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CHAPTER1 SAN FRANCISCO1869 J ed Fraser swung his long legs over the side of the bed and propped his throbbing head in his hands. Cheap whiskey always gave him a headache. After a long moment, he stood up to open the window in the room. The scent of rotting fish in a barrel below punched him in the nose; he slammed the window shut. The blond woman in the bed sleepily opened her eyes. “Where you goin’, honey?” she asked when he began to dress. “I have to walk off this headache. Go back to sleep, Millie.” She rolled onto her side. “You comin’ back, Jeb?” “It’s Jed, not Jeb. And no, I won’t be back.” He laid some bills on the dresser, picked up his seabag, then paused at the doorway and looked back at her. “Thank you. You were great, Millie.” Surely no woman chose prostitution as a profession willingly. What had forced a sweet gal like Millie into it? And what would wanderers like him do if she hadn’t? The soft snores coming from the bed indicated she had already returned to sleep. Outside
CHAPTER2 W hen they arrived at the Collins’s home, a yellow shape streaked across the yard to greet them. “Buffer!” Garrett shouted joyously and jumped out of the buggy while it was still in motion. The momentum of the barking, tail-wagging dog knocked him to the ground, and for several seconds the dog and the giggling boy rolled in the dirt. Then Garrett jumped to his feet. “Beat you to the barn, Buffer!” He raced away. The dog stared up at Jed, gave a low growl, then chased after the boy. “Was there hostility in that growl?” Jed asked. “Just a warning shot across the bow, Mr. Fraser. You have just met the captain of this vessel,” Nathan said. “Now, Father, he hasn’t deposed you yet,” Caroline said lightly. “Garrett and Buffer are just very devoted.” “How long have you had him, Miss Caroline?” Jed asked. “Eight years. He was born the same night as Garrett, and they’ve been inseparable companions since.” “Really!” Her eyes flashed with a sudden animation. “Yes, don’t you think that’s r
CHAPTER3 “L et me see if I understand the facts, sir,” Jed said. “You say this local attorney, Vincent Calhoun, has made an offer for a large section of your property on behalf of the railroad, and their intent is to run a private trunk line between Napa and Sonoma.” “That is correct,” Nathan said, handing him a glass of brandy. “And you have had no direct contact by correspondence or mouth with any other representative of the railroad.” “None whatsoever.” “Hmm, that is strange. I would think the railroad would have their personal corporate attorneys representing them in this type of transaction.” “I thought so, too, and challenged Calhoun on that matter, since a trunk line would affect other property owners, as well. Calhoun said the railroad doesn’t have the manpower to handle all the landowners involved, so they had to recruit local attorneys to represent them.” “There is some logic to that. But why buy the property? Wouldn’t the railroad be satisfied with you giving them an easemen
CHAPTER4 O n the way back, they stopped at a spring to water the horses. Caroline spread out a blanket and unpacked the basket. “This was the best I could do on short notice,” she said as she laid out thick slices of bread, cheese, and fruit. After they ate and drank their fill of the cool spring water, Nathan stretched out in the shade and fell asleep. It wasn’t long before Garrett and Buffer curled up beside him and did the same. Jed sat silently watching Caroline repack the basket. She could feel his stare and felt a heated tingling in the pit of her stomach. “You’re staring at me, Mr. Fraser,” she said without raising her head. “I’m enjoying the view.” His low voice was seductive, and she felt a hot flush of response to it. She knew if she looked up, she would see the desire in his eyes. As flattering as it was to be wanted by a man as attractive as Jed, she dare not look at him. Sitting down, she leaned back against a tree trunk. “This is my favorite spot. I come here whenever I f
