Chapter One With the persistence of a child dawn woke the ranch hands on the Rocking M ranch, reminding them of the upcoming troubles they would face. They were to escort Miss Miller to the train station in Biloxi before heading onwards with the cattle ending in Kansas City, a long, tiring journey for them and the three thousand head they were driving. “Why we got to take a woman?” One of the men groused as he pulled on his boots and reached for his hat. “Cause she’s the boss’s daughter.” Came the disgruntled reply. “Never mind the fact that she’s a woman.” Came the steely response from the door, “Just get dressed and be outside in five minutes or you’ll get left behind. And don’t tell the boss we’re dropping her in Biloxi.” “Why not?” “Cause Uncle Kid and Aunty Lou want us to take her to her uncle’s place in Phoenix.” Came the quick rebuke. “And I ain’t got the time nor the inclination to put up with her that long. Besides that she’s meeting another lady and her husband at the train depot.” “So why are we taking her at all?” “Cause that’s what Pa said.” Jacob replied firmly and turned to leave the room. He resented the hell out of taking Mary Emma Miller or Mems as she was affectionately known even that far, a woman on a cattle drive was bad luck, and she was annoying to him. He’d grown up with her underfoot and she had been a constant source of problems, now he only wanted to get rid of her as soon as possible. “Best hurry Pa’s looking the herd over as we speak.” Turning he closed the door and headed back across the yard to where his father, a tall, graying half-blood stood easily watching the herd. “Well?” “Looking good.” Buck glanced at his son and sighed. “I’m sure you’ll take good care of Mems.” “Of course. I’ll treat her with the utmost respect.” Jacob said and studied the herd himself. They were fattened and in good shape, the steers milled about easily, grazing and standing patiently a rarity for a cow. “I’ll get the bank to wire the money to town and then you can pick it up in a few months.” “I’m sure you’ll do your best.” Buck said looking at his son. The young man was tall, easily topping his own six feet easily, with long straight black hair and eyes that were sort of a steely blue often changing to slate gray depending upon his mood. While he was smart and active, Jacob rarely let himself get talked into anything, even as a child he followed silently where the other kids had gone and yet a part of him had remained aloof and distant. Now as a man he was just as responsible and compassionate as his friends, his cousins from both Ike’s family and Kid and Lou’s family. Buck often wondered if Jacob actually knew how to have fun, if he ever let go of the control that seemed to cling to him a result of his Indian blood and the prejudices of people everywhere. “I figure I should get the herd to Kansas before the snow flies, seeing as it is late summer. I’m hoping that we’re not delayed too much by taking Mems.” Jacob drawled. “I wish Uncle Kid and Aunt Lou would make up some other means of her traveling.” “Don’t worry.” Buck said with a smile. “You’ll find the Mems is just as capable as anyone else around here, despite her attempts to make herself seem like a helpless female.” Laughing at his father’s words Jacob glanced over his shoulder at the sound of hoof beats and smiled. “Looks like Hunter’s up early.” “Looks that way.” Buck said as Hunter rode into the yard and dismounted beside the house. “Morning Hunter.” “Morning sir.” Hunter called back and headed their way. “Everyone up yet?” “I think so.” Buck said glancing at Ike and Sara’s place. “Except for your folks.” “Well they’ll just have to wait then.” Hunter groused. “You remember some of the boys talking ‘bout someone out at the lake camping.” “Sure. You said you were going to go take a look, what did you find?” Buck asked glancing at Jacob then back at Hunter. “Those two.” Hunter fumed. “Adrian and Joey were out there.” “And this is a problem because?” Jacob demanded. “Do you have any idea what they were doing?” “No, and I’m not sure I want to know. I’m surprised to see you’re still alive, they’ve been talking bout killing you for interrupting them every time they find a few minutes to themselves.” “I could have cheerfully killed both of them.” Hunter declared. “They were shall we say not acting appropriately.” “Couldn’t be any worse than you and Jenny.” Buck pointed out. “Sir I at least at the decency to wait until we were behind closed doors..” Hunter started. “Hunter I know you’re upset about this but they’ll do what they want and nothing we say is going to change their minds.” “I know.” Hunter threw his hands in the air. “It’s just that I’m embarrassed to say the least. I can’t seem to go anywhere without tripping over them and their various states of undress.” “Give it some time.” Jacob laughed. “Unless I miss my guess they’ll be married before I’m back.” “I hope so.” Hunter sighed and glanced at his friend. “Because I can’t handle any more of the threats against me. Joey threatened to boil me in oil if I didn’t leave them alone.” “Here’s a thought.” Jacob said softly, thoughtfully. “Leave them alone. I know it’s a lot to ask of you but you’ll find in the end it works for you, at least health wise.” “Jacob don’t you have some cows to push?” Hunter asked with a glare. “And a girl to escort to Arizona?” “If Joey doesn’t kill you, I might.” Jacob said as Hunter walked away, heading for the McSwain household. “Have a safe drive son.” Buck glanced at his son as the door to the Miller household opened and Mary stepped out into the morning light. “And don’t lose her.” “I won’t.” Jacob smiled at his father and glanced at Mems. "I promise to keep her under my eyes at all times.” “Well? Are we going or what?” Mary asked glancing between the two standing watching her. She knew as well as anyone that she wasn’t particularly welcome on this run but Jacob had agreed to take her as far as Biloxi and she’d accepted. She didn’t see any reason for her folks to know that she wasn’t going to see her uncle; she was going to get married. It had been a year since she’d met her fiancé JB Butler, a young man who was as charming and compassionate on the outside as he was soft hearted and kind on the inside. It hadn’t taken her long to fall head over heels and yet she knew her folks wouldn’t approve of him, he was after all the son of a gunslinger and a prostitute, not someone that you brought home if you had money. When he’d proposed at first she’d been hesitant to accept, after all he probably was doing it for the money. That is until he’d surprised her with a letter signed and dated with a lawyer’s signature beside his saying if they married he wouldn’t touch a penny of her money. It hadn’t taken her long after that to realize that he loved her for who she was, not for what she had. With that accomplished she’d agreed to marry him readily, thankful that she’d been wrong in her assumptions that he loved her, not her bankbook. The hustle of mounting men and the slight sound of a wagon rolling out of the yard beneath the men’s voices as they talked amongst themselves drowned out Mems soft sigh as she mounted and rode up to Jacob. “I still say you should tell them.” Jacob declared and shrugged at her look. “I ain’t saying a word, I just know why you’re going to Biloxi instead of Phoenix like you’re supposed to.” “Pa would never let me marry him.” Mems said softly with a smile at her friend and cousin. “You know that as well as I do. I’m rich and he’s not.” “He’s a man.” Jacob declared. “Your Pa wouldn’t let you marry anyone right now, not at your age.” “I’m the same age as you are.” “So?” Jacob said with a raised eyebrow. “When has your age been a factor in what happens with me? I know that you’re old enough to make your own decisions, but I think you’re making a mistake this time. And I don’t mean marrying J.B.. I mean not telling your folks, what happens if they wire your uncle and he says you never showed up?” “I don’t care.” Mems replied firmly staring at him. “Are we leaving or going to stand here and debate my plans for the next two months.” “We’re leaving.” Jacob snapped and raised his hand, effectively setting the herd into motion. Pushing cattle was hot, dusty work and for every mile that they rode Mary swore she was coated with an inch of dust. Offering no complaints was the smartest decision she thought watching Jacob handle his horse, the men, the cattle, the conditions all of those things that were within his control; he would not welcome her comments any more than he welcomed her presence. “How you holding up?” Jacob’s drawl had her glancing at him. Smiling Mems shook her head. “I’ll survive. It’s what another week before we get to Biloxi and the train?’ “Bout that. Depends on how fast we move the herd. Once we’re within a few miles of Biloxi then I’ll ride with you into town, see you off before rejoining the herd.” “You won’t say a word.” “It’s not my place.” Jacob replied looking at her easily. “It’s yours. When they find out and you’re in hot water, don’t look to me to save you. I’ll have enough problems of my own just staying alive.” “I promise not to creative a problem for you.” Mems smiled at him easily and guided her mount easily. “As soon as JB and I are married I’ll wire Mom and Dad and tell them all about it, and tell them you tried to change my mind but couldn’t. Trust me, this will work.” “If you say so.” Jacob drawled as the herd moved slowly southward. He didn’t like the idea of her running off to marry any more than he liked the idea of Adrian and Joey getting married without telling anyone, but it wasn’t him so he couldn’t, wouldn’t say anything that might disrupt the way they chose to live their lives. Staring at the train Jacob glanced at Mems who was currently smiling and talking to another young woman with flowing red hair and green eyes. Beside them to young men stood, one with a loving look in his eye as he observed Mems as she laughed at something the other woman said, the other man stood watching the two women fondly but kept glancing at him with a distrustful look in his eye. Smiling to himself Jacob shook his head and glanced downward at his clothes, he was covered in dust and his shirt was sweat soaked. He looked like a cowboy, one that had spent many miles in a saddle on drag and it showed in everything he said or did. “Mems.” Jacob walked over to her and touched her arm. “Remember what you said. Let your Ma and Pa know, if you don’t and they ask me when I get back I’ll tell ‘em the truth.” “I promise. I’ll be wiring them today.” She said as JB wrapped an arm around her waist. “Be careful Jacob, you don’t want or need any trouble on this drive.” “Trouble’s my middle name.” Jacob smiled at her easily and glanced at the young man standing behind her. Tall with brown hair and brown eyes that seemed to peer into a body’s soul, he watched the interaction without comment. There was something so familiar about him and Jacob sighed, probably cause he’d met him a couple of times. “Thank you for bringing her.” JB said, his voice soft and yet steely. Offering a hand to the other man, he was hardly surprised by the force of the grip, or by the way the other man smiled easily and yet a warning was clear in his eyes. “Good luck on your drive.” “Thank you.” Jacob said and turned to head back to his horse as the boarding call was shouted up the boardwalk. “Take care.” “I will.” JB said easily and watched the tall, lanky half-breed move through the crowd. Despite having Indian blood the young man carried himself with the same grace, dignity and aplomb of a man comfortable within his own skin. “Does he bother you?” Mems asked glancing up at him. “Who? Jacob?” JB glanced down at her easily. “Yes.” “No.” Smiling JB shrugged. “My father was friends with a half-blood that worked with him in Sweetwater and Rock Creek during the time of the pony express. I don’t think any less of your cousin or you because of it.” “I didn’t know your father worked for the pony express.” Mems said with a slight frown. “Most folks don’t. Most folks only know him by the reputation he earned unjustly. I doubt if anyone really ever took the time to get to know Jimmy Hickok, the way his friends and family in the express did.” JB replied softly as she snuggled into his arms. Frowning slightly Mems look at him for a moment the sighed softly, he was right. Few people ever knew any more about James Butler Hickok than what was written by that scoundrel Marcus. Knowing that the man she loved was the son of the man her folks loved eased her troubled mind, from what her father and mother said, from what everyone said, Jimmy was an honorable man. And so was JB, he could have taken and taken without ever giving back and yet he hadn’t, he’d been adamant about waiting for the right moment to marry, about her coming to him, about life in general. Things were going to be okay now. Glancing back down the walkway Mems caught a glimpse of Jacob swinging into the saddle and turning his horse away from the rail before he galloped out of sight, before she turned and climbed onto the train destined for her own life with the man she loved. Chapter Two “Sure is quiet around here without that annoying girl.” Jacob smiled at Cookie, the old, balding man they’d hired on as chuck master. “You’re just bitter cause she was doing all the dishes.” Jacob replied softly and settled in with a cup of coffee. “With any luck we won’t have to worry ‘bout that kind of an annoyance for the remainder of the trip.” “Ha, when you start off with a woman along, you usually finish with a woman along. Don’t matter if’n it’s the same one or not.” The old cook grumbled as he gathered his pots and pans and started cleanup from the evening meal. Laughing softly at the old cook’s irritation Jacob turned his attention to the flames, his mind wandering back to the ranch and to the work that he’d left behind. He’d promised James he’d help him woo that new girl, the one the Jenny was friends with and it rankled him that he’d never taken the time to get to know her before James’ had set his eye on her. She was pretty and smart even if she did tend to talk too much. Besides that he’d been looking at a couple of fine horses that he wanted to breed, inserting their bloodlines into the stock would only add to the quality of horses that they had now. Smiling slightly he thought back to the old tales his father told of the old days when the ranch had been used for the express, then after the war it had been turned into a cattle operation with only a few head of horses on it. His father had used his old mare as one of the foundation mares and many a horse now had loud colors painted on them. “You look like yer thinkin’ awful hard.” One of the hands settled in a squat next to him and he glanced up at the man. “Just thinking of that mare and stallion I saw. Sure like to breed them, see what kind of colt she throws.” “It would be a good looking, smart thinking pony that’s for sure.” The hand drawled and poured another cup of coffee. “Course your pa might have other ideas. Seems to me he likes that mare.” “I know.” Jacob smiled. That’s why I can’t let him get her first. I told James I wanted that mare; he’s going to buy her and the stallion for me next week at the auction. Mighty fine horses they are. Almost identical in coloring, although not so much in personality.” “You know you and yer kin are all horse crazy.” The man laughed softly. “You spend more time talking bout horses than most men do about their wives or girlfriends.” “Have to talk about something. I can’t stand the thought of discussing a woman. They’re trouble.” Jacob declared. “Look at my brother, he’s been all over hell’s half acre following a woman..” “She’s just as good as he is.” “She’s trouble. Damn fool’s going to wind up wrapped around her finger with an idiotic smile on his face and be bouncing a baby or two on his knee before long.” “You’re just jealous.” With a laugh the cowhand rose to his feet and walked away leaving Jacob to think on the predicament of a woman with the cattle drive. Hunkered back amongst the trees under a fallen log, Leah Traker watched as the wagon burnt, the thick pungent black smoke curling up to meet the sky even as the men that had started the fire, tore through the contents that they’d scattered across the ground. Her mother’s trunk was torn open and the find linens, and china that had been packed into it was tossed about as the men laughed. Not far off she could hear voices and squeezed her eyes shut as she glance that way through the branches to see where her mother lay so still upon the ground, the blouse she wore soaked with her own blood. Silently, angrily she watched as the men walked past the body of her father, her mother not bothering to glance at the small curled up figure on the ground laying so still as well. Watching the small toddler Leah waited impatiently for darkness to fall. The men had taken everything of value, shooting the mules and leaving their carcasses for the scavengers. “From the clothes you’d figure there was a girl traveling with them.” One of the men shouted, his words slurred with whiskey and filled with hard tension. Shivering at the words, Leah wondered if they would search for her, if they found her she had no doubt about what they’d do and she was in no way able to defend herself. “You’re right.” Another man hollered and started glancing around. “Wonder where she got off to.” “Not far.” The hard, gravelly voice had Leah shuddering, he was the boss man, when he’d ridden into camp while she was out gathering firewood she’d known the minute he’d started to speak that trouble was coming. “Find her. Don’t need any witnesses.” He called to his cohorts who immediately started walking around, moving closer to her hiding spot and she scrunched back further, into the darkness, the dampness of the earth. Reaching around she pulled hard, moving a thick branch down to cover the small opening as one of the men hunkered down and glanced through the trees. “Can’t be that old, and she’s probably not used up like that one was.” Came the lusty snort from one man making her blood run cold. “We ain’t got time for this. Find her now.” Came the angry shout as the man walked toward his horse. Hearing a fast moving horse Leah glanced away from the man who’d just risen to his feet and shucked in a quick breath as the rider pulled up harshly, his horse snorting at the sudden stop. “What is it?” “Riders.” The man gasped with a gesture behind him. “Must be at least forty of them, driving a herd of cattle.” “So they won’t take any time away from the cattle..” “They’re riding Rocking M branded horses.” The man gasped and suddenly silence fell upon the small camp, broken only by the grating of wood on wood as the wagon collapsed. “You’re sure?” “As sure as I am of sitting here.” The rider said firmly. “We’ve already lost men to the Rocking M ranch, you want to lose the rest.” “Tanner’s men were killed in an ambush by the Rocking M riders.” Another man pointed out. “They don’t mess around, and they don’t leave any survivors. If they find us here with a burnt out wagon and three dead they’ll string us up.” “If they don’t torture us first. Several of ‘em are Indian.” “Damn it all to hell. We don’t have time to find that girl; she probably hid in the wagon, even if she isn’t. She’s as good as dead anyway.” The words were cold, calculated and harshly spoken. “Mount up and lets get the hell out of here. I ain’t planning on joining Tanner anytime soon.” The flurry of men mounting up had Leah’s hands trembling as she hunkered behind the branch, hoping, praying that they’d leave soon and not return. Seeing a slight movement over by where her little brother was laying she bit her lip to stop from screaming at them to hurry up and leave. Waiting until the sound of hoof beats had faded completely and the low bawling of cattle reached her ears Leah crept from the hiding spot she’d found and inched toward her brother, one eye on him the other searching the clearing for the men to return. Rushing toward him she bent, scooped him up and glanced around uneasily. She could hear voices in the not too far off distance and they were coming from the opposite direction that the men who’d attacked them had ridden off in. Torn between fear and doubt she held onto her brother who began to squirm in her grasp. Glancing at him she hefted him onto her hip, blood oozed from a wound beneath his hairline, his face was ashen and his eyes were filled with terror and tears. “Come on Bryan.” She whispered and with a final glance behind her she started walking eastward, back the way they’d come hoping against hope that she would find another family or even a town. “Trouble.” Colt, a tall thin man with a handlebar mustache pointed out the black curling of smoke to Jacob who pulled up and watched it for a few minutes. “Well?” “You’re in charge.” He said and glanced at several of the other riders who fell out of position and headed along the rise with him. “We’ll be back as soon as we can.” He called over his shoulder, clearing the rise in time to see six riders galloping into the trees even as the stench of paint and wood burning reached him. “Should we follow?” One of the men asked. “In time.” Jacob declared and nudged his mount down the thin path toward where the road disappeared into the trees. Riding up it he paused when he saw a shadow moving toward them, sticking to the tree line, and obviously trying to avoid being seen. “Take two men and ride up ahead. See what you can find.” He ordered softly, dismounting and pulling his knife from its sheath. “The rest of you stay here, keep an eye out for danger.” With that he tossed his hat onto his saddle horn and slid soundlessly, softly into the trees moving toward the shadow he’d seen. Putting one foot in front of the other Leah could barely see past the tears clouding her vision as the small boy she carried clung to her his breath coming out in tear-filled, silent sobs. “I’m here. I’ve got you.” She kept repeating it, like a mantra hoping against hope that Bryan would believe her that he’d relax and maybe drift back into a sound sleep. Ducking her head to avoid a branch she didn’t notice the still figure leaned against a tree, his body hugging it tightly as he waited for her, nor did she see the glint of the sun on the knife he held. Her focus instead was on her brother and getting him to safety. Giving a shriek of fear when she felt someone slide a hand around her throat and lift her chin a moment before the hand clamped over her mouth and the cold, metallic feel of a blade touched her throat. “Don’t move.” The words were low, silky and filled with a perceptible threat. Swallowing she froze, not moving, her grip on Bryan tightening until the baby whimpered in protest. Sliding up behind the figure Jacob moved closer, his gaze taking in the small child the boy carried. Being around Hunter he knew the boy needed medical attention, and food and shelter. Moving slowly, confidently he moved the knife along the throat of his captive, careful not to cut and shifted, turning his hostage around. Swearing steadily under his breath, Jacob stared into the terrified gray eyes of a young woman who clutched the baby to her and swallowed with fear but didn’t move, her eyes focused on the blade that he held in front of him. “What’s your name?” Jacob snarled and watched her as she stared back at him. “Well?” He prompted when she didn’t speak, didn’t even move a muscle. “L.L..Leah. Leah Traker.” Leah stuttered staring at the tall, dark haired man in fear. What was he going to do now? Would he kill Bryan and rape her? Would he just kill both of them? Or maybe he was waiting for the others to come back and then they’d decide. “Boss?” The words was called softly, soothingly as a horse moved through the sunlight into the trees. “Your horse is coming.” “I hear her.” Jacob called back and studied the girl in front of him. “Well Miss Traker you can’t stay here.” Turning he sheathed his knife even as he reached out to grab the reins on his horse. Leading the animal forward he dropped the reins and reached over to take the baby. Stepping back, Leah’s chin went up a notch and she glanced around for a weapon, something to stop him from taking her brother. “You can’t hold him and get on the horse.” Jacob said softly, noting the quick searching gaze. “Give him to me. I’m not about to hurt either of you.” After several strained seconds the girl handed the boy over and Jacob waited for her to mount up before he handed the baby up to her, stuck a booted foot atop hers in the stirrup and mounted easily, smoothly. Nudging the mare with his heels he rode back to where the others were waiting. “Well?” He said pulling up as three men rejoined them. “Burnt out wagon, clothes and such scattered about, and two dead bodies. An older couple.” One of the men said then noted the young woman and small child. “Ma’am.” “Take a few men and find the men that were leaving the sight of the wagon.” Jacob ordered softly. “We’re going on up the draw, just follow us until you catch up with us when you get them. I want answers.” “Yes sir.” “Cookie ain’t going to be happy to see a woman and kid in camp.” One of the men smiled at the young woman who sat still, her back as straight as a branding iron. “Even one so pretty.” “Ease up.” Jacob snapped and glanced at his men. “She’s not a doll.” “But boss, ain’t like we meant anything by it.” “Seems to me she’s been through enough.” Jacob said nudging his mount along. “I want those men.” “You gonna be short handed if we take off and go get ‘em?” Several men asked. Glancing at the six men he’d left camp with Jacob shrugged. “No. Just don’t take long.” “We won’t.” “See you in a day or so.” Jacob said nudging the mare into a gallop and heading back for the herd. Riding stiffly Leah felt the warmth of the man at her back and the gentle sway of the horse beneath her even as she struggled to stay awake. Clutching brother she could feel the exhaustion over taking her resistance and struggled to stay awake, falling asleep meant the boy would fall. Felling her slipping into sleep, Jacob reached around and took hold of the baby, pausing only long enough to shift his position and put the baby between him and Miss Traker. Riding hard he pulled up on the slight hill and stared down at the river of cattle below him. He could see the chuck wagon sitting under a stand of trees, hear the men talking, smell the rich aroma of coffee brewing and sighed. “Well Miss Traker looks like you’re stuck with us for now.” He whispered and kicked his mount into a gallop. Riding toward the chuck wagon he sighed, his men would be all eyes and fumbling feet for a few days, Cookie would be glaring daggers at him and there wasn’t anything that could be done. He didn’t want to leave her out in the middle of nowhere, and both her and the baby needed some solid food inside them. Pulling up beside the chuck wagon he glanced at Cookie who’d moved to stand beside his horse, a dark, disgruntled look upon his face. “Well?” “Trouble.” Cookie grunted and glared at his boss. “That’s what you got there.” “Maybe.” Jacob said and moved to hand the baby to the aged cook. “But I ain’t about to leave ‘em behind.” “You’re too much of an honorable man for your own good.” Cookie grumbled as he took the little boy and stepped back while his boss dismounted, catching the sleeping girl easily and hefting her against his chest. “Come on, I’ll fix ‘em a bedroll under the wagon.” “Thanks.” Jacob smiled at him. “I promise not to tell on you.” Glaring at his boss, Cookie turned and stomped back around the wagon even as the riders came in for dinner. He knew what was going to happen now, they’d want to sit and stare at the young woman and things wouldn’t get done. They would be lucky if they made it home by Christmas Chapter Three Stirring Leah could smell coffee brewing and hear the indistinct, quiet chatter of men talking and snuggled further down into her blankets. The warmth of her bed made getting out of it an unpleasant, unnecessary evil as far as she was concerned and it rankled that the voices wouldn’t go away. Frowning in her sleep she moved slightly in the blankets, pulling them up over her head to drown out the chatter even as she silently cursed Pa. Opening her eyes she glanced around early morning or evening sun had filtered in under the wagon lighting the shadows only vaguely, and she could see the lower legs of horses not too far off. Rolling over she glanced behind her and felt her world stop turning, several men sat gathered around a fire, their dusty clothes marking them men who lived on the trail. Feeling as though she’d awakened in a nightmare she blinked at the tears that threatened as memory returned and she could see in her mind the image of her parents falling, her brother lying so still where he’d been dropped on the ground by one of the men. Glancing around, her eyes searched for a sign that he was here, that he was okay and felt only a sharp ache in her chest when she didn’t see him. Moving quickly she shucked the blankets and crawled forward, intent on getting to a horse and escaping before the men realized she was awake. Sliding out from under the wagon she rose to her feet her gaze fixed on the horses only to freeze and press back against the wagon as a tall, dark haired, sharp featured man with blue grey eyes approached her and stared at her. “Glad to see you’re awake.” He said, his voice was smooth, silky like the fine silk her mother had. Moaning slightly she glanced past him toward the horses and wondered if she could make it. “I wouldn’t recommend it.” The young man said pushing his hat back off his face to reveal the tanned features of a man comfortable outside. “If you could get there before my men notice that you’re after a horse, you’re not likely to get any of them to move. They’ve been working all day and are tired and cantankerous, not to mention they know they’re done for the day.” Swallowing harshly Leah moved along the wagon, her hand searching for something to use as a weapon as she struggled to keep the man away from her. Watching him match her step for step, she felt a moment’s elation when her hand closed around the handle of something and lifted it. She barely had time to register that she’d swung when she found herself pinned to the man’s chest, one arm fastened around her, the other wrestling her ‘weapon’ a flour coated rolling pin from her hand. “Not a wise choice.” The man snarled and tossed the pin back onto the tailgate of the wagon. Squirming in the man’s hold, she was barely aware of the growing audience as she fought to get away from him, she wasn’t just going to let herself be taken, no matter what he thought. “Damn it.” Using a trick he’d learned when fighting with his sister, with Jenny or any of the girls at home, Jacob hooked a booted foot behind her ankle and kicked her feet out from under her sending her sprawling into the dirt. Laying there staring at the blue sky streaked with red, orange, and gold Leah tried to control her fear. If she could move then she could run and as long as she could run she could try to get away. Gulping in air she rolled over and scrambled to her feet, her mind focused on getting away. “Hey boss you need some help?” One of the men teased Jacob with a slight laugh and Jacob shook his head, his eyes focused on the woman before him. Being around women as much as he had, he knew she would try to run. Moving quickly, he grabbed her around the waist and pulled her back against his body. “Look nobody’s going to hurt you.” he said holding her firmly, his voice gentle. “You don’t have to be afraid here.” “Yeah and I suppose..” “Just because we’re all men here doesn’t mean they’re thinking of one thing.” Jacob stressed and releases her. He stood patiently as she stared at him uneasily, fear written plainly in her eyes. “I told you a woman on a cattle drive was trouble.’ The voice was old, filled with irritation and annoyances, and yet Leah didn’t feel threatened at all as she slid a glance at the old, robust man who stood holding a dish towel and a plate. “Suppose she wants coffee now to?” “No thank you.” Leah spoke softly, fear still lacing her words. “Polite critter.” Cookie muttered and glanced at her. “Don’t worry ‘bout these boys, they’re too busy to get into mischief.” he said and turned away from the scene. “Boss you’d best be keeping an eye out for those men you sent out.” “I know.’ Jacob glanced up at he hill top. He didn’t doubt that his men would do the job he’d given them, hell anyone with a brain knew that Rocking M men were as loyal as sin. “Figure they’ll join us tonight or tomorrow sometime.” “You mean those men that killed my parents?” Leah snapped whirling to face the young man who’d been speaking. “Them to.” Jacob replied. “Course I doubt if they’re going to be in any condition to talk, my men aren’t particularly fond of men who hurt women and kids.” With a final glance at her he turned to the other cowboys. “Better pick a horse boys, nights closing in and we need some riders out there to soothe the cattle.” “Sure thing Jacob.” The men nodded and the small group dissolved, men hurrying toward horses that stood dozing in the late day sun. Watching them Leah couldn’t help but feel more alone than ever before. With her folks dead, her brother missing and alone with a bunch of cattle men, anything could happen. Saddened by the thought she glanced at the ground, blinking furiously to avoid letting the tears fall. “Don’t worry. Soon as we get to town we’ll drop you off and you can wire your kin to come get you.” Jacob said. “Course til then you’re sorta stuck with us.” Nodding silently Leah stood there and waited for the tears to fall, she suddenly wanted to know where her brother was, where she was but didn’t feel like asking. Ducking back under the wagon she curled up into the blankets and lay there, tears streaking down her face even as she closed her eyes and slid into a troubled sleep. “When you’re cursing a woman being here you’ll know I was right.” Cookie muttered to Jacob who stood staring under the wagon, a frown marring his face as she nursed a cup of coffee. “Couldn’t leave her there.” Jacob replied softly. “No telling what those men would have done.” “Just like your Pa.” Cookie grunted as he poured more coffee for the boss. “Always thinking of what’s right and wrong. Course you’ve got his talent for an eye for an eye to.” “They killed those folks as easily as you’d kill a fly.” Jacob snapped angrily. “You don’t have to be a genius to know that, even if we didn’t see it. Miss Traker don’t deserve to join them.” “What of the boy?” Cookie asked softly. “A baby on a cattle drive? He’s gonna be a lot of work.” “Miss Traker’ll watch over him.” Jacob said sliding a glance to his bedroll where the little boy lay sleeping peacefully. He like the boy, he reminded him so much of his friends, his cousins that he’d grown up with. Smiling suddenly Jacob glanced at Cookie, “You figure Adrian and Joey’ll be married before we get back?” “Those two.” Shaking his head, Cookie stared at the young man he called boss. “If they ain’t already married I’ll eat my hat.” “I can understand that reasoning.” Jacob laughed softly. “We’ll wait till morning before moving along. The boys’ll catch up for sure.” “Yes sir.” Cookie watched Jacob walk away, his steps sure and confident. Despite his youth, Jacob Cross was no boy, he was as grown up as the rest of the clan he lived with not including that brat Mary Emma Miller. Yes indeed he couldn’t have found a better outfit to ride for if he’d tried, especially when they’d given him a chance when no one else would. The sound of cattle bawling woke Leah just before dawn and she glance up at the bottom of the wagon uneasily. A fire crackled nearby and footsteps, soft and quiet as they moved through the growing light. Squirming out from under the wagon fearfully Leah rose to her feet and glanced around, her eyes falling on the young man she’d been trying to hit the day before. He lay sleeping soundly, his body wrapped around the slight form of a smaller, more delicate body, one large, powerful hand resting on the baby’s stomach with familiar ease. “He’s got more cousins than you can shake a stick at. He knows about baby’s.” Cookie whispered seeing where she was looking. “He was right you know, despite the gruff appearance of these boys, and their sometimes often unusual ways you’re as safe here as if you were in your own bed.” “Where are you going?” Leah asked softly. “Kansas City, Kansas.” Cookie replied gruffly, seeing the men stirring. “Since you’re awake you can help with breakfast.” “Yes sir.” Leah smiled and moved to help make biscuits, her attention once more settling on the young man who held her brother close to him. My mid-morning she was dusty, tired, and soaked with sweat sitting atop the wagon seat next to Cookie who drove the six mules easily, his hands light on the reins as they rolled along. Wiping a hand along her forehead Leah swiped at the sweat and sat back to watch the long, winding river of cattle move along. Spotting a now familiar rider she watched him moving along with her brother sitting in front of him in the saddle, something she wasn’t too pleased about but she couldn’t very well say anything. He might leave them here and that she couldn’t stand, once they got to a town he’d promised to wire some of her family to come get them and that’s just what she wanted. “He rides like he’s been born to it.” She whispered watching the horse Jacob Cross and Bryan were riding give a little hop over a slight dip in the land. “Might as well have been. It’s the Kiowa blood in him, that and the fact that his father rode for the express, most of his family was riding before they could walk, him included.” “How come you’re so ready to tell me all about him? I’d have thought that you’d keep to yourself.” “Shoot missy, just cause I don’t like sitting gabbing with a bunch of young bucks don’t mean I ain’t polite and able to speak to a young lady.” Laughing softly Leah nodded at the old man’s words. “I see.” “Don’t go getting any ideas though, I ain’t gonna turn into a chatter box like these youngsters if’n that’s what you want.” “Yes sir.” Leah hid her smile and turned to watch the mules the steady sway and pull of the wagon as it rolled along a familiar comfort. Spotting a line of riders parallel to them she tensed. “Uh Cookie?” “Yes missy?” “Look.” Pointing a finger at the horizon she tugged on his sleeve, hoping that he would alert the others. Cookie glanced in the direction that Miss Traker was pointing and watched the riders for a moment, “The boys are back.” Raising a hand he nodded to Jacob who whirled his mount and galloped back toward the wagon. “Boys are back.” Cookie said quickly nodding along the rise. “I see them.” Jacob said softly, easily a glance at Leah revealing nothing as he shifted, lifting Bryan up and handing him to her. “Best take your brother, things might get a little unpleasant and he don’t need to be caught in the crossfire.” “Come on Bryan you can sit with me.” “Horsie.” The little boy clapped his hands as Jacob rode off a grin splitting his face easily. Watching the riders Leah noted how they cut down the slight embankment and pulled up just as Mister Cross reached them. Feeling apprehensive and uneasily she glanced at her brother with a slight smile then turned back to watch what was going on. “I don’t think you want to know what’s going to happen.” Cookie whispered as he directed the mules around the gathering up ahead. “You don’t mean he’s going to do something illegal?” Leah gasped. Cookie smiled and shrugged. “Depends on things I reckon.” He said urging the team past the gathering without a second glance. Sitting astride his horse Jacob stared at the five men who sat with his riders. “Weren’t there six?” “One didn’t really want to come along.” Came the reply. “Didn’t have much of a choice but to kill him.” “You butchered him.” “No more than what you did to those folks.” Was the curt, dismissive reply. “We’re close to Twin Falls, we could drop them off there and leave it up to the law what happens.” Jacob suggested. “You think anyone is going to convict us? It’s our word against yours.” “He’s right.” Colt declared. “We know he’s guilty, they all know who’s the guilty ones but if we try to take ‘em in they’ll just get a sharp rebuke and then nothing. They’ll be back out on the street by nightfall.” “Why not hang ‘em ourselves?” The words were softly spoken, the anger barely controlled. “We’re not vigilantes.” Jacob said quickly. “But they won’t get any justice if we take them into town.” “I know.” Jacob sighed and glanced behind him at the wagon that rolled onward; not pausing and he knew the boys were right. Sooner or later, they’d go after Leah because she was a witness, because she was a loose end that they wouldn’t want running around. “What would Adrian say right about now?” “String them up and let God sort them out.” Was the only suggestion, one that brought gasps of fear from the outlaws, and laughter from the riders. “I’ll leave it in your hands.” Jacob declared. “Just do it as legal as you can and no judgments without thinking them through.” turning his mount around he trotted off, confident that his men would do the right thing. “Sure thing.” Colt said glancing at the men they had prisoner. As soon as Jacob had ridden out of earshot he glanced at his companions? “Well what do you think?” “I think it might be an idea to look at everything that happened. Do we really want to kill ‘em without hearing from them?” “You can’t kill us. We’ve got rights.” “Shut up.” Colt glanced at the men. “Anyone who would kill a woman and try to kill a child deserves to hang as far as I’m concerned. Bring them along, we’ll sit in council tonight and decide.” With a vague shrug the other riders moved off, leading the captive’s horses as they fell back into line with the other riders. Tonight would be soon enough to decide the men’s fate. Chapter Four Sitting by the flames Colt studied the men they had and felt only a mild dislike at the thought of taking time away from the drive. As far as he was concerned maybe they should drop them off in town, and let the local law handle the situation. “You boys come to a decision?” Jacob asked settling down on the ground with them. “Yeah. As much as we might hate to think of it, we’ve sort of agreed that taking them into town would be the best solution. We’re not law men, hell we don’t know anything about the law from that standpoint other than we know it was wrong what they did.” Colt glanced at his boss. “I know it rankles, heck we don’t know any other way.” “Twin Falls is half a days ride west of here.” Jacob said and glanced back at the wagon. “We could take these men in and see about sending a wire for Miss Traker and the baby. Might have family that’ll come take responsibility for them.” “So do we leave at first light?” “Yes.” Jacob said and shifted, pulling his battered Stetson down over his face. “Colt you got guard tonight. We leave at dawn.” “Good.” With a decisive nod the young man stood and headed for the wagon, he needed a cup of coffee and Cookie always had some going. Stopping next to the wagon he watched Miss Traker doing the dishes even as she kept one eye on the men, the baby and what was going on around her. “Coffee still hot?” “Yes.” Leah glanced up at the cowboy and nodded, she’d overheard Mister Cross call him Colt and he didn’t appear much older than she was. “Pot’s by the fire.” “We’re going into town in the morning, figure to drop those men off and wire your family at the same time. Let ‘em know where you are, what’s happened. Who knows might even be willing to come get you.” Smiling slightly to herself Leah shrugged and turned her attention back to the plates she was scrubbing. She doubted if any family was going to come looking for her, she doubted if anyone was going to care if a seventeen year old girl was alone in the world with no one but her baby brother to rely on. Listening to the night calls of the birds, the crickets, even the cattle in the distance soothed her nerves even as she wondered what would happen. The men responsible for her parents murder were tied up a few feet away with armed guards between them and her but still, anything could happen. These men were professional lawmen, they were cowpunchers, and good, honest men who had wives and families back home. The men that sat a few yards away were killers; men with no morals, no honor and that scared her. “Best get some rest Missy.” Cookie’s aged voice had her glancing up at him. “You can sleep in the wagon with Bryan ain’t no point in advertising to the world that you’re here. Them men are going to be sore in the morning when the boss takes ‘em in.” “Yes sir.” Leah said glancing at the last pan in her hand. “I’ll just finish up the dishes.” “Off to bed with you girl. Ain’t about to argue. I’ll finish up here.” Cookie said as the girl rose and shuffled off to the wagon where she curled up next to the little boy and covered them both up with a warm blanket. Sleep was a long time in coming for Leah who stared out the opening of the back of the wagon at the stars and wondered just what good would come of taking men in to a trial that would probably never see the light of day? Finally only hours before dawn, exhaustion took over and she slid into a deep, dreamless sleep only to be awakened by a hand shaking her leg. Sitting up sharply she jerked away from the touch and stared at the trail boss. “Yes?” “Best get up Miss Traker, we’re heading into town in a few minutes, you might want to come get a bite to eat.” Jacob suggested quickly and turned to head over to the campfire. “Where’s Bryan?” Leah demanded noting her brother wasn’t laying beside her. “Out here.” Jacob’s voice held little emotion, and faded as he moved away leaving her with a vague sense of unease and irritation. The man was entirely too bossy and controlling for her liking. Mounting up with the men after breakfast she fell into step with Mister Cross’s horse and held her tongue as they rode into town. Pulling up in front of the jail, she watched as the Marshall came out and spoke softly to Mister Cross, she couldn’t hear what was being said, but instinct told her that she probably wouldn’t like to hear the outcome anyway. “Morning Mister.” The Marshall, a tall, thin man with a thick mustache and piercing green eyes eyed the half-breed standing before him. “Marshall. Found these here fellows out by a burnt out wagon couple days north of here.” Jacob said quickly, one brown arched at the man’s tone. “They killed the couple that was driving it, this here is that couple’s daughter. She’s the only witness other than the boy to it.” “And who might you be?” “Jacob Cross from up Nebraska way.” Jacob replied firmly. “Driving a herd to Kansas City.” “For what outfit? I ain’t herd of nobody from Nebraska driving a herd lately.” Doubt was in the man’s eyes and his tone. “The Rocking M ranch.” Jacob declared easily, shrugging slightly. “Taking last years crop to market.” Nodding slowly the Marshall looked at the young man intently; he’d heard tales of the Rocking M ranch. They’d produced some of the best horses and cattle in the Northern States. But that wasn’t what was familiar about the ranch to him, he’d heard tales of the lawman who’d come from there something Miller, and a doctor as quick with a gun as he was with a scalpel. “You work for the Rocking M?” “In a manner of speaking.” Jacob replied and turned to his mount. Sticking a booted foot in the stirrup he swung gracefully into the saddle and gathered his reins. “There a wire service here in town?” “Down the street at the post office.” The Marshall replied firmly pointing a bony finger and glancing at the girl who watched all without saying a word. Watching the young Indian ride down the street, he felt a chill go through him. Something told him that the man he’d met was just as dangerous as those he’d heard about. Dismounting at the post office, Jacob waited for Leah to step up to the door beside him before he opened the door and glanced back at one of his men who rode with the little boy in front of him. “We’ll only be a minute or two.” “I guess I owe you my gratitude.” Leah murmured as Jacob filled out the wire slip and handed it to the telegraph clerk. “No problem. Glad to be of some help.” Jacob smiled easily at her and offered his hand. “Glad to have met you Miss Traker.” “Glad to have met you Mister Cross.” Leah said as the man walked away, pausing only long enough to pay for the wire before stepping out the door and leaving her alone in the room. “You waiting on a reply?” The clerk asked. “Yes sir.” Leah said as the clerk sent off the message. Sitting in a chair she glanced out the window in time to see Jacob take Bryan off the other man’s saddle and head across the street toward the store. Probably to get him some candy or something she thought tiredly. Leaning back in the chair after what seemed like hours, Leah blinked at the clerk when he smiled at her and handed her a slip of paper. “Your reply.” “Thank you.” Leah said taking the paper and opening it eagerly. Reading the few lines she felt her hopes die before they’d had a chance to blossom. Her uncle had received word and would be only too glad to help out, but she’d have to come to him. He couldn’t take time off from the farm to get a slip of a girl. Walking outside she bumped into the Marshall and stared at him. “Excuse me.” “Ma’am.” Staring at her, the Marshall sighed. “Just got a question for you if you don’t mind.” “Not at all sir.” Leah said softly, trying to control the trembling in her hands. “Those men that were brought in, did they actually kill your folks or did those men that brought them in do it?” “The men that brought them in saved my life, and the life of my brother.” Leah replied firmly. “If it hadn’t been for them both my brother and I would be dead now.” Nodding the Marshall glanced over at the cowpunchers that were lounging around town and sighed. “That’s what I thought. You know anything about them?” “Other than they saved my life?” Smiling at the sarcasm the Marshall nodded. “Yeah.” “They’re honest, hardworking. I haven’t found one of them who are impolite or even disrespectful. Mister Cross seems to do a very good job of guiding his men.” “His men? You mean he’s the trail boss?” “I think he’s more than just the trail boss.” Leah replied firmly. “He’s the boss period. Is there a train station around here?” “Nearest one’s in Calvin, and that’s a three day ride.” The Marshall replied. “I’m sure someone would be glad to take you if you asked.” “No thank you.” Leah said with a sad smile. “I’ll find my own way.” Walking away from him she headed over to the store, maybe she could catch a ride with the Rocking M men for a day or so at least until she could figure out what she was going to do now that she had fewer options available to her. “How’d it go?” Jacob asked glancing at her easily as he held her brother on one hip like an old pro. “They said I’m welcome as long as I find my own way to them.” She replied holding out the wire. “I asked the Marshall he says there’s a train depot three days ride from here. I hate to impose..” “Don’t worry bout it.” Jacob smiled easily. “I’ll make sure you get to the train.” Shifting Bryan on his hip he glanced at her expression one of unease, even fear. “Something bothering you?’ “No sir.” “Sir?” Jacob laughed at that, a warm, rich sound that had Bryan giggling. “You can’t be that much younger than I am. Sir belongs to an older man like my Pa, or Uncle Kid, or Uncle Ike.” “You seem to have a lot of family.” “Yep.” Jacob said easily, a quick grin splitting his face for a moment as he gazed at Bryan. “Well if you’re coming with us we’d better get a move on. We’re going to be riding into camp in the dark as it is.” Nodding Leah followed them outside and over to the horses, swinging gracefully up onto her own mount as Bryan was settled in the saddle before Mister Cross who vaulted into the saddle easily. Watching him, Leah couldn’t help but feel uneasy that soon she’d be on her own with a baby to watch out for and she didn’t know if she could handle it. The ride back to the herd was silent, except for the chatter of Bryan who seemed to have found his voice and was eager to tell all about nothing. Smiling at him, Leah wondered just what would happen when they got to Dobbson City, Kansas. Would their family take them in and treat them as one of their own or would they be on the outside looking in? Feeling tears threaten to choke her she blinked, she missed her Ma and Pa. She missed the way they were always there for each other, the way they treated her with respect and dignity, but she was glad to have Bryan. At least he needed her around. “You didn’t get rid of ‘em.” Cookie pointed out upon their return to the herd. “We’re going with them to the next town, there’s a train there and that’s where we’ll leave them. The Marshall didn’t seem to be too worried about what happened, asked a couple fool questions and locked up those men. Probably out by now and heading this way but there’s nothing that can be done about that.” “Should’ve known that we was going to have trouble, when you bring a woman along..” Cookie started only to fall silent at Jacob’s look. “Too much like your Pa is what you are.” He groused and whirled to stalk away. ”I take it he’s not happy to see us?” Leah asked softly, hesitantly. “He’s not happy with anything.” Jacob replied and shrugged. “Least of all something that he can’t control. As far as he’s concerned cattle drives should be men only. Course he forgets that there’s more women than men on the ranch, and that most of them are part owners.” “Oh.” Leah stared at him for a moment feeling suddenly more alone than she’d ever felt and wondering if this was what her life was going to be like if she would always be so alone? “Guess I’d better help him with dinner then.” Nodding Jacob turned away and headed for the string of ponies to look them over. There was so much work on a cattle drive that didn’t stop just cause the sun went down. With only the moon to guide him Jacob sat atop his bay and watched the cows milling about below him. His mind back home on his friends, his family. He wondered how Mems was doing, if she was happy, if she’d like she said she would and let her folks know what was happening. Smiling to himself he wondered what sort of trouble his oldest brother had gotten into lately. Not that Adrian had been prone to getting into trouble, except when it came to Joey. With her, Adrian was always doing something that wound up making him the center of attention. He’d even taken bets on when that pair would be married. Frankly he didn’t think they’d make Halloween before they tied the knot the way they were going, Hunter was good at catching them in various states of undress. Course Hunter was pretty good at catching a lot of things, from his wife Jenny to his friends, to his family doing all sorts of things. He missed the quiet calm that the other man had, the quick decisive mind that made decisions and stuck to them. Catching movement off to his left he turned to watch a lone figure walking along, head hanging down, shoulders hunched until she came to a rock and sank onto it, pulling her knees up to her chin and resting her head on them. Like Jenny and Joey, and the myriad of women he’d known in his life Leah Traker was as strong as she was beautiful. Her personality had taken a blow with the loss of her parents, and she suffered with the doubt and fear of being an orphan but still there was this little spark within her that just needed some time to come alive again. He wondered what she was going to do now that she had family that would take them in, he felt responsible for the girl and her brother despite what everyone said. He’d found her and he felt like he was letting her down by not taking her to her uncle’s farm. Perhaps he should, perhaps it would be best to give her the chance to decide what she wanted from life rather than put her on a train and say so long. Maybe he was too much like his father, maybe growing up loved as much as he was, he felt confident that he could make the choices that to many were unpleasant. He lived his life the way he wanted to with things in either black or white, and sometimes with a bit of grey in them but still, he was comfortable in his skin. Perhaps that’s what Leah Traker needed was time to grow more comfortable in her own skin. Sitting hunched against the thoughts running round in her mind, Leah stared at the bulk of the cows before her and let the tears come. She grieved for her parents, for the dreams and foolish pride that had been hers before this whole thing had started. Mostly she grieved for the things she’d lost, not the people, or the dreams but for the comfort, the ease within her own life that she’d had before everything was shattered with a single act of cruelty. Bryan had bounced back so well, not that she’d expected differently but still she knew she would have a hard time dealing with things. Especially when every muscle, every twitch of her body reminded her of hiding in the dirt, praying that they’d leave and she could make her escape. Brushing at the tears that flowed freely she wondered what living with her uncle would be like. Would she find the time to do the things she wanted to? Learn to be a teacher, learn to be a lady? Or would she spend her time working the farm just for a few measly scraps of bread and a roof over her head. Many a time she’s heard people say yes to one child and no to another, maybe they only wanted her brother? Could she live with that if that was the case? “You okay?” the soft words had her jumping and turning sharply to stare at the figure that loomed behind her in the moonlight. “I’m fine.” Leah said softly, tears still choking her voice. “You look it.” Came the reply and she rose to start moving backwards, intent only on getting away from this new threat. “Dunshane.” The word was cold, harsh and held a warning as clear as the day. Watching the man who’d come upon her, Leah noted the way he swung into the saddle and turned his horse away without comment. “It must be hard.” Jacob said dismounting and moving over to sit on the rock she’d vacated. “Knowing that your future is so uncertain.” “My whole life I planned my future, now I’ll be lucky if I get a place to sleep much less learn to be a teacher.” Leah muttered bitterly. Smiling Jacob nodded. “I know what you mean. A friend of mine spent his entire life planning a future that he got to live for a short time, then a cowards bullet took that choice away from him.” “What’s he doing now?” Leah asked when he paused. “Or did he..?” “Adrian’s alive, he’s running around tormenting Hunter.” Jacob replied. “Both him and Joey.” “Joey? Who’s he?’ “She.” Jacob replied. “She used to be Adrian’s deputy until he got hurt then she took over as marshal of Five Fingers, but I think she’s hanging her guns up now as well. They’re getting married.” “Sounds romantic.” “Sounds ludicrous.” Jacob replied softly and chuckled. “But it’s the best thing in the world. They’re family and I know beyond a doubt that sooner or later they’ll figure out where they fit.” “You work for the Rocking M ranch?” “In a manner of speaking.” Jacob replied quickly. “Are you the foreman?” “No Miss Traker, I’m not the foreman. My father’s the foreman if anyone is. No ma’am I’m the head wrangler if anything, that and a partner in the operation. My father owns a third of the ranch so I get a share of the profits.” “You must miss it a great deal.” Leah said rubbing her arms against the chill that clung to her. “Almost as much as you miss your life.” Jacob spoke softly, caringly. “You said you’re going to Kansas?” “Yes sir.” Leah replied firmly. “Dobbson City.” “Look we can take you that far. We’re going a bit further ourselves; kinda give you a chance to come to terms with things if you know what I mean. You’ll have to work for your keep.” “I can do that.” Leah said softly. “But what about Bryan?” “What about him?” Jacob asked quickly. “Are you concerned because he’s a small child on a cattle drive?” “Yes sir. I don’t want to leave him behind..” “Bryan comes with us.” Jacob declared rising to his feet. “Come on, I’ll walk you back to camp. Dunshane is a good man but he’s been drinking tonight and I don’t like my men to be drunk.” “How’d he get it?’ “The booze?” Jacob shrugged. “Smuggled it in probably. I don’t care how, as long as he gets rid of it before dawn.” “You might find that’s a problem.” Leah said as she fell into step with him, his hand beneath her elbow. “If he’s the kind of man who likes his whiskey, he’ll stash some on his person before it’s all gone.” “Well I won’t worry about it right now.” Jacob declared as they walked back along the trail toward the wagon. “Sleep well Miss Traker. You’ll find soon enough that you’re going to need your rest on a cattle drive.” “Yes sir.” Leah said as she climbed up into the back of the wagon and curled around her brother. She noted the way the tailgate was closed and bolted, locking her and the small boy inside and breathed a sigh of relief. At least they would be safe. Chapter Five Leah found that learning the ropes of working on a cattle drive was harder than she’d imagined. She spent more time in the wagon than she’d have every thought possible, and yet she still found time to ride out with Jacob from time to time under some excuse. Her favorite was to watch over Bryan who spent many days in the saddle with Jacob who’d taken a real fondness for the boy. Sitting on the wagon seat she stared at the mules before her and sighed, it had been nearly a month now since her parents had been murdered and she still missed them terribly but there was something else in her life to focus on. Cookie often complained about her helping him out, said she did most of the work and was spoiling the boys but he took the time to talk to her, encourage her to do things and she found his complaints to be the way he dealt with her presence not a personal preference. Watching the riders moving around the herd she wondered if she could live the life of a farm girl after this, if the excitement and challenge of working on a cattle drive was enough to taint her on the slow, drudgery of a farm. Of their own accord her eyes scanned the riders until the fell upon the easily recognizable form of Jacob Cross, despite his insistence she still referred to him as Mister Cross, more out of habit than a desire to keep a distance between them, after that night when Dunshane had been caught approaching her she hadn’t had any problems with any of the men. Often time she wondered why but couldn’t bring herself to ask the important question of why. Besides it wasn’t like it mattered all that much, she did her job, watched out for her brother and kept her nose clean according to Mister Cross’s rules, and she earned a few dollars in the process. “He’s fine.” Cookie’s voice crackled and broke as he spoke. “Way you watch him one would begin to wonder.” “I’m sure you’re mistaken.” Leah replied with a smile. “I just worry about Bryan.” “Bryan is sleeping in the wagon where he’s been all day. My goodness woman you’re as bad as his ma for watching over him.” “Don’t you have something to do Cookie besides talk about my eyesight?” Leah asked sweetly. “Smart mouth on you.” Cookie grumbled but hid his grin. The girl often spent hours watching out for Jacob, and picked at her nails and fidgeted if he was running late when it came time to eat. If he didn’t know any better he’d think she was getting a little too fond of the boy for her own good, considering she wasn’t staying with them any longer than necessary. Setting up camp as the sun was sinking Cookie glanced at Leah who’d become quite comfortable with most of the boys, even Dunshane was behaving himself around her and he had to smile at the antics of some of them. Most of them could curse like a sailor and many a time they’d started only to change their words when they realized that Leah or Bryan was present. “You waiting on something?” The distinct growl had him shifting his attention to the cowboy to his right. “Just your ugly mug. Got dinner ready, if’n you want some you’d best grab a plate.” “You haven’t mellowed any.” The man grumbled and held out his dish for the cook to ladle in some soup. A couple of biscuits was tossed into the thick aromatic soup and a glare sent the man on his way. “You know we do have something other than soup to serve.” Jacob’s soft words had Cookie glancing at him. “I serve meat and spuds to those who deserve them.” He grumbled. “Not those that are smart mouthed and ain’t got no manners.” Nodding Jacob hid his smile and walked away, a thick, juicy steak and a ladle full of potatoes on his plate. Sitting down by the wagon he watched as Bryan raced about camp, tripping over the other cowboys’ and getting into everyone’s way so easily but no one made a move to stop him. “Coffee boss?” Leah’s now familiar voice had him glancing up and he smiled at her. “Thanks. I see Bryan’s feeling energetic.” “He’s driving me crazy.” Leah admitted. “He won’t sit still, won’t listen or nothing. I’ve gotten after him twice since we got here.” “Just cause he’s full of piss and vinegar as my grandmother Rachel once told me don’t mean he’s got to act improper.” Jacob said and noted the way Bryan was racing under the horses’ bellies. “BRYAN ” The word was loud, curt and immediately drew the boy’s attention. “Come sit down. You know better than to run under the belly of the horses.” Glancing at him Leah couldn’t help but feel slightly annoyed that her brother listened to this stranger better than he listened to her. Moving off slightly she glanced at her brother who’d come to sit beside Jacob and listened intently to whatever he was saying and ground her teeth together. What would happen when the time came and they rode into Dobbson City? How would she handle Bryan if he wasn’t around and she had no control? Hoping nobody noticed her anger Leah settled at the back of the chuck wagon to eat, she never ate with the men it was too much like making friends and what was the point in making friends with people you were never going to see again? “I got a feeling that girl’s got a burr under her saddle ‘bout you spending so much time with the boy.” Colt said sitting next to Jacob who smiled at Bryan’s attempt to imitate him and eat with the men. “I think she’s feeling a little lost right about now.” Jacob replied. “Besides she knows I ain’t keeping the boy, what’s a bachelor want with a child? When she’s settled in with her kin in Dobbson City she’ll forget this whole mess and her irritation’ll be just another memory easily forgotten.” “You think so?” Colt asked glancing at the back of the wagon and noted Leah watching Jacob with a steady gaze. Somehow he didn’t think it would be that easy, the girl had been traumatized by the loss of her parents and then to have to look after her brother while working with a bunch of men who weren’t exactly civilized would make anyone upset. She did the work she was given, was easy to talk to and look at but everyone knew that you didn’t mess with her. Glancing at his boss Colt wondered just what was going to happen in a month when they rolled into Dobbson City with Leah and Bryan on the wagon and Jacob had to let them go. He didn’t think it would be any easier for his boss than for the girl, she’d found a surrogate family in the boys and losing that would be hard. “Sure.” Jacob glanced at him. “Why you taken a fancy to her?” He asked, a slight frown puckering his brow. “No sir.” Colt shook his head, he had a girl waiting on him back home and he was planning on getting married in the spring if’n her daddy’d let them. “Just thinking she’s sorta become a fixture around here, without her around Cookie’s gonna be harder to live with then normal.” “I doubt that.” Jacob said and smiled down at Bryan who was concentrating on the laces of his boots. “Right old boy.” He said ruffling the boy’s hair that just grinned at him and turned his attention back to the laces he’d been playing with. “I don’t think Cookie’s the only one we’re going to have to be concerned about when they leave either.” Colt declared rising to his feet. “I’ve got first watch.” Glancing sharply at the other man Jacob turned his head and stared at Leah who was engrossed in the plate before her. Curious to know what Colt meant he glanced back in the direction that the other man had gone and sighed, as usual the cowboy had disappeared into the milling bodies of men, horses and cattle and wouldn’t reappear until he was relieved from watch. “He’s imagining things.” Jacob muttered under his breath and rose. “Well Bryan old chap, what say you to helping Cookie with the dishes tonight?” He said helping the boy up and sending him off with a firm pat on the bottom. “I wish you wouldn’t do that.” Leah spoke firmly, her tone even although a hint of her anger had come through. “Do what?” Jacob asked pouring himself a coffee from the pot by her elbow. “Tell him what to do.” Leah replied. “When the time comes and I’m the only one around that’s gonna be raising him what’s he gonna do when I tell him to do something?” “He’ll do it.” Jacob replied sipping his coffee. “Don’t worry so much Miss Traker, you’ll find that once you’re settled into your new life with your family you won’t even notice we’re gone.” “Ha.” Leah glared at him sullenly. “He will though.” “He’s a good boy.” Jacob declared and shrugged. “But he’s young, give it a couple of weeks and he won’t barely remember what happened.” “He remembers what happened to Ma and Pa.” Leah pointed out angrily rising to confront Jacob. “Of course he does.” Jacob replied firmly facing her squarely. “So do you. Anyone who’s suffered a terrible loss like that would remember it for a long, long time. My Uncle could tell you about that, he’s into his forties and he remembers what happened to his family when he was a child. But we’re shadows, ghosts if you will that have passed through your lives like the wind.” “Tell that to my brother when he wakes up asking where you are and you’re long gone.” Leah muttered darkly. “Look if you’ve got a problem with my taking an interest in the boy then I’ll back off. A few more weeks and we’ll be at your family’s place and you can relax and forget about this whole thing.” “But..” Leah started only to clamp her mouth shut at his dark look. “I’ve got work to do. Best get your chores done Miss Traker. “Jacob snapped and moved away, taking his coffee and the simmering anger with him. “Damn it.” Leah muttered and glanced up at the shadow that moved behind her. “What?” “You’re awful hard on him aren’t you?” Cookie asked softly, noting the pinched look on her face and the jealous anger in her eyes. “He’s my brother. I’m responsible for him..” “Ain’t what I’m talking bout.” Cookie replied. “Mister Cross is a good man, and he don’t mean nothing by the way he spends so much time with your brother. If’n you didn’t want him to get too attached you should have just asked him to back off, not bitten his head clean off for it.” “I don’t know what you mean.” Leah muttered flushing guiltily. She did know, she knew what she’d done was wrong. It wasn’t Jacob Cross’s fault that her brother had become attached to him, anymore than it was Bryan’s fault that Jacob had come to care for him. It wasn’t anyone’s fault the predicament that they were in, things just have a way of happening and her taking it out on him wasn’t fair to either of them. “Yes you do.” Cookie replied firmly. “Because it’s not your brother you’re thinking of.” With that said he turned and walked away, leaving her staring after him with a shocked look on her face. Finishing her chores quickly, Leah glanced around for Bryan and frowned. For some reason he’d vanished, the spot he usually occupied after dark was empty, and he wasn’t laying on Jacob’s bedroll something she found odd. “You seen Bryan?” She asked of the men gathered around the fire. “No ma’am.” Various voices rang out softly and she turned and headed in the direction Jacob had walked off in. Maybe Bryan had followed him, and if not Jacob could just holler at him and the boy’d turn up quickly. Moving slowly, letting her eyes accustom themselves to the light or lack thereof she followed the path toward the sandy hill that she could see a shadow looming atop. “Mister Cross?” “What Miss Traker?” Came the surly response. “Is Bryan with you?” “Nope.” Jacob replied swiftly. “Probably back at camp, and if he isn’t I ain’t seen him.” “Well could you help me look for him?” Leah asked inching her way toward him, unsure in the dark. Rising Jacob tossed his coffee out and turned toward Leah’s voice bumping solidly into the warmth of her body and sending both of them teetering on the edge of the embankment. “Sorry.” Leah muttered. “I can’t see anything..” She muttered trying to steady herself only to feel the sand beneath her feet slipping out from under her even as she grabbed onto the nearest object to keep from falling. Hearing the guttural mutterings from the man in front of her she stifled a scream even as she felt him slip and both of them slide, hitting the ground hard and rolling down the hill to come to a swift and merciless stop next to a small compact little body. “Dakib.” Came the cheerful muttering as two pudgy little hands slapped gleefully together before beginning to tug and pull at the two adults laying in a tangled heap next to him. Thinking it a game he rose unsteadily and began crawling over them, his small body squirming gleefully over them, making it harder and harder to untangle their limbs enough to get up. “Hi Bryan.” Jacob laughed softly at the little boy’s game and moved, silently offering a prayer in Kiowa that Dobbson would get a little closer so he could unload his guests, even as he tried to untangle himself from Miss Traker who was struggling to get up unsuccessfully. “You shouldn’t be running off like that Bryan.” Leah gasped as a hard elbow connected with her stomach knocking the wind out of her and making her grab for the object to remove it so she could breath. Getting a handful of something else she froze, “Please tell me that’s your arm.” She choked out as she let go of whatever she’d had at Jacob’s hiss of breath. “No it is not my arm.” Jacob snapped and rolled easily pulling himself away from the young woman a few inches. “Now then we have to get back up there and back to camp it’s time you were in bed Bryan and you Miss Traker should join him.” “I do not need you to tell me when to go to bed.” Leah snapped embarrassment making her temper frayed. “No?” Jacob snorted disbelieving. “You could at least get off me.” “I’m not on you, you’re on me.” “Hello down there. You two need some help?” The laugheter filled voices of the cowboys had Jacob groaning. “What do you think you jackasses?” He hollered up in Kiowa. “That I’m down here for my health.” “Could be. You got a pretty girl down there, privacy and..” “Just get a rope.” Jacob hollered back interrupting the teasing. “Before I string you all up.” “Now Boss you won’t do that.” Colt hollered down. “You like us too much. Besides that, who’d drive the cattle.” “I’ll find someone.” Jacob snarled as a thick rope hit him squarely in the chest. “You’re all fired by the way ” He hollered and glanced through the darkness at Leah who was holding a squirming bundle that wanted to play some more. “You first Miss Traker, I’m sure you’ll be glad to get out of this hole.” “Bryan first.” Leah replied firmly, pushing her brother at him. “Colt Bryan’s coming up first. Someone take him back to camp.” He hollered up and was rewarded with a snicker before Colt agreed. “Up you go Bryan.” Leah said and tied the rope around her brother’s waist. Half watching, half listening to the men pull the small boy up she glanced at Jacob who hadn’t moved other than to step back, braced incase the boy fell. “Got him.” Came the shout and then the rope snaked out and hit the ground between them. “After you.” Jacob snapped offering the rope. “Oh no I wouldn’t want to impose.” Leah smiled sweetly, figuring he couldn’t see her smirk in the dark. “Oh no ma’am. Lady’s first.” Jacob replied just as sweetly. “I wouldn’t want to be accused of corrupting the rope.” Gritting her teeth Leah jerked the rope toward her and glared at him. “You are the most annoying man I’ve ever had the misfortune to meet.” She snapped. “You took what I said and blew it totally out of proportion.” “I did ” Jacob snorted and crossed his arms over his chest. “You accused me of trying to take your brother over.” “I did not I was merely saying that we you left us at our Uncle’s place he was going to feel abandoned. He likes you ” Leah replied ignoring the rope for the moment. “So what?” Jacob snapped back. “I happen to like the boy, doesn’t mean I’m going to keep him. I happen to like being a bachelor you know ” “What does my brother have to do with your state of matrimony?” Leah shouted throwing her hands in the air and sending herself off balance. Grabbing for the nearest thing she felt her fingers sink into the skin warmed cotton of his shirt even as she fell backwards into the slow moving water behind her. “You two okay?” Colt hollered down at the splash. Hiding his grin was getting harder to do, and he knew laughing would only irritate his boss even more. “Go to hell.” Jacob called back, pulling himself out of the water and standing on the bank in soaked clothing detesting having a woman along. “I wish we were a little closer to Dobbson then I’d take you to your family and forget that I ever met you.” Jacob hissed grabbing her around the waist and grabbing hold of the rope at the same time. “Colt, you boys better behave. We’re coming up.” “Together?” Colt hollered down hoping his amusement didn’t show through his voice. “Yes.” Jacob snapped. “Now pull and keep your mouth’s shut.” “Yes sir.” Colt said and glanced at his coworkers well you heard the boss.” Within seconds the two soaked people were standing on the top of the rise dripping dirty water all over the ground staring back at the amused faces of a bunch of hardened cowhands. “Uh the wet look suits you.” Colt chuckled. “Shut up.” Jacob snapped stalking off into the dark, leaving Leah standing soaking wet and shivering as she stared at his retreating back. “Well Miss Traker I’ve never known that man to lose his temper.” Colt said sticking his hands in his pockets and rocking back on his heels. “But you’ve managed to get him to do it. If I were you I’d just lay low for a few days. No point in rubbing salt into the wound so to speak.” “I didn’t mean to get him soaked.” She muttered trudging back along the path between Colt and a couple of the others. “You’d think I did this on purpose.” “Don’t worry ‘bout it. He’ll calm down soon.” Colt said hiding his grin as they entered camp and everyone turned to stare at them. “I found you some dry clothes.” Cookie said glancing at Leah who looked only slightly less miserable that Jacob had when he’d stalked back into camp, silencing any laughter with a murderous look. “Thank you.” She muttered and took the before climbing into the wagon and changing before curling up into the blankets. She wished they were closer to her Uncle’s farm than they were, she really, really did. Chapter Six It had been a miserable week Cookie thought as he stared at Jacob who’d taken to sullen retreats of silence when in camp. In fact he rarely spoke to anyone other than Bryan unless it was to bark out orders, something that everyone had mixed emotions about. The only person more miserable than Jacob was Leah who had barely spoken a word since the night they’d tumbled into the creek. Watching them now he wondered why the pair didn’t just say sorry, and forget the matter, it wasn’t like anyone got hurt. Only their pride was bruised and their clothes soaked so he saw no reason to continue going on like they could barely stand each other. Seeing Jacob head for the Remuda he glanced around and noted that Leah was missing, breathing a sigh of relief he glanced up at the slight shadow that fell on the tailgate he was working on. “They’re getting on my nerves.” Colt warned as he glanced at the little boy sitting playing in the sand with his spurs. “They’re getting on everyone’s nerves.” Cookie replied grumpily. “But there ain’t nothing we can do about it so just try ignoring them.” “Damn fools.” Colt grumbled and reached over to take the pot of coffee off the fire. “Should’ve left ‘em in the creek. Laughing softly Cookie nodded. “You should have. That’d show ‘em.” Following Jacob along the path toward the horses Leah wondered if he’d yell at her for following him. Shrugging her shoulders at the thought she sighed, it didn’t really matter he couldn’t possibly get any madder at her than he already was. Spotting him petting a leggy sorrel mare she sighed and moved quickly toward him. “Mister Cross?” She spoke softly so as not to spoke the horse or the man. “What?” The word was snapped off, like a branch from a tree under too heavy a burden. “I just wanted to say I’m sorry.” Leah said. “I appreciate you taking me and Bryan to our kin’s farm and I know we’ve been an imposition but still I do hope you know that we do thank you for what you’ve done.” “Ain’t done anything but drag you along.” Jacob snapped. “Well no matter. I wanted to say thank you.” Leah paused and shrugged. “I’m also sorry for getting you soaked. I didn’t want to do that you know.” “Apology accepted.” Jacob replied and glanced at her. She looked scared and alone and he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sympathy for her. Cursing his own bleeding heart Jacob shrugged. “I owe you one as well, I shouldn’t have bitten your head off like I did. It was wrong of me and I’m sorry for it.” Smiling shakily Leah held out a hand. “Thank you. When do you think we’ll hit Dobbson. We’ve been moving faster than you’d anticipated according to Cookie.” “Well if we keep pressing them like we have been we should reach Dobbson City sometime in the next week and a half. There isn’t any place to wire your kin and let them know you’re coming between here and there though.” “That’s okay.” Leah said watching him sooth the mare easily, his hands stroking her so calmly, almost reflexively. “They’re expecting us just don’t know when.” Smiling at her Jacob shrugged. “Where’s Bryan?” “At camp. Terrorizing Colt’s spurs.” Leah replied as the mare moved off to graze. “He’s going to miss everyone so much when we get to our family’s farm.” “Who knows as easily as he adapts, he’ll probably never really notice us missing.” Jacob shrugged and looked at Leah. “I’ll walk you back to camp.” “Thank you.” Leah said and turned to fall into step with him as they walked along. Walking with him in silence, Leah wondered how things would look when they reached her family. She hoped that he would forgive her for her outburst toward him, she knew it was only jealousy that had caused it and felt a deep abiding shame at the memory of that outburst. “You must be looking forward to being able to stay put after traveling with us.” Jacob said softly, breaking the silence easily and drawing a smile from Leah. “I’m not too sure how I feel anymore.” Leah admitted. “All I know is I still miss my folks, that this whole thing feels surreal.” “Give it time.” Jacob said with a fatherly pat on her shoulder as he stopped within sight of the wagon. “Time’s all you need.” “I wish I could believe that.” Leah whispered and watched him walk away, his steps sure in the gathering dusk that seemed to settle warmly around them. Shaking her head she sighed softly, sadly. “How I wish I could believe that Mister Cross.” Shaking off her melancholy she headed for camp ignoring the questions in Cookie’s eyes, she couldn’t find her own answers, how could she answer his? “Still no word?” Laura’s soft voice had Buck glancing up from where he stood reading over a slip of paper. “No. He should be pretty close to there by now.” Buck said softly, careful to keep the worry from his tone. “Probably just took it easier than we thought.” “I hope you’re right.” Laura said as the front door banged open and the angry footsteps came towards them. “Uh oh.” She whispered as Buck turned toward the intrusion and stared at Kid who looked like he was furious. “What’s got your hat in a knot?” Buck asked quickly. “Do you know where your son is?” “No.” Buck replied with a shrug. “He’s on the trail somewhere between here and Kansas City.” “When he gets back I’m going to kill him.” Kid snapped waving a telegram under Buck’s nose. “What happened? What did he do?” Laura demanded as Lou’s steady footsteps joined the group in the kitchen. “I just got a letter from Mems.” Kid snapped handing it to Buck. “Read it yourself, damn fool helped her.” Taking it Buck unfolded the crumpled paper and sighed. “Dear Mom and Daddy, just dropping you a line to let you know I’m safe. I’m currently in Biloxi, we just got back into town yesterday after staying in Mescal for a few days. I’m going to be coming home soon, but I want to know if its okay to bring my husband, JB Butler. He’s a good man and he thinks the world of me.” “Of her money.’ Kid muttered angrily. “Hon.” Lou’s soft words only made him clamp his mouth shut as he stood there and glowered at the other couple. “Please don’t be mad at Jacob, he really didn’t have a lot of choices for the situation. He isn’t too pleased with me running off and marrying JB but I didn’t feel I had a choice. I’ll be in Biloxi until the twelfth, please send a wire if my coming home is a problem. Love Mems.” Buck finished, ignoring for the most part Kid’s interruption. “Honey did you know anything ‘bout this?” “No. Jacob’s been complaining since he was selected to take the herd about being saddled with a female. Probably didn’t take a lot of talking to convince him to drop her off in Biloxi.” Laura said with a shrug. “Either way they’re both going to regret the slip. How the hell are we suppose to like the situation if we don’t know the man? Besides that she knew better I told her she had to be twenty one to marry..” “Kid honey, ranting at this isn’t going to help.” Lou said soothingly. “I’ll have one of the boys go into town and send a wire and tell her to get her butt home then we can sit down and discuss it like mature adults.” “Should have taken her myself.” Kid growled as Laura got up to pour coffee for everyone. “Well at least we know where she is.” Laura said softly. “I wish Jacob would send word where abouts he is. I realize that driving cattle is a long, tiring job but he must have passed a town or two by now.” “Looks like we’ve got reason to kill two kids instead of just one.” Kid groused and sat sulking into his coffee. “Wonder where she met this fella.” Buck murmured. “Mems hasn’t been very many places.” “I guess we’ll find out.” Kid said as Lou wrote out a reply and went to the door to give it to one of the hands to take into town. Watching her come back into the kitchen he hid his smile, this sounded like something that Lou would do. When they’d married there’d been no blood family present, something that had never crossed his mind but now he wondered if things might have been different of the situation was different. “How far is it from here to Biloxi?” Laura asked. “Three days on the train.” Lou replied. “We were there about two years ago for the conference.” “Well at least we know when to expect them.” Laura offered with a slight smile and sighed, her mind wandering to where her son was and what he was doing. Rolling the stiffness from his shoulders Jacob glanced at Leah and Bryan who rode on his right. The herd had started past Dobbson City yesterday, and he had given the task of keeping it moving to his men while he started the process of getting Leah to her family. “Not long now.” He said with a sidelong glance at her. With any luck they’d be in town tomorrow then the short ride out to her kin’s farm and a swift goodbye before he returned to his job on the drive. Sighing softly he adjusted his hat and silently cursed the incessant feeling of guilt at the thought of leaving her behind. “I guess you’ll be glad to get your camp back.” Leah said softly. “I realize having a girl and a baby along must have been an inconvenience.” “No problem.” Jacob replied with a slight shrug. “We had enough people to keep an eye on you so there wasn’t like it was a hardship.” “I know but still.” Leah shrugged and glanced at her hands. “Do you think your friend got home okay?” “You mean Mems?” Jacob laughed. “She’s probably already there by now and being as annoying as ever.” “You love her a lot don’t’ you?” Pausing startled at the statement, Jacob glanced sharply at her as the truth of her words came back to haunt him. “Yes I do. She’s always been like another sister to me.” “Tell me about your family. You seem to have such a huge one.” “I guess it would appear that way.” Jacob smiled easily, this was one topic he was comfortable with. “Lets see there’s me and my brother and sister, she married Hunter and he’s one of four kids from my Aunt and Uncle McSwain. Then Aunty Lou and Uncle Kid have four kids, James, Amanda, Adrian, and of course Mems.” “Do they live out at the ranch?” “To a certain degree. Hunter, Jenny, Adrian and James all live in Five Fingers it’s a small ranching community on the border of the Rocking M land. The rest all live between the main complex and Five Fingers, of course by now Jenny’s little girl Abbies getting so big, probably crawling already and Adrian and Joey must have gotten married by now.” “Joey?” “That’s what everyone calls her. We don’t really know what her name is, Adrian does I’m sure but he’s not revealing it.” “Are they all ranchers?” “No.” Jacob laughed softly, watching the cows at the same time as he was talking. “Hunter’s a doctor, and a damn good one at that. Jenny’s a nurse of sorts and a full time teacher, Adrian was a lawman, one of the best in the state.” “A doctor, a teacher, a lawman, who else do you have on that ranch you work on?” “Work on?” Jacob glanced at her and shrugged, adjusting Bryan in front of him easily. “I own part of it.” “Oh.” Leah smiled at him. “I guess then you’re a rancher at heart?” “Yep. At heart and by blood, my whole family lives and breathes ranching. Have from the time Aunty Sara and Uncle Ike were married.” “I’d say you’re a very fortunately man then.” “I’ve always thought so.” Jacob said and whistled to one of the men, pointing at a steer that had wandered away from the main body of the herd and turning his attention back to the little boy who giggled in front of him. “What about you? You always wanted to be a farmer?” “A teacher actually.” Leah replied. “I wanted to be a teacher. I’ve always loved books and knowledge, guess that’s something that I’m going to have to surrender though.” “Why?” “Most farmers aren’t rich, in fact most of them will never make enough to pay off their loans in a single season, there isn’t a lot of money left over for specialized study.” “Depends. If you really want it you’ll find a way.” “I suppose.” “Well it’s nice to see you two are getting along so well.” Colt’s voice had them both glancing at him guiltily. “Why we supposed to be at each other’s throats?” Jacob asked with a quirked eyebrow. “No sir.” Colt hid his grin. “Cookie says we’re running low on water. I believe there’s a fast moving creek that’s not far from here. Wanted to know if you wanted Cookie and I to ride ahead and fill the water barrels?” “Sure.” Jacob nodded. “Without water we won’t get very far. Make sure that the men on point know where you’re headed and we’ll get there soon.” “Yes sir.” Whirling his mount, Colt galloped back to the wagon and spoke to Cookie quickly before waving at the men on point and heading out for water. Watching them ride off Leah couldn’t help but smile. Despite the differences in ages, in colors the men all responded well to Jacob, in fact he was unchallenged as the leader. She wondered if it had always been like that, if being the boss had always come so easily to him. She’d noted that when he was alone at night he often curled up with a book on stock or something that would further his knowledge, just the other night she’d caught him reading a book on the benefits of cross breeding and had to smile. Jacob Cross was anything but a simple rancher, there were more layers to him than a pastry shell. “What’s so funny?” Jacob asked seeing her grin. “Just thinking of a pie shell.” Leah said knowing beyond a doubt that telling him he was on her mind was not a consideration she should have. “Women.” Jacob shook his head and nudged his mount forward in a ground eating canter leaving her to bring up the rear. “You trying to wear him down?” The silky voice had her glancing to her left. “No Mister Dunshane. I don’t need to wear him down.” She smiled at him coldly. “He’s a gentleman.” “He’s a half-breed with nothing better to do than talk to you.” The man laughed and spurred his mount away from her, his laughter drifting back to her making her angry. Despite his attempts at civility when the boss was around, she didn’t feel that pleasant about being in his company and would welcome a break from his presence even if only for a short time. Chapter Seven Dawn had risen cold and grey as Leah saddled her mare and glanced at Bryan who sat next to Colt and Cookie jabbering away in baby talk. Feeling saddened by the image she glanced away and caught Jacob’s eye, glancing away from him she knew he’d noted the sadness in her eyes. It was less than three miles to Dobbson City and they’d be gone by midmorning. Leah knew that she would be troubled by the departure, after all she was older, grown and yet she would miss everyone of the men. She’d miss the conversations between her and Cookie and the way Colt often teased her by pulling on her pigtails. Mostly she’d miss Jacob although that thought she would keep to herself, locked away in the darkest part of her heart where no one would ever know it existed. “Well you all set?” Jacob asked watching her fiddle with the straps on the saddle. “I guess. Just let me get Bryan and we can go.” Nodding Jacob watched her walk over to her brother and pick him up. He noted the easy grins she had for the men, the way she didn’t move away when several of them offered hugs and smiled. Leah had gotten used to being surrounded by Indians, and Negroes. The only man she had a problem with, that made her uneasy was Dunshane and everyone could guess why. He had turned nasty the past few days whenever she was around and Jacob felt like punching him in the face for his attitude. Leah didn’t need that sort of emotional stress, she’d lost so much already she shouldn’t have to worry ‘bout losing her friends that she’d made because of one man’s foolishness. “Bryan can ride with me.” Jacob said mounting easily and taking the boy so Leah could mount and gather her reins as she settled into the saddle. “Well I guess this is it.” Leah smiled shakily at him and waved to the men assembled behind them before nudging her mount into trot. Following the road they didn’t look back as the sound of bawling cattle and men talking faded from their ears. Pulling up at the edge of town Leah studied the small town and sighed, it was run down and in desperate need of some pride but for her it would be home now. “How far is it to your uncle’s place?” Jacob asked glancing around uneasily. Towns like this bothered him for several reasons, they weren’t welcoming to strangers for one and for two, no Indian in his right mind would spend any time in it if he wanted to keep his head on his shoulders and out of a box. “Five miles east.” She said and turned her mount that direction with Jacob falling into place behind her. With each mile that they rode toward the McKenzie place it seemed the silence grew heavier, the conversation sporadic at best was strained until neither of them had anything left to say. Even Bryan seemed to know something was happening for his usual happy, playful mood had vanished to be replaced by a shy, scared look in his eyes as they neared the point of no return. Pulling up in the yard, Jacob slid down out of the saddle and caught Bryan easily as the front door of the farm house opened to reveal a tall, thin woman who looked pained at their arrival. “You must be Mister Cross?” the woman approached, being careful to keep a distance between herself and the Indian in her yard. “Yes ma’am.’ Jacob said softly as he settled Bryan on the ground and knelt before him. “You be good okay.” He whispered and hugged the boy, noting the fury in the woman’s eyes at his move. With a shrug he glanced at her coldly, it didn’t matter what she thought, he loved the boy and that was all there was to that. Besides that he could buy and sell her ten times over and still have enough money left over to buy half of Kansas so he didn’t care. “I’ll see you around sometime.” He said rising to his feet as Leah brought the mare she’d ridden toward him. “Thank you.” Leah said glancing at her aunt a bad feeling settling in the pit of her stomach. “I appreciate everything you did for us.” Smiling Jacob shrugged. “Guess I’m just a big softy.” He replied and offered his hand to shake. Chuckling when she took it and shook it firmly, he stepped back taking the reins of the horse from her fingers and staring at her for a moment. Her long dark hair blew freely in the breeze and her face was sunburnt and covered in freckles but she still looked good. “Take care of each other Leah.” He whispered softly and froze when she threw her arms around him to give him a hug. “I will.” Leah promised holding him tightly before releasing him as a wagon rolled into the yard and a bitter looking man jumped down easily and stalked toward them. “Who the hell are you?” He growled at Jacob who looked at him coldly and turned to stick his foot in the stirrup. “I asked you a question Indian.” “That’s Mister Cross.” The woman said softly, her eyes darting to the indian then away. “He brought Leah and Bryan.” “Well they’re here ain’t no reason for him to stand around dirtying my yard.” The man snarled and stalked off toward the barn. Glancing at Leah, Jacob took a deep breath at the knot that formed in his stomach and sighed. “So long Leah.” “Goodbye Jacob.” Leah said and raised a hand to wave as he whirled his horses and galloped off pausing once to look back and wave before disappearing into the warmth of the autumn day. Standing there she glanced at her brother and sighed, he would cry plenty of tears when he realized that Jacob wasn’t coming back. “Well come on, best get you cleaned up.” The woman snapped. “I’m Ange by the way.” “Thank you for allowing us to stay here.” Leah said softly as she followed the woman toward the house. “If it were up to me I’d have said no. Don’t need no kids underfoot all the time.” She said glancing at Bryan who tagged along holding Leah’s hand. “I’ll expect you to watch over him, I ain’t gonna do it.” “Yes ma’am.” Leah said glancing down at the confused face of her brother. A slow burning of anger in the pit of her stomach as she realized that she might have been better off with a bunch of half-wild cowboys then here. It seemed to take forever for Ange to show them around the farm, her voice dropping in degrees of warmth the longer she took. Pausing outside of the small house she glanced at Leah and Bryan who stared back at her and shook her head. “Come on I’ll show you where you sleep. Breakfast’s after all the stock’s been fed and the chores are finished.” She started as she led them inside and down the hall to a small, dark room at the back of the house. “This here is the only room I got that ain’t in use.” She snapped as the front door clanged opened and the angry tread of footsteps revealed that the master of the house was in the room. “Where’s lunch?” He groused pausing in the open doorway. “Coming right up. I’ll just dish it out for you.” Ange said quickly moving past her husband and smiling at him as she moved to the stove leaving Leah and Bryan in the room alone. “You’d best wash up.” He growled glaring at the little boy who shrank back behind his sister’s leg. “Don’t need none of that Indian’s filth at my table.” He glanced pointedly at Leah who bit her tongue to refrain from telling him he was wrong, that Jacob wasn’t anything but a decent man. “Well you just gonna stand there all day or you gonna wash up? We ain’t no restaurant.” The man groused and turned to leave the room, casting one more look at Leah that had her shuddering in revulsion as the doubt and fear doubled in her stomach. Feeling a slight tug on her arm she glanced down at Bryan who looked ready to cry. “Dakib?” “Shh.” Leah said softly and knelt next to him. “I’m here Bryan, we’re going to be okay.” Rising she led him to the bowl set up by the sink and washed up quickly before settling at the table and staring at the congealed gruel that sat before her. Listening to the couple talk of the work around the place Leah felt her spirits sink even more and longed to be back with the herd, hell she’d even take Dunshane’s presence right about now she thought and glanced fearfully at the couple before turning her attention to Bryan who had yet to speak in front of them. Knowing the little boy’s easy relaxed attitude she wondered if he would ever speak around them, he didn’t seem to be happy as he sat there poking at his gruel only to push it away with a disgusted sigh. Leah jumped when a large hand reached crossed the table and smacked her brother in the face, sending him to the ground with a loud cry of pain. Rising she knelt next to him only to glanced angrily at the couple when the man snorted. “Leave him if he can’t eat what’s put before him he don’t deserve to eat.” “Go straight to hell.” Leah snapped and glared at him. “You ever touch my brother again and I’ll kill you. Do you understand me?” She snarled, staring at the man hoping he didn’t notice her fear when he rose and stripped off his belt. “I wouldn’t recommend that.” She said softly as he grabbed her arm and dragged her to the back bedroom. After the first couple of blows she hardly felt anything, only saw Bryan’s horrified face and the blood oozing from his nose as he huddled by the door until their uncle slammed it on his way out. Crying softly at the burning sensation from the strap, Leah listened to the sounds of the couple talking then the slam of the front door as her uncle left to go back to the fields. “Dakib.” The soft tear filled whisper had Leah closing her eyes as a fresh wave of tears rolled over her. Raising an arm she pulled Bryan closer to her body and rocked him gently, ignoring the pain in her back, ignoring everything but the thought that Bryan was right. They needed to get back to Jacob and to the herd before they got too far. Pushing the horses Jacob pulled up as he saw the familiar trail of dust and moving bodies that slithered along like a living river. Smiling sadly he nudged the horses forward and moved to rejoin the herd, pulling up by the wagon and riding at a slow jog. “You see her off?” Cookie asked and noted the flash of unease in the man’s eyes. “Yes.” Jacob said and glanced at the cook before turning his attention back to the gathering of men and cattle. “Anything happen while I was gone?” “Nope.” Cookie shrugged. “Nothing ‘scept Dunshane got his face busted.” “What happened?” “Don’t know. All I saw as Colt punching him into the dirt then walking away.” “I’ll have a talk with them.” Jacob said and shrugged as though trying to get rid of the guilt that he felt at leaving those two behind. As annoying and aggravating as it had been with a woman along, he had to admit if only to himself that he missed her. He’d started missing her long before she’d left which was probably why he’d offered her a truce and gone out of his way to spend time with her and Bryan before they’d arrived in the area. Nudging his mount away from the chuck wagon he took up his place with the herd his attention focusing on the slow moving steers that were trudging along easily. They’d been blessed with good weather and no herd cutters on this drive and he was glad for it. The ride to Kansas City would be safe and calm, and they’d be there in three days. As soon as they got into town he’d have to wire home and let them know they’d arrived and then make arrangements for the sale of the stock. “You look lost in thought boss?” Colt’s voice had him glancing at him before turning back to the herd. “Just figuring what we’re going to do when we get to town.” “Hope you’re not planning on us getting drunk or something like that. None of us ‘sides Dunshane drink.” “I know. Why’d you hit him?” “Said something I didn’t like.” Colt replied quickly, calmly. His expression one of mulish acceptance and Jacob knew he wouldn’t say anymore. “Just keep your brawls to a bare minimum. We’ve still got three days of driving cattle before we can load up and head home.” “I know.” Colt smiled at him suddenly. “Don’t reckon he’s gonna be getting in my way anytime soon.” Shaking his head Jacob glanced at one of his closest friends. “You’re as bad as a bunch of kids. Bryan’s more grown up than you.” “I know.” Colt smiled at the reference. “But see Bryan ain’t here..” He paused noting the fleeting look of pain in the other man’s eyes and sighed. “Who knows boss, may see him again.” “Yeah.” Jacob sighed. “Soon as we get to town go with Cookie and get supplies for the trip home. Can’t take the train it’s too costly for one and for two trains aren’t known for the hospitality when it comes to Indians.” “I know.” Colt nodded. “I’ll make sure everything’s taken care of.” He promised. “I figured you would.” Jacob smiled as Colt trotted off, his mind turning back to the two kids he’d left behind. He sure wished the couple was more pleasant that they’d appeared to him. He didn’t want Leah or Bryan forced to endure that sort of hostility. Hearing the door opening Leah glanced up and waited, tensing even when she noted it was her aunt. “I’m sorry.” Ange said looking at the girl sadly, she was used to her husband’s temper but these two weren’t. “Dakib.” Bryan whispered again tearfully and snuggled deeper into his sister’s arms. “Dakib?” Ange looked between the pair and noted the mulish expression on the girls face. “Was there some reason you’re here?” Leah asked softly, painfully. Her body ached, even the welts on her back hurt. “Yes. I brought you another blouse and some ointment to take care of the pain from the whipping.” “You can just leave them there.” Leah said pointing to the single cot. She had no intention of taking anything this woman offered, any more than she had any intention of staying past nightfall. “I should have warned you better, my husband isn’t fond of Indians, and he firmly believes that you eat what you’re given..” “No need to explain.” Leah said softly. “We’re an imposition.” She stated quietly. “What time is it?” “Nigh on dinner time. Walter will be back shortly so you’d best get cleaned up before you eat.” “ANGE ” The angry shout had Bryan quaking in his sister’s arms. “Coming.” “Leave those two brats, don’t need nothing to eat tonight. Round here if you don’t work you don’t eat.” He shouted and slammed the front door making both Leah and Bryan jump. Rising after the woman left, Leah closed the door and moved a couple of boxes in front of it. “There he won’t be coming in here.” She muttered and started looking round the room. Spotting a small stream of grungy, dirty light she moved toward it, casting an apprehensive eye toward the door. Pushing at a crate that had been stacked in the corner Leah felt her hopes die before they’d even fully become tangible. A small crack in the wall had light filtering through, although it had been covered with a dirty piece of cloth with little thought to keeping the room’s occupants warm. How did they expect two people to stay in this one room? Leah wondered and flinched when the raw wounds on her back and legs brushed up against the clothes she wore. There would be no way to escape this way; they’d have to wait until dark before they could make a move and that scared her. Who knew what kind of dangers and such lay out there on this farm after the sun went down? “Want Dakib.” Bryan hiccupped his tears finally stopped and yet his breath was still ragged and the odd tear crept down his round cheeks. “I know. I do to,” Leah whispered holding him tightly when the front door slammed and an angry roar filled the house with its indistinct chatter. Leah closed her eyes for a moment drawing strength from her brother’s presence and sighed, she’d be damned if she was going to die here. “You two listening in there?” Walter’s voice was bitter and barely controlled in its rage. “I ain’t feeding anybody that don’t earn their keep.” “Like we want to eat your slop.” Leah muttered as she moved to sit on the boxes by the door and hold Bryan on her lap. “Walter come eat your dinner ‘fore it gets cold. Those two’ll get plenty hungry before morning and they’ll pull their weight tomorrow.” Ange’s soothing tone grated on Leah’s nerves as she sat listening to them conversing over their meal and felt a slow burning rage fill her heart. How cruel could they be to torment a small child such as Bryan like this? Did they have no consideration for the baby? Shaking in her rage she held Byran tighter and rocked with him, aware of his growing hunger the same as her own. Sitting there staring at the wall Leah sighed, it was a three day ride to Kansas City and on foot with a baby it would take her twice that but she didn’t have a choice. She’d be damned if she was going to allow anyone to beat on her brother for no reason, especially cause he was shy and didn’t want to eat With any luck Jacob would be able to find something for them to do to earn their keep and allow them to travel north with him. When they got to a bigger town, maybe this Five Fingers that he’d spoken of she was sure she could find work and then they wouldn’t need anyone. With any luck that is, and she prayed that their luck hadn’t run out. Chapter Eight Listening to the sighs and creaks of the old cabin, Leah waited until she was certain that both Ange and Walter were sleeping soundly before she lifted Bryan into her arms and covered him in the worn gray wool blanket that covered the cot. Sneaking past the doorway that marked the older couple’s bedroom she paused when the floor creaked beneath her weight for a few seconds before moving on to the front door. Slipping soundlessly through the darkness she opened the door and slipped outside to close the door softly, cringing slightly at the click but not pausing any longer than it took to readjust her brothers weight and head southwest toward the city. “Dakib?” The soft, slurred, sleepy word was filled with hope and longing and Leah smiled. “Yes Bryan we’re going back to Jacob. We’ll be sure and be good so he’ll take us with him when he goes north right?” “Yes.” Bryan yawned and snuggled into her arms. “I be good.” Smiling at him she sighed. “I know you will.” Moving quickly, the desperate need to get as far away as possible pushing at her, Leah all but ran the first three miles. Pausing she glanced behind her but saw nothing but darkness and shadows and sighed, hoping to catch her breath. Hearing movement not too far off she slid into the underbrush and lay still, holding Bryan desperately to her chest. With no food, no water, and very little sleep between them Leah wasn’t sure how far they would get, all she knew was that they couldn’t stay. Hearing movement come closer to waited, watched and sighed when it turned into an old milk cow that had wandered off. Moving slowly so as not to spook the cow, she lay Bryan down and glanced between them for something that could be used to hold milk in. Taking the hat she’d crammed on his head she made short work of milking the cow before offering the warm fluid to Bryan who drank it down thirstily, leaving her little in the bottom of the hat. With a sigh she knelt there in the grove of tangled branches, roots and fallen trees and stared out into the night, this was so much worse than when the folks had been killed. This time they really were all alone and there was no one who would help them. If they could get to some place where there was a livery maybe she could rent a buggy or catch a stage but that would all depend on luck. Kansas City was hardly a large metropolis as far as Jacob was concerned, it was a bunch of ramshackle buildings that were in desperate need of repair and concern huddled together in the middle of Kansas overlooking a fast moving river and home to the railroad, cattle pens and little else. “Well boss looks like we made it.” Cookie declared looking at him and shaking his head slightly. Jacob wasn’t looking ahead of him; he was sitting looking behind him in the direction they’d already come. “If it makes you feel better we’ll stop off on the way back and check in on ‘em.” “No.” Jacob shook his head, the uneasy feeling gnawing at his gut. “It’s better this way Cookie. Best get that wagon over to the settlers and get it loaded up again. After a day or two of rest for the boys and the horses we’ll head home.” “You sure?” “Yes.” Jacob glanced at the old cook and smiled slightly. “Its better this way.” He repeated and shifted in his saddle. “I’m gonna go send a wire, let Ma and Pa know that I’m here and the herds on the market. As soon as it’s sold we’ll move on.” “Sounds like a plan.” Cookie said and watched him ride off toward the telegraph office. He knew what was bothering Jacob, same thing that was bothering most of the boys. They all felt guilty and a little uneasy at leaving Leah and Bryan behind, but what could a bunch of men do with a slip of a girl and a wee babe? Nothing. Not a damn thing and wishing wouldn’t make it better. “Ha mules.” He hollered shaking out the reins and sending the mules into a slow, plodding walk up the street even as a river of cattle trotted past him. Sitting on the stage Leah kept her eyes downcast as she held her brother and avoided conversing with the only other occupant of the stage, a well-dressed young man who looked and sounded too perfect for her peace of mind. “Where are you headed young lady?” The man asked eyeing her closely. Despite her dirty appearance she was quite stunning with thick, mahogany colored hair and gray eyes that were accentuated by a pert nose, full lips and a dainty, freckled complexion. “To meet my husband.” Leah replied stiffly. “My son and I are headed to meet my husband.” “Oh.” Glancing at the small child the woman held the man raised an eyebrow, he had the same gray eyes, same casual attire and yet there was something about the child that drew the imagination. “Your husband’s a very lucky man.” “I think so to.” Leah said as the stage rolled to a stop in front of a worn building and the driver hollered down to them. “This here’s Kansas City. You got five minutes to do your business before we leave.” “Thank you.” Leah said and shuffled Bryan off the stage easily and up onto the walkway. Glancing around she noted the familiar form of Dunshane standing next to Cookie by the store and smiled slightly. Despite her unease around him, he was still a better bargain that what was behind them. Moving into the throng of people Leah glanced around as something tickled at her instincts, making her uneasy. Spotting the familiar form of her uncle she pulled Bryan into the nearest building and glanced around. “Is there a back door?” She asked the clerk. “Yes ma’am. Right through there but why don’t you just go out the front door?” “Because I don’t want to.” Leah replied dragging her brother out the door and down the street. Crossing it while hiding behind a wagon she spotted the familiar sign of a livery and hurried toward it. With the money she had on her, they could buy a horse and get the hell out of here before their uncle discovered they were in town. “Well where are they?” The distinct voice grated on her nerves and she clutched at Bryan’s hand as he hunkered down, the faint trembling going through his body worsening as the steps approached. “Where are who?” Jacob’s voice held annoyance and anger as he stood next to the wagon and watched Leah’s uncle approach. “My niece and nephew; done ran off the other night.” “I haven’t seen either of them. And if I had I certainly wouldn’t be telling you about it.” Jacob replied firmly. “Now if you don’t mind. You’re dirtying up the street so move along.” “Don’t you talk like that to me you filthy..” “There a problem?” An unfamiliar voice had Leah trembling as hard as her brother. “This here Indian’s got my niece and nephew hid out somewhere.” Walter started. “Jacob?” “Ain’t seen either of them since I dropped ‘em off at his place. And if I had’ve I certainly wouldn’t turn ‘em back over.” “Jacob you know the laws, if the girl’s under age..” “Look both of them are probably out somewhere by Dobbson and if they are, they’re dead by now. Both of them were from back east somewhere and not accomplished survivors.” Jacob replied smoothly. “I’m sorry Marshall but I don’t have his kin, and as much as I’d like to say I did have them I can’t.” “Well there you go sir. He don’t have ‘em.” “You gonna believe the word of a no good..” “Mister let me tell you something. That boy’s been driving cattle into town for two years now. I know cause I meet him every time and we chat. His father is a partner in one of the largest cattle operations this side of the Rockies, not to mention he’s got family in law enforcement, medicine, and he’s got more money and wealth in his little finger than you’re gonna see in ten years. If he says he ain’t got them, he ain’t got them. I suggest you just take yourself on home and forget they were there.” Swallowing angrily Walter looked at the tall half-blood and sighed. He saw no reason to think that the boy was lying; he just didn’t want anyone to know what he’d done. After he’d thought about it and after Ange had reminded him of a few things he realized that he should never have lifted a hand to either one of them. Whirling he stalked away, hiding behind his fury as he stalked past his buggy and his wife who sat silently on the seat. “Be back later.” He muttered and headed for the nearest saloon. Staring at Ange, Jacob shrugged indifferently and turned back to help load up the wagon. “You boys know your places?” “Sure do boss.” Dunshane said with a grin. “I promise to behave myself today.” “Good. I ain’t gonna be responsible for you if you wind up in jail.” “Yes sir.” Setting the box by the back of the seat Jacob noted something lying on the floor of the wagon bed and frowned. Leaning over he reached for it only to be distracted when one of the boys hollered at him. Turning back a minute later he noted the laces had disappeared. “What the hell?” He muttered then shrugged. Probably his imagination he figured and turned to talk shop with the cattle buyer. “Morning Mister Cross.” “Morning Hensley.” Jacob smiled at the short, pudgy little man who stood there looking at him. “You have a look at the herd?” “Sure did. You boys bring in some of the best beefers in the state.” “Just all that good grazing they get back home.” Jacob replied seriously. “What’s the offer?” “Eighty cents a pound on the hoof sound okay to you?” “Sure. But that means you got to weigh them..” “Nope. I’ll pick three of the skinniest out and weigh them, three of the fattest out and weight them average it out and we can settle on a price. If you want to wait around for that, if not I’ll just write you a cheque and we can call it square.” “What’s the offer?” “Well each cow’s around a hundred, hundred fifty pounds times that by eighty cents and you’ve got one hundred twenty dollars per cow. How many did you bring in again?” “Close to three thousand.” Jacob replied. “Well then let me see here.” Hensley said taking out a pad of paper and scribbling. “That’s a lot of money.” “I’m willing to dicker.” “I’ll give you two hundred.” “Sounds fair.” Jacob smiled. “Course you’ll have to drive ‘em to wherever you’re going.” Nodding Hensley offered his hand and shook on the deal. “Come see me over at the bank before you leave town and I’ll wire your money back to the home hitch.” “Sounds good.” Jacob smiled at the man easily and glanced at his men. “Get everything ready. We’re leaving in an hour.” “Yes sir.” Colt said and hurried off, somehow they’d escaped trouble so far, with luck they’d get home in short order and without losing a man to some gun happy fool. After paying the greedy man for the old gelding, Leah climbed up on the bay’s back and held on to Bryan as she nudged the animal into a gallop pointing him north. Pushing the animal she kept away from folks for the most part, finally halting their escape in a small backwater town that had three buildings other than the church, a saloon, a jail, and a supply shop. “Hey Missy that horse looks plum tuckered out.” An older, lean black man spoke softly, his eye on the horse and not the riders. He’d seen too many running from trouble to take notice of a slip of a girl and a baby. “He’s come a far piece.” She replied firmly. “Any place to get a fresh horse around here?” “Nope. Not less you count the Marshall, and he’s not likely to swap with you.” “Thanks.” Dismounting she led Bryan to the supply shop and tied the gelding out front of it before ushering him under the steps. “You stay out of sight Bryan, don’t need anymore attention drawn to ourselves than we’ve got.” She whispered and dusted her hands of on her pants before sucking in a deep breath and heading inside. “Afternoon you looking to sell something?” the oily voice had her gritting her teeth as she turned to face the man who’d spoken. “Nope.” She replied. “Need a few supplies.” “Whacha need?” “Some jerky, flour and baking soda.” “Take me a minute to get it.” The shop keeper declared and turned away. Standing in the dusty, dank little room Leah barely controlled the need to run from the room screaming as she waited for the few supplies. Stepping further into the shadows when a man moved into the doorway she glanced at the opening and tensed. Standing looking around was the familiar figure of her uncle and it hurt to know he’d managed to track them this far. “Hey keep you seen a slip of a girl go through here?” He demanded angrily. “Just one.” The keep said pointing behind the man to where the girl stood. “And she’s right there.” Turning sharply Walter stared at Leah’s angry glare and swallowed his rage. “Where is he?” “Who?’ “You know who I’m talkin’ bout.” He snapped stepping toward her. “Oh yes. Bryan.” Leah nodded her head. “What makes you think I’m going to tell you.” “Hey Pitts the Rocking M is coming through.” A man darted into the shop and brushed past the older man and young woman standing toe to toe. “Looks like they sold the entire herd this time.” He smiled and darted back out of the door. “Good that bastard’s here. Save’s me having to run all over the country to track him down.” Walter snarled and jerked Leah against him. “You’d best learn to mind you elders girl. Wouldn’t want you getting lost again would we?” “You won’t get away with it.” Leah snapped sharply glaring at him. “They’ll hang you for this.” “No they won’t. I’m well within my rights.” Swallowing Leah stumbled after him, she knew it was true. She was under aged, and an orphan at that. Her uncle could pretty much do whatever he wanted and there wasn’t anything she could do about it. Riding into town Jacob watched his men. Giffered Point offered little in the way of entertainment other than cheap whiskey and women and since the only member of his outfit that drank was also a womanizer he didn’t see having a problem. Pulling up in front of the small store he dismounted and glanced up the street to the pot bellied Marshall that occupied the jail. He was an honest man one that few ever really took the time to listen to or paid much attention to but that was more because he didn’t look like the image of a Marshall. His hair was a tad too thin, his waist too thick, and his eyes always laughed at you, but he had a will of iron and wouldn’t back down from trouble regardless. “Nothing ever changes around here.” Colt muttered and shook his head. “Nothing at all.” “Mister Cross.” “Marshall.” With a brief nod Jacob moved up the steps, not noticing the small figure that was hid beneath the steps eying him with desperation. “I’m telling you Marshall he’s trouble.” Walter snapped as he paced the Marshall’s office after dark. “He brings my niece to me claiming the boy she’s traveling with is her brother, and yet he’s much too young to be. I’m telling you that he sullied her and left me to raise his bastard.” “Miss?” The Marshall glanced at the young woman who glanced at him coldly and turned her eyes away. There was nothing but hostility in her gaze, and he shifted in his chair. “Very well, I’ll bring him in. What result would like to get out of this?” The Marshall demanded. “I haven’t decided yet. All I know is he dishonored my kin, and should pay for it.” “Very well. I’ll bring him in and we’ll wait for the territorial judge to get here to decide the matter.” With a smug nod Walter looked at Leah who merely glared coldly at him and shrugged. There was no way he was going to win, he wouldn’t get any money from Jacob Cross, frankly all he was going to get was a whole lot of trouble. “Mister Cross.” The Marshall approached the young man uneasily, hesitantly. He knew of his reputation and it was spotless, there was no way that Jacob Cross would father a child then abandon it to anyone else’s care. “A word with you.” “Certainly.” Jacob said and stepped away from his men. “What’s up Marshall?” “I’ve a problem I hope we can resolve quickly.” “Since I just got here I’m not sure what I can do to help you resolve the matter.” “It concerns you.” The Marshall said and started for his office. “I’ve received a complaint.” “About?” Jacob asked slowly, an uneasy fear settling in his heart. “Apparently when you left your girl with her kin, you left your son with her.” “My son?” Jacob paled beneath his tan. “What are you talking about?” “The nature of the complaint is here in writing.” Picking up the slip of paper he handed it to the young man and waited. “I do have to admit I don’t believe the claims but I am honor bound to look into them.” Waving the man’s concern aside, Jacob turned his attention back to the page before him and swallowed the rising anger as he realized that it was indeed a claim made on behalf of Leah by her uncle. Shaking his head he tossed the paper back on the desk and glared at the wall behind the other man. The charges were simple, and potentially devastating for him. He didn’t think for a moment that Leah would lie about Bryan, after all she stood to gain nothing by saying he was her son, no if anyone was to blame for this it was Walter. