Reno's Journey: Cowboy Craze (The Wild West)

by Sable Hunter

  “Wow. That’s tragic.”

  Reno nodded, then smiled sadly. “He had some good times too. Spent a few months with the circus. Finally made his way farther north, settling first in Memphis, where he worked in a cotton mill. A few years later he moved close to me, we spent a lot of good times on the banks of the Tennessee River. I swear, Boone did everything from make moonshine to dig graves for the local undertaker.”

  “Sounds like he could be Huck Finn or Tom Sawyer.” At his confused look, she started to explain, but the waitress came with their bill. Reno’s praise was so effusive their whole ticket was on the house.

  When they returned to the car, she teased him, “I bet you’re always popular with the ladies. I’m going to have to take you everywhere I go. I’ll never have to pay another restaurant bill again.” She giggled helplessly when his cheeks turned pink. “You’re very good-looking, but you know that.”

  “No.” He protested – albeit half-heartedly. Reno certainly wasn’t used to women pointing it out. “Females are outspoken these days.”

  “Yea, I guess.” She pulled back into the road and headed south. “Okay, this trip is to lighten our mood and give us time to talk. It’s an hour’s drive to the airport and we’ll check out the city skyline on the way.”

  Reno threw up his hands. “I didn’t understand half you said, but I’m ready for anything.”

  Journey took him at his word. She didn’t want to take advantage, but there was no way she was going to let this time with him be wasted. She wanted to know everything about him. “Oh, yea. I was telling you about Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer. They’re famous books. Classics. Written by a man named Samuel Clements from Hannibal Missouri. His penname was Mark Twain.”

  “Mark Twain,” he mused, “that’s what a steamboat leadman yells when they’ve reached a safe depth in the river for the boat to travel.”

  “Yes, exactly. Samuel Clements was in love with the river, he thought a steamboat pilot was the epitome of success.” Suddenly, she looked at him, her eyes narrowed. “Do you like to read?”

  “I do. I’ve never had the opportunity to do a lot of it since I left Tennessee. Books are hard to come by.”

  “When we get home,” she told him, “remind me to introduce you to my kindle. I’ll download you a passel of books and you can go to town.”

  When he gave her that now familiar questioning look, she tried to explain, “A kindle is an electronic device that can access digital storage.” When he leaned his head back and closed his eyes in dismay, she just laughed. “Believe me, it won’t take you ten minutes to figure it out. You’re brilliant, you just have to catch up with technology. A kindle this thick…” She measured the narrow distance with her fingers. “Can hold thousands of books.”

  “You’re pulling my leg.”

  She reached over to squeeze his knee. “No, I’m not. Just wait until I show you how to download music. I’ll introduce you to the King. Elvis Presley from Memphis, Tennessee. He’ll blow your mind.”

  Reno captured her hand and brought it back to his knee. “Consider it already blown. I would very much like to be introduced to your kindle – but first, I want to read Saul’s journal.”

  “Of course, you do. I’ll give you everything Aunt Myra saved.” It was hard to think clearly when he was holding her hand. Journey met her own eyes in the rearview mirror, sharing a secret smile as tingles of excitement played over her body. “Uh, do you have a special girl back in time?”

  “No. I do not. Women are in short supply in Kingsland. It’s better than it was, I’ll admit, but I’ve not met anyone yet. I guess you know the Captain’s wife was a mail-order bride.”

  “Yes, I remember. Saul spoke so highly of her.”

  “Fancy rescued King. After his fiancé betrayed him by marrying his brother – he soured on half the population. Hell, Fancy rescued all of us. Like a breath of fresh air.”

  “I guess you were lonely.”

  “Yea. You could say that.” He remembered lying in his bed and longing for a soft, warm woman to hold. His eyes dropped to stare at their joined hands. “How old are you, Journey?”

  “Twenty-three. And you’re…twenty-six. Right?”

  “I am.” His thumb was rubbing the back of her hand softly. “Why aren’t you married?”

