Naked in the Winter Wind

by Dani Haviland

  “The man we now know as Dick Short admired José’s horses. He offered José a small amount of money for both of them. Of course, José said no. He may not have understood his words, but a couple coins rubbed together and a nod at the horses was plain enough. José’s negative reply didn’t go over very well. That is when Mr. Short decided to see how much he could take from the man who didn’t speak English. He didn’t want just the horses, though—he wanted everything the Rojas family had. Old ‘Short Dick’ intentionally started the panic about demons and Devil worship. If we hadn’t come along and shown the townspeople how ridiculous the accusations were, it would be Mr. Richard Short sitting here eating eggs, and José would be…well, we came at a very opportune time to save his property and perhaps his life.”

  “Ho-kay, I think we need to get him some help. And of course, I have a plan.” I turned away and made sure José couldn’t see my face. I spoke softly to Julian alone, my cheeks nearly cramping from my huge grin, “And I know you like my plans, so here goes.”

  I turned back and spoke up to include José in the conversation, at least figuratively. “How about a partnership for you two? Julian, you have experience with horses and could make sure José isn’t taken advantage of when buying supplies and such. And you know people, both here in this country and abroad, who would love to have one of his Andalusians, or even the use of one of his stallions as studs for their own horses. Oh, and I think the goats might actually be more valuable, pound-per-pound, than the horses. Did you notice that they’re Angora goats?”

  “I’ll answer your last question first. No, I did not notice they were Angora goats, and would not know what to do with one if I did know what one was. On the other part, you little minx, yes, I do believe a partnership would be welcomed on both parts, but not because of what your little gutter mind is thinking. True, José needs help here, but any strong back could do that. As far as running a profitable horse stable, that would be where I think I could help most. I have some money, and I would be happy to invest it in more horses. I also believe that this location and occupation would be less conspicuous for me as far as the, ahem, other issue is concerned.”

  “Right,” I drawled, “Hide in plain sight. A little homespun and a straw hat, and you’d blend right into the countryside.” I smiled at José and nodded. “Do you think José would like the idea?”

  “We talked about it last night and then again this morning,” Julian said. I raised my eyebrows and glanced down at my plate. “Yes, you see,” Julian picked up my chin and looked at me with an innocent smirk, “the more wine I drank, the better my Spanish became. And it turns out that José knows a bit of English, too. He’s just afraid to speak it because of his accent. But I digress. Yes, a partnership is desirous,” another smirk, this time from both him and me, “for both of us.”

  “Okay, but before we leave, I want to walk around the property with both of you. I want to see what you’re getting yourself into, property-wise. But let’s make sure I get back to our…er…the Pomeroy’s place, and that there’s someone there to stay with me, before you change your mailing address.”

  “You know, Evie, if you were anyone else, I’d call you out for some of your crude remarks. I would have challenged a man to a duel for even one of the innuendos you have made in the last 24 hours, but…”

  I interrupted, “But you love me and I love you.” I popped a quick kiss right on his lips and said, “Just give me a minute, and then I’ll be ready to go with you on a tour of the premises.”

  I had been so absorbed with Julian that I didn’t even notice that José had gathered up the dishes and was in the kitchen, cleaning up my mess. Wow, just what I need—two husbands: one to kiss and one to clean. Yeah, right…both gay. That would mean I’d have to take a lover or another husband just so I could get laid. Oh well, I’m happy with what I have now, no matter how crazy it is. A good friend is better than a lousy husband, any day.

  On our walk around the property, I explained in plain English the value of Angora goats. Their coats were extremely soft, and were evidently rare since Julian didn’t know about them. Goats would eat just about anything, too, and their wool harvested twice a year.

  José had a surprise for us, too. He had three young mares in the back pasture. He explained in broken English that they had come to America when they were young, so no one knew their value. Now that they were grown, their compact yet sturdy form was definitely noticeable, their manes and tails already long. “Did you know that their manes will grow faster if you braid them?” I asked José.

