Where the Wind Blows (19 page)

The wind howled and launched another blast of snow against the wagon’s side, sending it rocking back and forth. Chase had been in much worse storms than this one. As long as the passes didn’t close up, they’d be fine.

He noticed that Sarah’s gaze kept darting around the wagon, but it always ended up behind him, staring at the back opening. The thing was securely fastened, and Chase wondered what was making the child so jumpy.

“Just the wind, Sarah,” he said, trying to put the girl at ease. “That old norther is throwing a fit. It’s scary now, but when you wake up the forest will be a real pretty sight.”

The boys exchanged glances and kept eating. They were too old to fall for that story, but Sarah smiled in appreciation.

“Chase is right, sweetie,” Jessie soothed. “Here, eat this apple and you can give the core to Cody in the morning.”

“Scared of man.” Sarah looked to Chase.

“What’s she talking about?”

“She thinks she saw someone out in the storm. She’s been scared ever since.”

He’d been careful to study their back trail, but since the bad weather had closed in around them, he’d used all his energies getting them to shelter. He’d had the feeling once or twice of being watched.

“You boys seen anything out of the ordinary?”

“Through this wall of snow? I couldn’t even see to wipe my nose.” Gabe smiled at Sarah and winked.

“Naw. Too thick,” Jake added.

“There’s nothin’ out there, honey,” Chase said to comfort
her. “But if it’ll make you feel better, I’ll take one more look around before we go to bed.”

Sarah eased out of her protective corner behind Jessie and approached. Remorse filled him at her reluctance. He’d done a real good job of putting distance not only between him and Jessie, but him and Sarah as well. Space, he figured, would make it easier for her when he left.

Chase stretched his arms out to her. “Climb on up here and warm me up. It’s been a month of Sundays since I was warm.”

Sarah climbed up carefully, an apple in one hand and her biscuit in the other. She settled in the crook of his arm. He guarded himself against the sweetness of her.

The boys took the opportunity to scoot closer to the lantern. Both held their hands up to the light, but the little flame didn’t throw much heat.

“You’re dreaming, boys,” Chase said, his eyebrows arched in amusement. He was feeling mighty good with Sarah nestled in his lap.

Sarah tipped her head back to look at him. Her hand stole up slowly, and she touched his whiskers with her biscuit. “Scratchy. Not like ma.” The sweet scent of apple tickled his senses.

“You’re right about that, little one. Your ma’s as soft as a peach,” Chase said, glancing over at Jessie. The boys looked at each other and grinned.

Chase watched in the lamplight as Jessie’s cheeks turned the color of a rose petal.

He chided himself. This certainly wasn’t the way to put distance between the two of them. But to tell the truth, he was sick and tired of trying to do the right thing. Right now he didn’t care.

“Has everyone had enough?” Jessie started organizing and putting the food away.

“You didn’t eat.” Chase looked pointedly at her.

“I’m not hungry.”

“You must be, after driving the wagon through that storm. If you’re worried about food, don’t be. We’re not that far from Logan. Go on. Eat.” His tone said he wouldn’t take no for an answer.

“Fine.”

Everyone, including Sarah, caught the irritation in Jessie’s voice.

“Is there something special you’d like me to eat?” she asked dryly. “A pickle perhaps?” She fished two fingers around the jar until she pulled one out. “How’s this?”

“Looks good to me.”

“Would you like one?”

“No, thanks. The eggs and biscuits filled me up just fine.” Chase looked down at Sarah. “Can’t say as when I ever enjoyed a meal so.”

Sarah giggled, getting into the spirit of things. Both boys grimaced. Jessie’s face flamed.

At once, Chase realized that Jessie was taking the lack of food personally. And she acted as if it were her fault they couldn’t have a fire. Maybe he shouldn’t tease her so.

“Have a biscuit and egg. This cold will sap more out of you than you think. You need to keep up your strength.”

“Mercy sakes alive, Chase. You’d think I was two years old.” The annoyance in her voice rang loud and clear. “I know what and when I need to eat.”

“Maybe you do. Maybe you don’t. I’m just trying to make sure you don’t get sick before we reach town. Then Sarah here”—he tickled her in the tummy, drawing a laugh from the little girl—“would have to drive the wagon.”

Jessie ate as she tidied up. A bite of biscuit, or egg, and a look over to him. Every now and then it seemed as if it actually was a face she was making at him. Jessie’s rancor amused him.

Jake pulled out an old harmonica, dented and scratched, and began to play some chords. The music was fast and jaunty, and soon Jessie’s mouth curled up in the corners.

A diversion was good, Chase thought. A little entertainment was just the medicine to take their minds off the bitter cold.

“Anyone know the words to this one?” Jake asked, then started puffing away again.

“Sure do.” Gabe joined in singing and clapping his hands.

I came to town de udder night,
I hear de noise, den saw de fight,
De watchman was a runnin’ ’round,
Cryin’ Old Dan Tucker’s come to town.

