The Stafford Collection, Historical Western Romances

by Hubbard, Lynn

  “Sorry,” he mumbled as he bent over as if in pain.

  Not knowing what else to do, she once again took him into her hand and started moving it up and down. Brock’s large hand covered hers and guided her as she stroked his length. He moved faster and faster until a glop of white fluid exploded from the tip. Sabrina watched in amazement as he pumped out the liquid and it oozed down over her hand. He kinda slumped to the ground, leaving her with a handful of goo.

  She sat staring at it as Brock recovered his wits, tucking everything in and straightening his clothes. He helped her to her feet kissing her breathlessly.

  A door creaked open from behind them and Sabrina spun around, hiding her soiled hand behind her back. Chase had entered through a side door. He smirked at them as he headed over.

  “Awful nice evening to be cooped up in a barn.”

  “We just came by to check on the horses.” Sabrina replied cheerfully since Brock was incapable of speech at the moment.

  Chase eyed them suspiciously, as Sabrina instinctively reached out her hand and grabbed Brock’s to drag him out of the barn. Feeling the wetness squish between their intertwined fingers, she stopped and looked up at him wide-eyed. Brock looked down at her in amusement as he finally took charge.

  “We were on our way to the creek. I wanted to show Sabrina the cascade,” Brock said, opening the door with his dry hand and tugging her out.

  “Have fun!” Chase called, laughing after them as they left.

  Brock did not let go of her hand until they reached the water. He pulled her down next to the stream and washed off both of their hands. Neither of them had spoken. She stood up, feeling uneasy as she wiped her hand on her skirt. Brock walked over to her, lifting her face up to look at him.

  “Um…where did you learn that?” he asked her softly as she looked away embarrassed.

  “Remember when I told you people didn’t notice Will? Well, you hear many things hanging out in a saloon. Too much, I guess.” She shrugged and he kissed her cheek.

  He again pulled her face up to look at him. “Don’t be upset. There is nothing wrong with being with someone you love.”

  She finally lifted her head to look up at him and he smiled at her. “I was going to do this earlier but I got sidetracked.” He said sinking to his knee. Sabrina’s eye widened as he grasped her hand. “Sabrina Willodene Montgomery Lovett, I don’t have much to offer you except for my heart. Will you be my wife?”

  Her eyes filled with tears as she sank to her knees as well. Unable to speak she nodded her head as her hands went to his face to make sure that he was real, that this was real.

  “Yes?” he questioned, wanting…needing her to say it.

  “Yes!” she said as the tears spilled over her eyes. She laughed. Yup, she was crying again. He grabbed her right hand and she felt him sliding on a ring. She pulled it up to look at it. She had to wipe her eyes so she could see clearly. It was a beautiful solid silver ring with bits of turquoise embedded in it.

  “It’s amazing!” she murmured.

  “It was my mother’s; she wanted you to have it.”

  That sent her into another round of tears. She was a part of a family again. “We need to get back,” he said apologetically and she nodded again, grasping his hand and letting him guide her through the woods.

  Anna had just finished supper when they arrived. She and Chase were sitting by the fire and Sabrina ran up and hugged her, thanking her for the beautiful gift.

  “You are the best gift,” Anna told her. “I have never seen Brock so content.”

  Chase laughed aloud and Sabrina turned a bit red as she thanked her. Brock gave her a plate of roasted hen and beans and she started eating so she did not have to talk.

  After they finished eating, Brock and Sabrina went in to relieve Thomas and Jaelyn. Brock announced their engagement and Jaelyn hugged her happily.

  “I always wanted a sister. I tried to trade Chase in for one but no one would take him. I am so glad that Brock finally came to his senses,” Jaelyn said as Brock agreed and they chortled. Thomas was his usual quiet self but Sabrina noticed he was watching Jaelyn closely the entire time.