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to stay here until the judge gets to town in a week.” “I’m due back in Nebraska in a few weeks.” Jacob replied softly. “You honestly expect my men to wait here for a trial?” “Your men are free to go, it is you that can’t leave town.” Nodding Jacob glanced at him coldly. “Do you want my gun?” “Nope. Don’t see as how you’re going to need it unless you’re going to shoot the girl.” “No. I don’t think so.” Jacob replied softly, tonelessly as he turned and headed for the door. “I’ll inform my men that they’re to leave without me at first light. You’ll understand if I wish to keep this as quiet as possible, I don’t think you want them to remain here until this matter is resolved it could prove to be more trouble than this town can handle.” “Indeed.” The Marshall replied as the younger man exited his office. Indeed he understood perfectly, a bunch of loyal cowhands hanging around while their boss was going on trial for desertion would be more than he could handle. Moving down the sidewalk Jacob kept one eye open for Bryan or Leah and the other for Walter his anger simmering desperately. What did the man think he’d gain? Money? Did he not realize that Leah would deny his claim and clear him then he’d be out on his ear? “You look like you’re ready to shoot someone.” Colt said softly stepping into his path. “Leah’s uncle if I see him.” Jacob growled. “Look I want you to take the men back to Nebraska without me. I’ve got to get something straightened out here then I’ll catch up.” “You sure boss? We don’t mind staying for a bit longer if you think we’d be of some help.” “No.” Jacob shook his head firmly. “I think it’s best if you and the boys go on ahead without me. Once this is cleared up I’ll be along directly.” Nodding Colt glanced at his fellow cowboys. “Anything you say boss.” “Thanks.” With a pained smile, Jacob patted the other man on the shoulder. “Leave at first light.” “Yes sir.” With a quick, ruthless nod Colt turned and headed for the chuck wagon. He didn’t like it but when the boss gave an order he’d learned to follow without question. Chapter Nine Sitting on the hard wooden bench Leah shivered at the harsh light in her uncle’s eyes. Her head hurt from the last punch he’d thrown at her and yet she refused to bend to his will. She wouldn’t sentence Jacob Cross to something he wasn’t guilty of for love or money and in this case it was neither. Pride had been wounded and needed to be tended, only thing was she wouldn’t do it for him! “You’ll do as yer told girl or I’ll take a willow switch to you.” Walter grumbled pacing back and forth in the tiny, cramped courthouse. Today after several long days of waiting for the judge to get here, was the trial. With any luck he’d get enough money to get out of farming, maybe go east and open his own shop, whatever he wanted. “You can’t win.” Leah repeated for the third time. “He won’t let you.” “Shut up.” Walter snarled slamming his fist into her face again. “I don’t like to be made a fool of.” With a raised eyebrow Leah sat silently as the room started to fill with local’s come to watch the trial, biting her tongue even as she struggled not to sob at the piercing pain in her jaw. If the judge called upon her she’d speak the truth, even if it meant her own torment. “All rise. The Honorable Judge T Burns preceding over this here trial.” The Marshall called loudly. Rising along with everyone Leah remained stoned faced, Bryan was safe. He stayed in hiding until she sought him out, and then it was only after darkness fell. Whatever happened she had to keep him safe, she’d spent the last of her money and gotten a ride on a wagon going north to Nebraska for him if things didn’t turn out well with the trial. “Be seated.” The judge a tall, thin man with a thick mustache said with a wave of his hand. “Now then we’re here to resolve the issue of Mister Cross’s conduct.” He started. “What conduct?” Leah demanded suddenly. “The charge is abandonment ma’am.” The judge said noting the bruises along her jaw. “Oh.” Leah sat silently as the charges and claims were laid out, her gaze sliding to the other side of the room where Jacob sat stonily. His expression one cast in iron as he stared at the judge and she felt saddened that she’d done this to him. In trying to protect her brother she’d sentenced him to the ultimate humiliation, to be labeled a scoundrel. As the day wore on Jacob slid glance after glance at Leah who sat in stunned silence her face marred by the bruises of a recent confrontation and he wondered about them. He’d spent the past week wondering about a lot of things, like why all of a sudden he was such a bastard and kept coming up empty. There was no way the girl he knew would ever do this, and yet there she sat next to her uncle her silence a deep betraying accusation that made him even angrier. “Mister Cross do you have anything to say in your defense?” The judge asked quickly as it appeared the day would end without a decision being made. “Would it do any good?” Jacob replied firmly. “I’m quite sure I’ve already been convicted long before now. I do however have a question to ask if I may?” “Certainly.” The judge said waving away the protest of those in the room. “I’d like to know exactly what it is Mister McKenzie wants from me.” Jacob said turning his head to stare at Walter and Leah. “Because we both know that the claim is as false as he is.” “Mister Cross I can’t offer you any reasons behind this. If you’ve done wrong you will pay for it.” The judge stated quickly. “Oh I’m sure I will.” Jacob replied. “But I want to know.” “Very well. Mister McKenzie please answer the question.” “Figure he can take care of what’s his.” Walter replied firmly, his chin going up when Leah shifted on the bench. Trust her to screw things up at this point. “Take care of what’s mine?” Jacob stared at him for a few seconds before glancing at Leah who hadn’t moved, hadn’t spoken in ages and noted the fear in her eyes along with the unmistakable look of shame. Any doubts he’d had about her involvement dissipated with that look, she’d have to be a better actor than even he could imagine for him to doubt her now. “Look I don’t know where you got the idea..” “Mister Cross please understand that we do have to take these charges seriously.” The judge started and glanced at the young woman who’d claimed to be attached to Jacob Cross. “Do you have some proof that the boy isn’t yours?” “No.” Jacob sighed. “I can’t prove that Bryan’s not my son.” “See what did I tell you.” Walter snapped, waving one hand around quickly. “He as much as admits it.” Shaking his head Jacob settled back in his chair, struggling with his impulse to grab the older man by the throat and squeeze. Damn it, he should never have taken in a stranger, never shown a moment’s thought to a young woman and her baby brother. “Very well, Mister Cross it’s the opinion of this court that you should be held responsible for your own actions.” Judge Burns declared. “Please approach the bench. Miss Traker you as well.” Feeling like someone was choking the life out of him Jacob approached the bench and stood next to Leah who slid him an apologetic look. “Yes your honor.” “Jacob Cross answer this question with a simple yes answer.” Judge Burns declared. With a stiff nod, Jacob stared at him even as he saw Leah do the same. “Are you prepared to handle your sentence?” “Yes.” Jacob sighed, there was little he could do to avoid it or protest it especially when he didn’t know what it was. “Miss Traker are you prepared to deal with the punishment?” “I guess I am.” “Very well.” Judge Burns looked between them then at the man who’d originally laid the claim. Of the three only he looked like he was happy, perhaps his instincts hadn’t failed him! Especially when it looked like the only thing the man was after was money. Taking a deep breath Judge Burns tapped his pencil on the rickety table he’d claimed as his bench. “Here’s my judgement. I hereby order you Mister Cross to marry Miss Traker.” “NO!” Leah shouted only to cry out when her uncle grabbed her arm painfully. “You will marry now!” Judge Burns said quickly. “Or I’ll have both of you locked up in the jail until such a time as I’m feeling more charitable.” “But..” Leah panted and glanced at Jacob desperately. She didn’t want to marry, especially a tired, dusty cowboy whose main concern was his cows. “No buts.” The judge declared. “Sign this paper.” He slid the page toward Jacob who glanced at it then at Leah who stood struggling futilely to get away from Walter McKenzie’s grasp. Signing with a flourish, tossing the pen back onto the desk before glancing at Leah who cringed but signed it. “Now then do you Jacob Cross take Leah Traker as your lawfully wedded wife?” The judge asked. “Yes.” Jacob sighed. There would be no way to refute this and he didn’t trust Walter not to hurt Leah or Bryan if he refused. “Miss Traker do you take Jacob Cross as your lawfully wedded husband?” “Yes.” Leah whispered struggling not to cry. This wasn’t what she wanted from life to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with someone holding threats over her head to get her to marry someone. Glancing fearfully at the man to her left she sighed, Jacob Cross was an honorable man, one who didn’t deserve the raw end of this deal. Shifting slightly she moved away from her Uncle’s grasp and breathed a soft sigh of relief that he had let her go. She wasn’t as stupid as to believe this would be the end of it, he was after money and nothing that was said would make him alter his course. “Good I now pronounce you husband and wife.” The judge declared swallowing at the dark look in Jacob Cross’ eyes and shuffled his paperwork. “Let this be a lesson sirs, if you’re going to misbehave you’ll pay the price. Court is adjourned.” Slamming his gavel down he rose smoothly and started to gather his papers even as Jacob stood stonily and glared at him. “Am I free to leave town?” Jacob drawled. “Not yet.” The judge declared. “With the claims against you, it wouldn’t be a stretch to imagine she may be pregnant again and I’d like to wait for the doctor to get here to do a full examination.” “I’m not pregnant.” “Shut up.” Walter growled. “Leave her alone.” Jacob turned and stared at him, his tone even yet lethal. “She’s no longer your concern.” “If you say so.” Walter muttered. Damn this wasn’t what he wanted. He couldn’t care less if Jacob Cross married the girl, as long as he got a bit of money. Ange would be pleased if he brought money home to take care of them for a while. “They can have my place for a while.” The Marshall declared. He had a small house on the edge of town he rarely visited, spending most of his time at the jail or the saloon so it wouldn’t be an imposition to loan it out. “Very good Marshall.” The Judge smiled at the lawman and closed his briefcase. He’d be on the next stage out of town and he didn’t plan on being gone from here as easily as that. Standing there feeling colder than he’d ever felt in his life Jacob stared at the wall, his jaw clenched along with his fists as he stood there. How could this have happened? Why was it that nothing he’d said this past week had helped to ease the discomfort of this lie? “I’m sorry.” The soft whisper gave him a start and he glanced at Leah with an indifferent look. “Really?” He shrugged quickly and grabbed his hat to head for the doorway. He noted that she fell into step with him easily and all but ran to keep up with his long legged strides. “Why is that I take no comfort from that?” “Look I didn’t know he was here. Do you honestly think I’d go to this sort of length to be more of an imposition for you?” Leah demanded as they hurried down the steps toward the small shack Jacob’d been staying in these past nights. “I think I’d better wire for some money.” He replied pushing the door open and stepping inside. “Sooner you and your uncle are paid off the better I’ll be!” “I don’t want your money.” Leah shook her head, her eyes filling with tears. “I don’t want anything from you.” “Really? Funny for someone who doesn’t want anything from me you seemed to have gotten a lot.” Jacob replied coldly. Picking up the coffee pot he poured a cup and set it back down before moving toward the table only to freeze when Leah stepped into his path, her grey eyes swimming in tears. “Do you really think that I’d go to these lengths to get married? Especially to someone like you?” Tensing Jacob stared at her. “You mean an Indian don’t you?” He asked silkily. “Well here’s a news flash for you Miss Traker I might be an Indian, hell you could even go so far as to say I’m a savage but just remember this. I could have left you out in the middle of nowhere to die.” He growled leaning toward her. “No you couldn’t have.” She replied softly. “Because you’re too honorable. You don’t see things like everyone else does. I don’t think you realize it just yet but this isn’t over, and it’s never going to be.” “What do you mean?” “I mean until my uncle gets what he wants you’re never going to get out of this.” She started only to freeze at a pounding on the door. Turning she felt the warmth of her blood fade as she realized who was standing at the door. “What is it McKenzie?” Jacob snarled. “Just came to see how the newlyweds were doing.” Walter smiled at Leah, his gaze running over her once. Staring at his niece he didn’t see the anger flare in the Indian’s eyes or the way he moved, pushing Leah behind him easily. “See if you needed any help.” “Help?” Leah croaked and glanced at Jacob as she clung to his arm. This was a side of her uncle that made her even more uneasy and uncomfortable than his violent nature. She sensed a darkness within him that frankly terrified her more than having Jacob take her. “Sure with your wedding night.” Walter laughed softly. “Wouldn’t want him to get in too deep you know.” Swallowing at the bile that rose in her throat she glanced at Jacob who stood rooted to the spot it seemed. “I’m sure he’ll be fine.” She whispered. “Oh more than fine.” Jacob replied firmly and glanced at Leah who’d inched her way further behind him, almost as though she were trying to hide. “And I don’t need any help with anything, especially from you.” He stated and crossed his arms over his chest. Despite the other man having at least forty pounds and a couple inches on him, Jacob didn’t feel threatened. He was built for working, every single of his two hundred pounds was solid muscle, and he was used to tossing living bodies that weighed more than him around. “Get out McKenzie.” The growl was low and filled with a warning that the other man paled at but didn’t say anything as he scurried back out the door and down the street toward the saloon. “I don’t know what he was talking about.” Leah started. “Honestly, I’m not sure..” “Leah shhh.” Pulling her into his arms, Jacob held her ignoring the way his blood pounded through his body, the way his body welcomed her warmth. Now wasn’t the time to think of that sort of thing, and he wasn’t about to use her and toss her aside. He’d made vows to wait until he was married and that was all there was to that. But you are married; to her. The tiny voice in his head whispered, repeatedly even as he struggled not to pay it any attention. But its not forever. Jacob pointed out and closed his eyes as he realized the tremble in Leah was from her soft sobs. You’re never given forever. The voice replied softly, firmly. Forever is given to noone and you have to take what you’re given and accept it. Pushing the line of thought aside Jacob stood there letting Leah softly cry even as he wondered where Bryan was. “Leah where’s Bryan?” “Heading north.” Leah whispered tearfully. I sent him on the North bound stage last night.” “Where’s he supposed to get off?” “As close to Silverton as is possible.” “You do know that the stage’ll reach Silverton day after tomorrow and the boys’ll be there. They’ll take him.” “If they take him home with them it’s okay. Just means I know where to get him.” “Hello!” The masculine voice had both of them groaning. “Marshall what a surprise. What brings you down here?” Jacob asked impatiently. “Just came to let you know that you might want to get comfy, got a message from Doc he’ll be here in about a week.” “Great.” Leah muttered angrily and stared at the wall behind her. God she wanted this over with, but what was there to do about it. If she ran Walter would follow and she didn’t think she could escape him again. Something told her she was safer with Jacob Cross and she believed that little voice, she knew him well enough to know that he wasn’t about to jump into anything without thinking it through. “Thank you.” “No problem.” The Marshall declared and walked away. He had no grand illusions, this wasn’t a marriage made in heaven, heck they’d be lucky to make it a year but he figured they needed the lesson. The afternoon faded into evening easily, smoothly the warmth of the night surrounding Leah as she stood on the porch and watched the sun setting with a half smile. Wrapping her arms around herself she closed her eyes and let the warmth seep into her heart, clinging to it even as she listened to Jacob moving about inside. He hadn’t spoken most of the afternoon, and yet there’d been an easiness to the day, a familiarity to it that had eased her fears, soothed her and slowly the tension had faded to be replaced by a familiar warmth that allowed her the freedom to do what she needed to do. Standing silently, easily she watched the town as it settled in for the night, the saloon began picking up business as easily as a church on Sunday and sighed. Frowning as a slight sound came from behind her she turned, expecting Jacob to be standing there. Instead Walter McKenzie stood there with a drunken smile on his face. “What do you want?” She asked quickly, backing away from him slowly. “Come my dear you can’t be that dense.” Walter’s tone was hard, his voice slurred with he whiskey he’d drank already. “I think you’d best get off this porch.” Jacob growled as he stepped in behind the older man. “Leah come inside, coffee’s ready.” With a nod Leah darted past her uncle and slipped inside with only a slight glance at her uncle. Pausing she touched Jacob’s arm through his sleeve and met his eyes, her warning clear. Don’t do something you’ll get arrested for. “She’s my niece if’n I want to talk to her..” “I suggest you go talk to one of the working girls, or your wife.” Jacob drawled. “Cause you lay a finger on my wife and I’ll break you.” He warned softly, lethally before turning to walk back inside and close the door with a firm click. Crawling between the sheets Leah sighed, the cool cotton felt heavenly against her bare skin and she glanced uneasily at the open bedroom door. Jacob had loaned her his extra shirt to sleep in and she’d gladly accepted although she feared his reaction when he saw the still healing cuts from her uncle’s belt. Pulling the blankets up to her chin she glanced up as the door shifted, moving back a little and Jacob stepped into the room a lantern in his hand. “Not the most comfortable sleeping arrangements.” “It’s okay.” Leah smiled at him. “I don’t mind really.” “Alright.” With a half grin Jacob set the lantern down and blew it out before stripping down to his long johns. Sliding in next to her he pulled the blankets over him and rolled over to face the door. “Good night Leah.” “Good night Jacob.” Leah said curling up to fall asleep easily, the warmth of his body next to hers surrounding her with a safe feeling. She trusted Jacob completely, and being married to him wasn’t the worse thing in the world. Chapter Ten Blinking Jacob opened his eyes and noted it was still dark, there wasn’t any light at all and he wondered what had awakened him. Shifting he took a deep breath and closed his eyes, probably nothing. Jerking awake he sat up at the soft sound coming from the other room, a warm hand on his arm had him glancing behind him in the darkness. “It’s Walter.” Leah’s soft whisper was by his ear, her warm breath flirting over his skin and sending a wave of pure male need through his body. “What’s he doing here?” Jacob muttered and moved so that Leah was hid behind him. “Just keep quiet.” He whispered softly, his hand going up to grab his gun. Letting the tension invade his body easily, Jacob focused on the noise from the other room and tightened his grip on the handle of his gun. Unless he was mistaken the old boy wasn’t after just money. Seeing his shadow move across the bedroom door, Jacob lay perfectly still and watched, waiting for the man to make a mistake. Hearing a soft grunt a few second before the man turned and headed back out the front door. Sliding the hammer back into place, he breathed a sigh of relief and put the gun back on the dresser. Flopping back onto his pillows he sighed, raking a hand down his face as he struggled with the tension still within him. “Doesn’t he ever give up?” “Apparently not.” Leah replied sadly. “I can’t believe how far he’s taken this.” “He’s not done yet.” Jacob drawled, the tension easing and a new awareness taking its place. For the first time since waking up he could feel Leah’s warmth, the gentle motion of her breathing, as she lay next to him. A slight shift and the warmth of bare skin brushing against his arm brought an even sharper awareness to his mind. “I’m sorry Jacob.” Leah whispered, moving so she was resting on one elbow. “This isn’t what I wanted to happen.” “What exactly did you want to happen?” Jacob asked softly, turning his head slightly. “I wanted Bryan and I to get as far away from them as possible, we chose north because we come from the north. Bryan spoke often of you, I don’t know, maybe I was hoping that you would give us a job. You have connections, you might be able to find something for me.” She whispered pausing when he shifted, rolling over to face her and adopting the same pose as she had. “You wanted a job?” “Yeah.” Shaking her head, ignoring the soft brushing of the strands against her flesh she laughed humorlessly. “I don’t expect you to believe me.” She started only to freeze when he reached up to touch her face. Tracing the discolored bruises along her jaw, Jacob smiled into the darkness. He needed to get out of this bed, and as far away form temptation as possible. “My father does the hiring.” He whispered his fingertips learning the contours of her soft skin. “Well I’m a good worker Jacob, you know that. You’ve seen it. I’d be a help around the place.” “You would at that.” He whispered shifting, leaning forward slowly even as he felt her pulse jump and skitter at the way his hand settled at the base of her throat. “You’re definitely an asset.” Pausing when he was close enough to feel her breath on his face, the warmth skittering across his moist bottom lip he smiled slightly. “Forgive me.” He whispered softly, tenderly a split second before he closed the distance. Sucking in a breath of air in shock, Leah froze at the first soft touch of his lips against hers, and the shock that tore through her at the sensation. Moaning softly she raised one hand and pressed it against Jacob’s shoulder whether in protest or acceptance she didn’t know. Feeling the teasing feather light traces of his tongue on her skin she moved closer, need building within her as she struggled to keep her mind on why they shouldn’t do this. Feeling her moving against him, Jacob slowly deepened the kiss, his body beginning to hum as need slowly over rode common sense. Taking this step would have far reaching consequences that neither of them were really prepared for. The tiny voice of doubt surfaced but was pushed aside easily as Jacob bore Leah’s slim frame to the mattress beneath him, their mouths fused together with a passion they couldn’t control. Blinking at the light of dawn Leah moved slowly, her body craving sleep as she struggled to wake. Groaning at the intrusion of day she rolled over pulling the blankets over her shoulder and froze, her nose buried in the warmth and toned muscle of Jacob’s chest. Moving her eyes she slid her gaze down, realizing after a few seconds that she was as naked as he was, and closed her eyes tightly. What the hell had she done, there was no way out now. Feeling his hand trailing up her leg to settle on the curve of her waist his fingers brushing against her hip she moaned softly as the fire that they’d lit the night before stirred, igniting into full force. “Jacob.” The soft whisper was half plea, half denial and yet she arched into the touches that were as light and soft as the sheets. “Leah.” Jacob’s voice was husky and filled with his awakening desire even as he moved, pulling her against him gently and nuzzling into her throat. Like the steady drum of thunder during a summer storm, his body’s desire over rode his mind as he slowly made love to her again, thoughts of the future as far from his mind as they could possibly get. Pulling up before the store in Silverton Colt eyed the stage coach that sat there and shook his head. Looked like old Joe had found something he didn’t like. “Hey Joe your horses refusing to move?” “Naw.” Joe grinned at the teasing from the young cowhand. Everyone on the line knew Jacob’s boys, they had a reputation as being excellent workers, the kind that didn’t give anyone a hard time and were as honest as the day was long. “Some kid got on board and now he won’t get off.” “Kid?” Colt dismounted and dropped his rein before walking over to the stage. “Joe all you got to do is ask.” He laughed softly as he came around the corners and froze. Sitting on the bench seat dusty, tired, and sad looking was the familiar little boy that had gone over a thousand miles on a cattle drive with them. “Bryan what on earth.” At the sound of his voice the little boy jerked out of his trance and darted toward him, clinging to him tightly. “I take it you know the boy.” “Yes sir. I’ll take him off your hands for you.” Colt said easily, something telling him that Bryan’s arrival wasn’t just a coincidence. “Come on Bryan, lets go see if Cookie’s got some treats for us.” He said carrying the little boy away from the stage. Whatever was going on, he sure hoped Jacob caught up and fast so he could get some answers. “Well lookee what you found.” Cookie chortled. “Must be Leah’s around somewhere.” “Nope.” Colt shook his head firmly as the little boy curled tighter into his grasp. “Found him on the stage, looks like he rode alone.” Well I guess that’s something then. Wonder why she’s not here?” “Wonder if it has something to do with that business Jacob stayed behind to handle.” “I wonder.” Cookie muttered as he stared at the sleepy little boy. Whatever Jacob had gotten himself into they’d be hard pressed to find out what it was. “Well come on boy, lets get you into the wagon then you can have a sleep while we get supplies.” “How can you run out of sugar old man?” Colt demanded exasperated. “I just did is all.” Cookie replied firmly and headed for the store. Shaking his head Colt let him go, his gaze turning down the trail they’d just rode in on. He hoped that Jacob was okay, that there wasn’t anything wrong because he knew that if they got home the boss would have their hides if something happened to his son. With one eye on the calendar and the other on the pile of papers in front of him, Jacob sat in the late afternoon sun and went back over the receipts from the sale of the cattle. Tomorrow the doctor would be in town, examine Leah then they could get the hell out of here. Glancing up at the thought of his wife, Jacob smiled. There was a lot of respect and admiration between them even if they weren’t in love. From that first night they hadn’t gone out of their way to keep a distance between them, maybe because they’d been friends for a while, maybe because they both knew that sooner or later they’d have to face the fact that they were legally married and there wasn’t an easy way out for either of them. Despite everything, Leah did her best to keep a smile on her face, an easy going attitude that allowed her some semblance of normalcy. She spent the day reading, cooking, cleaning the shack they called home up, and the nights wrapped in his arms. “How’s it going?” Leah’s soft voice had him glancing up. “No matter how I figure it we made a lot of money.” Jacob said throwing his pencil down. “And there ain’t anything else for it.” “You sound as though that’s a bad thing.” “It is.” Jacob said. “Because Walter McKenzie is still here, and he’s going to be here as long as he can smell money.” “Look I’ve got a little left from what you paid me.” Leah offered. “No.” Jacob snapped rising sharply to his feet. “No, I won’t take your money.” “I’m supposed to just accept you paying him off?” “I’m not paying him.” Jacob replied firmly. “I don’t believe in buying people.” “What do you mean?” Leah asked a sick feeling settling in the pit of her stomach. “I mean he won’t stop at money Leah.” Jacob walked over and took her arms in his hands. “He wants the money yes, but he wants you more.” “What?” “He was here last night.” Jacob drawled. “In the cabin.” “What? Why?” “He was going through your things. He took off when I got up.” Jacob sighed. “As soon as the doctor finishes talking to you, we’re leaving.” Nodding Leah studied her husband. “Do you think he’ll follow?” Pausing Jacob sighed as he glanced out the window. “Yes.” He replied honestly, he was certain of it and it meant that the ride home would be troublesome. For the other man this wasn’t about the family he didn’t want, this was about what he could get that would make the life he lived more bearable, and it didn’t matter who got hurt in the process. Leaning her forehead on his chest Leah sighed a sick feeling settling in her stomach. Yes indeed she knew as well as Jacob that her uncle would follow. There was money to be had, and he hadn’t gotten what he’d wanted from the judge. Smiling harshly she stared at the belt buckle in her gaze and tried not to cry; tears were useless in the face of such greed, such craving of wealth and she wouldn’t waste them on the man who’d made her life a living nightmare. “Do we really have to wait for the doc?” Leah whispered shakily, clinging to the only semblance of normalcy she had. “I’m afraid so.” Jacob pulled her tighter against him, she was his friend if nothing else and he’d die before he’d let anyone hurt her any further. Closing his eyes he took a deep steady breath. “Come on, I’ll help make dinner.” He said. Shaking her head Leah just held onto him. “I’m really not hungry right now Jacob. I doubt if I could keep anything down if I tried.” “I know.” Jacob sighed. He did know, he knew what it felt like to wait for something unpleasant. Hell he’d been doing it for a few weeks now and there wasn’t any way that they could change things. “How about a walk?” “Sounds good.” Leah said grabbing her shawl and wrapping it around her shoulders as he straightened up the papers putting a weight on them to keep them from blowing off the table before he grabbed his hat, offered her his arm and headed out into the growing autumn colors. “You still want to be a teacher?” Jacob asked as they strolled along easily, comfortably despite or maybe because of the hum of tension between them. “I’m not sure anymore.” Leah admitted. “It would be nice to teach but I’ve come to the conclusion that surviving is more important.” “Yeah it is.” Jacob said as they moved along. Feeling the brush of her warmth against him he smiled to himself, when it was just the two of them he didn’t need anything else. The simple pleasure of walking with her was as familiar as the sunshine on his face, and as welcome. “You know I wonder why we just sorta fell into this.” Leah mused. “Huh?” “We weren’t exactly planning on getting married.” Leah started. “I mean when I rode into town I was merely looking for some supplies before moving on again, and I’m sure you weren’t here looking for a wife.” “No that’s for sure. Always figured I’d get married later sorta like something to plan for but I wasn’t thinking of it right now.” Jacob admitted quietly. “Despite all that we sure accepted our fate.” Leah glanced at him with a shy smile. “I mean we even.. Uh..” Flushing brightly Leah glanced at her feet. “Yeah.” Jacob flushed slightly and smiled. “We did at that. And we do it quite well.” “Do we?” Leah asked. “I wouldn’t know.” “You’re looking at me for expertise?” Jacob laughed. “Sorry I’m not any more experienced than you. Heck I think my Pa had more experience than I did.” “Then how would you know?” “I’m a man, I have brothers and cousins.” Jacob declared. “And with a doctor in the family well its easy to sit and talk about things.” “You’re from a very unique family.” “Thanks.” Jacob said laughing softly. “Do you regret it?” “Regret being intimate with you?” Leah asked at his look. “Yes.” “No.” Leah shrugged. “We’re married, it’s not like we’re committing a sin.” “Is that the only reason?” Jacob started a sinking feeling coming into his stomach. Could she be having sex with him merely because they were