The Stafford Collection, Historical Western Romances (19 page)

She frowned as she watched Brock. He and Chase rode as one with their animals. Not fair. She looked further ahead to Thomas. He was faring as well as she, and that gave her some comfort. He had placed his blanket on the top of his saddle to offer extra padding. Sabrina debated doing the same herself except it kept slipping and she constantly had to fight to remain upright. She decided that a sore butt was better than a broken neck. 

Needless to say, she was thankful when they finally stopped for lunch. She gingerly climbed down off the horse and refused to sit down to eat. Brock came over to her in concern.

“Are you okay?”

“Fine,” she gritted out. “I never noticed before but you must have calluses on your ass.”

Brock laughed aloud and hugged her. “We are making good time; we can rest here for a while.”

She shook her head no. “As long as the horses are able to go on, we should ride. I’ll manage.”

Brock still looked concerned. “You aren’t getting any blisters are you? Let me check.”

She pushed him back, embarrassed. “No! I’m just a bit sore.” And to prove it, she hobbled over to the fire and sat down. She was mighty proud of herself for doing it without screaming. Brock brought her a plate of stew over and they ate in silence. The warm food made her tired. She leaned her head over on Brock’s arm and closed her eyes to rest for a couple of minutes before they had to leave again. Brock twisted, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her onto his lap. She was exhausted from the long ride and lack of rest. He glanced over at Thomas to see him leaning against a tree snoozing. His eyes met Chase’s who looked grim. Brock was torn between caring for Sabrina or hurrying to his father’s side. Looking down at her in his arms, he knew the answer as did Chase.

“We can stay in town tonight,” Chase stated. “If we ride hard tomorrow, we can be there before nightfall,“ Chase stated and Brock looked up at his younger brother, impressed by his maturity.

Thomas awoke of his own accord and stretched out his tired limbs. He watched Brock caring for Sabrina and smiled wistfully. Maybe he would find someone for himself one day. There was an unfortunate shortage of women in the territory. But he may get lucky yet. He had met many women while at college but could not picture any of them being happily wed to a country doctor. He finished his stew and gathered the plates to wash. He regretfully remounted Cajun, his horse, and fell in line behind the others.

By early evening, they had reached the town where Chase had left his horse. They headed to the livery first and Sabrina eyed it sadly, as it brought back reminders of Star. They would leave their horses to feed and rest. Sabrina gratefully climbed down from the saddle and had to grab onto the stirrup to keep from falling as her jelly-like legs refused to support her. Brock was at her side in a second. He wrapped his arm around her waist giving her support until the feeling came back.

Chase offered assistance to Thomas, who refused. He was currently standing with his hand firmly gripping the saddle horn as he laid his head against the smooth leather. After a moment or two, he stepped away a bit shaky but standing on his own legs.

They hobbled down the street. Sabrina looked around in dismay. This was the town where she had planned to purchase her dress. That was the furthest thing from her mind now. Her aching body pushed all thoughts from her mind. She would be glad when they arrived at Brock’s parent’s place so she could get some rest.

The town boasted a small hotel and the ragged group headed in to eat. Chase stopped off at the desk to make overnight arrangements while the others went in to find a table. Sabrina eyed the cushion laden chairs and sank down gratefully. Brock sat next to her and Thomas was across, leaving the last seat open for Chase.

The server came by and Thomas ordered steaks for everyone and insisted on accepting the bill. Not happy with choices again being made for her, Sabrina frowned at him. Sensing her mood, Brock patted her hand. She knew she was being difficult for no
good reason. Maybe it was due to the throbbing still in her legs and thighs or perhaps just lack of sleep. She would try to be more appreciative. Chase soon returned and Sabrina was surprised when he handed out room keys.

“We’re staying the night? There’s still several hours of daylight left; we need to get there.”

Brock shook his head. “No, we all need the rest and so do the horses.”

“I just don’t want you to be too late. Maybe you should ride on ahead. I know I’m slowing you down.”

Brock lifted up her face and kissed her on her pouting mouth. “You are not now and never will be a burden to me.”

