Spirit's Song

by Madeline Baker

  Kaylynn ran her hands over her arms. She was suddenly cold, inside and out. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”

  He laughed, and the sound sent shivers down her spine.

  “You are my wife.” He bit off each word, his voice rising. “You will do as I say. You will go where I go.”

  Lowering her arms to her sides, she clenched her fists. She had survived an Indian attack. She had won the respect of old Mo’e’ha and her son. She had escaped from Vance Sandler, been kidnapped by outlaws. She would not be cowed by Alan Summers. Not anymore.

  “No,” she said, boldly meeting his gaze. “I won’t.”

  He stared at her in stunned disbelief, unable to believe she would defy him. “Damn you!” Shaking with rage, he drew back his hand and slapped her.

  Kaylynn reeled backward, her cheek stinging from the blow.

  “What’s going on?”

  Relief washed through Kaylynn as her father came striding across the dance floor toward them.

  “Mind your own business, Duvall,” Alan said. “This doesn’t concern you.”

  “Now see here,” William Duvall exclaimed. “Kaylynn is my daughter…”

  “Kaylynn is my wife, old man. Don’t interfere.”

  “Now,see here…”

  “Alan, don’t! “Kaylynn screamed the words as Alan drove his fist into her father’s stomach. Her father doubled over, and Alan drew back his fist, ready to strike him again.

  “I wouldn’t.”

  Alan stopped in mid-swing, his gaze darting toward the man who had spoken.

  “Jesse!” Kaylynn breathed his name, her heart pounding with joy at the sight of him.

  William Duvall straightened up, one arm wrapped around his middle.

  Alan took a step forward, as if to strike Kaylynn’s father again, and Jesse hit him. Once. Hard.

  Alan dropped to his hands and knees, blood flowing from his nose.

  Kaylynn flew into Jesse’s arms. “Jesse. Oh, Jesse. Thank God you’re here.”

  His arm tightened around her waist as his gaze moved over her face. “Are you all right?”

  “I’m fine, now.”

  Kaylynn glanced around, wishing she could just disappear. She saw her mother standing on the edge of the crowd, one hand at her throat. Rodney Farnsworth was leaning against the far wall, a half-smile on his face as he stared at Alan. It was obvious from his expression that he was enjoying himself at Alan’s expense. Regina stood nearby, her eyes glowing. She had always enjoyed watching men fight over her. Kaylynn had never understood why.

  Alan stood up. The lower half of his face was spattered with blood, his eyes were cold and hard, like chips of ice-blue glass.

  Ready and eager for a fight, Jesse put Kaylynn behind him and took a step forward.

  “Afraid I can’t let you do that.”

  Alan laughed softly as Ravenhawk stepped up beside him, his pistol drawn.

  “What the hell are you doing here?” Jesse asked.

  “I work for Mr. Summers,” Ravenhawk replied.

  “Doing what?”

  “Protecting him from men like you.”

  Jesse glanced at the gun aimed at him, then looked up and met Ravenhawk’s eyes. “He had it coming.”

  “That may be true, but she’s his wife.”

  “She wants a divorce.”

  “I’ll never give her a divorce,” Alan said. “Never.”

  “Whether you give me a divorce or not, it doesn’t matter,” Kaylynn said. She stepped in front of Jesse, his presence giving her the courage to face Alan. “I’m not going back to San Francisco with you. Not now. Not ever.”

  “You’ll do as I say,” Alan retorted, his voice rising.

  Kaylynn shook her head. “Not anymore.”

  Overcome with fury, Alan sprang forward, his fists lashing out. Kaylynn tried to avoid the blow, but he was too fast for her. She grunted with pain as he struck her across the face, twice, bloodying her nose and cutting her lower lip.

  Heedless of the gun aimed at him, Jesse lunged forward. Catching Alan by the scruff of the neck, he jerked him around and drove his fist into Summers’ soft belly with all the force at his command.

  Alan reeled backward. He came up hard against the table behind him. Punch splashed over the sides of the bowl, staining the white damask cloth that covered the table.

  Lifting his hand to his jaw, Alan glared at Jesse. “Ravenhawk!” he shouted. “What the hell am I paying you for? Do something.”

