Chapter Three

Feeling the warmth of the sun’s rays upon her cheeks, Taryn woke the next morning to the sun rising. The gentle swaying of the train’s motion on the tracks afforded her a tranquil awareness of her surroundings. The awe-inspiring brilliance of the sun appeared all the grander on the open plains. The peaceful setting of the untamed land the locomotive forged across created a splendid backdrop. The land had been solely Indian Territory prior to the trail blazing of the pioneers and wagon trains initiating the discovery of the unexplored terrain. The locomotive now linked east to west. Emigrants headed by the thousands to conquer the new territory. Now, she was one of those emigrants. Pensively, she pondered what might be lost with the advance of progress.

“Good morning.”

Jared’s husky voice interrupted her thoughts. She turned to see him observing her. Her heart thumped at an accelerated rate. After the previous night’s episode, she felt extremely self-conscious. “Good morning.”

He returned her smile, unable to remove his gaze from her. Her hair was in disarray, her eyes were still showing signs of sleep, and yet she was adorable. He came to the realization he could watch her endlessly without once losing interest.

“You’re staring at me again.”

He smiled. “Yes, I am.” He bent his head, kissing her lightly on the mouth.

She hadn’t expected the kiss, and the feeling of her heart pounding against her chest made it difficult to breathe. His words warmed her, his penetrating gaze making her self-conscious. She reached up to smooth her hair into place. She couldn’t possibly look good so early in the morning. Nevertheless, his heady gaze gave her a wonderful fluttery sensation. She smiled, spellbound by his clear blue eyes. “Am I still too beautiful for my own good?”

Leaning into her, he tweaked her chin. “I think you’re too beautiful for my good.”

Their breakfast fare remained consistent from the day before. Of all the meals, the morning’s repast became the most enjoyable. The majority of the passengers in the car sat on their bed of boards engaging in pleasant conversation. It proved the most relaxing meal of the day and one of the highlights of the trip she would long remember.

“Jared,” she ventured, reverting to his first name. No sense being formal any longer. They’d shared kisses. “I know you must think I ask too many questions, but my curiosity is very hard to suppress.”

“You have another question.”

She sat forward, nodding. “I’m wondering where you’re bound.”

“Sacramento.”

His answer made her glad. He didn’t elaborate, yet it gave her a strange feeling of inner happiness. “So am I!” He didn’t reply. He gave no sign he cared one way or another what plans she held. “Don’t you have any questions for me?” Did the man have no sense of curiosity?

After a moment, he nodded. “With no intention of riling you, I’d like to know what you’re doing traveling alone.”

For as odd as she found his lack of questions, she didn’t care for his initial choice. In reaction, she wanted to spout off some biting retort, but he perceived her well. She swallowed her temper before responding. “I am determined to go west alone.”

“Your parents were in agreement to your making the journey alone?”

His tone expressed mild disapproval. “No, but I can be very stubborn once I’ve made up my mind. When I left Chicago, I left them a note.”

He nodded, not finding it difficult to believe.

“I wanted to do something on my own, if only once so one day I can look back and feel a sense of accomplishment. I’m sure to someone like you, it doesn’t sound like much, but it is to me. When you’re prohibited from doing things you want simply because it’s not considered your place, it makes me want it all the more.”

His gaze suggested a new-founded respect. “Is that the only reason you left Chicago?”

Her gaze snapped over to his. She felt a strange rush of relief for removing Brad’s engagement ring before Jared noticed it. “Of course. What other reason would there be?” She hoped her facial expression appeared nonchalant.

He shrugged. Leaning back against the seat, he studied the way her fingers nervously toyed with the pleat of her gown. She halted the movement. “Do you plan to live in Sacramento?”

“I’m only visiting. I’m going to stay at my aunt and uncle’s ranch. They have a prosperous cattle business. I’m so excited about going. I don’t care if there’s nothing to do but milk cows.”

