THE DESPERATE HOURS
By Moira Purnell with
Contributions by Rachel Zander
Beta Reader: Carol Marsella
Chapter 15
Jess found himself growing anxious as dusk began to fall throughout the rocky canyon, the setting sun casting dazzling red and orange hues across the jagged cliffs. It seemed like they had been walking for hours and he was becoming more and more concerned that they would never reach Millie's home when she suddenly stopped.
"There it is," she said excitedly as she pointed into the distance.
Jess breathed a sigh of relief as he saw their journey's end in sight. He strained his eyes in the growing dimness and could just make out the silhouettes of a small house and what looked like a barn nestled against the canyon wall. As they drew closer, he took note of the layout of the area, prepared for anything, knowing nothing of the girl's family and wary of what he could expect.
"Best put your horse in the corral," Millie said as she guided Traveler toward the gate. "I'll come back out to rub him down and feed him for you."
Jess followed as she carefully unlatched the rickety old gate and led the horse into the small enclosure then he pulled the gate shut behind them. He stepped up behind her as she struggled to undo the saddle cinch. "Here, let me do that," he said as he reached for the cinch.
As their fingers brushed lightly against each other, Milled looked up at him, startled by the warmth of his touch. She quickly drew her hands away and clasped them behind her back while she watched Jess remove the heavy burden from the horse's back and place it atop the corral fence, all the while speaking softly to the animal that was eyeing the strange surroundings with concern.
Jess rubbed Traveler's soft nose and patted the strong shoulders. "It's okay, Boy. You've earned your rest."
Traveler snorted in response, comforted by the gentle words spoken by his trusted friend and partner. He tossed his head then trotted off contentedly to the far corner to make the acquaintance of the large bay mare that greeted him with a soft low whinny.
Millie smiled. "That's funny - Lizzie doesn't normally take to strangers," she mused, as she watched the two equines gently nuzzle one another. "That one must be mighty special for Lizzie to take to him so easily." She lowered her eyes and peeked up at Jess through her long dark lashes. "Kinda like his owner."
"He sure is," Jess answered distractedly, pleased that Traveler was taken care of. "We've been together a long time…" Realization of her exact words struck like lightning and he whirled on the young girl. "What d'ya say?"
"Nothing," she replied whimsically, smiling mischievously. Then her expression became serious again. "Let's go inside. It's getting darker by the minute and I'll bet you're anxious to see Slim."
Slim! What am I thinking, standing out here talking, Jess thought.
"Where is he, Millie?"
She led the way as they left the corral and started out toward the tiny cabin. The glow of lamplight showed through the solitary window, beckoning them in welcome.
"Millie, is that you, girl?" came a loud, commanding voice from the shadows.
"Yeah, Pa. It's me," she answered sheepishly. In leaving the yard, she had disobeyed her father and she didn't look forward to the punishment she was likely to get for it.
Ben stepped out of the darkness, brandishing a shotgun. "Who's that with you?" he demanded, aiming the barrel at Jess.
"It's okay, Pa," she said as they approached him.
"Where have you been, Millie? Running off like that and after I gave you strict orders to stay put," he scolded severely.
Jess instinctively placed himself between the old man's anger and Millie, all the while keeping his steely gaze fixed on the shotgun. Millie put a reassuring hand on Jess' arm as she stepped toward her father.
"I said its okay, Pa. This is Jess Harper. You know, the one Slim's been calling for." She stepped past Jess and placed a firm hand on the cold barrel as she looked into her father's determined face. "He's a friend, Pa. Slim's best friend. Now, please put the gun down."
During the entire exchange, Ben Doyle had kept his eyes affixed on Jess but he now lowered them to look into Millie's sweet young face and relented and lowered the weapon. "Name's Benjamin Doyle," he said as he stuck out his hand, which Jess shook gingerly. "So you're this 'Jess' he keeps calling for?" Ben asked, arching an eyebrow.
Jess nodded as Ben continued, "Then you'd best come inside. He's ailing real badly. Maybe now that you're here, he'll find the strength to fight back."
The old man wrapped his arm around his daughter's young shoulders and led the way toward the welcoming light of the cabin. Drawing closer, Jess hesitated as his chest tightened. Millie glanced over her shoulder, noting his apprehension.
"It's alright, Jess," she said reassuringly and stepped back to stand next to him.
Jess couldn't move his eyes from the door, having difficulty believing that his search for his missing friend was finally over - Slim was safe in the cabin. 'Come on Harper, just a few steps away now.'
Millie gently squeezed his arm in support. "Come on," she encouraged as her father opened the door and led the way inside.
* * * * *
The cabin was small but inviting, consisting mainly of one large room with a small kitchen and a small bedroom partitioned off by a curtain.
Jess instantly caught the slight movement from the drawn curtains that separated the living room from the bedroom. 'That must be Millie's room.' He turned swiftly as a figure stepped out from behind the curtain and he met another pair of green eyes, similar to Millie's, except that this time, they sparkled disapprovingly at the intruder. The hair and complexion were also different; both were fair totally unlike Millie, who was dark and tanned. Sisters?
"Amy, this is Jess," Millie announced proudly. "Jess, this is my sister, Amy. She's been tending to Slim since we found him."
Jess politely removed his hat. "I'm obliged to you, ma'am." He looked away as a low moan emanated from behind the curtain. He immediately turned toward the sound but Amy deftly blocked his path, unwilling to let him near her beloved charge. But after his drawn out search for Slim, Jess was not to be deterred and he pushed past her and pulled back the curtain to reveal the bed on which Slim lay, tossing and turning restlessly.
"There, there," Amy cooed softly as she pushed past Jess and hurried to Slim's side. She pressed a fresh cooling compress to his feverish face but he did not calm at her reassuring touch as he usually had. Amy spun around to face the unknown intruder as she felt him move close behind her. "You'd best leave now; I'm the only one he'll settle for. He trusts me."
Jess ignored her request and stared down at his friend's pale features.
Amy rose and blocked his view. "Please leave," she repeated, her voice commanding. Despite her unyielding tone, all Jess could see was his anguished friend, his best friend, with cuts and bruises to his face and his chest heavily bandaged.
"Jess," Slim called weakly. "Help me, Jess."
Jess took Amy firmly by the shoulders and moved her aside as he sat down on the bed next to Slim. He gently placed a bandaged hand on Slim's shoulder and spoke soothingly.
"I'm here, Slim. Rest easy, Pard."
