Early the next morning after a restless night of little sleep, Olive perched on the seat beside Sam for the short drive through Independence to the Howell’s son’s home. Although she’d have welcomed a conversation if Sam started one, she wasn’t sorry for his silence as so many thoughts tumbled through her mind.
She’d never met another man like Sam. It seemed there was nothing he couldn’t do, and do well. He certainly knew how to use a gun. Yet he was a kind, gentle man. One look from him and she felt beautiful. Yet he’d killed her husband. A tremor moved through her at the thought. Maybe she shouldn’t be attracted to the man who made her a widow. She almost wished she’d never known the truth but had continued believing they’d buried Joshua several months ago back in Ohio. How could such a mistake have been made? Surely, someone even now grieved for that poor man she’d thought was her husband and would never have the comfort of knowing he got a proper burial. But the funeral director said his face had been too damaged for her to recognize. There would have been no way to identify him either then or now.
A sigh slipped out. Sam was a far better man than Joshua ever thought about being, and she loved Sam, but she’d never loved her husband. She didn’t love Michael Dugan either. How had her life gotten into such a twisted mess?
“You doing all right?” Sam’s voice startled her.
She turned and saw concern in his eyes. Her heart stepped up its beating as she searched his face. Did he care for her or only feel the responsibility of her wellbeing? She forced a smile. “I’m fine.”
He gave a curt nod and turned his attention back to guiding the horses past another wagon and a man crossing the street.
They were following the Howell’s wagon now. Olive watched the houses go by, eager to put an end to their journey. They’d spend tonight with the Howell family then leave early the next morning for Liberty Flats where she’d be able to see her brother. Longing for the security and familiarity of her family poured over her, and she blinked moisture from her eyes. No sense in crying. A talk with Joseph would set her mind at rest. He’d always been level headed and would help her decide what to do about Mr. Dugan. And maybe Sam.
~*~
After a delicious home-cooked meal of fried chicken, fluffy mashed potatoes, and green beans from their hosts’ garden, Sam found Olive visiting with the Howell’s daughter-in-law while they washed dishes as if they were old friends.
He caught her attention before going out the door. “I have an errand to run in town. I’ll be back shortly.”
“All right.” She watched him open the door then turned away.
Their brief exchange held no hidden meaning, yet he wondered as he saddled Bullseye if marriage to Olive would be like this. Keeping track of each other’s business, sharing special looks and smiles, and spending time together. It was a good feeling, but one he didn’t need to dwell on. She might decide to go on to New Mexico after all. If she did, he wasn’t sure he could remain in Mike’s employ.
He rode to the county courthouse and went inside. Didn’t take long after the clerk saw his letter from the marshal to collect his reward. Five hundred dollars for risking his life to bring in two wanted outlaws. He hadn’t done it for the money, but it would come in handy later if Olive decided to take the train after all. Right now, he wanted to find her something special to remember him by. His next stop was the general store.
After making his purchase, he rode back to the Howell’s residence, took care of his horse and saddle, and released Bullseye into the corral by their barn. As he turned to go into the house, Lem Howell, who looked like a younger version of his father, stood beside the gate. “If you don’t mind, I’d like a word with you.”
“Sure.” Sam hooked the gate and waited to see what the other man had to say.
“Mrs. Williams mentioned to my wife that you’ll be going on to Liberty Flats, Kansas, to visit her brother?” He left the remark as if it were a question.
Sam shrugged. “If that’s what she wants to do.”
The man’s eyes shifted before returning to Sam’s face. “Have you considered the distance? I don’t think you can make it in one day. I’m not trying to interfere in your business, but Mrs. Williams seems to be a nice lady. You’ll have to spend one night and will need a chaperone to guard her reputation. My oldest boy Lucas has agreed to go along. He could turn back the next morning and come home since you won’t have more than a few more hours’ ride at that point.”
“How old is your boy?”
“He turned eighteen a couple of months ago. He’ll be a help to you.”
“All right. That’ll be fine with me. Thanks.” Sam watched the pleased light in the man’s eyes. “I’ll pay the boy for his trouble.”
“Good. That sounds very good.” The man turned toward the house. “We’ll expect you and Mrs. Williams to spend the night here. You’ll probably want to get an early start in the morning then.”
“Yes, we will.” Sam wondered if the man would expect pay for his hospitality. How often had he seen his father refuse money for acts of kindness to strangers? That’s the way it should be. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to offer.
~*~
Early the next morning, after a hearty breakfast and a round of good byes and well wishes, Sam and Olive sat out for the next part of their journey. They rode in the wagon while Lucas, their chaperone, rode his own horse. He was a congenial boy, but not given to talking unless spoken to. Sam liked him and was glad for his presence. They traveled from early morning until about an hour before sunset, taking a couple of short breaks to eat and water the horses before moving on.
“You know, we can afford train tickets now.” Sam leaned closer to Olive, hoping she would reject the idea. He needed to know what she planned to do about Mike. If she still wanted to marry him, he’d have to tell her about Sunbeam. Her happiness was more important than his promise to Mike.
She’d been sitting quietly as if deep in thought but now looked toward him. “Where would we get the money?”
He shrugged. “The county we just left appreciated our capture of Flannigan’s Gang.”
“Who?” Her eyes widened. “Oh, you mean that horrible man who tried to kidnap me.”
Sam nodded. “And his friend who tried to kill me. The reward is plenty for a train trip to New Mexico.” He looked into her eyes, trying to read her expression and hoping she’d choose to stay in Kansas. She might never have anything to do with him, but she didn’t belong with Mike. Not that he had any say in the matter. She had to decide on her own.
