Welcome to the World of Carolyn Lampman

SHADOWS IN THE WIND

THE CHEYENNE TRILOGY
BOOK II

EXCERPT

Click here to read the book BLOGS that go along with the story

Prologue: AUGUST, 1885-Wyoming Territory

Stephanie stared out at the landscape beyond the train window. No chance of escape there. Except for an occasional antelope and mile after mile of grass bending to the wind, the land was as barren as her heart. She leaned her chin on her hand and closed her eyes. How had Orson managed to find her? Surely she hadn’t come all this way for nothing. There must be some way to beat him at his own game.

Suddenly, her head jerked up. The train was slowing; her reprieve was about to come to an end, and she had yet to come up with a plan. Her desperation turned to puzzlement when she looked outside. There was no town, and yet they were definitely slowing. It must be an unscheduled stop of some kind. Her stomach tightened. Could this be her chance? For the first time in two weeks a smile crossed her face. Papa always said it was darkest just before dawn. A moment ago she’d been contemplating defeat, and now the perfect solution was staring her in the face!

Without stopping to think about possible consequences, Stephanie grabbed her cloak, opened the compartment door and peered cautiously around it. Good, her luck was holding, the corridor was empty. Silently she slipped from the private compartment and hurried to the end of the car. fastening the heavy cloak around her shoulders as she went. The wind nearly took her breath away as stepped out on to the platform at the rear of the car. No matter, she thought reaching up to pin her hat more securely. Her cloak would protect her for the short time she was going to be a outside.

A shrill whistle rent the air as a locomotive screeched to a halt next to the water tower at a tiny station. With a furtive look around, Stephanie climb down and sprinted off toward the trees near the creek. Replenishing the engine’s huge boilers seemed to take forever as she watched nervously, expecting her escape to be discovered at any moment. Finally, the train chugged off on its journey once more.

Stephanie smiled as she watched the train steam down the track and around a bend out of sight. She almost wished she could be there to see Orson's face when he discovered she had disappeared again.

She set off for the tiny station buffeted by the violent Wyoming wind, fighting to keep her feet clear of the cloak which threatened to trip her. At last, she reached the platform and mounted the steps with a grateful sigh. Blinking the dirt from her eyes, she tried the door. It was locked. She rattled the doorknob a few times then wiped the grimy glass of the window with her glove to peek inside. There was nothing to see but dust and cobwebs. It didn't look as though anyone had been there for a long time.

In her hurry to escape she hadn’t considered the possibility of the railroad using the stop only for water. With a horrible sinking sensation in her middle, she turned to look at the utter desolation around her. Huge black clouds billowed over distant, blue mountains to the west, and dust rose from the high, sparsely covered hills to the east. Between, tall grass undulated as far as the eye could see. The water tower, the tiny station, and a lonely road that skirted the buildings and then disappeared between the hills were the only signs of human habitation.

“Oh my heavens!” she said aloud. Her impetuous flight had landed her in the middle of nowhere, with a storm fast approaching and not another soul or any shelter visible for miles.

Forcing herself to stay calm, she considered her options. Walking along the tracks was out of the question: that was the way Orson would come when he discovered she was gone. The road had to lead somewhere; though. All she needed to do was follow it. The question was, which way? And how far would she have to go before she found help?

Before she could decide, the wind snatched her hat off her head and blew it around the far side of the building. She ran after it, but as she rounded the corner of the station, her cloak tangled around her feet, and she fell to the ground.

A loud noise brought her head up. A terrified scream froze in her throat at the sight of hooves suspended in the air above her. There was a sharp pain on the side of her head, and then nothing.

CHAPTER 1

“Do you think we’ll get home before it rains, Pa?” Josh Cantrell eyed the huge black thunderclouds. “I forgot my slicker.”

Cole gave his son a sardonic look, “I thought you told Grandma Kate…”
His words were lost as the horse Josh was riding shied violently, then reared into the air with a terrified whinny. Josh somehow managed to stay in the saddle, but instead of trying to bring the horse safely down onto all four feet again, he appeared to be trying to turn the animal while it was still rearing.

“Don’t pull his head to the side, Josh,” Cole Cantrell yelled, “You’re throwing him off balance.” Cole watched in parental agony as his nine-year-old son fought for control of the huge stallion. The way Josh was twisting the animal’s head could be disastrous. If Black should over balance and fall…

A sudden scream rent the air as the horse finally came down and Josh’s shoulder twisted backwards at an impossible angle.