CHAPTER5 B right morning sunshine streamed through the ruffled curtains of her room, teasing Caroline awake. She opened her eyes and lay remembering the previous day’s activities. It had been a frightful day and she couldn’t help fearing what the outcome might have been—and that was the rub. From the moment Jed Fraser had entered the picture, she had wanted him gone. Yet if he hadn’t been there…She fought back tears of relief. Despite the threat Jed presented, she had to admit she found him interesting; she enjoyed the quiet conversations they had together. Given her dangerous attraction to him, it was a good thing he was leaving today. At the sound of voices outside, she got out of bed and crossed to the open window. Her father and Jed were preparing to depart in the buckboard. Was he leaving so early? And without even saying good-bye? Garrett would be devastated. As if feeling her stare, Jed glanced up and saw her. He smiled and tipped his hat. “Good morning, Caroline.” “Good morning
CHAPTER6 T he ride to town was quiet. The men talked softly to each other, Caroline read a book, and even Garrett silenced his usual chatter and crawled into the back and lay down next to Buffer. By the time they reached the town, Jed had two hours remaining before his train was due to arrive. He agreed to meet the others for lunch in thirty minutes and departed in search of Vincent Calhoun’s office. A shiny brass-trimmed sign indicated he’d located the attorney, and the gray-headed man seated behind a massive oak desk glanced up when he entered. “Good day, sir, I’m looking for Vincent Calhoun,” Jed said. “You’ve found him.” The man rested his lit cigar in an ashtray and rose to his feet. Portly and short, Calhoun appeared to be in his sixties. He reached across the desk and offered his hand. “What can I do for you, stranger?” “Mr. Calhoun, my name is Jed Fraser,” They shook hands, and the attorney indicated for Jed to sit down. “Fraser. Sounds familiar. Where are you from, Mr. Fraser?
CHAPTER7 L ater that evening, having tucked Garrett into bed, Caroline sat down at the piano. Playing usually calmed her, but tonight she couldn’t concentrate on the music. The fragrant scent of roses carried into the room and soon drew her to the open door. The garden was bathed in moonlight, and she stepped outside, leaned back against one of the porch columns, and took a deep breath of the sweet fragrance as she gazed up at the stars, so close she felt she could reach up and pluck one out of the sky. She found solace in the garden’s sweet-scented serenity. A light breeze dallied with the hair on her temple, and she pulled out the pins that restrained it and shook out her hair. The heavy mass dropped to her shoulders, and she brushed her fingers through its thickness, then raised her face to catch the breeze. A figure stepped out of the shadows. “Moonlight becomes you, Caroline,” Jed said. The butterflies that his nearness always awakened began fluttering in her stomach. “Do you have
CHAPTER8 T he following morning, anger lay like an ember under Jed’s skin, waiting for the minutest spark to set it ablaze. He had anticipated a royal battle from Caroline, perhaps even an announcement that she wouldn’t accompany them to Sacramento. Surprisingly she appeared quite calm when she joined them for breakfast and offered a morning greeting to all, although she didn’t speak directly to him. He was certain she had some plan in mind, but it wouldn’t do her one damn bit of good. He had admired her spirit and grit, but whether she liked it or not, he intended to decide the outcome of this situation regarding Garrett. Throughout the night he had pondered the situation. Even if she was telling the truth and written the letter, which he doubted, there was no excuse not to inform the rest of the family about Garrett’s existence in the years that followed. Her courage and struggle to raise Garrett were commendable for one so young, but he just couldn’t justify the decision she made th
CHAPTER9 T hey boarded the train to Sacramento just as it was about to depart. Nathan sat down next to Garrett, leaving Caroline to share the opposite seat with Jed. “I’m glad we made it,” she said. “Father and I were worried that we wouldn’t when we discovered Garrett was gone.” Nathan peered over the top of the newspaper he’d purchased when they boarded. “I wasn’t the least bit worried.” “Honey, in the future I want you to tell me before running off like that,” she said. “I’ll try to remember,” Jed replied. Garrett giggled. “She’s talking to me, Jed.” Jed grinned. “I thought it was too good to be true.” “Mama, all we did was go fishing. What’s wrong with that?” She leaned over and squeezed Garrett’s hand. I was just worried because I didn’t know where you were. Next time you and Jed will have to take me with you. I’ve always been pretty good at fishing.” “All depends on what you’re fishing for, missy,” Nathan said. He winked at Jed and went back to reading. Caroline forced back a smi
