Where the Wind Blows (21 page)

“What?” Chase was astounded. “Say that again.”

“You’ve added some acreage since the last time you left. You’re the new owner of the Broken Horn Ranch. It was too good of a deal to pass up.”

Chase sat in pure disbelief. Jessie, Gabe, and Jake looked from one to the other, trying to figure out what was going on.

“It’s true. I’ve been waiting for a year and a half for you to drag that mangy hide of yours home. I never know where to reach you, since by the time you wired your pay, you were off to who-knows-where. You know, you could’ve waited for a reply just once.”

“Quit your bellyaching and give me the details.”

“Hollister lost his money on a couple bad bets. He’d been gambling for years, but this time he couldn’t dig himself out of the hole he’d created. He couldn’t make his mortgage, so the bank got the place by default. I tried to help him all I could. I held the ranch for a year while he tried to scrape together the money to buy it back. He finally gave up and left town.” He shook his head, clearly upset over the other man’s loss. “You’re the only one in town who could afford to buy the Broken Horn lock, stock, and barrel. Besides, it was logical, since your land runs up against it to the west.”

It was too much to take in. It had to be someone’s idea of a bad joke.

“My biggest fear was you’d up and get yourself killed before I had a chance to tell you. That’s why I’ve been jumping for joy since the day I got your telegram.”

The man fairly beamed. “Come on, you’re going home. And Chase…” Frank had a smug, I-told-you-so, look on his face. “Didn’t I tell you bank dividends have a magical way of adding up?”

“Many a time,” Chase said, still shaking his head. “More times than I can remember.”

The land was beautiful. Rolling pastures went on forever. They were still covered in a blanket of snow, but come spring, they would be as green and pretty as an Irish emerald. There were two barns: one for the horses, which had been Hollister’s pride and joy, and another for barnyard animals and farming equipment.

But the house, even in its run-down condition, was what seemed to impress Jessie the most. She gazed at the beautiful chink log cabin, built to last a lifetime…or two. The rooms were large and spacious, and there were three real bedrooms.

“Sorry it’s so barren, Mrs. Logan,” Frank said, sweeping his arm across the empty expanse of the room. “Most of the big pieces of furniture Hollister sold bit by bit to support his gambling. It’s a true shame, because some of the pieces had been in his family for generations. It was a good thing old Sherm Hollister wasn’t around to see how irresponsible his son turned out to be.”

“It’s so beautiful.” Jessie walked around the room, her hand touching a Tiffany lamp that stood on a corner table.

“Mrs. Logan, look at this,” Frank said, swinging open a door off the kitchen. Jessie peeked in. “It’s a built-in soaking tub. Let’s warm some water and you can have a bath tonight.”

Jessie gasped, making Mr. Lloyd’s face go white. He looked to Chase.

“She’s just all wore out. The trip and now this is too much
of a shock for her. Come on, Jessie, lie down a minute and catch your breath.”

Chase could see the tears shimmering in her eyes, ready to spill over. He led her to one of the bedrooms and was thankful to see a bed, nicely made up with a colorful quilt.

“Here, sit here next to me, and we’ll talk.” Chase patted the spot next to him.

She nodded and took a deep breath, struggling with her emotions. She tried to hide it with a wobbly smile, but he saw her heart shining in her eyes.

She sank down next to him, and he was glad she hadn’t argued. His heart ached for her. So tired and small. Was she as confused as he was?

“It’s gonna be fine, Jess. We’ll work this out. Come morning, you’ll wonder what you were so worked up about.”

“No.” The strength in her voice surprised Chase. “If I stay and stick with our plan, you’ll leave. This is your dream, Chase. A chance of a lifetime. I know you could build this into a fine horse ranch. I’m leaving tonight. Not even unloading the wagon.”

“Are you touched in the head, woman?” Chase’s voice rang out. “You’re worn out. Sarah’s worn out. The animals couldn’t take another step if you begged them. You just get that foolish notion out of your head this minute.”

She was breathless as she continued, “The other house. The one on Shady Creek. We’ll go there until I have a chance to think this through.”

The need to comfort Jessie stole over Chase like a cool breeze in the hot summer sun. Her darn pride was almost as strong as his was.

“We’ll see. But for right now I want you to lie back just for a moment while I talk with Frank. Will you do that one thing for me? And then we’ll finish this discussion.” Chase gave her a little push and Jessie sank into the soft feather bed.

