by Kristen Iten
Abigail watched Jake settle in on the other side of the fire. He used his saddle for a pillow, placing his hat over his face. A deep sigh escaped his lips as he locked his fingers together over his chest.
“Where’s your rope?” she asked.
Jake removed his hat and lifted his head. “Around your bed.”
Something in his voice told Abigail that she was safe. A familiar sensation of warmth washed over her.
Jake leaned back, covering his face with his hat once again. “Night,” he said.
“Good night, Jake.”
Despite questions about Jonathan swirling in Abigail’s head, she had little difficulty dropping off to sleep under the starry sky.
Chapter 6
For the first time since she had been in Texas, Abigail didn’t wake to a clear, bright morning. Gray clouds filled the sky and hung low as they rolled in from the west. The air was thick with moisture, and the western horizon was dark.
“Looks like it’s going to be a wild weather day,” Jake said.
“Do you think it’ll rain before we get to Sweet Creek?”
“It’s going to do a whole lot more than that, Abby.”
A gust of air picked Abigail’s blanket up and blew it across their camp. It got caught in a cedar bush bending low in the wind. Jake moved quickly to finish packing up, while long, wispy fingers reached down from the clouds, brushing the tops of the tallest trees. A low rumble sounded in the west. Lightening flashed, illuminating the silhouettes of towering thunderheads in the distance.
“I can tell you right now; we’re not making it to Sweet Creek by tonight,” said Jake.
“Do you think the storm will last long?”
“Can’t really say, but it looks like a big, ol’ nasty one. Storms aren’t very common this time of year, but they’re not unheard of either,” Jake said. “It’s best to respect weather like this and find cover.”
“Cover? Where are we going to find cover out here in the middle of nowhere?”
“I know of some caves about an hour southwest of here. They’ll do us just fine. They’re even big enough to shelter the horses.”
“You want to ride toward the storm?”
“No, not the storm, we’re riding to the caves. Try to keep up.” Jake winked and flashed a sideways smile in Abigail’s direction. “The storm just happens to be on its way to the caves, too, but I think we can beat it.”
“What happens if we don’t?” Abigail’s eyes were glued to the western horizon. Never in her life had she seen such an ominous sky. She chewed her bottom lip as her eyes darted from one threatening cloud to the next.
“We have to,” said Jake. “There’s nowhere else to take cover. You can trust me when I tell you that we do not want to be caught out in that.” He nodded his head toward the horizon as he tightened the cinch on Horse’s midsection.
The two travelers mounted up and set off in the direction of a storm that filled the endless Texas sky. Gone was the leisurely pace from the day before. Jake pressed the animals for speed.
The wind picked up, and gusts came more frequently as time went by. Large droplets of water were carried on the air and left scattered splatter marks on the dry earth when they landed.
“It’s moving faster than I thought.” Jake had to raise his voice to be heard over the sound of the wind.
“Are we going to make it to the cave in time?”
“Don’t you worry, Abby.” He wrapped a strong arm around her and spoke into her ear. “Hold on to me.”
Abigail hugged his arm tightly before Horse broke into a full gallop. Jake finally slowed the animals after a quarter of an hour of hard riding. The ground had changed. Large boulders and uneven rocky terrain now dominated the landscape. Horse hooves clattered on exposed bedrock.
Raindrops fell quicker by the moment.
“There it is,” Jake said as the heavens broke loose.
Abigail was shocked by the violence of the sudden downpour. She couldn’t see the entrance to the cave. I hope he knows where he’s going.
Abigail took hold of the saddle horn when Jake jumped to the ground. He walked ahead of the horses, holding the reins in his hand. He led the animals beside a tall rock wall until they came to a cavernous opening. Horse’s trust in Jake was complete, and he followed his master into the cave without hesitation. The pack horse was nervous but followed along with a little encouragement.
“Well, that was exciting,” said Abigail, smoothing wet hair out of her face.
“You ain’t seen nothin’ yet. Just wait ‘til the storm hits.”
Abigail laughed. “What do you call all of that?” She pointed at the torrential rain falling a few feet from where they stood.
“That’s just a little rain. It ain’t a storm ‘til the rain falls sideways.” Jake freed the horses from their burdens and created a sitting area for Abigail and himself. It was just out of reach of the rain and offered a perfect view of the show nature was putting on outside. Abigail opened the bundles of her belongings and stretched the wet things out to dry before joining him.
Thunder boomed in the distance. The sound rolled on and on until it reached a deafening crescendo above their heads. It continued to roll across the land until the sound gradually faded away in the east.
“I’ve never heard thunder like that before,” said Abigail.
“Welcome to Texas.” Jake tipped his hat. “The storm will be on top of us before too long. We’ll stay as dry as a horned toad’s belly as long as the wind doesn’t change on us.”
“I can’t imagine that many horned toads have dry bellies right now,” said Abigail. She grabbed a handful of her wet skirt and wrung it out with a playful smile on her lips.
Jake bowed his head and laughed. “I guess that’s not the best comparison to make at the moment.” His smile warmed Abigail’s heart, and she spoke again without thinking.
“Why aren’t you married?” Her eyes widened as soon as the words left her mouth.
