“What is this I hear about a gold mine?” Billy asked.
She glanced at him, not sure what he was speaking of, but she soon found out because he was staring directly at Mary, whose cheeks had turned a vivid pink.
Scott broke the silence. “Yeah, Mary has a gold mine.”
Mary took a sip of tea before she placed her glass on the table. “My mother somehow found out where I was living and sent me a deed to a gold mine. There was a note attached saying, ‘This is to make up for all the things that I never gave you.’ ”
“After all this time,” Billy said with a shake of his head. “I figured she’d forgotten all about you. Is the deed real?”
“It appears so,” Thunder supplied.
Billy sat back in his chair, reaching for Claire’s hand under the table. “So what are you going to do?” he asked Mary.
“I’m going to stake my claim and work it.”
“Tell her how crazy that is,” Brandy interjected.
Claire was enjoying this family discussion. It reminded her of when she told her family she was traveling West It seemed this family argued just like her family. Maybe arguing was a part of all families. She could see by the set expression on Mary’s face that she was determined and not about to back down.
“You don’t know the first thing about mining,” Billy told her.
“Are you fighting?” Willie asked.
“No, Willie. This is called a family discussion, so listen and learn,” Thunder told the child. “It’s normal around here.”
Mary tossed her napkin on the table. “I didn’t know anything about wagons, either, but I had to learn. And ... if everyone will remember, I didn’t want to travel West in the first place.”
“We remember,” everyone said at once, and then they all started laughing, breaking up the argument
Billy turned to Claire to explain, “Mary wasn’t always as agreeable as she is now, and she told us more than once she wasn’t going West”
“Billy, can I talk to you alone?” Mary asked.
He slid his chair back. “Sure. Let’s take a walk.” He reached down and squeezed Claire’s shoulder. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
Once they had left, Claire said to Brandy, “The meal was delicious. Can I help you clear the table?”
“Ellen and Mary cook so they are the ones to thank. They don’t let me near a stove,” Brandy laughed. “But you can help us clean up.”
“If Brandy had cooked dinner, you’d be green by now,” Scott joked as he got up and motioned for Willie to come on.
Thunder reached over and kissed Brandy on the mouth. “You take a lot of abuse over your cooking, sweetheart but you do do other things well.”
Claire thought that was sweet. She could see how much Thunder loved his wife. She hoped that someday someone would look at her like that.
“Willie, are you ready to help me with the cows?” Thunder asked.
“Sure. Scott has already showed me how to milk the cow.”
“I bet he did,” Thunder said with an arched brow at Scott.
Scott merely shrugged. “After we get through with our chores then we can play and have some fun.”
“Oh boy,” Willie said, following Scott out the back door.
After they left, Claire said, “I think Willie is already enjoying his new home. He is a very lucky little boy.”
They began clearing the table. “I’m not surprised Billy brought him home,” Brandy said. “He has always had a way with children. He’ll make a good father.”
Claire felt a small pain that she wouldn’t be the mother of Billy’s children. “I’m sure he will.”
“What was Billy like when he came to the orphanage?” Claire asked.
“He had two black eyes and red streaks across his back where he’d been beaten,” Brandy said. She tied an apron around her and began to tell Claire what she knew of Billy as a child.
As Billy and Mary walked along the path, they were quiet Billy was giving Mary plenty of time to talk to him. He knew he’d always been closer to her than anyone.
When they finally reached the group of aspen trees, she said, “Aren’t you going to give me a lecture about wanting to mine for gold?”
“Would it do any good?”
“No,” she admitted with a soft smile. “I know how crazy it sounds, but you should know better than anyone how I feel. We have always been so much alike. You must remember when you couldn’t wait to get out on your own?”
“But I’m a man.”
“Rubbish!” Mary snapped. “Women have desires, too, Mr. West I love my family, but I want to find my own way. I can’t live with Brandy and Thunder forever. I suppose one day I might find a husband or somebody special like you’ve found.”
Billy stopped and looked at Mary. “And what makes you think that I’ve found somebody? I thought those rumors had stopped about me and Mandy.”
Mary looked at him a long time before she said, “That’s not what I was talking about. You don’t realize it, do you? I can see the way you look at Claire. You love her.”
“That’s ridiculous,” Billy shot back.
Mary’s brow raised. “Is it?”
Billy started to say something and then stopped.
“Look, I should know better than anyone. I have loved you all my life,” Mary admitted. “And I know when I’ve lost you.” There were tears in Mary’s eyes.
Billy reached out and hugged her. “Ah, Mary you have only thought you loved me because you haven’t known anyone else. But I bet if you look at it real hard you’ll realize that you love me like a brother, the same as I love you. We’ve been through a lot together.”
Mary nodded her head and then pulled back.
“You’re right. I don’t know anyone else, and I never will, staying out here on the ranch. That is why I have to do this and make my own way.”
“All right, I can see what you’re saying. How about if I take you to this claim and make sure you have someplace to live?” He suggested. “That will make the whole family feel better.”