For every image he held of her, milking dairy cows wasn’t one of them. His parents were ranchers in Mississippi where he’d grown up. His mother died too young, the life having drained out of her long before the shadow of death arrived. His father died two years after his mother, a victim of a stampede. Years of nothing but struggle for both of them and for what? So they could be buried in the dust of the land they called their own? Perhaps it was his parents’ destiny, but he did not want to see this young girl follow their path. He saw her among fine things, not toiling for a daily meal, and deemed worthy only for the sons she could produce to till the land. She deserved more. Again, he questioned his own concern in the matter. He glanced in her direction. She continued to explain what awaited her in Sacramento.

“…and my aunt wants to see me married. Like my mother, she thinks I should have a husband already.”

He smiled. “What do you think?”

“I think I enjoy my independence.” She paused, feeling a blush touching her cheeks. “I’m talking entirely too much, aren’t I?”

Yes, but somehow it didn’t matter. Amazingly, he didn’t mind. Normally, he would tell someone chattering away in not so subtle terms to pipe down. He assumed her excitement caused the ceaseless chatter. Her enthusiasm burst through her words. Her infectious excitement for something as mundane and weary as travel captivated him. It was nice to know there were still people untouched by life. No, strangely he didn’t mind her carrying on. Her smile lit up her face. Any faults she possessed were unimportant.

“What of you? Do you have a wife somewhere?”

“Not to my knowledge.” A grin stole across his face.

“How nice,” she blurted out before she could stop herself. She sounded positively relieved! His grin widened. She felt an embarrassing blush crawl up her neck to her face. He leaned toward her, tilted her chin up, and drew her nearer. He prolonged the kiss, his actions unhurried. She didn’t resist him.

“Oh, I knew you two would resolve your differences. It’s delightful!”

The spell broken, they turned simultaneously to see Etta Briggs.

“May I join you?”

Removing the boards and stowing them away, Jared moved over to sit next to Taryn, gesturing for Etta to sit across from them.

“I haven’t had the opportunity to sit and chat with you two together,” Etta began, settling herself in her seat. “I’ve come to remedy my oversight.” She took a sip of the coffee she brought with her.

The morning hours passed quickly as conversation, led by Etta, occupied them. The woman retained a mental list of all the people she’d met aboard the train. Her face expressed mild surprise they didn’t know any of them. Listening to her, Taryn wondered if there was anyone aboard Etta didn’t know.

Etta sipped her coffee. “So how did you two meet each other?”

Taryn couldn’t think of a response remembering the woman believed they were married.

“You might say I turned a corner and my wife walked into my arms, as well as my life,” Jared supplied, taking her hand in his and raising it to his lips.

Her head jerked around at his answer, and she threw him a warning look in reference to the liberties he seized. He graced her with a deep smile, gently squeezing her hand imprisoned in his. He had the shocking audacity to rest her palm upon his thigh. She could only grit through a smile of her own for the benefit of Etta. She longed to pull her hand from his, but didn’t, knowing it would look odd. Her palm flat against his thigh, she could feel the warm strength of hard muscle. He turned her hand, and his thumb lightly brushed her palm. Tiny sparks of feeling coursed up the entire length of her arm to the beat of her heart by the simple movement. His lightest touch made her nerves quiver causing other forbidden thoughts to filter through her imagination.

She concentrated on Etta volunteering how she and her husband met but found it impossible. His thumb moved from the palm of her hand to the inside of her wrist. The jolt of electricity shot up her arm making her jump in her seat. Only with the greatest of control did she manage to appear calm.

While Etta continued her story of meeting “her Bill,” Taryn finally extracted her hand from Jared’s in what she hoped relayed a natural movement.

“When my Bill passed on a little over a year ago, I assumed nothing would bring me joy,” she continued. “Each passing day became longer. Well,” she said, expelling her breath as she leaned against the seatback, “after a year, I knew if I didn’t do something, I wouldn’t be long in following Bill to the hereafter.” Etta’s voice held an emphatic tone as she provided clarification. “I don’t want you to think I fear death for it isn’t so. I simply do not intend to enjoy the hereafter until I have fully savored the here and now! I decided to journey west. Of course, your reasons are obvious. Beginning your life together in new surroundings is so ideal. Considering all the wide-open space and opportunities the West presents, it should prove a delightful place to raise children.”

