In the Arms of a Cowboy

by Pam Crooks

  “What d'ya reckon that was all about?” Harley asked, opening the cab door.

  “Reckon we got trouble. Like she said, somethin' about the trestle bridge and Silas McCrae and Mr. Carrison. I don't like the sound of it.” Clements climbed down the ladder in great haste and set off for the trestle bridge, leaving Harley to hurry after him.

  The buffalo hide slipped from Reese's fingers.

  A man had never died in his hands before. The starkness of death numbed him, left him bereft of emotion. Silas McCrae had been a sore spot, a real pain in the ass, but Reese had never wished him dead.

  He drew a shaky breath and sank to the ground. Defeated by the harshness of reality, bone-chilling exhaustion set in. His eyes drifted closed, and he wished for McCrae's oblivion, that all-encompassing solitude that would take him from the cruelties of life.

  Only then did it hit him. The night was quiet. No whistle. No hissing chuff of the train engine. No impending crash.

  His eyes flew open. He whirled, his glance flying to the top of the canyon.

  There, on the ridge, bathed in the glow of a single torchlight, stood Liza, her skirts full and swaying in the breeze.

  She stood motionless, as if she stared into the deepest recesses of Skull Canyon, searching for him and afraid of what she might find.

  Someone ran to her side. Clements, swathed in torchlight, and then Harley, all of them together, their gazes scouring the canyon. For him. For the bridge.

  Emotion clogged in his throat. Only Liza had known. She had saved their lives. She had saved the Nebraska-Dakota Railroad.

  Epilogue

  Paprika knew a secret. Liza had not yet figured out what it could be, only that it would be revealed very soon, and that whatever magic it held drove Paprika to near madness.

  Her sister could hardly sit still. Liza knew it went far beyond her first ride in a Gajo buggy, even one as shiny and grand as Reese’s. And she knew, too, that the team of horses could not pull the rig fast enough to suit Paprika.

  But Liza could wait. Reese had not left the house since the surgeon ministered his knee, and in the days following, had grown steadily stronger as the cuts and bruises he suffered from the dynamite explosion gradually faded. Beneath the bandages, the knee would heal. But his worries for the N & D railroad would not go away so easily. Liza hoped today’s outing held those worries at bay, at least for a little while.

  “Young lady, I’d warrant you had a hornet up your skirt the way you keep scootin’ around on that seat,” Reese said, his tone mildly exasperated. “This buggy is hardly big enough for the three of us. You’re going to wiggle me and Liza right out of our own seat if you don’t settle down some.”

  “You will understand soon enough,” Paprika said, the promise shining in her black eyes. “It is a good thing I did not bring Putsy with me today. He would have told you long ago.”

  “It must be a very special thing you are taking us to see,” Liza commented softly, the buggy’s ride rocking her body against Reese’s.

  “It is.”

  “Has Nanos painted his wagon a new color?”

  “No.” Paprika smiled and smugly clasped her hands in her lap.

  “Then Hanzi has taught Rollo a new trick. A fancy somersault perhaps?”

  She giggled. “No, no. You will never guess, Liza. Do not even try.”

  Liza sighed dramatically. “I give up.”

  “She enjoys torturing us with the suspense.” Fondness shone in Reese’s features. He and Paprika had grown fast friends from the moment of their introduction. They adored each other.

  Liza’s heart warmed. “She is a terrible tease. It is probably nothing.”

  Clearly offended, Paprika clucked her tongue. “Stop here, Reese. There is something I must look for.”

  They had reached a fork in the road, with a right turn taking them into Niobrara City, a left leading them out into the open prairie. Reese did as she bade. Paprika hopped from the rig and ran ahead.

  Grateful for the quiet moment, Liza peered up at Reese, handsome and robust in his gray cotton shirt, open at the throat, his faded Levi’s snug against his muscle-hard thighs. Her breast swelled with a surge of love.

  “Does your knee bother you?” she murmured, leaning against him and curling her arm around his.

  “I am not an invalid, sweet wife. The knee is fine.” He bent low and touched his mouth to hers, taking his time to savor the kiss.

