Claiming the Cowboy's Heart Page 18

“I wish we could get closer,” Mercy said.

  “We don’t want to disturb them,” Sybil replied.

  “It’s impossible to get close in a wagon,” Seth told them. “They are magnificent up close, though. So big. So strong.”

  “Everywhere I look I see evidence of God’s majesty and power.” Jayne gave him a warm smile. Was he ready to acknowledge God was not only powerful but cared about each of them in a personal way? Ready to acknowledge a faith they could share?

  He didn’t say anything. Simply smiled.

  The smile melted a path to her heart. She could barely keep from hugging herself, hugging him, hugging the world.

  He turned his attention to the trail as it climbed a steep hill.

  Mercy and Sybil remained kneeling behind them making impossible anything but general conversation.

  Jayne didn’t mind. This day overflowed with promise and possibility. She meant to enjoy every minute of it.

  “The air is sweeter here,” Sybil said.

  Seth sniffed. “It’s the pine trees and mountain air.”

  Mercy sighed. “It’s adventure beckoning. I keep saying we need to go on a camping trip.”

  Seth jerked about to look at Mercy. “On your own? That would be dangerous. Three young ladies on their own in the woods? Three citified ladies? There are wolves, bears, mountain lions…hundreds of different threats you aren’t experienced enough to deal with.”

  All three of them laughed.

  Jayne sobered to explain their amusement. “Mercy figures it would take two cowboys each to keep us safe and—” She sought for a word.

  “Entertained.” Sybil’s word carried a good dose of resignation.

  Seth laughed. “That’s a lot of cowboys. You think Eddie would spare them?”

  “No,” Mercy said. “I’m just teasing, anyway.”

  Jayne settled back with a bubble of happiness in her heart. She’d never seen a finer day.

  The trail grew more rugged, required more of Seth’s attention. They climbed, went past huge rocks, and sheer cliffs rose to their right and fell away to their left. The path eventually narrowed to the width of the wagon and everyone grew silent. Jayne wondered if they all held their breath like she did. Would it merely end ahead? How would they turn around?

  They rounded a corner and Jayne gasped as they entered a verdant clearing. Before them water rushed downward in a horsetail of white spray where it gurgled into the river below.

  “This is as far as we go,” Seth announced and climbed to the ground. Mercy and Sybil scrambled down before he could offer any of them help but Jayne waited for him to reach up and assist her.

  She liked the firmness of his hand on hers, the warmth of his fingers at her waist.

  Mercy and Sybil skipped away toward the waterfall but Jayne remained at Seth’s side as they walked at a slower pace. The roar of the water made conversation impossible.

  Mist sprayed from the falls and Jayne pushed her bonnet off, lifted her face to the moisture and laughed. She turned to Seth, saw the wonder on his face and hugged the thought to her.

  They poked about the water’s edge for a bit, examining the rocks and admiring the tiny flowers. One rock was dark and shiny and somewhat heart shaped. Surely a sign that Seth meant to offer her his heart. She tucked the rock into her pocket.

  After a bit they sat on a damp boulder and simply took pleasure in the surroundings.

  Mercy and Sybil clambered over the rocks to rejoin them.

  “We’re hungry,” Mercy yelled. “Let’s eat.” She grabbed Jayne’s arm and dragged her and Sybil toward the wagon.

  Jayne glanced over her shoulder and called at Seth to hurry, even though she knew he couldn’t hear her.

  They spread out the quilts, put out the food they’d brought from the ranch and sat down. Seth sat beside Jayne, his legs crossed so his knees jutted out, touching hers.

  She turned to him. “Would you ask the blessing?” As soon as she spoke, she wondered if he would feel awkward.

  But he gave a casual shrug. “Sure.” He bowed his head. “Heavenly Father, thank You for the beautiful scenery, which reminds us of Your power. Thank You for friends to share the day with and for the food. Amen.”

  Jayne squeezed his hand. “That was lovely. Thank you.” She broke off the touch before her friends could comment.