  Brock went and changed out the water basin and Sabrina resumed her place on the floor next to his bed. She noticed how the cover dipped down where his leg was removed and hoped that it was worth it. Her father had friends who had fought in the war and some had lost limbs. He said they were different afterwards. Of course that could just be from experiencing the act of war itself. Going through something like that had to change a person. The Civil War had begun before she was born but she had heard many stories from people who had been affected by it in one way or another.

  Brock returned and she started to read. Thomas had changed his bandages during his shift and she was grateful that Brock did not have to witness that. Thomas seemed to be getting along very well with Jaelyn and she wondered if they would have more company on the way back or if Thomas would return with them at all.

  Time passed slowly as she continued to read. Coming to the end of a chapter, she was stiff from sitting on the hard floor and stretched. She sensed movement from the bed and rose to her knees as she turned to check on Jonathan. He had wrapped his arms around his chest and was shaking.

  “Get Thomas,” Brock ordered and she was out of the room in a flash. She went outside, only finding Anna and Chase.

  “Where’s Thomas? Jonathan started shaking,” she said, trying to hide the panic in her voice. Chase dropped the crutch he was working on and ran into the woods to fetch him as Anna hurried past her into the house with concern etched deeply into her face. Sabrina returned to the small bedroom. Anna was bent over the bed talking to Jonathan and Brock was kneeling next to her. Not sure what else to do she put her hand on his shoulder, offering him support. He turned his head, nodding up at her as he raised his hand and held it over hers.

  “He’s shivering; I need more blankets,” Anna said and Brock went to get some heavy quilts from the wall rack. Sabrina helped him spread them out over Jonathan as Thomas, Chase and Jaelyn ran in. The small room was stretched past capacity so Sabrina stepped back against the wall so Thomas would have plenty of room. She felt a warm hand on her shoulder and was pulled into Brock’s powerful embrace. He hugged her tightly and rested his head in the crook of her shoulder. He was taking slow deep breaths as he tried to control his anxiety. Sabrina held him to her, moved that he turned to her for comfort. She turned her head and whispered in his ear.

  “I love you.”

  He kissed her neck in reply. Thomas stood up and turned to face the family. Brock released one arm keeping his other securely around her as they turned to hear the news.

  “His fever has broken. It’s a very good sign.” Tears of joy pooled in Sabrina’s eyes. She watched as Jaelyn launched herself into Thomas’ arms and their joy spilled over. Turning to Brock, she buried her face in his chest and he guided her from the room.

  He settled on a log outside and pulled her down so she was sitting sideways on his lap. Normally this show of affection would have embarrassed her in front of others, especially his family, but right now she did not care. He needed her and she needed him as well. She twisted a bit settling in as they waited for the others to emerge.

  Brock held her and gently rubbed her back as they waited. By the time Chase and Jaelyn emerged, she was warm, content and almost asleep. Bubbling with happiness Jaelyn came over and hugged her and Brock together. Imitating her, Chase did the same until Brock pushed him away. Sabrina laughed at Brock’s annoyed look and kissed him. He grinned down at her as she wriggled off his lap to sit next to him on the log. Feeling the coldness against her bum she regretted her decision.

  “Thomas said…” Jaelyn began.

  “Thomas, Thomas, Thomas.” Chase cut in and Jaelyn hit him on the side of his head as Sabrina giggled and Brock held his head in his hands in a gesture of annoyance.

  With a glare at Chase, Jaelyn began speaking again. “Thomas said he was doing very
well. There is no sign of infection from the surgery and he should be more alert so he can start eating regular food and build his strength up.”

  Brock grinned. “You’d better get to work, Chase. Sounds like he’ll be up and about soon enough.”

  Chase sat down and picked up the section of willow tree he had hacked off for the crutch. He took his knife and resumed stripping the bark from it and smoothing out the imperfections.

  Jaelyn began supper to burn off her excess energy and Sabrina went up and offered to help. Smiling at her sister–in-law-to-be, she put her in charge of peeling potatoes and sent Brock down to the creek to fetch fresh water. Thomas came out soon after and let them know their father was sleeping and Anna was staying with him. Brock returned to his seat next to Sabrina.

  “So when’s the wedding?” Jaelyn asked her brother.

