She squared her shoulders and put down the shirt she'd been mending and went to the bedroom. She kneeled to get her carpetbag from under the bed when Jackson called for her from the entrance.
With a deep breath of fortitude, she moved to the kitchen. He stood with his arms to his sides, a hopeful expression on his face. "I got the wagon hitched up. I thought since I'm about to leave you here for a couple of weeks, I should show you the lay of the land."
Adeline nodded mutely, too shocked to speak. He wasn't sending her away! She stood frozen as he went past her to the bedroom and came back with a blanket. "I noticed you don't have a coat, so we'll have to go to town and get you one. We can take advantage and pick up provisions for while I'm gone." He motioned for her to exit before him. With lightness to her step, she smiled at him and went outside.
As they rode slowly, Jackson pointed out landmarks, making sure she learned the distance and location of the pond, stables, and creek in conjunction with their home. They went to the stables and he patiently explained which two cows were for milking. "Don't be fooled by this one's sweet eyes. She'll kick you if you get anywhere near her with cold hands," he told her, pointing to a brown cow regarding them with that lazy expression only cows can pull off.
After leaving the stables, Jackson took Adeline to the pond, and climbed down from the cart. He grabbed the blanket, and then came around the other side and helped her down.
Buck wagged his tail, barked, and dashed after some wild fowl by the pond's edge. The sun made the water sparkle, and the light breeze rustled the branches in nearby trees making leaves fall and flutter to the ground. Adeline followed Jackson to a grassy patch where he spread the blanket. They sat next to each other in silence for several minutes just watching the water.
"I hope you'll be happy here, Adeline," Jackson's eyes were on his dog frolicking at the water's edge. He took his hat off, placed it beside him, and raked his fingers through his hair while she watched longingly, wishing she could touch him.
"So beautiful," she replied still studying him, not exactly sure if she was describing the land or him. Probably both. "There is no place I'd rather be."
Jackson turned to her. His blue eyes darkened into the heated gaze of a man who wanted what was before him. He leaned toward her and she met him halfway. The kiss was one of lovers who'd missed each other's touch, yet at the same time it was hesitant and unsure.
Delighted to have his touch again, Adeline placed her palm on his jawline and continued to kiss him. Jackson shifted and pressed his forehead to hers.
"Tell me." At the two simple words her stomach clenched. The question turned the heat of his kiss to ice in her veins. Her heart hammered erratically and she tried to move away, but found she couldn't, didn't want to move away from him. No, she'd face this. It was time. Jackson placed a soft kiss on the tip of her nose. "It's all right, Adeline. I'm here and I'm not going anywhere."
"I should have told you, but I was afraid... I was engaged," Adeline began. "I know I shouldn't have, but I succumbed when my fiancé told me it was acceptable to be intimate, since in only a matter of days we'd be husband and wife. It only happened once." She stopped her breath catching in terror.
"What happened to your fiancé?" Jackson watched her, his gaze unwavering. Panicked, Adeline couldn't think clearly. Peggy Ann's words echoed in her mind. "Tell him the truth. He'll understand." But would he?
"He died," she blurted, not able to meet his gaze.
His arms encircled her and he drew her closer. Jackson tipped her face up to him. "Did you love him?"
"No," Adeline replied without hesitation. "No, I never loved Billy Johnson."
He took her hands in his and straddled her legs, facing her, taking care not crush her legs with his weight. Adeline couldn't tear her eyes away from the handsome man who so readily believed her lie. At this moment she felt the lowest person to ever walk the earth. "I'll never hold it against you, Adeline, I promise you. I will cherish you and treat you with the respect you deserve."
Tears spilled at his words, and she choked on the lump of shame stuck in her throat. Divided between wanting to run from him in disgrace or hold him close, she began to shake.
"Shhh, dear, don't cry. It's going to be all right. I'm here. I will always be here." Jackson began to kiss the tears away.
He laid her down on the blanket and continued kissing her until his touch was all she could think about. She moaned in disappointment when he rose, only to sigh when he took his shirt off and stood to remove the rest of his clothes. Before long, both of them were unclothed and making very good use of the blanket under them, the sounds of their lovemaking intermingling with the rustling of the leaves in the wind and the gurgling of the creek's water through the rocks.
The next day was long, and Jackson hated that he'd be late getting home. Yet his spirits remained high at the thought of spending time with his bride.
"Your head must be in the clouds for you to miss that runaway." Heath came up and reined his horse alongside Jackson's.
"No, I didn't miss the damn cow wandering off over the hill. I was hoping it would come back on its own, so I could get them all in the corral and head home." Jackson replied, frowning toward the hill. "I didn't miss you riding up either."
Heath reached under his hat and scratched his head, smiling. "Go ahead, herd these. I'll be right back." He took off after the wayward animal.
After the cows were corralled, Jackson and Heath leaned on the fence and watched as Lucas gave the hired hands last-minute instructions. They were given two days off before they left for Oklahoma. The men mounted up and headed out. With a wave to Jackson, Lucas rode toward home.
