by Regina Scott
But the trickle of red had reached the drier grass at the base of the hill, devouring it greedily. In a moment, they were cut off, fire on all sides and smoke reaching fingers toward them. Still he kept beating at the blaze, determination and desperation building.
“Will!”
The smoke parted to reveal Kate, hands outstretched. “It’s out. This way!”
He and the others hurried to her side.
One arm over her nose, she pointed with her free hand. “Up the draw. We can get away along the Firehole.”
“Go!” Will urged her, and he led the men after her.
The creek came out from among the pines at a wide plain before joining the Firehole River. Will glanced back the way they had come. The ground was blackened and smoking on the northern side, the creek beginning to bleed ash.
“It’s holding!” Franklin pointed toward the hill.
Except for the one place the fire had jumped the creek and they had beaten it out, the blaze remained on the south side. Already, the flames were shrinking, their sound softening, as the fire ran out of fuel.
Will put an arm about Kate’s shoulders. “We did it.”
She leaned against him. “Thank the good Lord.”
“Amen,” O’Reilly said, and for once he didn’t accompany the statement by spitting.
As Caleb wrapped his arms around his waist and shivered, Franklin eyed the forest.
“Strange place for a fire to start,” he mused, as if seeing the area with his engineer’s eye. “There aren’t any campsites in the area. People usually continue down to Old Faithful. And we haven’t had any lightning strikes.”
“Jessup again?” O’Reilly guessed, and this time he did spit.
“That poacher?” Elijah asked. “He must be long gone by now.”
Caleb nodded.
“And why would he start a fire here, even if he was in the area?” Kate put in. “There’s nothing in direct line of this fire—no major herds, no Army station.”
“Just the Geyser Gateway,” Franklin pointed out.
Kate shook her head. “He would gain nothing from burning me out.” Suddenly, she stilled. “But someone might.” Her gaze darted to Will’s. “You don’t think the Virginia City Outfitters would stoop this low?”
“They gain little either,” Will told her. “They wanted your building and lease, not a burned-out shell. We may never know how this started, but however it started, it was too close for comfort. O’Reilly, Franklin, sweep the area and report back to the hotel. When we know it’s clear, I’ll ride for the Fire Hole and send everyone home.”
“Sir!” The two saluted and headed back down the creek.
As Caleb shifted on his feet, Elijah watched them go, eyes narrowed as if he could see the path of the arsonist even now.
Will looked to Kate. “You saved my life.”
“You might say I was doing my duty,” she said, but that grin he so appreciated flashed into view in a face streaked by smoke. “Besides, it would have been hard to finish our courtship with you burned to a crisp.”
Caleb dropped his arms and beamed.
Elijah looked just as pleased. “Courtship, huh? Well, how about Caleb and I head back to the hotel, and you two take your time?”
Caleb bobbed his head. “Congratulations, Mrs. Tremaine, Lieutenant.”
He hurried to follow Elijah as the driver started up the banks of the Firehole.
As soon as they rounded the bend, Will pulled Kate closer and kissed her.
Thanksgiving and joy made a powerful combination. He wanted to drink her in like water, breathe her in like a spring breeze. She clung to him, body trembling, giving him her kiss, her heart. He couldn’t seem to let go.
Then she pulled back and rested her head against his chest.
“If anything had happened to you . . .”
“I felt the same,” he murmured, allowing himself to stroke her thick hair. “You warned us when you took us around the first time. There are too many ways to die in Yellowstone.”
“But only one way to live,” she argued. “You’re helping me see the wonder here again, Will. I don’t want to lose that. I don’t want to lose you.”
“You won’t,” he promised, hugging her close. And he could only hope that he would be able to keep that promise.