Cole was off his horse in a heartbeat. Seconds later he was supporting Josh and holding Black, trying to quiet the frightened animal.

“Hang on, son. You did just fine.”

Josh buried his face on his father’s chest. “Is...is she all right?”.

“Who? Oh, Hell!” For the first time, Cole saw the limp form lying in the dust on the road.

Josh lifted his head and gazed blood welling from a gash above her temple. “Is she dead, Pa?”

“I don’t know. I’ll find out as soon as I get you off this horse. Can you hold on for a minute?”

“I think so.” Josh struggled to stay upright.

Cole led the two horses to the hitching rack behind the station before looking at his son’s injured arm. “Looks like a dislocated shoulder.” As gently as he could, Cole pulled Josh from the saddle and lay him on the ground. “Rest now, I’m going to check on the woman.”

At first he thought she was dead. Her face, covered with blood from her wound, was pale and strangely calm. Cole sighed with relief when he felt the weak pulse fluttering in her throat. He pulled out his handkerchief and dabbed futilely at the blood still welling from the cut. She could
bleed to death if he didn’t find some way to stop it.

He did a quick mental inventory of the meager supplies he and Josh had with them. There was nothing he could use for a bandage. “Sorry about this Ma’am,” he said, flipping up the edge of her skirt and tearing a flounce from her petticoat. He ripped the material into pieces, folded them into a thick pad, and tied it tightly to her head with a long strip of cloth. It wasn’t very pretty, but the pressure did seem to slow the bleeding.

A roll of thunder reminded Cole of the approaching storm. It wouldn’t be long before it hit. He returned to Josh’s side. “I’m sorry,” he said, as he gently smoothed back the hair from his son’s forehead. “This is going to hurt.”

Josh nodded, his face white but determined.
Cole carefully probed the arm and shoulder with gentle fingers. Praying that he was doing the right thing, he pulled Josh’s arm with a quick jerk.

Josh screamed in agony as the joint slipped back into place.

Gathering the boy in his arms, Cole patted his back. “As I remember, your Uncle Levi yelled twice as loud when Charlie put his arm back, and he was older than you are.” He ruffled the boy’s hair, then cast a worried glance at the sky. “Looks like we’re in for a bad one. Do you think you could ride Black if I put a lead rope on him?”

“I guess so,” Josh said. “Is he hurt?”

“No, he’s a little skittish, but he’ll do.” Using Josh’s shirtsleeve, Cole fashioned a makeshift sling. “I know it won’t be easy for you, but I’m going to have to take the girl on Midnight. He can’t carry all three of us.”

Josh twisted his head and peered over Cole’s shoulder.

“Is she...”

“She’s hurt pretty bad, but she’s still alive. We’ve got to get her inside, though. I don’t think she can stand too much more.”

By the time Cole had calmed the horses and looped his rope around Black’s neck, Josh’s color had returned. The boy struggled to sit up and declared himself ready to go.

“I knew I could count on you.” Cole said. He lifted Josh onto the horse and used his rope to secure the boy to the saddle.

“I don’t need to be tied on like a little kid,” Josh protested. “I won’t fall off!”

“If a wounded soldier can put up with it, so can you. Cole removed the blanket from behind the saddle and draped it around Josh’s shoulders. “Besides, you may be glad for the extra help by the time we get home.”

“All right, Pa.”

Cole gave his son an encouraging smile, then turned his attention once more to the woman. He knelt down next to her and checked her pulse again. It was no stronger, but the bleeding seemed to have stopped. What should he do with her?

The smartest thing would be to take her to Doc Addley’s and let him take it from there. But lying there in the dust, she looked so vulnerable, that he felt a sudden wave of protectiveness sweep over him.

It was almost as if his wife, Maggie, was peering over his shoulder at the injured girl. Before her death, Maggie had brought home any number of strays, human and otherwise. Cole knew exactly what she would have done in this situation. “All right, Maggie. For you I’ll take her home.”

The hour-long trip was like a nightmare. Within minutes after they started out, torrents of rain poured from the sky. The wind drove it against horse and rider with stinging force. Every time lightning crackled and thunder rolled, Black jerked back on the lead rope.

Cole was a strong man, used to battling the elements, but it took everything he had to keep them all moving. By the time they reached the ranch house, he was glad he hadn’t chanced the longer trip to town.

