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The Stafford Collection, Historical Western Romances

Page 31

by Hubbard, Lynn


  Thomas sped the horses up to gain momentum for when they reached the steep hill. Amelia was jostled a bit but kept on sleeping. She was mumbling in her sleep from time to time and he wished he could hear what she was saying but the creaking wagon was too noisy.

  After her sleepless nights on the train she enjoyed being able to lie down and rest. A cool breeze was sweeping by and lulled her into a dream. She was back home on the San Francisco boardwalk. The refreshing salt air was blowing strands of hair into her face. Exasperated, she moved to wipe them away. Her hand was caught by a tall dark stranger in a loin cloth. His chest was chiseled and firm as he used his other hand to lift her face to his…

  Amelia was awoken by a scream. She felt herself falling and then hit the ground hard before rolling the rest of the way down the hill in a pinwheel of petticoats and ribbon.

  She landed on her back and lay there trying to catch her breath and assess her injuries. Her face burned hot and she wasn’t sure if it was from rubbing across the ground or from embarrassment. She felt so stupid for falling out of the wagon. A shadow crossed over her and she closed her eyes to hide her humiliation.

  Strong, warm hands moved over her body and she felt her face getting even redder.

  “Amelia? Are you okay?” Chase asked in concern as he quickly examined her. He hadn’t found anything broken, but she still wasn’t moving. He heard footsteps and looked up as Thomas and Jaelyn ran toward him after securing the wagon at the top of the hill.

  Thomas knelt on the other side and did his own evaluation starting from her head and working his way down. Amelia reluctantly opened her eyes and batted Thomas’s hands away as she struggled to sit up.

  Chase wrapped his arm around her back as he helped her to a sitting position.

  “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine, just my pride’s hurt. I feel really, really stupid.”

  “Don’t worry about it. It could have happened to anyone,” Jaelyn offered kindly as she raised an eyebrow at her twin, noticing his arm still lingering around the girl.

  “Really? Have you ever fallen out of a wagon?”

  “Umm. No. Of course I haven’t ridden in a lot of wagons either. I prefer sitting on a horse,” Jaelyn said softly.

  Amelia smiled in spite of herself. “I’m not good on horses either. I’m pretty clever at walking though!”

  Jaelyn laughed.

  Amelia looked down at herself; she was a mess. Her hair had torn completely loose from its restraints and picked up every barb and briar on the road. Her dress was an even bigger mess. It was torn and covered in dust, mud, and who only knew what else.

  She had some scrapes here and there, which Thomas insisted on cleansing. He had conveniently brought his medical kit with him and Amelia wondered if he had a sadistic streak as he dabbed the open wounds with alcohol. She gritted her teeth and when Chase offered her his hand, she gripped it hard while mumbling a string of curses.

  “All done!” Thomas said brightly as Amelia glared at him. She allowed Chase to help her to her feet and help her up the steep hill. He boosted her up into the back of the wagon where Anna took over with a comb trying to decontaminate her hair.

  Amelia thanked her for her help before settling in the wagon further from the edge. She looked up to see Chase looking at her intently. Instead of the mocking face she expected to see, he looked concerned. She winked at him and he gave her a warm smile before resuming his pace in front of the wagon.

  Chapter 9

  Sabrina was sitting on the porch rocking. She had her eyes closed and her head resting against the wooden slats of the chair. A cool wind swept through the air as night fell. She heard the creak of the wooden deck and opened up one eye reluctantly to look up at Warren.

  “What?” she asked a bit stiffly. She had been avoiding him since her speech at dinner.

  “I just wanted to apologize. I should have never interfered in your relationship with Brock.”

  “Damn straight,” Sabrina said, opening her eyes and sitting up taller in her chair.

  “It is very difficult for me to think of you as a grown woman. I guess I feel responsible for you. It’s kinda hard to pass off that responsibility to another man.”

  Sabrina snorted. “It wasn’t hard for you to pass me off on Aunt Madeline. I’m sorry, Warren. I knew coming back here would open up a whole other can of worms but I need to face my demons. Speaking of demons, did you invite Thomas’s family to the wedding?”