  “Yes, boss,” Ravenhawk said. And holstering his Colt, he punched Alan Summers in the jaw with all the force at his command. The sound of his fist striking Alan’s jaw seemed to echo off the walls.

  It was a very satisfying sound.

  Alan Summers crumpled to the floor like a wet dishrag.

  William Duvall smiled.

  Jesse turned and drew Kaylynn into his arms.

  Ravenhawk blew out a deep breath. “Looks like I’m out of a job. Too bad, too, cause he serves great whiskey.”

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  They were all gathered in the library. William Duvall sat behind his desk, his arms folded across his chest. Elizabeth stood behind her husband, looking slightly dazed.

  Alan stood near the hearth, a damp cloth pressed to his nose. Every few moments, he touched his jaw, as though unable to believe that anyone had dared strike him.

  Ravenhawk stood near the door, one hand resting on the butt of his gun.

  Kaylynn sat on the sofa. Jesse stood behind her.

  “All right,” William said. “Will someone please tell me what the hell is going on?”

  “I don’t owe you any explanations,” Alan said, his tone surly. “But if you must know, I came to take my wife home.”

  “You’re not taking my daughter anywhere. She told me why she ran away.” William glanced at his daughter’s face. Her bottom lip was swollen from where Alan had struck her.

  “She belongs to me,” Alan said. “I keep what’s mine.”

  “She’s not going anywhere with you,” Jesse said quietly. “And if you ever try to see her again, I’ll kill you.”

  “You can’t threaten me! You’re nothing but a dirty half-breed…a bounty hunter.” Alan snorted. “You’re nothing but scum.”

  Jesse didn’t argue, he just fixed Summers with an icy stare. “You heard him,” Alan said, glancing around the room. “He threatened me.”

  “I’d do what he says, if I were you,” Ravenhawk remarked. “He’s ruthless. I ought to know.”

  Jesse snorted softly, then turned to glare at Summers again. “Kaylynn wants a divorce. You’re gonna let her have it. Is that understood?”

  “She’s my wife,” Alan retorted. “She’ll do whatever I say.”

  “Not anymore.” Jesse smiled. It was not a pleasant expression. “You can give her a divorce,” he drawled, “or I can make her a widow. The choice is yours.”

  Alan’s face paled visibly as he glanced from the bounty hunter to Ravenhawk. The look on Ravenhawk’s face told him that Yellow Thunder was not given to making idle threats. “I’ll give her a divorce,” he said.

  Ravenhawk looked at Yellow Thunder. “So, are you gonna marry the lady?”

  “I don’t see as how that’s any of your business”

  Ravenhawk shrugged. “Oh, I think maybe it is.”

  Jesse scowled at him. “What the hell are you talking about?”

  “Well, she’s a mighty pretty woman. Pretty soon she’ll be a free woman, one way or the other. Divorced or widowed, it don’t matter to me. If you don’t want her, I reckon that leaves the field open.” Ravenhawk smiled at Kaylynn. “If Yellow Thunder isn’t interested, sweetheart, I am.”

  Jesse moved around to the front of the sofa, so that he stood between Kaylynn and Ravenhawk. “I warned you once,” he said, his voice deceptively quiet. “Leave her alone.”

  “You’re in love with her, then?”

  “Damn right.”

  Ravenhawk grinned broadly. “Maybe you ought to t
ell her.”

  “Maybe you ought to mind your own damn business!” Jesse took a deep breath, then turned to face Kaylynn’s parents. “Would it be all right if I spoke to Kaylynn alone for a few minutes?”

  William and Elizabeth exchanged resigned glances.

  “I would think that would be up to Alan,” William said. “He’s still her husband.”

  Jesse looked at Alan. “Well?”

  Ravenhawk stepped forward and tapped Alan on the shoulder. “You heard him. He wants to be alone with the lady.”

  “Hell, he can have her,” Alan exclaimed, and storming past Ravenhawk, he stalked out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

  William Duvall smiled at Ravenhawk. “Well done,” he remarked. “Come along, Elizabeth,” he said, and taking his wife by the hand, they left the room.

