Spirit Of The Mountain Man/ordeal Of The Mountain Man (Pinnacle Westerns) (45 page)

“Oh, Smoke, it’s so good you’re back.”

Smoke stepped from the saddle and produced a warm, genuine smile. “You’ve no idea how good it is for me. I’ve missed you, Sally-girl.”

“It’s good you’re home.” A bubble of laughter rose in Sally’s throat. “I see you planned your arrival to be in time for noon dinner.”

Smoke produced a fleeting smile. “I surely did. I’ve been dreaming of one of your pies since I left Muddy Gap.”

Her initial joy passed as Sally noted the air of sadness about her man. Then she looked beyond him to where the returning hands should have been near the corral. “Did you ride on ahead? Where are the others?”

Smoke’s delight at being home dissolved. “They—they’re gone, Sally. Killed by rustlers. Let’s go inside and I’ll tell you about it.”

Seated at the kitchen table, coffee mug in hand, Smoke related to his beloved Sally the ordeal he and his friends had undergone since they had left the Sugarloaf. When he concluded, Sally brushed a tear from the corner of one eye and cleared her throat.

“They’re at peace now. Oh, Smoke, I’m so sorry.” She went to him then and hugged him tightly, giving him the compassion and consolation he needed so badly, though he would never ask for it.

By then, the working hands had ridden into the ranch yard. All but one headed for the hot meal awaiting them. Bobby Jensen, who had seen Smoke Jensen’s horse at the tie-rail, broke from the rest and raced to the main house. He burst through the kitchen door and threw himself at Smoke.

“You’re home! I jist knew you’d be here today,” the boy said.

“Did you now?” Smoke tousled Bobby’s white-blond hair.

“Are you gonna take me along the next time?” Bobby asked through his pleasure at seeing Smoke again.

Suddenly Smoke’s thoughts rebounded to Tommy Olsen. He reflected on how the boy, only a year older than Bobby, had become a man in the crucible of their shared hardship. He wanted so much that such suffering would never visit Bobby. But then, the lad was growing up. He held Bobby out at arm’s length.

“Bobby, it is sometimes wise to be careful what one wishes for. You might just get it. As to going with me…not the next time. I think when you turn fourteen will be soon enough. We’ll go find us an adventure then.”
And a tame one at that,
Smoke promised himself.

Sally Jensen joined her husband and adopted son and embraced both her men. Smoke was home and wise as always, and all was well in her world.