Amy watched in amazement as Slim's breathing eased and he settled into a restful sleep, comforted by the calming voice and gentle touch.
Jess continued to reassure his distressed friend until he was certain that Slim was resting peacefully then he slowly got to his feet, careful not to jostle the bed. He turned away from Slim and met three pairs of bewildered eyes as silence filled the room.
Finally, Millie broke the awkward silence. "Don't know about anyone else, but I'm starved." With a grin, she headed for the kitchen.
"Come on, Jess. You look like you need a shot of something," Ben said as he took a very unsteady Jess by the arm, leading him to the welcoming glow of the fireside.
"Sit here, lad," he spoke softly as he helped Jess settle into a large cushioned armchair.
Relief at finding Slim alive and fatigue from the week's events suddenly overtook him and Jess closed his eyes as he sank into the cushions.
"Here lad, drink this," came the gruff voice as Jess opened his eyes and met a glass filled with a dark brown liquid. He took it gratefully and emptied the glass in one swallow. The strong and obviously homemade brew burned as it trickled down his throat, causing him to cough. Ben refilled his glass but Jess shook his head and handed the glass back to the old man.
"No, you drink it down, son. From what I can see, you need it," Ben admonished.
Jess met the stern gaze and obeyed, once again experiencing the burning sensation but he found the brew's effects welcoming as he leaned his head against the back of the chair and stared into the flames.
Ben sat down across from Jess and took a swig straight from the stone jug, as Jess reflected on at this strange family, living out in the middle of nowhere. He had never seen them in town and Slim had never mentioned that anyone lived on this barren part of the ranch.
The old man looked over, as though reading his thoughts. "Wondering what an old man and two pretty, young girls are doing way out here, I'll bet you." He took another swig then firmly placed the stopper into the spout. "Well, it's a long story and Slim will tell it better than I can." He pointed to the fair-haired young woman who still sat at Slim's bedside. "That's Amy over there; she's the quiet one who's been tending to your friend. And you've already met Millie." He turned away from Jess and winked at her. "And a wild one she is, to be sure," he continued as Millie giggled.
"Supper's ready," Millie announced as she leaned over her father's shoulder. "Nothing fancy I'm afraid, Jess. Just rabbit stew."
"Sounds fine to me," said Jess as he rose from the comfort of the armchair, feeling the effects of the drink he'd had as the room tilted around him. As he stretched his back and the dizziness eased, he bent over and picked up Ben's chair, having noticed that there were only three chairs at the meal table.
"Leave it there," Amy instructed. She was carrying a tray laden with two bowels of stew. "It's time for me to wake Slim for supper, I'll eat with him." She noted the hurt in Jess' eyes as he looked at the curtained partition.
Supper was always such a lively meal in the Sherman household, and it seemed
strange to think Slim was so close, yet so far away. Jess pushed away his sad
feelings and sat down to eat.
Chapter 16
"I thought I heard voices, Amy. Who's out there with your father?" Slim asked as Amy carefully propped him up against the pillows.
"Just a man, a stranger. Millie found him wandering in the canyon and offered him a roof for the night and supper." For some reason beyond her comprehension, she was afraid to tell Slim the man's name. "Don't fret so. Now eat, Slim. You need to keep your strength up if you're going to get better."
She picked up the spoon and offered to help him with his meal.
"I can do it, Amy, I'm not a child."
Slim smiled and placed the tray on his lap. For the first time in days, he felt hungry and strangely confident about his situation. He had slept well and didn't even recall any nightmares. Something was different, he was sure of it. But he didn't speculate much further, believing that he was probably just getting used to his surroundings.
Ben and Jess returned to the fireside as Millie cleaned the supper dishes. Jess sat down in Amy's rocking chair and stretched out his leg toward the fire, comforted by the familiar motion as he rocked.
After a while, Amy reappeared with the empty supper plates and placed them on the table.
"Amy," Slim called after her. She glanced at Jess then turned back to the small bedroom.
"What is it, Slim?" Amy called softly.
"Would you tie back the curtains, so I can look at the fire?"
"Slim, you need to rest quietly right now," she argued.
"Please, Amy. I just want to watch the fire for a while," he pleaded.
"Alright, just for a little while," she acquiesced and pulled back the curtains to reveal the small living room with its roaring fire and comfortable occupants.
'He always likes to watch the fire,' Jess thought, remembering how Slim enjoyed sitting by the fire at the end of the day. He desperately wanted to go to his friend but knew he had to wait for the right time. If he wanted to help Slim get his memory back, he had to have his wits about him and tonight he didn't think he could handle it yet. Jess continued to rock back and forth as Millie handed him and Ben each a cup of steaming hot coffee. Ben sipped the bitter brew gratefully and reached for his pipe but Jess grimaced as he struggled to hold the warm cup in his injured hands.
"Oh, Jess! Your hands," said Millie, taking the cup from him and grasping his hands in hers. "I'll have to dress them properly this time."
Despite Jess' insistence that he was okay, she was soon sitting at his feet and removing the sticky bandages. With her back to the small bedroom, she bathed and cleaned the peeling flesh then wrapped Jess' hands in strips of clean cloth.
During the entire exchange, Slim sat propped up in bed, watching the scene. He felt that something was very familiar about it as his eyes rested on the small dark figure sitting on the floor. He shook his head, trying to clear the fog. Something was there, a memory perhaps, but he just couldn't grasp it before everything faded away again.
"Thanks, Millie. That feels real fine," spoke the stranger, his deep voice striking a chord of recognition in Slim.
As the young woman moved, Slim caught sight of the bandaged hands. He closed his eyes but he still couldn't catch the fleeting picture that flashed and faded from view. Then came the creaking sound again, as the rocking chair moved back and forth on the wooden planks and the deep voice spoke again, now teasing Millie as she giggled softly.
Slim opened his eyes and stared once more at the flames as he listened to the familiar sound of Jess rocking in his chair. Jess rocking. Slim moved his eyes to view the picture, Jess was rocking and… Andy was at his feet, like always. Daggers of pain pierced through his temples as his life came flooding back.
He tried to sit up but fell back as pain ripped through his injured chest. Slim grabbed his head and squeezed his eyes shut. "Jess," he yelled, tormented by the onslaught of pain and memories.
"He's just dreaming again. I'll see to him," Amy said calmly as she stepped out from the kitchen. "Hush, now," she began as she entered the bedroom and was astonished to meet pale blue terror-filled eyes. "You're awake…I thought-" She stared at him, perplexed.
