Reunion

by Karen Ball

Taylor seldom got angry with the husky, but she couldn’t hold back her irritation. Sasha would pick tonight of all nights to disappear. It wasn’t enough that Connor was gone. Now the Siberian was as well.

  What do you want from me, God?

  She stomped out of the house, calling the dog’s name, peering into the darkness. The moon was high in the sky, and the stars painted the gloom with twinkling light. Taylor stepped off the porch, moving toward the cabins. Maybe Sasha was with Luke.

  She started to pass Connor’s empty cabin, then paused. The door was ajar.

  Her heart thudded in her chest at the possibility that Connor might still be there, and a sudden, wild joy surged through her. She moved forward, pushing the door open and turning on the light as she entered.

  Sasha blinked at her from where she lay on the empty bed. Keen disappointment filled Taylor, and she went to sit beside the husky, circling the dog’s thick neck with her arms. As she buried her face in the dog’s soft fur, she felt the tears begin again.

  Prayer poured from her heart. For strength, for guidance, for understanding … and for Connor. And before she could stop herself, a plea slipped from her heart and flew heavenward.

  Bring him back. Please, bring him back.

  NINETEEN

  THE WIND BLEW IN WARM GUSTS AS THE MAN TRUDGED along, his traps dangling from his long, lean hands.

  He had considered using poison instead of traps, but that would risk killing other predators unintentionally. Besides, he wanted to be sure there was as little chance as possible that Sasha would become an unwitting victim. If he used poison, Taylor’s beloved dog could be drawn to the scent of the meat. He shuddered at the thought.

  No, the traps were safer. Less indiscriminate.

  He set the traps, glancing around periodically, reassuring himself he was undetected. He’d done his best to ensure that Taylor had no idea what he was doing. When he knew he would be hunting the next day, he made it a point to talk with her, to find out where she planned to spend the coming day. Then he would give that location a wide berth. Just to be sure he wouldn’t be recognized, he wore a bandana tied around the lower part of his face.

  He’d been hunting the wolves for weeks, covering acre after acre of land on the ranch, watching for any small sign. But without the assistance of snow, it was a difficult proposition at best. Sometimes he stayed out all night, forcing himself to stay awake until dawn, listening, straining his ears for the faintest howl. But the sound had come only once since he’d first heard it, carried to him on the wind. He had guessed at its source, traveled there the next day, and found nothing.

  No prints. No scat. Nothing that indicated wolves were—or ever had been—there.

  He’d set out a line of traps, just to be sure. But he couldn’t leave them out long, couldn’t chance Taylor coming across them.

  So far, when he’d retrieved the traps he set, he’d found them empty, mocking him, laughing at him for his ineptness. But let them mock. He would not give up.

  One day his enemy would make a fatal error.

  TWENTY

  CONNOR WALKED DOWN THE SIDEWALK, HAMMER IN HAND, flyers tucked securely under his arm. He had been posting the notices about the town meeting everywhere he could think of. Area stores had been surprisingly cooperative. As had the officials at the town hall.

  When Connor had first phoned Harry to tell him of his failure, the older man’s booming voice had reached out to reassure him. “Don’t sweat it, buddy. There’s more than one way to deal with this issue. If you can’t find the wolves themselves, at least you can hold a town meeting to discuss the wolves and what’s happening with restoration. Let the locals know we’re aware of the reports, maybe make ’em a little less likely to take a shot if they happen to see a wolf. And you can give the ranchers a chance to air their concerns.”

  It sounded like about as much fun as a root canal. Connor knew he would be considered the enemy, the target for any shots from those who were angry or unhappy about the wolves. Still, Harry was right. It was a place to start.

  So he went to the town hall, talked with the officials, and got their okay. Now all he had to do was post the notices. The meeting was set for Thursday night. That gave him four days to get ready.

  He paused by a telephone pole, pulled out a flyer, situated the nail, and started pounding. He leaned back to survey his handiwork. The flyer was designed to catch attention. A large drawing of a wolf head was at the top, just below the words “PUBLIC NOTICE.” A brief explanation of the purpose and topic followed, along with the date, time, and location. “Any and all are welcome to attend” was the final proclamation.

