by Sable Hunter
From two rooms down, Journey searched through Myra’s desk for Saul’s journal. She usually kept it in the bottom righthand drawer. “Ah, there it is.” As she placed it on top of the desk and stood up, she couldn’t keep from glancing across the way to check on Reno. “Look at that. He can’t settle on anything to watch. He’s a normal guy, after all.” Taking the journal with her, she placed it on the bar while she went to make his bed.
After she changed the sheets, she tidied the bathroom, and laid out fresh towels. She tried to ignore the heartache that made her chest sore. As she moved by the bed, she couldn’t help but envision the two of them tangled in the sheets. A shiver went through her and she felt a tingle between her legs. “Stop it,” she admonished herself. “Quit longing for something you can’t have.” Trailing her fingers over the fresh pillowcase, a little devil whispered from her shoulder. You could try to seduce him.
The very thought brought heat to her cheeks.
Shaking her head, she dispelled the notion. Every woman wants to think she’s irresistible. Obviously, she wasn’t. Reno seemed to have no trouble resisting her charms. In all the historical bodice rippers she’d read, there was no way the hero would sit in front of the television and channel surf while the heroine was alone in the boudoir. She lifted her hair from her neck, trailing a finger down her neck near to the swell of her breast. No, he would find his way to her, slipping up behind her to wrap strong arms…
“What are you doing?”
Journey squealed and jumped. “Nothing. I was just finishing. Let me find the kindle and get the journal and I’ll be right back.” She hastily left the room, brushing by him as she passed. “You couldn’t find anything to interest you on the television?”
“Too much. I couldn’t seem to make up my mind.” He shifted on his feet uneasily. Seeing her with that dreamy look on her face – touching her body. Reno couldn’t help but reach down to adjust himself. The woman made him ache. “God give me the strength to keep my hands to myself.”
“What did you say?” Journey returned with her arms full.
“Oh, nothing. I was just saying that I…” His voice trailed to nothingness when Journey handed him Saul’s journal. “Oh, my.” As he took the book, he felt a shock go through his fingers. “Look at that.”
“Yes, I’m sure you’ll enjoy reading it.” She also passed a thin black rectangle to him. “You press the ‘on’ button.” She did and the front of it lit up much like the television. “You can read through this list of books.” She passed her finger down the page and he marveled as words scrolled by. “Choose one.” She tapped a title. “And voila.”
Reno stared. “And how many books did you say was in this tiny thing?”
“I have almost a thousand stored on the cloud. Wait.” She took it back, pressed the screen a few more times. “I’m going to Amazon, which is an online store. I’ll search for Tom Sawyer.” She hummed a little as she waited. “Ah, there it is. And there, with one click I bought the book and here it is.”
Reno reclaimed the kindle, his eyes moving to the first few words.
“TOM!”
No answer.
“TOM!”
No answer.
“What’s gone with that boy, I wonder? You TOM!”
Reno glanced up with wonder. “And where is that cloud you speak of? The one that holds a thousand books?”
His question made Journey giggle. “To tell you the truth, I don’t know. We’ll have to ask someone smarter than me.”
“I don’t know anyone smarter than you.”
This also made Journey laugh, lightening the mood for them both. “Oh, there’s plenty of people smarter than I am.”
“Somehow I doubt that.”
She held his eyes for a moment, then looked away. “I know you want to read. Leave your clothes outside the door. I’ll be up for a while. Goodnight.”
Reno didn’t get a chance to respond before she shut the door, leaving him alone.
…Journey almost ran down the hall, putting as much distance between her and Reno as possible and still stay in the same house. She couldn’t believe he’d caught her touching herself. He would have to know she was thinking of him. “How embarrassing.” She snapped her fingers to call the dogs, then retreated with them to the sunroom, shutting the French doors behind her. Only then did she allow herself to take a full breath. Leaning against the doorframe, she gave herself a stern talking to. “There’s no way this can work if you don’t get a handle on yourself, Sojourner. Just get it through your thick head that there can’t be anything between you two. You’ve got to try thinking of him as your brother.” The thought made her groan with disbelief. “Oh, yea. That’s gonna work. Count on it.”
