Candle Glow and Mistletoe: Romance on the Oregon Trail Book 5

by Ball, Kathleen

“I have one more for my girl,” Big Red said. “I brought it over by mistake.” He handed her a package.

  She opened it and smiled. New buckskins complete with a new jacket. “Oh my…”

  “Your favorite one has bullet holes in them so I thought…”

  She was in his arms hugging him. “You thought right. But… when did you have a chance to…?”

  He shuffled his feet. “I… might have had planned on giving them to you all along. And… ah Miss. Amy helped.”

  A laugh burst from her lips. “I love you, Pa,” she said, throwing her arms around his neck.

  They sang Christmas songs until the turkey was ready. Amy served it and then sat down next to Big Red. It felt right and Rhetta smiled. He deserved to be happy. There was much laughter as they told stories of their childhoods. Rhetta had heard them all many times, but she enjoyed hearing them again. Having such a wonderful family was indeed a blessing.

  Dawn and Heath stood and announced that they would have a new member of their family in about five months. Maura looked happy. And happy looked good on her. Tara and Zander must have apologized to her.

  Rhetta listened to other conversations going on around her. Apparently, the lumber yard was doing very well and they could all build castles if they wanted to. Their cattle were being sought out, and the prices they were getting astounded them. The horses had produced a few winners at the races that year.

  It was good to know everything was well, but she had never wanted a castle. Her house suited her just fine. A thought crossed her mind. She could always be a ranch hand; she knew everything about the business. Maybe she would approach Harrison after the holidays.

  They lit the candles on the tree and somehow she felt a special blessing from God. Her doubts had faded. She kept this warm serene loving feeling that washed over her to herself. It gave her something to hold on to and to remind her that the Lord was always with her.

  The day was coming to an end and she didn’t even want to think about the next day or the next. Harrison and Zander carried her new hope chest into her house and then her bedroom. They even helped to move her bed back. Tara stopped over and gave her a huge hug and kiss.

  Rhetta had already told Big Red to take his time with Amy. After all, she had Swifty to keep her company. Swifty played while she undressed and put on her nightgown. Her green dress went back into the wardrobe for another year. The hope chest beckoned to her, and she kneeled before it. The workmanship was just so intricate. Two hearts entwined had been carved on the top.

  Looking inside, this time she took each item out and admired it. So many stitches and so much love went into the items. It would have been the most perfect gift. Baby booties, cap and matching blanket were so soft. The little gowns were crisp, and white all decorated with embroidery. They must have worked on it all year. She carefully and lovingly put each item back and got to her feet. She gently closed the lid.

  There was a reason it was called a hope chest and not a marriage chest. A body could always hope, but some hopes just died. That was just how life was.

  She crawled into bed, determined not to cry, but the tears came anyway. He hadn’t gone to Canada, not yet anyhow. She could feel him near, but what if that was just wishful thinking on her part? She’d done well all day keeping herself together. If she was going to cry, it would be better when Big Red wasn’t here. And then the tears didn’t stop flowing. She’d never use the aprons or the wedding quilt. She’d never have a child of her own. How long did one wait until it became the hopeless chest and the items given to another woman who still had hope left?

  There must be something wrong with her. The townspeople were just plain ignorant, but she had thought Swift Eagle understood her and was starting to care for her, even love her. What did she even know about love anyway? She’d made a huge mess of everything with her feelings. Tomorrow she’d go hunting, and no one would stop her. She had tried being the kind of woman who cooked and was good with the kids, but that was only a tiny part of who she was. She’d leave Big Red a note. He wouldn’t be happy, but he’d understand.

  Chapter Eight

  Clear skies and a bright sun, she couldn’t have asked for a better day. She’d walked most of the way to a clearing she knew near the river. Near it was a cave. It wasn’t deep enough for an animal but it was deep enough to keep the wind off. Her spirit felt much lighter than it had. Nature usually made her feel that way.