  “Yes, Brock sent me the information. He seemed fond of Dr. Reynold; why don’t you like him?”

  “I like Thomas’s father just fine; it’s his sister that makes me ill.”

  “I wasn’t aware Thomas had a sister.”

  “Yes, her name’s Sally. I doubt she’ll come anyway. She don’t take kindly to heathens.”

  They both looked up at the sound of wagon wheels. Warren moved instantly to ring the dinner bell alerting the ranch that company was coming.

  Sabrina recognized Chase straight off and hurried to the barn to fetch Brock.

  The wagon was just pulling in as they made their way back to the house. Samuel stepped forward to greet them and to grab the horses to steady the wagon.

  Jaelyn hopped down first, instantly moving to give a quick hug to Sabrina and Brock before going to the back of the wagon to assist the others.

  Sabrina went to the rear as well and was very surprised to see their extra passenger.

  “Look what we found,” Chase said with a grin, motioning to the disheveled girl.

  “Amelia?” Sabrina squealed moving forward to hug her cousin. It was bittersweet for both of them and tears filled their eyes as thoughts of happier days flickered through their minds. Riley was next in line and scooped his sister up in a rib-cracking hug.

  “I’m so glad you came! Where’s Father?”

  “Minding the store. He sends his love,” she added to Sabrina who nodded, grateful for the gift of family.

  “How did you find the Staffords?”

  “She attacked me on the train,” Chase said speaking up with a laugh as Amelia glared at him. Jaelyn punched him in the arm. Sabrina was used to Chase’s carefree manner and rolled her eyes.

  “Looks like you won,” Sabrina muttered, noticing the twigs and scrapes covering her usually immaculate cousin.

  “Not my fault, she rolled out of the wagon while Thomas was driving,” Chase said in his own defense.

  “I am very sorry, ma’am,” Thomas apologized for the umpteenth time.

  “Nothing a hot bath won’t fix,” Amelia said, not noticing Chase’s eyes darken as he imagined her taking a hot bath.

  They moved away so Thomas and Brock could lift Jonathan from the wagon. Normally he would object, but the long ride had made him stiff.

  Anna swung lithely out of the back to stand proudly next to her husband and children. Sabrina moved forward to hug them both.

  She squealed as Chase grabbed her from behind and swung her in a circle. Brock instantly stepped in lest the motion harm his child. Sabrina laughed, batting the overprotective Brock away as she leaned up and kissed Chase on the cheek.

  Anna looked up at the house in amazement. “This is your home?” she asked Sabrina. Never in her wildest dreams had she ever imagined a house such as this.

  “It is your home as well, as long as you are here,” Warren said stepping up to the group. Sabrina introduced him, Riley, Samuel, and Alma to the newcomers. Alma headed inside the house to whip up a late dinner of biscuits, country ham, and beans.

  Guiding everyone inside, Warren led Brock’s parents to their room so they could rest before eating. Anna was speechless by the large ground floor room and could only nod her thanks.

  The rest of the group headed upstairs. He assigned Jaelyn and Amelia their own room as he turned to the men. “Thomas’s family will be arriving soon, so do you mind sleeping in the bunk house?”

  Chase snorted. “I could sleep in a mud puddle. The bunkhouse is fine or a barn would be better. Plus, I w
on’t have to put up with Brock’s snoring.”

  Brock glared at him as Sabrina patted him on the arm to soothe him. Jaelyn gripped Thomas’s arm tightly. Sabrina noticed the small movement.

  “I’m sure it will be fine, Jaelyn, if Thomas wants to stay with you,” she said, glaring at her brother as if daring him to speak.

  “Thank you,” she said a bit shyly, quite different from the usual headstrong girl Sabrina was used to.

  “That’s what sisters are for,” Sabrina said as she led the group back down to the kitchen where delicious smells wafted out.

  They were seated around the massive table in the dining room. Sabrina was sandwiched between Amelia and Jaelyn. Brock, Chase, and their parents sat across from them. The others were scattered about, chatting as they ate.