  “So you’re not hiding what you’re here for any longer?”

  Connor turned to find Gavin standing behind him, looking at the flyer. A brief jolt of anger shot through him, then was gone. Gavin had only done what he thought was best for Taylor.

  “I’ve had enough of coming in the back door, Gavin.”

  “As have we all.”

  Connor inclined his head. He turned to leave, then paused. “Is … how’s Taylor?”

  Gavin’s brows arched, and he regarded Connor in silence. Connor turned away. He hadn’t really expected a response anyway.

  “She’s goin’ on, livin’ her life.”

  Connor winced. He’d hoped he would be harder to get over than that.

  “But she’s like a woman walkin’ in her sleep.”

  Connor faced the other man, and the expression in the Scot’s eyes made him pause. He’d expected the anger, though it was so intense he thought it would reach out and strike him. But what surprised him was the pain, deep and bruising, reflected in Gavin’s dark eyes.

  “I never meant to hurt her.”

  “Aye, but hurt her you did.” His eyes hardened. “You’ve cost her dearly, Alexander. You’ve taken a heart that was wounded to begin with and cut it to the core. And it’s like she’s lost now and can’t get back from whatever cold, dark place her heart has taken her.”

  The words struck hard, and Connor closed his eyes.

  “Aye, the truth is far from pretty, isn’t it?” The bitterness in the Scotsman’s voice slapped at Connor. “You see where your lies have brought you? What a pity you didn’t go there alone. But you’ve taken Taylor along for the ride. So the least you can do is face her and see this through to its conclusion, whatever that may be.”

  Connor opened his eyes. Was Gavin saying what he thought he was saying? “See it through?”

  Gavin’s voice snapped at him. “Believe me, if I had my way, you’d be run out of town and never allowed back. I’ll do anything I can to keep Taylor from being hurt, to protect her. From you. Even from herself.”

  “From herself?”

  Gavin’s hard gaze never wavered. “If need be. Sometimes those you love are too close to something to realize it will hurt them.”

  “A bit arrogant, don’t you think?”

  A mirthless smile lifted the corners of Gavin’s mouth. “Perhaps.” The smile died. “But there are some things I can’t protect her from. What I’ve seen in the past few days has made one fact painfully clear.”

  “And that is?”

  “Taylor loves you. Or she thinks she does.”

  A disbelieving sound escaped Connor, and Gavin fixed him with a steely gaze. “You’ve been a fool once, Alexander. Don’t be one again. Trust what I tell you, mon. It’s true. And as much as it galls me to tell you so, you will have a chance to redeem yourself. I see it in her eyes.” He crossed his arms. “It won’t be easy, by any means. But I’d count any trial worth the effort to gain a woman like Taylor Sorensen.”

  “Why are you telling me this?” Connor tried—and failed—to fight off the wild hope that was beginning to form deep within him.

  “One reason, and one alone: because I love Taylor and want her to be happy.” The Scotsman moved to stand directly in front of Connor, his eyes narrowed. “I give you fair warning, though. Hurt her again and it’s over. You won’t get another
opportunity. I’ll do everything in my power to make her forget you. And I will succeed.”

  Connor held Gavin’s dark gaze, and the hope he’d been trying to ignore flared to life within him. Jesus, merciful Jesus, let him be right. Please give me the opportunity to make this up to Taylor.

  “I give you my word, I won’t hurt her again. Not if I can help it.”

  Gavin stared at him a moment longer, then moved to step around him, and walked away without another word. But what he’d said rang in Connor’s mind for the rest of the day, then echoed in his dreams during the night.

  “You will have a chance to redeem yourself … Taylor loves you … it won’t be easy … any trial is worth the effort.…”

  By the time he rolled out of bed the next morning, Connor knew what he had to do.

  Taylor stood near the edge of the pool at Reunion, staring into the clear water.