  She quickly started a fire and skinned the rabbit she’d caught. She had considered bringing Swifty, but the thought of chasing after him all day didn’t appeal to her. She shivered as a bit of icy winter wind found her. The temperature was falling, and she moved closer to the fire, glad of its warmth. She bit off a piece of rabbit. It sure tasted good after a day of exercise.

  As she ate, she sat back and mulled over her life. There was nothing wrong with her. She was happy with the way she was, and if a man didn’t like it, well, too bad.

  A twig snapped, and she grabbed her rifle. Scanning the area, she saw a man.

  “Rhetta, it’s me Kevin. Your pa asked me to look after you!” he yelled from a safe distance.

  “Figures,” she mumbled. “Come on in.”

  “I figured you wouldn’t want to be found, but I’m frozen. I was going to camp and go back and say I don’t know where you went, but I changed my mind when I saw the fire.”

  Rhetta starred at the tall cowboy. He had brown hair and green eyes. Actually, he was quite handsome, and Essie had told her the girls in town were crazy for him.

  “There’s rabbit if you’re hungry.” She pointed at the partially eaten rabbit she had left near the fire. “I will melt some snow for drinking water. I’ll melt more in the morning to fill our canteens. If I do it now the water will freeze in the canteens.”

  “Thanks,” he murmured, moving toward the rabbit. “I don’t sleep outside much in the winter.” He waited a moment and then, “There’s a rumor that you’re hurting over Swift Eagle.”

  She sighed. Of course someone had noticed and the talk had begun. “It’s true, but I can’t do anything about it. You know I’m different from other girls. I like to camp and hunt in the winter, for example. He seemed to like me for who I am. Usually I never get looked at, even by the men who work the ranch.”

  “We’re not allowed to look at you, or talk to you, or tip our hats,” he whispered. “No winking or smiling. Everyone is told that their first day.”

  Her stomach dropped. “Big Red?”

  Kevin nodded, a wry smile twisting his lips. “He’s just keeping you safe.”

  “I thought there was something wrong with me.”

  “Nothing in particular. Like you said, you’re different, but men are different too. Some want to live in wide open country and others like the city. You need to get to know a person before you discount them.” He helped himself to some coffee.

  Perhaps there was some hope for her out there after all.

  “How many days will we be camping?” he asked.

  “It’s not exactly proper to have you here with me. I suppose we’ll head home tomorrow.” Plus she had her knife handy if needed.

  * * *

  Swift Eagle felt as though someone had hit him in the gut. He hadn’t seen that… that interloper before. Rhetta didn’t seem afraid of him. In fact, she spoke with him as though she knew him. Had he been wrong the whole time?

  No, he knew he wasn’t. He’d decided not to go to Canada. It had been like ripping a part of him off and leaving it behind when he’d left Rhetta under the hanging plant. He scowled. Must have been invented by a woman, kissing under a plant. Maybe there was some kind of white man’s medicine in it. He stared at her feet. She was wearing his gift. He had almost expected to find the moccasins thrown in the snow, but they were on her feet. The man with her was more her age. Maybe they had more in common.

  He’d been tracking her all day keeping an eye on her. What had Big Red been thinking allowing her to go camping alone? There was plenty of danger
out here and that boy just might be the biggest threat. Except there was something else…

  “I’m going to turn and throw this knife at you faster than you can pull a trigger,” he told the man behind him.

  “Dang, I thought I was silent.”

  “You do well for a white man, Big Red. Did you send that good looking fella to Rhetta?”

  “I did. I figured she wouldn’t come back home with me out of pure stubbornness.”

  “She likes him? He wasn’t at Jesus’ birthday with her.”

  “I knew it! You couldn’t leave her, could you? You broke her heart, though! She cried her eyes out all because of you!”

  He took a step back. “I… made her cry?”

  Snow crunched, and they both turned.

  “Well hello you two,” said Rhetta, wearing a smile that did not seem pleased. “I didn’t realize when I went to be alone I’d be hosting a party. Might as well stay by my fire.” She turned and stomped off.