As they trudged into the yard, the door swung open and Kate’s comfortable bulk filled the doorway. “It’s about time...Mercy sakes, Cole, what happened?”

At the sound of his stepmother’s horrified voice, Cole suddenly became aware of the ache in his arms and the cold rain sluicing down his back. His discomfort was minimal compared to what Josh must be feeling.

“I’ll explain later. The most important thing right now is to get these two inside.”

Kate threw a shawl over her head and called back over her shoulder, “Charlie, Cole needs help.” A tall, lean cowboy joined her almost immediately, and strode out into the rain without a moment’s hesitation

Cole looked down at the grizzled old cowhand. “Am I ever glad to see you. I was afraid you’d still be out on the range.”

Charlie grinned. “Ain’t like you youngsters. I got enough sense to come in outta the rain.”

“I wish I did.” Cole shifted the girl slightly to ease the agony in his arms.

Reaching up, Charlie relieved Cole of his burden as nonchalantly as if someone handed him an unconscious woman every day. Though the rain had washed away most of the blood, the sodden bandage and limp body told their own story.

“I’ll go fetch Doc Addley.”

Cole shook his head. “No sense in you going. I’m already wet.”

“I expect you’ll be needed here. ‘Sides, I reckon I can be halfway to Horse Creek by the time Kate’s done askin’ all her questions.”

Cole glanced at Kate, who was clucking over Josh like a mother hen. “I guess you’re right,” he said. “But I hate to send you out in this storm.”

“Heck, I’ve weathered worse than this. It’ll be a darn sight easier than watchin’ Kate bustle around the way she does.”

“Easier than following her orders you mean.” Cole smiled reluctantly. “All right, you win. Why is it you and Kate always seem to get your way around here?”

“I reckon it’s cause your Pa taught you to recognize good advice when you hear it!”

Nearly an hour later Cole joined Kate in the master bedroom. He watched silently as she smoothed the bedclothes around the unmoving figure in the bed. “Any change?”

“No.” Kate sighed and looked up at Cole. “She hasn’t so much as wiggled a finger. How’s Josh?”

“Asleep. He was still grumbling about having to stay in bed and missing all the excitement when he drifted off.”

“He gets more like his father every day.”

Cole smiled. “I’ll take that as a compliment, though I don’t think you meant it to be. I was mighty proud of him today.” He looked down at the woman, shaking his head in amazement. “He saved her life, you know.”

“Let’s hope so anyway.” Kate paused, thinking. “That train depot’s been closed for over a year. Where do you suppose she came from?”

“I haven’t the slightest idea. There was no sign of a carriage of any kind, and she wasn’t dressed for riding. It’s like she appeared out of thin air.”

“Maybe she took a walk and got lost.”

“That’s a pretty long walk. It’s a good ten miles from Horse Creek to the old crossroads. I’ll ride into town tomorrow and see if anybody knows anything.”

Kate looked down at the woman’s pale face. “Her family should be told. If she dies...”

“Yes, I know.” Cole sighed. “I guess we’d better go through her things. Maybe we can find out who she is.”

“There wasn’t much.” Kate retrieved the heavy cloak from the back of a chair and pulled a plain cloth reticule out of the pocket. “Only this and the clothes on her back. Kind of odd to be wearing something is warm in the middle of the summer,” she said, eyeing the cloak.

“I’m glad she was, though. It kept her dry.” Cole took the bag from Kate’s hand, and dumped the contents on the washstand. The pile was disappointingly small, a comb, several coins, a handkerchief, and a hat pin. Nothing that gave the slightest clue to the woman’s identity. The contents could have belonged to anyone.

“Cole, look at this.” Kate held out an ornate gold ring. “I found it in the pocket. It’s a wedding band.”

Cole took the ring. “I guess it could be,” he said studying the intricate design closely. “It’s certainly unusual.”

“How odd that she had it in her pocket. You’d think she’d want to wear— wait, what’s this?” Kate pulled a small piece of paper out of the other pocket. Praying that it wasn’t an old shopping list, she unfolded the square of pink stationery. “It seems to be a note of some sort.”

Together they scanned the graceful script.