"Amy, where is he?" gasped Slim.
Amy shook her head in despair; she was going to lose him.
"Jess! Jess, where are you?" Slim almost screamed.
Jess abruptly stood up and nearly tripped over Millie and his own feet in his haste to answer Slim's tortured cry. He stopped behind the motionless Amy and looked into his friend's panicked features.
"I'm here, Slim." Jess moved to sit next to the bed. "Easy now, Pard, just take it slow," he said soothingly as he put a steadying hand on Slim's shoulder.
Slim could only stare as he allowed the meaning of the words sink in. Pard. Jess was there with him and he knew that everything would be all right now. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, waiting for a moment before opening them again, and pleased to realize that indeed he wasn't dreaming. Slim smiled. "Is it really you, Jess?"
"It's me, Pard. Dad-gum it but you gave me one hell of a scare, you know that? I've been looking for you for days and I was so sure…" Words failed him as the friends' eyes met and a world of understanding passed between them.
"Sorry, Jess, but I…" Slim stopped and smiled warmly as he saw the small family gather behind Jess. "I couldn't remember anything, not even my name or where I came from. But now I know." He looked back at his friend. "You brought it all back, Pard." He paused. "You gave me back my life."
"Me?" Jess whispered incredulously, astonished at the very idea of giving someone back his life.
Slim wrapped his fingers around one of Jess' bandaged hands and, forgetting himself for a moment, squeezed it fondly. "Yes, well actually it was the sound of your rocking chair," he replied with a grin.
Jess flinched and pulled his hand away as Slim continued to squeeze. "Easy, Slim."
"Sorry, Jess," Slim apologized as he let go of the bandaged hand. "What d'ya do, Pard, try to bake bread again?" Slim smiled as he remembered the fun of joshing with his friend.
Jess just looked disgruntled. "Very funny. No, there was a storm a few nights back. Lightening hit the barn roof and it caught fire. Burned my hands getting the stock out." Jess shuddered as he relived the horrors of that night.
Slim noticed the uncontrollable tremor and patted Jess' knee. "You okay, Jess?" he asked, now full of concern.
Jess simply nodded. "Yeah. Barn ain't, though. Lost most of the roof and the back wall before the rain finally doused the flames. If it hadn't been for that, I think we would've lost the house, too."
"Jess, how's Andy?" Slim asked, suddenly worried for his brother and what his absence must have done to him.
It was Jess' turn to comfort. "Upset, grieving, but he's holding up. He's sure grown up these past few days." Jess could see more questions in Slim's eyes but he also saw the fatigue, and he felt it too. "Time enough tomorrow for more talk, you need your rest." Jess stood up and carefully pulled Slim forward as he removed the pillows that had been used to prop him up.
"You don't have to go, Jess," Slim said softly. I'm afraid to go to sleep, the nightmares will come back and I don't think I can handle 'em right now, he thought but not wanting to worry Jess, he did not voice his concerns.
"I'm not going anywhere, I'll be right here. You just rest easy now."
Slim closed his eyes, knowing that should he need him, Jess was close by.
Three pairs of inquisitive eyes watched as Jess stepped away from the bedroom then pulled a chair from the table and joined Ben and the girls by the fire.
"He's sleeping," Jess said quietly as he sat down to enjoy the fire's warmth.
"I'm not surprised; you must have worn him out with all that talking," Amy snapped unkindly. She hated this stranger who was fast coming between her and her patient. "He's weak and he needs to rest."
Jess stretched out his legs and crossed his arms as he looked at her. "What he needs, Amy, is to see a real doctor and to be in his own bed. He needs to be at home with his family."
"So my doctoring isn't good enough; is that what you're saying?"
He hadn't meant for his words to carry such venom - he was grateful for the help these folks had given Slim but the fact still remained that Slim needed to be in the comfort of his own home. "I'm not saying that, Amy. I'm saying that Slim will get better faster if he is under a doctor's care and at home with his family."
Ben spoke up as the mood in the room darkened. "It's late and we're all tired. Let's talk about this in the morning." Heads nodded in agreement. "Jess, I think it would be best for Slim if you slept in the bedroom tonight. Just your presence seems to calm him."
Amy flashed a furious look at her father and his suggestion. "But what if he should wake during the night?" she asked.
"Jess'll see to him; you've tended him night and day, Girl. You need some rest. You can take my bed and I'll bed down in one of the chairs here by the fire with Millie."
Amy huffed about as the little household settled down for the night. Jess took a last look over his shoulder as he said goodnight and disappeared behind the curtain.
He checked on Slim then he stretched out on the other bed. Jess smiled as he
glanced over at his friend. Tomorrow he would be going home. He knew that Andy
would be near sick with worry by now, seeing as Jess hadn't returned by supper
like he'd promised, but he knew he'd be forgiven once Andy saw Slim. Jess smiled
to himself as he anticipated Andy's expression when he sees his brother and he
was still smiling as sleep finally enveloped him like a warm blanket.
Chapter 17
The small room shook slightly as a loud thud woke Slim from his first peaceful slumber in days. Thunder, he wondered uneasily. Must be a storm brewing, he reflected, until he heard the softly spoken profanity coming from across the room and he turned toward the torrent of inarticulate, heated words. Yeah, definitely a storm brewing, he thought as a smile spread across his pale features when he noticed Jess on the floor, struggling to untangle himself from the crumpled mass that was his bedding.
"Sleep well, Pard?" He chuckled. Some things never change, he thought as he continued to watch Jess, amused and comforted at how good it felt to be alive and to be with his friend again.
Jess finally managed to free himself and stand up, then angrily tossed the tangled mess back onto the bed and slumped down across from Slim.
"Something strike you as funny?" he snarled.
Slim shook his head as he struggled to stifle his laughter.
"Dang bed was so small I could hardly turn over," Jess grumbled, rubbing his aching thigh and hip. He glared sharply at Slim, who continued to snicker.
Seeing Jess' annoyed expression, Slim could no longer contain his laughter and he held a hand to his chest, in pain. "Don't make me laugh, Jess," he gasped. "You know it hurts," he continued, desperately trying to stop laughing but every time he looked at Jess' irritated expression, the laughter took hold again.
Exasperated, Jess glowered at his friend's lack of sympathy, finding it increasingly difficult to stay angry as he watched Slim's face contort in amusement. Realizing what his tumble must have looked like to Slim, his lips twitched and soon both were laughing heartily.