CHAPTER10 J ed had changed into his white naval uniform for dinner. Deeply tanned from his voyages at sea, his skin and dark hair were a devastating contrast against the white of his uniform. Caroline noticed the female stares that followed him as they were shown to their table. Apparently women were unable to ignore the tall, dark handsomeness of the Fraser men. Pity the poor women who had married his brothers. “Mr. Fraser,” a voice called out as they passed one of the tables. “Captain Beningham,” Jed acknowledged with a slight bow. “Whatever are you doing in Sacramento?” Beningham asked. “We’re here on business, sir. You remember Captain Collins, of course. And this is his daughter, Caroline Collins, and his grandson, Garrett.” Beningham stood up. “Good evening, Miss Collins. It’s a pleasure to meet you. The same to you, young man,” he told Garrett. “And Nathan, how good to see you again. We must have a brandy together later and talk over those good times we had running Yankee blocka
CHAPTER11 L eland Stanford greeted them warmly in his office the following morning. For all Stanford had accomplished through the years, Caroline was surprised to discover that the former governor of California, and president and director of the Central Pacific Railroad from the time of its founding was only forty-five years old. After an exchange of introductions, he asked, “Do I detect a Southern accent, Mr. Fraser?” “Yes, sir, my family’s home is located between the James and York rivers in Virginia.” “Beautiful state, I remember it well. I visited it often when I was young. I’m from New York, and I didn’t move to California until fifty-two. I’m curious to know what the conditions are now in the South since the war is over. I imagine there was a lot of devastation?” “Yes, sir. I think it will take several more years to restore parts of it.” “The Civil War was the worst event that has happened to this nation since its existence,” Stanford said. “American fighting American. What a tra
CHAPTER12 T he train ground to a stop at the Calistoga depot with a final hissing puff of steam. Caroline looked out the window and saw Clay and Garth Fraser. She would have recognized them anywhere. They were probably in their early thirties by now. Her breath caught in her throat when she studied Clay. She’d always thought Andy had resembled Clay so much they could have passed as twins, but Clay had always exuded confidence, eompared to Andy’s shy nature. As for Garth Fraser, his grin and good nature had probably broken the hearts of most of the girls between here and Virginia. But they weren’t boys anymore; time and a war had transformed them into men, which had only enhanced their handsomeness. When they found out the truth about Garrett, would they feel as resentful toward her as Jed did? “All set?” Jed asked. She took a deep breath, then nodded. He tucked a finger under her chin and grinned down at her. “Hey, Cinderella, trust me. They’re not going to eat you,” he said gently. He
CHAPTER13 A s soon as they finished with the horses and vehicles, Clay pulled out a bottle of wine and some glasses. “I’ve been saving this for a special occasion. Can’t think of a better one than the last of us getting married.” Colt voiced the question foremost on all their minds. “Yeah, but did any of you notice the same thing that I did?” “You mean how much Garrett resembles Jed?” Clay asked. “Hell, yes,” Garth agreed. “The kid looks more like a Fraser than my own son, Danny.” Colt winked at Clay. “You got a secret you want to confess, Brother Garth?” The three men broke into laughter, then Clay sobered. “All joking aside, there’s no doubt in my mind that Garrett is a Fraser. From what Jed said to me, it’s clear he’s not the boy’s father, and I’m damn sure I’m not. So that leaves one of you.” Colt raised his hand in denial. “It’s sure as hell not me.” The two men swung their attention to Garth. “Hey, don’t look at me,” he said. “I never went near her. I had my hands full with those
