by Verna Clay
Roxy said, "I mean I think he likes you in a romantic way."
Still not looking at Roxy, Dovie said, "No. You're wrong. Besides, I'm sure he has a girlfriend."
Roxy remained persistent. "Maybe so, but that doesn't stop him from liking you. And I can tell that you like him a lot. You get all red whenever he's around."
Even though she knew it was true, Dovie said, "I turn red because of the weather. I'm hot."
Roxy giggled. "Yeah, hot for Toby."
Dovie finally turned to glare at the girl. "I am not."
Roxy smiled knowingly. "You are such a liar. But I promise to keep your crush on him a secret."
Dovie glanced away and didn't respond. The more she denied her feelings to Roxy, the more ridiculous she sounded.
At four o'clock the train circled another campground with picnic tables and the travelers prepared their wagons for the coming night. Over the course of the day, a new level of friendship and comradery had been forged between the pioneers and the cowboys.
Hank and his helpers started charcoal grills while more ice chests were brought out. Before long, the smell of grilling steaks and roasting potatoes wafted throughout the camp. Supper was a wonderful occasion of laughter and tall tales. Dovie smiled and jotted down several notes for her blog. She wondered if Toby would again eat at her table, but he was busy with Beaner and some of the other cowboys caring for the horses. Because there was still daylight after supper, the pioneers were separated into two groups. The children joined Sarah and Sage to play games and the adults joined Newt and Molly to hear tales about the Old West. Dovie noted that Toby and the ranch hands were now finally loading their supper plates.
Behind her, she heard her name spoken. "Hi Dovie." She turned around. It was Tessa Barfield.
"Hi Tessa."
"Is now a good time for the interview?"
"Oh, yes! It's a great time."
Chapter 20: Interview of a Lifetime
Dovie was so excited about interviewing the famous Barfields that she almost couldn't think straight. Inhaling a calming breath, she said to Tessa, "I can't thank you enough for agreeing to this interview of a lifetime."
Tessa waved her hand dismissively. "We're just normal folks trying to live a normal life. Why, I grew up in Paxtonville and met Sean when I was twelve. Bottom line, he's a nice guy with outstanding musical ability. When he hit the big time, my friends and I used to giggle whenever we saw him on the cover of a magazine."
"Did Sean grow up here, too?"
"No. But his daddy is a famous artist who lives here. Sean didn't get to know his father until he was fifteen. He was adopted after a car accident killed his mother and left his father too injured to care for him. After reuniting with his dad, he came back to visit about once a year. Of course, that information is off the record."
Dovie said, "I promise I won't reveal anything that's off the record."
Tessa grinned. "I know. That's why I told you something so personal. I'll get Sean and meet you at your wagon."
Chapter 21: Meadow Magic
The second day of the trail blaze began early when Dovie heard soft voices and murmurings outside her wagon. She peeked out the back flap and caught sight of several cowboys standing around a campfire pouring coffee from metal pots. Toby was among them and she decided by his motions and body language that he was giving instructions to the men. The sky was just turning pink and she wondered what time they had gotten up.
Glancing down, she saw that Roxy was still sleeping on the cot that had been set up outside their wagon. Although Dovie had offered to sleep outside, Roxy had insisted that she wanted to—and she had done so without attitude. The girl had actually displayed some courtesy over the course of their journey.
Dovie yawned and closed the canvas flap so she could snuggle back under her covers. The air was crisp and cool. Soon she heard more talking and movement outside as children and adults prepared for a new day of adventure. For a few minutes she pondered the wonderful interview with Tessa and Sean the night before and contemplated how she could word her blog so as to convey just how sweet and loving they were.
"You awake, Dovie?" asked Roxy as she cracked open the canvas.
"I am. When I looked outside earlier I didn't think a freight train could wake you."
Roxy widened the flap and gave a genuine grin. "Usually, that's true, but I'm not usually traveling on a wagon train. I wonder what's going to happen today?"
Dovie rose on her good elbow and planted her chin in her hand. "I'll never forget the Indians arriving yesterday. It was great!"