“Sarah?” she quietly asked.

“I’ll watch her.”

Chase found Frank having a smoke. He looked worried as he gazed out across the open expanse of endless snow. Chase pulled a stool over next to him. Frank offered a cigar.

“No, thanks.” Chase gazed out over the land, too. “Quite a view isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is. Chase, do you like it? I hope you’re not angry that I took the liberty with your money. It was just such a good deal. And land is always your best bet for investment.”

“Mad? How could I be mad? No, it’s a dream come true. Who wouldn’t love this place?”

“Mrs. Logan, perhaps?” He dropped his stub to the porch and ground it out with his heel.

“Jessie?” Chase said surprised. “No, you’re wrong. She loves it. She’s just worried about other things, that’s all.”

“Anything I can help with?”

“No. But thanks. We’ll work it out.”

“I’m heading back to town. There’re a few ranch hands living down at the bunkhouse. They’ve been keeping the place up since Hollister left. Just doing the bare essentials and watching for squatters.”

“Thanks, Frank. I can never thank you enough. You’re the only father I’ve ever known. You were the only one willing to take a chance on me. And now look at this. It’s all because of you.”

Frank’s face went red. “Ah, Chase. Don’t you know I’d do anything for you? Now, get some rest, son, and we’ll talk in the morning. Good night.”

Chase awoke around midnight, sleep eluding him for the eighth night in a row. He told himself he just wasn’t used to sleeping in a bed, especially one as big and comfortable as this one was. But he knew that wasn’t the case. Rolling to his other side, he punched his pillow.

Jessie was obsessed with the notion of not taking this ranch from him. She insisted she and the children would go to the Shady Creek house until she found a place to relocate.

Was it really her way of saying she didn’t want another man in her life?

“Stubborn woman,” he muttered, rolling over yet again.

Exasperated, he climbed from the bed and grabbed his crumpled pants, hastily pulling them on. Not bothering with a shirt, he walked barefoot into the large living room. Cold or not, he needed some air.

Slipping his heavy coat over his shirtless body, he stepped out onto the front porch. The stars shone brightly in the night sky. Felt like forever since that first night when he’d sat out on the porch with Jessie. The night she’d asked him about the angels. So much had happened since then.

In the darkness, Chase withdrew his tobacco pouch and carefully rolled the makings of a cigarette, something he hadn’t done in a very long time. Fishing in his pocket for a match, he withdrew one and scraped it along the rough porch railing. Instantly a small flame winked back at him. Touching it to the end of his cigarette, he inhaled deeply, causing the burning end to glow.

What was eating him? His decision was made. Jessie would
be fine without him, and with the ranch, she was sure to find someone else to take care of her.

Is that what he wanted? Life without Jessie and Sarah and Gabe sounded so empty. Leaving the ranch was nothing compared to never again having Jessie’s smiling face light up a room.

Back in Valley Springs she’d wanted him to stay. She’d said her vows were true, before God. That she intended to be a real wife to him. But what about now? Vague doubts gnawed at his insides. Maybe she was anxious to end this chapter of her life and start another.

He took a deep draw on the cigarette. With a flick it sailed into the water trough. He looked back toward the house, and Jessie.

Mrs. Logan, he corrected himself.

She was in sleeping with Sarah. Probably all warm and cozy. Would he ever be able to forget the feel of her in his arms?

A horse nickered, drawing Chase’s attention down to the corral. Several horses clustered to one side of the pen were milling about. As Chase examined the area in the golden light of the moon, the outline of a person emerged. Looking more closely, he recognized Jessie’s willowy form. She was probably checking on Cricket, the mare she’d grown so fond of.

Tugging on his boots, he walked down to the corral. “What are you doing out here alone?” he called when he was within hearing distance. She jumped when she heard his voice and swung around to meet him.

“I just needed to get some air, Chase. Don’t go getting mad.”

Her hair was loose and blowing in the chilly night breeze. It glimmered in the moonlight, and Chase fought the urge to feel its softness.

“It’s such a beautiful night. I had to come out for a walk.”

Not as beautiful as the picture she made with the stars to her back. Chase noticed again how small she was, her head barely reaching to his chin. “Well, you shouldn’t go alone.”

She laid her hand on his arm. “I’m not alone now.”

