“All right. It’s because of you this town has come alive. I’ll get a sign made today and take it out there.”
Cassie went into the dining room to see if anyone needed more coffee. Her pot was just about empty when Dawson caught her arm.
“I need some little lady.”
She looked at him and nodded, pouring the last bit into his cup.
He held her wrist and rubbed it with his thumb. “You’re a pretty little lady.”
She kept her head down and didn’t look at him. When Aunt Ethel was at her worst, Cassie had learned to not look her in the eye. If Cassie remained submissive, Ethel tired of toying with her.
Once, Cassie had watched a cat play with a mouse. Finally, the mouse didn’t move but lay there as if it were dead. The cat pawed at it, then lost interest and left it, and the mouse got up and scampered away.
She’d play the mouse right now. And she had to admit that Sam had been right. Dawson was no one to toy with.
He grinned, yet his remained cold and hard. “I could make you happy. Want to come with me? I’m going west to Oregon. You’d make a nice woman for me.”
“I’m engaged.” Cassie finally looked him straight in the eye, daring him to make her blink.
He finally gave up the game and let her go. “Better get some more coffee.”
She forced herself to walk and not run to the kitchen. She couldn’t show fear, or he’d take advantage of her.
Sam caught her when she entered the kitchen. “I told you to stay clear of him.” Sam peeked out the curtain separating the rooms. “He’s just sitting there. Is he expecting you to come sit with him?”
“No. I told him I was engaged.”
Sam looked worried. “Did you tell him who you were engaged to?”
She looked at him with a bit of irritation. “No, don’t worry. I didn’t say it was to you.”
“Good. He’s one man I don’t want to get crosswise with. I’m going to make that sign.”
“Sam, do you have a gun I can have? A derringer, if possible.” She never liked guns, but she knew she was in dangerous territory in this town. And needed some sort of protection.
Sam nodded. “I’ll go get it now. It’s in the general store, but you’re right. You need some protection.”
Cassie busied with the dishes and washed the ones she had already collected and brought to the kitchen. She wasn’t about to go back out there to get the others until Dawson left. She leaned against the cabinet and wondered how she had only been in this town for two days, but it felt like ten years.
She no longer felt like the young woman who had lived with her aunt and uncle. She’d aged what felt like years. What would Travis think of her now? Would he still want her, or would she look old and tired or worse used?”
Sam came back in through the back door and put a derringer in her hand and a box of bullets on the table. “It’s loaded, so be careful.” He looked around to make sure no one else was in the room. “I feel better now that you have a gun. Don’t let anyone know. Keep it in your pocket at all times. And at night, sleep with it under your pillow.”
She nodded. He must be worried about Dawson. Hopefully, the dangerous stranger would leave today, and that would be the end of him.
Sam smiled at her. “If I was a few years younger, I’d ask you to marry me. I’ll take care of you the best I can, but I’m no gunfighter.”
“Thanks, Sam. We’ll be fine. Are you a believer?”
“A what?”
“God. Do you believe in Him?”
Sam frowned. “Once I did. Been a while since I went to church. We don’t have one here in Calder.”
Cassie smiled at him. “Start praying, He’s still there. My parents died, and I got angry at God. Now, I realize that He never left me. It was me who left Him. Ask the Lord, and He’ll take you back. I have my mother’s Bible and read out of it last night. It brought me great comfort.”
Sam looked at her. “I have a Bible. It was my mother’s. I’ll find it and do the same tonight.” He left her and went to the back, saying something about the sign.
Cassie decided she’d go to her room and lock the door. She needed to pray and read the Bible herself.
Chapter 10
Travis had left the big train early in the morning and pushed the mules hard all day, but just before dusk, he saw the dust from another wagon train. He elbowed Matt awake. “There’s the wagons. We’ve about made it.”
Matt shifted on the wooden seat. “Good thing.”
Travis laughed. “Looks like they’re getting ready to stop. We can pull up behind the last wagon and ride our horses to the front to let Watkins know we’re here. Then, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to find Cassie.”