"Yeah."
"Good morning, ladies. I hope you slept well." Toby's voice had Dovie automatically reaching to pat her sleep matted hair.
Roxy said, "I slept great, don't know about Dovie."
Toby glanced at Dovie. She stammered, "I-I slept very well, thank you." She couldn't believe she was stuttering and she hated the fact that she must look like hell.
Toby said as he pulled leather gloves on, "We'll be moving camp as soon as breakfast is over. Let Beaner know if you need anything." He tipped his hat. "I'll catch up with ya'll later."
After he walked away, Roxy said, "Yep, that cowboy's all over himself for you."
"Stop it, Roxy. He is not. He's just a nice person."
Roxy grinned. "I'll just bet he figures a way to get you alone before this journey is over."
Exasperated, Dovie reached for the canvas in Roxy's hand and gave a little jerk, closing the flap. She heard Roxy laugh and it made her heart glad, even if she didn't like the reason for her laughter.
After running a brush through her hair and putting on her prostheses, Dovie again opened the canvas and began handing Roxy the pioneer clothing they would be wearing that day. Dressed in terrycloth housecoats, they made their way to restrooms equipped with showers. Not only were the facilities excellent but anyone needing assistance had an assigned a helper.
Sarah saw them and called a greeting as she waved and hurried over. After some chitchat Dovie expressed how impressed she was with the Trail Blaze and everything about Lazy M.
Sarah said, "When we decided to make the adventure available to our challenged guests, we knew we'd have to drill water wells, build restrooms and showers, and develop picnic and camping areas. It was expensive and Sage had to do additional modeling for Livingston Fashions that year, but we've never regretted it. Seeing the joy it brings those who wouldn't normally have this opportunity has been worth all the time and expense."
Sarah's admission gave Dovie a new appreciation for this remarkable family who did so much to help others.
By seven-thirty, all the pioneers were dressed, fed, and ready for another day on the trail. Toby rode Blue to the head of the train and shouted, "MOVE 'EM OUT, PIONEERS!"
Dovie and Roxy giggled and playfully nudged each other. Today, Dovie wore a dark blue denim jacket over a white skirt and Roxy wore her denim outfit with a jacket similar to Dovie's. They teased each other about being Twinkies. Roxy decided to forego her bonnet, but Dovie wore a straw cowboy hat that Sarah had given her.
Around ten they reached portable restrooms and took a short break. At noon, they circled the wagons at another campground, and the previous day's pattern was repeated. After lunch, while the cowboys and pioneers were cleaning up, Toby walked over to Dovie and said, "I'd like to show you something."
Surprised, she replied, "Oh, okay."
He grinned. "It requires you to ride out on Blue with me."
Before she could reply Roxy said, "I'll finish the cleanup." She gave Dovie a little push, "You were just telling me how much you like riding horses, so go on."
Dovie narrowed her eyes at Roxy. She hadn't said any such thing.
Toby's smile widened. "Great. But you'll need to wear your jeans under your skirt unless you want to ride sidesaddle."
Dovie said, "I'll put my jeans on."
As they watched Toby walk toward the horses, Roxy said, "I was right."
Dovie gave her a que
stioning look.
"About him getting you alone."
Dovie shook her head, but Roxy wasn't finished. "Now Dovie, if he tries to kiss you, don't get all flustered; just let him have his way. I got a hunch he knows how to kiss."
Dovie said, "Roxy, this has to stop. I'm beginning to think you're a romantic and you're playing out your fantasies on me."
Roxy replied, "And I think you're blind."
Dovie shook her head and went in search of her jeans.
Soon Toby returned holding Blue's reins. "I'll just lift you onto his back like before, but you'll have to hitch up your skirt." He reached for Dovie's cane and handed it to Roxy. "She won't need this." He then splayed his hands around Dovie's waist while she gathered her skirt up. "Are you ready?" he asked.
"I am."
Gently, but with easy strength, he lifted her onto Blue before mounting behind her. Dovie glanced at Roxy. The girl's expression was smug and held a look of I told you so.
