Apache-Colton Series

by Janis Reams Hudson

Then her stomach heaved to her throat and she felt the blood leave her head. Oh Lord, not now. She was going to be sick. She knew it. There was nothing she could do to stop the bile rising from her stomach.

  “Go—please!” she whispered desperately.

  Travis looked at her in confusion.

  Just then Daniella pushed him away forcibly and rolled to the opposite side of the bed. The pain in her shoulder seemed to pull the bile up to her throat. She reached beneath the bed for the pot Juanita had just left for her and barely got the lid off before she retched.

  Humiliation, hot and devastating, washed over her and made her even sicker when she felt the warm, calloused palm cup her forehead. Strong fingers brushed her hair back from her face and kept it from trailing into the pot. When she calmed, Travis helped her lean back against the pillows and gave her a sip of water, then moistened a cloth from the bedside ewer and tenderly wiped her face.

  “Feeling better?” he asked softly.

  Daniella felt tears of pain and embarrassment seep from beneath her tightly shut eyelids. God, how would she ever face him again? Her only hope for retaining any self-respect at all around him was that he didn’t know the cause of her sudden sickness.

  “Hey.” He reached out a finger and lifted her chin until she was forced to look at him. “Don’t be embarrassed. It happens to most women in your condition, I’m told.”

  So much for hope. She moaned and turned her head away, the pain in her shoulder nothing compared to the pain of her humiliation. How could he be so kind when he must be thoroughly disgusted that what just happened was due to the half-breed bastard she carried? He knew about the baby, that much was certain. She squeezed her eyes shut even tighter and felt herself blush. She wouldn’t look at him. She couldn’t. Not ever again.

  The bed jiggled as he pushed away from it, then she heard him sigh. “I’ve got some work to do, so I’ll leave you to rest. And I expect you to do just that—rest—all day.”

  Daniella refused to look at him or say anything, and he finally left the room. Why was he being so nice? Then she remembered his words from the day they brought Matt home, and Carmen’s words yesterday. It was gratitude. He felt he owed her something.

  But God, she didn’t want his gratitude or his sympathy. She wanted his lips to touch hers again. Then she remembered the way his eyes had taken her breath away last night, and she grew frightened.

  He was a strong, virile man. He would never be content with just kisses, she knew. But anything more than that terrified her beyond reason. She would surely be more of a whore in his eyes than she already was if he knew how badly she wanted him to kiss her again.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Travis was like a mother hen with one chick, trying to make certain Daniella got the proper care and rest. He ordered her to stay in bed, much to Rosita’s and Juanita’s amusement and Daniella’s confusion. He finally relented when Rosita warned him Daniella’s shoulder would grow stiff if she wasn’t allowed to exercise it.

  After that one morning when she had thrown up in front of him, Travis didn’t visit her at such an early hour again. When he did visit, Matt was usually with him. And sometimes, the Apache boys, Shanta and Natzili-Chee. Neither Travis nor Daniella ever spoke of her morning sickness or her childbearing state.

  Daniella mentioned going home once, but Matt and Travis both protested that she couldn’t possibly leave until after La Fiesta de San Juan, which was still three days away. They decided she certainly wouldn’t be well enough to travel until then. They would invite Tucker and Simon, and those two could see that she got home safely.

  Daniella was familiar with the practice of celebrating St. John’s Day on June twenty-fourth in the homes where a John, Juan, Juana or Juanita lived. When she was a child, one of her father’s ranch hands had been a middle-aged man named Juan. She could still remember going with all the other children on the ranch for the traditional four-in-the-morning swim, and then an entire day of singing, dancing, and eating.

  The memories of her happy childhood, especially when her mother was still alive, haunted her now. She saw much love and laughter in this house, and wondered what the future held for her own child. If she ended up having to raise it, she feared she’d never be able to show it love or laughter. She thought about it a great deal throughout the day, and later that night when she was alone in her room, but could find no answers to the questions tossing in her head.