  “I miss you, Josh. I wish you were here to tell me what to do.” The incongruity of her statement hit, and a laugh escaped her. “Of course, if you were here, none of this would be happening, so I guess, in a way, it’s all your fault.”

  She sat down, drew her knees close to her chest, and leaned her arms on them. “Thanks a lot,” she muttered dryly. “You know, it was bad enough when you died, but this bit about falling in love again is really for the birds.” She looked across the pool at the grass and the wildflowers. “Funny thing is, I’m pretty sure you’d like Connor. You two are a lot alike.” Tilting her head and resting her cheek on her crossed arms, she sniffed. “You’re both funny, and sincere, and strong, and honest—”

  Tears sprang to her eyes. “Okay, so you were honest,” she said in frustration, rubbing the wetness from her cheeks. “The least he could have done was tell me who he was! But he didn’t even give me a chance. He just came in under false pretenses, and he made me believe in him, and he made me love him.…” Her voice was choked with tears. “Why couldn’t he have been honest? Why did he have to let me down? Like you—”

  She stopped, afraid of what she’d been about to say. But not saying the words didn’t change what she felt—that Josh had let her down. He had promised to come back, but he didn’t. She shouldn’t have trusted … not Josh, not Connor, not anyone.

  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.”

  “I know, Lord, I know,” she muttered. “But I can’t.”

  Can’t … or won’t, child?

  “I can’t! I try! But every time I do, I remember that you let Josh die!” Her tears flowed freely now. “I asked you to take care of him! Asked you to bring him home. And you let him die. Why, God? For Brad Momadey? Then it was wasted. For nothing! Brad doesn’t even care, Lord. He doesn’t even care!”

  The image of Brad’s face—his eyes dark with torment, his cheeks drawn and pale—floated in front of her.

  “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger.… Be kind and compassionate … forgiving … just as in Christ God forgave you.”

  “So it’s my fault I can’t trust?” Anger boiled within her. “It’s my bitterness that’s keeping me from trusting you?” She jumped to her feet. “I don’t buy it, God. Brad killed Josh, and I’m not supposed to be angry?”

  “Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer.”

  She turned, wrapped her arms about herself, and lowered her head. “Then I am a murderer, Lord.” The quiet words seemed to hang in the still air, and she knelt on the soft grass. “God … help me.”

  She knelt in silence, waiting, longing for release but unable to let go of the bitterness that had settled into her heart like a giant boulder. She was caught. Trapped. And unable to free herself. Father, help me. I don’t know how to get beyond this … how to let go. Help me. Her mind felt congested with doubts and fears and a haunting sense of loneliness. Lord, are you even listening? Am I as alone in this as I feel?

  A soft sound came from behind her, and she turned, startled. “Oh!” she breathed in amazed wonder.

  The wolf stood there, just across the pool, at the entrance to the cave. His ancient, golden gaze was fixed on her, looking for all the world as though he’d been listening to her words and her thoughts.

  “Oh,” she whispered again, delight filling her. “You’re still here!”

  He was as beautiful as she remembered. His powerful form and erect posture exuded authority.

  “Hi,” she said in a gentle tone, and the wolf’s sharp ears turned toward her. “It’s good to see you again.”

  As he stared at her with that tawny gaze, a sense of peace surrounded her, settled over her, and she smiled. She wasn’t alone. Even here, in the midst of the wilderness, the Creator was present. And he had stamped his creation with such wonder—like this marvelous creature.

  The wolf tilted his gray head as though studying her, then stood and paced back and forth several times, keeping his attention focused on her. He seemed to be telling her something, but she didn’t have the vaguest idea what he wanted. When she didn’t move, he suddenly sprang up into the air—as though his long, spindly legs were tightly wound springs—then came down again to crouch, his front paws extended out in front of him, his hind end up in the air. His long, bushy tail waved back and forth playfully, and Taylor had the distinct impression he was trying to coax her to cross the pool and come for a romp.

  She chuckled. “Okay, so you’re a wolf, but that doesn’t mean I can’t consider you a friend.” An idea dawned, and her smile broadened. “That’s what I’ll call you. Sikis. The Navajo term for ‘friend.’ What do you think?”

