by Linda Bridey
Reckless left them at this point because he wanted to let his boss, Jake Henderson, know that he would be back to work as a bouncer the next night. Jake and Dawson’s mayor, Joe Dwyer had gone into business together in building the new Watering Hole.
The others wasted no time in moving on again. They didn’t want to get stopped by anyone and moved their mounts into a fast trot.
Tessa kept watching out the windows for her loved ones. She missed them tremendously and became increasingly nervous about them. The twins played outside and were attempting to build a fort. Tessa smiled as she watched them. Katie’s disposition was much like Dean’s and she tended to be bossy with her twin. D.J. didn’t seem to mind and usually went along with whatever Katie wanted to do.
Suddenly she saw Katie and D.J. stand up and look up the lane. Then they ran from the yard in the direction of the road. Tessa didn’t bother with a shawl or coat. She flew out the door to see where the children were going. Tessa recognized Twister and gave a loud cry of joy as she raced after the twins.
Dean saw his little ones coming and jumped down from Twister. When they reached him he knelt and hugged both of them at once. He kissed each of them and said, “I swear you grew a foot while I was gone! I missed you!”
They laughed and kissed him back. “We missed you, too, Pa,” they said in almost perfect unison. They did that often along with finishing each other’s sentences.
Dean laughed and then saw Tessa running up the lane. His face broke out in a huge grin and he ran to meet her. He picked her up and planted a hard kiss on her mouth that she returned fervently.
When they parted, Dean saw that Tessa had tears in her eyes. “Everything’s ok, honey. We’re all safe and sound.”
“I know, but we’ve all missed you so much and I kept imaging all sorts of terrible things happening to you,” Tessa said.
Dean laughed. “There goes that writer’s imagination of yours again.”
Jack came over and said, “My turn.”
“Oh, Jack! Are you all right?” she asked as she embraced him.
“I’m fine, Mama. Listen to, Pa. We’re all ok,” he said.
Tessa saw Sparrow and rushed to hug her. “I’m so glad you were able to get away so they could get you home. Everything will be fine now.”
Sparrow hugged Tessa back. She was very fond of Tessa and Tessa’s kindness meant so much to her. “Thank you. I missed you.”
“I missed you, too,” Tessa said as she caught sight of another woman whom she didn’t know.
“Tessa, this is Sasha McCall. She’s the one responsible for getting Sparrow away from them. We didn’t want her travelling back to Nebraska alone since the weather’s been so bad, so we brought her home with us for the holidays. Sasha, this is my wife, Tessa.”
The two women shook hands and Tessa smiled at the pretty blonde. “How nice to meet you, Sasha. You are a brave woman for helping Sparrow the way you did.”
Sasha said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well. They’ve been telling me so many good things about you.” She smiled at Tessa.
Dean said, “And these two little rascals are our twins; Katie and D.J. Say hello to, Sasha.”
“Hi, Sasha,” they said together.
“Hello. You are precious. You look like your father,” Sasha said referring to their blue eyes and blonde hair.
Dean noticed Tessa shivering and said, “Tessa! You don’t have a coat on. You best get in the house before you catch a cold. You ladies and children go on in and Jack and I will take care of the horses.”
All right,” Tessa said. “Come with me, Sasha, Sparrow. Sasha, we’ll get you settled in Jack’s old room.”
Dean said, “Where’s Sparrow going to stay?”
“I just assumed she would be staying with Jack,” Tessa said as the women walked away from them.
Jack was able to hold in his laughter until they had gone in the house and then it came out in a great shout of amusement. He took his and Sparrow’s horse and went into the barn. Dean could hear his laughter echo inside the structure. Dean’s anger simmered as he followed suit with the other two horses.
A half hour later, Dean and Tessa entered their bedroom. Dean smiled as Tessa shut and locked the door. When she turned around to him, Dean embraced her, but Tessa pushed him away.
“What’s the matter?” Dean asked.
“How dare you bring a strange, single woman home with you?” Tessa asked. Her eyes had darkened with anger and her brows were drawn down.