  “I do not think you are an invalid.” She nuzzled his jaw with the tip of her nose. “God’s saints, the surgeon had hardly put away his needle before you took me to bed and exhausted me with our coupling.”

  His low chuckle surrounded her. “I’ll never hurt too much to make love to you.”

  “You are insatiable.”

  “Aren’t you glad that I am?”

  Paprika cleared her throat loudly and reclaimed her place on the bench seat. With a mingling of reluctant sighs, Reese and Liza drew apart.

  “Sit back, you two. They say we can come now,” Paprika said, reaching for the reins draped across Reese’s leg. “I will drive the rest of the way. But first, you must put on these.” She reached into the large pocket on her skirt and withdrew a pair of kerchiefs. “Quickly now.”

  Liza frowned. “Paprika, this is foolishness.”

  “No, I think the Gaje call them blindfolds.” Her impish expression danced with excitement.

  Liza exchanged an uncertain glance with Reese.

  He grinned. “Best do as she says. I doubt she’ll budge this rig an inch until we do.”

  He reached for one of the kerchiefs and pulled it over Liza’s eyes, knotting it behind her braid, then repeated the procedure on himself with the other. Unable to see anything, Liza felt his hands on her, pulling her against him as he slouched back in the seat. She snuggled against him for the duration of the ride.

  From the best of her abilities, she determined Paprika headed toward the prairie, but could guess their destination little more than that. Before long, the buggy stopped again.

  In the unfathomable distance, horses snorted. Shouts and mismatched bits of conversation hung in the air. Next to her, Reese tensed, as perplexed by their whereabouts as she.

  Paprika left the seat and jumped to the ground.

  “I will help you down,” she said. “Do not take off the kerchiefs until I tell you.”

  Reese dismounted amid Liza’s wifely admonishments to take care with his injured knee. She followed, her foot finding the way to solid earth. At Paprika’s word, the kerchiefs fell away.

  Reese and Liza stared.

  A brand-new trestle bridge graced Skull Canyon. The scent of fresh-cut lumber was everywhere. The new tresses criss-crossed the canyon like the latticework on a mammoth pie, as strong and lasting as the first, and just as impressive.

  Tucked amid the crossbeams, men worked, clinging like squirrels on a tree while they measured and hammered. On top of the bridge, too, men scurried about, laying rails and ties. On the far end of the canyon’s ridge, the 929 engine waited in silent dignity for its turn to test the planks.

  Paprika laughed and clapped her hands. “Did I not tell you I had a fine secret?”

  Liza pressed shaking fingers to her mouth.

  Reese continued to stare, his stunned gaze roaming over every truss, every inch of his new bridge.

  As if on wings, word of their arrival rippled throughout the canyon. Men stopped their work, straightened and waved. Smiles burst on their faces. Applause erupted.

  “Oh, Reese,” Liza managed through the lump in her throat. “Look. My people and yours. Together.”

  It was true. Hanzi and Jack Hadley, their shirtsleeves rolled to their elbows, stood side by side, their faces beaming. Nanos and George Steenson labored on the rails. Hank and Uncle Pepe manned the horses, hauling dirt and debris. Liza’s uncles and cousins mingled among Reese’s friends--indeed, all of Niobrara City’s citizenry. Even Maudeen was there, laying food out on tables arranged in a clearing with other women
from town. Mama helped, along with her sisters and aunts from the kumpanias.

  Liza could not believe her eyes.

  Two worlds meshed as one, dark-skin mixed with fairer, all joined for a common goal. Without animosity, without suspicion. Only friendship. And the surprising desire to replace a bridge in the Gaje world.

  “I never thought I’d see it.” Emotion shimmered in Reese’s eyes. He took Liza tight in his arms, both of them too moved to speak, overwhelmed by the enormity of it all.

  Bram approached with a roll of blueprints in his hand. Reese turned to him, and they stood, silently assessing the other’s reaction. Liza knew they had not spoken together since their argument.