"I wasn't sure I'd be able to catch you before you left," Heath told him, his expression unusually somber. "I know you know your way around a cattle drive, but it's dangerous, brother." Matching eyes met his. "Listen, be careful and ensure you got plenty of supplies." Heath untied a bag from his saddle and handed it to Jackson. "Here, take this."
After some hesitation, Jackson took the sack, but didn't peer into it yet, waiting for Heath to explain.
"It's some good coffee and some of the jerky you like. They got a fresh shipment in at the mercantile. Oh, and some mints." Heath did not move away, but scratched the stubble on his jawline his gaze on the ground.
"What's gotten into you? Is something wrong?" He was not sure why his brother acted so concerned.
Heath shrugged. "Nah, it's just that -- well, I don't like you leaving without me along."
A soft blush crept across his younger brother's face, and Jackson laughed. He threw an arm around Heath's shoulder and pulled him into a half hug. "Well, I'll be. You're worried about your old brother? Boy, you want to worry about something? Worry about keeping an eye on my wife."
"I'll come out here as often as I can and check on Adeline, and Peggy Ann, too, but I'm sure they'll be fine. You know Peggy Ann's family will be coming over to see about her, too."
"Yes, and her brother, Adam, will be taking care of the breeders and upkeep of the place while we're gone," Jackson replied.
Both mounted and headed toward the house, parting ways at the road that lead into town.
"I'll see you when you get back brother," Health said and galloped off with a wave over his shoulder.
Jackson arrived home and Adeline greeted him with a long kiss, tempting him to ignore his grumbling stomach and take her straight to the bedroom instead, but she pushed him toward the washbasin, insisting he needed to eat. He watched her fawn over the meal, and, she hung on his every word as he told her about Heath's visit.
Jackson bit back a chuckle. Lucas had told him earlier Peggy Ann was behaving the same way. His partner was enjoying the attention so much he suggested they plan another cattle drive the following year. A slight curve to her lips, Adeline got up and refilled his coffee while standing closer than necessary, her breast brushing against his shoulder. Perhaps Lucas was on to something.
In spite of the emotional attachm
ent growing between them, Jackson couldn't shake the feeling something hung in the air between them. Several times out of the corner of his eye, he'd caught Adeline worrying her bottom lip, her eyebrows pinched. When she caught him studying her, she opened her mouth as if to say something but then held back. Something bothered her and he hated the fact she didn't feel comfortable enough with him yet to share whatever it was.
Once again, she was biting her lip and barely touching her dinner. "Is something wrong Adeline? You seem worried."
He caught a flicker of fear before she answered. "I'm worried about you leaving, it seems so soon after we've... gotten to know each other." A pretty blush swept across her cheeks.
"It's only for three weeks. Time will pass quickly, you'll see." He placed his hand over hers.
In spite of her reassuring smile, his gut told him something else bothered her. He wasn't sure if it was dread of him learning something about her that would change things or fear of doing anything to alter what they had at the moment, but Jackson didn't push the subject.
When he returned from the cattle drive, they would have plenty of time to get to know each other further, to learn each other's nuances. For now, he planned to make the most of their time together.
After dinner, when he finished bathing, he turned to find Adeline waiting for him in their bed, her hair spread like glowing embers across the pillow, her eyes half-closed as she watched him step from the tub. Her lips parted and gave him a most enticing invitation to join her.
The next morning, Adeline woke with a smile on her face. It felt intimate to wake and find her husband sleeping next to her.
He’d be gone in a matter of days, either two or three depending on getting all the items needed for the trip. According to Jackson, he hoped it was sooner because it meant returning faster to her.
“You think too loudly,” his blue gaze met hers. “What is stirring in that pretty head of yours?”
Adeline wanted to tell him the truth. About Billy, the guilt of having lied to her husband was like a boulder on her chest. A part of her wanted to wait until he returned. In the short time knowing him, she instinctively knew he’d be disappointed in her. However, she’d explain how she’d not wanted him to know there was always a chance someone from Virginia would come after her.
“I don’t wish you to go. It’s too soon. We’ve only just begun to get to know each other.”
He reached for her bringing her against his side and she rested her head on his chest. “Ask me anything. Let’s talk about each other.”
“Is there anything you dislike in a woman?”
Jackson chuckled. “You started off with a hard question.” He thought for a few moments. “I suppose not just in women, but men also. I don’t care for anyone who is dishonest.”
Her stomach sank.
“Now tell me,” Jackson said. “What about you, in a man?”
“Cruelty. My father is a cruel man.”
They continued talking for a long time until finally getting out of bed because of hunger. It was late morning and Adeline steeled herself. It was best to tell him the truth. To get it off her chest before it was too late.
She looked across the table to him. “Jackson... I...”
Loud knocks sounded and she jumped. Jackson shook his head. “That’s probably Lucas with news about our departure. Come in,” he called out.
It was Lucas who walked in and nodded at her before speaking to Jackson. “Good morning Adeline.”
He began talking to Jackson, not waiting for her to respond. “I found some cattle. Either they are stragglers who found their way back or someone released them back to our lands.” The man went outside.
