by Linda Broday
“Well, she was god-awful determined to give little Wren a home, soon to be orphaned as she was. Only Wren’s dying mother had stipulated that we had to be married, so Callie hauled off and asked me to tie the knot. ’Course, I was already smitten with that woman. Loved her from the first time I laid eyes on her. Never thought I’d find anyone with so much love inside to give. If anything happened to her, a part of me would die.”
Rand took a deep breath and plunged on. “That’s what love is. It completes you and makes you see yourself in your woman’s eyes. It’s a wonderful thing to know all you can be and that you make her proud. When you find the right person, grab hold and ride the thunderbolt.”
Fifteen minutes later, Rand was still talking about love and his Callie Rose when Brett announced, “We’re here.”
Thank goodness. His ears couldn’t take much more. He loved Rand and was grateful to him for helping out, but he never knew when to hobble his tongue. One thing for sure though—his brother worshipped the ground Callie walked on. Brett did too, only in a different way. She was one special woman. She’d been through hard times aplenty but had emerged all the stronger.
Frustration wound through Brett like a persistent trumpet vine. He’d give anything to share the love growing in his heart for Rayna. But he still hesitated, afraid of what loving him could bring to her life. Giving a sigh, he showed Rand where he wanted him and left before his brother could get wound up again.
As on the previous night, they lit bonfires up and down the boundary line, and each man took a position. Brett settled down to wait, enjoying the blessed silence that was broken only by the crackling fire.
The stars came out, lighting a path for the moon. Though it was round, the orb wasn’t red or as large as the previous night. It lit up the countryside. He sat watching it rise, contemplating the mysteries of life and love.
The snorts of horses jerked his attention back to the task at hand. He looked toward Dowlen’s land, and fear crawled up the back of his neck.
Riders on horseback moved into place, side by side, up and down where his neighbor’s property met the Wild Horse. They all carried torches that, with the bonfires going, illuminated everything.
What was their plan?
Brett gripped the rifle and moved toward his mustang, never taking his eyes off the formidable line. His twelve were no match.
Then he remembered Cooper saying that Dowlen had scoured the saloons in all the towns around, even down to Mexia, asking for recruits. Most of these lined up across from them were probably drunks who might not shoot straight. Maybe they didn’t have the heart for Edgar Dowlen’s fight.
That would suit Brett just fine. But he had a feeling even if Edgar called off his feud, Oldham would take up the war. The hate glittering in Oldham’s eyes called for blood—his blood and that of anyone on the Wild Horse.
Both Rayna and Bob believed the blood moon indicated a big battle. Brett didn’t need the moon to tell him that. His gut whispered a warning that it was coming.
Brett wished he had time to learn more about his ancestors’ beliefs. He was curious about their blood running through his body. If he could understand himself better, he could live a fuller life.
With effort, he forced himself to breathe normally, even though he remained beside his horse, readying for anything. If Dowlen and his men decided to cross, Brett and the others would have a big problem on their hands. Even with the ranch hands, they were stretched too thin.
Adjacent to where he waited, Adam stood and walked toward him. The boy needed to be back at camp. He still had his chest bound, and hobbled around, but he’d insisted on helping Brett stand his ground. His nephew had pure grit—a lot of it. He admired that in a man, and tall, lanky Adam had it in spades.
“What are they doing, Uncle Brett?” Adam said when he reached him.
“Waiting. Not sure what for though.”
“They sure make me jittery the way they just stand there lined up.”
“They want to make us nervous, hoping…” Brett stopped. Suddenly he knew what they were trying to do. “Adam, no matter how spooked they make you, don’t fire at them. If they can goad us into shooting, they’ll be justified in riding across. The law will be on their side, and they can call in the Texas Rangers to help them. I’ve got to warn the others. You stay here and keep watch.”
“Don’t worry, I can handle this. Hurry.”
Brett slid into the saddle and rode from one man to the next, telling him not to fire his weapon unless the marauders applied their spurs and galloped across the boundary. Rand was the last for Brett to warn.
