Whispers of Moonlight (57 page)

"Yes."

Feeling very self-conscious under his approving gaze, Rebecca busied herself with the coffee. She even went so far as to refill Travis' cup before she joined him at the table.

"Are you very busy today?" she asked quietly.

"Nothing overly pressing. Would you like to go riding?"

"I think so. Are you sure I won't fall on my head?"

"I wouldn't let you fall," he promised her. "And beyond that, your horse is as gentle as a lamb."

"My horse?"

"Uh hmm."

"I didn't know I had a horse."

Travis looked down at his plate. "On occasion I bought things for you, especially in the first year."

Rebecca wondered when the surprises would stop. After all these years he still loved her. He wanted a marriage, but if she didn't he would let her go. She couldn't take the boys, but she could leave if she desired. When she wants to ride with him, he isn't angry, but tells her with the slightest hint of embarrassment that he's bought her a horse some years ago.

"What's his name?"

"Her name. Feather."

"Did you name her?"

"No. Her first owner did. You'll understand why when you see her. In almost the same place Diamond has a diamond shape under his forelock, Feather has a feathery shape of white hair on her face."

"Is she roan-colored?"

"Black, with white stockings."

Rebecca had run out of words, but Travis came to the rescue and picked up the slack.

"I'll make sure Lavena can watch the boys and we'll go. Did you want to have a quick bite to eat?"

"No, I'm not hungry."

Travis went to check with his housekeeper, and the Buchanans left a few minutes later. The boys were disappointed to wake and find both their parents gone, but Lavena put them to work with some cookie dough, all the time wondering how the Mister and Missus were doing.

"She really goes right where I tell her," Rebecca said in wonder, some fear still in her voice.

"Amazing, isn't it?" Travis said laughingly as he rode by her side. "Come this
way now," he instructed and silently thanked the man who had trained Feather.
She was a gentle mare with an easy gait, and Travis could tell she was comfortable with Rebecca's light weight.

They started out across the huge Double Star spread. Rebecca had gone very pale when she stood beside Feather in the barn, but Travis had helped her into the saddle and stayed on the ground next to her until she relaxed a little. He'd then mounted Diamond and headed them out to the east. Never moving above a walk, they rode in a huge circle and were now coming back to the ranch house from the west side. The mountains towered to the north and already the wildflowers were exploding with color.

"Right here." Travis was pointing. "We'll put the houses right here. Not too close to our place, but near enough to let the road go through and be close to the creek. Dane Wilson says he can start building next month, and the houses should be up by September. I'm not certain he was thrilled with having to come this far from town, but Robert tells me he does the best work."

"What did Lavena say when you told her?"

"She was shocked at first, I think, but then she warmed to the idea. Has she said anything to you?"

"No, but she's been in a good mood."

"I wonder how much of that has to do with Colin."

"I don't know, but he's certainly not losing interest."

"Love is a funny thing. You never know where it's going to hit."

He looked over to find Rebecca's gaze on him.

"You look good on that horse," he told her, his face shaded by his hat. "The outfit too."

"Thank you for buying it for me, Travis, and for Feather."

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"Do you realize, Rebecca, that you've never questioned me about this ranch? One day I was a penniless cowhand and the next I was a wealthy ranch owner. You've never accused me of taking the ranch or abusing the money."

Rebecca looked down at her lap. "I did think that for a few years, you know—about why you married
me—but I can see that you haven't abused what you've been given, Travis. You don't deny us anything. In fact, you probably spoil us a little too much."

"Oh, I don't know about mat," he said with a lazy smile. "Last time
we were in town the boys picked out the horses they want, and I said no."

Rebecca laughed. "I think I'm glad you did."

Travis had a hard time not reaching over and pulling Rebecca from her horse and into his arms. It felt so good to talk with her and
see her laugh.

She hasn't addressed the things we talked about. Lord, but could this be her way of showing me she's trying? Help me to be bold without pushing
her away. Help me to know the right things to say.

"We've been spotted." Rebecca was speaking, and Travis followed her gaze. He laughed. The boys were on the front porch of the house, nearly dancing in their excitement.

"Mama! Mama! She's on Feather, Lavena. Come see! Can we ride? Can we?"