Dovie didn't frown at the girl because when Toby circled his arms around her to grab the reins, all coherent thought fled. He nudged Blue forward.
Sarah, Sage, Hannah, as well as Sean and Tessa, and Newt and Molly, watched Toby guide Blue beyond the campground. Molly said, "That boy is a goner if ever I saw one. Every time I turn around he's either watching or talking to Dovie."
Sarah said, "Yeah. And now that he's taking her to his property, I can hear wedding bells in the not too distant future."
"I think you're right," Sage agreed.
Hannah said, "Dovie is perfect for Toby. I always knew none of his other girlfriends were right for him."
Tessa said, "This is so romantic."
Sarah laughed, "And you should know. You and Sean have one of the most romantic stories ever."
Tessa laughed. "Coming from you, Sarah, that's so funny. I don’t think anything can top how you and Sage got together."
Hannah interjected, "Except for Molly and Newt."
Sage glanced at Sean and Newt and shook his head. "I don't know about you two, but these women are making me blush."
Molly said, "Good. Blushing makes a man more attractive." Then she waggled a finger in Hannah's direction. "But maybe Hannah is going to have a romance to end all others."
All eyes turned on Hannah. The teenager shook her head, lifted her hands palms forward, and said, "Hey, I don't have time for romance. I've got big plans to travel and I don't want distractions."
Molly waggled her finger again at the girl. "The best laid plans can get waylaid by love."
Toby nudged Blue into a trot and then leaned down to Dovie's ear to ask if she preferred he walk the horse.
She turned her head slightly. "Oh, no. It's really quite fun. Can you make him gallop?"
Toby laughed and urged Blue into a gallop. They were following the same road the wagon train would soon continue on. Dovie's blond hair whipped back into his face and he inhaled its sweet scent, mingled with the piney freshness surrounding them. Her laughter was music and he tightened his arms around her. Her body was a perfect fit to his.
Immediately, he began reeling in his thoughts. He didn't need erotic images increasing the battle he was already having with his body.
He brought Blue back to a walk and veered the horse onto a narrow path leading into the woods. He bent his head again and said, "I want to show you a special place."
Dovie nodded.
Under tall pines, the air was cool and fragrant. Occasional patches of sunshine broke through the copious canopy to dazzle them with shafts of glittery light. A squirrel darted up a tree and then a rabbit hopped quickly out of their way. The forest had always been magical to Toby. He reached the last curve in the path that opened onto what he considered the most magnificent meadow, with the best view on his property—the property his father had gifted him with when he turned twenty-one—the property he would one day build a home on to raise his own family. He rounded the bend and halted Blue. He heard Dovie's gasp.
She exclaimed, "This is beautiful! It's like it materialized out of the pages of a fairytale."
Proudly, he said, "This meadow and the surrounding three hundred acres are mine. Someday I'm going to build my home here." He nudged Blue into the center of the grassy meadow strewn with blue forget-me-nots and yellow buttercups.
Dovie looked in every direction and then turned until her eyes met his. "You are a blessed man, Toby."
Toby wanted to kiss her so badly he ached. Instead, he dismounted and reached to lift her off his horse. When she was in his arms, rather than stand her on the ground, he began walking around the meadow and nodding toward different areas. "I think that spot would be perfect for a house. It has a view of the mountains but also a view of the meadow. And I can clear a road straight from the house to the highway which is only a mile away."
Dovie pointed. "And you could build your barn and corrals there."
"Exactly." For a few seconds they were silent and then he said, "Dovie, look at me, please."
She turned her head and stared questioningly at him.
For long moments Toby felt himself drowning in eyes as brown and rich as melted chocolate, but then he said what was on his mind. "Dovie, I want to kiss you."
Her eyes widened and golden specks in her irises mesmerized him. Her mouth dropped open and he could no longer contain his desire. He lowered his mouth to hers, barely touching it, and felt her sharp intake of breath. He waited a moment longer and then slowly increased the pressure. Her mouth was still parted and he wanted to explore its depths, but withheld himself. He had known from the first time he'd kissed Dovie that she was inexperienced. Slowly, very slowly, he moved his lips over hers. She placed her hand on his shoulder as if to push him away, but then encircled her arm tightly around his neck. He was encouraged by her reaction and deepened the kiss. She pulled herself closer to him.