  “Oh.” Journey gave an embarrassed laugh. “I’ve had this discussion more than once this week. My aunt and my friends are always pushing me to date. Find a man. Get married.” She paused to stop at an intersection, careful to watch the traffic. “I’ve dated my share of men, but none of them have made me feel anything, really.” Did she dare tell him the truth? How much time did they have together? Should she try and take advantage of the unexpected gift of his presence? Or was that something that would only hurt them both?

  But if she didn’t go for it, wouldn’t she regret it for the rest of her life?

  Simple answer.

  Yes.

  “You weren’t compatible with them. They let you down?” he asked in all innocence.

  “To be truthful, I probably didn’t give them a chance. I fear I might have sabotaged a relationship or two.”

  “Why would you do that?”

  She licked her lips and swallowed, her fingers holding the steering wheel in a death grip. “They weren’t you.”

  “What did you say?” Reno leaned over the console, like he couldn’t believe his ears.

  “They weren’t you, Reno.” Once she said the words aloud, she realized how crazy they sounded. He was going to think she was certifiable – and maybe she was. “I’m sorry, I’m probably putting you in an impossible position.”

  “Pull over. Stop the car.”

  Journey did as he asked. Just her luck. She’d either made him feel ill or he was going to hitchhike away from her. “Okay.”

  Once the car was stopped, Reno undid his seatbelt, then turned to unbuckle hers. “Come here.” He didn’t wait for her to fulfill his demand, he pulled her over the console and into his arms. His mouth covered hers. Gentle at first, then devouring. Hungry. He kissed her as if his life depended on it. He kissed her as if there was no tomorrow. He kissed her the way she’d always dreamed he would. With lips as sweet as wine. She tangled her fingers in his hair, clinging to him, giving herself completely to his kiss. Her entire body vibrated and tingled with pure joy.

  Journey wanted to preserve these moments in amber for eternity.

  Honk! Honk!

  Reno was reluctant to release her. Now that he’d found her, he didn’t want to let her go. “What’s with this horn blowing thing?” he whispered against her lips. When she smiled, he could feel it. He kissed her again.

  “Uh, they want us to know they see us kissing. It’s mostly in fun. Like saying, ‘hey, get a room!’”

  He chuckled. Even a man of his century knew what was meant by ‘get a room’.

  Journey started to slip back into her seat, but Reno prevented her from doing so. He rubbed his lips over hers, then pressed soft kisses from the corner of her mouth down to nuzzle her neck. “You smell so sweet.”

  She shivered so hard, he felt it, his arms tightening around her.

  Honk!

  This time, he laughed, letting her go.

  She found her place behind the wheel, but she could barely lift her arms to drive. Journey was weak from the emotional storm, the deluge of sensation that came from being held and kissed by Reno Black. “I’m a little disoriented,” she confessed softly.

  “Take your time, love. We’re in no hurry.”

  Hearing his words gave her a tiny jolt of energy. The day was still young, and they were together. She started the car and continued the trip.

  Soon, they were nearing the west side of Austin. Reno was excited, taking it all in. “There’s a lot of wealthy people here, aren’t there?”

  Very astute. “Yes, Austin is a trendy place. Full of history. Has a world class college. Many high-rise buildings, skyscrapers they’re called. It’s still the capital of Texas, of
course, and it’s also known as the live music capital of the world.” By the time she finished her descriptive spiel, the skyline came into view. “Look.”

  Reno froze. “Holy shit. Go closer.”

  She exited off 71, then took South Congress to head downtown. The farther they went, the taller the buildings became. As they were crossing the bridge, she told him where they were. “This is still the Colorado River, but downtown it’s called Lady Bird Lake to honor the nation’s 36th First Lady who was from Texas. She’s the one, Lady Bird Johnson, who we have to thank for all the beautiful wildflowers growing on the sides of the roads. This bridge also has the largest urban colony of bats in the nation. It’s a sight to behold when a million and half of the little creatures come flying out in a black cloud.”

  “I want to see everything.” He told her. “How do I roll down the window?”