Jared glanced over at Taryn, flashing a devilish grin only she fully understood.

A blush burned her face and she felt her blood surge through her veins. She steadfastly vowed the thought of having children caused the heat, not the idea of Jared fathering them. Her conviction withered under his stare. She tore her gaze away from his compelling eyes and turned to Etta. The course of the conversation overwhelmed her. At first married, now the woman saw them with numerous offspring. “Children are a distant consideration at the moment.”

“But a thought definitely worth pursuing.” Jared gently pushed a lock of her hair back over her shoulder, his fingers lightly caressing her ear as he did so.

She inhaled her breath, the slight contact sending shivers through her. He was enjoying himself immensely, wasn’t he?

After Etta left them, the remainder of the afternoon was uneventful. Taryn stared out the window, attempting to unravel her feelings concerning him while she perused the passing scenery. They passed Granite Canyon slowly winding their way to Dale Creek Bridge. Wyoming territory. She admired the view as the train wended its way through the Black Hills toward Utah. Yet the impressive scenery could not block out the image of Jared from her mind.

The Pacific Express pulled into a station for the scheduled evening meal. Eager to get off the train, her legs ached, and she felt in strong need of fresh air. With bonnet in hand, she stepped from the train, examining the hat in distaste. After a few days, the now wilted bonnet carried a thick film of dust over its surface. She purchased it expressly for the journey. Crisp and new, its jaunty tilt made her feel sophisticated. The now drooping appearance was one of an age-old garment ready for discarding. Sighing heavily, she placed it on her head tying the limp ribbons to the side of her jaw. She struggled to rid herself of the dust permeating her gown by brushing her hands against the skirt.

Jared stepped down from the train and noticed Taryn’s expression. “Makes you feel as if you’ve been rolling in it, doesn’t it?” He slapped his wide-brimmed hat against his thigh before placing it on his head. “The meal will probably taste like dust as well.” They walked toward the station’s dining hall.

She smiled, finding it increasingly difficult to hold onto her exasperation of his earlier liberties when he exuded his charm.

Thoughts of the previous night were not far from her mind as they prepared for bed in the evening. She warned herself to think of something else, or more appropriately, someone else. Yes, think of Brad. A casual glance at Jared and her mind rebelled. Since removing her engagement ring, she refrained from putting it back on. She didn’t know exactly why she felt the desire to remove it in the first place. It should be on her hand instead of tucked away in her valise.

Jared couldn’t keep his thoughts in check. In three days, they would arrive in Sacramento. The trip would be over, and so would the unsettling feelings he experienced being so close to Taryn without having her. She would go her way, and he would go his. She would continue to her uncle’s ranch, and he would reunite with his brother.

Readjusting himself in the seat, he stretched his legs against the opposite seat, cursing in aggravation. He’d endured enough of the sleeping conditions. With the exception of Taryn being by his side, he couldn’t remember a more hellish arrangement. The following day they would be in Ogden where they would transfer trains to the Central Pacific to continue onto Sacramento. He determined the final leg of their journey would provide them better accommodations than the cramped quarters they’d tolerated.

When the Pacific Express came to the end of its destiny in Ogden, Utah, all passengers disembarked in weary relief. Dropping his baggage, he paused on the platform. Taryn released her hold of her own baggage to brush her arms and skirt once more in an attempt to part with the dust coating her indigo gown. Wrinkling her nose, she vowed to dispose of the garment once the journey concluded. She took a deep breath. The heat in the boxcars was unbearably stifling. Although the heat outdoors was little better, at least the air was fresh.

He came up alongside her. “Wait here.”

Shielding her eyes from the sun, she viewed him striding away. His lengthy gait expressed a self-assurance she liked. He was a man of confidence and determination. A man whose tall hard-muscled body she should not be scanning as though she were undressing him. Forcing her mind to break its concentration on his physical attributes, she noticed him walking onto the Central Pacific train. What was he doing? The last thing she would want to do would be to re-board a train having so recently stepped off one. They didn’t have to board the Central Pacific for a few hours. Impatiently, she paced back and forth on the platform.