married? “No.” Leah said and glanced away to eye the sky. “It’s beautiful around here.” “I know.” Jacob said after a moment’s pause, confusion clouding his mind as she refused to elaborate on her answer and the sudden shift in topics. It was beautiful around here, but not as beautiful as home to him. He wished he were there right now, riding the range all day, feeling the wind in his hair, the sun on his face. How he longed to be home, home with his family, with his work to stretch out before him. Tomorrow they had to wait for the doctor to show up then they could leave the next day, something he was glad for. The longer they stayed the easier it was to forget that he was supposed to be at home. “Did you have a girl back home?” Leah asked softly, drawing Jacob’s attention back from his thoughts. “Pardon?” “Did you have a girl back home?” “Not really.” Jacob shrugged. There had been a girl he’d been interested in although standing here he could barely remember what for. He loved his lifestyle, loved driving the cattle to market, the long hours, the fight to win against the odds, the risks, the dangers of being a cattle man. All his life the ranch had been more important than any woman he knew, and when he had a choice of a girl or a round-up he’d always chosen the cattle, but now? Now he had to wonder why he hadn’t forgotten about the woman he walked with after he’d left her in Dobbson City. “I’d only seen her once before the drive, and that was at a social.” “So when we get back I won’t have someone trying to scratch my eyes out?” Leah asked seriously. “Nope.” Jacob smiled down at her, hiding his shock at the realization that he was indeed crazy. He had a bad feeling that he was falling in love with the woman next to him and that wasn’t good because this wasn’t a conventional marriage, this was nothing like what his folks, his sister had, this was about money and power and protecting Leah from someone who wanted both. “At least not that I know of.” Laughing softly Leah shook her head as they walked along, regardless of what happened in the future she owed Jacob Cross her life, and if being tied to him in marriage was the only way to ensure that debt was paid, she’d do it without complaint. Waking to a dull, grey lifeless day made Leah groan as she rolled over and stared at the empty side of the bed. “Jacob?” She called uneasily, if he wasn’t here she needed to get out of bed and quickly. “Yes?” Jacob replied sticking his head in the doorway and smiling at her. “Morning Leah hope you’re hungry I made breakfast.” “Starved.” Leah replied and tossed the covers back. In less than a day they’d be out of here. The doctor was suppose to be here about lunch time then he’d spend the day doing whatever the hell it was he was going to do. She didn’t like the idea of him examining her, after all she knew as well as anyone did that the possibility of being pregnant was slim, she’d only been engaging in marital relations for a couple of weeks. Dressing hurriedly she pulled her hair back into a bun before sinking down at the table and digging into the bacon and eggs. “You know I’m excited about tomorrow.” Leah started. “Leaving here, going to your place. I just hope that Bryan’s okay.” “Oh I have a feeling he is.” Jacob smiled. “If the boys saw him in Silverton he’s on the trail to the ranch by now.” “How long till we get to your ranch?” Leah asked. “It’ll take us about two months.” Jacob replied. “Unless we take the train and I don’t like taking them.” “Why not?” “I don’t get to ride in the cars, I get to ride with the stock.” Jacob shrugged. “If I’m lucky enough to get on the train.” “Oh.” Leah said softly. “It’s one of the perks of being an Indian I guess.” Jacob said pouring a cup of coffee easily. He didn’t care about it anymore, it was just something else he couldn’t control so why worry about it? “Um I’m not sure my horse can make that long of a trip. He gets pretty tired even after half a day’s ride.” “I’ll get you a new horse.” Jacob said softly. “Won’t take but a few minutes.” Nodding Leah fell silent as she realized that Jacob could move mountains he just couldn’t avoid the prejudices that weighed his people down. Regardless of what she’d been told about how Indians were such bad people, he had proven each rumor untrue. “I’m going to look at some horses this morning you want to come with me?” “Sure. We can use my gelding in trade, he’s a good kids horse.” “Okay.” Jacob agreed readily, he knew which horse he wanted to get for her. The young mare was a good, steady mount, well built a typical Indian pony but she would last the trip out and then some. “Eat up woman, we’re leaving shortly.” “Yes sir.” Leah smiled crookedly and finished her breakfast. Stacking the dishes on the counter she glanced around for the bucket of water. “Leave the dishes.” Jacob said as he held out her shawl. “We’re running late.” “But.” “They’ll be fine.” Jacob declared and poured some cold water over them to leave them soak so they wouldn’t be so hard to clean. “Lets get a move on.” “You’re the boss.” Leah said with a grin as she followed him out the door and up the street. Finding the owner of the mare was ridiculously easy and she gaped at the horse, sleek lines from head to hoof, and the loud splashes of color told of her pinto breeding. “She’s beautiful.” “She is.”Jacob smiled at the owner. “We’ll take her.” “Thirty five.” “Don’t forget my gelding.” Leah tossed in. “Gelding?” The owner a balding man gaped at the woman. “She wants to use her gelding as a trade. He’s an older horse, but good steady stock. Perfect for a child.” Nodding the man looked at the couple, he’d seen the horse the girl rode in on. Indeed he was a nice animal and well worth the trade. “I’ll take the gelding and five dollars for the mare.” “Here.” Handing the money over Jacob took the lead rope from the man. “Thanks.” “No problem Mister Cross.” The man said with a wave as the couple walked away with the mare. Indeed he was lucky the man hadn’t argued him down from his price, he’d heard how astute the Cross family was for buying horses, especially when he’d noted the brand on the horse the boy had rode in on. “She’s beautiful.” Leah whispered petting the mare and smiling at Jacob. “Thank you.” “Don’t go thanking me just yet.” Jacob declared. “We’ve still got two months worth of riding to do.” Nodding Leah watched Jacob walk away. He’d take his time getting home, just as he took his time with everything he did. Taking a deep breath she glanced at her new horse. “Well looks like we’re going to be in a traveling mood tomorrow.” She whispered. “I’m just not so sure that the we’re going to be as welcome on the other end.” With a final pat on the mare’s neck she headed inside there was no point in sitting worrying, things would come and go as they always did. Chapter Eleven Sitting in the jail Jacob stared at the doctor, Leah, and the judge. Leah looked embarrassed as she settled next to him, the doctor looked mildly bored and the judge wore an expectant look on his face. “Well?” Judge Burns asked. “You asked me to examine Missus Cross, I have done that.” The doctor started. “What did you find?” “There are no indications of pregnancy at this time.” He said quickly. “She’s in perfect health I see no reason why there should be any doubt as to her state.” Closing her eyes Leah leaned back in her chair, thank god for small miracles. “Could she have miscarried?” “No sir.” The doctor glanced at the young woman then at the young man who sat next to her and held her hand. “In my humble opinion Judge Burns she’s like any other woman her age, which isn’t to say that pregnancy is impossible, its just not probable right now.” “Thank you.” Judge Burns looked at the couple who smiled at each other, their position one of silent support. Regardless of what the doctor said, he had no doubt that there was a history between them and he had no intention of reversing his decision. “Well looks like you two are free to go.” “What about my uncle?” Leah demanded. “What about him? He’s a free man to do as he likes, I highly recommend that he goes home and you and your husband return to the Rocking M ranch.” “Thanks.” Jacob rose smoothly and helped Leah up before walking toward the door. Stepping out he paused when Walter stepped into his path, his gaze darting between the two of them. “You want to move?” “This ain’t over yet Cross.” Walter snapped. “I wired my wife, she knows I’m going to be a while, and this is far from over.” “You’re only asking for trouble.” With that Jacob ushered Leah past her uncle and down the street toward their cabin. “Take some advice leave it alone.” He warned as he glanced back over his shoulder before continuing on their way. Packing up the meager belongings that they had didn’t take long the next morning then Jacob loaded the saddle bags onto the backs of the saddles just before dawn. “You figure out which way we’re going?” Leah asked softly. “Shortest way possible.” Jacob replied glancing down the street before turning to her with a grin. “Hope you’re ready for this.” “And waiting.” Leah replied firmly casting a glance in the direction Jacob had before facing him. “Shall we go?” “Yeah lets get out of here.” Jacob said swinging gracefully into the saddle and waiting for Leah to mount. As soon as she had he turned his mount away and nudged him into a gentle canter as he headed north toward home. Keeping to a steady lope, Leah followed Jacob north into the rocky terrain of the low hills before cutting cross country until the reached the trail they’d taken on the way down. Pulling up a few days after they’d left, Jacob dismounted and glanced at Leah. “We’ll camp here tonight.” “The horses are tired.” Leah commented as she dismounted. “We’ve been pushing them for the last three days.” “I know.” Jacob sighed. “I was hoping to outrun the trouble following us.” Jacob explained. “I’ve no doubt that McKenzie’s hot on our trail.” “I wish I’d never gone there.” Leah admitted. “We were better off with a bunch of cows.” “It wasn’t the cows.” Jacob replied softly. “It was never about the cows.” Blinking at his words Leah watched him make camp, soundlessly, wordlessly with the ease of a man familiar with the routine and with the gathering darkness that brought a chill to the air. Soon there would be snow in the air, and if they didn’t make it back to the Rocking M before it flew they’d have to settle somewhere else. “You sure we’ll make it to your place before it snows?” She asked after a few minutes of silence. “If we’re lucky we’ll make Angel Falls, it’s not as established as the main houses or Five Fingers but it’ll do for now.” Jacob answered honestly, he only hoped that they’d get there in time. “You want me to make dinner?” Leah asked softly, her gaze downcast as the realization sunk in that there was no way of knowing if they’d get to where they were going on time. “Sure.” Jacob replied and settled in to stoke the fire. “It wasn’t your fault.” He spoke quickly, firmly as he poked at the flames. “You didn’t know this would happen.” “Still I should have had some idea.” Leah replied sadly. “I wouldn’t have done this if I’d have known that I was endangering more than just myself.” “McKenzie’s greed’ll kill him in the end.” “You sound sure of that.” “As sure as I can be.” Jacob replied softly glancing up at her before returning his attention to the fire. His warning as clear as if he’d spoken, McKenzie would follow until he got what he wanted or he was killed. Shivering at the thought, Leah focused on dinner and the safe distance of pushing the thought away. Linking up with the trail back to the ranch was easy, despite the twists, turns, and double backs that Jacob took. Following it north Leah kept up easily, her jaw set in a stubborn line, her silence broken only by monosyllable words that were answers to questions that were tossed at her. After nearly a month on the trail, Jacob pulled up under a stand of towering full branched pine trees and glanced behind them. “What is it?” “Look.” Jacob said pointing to their trail. Turning in the saddle Leah gasped, riding in plain view was the familiar figure of her uncle and another man. “Who’s that with him?” “Probably a tracker or another hired thug.” Jacob said glancing skyward and swearing profusely as fat, white flakes began to fall with more insistence. “Not this, not now.” “Snow isn’t good.” Leah muttered crossly. “Then again if it’s snowing then we might lose them before it gets too bad.” “We need to find shelter.” Jacob drawled. “This is an early snow storm but it could turn into a blizzard easily enough.” “Where’s the nearest shelter?” “I’m afraid we’re on our own. This time we’re going to have to make a lean to and wait out this storm.” “I wonder if we shouldn’t just back track to that little town we saw a few hours ago.” “If you want to stay in a saloon we could.” Jacob replied. “I don’t know about you but it isn’t my idea of spending a nice evening.” “Okay.” With a shrug Leah nudged her mount into a gallop as she followed Jacob deeper into the trees and up a slight incline that proved to be extremely rocky, and slippery. After the third time her horse stumbled Leah nearly swore out loud only to find herself at the top of the incline and staring out over a wide expanse of tall grass, short trees, and shrubbery, off in the distance a large buck stood eying them. “Come on.” Jacob said eying the trail and trotted along the path ignoring the falling snow as he headed toward a stand of young poplars and pines. Riding into them he pulled up under a large tree and dismounted. “I’ll build a lean-to if you want to unsaddle the horses.” “Okay.” Readily agreeing to the deal, Leah dismounted and started to unsaddle both horses. Making short work of the chore she quickly had both horses settled in as Jacob put the finishing touches on the lean-to. “Cold camp?” “Nope.” With a crooked grin Jacob ushered her into their shelter. “They’ll never see a fire.” “I hope not.” Pulling her coat closer around her Leah settled next to the fire pit that Jacob had set up and watched him start a roaring fire easily. Within minutes dinner was cooking, coffee was perking, and the lean-to was warm enough for her to take her coat off. “How far do you figure it is till we get home?” “Another couple of weeks.” Jacob said. “That is if the snow lets up. If not we’re going to be a lot longer.” “Well then lets hope the snow lets up, after Walter and his new friend freeze to death.” She declared with a smile. “You are blood thirsty aren’t you?” Jacob laughed as he settled next to her, pulling her into his body with one arm wrapped around her shoulders. Dropping a quick kiss on her temple he stared into the flames. “Man I’m looking forward to getting home.” He said softly. “By now my folks are freaking out about why I haven’t wired them or something.” “Do the boys know anything?” “No. All I told them was to head home and I’d catch up.” Jacob said softly one hand trailing up and down her arm. “I doubt if anyone realizes that something was wrong.” “What if they didn’t find Bryan?” “They did.” Jacob assured her. “I know my boys, by now they’ve got him safely at home and Mom’s going nuts over him.” “You think?” “I know.” Jacob replied with a smile bending his head to drop a quick kiss on her lips. “Now then, what do you say we eat then get some sleep.” “Mm, I like the sounds of that.” Leah laughed as she reached for the frying pan to dish out the stew. After a few minutes of companionable silence, the meal was gone and the dishes were done. Rising Jacob peaked outside and sighed. “Looks like the snow’s getting heavier.” “Great.” Leah glanced at the opening her voice heavily laced with sarcasm, if there was too much snow they wouldn’t be going anywhere and she didn’t want to stay here, not where she had no control over who might come. “Just what we need to be snowed in.” “It’s not that bad. If we’re snowed in so are they.” Jacob pointed out softly knowing Leah’s fear of Walter catching up to them was stronger than her fear of the snow. She had reason for her fear, he’d seen the scars on her back, the shadows in her eyes whenever he was around and it scared him that the man could do that to a girl who’d no doubt acted in defense of her brother - it was a crime that Walter McKenzie would pay for by Jacob's hand. “If it lets up tomorrow we’ll head out, as long as it keeps to a light snowfall.” Nodding Leah leaned back against him and closed her eyes, her body relaxing against his naturally as her mind wandered. It was nice to be able to just sit wrapped in his arms, the warmth of his body soaking into hers driving away the chill that had taken hold of her. Listening to his breathing as they sat wrapped around each other, Leah felt at ease, relaxed to the point of nothing worried her. Snuggling deeper into his chest she stared at the flames, her body starting to burn with need even as she felt the gentle motion of his hand running up and down her arm until she shifted, lifting her head to stare at him with an easy, welcoming smile. “Jacob?” The soft whisper drew a crooked grin from him as he bent his head. The shock of his touch, the way her body began to hum was something she’d never get used to and she thanked her lucky stars that it was that way. Losing herself in his touch, Leah couldn’t help the little voice that whispered to her in the back of her mind, even as she struggled to ignore the question. But why is it that his touch turns you to jelly when nobody’s ever made you feel like this? ,br> From where he sat huddled by a small struggling fire, Walter glared out into the snow. They had to be getting closer to those two kids and he didn’t plan on just letting them slip through his fingers. The boy had money, that worthless Marshall had said so in Kansas City, and Leah well she was young, pretty, and worth the chase. Rubbing his hands together to ward off the chill he smiled into his muffler and eyed his tracking companion. The man didn’t speak, instead he just read track, followed it and did a damn good job, something he was glad of. This wasn’t a Sunday drive, or a pleasant trip this was business and he meant to get the girl and the money even if he had to kill to do it. Thinking about back home he sighed, Ange was a good woman but she was worthless in some areas like bearing children, they’d never had any and he wanted a son to pass the farm onto when he died. “You figure we’ll catch up soon?” Walter grunted at his companion who merely shrugged and nodded. Sooner or later he’d find out what was at the other end of this trail and he was beginning to think it wasn’t something he wanted to be tied up in. This ground was closer to Nebraska than he was comfortable with, he’d escaped that country earlier in his life and he didn’t want to get back there, he didn’t want to be around the Rocking M ranch when all hell broke loose and that’s where it looked like they were going. Glancing at the greedy little man he’d signed on with the young man sighed, if they did head for the largest ranch he’d ever seen he wasn’t crossing over onto it, he wasn’t going to hang for nobody! Not even if his brother worked on the ranch. With a shake of his head the man turned his attention back to the fire and closed his eyes to rest up for the coming night. Dawn came grey and cold, snow still falling heavily as they two men shook it off and stared ahead of them. There was no way they’d get anywhere without the snow stopping and they didn’t figure the young couple would ride out, not in this storm. Glancing at the sky Jacob stared at the dull grey sky for a few minutes before glancing behind him to where Leah lay sleeping. With a slight shrug he stepped out into the snow and breathed deeply, despite the still falling snow he figured they could at least get a few miles under them. A quick search of the area revealed the horses had found shelter and stood under a large tree without a flake of snow upon them. “Leah, hon.” Jacob moved back inside. “Come on, time to get going.” “What about the snow?” Leah yawned and stared at him as she pulled on her boots and coat. “Snow’s falling straight down, there isn’t a whisper of wind so we should be okay.” Jacob said. “It’s either that or staying here and waiting for our friends behind us to wander in.” “Lets get a move on. The horses dry?” “Yep.” Jacob replied and smiled at her. “Looks like we’re going to be riding in the snow so bundle up as best you can.” “Yes boss.” Leah’s smile warmed him even as he stepped out into the cold weather. There would be no delay, with any luck they’d be home soon. Riding smoothly along with Jacob she glanced once over her shoulder to see the trail they left but shrugged, the snow was falling heavily and would take very little time to cover the path. Chapter Twelve Smiling at the little boy Colt and the boys had brought in, Hunter glanced at the young cowboy who watched over the toddler. “You taking up father hood?” He asked with a grin. “Nope.” Colt grinned. “Jacob is, or at least I’m thinkin’ he is.” “Oh?” “Boy’s a friend of his.” Colt grinned, his mind wandering back along the drive trail. “See we took in these two kids, the boy and his sister. His sister and Jacob got on real well, or they did until they went to the uncle’s place out by Dobbson City.” “Wonder if that’s the reason Jacob hasn’t gotten here. I’ve never known Jacob not to let us know what’s going on.” Hunter declared eying the cowhand with patience and a touch of curiosity. He’d never known Jacob to avoid letting the folks know if there was a problem or even where he was. “Give him a few days, he’s probably right behind me.” Colt said and glanced away from the boy to the deep lush grass that spread out before them. “Feels almost like snow.” “Feels that way.” Hunter agreed and grinned. “Glad we got the hay put up a month ago.” “The herds look good. Probably not going to drive them for a while though huh?” “A year, maybe two from now we’ll consider it. The wire from Kansas City put us in a good position financially.” “Honey?” Jenny’s soft voice had both men turning to smile at the young woman who stood eying them carefully. “Did you and Bryan want to come in to dinner? I’m sure he must be hungry by now with all that playing he’s done.” “Well old boy?” Hunter smiled down at Bryan, “Shall we eat?” “Yeth thir.” The boy slurred his words slightly but took Hunter’s hand without a thought and started up the steps toward Jenny. Glancing once behind him Hunter sighed, with Bryan here and no word from Jacob he was growing concerned. If it started to snow it could blow into a blizzard in short order without notice and that in itself was scary. Sitting astride his mount Jacob studied the trail behind them and swore softly, profoundly under his breath as he realized that Leah’s uncle was indeed following them. He could see two black moving objects in the distance following the trail in the snow, snow which once had offered protection but now had become the enemy. “What is it?” Leah asked softly. “I don’t know who his tracker is but he’s good. Come on we’re going to have to take another trail.” Jacob snapped angrily. “One that’ll put us that much further from home, and that much closer.” “Where are we going?” Leah asked fearfully as she stared at the oncoming riders. “Don’t we need to get to the ranch before the snow falls even heavier?” “Yeah.” Jacob said softly, lethally glancing at her for a moment. There was no point in getting mad at her she wasn’t to blame, if anyone was it was him for not trusting his instincts and removing her before Walter could get the chance to come up with his sick little plan. He had no doubt that Walter was doing this for love, he wasn’t the type not when he could almost smell the money. Indeed taking the back trail home was dangerous, the pass would be filled with snow and the threat of avalanche would be high but there was no other way, no other escape from what was behind them. “But we can’t keep going leading them to where we’re going. Once we hit the ranch we’re protected there’ll be guards and line riders out who we can hide behind but for right now we have to keep a good bit of distance between us and them.” “Okay.” Leah sighed, “I just don’t understand why they won’t let up. If we didn’t have to move we wouldn’t be.” “I know that.” Jacob sighed softly. “They’re doing it because they can smell money, and greed is a powerful motivator Leah, very powerful.” Turning his horse’s head away from the trail he set off due east, into heavily forested ground and steep, rocky inclines that would bring them out closer to Sweetwater than Wellsburg but that was okay. Once they got to Sweetwater it was only a two day gallop to the main houses and safety, but it was getting to Sweetwater that bothered him. Nudging his mount along he let him pick his footing, the ground was rocky and the snow that clung to it made it slippery which only added to the danger of falling and if they did fall, it could mean broken bones even death something he wasn’t about to let happen. As surefooted as a goat, the two young horses moved carefully but firmly along the trail directed with a loose rein by silent riders. Struggling up inclines made Jacob curse and swear but he refused to turn back and Leah wondered what Jacob feared more, what was in front of them or behind them. As dusk slowly began to creep in she pulled up and stared at Jacob who sat his mount silently gazing about the area. “Come on.” Jacob declared riding toward what appeared to be a crude shelter, slipping past the trees that had collapsed over it, he pulled up and swung down as Leah did the same. Turning from her horse Leah gaped at the small, snug looking cabin that stood in the shelter of the fallen trees and sighed. “Shelter?” “Yep.” Jacob smiled at her softly. “I’ll put the horses up right after we get a fire going inside it’s going to be cold tonight.” “Cold?” “Yeah.” Jacob stared at her uneasily and shrugged before glancing skyward. “Do you feel that?” He asked holding out a hand. “I don’t feel anything. It’s like the air’s dead.” Leah replied quickly. “Exactly.” Jacob sighed. “We’re about to have a blizzard and it’s going to be a bad one.” “Do we have enough supplies for the storm?” Leah asked hesitantly, paling when Jacob hesitated before nodding. “We don’t.” The soft whisper was filled with fear and doubt. “If we run out we’ll just shoot one of the horses.” Jacob declared uneasily. “Survival is the only thing on my mind at the moment Leah.” Nodding she held her tongue as he walked away heading inside. Something told her he knew more about this cabin than most folks, and that was some comfort even if it was cold. Now though they’d have to come to terms with this situation and figure out how to get back to the ranch without being discovered. Leading the horses forward she stopped by the door and headed inside to look around. Although dusty and closed up, the interior was well kept and an open cupboard was lined with canned goods, almost like someone lived here. “You sure the folks who live here won’t come by.” “I only hope they do.” Jacob declared. “This cabin belongs to my Aunt and Uncle its their get away from the ranch and the kids.” “Oh.” Leah stared at him. ‘But this is a little off the beaten path.” “That’s why they like it so much. Careful.” He pointed to a trap door in the middle of the floor that was raised a little, “That’s the well so try not to fall in.” “I’ll remember that.” Leah promised as Jacob built up a roaring fire and pulled a curtain back to reveal the bed which was covered in a white dust cloth. “I’ll tidy up in here if you want to put the horses up.” She offered and began shedding her coat and hat. Within minutes she had the interior spotless and she settled at the table uneasily, she didn’t really want to be here, she didn’t want to be anywhere but safe. Dinner was quiet, each lost in their on thoughts, in their fears as they ate the beans and salted pork that was hanging in the corner. The wind could be heard through the walls, eerie and squalling as it buffeted the small building and Leah glanced around, afraid that it would cave in. “We’re safe in here.” Jacob promised and stared at his empty plate. Indeed the storm wouldn’t damage the cabin at all, thanks to the trees that sheltered it but still he worried about it. If the storm lasted too long they’d have to shoot one of the horses and they needed both of them to get back to the ranch. Shuddering when a heavy gust hit the building rattling the windows Leah gasped and stared at the windows fearfully. Back home in Missouri they didn’t have storms like this one, or maybe they did and she’d never noticed because she’d been surrounded by family, by friends and the buffers that they offered. “No point in sitting up for hours.” Jacob said rising and carrying his plate to the counter. “Might as well get some sleep, I’ll do the dishes.” “Oh no I’ll do them.” Leah rose swiftly and hurried over to the sink to start the dishes. “It’ll only take me a moment.” she smiled shakily at Jacob who nodded and headed for his coat. “I’ll go see to the stock. Make sure they’re comfortable.” “Okay.” Stepping out into the cold wind, Jacob headed for the closed in shelter where the horses were and shook his head. This was going to be a long, long winter if this storm kept them snowed in. Regretting his decision to come this way he paused next to his mount and patted the sleek neck. “You alright old fella?” He whispered softly, encouraged by the soft snort and stamping from both animals. This shelter was fully stocked with hay and grain, and he’d thrown both into the horses earlier. “I’ll bring you some water in the morning, I bring it out tonight and it’ll freeze on you.” He promised and with a final pat headed for the shelter’s entrance. Pausing as he stared out into the fat, cold white flakes that were falling with heavy abandon he sighed. Never take a woman on a cattle drive.” He muttered. “You end up married and on the run.” Following the path back to the cabin he stepped inside and noted that all but one lantern had been turned off and the fire stoked. Leah had done the dishes, tidied up and managed to get ready for bed in the time he’d been outside. “Everything okay?” “Yes.”Jacob smiled easily, hoping she wouldn’t notice his unease. “Everything’s fine. I’m used to riding for hours everyday but this is ridiculous, I’m absolutely exhausted.” “I know.” Leah sighed and snuggled deeper into the pillow under her head. “I was tired by mid afternoon.” With a sigh Jacob stripped down to his longjohns and crawled into bed with her. “Hopefully this storm lets up within a day or two.” “You think it might?” “Honestly.” Jacob glanced at her and shook his head. “I figure we’re going to be here for a while. Even if the snow quits we still have to go through the pass and the snow’s gonna be deep, probably a lot deeper than out on the plains.” “You think we should just try and wait out the winter here?” Leah asked softly. “If we did then it would be a long few months.” “It might be an idea.” Jacob said staring at the flickering light of the flames on the ceiling. “It would mean that as soon as the snow lets up I’ll have to go out hunting.” “Could we do it?” She asked softly. “Could we survive here for the winter? I doubt if Walter or his tracker can find us here.” “They’d have to be better than good to find this place.” Jacob admitted. “Most folks don’t even know there’s a cabin in here, all they see is trees and since there is a bunch of no trespassing signs about they figure it’s private property and don’t bother stopping. With any luck we could stay here, and leave in the early spring before they find us.” “Then lets do it.” Leah pleaded softly raising up onto one elbow. “It’s not worth it to die for them.” With a sigh, Jacob raked a hand through his hair and left it behind his head on the pillow as he stared at his wife. “You might be right. You sure you want to stay here. There isn’t a lot to do.” “I know.” Leah smiled softly. “But I’d rather be warm and safe