Curious as to what was going on, Amy pulled back the curtain while Millie and her father watched from behind
"What happened, Slim?" Amy asked urgently, her voice full of concern. "Oh, you're hurting," she added when she saw him wince as he tried to control his laughter.
Without a thought, she shoved a very stunned Jess off the bed and once again he landed on the hard floor with a resounding thud. "Slim, what's he done to you?" she asked as she pressed a hand to his bandaged torso.
Slim angrily brushed her hands away. "I'm fine, Amy; leave me be. Jess and I were just laughing." He quickly looked toward Jess, who was now standing and massaging his backside. "You okay, Pard?" he asked with a grin.
Anger flashed in Jess' steely eyes and he threw Amy a hard look, which made her rise from the bed and quickly step back.
"Nothing that some of Jonesy's liniment won't cure," Jess growled as he continued to glare at his attacker, who suddenly excused herself saying that she needed to start on breakfast.
Millie and Ben smiled at Jess. "Don't know what's got into that girl," Ben said as he watched Amy's hasty retreat to the kitchen. "She's always been a gentle one, normally wouldn't hurt a fly," he continued as he turned back to Jess. "Sorry, lad you all right?"
Jess nodded and looked at Slim, whose face creased as he breathed through waves of pain. Laughing had not done him any good and he knew he'd be remembering it for quite some time.
"Slim?" Jess asked as he gently rested a hand on his friend's shoulder.
"I'm all right; just gotta remember not to laugh for a while is all." He looked at Jess and grinned broadly. "And that's going to be almost impossible with you around, Pard," Slim teased as he punched him in the shoulder, trying to ease the deepening frown of concern on Jess' face.
Jess smiled mischievously. "I'll try to behave," he said, impishly lowering his eyes as he continued, "Just till you're well again, anyway. Now how about some coffee?"
"Did I hear someone ask for coffee?" Amy suddenly reappeared in the small doorway, tray in hand and smiling warmly, as though willing everyone to forgive her for her earlier unpleasant behaviour.
Her father and sister each took a steaming mug from the tray and moved to the comfort of the chairs by the darkened hearth. Jess took a mug from the tray and offered her only a brief nod of acknowledgement as he turned back to Slim and placed the mug on the nightstand.
Eyeing the warm brew appreciatively, Slim grimaced as he struggled to sit up.
"Hold it there, Slim. Let me help you," Jess offered as he quickly helped him sit up.
Amy sadly looked on, knowing that her care was now superfluous to Slim's needs. Tears of resentment welled in her eyes and she quickly turned and left the hurtful scene. Slim didn't need her anymore. Not now that he has his friend with him, she thought miserably.
With Slim comfortably settled, Jess handed him his coffee and sat down.
"Slim, there's something we need to discuss," he said quietly.
Slim sipped his coffee and eyed his partner. "Not like you to be so serious, Jess. What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong exactly, Slim. I just want to talk about…"
"About going home?" Slim finished.
Jess smiled. "How'd you know what I was fixin' to say?
Slim started to chuckle at Jess' stunned expression then thought better of it as his ribs started to ache. "Maybe it's because I can't wait to get out of here. So what's your plan?"
Jess' jaw dropped. "How'd you know I had a plan?"
Slim shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know; maybe we're linked by some cosmic connection."
"Okay, enough of that." Jess couldn't take any more of this deep inner sense nonsense to which Slim seemed to be alluding. He looked at Slim, who was watching him over the rim of his mug. "Can I talk now, without your cosmic forces interrupting me?" he demanded, exasperated.
Slim nodded with a considerate smile and sat in silence as Jess laid out his plan.
* * * * *
Millie was in the kitchen helping Amy with breakfast when Jess reappeared from the small bedroom. He was smiling, pleased that Slim had thought his idea a splendid one and was in total agreement. Now all he had to do was persuade Ben and Amy.
"Any coffee left?" he asked as he approached the girls. He had not taken one earlier and now regretted it. He couldn't function without his morning brew and he would need all his wits about him when he spoke with Ben and the girls.
"Course there is, Jess," Millie piped up as she filled a mug and handed it to him. "Can you manage?" she asked as she watched him take it awkwardly.
"Don't fuss, Millie," he chided but gave her a broad smile and a wink as he noted the hurt look appear on her gentle face. "I'll see to Traveler once I've had this."
Millie immediately brightened. "Already done," she announced proudly.
"Thanks, Millie, but you shouldn't have troubled yourself, I could have done it. I'm not an invalid, you know," he said with a grin as he leaned against the small counter.
"I know, but it was my pleasure," she looked at him coyly. He sure is handsome, she thought; her young heart skipped a beat as he continued to smile at her.
"How's Slim feeling this morning?" asked Ben as he stepped into the small space and refilled his coffee mug. "He sure seems in high spirits."
"Yeah, he seems fine now, Ben, but he really needs to be at home," said Jess, noting Amy's reaction. She stopped her work and was staring at him in disdain.
"You can't possibly move him yet, Jess. He's far too weak, and who would look after him? You certainly couldn't, not with your hands like that," she snapped as she slammed the skillet on the stove, splattering the eggs she was cooking.
"Mind your tongue, My Girl," her father retorted. "Jess is right: we've done all we can for him and now that he has his memory back, Slim belongs at home."
Jess put a hand on Ben's shoulder. "Thanks, Ben, but Amy is right." He looked up at her and met the look of total incredulity in her eyes. "I can't take care of Slim, not properly, that's why we want you to come back to the ranch with us, at least for a couple of days anyway."
Ben looked Jess, taken aback by the suggestion. "I don't understand."
"It's simple, Ben. Slim needs someone who can tend to him properly. We'll get the doc out to him but he'll need nursin'. He may have his memory back but he's still not right, although I doubt whether he'll ever come right out and admit it. I want someone to be there for him, someone that he trusts, and he trusts Amy." Jess looked at her again. "Would you come and look after Slim?" Jess wasn't sure about the girl but Slim trusted her and Slim's well-being was all that was important right now.
She wiped her hands on her apron and looked questioningly at her father. "I don't know. What do you think, Father?"
Ben was silent as he considered the idea of his daughter staying with two single, good-looking young men. He rubbed his chin and frowned. "Well I don't know, Jess. Amy has never been away from this place and…"
"I know what you're thinking, Ben, and that's why Slim and I want you to come with her. Young Andy has been coping with all the chores alone since Slim went missing and I went and got my hands hurt. And with me away since yesterday, things will really have backed up on him. Then there's the question of the repairs to the barn. That's ain't no job for a youngster and it can't wait." Jess paused and looked at the old man. "Seeing how well you keep this place, you're obviously good with your hands; we couldn't pay you much but…"
"I don't want charity, Jess."