Jared climbed aboard the Central Pacific, entering one of the emigrant cars. Although fresher smelling than the Pacific Express’ cars after a ninety-hour trip, the sleeping arrangements would be little better. Bed boards were unnecessary with the seats joining in the center to give more room at night. Crude berths were also available, but the thought of contorting his frame into a position to fit within their confines would only result in lack of sleep. He shook his head and left the train.

Taryn viewed the various people at the station, continuously looking back in the direction Jared had gone.

“You look a little lost.”

Startled, she turned sharply at the sound of the unfamiliar voice. She smiled tentatively at the stranger. “No, I’m waiting for someone.”

“You’re a woman who shouldn’t be kept waiting.”

Her smile quavered. She furtively glanced back over her shoulder in hopes of seeing Jared returning. She didn’t want to be rude, but the stranger made her edgy, and she wished he would go away. Why didn’t Jared hurry?

Jared stepped off the Central Pacific train and walked back toward Taryn when he spotted her backing away from a man. He swore under his breath, picking up his step.

Again, Taryn politely rebuffed the man’s advances. “If you don’t mind…”

The stranger stepped closer. “Oh, but I do mind. Why don’t you and I go somewhere to discuss it, hmmm?”

Nothing she said penetrated the stranger’s brain, and she was having difficulty persuading him to continue on his way. He grabbed her elbow, leading her down the platform. She struggled against him in earnest. From the corner of her eye, she saw the cowboy from the train and shouted for help. Upon realizing who called to him, he halted in his approach. The cowboy chose the worst time to continue adhering to Jared’s order to stay away from her. He scrambled frantically to increase their distance.

A shot rang out, dust and dirt flying up from the ground between the stranger’s feet.

Some distance away, the cowboy spun around holding up his hands in the air believing he was the target for the bullet. Seeing exactly who held the gun, he bolted from the scene.

Jared came abreast of the man who held her. “Take your hand off her.”

“Stay out of this friend. This is no concern of yours. The lady and I are taking a walk.”

“The lady is my wife.”

The stranger’s bravado ceased, his mouth dropping open, and his hand jerking off her arm. “Your wife?” His hands shaking, he attempted to explain. “I thought…”

“No. You didn’t. I believe you have something to say to the lady before you leave.”

The man’s apologies came out of his mouth in rapid repetition before he made a hasty retreat.

Jared placed his gun back in its holster, the murderous look in his eyes softening. Picking up his baggage in one hand, he took her by the hand, the movement made unconsciously.

The electricity of his touch riveted through her palm. They both glanced at their clasped hands, the heat generated palpable. They each released their hold at the same time.

He threw her an impatient look. “Do me a favor. Next time someone accosts you, set aside your ladylike, polite social behavior and tell the oaf what he can do with his thoughts.”

Knowing his words resulted from concern rather than anger, she nodded. Again, he rescued her from a potentially disastrous mishap. For all her talk of how she could take care of herself, she wasn’t doing a very good job of proving it. Independence did have its difficulties, and she would have to improve upon her devices of handling any situation arising in the future. He moved forward. Satchel in hand, she picked up her step to match his. “Where are we going?” They bypassed the dining hall, instead heading for the station house.

“There’s something I have to take care of before we eat.”

Taryn listened quietly while he spoke with the stationmaster in regard to their train accommodations on the Central Pacific. He commented on the Silver Palace sleepers. She stared in disbelief. The Silver Palace sleepers were for first-class passengers, roomier berths more costly than the modest accommodations they shared on the Pacific Express.

“I’m sorry, sir, those berths are all taken for this trip.”

The stationmaster’s tone rang falsely contrite. The man turned to other matters when Jared detained him. He smiled, though it was not one of acceptance of the stationmaster’s statement. “I see.” His hand casually reached down resting on the handle of his gun in its holster. “There must be something you can arrange, isn’t there?” His gaze concentrated on the stationmaster.

Taryn didn’t miss the subtle movement or its implication, nor did the stationmaster. Beads of sweat graced the man’s brow and upper lip. He reached into his pocket, making certain his hand remained visible so there was no mistaking his intent when he pulled out a handkerchief rather than some concealed weapon of his own. He dabbed at his brow. “On second thought, I believe we might have a few cancellations.”