  The conversation as they ate was lively and full of laughter.

  They barely swallowed the last bite before Mercy jumped to her feet. “I want to explore more.” She stuffed the remains of their lunch into the box. “Let’s go.”

  Sybil rose with a long-suffering sigh but Jayne remained seated at Seth’s side. “I’ll stay here if you don’t mind.” She hoped Seth would recognize the opportunity for them to be alone.

  Mercy opened her mouth to speak but Sybil jabbed her in the ribs, cutting her off.

  “Come on, Mercy. Let’s go.”

  The pair sauntered away.

  “Don’t go too far,” Seth called. “I wouldn’t want you to get lost. And watch for bears.”

  Sybil’s steps slowed at his warning but Mercy dragged her on.

  Jayne folded the quilts and stowed them in the wagon box.

  Seth followed, and leaned his back against the wagon. “You sure you don’t want to join them?. We could catch up still.”

  “No, I’m enjoying the view from here.” And she didn’t mean just the waterfall, though it was magnificent. Seth was a handsome man with his dark hair and hazel eyes. He had a good jawline and eyes that seemed made for smiling.

  He met her gaze. His eyes flashed as he looked deep into hers, probing secret places. He bent his head.

  She lowered her eyelids, silently inviting the kiss she knew he offered.

  His lips touched hers. Firm, cool, tentative.

  She tipped her face upward, wanting more…more of his kiss, more of him. Her arms stole around his waist. Her hands pressed to his back. Her fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt as a thousand butterflies seemed to take flight inside her and fill her heart, her mind, her every thought.

  She’d been kissed before. After all, she’d been engaged to what’s-his-name. But his kisses had never caused this soul-searing sensation. As if joy had become a verb and danced in her being.

  He broke off the kiss and leaned back to study her. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”

  Sorry? That he’d kissed her? Did it mean nothing to him, while her world spun with happiness? She shifted back, tipping her head and seeking his face for an explanation.

  “I have to check on my pa. Make sure he has everything he needs.”

  Did his eyes say he wasn’t anxious to do so? Perhaps because he wanted to spend more time with her?

  “Of course. I understand your concern.”

  “I’ll be leaving tomorrow.”

  Her heart dropped to the bottom of her stomach. Surely he meant to tell her he’d be back, ask her to wait.

  She held her breath until her head thundered. But he didn’t say the words she hoped for.

  “I’ve delayed far too long. My pa might be in serious condition by now.” He patted his breast pocket. “I had a letter from Crawford saying he left. He didn’t say if he’d arranged for someone else to care for Pa. I hope he did but Pa is my responsibility and—” He gave her a look so full of resolve that she fell back a step. “I will never shirk my responsibilities.”

  He moved aside, putting more distance between them.

  Not one word of hope. No suggestion that he meant to come back. Or that he wanted her to wait for him. His silence said it all. This was goodbye. He didn’t intend to return. “You brought me here to tell me this? Why? You could have told me at the ranch.” Where she would have the option to run to her room and bury her head in her pillow.

  “No, I brought you here because I promised you and your friends I would take you to a mountain lake. I wanted to do it before I left.”

  If she’d had a sliver of hope left that he didn’t mean this
to be forever, he killed it. He did not intend to return.

  “Jayne.” He reached for her but she moved away. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I thought you understood that I wasn’t staying.”

  “Of course I did.” She forced false cheer into her voice. “You stayed longer than you intended simply to teach me to shoot. I’m grateful. I pray you will find your father well.” She lifted her skirts and hurried to the path Sybil and Mercy had taken.

  How could she have misjudged him so badly? Did he feel nothing when they kissed?

  She met up with Sybil and Mercy returning down the path.

  Sybil took one look at her and asked, “What’s happened? You look like you’ve had terrible news.”

  She tried to smile but tears were too close to the surface. “Seth is leaving tomorrow.”

  “He’ll be back.” Mercy was quite certain.

  “No. He’s going to take care of his invalid father. I understand his concern and his sense of responsibility.” She hoped her tone conveyed that it mattered not to her that he didn’t intend to return.

