The Stafford Collection, Historical Western Romances (48 page)

Chapter 27

Amelia awoke early the next morning. The humidity was making her hair unbearable so she decided to wear it up in a ponytail. It was proving to be a beautiful day. She could hear the rooster crowing close by, and she marveled at how normal things seemed when they just had a funeral yesterday. You still woke up, you still ate, and you still went on.

Sabrina was still in a somber mood and pushed off their trip to town until the next day. That was fine with Amelia; she wasn
’t quite as sore as she was the day before and hopefully by tomorrow she would be back to her old self.

Sally was the opposite. She was practically glowing and from the looks
she and Warren kept exchanging, it was not hard to guess why. It was good to see her friend happy again.

***

Since Amelia helped cook, she left the others to clean as she went outside to enjoy the cool breeze of the morning air. Spotting Chase by the corral, she headed his way.

“
You missed breakfast.”

“
Good morning to you too. I was working on something so I just ate in the bunkhouse with the hands.”

“
What are you working on?”

“
It’s a secret,” he replied.

“
I won’t tell.”

Chase tilted his head as if he was contemplating her answer.
“Well I suppose I could show you. You can’t say a word though.”

“
Of course not! It wouldn’t be a secret then, would it?”

Chase led her to the barn where he slept and she felt the butterflies in her stomach as her heart started pounding faster. He stopped by the ladder leading up into the loft. She hesitated as he motioned for her to go up the ladder first.

“Are you serious? I’m not going up first. It isn’t proper showing off my bloomers to a man,” Amelia said with a pretend air.

Chase
’s eyes darkened as he took a step closer to her. “If you don’t want me seeing your bloomers perhaps you should take them off.”

His mouth met hers and she placed her hands on his wide shoulders to support herself. Moments
later, she was forced to pull away to catch her breath.

“
Do you really have a secret?” She asked, not caring about the answer.

“
Of course.”

“
Then I think you should climb up the ladder first.”

Chase winked at her before moving to nimbly climb the sturdy rungs. Once at the top, he leaned over to offer her assistance if need be.

Amelia paused to consider the consequences of climbing into Chase’s lair. The worst thing that could happen was she could fall off and die. The best? Well, she hoped her face was not as red as it felt! With a shaky breath, she put her pointy black boot on the rung and stepped up.

“
Only eight more to go.”

“
Hush! I’m trying not to break my neck.”

“
That would be a loss,” Chase said, his voice turning deep and sending shivers through her soul.

As she shakily reached the top, Chase grasped her arm
and guided her onto the loft. She held his arm tightly as she looked down to the hard dirt floor below. It made her toes curl and she carefully backed away.

“
Scared?”

“
No, I just don’t like heights. What’s the surprise?” she asked looking around the large area.

Chase motioned her over to a corner where a large object was covered with a sheet. He pulled it away revealing an almost finished cradle.

Speechless, Amelia came forward and ran her hand over the decorative edge and hand carved spindles of the side. He had even carved out beautiful etchings of forest animals and trees on the footboard. She could easily make out a beaver and a bear as well as others. The headboard was decorated with two beautiful eagles in flight. So detailed you could feel individual feathers.

“
It is amazing. I had no idea you were so talented.”

Chase shrugged away the praise.
“It’s my gift for the wedding. I just have to finish the rockers up tonight.”

“
What does the eagle represent?”

“
Eagle Wind is Brock’s Comanche name, and I’m sure Sabrina would probably be a wolverine, but I thought two eagles would look better.”

Amelia laughed
aloud. She so enjoyed her time with Chase, and her heart ached thinking that it was ticking away. “What is your Indian name?”

“
I’m sure you heard Brock spouting it since our arrival. My given name is Little Beaver.”

Amelia tried not to smile but failed horribly.
“Um, that is a lovely name. Beavers are very hardworking. What is your sister’s name?”

“
Fragile Dove.”

Amelia had to grin at that one. Especially after riding for days with the spunky Jaelyn.
“Well I think your mother got your names spot on.”

“
Yes, she is very intuitive. The only grace I can give her was that being twins we were very small when we were born.”

Amelia looked up at the huge man in front of her. It was hard to imagine him as a helpless infant.
“I think I like Chase better.”

