Claiming the Cowboy's Heart (22 page)

Cassie opened the door of their house so she could see. Cookie came out and stood on the cookhouse steps.

As soon as Thor saw the younger boys he started to romp. Soon everyone took turns playing with the fawn. Seth stood back watching but Jayne would have none of it. She had the fawn follow her to Seth’s side and darted back and forth behind him while Thor pranced about. Seth couldn’t resist and swatted playfully at Thor who danced away and kicked up his heels.

Jayne laughed. “I had no idea a deer would be so playful.” She eyed him up and down.

What did she want? What did she think? He didn’t have to wait long to find out.

She tagged him. “You’re it.” She raced away. “Can’t catch me.” She lifted her skirts and ran for the cover of the trees by the river.

At first he didn’t move, overcome with surprise at this playfulness. Then he growled and ran after her. The others had moved down the road, still playing with Thor, and didn’t notice the game Jayne had started.

She darted from tree to tree, making it impossible to catch her.

He changed tactics and rather than chase her, started to stalk her. He hid behind some bushes.

She stopped to listen.

He could hear her breathing and silently moved toward the sound.

“Seth?” She moved into the open to look for him.

He crouched low and used the underbrush for cover as he narrowed the distance between them.

“Are you hiding?” she called.

He waited, holding his breath.

She darted to another tree, bringing her so close he could reach out and touch her. But he waited, biding his time.

As she turned her back to look for him, he took the step that put him right behind her. “Hi, Jayne.”

She screamed and spun about.

He caught her arms to keep her from losing her balance.

“Where did you come from?”

“I haven’t forgotten how to play.” She didn’t need to know it had been years.

“So it seems.” Her eyes flooded with joy. “Isn’t it good to know that man is captured?”

“Relieves my mind greatly.” He moved his hands up her arms to her shoulders.

“Mine, too.” She scrubbed her lips together. “I owe you thanks for guarding me.”

He slipped his hands to her back and pulled her closer. Either she didn’t notice or didn’t mind because she came readily enough. “Seems you might have resented it a time or two.”

She lowered her eyes. “I realized it was necessary but that doesn’t mean I had to like it.”

She lifted her head and met his gaze. Time waited as they looked deeply into each other’s eyes. Behind him the river gurgled by, the sound erasing doubts and cautions and even fears from his mind. All that counted was this moment and the warmth in her eyes.

“I’m glad no harm came to you.” Was that husky voice his?

She nodded. Her gaze dropped to his mouth and slowly returned to his eyes.

Slowly, savoring every bit of anticipation, he lowered his head and captured her lips. Sweet as honey. Welcoming as home.

Her hands pressed on his back, holding him, accepting his kiss.

His heart swelled to near bursting.

Pa’s voice echoed through his head. He didn’t hear the words. Didn’t need to. Didn’t want to. Only knew he must answer the call of duty.

He ended the kiss but did not release her from his arms. She fit perfectly as if she had been made for him.

The thought scattered through his brain. Made for him? God made her. Did He mean for Seth to enjoy her presence?

Again Pa’s voice called, harsh, demanding.

Seth still did not let her go. The river murmured softly and he remembered a promise to take Jayne and her friends up the mountains. “Do you and the others still want to see a mountain lake?” He didn’t even know if there was one nearby but Eddie would.

“I’d love to.”

“Then let’s plan an outing tomorrow.”

After that he would obey his pa’s call. But he wouldn’t tell her he meant to leave until they enjoyed tomorrow.

They returned to the yard.

Mercy saw them and gave Jayne a startled look.

He glanced in Jayne’s direction. No wonder Mercy looked surprised. Jayne had the look of a woman who had been kissed and enjoyed it.

Telling her he meant to leave was not going to be easy.

Chapter Fifteen

T
he next morning, Jayne jumped from bed and pulled on her clothes. She decided to wear the same outfit she’d worn the day she shot Seth. It amused her to think her accident had brought him into her life. She brushed her hair, braided it and left the braid hanging down her back. She studied her reflection in the looking glass. Satisfied, she hugged herself. Laughter bubbled up unbidden. She spun around her room, thankful neither Mercy nor Sybil had come in.

Seth had kissed her and held her. Then invited them to accompany him to a mountain lake. A special outing for a special reason? She would make certain she and Seth had time together alone. Perhaps she should warn her friends of her plan.

But when she entered the kitchen they had already gone down the hill to join Seth, who was hitching the wagon.

She joined them.

Sybil and Mercy sat on blankets in the back of the wagon and Jayne perched beside Seth on the seat. “I’ll keep you company.”

The sun shone in a clear blue sky. It would grow hot before the day was over but the ladies all wore bonnets so they wouldn’t get burned. Besides, not heat, nor cold, nor rain or sleet or snow could mar the beauty of this day. But sunshine was the best.

God, please give us a good day full of laughter and love.
Her heart flowed with sweetness. Today would be special.

“Eddie suggested we see a waterfall,” Seth said as they left the ranch buildings behind them. “He said it was worth the drive.”

“Sounds good to me,” she said. The trail led across a grass-covered hill. She leaned forward. “It’s beautiful country. I love the way the hills roll away in waves of green. And the mountains fold back in blue layers.”

“It’s fine country.”

“I told you this before but I never see the mountains without thinking of how great God is. Powerful, strong, caring. ‘In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.’ I’ve never been more aware of it than I am here.”

He nodded. “Seems He is pretty powerful all right.”

She slowly brought her head around to study him, her eyes wide with surprise. “You sound different.”

“Do I?”

She looked toward the pair behind them. So did he. The girls strained forward to hear what he and Jayne said. This was not the time to speak of personal things.

He pointed to a tall pine tree. “A bald eagle’s nest. Do you see the male bird?” A white-headed eagle circled slowly then descended to the nest. “He’s brought food for the eaglets.”

Mercy and Sybil pressed forward and they all strained to see the eagle.

He stopped the wagon so they could have a better look but Jayne felt his gaze on her. She turned, not caring about bald eagles, and let her eyes say what her heart felt, let him see that she would welcome anything he said.

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

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

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

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

He didn’t say anything. Simply smiled.

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

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

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

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

“The air is sweeter here,” Sybil said.

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

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

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

All three of them laughed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mercy and Sybil clambered over the rocks to rejoin them.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Come on, Mercy. Let’s go.”

The pair sauntered away.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

His lips touched hers. Firm, cool, tentative.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Of course. I understand your concern.”

“I’ll be leaving tomorrow.”

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

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

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