Jackson came to Adeline. “I best go see about this.”
“I need to tell you I wasn’t...” Adeline considered it was probably not the right time. “Never mind, I’m being silly. Just nervous about your departure.”
He kissed her soundly and smiled. “I’ll be home for supper.”
Through the window she watched him and Lucas hurry off in the direction of the barn, the dog on Jackson’s heels.
“Everything is ready,” Jackson announced as she placed dinner in front of him. His gaze met hers. “I will miss you. This. In the short time we’ve been married, I’ve come to cherish our private time. You’ve made me a happy man, Adeline.”
It was hard to swallow as Adeline stared down at the plate. “I’m going to miss you Jackson.”
That night they made love with the urgency of two lovers bent on making memories. When Adeline cried, Jackson soothed her with kisses and caresses that only made her feel worse.
“Don’t cry Adeline,” he whispered in her ear and held her tightly until they fell asleep.
Chapter Eleven
Days became shorter, the wind crisper. Adeline went to the kitchen window. It was a clear sunny day. The two and a half weeks had passed with haste since Jackson and Lucas left to drive the large herd to Oklahoma. Adeline missed her husband's presence and found each day she felt more and more excited about Jackson's return.
Her stomach lurched for the second time since morning, and then the slight upset ebbed away. There was no doubt in her mind now. She was expecting. Adeline refused to think the child was not Jackson's. It was impossible to know since she'd not had her monthly courses since running away from her father and there was but a short time between the two men she'd had relations with.
After much thought, Adeline decided it was best not to tell Jackson her suspicions right away, and Peggy Ann agreed with her. She would wait a few days until Jackson was settled before giving him the news. At the same time, she would come clean and tell him the truth about Billy and her reasons for leaving Virginia. There would be no more secrets hanging over her head, nothing to keep her and Jackson from moving forward and having a good life together.
She would never again keep secrets from her husband.
If Jackson was the man she already knew him to be, he'd forgive her, maybe even accept the child whether it was his or not. However, if he didn't accept the baby, she wasn't sure what she'd do. Adeline wiped her brow. There was plenty of time to worry about those things later.
No, she wouldn't think about it right now. After all, it would be at least eight months before they'd know for sure who the infant's father was, and that should be obvious upon the birth.
The difference in looks between Billy and Jackson was startling; once the child was born there would be no doubt. Jackson was a towering, blond, blue-eyed man while Billy had black hair and dark brown eyes and he was slight of stature. She had no doubt God would help her through it all, and she leaned on that knowledge. For the moment, she prayed daily the child was Jackson's.
A strange sensation skittered over her skin and she rubbed her arms with her hands, wondering what caused it. The eerie sensation came and went all day long. Even after she checked on the cows and fed the chickens, Adeline kept glancing over her shoulder, sure someone was watching her. When dark clouds loomed overhead and the heaviness in the air became oppressive, she went inside and closed the door, barring it against anyone who would try to enter.
The fire rose and crackled when she added an extra couple of logs in an effort to dispel the chill that refused to budge from her body. The wind outside picked up and knocked something against the front door, making her jump.
When someone knocked at the door, Adeline crept to the window to peek outside. The sky was darkening, rain clouds gathered, and she squinted to make out the horse tied in front of the house. It resembled Heath's steed. Relieved, she rushed to the door and opened it.
Her heart stopped the instant she realized her great mistake.
"I didn't think it would be so easy to find you, Adeline." Billy Johnson stood in the doorway. Warily he stepped through the opening, his dark eyes darting past her, scanning the room. His right hand rested on the butt of the gun at his hip. Once assured she was alone, his lips curved into a satisfied smile.
Not able to breathe,
Adeline stumbled as far as she could until her back was flat against the narrow wall next to the doorway into the bedroom. The hard thumps of her pounding heart against her ribs made it hard to take a full breath. This could not be happening. Was she dreaming?
"Why?"
Billy kicked the door closed behind him. "Why did I come after you?" He sneered. "I can't let you take from me what I've worked for long and hard. Your daddy asked me to come after you, which I agreed to. We're getting married, Adeline. Once you're my wife, we'll return to Virginia, where you'll learn a few lessons on double-crossing Billy Johnson."
Not taking his steely gaze from her, Billy yanked a chair away from the table and turned it around so he could straddle it. Cold eyes regarded her. "I found out you took the stagecoach here. I can only imagine how you managed to get the fare money after only a few days at the whorehouse."
The bedroom door could be barred from the inside. Adeline assessed the distance out of the corner of her eyes. She'd keep Billy talking, and hopefully he'd get distracted long enough for her to chance dashing into the bedroom.
"Why would you want to come after me? You wasted your time, Billy. I'm married now, so I can't marry you."
His eyes widened at her words. "Stop lying. Who the hell would marry a woman who shows up on a stagecoach without a pot to piss in?"
"I'm not lying. My husband will be here any minute, and you need to leave before he gets home."
"No, I will stay right here. I'm going wait for him." A smirk curled his lips.
Where The Four Winds Collide Page 8