by Francis Ray
“I knew Blade would come through,” Raven said, grinning up at Duncan.
Duncan’s smile slowly ebbed. “You knew?” She bit her lips. Her gaze darted away. “Answer me.”
“It was just a suggestion I made to Blade,” she finally told him.
He shook his Stetson-covered head. “Here I thought I was telling you something you didn’t know and it was your suggestion. I guess Blade is right. Strong, independent women don’t need men. I better get back on the range.”
Raven caught his arm. “Strong, independent women might not need a man, but it’s wonderful having one in our lives who worries about us. With Sierra for a wife, I bet Blade would be the first person to agree.”
Duncan relaxed. He was too sensitive where Raven was concerned. He didn’t want to be around a woman who couldn’t think for herself, but he admitted he wanted Raven to rely on him just a little bit. “Whatever is in your slow cooker isn’t going to be enough to feed all the people who are coming.”
She smiled up at him again. “Leave it to Rooster and me. We’ll make you proud.”
His knuckles brushed down her cheek. “I haven’t a doubt.”
Duncan and Raven were waiting with the truck and Jeep when the jet landed at the airstrip at six. The number of people coming now included Ruth’s middle son, Brandon, and his wife, Faith, Duncan’s sister. The first person off the plane was Sierra, followed by her mother, then Blade. Next came Catherine, Luke, and Rio, a man Raven had met twice and had yet to see smile.
“Welcome to the Double D.” Duncan extended his hand to the men, greeted the women, and hugged his sister to him. Raven did the same. “I’m glad you could come.”
Faith, pretty with a round face and figure, smiled up adoringly at her older brother. “I wouldn’t have missed it. I’m just glad Sierra called.”
Sierra, elegant and beautiful, waved her sister-in-law’s words aside. “I knew you’d want to see Duncan.” She lifted a perfectly arched brow and glanced at Brandon. “Although brothers can be trying at times.”
Brandon laughed and threw one arm around Sierra’s shoulder, the other around Faith’s. “The next time, I’ll track you down and ask if I can serve the last slice of coconut cake.”
“See that you do,” Sierra said, but a smile curved her lips.
“See what I had to contend with growing up?” Luke said.
“And you couldn’t have been happier,” Catherine, his wife, commented.
Ruth beamed proudly at her children. “Life was interesting.”
“And even more so now.” Sierra curved her arm around Blade’s waist and stared up at him with complete love.
“I couldn’t agree more.” Blade turned to Duncan. “As soon as we finish unloading the equipment, we can go to the cave.” He glanced at Rio putting a box in the back of the truck. “If he left us anything to unload.”
“Ruth, wait until you see the drawings.” Raven clutched the other woman’s hand as the men moved to help Rio. “You’ll get goose bumps. The presence of The People is still strong.”
“I can’t wait,” Ruth said.
When they reached the cave, the women waited in the Jeep as Luke, Duncan, and Rio made a wide arch around the cave, checking for cat tracks.
“Duncan was right to be concerned. This is quite a distance from the ranch,” Ruth said from the front passenger seat as they waited and watched.
Faith scooted forward in the backseat until she was inches from her mother-in-law. “Please don’t worry. Every morning Duncan checks on the cave before Raven comes out.”
“What?” Startled, Raven jerked around, barely noticing Sierra waving to the men that everything was all right.
The panicked expression on Faith’s face was priceless. “I gather you weren’t aware of what he was doing.”
“No,” Raven said, thinking of the extra time it took to come out to the cave twice a day. She looked at Duncan and experienced the familiar tug of her heart. “You have a wonderful, caring brother.”
“I happen to think so,” Faith said.
At the mouth of the cave, Duncan waved the women forward. They scrambled out of the Jeep. Raven felt the familiar surge of excitement as she and Duncan entered the cave ahead of the others. She and the men carried high-beamed lanterns, with Rio bringing up the rear.