Matt grinned. “Well, I’ll be right behind you looking for Abbie.”
Thirty minutes later, the wagon was lined up with the others, and the mules were unharnessed and hobbled. Campfires were starting along the line, but Travis wanted to find Cassie.
“Let’s go.” Travis took the reins to his horse and mounted.
Matt was right behind him.
They found Captain Watkins and told him they were back. He was surprised but happy to see them.
Matt grinned. “Where are Abbie and Cassie’s wagons?”
Watkins frowned but told them they were halfway near the big oak just off the trail.
Matt took off.
Travis thanked him and left. Soon he’d see her. Then he’d know if his feelings had been a dream or real. He saw Annette setting the table for dinner. She looked up and smiled and then ran for the back of their wagon.
He didn’t see Cassie anywhere and hoped she wasn’t sick.
Ethel came from behind the wagon. She stared at him but didn’t say a word.
Travis dismounted. “Where’s Cassie?”
Ethel turned away to straighten napkins on the table. “She’s not here.”
“Is she with Abbie?”
Ethel faced him. “No. Sean and I felt it better to take her to a town and let her stay there. She was no longer fit in with our family.”
Travis felt a cold wave of panic flow through him. “What town? Where?”
Ethel waved him off. “Some little town by the crossroads. Sean took her.”
Travis stomped to the front of the wagon and grabbed Sean. “What town?”
Cassie’s uncle shrunk in fear. “I don’t know the name. It’s a small town. A man, Sam Calder, I gave her to him. She was going to stay in a hotel.”
“You gave her to him.” Travis drew back his fist, but Sean was such a miserable excuse of a man that hitting him wouldn’t be worth it. Instead, he shoved him down and turned back to Ethel.
“Did you give her my letter?”
“Yes, I did.” The woman’s eyes shifted.
Too angry to stay, Travis turned to go when he saw Annette. She had Cassie’s locket around her neck. He strode to her and grabbed her. “Where did you get Cassie’s locket?”
“She gave it to me.”
Travis grabbed the girl and took the locket from her. He opened it and saw his piece of lace inside it. His heart stalled. The lace had been in the letter. How would Annette get it? Unless Cassie never got the letter.
Holding the locket in his fist, he yelled at Ethel. “I’m going to find Cassie. If she’s been hurt at all, I’ll be back to make you pay. I hope you can live with yourself.”
He stormed out of their camp, took his horse, and walked to Matt and Abbie. He didn’t wait for them to speak. “They dropped Cassie off at some town.”
Abbie was crying. “I’ve tried to find out where they took her. I woke up, and she was gone. Her mare and the filly were still here, but Cassie was gone. Then I saw Annette with Cassie’s locket. She would never give it away.”
Travis shook his head. “What am I going to do?”
Matt put a hand on his shoulder. “Go back and find her. I’ll go with you.”
Abbie held onto Matt. “Yes, find her. I worry about her.”
Travis shook his head. “You stay with Abbie and get to Oregon and save us land for that ranch. I’ll go back to find Cassie and meet you there.”
Matt looked troubled. “We’re partners. I don’t feel right leaving you.”
Travis took their hands and held them together. “You two deserve a life together. Who knows what I’ll find? If I can, I’ll get Cassie and bring her with me to Oregon. You take the wagon. You and Abbie.”
Abbie grabbed both of them and pulled them to her wagon. “You can have a good meal tonight.”
Travis was so tired and defeated. She was gone. God only knew what had happened to her. He paused in his thoughts. God did know what happened. Travis prayed for Cassie and that the Lord would lead him to her.
Abbie put an arm around him. “Cassie will be fine. She’s waiting for you to find her. I know that. You two were meant to be together.”
Travis nodded. “I believe it, too. I’ll just have to go back and find her.”
He ate his dinner and then went back to the wagon for a fitful night’s sleep. Early tomorrow, he’d ride east and find Cassie. It was the only thing he could do.
Travis stretched back and looked at the moon. Maybe she was looking at it, too. He felt a connection as if the Lord was telling him that she was waiting for him. Wanting to come to him.