A slow smile flitted across Mary’s face, and then she reached up and kissed Billy briefly on the lips. “Claire is very lucky to have you.”
Billy smiled down at Mary. “You’re not losing me, Mary. We’ll never stop being brother and sister, and if you get in trouble all you have to do is send word and I’ll be there. As for Claire, she told me in no uncertain terms that she wasn’t the marrying kind, so I don’t know if she is lucky or not.”
Mary looped her arm through Billy’s when they started back to the house. “Have you asked her?” “No.”
“Then you don’t know what the answer is. But if you don’t ask her and you let her get away, you could be losing the most important thing in your life,” Mary said.
Billy chuckled. “When did you get to be so wise?”
“Somewhere along the line, I must have grown up.”
“It could have started with that dunking in the river,” Billy teased.
“I’ll admit that I didn’t have the best attitude.” Mary chuckled, too. “We’ve both done a lot of growing up, wouldn’t you say?”
“Yep. Sometimes you wish things would never change, but life goes on and it has to change. I guess I’m trying to say that it’s your turn to find out what is out there. And I don’t want to lose you to someone else, either.”
“You’ll never lose me,” Mary said. “I’ll be your ornery sister forever.”
“Ornery is right. I forgot about that part You, finding a main will be impossible.”
“Go to hell, Billy West,” Mary said with a grin. Billy chuckled. “When do you want to leave?”
“In two days.”
The next day Billy and Claire had just finished supper and had walked out onto the porch to sit in the swing, while Uncle Ben retired. It was a lovely evening with a gentle breeze. Floppy had followed them, flopping down on his favorite spot in the comer.
“Does that dog ever run?” Billy asked as he
and Claire sat on the swing.
“Sure he does,” Claire said. “You just have never been around when he chooses to run.”
Billy cut his eyes at Claire. I’d have to see it before I believe it. Actually seeing him standing is rare.”
“Don’t pick on my dog,” Claire teased. “He’s just a sedentary animal.”
“All right,” Billy said, giving the swing a shove. “How are your stories coming along?”
“Good. I finally received a letter from Ann yesterday. She said my articles were well received at the office and the first should appear in the magazine next week. They especially liked the one about the Daltons.”
“So your trip has been successful?” Billy asked as he slipped an arm around Claire. “Do you like it out here?”
“I think this trip was necessary for many reasons, and I love it out here. I don’t think anyone can appreciate the beauty of this country unless they get to see it for themselves.”
“I love it, too. I don’t know, there is something about it that just says it’s home.”
At this moment, Claire couldn’t remember when she’d felt so contented as she leaned her head on Billy’s shoulder. The gentle breeze felt wonderful as they rocked slowly back and forth. She could feel the strength in Billy’s arms and she felt safe. If only he could chase away all the demons in her life.
“You’re quiet,” he said in a low voice.
“I was enjoying the moment. It seem so perfect tonight,” she admitted.
“I was thinking the same thing. I’m going to be leaving tomorrow.”
“I thought you had a few days off from work,” Claire said.
“It isn’t work. I’m going to escort Mary to that gold mine of hers.”
“Oh,” Claire said in a small voice, already knowing that she’d miss him. “How long will you be gone?”
“I’m not sure. Will you miss me?” Billy asked. Claire twisted and looked up at him. “Of course I’ll miss you. But I can understand you wanting to take Mary and make sure she is safe. I really like your family.”
Billy helped Claire to shift until she was stretched out on the swing, lying across his chest. He supported her back with his arm. “There, now I can see you when I talk. Are you comfortable?”
“Very.”
“I’m glad you like my family. They like you, too.”
“They remind me of my family.”
Billy chuckled. “Yep, they are lively like your brothers.” He stared at her with an odd smile that made Claire’s heart jump.
“I’ll miss you while you’re gone,” she whispered
“Claire,” Billy said and then paused again. He thought about what Mary had said. If he wanted something he should go after it and not worry that he wasn’t a wealthy man. “I never thought I’d ask anyone this question, but I’m asking now. Will you marry me?”
“But you said you were not the marrying kind,” Claire said trying to buy some time. She hadn’t expected a proposal. If she’d been normal, she’d have been jumping for joy, but she wasn’t a normal young woman, anything but
“I didn’t think I was the marrying kind,” Billy admitted. “Then I met you.” He smiled. “I realize that I’ve sprung this on you. Why don’t you think about my proposal while I’m gone and give me an answer when I return? I cannot promise you the kind of life that you are used to, but I will tell you that I love you very much, Claire. Life hasn’t been the same since I’ve met you.”
Claire reached up and touched the side of his face. “I love you, too.”
Billy’s arms tightened around her, pulling her closer while his eyes held her spellbound. Tell him, Claire, she told herself, tell him that you ’re not going to marry him, send him away and let him find someone he can make a life with.
But Claire said nothing.
This one time she was selfish as she anticipated Billy’s kiss. The first tender brush of his warm lips made her heart catch in her throat, and her eyelids fluttered closed. She loved this man so much she ached inside as she became lost in a dreamy world that only he could take her to.