Dear Stephanie,
I beg to you reconsider the drastic step you are taking.
Your mind is so befuddled by grief that you aren’t thinking
clearly. Surely your situation is not so intolerable that you
must desert those who depend on you and turn your back on
your responsibilities. This course of action is not only
irresponsible, it is dishonest.
Nance


Cole was the first to break the silence. “Well, we know her name is Stephanie.”

“Cole...”

“Now Kate, don’t go jumping to conclusions.”

“She’s running from her husband.”

“We don’t know that. It may not even be a wedding ring.”

“But the dishonesty...”

“Might be no worse than dyeing the neighbor’s horse blue.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. You and Levi were boys when you did that,” Kate said. “I’m sure this is more serious.”

Cole shrugged. “She could be a widow. People do stupid things when they’re grieving. Maybe she threatened to sell the family heirlooms or something. If she survives, we’ll have plenty of time to find out what it means.”

“Just how do you plan to do that?” Kate demanded. “Ask her? You’re far too trusting for your own good!”

“Maybe I am. I’m not even sure why I brought her home. My first notion was to take her straight to Doc Addley’s, but then I thought of Maggie.”

“What’s Maggie got to do with it?”


“Remember when she brought Lame Deer home even though she knew his people wouldn’t take kindly to us having him here?” He looked at the woman with a sad smile on his face “Maggie wouldn’t even have hesitated.”

Kate stared at him for a long moment as though she couldn’t quite believe what she’d heard, then seemed to shake herself. “Land sakes, what am I thinking of, standing here talking to you when there’s supper to fix? If you’ll sit with the young lady, I’ll go see to it.”

Cole watched Kate’s rapid exit with surprise, and wondered what was going through her mind. It wasn’t like her to give up so easily. No doubt she’d have plenty more to say later. She was probably right, too. He probably was too trusting. It was something only time would tell.

He studied the young woman who had been thrust so precipitously into his life. She was tall, he’d realized that as soon as he picked her up, but he’d paid scant attention to anything else about her. Now, with the opportunity to look at her closely, he noticed the hair pulled over her shoulder in
a single thick braid that fell nearly to her waist. It glowed in the fading sunlight, the warm reddish brown color a stark contrast to her deathly pale skin.

With no animation in her face it was difficult to say whether she was pretty or not. The tiny cleft in her chin and her full, soft mouth were attractive, but it was the faint sprinkling of freckles across her long straight nose that gave the face an endearing quality.

Gazing at long eyelashes, Cole found himself wondering what color her eyes were. Surely fate wouldn’t be so cruel as to let her die without her ever opening them. He picked up a limp wrist and felt her pulse. It seemed a bit stronger than before, but she lay so still.

Suddenly he had the oddest feeling Maggie was there beside him, watching the stranger as he did, willing her to live. Cole knew that it was nothing more than an illusion created in his overly
tired mind. Nevertheless, he once again felt the fierce surge of protectiveness he’d experienced when he’d knelt beside her in the road. No matter who this woman was or what she’d done, she had to survive!

CHAPTER 2

She was floating on a vast cushion of darkness. The tiny light shining above was very far away. It wasn’t worth the struggle to get there. She’d rather stay in her warm, safe cocoon.

A gentle voice came towards her. “No, Annie, you can’t stay here.” Something gave her an insistent push toward the light. ,“They’re waiting for you, Annie...Annie...”

As she drew closer to the light, the voice changed. Stephanie,...Stephanie,...Steph...”

Opening her eyes, she saw the face of a young boy. His was the voice that had pulled her up from the depths, but the gray eyes and freckled face were unfamiliar.

“Grandma Kate, Pa, she’s awake!”

Stephanie heard footsteps hurrying closer. “Joshua Cantrell, what are you doing in this room? I thought I told you to leave her be!”

“But, Grandma Kate, I figured she might wake up if she knew somebody was here.” He looked triumphantly. “And I was right!”

A round cheerful looking face appeared next to the boy. “Glory be! Cole, she’s awake.”

Stephanie turned toward the sound of boots on a hardwood floor and found herself looking up at another unfamiliar face, this one with incredibly blue eyes. Who were these people?

Confusion swirled through her mind. Where on earth was she? “I...I don’t understand. Do I know you?” Her hand seemed to weigh a hundred pounds as she raised it to her aching head and encountered a bandage. What had happened to her? She searched the fog in her head trying to remember, but there was nothing there, nothing at all. Not even a dim memory or hazy recollection remained. “I ...I can’t seem to remember anything,” she whispered.