25
The fire burnt itself out completely two days later. Will’s men kept patrolling the area from dawn until dusk to make sure. Kate insisted that everyone but her, Elijah, and Caleb stay at the Fire Hole for safety’s sake. Will tried once again to send her north as well, but she refused. It was her responsibility to see to the hotel. The blaze left behind acres of charred forest and blackened ground. She could only be thankful that the Geyser Gateway had been spared, and even more grateful that Will, his men, and Elijah and Caleb hadn’t been hurt.
Thank you, Lord!
Elijah moved out to the barn to sleep. He said it was to help Caleb keep an eye on his horses and the stock, but she thought it was as much to safeguard her reputation. The hotel felt empty without Danny, Alberta, and Elijah. Her steps echoed on the hardwood floors. She couldn’t make herself start a fire in the hearth, even though the nights were cool. And she missed her son more than words could say.
Still, she had enough to do to keep her mind occupied and hands busy, even though the Wakefield and Hoffman stages didn’t stop as they thundered past on their way south to Old Faithful and north toward the Norris Geyser Basin or out of the park. She helped Elijah and Caleb feed, water, and calm the animals. She also cooked for them and Will and his men.
“It’s the least I can do after you saved the Geyser Gateway,” she assured them when Will protested. “Although I haven’t Alberta’s skills.”
“Neither does Waxworth or Smith,” Franklin assured her.
Will managed a tired smile.
The only fly in the ointment was the disappearance of Mr. Jones. He didn’t return to the hotel the night of the fire, and Will and his men hadn’t seen any sign of him as they patrolled the area.
“Although if he’s up at the Fire Hole or down at Old Faithful, we won’t know until we settle back into our usual routine,” Will told her. “We’re too busy making sure this fire doesn’t flare up again.”
Alberta eased her mind when she and Danny and the others returned Saturday morning. Kate heard the sound of a stage and rushed to the veranda in time to see the Wakefield and Hoffman driver pull into the yard. He must have made a special trip just to deliver her people. The coach had barely come to a stop before Danny leaped out and ran for her. Kate flew down the steps and caught him up in her arms. Eyes closed in thanks, she held him tight.
“The hotel looks good,” he said, sounding a little disappointed, as if he had been hoping to see some evidence of the fire that had kept them apart.
Kate released him as the driver began handing down Alberta, Pansy, Miss Pringle, and Mrs. Pettijohn.
“The hotel is fine,” Kate assured them all as they gathered around her. “And I’m so glad you are too.”
“Even Mr. Jones,” Alberta reported. “We found him at the Fire Hole.”
“Enjoying their unsavory accommodations,” Mrs. Pettijohn added with a sniff.
Miss Pringle heaved a happy sigh. “The Geyser Gateway is ever so much nicer, Mrs. Tremaine. I’m sure he’ll see the wisdom of returning.”
He must have, for their lodger reappeared Saturday afternoon and took up residence in his room as if he had never left them. Kate decided not to question him. He had a right to go where he willed, and another night paid was all to the good as the season neared its end.
“Tell me about the fire again,” Danny begged when Will and Private Smith stopped by on their final patrol of the day Saturday. “Was it scary? How hot was it? Can I go see?”
“I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow,” Will promised, face lined and boots dusty.
“When you come for services,” Kate suggested.
He regarded her a moment before nodding
. Then he and Private Smith headed north for their camp.
Kate almost called him back but shook her head instead. He was in no danger, and neither was she. All she knew was that she felt safer, happier, when Will was near. That boded well for their courtship.
A courtship. Hers and Toby’s had been short, but that had been a simpler time, and she’d been less experienced with life. Still, she remembered courting—learning about the other person, doing things to please each other. What would please Will? She wasn’t tremendously good at baseball, and he had Alberta to bake for him now. She needn’t sew him something—the Army saw to his clothing. And she wasn’t the sort to sing or recite poetry.
What about a love letter?
That was it! She could write what she admired about him. Perhaps enclose a lock of her hair. That way, he could read the words when doubts about the past assailed him. The deaths of innocents would likely always haunt him, but he could remember how he had dedicated his life to helping others. She took a moment to write as the others settled in for the evening.