Dean gave Tessa an irritated look. “I told you; it wasn’t safe for her to travel on her own.”
“She could have stayed at a hotel until the weather cleared,” Tessa said.
“No, she couldn’t. She’s not rich. She was going to run out of money before it was safe to travel. Besides, she’s a widow and has no one back in Nebraska. It’s not right that anyone be alone at Christmastime, Tessa. There’s been nothing inappropriate going on. Ask Jack or Sparrow. Don’t you trust me anymore?” Dean asked.
Tessa saw that she’d hurt Dean. She knew how he felt about cheating and as far as she knew, he’d never been attracted to another woman but her.
She put a hand to her forehead and said, “I’m so sorry, Dean. Of course I trust you. I always have. You’ve never given me reason not to.”
“You’re damn right I haven’t,” Dean said sharply. “And as far as being worried about me being around a single woman? What about Sparrow staying with Jack? I don’t think that’s appropriate and yet you think it’s ok. Can you explain that to me?”
Tessa said, “Dean, they’ve been apart for so long. Is it any surprise that they would want to be together? I trust them, Dean. You and I have been apart for over two weeks and I could not imagine parting from you again now that you’re home. They’ve been apart for three years, so it’s infinitely worse for them, Dean.”
Dean took a deep breath and said, “I understand that, Tessa. But there’s another reason I’m worried about them being at Jack’s place alone.”
“What is that reason?”
“Safety. We don’t know if they’re coming after Sparrow or not. If they find the two of them down there alone without anyone else to help them, it’s going to be bad, Tessa,” Dean said. “I don’t even want Jack staying down there by himself. I’m scared. I agree that we had to get Sparrow away from them, but I don’t want any trouble here, either.”
Tessa’s anger drained away at his words. She went to him and hugged his waist. “Do you really think they’ll come here?”
Dean put his arms around his wife and rested his cheek on her head. “It’s a good possibility, but I hope not. I was actually going to suggest that they stay in Seth’s bunkhouse temporarily. I’m sure Cam won’t mind bunking in with Marty for a little bit. Just until we make sure things are safe.”
“I think that’s a good idea. I’m sorry that I got upset with you. Of course Sasha shouldn’t be alone for the holidays. I have always trusted you. I was a little jealous because she’s an attractive woman,” Tessa admitted.
Dean smiled. “You were jealous?”
“Yes, Dean. You’re a very handsome man and it wouldn’t surprise me if she was attracted to you,” Tessa said.
Dean wasn’t a vain man, but it pleased him immensely to know that Tessa could still feel that way after sixteen years of marriage. He cupped her face and made her look at him. “There’s nothing to be jealous about,” he said and kissed her.
Her lips trembled and tears leaked from her closed eyes. Dean held her and asked, “Tessa, what’s wrong?”
“Mike has been so horrible lately and I was at my wits end with him,” Tessa said.
Dean frowned. “I’m sorry, honey. I’ll talk to him. He’s going to listen or else.”
“No, Dean. I need to talk to you about him,” Tessa said.
“Ok. I’m listening,” Dean said.
She sat down with him on their bed and explained everything that Ben had told her to her husband. He sat for several m
inutes in silence as he processed what she’d told him.
Finally Dean said, “He’s a genius? How did that happen? He doesn’t get it from our side."
Tessa chuckled. “He might. Look at Marcus. I’m not sure if he’s a genius, but he’s highly intelligent.”
Dean sighed. “And we have to ask him to do things now?”
“I’ve seen it with my own eyes. I’ll show you,” Tessa said. “Come with me.”
Dean followed her out to the kitchen. Mike sat with Jack and Sparrow at the table. He had a book open before him.
Tessa said, “Michael, shut the book and bring more firewood in for the stove.”
“Mama, I’m talking to Jack and Sparrow,” Mike protested.
“Mike, mind me and go get the wood,” Tessa said.
Dean saw the familiar dark look cross Mike’s face. “Not right now,” he said.