  But the way both her friends hugged her, she knew they weren’t convinced. Her leaden feet followed them down the hill.

  They jumped into the back of the wagon. She climbed up and sat between them, keeping her back to Seth.

  If she looked at him she might forget her pride and demand to know how he could kiss her like that and walk away as if it hadn’t happened. She’d gladly fall on her knees and beg him to stay if she thought it would change his mind.

  But nothing would shift Seth from his guilt-driven responsibility.

  Chapter Sixteen

  The next morning, she prepared a bottle for Thor.

  Seth stepped into the kitchen behind her. “I’ll help.”

  She kept her back to him. “I told Grady he could feed Thor. It doesn’t require both of us to help him.” From now on she’d do it without his help. Might as well start now.

  He thankfully accepted her excuse and let her go.

  Despite the searing pain in her heart, she laughed at the way Thor bounced with excitement at seeing Grady. It took the fawn a moment to realize his playmate meant to feed him.

  Grady laughed. “I think Thor is better than having a dog. Don’t you?”

  “He’s sweet.” She’d never see the fawn without being reminded of many precious hours spent in Seth’s company. Her hand pressed to her chest as she tried in vain to stop the pain that threatened to burst her heart.

  “Can I take him outside to play with?” Grady asked.

  “Maybe after breakfast. Just be sure you have permission from an adult who is prepared to supervise. We wouldn’t want Thor getting lost. In the meantime, he’ll be safe in his pen.” The one Seth had built. Everywhere she turned there were reminders of how impossible it was to push him from her thoughts.

  Even without reminders she’d never forget him.

  Thanks to Mercy and Sybil’s understanding, Jayne wasn’t forced to sit at Seth’s side throughout breakfast.

  “I’ll be leaving today,” Seth announced.

  “You’re welcome to stay,” Eddie said. “I could use another man with the roundup approaching.”

  “I have to see to my pa.”

  Sybil sat at Jayne’s side and reached out to squeeze her hand under cover of the table.

  Jayne felt Linette’s concerned look but studied her empty plate.

  “Your hospitality has been most generous. Thank you,” Seth continued, his words flat. Was he regretting his decision?

  She stole a glance at him under protection of her eyelashes. He didn’t look in her direction, but the set of his jaw allowed her no hope for a change of mind.

  “I’ll be on my way directly.” He pushed to his feet. “It’s been a pleasure. Again, thank you.”

  Jayne merely stared at a spot in the middle of the table as everyone offered goodbye wishes. When Eddie and Linette accompanied him to the door, she fled to her bedroom. She would not watch him ride away. She would not wave, nor call an agonized goodbye for fear it would turn into a plea to stay. Or at least a promise to return.

  Instead, she sat on the edge of her bed, her hands pressed between her knees and whispered, “Goodbye, Seth. May God bless you.” Her heart bled empty.

  She heard chairs scuff across the floor in the kitchen, dishes rattle in the dishpan, cupboards open and close. Muted voices informed her the other women worked in the kitchen. The outer door slammed. Was it Eddie leaving? Or was it Grady?

  She sighed. She couldn’t hide here forever but she didn’t move, either, not wanting to face the pitying looks from her friends. Nor have her situation discussed.

  Her brocade bag, the one she carried her gun in, sat on a shelf in the wardrobe. She took it and left the room.

  “I’m going to practice shooting,” she announced. “Unless you need my help with anything.” She addressed Linette.

  “No, there are lots of people around to help with anything that needs doing.”

  “I’ll be back later.” She slipped out the back door before either Mercy or Sybil could voice an opinion. With heavy feet and a lifeless heart she made her way to the spot where the target waited.

  She plopped her bag on the fallen log. It landed with a satisfying thud and she sat down beside it and stared at the ground in front of her feet.

  She’d wanted to be independent. She’d achieved that.

  Strong. Self-sufficient. And alone. Even Smokey didn’t follow her, preferring to stay and play with Thor.