The server gave them an odd look as she set down their plates in front of them and Chase chuckled aloud. Hungry, Sabrina tore into her food, not caring about appearances. After her first juicy bite, she thanked Thomas for her meal. They all ate quickly so they would have longer to rest.

She and Brock headed to their room. She was a bit embarrassed that Chase had expected them to share, especially in front of Thomas. But she was not upset enough to request her own room. He unlocked the door and opened it so she could enter first.

Brock
heard a small gasp from her and instantly pulled his gun and stepped into the room. Seeing what she was gasping in shock at, he quickly put his gun away and closed the door. Chase had arranged a hot bath for Sabrina. Brock was a bit put out that he had not thought of that himself.

She stood staring in wonder at the large metal tub in the middle of the floor filled with steaming water. She could not remember the last time she had a hot bath. She turned to Brock to thank him for his thoughtfulness.

Before she could speak, he kissed her softly on the mouth. He kept up the gentle ministration while he used his hands to slowly undress her. She tried reaching up to undo his clothing as well and he shooed away her hands. Once she was fully unclad he helped her step into the bath and settle down into the tub.

Sabrina cringed a little as the hot water covered her raw thighs. It was uncomfortable at first but once she had sat all the way down and settled back against the rim she could feel her pain and aches floating away.

“Feel good?”

“Mmmmmm,” was the only reply as Brock situated himself on the floor behind her. 

Rolling up his shirtsleeves, he grabbed the bathing items left on the bed. Starting with her hair he lathered up her short tresses while thoroughly massaging her scalp, neck and shoulders in the process. Her head lolled back on her neck as her muscles relaxed and he gave her an upside down kiss.

He rinsed her hair with a cup and moved on to other areas. Picking up a bar of lavender scented soap he wet the cloth in the tub, tickling her in the process, and lathered it up. He continued softly caressing her body with the rough material covering his hand. The coarse texture awakened all of her nerve endings and she let out a soft moan.

He again went over her face, neck and shoulders, kissing the areas after they were clean. He then moved down to her back chest and arms. She did not think that her chest was quite as dirty as he let on. He spent an overly long time cleansing her breast and nipples. Her back arched up as he kissed them too. Relathering the cloth, he moved down and pulled her small feet from the tub as he scrubbed every toe, causing her to squirm and pull away since she was ticklish. He continued upwards until he reached her knees. Knowing the rest was still very sore he stood her up in the tub and wrapped a towel around her while he knelt down to wash the rest of her.

Her legs were even more unsteady since she was in an aroused state and she placed her hands on his shoulders for support. With her comfort in mind he gently but quickly washed her tender thighs and nether regions. He was relieved to see that no blisters had formed. They were just very red and bruised from the rugged ride.

Rinsing her thoroughly he lifted her up and carried her to the bed. Sitting her on the edge he towel dried her hair and her body before insisting she lie down to rest. She asked him to lie down with her and he chuckled.

“If I did that right now you wouldn’t be getting any rest and might not be able to sit a horse tomorrow.”

She frowned but was too sleepy to complain. Her eyelids closed as he covered her naked form with the covers and kissed her forehead. He bathed while she slept and then he headed out to check on the horses and buy some supplies. 

They would be leaving before the mercantile opened so Brock headed there to purchase Sabrina’s clothing while she rested. Since he had bought her clothes recently he knew her approximate size. Not sure exactly what all a woman needed, he enlisted the help of the woman behind the counter. He was more familiar with undressing women than dressing them.

“These are for your sister?” she asked looking at his hand for a ring.

“No, my wife; we are traveling and all of her clothing was destroyed.”

She eyed him skeptically as she walked around the small store. Since they were traveling she suggested a riding skirt and blouse as well as a dress that Brock thought would look better holding potatoes than Sabrina. Nixing the dress, he chose another skirt and blouse. The green in the skirt reminded him of her eyes. He hoped she would like it. When they got back, he would take her around Tulsey and let her pick out her own clothes.

