So far, today hadn’t been the exciting outing she’d thought it would be. The canyon had proved to be fascinating, but she found she had to be on guard all the time. Andrew always wanted to have her close to him, much closer than she wanted to be.
When she’d looked back to see Franklin riding up on Moses, her heart had leaped in her chest. She didn’t know why she wanted to climb up on the mule with him and ride away from this group. Because Moses reminds you of home, of growing up on the farm, she told herself. That was all. It had nothing to do with Franklin.
“I do think they could have a separate trail for those stinking beasts than the one we’re on.” Mrs. Carver’s petulant tone sent chills down Lillian’s spine. She hadn’t known one woman could complain so much. Within a half hour she was whining about everything from the heat, the smell, and the possible danger of snakes to every part of her that might ache now or the next day. Her husband had even offered to take her back to the top, but she refused to be left behind, which told Lillian the woman wasn’t really too bad off.
Two hours later they arrived at the point where they would have lunch. Franklin and one of the other mule skinners were setting out sandwiches, fruit, salads, and cake. The other mule skinners were with the riders walking near the edge of the point. The mules gave the impression of sleeping in the corral, heads drooping, long ears hanging down except for an occasional flick at an exasperating fly.
“I believe I’m ready to sit down.” Andrew pulled Lillian with him to one of the blankets spread out on the ground. “Sit with me.” He sank to the ground and tugged so hard she almost landed in his lap.
To tell the truth, getting off her feet sounded good to Lillian, but she didn’t want to sit with Andrew. “I think I’ll wander over to the edge and see the view.” She tried not to grimace as she surged back to her feet. Her legs muscles were on fire. She didn’t want to get cramps, but she had to get away from Andrew. He’d been too attentive.
“I’ll go with you.” Andrew’s smile seemed a little strained. He grabbed her hand, which already ached from being held so much today.
They sauntered off at a slow pace. Lillian tried not to notice the way Franklin watched them from where he was working. She wanted so much to sit with him and talk. If she heard any more about investments, hotels, and society life in the East compared to the West, she thought she would scream.
“Thank you for being so gracious today.” Andrew smiled at her as they looked down into the canyon. “I know Amanda Carver can be trying. Thomas does dote on her.”
Guilt flooded through Lillian. Why was she thinking such awful thoughts about Andrew? He was nice, and she knew he cared about her. “Thank you.”
“I’d like to dote on you, too, you know.” His proprietary gaze made her want to squirm. “I know we don’t know each other well, Lillian, but I would like you to consider coming to Phoenix with me. We could have such fun in the city. There are parties to attend, concerts, various outings. I know you would have a wonderful time. I’d spoil you.”
Warmth flooded through Lillian. Excitement stole her breath. Andrew was asking her to marry him. Yes, this was fast, but he wasn’t young anymore. He needed a wife to help him, to be there for him. He would want a family. Turning to face Andrew, she caught a glimpse of Franklin’s tense features as he talked with a guest a few feet away. Had he heard Andrew’s question? Did he still disapprove?
Her face warmed. “This is so sudden, Andrew. Will you give me time to think about it?”
“Of course.” He stepped closer. Lillian’s heart pounded. Did the man intend to kiss her in front of all these people? She took a step back. Franklin’s eyes widened. He lifted his hand toward her. Andrew glanced over his shoulder. His smile still in place, he moved nearer to Lillian. She didn’t understand Franklin’s alarm. He ran toward them as Lillian took another step back.
Andrew whirled to face Franklin. The rock under Lillian’s feet shifted. Too late, she remembered how close to the edge they’d been standing, the stomach-swirling drop. She reached out to grab Andrew. He took a backward step toward her, bumping into her. The ground dropped away.
Chapter 7
Already surging forward, Franklin thrust McClean to the side and threw himself to the ground as Lillian fell. Her terrified gaze met his. Her mouth opened, but no sound came out. Franklin’s fingers closed around her wrist. He couldn’t stop her motion. Lillian swung around, and her head smacked into the rocks. In an instant she became deadweight.