  “I can’t believe you’re going to have a baby!” Amelia gushed.

  “It’s supposed to be a secret,” Sabrina joked with a slight blush.

  “There is nothing wrong with being with the one you love,” Jaelyn said matter-of-factly as her eyes sought out Thomas’s.

  Sabrina smiled; it felt so good to be surrounded by family and friends. She was so thankful for Brock “finding” her and bringing her back to reality. She hadn’t realized how lost and lonely she had been.

  Amelia hid a small yawn. It had been a long, hard trip. She had washed off the first layer of road dirt before she ate but she still felt filthy. Warren had given them a quick tour of the main level and she had been unable to get the thought of a tub filled with warm water out of her mind. There was a low hum filling the room as everyone chatted together and she felt herself nodding off.

  Laughter filled the room and her eyes popped open to find everyone looking at her. Had she been sleeping? Against her will, her eyes darted to Chase who winked back at her. She quickly turned her attention to Sabrina who had a thoughtful look on her face as she noticed the exchange.

  “I think I’ll take a bath and call it a night. It feels like I’m wearing the trail.”

  “You are wearing some of it,” Sabrina said with a grin as she reached up to pull a missed bramble out of her cousin’s hair. “Why don’t you grab some clean things from your bag and I’ll get the water heated for you.”

  “You’ll do no such thing in your condition. I’m sure Chase wouldn’t mind helping,” Jaelyn said mischievously.

  Chase looked up as his name was spoken. “What are you conspiring about?” he asked his twin.

  “I was just telling Sabrina you would love to help Amelia into the tub.”

  The peach cobbler Chase was in the middle of swallowing lodged in his throat. His face turned a deep shade of red as he coughed and grabbed for his water. Sabrina wondered whether the added color was from embarrassment or lack of oxygen. Probably the latter, she supposed. She knew him fairly well and had yet to see him get embarrassed in any situation no matter how awkward.

  Brock, in a deep conversation with Warren and Samuel, reached over and slapped him on the back without looking. Chase cleared his throat and wiped the water from his eyes as he caught his breath.

  “Are you okay?” Amelia asked in concern.

  Chase laughed. “Yep, would take more than some tasty cobbler to take me out. I would be glad to assist the lady,” he said, nodding to the others as he stood, stretching to his full height. Amelia thanked him, excusing herself to head upstairs.

  Jaelyn and Sabrina exchanged a conspiring glance as they watched Chase head for the kitchen to start pumping water to heat.

  Sabrina turned to her future sister-in-law. “We need to go into town tomorrow to get fitted for our dresses. Warren has made an arrangement with a seamstress.”

  “Our dresses?”

  Realizing her mistake, Sabrina instantly covered her mouth as an apology squeaked out.

  Thomas, instantly taking in the situation, quickly moved to Jaelyn’s side. Sitting in Amelia’s vacant chair, he grabbed her hand. “I was going to tell you tonight. Sabrina thought it would be grand to have a double wedding. If you’ll have me.”

  Jaelyn was stunned by the news. “You have had this planned the whole time?!” she asked a bit angry at being left out of such a major decision. No wonder he kept reassuring her about her apparel.

  “I’m sorry, Jaelyn; I thought you would be happy.”

  “Of course I’m happy, just a bit shocked is all. What about your family?” she asked Thomas.

  “They are on their way,” Sabrina said, forcing a smile.

  “Well then yes, I would love to go with you, Sabrina. Perhaps, Amelia and Chase should come along as well.”

  “Absolutely!”

  Chapter 10

  Amelia dragged her weary body up the stairs. Why someone would put so many stairs in a house is beyond me, she thought to herself as she slid her hand up the hand-carved mahogany railing. She used her arm strength to pull her achy body up the next step—one at a time. It was so good seeing Sabrina. She had been very worried about her cousin. Now, she was not only safe but getting married and expecting a child. Brock seemed very capable and doted on her feisty cousin. It was cute.