Sarah jumped down from Chase’s lap and twirled in circles one way and then the other. Her little braids swung out from her head, and merriment danced in her eyes.

Jessie felt Chase’s gaze reach across the wagon and snare hers. His slow smile silently asked for forgiveness for teasing her. Is this what real husbands and wives felt? To know what the other was feeling with just a glance?

Gabe started the second verse.

Old Dan Tucker’s back in town,
swingin’ the ladies all aroun’;
First to the right and then to the left,
An’ then to the gal that he loves best.

As the last strains floated through the wagon, Sarah collapsed onto Jessie’s lap. Her tiny cheeks were bright pink, and she struggled to catch her breath.

“Why, Sarah, I didn’t know you were such a fancy dancer,”
Jessie laughed, as she smoothed the child’s hair from her eyes. The silky strands stuck to her moist forehead.

“Chase, this one’s for you. Sing along if you know the words.” Jake played off the introduction. Sarah jumped to her feet and resumed her fast-paced twirls.

Chase grinned boyishly from ear to ear when he recognized the tune and joined Jake.

Monday was my wedding day,
Tuesday I was hitched,
Wednesday night I tried for a kiss,
And out the window I got pitched.

His rich tenor voice resounded from front to back, surprising even himself. It felt so good to sing and laugh. Without a doubt, this was a night to remember.

A blush crept up Jessie’s face, but she kept her gaze glued to Sarah, who was still spinning in her mad caper. Even when Chase finished singing, Jessie refused to look at him.

Gabe and Jake chuckled at the newlyweds, seeming to thoroughly enjoy Jessie’s embarrassment. They’d been serious for far too long. The impromptu party was a welcome relief.

Gabe broke the silence. “Hope that didn’t embarrass you too much, Jessie. It was all done in good spirit.”

“No, I liked it. I’ve always loved music,” she said honestly. “Please, sing another. Sarah is having so much fun.”

Chase smiled. He was glad she liked it, too.

A horse nickered outside, and Chase held up his hand for silence. Even little Sarah stopped, straining to hear if anything sounded unusual.

“I hate to end this little party, but tomorrow will come far too early,” he said. “I want to make as much distance as we can in the deep snow.” Standing straight was impossible in the wagon as he pulled on his gloves and scarf. “I’m going to take a quick look around. Check the horses. Get bedded down as soon as possible.” With a knowing look to the boys, he checked to see that their weapons were within easy reach.

By the time Chase made it back inside, everyone except Gabe was asleep. His back was braced on the wagon boards, his pistol lying across his lap. The lantern burned low, barely throwing enough light to see anything at all.

“Everything okay out there?” he whispered, sleepy-eyed. “You were gone an awfully long time.”

“Seems so. I wanted to check out what Sarah said. But it was next to impossible to see anything. We’re going to have a heck of a time tomorrow in this snowfall.”

“How much farther we got?”

“Hard to tell with this weather. Three days, possibly more.” Chase slowly maneuvered around in the small space, being as quiet as possible. His large frame made it pretty tough. He barely missed knocking over the cups and plates stacked on a crate. “I’m getting a little worried about the stock. Don’t know how much more they’ll take without some decent food in their bellies.”

“Can we clear some snow and let them forage tomorrow?”

“Can’t risk the time. We need to get as far as we can while they still have strength to pull.” Chase eyed the sleeping group. They were his responsibility. At least until this trip was over.

Where was he supposed to bed down? The wagon bed looked like a sea of blanket-covered bodies. “We still have a small supply of oats. That’ll just have to do for a while.”

Gabe motioned with his head to a spot between the back of the wagon and Jessie’s and Sarah’s feet. “Jessie put your bedroll over there. Can ya squeeze in?”

“Sure. This wagon is cramped, but at least that makes it somewhat warm. I’ve spent too many stormy nights wondering whether I’d wake up in the morning or just drift off, peaceful-like.”

Chase hunkered down, pulling the blanket Jessie had laid out for him up around his shoulders. Instead of lying down he leaned up against the wagon’s side. He made sure his gun was within easy reach, but plenty clear of Sarah.

“I’ll take over the watch now, Gabe. You better get some shut-eye.”

Gabe yawned and stretched his long legs in his bedroll.
“Be sure to wake Jake in a couple of hours. You need your sleep, too.”

“You can bet on it.”

The night stretched on. Chase sat as if forged out of rock, listening to nothing but quiet. Once in a while one of the sleepers would turn over or pull a blanket. Other than that, the silence permeated every inch of their little haven.

There was a rustle, and Chase heard Sarah cry out.

“Shhh, honey, go back to sleep,” Jessie murmured in hushed tones.

“Cold,” Sarah cried. She thrashed about as Jessie tried to calm her. “Wet.”

