Beyond The Horizon

by Connie Mason

  By mid-February, Shannon was settled in her office hearing civil cases almost daily. She found the work stimulating and interesting despite the fact that it kept her from her child too many hours during the day. Thank God for Meg Ryan, who was still with her to care for Grady.

  By the end of March, Blade was forced into a decision he dreaded making. The hills and valleys were turning green with new grass and streams ran high with winter run-off. He knew Shannon expected him to start rebuilding their cabin, but a careful tally of their savings told him the money just wasn’t available. He might be able to erect a frame with Jumping Buffalo to help him, but what purpose would it serve? He deliberately postponed the decision until far into April, hoping for a miracle.

  Blade was totally unprepared when the miracle he had been praying for arrived unexpectedly.

  It was Saturday and Shannon had no cases to hear that day. She and Blade lingered over breakfast, discussing the adorable antics of their six-month-old son. Blade seemed distracted, his conversation stilted and remote. Elizabeth Davis had informed him yesterday that her son and his bride were returning from abroad and would need their house. He had yet to tell Shannon.

  Suddenly he looked at Shannon squarely and said, “Shannon, I’ve postponed a decision long enough. It’s time now to decide—”

  A terrible racket at the door brought his words to a skidding halt.

  “Swift Blade, open, it is Jumping Buffalo!”

  Blade and Shannon exchanged alarmed glances, then Blade leaped to his feet, rushing to the door. “Something is wrong!” Shannon was close behind him.

  Jumping Buffalo seldom if ever came to town and both knew something serious must have happened to bring him there now. Blade flung open the door and the look on Jumping Buffalo’s usually stoic features sent his heart plummeting.

  “What is it, Jumping Buffalo? Has something happened to Sweet Grass?”

  “No, my friend,” Jumping Buffalo answered in rapid Sioux. “But a strange thing has occurred at Peaceful Valley. Something you will find difficult to believe.”

  “Come in and tell us what troubles you.”

  “There is no time. You must come to Peaceful Valley—now, to see for yourself.”

  “See what?”

  “Cattle, my friend. All the cattle that were stolen months ago have mysteriously reappeared. Even as I speak, they gaze contentedly on the rich grass that grows in the valley.”

  “What is it, Blade? You’re speaking too rapidly for me to follow. Is Sweet Grass all right?”

  Blade quickly explained. Shannon’s mouth flew open in dismay. “What does it mean?”

  “I don’t know, but I intend to find out. I’m going to Peaceful Valley.”

  “I’m coming with you,” Shannon insisted, allowing him no time to protest. “Just give me a few minutes to dress the baby.”

  Blade stopped the wagon on a ridge behind the burnt shell of their cabin. The view was breathtaking, allowing them a panoramic view of the land Blade had aptly named Peaceful Valley. Shannon drew her breath in sharply, unable to believe what her eyes beheld. Grazing on the verdant hillsides, just as Jumping Buffalo had described, were cattle—over a hundred head.

  “My God,” Blade whispered reverently.

  “Is it not as I said?” Jumping Buffalo told them, sweeping his arm in a wide arc.

  “Whose brand do they carry?” Blade asked, still unconvinced. “That should tell us who they belong to.”

  “It is your brand,” Jumping Buffalo said. “I have seen this with my own eyes.”

  “My cattle,” Blade said softly, turning to Shannon. His eyes widened in wonder and disbelief. “Our cattle, Little Firebird—do you know what that means?”

  Shannon nodded, too awed to speak. She did indeed know what it meant. It meant their dream of rebuilding their ranch and making it into something their children could be proud of was no longer beyond the horizon, but lay within their reach. Their future in the territory that had just become the first in the entire nation to give women the freedom they deserved was suddenly bright.

  Shannon was proud to be counted as a citizen of the great Territory of Wyoming. Nowhere else in the world was she free to vote and make decisions normally restricted to men. The country was wild and untamed, just like Blade, but she liked it that way. Wyoming was her destiny.

  “Shall we ride down?” Blade asked at length. “I want to have a closer look at those cows.”

  “Oh, yes,” Shannon agreed with alacrity. “Sweet Grass will be anxious to see Grady.”