The three faces above her exchanged glances. Then the woman picked up her hand and patted it. “Now, Stephanie, don’t you fret. Just sleep, you’ll feel better when you wake up.”

Stephanie relaxed. They knew who she was and would explain everything when her head didn’t hurt so badly. The fear subsided, and she drifted back into sleep.

Kate tucked the blanket around the other woman and motioned Cole and Josh to follow her out of the room.

“Josh,” she said, closing the door behind her, “Would you run out to the spring house and bring me a bucket of fresh water? I want to make some broth for her.”

“What about my arm?” He touched his sling as though he were in great pain.

“You have another one,” his father reminded him. “I don’t think carrying a bucket of water will do you any harm.”

“I always miss the good stuff,” Josh grumbled as he shuffled out the door.

Kate looked at Cole. “Do you think she’s really forgotten everything?”

“She’s still groggy. Doc said she might be disoriented for awhile.”

“Let’s hope that’s it,” Kate said. “She’s so young. It would be a shame if she was addled.”

“I suppose time will tell.” Cole put on his hat. “Time I got back to work. Send Josh to the barn if you need me.”

As Cole walked toward the barn, he smiled at the way Kate’s compassionate nature had overcome her suspicions during the last three days. Not that it was any surprise. His step-mother was just a likely to take in strays as Maggie had been.

Figuring that once the young woman had regained consciousness she would go back to wherever she came from, he hadn’t worried about who she was or where she was from. A memory loss put things in a different light. Until they could find out where she belonged, she was his responsibility, and there was no way of knowing if his inclination to keep her here was a good one. Of course, she couldn’t do much harm in her condition.

His curiosity had been satisfied on one point at least. Her eyes were green, the color of summer leaves. Cole felt an inexplicable urge to whistle.
****

When Stephanie woke later that evening, she felt much better. Her head throbbed, but she was finally able to think coherently. She probed the dark recesses of her memory but found only a blank wall, one she couldn’t penetrate. Willing herself not to panic, she forced herself to breath slowly. Her sense of fright had receded somewhat by the time Kate stuck her head in the door.

“Good, you’re awake again.” She came in to plump the pillows and help Stephanie sit up. “I fixed you some broth. You’ll feel much better after you eat.”

Kate chatted while she fed Stephanie but resisted discussing anything but the most innocuous of topics. When she turned to leave, Stephanie put out her hand to stop her.

“Please, I know it sounds strange, but I can’t seem to remember anything before I woke up and saw the boy. Can you help me?”

“Oh, dear.” Kate looked troubled. “I better send Cole in. He was there. Maybe he can explain.”

Stephanie wondered who Cole was and why the kind lady couldn’t answer her questions. Something was very wrong.

A few minutes passed before the door opened again and the man with the beautiful eyes came in. Standing well over six feet tall with broad shoulders, his presence seemed to fill the room. His black hair fell in a boyish wave over his brow, though his chiseled features and neatly trimmed mustache weren’t youthful. He looked like a man guaranteed to set a young lady’s heart a flutter, but Stephanie eyed him with misgiving.

I’m Cole Cantrell,” he said as he pulled up a chair and seated himself next to the bed. “Kate says you still don’t remember anything?”

“Nothing. I don’t even know where I am.”

“Well, that’s easy enough. You’re on the Triple C Bar ranch in Wyoming Territory, but I’m afraid I can’t tell you much else. The first time I saw you was three days ago. My son Josh was riding a green colt and...”

“A green horse?”

Cole’s grin made his face even more attractive. “A green horse, Ma’am, is one that isn’t completely broken...that is, trained.”

“Oh.”

“Josh was having a tough time with the colt because of the storm anyway, and then your hat flew into Black’s face. One of his hooves apparently hit your head when he reared.”

Stephanie wrinkled her brow. “Then you don’t know me?”

“We don’t even know how you got there. The nearest ranch other than this one is a good fifteen miles away. Nobody in Horse Creek knows anything about you, and it’s close to fifty miles to the next town.”

“But the lady...Kate...called me Stephanie. How did she know my name?”

We aren’t sure it is your name,” Cole said, running his fingers through his hair. “When we were afraid you might not make it, we took the liberty of looking through your things. All we found was a note and this ring.” He picked them up from the small bedside table and handed them to her.

Stephanie looked at the ring for a moment before opening the note and reading it. “What does this mean?”

“Your guess is as good as mine.”