For dinner, everyone except Mr. Jones gathered around one of the dining tables. Elijah was only too happy to tell Danny and the ladies about the fire.
“How brave you all were,” Miss Pringle gushed over the pie Alberta had saved.
“How valiant,” Mrs. Pettijohn agreed. “I must write to the Department of the Interior and commend Lieutenant Prescott and his men.”
“Handy fellows to have around,” Elijah agreed. He winked at Kate. “And I understand they might be around more often, especially Lieutenant Prescott.”
“Oh, did you manage to bring him up to scratch, dear?” Miss Pringle asked Kate.
“What’s up to scratch?” Danny asked, glancing between them.
Kate’s cheeks felt hot. “Lieutenant Prescott is a good friend. We’ll see if he’s anything more.”
Danny frowned. “What’s better than a good friend?”
“Two of them,” Elijah said, giving him a nudge. “Now, why don’t you tell me about that baseball game of yours again? I hear it was something.”
Danny’s eyes brightened, and he launched into his tale of triumph.
Kate only half-listened and not because she’d heard it so many times before. She had agreed to a courtship, possibly a marriage. She didn’t doubt that Danny and Will would get on well together. They had been a team from nearly the first moment Kate had discovered Will on the geyser field. Danny clearly admired him. What would he do if this courtship didn’t end the way she hoped? He’d already lost one father. How much worse to lose two.
She didn’t have a chance to talk to Will about the matter or give him the letter she’d written, until he arrived just after breakfast Sunday. Mr. Jones had headed out right before. Mr. Yates was expected at any time. Danny, Elijah, Alberta, Caleb, Pansy, Mrs. Pettijohn, and Miss Pringle were already out in the salon waiting, while Kate finished the last of the dishes. As was his habit on Sundays, Will came in through the kitchen.
Kate set down the dish she had been drying. “Are you ready to be a father?”
He froze in midstride toward her. “Today?”
“Today, tomorrow, for the rest of your life. You asked to court me, Will, but we have to remember Danny. If you marry me, you make yourself an instant father.”
He nodded, limbs slowly relaxing. “I know. When I first arrived in Yellowstone, I wasn’t sure how to react to Danny. All that movement. All those questions.”
Kate smiled. “All those questions. Everything he needs to learn to grow up to be a man. It’s a big responsibility.”
“I can see that.” He took a step closer. “Am I the sort of man you want as an example to him?”
Kate closed the distance and pressed a kiss against his cheek. “A man who learns from his mistakes? Who tries every day to be the best he can be? I can’t think of a better example.”
He rested his forehead against hers. “I will never deserve you.”
“You deserve love,” Kate said. “Everyone does.” She slipped her hand into the pocket on her gown and drew out the letter. “When you doubt that, read this.”
He accepted it with a quizzical frown.
From the salon came the sound of voices. Kate pulled back and caught his hand. “Mr. Yates must be here. Join us for worship.”
He didn’t budge at her tug. “Are you sure that’s wise? I haven’t been in a very long time.”
Likely since that horrible tragedy in Oregon. “Yes,” she insisted. “I’m learning that God wants to hear from us. He wants to hear from you too. Now, come on. Danny is expecting you.”
A husband, a father. It was a dream he’d never thought to reach. Would God really allow him such joy after what he’d done?
He felt like the shadow to Kate’s light as she led him into the salon. The dining chairs were lined up before the hearth, sofas pushed back to the walls, to give the traveling minister space to conduct the service. Kate moved into the last row with Danny, leaving a chair open beside her. Will couldn’t make himself take it. He stood behind her instead, back against the wall and feeling as if he faced the enemy across a battlefield.
Mr. Yates offered them all a smile before beginning in prayer. The words washed over Will: praise for such beautiful surroundings, thanksgiving to have been spared from the fire. Then the minister started a song. Will had heard it before, but he couldn’t find his voice to join in. The room seemed to be darkening, but he feared the darkness was inside him.