"It's not charity, Ben," Jess began. "Think of it as our way of saying thanks for taking such good care of Slim."
Ben sat silently as he mulled over the idea. He looked up at Amy. "What do you say, girl?"
"I'd love to go, Father," Amy said happily, unable to contain her enthusiasm.
"Good. Then it's settled. I'd like to get started by noon if we can. That way, we'll be back at the ranch just before dusk." A plate of eggs was thrust in front of him, almost ending up in his lap. Jess looked up and met a very upset young face and Millie rushed from the room sobbing. 'Darn it all, me and my big mouth.' He'd completely forgotten about Millie.
Jess put the plate of eggs in front of Ben and hurried out the door after her.
* * * * *
As Jess closed the door behind him, he caught sight of Millie disappearing into the barn. How could he have been so thoughtless, and after all that she had done for him and for Slim?
As he made his way to the barn, he found Millie feeding Ben's doves. She
tried to ignore him as she heard him approach.
"Millie," he said softly. She didn't answer and continued to feed the hungry birds. "Millie," he repeated softly and gently touched her on the arm.
Alarmed by his presence, she knocked over one of the bowls, spilling its contents. "Now see what you've gone and made me do," she quipped, annoyed at her inability to control herself. She bent down to fill the bowl once more but this time Jess pulled her around to face him. She was crying.
"Millie," he said as he tenderly cupped her cheeks in his bandaged hands and wiped away her tears with his thumbs. "I'm sorry. I got so caught up in getting Slim home that I forgot…"
"Forgot about me," she finished for him, pausing as she shrugged her shoulders. "It doesn't matter, Jess. People usually do." Her voice was flat and emotionless.
"It matters to me. You matter…" He softly brushed a lock of dark hair away from her eyes and lifted her face to meet his. "I have something that I need you to do for me. Will you hear me out?"
She stared up at his kind face and nodded as tears coursed freely down her cheeks.
"Traveler hates being tied to the back of any type of wagon and since I still can't ride for a while because of my hands," he paused as he wiped away the continuing flow of tears, "I'm going to have to leave him here for a few days and I need someone, someone special, to take care of him for me."
Millie tried to turn away but he held her fast, waiting for her answer. She closed her eyes, unable to look at him any longer. "Someone will have to stay behind anyway to look after Pa's birds and since you need Amy to tend to Slim, I guess that would be me." She finally managed to extricate herself from his grasp and walked over to the corral fence. "I always get left behind, I guess I should be used to it by now," she mumbled softly. Her words were spoken as a whisper and obviously not meant for Jess' ears but he heard them nonetheless and his heart went out to her.
As he joined her at the fence, Traveler trotted up and nuzzled his shoulder. Jess reached up to scratch the warm nose, giving Millie time to collect herself. As though realizing how preoccupied Jess seemed to be, Traveler pushed his nose at Millie for further attention.
"He likes you. He don't take to just anyone," said Jess, biding his time.
Traveler snorted with pleasure as Millie turned and rubbed the soft nose.
Jess patted the horse's strong shoulders and smiled. "I'm afraid I'm gonna have to leave you behind for a few days, Fella." Traveler whinnied and nuzzled Jess again, as if understanding every word.
"Okay, I'll stay. But I'm doing it for you, not for Pa, or Amy or even for Slim." Millie paused and lowered her face, hiding her eyes from him. "I'm doing it for you."
Jess took her by the shoulders and turned her toward him. He put a hand under her chin and lifted her face closer to his and kissed her gently on the lips. Millie wrapped her arms around him, asking for more, which he gave gladly as their kiss deepened. Their lips parted and she rested her head against his chest, as safe strong arms held her close. Her heart was racing as she listened to the steady thumping of his heartbeat and felt the gentle rise and fall of his breathing. She shivered as he ran his fingers along her back.
"You're cold. We'd best go in," he suggested quietly, though not wanting to disturb the moment.
"No, I'm not. Just hold me a little longer."
Jess tightened his embrace and she snuggled contentedly into his shoulder. He lovingly stroked the silken black hair and glanced down at the beautiful creature he held in his arms. She seemed so small against him and he smiled as she continued to snuggle closer to him. Unashamedly, he gently untied the tiny leather cord that secured her single braid and parted the silky strands, combing his fingers through the silk threads until they tumbled freely down her back. God, but she's beautiful.
She raised her face to meet the unrestrained passion in his eyes and a smile filled her face as their eyes met. "Why'd you do that?" she asked softly.
Jess didn't answer as he lowered his lips to meet hers once more. He entwined his fingers in her hair and ran a hand down her back, pulling her closer to him. She sighed softly, responding to his touch.
Jess suddenly stumbled forward, ending the magical moment.
"Hey," he shouted as he turned away from her. Traveler snorted and again shoved his nose at Jess' shoulder. "Think he's jealous?" Jess said with a grin as he turned back to Millie. She looked at the curious horse then she and Jess laughed cheerfully.
He's so handsome when he laughs, she thought as she stood up on her tiptoes
and wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him again. When she pulled away a
moment later, Jess placed an arm around her shoulders and they happily strolled
back towards the tiny cabin.
Chapter 18
As they re-entered the cabin, Jess and Millie were greeted by the pleasant aroma of coffee and freshly baked biscuits
"Where have you two been? Breakfast is almost ruined," Amy scolded.
"Been feeding Pa's doves," Millie replied happily, blushing slightly at her sister's intense stare.
"Well, something must have gone wrong - it doesn't normally take you this long. And what on earth has happened to your hair?" Amy quizzed, as Millie brushed the wild strands out of her face.
"Nothing," Millie answered curtly. "Just thought I'd wear it loose for a while, that's all." The bright red flush on her cheeks became ever more pronounced as she faced her sister's irksome stare.
Recognizing what was about to ensue, Jess stepped protectively in front of the younger sister. "Has Slim eaten yet this morning," he asked, trying to change the subject and ease the tension.
Amy shifted her gaze from her flustered sister to his innocent face and glared at him. Great - just what I need today. First he disrupts my patient and now he's affecting my sister. Why don't you just go away, Jess Harper! Her thoughts screamed to be let out but rather than let him know how she truly felt, she looked right at him while trying to distract him from Millie.