“You’re right,” Rand agreed. “I was scratching my head, wondering what kind of game they were playing, but you figured it out. I heard about this tactic used once before. Never seen it though.”
“Dowlen knows he’s not going to scare me and these orphans off,” Brett said. “And he’s not going to be able to frame me for cattle rustling. His only hope is to force us to make a mistake that puts him in a good light and us in a bad one. He’ll make all kinds of claims.”
Rand stared toward the line of blazing torches. “I don’t know the man, since he hasn’t been here long. Haven’t ever run across him even to say howdy. But you can bet he’s scared of a hangman’s noose. He’s not gonna risk a necktie party over this.”
Brett’s eyes narrowed. “You might be right. But he’s eaten up with hate, and that makes men like him dangerous. I’m going to fight like hell for these children. He’s not getting close to them again.”
“Cooper and I will stand beside you. We’ll whip this man then run him out of the state.”
“Thanks for the support, Rand. I’d better get back to my post. Keep a sharp eye out, my brother.”
With all the men clear on the orders, Brett returned to Adam. “Anything new to report?”
“Just that they’ve started passing a jug around. Bet it’s not water.”
Brett spared a smile for the first time since leaving Rayna. This might just work out in their favor. If they didn’t fall off their horses first, they wouldn’t be able to shoot too well. He just prayed that their liquor supply didn’t run out. But if it did, they might give up and head off to scrounge up another jug or two. That could be even better.
Feeling more hopeful, Brett sat down to see what developed. It promised to be another long night. He yawned and huddled deeper into his leather jacket.
No more than an hour passed before the first insubordinate rider left. Dowlen yelled something as the man galloped away.
It wasn’t long before another of Dowlen’s drunken army began singing “Buffalo Gals,” softly at the start, then getting louder. Every man it seemed lent his voice to the lyrics.
Buffalo Gals, won’t you come out tonight and dance by the light of the moon.
Brett could feel Dowlen’s fury. He began to scream at them to hush, to take their job seriously. One by one, what had seemed a formidable army collapsed into drunken revelry and abandonment of their leader. At last, only Brett’s neighbor and a handful remained.
“Appears you lost your men, Dowlen,” Brett called. “I’d go find some hot coffee and a bed if I were you.”
“Good thing you’re not me, Liberty. They’ll be back. Maybe you’re the one who needs sleep. You haven’t had any the last two nights by my count. A man might fall asleep out here.”
“You’re awful considerate,” Brett answered back in a lazy tone. “Maybe I’m growing on you. Could be you don’t hate me as much as you think you do.”
Oldham answered back this time. “He only wants you gone. I want you dead. Before this is over, I’ll put your heathen carcass six feet under.”
“I’m afraid you’re gonna be mighty disappointed. This is my land, and I’m staying. There’s not enough men in the whole state of Texas to make me leave.”
“We have you outmanned,” Dowlen said. “When are you gonna see reason?”
A muscle worked in Brett’s jaw as he glanced in the directio
n of his camp and the orphans. He had a whole bunch of reasons to stand and protect. In fact, over two dozen of them.
In his book, that put right and justice on his side. Dowlen would find running him off the Wild Horse a mite difficult in the face of that.
Twenty-five
Rayna breathed a sigh of relief when she turned from the campfire to see Brett leading the tired men. She grabbed a cup, filling it with hot coffee, and stood waiting with it when he swung from the saddle.
Some of the weariness left his face as he took the cup. “Thank you. Rand said you were a keeper, and darn if I don’t think he might be right.”
Warmth flooded her face. That others saw her value brought a wonderful glow. Coming to Battle Creek had been a godsend. “Things went all right?”
“The white butterfly you saw must’ve brought us good luck. You’re starting to get me believing in this.” His hand sought hers.
She smiled happily and curled her fingers inside his grasp. “See? I told you. These omens are worth watching for. Sometimes a good one cancels out the bad.”
“Did you have a good night?”