“I’m coming for you, Cassie. Hold onto the Lord, and I’ll be there as soon as I can. Lord, keep her safe.”
***
Cassie almost enjoyed making the little town come alive. After Sam put up the sign, they had ten wagons arrive in town. The travelers spent the night in the hotel, ate at the diner, and bought supplies from the store.
Sam had taken a wagon to the next town over to buy some supplies and chickens. They could have sold every chicken and egg they had but had to keep most of them to have eggs for breakfast and chicken for food.
The other men in the town had jumped in. They were working hard on various businesses and ideas to take advantage of the next wagons that came into town. Although it would be a seasonal business, the town should be able to make a good profit.
One family had decided to stay. Cassie liked them. A young man and his wife who was with child. They planned to farm and bought the land to the east of town.
Cassie finished washing sheets and hung them up. She kept a wary eye about her as Dawson hadn’t left town yet. He merely grunted when asked why he was saying, but she’d seen him look at her. And she didn’t like it. The little derringer never left her.
She almost had enough to buy a horse. Yet, it scared her to think about striking out on her own. Cassie thought about asking the next wagon train if anyone needed her to watch children or take care of the cooking so she could ride with them.
Sam was against her going on her own. He’d become like an uncle to her. At first, she’d feared him, but she realized he was a good man. Now that his town was looking better and things had picked up, Sam walked around with confidence instead of fear. Except when he was near Dawson.
That man was a menace. And Calder didn’t have a sheriff. Not that she’d want any man to have to go up against Dawson. But someone needed to put him in his place.
Cassie went to the kitchen to start lunch. She looked out in the distance and saw some wagons coming their way. Sam would be pleased. Today she’d make chicken pot pie. A couple of the hens were past laying, and it was time for them to go. Besides, Sam was bringing in a load of hens today.
Ellie ran in from the back door. “Sorry I’m late. Dawson wouldn’t let me out the door. Said I belonged in the saloon. Pig. I’m not going back to the saloon. You said you’d teach me to cook.”
Cassie welcomed her in. “I’d be happy to, and then you can take over the kitchen.”
Ellie shook her head. “You’re still believing that man of yours is going to come and rescue you.”
“Yes, I am. Travis will come. Somehow. That or I’ll ride to Oregon and find him.”
With a dreamy look on her face, Ellie leaned against the wall. “You must really love that man. Once, long ago, I had a man I loved. Things happened. We didn’t get married, and well, here I am.”
“I’m sorry. Life can be hard. I lost my parents. But that is the past. We can move on and make a better life for ourselves.” Cassie sighed. “Every night, I look at the moon and think how Travis is looking at it, too. I’ll find him.”
After a few moments of quiet, while each of them contemplated their losses, Cassie pointed to the chickens she’d cooked. “Start pulling the meat off. Then we’ll boil the bones and make chicken soup.”
Ellie was a quick learner. And happy for the chance to get out of the saloon life.
Later that afternoon, Sam drove the wagonload of supplies to the back of the kitchen. “Come and help me unload the goods.You know, I feel guilty the way you were treated, and that uncle of yours used me to hold you here. I have a surprise for you.”
Cassie grinned at him. “You do?”
He shoved a crated of supplies for the kitchen at her. “Unload these, and then I’ll tell you.”
Cassie put the supplies away and then finished helping Ellie make the last of the chicken pot pies. “With the wagons coming, I think we need four more.”
Ellie nodded. “You’ve made this town come alive. I wouldn’t have given it another month before it blew away in the dust along with the rest of us. We did nothing until you got here. Now, look. Calder is a place to want to come to.”
Cassie grinned. “Maybe it was all the hard work I had to do for my aunt and uncle. They meant it for bad, but the work made me strong, and I learned how to do so many things. I’m proud of this town.”
Ellie was several years older and looked like she’d had a hard life, but when she smiled, she looked younger. “You could stay. Sam likes you. I know he’s a little old for you—”
Cassie patted Ellie’s hand. “I see him look at you as if he’s interested.”