"I tried to give him something earlier but he said he wasn't hungry." She shook her head. "He needs to eat if he's going to get well." She paused a moment, then looked straight into Jess' eyes. "Especially if you insist on taking him home with you today," she said coldly.
Jess calmly stepped into the small kitchen and looked at her, his expression kindness itself. He wished he could tell her how grateful he was to her for the care she had given Slim and he couldn't understand why she was acting this way but he didn't want to fight, he just wanted to get Slim home. "Why don't you make up another plate for him and one for me and let me try?" He smiled warmly, hoping to soften her hard stare as he looked at the meal she had prepared. "Looks good, Amy. I'll pour Slim and me some coffee while you make up the tray."
Millie held the curtain back for Jess as he carried the heavily laden tray into the bedroom. "Breakfast," Jess announced cheerfully and placed the tray on the nightstand.
"I already told Amy, I'm not really that hungry." Slim distractedly kicked at his blankets, careful to avoid the look he knew Jess was giving him.
"C'mon, Slim. You gotta eat if you're ever gonna get well," he encouraged gently.
Slim looked up and smiled weakly. "When are we going home, Jess?"
"When you've eaten, Pard. I had a chance to talk to Ben some, and he and Amy have agreed to come with us. Millie will look after Traveler for me. I'll come back with Ben and Amy in a couple of days and get him. I reckon he'll be lonesome here but it will give my hands a chance to heal." Jess set a plate of scrambled eggs and biscuits on Slim's lap. "But first, you're going to eat something. You'll need all your strength for the trip home. I doubt it'll be a smooth ride."
Jess picked up his own plate and eagerly ate his breakfast. The early morning air had definitely given him an appetite, or maybe it was the thought of Millie standing with the sun gleaming off her raven hair as he held her. Jess' face beamed with a boyish grin as he ate. Well, whatever it is, I'm starving.
Jess watched out of the corner of his eye as Slim picked up the fork and poked aimlessly at the soft fluffy eggs. Fearing that he would have to scold his friend, he smiled when Slim finally succumbed and ate a few mouthfuls.
Millie washed the dishes as the travel preparations were being made and Amy packed enough clothing for herself and her father for the proposed two-day trip. It had been agreed that by that time, Jess and Andy should be able to manage things on their own. She also packed a lunch and extra food for supper.
In the meantime, Ben hitched Lizzie to the wagon and loaded the back with straw and blankets. Jess piled pillows at one end and brought out the thick comforter that Amy instructed Slim would need.
All the while, Slim rested comfortably in bed, watching as the hurly burly of the preparations proceeded. Just before noon, all was ready. Although they were eager to be on their way, Jess took his time helping Slim get dressed then he and Ben carried him to the wagon. Amy had insisted that she sit in back with him and was plumping pillows and straightening sheets as the three men emerged from the cabin.
Slim grimaced as the movement sent a shooting pain through his chest and up into his skull, but so as not to alarm a very anxious Jess, he tried to project a smile. He had made it this far but if Jess even thought that the move was causing him too much discomfort; he might change his mind and delay their homeward journey.
Despite his best efforts to conceal his discomfort, Amy could see only too well the pain he was in. "Oh, do be careful," she instructed as Jess and Ben lifted and maneuvred Slim to rest on the bed of straw.
Jess hopped up onto the wagon and made sure Slim was comfortable. "I can see to him," Amy insisted and pushed him away, still resenting Jess' intrusion into the care of her beloved patient.
Jess jumped down from the wagon, confident that Slim was settled and would travel safely and without too much jostling. Looking up, his eyes fell upon a small lone figure as it quickly disappeared into the cabin.
"All set, Jess," asked Ben as he took his place in the driver's seat and picked up the reins.
"Just give me a minute, Ben. I'll be right back," Jess replied and hurried into the cabin.
Slim painfully raised his head to see over the wagon's edge. What's he up to now? he wondered as he rested his head against the pillows and nestled further under the comforter to await Jess' return.
Jess smiled when he noticed Millie sitting in the rocking chair in the small living room. He silently watched her for a moment, marvelling at how beautiful she was in the soft glow from the single small window. Ben called to him from outside and he frowned at the interruption and slowly made his way to her side.
"Not going to say goodbye?" He stepped closer and knelt in front of her.
She continued the restful rocking motion and closed her eyes, not wishing him to see that she'd been crying again. The gentle rocking was easing her heartache and she had desperately hoped that he would simply leave without saying goodbye. Even though he had only been in their home for a short time, she cringed at the thought of his leaving.
As she continued to ignore him, Jess took hold of the chair and halted the rocking motion. "Millie," he whispered as he touched her cheek. "Look at me."
Millie turned and looked into his kind blue eyes. Unable to control the sadness she was feeling, she threw her arms around his neck and rested her cheek against his shoulder. "I'll never see you again," she sobbed.
"Sure you will. I'll be back in a couple of days with Amy and your father, remember?" He tenderly took her by the shoulders and held her at arms' length. "And the ranch isn't far so we'll see each other often."
"You promise?" She sniffed and wiped her eyes.
"I promise. Now come outside and say goodbye to everyone. I know Slim wants to thank you before we go." He helped her up and wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders as they stepped out into the noonday sun.
Seeing her tearstained face and not realizing the true cause of her distress, Ben spoke reassuringly, "Now, don't you fret about us, Millie, we'll be back in a day or so. You take good care of things, Girlie," he instructed.
She smiled and gave him her assurance then she went to the back of the wagon, where she hugged her sister warmly.
Millie quietly waited alongside the wagon as Amy stepped up into the wagon and Slim weakly raised a hand to take hers. "Thanks for finding Jess, Millie. I can't tell you what it means; if not for you, I probably would never have gotten my memory back."
"It was nothing, Slim. You just concentrate on getting better and don't forget about us," she said softly. She gently squeezed his hand as Amy fussed and tucked the thick quilt around him.
As she turned away from the back of the wagon, Jess took her small hand in his and brushed the soft dark curls back from her face. "See you in a couple of days." Without any hesitation, he brought his lips down to meet hers in a lingering kiss.
Ben gave a self-conscious little cough and rested his eyes on the reins he held as he waited for Jess to say his goodbye. Amy, on the other hand, made her feelings very plain. "Well, really," she huffed impatiently.