  Shannon was surprised and pleased to learn that Sweet Grass was expecting a child, and the two women settled down together for a pleasant chat while Blade and Jumping Buffalo rode off to inspect the cattle.

  “After our cabin is built, we will build one for you and Jumping Buffalo,” Shannon promised. “You’ll want something more permanent than a tipi for your family. And Blade certainly couldn’t get along without your husband’s help. It will be good having another woman out here for company. Our children will grow up together.”

  Sweet Grass smiled shyly. “I would like that, if I can convince Jumping Buffalo to live within wooden walls. My people are no longer free to roam where they will. I don’t want my children to grow up knowing only fear and hunger.”

  “They won’t, Blade will—” Her words ground to a halt as she gazed over Sweet Grass’s shoulder, fear turning her eyes dark.

  “What is it, Little Firebird?”

  “Wagons, lots of them. And people. My God! Blade! Where is Blade?”

  Shannon jumped to her feet, relieved to note that Blade had already seen the intruders and was riding toward them hell for leather. Jumping Buffalo was hard pressed to keep up with him. She waited until he reined in beside her before asking, “What do they want? It looks like the whole town is riding out to Peaceful Valley.”

  “I don’t know, love, but I’m not taking any chances,” Blade replied, checking his weapons. “Take Sweet Grass and the baby inside the tipi. Don’t come out until I tell you.”

  “Surely you don’t think—”

  “I don’t know what to think,” Blade said tightly. “Just do as I say.”

  Shannon hugged Grady protectively as she and Sweet Grass huddled together inside the tipi. Both recalled with vivid clarity what happened the last time visitors came to Peaceful Valley. Judging from the deafening roar of wagon wheels, Shannon had been right when she said earlier that it appeared as if all of Cheyenne was coming to Peaceful Valley. What chance would Blade and Jumping Buffalo have against so many? she wondered bleakly.

  “Do you have a gun?” she asked Sweet Grass in sudden determination.

  “Jumping Buffalo keeps a rifle here for my use.”

  “Give it to me.”

  Sweet Grass obeyed instantly. “What will you do with it?”

  “Here, take the baby, I’m going to help Blade.”

  Sweet Grass scowled disapprovingly, but it did little to dissuade Shannon as she dumped Grady in the Indian woman’s arms, picked up the rifle, and slipped outside. She was astounded to see at least twenty wagons and more people than she could count grinding to a halt before Blade and Jumping Buffalo. She had the presence of mind to note that not only men, but women and children were climbing down from the wagons. Many people she recognized, including Ezra Samms, who was the cause of much of their trouble. It was Samms who approached them now, and Shannon stepped to Blade’s side in open defiance.

  Seeing Shannon beside him, Blade scowled fiercely. “What in the hell are you doing here? I told you to stay with Sweet Grass.”

  “I want to help,” Shannon said stubbornly.

  “We don’t mean no harm, Mrs. Stryker.” Samms was close enough to hear Shannon’s words.

  “Why have you come?” Blade asked curiously. Though his voice was low, it was filled with quiet menace.

  “Me and the townspeople, we—uh—” Samms shifted uncomfortably. “Well, dammit, we want to make it up to you for all the trouble we ca
used you.”

  “You are responsible for the return of my cattle?” Blade asked, comprehension dawning.

  “A man does what he has to do,” Samms muttered. “We want you to know how grateful we are for what you did for the Territory. We want to show our appreciation.”

  Blade’s dark gaze left Samms and swept over the crowd of men, women, and children, and a puzzled frown wrinkled his brow. He still didn’t understand what all these people were doing here.

  “In what way?” Shannon wanted to know.

  “We going to rebuild your house, Mrs. Stryker,” Samms said, twisting his hat in his hands.

  “That’s right,” agreed another, separating from the crowd. “We brought lumber, nails, everything needed to build as good a cabin as the one that got burnt. And our women brought food aplenty. We’ll come back as many days as necessary to complete the job.”

  “I—I don’t understand,” Shannon gasped, thinking it all a wonderful dream.