But – really. She had to come up with some type of plan. Some kind of shield that she could utilize to prevent her from making a total fool of herself. Shaking like a leaf, she sat down at her workstation while the dogs climbed the puppy steps onto the sofa and proceeded to look out the window. “If you two start barking at things, I’ll put you in the garage.” Both dachshunds gave her what looked to be a scowl, but they didn’t begin to bark.
Needing to do something that didn’t require much thought, she filled roller bottles with a blend of ten drops each of frankincense, helichrysum, then to the top with coconut oil. This was a recipe she’d developed to strengthen eyesight. The people who had used it, applying it on their cheekbones and on their brow, swore they were able to quit wearing glasses after a few months. As she filled out labels for the content, Journey tried to work through what was going on between her and Reno.
In just two days her world had been turned upside down. The one thing she’d longed for most had incredibly come to pass. From the first moment of recognition, Journey fully opened her heart and arms to him. The things she knew of Reno, or thought she knew, gave her what might be a false sense of closeness. She needed to remember that he didn’t necessarily share those feelings. What she needed to do was slow things down and alleviate the pressure between them – tone down the expectations. On her part, anyway. Like Reno said, he could be here one day and gone the next. She needed to keep that in mind.
After the last roller bottle was ready for packing, Journey felt like she’d made some headway. She felt better prepared to deal with the situation they found themselves in. She closed the storage box and patted the lid. Tomorrow, she would begin the process to help Reno get the answers he needed. Together, they would solve one of the greatest mysteries of all.
How a person could travel through time.
“You can do this without losing yourself, Sojourner.”
Oh, who was she kidding? “I’m talking to myself. And answering!”
She moaned and softly beat her head on the table. “I’m going to get my heart broken, aren’t I?”
Probably, she admitted to herself. Would it be worth it?
Only time would tell.
…In the guestroom, Reno lay on his side, his head propped up on his hand. After taking a shower, he’d opened the pages to Saul’s journal. Now, he was immersed in memories and captivated by glimpses into the future – which was also the past. He rubbed his eyes, his head throbbed from fatigue and the strain of dealing with revelations he could barely comprehend. As he turned page after page, he learned the fates of people he loved. Some good. Some heartbreaking. If he were to return – when he returned – what would he do with this information? Warn them? Guide them? Try to change the future? “Oh, God. What am I going to do?”
Reno put the journal aside and switched off the electric lamp, sending the room into darkness. He needed time to mull over what he’d learned. There were gaps in the story he needed to fill. He was surprised to learn that after his apparent demise, the children were adopted by one of Gentry’s sisters and spent the remainder of their childhood up north. Apparently, they would be isolated from the trouble they’d left behind in Texas. From what he could tell, Saul didn’t return to the old homeplace until after he finished coll
ege and passed the bar. While he was pleased to learn how Saul, Huck, Emory, and Tess had not only survived but thrived, there was no further mention of Cole.
Reno knew he wouldn’t rest until he knew Cole was safe. If he couldn’t go back to see for himself, maybe he could find an answer in the pages of history. Yawning despite his turmoil, Reno closed his eyes. Journey would know what to do. Just the thought of her brought a smile to his lips. He was lucky to have her as a friend. He couldn’t imagine facing this ordeal without her help. Why, he’d be as lost as a goose in a snowstorm. There was so much Journey could teach him. Show him. The sky was the limit to what they could do together.
Drifting off to sleep, his let his mind run free. She was in his arms and they were dancing beneath the stars. Her laughter was music to his ears. Bending his head, he kissed her sweet, rosy lips again and again. As he slipped into a dream, one last truth became crystal clear. Meeting her was destined, being her friend was his choice, but falling in love with Journey might be beyond his control.