And there’s no way to find out who I am or where I belong?”

“I’m sorry.”

What if I’ve done something horrible?”

Cole shifted in his chair. “Look, you were on your way somewhere. When you didn’t show up, whoever was waiting for you probably started looking. If you just stay put, they’ll find you.”

“Stay here?”

“Where else would you go? Besides, if I hadn’t let Josh ride that colt with a storm coming you wouldn’t have been hurt.”

“That’s very kind, but...”

“Kindness has nothing to do with it,” he interrupted. “Kate would have my hide if I let you go wandering off by yourself.”

As if she’d heard her name Kate bustled into the room carrying a steaming cup in her hands. “It’s time you left, Cole. Stephanie needs her rest.” She gave him a pointed look. “Good night!”

“You see how it is around here,” Cole said, rising and walking to the door. Then he turned and grinned at Stephanie over the top of Kate’s head. “I’m warning you, she’s a tyrant.”

“There’s those that need to be tyrannized!” Kate said. “Now off with you while I give Miss Stephanie this tea and make her more comfortable.”

Stephanie studied the ring Cole had handed her. It was a pretty thing with intertwining vines and tiny flowers carved into the gold. “It seems so strange that I can’t remember this,” she said, slipping it onto her right hand.

“It’ll probably come back to you.” Kate handed her a steaming cup. “I made you some herbal tea.”

“I think I recognize some of the things in this,” Stephanie said thoughtfully a few moments later as she sipped it. “Am I right in assuming it’s meant to help me sleep?”

“Good Land. How did you know that?”

“You know, I’m not sure. It just sort of popped into my head. How strange.” She took another sip and sighed as her body began to relax.

By the time Kate had straightened the blankets and rearranged the pillows, Stephanie was drowsy. “Cole Cantrell,” she murmured, settling down into the soft pillow. “What a nice name, and what nice eyes!” Letting her heavy eyelids closed, she heard Kate’s snort and smiled as she drifted off to sleep.

Running was next to impossible, but she kept struggling anyway. Concentrating on making her legs move, Stephanie looked over her shoulder. The man chasing her was getting closer. His features were an indistinct blur, yet she had the feeling she knew him, and he meant her harm. Pushing harder on her unresponsive legs, she whimpered as they sank into the mists that swirled round her feet, slowing her down even more. Terrified, she looked back just as the faceless man grabbed her, his claw-like hand clutching her arm.

“No, no! Leave me alone!”

Stephanie awoke, sobbing in terror. As the dream faded away, she became aware of strong arms holding her and a deep voice whispering in her ear.

“Shh. It was only a dream. You’re safe now. Shh.”

She didn’t even have to look to know that the big hand stroking the back of her head belonged to Cole. “There was a man chasing me.” She shuddered against the solid protection of his body. “But he had no face, and I couldn’t tell who he was.”

“It was only a dream. It’s all over now.”

She suddenly became aware that she was pressed against his naked chest and pulled away abruptly. The moonlight bathed the room in soft white light, making the muscles of his powerful arms and chest clearly visible. Swallowing against a sudden constriction in her throat she stammered an apology. “I...I’m sorry I woke you.”

Cole smiled. “I wasn’t asleep yet. I just came in from checking a mare that’s getting ready to foal.”

Remembering the feel of that soft mat of hair against her cheek, her eyes widened. “Without your shirt?”

His white teeth flashed in the darkness. “Actually, I was undressing for bed and didn’t take time to put it back on.” He stood up and smiled down at her. “If you’re feeling better, I think I’ll go back to bed before Josh starts his nightly snoring spree. It’s hard to get to sleep once he gets going!”

“You share a room with your son?”

“Only when there’s a beautiful stranger sleeping in mine,” he said. “Good night.” He walked to the door and closed it quietly behind him.

Wondering if he thought she was as foolish as she’d sounded, Stephanie lay staring at the heavy wooden panel until sleep once again overcame her.

CHAPTER 3

“Good morning.” Kate set a tray of food on a small table next to the bed and pulled back the curtains. “How are you feeling?”

“Much better, thank you,” Stephanie couldn’t help thinking how Kate was like a ray of sunshine herself. Though her was hair closer to gray than brown, and her figure matronly, she seemed filled with boundless energy. When she smiled, which she did frequently, her rather plain features
became animated, and her hazel eyes sparkled with good humor. It would be almost impossible to be grumpy for long around Kate Cantrell.