Clearly, there were no such cancellations. More than likely, the stationmaster held the available space for someone whose appearance matched the price of the ticket. Jared smiled amiably. “Would you be kind enough to see our belongings are put aboard the train?”

Surprised Jared possessed the means to purchase one ticket; much less two temporarily paralyzed her. The stationmaster accepted the money in exchange for the tickets. “Of course, of course. I’ll see to it that your belongings are put aboard myself.”

Jared put the tickets in his pocket, took her elbow in hand, and walked toward the dining hall.

“I can’t afford to pay you for my berth. I don’t have the funds.”

“My gift,” he remarked gallantly, a grin stealing across his face.

“I didn’t think you had the means.”

He chuckled in enjoyment. “I do very well at cards,” he gave as his explanation.

At the dining hall, he ordered a number of sandwiches, assorted fruits and desserts, along with a bottle of wine telling the man behind the counter to wrap them up.

She was about to question him as to why he was having their meal packaged when Etta called out.

“There you are.” She walked up to them. “It’ll be so nice to actually have the time to enjoy our meal. Three hours to relax before needing to board the train! I’m having lunch with some of the other passengers I’ve met. You’ll join us, won’t you?”

Jared picked up a basket. “Actually, Etta, my wife and I have decided to have a picnic as long as we have the time.”

Taryn gawked in amazement. She didn’t expect such a quaint idea would cross his mind.

Hiring a pair of horses, they rode a distance away from the station finding an appropriate clearing by the river. He spread the saddle blanket out while she pulled the food from the basket. She handed him one of the sandwiches, her arm dangling in mid-air even after he’d taken the sandwich from her. Captured by his eyes, she hesitated before withdrawing her arm.

To hide her embarrassment of being slack-jawed, she posed a question. “So, where in the South did you grow up?” There was no reason for the question. She sounded idiotic to be asking it simply for the sake of conversation. If he thought the question odd, he was good enough not to mention it.

“I was raised in Mississippi. Since then I’ve lived in Tennessee, Mexico, and Texas. I make my home wherever I happen to be at any given moment.”

“Because of your profession?”

“Partially. There is always someone who believes they can advance their own reputation by drawing against me or advance their career by ruining mine. Consequently, I keep moving.”

“Do you ever wish you could settle to one area?”

“All the time.”

The sincerity in his voice moved her. “Couldn’t you settle somewhere if you chose another profession?”

“Once a gunman, always a gunman. It is how people view me which I cannot fault.”

“It’s not how I view you.”

He considered her statement. “I know you don’t. It is one reason I enjoy your company.”

She blushed, taking a deep breath considering the picnic lunch spread out before them. “This was a wonderful idea. I haven’t been on a picnic since my parents took me as a little girl.” Brad’s concentration centered on ways to impress his superiors at the bank. Relaxation to him consisted of adding up columns of numbers finding ways to save money.

Jared leaned down on his elbow, one leg stretched out, the other propped up as he lay on his side in a more relaxed position. His eyebrow rose. “Not since you were a little girl? What kind of men do you have in Chicago where they wouldn’t take a beautiful girl like you on a picnic lunch?”

Again, he made a casual compliment. He continued to exude such an attractive charm. She smiled as she answered. “I’m beginning to wonder. I seem to attract men who don’t always have time in their schedules for such simple pleasures.”

“Not anymore.”

She couldn’t respond. She didn’t identify what his comment signified, if anything. It made her insides melt. He handed her a glass of wine, picked up his own glass silently toasting her as their glasses clinked together. She took a sip of the wine hoping it would calm the sudden racing of her heart.

Finished with lunch, she became even more conscious of his effect on her. She raised her face to the sun, closing her eyes, a soft smile forming on her face. The quiet of the cove they were in, the warmth of the sun, and oddly, his presence gave her a sense of peace. Reluctantly, she opened her eyes. His gaze held an intensity she didn’t understand. “I suppose we should get back.”

He sat up from his relaxed position though he made no move to stand. His hand slid around her waist pulling her toward him. “Come here.”