  Ravenhawk grinned at Jesse. “Good luck, bounty hunter,” he drawled. He turned to leave, only to come face-to-face with the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She had hair the color of corn silk, and eyes as green as new grass.

  “Kaylynn,” Regina said, her voice low and sultry. “Why don’t you introduce me to this handsome gentleman?”

  “Regina, this is Joseph Ravenhawk. Ravenhawk, this is my best friend, Regina Daniels.”

  “Ravenhawk?” Regina purred. “What an interesting name.”

  Ravenhawk grinned at Regina, amused and pleased by her admiration. “I’d be glad to tell you how I got it,” he said.

  “I can’t wait.” Regina placed her hand on Ravenhawk’s arm. “I know a place where we can be alone.”

  “Suits me,” Ravenhawk replied. He grinned at Kaylynn, then escorted Regina out of the room.

  Jesse muttered an oath as Ravenhawk closed the door.

  Feeling suddenly shy and uncertain, Kaylynn clasped her hands in her lap. “Why did you come here tonight?” she asked. “I thought you were leaving?”

  “I thought so, too.”

  “What changed your mind?”

  “You did.” Jesse raked a hand through his hair. “Kay…dammit, I’m no good at this.”

  “At what?”

  He made a broad, sweeping gesture with his hand. “I don’t belong here, Kay. I don’t like the city. It doesn’t fit me.” He rubbed his scarred cheek. “I don’t fit it.”

  “No one’s making you stay.”

  “You are.”

  She looked up at him, her heart pounding in her breast. “What are you trying to say, Jesse?”

  “I love you, Kay. I want you to be my wife. I’ll do my best to make you happy, to be the kind of husband you deserve.”

  “Is that a proposal?” she asked.

  “Yeah, I reckon it is.” He took a deep breath. “So, what do you say?”

  “Oh, Jesse.”

  “Is that a yes?”

  She nodded, her eyes filling with happy tears. “Did you really think I’d say no?”

  “I wouldn’t blame you if you did. Your friends are gonna think you’re crazy.”

  “I am. Crazy about you.”

  “Kay.” Dropping to one knee in front of her, he wrapped his arms around her waist and held her tight. “I love you.”

  “I love you.”

  “I’ll try to make you happy.”

  “You already make me happy.” She smiled at him. “I have something to tell you.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “We’re going to have a baby.”

  He stared at her a moment. “We are?”

  Kaylynn nodded. “I’m pregnant, Jesse. I hope you don’t mind.”

  A slow smile spread over his face as he sat back on his heels and then, very gently, he placed his hand over her stomach.

  “I don’t mind, darlin’,” he murmured. “Why didn’t you tell me before?”

  “I couldn’t.”

  “Why not?”

  “I wanted you to stay because you loved me, not because you felt it was your duty.”

  “I guess I can understand that. I’m sorry I’ve behaved like such a bas…such an idiot. Can you forgive me?”

  “There’s nothing to forgive. Grandmother Dearmond told me you would come back if you really loved me. I guess she was right.”

  Jesse nodded as he drew Kaylynn into his arms. “I’ll always come back to you, darlin’,” he drawled softly. “I love you, my Spirit’s Song.”

  “And I love you,” she replied tremulously, and lifted her face for his kiss.

  Chapter Forty

  Music filled the air. Kaylynn smiled as she placed her hand on her father’s arm and they began to walk down the long, white runner that led to the gazebo. Her mother had wanted a big church wedding, but Kaylynn had wanted to be married outside.

  Alan hadn’t given them any more trouble about the divorce and had, in fact, arranged it in a remarkably short amount of time.

  Kaylynn had insisted on inviting only family and close friends. She was, after all, a divorced woman. It had caused quite a scandal, but her mother and father had handled it surprisingly well.

  Now, standing out of sight, she looked around, wanting to imprint the memory of this day forever in her mind.

  The yard looked lovely. Baskets of flowers were everywhere. There were white wicker cages filled with doves. Large round tables spread with white cloths were scattered around the yard.

  “It’s time, Katydid.”

  She looked up at her father and smiled.

  “Be happy this time,” William said, squeezing her hand.

  “Thank you, Papa.”

  “Here we go,” he said.