  He didn’t understand, so I walked over and, after talking softly and gaining the fairest mare’s confidence, started braiding the hair just above her withers in narrow one-inch plaits. I used a blade of new spring grass as a ribbon for the end. I visualized them, Julian and José, out in the pasture, braiding the manes of the horses, a very soothing thought.

  “I want to go home, Julian,” I blurted out. I was on the verge of tears. There was no reason for it other than I suddenly wanted to curl up on my poor little excuse for a bed. I could feel the start of a mood swing. The hormones were bubbling to the surface, interrupting my composure, and stifling my sanity on their way.

  “All right, Evie, if that’s what you want. Let’s get some food and water put aside first, and then we can be on our way,” Julian said, a puzzled look on his face.

  I started to say something—to try and explain—then realized how much concern he had for me. Julian didn’t understand what was happening, but he would do anything for me. Realizing that had the tear glands working even harder. I blinked back the wetness, a brainstorm replacing my anxiety. “Wait, wait, before we go, I want to do something. We can do it in the sala…er…main room.”

  We walked up the porch steps together, one man at each elbow to steady me. I saw Julian and José look at each other, wordless, yet with complete understanding, just like an old married couple. Such a warm, soothing sight—I was happy again. Good grief! Crying one minute, then smiling and perky the next—what was left?

  I pulled myself together. Recharged and ready, I had a task, a positive mission to accomplish. “Okay guys, come here, we’re going to have a little traditional—at least where I’m from—rite, I’d guess that’s what you’d call it.” I reached out and held one of their hands in each of mine. “Okay, you guys want to form a partnership, right? You both understand?”

  Julian and José looked at each other and then at me. Julian said, “Partners,” and José copied him in his thick, sultry Spanish accent, “Partners.”

  “Okay, go stand together, side by side,” I said, indicating the sunny spot by the front window. José moved over, stood up tall, and smiled. Julian walked over and stood three feet away, wearing a frown of uncertainty. “Get closer,” I ordered.

  Julian stepped nearer and looked at me with a slight sneer of defiance. “Closer—this is a partnership, and the whole idea is showing the symbolism of you two guarding each other’s backs in all adversity, trials, blah, blah, blah.”

  “Is that how they do it in Alaska?” asked Julian. His frown had vanished. I could tell he was ceding all authority in this rite to me—he was smiling again.

  “Huh?” I answered, totally baffled at his mention of Alaska.

  “Yesterday at the ‘incident,’ you said ‘We’re going to find out what is going on here—Alaska-style.’ Is this little ceremony Alaska-style, too? And where is Alaska?”

  “North, way up norrrth,” I sang.

  ‘North to Alaska’ was sing-songing in my head. I shook my head to physically move the words away, along with any memories that might be sneaking in.

  “Let’s talk about it later, Julian. Remind me, because I might forget.”

  Forget again, I thought.

  Julian was six inches from José’s elbow at this point. They looked so cute together. They were pretty much the same height and build, although José was at least ten years younger, maybe more. José was staring at me—oops! I had been gawk
ing at the two of them for more than just a moment.

  “Ahem, sorry about the wait, guys. I, uh, was just trying to remember the words,” I lied. Well, it sounded like a good excuse to me. Now it was time to see if I could think fast on my feet again.

  “Dear Lord, we are gathered here to ask Your blessing on this new partnership between Julian Wallace Hart and José Rojas.”

  “José Alejandro Rojas,” José whispered to me.

  “Julian Wallace Hart and José Alejandro Rojas,” I corrected. José’s chest puffed up at his name. I had intentionally left out Julian’s title and didn’t know why I knew his middle name was Wallace. At least, I think I was right; he didn’t correct me.

  “Do you agree to help each other in your pursuit of health, happiness, and prosperity in taking care of this property and of all the creatures that reside here, your business needs and…” I paused, not wanting to sound too mushy, “Non-business needs, so long as you both agree,” I paused again and looked down, “or live, whichever works out best?”

  I looked at the men, waiting for an answer. They looked back, confused, seeking direction. “Say, I do,” I whispered softly.

  “I do,” they said together.