“
At least one of my parents had good sense.”

“
Your father picked it?”

“
Yes, times are changing. He felt we would be better adapted if we used names from his culture. And I am grateful for his foresight.”

Amelia looked up at him in wonder. His entire family seemed to mesh so well in either world. What a gift to have two paths to follow. She was so close to him all she had to do was reach out her hand and touch him. So she did.

She placed her hand on his and lifted it up to her face. It was huge and she could imagine them holding a sharp knife as he commanded it to cut the intricate shapes in the wood. She so wanted those hands to command her body as well. She brought it to her face as she placed a kiss on his palm. Their eyes met. His eyes turned even darker than before if that was possible, and he stood stock-still waiting for her to choose her path. She lowered his hand and let hers run up his forearm, past his elbow, and up to his shoulder. To accomplish this she had to take a step closer and she could feel his breath on her hair as she repeated the process on the other side.

It reminded her of taming a wild animal. She remembered when she was small back in the mining camp. There were many stray dogs around. Her father taught her how to approach them carefully with a closed fist so she wouldn
’t lose any fingers. That she needed to let them come to her so they wouldn’t feel threatened.

Her hands, both on his wide
shoulders, traveled up his neck to cup his face and delve into his silky black hair. Grabbing two handfuls, she pulled him down to meet her lips. This kiss was more frenzied, more demanding than their previous kiss. She could not get over how gentle he could be one second and how powerful the next.

Her senses were on high alert as his hands grasped her waist and then curled one around her back. One going up and one going down. She gasped in surprise as he grasped her bottom and pressed it
toward his need.

Her mouth opened voluntarily as her head was tilted back and his warm tongue sought out hers. He explored every nuance of her mouth as his
hands raked across her body. Her body and mind were of one accord for once. They both wanted the same thing. Chase.

Her hands again came together and met at his chest as they fought with the stupid buttons on his shirt. Taking pity on her, he freed one hand to complete the task for her.
Finally gaining access, her hands touched the bare flesh of his chiseled chest and it was as if she was in a dream except better.

It was not enough though. She needed more, she needed all of him. She was barely aware of Chase lifting her in his strong arms before placing her on his bedding. Her dress was unzipped and over her head before she could think. In the next moment, they were both bare and she splayed her legs eagerly to be as one again.

She hissed as his hardness entered her. She had forgotten his size. He hesitated above her as his head dipped down capturing her lips in his. He held still until she moved her hips to get him going. He pulled out a bit and then plunged in with one swift movement as deep as he could.

Amelia broke free from the kiss as she gasped for breath. Her fingernails dug into his back and he again held still as she relaxed. Since her head was still turned his lips sought out her cheek, her ear, her neck as he rained down kisses. Tears had fallen from her eyes and he licked them away as she turned to again feel his mouth against hers.

Her hands traveled back up to his face as she pushed his hair back so she could watch him as he pumped in and out of her soul. A feeling began to build inside of her and she soon had no control over anything. She only existed as pure emotion. She withered beneath him as she gasped for air, she felt him increase the tempo even faster and she cried out as he exploded inside of her. She slowly came back to her senses as she lay trembling in his arms. She had her answer—the second time is much, much better.

***

Sabrina caught them on the way out. “What were you two doing in the barn?”

“
Umm….”

“
I was showing Amelia your wedding present,” Chase said with a huge grin.

Sabrina raised an eyebrow as she picked a piece of straw from Amelia
’s hair. “Really?”

“
Yes, it was amazing,” Amelia replied still a bit breathless.

“
I’m sure it was, now get your butt down to the house and sit with Riley before I shoot him. He’s driving me crazy.”

Sabrina watched after them as the two hurried off.
“Wedding present, my ass,” she mumbled as she set off to find Brock. She didn’t have to look farther than the stables. He was checking over Troy to make sure he was recovering well from his exertion the other day. She walked up to the huge stallion and rubbed his nose as he leaned down to greet her. She trailed her hand up to scratch his neck and he shuddered with pleasure.

“
He looks good.”

“
He is strong. I’ll let him out in the pasture for a while and watch him.”

“
We’ll watch him,” Sabrina said turning to pat Justice and offering him a carrot before joining Brock and Troy on their walk.

