mary Holland. Then her face brightened. “Yes, he’s been very helpful. Tommy might not be here today, and neither would your husband, if not for Jake Owens.”

“Makes a woman wish she wasn’t married, doesn’t he?” Mary said, and her cheeks turned rosy. Rachel’s eyebrows shot up, and she almost forgot to close her mouth. Was every woman on this train in love with Jake Owens? She clamped her lips together, and a jolt of adrenaline rushed through her. She sucked in a deep breath, nearly choking on the hot and dry air as it seared down her throat and into her lungs.

In love with Jake Owens?
 Rachel swallowed the lump in her throat. Was she in love with him? It was absurd. He was the last man in the world she should fancy herself in love with. The day they arrived in Oregon, he’d probably turn his horse around and head back to where he came from. A man like that didn’t take up roots anywhere. Rachel certainly couldn’t see him as a farmer in Oregon.

“Rachel?”

Mary’s questioning voice startled her out of her thoughts. “Sorry. What did you say?” She caught the knowing smile on Mary’s face, and heat crept up her neck.

“The other ladies might talk behind your back, Rachel, but I guarantee you, it’s because every one of them, young and old, is green with envy that you’re the one who’s receiving all of Mr. Owens’ attention.”

“I don’t know what to do about him,” Rachel blurted out. It felt so good to talk with another woman, and share her inner thoughts. She certainly couldn’t talk to Thomas about this. He’d already made it clear that he didn’t approve of Jake.

Mary patted her arm. Her eyes filled with concern. “What do you mean? There’s nothing you can do. You have to think about your family.”

Rachel stopped in her tracks, and faced her new friend. She glanced around, making sure no one else was within earshot. The Edwards wagon passed them at that moment, and Rachel smiled sweetly at the glaring look of disapproval that Harriet Edwards shot at her and Mary as her wagon rolled by.

“Mary, if I tell you a secret, you have to swear not to reveal it to anyone.” Her eyes locked onto the other woman’s, and she kept her voice low. Mary’s forehead wrinkled.

“Don’t tell me you’ve . . . you’ve been unfaithful in your marriage,” Mary stammered, her eyes wide. She glanced at the wagons moving past them, and her eyes filled with unease.

“No.” Rachel hastily shook her head. “How can I be unfaithful, when I’m not even married.” She waited for her words to sink in. Mary’s jaw dropped, and Rachel grabbed her arm. “Not a word to anyone,” she said forcefully. “Thomas is my brother. Billy, Tommy, and David are his children.”

Mary’s face slowly lit up in a bright smile, and her hands shot to her hips. “Well ain’t that something. Rachel, you’ve got more guts than I first believed. Imagine that. An unwed woman traveling across the country.”

“It’s not like I’m alone, Mary.” Rachel waved her off. “But I wouldn’t have been allowed on this train otherwise.”

“Well,” Mary said with satisfaction in her voice. She hooked her arm through Rachel’s, and they resumed following alongside the wagons. “I surely won’t tell anyone. Now, what are you going to do about that handsome wagon scout?” Her eyebrows rose expectantly. “I swear, every time I see him looking at you, the sun purely rises and sets in his eyes.”

Rachel’s own eyes widened in surprise. Mary grinned at her conspiratorially. “Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed,” she scoffed. “No matter what’s been said about him, Rachel, mark my words. A man doesn’t look at a woman the way he looks at you with the intention of walking away.”

Rachel silently contemplated Mary’s words. Could Jake really see her as more than just another notch on his belt? Her heart sped up. It was insanity to think that he might be interested in a courtship with her. Rachel couldn’t picture Jake behind a plow and team of oxen, tilling the soil for planting. He wasn’t a farmer.
You’re putting the cart before the horse, Rachel
.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Billy and several other children running toward the wagons. Where had they gone off to? They shouted excitedly, and each headed for their own family wagons.  Billy ran up to her. He flailed his arms in the air and tried to catch his breath.

“What’s the matter, Billy?” Rachel asked, grabbing the boy’s hand to calm him.

Out of breath, Billy stammered, “There’s dead people over there.” He pointed in the direction he and the other children had come from.

“Dead people?” Mary echoed.

“Graves,” Billy clarified, gulping in air. “A few were dug up, and there’s dead bodies in them. It stinks something awful.”

“What were you and the other children doing by the river?” Rachel asked, a hint of panic in her voice.

“We wanted to get a drink of water. Then we saw them mounds of dirt.”

Rachel and Mary exchanged quick looks. Alongside them, the line of wagons stopped. News from the other children had obviously reached their families.

“Let’s find out what Mr. Wilson has to say,” Rachel said, and reached for Billy’s hand.

Collective voices around them murmured excitedly. Mr. Wilson had galloped off toward where the children pointed. He returned minutes later, and rode along the line of wagons, stopping his horse just before Thomas’ mules. He raised his hand in the air.