  “We haven’t had a chance to make plans yet,” Brock replied.

  “Is your family coming?” she asked Sabrina.

  Sabrina stopped peeling and Brock glared at his sister.

  “I don’t have any close family. I’m not sure where my brother is and my parents and sister are gone,” Sabrina replied sadly.

  Jaelyn’s face fell; she was so close to her own family she could not imagine not having anyone. Almost losing her father was unbearable, much less losing everyone she loved. She’d even miss Chase if he was gone. Jaelyn went over and hugged her again. “Well, you have a family now.”

  “Thank you,” Sabrina murmured, deftly wiping her eyes as she returned to the potatoes. Brock patted her knee affectionately.

  “Why don’t you get married while you’re here?” Jaelyn asked.

  Sabrina hesitated, unsure of how to answer, and Brock came to her rescue. “There’s already a lot going on at the moment but, no matter when or where we have it, I’m sure you’ll be there.”

  Sabrina rewarded him with a slight smile.

  Supper was soon ready and Jaelyn brought in some food for her parents as Brock served the others. Deep in thought, Sabrina only nibbled at her food. She was getting married. To Brock. The idea was new to her and she was happy and scared all at the same time. Growing up, she had always dreamed of her father walking her down the wide front steps of her home, Montgomery. Both were gone now. She had no idea if the home was ever completely rebuilt or if the property was still in her family.

  Warren was more of a city dweller. Her mother used to tell them tales of life in Boston where she grew up and Warren’s face would glow. Sabrina didn’t like the stories of women getting dressed up in their layers and layers of fancy clothing. She never liked lace. It itched.

  She wondered if her brother had ever received her first letter and if she should send him one about the wedding. She had to send one to Samuel and Alma. She had abandoned them as well. There would be many requests for forgiveness. Her heart was heavy.

  She hadn’t really thought of Warren much and she wondered what he was doing now. Had he ever married? Did he ever think of her? She knew she missed him; she just didn’t like his bossy ways. Well, she would send out several letters as soon as they got back.

  She felt a hand on her leg and glanced over at Brock. He looked worried so she forced a smile and finished her meal. They went in to check on his father but he was still sleeping. Anna told them they no longer had to rotate sittings. Since his fever had broken, there was not much to do but wait. They both hugged her goodnight and headed to the cabin they were staying in.

  “Jaelyn upset you,” he commented.

  Sabrina lay down on the bed. She was not as much exhausted as she was weary. “It was not her fault; it was mine.”

  “Are you upset about the wedding? About marrying me?” he asked hesitantly. She had been through an awful lot lately. Maybe it was just too soon. Perhaps he should have waited.

  ‘No! It’s not that,” she said, sitting up so she could look at him. She picked up his large warm hands and held them tightly. “It’s me. I thought I left all those demons behind me but I just realized that I was making my own. I not only abandoned my brother, but Samuel and everyone else. I need to fix it. I need to fix all of it. She looked up at him, tears shining in her eyes. “Do you think they will forgive me?”

  Brock moved his hands and guided her face to his. He used his thumbs to wipe away the tears that fell. “Of course they will. They love you, how could anyone not? You did what you thought you had to do. I can’t change that, but I can help you fix it.”

  She cupped his face with her hands and pulled him down to her. She tasted his lips which were salty from her tears. Leaning back, she pulled him down on top of her. Softly, gently, they made love.

  Rising early, Brock and Sabrina headed over to make breakfast. They decided to use the stove, so Sabrina went in to light it while Brock went to collect eggs from the hens. Walking into the main house without thinking, she noticed Jaelyn and Thomas wrapped in each other’s arms on her bedding. They appeared to be fully dressed. However, she was still concerned about Brock’s reaction, so she went over and nudged Jaelyn awake.

  It took a bit for Jaelyn to come fully awake and understand what Sabrina was saying. As if noticing Thomas next to her for the first time, she blushed and scrambled to her feet just as Brock came through the doorway. His calculating gaze took in the slumbering Thomas in the corner and the two women in front of him, smiling tentatively.

