Bride of the Wild (6 page)

He grinned at Deer Runner. “We won’t be long.”

“You’re going to enjoy this, aren’t you?”

“Escorting a pretty woman to town? Perhaps.”

“Don’t go getting any funny ideas, son.”

“A man can dream,” he chuckled.

I had overheard these words as I walked away, flattered and flustered at the same time. Waiting by the wagon, I observed Micah’s approach, noting the belt around his lean belly that held revolvers on each hip. Broad-shouldered and tall, his physique comprised mostly muscle. Working freight wagons and trekking through the mountains in search of game had molded him into the man he was today—rugged and strong. A wide-brimmed hat shaded his eyes, but I knew they were focused on me; I could feel it.

“Ready to go, Miss Fossett?”

I lifted my chin to look at him. “Yes.”

“Must you sit in the back?”

“Well, if it’s bumpy, the pots might leak.”

“I’ll drive carefully. Let me get the horse.”

After Bonnie had been attached to the wagon, I scrambled into the back, sitting with the food, while Micah commandeered the lines, releasing the brake. We ambled out of the yard, Deer Runner waving to us, until he disappeared after we rounded the bend. Fields of sunflower-like weeds stretched out on either side of the road, this portion uncultivated at the moment. Micah whistled the entire way, preferring this to conversation. It wasn’t until we were nearly to town that he spoke.

“Did anything leak?”

“No. It’s fine.” I stared at the buildings coming into view. “I’m curious about the trap.”

“You’ll get to see it.”

“I want to talk to my father and brother.”

“We shouldn’t stay long. The sun’s behind the mountain already.” Shadows had expanded, the warmness of the afternoon diminishing.

“I know.” I craned my neck, searching for Silas. The thoroughfare ran straight through town, with shops and houses on either side. The saloon had closed its doors, and the street was empty, save for a strange, fence-like barricade up ahead. It held several cows that stood with their heads bent over feed. “I suppose that’s the bait.”

Micah nodded. “I believe so.”

“I hope this bear likes to eat cow.” I glimpsed men then, glancing at us from windows and doorways. They had been out of sight, until now. “There’s everyone. Where should we leave the food?”

“The hotel.”

“Oh, of course.” He steered the wagon towards our only hotel, which the Heffermans owned, along with several other businesses. If Silas ever asked to marry me, I would be attaching myself to one of the richest families in Fern Valley. I spied pa then, stepping onto the boardwalk before the post office. “Pa!”

He waved. “I hope you brought food.” He patted his belly, grinning.

“I did.” After the wagon had been hitched, I opened the back and stepped down, while Micah came around to reach for one of the pots. Several men joined us, helping to carry everything into the hotel’s dining room. “Where’s Silas?” I had not seen him among the men.

“They’re stationed at the livery. He’ll come for food, honey.” Pa’s kindly smile creased the edges of his eyes. “We’re all set for the night. How are you getting on with Deer Runner?”

“Just fine. They put more boards up. We’ll have supper after I return.”

“I’d suggest you go sooner than later.”

“That’s a shame. I had wanted to speak to Silas.”

Bryce Thomson’s wife, Leah, approached. “I can manage from here. We’ll feed everyone buffet style. They can come in when they’re ready and get what they want. Thank you for making supper, Saffron.”

“It wasn’t just me. Amelia and Lucy cooked mostly.”

“It smells nice,” said pa. “Lucy’s biscuits are always tasty.”

Micah lingered behind me, because I could feel his presence. “Please tell Silas I wanted to talk to him. I pray you shall be victorious tonight. This really must be successful.”

“The bear will be dead come morning,” said Leah. “Don’t you worry about a thing. Men are up on the rooftops and in the windows. As soon as it shows itself in town, they’ll shoot it.”

Pa and Micah exchanged a glance, and I caught an unguarded moment, which did not fill me with a sense of serenity. They doubted the scheme would work, but no sooner did this look pass between them, than it vanished.

“Yes,” said Pa. “We’ll take care of it.” He patted me on the back. “Not to worry, my dear. You run along home now, and lock the doors. Stay indoors tonight. No traipsing out to the privy, you hear?”

“Yes, Pa.”

He looked sternly at Micah. “I’m trusting you and Deer Runner will keep my family safe.”

“I’ll look after them, as if they’re my own.”

