Mathew and Jessica Cordell stood before the new entrance to their ranch. A large sign hung from the stone arch over the dirt road to their home, one that said L/C Ranch: their stock brand, ranch name, and the initials of their two sons. Matt was behind Jessie, his arms wrapped around her slender waist. Both gazed at the sign and thought of the bond it represented.
Jessie reflected on all that had brought them to this September day in 1882. She knew her father and mother would be happy, and proud of her. She had never learned who had slain Jedidiah Lane six years ago, but she had to believe his killer had met justice. At least, the man who ordered his murder had been punished.
Jessie didn’t want to dwell on sad matters today. She had two fine sons: Lane and Lance Cordell, brothers who would share this magnificent and profitable spread one day. She had a beautiful vivacious daughter who would be given the chance to choose her own path; Alice would never be treated or viewed as a son, as she herself had been for twenty-four years. Yet the redhead was not bitter about the way she’d been raised. Jed had never meant to harm any of his three children. They all loved him. She knew her father must be resting easier now that Mary Louise and Tom were so much happier.
So much had happened this summer. A healthy and happy Thomas Lane had returned from college in June, with only a slight and almost unnoticeable limp. His new glasses provided perfect vision and looked appealing on the handsome auburn-haired nineteen-year-old. Tom had brought home a lovely girl named Sarah Jane Tims, and the engaged couple had wed in late July. With the Cordells’ backing, Tom and his bride had opened a mercantile store in Davis that was doing well.
Mary Louise and Dr. John Blye had accompanied Tom home. They had visited with her family until after the wedding. Everyone, but particularly Jessie and Gran, had been astonished and pleased by the good changes in the beautiful blonde who radiated with happiness. Powerful love, Jessie decided, was a great medicine for the sick in heart, spirit, or body. Since returning home to Philadelphia, news had arrived by letter this month revealing Mary Louise’s first pregnancy. Both the Blyes and Cordells were thrilled.
Gran, at seventy-six, still insisted on doing chores in the house. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was happy all the family were friends at last. The few bouts of forgetfulness or confusion she had these days were harmless.
Most of the original Lane hands still worked for them. Five couples—including Annie and Miguel Ortega, Hank Epps and his wife, and Jefferson Clark and his new bride—occupied the cozy houses on the site of the old homestead. It was nice having good neighbors for the adults and playmates for the children. Since both towns—Davis and Stockton—were so far for daily travel and both schools were crowded, Jessie and Matt had decided to construct a small schoolhouse on their property for all the children.
As Jessie had thought over the last six years, she realized how one dream had been exchanged for another, one man for another. She could not help but wonder how Navarro Breed was doing.
Following Lance’s birth a year ago, Matt had told her about Navarro’s visit and the men’s talk last June. Jessie had been relieved and saddened to learn why Navarro had been unable to contact her or return to her. At last she was able to understand and forgive. She was proud of her role, and Matt’s, in his new life. She believed the two men had made the right and kindest decision for everyone last year. She understood why Navarro hadn’t wanted Matt to tell her about their meeting, but dear Matt knew her so well, as it should be between a husband and wife.
Hopefully Navarro had found real peace and happiness, as his brief letter last December had indicated. Jessie wanted those things for him; she prayed his claims were true, not just meant to protect her from some awful truth. More and more Lane favored his real father; but the dark-haired, hazel-eyed boy had Mathew Cordell’s personality. In all but blood, Lane was Matt’s son.
In his letter, Navarro had told how he’d been exonerated of all charges, found a good job and a contented life. He had said he stayed away all those years to protect both of them and to give each a chance for a fresh start alone. He had revealed that he’d checked on her to make certain she was all right. Since she was also doing so well, he had felt it was best not to meet again and stir up the past. He had thanked her for her role in changing him. He had intended to let the past stay buried, but her letters to several Arizona authoritiespassed on to him because of his job—encouraged him to write so she wouldn’t worry about him any longer. He had mentioned prison reforms, and she was delighted about them. He had said he was happy for her, and knew she’d feel the same for him.
Jessie was relieved Navarro had written instead of visiting. Yet she hated that he would never know his son, even though it was important for everyone’s happiness. He was living and working in Arizona as a scout, translator, and peacemaker between the whites and Apaches. She was relieved the skilled half-white warrior was there to keep the raiding Apaches from heading this way. But she hadn’t tried to contact him, as gently ordered. Jessie was glad Navarro Breed had made a fresh start, and she treasured not only his sacrifices of six years ago but the final one of last year. Knowing he was alive and well gave her peace and joy.
For most of her life, she had lived as Jed’s “son,” as Jess Lane. Navarro had ended her passionless existence. She had loved him wildly and freely, rashly and blindly. If he had returned in time, she would have lost herself again as Navarro’s woman.
With Matt, she had found her real self, the woman she was meant to be. She had grown and matured; she had stayed strong, and had gotten stronger. She loved her husband and needed him, just as he loved and needed her. They were so alike, so special as one. Mathew Cordell was her destiny. A turbulent life was behind her. A good life was with and before her.
Jessie turned to face her husband. She hugged him tightly. When he laughed and questioned the meaning of her emphatic squeeze, she gazed into his eyes and said, “For so long I was searching for a beautiful dream, and it was right before me when I awoke from my girlish sleep. I love you, Matt; I think I always did. I just had to become a woman before I could understand that. I’m glad you gave me time to grow up and you let me capture you.”
The grinning man returned her smile. “I love you, too, Mrs. Cordell.” Matt could not help but think about the man—the half-breed drifter—who had helped make this blissful life possible. He knew Navarro would keep his word about staying away. Yet, if trouble came down the road one day, Jessie knew where and how to locate Navarro Breed for help, protection, and comfort.
Jessie cuddled closer to her husband. With Matt at her side and in her arms, the L/C Ranch would become famous far and wide. Jessie lifted her head and kissed him deeply. She had sought to follow the wind with a daring desperado, but now she possessed a beautiful and priceless love.