Reaching the clearing, Brock released his reins and Troy wandered off to nibble at some fresh grass shoots poking out of the rich soil. Spying a fallen
log, he checked it for snakes before sitting down and pulling Sabrina onto his lap.

It seemed so long since they could just relax without any worries. She was surprised at how tired she had been as of late. Even the slightest task these days seemed to wear her out. She leaned into
Brock’s shoulder and soon fell asleep as he held her.

She jolted awake some time later. Looking around she was surprised to see how high the sun was in the sky.
“How long have I been asleep? Why didn’t you wake me?”

“
You needed the rest. Plus it’s kinda nice holding you when you’re not talking.”

She punched his chest and he chuckled.
“Do you realize how much stuff I have to do today?”

“
Sabrina, you need to rest. You haven’t been sleeping well at night; there are more than enough willing hands here to help out in your stead. I hear you’re going to town tomorrow.”

“
We’re going to town tomorrow,” she replied as her eyes narrowed.

“
I promised Samuel and Chase that I would help break the new horses. They are down four men with Riley and Roger still out of action.”

A troubled look crossed Sabrina
’s face remembering the awful incident from days ago. “I know we’re shorthanded but I don’t wanna go to town alone. Do you know what I have to go through? You try standing on a stool for four hours while being poked to death by straight pins!”

“
I don’t think it is quite that awful. You will not be alone. There will be plenty of people to step in before you bleed to death. I’ll send Thomas just in case.”

“
Fine!” Sabrina shouted scrambling awkwardly to her feet. “Go ahead, break your neck and see if I care,” she yelled over her shoulder as she stalked off toward the house.

Brock stood up and walked over to the horse.
“Well at least you’re not mad at me,” Brock sighed as Troy turned his head away.

Chapter 28

The new day was upon them before they knew it. Amelia decided to wear her hair up for the journey,
and the heavy mass seemed like it took dozens of bobby pins to hold it in place. Finally satisfied, she made her way down to help with breakfast.

Sabrina was still miffed at Brock for not joining her for the trip into town. She knew she was being unreasonable but she couldn
’t help herself. Her emotions were in turmoil lately and she had no control over them.

At least they got to take the carriage, which was more comfortable than the darn wagon. Jaelyn rode Justice since the carriage only held four. Anna and Jonathan wanted to remain to watch their sons and Tom would stay at the ranch in case he was needed.

Birds were singing and chasing each other through the tree tops as Sabrina sat scowling.

“
Oh for heaven’s sake! Cheer up! You’re getting your wedding dress made!” Sally chastened, leaning forward.

“
I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m in such a foul mood. I just feel out of sorts is all.”

“
It is natural. Especially with all the tragedy as of late. Getting ready for a wedding is a pleasant respite,” Thomas added.

“
Humph! I’ll feel better when I’m back at Montgomery.”

Amelia sat quietly in the back lost in her own thoughts. Her hand slipped in the pocket on the skirt and she fingered the golden nugget. She wondered how her father was doing all alone. She missed him terribly. It was as if she was being pulled in two between the men she loved. Loved? Did she really love Chase?

Since she had met him on the train she had been unable to get him out of her mind. Yesterday was incredible, better than she had ever imagined. She could not picture being with anyone else. No one else could compare. She couldn’t picture herself in his world, yet could he exist in hers?

“
Are you coming, Amelia?”

Amelia was startled back to reality; she was surprised to find that they had arrived in town. She nodded to her cousin and accepted
Thomas’s hand as he helped her out of the carriage. Jaelyn kissed his cheek as he went off to explore the town. He didn’t want to ruin the surprise by seeing her gown early. The women headed to the seamstress’s shop and stepped inside.

Mrs
. Cranbrook forced a smile as she stood up and greeted them.

“
The dresses are almost done. I just need you to try them on.”

Sabrina stepped forward bravely. She was ushered into the back room where Shauna rushed up to her.

“I can’t wait to see you in your new dress. It turned out amazing; I believe it is my best work yet.”

The excited girl turned and pulled from a rack a beautiful
butter-colored wedding gown. Sabrina was speechless as she reached out to touch the intricate beading done on the bodice.