“Cole said you had a nightmare last night.” Kate said. “I suppose that’s to be expected with the size of that bump on your head. Doc Addley said he’d stop by this morning. After that maybe a bath.”

“I don’t want to put you to any more trouble.”

“Nonsense. A bath will do you a world of good.” Kate picked up a basket of mending and settled herself in the chair next to the bed. “Besides, I already had Cole bring in the hip bath.” She nodded toward Stephanie’s plate. “Better eat before it gets cold.”

“You’ve all been so kind, Mrs. Cantrell, I don’t know how to thank you.”

“By calling me Kate.”

Watching Kate insert a darning ball into the heel of a sock, Stephanie felt like an imposter. These people were treating her like an honored guest instead of an uninvited stranger. “Mr. Cantrell told me I could stay until someone came looking for me or until my memory comes back.” She moved the food around on her plate with her fork. “But that seems like an awful imposition.”

“I told Cole I thought it was a good idea.”

“But you know nothing about me.”

“To tell you the truth, I’m not worried about who you are or what you’re doing here. You’re the answer to my prayers.”

Stephanie was startled. “What?”

“Actually, my reasons are quite selfish. It’s Cole, you see. I’m not sure why having you here has made such a difference, but it has.”

“I don’t understand.”
“His wife Maggie died last spring, and part of Cole went with her. He’s been withdrawn and gloomy ever since.”

“That’s part of grieving.”

“I know, but Cole can’t let go. He was the same way after his brother disappeared.”

“Disappeared?” Stephanie had visions of wild Indian attacks, or gun-wielding outlaws spiriting Cole’s brother away. “What happened”.

Kate frowned down at the sock. It was obvious the memories were still painful. “Four years ago my son Levi got tangled up with a woman. Cole told him she was no good from the beginning, but even when she took off with another man, Levi didn’t believe it. Several months later he got a letter
from her and went to San Francisco to find her. He never came home.”

“Oh, no.”

“Cole went looking for him, of course; he even found Cynthia. It seems she’d only been trying to hoodwink Levi and wasn’t best pleased when he showed up instead of sending the money she asked for. He’d left her in a towering rage, and Cole couldn’t find another trace of him anywhere. My husband’s hired detectives didn’t have any better luck. It’s like he just disappeared off the face of the earth.

“How awful,” Stephanie murmured.

“Cole was in bad shape when he came home, but Maggie was there to put him back together again just like she always did. I haven’t been able to help him through this. Without Maggie, he’s just kind of shriveled up inside.”

“That’s very sad, but I don’t see what me being here has to do with your daughter-in-law’s death.”

Kate met Stephanie’s eyes squarely. “The first spark of life I’ve seen was the day he brought you in. Cole and Levi were just boys when I married their father. As far as I’m concerned, Cole is my son. If helping you gives him something else to think of besides what he’s lost, then I’ll keep you here if I have to tie you to the bed.” Suddenly, she grinned. “Besides, having another woman around to talk to will be a joy.”

“I hardly know what to say.”

“Say you’ll be glad to help me out, and no more talk of being an imposition. Your memory’s bound to return soon. What can it hurt if you stay here until then?”

Stephanie smiled. “You’re very persuasive.”

“My husband says I’m a bully.” Kate admitted with a chuckle as she dropped her mending into her basket and stood up. “But then he’s as obstinate as a pig so we’re a good match.”

“I haven’t met him yet.”
“No, he’s in England right now.”

“England!”

Kate smiled. “It does seem a little odd doesn’t it? He and his cousin are over there settling the estate of a great uncle of theirs.” After a quick check of Stephanie’s bandage, she picked up the tray. “Why don’t you try to get some rest before Doc Addly gets here?”

“All right.”

With a nod, Kate left her, and Stephanie lay thinking for a long time. Only sheer willpower kept her panic at bay. It was as though her mind had built a wall sealing her off from her past. Everything that had happened to her since she had awakened at the Triple C Bar was crystal clear, but she couldn’t go beyond, back to whatever came before.

Remembering the story of Cole’s brother, Levi, she closed her eyes. Were there people somewhere wondering about her the same way?