What Billy intended to be a chaste kiss was rapidly changing as he tasted the sweetness Claire offered him. Her soft, beguiling mouth became the only invitation he needed as he gave in to his longings and deepened the kiss. She responded by wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her body into his.
Clutching Claire to him, he gently parted her lips with his tongue and explored her velvety softness. The very taste of her was like no other before. He really wanted an answer before he left, but he could wait. She couldn’t respond to him like this and say no. Yes, he was going to make this woman his wife, and build his dream with her.
Desire flared in his veins and something told him that he wanted to remember this night forever. He lifted his mouth and struggled to restrain himself, even as his blood pounded through his body. He knew, in her uncle’s home, that he couldn’t answer the desire that he saw in her eyes.
“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured. “I want to take this picture of you with me until I return.” He brushed his fingertips across her warm cheeks, and found himself memorizing every facet of her delicate features and especially her determined jaw. He claimed her mouth again. By God, she was sweet.
His lips moved along her neck, and his self-control slipped a notch as he unbuttoned her blouse with dexterous fingers. Sliding his hand beneath her blouse, he captured a full, ripe breast, and rubbed his finger back and forth across her nipple until it hardened with desire.
When he heard her moan, he came to his senses and looked down at her. “We had better stop. I don’t think Ben would like it very well if I swept past him with you in my arms and took you up to my bed.”
Claire smiled as she buttoned her blouse. “I don’t think he would look kindly on either of us.” When she finished buttoning her blouse, she leaned up and kissed Billy lightly on the lips. “I’ll remember this night as long as I live,” she murmured, then added, “Thank you.”
Billy chuckled. “Well, at least remember it until I can return and provide you many more nights like this one.”
The next morning thunder clouds had rolled in and threatened to let loose their rain drops as the thunder rumbled in the distance. Claire thought the day was perfect, as it matched the turmoil within her.
Tell him, Claire. The voice wouldn’t leave her alone.
She stood on the steps and kissed Billy goodbye. Then she watched as he mounted his horse. He looked at her for a long moment before pulling his horse around.
Tell him, Claire.
She said nothing. She could only stand there and watch him ride off, watching until she couldn’t see him any longer.
Her heart was breaking. Would she ever see him again?
And if she did, what would her answer be?
Chapter Twenty-One
As the weeks slipped by, Claire kept busy writing articles, and keeping her mind off Billy. He had been gone much longer than expected, and it gave her time to think that maybe she could marry him. A couple of weeks had gone by without any coughing spells.
Then one night Claire had a terrible coughing spell that left her gasping for breath. Her chest hurt worse than it ever had and when she looked down at her arm she saw phthisis for the first time.
Aunt Ute tried to give Claire her medicine but it wasn’t working. Blood covered her handkerchief.
Claire managed to gasp. “It’s getting worse.”
Aunt Ute nodded in agreement.
Finally, when Claire had gotten her hacking under control, she gasped for air and asked, “What day is it?”
Aunt Ute thought for a moment before answering, “The first day of September.”
Claire felt the blood drain from her face and suddenly she felt very cold and all alone. She was quiet for a few minutes. “This is the end, Aunt Ute.”
“No, child. You mustn’t think that way.”
“I met a doctor a few months ago who said that I should contact her,” Cla
ire paused. “I kept hoping I’d get better, but now I can see that I’m not going to. I’m not sure this woman can help. I’m not sure anyone can help, but now I’m willing to try one last time and hope for a miracle.
“I’ve made up my mind, I’m going to see Doc Susie. She lives in Fraser, which I understand is high in the mountains. I know that you like it here so you don’t have to come,” Claire said.
“Nonsense!” Ute waved her hand brushing the suggestion away. “If you’re going, I will be there with you, liebchen. ”
“I can always count on your Aunt Ute. And I want you to know that has been a big comfort to me. Now let’s start packing while I can still travel.”
“What about Billy?”
Claire felt an icy dread seep through her. “I’ll leave him a note, telling him goodbye.”
“But you love him,” Aunt Ute pointed out.
“That’s why I’m leaving. I couldn’t stand to have Billy watch me die. I couldn’t handle the pity when all I want is his love. He deserves someone who can give him children and will always be with him. I’m not that person.”
“I wish I could ease the hurt for you, child,” Aunt Ute said and pulled Claire into her arms.
“I wish you could, too,” Claire whispered, brokenhearted as she sobbed into her aunt’s bosom.
The next morning everything was packed by the time Claire went downstairs to have breakfast with Uncle Ben and Aunt Ute.
Claire waited until breakfast was served before she made her announcement “I’m going to Fraser,” she finally blurted out.
She immediately got her uncle’s attention as his head snapped up and he lowered his fork. Ben looked at his niece for a long moment. The deep, lavender circles under her eyes were more pronounced than they had been, and he could see the disease was robbing her of her youth. “Isn’t this kind of sudden?” Ben asked as he leaned back in his chair.
Until September Page 25