Shouts from behind him told Franklin his men were coming fast. They knew the dangers with tourists and would have been watching. Perry slung himself down next to Franklin, inching forward until he could reach down and grab hold of Lillian’s arm.
“I’ve got her, too, boss.” Perry’s dark eyes met Franklin’s. “Ready to bring her up?”
“Ready.” Franklin’s muscles began to ache. Together he and Perry inched Lillian up the cliff face. Franklin didn’t want to consider the fact that she hadn’t moved or even moaned since her head hit the wall of rock. He wanted to pray, but pulling Lillian up safely took all his concentration. God, please, was all he managed.
“Almost there.” Perry’s voice showed the strain of pulling Lillian up when she couldn’t help them. The awkward angle didn’t help.
When he felt hands on his ankles, Franklin reached his other hand over the edge and grasped the shoulder of Lillian’s dress. The fabric wouldn’t stand much strain, but he hoped it held long enough for him to get a better grip on her arm.
He and Perry tugged together. Lillian slid up a little more. Franklin grabbed the upper part of her arm. “I’ve got her. Ready?” He glanced at Perry, whose sweaty face was close to his. Perry nodded. He’d gotten a second grip on her dress at the side.
They jerked as they surged upward. Lillian popped over the edge. They scooted back, getting her out of danger. The white of her face made a sharp contrast with the stream of blood coursing down her temple. Franklin bent to examine the cut.
“Is she all right?” McClean stepped close.
Franklin shoved his fists into his pockets to keep from attacking the man. Hadn’t he known better than to allow her to stand so close to the edge of the cliff? “I don’t know yet.”
Perry gave him a quick glance. He jumped to his feet and took McClean by the arm. “Come on, mister. Let’s step back and give Mr. Knight some room. He’s had plenty of experience with injuries, but he needs to concentrate. In fact, why don’t you folks go on over and have your lunch? The boys here will see that you get served.”
The other wranglers took their cue from Perry. They led the party to the blanket-draped rocks that served as a table. Perry turned back to kneel beside Lillian. “How is she?” His tone was grim. Perry knew how bad head injuries could be.
“She’s breathing okay. This cut isn’t as bad as it looks. Head wounds always bleed like there’s no tomorrow.” Franklin dabbed at Lillian’s head with his moistened handkerchief. Some of her color had returned. She moaned. Franklin didn’t think he’d ever heard such a sweet sound. He blew out a breath and glanced up at Perry.
Perry grinned. “I’d say you’ve got it bad, boss.”
“What?” Franklin wasn’t sure what the man meant.
“This little filly means a whole lot more to you than a guest on a trail ride.” Perry chuckled. “Looks like she’ll be fine. I’ll go have some lunch and leave you two alone.”
“Perry.” Franklin watched the mule skinner saunter off without a backward glance. He looked back down at Lillian as her eyes fluttered open. He watched the emotions chase across her face; fear, relief, wonder, and something else he couldn’t quite grasp.
“I fell.” She started to sit up, gasped, and dropped back. Her face paled again. She raised her hand. Franklin grabbed her fingers before she could touch her wound.
“You hit your head. You have a small cut, but you’ll be fine.” He smiled down at her. “Other than the headache.”
She winced. “Yes, I ca
n feel that.” Wonder lit her blue eyes again. Franklin felt himself getting lost in her gaze. “You caught me. I would have died, but you caught me.”
He tried not to squirm under her adoring look. “It’s my job to see that everyone is safe.” His words came out gruffer than he intended. A shadow crossed her face. He knew she was thinking she was just another guest to him. No one special. Is that what he wanted her to think? Franklin knew without a doubt that would be a lie. Lillian was someone special to him. For the first time he admitted to himself that he might be falling in love with this blond-haired beauty.
Resting with her back against a rock, Lillian wanted to close her eyes and sleep for a week or two. Maybe a month. Her head pounded like a herd of mules were parading through. Her scalp throbbed from the cut, which had quit bleeding. Franklin had wet a cloth with cool water and tied it around her head. She knew she must look like a refugee from a war.