For only having met Mr. Blaylock yesterday, this solemn vow sounded strange, but I did not doubt for one moment he meant every word. “Please be careful, Pa.”

“Nothing will happen to me, honey. We’ve a hundred men here tonight armed to the teeth. If anything, we’re likely to shoot one another rather than the bear.” He chuckled, “Let’s hope no one’s trigger happy at the slightest noise.”

“I hadn’t thought of that.”

“Don’t trouble yourself worrying on it. You run along now.”

“Goodbye, Pa.” I hugged him. “You’ll be tired tomorrow.”

“None of us are gettin’ any sleep tonight.”

“We had best go then.” Not being able to speak to Silas tempered any excitement the prospect of coming to town had stirred. I felt dejected, but I kept my chin up, glancing at the men who had gathered to eat supper. I spied my brother among them, waving. “Tom!”

“Thank you, Saffron. Mighty obliged!”

“Be careful.”

“I’ll be just fine.” He grinned, his eyes flashing with anticipation.

It was like a sporting event, the men expecting to capture the animal that had caused such grief for the last week. I clambered onto the wagon, sitting next to Micah, while scanning the street for Silas.

He sensed my distraction. “Are you engaged to him?”

I hadn’t expected such a direct question. “Um … not as of yet.”

“What’s he waiting for?”

This was none of his business. “I’ve been in mourning this past year. We thought it best to wait.”

“Your mother.”

I sighed, while a familiar feeling settled on me. “Yes.”

“I’m sorry you lost her.”

I glanced at him, noting his solemn, yet sympathetic expression. “Everyone loses someone. Some of us aren’t here for very long.”

“No.”

“Someone might die tonight.” Why had I said that? I regretted those words instantly.

“That’s a possibility.”

“Goodness, never mind. I shouldn’t think so low. I’m fair to starving. I can’t wait to get home, so we can eat. Are you hungry?”

His gaze drifted over my face. “I’m always hungry.”

The husky tenor of his voice left me nonplussed for a moment, my senses reeling. “I … oh, all right.”

He chuckled, grasping the lines, as the horse trotted steadily from town. I glanced over my shoulder at the deceptively empty thoroughfare. The street would normally be bustling with traffic, the sound of piano music from the saloon echoing into the distance. But nothing stirred this evening, and the lights had been turned down. Only the nervous moos of cows broke through the silence, as they stood in the middle of the road surrounded by a hastily arranged fence.

After a quick ride back, we arrived at the house, the edge of darkness threatening and the waning light diminishing by the second. Micah hurried to unhitch the horse, leading her to the barn, while I ran for the house, my booted feet clicking on the wooden porch. Unable to enter, I had to knock and wait for someone to let me in.

“You’re back,” said Amelia, opening the door. “We were starting to worry. Supper’s ready. I’m sorry, but we’ve already eaten. I was starving.”

I brushed past her. “Micah’s coming. Don’t secure the door yet.”

“What does it look like in town?”

“They’ve several cows in a pen in the middle of the street. All the shops are closed. It’s very quiet.”

“Did you see pa?”

“Yes, and Tom too. They’re fine. The men are chomping at the bit to kill something. They’ll be lucky not to shoot at the wind or each other.”

She giggled, “No doubt.”

Deer Runner appeared, having come in from the kitchen. “Is Micah securing the horse?”

“Yes.” An Indian in the house startled me, but I hid the discomfort behind a tentative smile. The fear I felt towards them lingered, because of what had happened to us on the wagon train. “I’ll have food then. I’m starving.” Upon entering the kitchen, Lucy turned towards me, with a bowl in hand.

“Hello, Saffron. How was the ride to town? Did you see anything unusual?”

“No, but they’ve cleared Main Street, save for several cows.”

“Ah, the bait. I’m sure we’ll hear all about it tomorrow.”

“I hope they kill the bear. This has been the worst thing that’s ever happened in Fern Valley. I can’t imagine anything worse, other than when we had that blizzard. You remember that, don’t you?”

“The spring of ‘53. It was the most extraordinary thing. We were trapped in the house for two days before your father dug us out. Even the ranch hands were trapped, but they had it far worse because they didn’t have food. They melted snow to drink, but they starved for two days.”

“From what I remember, Sky had some jerky on him, but it wasn’t much.” It saddened me to think he had died.

Micah appeared in the doorway, having taken his hat off. Messy, thick-looking brownish strands framed his face. “I’m hungry.”