  “Lord, we ask You to give these men Your knowledge and understanding, compassion, and caring in all that they do. We ask Your blessing on them in sickness and health, poverty and wealth, trials and celebrations. In Jesus’s name, Amen.”

  The two men looked at each other and then at me. I nodded my head, urging them to respond. They both replied, “Amen.”

  “Okay, a hearty handshake and a big bear hug, and you’re partners in the eyes of all of us here, including Him,” I said as I looked up to heaven.

  José clutched Julian’s hand in a big two-handed shake, exaggerating the up and down movement. Both of them were smiling as if they had just won the lottery. José paused for half a breath, then threw his arms wide and enveloped Julian in a big bear hug, actually lifting him off the floor. Julian’s eyes were bug-eyed at the intense show of affection, and then he realized that he had nothing to hide, nor anyone to hide it from. His whole face relaxed and shone with its natural radiance, reflecting his unbridled joy.

  “¿Como oso?” José asked me after he finally set Julian down.

  “Yes, like a bear,” I replied and walked over to wrap my arms around both of them, my belly squished between the two of theirs, my head touching both of their shoulders at the same time. “My bears,” I added.

  My beautiful, ‘cuddly teddy bears,’ I thought—but I certainly wouldn’t tell them that.

  I still wanted to go home, and Julian respected that. The men got the wagon set up while I waited, all aglow with the success of my matchmaking. Julian helped me into the wagon seat and José bid us a cordial, “Good-bye,” taking care to enunciate both words of the simple phrase.

  Ӂ Ӂ

  Julian drove me back to the house. He’d make sure all was secure and that someone was home to watch out for me so he could he return to José and the ranch. It was quiet for a while, both of us in our own little worlds. He spoke first. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you, lady. Sometimes you exasperate me so much I want to, to...”

  “Throttle me?” I asked.

  “I’m not sure what that means but, yes, probably. And other times I…well, if I weren’t who I am—and I know I don’t have to explain that to you—I’d ask you to marry me. But you are in my life and, for better or worse, as you say, I’m glad of it.”

  “Wow, an almost proposal—thank you!” I looked over and saw Julian was both embarrassed and ticked at the same time. “No, really, thank you. You have no idea how it feels to be pregnant and alone and well, to be literally dumped on the doorstep of other people—no matter how nice they are—by someone who you had felt so strongly for…ergh!”

  “Well, it’s his loss and our gain. We have a unique family here, Wallace with his two fathers and Sarah with a sister who really isn’t a sister. Yes, I know the circumstances are most unusual, but we all love each other, and look out for each other. What more could anyone ask?”

  “A last name for my babies?” I replied, my bottom lip blossoming into a full pout. I really wasn’t looking for sympathy, but deep down I wondered: if I pouted well enough, would it cure me of my abandonment issues?

  “Well, I’ll tell you what,” Julian said as he used the knuckle of his index finger to gently nudge my bottom lip back up to where it belonged, “if that big, strong, intelligent son of mine doesn’t ask you to marry him soon, I…I…”

  Julian was stammering, something I had never seen him do before. “You’ll just have to have a long talk with the boy, that’s all,” I said in a jesting manner a la Jed Clampett.

  “Yes, that’s right, that’s what I’ll do, except I think he is waiting until…oh, I don’t want to betray a confidence. You understand, don’t you?”

  “Yes, I understand.” He hadn’t said too much, but what he said, and how he said it, definitely brightened my morning. Shoot, brightened my whole month…at least!

  I sat next to him, in a daze. I was worthy as a wife—at least to Julian and, apparently/hopefully, Wallace. And these men weren’t self-serving, avenging skunks either. I sighed at the prospect of a new life; one where I didn’t have to hide my thoughts or feelings for fear I’d get someone in trouble. I flashed on Little Bear and the gentle kiss he had given me on my hand. ‘I hope he’s safe,’ went through my mind. I shook off the uncertainty. He’d be fine—at least until Ian caught up to and took care of the remaining seven foul judges…or however many were left of the original eight who had tortured him.