  Kaylynn met Jesse’s gaze as she walked toward him, felt his love reach out to surround her. How handsome he was! His hair fell past his shoulders, long and black. He wore an elk-skin shirt and leggings that were the color of cream, and a pair of new moccasins. Long fringe dangled from the sleeves of the shirt, and from the outer seam of the leggings. The yoke of his shirt was beaded in blue and yellow. Ravenhawk stood beside him, resplendent in a black cutaway coat and striped trousers. Surprisingly, he had taken to city life like a duck to water.

  Elizabeth had been appalled when Kaylynn insisted Jesse wear buckskins instead of a cutaway coat and cravat. Jesse had been pleased.

  Heads turned as she walked down the aisle. Regina sat near the aisle, her gaze fixed on Ravenhawk. The two had been practically inseparable since the night they met.

  Grandmother Dearmond smiled at Kaylynn as she passed by and Kaylynn smiled back. Once again, Grams had been right.

  They climbed the three steps to the gazebo, and the orchestra fell silent.

  Kaylynn’s gaze met Jesse’s again and everyone else was forgotten.

  “Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?” the minister asked.

  “Her mother and I do,” William said, and giving Kaylynn a kiss on the cheek, he placed her hand in Jesse’s.

  “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony…”

  Jesse squeezed her hand, and she smiled up at him. She looked radiant, he thought, more beautiful than he had ever seen her. She wore a gown of pale-pink satin that managed to be modest and provocative at the same time. She had left her hair unbound at his request; it fell over her shoulders in glorious waves.

  “I love you.”

  He mouthed the words, but Kaylynn heard them, clear and beautiful within her heart. “And I love you.”

  “…now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

  Jesse turned her toward him with gentle hands. “Hello, wife,” he said.

  “Hello, husband,” she replied.

  Drawing her into his arms, he kissed her gently. And then he kissed her again, kissed her until she was breathless.

  As from far away, she heard her mother gasp, heard Regina’s laughter. Someone—Ravenhawk?—applauded.

  The minister leaned forward. “You may want to save a little something for later,” he whispered, and she heard the laughter in his voice.

  Jesse w
as grinning when he let her go. “Don’t worry,” he told her, “I’ve got plenty left for later.”

  Jesse’s gaze moved over her, slowly, lovingly, as if he wanted to imprint her image on his mind, and then he kissed her again, ever so tenderly, and in that kiss was his love and devotion and the promise of forever.

  Her family came forward to congratulate them, and then they went into the house for cake and champagne.

  A short time later, Kaylynn took Ravenhawk aside, and then she went upstairs to change clothes. Her father was giving them a trip to Europe for a wedding present. Tonight, they were staying in the best hotel in the city.

  Ravenhawk herded everyone outside so they could bid Kaylynn and Jesse farewell, then he slipped around the side of the house.

  Moments later, Kaylynn emerged.

  A hush fell over those gathered outside.

  “Kaylynn, you’re not wearing that!” her mother exclaimed, horrified.

  “Hush, Elizabeth,” Grams said. “She looks lovely.”

  “William, what will people say?”

  “Who cares what people say? She always loved to play dress-up,” he said, smiling.

  “I think she looks fabulous,” Regina remarked. “Where can I get one?”

  Kaylynn ignored them all, her gaze fixed on Jesse’s face. He looked surprised, and then pleased.

  “You look beautiful,” he murmured as he took her hand. More beautiful than he had ever seen her, he thought. She wore a tunic of soft white doeskin. Long fringe dangled from the sleeves. Tiny bells had been sewn to the fringe, and they tinkled merrily each time she moved. The yoke of her tunic was beaded in the same pattern as that on his shirt. Her hair fell down her back and over her shoulders, gleaming in the sunlight.

  “So beautiful,” he said. “Thank you.”

  She smiled up at him, then turned as Ravenhawk came around the corner of the house, leading Jesse’s horse.

  Jesse lifted Kaylynn into the saddle, then vaulted up behind her. Feeling as though her heart would burst with happiness, Kaylynn wrapped her arms around Jesse’s waist.

  Ravenhawk grinned as he handed Jesse the reins. With a whoop, Jesse touched the mare’s flanks. She reared, forelegs pawing the air, then spun on her hocks and galloped across the lawn.