“You sure you can’t eat something, Miss Robinson?” The young mule skinner Perry knelt next to her with a plate of food. The thought of trying to take a bite made her stomach pitch and roll like the wash hung out in the Nebraska wind.
“No, thank you.” She managed a small smile. “A nice hammock under some shade trees might be nice.” Her attempt at humor made his eyes light up. “Come to think of it, though, that would only work if there was no breeze.”
“Is this man bothering you, Lillian?” Andrew stood over them, frowning.
This was the first time he’d come to check on her. He’d been busy talking with all the people he’d brought on the trip. She’d been hurt, but she realized this trip was business for him. Perry rose, brushed off his pants, and walked away. Andrew knelt beside her.
“I’ve been talking with some of the men who rode mules down. One of them has agreed to hike back out with my party so you can take his mount. I didn’t think you’d be up to the walk.”
Guilt flooded through her. She’d been feeling sorry for herself, yet all along Andrew had only been thinking of her welfare. “Thank you, Andrew. You’re too kind.” She attempted another smile. “I’m not sure I could make it out of the canyon on my own. This was a beautiful hike, though. Thank you for asking me to go.”
“I meant what I said earlier.” Andrew took her hand in his. “I know you’re not up to making any decisions now. I’ll be back in two weeks, just passing through. I’d like you to leave with me.”
“I have a contract to fulfill.” Lillian didn’t know why she was hesitating. Wasn’t this what she’d wanted? Shouldn’t she be elated at the thought of marrying Andrew?
Andrew’s indulgent look told her he thought she was a silly girl. “I’m sure we can find a way to get you out of your contract. I’ve been told there are a lot of Harvey Girls waiting to come to the canyon to work. I don’t think Mr. Niles will have any problem finding one to replace you.”
He patted her hand. “I’ll let you rest now. It’s time to start the walk out of here. Think about my offer. I’ll talk to you in the morning before I leave.” He leaned forward to press a kiss to her brow.
Three hours later, Lillian fought to sit upright on the mule. Franklin had sent all the others on ahead, giving her a little longer to recover before they started the strenuous ride to the top.
“Okay?” He stared up at her, his eyes darkened with concern.
“Fine.” She managed a whisper, having no idea how she would stay on this beast for the next few hours without fainting.
“We’ll take it slow. Your mule will lead out. Give him his head, and he knows the way home.” Franklin patted the mule’s neck. The sound ricocheted around the inside of Lillian’s skull. She grimaced, an expression Franklin must have taken for a smile, because he smiled back.
The trip up was interminable. Franklin stopped several times as if he sensed Lillian’s need for a break from the constant motion. He’d been so considerate. At each stop she found she wanted to be closer to him. His strength, his character, the kindness in his stormy eyes called to her in a way no other man had.
Her mule stopped. Lillian swayed. Her grip on the pommel loosened. She couldn’t hold on any longer. She slipped to the side and had no strength to stop her fall. Strong arms caught her before she even left the saddle.
“Perry, can you take her mule? Leave Moses here for me. I’ll carry her up to her dorm.” Franklin’s voice wrapped around her like a blanket of comfort.
Rocks crunched underfoot. Lillian snuggled closer to Franklin’s broad chest. He felt so good, so strong. She wanted to stay here forever, yet she had to make a decision about Andrew. How could she choose Franklin when she knew Andrew was the answer to her prayers?
She faded in and out of consciousness. She heard the murmur of voices. Mr. Niles? Miss Gibson? She tried to wake up, but her brain wouldn’t respond. The strong arms carrying her lowered her to a bed and released her. Lillian wanted to cry out in protest. Instead, darkness closed in, and she drifted away.
Chapter 8
Standing against the hitching post, leaning back against Moses, Franklin watched the door of the El Tovar. Everything in him thrummed with anticipation. Four days had passed since he’d carried Lillian into her room. Every day he’d inquired about her welfare. Today she was back at work. Her roommate, Dinah, had come to Franklin saying Lillian wanted to talk to him after the noon meal was over.