  I snapped out of my jumbled emotional stew of bliss and fear when the wagon hit a bump. I reflexively clutched at the non-existent seat belt across my chest. Julian looked over at my odd gesture, but didn’t say anything.

  “Oh, and I was going to tell you,” I said as I re-adjusted my skirt under my thighs. “Remember when we were talking about names just after we first met José?”

  “Yes, and you were going to tell me something about his name. What was that all about?”

  “José said that rojas referred to the color of the apples, his family’s emblem. Apples are pommes in French and roy means red in Gaelic. José means Joseph and so, you just had a civil ceremony joining you and Joseph Pommes Roy in a partnership for life, or as long as you both agree—but I don’t doubt that it will be for life.”

  Julian paled at my explanation and I knew why.

  I wasn’t supposed to know that Julian had once had a major crush on Jody. That was some of the info I ‘knew,’ but didn’t know why I knew. Shoot! I shouldn’t have said anything, but it was too late now. Ah, what the hell…

  I babbled on, acting as if I knew nothing of the crush. “Yup, you and another ‘Red Jody’—partners for life. Weird, huh?”

  “Yeah, weird, huh?” he replied, stunned.

  Ӂ Ӂ

  I did fine for the rest of the ride home—fine in the fact that I didn’t cry or have any other signs of pregnancy-induced mood swings.

  José had given me some of his long-keeper tomatoes and his extra tortilla griddle as gifts of appreciation. I think he was trying to say it was for performing the partnership service, but he probably would have given them to me anyway. He also let me have as much food as I cared to gather. I grabbed a couple of garlic bulbs and some dried chilies to bring back for seeding my little kitchen garden. I had found a few other plants that had gone to seed and gleaned seedpods from them for my mystery rows. I was pretty sure there were some greens in there and maybe a few carrots. Now if I just knew where I could get some cucumber and squash seeds and maybe some sprouting potatoes, I’d have everything I wanted. I’d start the tomato and chili seeds as soon as we got home.

  I was very content. Now I had something to look forward to. The depression I had had that led to chaos, death, and disaster was gone. Now, if the guilt of my running away and being the cause of it all would just leave, too…

&
nbsp; **32 But I Want to Go

  February 23, 1781

  “But I want to go, too! I can help you, you know I can.”

  I didn’t like begging, but that’s what I was doing. Sarah was going with the men to an area called Haw River. There were rumors that the Loyalists were gathering near there, and someone named Badminton Tarleton—or some goofy name like it—was coming to lead them into battle against the patriot militia. There had already been small skirmishes, but something big was in the wind. Our scouts had seen an ‘officer-looking’ man in a green coat leading a large group of foot soldiers. Scores of Loyalists, both young and old, followed behind him like little lambs. There were too many wound up tea-suckers—and with a leader—too close to home for me.

  Sarah and I had been bickering about where I belonged all morning. “I know it’s not safe for me, but it’s not safe for anyone else either. I also know it’s not a good idea for me to be here alone. If Julian or Wallace has to stay here to watch out for me, then Jody will be one good man short if there is fighting. So, how about if I go with you, do as I’m told, and keep out of harm’s way?”

  Sarah gave up the argument with a sigh. “I’ll speak with Jody and see if I can persuade him to let you come with us. If there is fighting, there’ll be injuries, and I could use your help. You aren’t afraid of blood, are you?”

  “Only my own, and I always do my best to grab the right end of a knife.”

  As if on cue, Jody appeared. “Would ye two come out here fer a moment,” he said, and then turned around, not waiting for an answer, certain that we’d follow.

  Sarah and I looked at each other, wide-eyed and stunned at the male haughtiness that had just made an appearance. “Hmph,” I grunted.

  “Hmph,” Sarah echoed as we joined elbows in perfect accord, ready to meet with the man—on his turf and at his terms.

  Jody was standing next to the horses, scowling like a man who had come to a decision he hadn’t wanted to make. Julian and Wallace were a few yards away, fussing with their saddles, obviously trying to look busy. I knew they were trying to be unobtrusive, but they also wanted to be near enough to find out what was going on.