“I might not like New Mexico.” Her eyes darkened as if she was still undecided. She shifted on the seat until she faced him. “Oh, Sam. I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to marry Mr. Dugan, but I promised. That’s one reason I’ve got to see my brother. Joseph will help me know what’s right.”
Before he could think of a good response, Lucas called out. “There’s a likely place to camp. Looks like a stream runs along those trees. Appears to be good level ground.”
Sam followed the boy’s pointing finger and nodded. Water was evident in the lush undergrowth, and the row of trees gave off shade and shelter for the horses. “Looks good from here. Let’s check it out.”
As they stopped beside the smooth-flowing stream, Sam helped Olive from the wagon grateful for even the touch of her hand. He’d fallen in love for the first time in his life, and had never felt so confused, his emotions riding the crest of love one moment and sinking to the depths of uncertainty the next. He was glad she’d be talking to her brother, for surely he wouldn’t approve of her marrying a man she’d never met. If Joseph asked his opinion, he’d tell exactly what he thought. Olive hadn’t listened when he’d tried to tell her about Sunbeam, but he’d be glad to tell Joseph everything if it would keep her from making such a mistake.
Sam built a campfire and it burned down to a small flame among glowing coals by the time they were ready to bed down. After letting the horses drink, he and Lucas built a picket line for the horses by tying rope between a couple of trees. The stream was handy for water, and he’d filled a bucket then set it close by to pour over the coals later. For now the three of them sat around the fire visiting.
“You say you’ve lived in Independence all your life?” Sam asked Lucas.
He nodded. “Yeah, right in that same house.”
“Do you work with your father in the store?” Olive leaned forward as if interested in his answer.
“I help with stocking and waiting on the customers.” He grinned. “Pretty much anything there is to do.”
“Is that what you want to do? Take over the store someday?” She stifled a yawn. “Sorry about that. It’s been a long day.”
“I figure I’ll take the store over. It’s all I know.” Lucas stood. “If you all don’t mind, I think I’ll bed down over here. I’m ready for some sleep too.” He pointed to a grassy spot several feet from the fire.
While Lucas unrolled his bedding and settled in for the night, Sam stood and took his bedroll from the wagon, leaving it within easy reach. He walked closer to Olive. “I’d like to give you something I found yesterday. Would you take a short walk with me?”
She didn’t answer but stood and took his offered hand.
He led her a short distance away crossing through the grove of trees to the bank of the small stream. They stood together hand-in-hand watching the water flow past. He was glad she didn’t pull away.
Instead, she leaned against his arm, her warm presence setting his heart pounding. “This is beautiful country here.” She sighed. “It’s so quiet and peaceful with only the gentle sounds of nature. Listen! Do you hear the whippoorwill?”
Sam waited until the call ended. “He’s calling for his mate.”
Olive moved closer. “He thinks she doesn’t know his name.”
Again the call sounded, and Sam chuckled. “She will before the night’s over.” He pulled a small box from his pocket. There was just enough moonlight she might be able to see her gift. He should’ve given it to her while it was still daylight, but this would have to do. “I saw this and thought it should belong to you.”
She took the box from his hand. Her eyes turned up toward his as if unsure of his intentions.
“Open it, please.” He whispered the request.
She looked down at her hands as she pulled the lid off. Nestled inside was a necklace. A cameo against a pale blue background. She pulled it out and looked questioningly at him. “Why?”
“Because I wanted you to have something special to remember me by.” He scarcely breathed as one emotion after another crossed her face.
She held the necklace out to him.
Was she giving it back?
“I will never forget you, Sam.” She spoke so low he barely heard. Her hand with the necklace moved closer. “I couldn’t ever. Will you put it on me?”
“Oh, yes, of course.” He took it from her, and she turned around then lifted her long hair as he held the chain to the back of her neck and closed the clasp.
When she turned around to face him, his hands rested on her shoulders. Her eyes were luminous in the dim light as she looked into his. “Thank you, Sam.”
A tear slid down her cheek, and he caught it with his thumb.
The low groan of frustration rose from his heart. He felt tied down, unable to do anything about the love that burned so strongly within him for this woman.
Her face lifted to his, and before he realized he’d moved, his lips brushed hers in a sweet kiss. “Olive?”
“Yes, Sam.”
Had she answered his unspoken question? When her hands slid up his chest and around his neck, he knew. His arms slipped around her, drawing her close as he again took her willing kiss. This time he didn’t hurry and neither did she. But they couldn’t be taking liberties when nothing was decided. Or had she made a decision even without talking to her brother? He didn’t know and shouldn’t ask. If she turned from Mike and came to him, it had to be of her doing with no coercion from him. Surely she knew how he felt. Especially now!
He pulled back and quickly regretted the noble act. “We can’t …”
She looked down. “I know. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—”
“No, don’t be sorry.” He hurried to take the blame. “You did nothing wrong. I simply took what I’ve wanted for weeks, maybe since I first saw you. The fault is mine. It won’t happen again. You are still betrothed to Mike. I’ll remember that. It’s time we walk back.”
He held out his arm, and she slipped her hand through the bend of his elbow. Neither spoke until they reached the wagon.
She turned to him then and spoke quietly, her hand closed around the necklace. “I shall treasure this for the rest of my life. I lo … love it and need to get some sleep. Tomorrow will be another long, eventful day, I’m sure.”
“Yes, it will.” Sam turned away after she was safely inside. He walked past Lucas and listened a moment to his gentle snores. He checked the horses and found everything in order. The fire had burned down to a few glowing coals. After pouring water on them, he let his gaze roam over their surroundings while listening for anything wrong. Then he turned to look at the wagon as if he could see the woman inside.
No, there was nothing wrong except his heart was missing. Olive held it in her small hands. Would she someday offer hers in return or throw his to the wayside leaving him with more pain than he could bear?