CHAPTER14 J ed left the barn to go and unpack his seabag. His brothers had asked him to delay the wedding until their cousin Rico arrived and he knew Caroline wouldn’t have a problem with that; she certainly wasn’t looking forward to the event. But he wanted to inform her of it so it wouldn’t come as a surprise to her. As he walked to Clay’s house, he saw Caroline and Garrett asleep under a tree. Buffer and Saddle were stretched out beside them like sentinels. Jed sat down under an opposite tree in the clearing and stared at them. As if relieved of duty, the two dogs rose and padded away. Had he read more into their departure than intended? Were the two dogs actually aware that the woman and child would now be his responsibility to protect for the rest of his life? You’re losing your mind, Fraser, when you start wondering what a dog is thinking. His gaze fixed on Caroline’s face, and he marveled again how peaceful she looked when she slept. No bitterness, no scornful glares to mar its
CHAPTER15 C aroline awoke to a deserted house. No adults, no infants—even Garrett and Buffer were gone. Bewildered, she went outside and saw a turkey and a ham roasting on a spit. Then she saw Rory sitting in front of her house surrounded by net-covered cribs. “Good morning!” Rory called out. “Good morning. Where is everyone?” “Picking grapes.” Rory pointed to the distant rows of grapes. Everyone was down there, including the three older men. Becky’s three-year-old and Lissy’s four-and three-year-olds trailed at their mothers’ feet as their mothers picked. “How are you feeling this morning, Rory? Cassie said your back was bothering you yesterday?” “If I sit quietly, I’m fine. But if I try to move around too much, it starts aching. So unfortunately I can’t help this time because of my condition. And you, my dear, have been designated to watch me, just in case the baby decides to join us today. Since she’s held off introducing herself this long, I prefer she continues to do so until afte
CHAPTER16 A fter several hours of restlessly trying to fall asleep, Caroline slipped carefully out of bed to avoid waking Garrett beside her. Buffer raised his head, and she put a finger to her mouth to caution him to be quiet. The house was in darkness, lit only by moonlight shining through the kitchen window. She stepped outside and closed the door softly behind her, then took a deep breath and sighed, missing the fragrance of her garden flowers at home. “So you can’t sleep, either,” Jed said, stepping out of the shadows. “I guess I miss my bed at home.” Jed ground out the cigarette he had been smoking. “Do you want to try my bed? Maybe that would help. I can move in with Garrett.” “I don’t think the bed’s the problem.” She smiled. “Besides, where Garrett sleeps, so does Buffer. If you move in with him, I think his growling would disturb the whole household.” They started down the path leading to the vineyard. “It’s been a long day,” Jed said. “Yes, the party was so nice. Everyone wa
CHAPTER17 T hey followed the barking dogs that raced along the riverbank and led them to Garrett, clinging to the limb of a rotting tree caught in the river’s current. Years of erosion had gouged away the earth, and the riverbank now rose several yards above the flowing water. “Hold on, Garrett! We’ll get you out of there,” Garth shouted to the boy as Colt rode up and joined him. “Our best bet is to get downstream.” Garth grabbed the rope from his saddle. “I’ll string a lifeline at the river bend. The river’s narrowest there, and we can catch him as he passes.” Garth rode off. Jed and Clay rode up, and Colt told them, “Garth’s going to string a lifeline at the river bend. We’ll catch him there.” “How far is that?” Jed said. “About three-quarters of a mile.” Colt rode after Garth. Jed dismounted and began to pull off his boots. “God only knows how long he can hold on. I’m going to try and reach him.” “Jed, that current’s too swift to get to him,” Clay said. “He’ll be past before you can
CHAPTER18 A fter all the congratulations to the newlyweds, the furniture was shoved against the walls and the carpet rolled up. Then with the applause of the assembly accompanying them, Jed led Caroline to the floor. “You’re a lovely bride, Mrs. Fraser. Are you enjoying your wedding waltz?” he asked as they danced. “Yes, I am. I think I’ve danced more in these last few days than I have the rest of my life.” “I never would have suspected that. You’re an excellent dancer, Caroline.” “I declare, sir, it must be due to the skill of my dancing partner.” “You’re being very flirtatious, Mrs. Fraser.” “Fiddle-faddle, sir. What need would I have to flirt with my own husband? Especially on our wedding day.” “My very thought, madam.” “I do have a favor to ask of you, Jed.” “Ah-hah! The plot thickens.” “It’s about our wedding night.” “You can’t wait to get to it, either!” “Please be serious, Jed. If you remember, last night we agreed not to be intimate again.” “I remember no such thing, Caroline.