  All the values she had learned at her mother’s knee, all her belief in the basic goodness of mankind had never been demonstrated so forcefully or dramatically as it was today. She and Blade no longer had to reach beyond the horizon to fulfill their dreams. Everything they desired in life was right here in Peaceful Valley.

  Blade reached for Shannon, hugging her close as the men started unloading the wagons and the women saw to the food.

  “If this is a dream, I never want to awaken,” he said, his voice taut with emotion. “And to think I almost considered leaving Wyoming and settling someplace where we might live in peace.”

  “It’s no dream, Blade,” Shannon sniffed, close to tears. “I knew one day people would come to their senses where you are concerned.”

  “It is you they respect,” Blade suggested.

  “No, my love, you earned their respect. You may be part Sioux, but I’ve never known a more honorable man. I’m proud of what you are and who you are. I love you, Blade Stryker. I wish my family could meet you.”

  “You miss them very much, don’t you?”

  “I’d be lying if I denied it.”

  “We’ll visit them one day, I promise. Didn’t you say both your mother and brother had married?”

  “Yes, and I’m truly happy for them. Mama married David Foster, the wagon master, and Tucker is wed to Maggie. I understand Maggie led Tuck quite a chase, but it all ended well. According to Tuck’s last letter, he is quite anxious to meet you.”

  “We’ll meet one day,” Blade promised. “Shall we join the builders? Our new cabin can’t be built soon enough to suit me. I’m anxious to make love to you in our own home. And just in time, too. Elizabeth Davis informed me just yesterday that her son will be returning from abroad with his bride and will need his house. If Grady doesn’t have a brother or sister soon, he’s going to be one spoiled little boy,” Blade said with a twinkle.

  “It’s unlikely Grady will be an only child,” Shannon returned tartly, “for you were well named, Blade Stryker.”

  Laughing uproariously, Blade grasped her hand and together they walked out to greet a bold new tomorrow.

  Epilogue

  July 1870

  The heat was thick and oppressive this July day; a sere wind blew across the valley in hot, dry gusts, bringing Blade in early from the range. Pearly drops of water glistened wetly on his black hair, for he had come directly from his bath in the stream.

  “Next week we drive the cattle to Cheyenne to sell to the army,” he said after he greeted Shannon with a hug. In addition to Jumping Buffalo, Blade had rehired the two hands, Slim and Milo. Fortunately, they were eager to return to work. “Is the baby sleeping?”

  “Grady is napping,” Shannon answered, stepping easily into Blade’s arms.

  It had taken two weeks for the townspeople to rebuild a cabin every bit as big and sturdy as the one Blade built originally. Someone had worked every day, though not always the same ones each day. They usually were accompanied by their wives, who brought food and made a picnic out of each meal. When the house was completed, enough lumber had remained to build a sturdy cabin for Jumping Buffalo and Sweet Grass. The money Shannon had saved from her fees as Justice of the Peace were used primarily to replace the furnishings lost to the fire.

  Shannon had continued to function as Justice of the Peace for a short time, but when they moved out to Peaceful Valley she had resigned, citing her need to be with her family. She was grateful for the honor accorded her and relished her role in shaping the future of women in Wyoming politics. But her family’s needs came first. Blade had left the decision to Shannon but seemed pleased with her choice, though his pride in her accomplishments was boundless.

  “Are you hungry?” Shannon asked.

  “Famished—but not for food.”

  He kissed her hungrily, thoroughly, his hands roaming freely over her lush curves.

  “It’s the middle of the day,” Shannon chided with mock horror, loving how Blade smelled after his bath, the way his hair curled wetly at his nape, the feel of his ropy muscles beneath her fingertips.

  “Making love with you is a pleasure any time of the day or night,” Blade asserted, grinning roguishly as he edged her toward the bedroom. “And as long as our son is cooperating…”

  “Blade, wait, I hear something,” Shannon stalled as the distinct creak of wagon wheels reached her ears. “Are you expecting company?”

  “No, are you?”

  “I don’t think so.”

  Blade grasped her hand and together they stepped through the front door onto the porch to await their guests, who approached in a horse-drawn wagon.