  Realizing she had no gift for Juanita, Daniella persuaded Travis to send a message to Tucker as to what he and Simon should bring with them when they came for the fiesta. When the messenger returned, he brought all the things she had asked for. She was surprised at Tucker’s efficiency in filling her request so quickly, and pleased that she wouldn’t have to worry and wait until the last minute to prepare her gift.

  She had chosen a delicate lace shawl she had purchased in Boston as a gift for Sylvia, but had never given to her. It would be perfect for Juanita. Also included in the bundle were some of her own clothes for the evening of dining and dancing.

  Daniella threw herself wholeheartedly into the preparations for the event, offering her help wherever she could. Everyone on the ranch kept an eye on her to make sure she didn’t overdo, and she found it increasingly frustrating to be told to go sit down and rest, but she could not find it in herself to complain.

  These people were so kind to her that she knew she’d miss them all terribly when she left. Everyone who lived and worked on the Triple C loved and respected Travis and Jason and doted on Matt. They quickly extended their affections to Daniella, if for no other reason than she had helped the family.

  The only damper on the days was Carmen. She, too, expressed concern for Daniella’s well-being, but only with her mouth. Her eyes told a different story, as did her behavior toward everyone but Travis. Around him, she was as congenial as the next person. But when he wasn’t around, she dropped the act. She spoke sharply to the servants, ignored Matt entirely, and treated Shanta and Natzili-Chee with open scorn. The servants, for the most part, stayed as far away from her as they could get.

  Many of the Colton employees were related to each other in some way. Three young ranch hands, Carlos, Jorge, and Benito, were Rosita’s sons. Luis, their father, also worked with them. Davita, Carlos’s wife, and Consuela, Benito’s wife, helped their mother-in-law in the kitchen. Then there was Juanita, the housekeeper. She was Rosita’s older widowed sister. Even the old gardener, Emilio, was family, being Luis’s father. They were all happy and easy in each other’s company, and Daniella felt good amid such a loving, laughing group of people.

  The only time Daniella saw Travis now was when the family gathered at mealtimes, and even then she felt uneasy in his presence. The way he looked at her when he thought she didn’t notice disturbed her. Sometimes his look was merely thoughtful, as if he pondered some minor puzzle. At other times she would catch such a look of tenderness from him that it caused her throat to constrict.

  But it was the look he wore now that scared her. He was looking at her as if he could see straight through her clothes. She’d seen that look before on men, the most recent being Golthlay. She knew what that look meant, and it was hard for her to admit that Travis wasn’t all that different from other men.

  “Oh, Señorita Dani, you look beautiful,” breathed nineteen-year-old Davita. The girl had just finished arranging Daniella’s hair in a mass of curls on top of her head and stepped back to view the overall picture.

  Daniella studied herself in the long mirror. It did feel good to wear one of her own gowns for a change. The waist had needed letting out, but the full gathers hid her protruding stomach. The neckline scooped just low enough to reveal the swell of her breasts without being too suggestive. She tied a strip of lace around her throat to cover the scar that remained there. The deep green of the gown contrasted sharply with the pale blue of her eyes, making them appear darker than usual. Ivory lace trimmed the neck and sleeves and brought out the golden tan of her skin. Miss W
hitfield would cringe at the sight of that tan.

  The look pleased her, but she was nervous about appearing before Travis dressed like this. With the exception of the high necked, long sleeved dress she’d worn to town, the only clothes he’d ever seen her in were her breeches and the full, colorful skirts and loose white blouses loaned to her this past week by Rosita’s daughters-in-law. What would he think? Would he think she was seeking his approval, or trying to entice him?

  Was she?

  Of course not!

  The entire day had been one of fun and gaiety, with piñatas for the children and presents for Juanita. The food seemed never-ending, and the wine flowed freely. No one worked on this holiday, except for necessary chores, therefore Travis had been nearby constantly. Daniella noticed that if he was not at her side, then he was watching her from only a short distance away. He was always somewhere near with a ready smile. She felt young and carefree again under his pleasant attention. She forced the dark looks Carmen cast her way to the back of her mind. She wouldn’t let Carmen ruin this day.