  She shook her head at Kevin. “We have guests. I’m going to sleep.” She grabbed her bedroll and put it in the best place as far as wind and snow went. She lay down, covered herself, and turned with her back to the fire. Now she could sleep, and they could stand guard. Of all the underhanded things for them to do. They still thought her a child, no matter what they said. She had money she’d been putting aside, and she would build her own house—by herself.

  She heard them come to the fire and she heard whispers, but she refused to wonder if they were talking about her. She already knew the answer. But she hadn’t slept well the last few nights, and once she closed her eyes she was out.

  * * *

  The sun hadn’t even thought of rising when she packed her things. She was quiet but he could still see the anger on her face and the hurt. He had never meant to be the one who placed them there, but it had been he. Swift Eagle pretended to sleep, but he was aware of every movement she made. He’d give her a head start before he trailed her.

  Poor cowboy Kevin. He hadn’t brought warm enough clothes or blankets. He shivered all night. Big Red should have made it clear just how cold it was at night in the winter.

  He studied Rhetta through half-open eyelids. Each movement she made was graceful and efficient. Why he had ever thought he could just walk away, he didn’t know. He wasn’t ever going to let her go. Their union was fated. He knew that now. He’d build a dwelling on the land if necessary. Surely Luella would allow him a bit of her land.

  If he was hunting he had patience to sit and wait all day, but now he couldn’t stand staying still. Giving up the attempt, he got up, packed and left. He followed her tracks until they suddenly stopped. He glanced around, frowning. Who had taught her how to cover her tracks? It took him a while, but he finally found them again. He shouldn’t be so worried. She had said she was going home.

  His Rhetta was fearless and strong, but there were always danger in the woods. She shouldn’t walk alone.

  She’d been on his mind and in his heart ever since he’d left. He realized he had made a big mistake, but oddly, returning hadn’t fixed it. Nothing was ever that simple.

  The footprints disappeared. Again, she hid her tracks. He smiled and kept walking to the houses. He’d get there before her if she kept wiping her tracks away. They all knew where she was going. If she liked Cowboy Kevin, wouldn’t she have woken him when she left? Maybe not. He hadn’t figured out how her mind worked yet.

  He was in sight of the houses when he was knocked off his feet. Someone was on his back. Instinct told him to use his knife but caution told him it could be Rhetta. He stilled and slowed his breathing while closing his eyes.

  “Swift Eagle? Did you hit your head?” She turned him over and he grabbed her around the waist and held on as she struggled. Finally she gave up and put her head down on his shoulder.

  “I’m so sorry for the way I left. I just didn’t want cause heartache. Your father had made it clear that you were too young for me, and I agreed. And… I am Lakota. I will always be seen as an Indian. A white man would be best for you. A man like Cowboy Kevin.”

  She quickly pushed up and broke his hold. Then she stood and gave him a long glare before she strode off.

  This was going to take longer than he’d thought. He stood and gathered his things and walked to Luella’s place. He knew he was welcome there.

  Declan opened the door, took one look and opened it wider. “I wondered where you went.”

  “Long story I’m afraid. Rhetta went camping, and there were three of us tracking her.”

  “Who was the third?”

  “Cowboy Kevin.”

  “Cowb — Oh, Kevin. He’s new, but I heard from Essie that he’s very handsome.” Declan frowned. “Not what you wanted to hear?”

  “Not exactly. He was allowed to eat with her and have fun talking, but the moment Big Red and I were discovered watching, the fun ended.” He shook his head, struggling to understand. “We were just showing her we care.”

  Laughter could be heard in the next room. Swift Eagle took his outside clothes off and turned. Of course, it was Luella. He gave her a big hug.

  “Brr, you’re cold. You and Big Red need to give Rhetta some space. I saw you kiss her under the mistletoe and then leave. I also saw the look on her face. Broken hearts need time to heal.” She tilted her head to the side as though sizing him up. “Do you plan to stay?”

  “I must see if I am welcomed at her house. I’m sure it’s fine with Big Red, but she should have a say too.”

  “You’re on the right track, wanting her to be happy. You’re always welcome here. The boys just love you.” Her smile brightened the whole room, but it was almost canceled out by Declan’s big frown.