Jack’s brows drew down and he said, “You mind, Mama, and go get that firewood right now.”
Mike crossed his arms over his chest. “Are you going to make me?”
Jack made a move towards his brother, but Tessa intervened. “Stay still, Jack. Michael, will you please help me by bringing more firewood? I’d like to get supper started and it would really help me if you would. Then you can go back to visiting.”
Mike looked at her for a few moments and then said, “Ok, Mama. If it’ll help you, I’ll do it.”
Dean was flabbergasted as Mike passed him to go out the door. “Holy hell, Tessa. It works! While he’s outside, explain it to them,” he said indicating Jack and Sparrow.
“Explain what?” Jack asked.
Tessa briefly told them about her visit with Ben and what he’d told her.
“So we gotta ask him to do stuff and he’ll do it? And he really is a genius? He told us that on the way home, but we thought he was messin’ with us,” Jack said.
“No, he wasn’t. It’s true,” Tessa said. “Please be considerate of him.”
Jack said, “It explains a lot.”
“Yes. Claire has already started planning a new curriculum just for him. She’ll start him at two grades higher after the holidays,” Tessa said.
Jack said, “Mama, most of the other kids are done after eighth grade. Is she going to keep him in school without any other kids his age?”
Tessa said, “I don’t think he cares. He has such a thirst for knowledge. There are three others close to his age that are still attending.”
Jack nodded. “I’d hate for him to feel like the odd man out. Maybe he’ll be a doctor, too, and take over for Uncle Marcus.” He smiled. “Wouldn’t that be a hoot?”
Dean chuckled. “It’s not a bad idea.”
Sparrow said, “I’m sure Marcus would like that.”
Mike came in with the wood and put it in the wood box. “I’m going to get some more, Mama because you’re going to use some now, but then there’ll still be some for later. I’d better put some in the fireplaces for tonight, too. It’s getting colder.”
“Thank you, Michael. I don’t know what I’d do without you,” she said.
Mike grinned and said, “You’re welcome.”
Dean snagged him as he went by and hugged him. “You’re a good kid. C’mon, I’ll help you and we’ll have it done in no time.”
Mike laughed. “Ok, Pa.”
Chapter Nine
Sparrow made the bed in the bunkhouse as she hummed. She was so happy to be home that she didn’t mind staying there instead of Jack’s house. It made her feel guilty that they had to stay there in order to be safe. She didn’t want to bring harm to Jack’s family. Everyone had assured her that they weren’t upset at all, but Sparrow still had some doubts. That she and Jack were being allowed to stay together had surprised her, too. The thought of being apart from him filled her with dread, even if was just overnight. She’d spent too much time away from him to be separated that way.
Jack hadn’t been happy about not living in his place, but his common sense had prevailed and he realized that it was a good idea. He was a good shot and lethal at hand to hand combat, but he was only one man and if they came after them in numbers, he wouldn’t be able to protect Sparrow.
Jack had helped Tessa cook despite her protests. He’d missed it and the job went faster with the two of them working together. It was something they’d done often over the years. Every so often, Jack would see Tessa looking at him wistfully, but he pretended not to notice. If he had said something to her, she would have gotten weepy.
A hearty reunion had occurred with their family and the cookhouse had been filled with laughter as they all caught up with each other. At times they got their conversations crossed and confusion had reigned, which made things even funnier. Sparrow felt a sense of belonging as she was welcomed into the family. They hadn’t seen the ring Jack had given her before and everyone complimented the couple on it.
Jack had offered to help Sparrow make the bed, but she’d refused. She was used to taking care of the housework and didn’t want that to change. So Jack sat in one of the chairs and watched her. He smiled as she hummed and went about her work. Jack had never been as happy as he was at that moment. His little bird was back with him and all was right with the world again.
It was warm inside the bunkhouse and the chair in which he sat was comfortable. His eyes drifted shut and soon he slept. Sparrow heard him snore and turned around to see him sleeping. She laughed softly as she saw the way he was sprawled out in the chair.