He remembered catching her staring at a dress when they first met and shook his head ruefully. It was hard to think of Sabrina as Will. It was even more surreal to realize that she was his now.

Coming back to the present, he picked up some bloomers that she suggested and a night gown. She suggested one with long sleeves that buttoned up to her neck, since winter was on its way, but Brock chose a more shift like version. Some stockings, a pair of tie up boots, and he was set.

Returning to their room he was glad to see that Sabrina was still asleep. Laying his parcels in the corner he disrobed and climbed into the narrow bed next to her. She sighed in her sl
umber and nestled into his arms. Kissing her lavender scented hair, he followed her into sleep.

Chapte
r
20

A
waking automatically before dawn, Brock regretfully untangled himself from Sabrina’s still form and lit the lamp. Dressing quickly, he leaned over to gently shake her shoulder. She blinked a couple of times before sitting up, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. Still half-asleep and too tired to talk she looked around the room for her clothes.

Seeing her plight Brock sat her back on the bed and placed one of the parcels in her hand. She looked up at him in surprise, needing none of his encouragement to open the parcel. She held up the blouse and skirt in wonder. Tears filled her eyes and her lip quivered as she pulled him down for a hug. “Thank you,” she whispered.

“I didn’t think you felt like shopping. I hope they are all right.”

“It’s perfect. I’ve never seen a skirt like that before.”

“The latest fashion in London,” Brock said, trying to copy the saleswoman’s voice as well as her quote.

Sabrina giggled, feeling like a child on Christmas morning. Then the reason for the new clothes sunk in and she dressed hurriedly so they could be on their way.

They met Chase and Thomas at the stable. Chase had reunited with his painted horse. It was lovely with all of its glorious colors. If you could call a stallion lovely. Their horses were already saddled and Sabrina climbed on, feeling almost back to normal. She faced the last segment of their journey with new hope. The air was crisp and cold. They could see their breath in the early morning dawn and Sabrina huddled her jacket tighter against her.

The riding skirt was surprisingly comfortable and was made from a softer material than her dungarees. It made her feel more feminine. Will is gone for good, she decided. Most of the townsfolk paid her no mind anyway. It was only Mac and the Swanson’s opinions that mattered and she hoped they would understand.

The morning passed without incident. Chase drove them at a brisker pace than usual, which left little or no time to talk with Brock. It had been several days since they had been intimate and she found herself craving his touch.  Although she needed the sleep yesterday, she would have gladly given up the extra rest to be with him. As if reading her mind he looked over at her and winked.

They had a short stop for lunch and were on again. The sun warmed the air and by
noon the weather was quite comfortable. Brock rode up next to her, and told her they would be there in another three hours. She was about to reply when suddenly Thomas’s horse reared up spilling him onto the ground. Chase acted quickly to grab his horse, and she and Brock dismounted to see to Thomas.

By the time they reached him, he was on all fours gasping for breath. He held up a hand for them to stop.

“Knocked the wind out of me,“ he explained through short gasps.

Sabrina stayed with Thomas as Brock and Chase examined his horse. It was favoring its front leg. Chase held up the hoof and pulled out his knife, using it to clear away the dirt and rocks. Even from this distance, Sabrina’s experienced eye could tell there was a problem with the shoe.

Thomas was able to climb to his feet and he and Sabrina went over to the others.

“Lost a nail; the shoe slipped and bruised the pad. She can walk but should not carry any weight right now. We can take the shoe off and put it on later.“

“I can fix it,” Sabrina said, stepping up and examining the shoe closely.  “If we take it off it’s gonna throw her gait off and possibly injure her. I’ll get my kit from the saddle bag.”

Chase raised an eyebrow as she hurried back to her horse. Brock grinned in pride, watching her quickly and accurately reseat the shoe. Just as she was finishing up Chase announced a rider in the distance. Glancing up as she put away her kit, she could make out the faint trail of dust.

As the rider drew closer, Chase groaned and Brock smiled. “It’s my sister.”