He shrugged, not wanting to let go of his anger. Things needed to be settled. They’d drawn on far too long already.

“Don’t be angry. I…” She stopped.

He looked into her eyes.

“I can’t bear it when you’re mad.” She spoke clearly, her words an arrow to his heart. “I’m afraid you’ll ride off and never come back.” She stepped closer.

He drew back, struggling inwardly. “What is it you want? I need to know what you’re thinking.”

“I want you to be happy,” she said simply. “Only that. I don’t want you to feel bound to me out of obligation to Nathan, or Sarah, or me.” She inched closer, throwing his heart off balance.

“You’ve done more for us than any six people could have.” She looked up at him, her gaze touching his face, warming his skin.

He was a man. Flesh and blood. “If you must know,
you
make me happy, Jessie. Your smile, your touch, everything about you.” There—it was out. But he needed to know how she felt. “But what about you? We’ve been walking this wide circle around each other. How do you feel about me? Exactly.”

Jessie circled him in her arms, tilting up her head to see his face.

“I’m afraid,” she whispered, “that what I say will trap you.”

“You couldn’t trap me. If I wanted to go, I’d be gone.”

“I love you.”

The words were whispered so sweetly, his heart thunked
in his chest. Her face, awash in moonlight, mesmerized him. The arch of her brow, the curve of her lips. Everything about her was perfect.

“Jessie.” He lowered his lips to hers.

Jessie melted. Could she be dreaming, or was this really happening? She’d told him what was in her heart, and he hadn’t turned away. Happiness welled up in her, and she fought to keep it from spilling out. Could he possibly feel the same?

Chase scooped her up and before she could protest carried her into the barn. Up the ladder he climbed, holding her with one arm, as if she weighed less than nothing. Laying her gently in the sweet-smelling hay, he lowered his body to hers and pinned her with his weight.

“Chase?” Jessie whispered as he captured her mouth with his. The taste of him sent her senses spinning. Chase paused and in one movement stripped off his coat, revealing his bare chest. In the dark barn, Jessie could catch glimpses of it in the moonlight gliding through breaks in the slats.

He was so beautiful. Hard muscles rippled his body. Jessie’s breath caught. Reaching up, she caressed his chest with one hand. Chase closed his eyes.

Thrilled at the pleasure she saw written on his face, she tipped her face up and kissed each eye, then scattered more kisses down his strong jawline and under his throat. He pulled her closer. Chase’s eyes, hungry now with passion and desire, gazed questioningly into her own. But she wasn’t scared. This was Chase, whom she trusted and loved.

Chase moved with urgency. Working quickly down the buttons, he removed her coat and began to lift her night rail over her head, but stopped when she laid her hand on his heart.

“No?” he asked softly, his eyes searching her face.

She smiled at his seriousness.

“No…not that. My back. I want to show it to you first.”

Jessie carefully extracted her arms from her night rail and crossing her arms lifted up the back of the garment. For long moments she looked into his eyes before turning her back toward him.

Chase had a hard time not looking away. He steeled his emotions so his shock wouldn’t show on his face or make his voice falter. How she’d suffered! Surviving must have been a miracle. He reached out and traced around one angry, burgundy blotch with his finger. She shivered.

“How?”

“There was a fire in the nursery when Sarah was just a tiny baby. I went in after her, but I wasn’t fast enough. A beam fell from the ceiling and knocked me down. Sarah rolled out of my arms out of the way, but I was burned.”

“
Oh, sweetheart,
” Chase gulped out, shivering himself. How had she stood the pain? It must’ve been excruciating. “How old were you?” It came out in a whisper.

“Fourteen,” she answered over her shoulder. Her moonlight-silhouetted profile was somber.

“Where’s the good in this, Jessie? It’s tragic. You were so young.” His voice broke, unable to go on.

She put her finger to his lips. “Shhh…There
is
a silver lining, Chase. Don’t you see? These”—she traced a welt on her side—“made me strong. These made me able to survive anything life would throw my way. These brought me to you. For what I’m feeling right now, I’d do everything the same.”

“Jessie…sweetheart, little darlin’, I’m so,
so
sorry.” His voice was hoarse, congested.

“It’s okay,” she whispered, comforting him. “It was long ago, and they don’t hurt anymore.” She finished pulling her night rail over her head and tossed it to the side. She lay back in the hay, a silent invitation.