“It was a light sleep. I kept listening for the children or trouble coming. No dreams.” She leaned closer and whispered, “I kept thinking about what we did before you left. About how good it felt and how your touches didn’t frighten me. They were so gentle, like the wind sighing over me.”
His dark eyes searched hers as though trying to see inside her head. “You never have to be afraid of me. I won’t hurt you.”
“I know. Thank you, Brett.”
If she hadn’t felt so many eyes on her, she’d have stood on tiptoe and boldly pressed a kiss on his lips. Since she couldn’t, she pulled away and began breakfast. The little ones would be stirring soon.
With thoughts of Brett filling her head, she prepared a big pot of the dish Bob had made the previous morning. It was simple to fix. The three sisters, Bob called it—beans, squash, and corn. While it cooked, she sent one of the men for some venison from a small smokehouse Brett had built. Men needed their meat. And, though she still couldn’t bear the thought of eating it, she could now cook it without retching.
Maybe that was a sign she’d begun to heal here, where she’d found her first real peace.
They were about ready to sit down to eat when a strange horse with a woman astride rode toward the camp.
Rayna squinted, making out Brett’s sister, Sarah. She was happy to see her and figured why she’d come.
Adam and Brett rose and went to meet her. Rayna was glad to see Adam’s big smile. She knew he’d missed his mother, especially following the accident that laid him up for almost two days.
“Morning, Sis.” Brett helped her down. “You’re just in time for breakfast.”
“I’ve already eaten, but thank you.” Worry clouded Sarah’s eyes. “Cooper told me about the orphans and the trouble that followed them. He said my son was hurt.”
Adam put his arms around his mother’s shoulders and kissed her cheek. “As you can see, I’m just fine.”
She patted his chest. “Don’t tell me that. I can feel the bandages Doc used to bind your ribs.”
“I’m walking though, ain’t I?” His grin persisted.
Rayna had to hide her chuckle. The fourteen-year-old who stood almost a foot taller than his mother had answers for everything. He was cut from the same cloth as Brett. Both were men of courage and a fine-tuned sense of justice.
She hurried forward. “Sarah, you’re a sight for sore eyes. I hope you don’t have to rush right back.”
Sarah’s attention wandered to the two dozen children eating their breakfast on blankets. “It looks like you can use some help. These poor dears. I plan to stay for a few days at least. When Potter Gray learned of the situation, he gave me some time off, told me to come and help.”
“I don’t need mothering,” Adam said low. “But I’m glad you can spend a day or two, Mama. I’ll show you around. The Wild Horse is amazing.”
With a sweeping gaze, Sarah took in the green landscape and the grazing horses. “I had no idea, Brett. This is beautiful. You’ve done quite well for yourself, Brother.”
“Thank you, Sarah. I’ve worked very hard,” Brett said quietly. “Come, let me introduce you to my tribe.”
Bob wobbled to his feet as they reached the campfire, took off his tall hat, and grinned. “Young Adam have strong mother. Much power.”
“Thank you. I’m honored.”
After Brett made the introductions, she leaned to whisper in Rayna’s ear. “Bob? That’s a little strange.”
Rayna colored and explained, saying, “It’s easier to remember.”
A real lady wouldn’t go around changing people’s names on a whim. She thought she had made progress until Sarah came. Being with her for only a few minutes, she realized how far she yet had to go. She gave Sarah’s plain dress a glance of approval. Fancy clothes did no good out on a ranch. But even in the plain dress with only one limp petticoat, the woman still put Rayna to shame.
Brett completed the introductions of Sister Bronwen, Rand, and the ranch hands. While he went to pour coffee for Sarah, Rayna and she talked about the children.
“They’re a lot of work for one person, but I’m glad I’m here,” Rayna said.
“Exactly why I came. Cooper told me you needed help. Has anyone given any thought about what to do with these orphans once they’re well?”
“Frankly, no. We haven’t had time for that. Do you have any ideas?”
“Not really. Where were they going before they arrived?”
“Sister Bronwen said they were taking them to a mission farther south. The one they were at burned.”