The door swung open. Lillian stepped out, still dressed in her Harvey Girl uniform. The starched apron had something dribbled down the front. Franklin bit back a smile. No matter how she tried to be careful, Lillian always managed to spill something. He would have to be quick so she had time to rest and change before the next meal.
He started toward the steps, wanting to save her walking too much. He knew she must be tired after serving two meals today. She would need to rest before suppertime. Her blond hair glinted like gold in the midday sun. Lillian took his breath away even with the circles under her eyes and the strain of exhaustion lining her face. He wondered if this tiredness was from more than the injury.
“No, don’t come down.” Franklin held his hand palm out to stop her. “There are a couple of free chairs over there. We can sit outside and enjoy the fresh air.”
Lillian halted at the top of the steps and smiled at him, causing an ache of longing to sweep through him. He wanted to hold her, to protect her, to have her beside him as his wife for the rest of his life.
“Thank you for coming.” Lillian tilted her head to the side as he took her elbow. Her clear blue gaze seemed to be looking into his heart. He wondered if she could read how much he’d come to love her in the last few weeks.
“I was hoping to see you. Are you feeling all right? How’s your head?”
She reached up to touch the spot above her temple where she’d been cut. “It’s just a little tender.”
“Still having headaches?” Franklin asked.
“Not too much. Only when I try to overdo.” The way she winced as she turned her head told him she might have overdone today by working both meals.
Quiet settled between them. Franklin relaxed back in his chair. From the corner of his eye, he could see the lines of strain on Lillian’s face ease, and she, too, rested. He could get used to this. Franklin could picture them in a home of their own, sitting on the porch in the evening watching their children at play. He’d never pictured this scene with any woman before. He’d often wondered if he ever would.
Thank you, Lord. You knew the right woman for me. Please help me to convince her we’ll be right together.
Before Franklin could speak, Lillian started to talk. “I wanted to have the chance to thank you. You saved my life.” Her voice caught. She swallowed hard. “If you hadn’t been right there, I would have fallen down into the canyon.” A shudder rippled through her. “I don’t know how to say more than thank you for my life.”
Franklin shifted in his seat. “It’s nothing. I was glad to be there.”
“Just doing your job. Right?” Lillian’s eyes held hurt.
/> “Yes, it’s my job to protect the people I take down canyon, but I’m not usually close enough to grab someone who’s falling.” He took her hand and squeezed. “I believe you’re alive now because God had me that close for a purpose. He’s the one you should thank for saving your life.”
She closed her eyes. “I have. Many times.” Her gaze caught him again. “I know God brought me here for a purpose. I’ve prayed so long for the right husband, and now I believe I’ve found him.”
Franklin’s heart soared. Ever since the other night when he carried Lillian up to her dorm, he’d known she’d had a change of heart. The way she snuggled close to him made him realize they were perfect for each other. Somehow she must have sensed it, too.
A smile washed most of the strain from her face. Pulse pounding, Franklin knew this was the time. Before she could say anything else, he tightened his hold on her hand and slipped to one knee. “Lillian, I know we haven’t known each other long, but I feel like I’ve waited for you forever. I agree God brought you here for a purpose—for me. Will you consent to marry me?”
Her mouth dropped open. The color fled from her cheeks. Shadows of emotion chased through her eyes. “Franklin, I had no idea.”
Dread swept through him. Had he misinterpreted the way she’d clung to him the other night? Hadn’t he prayed about them? Hadn’t he heard clear instructions from God about this proposal?
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“Andrew is coming back this week. He’s waiting for my answer to the question he asked.” She tugged her hand free from his. “He’s the husband God has for me. I’m sorry.” Her eyes filled with tears.
Anger coursed through Franklin. “Why? Why do you want a man old enough to be your father? Is it just the money?”
She drew back as if she’d been struck. “It sounds so shallow when you say it like that.” She looked down and plucked at the stain on her apron. “Since I was a child, I loved to hear stories about a princess being carried off to a castle by her handsome prince. I know this sounds stupid, but I wanted to be that princess. I want to live in a castle with my prince.” When she looked at him, her gaze was so full of misery Franklin had to glance away.
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