They were thronged by the boys when they got close enough, and at first Rebecca was alarmed that they would come so close, but there was no fear in either the boys or the horses. While still in the yard, Travis helped Rebecca down and then helped the boys mount Feather. Like little professionals they walked her carefully around the yard. They didn't even argue over who sat at the front of the saddle.

"You look thoughtful," Travis remarked, looking down at her.

"I'm just amazed at how comfortable they are," she said without taking her eyes from her sons.

"Look at us. Mama!" they shouted, and Rebecca turned her face up to Travis.

"Do you see what I mean? No fear."

"Well, they've been coming out with me to the barn since November, and I've told them what to watch for. But you're right; they do very well. That's why I feel confident that they'll do fine on roundup."

"Will they be on horseback?" Rebecca couldn't keep the alarm from her face.

"No, in the wagon with Woody. I'm sure they'll ride in the evenings when we're settled for the night, but when we're traveling, they'll be safe in the wagon."

"When do you leave?"

"Monday, a week."

"How long will you be gone?"

"Five days—maybe a little more."

"And after that, the cattle drive?"

"Yes. That will take several weeks, but Lucky will head that up."

"You're not going on the cattle drive?"

"No." Travis watched her face and thought he saw a glimmer of pleasure. His voice dropped, and he asked, "Dare I hope, Rebecca, that you're glad I'll be staying?"

She didn't look at him and went to the house right afterward, but he still heard her say, "I'm glad you're not going."

"I'm headed into town, Lavena. Can the boys stay with you?"

Lavena speared her with a glance. Rebecca had been antsy all morning. It was so reminiscent of another morning, years before, that Lavena was afraid to let her out of her sight.

"Does Travis know you're going?"

"No."

"Maybe I should go with you."

"But if you do that, I'll have to take the boys."

Lavena scowled at her. "I'll just come right out with it—I can't take your leaving again, Rebecca. I can't do it. I'm too old for this. I can't watch him go through it all
again. You can't go!"

"Go where?" Garrett asked as he came into the room.

"Just into town, honey," his mother answered him. "Here, have a cookie and take one to Wyatt."

"Thank you," he said politely and went on his way. Rebecca turned back to
Lavena.

"I'm coming back, Lavena. In fact, I'm planning something I hope Travis will enjoy, but I promise you I'm coming back."

Lavena was visibly relieved. "I won't tell him or the boys, but don't you linger. Town is no place for a pretty woman alone."

"I'll be back as soon as I'm able."

Rebecca found Woody and asked him to hitch Dancer to the buggy. Rebecca was on her way some 20 minutes later, but unlike years before, leaving and not coming back was the last thing on her mind.

"How are things going?" Pastor Henley asked Travis after church. Robert was also part of the conversation.

"Better," Travis answered honestly. "We leave for roundup in the morning, and I hope when I'm gone Rebecca will have lots of time to think. We've been on horseback rides every evening this week and we've been able to talk when the boys are in bed—nothing very deep, but at least she's searching me out and sharing with me about her day."

"That is good news," Robert inserted.

"Maybe Beryl and I should visit her when you're away."

"I think that's a fine idea. It won't be that long, but she would probably enjoy a little company."

"Dinner at our house maybe?"

"I don't think so." Travis shook his head. "I don't want her coming into town on her own with
me away."

"Maybe Eddie and I can have her over," Robert suggested. "We don't live that far, and I could pick her up and run her home."

"Ask her," Travis encouraged him, "but don't worry if she says no. She just might need some time on her own."

"We'll keep praying," Pastor Henley assured Travis. The cowboy thanked him. A moment later he and Robert were standing alone.

"I want to tell you what an encouragement you've been to me, Travis."

"How's that?"

"Your joy and your peace. I know it hasn't been easy, but you're still trusting and that's been a real example to me."

"It isn't always easy, Robert, but it helped to make some decisions and stick by them. I felt God would want Rebecca to stay no matter what, but she was so distant that I felt I was no longer any good for her. I think it was the hardest thing I've ever said, but I told her she could go. I found such a peace in that. I'd been so careful around her, watching my every word, but I could see later that I hadn't been doing her any favors. She found out where I stood and then was able to make her decision."

"And she told you she wants to stay?"

"No. We've yet to talk more about it, but I can tell she's trying. I always enjoy roundup, but she's becoming so receptive that I hate to leave."