  “Thank you for the offer. She left camp before the sun was up, and I waited a bit so I could follow. If I could stay until Big Red gets back, I’d appreciate it. He’s an early riser.”

  “Rhetta healed fast. Most people would still be in bed after such an injury,” Declan told them. “I’m going to grab some coffee.”

  “I assume you want to sit by the window to see when Big Red comes home?” There was a hint of teasing in Luella’s voice.

  “Or that Cowboy Kevin. Rhetta acted most comfortable with him.”

  Declan came back with coffee and biscuits. “Suppose you do marry Rhetta. How do you expect to support her?”

  “Go lift my pack.”

  Declan tried to raise it with one hand, but it took two. “This is so heavy.”

  “Mostly cash money from selling animal pelts. I’d like to raise horses.”

  “I’m not sure we need any help,” Declan said.

  Swift Eagle shook his head. “Not those fancy horses you have. Cow ponies for the rest of the territory. I can train them to work with the cattle. I have heard of enough men grumbling there aren’t any good horses around.”

  Declan’s eyebrows rose. “Actually, that’s a great idea. If we keep the horses separate, it’ll work. I bet the army needs horses as well.”

  “They do. They have many swaybacks.” A frown settled on his brow. “I cannot, by law, own land in Oregon.”

  “We can talk about that later.”

  Movement from outside, drew Swift Eagle’s attention. “Big Red is back. I should go. I thank you.”

  Luella nodded. “You are always welcome here, my friend.”

  Swift Eagle took her hand and gave it a quick squeeze before he left. Would he be welcome in Big Red and Rhetta’s home? He would knock and see.

  Rhetta opened the door and then slammed it shut. A few seconds later, Big Red opened the door and ushered him inside. Rhetta stood with her arms folded in front of her, wearing a mutinous expression on her face.

  “The extra bedroom is yours and you may stay as long as you like,” Big Red welcomed him. “There’s a storm coming.”

  “I saw that. Looks like it’ll be bad. I’ll help bring in wood to all the houses.” He put his pack down and went back outside.

  * * *

  Big Red
wagged his finger at her. “Rhetta, I don’t want to hear it. Maybe I did you a disservice letting you go with me on all my hunting trips. It was just the two of us so they were always spur-of-the-moment trips, but you can’t just go like that. You gave me quite a start.” He shook his head. “I should have married and given you a ma. I just didn’t know what to do with you. One day I was a single man and the next I was your pa.”

  “Do with me?” Her voice was little more than a whisper. “You won’t have to worry about me much longer. I’m sorry to be a disappointment to you.” She hurried into her room and quietly closed the door, leaning her back against it trying to pull herself together. He wasn’t her real pa, and she’d never known he apparently had wished he hadn’t taken on responsibility for her.

  He always acted as though she was his pride and joy. It was fine. She’d already decided to build a house of her own, but where? She couldn’t get land of her own as a single woman. Her heart physically hurt. She slid down the door and sat on the floor. What were the laws in Canada? Could she own land there? She needed to go to town and find out unless Harrison knew. He knew an awful lot about everything.

  No, that wouldn’t work. He would go straight to Big Red, and she didn’t want to tip anyone off. When she left it would be for good. If her pa—no, Big Red—had never wanted her, she could only imagine how the rest really felt. It wasn’t as though a family hadn’t rejected her before. She couldn’t own land, not free land, that was. Could she buy it? There were women who owned their own stores. She probably could have them make an exception if it was land no one else wanted.

  Outside her room, the front door closed, and she opened her bedroom door. He was gone, good. Hurriedly she grabbed her stuff and some supplies and her money and left out the back. Though before she left, she put the pearls back in Big Red’s room. She hesitated outside Swift Eagle’s door, but she had nothing to say to him.

  A storm was coming, and she needed to hurry. The storm would be a blessing. It would keep them from looking for her. The wind was kicking up, so she walked as fast as she could; There was always shelter in town, even if she had to sleep in the jail. She didn’t even feel tired. She needed to change into her dress before she got there and it was beyond punishing cold but she did it.