“
Shauna, this is wondrous. You did this all by yourself?”

“
The beadwork yes, however, Mrs. Cranbrook did most of the sewing.”

Sally and Amelia moved forward to view the dress as Jaelyn stayed in the back. It was unusual to see Jaelyn so reserved.
Spotting her, Sabrina grabbed her arm and pulled her to the front as well. There were more oohs and ahhs as her dress was revealed. The intricate hand-stitched lace melded perfectly to the flowing lines of the dress. Maybe this would not be too bad after all, Sabrina thought to herself as she undressed to try on her dress.

Shauna and Amelia helped Sabrina into her gown.
That in itself was an arduous task. She thought she would suffocate as the layers upon layers of material covered her and she frantically swam toward the light with her head eventually popping into place. She tried not to grumble too much as Mrs. Cranbrook moved around her mumbling to herself as she took more measurements and added and subtracted pins at will.

Sabrina
’s eyes were locked on the mirror attached to the wall. She could not help but stare at her reflection. She imagined her mother standing next to her and looking down at her with pride. So engrossed she was in her thoughts that she did not notice as Amelia slipped from the room.

Amelia decided to use this time to run over to the bank and trade in the precious nugget her father had given her for the wedding gift. She looked around for Thomas, but did not see him.
She did, however, see the gentleman who was staring at her last time they were in town. She quickly avoided his eyes and hurried across the street; a team of horses passed behind her and when she looked again, he was gone.

There were still a few puddles here and there from the rain and she was careful to avoid them. She stepped up onto the wooden planks and made her way down the
boardwalk, smiling at the children playing with the dogs in the dusty street.

Reaching her destination, she opened the door. A small ting from the bell tied to the handle announced her presence. The clerk behind the counter acknowledged her with a nod as he helped the elderly man in front of him. With no other help in sight, her hand reached into her pocket and grasped the precious rock as she waited impatiently.
Finished with his business, the gray-haired gentleman tipped his hat to her as he stepped away from the window. The clerk looked up with his too narrow eyes and silently motioned her forward.

Amelia gave him her brightest smile as she introduced herself and informed him she wanted to exchange the gold for currency. She retrieved the nugget and reluctantly handed it over to the clerk.
The man examined it closely and after testing its validity, he placed it on a small scale he had nearby to check its weight. The bell chimed again and she assumed the elderly gentleman had left. He had not.

Amelia saw a stricken look come over the clerk
’s face as his hand lowered beneath the desk. She spun around to see the cause of his odd reaction. She was horrified to see the elderly man pushed up against the wall by a rough-looking outlaw. Three more men entered with their faces covered. One of them charged the counter knocking her out of the way and grabbing the clerk by the throat.

“
Put your hands where I can see them.”

Without thought, Amelia grabbed her small pistol from her boot and took aim. The man she recognized from earlier
grabbed her wrist and twisted it until she dropped it. Enraged, she launched herself at the robber as he turned back around and wrapped her arms around his neck trying to choke him. He threw himself backward into the wall behind him, crushing her in the process. Amelia let go. As she slid to the ground, a gun was pointed at her head and she closed her eyes tightly, waiting for the blast.

When none
came, she opened her eyes to see men behind the counter stuffing bags full of money. She tried to clear her mind so that she could think clearly. However, she was overcome by fear. Turning her head, she could make out the shape of the clerk on the ground. Blood pooled around his head where his neck had been slashed. The thought of these murdering bastards stealing what her father had worked so hard for and sacrificed so much for made her mad enough to spit. Then the leader glanced her way and she closed her eyes tightly. She hoped it was all a bad dream. It wasn’t.

“
What about the girl?” a shorter stocky man asked.

“
She comes with us.”

She felt a hand grasp her arm and pull her to her feet. She prayed for a quick death but her terror only
increased as she was led outside to the horses.

She felt sick seeing the elderly man lying on the ground where he had been thrown. Hope surged in her as she saw him move. He reached out to her as she was forced past.
A gun discharged from behind and she watched in horror as he moved no more.

As they left the
building, more shots were fired. Curses were muttered by the men as the townsfolk scattered. Some ran away and some came running. The leader turned and lifted Amelia with one powerful arm. He threw her over the saddle horn of his massive horse as he hopped on and road off. Amelia twisted her head to look back in despair.