His restraint finally broke and he touched her upper lip with his tongue. She moaned and moved her fingers to entangle his hair. His hat fell off, but he ignored it. As he slowly began exploring her mouth, Dovie copied his actions. She was a fast learner and Toby was so turned on he thought he might burst, but there was no way he was going to stop this kissing lesson. Their kisses went on and on until he laid her in the grass and knelt over her, never removing his mouth from hers.
Finally, he lifted his head and placed his forehead against hers. Breathing heavily, he said, "Dovie, you drive me crazy with desire. I want us to get to know each other and see where this might lead. Please say you'll let me take you to dinner next weekend. I know a great Italian restaurant."
Dovie's own breathing was coming in short bursts, which made Toby smile. She said in a breathless voice, "Toby, I'm not the kind of girl you date. As you just found out, I know nothing about kissing or…anything else."
He understood what she was saying and moved his mouth to her earlobe, teasing it. "I don't care what you do or don't know. I'm asking you out because I love your company. I think we could be great friends and maybe more."
When he gently bit her earlobe she moaned and he said, "Was that a yes?" He moved his mouth to her other earlobe and did the same.
"Yes, Toby, I'll have dinner with you," she breathed against his cheek.
He grinned and moved his mouth back to hers to continue her lesson.
Chapter 22: Burn
Once again, Sally found herself watching Flatfoot from her kitchen window. He was throwing a stick for Rambler, her old cocker spaniel to fetch. The dog was having a blast and it made Sally determined to play with him more.
One thing she had come to realize was that Flatfoot had a way with animals. She wondered if he came by it naturally or had been taught by his employer Dirk Branigan, a well known and respected horse whisperer. She suspected he came by it naturally.
The timer dinged on her oven and she grabbed her pot holders to remove the roast and potatoes that were now baked to perfection. She lifted the roasting pan from the oven and placed in on top of the stove. Tossing the pot holders o
n the counter, she then reached to turn off the oven. As she brought her hand back, she accidently bumped her thumb against the hot pan and it hurt like hell. "Damn," she shouted, and rushed to the sink to run cold water over the burn.
From the doorway she heard Flatfoot say, "What's wrong?"
Feeling foolish for doing something so dumb, she replied, "I burned myself on the pan. It's nothing serious."
Immediately, he was beside her and lifting her hand out of the water so he could inspect it before placing it back under the faucet. "I'll make a cold compress for it."
Before Sally could protest, he was gone. A few minutes later he returned with an ice pack and began loading ice into it. Gently removing her hand from the stream of water, he said, "Hold this against it and see if it helps."
Sally followed his instructions and then watched him remove a jar of honey from her cupboard. Unscrewing the lid, he reached in and scooped a little on his index finger and then began rubbing the honey on her burn. "It's a remedy I learned from my granny."
"Really? Have you ever used it on yourself?"
"Yep. And it works. The burn heals faster and has less chance of infection." Flatfoot lifted his finger to his mouth to suck off the remaining honey.
Sally watched the movement of his mouth and couldn't make herself look away. She lifted her gaze to his and held her breath. He was searching her face with such intensity she felt paralyzed. With a slight quirk of his mouth, he dipped his finger back into the honey jar and lifted it to her lips. All the fire in her finger was forgotten as she slowly opened her mouth. Now there was a total body fire that only he could quench. She sucked the honey off his finger. Their eyes never strayed from each other. He repeated the action and Sally felt like she was standing at the edge of a precipice. He removed his finger from her mouth and just watched her. Instinctively, she knew he was waiting for her to jump off the cliff.
And she did.
With lightning speed, she had her mouth on his and her arms around his neck. The cold compress fell to the ground. She had been watching this man for days and dreaming about him every night, and now that she had him in her arms, she wasn't about to let go.