  Stepping into the wide hallway, she headed to her appointed room and rummaged through her bags. The bed was beckoning to her. The thought of a relaxing bath and being clean again was the only thing that kept her going. Well, that and thinking of Chase. She hadn’t realized how tall he was until he stretched out in front of her that night. He definitely wanted her to notice him. She wasn’t completely ignorant about men. She had been around many back in San Francisco.

  Her hobby of choice, poker, made sure of that. There were lots of fast talkers, some of them devilishly handsome but there was always something missing. Heat, passion, devotion. She was sure that Chase had all that. Licking her lips, she grabbed her clean clothes and headed downstairs.

  She was surprised to find the table had been cleared. Brock and Sabrina were washing dishes while Chase was still carrying water for her bath.

  “The other travelers headed off to bed.” Sabrina supplied her unanswered question.

  “Do you need help? Looks like the dishes are washing you,” Amelia said for the first time noticing both Sabrina and Brock were both rather damp and covered in soap bubbles.

  “Nope, I got everything under control.” Sabrina said facing Brock. She reached up with her wet soapy hands grabbing his hair and pulling him down toward her and gave him a long deep kiss.

  “There are children present,” Chase said, shielding his eyes as he stepped from the tub room. Sabrina and Brock, used to his antics, ignored him.

  Amelia laughed. “You have no idea how much I appreciate your help.”

  Chase grinned. “Anytime you need help with a bath, I’m there.”

  Amelia blushed a bit watching him take a large pot of boiling water from the stove. The thick muscles in his arms flexed. The motion caused the fabric of his shirt to strain against them in protest.

  Unconsciously, she licked her lips following him into the small room as he added the hot water to the already half-filled tub.

  “You should be good,” he said with a wink, closing the door behind him. Unable to keep from smiling, Amelia quickly disrobed and stepped into the warm bath with a sigh. It was heavenly.

  She winced a bit as she settled down into the water. Apparently she had more scrapes from her spill than she thought. The warmth did soothe away her soreness. Leaning back against the rim, she decided to just relax a bit before she started to wash.

  It felt so good to be back around Riley and her family. There was so much love here. She really wished her father would have come. She figured him and Jonathan would get along great. Warren was still a bit stiff but Sabrina was as full of life as she always had been. And of course there was Chase and Jaelyn. Although they argued constantly, you could see how devoted they were to each other.

  Chase was so different from the other men she had met. He was very funny, strong, considerate, and handsome. Yes, this trip could get very interesting. With a small
smile she slid down into the warm water, soaking her hair before she started to wash.

  Chapter 11

  Leaving Chase to dry the dishes, Sabrina and Brock headed upstairs to bed. Each content with having their loved ones arrive safely.

  Brock was unusually quiet when he undressed and slipped into the sheets. Concerned, Sabrina slid in next to him.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing’s wrong; why?”

  “Thomas is here.” She hinted her body, aching for him.

  “Thomas is asleep, we can talk tomorrow.” He turned gathering her in his arms as they drifted off to sleep.

  It broke his heart hearing her sigh in frustration. But he couldn’t risk it. He could wait. Sometime later he was awakened by her thrashing. The nightmares had returned, almost as bad as they had originally been. With Brock holding her tightly and whispering in her ear, she soon calmed and slipped into a fitful sleep.

  She awoke before dawn. Looking out the window, she could see the sun’s rays peeking out over the horizon.

  Hopping out of bed, she went to get dressed and freshen up. On the way back to her room she hesitated for an instant before knocking on Thomas’s door. She waited impatiently until his tousled blond head appeared as he opened it a crack.

  Sabrina couldn’t help but smile seeing the always perfect Thomas looking unkempt. She was sure Jaelyn was the cause.

  “You have to talk to Brock. He is driving me crazy,” she whispered loudly.

  Thomas batted his eyes trying to banish away sleep. It gave him an owl-like resemblance. “Sure. I’ll be glad to talk to him later.”

  “Now.”

  “Now?” Thomas cried as Sabrina grabbed his arm and dragged him down the hallway to her room.

  Pushing him in and slamming the door behind her, the noise causing Brock to sit up with a jolt. His taunt chest was exposed in the process and Sabrina couldn’t help admiring the view as she turned to address him.

 

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