21

Sarah wiped grit from the corners of her eyes. The sun barely peeked above the briny Gulf. She stretched three nights worth of sleeping on the ground out of her stiff back. The camp was still quiet, except for the cattle grazing and waves lapping softly on the shore.

Frederick had slept in his automobile.

He looked so handsome, his spectacles pushed up to his hairline, and his arms crossed over his chest. Sarah stroked his stubbly cheek. He took her hand in his and planted wet kisses on her fingers, without opening his eyes. Sarah burned with desire to press her lips to his.

“Good thing it was me standing here and not Reinhardt.” Sarah pulled her hand to her cheek.

“I’m relatively sure that Mr. Reinhardt wouldn’t awaken me by caressing my cheek.” He winked at her and folded his arms behind his head. “You know, you’re even gorgeous first thing in the morning. I could get used to that.”

A flush warmed her cheeks. “I hate to say this, but we’re moving the herd out right after breakfast. I’m determined to make it to High Island today. I’m ready to have this all behind me.”

Frederick sat up straight and grasped her fingers. “I understand. You’ve been through a lot, and I’m sure you’re ready for a break.”

She squeezed his hand. “And I think it would be best if you leave before we do. I don’t want that contraption of yours to cause a stampede.” She bowed her head and grinned. “Freddy.”

“Freddy?”

“May I call you Freddy?” A playful lilt danced in her voice.

He pulled her close. “You can call me whatever you desire, just please, don’t stop calling my name.” Frederick covered her lips with his in a kiss she wished would never end.

~*~

Pedro helped Inez clean up after breakfast and load up the wagon.

Benito and the other two men made preparations for the last leg of the journey. The cattle bawled and tried to scatter, anxious to get underway.

Reinhardt approached the vehicle where Frederick and Sarah were saying goodbye. “So, Frederick…” He enunciated each syllable of the young man’s name. “Looks to me like you found yourself a good, strong woman.”

Frederick chuckled. “Is that so, Mr. Reinhardt? I must say she’s the first lady cattle baron I’ve had the pleasure to meet.”

Reinhardt dipped his chin low. “I tell you what…you better not do anything stupid or you’ll hear from me.”

“Reinhardt, it’s not like that!” Sarah scolded him.

The cowboy chuckled and nodded his head. “Whatever you say, ma’am.” He turned and walked toward his horse.

Frederick jumped inside the automobile and pulled on his driving gloves. “Well, I suppose I must take my leave now.”

“I wish you didn’t have to go.”

“Oh, I do too, Sarah, but I really must take care of some nasty business in Beaumont.”

“I understand.” She tilted her head. “Will you be coming back through Bolivar or will you take the route back to Galveston?”

Frederick bounced his palm on the vehicle’s steering wheel. “The automobile belongs to Eliza’s father. It’s brand new, actually. Shipment came through Galveston. I’m going to Beaumont to deliver it to him.”

“Oh, I see. How will you return?”

“I will take the express train back from Beaumont. It will bring me directly to Bolivar. Quite serendipitous, wouldn’t you say?”

Sarah smiled. “I would, if I knew what that meant.”

“It means that I’ll see you at the ranch on my way back home.” He playfully put his finger on the tip of her nose. “So let’s not say goodbye. Let’s say, until I see you again.”

“I like that idea.”

“Sarah…I’m going to tell Eliza that I cannot marry her.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. It wouldn’t be right when I’m clearly falling in love with you.” Frederick brought Sarah’s fingers to his lips and kissed each one.

She had words she wanted to say, but they wouldn’t come out.

“Until we meet again, Sarah McKinney.”

“Yes, until we meet again.” Sarah backed away when Frederick started the engine.

He drove away at the expense of the cattle’s peaceful grazing. They settled once the machine was out of sight, although dust still swirled in the air.

God, thank You for listening to me. Her heart ached for Eliza and the pain their actions would cause the other woman. Ease her heart, God…perhaps find another person more suited to her. Because I’ve fallen in love with Frederick too.