Slim turned his head and strained to see what had caused her to react so. His
face crinkled in a smile as he beheld his partner. Like a bee to honey. What on
earth do they
see in him? He sighed and settled back against the pillows, anxious for the
journey to begin. "Jess," he said, trying to sound gruff and
irritated. "Can we go home now?"
Jess looked toward his impatient friend and smiled as he quickly hopped up next to Ben and gave Millie a mischievous wink. Ben slapped the reins and the wagon lurched forward.
"See you in two days!" Millie called as the wagon bumped along the rough track that served as the road out of the property.
All too soon, it turned a corner and was lost from sight. Tightly crossing her arms across her chest, she ambled over to the corral, still smiling at the affectionate kiss Jess had given her. Traveler was stomping anxiously, having seen Jess leave without him. "I know how you feel, big fella," Millie cooed as she stroked the soft nose and spoke soothingly to the distressed horse.
Finally resigned to the fact that he would have to stay put for a little while and knowing that his partner wouldn't just leave him and would most likely be back soon, Traveler trotted over to the trough and sank his nose into the cool water. Millie shrugged her shoulders and smiled.
It was going to be a long two days.
Chapter 19
The laden wagon finally pulled into the quiet little yard just as the sun was setting over the distant hills. Jess quickly hopped down and directed Ben to bring the wagon as close to the porch as possible, knowing that moving Slim was likely to be a difficult and painful experience for his exhausted partner.
As Ben pulled back on the reins and brought the wagon to a halt, Jess reached up and helped Amy get down. She thanked him with a brief nod and immediately went about gathering the blankets and supplies that she would need to make Slim comfortable.
"Where will you be putting him, Jess?" she asked at once.
"In the front bedroom, to the right just as you walk into the living room," he directed, pointing to the front door.
Amy nodded and hastened toward the small house. Jess waited until he could see the soft glow as she lit the lamps inside then he turned his attention to Slim. Although Slim had tried to stay awake for the trip home, exhaustion and pain had finally won out and he had passed out not more than two miles back. Cradled in Amy's arms, he had not even stirred as they had pulled into the yard and she had alighted from the wagon.
"Can you help me, Jess? I know I can't lift him on my own," huffed Ben as he stepped into the wagon from the hard front seat and dusted off his pant leg.
Jess nodded distractedly as he trained his eyes across the yard, looking for Andy. Although he had stayed away much longer than he had anticipated, he had hoped that Andy would understand and be eager to see him. Jess couldn't wait for the boy to find out that Slim was still alive.
"Jess," Ben called again.
"Sorry, Ben I'm coming."
Jess and Ben carefully removed Slim from the wagon and carried him as gently as possible toward the house and through the front door. As the men stepped into the living room with their unconscious charge, Amy hurried out of the small bedroom and directed them to the bed. Slim moaned softly as Jess carefully laid him on the warm blankets and covered him, taking his time to tuck the bedding around him.
As he finished up and looked down at his friend, Amy resolutely nudged him out of the way and sat down on the edge of the small bed, carefully dabbing a cool compress across Slim's fevered brow.
"He's fevering again - I knew it was a bad idea to move him so soon," she admonished as she gently ran her fingers through the tangled damp blond hair. "Jess, you really should go now. We don't want to wake him." She looked over her shoulder and glared at Jess, willing him to leave.
Jess sighed, wanting to argue with her but knowing that she was right. Besides, he had to find Andy. It was already getting dark outside and it would not be easy to find the boy if he did not want to be found. Although he could think of no reason for him to be hiding, he realized that his being away might have disturbed Andy far more than he thought. And all I've done is made things worse. But when he realizes the reason, surely… He shook his head at the thought, finding Andy was his sole purpose now.
Jess walked out of the bedroom and quietly closed the door behind him. He looked up in surprise when he realized that Ben had started to build a fire.
"Getting a bit chilly in here, Jess. Hope you don't mind but I thought we could use a nice warm blaze," he said with a grin as he tossed a couple of logs onto the glowing embers.
Jess smiled in return and nodded his head. "Don't mind at all, Ben. In fact, it's a great idea. With Slim being in the shape he is in, we'll need it to be warm in here."
Jess and Ben turned in unison as they heard a sudden loud commotion coming from the kitchen. Ben stood up and his jaw dropped as he watched Jess expertly draw his gun from the holster, oblivious to the bandaging on his hands and unimpeded by his injuries.
"Who's there?" Jess asked gruffly.
"Jess? Is that you?" came a small voice from behind the kitchen wall.
"Andy," replied Jess as he replaced his gun in the holster and rushed toward the kitchen.
Ben smiled as the anxious young boy burst out of the small room and flew into Jess' waiting arms, tears of relief streaming down his face.
"Oh, Jess! I thought you were dead. When you didn't come back last night, I didn't know what had happened," he sobbed as he clung to Jess' lean frame.
Jess held him close and softly rubbed his back as he waited for Andy to calm down. As the sobbing abated, he took hold of the boy's shoulders and held him at arm's length, looking into the tear-filled eyes.
"I'm sorry I didn't get home when I promised, Tiger, but there's something I want to show you," he said soothingly, a wide smile spreading across his tired features.
Andy allowed himself to be led from the kitchen, stopping as he noticed Ben standing next to the fireplace.
"Who's that, Jess?" he whispered.
"Andy, I'd like you to meet Ben Doyle." Andy held out a hand, which Ben shook firmly. "Ben, this is Andy Sherman. Slim's brother." Ben smiled at Andy and nodded his head in understanding.
Andy, however, was baffled and he frowned at Jess' beaming smile. "What's he doing here?"
"Ben offered me a place to spend the night and he's come to help out with the chores until my hands mend. But I think it'll all make sense to you in a minute, Tiger. I've got something you need to see," he continued as he urged Andy toward the closed bedroom door.
As he softly pushed the door open, Andy gasped and fell against him as his eyes rested upon Slim's sleeping form. Amy looked up in concern when she saw the boy's ashen face, and she stood up and rushed to his side.
"But Jess, I thought he was-" Andy said slowly, unable to take his eyes off his brother. "Is he…. all right, Jess?" he asked guardedly.
Jess' face broke out into a beaming smile as he nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, he's still in pretty rough shape, Andy, but he'll be fine. It may take a while but he'll recover."
Andy stood staring for a moment then he threw himself at his brother and hugged him with all his might, causing Slim to moan softly at the painfully tight embrace. Jess reached out to stop Amy as she stepped forward, eager to pull Andy away and ensure that her patient was not in any discomfort. Jess shook his head and held her arm firmly as both watched Andy bury his face in the folds of Slim's shirt.