“What’s that?”
Abigail’s mouth felt like she had been sucking on cotton all day. Her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth as she scrambled for words to say.
“I just mean, you seem like someone who …”
“Yes?” said Jake.
“It’s just that you’re so …” Heat rose from her neck all the way into her cheeks and ears. Abigail hoped the dim light of the cave was doing its part to hide her crimson face.
“I’m so what?” Jake’s twitching lips fought back a smile. He pinned her with his eyes.
He is enjoying this a little too much.
“You would make someone a good husband, that’s all.” Abigail looked out into the storm and wondered if the wind and rain would be preferable to the awkward situation she had gotten herself into. Silence stretched between them for a couple of minutes.
“I almost got married once,” he said. “We had a date set and everything.”
Abigail watched as he rubbed the water off of his hat as it lay in his lap.
“What happened?” Abigail spoke so softly she barely heard herself above the sound of the storm raging outside.
Mist from the falling rain blew into the cave and landed on Jake’s face. His smile faded. “She picked another fellow.”
The clatter of hail falling from above suddenly filled the cave. Abigail looked on in awe as the ground turned white from the ice falling from the sky. It was mesmerizing to watch chunks as big as a walnut shell bounce several inches into the air after hitting the ground.
“I’m sorry. I should have never brought it up.”
Jake got up and readjusted his seat. “It’s all right, Abby. It was for the best. If someone’s going to bolt when things get tough, I’d rather they do it before I say the vows.” His bright smile returned. “Don’t feel bad for me. My life has its occasional bright spots.”
Abigail felt his eyes searching hers. The intensity of his gaze sent the blood back into her cheeks. She broke their stare when her racing pulse couldn�
��t stand it any longer and watched the storm without speaking for a few minutes.
The hair on her arms stood on end a moment before a thick blue-white bolt of lightening split the sky directly in front of them. The crack was deafening. She looked at Jake with wide eyes.
“Did you see that?”
Jake was already looking at her. “I missed it,” he said. “I was looking elsewhere at the time.”
“It was beautiful,” Abigail said.
“It sure was.”
Something about the look on Jake’s face told her he wasn’t talking about the storm. A small smile spread across her lips before she turned her attention back to the sky.
Jake sat back down, changing the subject. “You know, these storms aren’t going to let up any time soon. I know it’s early still, but we might want to consider bedding down here for the night. Even after the rain stops, there ain’t going to be a dry place to make camp for miles. There’s no way we’ll find any dry wood for a fire. I can’t imagine having you lay down in the mud for the night without a fire to dry you.”
“I think you’re right.”
“If we get an early start tomorrow morning, we can make it to Sweet Creek by late tomorrow night,” said Jake.
Abigail was happy for a little reprieve from riding on horseback. What started out as a grand adventure the morning before had turned into an aching rear end and raw thighs by nightfall. She settled in with a sigh of contentment and enjoyed a front row seat to nature’s grand display.
Chapter 7
“There it is.” Jake paused as they crested a small hill. “Welcome to Sweet Creek, Texas.”
The sight of the sleepy little town sent an unexpected wash of emotion over Abigail. She had really done it. Nestled quietly in the darkness in front of them lay her new home.
It was much smaller than she had imagined, but she liked it. From their vantage point, she could see about ten buildings lining either side of a wide, main street. Lanterns hung from posts bathing the town in a welcoming glow. The street appeared practically deserted at this time of night, but candlelit windows hinted at the existence of life just out of sight.
Wide open spaces surrounded the town as far as the eye could see. The landscape on the far end of town was dotted with small campfires.
“That’ll be the mining party, I reckon.” Jake clicked his tongue, and Horse continued down the worn path into town. “It’s awful late. Let’s get you set up at the boarding house for tonight. We can find you and your brother’s ranch in the morning.”
After another full day of riding on horseback, Abigail’s aching bones told her that Jake’s plan was a good one.
The first building they came to was a two-story house with a wide front porch. Rocking chairs sat on either end, each with its own overturned barrel for a side table. They were decorated with large squares of fabric that worked like tablecloths falling halfway down the sides. It was a rustic but inviting look. A small sign painted with delicate scrolling brush strokes hung on the porch railing.
Jake read the sign aloud, “Miss Rosie’s Boarding House.” He dismounted and helped Abby to the ground. “This is the end of the trail. I’ll unload your things.”
A petite blond woman appeared in the door as Jake laid Abigail’s final bundle on the porch. She wore a soft pink dress trimmed with cream colored lace and held a damp cloth in her hand.
“What a surprise,” she said. The middle-aged woman dabbed the cloth on the back of her neck. “I was expecting someone else.” Her eyes squinted as a sweet smile spread over her face. Years of practice had taught her features to give way to smiles. The resulting lines and wrinkles gave her a kind appearance. “It looks like you two could use a room. I’m Miss Rosie. Come on in.”
“It’ll be just the lady, ma’am,” said Jake with a tip of the hat.
“All right then,” said Rosie. She stepped out onto the porch, holding the door open for her guests. “You’re both welcome to come in for some refreshments.”