No one spoke, as if in reverence of what they were about to see. Raven paused and reached her hand back for Ruth’s. As soon as the other woman was beside her, Raven continued, holding the light waist high. Without her telling Duncan her intention, he followed suit.
In the midst of the drawings, Raven slowly raised her lantern. Images appeared. Ruth’s hand clenched in Raven’s.
“You were right, I can feel the Old Ones,” Ruth said softly.
“The rock formation in this area is perfect for the Ancient Ones to have followed for food and water,” Raven said. “I haven’t been able to search the floor, but once I do, I’m hoping to find archeological objects that might have been covered by sediment or which haven’t been taken by an animal.”
“Have you been able to determine the source of the drawings?” Blade asked.
Raven looked over her shoulder. “Wood charcoal.”
“From that you’ll possibly be able to tell what type of vegetation grew in this area at that time,” Duncan said.
Raven’s gaze swung to his. “How did you know that?”
“Internet,” he said succinctly.
Pleased that he had researched a subject important to her, she felt it was time. “Caves are usually named; this one is McBride’s Lost Cave.” Catching Duncan’s startled expression, she started forward. “This is one more area I want to show you.”
The stunned gasps were pretty much what Raven had expected at the appearance of the red dots. “I finally figured out they were created by the right hand. The lower ones were probably done by a small woman; the higher ones, by a man.
“And this is McBride’s Wall of Panels.” She held up the lantern for them to see the various three-dimensional drawings of animals and human forms.
“Master of Breath and God, thank you for allowing me to see this,” Ruth whispered softly, and she grasped Duncan’s hand. “Thank you for giving Duncan the wisdom and the caring heart to seek answers, to honor all people. Thank you, Duncan.”
“Anyone would have done the same,” Duncan said, obviously a bit embarrassed.
“They might have contacted an authority on wall paintings and cave drawings, but the reason could have been financial gain or notoriety or fame,” Blade said. “You did it for the good of man.”
“Duncan,” Faith cried. “I’m so proud of you!”
“We all are,” Luke said. “This is mind-boggling.”
“And Raven gets to study it.” Sierra glanced over her head at a drawing. “No wonder you wanted to get back to work. You have a very important task ahead of you.”
“With Blade’s help, I can. Thank you,” she declared.
“This is too important not to complete and share with the world.” Blade handed Sierra the lamp he held. “I’m going to help Rio.”
Luke gave his lantern to Catherine. “I’ll see if I can help.”
Brandon hugged Faith. “I know I’ll be useless, but I’m going anyway. Since I can’t see in the dark, I’ll take the lantern,” he finished with a chuckle.
“I’m glad they’re gone,” Sierra said, holding her lantern closer to the drawing she had been studying. “In Santa Fe, Georgia O’ Keeffe paintings are everywhere. This.” She pointed to a three-dimensional drawing on a rock just above her head. “Am I crazy or is this what I think it is?”
“I had the same thought,” Catherine mused.
“What thought?” Faith asked innocently.
“Tell them, Raven,” Ruth said.
Raven looked behind them as if to ensure that none of the men had come back. “It seems O’Keeffe was hardly the first to draw female sexual organs.”
“Oh my! I see it,” Faith gasped after
a moment.
“Imagine that,” Sierra said with a chuckle. “Man hasn’t changed his obsession in centuries.”
“And he never will,” Catherine offered.
“You all go on. I’m not leaving until I know it works,” Duncan said, referring to the alarm system.
“It works,” Blade said, and not for the first time.
“I’d rather see for myself.” Duncan handed Blade his truck keys. He was thankful to Blade for help with the loan, for the security system, but Duncan wasn’t budging. “It’s dark. The women need to be inside. I can radio Rooster once the alarm sounds and meet my foreman away from the cave.”
Blade, his features set, made no motion to take the keys. “If I didn’t understand the reason for your concern . . .”
“Glad you do,” Duncan said. It was obvious in the touches, the tender looks, that Blade loved Sierra.