  “I wonder who it is?” Shannon mused thoughtfully. “Perhaps Elizabeth …” Her words ground to an halt when a man jumped to the ground then turned to help the woman and child who accompanied him. “My God!”

  Shannon paled, then broke out in a wide grin. “Tuck! It’s my brother Tucker!” She took off at a run, throwing herself into her brother’s open arms.

  Blade stood where Shannon had left him, unwilling to intrude on so private a moment between brother and sister. Besides, he was more than a little doubtful of the greeting he would receive from Tucker Branigan.

  “I can’t believe you are really here,” Shannon exclaimed happily, shifting her gaze from her brother to the lovely, slim woman standing at his side. “This must be Maggie. I can see right off you are perfect for one another. I’m so happy you brought your son.” Shannon was so excited she couldn’t seem to stop babbling.

  Tucker’s warm brown eyes crinkled with amusement. “You haven’t changed, Shannon—still as impetuous as ever, I see. If you quit talking long enough, I’ll introduce you to my wife.” He placed an arm around the woman at his side and drew her close. “This is Maggie, and the little lad is our son Kevin. Maggie, meet my sister Shannon.”

  Maggie Branigan stepped forward, her smile warm and friendly as she gave Shannon an exuberant hug. Shannon liked her immediately, from her curly mop of honey-brown curls to her dancing gray eyes. She’d bet her last dollar that her stubborn sister-in-law led Tucker a merry chase. It was easy to see why Tuck loved Maggie. And it was just as obvious that Maggie loved Tucker. Shannon was glad Tucker had never married that flighty Charmaine Pinkham.

  “You are everything Tuck said you were,” Maggie said admiringly. “I’m so happy we’ve met at last. We received your letter announcing the birth of your son and just had to come.”

  “Yes, Grady Farrell is quite a boy,” Shannon beamed proudly.

  “Are you happy, Shannon?” Tucker asked, turning serious. “Mama has been terribly worried, especially after we learned you married a—a man with Indian blood.”

  “You are the last person in the world I’d expect to harbor prejudices,” Shannon chided. “Wait until you meet Blade before you make rash judgments. Blade and I are extremely happy. I couldn’t ask for a better husband. Come along now,” she said, taking his hand, “it’s time you two met.”

  Tucker glanced over at Blade, who
hadn’t moved from his position on the porch since Shannon left his side. His expression was unreadable, the planes and hollows of his proud features mute testimony to his Indian heritage. But knowing Shannon as he did, Tucker felt reasonably certain she would not have married a man unless he lived up to her high standards.

  Blade regarded Tucker Branigan with unaccustomed nervousness. What if Shannon’s brother didn’t like him? he wondered dismally. What if his Sioux blood lost him her family’s regard? Not that it made any difference, he told himself. Shannon was his wife and no one could change that. Blade’s expression remained proud and remote as introductions were made, both men wary and somewhat reticent until lasting impressions could be formed.

  “Come inside,” Shannon invited them. “I’ll bet you’re exhausted after your trip—and hungry.” She couldn’t help but chatter nervously, wanting so desperately for Blade and Tuck to like one another.

  “Tell me about Mama,” Shannon urged once they were all settled in the comfortable parlor that felt at least ten degrees cooler than outside. “And the children.”

  By the time Tucker finished, Shannon’s eyes were misty. “I miss them all,” she sighed wistfully. Then, thinking how it must sound to Blade, she added, “But I am truly content here with Blade. Wyoming is my home now, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere but here with Blade and our son.”

  “Where is my nephew?”

  “Napping, but it is past time he woke up. I can’t wait for Kevin and Grady to meet.” Shannon rose to leave the room.

  “Wait, Shannon, I’ll go with you,” Maggie offered, taking Kevin by the hand. She was astute enough to realize that unless the two men opened up to one another, the tension between them would mount. She hurried after Shannon, intending to keep her away as long as possible in order to give Tucker and Blade time to get acquainted.

  “I’m impressed with your ranch,” Tucker said when the silence grew impossibly long. “Seems like a good place to raise cattle.”

  Blade allowed a smile to lift his dark features. “That’s what I thought the first time I saw Peaceful Valley.”