Abigail climbed the steps at Rosie’s invitation. “Thank you. That sounds wonderful,” she said.
Jake stooped to grab one of Abigail’s bundles from the porch.
“You can leave those things there for now,” said Rosie. “The sheriff will be along any minute. He does his rounds this time every night. Micah will be happy to help.”
Jake stood and eyed the street for the sheriff. “It’s late. I… I really need to find the boss over at the mining camp.” For the first time since Abigail had known him, Jake stumbled over his words. “I’ll have to take you up on that offer for refreshments next time, ma’am.” He unwound the reins from the hitching post. “I’ll be back in the morning to bring your things in, Miss Abigail.”
Miss Abigail? What happened to Abby? Jake’s sudden formality stung a little, but she didn’t have much time to dwell on it. He grabbed his saddle horn, swinging his body into the saddle without even touching the stirrup. He tapped the brim of his hat in farewell and made for the other end of town.
Abigail slept later than usual the next morning. She was still clearing her breakfast dishes when Jake came calling. Miss Rosie had risen much earlier and was spending the remainder of her morning out back doing the wash.
“I see you already brought in your things,” he said.
“Sheriff Lagrange took care of it last night after you left.” Abigail returned the pot of coffee to the cast iron stove with a spring in her step. “He wants to see you.”
Jake stiffened. “Why?”
“He wants a description of the outlaws.”
Jake rolled the brim of his hat in his hands, looking at the floor with knitted brows. “I didn’t get a good look at them. I don’t know any more about them than you do,” Jake said.
“We can stop by the jail and tell him on our way to see the surveyor.”
“Don’t you want to see that brother of yours? I can tell the sheriff all about everything I don’t know some other time.”
“I like that plan.” Abigail beamed. Her mind was filled with images of her reunion with Jonathan. It felt like a lifetime had passed since she had last seen her brother. There was so much she wanted to tell him.
“Did you mention a surveyor?” asked Jake.
“Yes, the sheriff only moved here a few months ago and hasn’t met Jonathan. He suggested that I see the town surveyor to find out where he built the homestead.”
“Doesn’t Miss Rosie know him? I figured everybody would know everybody in a town this size,” said Jake.
“She hasn’t met Jonathan, either. She said the area is booming with new settlers, and she hasn’t met half of the newcomers to town.”
Jake’s brows furrowed.
“What is it?” asked Abigail.
“Never mind.” Jake forced a weak smile. “I suppose it’s off to the surveyor we go then.”
“There is only one tiny problem …”
“What?”
“I need you to go talk to him.” Abigail stared at Jake with an overdone toothy grin and pleading eyes.
Jake laughed at her comical expression. “Why me?”
“The man who does all of the surveying also happens to run the saloon, and that’s where he spends all of his time when he’s not working out in the field. I can’t go in there looking for him. A saloon is no place for a lady.”
“Say no more. I’ll head on over now and see if he’s in yet.”
“I’ll walk with you,” Abigail said. She was on her feet and standing at the door before Jake even got up from his chair.
“A little eager?” Jake asked with a wink.
“I’m too excited to sit here and wait. I need to do something.” Bubbly laughter escaped her lips before she clapped a hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry. I just can’t wait for you to meet Jonathan. You’re going to love him. What are we waiting for?”
The wooden planks on the porch creaked as Abigail and Jake stepped out into the morning air. The sight that met Abigail’s eyes as they walked down the road was
a stark contrast to what she had seen the night before. The town was bustling with activity. Doors all along the main street were wide open and welcoming. Buckboards were being loaded outside the general store, wagons rolled down the dusty road, and shopkeepers swept their porches. Sweet Creek was awake.
“How in the world is this place dry as a bone after all that rain yesterday?” said Abigail. She lifted the bottom of her skirt and kicked up a cloud of dust with her foot.
“I suspect the storm missed town,” said Jake. “We were a good fifteen-hour ride from town when we were in the heart of it all.”
“I guess. It just looked big enough to have covered the whole state of Texas,” said Abigail.
They stopped at a cute, little whitewashed building. A small cross decorated the front door. Directly across the street was the saloon, its dark doorway beckoning weary cowboys.
“I’ll wait here on the church steps,” said Abigail.
“I won’t be long.” Jake crossed the street and disappeared through the swinging doors of the saloon.
“Can I help you?” A kind voice from behind made Abigail jump. She turned to see a short man with a well kept strawberry blond beard looking down at her. She stood and brushed off her skirt.
“Thank you, but I’m waiting on a friend.”
The man reached out to shake Abigail’s hand. “I’m Pastor David Holtz. My wife, Rebecca, is inside already.”
“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Abigail Dodd.” She took his hand in greeting.
Recognition dawned in Pastor Holtz’s eyes. “We’ve been expecting you, Abby.” He patted the back of her hand with his free one. “Please, come in. You can wait for your friend inside. I’m sure you have questions.”
“Do you know my brother?” Abigail searched Pastor Holtz’s face for a hint of what he was talking about. Her throat tightened when the meaning of the pastor’s grim expression sunk in.
“Not out here,” he said, “let’s talk inside.” The door creaked when the pastor opened it. He held it wide and waited for Abigail to enter.