than freezing and on the run.” Nodding Jacob pulled her warm body close to him and squeezed her gently. “Then we’ll stay.” He promised, his mind easing slightly at the thought of not being out in the winter storms. Early February would be when they could move out, when they’d have to move out and he figured as long as they kept a fire going, and the horses well cared for there shouldn’t be any problems. As long as they kept their guard up and kept an eye out for Walter; who if they were really lucky would have gotten caught in the storm and froze; they shouldn’t have too many worries. “Get some sleep.” Leah whispered sleepily. “We never know when the roof might fall in or something.” She teased. “Or something.” Jacob laughed softly snugging into the bed and closing his eyes longingly. God it felt good to be in a bed again, to be comfortable for once and he rolled over, pulling Leah into his arms as he slid into a deep sleep. Pacing back and forth on the porch Buck stared out at the blowing snow and rapidly dropping temperatures. Within a week it would be Christmas and Jacob still hadn’t come back, there had been no word, no sigh of his son passing anywhere close to a town and he was worried. “Any sign?” Kid’s soft accent drew Buck’s attention to the other man who stood a little behind him. As was the habit in the huge storms they’d all congregated at one house, this time it had been the Cross residence and every window in the place glowed with lamplight in case someone was out in this weather. “No.” Buck replied softly his body filled with tension, his heart aching as he stared out through the blizzard hoping to see his son riding home. “I told the boys to put out lanterns along the southern border of the ranch just in case he’s out there.” “Should we head out when this storm lets up and see if we can find him?” “It would be like trying to find a needle in the haystacks.” Buck sighed softly, fearfully. “He knows how to get where he’s going and he’d do whatever he had to survive. Its just bothering me that there hasn’t been any word, any sign of him since Colt and the boys left him behind.” “You think when this lets up we should go looking for him?” “I want to say yes.” Buck shook his head. “But we both know if there was trouble he wouldn’t take a direct route home, he’d be heading all over the place until he found a safe way to get here.” “Well if nothing happens soon we might want to send a wire along, maybe someone saw him.” Kid suggested softly, his gaze on the falling snow and the eerily howling wind that screeched in their ears. “Perhaps.” Buck shrugged, instinct telling him that something had happened, but what it was unnerved him. It wasn’t like his son to just up and disappear without word, even Colt didn’t know what to make of the situation and he could read the other man like a book. With a final glance out into the endless storm of white Buck turned and started back inside, it would be another night of pacing, worrying and trying to calm the fears of his wife with no success. Seeing the curious gazes of Sara and Lou he shrugged, there was no point in saying anything just yet. Knowing Jacob’s luck he was somewhere safe, warm, and with plenty of food. Digging in for the winter, Jacob checked the supply of hay, grain and the level of the well before he picked up the rifle. “I’m going out to see if I can get a buck.” He explained to Leah who nodded from where she sat by the fire. “Just be careful.” She replied softly, her gaze downcast it had been snowing steadily for two days and it was only a few hours ago that the wind had let up enough to keep the temperature a little warmer than it had been. “Don’t go getting frostbite or you’ll be thawing yourself out.” She warned with a pained smile. “Yes ma’am.” Jacob smiled and slipped out into the snow. Following an old path up the slight incline behind the cabin, there was a little glen that was perfect for deer to winter and he was hoping a big buck was there. Padding along silently he kept one ear open for signs of being followed, of someone around other than him and his eyes peeled as he searched for tracks. Pausing on the edge of the tree line he stared at the two bucks and a handful of does that stood in the little clearing, grazing peacefully. Picking the larger of the two bucks he lifted the rifle and waited, patiently allowing them to relax again as they raised their heads, alerts going up at some slight sound. As soon as the herd had slipped back into their grazing he lined up his shot and fired, the boom echoing across the area like thunder. It only took him a few minutes to skin and gut the deer before wrapping the meat in the hide and turning to head back down the trail, his guard up as he moved along. Sliding down the slight incline when he reached the cabin he moved quickly inside and laid his burden on the table as Leah rose to come to him. “I see you were successful.” “Yeah, got most of the meat, what’s left the scavengers will make a feast upon.” He replied his breath slightly strained. “We’ll have to cure it and fast, otherwise stick it outside in this weather it’ll freeze and last longer.” “We don’t have a lot to cure it with.” Leah explained glancing at the small tin of salt and sighed, “Stick it out side and we’ll just cut what we need as we need it.” With a nod Jacob set to work rigging ties for the heavy pieces of meat to be hung in the porch out back. When he’d finished he left a small roast on the table and carried the rest of the meat outside. Coming back inside he glanced at Leah who glanced at his bloody clothes and turned a revoltingly sick shade of green. “Red not your thing.” He teased her softly. “No it’s not that.” Leah replied. “I don’t know what it is but for some reason I just caught of whiff and it turned my stomach. Probably just nerves.” “Probably.” Jacob replied and sighed, they’d been on the road now for nearly a month and had been married just over that perhaps there was another reason but he didn’t want to borrow trouble just yet! “I’ll make dinner, it shouldn’t take long.” Leah said as she moved about the small cabin easily, familiarly. “You figure the weather’ll continue to clear?” “I think the snow’s gonna stop but as for the clearing? No it’ll stay cold, hopefully long enough for those two to get something frozen and then they’ll leave us alone.” Nodding Leah set to work fixing the roast her mind wandering easily. “Do you regret me coming?” She asked softly, a frown marring her brow. “No.” Jacob glanced at her in surprise. “Why did you want to stay?” “No. No its just that if it wasn’t for me you’d be home right about now, safe and warm in your bed not stuck out in the middle of nowhere without a clue to how we’re going to survive the next few months.” “We’ve only got three months.” Jacob smiled. “And I have a feeling we’ll do just fine without worrying about it.” He declared moving to stand beside her. “Now let me worry about putting food on the table, you just keep your spirits up and we’ll call it a deal.” “Okay.” Leah smiled her unease pushed aside for the moment. “There’s not a lot of coffee left so what do you want to drink?” “Water’s good.” Jacob declared easily and grabbed the bucket to head to the trap door. Pulling up a full bucket of the icy cold fluid he set it on the counter and dipped the pitcher in it before setting it on the table. “Don’t worry, we’ll save the coffee for special days, that way it’ll last longer.” “I found a bit of tea in the cupboard I don’t know if you drink that but we could have some of it for breakfast. That way the coffee’ll stretch even further.” “Sounds good.” Jacob said glancing out the window at the rapidly fading light. “I’ll go check the horses again, best make sure they’re fed and warm enough it’s going to be a cold night.” “Sure.” Leah watched him go, something told her that trouble wouldn’t stay gone for long that they’d be in need of their wits as long as they were in this cabin and nothing was going to change that. Glancing down at the meat she sighed, the nausea was getting worse by the day, just this morning when she’d gotten up her head had spun and she’d felt dizzier than she’d ever felt in her life. Perhaps she hadn’t been pregnant when they’d left that town she couldn’t remember the name of, but that in no way meant that she couldn’t be now. After all they didn’t hesitate about performing their marital duties, not when neither of them felt it was necessary. Keeping her fears to herself she focused instead on making dinner, and holding her tongue. No point in borrowing trouble as her pa always said. Chapter Thirteen Stretching the provisions they’d brought with them proved easier for Leah than she’d anticipated. The salt used sparingly stretched for nearly a month before running out and the coffee, sugar and flour that she’d managed to find within the cabin lasted for a couple extra weeks after that. Once a week Jacob would head out to go hunting, bringing back some form of meat whether it was a buck, or something smaller until the bullets ran out then he switched completely to the bow and arrow he made. “So what’ll it be this week?” Jacob asked with a teasing smile at Leah who sat at the table trying to patch a worn shirt. “Anything but fish.” Leah replied firmly. “I’ve had all the fish I can stand.” “Leah they’re good.” “Get a turkey or something, it’ll be Christmas within a couple of days and it would be nice to have something on the table like that.” “I’ll try and get a big bird then.” Jacob said watching her closely. “You feeling okay?” he asked softly, noting the way her fingers trembled and she looked about half ready to cry. Swallowing harshly, Leah shook her head and threw the mending down. “No I’m bored, and nothings staying down.” She snapped rising to her feet and pacing across the floor to the window. “Leah?” Jacob paused in the act of putting his coat on; uneasy with the way she stood hugging herself tightly. “What’s wrong?” “I think I’m pregnant.” She whispered softly, her face pale as she stared out at the snow-covered terrain that had closed in around them. “Oh.” Jacob breathed softly and swallowed uneasily, was she upset because it was his? He wondered. “I see.” “No you don’t.” Leah snapped whirling to face him. “We’re out in the middle of nowhere with two men on our trail who want nothing more than to kill us, we’re running low on supplies, and this sickness won’t leave me alone. I can barely function in the mornings, and I hate this snow!” She started ranting. Walking over to her, Jacob pulled her close for a hug despite her struggles. “You sure it’s not cause you’re pregnant with an Indian’s child?” He asked softly. “Jacob Cross how dare you say something like that.” Leah spat angrily, her grey eyes flashing warningly at him. “Your bloodlines have nothing to do with this.” “Most women aren’t exactly happy at the thought of bringing a half-breed into the world..” “I’m upset because I’m scared!” Leah snapped pulling free of his grasp. “I’m eighteen years old Jacob, I don’t know what’s in front of me and what’s behind me is scary to say the least. Are you telling me that you’re overjoyed at this development?” “Yes.” Jacob replied firmly. “I’ve always wanted children, maybe not this early in life but still I’ve always wanted a family.” “Oooh.” She groaned and threw her hands in the air, her face flushed. “What happens if Walter and his friend catch up to us Jacob? What then?” “Then we’ll deal with them.” Jacob replied firmly. “ Once the weather breaks, and spring hits it won’t take us long to get to Sweetwater from there we can head up the back trail to the ranch and be home within a few weeks.” “And how’s your family going to respond when you show up with a girl on your arm and say this is my wife?” Leah asked quickly. “I don’t know.” Jacob shrugged quickly. “And don’t much care either. It’s not up to my family what I do or what happens in my life. I live it the way I want to not the way they want me to.” “So you’re saying they’re not going to be shocked to find you’ve married a woman who’s younger brother is probably in their midst?” “Shocked yes, unhappy about it no.” Jacob smiled noting the way she fidgeted, it was a sign that she was nervous and upset. “Besides that, it’s not like they have much to say about anything. Look this is between us, not my folks, my cousins, my friends. Just us. Sure we didn’t exactly start out to get into this position but that’s alright, we’re here and I don’t know about you but I’m content.” “I’m just worried is all.” Leah said raking a hand through her hair. “We’ve got at least two more months of winter before we can even think of getting out of here and it’ll take us another month just to get organized enough to leave, that’s four months minimum before we’re back at the ranch. Four months from now I’ll be pretty close to my due date.” “That’s why we’re taking the sleigh.” Jacob smiled. “There’s one out back in the lean to. I found it last night, end of February when it starts to warm up we’ll just hitch up the horses and head home.” “You sure?” Leah demanded. “A sleigh’ll slow us down and we need to be able to move fast to avoid Walter.” “You let me worry about Walter.” Jacob said with a soft smile. “Once we’re back on Rocking M land, we’ll be safe.” “How can you be so sure?” “Because nobody but a fool would trespass on the ranch’s land.” Jacob replied quickly. “There’ll be scouts, and line riders moving despite the weather. Nobody sleeps on the ranch and if there is trouble we’ll just call in James and he can shoot the buggers.” “If you think we’ll be able to make it.” Leah shrugged. “Who am I to argue.” “I’d say you’re a woman with a lot on her mind.” Jacob replied. “Look I’ll go hunting later on, right now we need to focus on other things like relaxing.” “You are incorigable.” Leah laughed at Jacob as he shed his coat, leaving the bow and arrow sitting by the door and instead turning his attention away from hunting and focusing on her. The golden glow of the flickering flames was all that lit the interior of the cabin as Leah surfaced from a deep sleep to feel a familiar hand running over her bare midriff. Opening her eyes she stared at Jacob who was leaning on one elbow his brow furrowed as he focused on his hand running along the flat contours of her stomach. Smiling as she realized that he was speaking softly she listened to what he was saying, not understanding the words but recognizing the tone. Jacob hadn’t stopped talking about plans for the arrival of the baby since she’d broken down and told him and now, he was awake late into the night talking in what was obviously his native tongue to their unborn child. Laying still so he wouldn’t notice the fact that she was awake, Leah let the soft soothing whisper of his voice lull her back into a semi sleep her mind wandering. Despite the fact that there were so many unknowns in her life she didn’t regret getting pregnant, it was merely another aspect of life one she had thought wouldn’t come for a while but it obviously had. For a man who was in control of a vast empire of beef, Jacob Cross didn’t seem to mind being stuck in a one room cabin with a woman he’d only known a few short months, a woman whom he’d been forced to wed because of another man’s lies. Instead he seemed at ease with the situation, comfortable even with the prospect of having a child, and raising her brother. If things had been different, if she’d met him somewhere other than on that cattle trail Leah knew beyond a doubt she wouldn’t have spared him the time of day. There were so many things about him that would have restricted her views of the man he was. His heritage, his dress, mannerisms, heck even the way he cared about his cows all told of a man who was responsible for nothing and yet everything. She’d seen him eye the men with a quiet, thoughtful expression and make a decision based upon some unknown bit of information or a single thought. He carried himself like a rough man, one ready and able to handle anything whether it was the weather, the men under his command, the cattle, even her it seemed. Although she’d spent her entire life surrounded by the more genteel ways of her family in Missouri, this life she now had although harsher and more unknown wasn’t as foreign to her as the life she’d left behind. She loved being out in the open, loved being able to just think and feel without worrying about the tea being hot enough or whether her clothes were okay for the social gatherings. Instead she worried about rain and snow, and whether or not her husband knew she was in love with him. Tensing at the thought she frowned, she couldn’t be, she wouldn’t have gone and done that would she? Blinking as she realized that Jacob had shifted, his attention now focused on her face she smiled shakily. “Sorry I didn’t mean to wake you.” Jacob whispered softly, his warm breath stirring the hair at her temple. “You didn’t.” She replied honestly, in fact her line of thought was what had disturbed her. How foolish could she be to fall in love with a man she knew next to nothing about? Sure she knew he was powerful and kind, but what was his family like, what did he do when he wasn’t pushing cattle? “Bad dream.” She explained. “You want to talk about it?” He asked seriously, his dark eyes filled with concern. Smiling she shook her head against the pillow, there was no point in throwing her thoughts out to the wind like that. Instead she shifted, moving closer to him and resting her hand on his chest as he lay back next to her. “No. I’ll just snuggle against you and it’ll fade.” She whispered not really wanting to disturb the air too much. Smiling into her hair, Jacob pulled her closer to him and tucked the sheet over her body a little tighter. Murmuring soothingly he closed his eyes, glad she hadn’t caught him talking to their baby. Most men would laugh at him if they ever knew that he’d spent the better part of the night whispering to an unborn child about plans and hopes that he had for his family. Most men wouldn’t do it, and there was no way he could ever tell anyone about it but the thought of being a father, especially to a child made with Leah was thrilling. As suddenly as a bolt of lightening the thought hit him that he didn’t mind being married to her, that in fact he’d fallen in love with her a long, long time before they were married. That first moment when they’d fallen into the pond weeks before they’d reached Dobbson City he’d fallen into more than just the water, indeed he’d fallen head over heels for a woman who could very well only be with him because she had to be. Glancing at the flames in the stove he sighed, instinct telling him that he was wrong, that she stayed for a far more personal reason one that given time he’d come to know. Closing his eyes he slid into a light sleep, one ear cocked for signs of intruders. With the distinct smell of burning pine in his nostrils the wiry man stared behind him. Walter McKenzie was sleeping soundly a few miles back and in front of him was a trail that led down to a cabin he’d scouted the day before. He could slip in, kill them easily and be back out. He could but he wouldn’t do it. He was pulling out of this little trip, the brand on the one horse was enough of a motivator for him to want to ride out. Staring through the dim moonlight at the M with a semicircle under it like a rocking chair, the man felt a cold shiver race over his spine. There was only one man out and about that rode a horse that wore that mark and his name was Jacob Cross, one quarter Kiowa, and all cowboy. Shifting on his heels the man shook his head, he knew better than to tangle with a Cross, his brother worked for them, had since they’d taken him in a few years back and they weren’t forgiving especially if they ever found out exactly who’d beat his brother and left him for dead on the edge of the ranch. Standing up he glanced at the darkened cabin and felt another chill go over him. Turning he froze as he felt the soft, cold steel of a blade touch his throat. “Going somewhere?” the voice was cold, harsh and filled with fury. “Just offerin’ a warning.” He said softly, his hands a few inches from his body. “Really?” The voice shifted moving in the darkness until the tracker stared through the moonlight at a wiry cowboy who held him on the tip of his blade. “About what?” “McKenzie is closing in on you. He’ll find this place in a couple of days and then you and that girl’ll be dead.” He warned softly, keeping his hands away from his weapons. “How far?” “Five miles.” Jacob stared at the intruder. Five miles wasn’t that far especially when you considered how much ground it would take for him to pinpoint them. There was no way they could stay, they’d have to move out and move out now. “Why would you tell on your partner?” Jacob demanded harshly. “Lets just say I owed you.” The man said stepping back from the tip of the blade. “He’ll be here sometime tomorrow afternoon.” Nodding Jacob watched the tall man disappear into the night and swore. If he was that close then he needed to get the team hitched before dawn and give them plenty of time to move on. Heading back to the house he slipped inside and turned to find Leah standing in the middle of the room a shotgun in her hands and a worried look upon her face. “I heard voices.” She explained as he moved toward her and took the gun. “Walter’s tracker abandoned him.” Jacob explained. “Get dressed and gather all the supplies you can carry. We’re heading out now.” “He’s close?” “He’ll be here by early afternoon probably.” Jacob replied softly his gaze steady. With a quick nod, Leah whirled to pile on the clothes and gather up what was left of the supplies. It would appear that Christmas would be spent moving in a sleigh as they headed for the relative safety of the open country. Carrying the lantern out to the barn Jacob harnessed the two horses, tossing the saddles into the sleigh along with as much hay as possible, all the blankets and what was left of the grain before heading back inside to see Leah had stacked everything into a wooden crate that sat on the table. Carrying it wordlessly out to the sleigh he turned to her as she walked up to him. “It’ll be okay.” He whispered as he picked her up and set her in the sleigh. “I promise.” Smiling sadly she nodded and snuggled into the blankets and cured hides she’s brought out with her. It didn’t take long before they were once again on the move, the single lantern bobbing through the darkness as the team moved out under the urging of the reins. Slipping away into the darkness Leah glanced once behind her, there was no point in shedding tears, they knew that sooner or later Walter would have found them, this way there was a chance that they’d live long enough to reach the safety of the Rocking M. Driving in the dark wasn’t one of Jacob’s favorite activities, it was dangerous for both him and the horses but this time it was absolutely necessary even in this terrain. Sighing he felt the gentle tug and pull of the reins as the horses walked along, the reins stiff in the cold as they moved along. Without the sound of bells or anything else that made noise beyond the harness Jacob could clearly hear into the stillness of the night and he was glad of it. The further they drove the less likely it was to be caught and that made him happier than ever. Glancing at Leah who’d snuggled into the pile of blankets, hides and clothes and was dozing with only her nose peeking out he smiled softly. God she something else, strong and determined she hadn’t complained about anything so far really not like some women and he wondered just how she would handle the baby, getting to the ranch and even more importantly the fact that he wanted to build them a house, one that was out at Angel Falls, on the border where there was room to grow. He knew most men wanted sons to carry on the family name, but he didn’t care if it was a girl. He hoped it would be, a girl like her mother, one that would give her a chance to love as strongly as his mother did his sister. A little girl with dark hair and silver eyes that sparkled with laughter and mischief, and the temperament to match, a girl that he could watch grow throughout life without fear of showing he loved her. Thinking of the baby Jacob felt the anger settle like a cold weight around his soul and shivered into the darkness feeling a chill that had nothing to do with the sub-zero temperatures. If Walter McKenzie found them there wouldn’t be a baby, there wouldn’t be a future, he’d kill them and leave them for the scavengers. Feeling the threat all the way to his bones, Jacob blinked into the darkness a fierce look coming into his eyes, whether by conventional means or not Leah and this baby were his and he’d die to protect them. Once they got to the Rocking M ranch he was going hunting and this time Walter would know what it was like to be hunted. He was going to find him and kill him without a thought without any hesitation for endangering Leah, Bryan, himself and more importantly his baby. Chapter Fourteen Shivering in the chill Leah stared at the crisp whiteness surrounded by the tall pines, the rocky ground and felt her soul shrink. Where the hell were they? Shifting, sitting up she stretched under the blankets at the warmth that surrounded her and glanced at Jacob who sat stoically and watched the team as they plodded along through the heavy snow. “Where are we?” She whispered softly. “Bout ten miles from the cabin.” Jacob replied with a smile, his eyelashes and eyebrows white with frost as he pulled up. “You warm enough?” “Toasty.” Leah replied with a smile. “You figure it’ll take us long to get to somewhere we can shelter?” “A few weeks at least.” Jacob replied softly. “We’re heading for Sweetwater, from there we’ll take the back trail into the ranch and head for the main house. Safety there.” Nodding wordlessly Leah stared at him in horror, Sweetwater was miles away beyond even her thought process right now. Instead all she was thinking of was food, warmth and a place to get out of the storms of winter. “We can’t stop can we?” She whispered softly after a few moments pause. “No.” Jacob replied shaking out the reins and setting the horses back into motion. “Not if we want to stay ahead of him.” “I feel like this was my fault. If it wasn’t for me you’d be at home right now.” Leah said softly painfully with a shake of her head. “Maybe we should just..” “We’re going home.” Jacob replied curtly. “This isn’t your fault Leah, this has nothing to do with you. Walter McKenzie is greedy and wants money, as long as he thinks he can get it he’ll push his like. This time though he’s not going to be so lucky. I don’t want to hear anymore about this being your fault Leah Cross, because it isn’t. Now just lean back, relax and we’ll make some ground today.” “You haven’t slept. Let me drive for a while.” Leah protested. “I”m rested and if there is trouble you’ll be awake quickly.” “I’m fine.” Jacob protested smothering a yawn as the horses plodded along. “Sure you are.” Leah replied taking the reins with a mild tug-of-war. “But this way you’ll be so much more alert when we do run into trouble.” “Maybe you’re right.” Jacob said shifting down into the seat, pulling his hat down over his face and wrapping his coat around his body for warmth. Jerking suddenly he glanced sharply at Leah when she tossed a hide over him and settled back into her seat. The soft clicking she made had the team moving out easily. This was going to be a long drive Leah thought but she didn’t question it she just kept the team moving for several hours before glancing at Jacob who’d shifted again and smiling. He must have been tired, for him to still be sleeping. With a quick roll of her shoulders she urged the team into a light jog and headed up a slight incline her gaze on the trail. Sitting atop the big grey he rode, Hunter watched the trail for a sign that Jacob was coming and cursed the fact that he couldn’t see anything. Even with a few weeks delay if he’d come straight through he should have been here by now, so that meant he’d taken another route one that would be impossible to determine. “You finished figuring?” Colt asked softly as he rode up along with a couple of the other riders. “My guess is he took another route.” Hunter declared uneasily his mount shifting as it caught the scent of his unease. “But which one?” “Depends on what he was trying to avoid.” Colt declared glancing at Wolf and another man. “If he had problems in town he’d stay till they were cleared up then come along the path but it all depends on what the problem was and who it concerned.” “Maybe Dunshane got himself into hot water and Jacob stayed behind to clear it up.” Wolf suggested. “He’s the type.” “I know.” Hunter growled. “That’s what’s bothering me. Why the hell would he do that, Dunshane isn’t that good of a hand.” “He’s one of Jacob’s.” Colt said turning his mount away. “And for him that’s enough to stick up for a person.” “Yeah.” Hunter eyed the trail even as he tried to wrap his mind around what had happened to his brother in law. Turning away from his silent vigil he followed the other men back long the path toward Angel Falls, it was the closest settlement to the border of the property and thus he prayed that Jacob would have to go through it to get to the main houses. Climbing out of the sleigh Jacob looked at the sky and swore. “Sorry baby but we’re going to have to take a breather.” He said as he looked at the horses. “You’re exhausted.” After going over them quickly he collected some grain, and a bit of hay before he threw blankets over them and tucked them into the harness so they wouldn’t come off. “Everything okay?” Leah asked as she finished making them something to eat. “Yeah just giving these two a break.” Jacob smiled at her. “When we get back first thing I’m doing is soaking in a hot bath for a few hours.” “Oh that would be heavenly.’ Leah sighed softly her face serene at the thought. “But we both know that as soon as we do get back you’re going to have to go into the nearest town and see the Marshall.” “I’ll just send a rider.” Jacob grinned. “Nearest Marshall for the Rocking M is at Five Fingers.” “You sure?” “Yeah he’s my cousin.” “Cousin?” Leah shook her head and grinned. “How do you keep everyone separate?” “We don’t.” Jacob explained. “We’re all family, we often eat at the same table, in the storms we stay in one house so we know everyone is safe. Probably why every house has more bedrooms than a hotel.” “Do you think Bryan’s safe?” Leah asked softly, sadly. “I think he’s better off than both of us.” Jacob drawled moving to her. “He’s safe, warm and in a loving environment. Don’t worry about it, I know my family they’ve got him and he’s being spoilt.” Smiling softly at the statement she nodded and handed him a sandwich before taking a bite of her own and watching the horses. “I’m going to be so glad to get off this trail.” “I know.” Jacob sighed eying the horses, he knew as well as anyone that they needed to go around the hazard ahead of them. Only a fool would go through an Indian burial ground and he was no fool. He’d leave an offering for the spirits as they drove by before they headed for Sweetwater, taking a more direct route and shaving a few days off in the process. The passage was slow and arduous as they walked along the route through the canyon, pulling up in the semi darkness as Jacob stared at the image before him. Rising from the ground on thin, spindly leg-like appendages were numerous platforms. Each one was covered with a weathered hide and draped with feathers; bone and other paraphernalia that rattled and creaked in the light wind that blew. “What’s that?” Leah asked softly, her voice filled with exhaustion and fear. “That’s a Sioux burial ground.” Jacob replied getting out of the rig. “I’ll only be a minute then we’ll move on again.” He explained walking to the back of the sleigh to make a small offering of food, grain, and some horsehair before carrying the bundle over to the most elaborately decorated platform and laying at the bottom of the closest leg. Offering a softly worded prayer for safe passage and the health and welfare of his wife and child he rose and walked back to where Leah sat patiently staring at the ghostly figures the reins clenched within her hands. Taking the reins he pulled slightly back and clicked, urging the team around holy ground and heading for the higher ground. Driving slowly he allowed the team to pick their own footing, the trail was slippery with the ice but it was the only way out that could save them a couple of days. Pulling up as they reached the top of the incline he glanced behind them as darkness slowly closed in and inhaled sharply. The smell of fresh snow was in the air and the temperature was dropping rapidly. “We need to get out of the weather.” He glanced at his wife who nodded and smiled shakily. “If I remember correctly my Uncle Kid said there was a small cabin not far from here that he and Aunty Lou used to take shelter in from the storms they get around here. We’ll bunk there tonight and head on in the morning.” “How far is it to Sweetwater from here?” Leah asked softly, hesitantly as she thought of what could happen. “Well if the weather holds out we should reach the turnoff for the back trail in about a week, week and a half. If the weather holds don’t go counting your chickens just yet though. This storm could last for a few days and that means another delay.” “I don’t guess we have much of a choice.” Leah said as Jacob urged the team on. “We’d best get as far as possible in the time we’ve got.” “My sentiments exactly.” Jacob declared as the team moved on. He knew the horses were tired, Leah was tired, and needed rest and he was getting more and more tired and edgy as they went. With only a vague prayer that the cabin was empty and deserted he nudged the horses faster. Like some monster out of a storybook the storm rose up around them quickly, howling winds and blowing snow the least of their worries as the temperature dropped so fast that within minutes Jacob was getting out to defrost the team’s nostrils. Shivering in the wind he cursed the fates as he struggled back into the sleigh and kept going, allowing his mount to pick his path with only the vague thought that in this weather the animal was likely to skip any detour and head straight for the ranch and the barn he remembered. Wrapping Leah up tighter in the hides and blankets Jacob kept one eye on her as she leaned against him, the cold seeping through the blankets to chill her even as she snuggled closer to him for warmth. Cursing Walter McKenzie fluently Jacob stopped as the horses shook in the wind and hurried to defrost their noses again before climbing back inside and slapping the reins against their rumps. How long they drove Jacob wasn’t entirely sure as the team stopped under an overhanging branch beneath a large, full fledged spruce tree. Stirring as though someone was poking at him he jerked awake fully and glanced around, he could still hear the wind, the angry howl as it blew its wrath upon the land and shivered. Glancing sharply to his right he stared at Leah who lay sleeping soundly. “Leah.” He shook her shoulder quickly. “Leah wake up.” “Uh huh.” Leah muttered sleepily. “Cold.” “I know hon, I know you are.” Jacob replied shaking her a little more desperately. “But you’ve got to wake up.” Pulling the blankets off her he felt her fingers and toes, finding them icy cold he shuddered and quickly wrapped her back up before tucking her into the hay in the back and covering her with all the blankets, hides even his coat before he started breaking the sleigh apart. Within minutes he had half the sleigh demolished and piled nearby, moving quickly he twisted the hay into slim fingers of kindling and had a fire going. “Come on.” He moved Leah closer to the flames, rubbing her arms and legs through her clothes to get the circulation going again. “We’re lucky the horses found shelter.” “Cold.” Leah muttered sleepily. “I know.” Jerking suddenly at the sudden snap of a branch behind him, Jacob whirled grabbing the six-gun he’d belted on before leaving the cabin earlier. Holding it steady he stared at the tall, broad shouldered man wrapped in buffalo robes staring back at them. “I’m unarmed.” The man said. “Sure you are, ” Jacob snapped crossly, fear making him edgy and ill tempered. “Look I work for a local rancher.” The man said inching further under the shelter of the trees. “I’m here to help. I saw your fire through the snow and figured that you might be in trouble.” “I can handle it.” Jacob snapped. “Yes you can.” The man drawled. “But can she?” He asked pointing to where Leah lay struggling to stay awake. “She needs shelter and more warmth than that little fire is going to give her.” “There isn’t a building within ten miles of here. I know I’m familiar with this area.” “The nearest building is a line shack ‘bout six miles due north of here. If we work together we should be able to get her there and get her warmed up.” The man’s tone held only mild impatience and desperation as he stared at the young woman who’d shifted closer to the fire. Casting a glance at the team he noted the darker horse wore a familiar brand, it was the brand of the ranch he’d stopped at a long time ago and smiled softly. Perhaps this was one of the children that he was sure his sister’d had. “Why would I believe you?” Jacob asked as the man moved forward his posture in no way threatening. “Because if you don’t she’s as good as dead.” The man replied softly, firmly. “Trust me.” Glancing at his wife Jacob felt torn, the stranger was right, Leah needed to be out of the storm but to put her fate in the hands of someone he wasn’t sure he could trust? Could he really stay here and let her die? What harm would come if he did follow the man, he was armed and he knew how to fight if need be so it wasn’t like he was a greenhorn or anything. “Okay but you make one wrong move and I’ll cut you a new navel.” “Agreed.” The man said and eyed the sleigh, there wasn’t much left of it and he wondered how they’d get the woman back. Catching a glimpse of movement he turned and noted the young man put the woman on one of the horses and mount up behind her. “You got a horse?” “Yeah, a pack horse.” “Toss the saddles on the horses and let’s go.” Jacob declared as he watched the other man do as he’d been told. Within minutes they were struggling through the blinding snow until they came into a small, quiet little out of the way nook where the wind wasn’t so bad and the snow wasn’t as blinding. Spotting the lights from a window Jacob tightened his grip on Leah who’d snuggled into him and was sleeping despite his attempts to keep her awake. Tensing as he gazed at the other man Jacob slid down when they stopped in front of the shack and eyed it. A small one roomed cabin with two windows and a thick crooked chimney stood under the overhang of a pine tree. Shifting Leah’s weight further against his chest, Jacob followed the man inside and noted that although well lit the cabin was empty and warm. So warm in fact that the minute the air touched his face he felt the pins and needles of thawing flesh. “Put her on the bed there. I’ll see to the horses.” The stranger declared and left the room quickly. Unsaddling the horses he smiled into the night, the boy wasn’t Sara’s that was for sure but it didn’t matter he still needed some help and he wasn’t one to leave a kid out in this weather to die. Unwrapping Leah, Jacob made short work of getting her tucked into bed and a pot of fresh coffee on the stove before the stranger stepped through the open door bringing with him a blast of cold, icy air and a wave of fresh snow. “Any sign of it clearing?” Jacob asked softly, his hand on his gun. “Not tonight.” The man declared easily shedding his outer garments. “That coffee?” “Yes.” “You lost or something? Only fools and harlets are out in this weather?” “Heading home.” Jacob replied hesitantly. “And I guess we fall into the category of fools.” “Running from something or someone is a powerful motivator kid, don’t doubt it.” The man declared his gaze dropping to his hands. He’d been running for so long he didn’t think he’d ever quit, even if time allowed him to. “So what are you doing out here?” “Just watching, waiting.” The man declared. “Keeping myself out of trouble.” “Why you in trouble?” “I was wanted by the law there for a bit, don’t know if I am now or not.” “How far are we from Sweetwater?” “Sweetwater?” The man shrugged. “Not that far, you’re closer to Wilson Station or what used to be Wilson Station than Sweetwater.” “How far are we from the houses?” “Maybe half a day.” The man shrugged again as he watched the young man pacing. “If you cut cross country you’d be there bout noon tomorrow if you left at sunup.” “I’ll have to wait until after the storm.” Jacob said glancing at Leah who’d started to shiver and moan painfully as she woke up. “Shh. I’m right here.” “Where are we?” She chattered uneasily staring at the man who sat at the table across from Jacob. “A line shack.” Jacob said moving toward her quickly. “One that’s close to the house.” “Who’s he?” “He didn’t give me his name.” Jacob replied softly. “But he’s not armed and if he’s got an accomplice or someone else around here I ain’t seen any sign.” “I’m hungry Jacob, I know we don’t have much left for supplies but..” “There’s stew in the hearth.” The man declared. “It’s venison stew but it’s good.” “Thanks.” Jacob rose quickly to dish out a bowl of the steaming, meaty meal being careful not to turn his back on the man sitting at the table watching them. Sitting beside Leah as she ate the stew with hands that shook he kept one eye on their ‘host’ and the other on his wife as she finished the meal and sat there shivering. Wrapping a blanket around her he smiled. “If you think you can get out of bed, there’s fresh coffee on.” “Oh good.” Leah smiled shakily back at him, her lips a pale blue. “I’ve never been so cold in all my life.” “Just luck that I found you is all.” The man stated as the girl moved around. Watching them he knew neither of them was over eighteen, and obviously running from something he didn’t know about. “Just plain old luck.” “We’re glad you did.” Leah said as she sipped at the hot coffee. “The horses?” “Resting in the lean-to.” Came the easy declaration. “Put them there and gave ‘em some grain to keep ‘em warm tonight. With any luck this storm’ll blow itself out by dawn then you two can head out.” “Thank you.” Leah said leaning against Jacob. Her body craved sleep and yet her mind refused to turn off and she couldn’t risk falling asleep again. “No problem.” The man smiled and sipped his coffee without comment as the young couple settled in to wait out the storm. As long as there was a Rocking M horse in the lean-to he wasn’t going to risk causing problems. Jerking awake at the slightest sound Jacob glanced at the bedroll that had been tossed before the fire. It like its occupant was gone and he rose from where he lay against Leah to pad to the window. Staring out at the still, snowy covered terrain he smiled. This was familiar country he was nearly home! “Hey hon guess what?” He said with a joyful laugh. “We made it. We’re on Rocking M soil.” “What?” Leah groaned as she struggled into a sitting position. “How is that possible? You said..” “I don’t know but we’re home.” Jacob laughed moving over to kiss her quickly before he laughed as he did a happy little jig across the floor. “We’re home!” “Well that’s good news.” Leah whispered. “But if we’re home where’s Walter?” “God only knows.” Jacob laughed. “And he better not come onto the property or he’ll be leaving with lead in his guts instead of gold in his pockets.” “Jacob!” Leah smiled at him. “What about that man that was here last night?” “I think he’s gone.” Jacob smiled. “Come on, lets get bundled up and I’ll saddle up the horses and we can head home!” “Give me a minute to wake up.” Leah laughed at him. “You’re rushing about so that I can’t catch my breath!” “I’m so looking forward to Ma’s cooking and even the bickering amongst everyone.” “Jacob.” Leah smiled indulgently at him. “You do realize that the first thing you’re going to have to do is explained how come you’re bringing a wife back, especially when they find out I’m pregnant.” “Tell ‘em the truth.” Jacob declared. “I met a girl, got blackmailed into a marriage that I don’t want out of, and have come to the conclusion that I’m very much in love with my wife.” He smiled at her and dropped a quick kiss on her nose before tugging his coat collar up. “I’ll be right back. Don’t forget to layer up.” Standing in the middle of the floor, she stared at him as he left. He loved her? He just dropped that bit of news in front of her like yesterdays leftovers and walked out? Shaking her head she pulled on another skirt over top the one she wore and headed for the door. Stepping out into the bitter cold she shivered as the cold penetrated the clothes she had on even as she rounded the corner and stared at her husband. “You do realize that telling me you love me isn’t like handing me a fish you want cooked.” She teased him softly. “I know.” Jacob smiled. “But I figured you knew already.” “Jacob Cross.” Smiling indulgently at him she shook her head. “I must be crazy to love you.” “Yeah great ain’t it?” he grinned at her as she moved to lead her mare out of the shelter. “Just one thing before we go.” He said moving past a branch to uncover a large rope that dangled from a bell hanging high in the tree. Chapter Fourteen Jerking upright Hunter frowned as he dropped the pitchfork and headed for the open barn door his head cocked at the faint but distinct sound of a bell echoed through the cold still air. “What was that?” James demanded hurrying toward his cousin. “Sounded like the alarm.” Hunter declared uneasily glancing at the other man. “Come on we’d best let the womenfolk know.” “Sounds good.” James said heading for his folks place at a dead run. Stepping up onto the porch he picked up the call bell and started to ring it hurriedly. Within a few minutes the doors to all three houses were opening and their wives and the children that still lived at home quickly followed men dressed in heavy winter coats as well as the men from the bunkhouse and the other buildings that surrounded the houses. “What the heck is going on?” Buck demanded crossly as he tugged his gloves on over his bare hands. “Heard the alarm.” Hunter said and glanced to the south. “Came from the back trail way.” “Back trail.” Buck tensed as he glanced at Ike and Kid. “Saddle up.” The order was curt and followed instantly by the remainder of the men departing for the barn at a high run. Whatever was going on, they would protect the women regardless. “What was with the bell ringing?” Leah asked quickly as they trotted along. “It’s the alarm. By now everyone on the ranch has heard it or another just like it and they’ll be watching for us. One of the safety features in case of rustlers, fire, flood, any disaster really.” “I guess I fit in that description.” She declared with a laugh. “Nope.” Jacob smiled at her. “You’re sort of more like a catastrophe.” He teased reaching out to tug on her hair gently his fingers inching past the wrap to a loose strand. “Come on, the boys will be watching for us and if I know my Pa he’s got half the outfit mounted up and on the prowl.” “Why?” “The back trail isn’t normally used. Frankly it ain’t been used in years so for that alarm to ring means that something big is happening and that means they’ll be out if full force. Also means that if Walter’s behind us which I’m thinking he is, he’ll run into a line of defense that even the army would hesitate to tackle.” Jacob explained. “Wow.” Leah shook her head as the mare gave a little hop through the snow drifts. “You guys have it all worked out don’t you?” “Oh we try.” Jacob smiled easily and glanced up. “Take a look to your left.” He whispered easily. Turning her head slightly Leah gasped at the line of riders that flanked them, several coming toward them at a gallop. “Trouble?” “Pa.” Jacob said pulling up and waiting easily, his hands loose on the reins. Watching the four riders coming toward them Leah frowned, two were obviously Indian and two were white, yet they rode easily together. Meeting the black eyed gaze of the older one she shivered at the deadly cold in them. “Let me guess your pa?” she whispered softly as the riders eased to a lope as they closed in on them. “Yes.” Jacob smiled and shifted in his saddle. “You’re trespassing.” Buck growled at the couple that sat bundled up against the snow. He could see the one had brown hair, and the other rode a familiar horse, one with a particular brand that sent a bolt of fear through him. “Trespassing?” Jacob laughed. “Funny I thought I lived here. Hi Pa.” “Jacob!” Buck gaped at his son. “Where the hell have you been? Your mother has been going out of her mind with worry not to mention that the men have spent hours patrolling the property line..” “Nice to see you to.” Jacob smiled at his father. “If you don’t mind could we finish this later? Leah and I are frozen.” “Leah?” Pausing Buck glanced at the other ride and noted the pale features turned red by the cold, and grey eyes peeking from within a wrap. “Pleased to meet you.” Leah said waving her hand slightly. “You’ll forgive me if I don’t shake, I’m sorta wrapped up too well.” “No problem.” Buck said slowly before glancing at his son. “And who is this?” “This is my wife.” Jacob said easily with a grin at her. “And as I said we’re frozen. Shall we get to the house so we can unthaw?” “Wife!” Buck croaked. “Jacob!” He paused when his son rode around him and nudged his mount into a trot. “Jacob Cross I’m going to nail your hide to the barn door if you don’t get back here.” “You can do it after I’m warm.” Jacob replied with a grin. “See you at the house.” With a quick glance at Leah who merely shook her head and nudged her mount into a gallop, he headed for the main house. “Everything okay?” Kid asked as Buck joined them. “He is dead.” Buck growled. “I’m going to kill him for worryin’ us like this.” “He probably had a good reason Pa.” Wolf said with a grin. He’d heard Jacob’s little news so the boy had gone off and gotten married, that wasn’t surprising. Jacob was the type to do something like that if the situation called for it, and he wondered about the woman that was riding with Jacob, what sort of history was behind her? Hearing hoof beats Sara glanced out the window and sighed, looked like the men were starting to ride back in. Frowning when she realized that only one horse wore the ranch’s brand she picked up the rifle and glanced at Lou who nodded and tucked a six gun into the waistband of her skirt. Moving carefully through the house, Sara donned her wrap and stepped out onto the porch even as the sound of more horses galloping over frozen ground reached her. “Hi Aunty Sara.” Jacob’s voice although muffled was clear and she smiled. “Hi Jacob, glad to see you.” “Glad to be here.” Jacob replied. “The spirits were good to us last night.” “I see that.” Sara said looking at the smaller figure Jacob helped out of the saddle. “Who’s your friend?” “This is Leah. I’ll explain everything when I get inside, I’d best see to the horses.” Jacob said as he ushered Leah over to the porch. “Would you mind getting her some tea Aunt Sara, and something to eat.” “Not at all.” “Thank you.” Jacob smiled at his wife and headed for the horses. “I’ll only be a couple of minutes.” “Okay.” Leah glanced at the older woman when she took her arm and started back up the steps. Glancing quickly behind her she noted Jacob’s relaxed smile as he led the horses away and swallowed hoping to calm the nervous twitches in her stomach. Stopping as soon as she’d stepped inside, Leah quickly started to shed her clothes hanging them up neatly even as her plain cotton riding apparel became apparent. “I’ve got some soup on and some hot tea.” Sara said smiling faintly at Lou who eyed the young woman who smiled uncertainly back at her and glanced at Sara with a slight frown. “Uh was there a little boy brought here?” Leah asked softly. “He’d look like me, he was on a stage..” “Oh you mean Bryan.” Lou smiled easily. “He’s with Jenny and her two kids.” “Where are they?” Leah asked quickly her hand going for her coat. She needed to speak to Bryan, let him know that everything was going to be okay. “Well the kids are sleeping, Bryan included.” A soft voice preceded the tall, willowy native woman by only a few breaths. “I’m afraid he wore himself out this morning playing.” “Oh.” Leah sighed softly. “Has he been a problem?” “No.” Jenny laughed at the young woman. “Not at all. Other than not knowing anything about where he’s come from we’ve been delighted to have him.” “I can explain that.” Leah sighed softly. “Snap decision, you know safety first.” She said following the other women into the kitchen. Stepping through the door she froze as she glanced around, the kitchen itself was the size of the last house she’d lived in with her folks before the move. Tall hand carved cupboards lined the wall with fancy glass doors, intricately painted dishes rested behind them; shelves were lined with fine glasses, cups and saucers, and platters for serving tea. Beyond the china cabinets several large, heavy cupboards stood with their contents exposed. Shelf upon shelf was lined with canned goods, coffee, tea, sugar, and home-canned items such as wild berries, vegetables, soups, all labeled and neatly placed for ease of removal. “Wow.” Leah breathed. “I’ve never seen a kitchen this big.” “It has to be.” Sara replied with a slight laugh. “Considering that this room holds close to thirty people on a regular basis, it has to be large, open and accessible.” “That many?” Leah gaped at the older woman. “Sure, with the kids, grandkids, husbands, friends.” Lou shrugged. “We very seldom eat at our own places. Most of the time we play musical kitchens and thus avoid having to cook every night.” “Jacob didn’t tell me about this.” Leah breathed. “Something tells me my son didn’t tell you about a lot of things.” The pretty blonde woman sat at the table working on some sewing her hair pulled back into an organized stately bun. “I’m Laura Cross by the way.” “Nice to meet you.” Leah said taking the woman’s hand and shaking it before smiling faintly. “Sorry if my hands are cold. We’ve been riding for a bit.” “Any soup left for me?” Jacob’s quick steps preceded him as he entered the kitchen and headed for the stove. “I haven’t even dished one bowl up.” Sara replied firmly. “And where are your manners?” “Oh sorry. Leah this is Ma, Aunt Louise, Aunt Sara, my sister Jenny, that’s Carrie and Amanda.” He introduced the females as the two younger girls walked into the room. “Hi.” Lou smiled at the young girl. “I’m afraid even for his age, he isn’t the most memorable of people. Frankly I’m surprised your father hasn’t killed you for making us worry like you’ve done.” “Oh we didn’t mean to.” Leah started. “Don’t worry ‘bout it.” Jacob drawled holding a chair out for her and ushering her into it before setting a bowl of soup before her. “Eat you need it.” “I’m going to weigh two hundred pounds if I eat the way you think I should.” Leah groused as she stared at the bowl of soup longingly. “You’ll lose the weight fast enough.” Jacob drawled. “In my experience every woman does.” “Your experience.” Laura laughed at her eldest son. “Your experience is limited to your sister.” “I know.” Jacob smiled as he settled down with a bowl of soup. “But since my sister likes having kids I’ve gotten very familiar with everything.” “Oh brother.” Jenny groaned as the front door closed with a click and the sound of boots being kicked off echoed throughout the house. “Sounds like Pa’s back.” “Sounds like.” Jacob drawled smiling at Leah who’d nearly finished her soup. “Is Hunter around somewhere?” “Yeah he’s with the rest of the men.” Jenny said as her father and two uncles walked into the room. Noting her father’s dark look she glanced at Jacob once then shrugged, it wasn’t up to her to say anything in warning. “Hey Pa.” “Jenny.” Buck barely spared his daughter a glance before sinking into a chair across from Jacob and staring at him. “You and I need to talk.” He drawled, his tone as unbending as steel. “Okay.” Jacob glanced at him without flinching. “Would you care to elaborate on what you said when we met up with you?” Buck asked, his tone silky drawing everyone’s gaze for a moment before they returned their attention to the conversation itself. “What would you like to know?” Jacob drawled easily. “I don’t think it wasn’t anything that needs an explanation.” “I’ll do the thinking for both of us since you seem to have left your mind behind.” Buck snapped staring at his son. “You had us worried sick. There’s been no word, no sign of anything for months now and then all of a sudden you ride up with hi how you been attitude start babbling. No offense ma’am.” “None taken.” Leah replied plucking the biscuit out of Jacob’s hand and smiling at him easily before turning her attention back to the food. “And you think it doesn’t rate an explanation?” “Is there some reason that you think I can’t make up my mind?” Jacob asked softly as the others moved around the kitchen. In this family this was as private you wanted a conversation and he didn’t think repeating the story over and over again would be of a benefit to anyone but his father. “Thought you said you weren’t planning on doing anything for a while.” Wolf suggested. “Or at least that’s what you told what’s her name.” “I said I didn’t plan on settling down with just anyone. I wanted to take my time and get to know a person.” Jacob glanced at his brother. “Oh and I suppose that you’ve done that?” “What are you talking about?” Laura demanded her ears ringing at the fast pace of the conversation. “They’re talking about Jacob and I getting married.” Leah replied softly. “And I’m getting the impression that it wasn’t something that anyone was expecting.” “That’s an understatement.” Laura gasped. “Married?” “Yes I stopped off on the way home to get married.” Jacob declared. “Any other questions?” “Why?” “Why what?” “Why not wait until you get home before doing it?” Kid asked. “Someone says you get married or you hang, you get married.” Jacob drawled. “And we sorta like this arrangement don’t we?” He glanced at Leah who smiled and nodded. “Yeah, it’s not like we’re complete strangers. We’ve done lots of stuff together.” “Like what?” “Swimming, eating..” Leah started. “Jacob listen you have to understand that this is a shock to us.” Buck started. “We expected you to come home with a bank roll, not a wife.” “I brought both.” Jacob replied standing to collect the coffee pot. “Look I met Leah just after we left Biloxi and after a rather unpleasant experience with her uncle she ran, we met back up and to make a long story short got married.” “Okay so what exactly does she get out of it?” Buck asked quickly. “What do you mean?” Leah asked. “Well if you got married because someone’s holding a gun to your head then I imagine you’ll be wanting free of this little mess and relatively soon.” “Nope.” Leah replied firmly. “It might not be the most orthodox wedding in history but that doesn’t matter. Besides it’s the marriage that matters not the wedding.” “So you’re saying you have no objections to staying married to my son?” “No objections.” Leah shrugged as she glanced at Jacob and flushed slightly. “Its not that big of a deal Mister Cross.” “Where did I go wrong?” Buck stood and threw his hands in the air as the front door burst open and running feet hurried toward them. “What is it now?” “I heard Jacob was back.” Colt gasped. “Oh hi Leah.” “Hi Colt.” Leah smiled easily at the young man and glanced at Jacob and his father who was staring at the wall. “Is there somewhere I could wash up? After being on the trail for so long, I’m afraid I’m hardly ready for sitting with folks.” “Sure.” Laura rose smoothly. “I’ll show you to your room er Jacob’s room.” Chapter Fifteen Finding the porch a safe refuge from the hovering women, and his father’s incessant mutterings Jacob settled on the swing and set it into motion. It had been nearly a month since they’d gotten to the ranch, a month of adapting to having other people involved in their lives. Bryan remarkably had said little about the absence of his sister; instead he’d smiled at her and offered her a hug, his young face showing the signs of a maturity that was painful. Listening to the branches creak with the weight of the fresh snow that had fallen the night before he brought the steaming cup of coffee to his lips and sipped the dark brew thoughtfully. As he’d expected his parents had taken Leah under their wing and treated her with the same devotion they showered upon their other children and Hunter, offering support in an otherwise support less situation. Leah he had found had blossomed in the caring atmosphere here on the ranch and worked hard to fit in, something he found she did rather well. Unlike so many of the girls that lived on the ranch, Leah found something to be amazed about on a regular basis whether it was the variety of foods in the kitchen, the sizes of the rooms, the cultural objects that littered his parents home. The news that Walter had been shot on the property had gone a long way to erasing the shadows in her eyes, the ones that had resulted in the nightly terrors that plagued her. She'd cried for hours upon hearing the news and then with the resilience of a woman tougher than she looked she'd put it into perspective and moved on with her life. A life that surprisingly enough had come to revolve around their lives and the upcoming baby. That thought alone was enough to have him thinking of making a mark of his own, somewhere a little distance away from everyone. He’d broached the subject the night before about building their own house, and she’d shrugged softly, acceptingly and offered him a sweet smile. “If you think that we should.” She’d said softly. “But I don’t need one.” “I want you to have your own place.” Jacob replied softly his hand rubbing up and down her arm. “And with the baby on the way and Bryan we need somewhere we can learn how to be a real family Leah.” “Maybe you’re right.” She sighed softly. “A home of our own. Where?” “There’s so much land around here, we could build in Five Fingers, Angel Falls, even here.” Jacob said shifting so he was leaning up on one elbow. “As long as it’s our home.” Nodding Leah studied him in the pale moonlight. “This is that important to you?” She asked her expression serious. She’d seen the way he’d interacted with everyone over dinner; there was tension there when she was certain there had never been. He’d bristled at Hunter’s teasing, froze up when Isaac had laughed at him and sulked through dessert. “Yes.” Jacob replied firmly, this was important to him. This was what he wanted, a place of their own where they could be a family rather than just an extension of the household. “Then we’ll build in the spring.” Leah whispered softly. “Here Jacob, where you’re close to everything you care so much about.” Nodding he’d laid back down and pulled her closer to him. “Thank you.” “Get some rest. It’s going to be a long day tomorrow if you’re tired.” “Yes dear.” Jacob smiled into her hair and closed his eyes, the unease and anxiety fading away as he’d slid into a dream filled sleep. Now sitting here enjoying the beauty of his home, Jacob knew beyond a doubt that he really was accepted. That this was home, and Leah his beautiful Leah was going to stay with him forever. They would be a family, with their own things, their own lives and still be with those he'd grown up with. Perhaps that was what they'd needed all along, they certainly weren't the usual couple but somehow, someway they still fit with the rest of the families around the ranch and that was all that mattered. Email Destardi HOME