  She demonstrated, then grinned as he hit the button, leaning out as far as he could to look up at the tall buildings. “Like what you see?”

  “It’s amazing,” he told her with a huge smile. “You’re amazing.”

  Journey thought she might just burst from happiness.

  After letting him look his fill of downtown, she got back on 71 to head east to the Austin Bergstrom Airport. They didn’t go all the way, she found a place to pull off in a field of wildflowers, close enough that he could see the big jets taking off and landing.

  There was no keeping him in the car, of course. He climbed out, then turned in circles, watching the big birds pass overhead so close it seemed he could touch them if he tried. “Completely crazy,” he whispered. “I want to go up in one.” He looked to her for confirmation.

  “Sure. We’ll figure something out. Somewhere to go.” He might like going up in a helicopter to see the cityscape.

  They stayed in the field and watched the planes until a spring shower came rolling up out of nowhere. Even then, they didn’t hurry. They held hands and ran through the wildflowers like kids at play.

  Reno was drunk with happiness. This elation was new to him. Oh, he’d experienced joy before – but not this soul soaring variety. The difference wasn’t the calendar year or the amazing new things he was seeing and experiencing. No, the answer became crystal clear when the rain disappeared as fast as it had come, and he looked up to see the most beautiful rainbow he could imagine. The magnificent bow arched through the sky and seemed to end just over Journey’s shoulder.

  Sojourner’s vision had come true.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  The drive home was a bit more subdued. Journey was quiet because she couldn’t stop thinking about the kiss they’d shared and what it might mean. She yearned to just come out and ask him what it meant to him, but she was afraid the fragile bubble of reality might pop and all of this – and Reno himself might just disappear.

  As for Reno, he was deep in thought. He felt conflicted, at odds with himself. For a moment, when he’d seen that rainbow – everything made sense. He was here in this future time because he was supposed to be here. Finding Journey was meant to be.

  But when he considered what he’d be doing at this moment if he were in his own time, Reno felt burdened with guilt. How could he enjoy himself while his brother sat in a jail cell accused of treason, depending on Reno to find the witness who could testify to his innocence? And there were other people who relied on him, trusted him, had faith that he would be there when they needed him. If he stayed here, he would be letting them down.

  But leaving would be hard. Reno stole a glance at Journey, the taste of her kiss still fresh on his lips. Who was he kidding? Leaving her would be next to impossible. But what choice did he have?

  “When we get to the ranch, I need to return to the canyon.”

  “Why?” The question burst from her lips.

  Reno didn’t say anything at first, then he spoke so low she could barely hear him. “Journey, I had a glorious time today. You’ve shown me things I never dreamed would ever exist. Things I would’ve never seen otherwise. I…I’ll never forget even one moment of it.” He raised his hand and touched the window glass. “Of any of this.”

  “Oh, you’re so welcome.” Even as she responded to his gratitude, Journey sensed he was trying to say something else. Something she didn’t want to hear. He shifted in the seat, clearly uncomfortable. “What’s wrong?”

  He let out a long breath. “You know I don’t belong here. I’m going to have to go back if I can. There are things I need to take care of.”

  Every fiber of her being rebelled at the idea. “Oh.” Agony knifed through her system. Her mind understood what he was saying, but her heart was in denial. What if she never saw him again? “Can’t you stay a little longer? Please?”

  “Don’t tempt me,” he pleaded. “I’m completely intrigued by everything.”

  Especially the woman sitting next to him.

  “I’ve always been a man of adventure. I didn’t leave Tennessee and come to Texas just because I wanted to be with my friends. I came because I wanted to experience life to the fullest. See new places and new things.” He motioned out the window as an eighteen-wheeler rolled past the car. “Here, I find myself in the greatest adventure of all. Who wouldn’t want to stay?” He grew silent. Thoughtful. “But, it’s not that simple.”

  “Nothing ever is.”

  “True.” He rubbed one of his thumbs over the other one in a nervous gesture. “Journey, you must realize how confused I am. I don’t know how this happened or why. I don’t know what the rules are. Am I meant to return or stay here?”