As quickly as the relief had come, anger followed in its stead and Andy grabbed Slim's limp shoulders and began to shake his brother's unconscious body. Jess pushed Amy away and firmly pulled Andy off of Slim before he could injure him any further.
"Andy! Get a hold of yourself," Jess rebuked as he held the writhing young figure in his arms.
"Why, Jess? Why didn't he let us know? All this time and we thought he was dead!" he yelled, pulling away from Jess' grasp and rushing from the bedroom.
Amy reached out and stopped Jess as he turned to follow. He glared at her and tried to get her to release her iron grip on his arm.
"No, Jess. Give him time. Remember how you felt when you found out that Slim was still alive? Andy is his brother and he is much younger so just think what seeing Slim this way is doing to him," she said calmly.
Jess submissively nodded his head, frustrated to have to leave Andy to deal with this whole mess on his own but knowing that Amy was right.
"Maybe if he sleeps on it, he'll feel better in the morning," she continued as she followed him from the bedroom and watched him step out onto the porch. He sighed in resignation and stared longingly at the pale glow coming from the bunkhouse, knowing that was where Andy had sought refuge.
Confident that Jess would do the right thing, Amy walked back into the house but she left the front door ajar. Jess took a seat in the rocker and listened to the frogs singing their evening melody. He waited until the light went out in the bunkhouse then he slowly stood up and made his way to the small building.
As he opened the door, he was met by the smell of burnt wax and, in the pale moonlight that streamed through the small window; he could see the smouldering candle on the old table. Squinting through the shadows, he could just make out a dark lump curled up on the bottom bunk across the room.
He approached the sleeping boy and knelt next to the bed. He tenderly ran his fingers through the dark locks and wiped away the tears that still dampened Andy's pale cheeks. Cried yourself to sleep, did you, Tiger? Well, we'll talk in the morning, everything will look better to you then, he thought as he pulled the blankets up over the still young boy and gently tucked him in.
He turned at the sound of a gentle knock and the door opened to reveal Ben's warm smile.
"Something I can do for you, Ben? I'm sorry, I've kind of left you alone in there," said Jess, stepping out of the bunkhouse into the yard. He shivered and crossed his arms against the evening chill.
"Oh no, Jess, nothing to worry about. I was just going to say that it might be best for you to sleep out here with the boy. Seems he needs someone close and with Slim ailing like he is tonight, it's not likely anyone staying in the house will get much sleep."
"Is he bad?" Jess asked. He had known the risk of moving Slim; they both had, but Slim needed to be at home and, in the long run, the risk would be worth it.
"No, nothing we didn't expect. That trip sure didn't do him any good but I reckon he'll be better in a day or so. He's just plumb overspent and he needs to rest peacefully in his own bed for a little while. But you stay out here with Andy, and Amy and I will take care of things in the house tonight."
Jess seemed unsure as he tapped his finger against his arm. "Are you sure, Ben? You've already done so much for us."
"Don't worry, young man. I'm sure you'll find a way to repay us," Ben interrupted with a grin as he gently squeezed Jess' shoulder. "Now you just get some sleep tonight and keep an eye on young Andy. See you in the morning."
Jess watched as the man headed back to the house then he quietly stepped into the bunkhouse. Fatigue quickly overtook him and he found himself practically falling asleep on his feet. He pulled off his boots and climbed up into the top bunk then leaned over the edge to make sure that Andy was still sleeping peacefully. Safe in the knowledge that Slim was home and well taken care of and that Andy would likely be feeling better by morning, he stretched out with a contented sigh and clasped his hands behind his head, cringing at the restrictive bandaging and anxious for everything to be back to normal.
He was asleep before he even had a chance to pull up the covers.
* * * * *
Millie stood mournfully in the barn doorway, kicking at the dirt with her boot and sending a dust cloud into the early evening air as she watched the sun slowly set behind the jagged canyon walls and cast long shadows across the empty yard. It had been three days since Amy and her father had left with Jess and Slim and there had been no indication of their return. They had said they would return in two days and Jess had promised he'd be back.
Traveler whinnied behind her and she turned to look at him. When she did not approach to stroke him as he had anticipated, he shook his head and whinnied again, this time demanding her attention. She strolled into the dimly lit building and gently patted his shiny coat.
"I know, Fella. I can't understand what's keeping them. He said he'd be back in a couple of days, but then again," she said softly as her thoughts drifted off into the darkness. Maybe she had imagined it but she had thought that he cared about her. Then there was that wonderful kiss, she thought wistfully. But now that there was no sign of his return, she didn't know what to think or feel.
She busied herself with Traveler's daily grooming and tried to keep her mind off Jess, but as she gently stroked the muscular flanks, she smiled as she thought of what Jess would say if he could see how well she had taken care of Traveler for him. She filled his water bucket and checked his feed, surprised to find the food in his manger untouched. Traveler nuzzled her back and snorted softly, thoroughly enjoying her company and the added attention she was giving him, but as Millie looked into the lonesome dark eyes, she could have sworn that it looked like he was beginning to think that he would never see his old familiar stall or his friends at the ranch again.
"Now what's all this about, not happy with your feed?" She patted the strong flank. "Missing your friend, are you?" she asked softly then paused. "Me too," she whispered, as she looked into the large brown eyes and shared her secret. She stroked him for a few more minutes then she reluctantly finished up the rest of her chores and headed into the cabin as darkness fell.
Not feeling much like eating, she made herself a coffee and buttered a piece of dry bread then quietly settled in the rocking chair by the fire. She considered the events of the past few days as she unenthusiastically ate her meagre evening meal. How did she really feel about the handsome dark stranger who seemed so taken with her? She wasn't actually sure.
She had never been kissed like that before and had not really known how to react but as he had pulled her closer to him, she had responded as if by instinct. She closed her eyes, remembering his gentle touch; he had made her feel important, wanted, and most of all, cared for - something that until now she had never known.
Millie rocked back and forth as she remembered the brightness that shone in his kind eyes. When would she ever see him again? As she continued the soothing motion, a plan began to form in her mind. Well, if they weren't coming back to her, then she would go to them.
With that determined thought firmly set in her mind, she decided to head for bed. Though she was a little uncertain as to the exact location of the ranch, she had a pretty good idea of the general direction. She did not doubt that if all else failed, Traveler would do the rest and get her safely to the ranch. She rose purposely out of the chair, her decision made - she would make a start for the ranch at first light.