Mrs. Pettijohn’s voice boomed out over the others as they launched into the third verse.
Oh to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be.
Let Thy goodness like a fetter
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
The words shoved themselves past his lips, lending his baritone to the ladies’ higher voices and Kate’s alto.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love.
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above.
Humility flowed over him, an awe as deep as when he’d seen his first geyser, watched the bison roam their grounds, and felt Kate’s acceptance. As if she understood, she reached over her shoulder with one hand and caught his.
It seemed God still wanted his heart.
Joy bubbled up inside him like mud from a paint pot. He’d nearly forgotten the words of the hymn until Mrs. Pettijohn’s voice had broken through, but the promise called to him, urged him closer.
How great a debtor to grace.
Grace that could cover even his sin.
He clung to Kate’s hand, to the hope the song offered. He dropped his gaze to her raven hair, which seemed to be shimmering. Perhaps it was because of the tears pressing against his eyes. He closed his lashes against them.
Lord, thank you for reminding me how much you love us. I didn’t deserve a second chance from the Army. I certainly don’t deserve a second chance from you, but I’m so grateful you offer one. Now I have an opportunity to share that sort of love, with Kate and Danny. I don’t know whether I have it in me, but I aim to try. Please, help me. Protect them, bless them, keep them. That’s all I ask. Amen.
When he opened his eyes, the room seemed brighter, his heart lighter. He drew in a breath, raised his head, and listened as Mr. Yates spoke of devotion, dedication, and determination. All Will could think about was the future. Kate didn’t release his hand until the minister had finished speaking and closed the service.
“Thank you,” she said as she rose and smiled at him.
Will shook his head. “I should be thanking you. That was good.”
Her smile widened. “I agree. Come meet Mr. Yates.”
Once he would have balked. Now, as Danny ran to see Private Smith on the geyser field, Will accompanied Kate up to the minister. The fellow’s eyes crinkled behind his spectacles as Kate introduced Will.
“So, this is the famous Lieutenant Prescott I keep hearing so much a
bout,” he said, shaking Will’s hand.
“And you’re the famous Mr. Yates,” Will countered.
The minister laughed, releasing him. “I don’t know about famous. At least I’m not infamous.” He turned to Kate, face sobering. “And I don’t generally pass along gossip, but I thought you should know what I heard at the Fire Hole Hotel, Mrs. Tremaine.”
Kate frowned. “More rumors about the Geyser Gateway?”
“No, indeed,” he assured her. “I don’t generally stop there, but I saw more coaches than usual, so I thought I’d see if anyone required my services.” He tugged down on his waistcoat. “They did not. A rough bunch there at the moment.”
“We keep an eye on them,” Will told him. “At least, we did until this fire commandeered our time.”
“Now that the fire’s out, you might want to stop by this afternoon,” the minister replied. “I understand Roy Jessup was recently seen in the vicinity.”
Kate stiffened. So did Will.
“They told you that?” he asked.
The minister glanced between them. “I heard his name mentioned and went so far as to inquire. He was swapping stories in the gentlemen’s room there only yesterday.”
A blaze built inside him, hotter than the inferno they’d fought. “I’ll ride up this afternoon.”
“Do you think he could have anything to do with our fire after all?” Kate asked, face tight.
“I should hope not,” Mr. Yates said. “But I know he’s been associated with arson in the past. I just thought you should be warned.”
Kate thanked him for his trouble, but Will’s mind raced. Sergeant Nadler and Elijah had been sure the poacher was out of the park by now. But if he had been as close to the Geyser Gateway as the Fire Hole Hotel, he could have started the fire that threatened the area.
As the minister turned to speak to Mrs. Pettijohn, Will stepped aside with Kate.
“I don’t like it,” she said. “Jessup, at the Fire Hole? What’s he doing? You could ride by at any time.”