* * *
A slight noise roused Reno from sleep. Sitting up, he rubbed his face. What had he heard? His gaze fell on his clothes, clean and neatly folded on the end of the bed. Obviously, Journey was up and about her chores. He quickly rose from the bed to prepare for the day.
When he ventured to the kitchen, he found a platter of fresh baked cakes. Each one was round, and the bottom covered with a thin layer of paper. Taking a bite, he moaned his appreciation. “Delicious.” Wanting more, he carefully peeled the paper off and popped in his mouth.
“I see you found the muffins.”
Reno turned to face her, unable to speak. His mouth was too full. He held up one finger until he swallowed. “Delicious. What did you call them?”
“Muffins. Those are my specialty. They’re called Morning Glory muffins. I use carrots, apple, pineapple, coconut, and raisins to bake them.”
Reno helped himself to another one. “They are indeed glorious. Would you mind writing down the directions? I’d love to pass this recipe on to Fancy.”
Journey felt the familiar ache that occurred every time he mentioned his leaving. “Of course, I’ll be glad to. I’ll write it up and you can slip it in your saddlebag for safe keeping. Just in case.”
He nodded. “Just in case.”
“Coffee?”
“Please.” Still munching on a muffin, he came to stand next to her at the counter while she poured them both a cup.
“Did you read any of the journal last night?”
He nodded. “I did. I can’t believe at the things that boy recorded. Reading his thoughts, his take on things – it was incredible. I didn’t realize he was paying so much attention to what I told him. I guess I poured out my heart to those kids in more ways than one. I remember us all sitting around the fire while I told them stories about my childhood. I think we bonded over how we’d lost our parents and found each other.” He breathed a half-laugh. “I miss them so much.”
“There was no doubt they missed you once you were gone. Saul’s journal was one of the sweetest memorials I’ve ever seen.”
“I am indeed relieved to learn they are safe. Clay escorted them to King’s Ransom after the attack and they stayed there until other arrangements could be made.” He took a sip, gazing out the kitchen window toward the barn. “Since I failed to return, Gentry found them a home with one of his sisters. She’s seeing to their education and taking good care of them.”
“That’s right. I remember.” Journey took her cup to sit at the dining table near the muffins. “They lived somewhere up north, didn’t they?”
“Boston. Turns out, she doesn’t live very far from my father’s family home. While in Boston, Saul attended university and received a law degree. Huck became a dentist, of all things. Emory became a writer, and Tess married a schoolteacher and moved to Knoxville. It makes me feel good to know she ended up where I began.”
Journey didn’t correct his periodic use of the present tense. The distinction between past and present had become blurred to her also. “We’ll have to see if we can locate anything Emory wrote. Wouldn’t that be amazing?”
“Yes, I would like that. I’m just glad they are all successful. Gentry made sure of it.”
“I seem to recall that you left a will making sure their future was secure.”
Reno chuckled. “I did. I’d forgotten about that.” He drained his cup and poured another one. “I plan on reading the rest of the journal tonight. And some of Tom Sawyer.”
“Well, I have work to do. I need to take care of my aunt’s plants and take a few packages to the post office to mail. Do you want to come with me? We could do a little sightseeing and shop for some clothing for you. I also thought we might check out the library in Fredericksburg to see if they have any pertinent documents we could use.”
He thought a moment. “I think I want to ride out to the box canyon again. If you’re still here when I return, I’d love to accompany you.”
Journey nodded. “If you return.”
“Right. If I return.”
“Okay. I wish there was some way you could alert me if it happened and you were able to go through the rock. Raise a flag. Send a smoke signal.” When she saw his pained expression, she waved her hand and laughed. “I’m kidding. Sort of. I know this is what you need to do, and I won’t stand in your way. Until you do leave, however, we have to continue in some semblance of normalcy. Make plans, etcetera.”