“Jack, wake up,” she said as she shook him.
“Hmm? What?” he said and opened his eyes. He saw Sparrow laughing at him. “Did I nod off?”
“Yes. It’s ok. We are both tired and need to sleep,” Sparrow said. “We should go to bed.”
Jack nodded and then had to stifle a yawn. He stood up and began undressing without thinking. Sparrow was unperturbed and didn’t say anything. Jack kept on his long underwear and hung his clothes on one of the pegs on a wall.
“Will you step outside a moment?” Sparrow asked.
Jack smiled. “How about I just turn around? I’m in my underwear here, Sparrow.”
Sparrow thought about it and said, “Ok. Turn around.”
Jack did and waited until she told him it was all right to turn back around. Tessa had given her a warm nightgown that was demure and covered her from neck to ankles. Jack looked at her in it and smiled.
“Don’t you laugh,” she said. “I am not used to wearing such things. It’s going to bunch up and make me sweat.”
Jack said, “Well, if you get too warm, just take it off.”
She smacked his arm. “I can’t do that and you know it.”
“I know. Let’s go to bed,” he said. “I’m beat.” He yawned again.
Sparrow crawled into the bed and moved over. Jack watched her backside appreciatively as she did. Desire shot through him and he immediately clamped down on it. It was something he’d done countless of times over the years he and Sparrow had been together before she’d left. He hadn’t been kidding when he’d told Dean that he and Sparrow had spent many nights together.
Back then, Jack had bought a second wind-up alarm clock and stowed it and a few blankets away in the clearing where they’d first met. Both of them would wait until their families were asleep to sneak away and meet there. Jack would set the clock to go off very early so that they could get back home before anyone was any the wiser.
A few times they’d been caught coming back, but had simply said they’d had to relieve themselves. No one had questioned them about it. Jack had felt a little guilty, but the deception had been worth it to him to be able to be with Sparrow. All during the time they had been courting, they’d been able to resist temptation and had been satisfied just to be close.
Jack blew out the lamp, joined her in the bed, and pulled the covers over them. Sparrow snuggled close and inhaled his scent. She smiled as he ran a hand over her hair and kissed her forehead.
“I can’t believe I’m here with you,” she sa
id as she looked into his eyes. “We should have never left. Father became a stranger to me. The man I knew when I was young wouldn’t have let someone get away with hitting me. Nor would he have ignored our laws the way he has.”
Jack asked, “Why did he change? I knew your father and he never seemed like that kind of man.”
“It’s Red Bear. He never liked the friendship the Lakota here share with Dawson. When the others left, Red Bear kept talking to Father, filling his head with hate over what had happened with Owl. When we joined the others and they chose Father as the new chief, it only got worse,” Sparrow said.
“I never liked Red Bear,” Jack said. “He always seemed like a trouble maker. Guess I was right.”
Sparrow nodded. “You were. He was one of the ones that convinced Father that I should marry Panther.”
Jack heard the loathing in her voice and his feeling mirrored hers. It was bad enough that some other man had been married to her, but to know that that man had abused her, made hate heat Jack’s blood. The old guilt that ate at Jack surfaced.
Sparrow felt the shift in his mood and said, “Don’t do that, Jack. Neither one of us can change the past. We have to move forward. What good is living in the past when we have so much life ahead of us?” She laid her hand on his face and smiled at him.
Jack chuckled and said, “You always were so much smarter than me. You’re right. We’re gonna have such a happy life together.”
“I know,” she said. Even as she said those words, fear raised its head in her mind. “I’m afraid, Jack. I don’t want them to come for me. I don’t want anyone to get hurt because of me.”
“No one’s gonna get hurt. They’re gonna be sorry if they come after you. They’ll have to get through me and a lot of others to get to you,” Jack said.
Sparrow tried to quell the sudden panic that gripped her. “That’s what I mean. People will get hurt because of what I’ve done. I never should have listened to Sasha! I never should have contacted you. I have to go back!”