  To everyone’s relief, a small thundershower descended on the ranch in the middle of the afternoon. Not that the rain was needed so much at this time of year, but according to legend, if it didn’t rain on the day of La Fiesta de San Juan, the rest of the year would be dry. Daniella used the rain as an excuse to retire to her room for a nap, in order to be refreshed for the evening of dancing ahead.

  “You’ve done wonders with my hair, Davita. Thank you. You’d better go now and see to yourself before the music starts.”

  Daniella liked Davita. She was a pretty, lively girl, and the two of them were the same age. Daniella didn’t let herself dwell on the idea that she felt years older than this vivacious dark-eyed girl who helped her dress for the party.

  After Davita left, Daniella made her way nervously down the hall toward the courtyard. Travis’s father greeted her.

  “My dear, you look lovely. You honor our home with your beauty.” Jason bent down and placed a fatherly kiss on her brow, bringing a light blush to her cheeks.

  “Thank you, Jason. And may I say you cut quite a dashing figure yourself,” she answered with a smile. His black suit made his silver hair glow in the light of the torches around the courtyard. His smile was open and friendly, as usual, and his hand on hers was warm and reassuring.

  A moment later she felt the hair on the back of her neck stand out and knew she was being watched. Realizing there was no danger here, she forced herself to relax. Turning slowly, she found Travis’s hot gaze on her as he approached. Her heart fluttered rapidly when he smiled at her. He, too, was dressed in black, and its effect on her was devastating.

  Travis took her hand from his father and brought it to his lips. Her breath caught in her throat. His eyes finally left her face to travel the length of her body and back up, resting briefly on her trembling breasts before returning to gaze into her eyes.

  “Isn’t she lovely?” Jason said, breaking the silence.

  “Beautiful,” Travis breathed.

  And suddenly Daniella felt beautiful. She smiled radiantly. “Thank you,” she murmured.

  “Goodness gracious, Simon, would you look at that. Is that our girl?” Tucker’s voice broke the spell that held Daniella and Travis motionless.

  “Tucker!” She was astonished at the old man’s changed appearance. His hair and beard were clean and neatly trimmed. He must have borrowed the pants and shirt he wore, for she knew he possessed nothing more than the baggy garments she had first seen him in. She kissed his cheek, and this time it was Tucker who blushed, drawing a round of laughter.

  “They must be takin’ good care of ya, girlie, ‘cause you sure look fine.”

  “Thank you, Tucker. They’re taking excellent care of me. In fact, you may have trouble with me when we get home. I’ve become positively lazy,” she laughed.

  At her mention of home, the smile on Travis’s face disappeared.

  “Simon, I’ve missed you.” Daniella threw her arms around the young giant and planted a kiss on his chin. Even standing on her toes, his chin was as high as she could reach.

  Travis was startled and none too pleased to see Dani wrap her arms so familiarly around this good-looking young man whom he hadn’t met. He fought hard to keep the scowl off his face. Tucker had mentioned Simon, of course, but he’d called him a boy and indicated he was much younger.

  A peculiar sensation ran through Travis, one he’d never felt before and refused to examine closely, when Dani pressed her lips to Simon’s chin. It surged and strengthened as he read the obvious affection in her hug, her smile, her eyes.

  The only others he’d seen Dani so free with were Tucker, Cochise, Dee-O-Det, and Matt. Matt was a child, and her friend. The others she regarded as…family.

  He relaxed. Family. She considered Simon family. That’s why she was so free and easy with the young giant.

  And why, he asked himself, was Daniella Blackwood’s family reduced to this boy, a crusty old prospector, an ancient Apache shaman, and a fierce Apache war chief?

  Where was her real family? John Blackwood had been her uncle. That made Howard Blackwood her uncle, too. Or did it?

  Snatches of her fevered ramblings floated through his mind. But Papa, don’t you love me anymore? All I did was come home.

  Travis frowned, trying to remember what she’d said that first night on the trail about Howard Blackwood. Something about trading her absence from his home for the deed to El Valle.