“I think that would be best.” He cleared his throat and gathered the papers from the muffins he’d eaten to throw into the garbage. “I know it’s not ideal but if I don’t return, you’ll know where I am.”
“Yes.” Lost to her, that’s what he’d be.
* * *
Journey didn’t hurry away. After she’d taken care of the plants and the dogs, she found herself standing at the window to watch for his return. When he finally came riding up almost two hours later, she almost collapsed with relief. She waited while he turned his horse over to Kota’s grandson.
As he approached, Journey gathered her purse and the packages to mail. “You’re back.”
“I’m back.” He sounded a bit defeated. “There were people hiking through the canyon.”
“That’s not unusual. There are dozens of hiking trails in the park. Did they get in your way?”
“Not necessarily. All I could do was be there. I haven’t figured out anything else to try. Riding toward the wall at breakneck speed doesn’t seem to do the trick.”
“I’m sorry. Take heart, we’ll start our research today. Maybe we’ll come up with something that will help you.” She waited patiently while he moved about the room, seemingly lost in thought. “Do you need to use the bathroom before we go?”
Her comment took him by surprise. He looked to be a tad embarrassed. “Good idea.” Upon his return, she handed him the boxes. “Here. Make yourself useful. Ready?”
“Lead the way, my fair lady.”
“Thank you, fine sir.” Journey couldn’t help it. She was in a good mood. He was here and safe. All was right with the world. As the climbed into the Subaru, she thought to ask, “Would you like to learn how to drive?”
“I would indeed. Now?”
She laughed. “Not now. I’ll talk you through some of the instructions and sometime soon we’ll have a go at it.”
“Good. I look forward to it.”
Once she was settled behind the wheel and he was buckled into the passenger seat, she pointed out a few parts of the car and what they did. “This is the start button. It doesn’t work unless you have the key with you.” She held up the key. “Before you press it, you need to put your foot on the brake.” Journey demonstrated. “The brake is what stops the car.” Pressing the start button, she started the engine. “This is the gear shift. P is for Park. R is for Reverse and D is for Drive.” She kept her foot on the brake while she put the car into Drive. “Now, I press the gas pedal which releases fuel to the engine and makes us go.”
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br /> With a laugh, she put the car into motion, and they headed down the road to Fredericksburg. As she drove, she explained a few rules of the road to him. She also pointed out the lights, the wipers, and the blinker.
“Seems straightforward enough. Are you sure I can’t try?”
“Not now. I’d like to get to the post office in one piece.”
Reno found this amusing. When they arrived in town, he waited in the car while she went inside to mail the packages. Upon her return, she discovered him behind the wheel practicing what he’d seen her do. “Good thing I took the key with me.”
“I wouldn’t have left you behind,” he assured her with a smile. “Or I would have spun back by to pick you up.”
She waited for him to climb from behind the steering wheel and return to his place. “You have to have an operator’s license, or you’ll get a ticket.”
“Explain,” he insisted as he refastened his seat belt on the passenger side.
Journey fished her wallet from her purse to show him her driver’s license. He studied the ID thru the plastic window. “Your birthday is coming up soon,” he announced with interest. “And why do you look so strange in this picture?”
She snatched the wallet back. “Nobody takes a good driver’s license photo.”
“I bet I will,” he announced solemnly as he played with the buttons to lock and unlock his door.
For a moment, Journey gave the idea some thought. “Getting a license will be a challenge. You don’t have a birth certificate or a social security card. Proving your identity would be next to impossible.” She frowned at the thought. “If you stay, we’re going to have to find someone who makes fake ID’s.”
“You don’t look too excited at the prospect. Don’t you want me to stay?”
Journey gave him an amused look. “I want you to stay. And we’ll worry about the ID’s later. I’ve heard stories of people who create fake ones by using the records of a deceased person.” She winked at him. “You’ll just have to change your name to Mr. Whoever, Percy Wombat or something similar.”