Ellie blushed. “You think so? But I’m a saloon girl.”
“Not anymore. And Sam has noticed.” Cassie peeked out the back of the kitchen and saw Sam walk in. “Why are you looking so proud of yourself?”
Sam strutted inside. “I found a couple that are going west to Oregon. They missed the spot in the wagon train they had signed up for and said they needed to find a train to follow. I asked if they needed help, and they said yes.” He pulled Cassie outside and pointed. “There they are by the store picking up a few supplies. I told them you were a hard worker.”
“Oh, Sam.” She hugged him. “Thank you. When are they leaving?”
“Tomorrow morning. Come on, I’ll introduce you to them.” Sam took her by the hand and led her to the wagon. “Lila, Tom, I brought Cassie Taylor to meet you.”
A woman and man came from the other side of the wagon. She was a bit older than Cassie but as pretty and sweet looking as pie. Tom was blond and looked strong and capable. He held out his hand. “I’m sure glad you’re coming along. We’re pretty new to the whole thing and needed someone who knew how to cook and keep the wagon going.”
Cassie smiled and shook their hands. “I guess Sam told you why I need to go to Oregon.”
Lila nodded. “And we will do anything to help you find him.”
“Thank you. I’ll be ready to leave in the morning. I can’t thank you enough. I have a little money to pay for my supplies.”
Tom laughed. “I do things in big ways. I’ve got plenty. Sam helped me pick out some more items that will be useful, and we’re getting them now.”
Cassie walked to the four mules. “They look healthy. I’m good with animals, too.” She patted the nearest mule. “I can’t believe I’m going to be on my way.”
Tom grinned. “You might write a letter to your man and mail it. Send one to Fort Laramie and another to Fort Bridger. You might be able to catch him in one of those places and ask him to wait for you.”
“Excellent idea. I’ll do that right now. I’m sure Sam will deliver it to the post office for
me.”
“I sure will.” Sam looked back at the open kitchen door and frowned. “If you don’t mind, Ellie needs a little help with the pot pies.”
Cassie laughed. “Oh, I forgot. Sorry, Sam. I’m on my way. Lila, I’ll see you in the morning, and I’ll get up early so we can have a good breakfast to start the day.”
Lila grinned. “I’ll see you at the diner.”
Cassie ran to the kitchen and saw that Ellie had a mess. Flour covered the counter, and one pie was on the floor.
“Oh, Cassie. You can’t leave yet. I made a mess.” Ellie wiped her face streaking it with more flour. “Sam is going to fire me.”
“Sam can teach you how to cook a lot of things. You’ll be fine.” Cassie made the last of the chicken pot pies and put them in the oven. She leaned against the counter and relaxed. “I am so excited.” Cassie looked at Ellie. “I haven’t even known Travis that long, but that we were meant for one another is certain.”
Ellie smiled. “I’m happy for you. I can see it in your eyes when you talk about him.”
“I better go and see what Sam needs me to do.” Cassie left Ellie busy boiling water for coffee and went to the hotel looking for Sam. Instead, she found Dawson sitting in the foyer.
She turned to leave, but he grabbed her.
“You’re not leaving me, are you?” His dark eyes looked like black ice, gleaming, and dangerous.
“Let me go.”
He shook his head. “No, you’re not going anywhere. Not today and not tomorrow. I like looking at you.”
She twisted out of his grasp and backed toward the door. “Stay away from me.”
Dawson grinned and sat back down. “I can wait. I’m a patient man.”
She bolted out the door and ran into Sam.
“What’s wrong?”
“Dawson.” Worried that Sam would do something and get hurt, she grabbed his arm. “Leave him be. Please.”
Looking toward the door, Sam frowned. “Somebody is going to have to do something about that man.
“He’ll hurt you, Sam.”
Sam smiled. “I’ve spent most of my life running from bullies. But don’t you worry. I’m no fool.”
Cassie wanted to pack, but she didn’t want to go near the foyer until Dawson left. Instead, she went outside to the wagon and talked with Lila.
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