  The wolf stood, watching her and waving his long tail back and forth, then turned and trotted into the cave.

  Taylor hugged herself. “I’ll take that as a sign of approval.” She rose and walked back toward Topaz, feeling lighter than she’d felt in days.

  She wasn’t free yet, but she would be. She didn’t know how God would do it, but she believed he would somehow help her out of the hole she’d crawled into. All she had to do was wait and listen … and respond.

  She swung into the saddle and turned Topaz toward home.

  Several hours later, Taylor returned to the ranch, refreshed and relaxed. She walked Topaz into the barn, then slid from his back and removed the saddle with the ease of years of experience. The buckskin whinnied when the air hit his damp back, twitching his muscles happily.

  “Feels good when the weight comes off, doesn’t it, boy.” Taylor grinned. She led the horse into his spacious stall, refilled his water and oats, then reached for the curry comb. She’d made a couple of long strokes when Sasha came bounding up, thrilled to see her mistress had returned from her ride.

  “Well, hello there.” Taylor scratched the dog between the ears. “You missed a great ride this morning. Where were you?”

  “I’m afraid she was with me.”

  She spun around, staring. A tall, male form was silhouetted in the doorway of the barn, but with the sun at his back she couldn’t see his face. Still, she recognized the deep, resonant voice.

  Connor.

  As he drew closer, she saw that his face was gaunt, and there were shadows beneath his eyes. He looked like he hadn’t slept in a week.

  Well, it served him right!

  Indignant anger rose in her, and all thoughts of waiting and listening—to Connor or to God—were gone in a heated rush.

  “Get off my ranch!”

  “Not until we talk.”

  She snorted in a most unladylike fashion. “Talk? You want to talk?” She stomped out of the stall, brandishing the curry comb like a weapon. “I don’t think so.”

  “Taylor, I’m not leaving until you sit down and listen to what I have to say.”

  Her jaw jutted out. “Do you seriously think I’d believe you?” He winced, but she didn’t care. “I know you’ll say anything, do anything, to get to the wolves. Even romance me!”

  His eyes blazed. “That’s not true and you know it!”

  “How should I know what’s true with
you?”

  “Ask.”

  The quiet response took her by surprise. Ask? Just like that? Okay. Fine. “Why did you come here?”

  “I saw your name on all the wolf books at the library. I figured anyone who was that interested had either seen the wolves or hoped to. Then I remembered seeing your name in the paper. When I found the ad, I knew where to start my investigation.”

  “I suppose you expect me to believe you care about me as much as you do the wolves?”

  “I care about you a great deal more, but I don’t expect you to believe that right now.”

  “Smart man.”

  “What I do expect you to believe is that I want to help the wolves. And I think you do, too.” He stepped closer. “Please, Taylor, if you’ve seen them, tell me. I’ll do my best to protect them. WAC will do everything in its power to do the same. None of us wants to put the wolves, if they really are here, at risk. I promise. You can believe me.”

  Sudden tears blinded her eyes and choked her voice. “Like I could believe Josh? You’re all so quick to make promises you can’t keep. Josh couldn’t control the ledge he stood on. Do you think you can do any better with the ranchers? Well, I don’t. And I don’t know anything about your wolves, Mister Alexander. And even if I did, I certainly wouldn’t entrust their care to you!”

  “To whom, then? To you? You don’t even know what you’re doing. You’ve got some naïve notion that you can keep them safe, but I’d be willing to bet some of your fine neighbors have already come onto your land.”

  “My neighbors, unlike some people, can be trusted. They wouldn’t trespass.”

  “Taylor, you know that’s not true. There are ranchers as determined to kill these animals as I am to keep them alive.”

  “You’re not touching my wolves!”

  His eyebrows arched. “Your wolves? If you keep going this way, you’re going to get them killed. Have you ever seen a wolf in a trap? Or after it’s been poisoned? Have you seen what some men will do to a wolf to kill it? The tortures they inflict on it? Well, you will. Count on it. Unless you let me help.”