A few brave souls fired shots at the departing men and Amelia prayed that they hit their target.
She struggled to get free and was knocked unconscious for her effort.

***

Sabrina turned, recognizing the sound of gunfire and her eyes immediately sought out her friends.

“
Where’s Amelia?”

Shauna spoke up as her face turned
white, “She went to run an errand.”

Sabrina ran outside the shop, dress and all. She made her way down the street while the others followed.
Her eyes sought out her cousin among the throng of people that were gathered along the boardwalk. Not finding her she pushed her way inside of the bank, where the commotion was centered.

She could hear the townsfolk talking as she looked around in disbelief.

“Someone needs to call the doctor.”

“
That was the doctor.”

She spotted Thomas leaning over the elderly
man, looking grim.

“
Thomas! Where’s Amelia?”

The sheriff arrived at that time and questioned onlookers as to what happened. The answers spilled forth and Sabrina
’s blood turned cold as she heard that they rode off with a woman matching Amelia’s description.

“
We have to follow them!” Jaelyn said trying to push her way out of the crowded room. Thomas grabbed her arm. “That is foolish! There are too many. We have to alert everyone at the ranch. Then we can go after them.”

Sabrina was
indecisive; she was a bit relieved when a couple of the townsfolk volunteered to chase after them with the reluctant-looking sheriff. She knew that she needed Brock. The outlaws picked the wrong family to mess with! Her decision made, she pushed her way back to the street where Mrs. Cranbrook was looking aghast.

“
You’re ruining your dress! Come inside and take it off before it’s too late.”

Sabrina, who was still in shock looked down at the now dirty gown. She reluctantly allowed Shauna to help her back
inside where she undressed as quickly as possible. Joining the others in the carriage, they were off.

Jaelyn had ridden
ahead, leaving the carriage in her dust. She was distraught at not being allowed to go after the men. The sheriff didn’t seem capable of tying his own shoes much less heading up a posse. She only prayed that Amelia would be okay. Chase would die if anything happened to her.

***

Alma was on the porch when she saw the lone rider coming up the drive at breakneck speed. She stood up ringing the heavy dinner bell for all to hear. Reaching the porch, Jaelyn jumped off the winded horse in a leap. The words tumbled out of her mouth as she shouted the news to the gathering crowd. “The bank was robbed in town. They took Amelia.”

Chase
’s eyes narrowed when they locked onto his sister’s as she finished speaking. They took Amelia. A raw anger spread inside of him. He could feel his veins dilating as his hot blood flowed through them, awakening his primal self. A warrior was born. Not thinking of anything but Amelia, he leapt onto the tired horse and was stopped only by Brock grabbing the reins.

“Chase,
I know you’re upset, but racing into a fight and getting killed is not the best plan of action. Not to mention you won’t get too far on a dead horse.”

“
You don’t understand. I must save her.”

“
Oh, I do understand, completely. I also understand if you run in there by yourself; Amelia will not be the only one we will lose.”

Riley, hearing the commotion outside along with his sister
’s name, shuffled onto the porch. “What’s going on? Where’s Amelia?”

Everyone was silent; they were not sure how to answer. Chase slid off the horse to join him on the porch, laying his hand on his shoulder.
“Brother, she is gone, she has been taken. I will bring her back.”

“
And I will go with you.”

“
Like hell you will!” Warren said joining them. “We have enough able-bodied men to bring her back without you dying on us.”

“
But she is my sister!”

“
Exactly,” Warren replied, “what would I tell your father if we lost you both?”

Riley clenched his teeth tightly as he thought about their father.
He took a deep breath before turning to Chase. “I want you to bring her back.”

“
I will.”

The men scurried to the stables to saddle their horses and prepare for the journey. Tom helped Riley back to his room, while Alma and Anna went to the kitchen to pack food for the journey. She prayed that they would be back home safe before supper, but just in case
they would have food.

Chase went to his loft to grab his weapons. He strapped on his gun
belt and tied his hunting knife to his thigh. Grabbing his bow and arrows, he slung them to his back as he turned with grim determination and headed to the stables.