“Missions everywhere are overrun with orphans,” Sarah said. “They simply have no more room. Such a sad situation. Let me think about it. Maybe I can come up with a plan.”
Rayna hoped so. They would have to go somewhere soon.
Sarah rolled up her sleeves. “Tell me what you need. I’m ready to work.”
Laughing, Rayna laid her hand on Sarah’s arm. “There’s nothing to do until the children finish eating. Here’s Brett with your coffee. Sit down and enjoy it.”
Sarah nodded and took the cup, then went to sit beside Bob. Rayna noticed how he beamed at the attention she paid him. It must be horrible to be left with nothing but memories as the body slowly crumbled. The old Comanche couldn’t do much except sit in the sunshine and wait to die. Though he irritated everyone at times, he was only trying to hold on to a little dignity in a cold world that had passed him by.
The stern-faced nun with her sharp tongue was bound and determined to steal that from him. Sure, Bob had messed up—everyone did some time or other—but Bronwen needed to let go.
Rayna had become defensive of Bob, who was like a grandfather to not only her, but Brett also, she suspected. She’d watched his face as Bob taught him things about the Comanche people. It was as if he was discovering lost pieces of himself.
She thought of Brett’s pride when he asked his sister to come meet his tribe. Warmth spread through her, remembering the way he’d said it. It was as if she felt long-absent sunshine on her face.
She belonged here—maybe not as part of his family, but his tribe. Here on the Wild Horse Ranch everyone had purpose and worth. Maybe together, she and Bob could find theirs.
Hoofbeats interrupted the sound of low talk around the fire. She glanced up and saw Cooper Thorne sitting tall in the saddle. That he rode in a hurry couldn’t be good. Alarm that was never far from the surface these days skittered through her veins as Brett strode to meet him.
Cooper’s favorite mount, a buckskin named Rebel, had barely stopped before Battle Creek’s sheriff swung to the ground. “Wanted to warn you of the latest.”
“I smell bad news. Let me have it,” Brett said quietly.
“Dowlen has rallied the entire town of China Wells to his cause, not just the drunks now. He told them that you’re stealing his cattle, and that the
orphans have smallpox, and the disease is spreading. If that’s not bad enough, Oldham has convinced a good many who lost family in Comanche raids that you’re gathering all these so they can rise up against them.”
“Children and one old man?” Standing close, Rayna could feel the fury sweeping through Brett. “If I had that in mind, I’d reach out to the young warriors, men who know how to fight. Surely they aren’t buying that bunch of hogwash.”
“Fear clouds folks’ ability to reason. Oldham is counting on that.”
“What if I go and try to talk to these people? Maybe I can calm them down.”
Sad hopelessness crossed Cooper’s bloodshot eyes. “That’s what I’ve spent the night and this morning doing. They refuse to listen.”
Rayna tightly clutched a piece of wood she’d lifted to add to the fire. Dowlen just wasn’t going to leave them alone.
“Outright lies, all of them,” Brett murmured.
She watched his weary glance shoot to the playing children and felt his frustration.
“There’s also a rumor he’s called for the Texas Rangers, which would be a very good thing,” Cooper went on. “Though I’m sure it’s not true. Those two don’t want lawmen here.”
The lines of Brett’s face froze into a mask of stone. “Figured as much. We exchanged words last night in a tense standoff.”
Rayna sucked in her breath. He hadn’t told her that. Maybe he hadn’t wanted her to worry. She listened as Brett relayed how Dowlen’s men had gotten drunk, and one by one they’d left, leaving their leader alone.
“Dowlen is recruiting a better class of men who will fight for his cause,” Cooper said. “He’s dangerous.”
“Has he tried in Battle Creek?”
“Tried, but didn’t get far.”
“That’s good news at least.”
Cooper nodded. “They won’t give him the time of day, especially after I told them Edgar Dowlen’s accusations were just lies. We need to think about moving the children to my place.”
Brett shook his head. “Your babies are still too fragile. They’re just getting a hold in life. These orphans could give them this disease. I won’t have that on my conscience.”