CHAPTER19 A s the evening wore on, one or the other of them would doze off for ten or fifteen minutes. Howard Garson and Tom Davis eventually retired to their tents. As close as the families were, the two men felt like intruders, witnessing the Frasers’ grief. Little was heard from the doctor or Helena and Cassie except for repeated requests for hot water, or an occasional “she’s still alive,” from one of them rushing between the kitchen and the bedroom. The men remained outside, where they smoked and talked in low voices. Occasionally one or two would come in for a ham sandwich and a bite of salad; the coffeepot on the campfire was refilled as often as the one in the kitchen. People spoke little during the vigil but their presence spoke volumes. Mothers hugged their infants closer to their breasts when they nursed them. Husbands reached out just to touch their wives or kiss their foreheads in passing. They were a united family, struggling with the possible loss of one of their own. Ev
CHAPTER20 T he Garsons left shortly after the doctor did. Helena was totally exhausted and intended to sleep around the clock. Heavily sedated, Rory continued to sleep, so Cassie and Lissy collected their children and went back home with their husbands. Garth refused to sleep under a different roof than his wife and newborn daughter, so while Jed and Garth carried a sleeping Garrett and their luggage to Garth’s house, Caroline and Becky cleaned up the connecting bedroom, changed the bedding, and moved the crib of eleven-month-old Danny into the room connected to his mother’s, which he would be sharing with his father for the next couple of months. Caroline was pleased with the new arrangement, because with Garth and Rory staying at Clay’s house, she and Jed had complete privacy at Garth’s—thus avoiding any curiosity or explanation why they didn’t sleep together now that they were married. Rory was awake and fully conscious when Jed and Caroline joined Clay and Becky for breakfast the
CHAPTER21 C aroline and Jed had barely spoken on the ride home the following morning; Nathan had the good sense to stay out of the obvious quarrel between them; and all three adults had been content to let Garrett chatter away. “Feeling any better this morning, Jed?” Nathan asked as they ate breakfast. “A little sore.” “Hot springs are good for soothing aches and pains, and we have one on our land. I’ve been in it often when my rheumatism kicks up. Ever try one before?” “No,” Jed said, “but I’ve heard about them.” “They’re great. Caroline, why don’t you take him there? I have to go to the mill, or I’d go with him myself. You coming with me, Garrett?” “No, I think I’ll go with Mama and Jed today to the hot spring.” He turned to Jed. “It’s not so hot. I stuck my finger in it, and it didn’t burn.” “If it burned, Garrett, a person couldn’t climb into it,” Caroline said. “Then why do they call it a hot spring?” “Besides being warm, it has a different source than the cold river water,” she r
CHAPTER22 E arly the following morning they all climbed into the buckboard and headed for Napa. Jed told them he needed a few items, not mentioning that a horse for Garrett was among them. It would only start an argument with Caroline. But this was a serious issue with Jed. Garrett would soon be nine years old, and it wasn’t right that he had never sat a saddle. By the time he and his brothers were that age, they could leap short fences and ford shallow streams on horseback, and he only had less than two weeks to teach Garrett how to ride. When they reached Napa, they separated. Caroline wanted to shop for a new dress, Nathan had business at the bank, and Garrett chose to accompany Jed. “Where are we going, Dad?” he asked. “To the livery. It’s the best place to start for what I have in mind.” “What do you have in mind?” “I’ll tell you when I’m sure I can get what I want.” Burt Thomas, the livery owner, told him of a nearby farmer who had the very size horse he was looking for. “Name’s
CHAPTER23 “I bet this feels good on such a hot day, Runt,” Garrett said as he wet down his horse. After several days of higher than normal temperatures, they had all come to the river to cool off. Nathan grinned as he listened to the young boy talking to the horse. For the past few days, Garrett had cared diligently and devotedly for the horse. Whenever he was missing, they knew he and Buffer could be found in the barn. After a refreshing swim, the men lay down to dry off in the sunshine and gave Caroline a chance to protect her modesty while splashing in the water. “Dad, I’ve been thinking ’bout something since we came back home,” Garrett said. “Uh-huh,” Jed murmured, on the border of dozing off. “It’s about Rico.” “Uh-huh.” “If he’s your cousin, how come he’s a different color than the rest of us?” “My aunt Elena, who is Rico’s mother, is Spanish, so Rico is a mixture of Spanish and white blood. That’s why he’s darker than us.” “Is he my cousin, too, like my other cousins?” “He’s act