Sabrina watched nervously as Jaelyn rode up.
She was beautiful like her brothers. Her hair was long and straight light Chase’s but more brown like Brock’s. Ignoring Chase, her twin, she rode right past him to throw herself off the horse and into Brock’s arms.

“I’m so glad you came. I was going stir crazy with all of the waiting and decided to see if I could meet up with you.”

“How’s father?” Brock asked, releasing her as Chase and Thomas came over to greet the newcomer.  She hesitated, noticing Sabrina and Thomas for the first time.

“I’m sorry, this is my… Sabrina.”

Jaelyn gave Brock a look before greeting Sabrina warmly.

“And this is Thomas. He’s a doctor who kindly volunteered his services.”

She grabbed Thomas’ hand and squeezed it. “I don’t know if you can help or not but I appreciate you all coming.” Thomas was tongue-tied at being in the presence of such an exquisite creature and could only nod.

“He’s not doing well,” she replied sadly, looking at all of them. Her gaze lingered on Thomas for just a second too long before she turned away. “It’s really bad.
”

Sabrina grabbed Brock’s hand, not sure how he would take the less than comforting news. He pulled her close and hugged her. Though she had just met Jaelyn, she liked her. She had Chase’s carefree personality that Brock had told her came from his father. He was more serious and practical like his mother. She just hoped she’d have the chance to meet him.

“We need to get going,” Chase reminded the group. “Thomas’ horse is lame. We’ll have to double.”

“He can ride with me. I have the freshest mount,” Jaelyn said. Thomas nodded in agreement since he was still unable to process a coherent thought. Sabrina watched with a sly smile as Thomas awkwardly climbed up behind the slender girl.

“Do you talk?” Jaelyn asked him finally.

“Yes, I do talk. My throat is a bit dry from the dust,” he explained as Jaelyn kicked her horse into a trot. He had to grab her waist to keep from falling off.

Chase snorted. “Don’t know why he’s so quiet now; he wouldn’t shut up the whole way here.”

Sabrina laughed and glanced at Brock to see how he felt about Thomas’ interest in his sister. She found him staring off into the forest ahead of them. His forehead was creased with worry and Sabrina said a quick prayer that they would make it in time.

With no more stops, the group arrived at the homestead before nightfall. It consisted of a small wooden structure that had been added on to make it larger. Even though the large group arrived noisily, no one came out to greet them.

This worried Sabrina the most. She dismounted her horse and waited in case Brock wanted to greet his parents alone. After tying his horse he came up to her and took her hand. She nodded to him and together they made their way to the door.

Brock opened the door without knocking and stepped inside. He stopped as a foul odor washed over them. Had it been any other situation, Sabrina would have put her hand over her nose to block out the smell; but she did not want to be disrespectful. Stepping further inside, Sabrina could make out the front of the dwelling.  It was set up like a store front with tables full of animal hides and goods. He led her to the back where they found his mother sitting at her husband’s side.

Seeing Brock she stood up and went to him, hugging him tightly. They spoke in a language Sabrina did not understand and she felt like an intruder in this tender family scene. The woman looked over at her and Sabrina realized that Brock had been explaining her presence to his mother.

She released Brock and took a step toward Sabrina. Desperately wanting her approval, Sabrina stood waiting for her to make the first gesture. She looked up at the taller woman and met her eyes. They were very dark and lined with fine wrinkles. Other than that and her graying hair, she could have passed for another one of Brock’s sisters.

“Sabrina, this is my mother Anna.”

“I wish we could have met under better circumstances. But I am pleased that Brock has finally found a mate.” The majestic woman spoke with just a hint of an accent.

“Um, thank you,” she replied nervously
, glad for the dark room to hide her red face. Sabrina was not sure what she had meant by the mating part. She knew how horses mated and hoped Brock had not told her about them mating.

Smiling for the first time in a long time, the mother slipped quietly out of the room.
Still hesitant Sabrina turned her attention to Brock’s father. He was a big barrel of a man. His curly brown hair hung to his shoulders and wrapped around to meet his bearded face. He seemed to be asleep. At least she hoped he was only resting.