  “I don’t know,” she admitted sadly. “I’m as perplexed as you are. All I know is that your being here is a dream come true for me. Literally.” She reached down to turn down the A/C as cold chills of apprehension raised goosebumps on her body.

  “I’m sorry.”

  His apology didn’t help anything. “Don’t be. I can understand how you feel uprooted.” She wet her lips. “I’ll go with you to the canyon.”

  “No.” He blurted out the refusal. “You were with me last night and there was no passageway. I don’t know if your presence makes a difference or not, but I need to do this alone.”

  Journey didn’t argue with him. What was the use? “I see.” The words were simple, but they held a wealth of emotions. She felt like crying. Screaming. She couldn’t force him to stay – not if he felt like he couldn’t.

  Giving herself a mental shake, Journey’s lips formed a tight line. “Well, I think we should take advantage of the little time we have left.” Yes, she was greedy. If she never saw him again, she wanted to fill in all the gaps that the stories didn’t fill.

  “By doing…what, exactly?” Clenching his hands into fists, Reno tried not to react to what she was saying.

  “Talking. Asking questions. I want to know anything about you that you’re willing to tell me.” Her voice softened. “You’re precious to me.”

  Reno closed his eyes. He felt like he’d been hit by a train. This woman was killing him. For a moment, he’d thought she wanted to take advantage of the little time left by spending it in bed with him. And God knows, he’d sell his soul for the opportunity to make love to her. But he wasn’t the kind of man to love a woman, then walk away from her. What she did want from him was even more unbelievable. To think she cared enough to want to know him, to know his soul, even if they couldn’t be together? Well, that almost did him in. “I feel the same way. I want to know you too.”

  “Good.”

  After their agreement, the silence went on longer than either expected. Finally, Journey spoke up. “I just had a terrible thought. What if you go back – and neither of us remember any of this?”

  The thought pained him, but… “Well, at least we would have peace.” Even as he formulated the thought, his mind rebelled against it. “I didn’t mean that. I’d rather remember than forget.” Even if remembering would be the most painful of all.

  Journey kept her eyes on the road and the passing scenery. “When I made this tr
ip to come housesit for Aunt Myra…” She scoffed and tightened her hands on the wheel. “I would look out at the hills, rocks, and canyons – imagining you riding through them. Life is hard for you, isn’t it?”

  “You mean without all the conveniences you have now?”

  “Yea, I guess. You have to work so much harder for everything. There’s danger on every hand.”

  He shrugged, reaching over to touch her arm, letting his fingers linger on her skin. “Well, we don’t know anything else.” He laughed ruefully. “Or I didn’t until now. And as for as danger is concerned – even after half listening to that news broadcast telling about landslides, earthquakes, mass shootings, and war in faraway lands – I don’t think you could say there is less danger now than in my time.”

  “I guess you’re right about that.” She noticed a hawk flying high in the sky, swooping down to sit on a fence post. “Tell me your dreams. What do you want out of life?”

  Reno cupped his chin, rubbing at the rough scruff he’d accumulated in the last few days. “That’s tough.” After meeting her, he found his dreams were changing. He’d always wanted a family someday – but now, he could see the face of the girl in his dreams. There was no way he could mention that, however. Hurting her any more than he already had – that was the last thing he wanted to do. “I want to build a cabin and have the Stanton kids move in with me. Ela Blue too, if she will. But first…I have to save my brother’s life.” When he saw her startled expression, he realized she didn’t know what he meant. Given everything she seemed to know, this surprised him. “Saul didn’t write about Cole in his journal?”

  “Well, I know he mentioned your brother by name. He also said he was in prison, but he didn’t say why. There might be more information. We’ll have to go and take a look to be sure.” Should she say this? Journey didn’t know what else to do. “I didn’t read the whole journal as closely or as many times as I read the parts that talked about you. Saul made many entries about his life through the years but once you disappeared, I wasn’t as interested in the rest.”