CHAPTER24 T he day was sunny, hot, and humid, with a bit of breeze. Rico Fraser dismounted, tied his horse to a hitching post, and removed his hat. His cousin Jed and lovely bride Caroline had said they lived near Napa. Now his pursuit of the four men who had raped and murdered his mother had led him to that town. Until these animals were brought to justice, though, there was no time for pleasure. His dark-eyed gaze swept the street and paused at the hitching post in front of the saloon where four horses were tethered, a large gray one among them. He was certain these were the ones he was following. Rico walked casually down the street. There weren’t many people out in the hot noonday sun, and when he was certain no one observed him, he picked up the right rear leg of the gray horse and examined its hoof. There was a loose nail on the boot—the track he had been following for the past five days. Rico checked the chamber of the Colt on his hip, then reholstered it and entered the saloon.
CHAPTER25 O nce again Caroline found herself and Jed on a vigil for a beloved family member. As she sat at Rico’s bedside holding his hand, she thought of Jed’s family. When one of them suffered a crisis, they became a single body, with a unified purpose and one huge beating heart of love. One’s pain or torment became their pain; one’s laughter became their joy. Clay’s return wire to Jed had expressed that attitude succinctly. “We’re on our way.” No message laden with questions of who, what, where, why, or when. Four simple words of assurance: “We’re on our way.” The hours passed slowly through the night. Rico slipped in and out of consciousness, his pain so severe the doctor kept him as tranquilized as he could. One time while Jed and the doctor had stepped into the other room, Rico had become agitated and kept calling out for the chain. “Rico, you must remain still,” she pleaded. “Chain,” he repeated. “Pocket.” She went over to where his trousers hung on a peg on the wall, and in a p
CHAPTER26 C aroline was waiting the next morning when Jed came downstairs wearing his uniform and carrying his seabag. “Guess I’m all set,” he said. “Father and Garrett are waiting on the wagon.” She handed him a round covered tin. “I made some sugar cookies and Scottish shortbread. I thought you’d enjoy them with your coffee in the evening.” “Thank you. That was real thoughtful of you, Caroline.” He put the tin in his seabag and retied it. When Buffer trotted over to him, Jed squatted down and scratched him behind his ears. “You’re in charge again, pal. We both love them, so I’m depending on you to take care of them while I’m gone.” Heartache filled Caroline’s breast. As much as she wanted to admit her love to him, foolish pride kept her from telling him. He was too much a gentleman to laugh at her and would only be embarrassed if she suddenly blurted out her real feelings for him. Besides, why divulge them when he was leaving? A lot could change in both their lives in the next eleven
CHAPTER27 L ater, she listlessly went back downstairs. She sat down at the piano, but no matter what she played, the music failed to soothe her. She slumped down and laid her head on her arms. Soon, through her gloom, she sensed she wasn’t alone. Startled, she bolted up and turned her head. Jed stood in the doorway. Was she imagining him. “Jed! What are you doing here? Didn’t your ship sail last night?” “It did, but without me. And I missed the train you came back on, so I had to wait for the next one. I have something to say to you that I should have said sooner. So I resigned and left the ship.” “You resigned your commission on the Redheaded Belle! But you love that ship, Jed.” Her heart began pounding in her breast. “Does this mean you don’t intend to go back to sea?” “There are other ships.” Another false hope. But she’d been given a second chance to confess her love to him, and she wasn’t going to let him leave again without doing so. “What’s so important to cause you to come back
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