  “Mornin’.” He handed the eggs to Sabrina and helped her light the fire. He kissed her cheek before going into the adjoining room to check on his father’s condition.

  “Thanks,” Jaelyn whispered after he had left. She tried to straighten out the wrinkles in her clothing. Sabrina winked at her as Brock came back in to report.

  “Still cool,” he said, happily wrapping his arms around Sabrina as he hugged her from behind.

  Jaelyn watched them enviously. Why was she not allowed to express her feelings openly? Defiantly, she went back and lay down with Thomas. Noticing, Brock frowned and took a step toward them but was stopped by Sabrina standing in his way.

  “Let them be.”

  Brock hesitated, remembering her warning about pushing Jaelyn away. He opened his mouth to reply but was quieted when Sabrina stepped forward and kissed him soundly. By the time she stepped back there was only one thing on his mind. Sabrina’s eyes sparkled as she felt his manhood against her stomach.

  “Aren’t you ever sated?” she whispered brazenly.

  “I can never get enough of you,” he murmured, kissing her as she pushed him away, giggling. Her giggle cut off abruptly as she noticed Anna standing in the doorway observing the two couples quietly.

  “Good morning. We’re making breakfast,” Sabrina stammered, still nervous around the older woman.

  “It helps if you put the eggs in the pan,” she said with her eyes twinkling. Anne stepped outside to freshen up. Blushing, Sabrina moved to cook the eggs and Brock went to sit with his father.

  She heard movement from behind her and then whispering. Thomas was awake. Sabrina smiled at his red face as he stood straightening his clothes. Anna came back in and helped her finish breakfast.

  Afterwards, she and Brock went for a ride. She was feeling much better by then, and the horses were getting antsy from lack of exercise. He led her to the falls he had mentioned to Chase the day before. She could hear the roar of the water before she saw it. Tying their horses to a tree, he led her over to a cliff where she could look down and see the falls below.

  “Amazing.”

  “They’re called the Dripping Springs. They were named by the Cherokee in the area.”

  “Cherokee? I thought your family traded with the Comanches.”

  “My father traded with many tribes and can speak many languages fluently. When he was younger, he was in the army and worked as a translator–a very dangerous job.” His face turned grim. “He eventually became disillusioned at how the Indians were being treated so he left the army and made his own way. He used to travel around hunting and going to different tribe
s to trade goods. Growing weary of travel, he decided to settle down. The Cherokees settled nearby after they were forced out of the South by the government many years ago.”

  Taking her hand, he led her carefully down a steep rocky trail to the base of the falls. She slipped several times and was covered in dirt by the time she reached the bottom. Brock gave her an apologetic look as she looked down at her now soiled outfit. She looked over at him, noticing he didn’t have an ounce of dirt anywhere except on his boots.

  “I’m sorry, I forgot how difficult the trail is,” he said, kissing her scraped hand. But Sabrina wasn’t listening. She was gazing in awe up, up, up at the cascading falls, now high above them.

  “I’ve never seen anything like it. Where does all the water come from?”

  “It’s run-off from the mountain streams…heaviest in the spring after the rains.”

  “It’s beautiful.”

  “This is where my parents met.”

  She looked at him in wonder. It was hard to picture the older couple frolicking in the water. Her eyes drifted lower and she noticed large caverns behind the falls. They were chiseled into the side of the cliff. Curious, she asked about them.

  “There are all kinds of caves and caverns ‘round here; it’s part of the Ozarks. Outlaws used them to hide out during the war. Then the army cracked down on them and cleaned ‘em out.”

  “The caverns were formed from the water?”

  Brock nodded. “The cliff is made out of limestone. It is very porous and the flowing water washes it away. The water snakes its way down into the fractures of the rock and forms the caverns. My father used to come out here and explore them when he was younger.”

  “Your father is very brave.”

  “Yes, he is.”

  They sat in silence watching nature’s glory. After a while he reluctantly interrupted her reverie so they could head back. It was a long climb back up to the top.