Chase watched as Jessie slid her hand down and checked the blanket the child was lying on. “Yes, you are and so is your blanket. Shh, don’t cry, it’s all right.”

Jessie fumbled around in the darkness trying to find something dry for Sarah to put on. The scratching of a match brought her attention to Chase.

“Did we wake you?” Jessie asked worriedly.

Her silken hair flowed down around her shoulders like an angel’s and her eyes were soft with sleep. She looked mighty inviting to a cold, uncomfortable cowboy.

“No. I’m just keeping watch.” He leaned over to the lantern and lit the wick.

“Sarah’s wet her blanket. I need to find her some dry clothes.” Jessie reached over and rubbed Sarah’s back. Sarah, hiding her face in Jessie’s pillow, seemed to be taking it hard that she’d made a mess.

“Not surprising, with this cold,” Chase said, trying to make her feel better. It was freezing out, but Jessie looked warm as a muffin straight from the oven. And he’d bet a month’s pay she was just as tasty.

As she sat up, her blanket fell from her shoulders, revealing a thick woolen nightgown. Jessie seemed completely un-
aware of the vision she made, being wrapped up in the need to help Sarah.

Kneeling, Chase reached over the sleeping body of Jake and grabbed the duffel bag containing Sarah’s clothes. Extending his arm, he handed it to Jessie.

“Thank you.” Jessie rummaged through the bag, pulling out a warm pair of long johns. They looked larger than Sarah’s size but would certainly keep the child warm through the night. “Mrs. Hollyhock must’ve stuck these in, bless her heart. Come here, Sarah, and let’s put these on.”

Sarah stayed where she was, shaking her head.

With a look at Chase, Jessie pulled gently on Sarah’s arm. “Come on, honey, don’t be shy.”

She didn’t budge.

Chase shrugged.

Jessie said, “Turn your head, Chase. It’s you she’s worried about.”

Chase dutifully turned as Jessie changed Sarah’s clothes.

“There, we’re all done. You can turn back around.” Jessie kissed Sarah good night for the second time that evening.

Long minutes passed, but Chase didn’t want to blow out the lantern just yet. “She asleep?”

“I think so.”

“Neither of you will get much rest sharing that blanket. She’s been restless all night. Why don’t you crawl on over here?” Chase opened his blanket in invitation.

Chase’s voice rumbled low, spreading like honey through Jessie’s veins. The lamp cast its golden glow on Chase, illuminating the angles of his face, sending Jessie’s heart skittering.

Jessie hesitated. He’d been so distant the last few days. Why did he want her close now?

“It’s all right,” he encouraged. “We can warm each other up.”

Like a bee to nectar, Jessie couldn’t resist. As she carefully picked her way over to him, he leaned over and blew out the lantern. At once they were cast into darkness.

“Here I am,” he said softly. “Crawl on in.”

She slid into his arms, and he wrapped his big coat around her. His body was hard next to hers. And warm. Very warm. Her heart beat so fast, she feared she’d faint.

“Mmm, you’re warm,” he whispered, cuddling her closer. His face was close to hers. So close that his cheek gently nudged hers, his whiskers tickling. “Comfortable?” he asked, as he pulled her in even tighter, forcing her to wrap her arms around his body.

“Yes,” she barely got out. She was awash in feelings. Breathless. She rubbed her cheek against his. To her surprise, she could feel the beat of his heart against her breast. She turned her face into the crook of his neck.

His mouth sought hers. He kissed her lips gently, then moved to her neck and ear. All coherent thought fled. Her world was spinning, careening faster and faster. She wished he would never stop. His lips against hers was all she could think about. Chase. And how he made her feel.

Chase eased down to the bed of the wagon, taking Jessie with him. He rolled her to her back, cradling her in his arms, careful not to hurt her.

“Do you want me to stop?” he asked huskily, regretting the words as he spoke them. He’d kick himself if she said yes.

Shaking her head, Jessie drew back just far enough to mouth the word
no.

Moving close, he concentrated on Jessie’s lips, as his thumbs traced her eyes, her face. Her sighs were music to his ears as he fought to keep the moment light. His need for her was strong, but the fact that the boys and Sarah slept only inches away kept him grounded.

“Chase?” Jessie breathed heavily.

“Shhh, don’t talk.” He was afraid she’d start asking questions. Questions he wouldn’t be able to answer.

There was movement from the far side of the wagon. Both Jessie and Chase froze.

“Chase, you awake?” Jake called quietly.

“Yeah,” he answered, pulling Jessie protectively closer, acutely aware of her presence. He was sure Jake couldn’t see her curled in his bedroll.

“What time is it?”

“Hard to tell without the stars. Somewhere around two, I’d guess.”

“Okay, it’s my watch. Don’t worry about anything, I’ve got sharp hearing. Get some shut-eye.”

“Good night.” He placed his lips next to Jessie’s ear, gently kissing as he whispered, “Good night, sweetheart.”