“Help yourself,” said Lucy. “There’s stew in that bowl and biscuits aplenty. I’ve some freshly churned butter as well.”

He pulled out a chair, waiting for me. “Saffron.”

“Thank you.” I sat, reaching for a napkin. After I had placed it in my lap, I clasped my hands and bowed my head. “Heavenly father, please watch over us tonight. Keep us and everyone else in Fern Valley safe. Thank you for the food we’re about to eat and for all the blessings you bring to our lives on a daily basis. You work in mysterious ways, Lord, but I know you know everything, and I trust there’s a reason for this calamity. Please keep Silas from harm. Watch over pa and Tom. Please don’t let those men shoot each other. Amen.”

“Amen,” said Micah, smiling. “You say some interesting prayers.”

“I bungled that one.” I reached for the ladle, spooning out savory broth filled with softened meat and vegetables. “This looks wonderful.” My belly rumbled in anticipation, my mouth watering.

“It does. Thank you, Lucy and whoever else cooked this.” Micah’s bowl brimmed with the steaming fluid.

We ate in silence, while Lucy puttered around the dry sink, washing the remaining dishes. Amelia joined us a short while later, lighting a burner for the kettle. Little was said, as we seemed to have other things on our minds. Deer Runner was elsewhere in the house, but I could hear his footsteps above me.

“What’s he doing?” What reason would the Indian have for being in our bedrooms?

“Looking out the windows,” said Micah.

“Oh. Must we do that all night too?”

“I’m going to. Two men were attacked on the property last night. I think that warrants extra vigilance, don’t you?”

“Gracious, the way you say that,” uttered Amelia, a look of distress marring her pretty features. “I had forgotten, which is unforgivable. How could I forget that Sky and Wilber are no longer with us? I’ve known them since I was a child. It really is like a family member died. Two family members.”

I placed my hand over hers. “Stop it. So much has happened, Amelia. I’ll grieve them at their funeral tomorrow. Today was enough for me. I’ll wear black for another year now.”

“So will I.”

Micah suddenly sat straighter, his chin lifting. I glanced at him, perceiving the change at once. There had been a sound … however faint it was … but I had heard it too. That growl, low and fierce, rumbled threateningly. I glanced at the door that led to the garden, knowing something waited there.

Chapter Seven

“What in heaven was that?” asked Lucy. She stared at the door; her eyes alight with fear, while Micah jumped to his feet.

He reached for his weapon, sliding the revolver clear of the holster. “Something’s out there. Grab a gun. Prepare yourself.”

“But the bear’s not supposed to come here!” cried Lucy. “It’s supposed to go to town.”

“Nature will do what it wants.” Micah aimed the weapon, his finger on the trigger. “Stand aside, Amelia.”

My sister had gone white, her eyes fixed on the door. “Lord in heaven.” She stepped towards me.

Deer Runner appeared, holding a rifle. “It’s here,” he said tonelessly. “I heard something, and it wasn’t human.”

“It’s outside the door,” warned Micah. “It may go away, but who can say.”

“Is there somewhere we can hide?” Amelia’s chest rose and fell with each breath. “What about the cellar? It’s beneath this floor.” A small wooden door lay under the rug. We rarely used the cellar, preferring the larder, but pa did store things there.

“Let’s wait and see what it does,” said Deer Runner. “It might lose interest, if it can’t come in easily. All the doors and windows are securely boarded.”

Then it happened again, a low growl followed by a scratching noise. Whatever it was, remained outside, not more than five feet from us, but the boards on the door would hold it at bay, or at least I prayed they would. We waited for what seemed like an eternity and nothing happened, listening to every little creak and pop of the house, even the wind gusting outside. When it appeared the animal had gone, a loud thud landed against the door, which made me jump. Amelia grasped my arm, screaming. Lucy backed away, hurrying for the parlor, not wanting to stay in the kitchen a moment longer. I certainly could not blame her.

“Where’s the cellar door?” asked Micah.

“Under the table.” I reached for a chair, pulling it aside and then another. Amelia, understanding what needed to be done, helped me with the rest, lifting the carpet at our feet. “It’s small.” I grasped a metal lever, pulling up a rectangular shaped portion of the floor. “We'll need a lantern.”

“This is a last resort,” said Deer Runner. “We might not have to hide. Perhaps, it’ll lose interest soon enough.”