Sierra rubbed her hand down Blade’s arm. “I suppose you know Rio isn’t here any longer.”
Blade kept his gaze on Duncan. “He’s gone to give Duncan proof. I suggest we put the women in the truck where they’ll be more comfortable. We’ll wait in the Jeep.”
Duncan frowned. “The only way to do that is with a large animal.”
“You’ll have your proof.” Taking Ruth’s and Sierra’s arms, Blade led them to the truck.
Duncan took Raven’s arm and followed, giving her the keys. “Say it. I’m being overly cautious.”
She waited until she reached the driver’s side of the truck. “As I told Faith, she has a wonderful, caring brother.” Climbing in, she closed the door.
Brandon clasped Duncan’s tense shoulder. “I trust Blade completely. If it were any other situation except with Raven, you would, too. Maybe you’ve finally put the McBride curse behind you.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Duncan said.
“Leave him alone, Brandon.” Luke opened the door of the Jeep and got into the backseat. “He might be slow like you were.”
“Ha. Ha,” Brandon mocked, but he joined Luke in the Jeep, leaving Blade and Duncan alone.
“I wish I could tell you that once you stop fighting it, your gut will settle, that you’ll feel better when she’s out of your sight, when she acts before she thinks,” Blade said. “You won’t, but you’ll know happiness this side of heaven that few men have ever experienced.”
Duncan, tired of people assuming because he cared about Raven that that was all it took for them to grab the brass ring of forever, walked to the Jeep and got in. Brandon, Luke, and Blade had found their fulfillment with the only women for them.
Duncan never would.
Less than fifteen minutes later, there came a loud yelp. Almost instantly, a piercing alarm sounded.
“You have your proof,” Blade said, almost sounding bored. “We would have installed lights if we knew a demonstration was needed.”
Duncan stared at Blade in disbelief. “That was a coyote.”
“Yes, it was.” Blade fastened his seat belt. “Let’s go or the women will get too far ahead of us.”
“What about Rio?” Duncan started the motor. After the equipment was unloaded, both vehicles were moved out of the perimeter of the alarm. The Jeep was left closer to the cave.
“In the back of your truck,” Luke answered.
“Which is leaving us,” Blade said.
“Sure hope you’re not one of those men who dislike women driving their vehicles,” Brandon lazily commented.
Duncan was, or he had been until Raven had barged into his life—despite it all, he had to admit as he followed the truck to the ranch, he would be forever grateful that she had.
Aware that they’d want to discuss the findings and could do so openly because Rooster had eaten early and gone to his place to give Duncan time to spend with his “company,” Raven elected to serve hot roast beef sandwiches, buttered creamed potatoes, steamed broccoli, salad, and tomato soup. Among the buffet-style offerings were two desserts—bread pudding and a chocolate pie with a four-inch meringue top—because she couldn’t decide which to prepare.
Making sure everyone was taken care of, Raven almost felt as if she and Duncan were a couple. He’d even sat by her as everyone ate scattered over the great room. She was pleased that whatever earlier tension between him and Blade was gone.
She thought everyone was having a good time—until she looked up and saw Rio off to himself, his expression unreadable. She would have thought him lonely, but there was a self-assurance about him that said he wouldn’t be bothered by a weak emotion like loneliness.
But hadn’t she thought she was self-sufficient and hadn’t she been lonely?
“Thank you for a wonderful meal, but we better be getting back.” Blade came to his feet, pulling Sierra with him.
“I know Ruth had called to say you were going back tonight, but since it is so late I thought you might change your mind and stay.” Raven stood as well.
“I’ve logged a lot of hours flying at night since a certain woman came into my life.” Blade’s arm circled Sierra’s waist.
“I’m learning to fly as well.” Sierra grinned. “It will let us be able to do things at the spur of the moment without interrupting the pilot’s life.”
“I have to be at work in the morning,” Faith said. “Brandon can sleep in.”
He kissed her lips. “But I won’t.”