  Not that she was entirely alone. She had Mercy and Sybil, and Eddie and Linette and a dozen others around the ranch.

  But with Seth gone, her heart echoed with emptiness.

  A rustle in the underbrush jerked her attention to the side. Had Smokey decided to join her after all?

  She squinted into the shadows but Smokey did not appear.

  A dull sound came from behind her, making the hair on the back of her neck stand up. Someone was there. She edged her hand toward the bag and her gun.

  “I’ll take that out of harm’s way.”

  At the gruff words, Jayne squealed and sprang to her feet. She stared at a man who was supposedly in jail. “You.”

  The beady blue eyes narrowed and Jayne realized too late that she shouldn’t have let him know she recognized him.

  “So you do remember me.” He smirked.

  “The Mountie said you were in jail.”

  He laughed, a mocking sound. “I was never in jail.”

  “But—” She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of asking who was in jail.

  Seems he didn’t need her to ask. “I fooled that policeman good, didn’t I? All I had to do was find someone who looked a lot like me, persuade him he wanted my clothes. Sell him my ring and leave a few things in the pocket of my coat.” He let loose another burst of ugly laughter.

  She edged backward toward the trees as he talked, but he came forward, stepping over the log. “You aren’t going anywhere, little lady.”

  She turned and ran, made two steps toward safety before his hard grasp on her arm jerked her around to face him.

  “You know what I want.”

  She wasn’t going to let him kill her and fought to escape his grip.

  He grabbed both her arms and shook her hard. “My key. Where is my key?”

  “I have no idea what you mean.” He shook her so hard her teeth rattled.

  “That’s what Oliver said but I saw you with it before I had to run from the coppers. Didn’t see it when I’d seen you later.”

  “You are mistaken.” He’d followed her and spied on her? She felt dirty all over.

  He grabbed at her throat.

  She squeaked. Did he mean to choke her?

  He yanked at the neck of her dress and pulled so hard she fell forward. Her dress gave way and she clutched at her throat to protect her modesty.

  He pushed her head back to study her throat. “Where is it?”

  “I don’t know what you mean,�
� she gasped.

  His fingers bit into the flesh of her upper arm. “You can stop playing Miss Innocent,” he snarled.

  “But I honestly don’t know.” The anger in his eyes made her legs weak. She fought dizziness and tried to squirm free. As his fingers dug deeper she bit back a cry.

  “I know you brought it with you. You wouldn’t be fool enough to leave it behind.”

  She sucked in air and released it in a scream that she hoped carried to the ranch. Please, God, let someone hear me.

  He slapped her face. “Stop that.”

  She took a deep breath.

  Seeing she meant to scream again, he swung her about, pressing her back to his chest, and clamped his sticky palm over her mouth. His clothing smelled of old sweat. Her eyes watered and she clawed to escape his hold.

  “You aren’t going anywhere until you tell me where that key is.”

  She fought to free herself.

  “Stop it or I’ll have to get tough.”

  She would fight as long as she had strength. With a flash of insight, she realized fighting might be the wrong tactic and she made her body go limp.

  “Now that’s more like it.” He bent to scoop her into his arms.

  As soon as his hand released her, she flew from his arms. Her skirt caught her legs. She yanked it out of the way and continued her headlong flight.

  The man uttered a curse.

  His feet pounded after her.

  Please, God. Help me.

  He caught her, swept her off her feet. “You little witch. Get it through your silly head. You are not going anywhere until you tell me where that key is.” He dragged her at his side like a sack of rotten potatoes.

  She skidded to keep her feet under her.

  He made it sound like he would release her if she could produce a key but she very much doubted he would.

  They reached a dark, narrow break in the trees where a cold campfire suggested he had spent time here. A shadow moved. Had someone come to rescue her? But it was only his horse tethered out of sight.

  He pushed her back against a tree, forced her to sit, and tied her hands and legs. His touch, far too intimate, made her skin crawl.

  The look she gave him should have blistered his skin but he returned it with a leering grin.