  Could Howard Blackwood be her father? It didn’t make sense. After what she’d been through with the Apaches, her own father wouldn’t have wanted “her absence from his home.” He would have wanted to shelter her, protect her, give her all the love and support she needed to get over what had happened.

  No. Howard couldn’t be her father. But who was?

  Travis forced the puzzle to a back corner of his mind. This was a night for celebration. He intended to see that Dani enjoyed herself.

  “…another one of her strays she picked up,” Tucker was saying.

  Dani and Simon both looked affronted by whatever the old man was talking about.

  “Now don’t be alookin’ at me like that, you two. That’s what you and me both are, Simon. A couple of old strays she felt sorry for and took in.”

  “Sorry for! Why, I never—”

  Tucker’s rasping laughter cut her off. He gave a big wink, and Simon broke out in a grin. Dani sputtered to a halt. A moment later she laughed with him.

  Travis listened with interest and amusement as Tucker went on to tell how Simon had come to join him and “the girlie.” No doubt the old man embellished the tale somewhat, judging by the looks Dani and Simon gave each other.

  “Sheep!”

  Dani jumped at the boom of Jason’s voice.

  “This is cattle country. You can’t have sheep in cattle country.”

  Travis smiled. He’d forgotten to warn his father about the sheep.

  Dani gave Tucker an exasperating look. The old man just smirked at her, his expression saying, Get yourself outa this one, girlie.

  Simon frowned, and Dani patted his massive shoulder in reassurance before turning back to Jason.

  “The Triple C may be cattle country, Jason, but El Valle de Esperanza has sheep.” She looked up at him in defiance.

  “Well, Dad,” Travis drawled. “What can you say to that?”

  Jason took a deep breath and the scowl on his face eased into a smile. “Just keep your damned—I mean, keep your sheep away from our cattle, young lady.”

  “I intend to,” she answered with a grin. “Simon would never let one of his beloved sheep stray so far, would you, Simon?”

  The big giant just smiled down at her and shook his head.

  As she turned back toward Jason, Simon tugged gently on her sleeve. She looked up at him in question, then shrugged her shoulders.

  “Simon wants to know why you don’t like sheep, Jason,” Dani said.

  Jason and Travis
both looked at her curiously. “The boy don’t talk,” Tucker explained.

  Simon tugged on Dani’s sleeve again. “He knows you talk to me, Simon. He just means you don’t talk with your mouth and tell everything you know, like he does.”

  Travis looked on in wonder as Dani held a one-sided conversation with her silent friend.

  “Don’t you never talk with your mouth, boy?” Tucker asked in frustration.

  Simon grinned at the three men who looked at him expectantly, and settled his gaze on Tucker. “Never.”

  Dani and Tucker stared at Simon in total amazement.

  Matt ran up and tugged on the big giant’s hand. “Come on, Simon, let’s get outa here before they pester you to death. A guy’d think they never heard anybody talk before.” Matt hauled a grinning Simon off toward the food-laden table where they each began filling their plates.

  “What’s the matter with you two?” Travis wanted to know.

  Tucker and Dani were still staring at Simon’s retreating back.

  “Did I really hear that…with my ears?” she asked.

  “You musta…’cause I surely did,” Tucker answered.

  “What are you two so excited about?” Jason asked.

  “Oh, nothin’ much,” Tucker said. “It’s just that that’s the first word we’ve ever heard the youngster speak.”

  Just then the traveling band of musicians hired for the occasion began to play, and Carmen made what Travis knew from past experience was a perfectly timed grand entrance. If the woman’s purpose was to impress him with her beauty—and she was definitely beautiful—her efforts were wasted. Travis gave her a polite nod, then swept Dani away to the area set aside for dancing. As they swirled to the music, he noticed how perfectly her small hand fit in his.

  The evening progressed rapidly, and Travis kept a close eye on Dani, who spent most of the time dancing. Everyone danced with everyone else, and laughter filled the warm night air.

  Carmen was in her element, preening and demanding Travis’s attention constantly. It was late when he was finally able to disengage himself from her clinging arms and pass her along to Jason. When his father led her out in a dance, Travis turned and saw Dani sitting alone on a bench, watching the dancing.