  “How are you, my friend?” Reese asked finally, his voice low, a trifle unsteady.

  “Good.” Somber, Bram nodded. “And you?” He indicated Reese’s knee. “Heard tell McCrae nearly took you with him.”

  “I’m all right.”

  Bram nodded again and shuffled from one foot to the other. He gestured toward the bridge with the blueprints. “I took the liberty. I hope you don’t mind.”

  Reese blinked. “You headed all this up?”

  “It’s the least I could do for the N & D. Got to where I missed it. Railroading’s in my blood, Reese. You know that. I couldn’t stay away.”

  “I never wanted you to, Bram. You’re as much a part of the railroad as I am.”

  The older man glanced away, as if he considered himself unworthy of Reese’s forgiveness. “I spoke to the cartel. They want in. The future’s bright for the N & D. This is going to be one hell of a railroad someday.” A wan smile appeared on his mouth. “Going to give the Union Pacific a run for its money.”

  “I doubt that.” But Reese grinned with pride anyway.

  Bram hesitated. “I couldn’t have done it without the Gypsies. They can put in a hard day’s work when they set their mind to it.” His gaze touched on Liza, then darted away. “Much as I hate to admit it, they didn’t do it for me. Or you, either, Reese. They did it for your wife. We have her to thank for your bridge.”

  He seemed reluctant to leave. Liza sensed he had not yet said all that was in his heart.

  He sighed heavily and shook his head. He squinted toward the bridge. “Rebecca Ann never belonged here, you know. She couldn’t care less about the N & D. I was wrong to want her married to you. It would’ve ruined you both.” Regret furrowed his brow. “You married the right woman. A beautiful one, too. I wish you the best.”

  Reese extended his hand. “Thanks, Bram.”

  Bram moved to complete the handshake, but emotion got the better of them, and they fell into a brief, manly embrace.

  Liza rejoiced in the reunion. Bram turned to her, appearing almost shy, and she rose up on tiptoe and pressed a warm kiss to his cheek. “You are welcome in our home anytime. Please come to see us.”

  “I’d be right proud to do that. You can count on it.”

  His lips pursed, and a tuneless ditty whistled forth. Bram left them to return to his work on the trestle bridge. Reese’s fingers twined with Liza’s. Finding his cane, he led her slowly along the canyon ridge, and had his knee not prevented it, he would have been deep among the men, working as hard as any of them.

  They had nearly reached that part of the canyon where the 929 waited. From the shade cast out by the mighty engine, Uncle Pepe called out to them. At his command, Nanos and the other members of the kris set down their tools and joined them. Reese groaned.

  “I’ve been expecting this,” he murmured.

  A ball of apprehension formed in Liza’s stomach. “Me, too. I had hoped the kris would forget. I was foolish to even think it.”

  Uncle Pepe gestured to Mama, who hastened forth with cups of strong coffee. Her new silk kerchief, as bright as the sunflowers, hugged her head.

  “Stay, Pesha,” he said. “This is a matter that concerns you, too.”

  Mama kept her eyes downcast and obeyed, taking a place beside Liza.

  Uncle Pepe’s grimace was apologetic. “A momentous day, is it not? The trestle bridge is nearly finished, and we have worked hard for a Gajo. Who would have guessed, eh?”

  Amusement rumbled through the men. Only Liza and Reese did not smile.

  “But the matter of your marriage is still unresolved. Now, we must finish the case. We must give Liza and her Gajo husband our decision.” Ponderous, he swilled the coffee in his cup. Liza thought she would die from the wait.

  “I think we must not be too hard on Liza. See how she fidgets? She is afraid we will banish her from the tribe.” Dominic, always the fun-loving one, could not be trusted to tell the truth. Liza stared and hoped this time he did not tease.

  “No, she has suffered long enough,” Pepe said quietly. “Far too long. It is time we welcome her as one of us, as if she is full-blooded Gypsy.”

  “But she leaves us to live in the Gaje world,” Yojo commented.

  “She is happy there. Why not? She deserves to be happy. We will not bring her anymore shame.”