Ruth crossed the room to hug Raven and Duncan. “I’m proud and thankful for both of you.”
“Thank you,” they said.
“Thank you for allowing us to see the caves.” Luke extended his hand to Duncan. “And remember what I said.”
“Bye, Raven. You’ve been given an incredible opportunity.” Catherine glanced at Duncan standing close to Raven. “I know you’ll take advantage of it.”
“I will. Bye.” Raven felt Duncan shift restlessly beside her. She certainly planned to try. It remained to be seen how it would turn out.
Chapter 11
“Are you going to the party tonight?” Duncan asked. He stood a few feet away from Raven in the cave. Even with the security device, he continued to check on her daily. The alarm had sounded earlier that day, but when she’d gone to investigate she hadn’t seen what had tripped the system. Since Duncan always checked the perimeter of the cave, the fact that he didn’t seem worried and hadn’t mentioned any concerns told her she was safe.
“Raven?” he urged.
Knowing Duncan was definitely going because of his friendship with Isaac, Raven had debated with herself all day whether she should go to Cynthia’s party. “The only reason her father invited me is because I’m your houseguest.”
“Isaac is a good man,” Duncan said. “And you didn’t answer my question.”
She pushed up from the panel on the cave floor she’d been making notations on. “We both know she doesn’t want me there.”
“There’ll be so many people there, you probably won’t even see her,” Duncan said. “You need a break.”
“The same could be said for you,” she said.
“Isaac is a friend. I’m going, but I’ll also do my best to stay out of Cynthia’s way,” he admitted, his mouth compressed into a hard, flat line.
“She won’t be the only one after you,” Raven said, unable to keep the annoyance out of her voice.
“We both know there’s only one woman I want.” He tugged his Stetson. “I checked the perimeter and didn’t see any cougar tracks. If one does wander into this area, the security system will scare it off.”
She followed him out of the cave and watched him mount Black Jack. Duncan was always concerned for her. It went deeper than obligation, deeper than lust.
“Think about the party. You might have to come to my rescue again.” Wheeling his stallion, he took off at a fast clip.
Raven realized she was smiling. Duncan had actually joked with her. Despite his wanting to keep their relationship compartmentalized, they continued to grow closer.
She’d done a lo
t of thinking about Duncan’s statement that he hadn’t been with a woman in over two years. There would be a lot of women at the party. A good number of them probably had designs on him.
He wasn’t the kind of man to substitute one woman for another, so she didn’t have to worry about that aspect. Still, she knew she wouldn’t have a moment’s peace if she stayed at the ranch. Perhaps in a social setting she’d help him see that he could take a chance on them. Looked like she was going to a party.
Duncan couldn’t help but stare. In his lifetime he’d seen some awe-inspiring sights, but none compared to the woman at the top of the stairs. The white sundress, with slices of red and yellow, flared at the waist and stopped just above her knees, showing off incredible legs that he thought of more and more clenched around his waist, drawing him into her moist heat.
“You’re beautiful.”
Happiness swept through her. She wanted to be beautiful for him. “Thank you. You look incredible yourself.” She stopped at the foot of the stairs. “Is Rooster going with us?”
“No, he left a little bit ago with friends.” Duncan took her arm with a hand that wasn’t quite steady. He had accepted that Raven affected him as no other woman ever had or would. She drew him with her strength, her caring nature, her stubbornness that rivaled his. “It will be just the two of us.”
“Oh,” she said
He grinned at her. “I’d promise to behave, but I don’t like to lie.”
“I never want to be the reason for you to lie.” She grinned up at him.
Since Duncan didn’t see any reason for waiting until they reached his truck, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her, his hand running over her soft skin and silken hair. He studied her. “You’re going to create a sensation.”
She laughed and pushed against his chest. “No one will even notice I’m there.”
Being right wasn’t any consolation to Duncan. Party-goers converged on them before they had gone ten feet. People, make that men, wanted to meet her, dance with her, get her a drink.