Brock seemed unsure of himself; he didn’t know what to do. He did not know if he should try to wake him or let him rest. Knowing that time was their enemy, he reached his hand out and gently shook his shoulder.

“Father?”

Silence.

Another shake.

This one was a bit harder. Sabrina held her breath. Just as she was about to give up hope, his eyes fluttered weakly and then opened.

“Brock? What are you doing here, son?”

“I came to see you; heard you messed up your leg.”

A slow string of curses escaped his mouth. “My leg will be fine. I just need to stay off it for a couple of days. Maybe you can keep your mother from nagging at me.”

Brock forced a sad smile and Sabrina placed her hand on his shoulder to let him know that she was there to help him through this---no matter what path their future held.

“Do you mind if I take a look?” Brock said as he moved further down and started pulling up the covers from the bottom of the bed. The movement stirred up the air in the room and the most nauseating smell hit Sabrina hard. She felt bile moving up her throat. She was forced to take a step back and cover her mouth until she got herself under control. Brock looked at her grimly. She was awfully pale, but she waved a hand, signifying she was okay so he’d return to his father. It was dark in the room and he lit a lamp so he could better see the damaged leg.

Taking several long slow breaths Sabrina was back at his side. She placed a reassuring hand on his arm as he gritted his teeth. She forced herself to look down. The foot was a mottled black and blue color. His ankle had swelled to three times its normal size. The skin around the jagged wound fell open and you could make out maggots crawling inside. The darkness continued up his calf where red streaks ran up his leg past his knee. Brock laid the blanket back down without speaking.

He didn’t know what to say. He knew without even asking Thomas that the leg had to be removed. Reaching out for Sabrina’s hand, he held onto it tightly. She was keeping him tethered to reality. He could not face it on his own. He placed his hand on his father’s arm and was surprised by the heat emanating from it. He was burning up with fever as his body tried to fight off the infection.

“Father, your leg is not going to heal. There is no other choice, it has to be removed,” Brock said stoically.

“They aren’t taking my leg. I’ve seen men come back from the war leavin’ half of themselves behind. Might as well be dead. Can’t work or provide for their families. I will not be a burden. The leg will heal up or I’ll die with it.”

Brock stood there helplessly. He was supposed to be the one to fix this. His father was in complete denial. Perhaps the fever was affecting his mind. He felt Sabrina tighten the grip on his hand, trying to give him some of her strength through sheer will.

Sabrina was angry. Her father was dead and here was Brock’s father giving up his last chance at life for foolish pride. She couldn’t take anymore.

“That is the most selfish thing I have ever heard in my life,” Sabrina said, stepping in front of Brock so she was face to face with his father. “I have no idea what is going through your mind but I can tell you what is going through your family’s. They are doing everything in their power to save you and you are trying to take the easy way out. The coward’s way. I don’t know much about you, mister, but I know that Brock was not raised by a coward.”

“My leg is healing, it doesn’t hurt anymore.”

“Of course it doesn’t hurt, your leg is rotting off. I know you can smell it, half the county can smell it. Don’t feed me this bullshit. My father is dead. You don’t have to be. You have an option that he didn’t have. You have a chance to live. You cannot throw that away. Your family needs you. They love you. If your wife lost her leg would you think her worthless? No. Brock brought a doctor who can help you. The choice is yours. I hope you make the right one.” With that, Sabrina whirled and hurried out of the house.

There was silence in the room. Brock was not sure how to respond so he stayed quiet. Brock’s father looked at him after she left. “Who was that?”

Brock smiled wryly. “That is Sabrina, she is my intended.”

“Humph! She has a lot of spirit. She reminds me of your mother.”

Brock was somber as he sat down next to his father’s bed. He needed to go check on Sabrina. He had never seen her so upset.

“What are you sitting down for? You had better go call the saw bones. I intend to be at your wedding. She’s a keeper; you need someone tough to keep you in line.”

Brock rushed out before he could change his mind. He first went in search of Sabrina to make sure she was ok. He knew that she missed her parents desperately and would do anything to have them back.