  Mama’s head lifted; disbelief creased her weathered face. Liza was afraid to hope.

  “The Rom have talked. All of us have seen the respect Reese Carrison receives from his people. We are amazed that an entire town will come out for him and build his bridge. They worry for him when the dynamite explodes. They worry for his bridge. They are eager to make him another.”

  Pepe’s black-eyed gaze fastened on them. “When Nanos came to us with his idea to help the Gaje, it was difficult to agree. But now that we have”--Pepe shrugged, a sheepish smile revealing his gold tooth--”it is not so bad, eh? The Gypsies can be friends with the Gaje, at least for a little while.”

  “Does this mean my wife is free to travel between both worlds?” Reese demanded. “No longer marhime?”

  Pepe faced him squarely. “Yes.”

  Liza nearly crumpled with relief. A whimper escaped from Mama. Liza grasped her hand in her own.

  “There will always be those among us who will remember the disgrace and shame, but the marriage between you is done. We will honor it. Be proud to be husband and wife.”

  “I owe you, Pepe,” Reese said. “How can I thank you for what you’ve done for us?”

  “You have promised us winter quarters along the river. Does your offer still stand?”

  “Of course. And I’ll see to it that you have all the meat you need until spring.”

  Murmurs of delight went through the men.

  “Fair enough?” Reese asked.

  “Fair enough.” Clearly pleased, Pepe exchanged nods of approval with the court.

  “And what of Mama?” Having Reese at her side gave Liza the courage to speak so boldly. “Has she not suffered long enough as well?”

  “How she loves her mother.” Pepe finished off the last dregs of coffee and tossed aside his cup. Sadness dulled the remnants of his smile. “I remember the day the kris punished you, Pesha. I was very young, too young to protest that every woman loves her hair. I could do nothing for you then.” He rose and took Mama in his arms. “By this time next year, you will have curls again, my sister. You will be beautiful once more for Nanos.”

  A roar of applause went up among the Gypsies who had abandoned their work on the bridge to listen to the kris’s decision. An impromptu celebration ensued, drowning out Mama’s exultant cries and drawing the curiosity of Reese’s people.

  In the midst of the clapping and dancing, Liza became separated from Reese. She slipped to the edge of the throng to search for him out and found him with Nanos, their heads bent together in earnest conversation.

  She luxuriated in watching him. In the privacy of their bedroom, they would celebrate in their own way, but for now, she would bask in the victory they had won together.

  “He haggles a bride-price, hmm?” Mama asked, pulling Liza with her to a quiet spot next to the train. Tears of joy stained her cheeks. Liza smiled and kissed them away.

  “Perhaps,” she said. “But Reese will not haggle too much. He wil
l give Nanos whatever he wants.”

  “For a Gajo, he is generous.”

  In light of all that had happened, Liza detected a trace of reluctance in Mama’s admission. It would not be so easy for her to toss away years of resentment.

  “It pleases me to hear you speak kindly of him,” she said softly. “Do you think you will accept him as your son someday?”

  Mama shrugged. “Maybe it will not be too hard. Who knows?” She reached out and stroked Liza’s face tenderly. “But I will try, sweetling. For you, I will try.” She managed a tremulous smile. “I see the way he looks at you. It will not be long before he leaves my grandbaby in your belly.”

  “A grandbaby, yes,” Liza’s gaze met hers. “More Gaje than Gypsy.”

  Mama released a long sigh. She squinted into the sky. “Yes, well, it is in the stars, I suppose. A Gaje grandbaby. With red-gold hair, eh?”

  Liza smiled at the thought. “Maybe.”

  They embraced. Mama stepped away to rejoin the celebration, but turned back.

  “Will you braid my hair, Liza? When it is long enough?”

  “Of course. And it will shine in the sun, just like it used to.”

  Mama laughed, a sound of pure delight. As if a young girl again, she swung her skirts and sashayed back into the crowd.

  The End

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  BROKEN BLOSSOMS

  By Pam Crooks

  Copyright 2013 Pam Crooks

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