Sometime later she awoke to find a gray-haired man bending over her. “Well, hello. I’m Doc Addley.” He smiled at her. “I was just getting ready to have a look at you.” He made a thorough examination of her head and various other cuts and bruises. “Your wounds were healing nicely. I expect your head will hurt for awhile, but I think we can dispense with the bandage.” He sat back and folded his arms. “Kate says you don’t recall anything before the accident?”

“Not a thing.” Stephanie shook her head miserably. “What’s wrong with me?”

“Well now, I’ve been doing some reading and I think you have something called amnesia.”

“What in the world is that?”

“To put it simply, a loss of memory. It can be caused by any number of things—a high fever, bad shock or, in your case, a blow to the head. It’s fairly rare and nobody seems to know much.” He shook his head. “It doesn’t mean you’re crazy if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“Is there a cure?”

“Not that anyone has found. Still, in these cases the patient usually regains some memory and often everything comes back. In the meantime, don’t force it. You’ll be more likely to remember things if you don’t.”

“But what if I never remember?”

The doctor uncrossed his arms. “I’d say that’s a bridge you should cross when you come to it. For now, concentrate on getting your strength back.” He flashed her an engaging grin. “Actually you’re doing Kate a favor. She loves to have somebody to fuss over and I’m afraid my other patient doesn’t
take too kindly to it.”

Stephanie looked at him in surprise. “Your other patient?”
“Ah, I see they haven’t let the little rascal around you yet. Josh Cantrell. He dislocated his shoulder trying to hold that brute of a horse. That and some bad bruises have kept him tied to the house.”

“Oh dear.” Stephanie bit her lip. “I didn’t realize he’d been hurt.”

“Don’t worry, he’ll heal just fine,” Kate said from the doorway. “Besides, he needs to learn there’s more to life than horses. If you’re finished, Doc, I’ve got Stephanie’s bath water ready.”

Soon, with Kate’s help, she was soaking in a steaming tub of water. When Kate gently washed her hair Stephanie could almost feel the aches and pains leave her body.

Clean, relaxed and tucked into bed, Stephanie’s mind drifted half asleep. She could see a figure standing in a hallway. Something about him was familiar and very reassuring. “James?

“No, it’s Josh.”

Stephanie jerked awake. “What?”

“You called me James.”

Stephanie looked at the boy in confusion. “I said James?”

“Yeah, but my name is Josh.”

“I think I must have been dreaming.” She smiled at him. “I’m glad to finally meet you.”

The dark haired boy shifted uncomfortably. “I came to apologize. It’s my fault you’re hurt.”

“That’s not the way I heard it,” Stephanie said. “If my hat hadn’t blown into your horse’s face, and I hadn’t fallen in front of him, you wouldn’t have gotten hurt.” She looked pointedly at his splinted arm.

“But it’s because of me you can’t remember!”

“It’s because of me you’re stuck in the house.” Stephanie held out her hand and smiled. “Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?”

His face crinkled in a grin that tugged at her heart. “Sure!” As he shook her hand, his eyes brightened. “Do you know how to play checkers?”

“To tell you the truth, I’m not sure. Can you?”

“You bet! Only nobody has time to play with me.” He gave her a pleading look. “Do you think you could at least try?”

“Why not? Just between you and me, I’m beginning to get a little bored.”

As though afraid she’d change her mind, Josh quickly set up the checker board he’d brought with him. “Is it all right if Sam stays?” He pointed to a large gray and white floppy-eared dog. “He likes to be near me.”

“I don’t see why not.” Sam was lying in the sunlight, his eyes half-closed, the epitome of canine relaxation. “He looks very comfortable there.”

Josh pulled a chair up to the bed and looked at her expectantly. “Should I tell you how to play?”

Stephanie looked at the board her with intense concentration. Somehow it didn’t look quite right. “Maybe you’d better.”

Josh was a good teacher and soon Stephanie was playing as though she had been doing it for for years.

Two hours later, Kate came in to see what all the giggling was about there was a good-natured argument ensuing. She shook her head as Stephanie laughingly accused Josh of making up
rules as they went along.

“I hope he isn’t being a pest!”

Stephanie looked up. “Heavens no, other than I think he’s taking advantage of a poor defenseless woman.” She reached over and ruffled his hair. “He’s beaten me three games out of four, but now that I’m winning he’s changing the rules!”

Josh gave her a hurt look. “I am not. You tried to go backwards!”

“If you’d made it a king when you were supposed to…”

“I see Stephanie’s caught on to your tricks already.” Kate chuckled. “You’ve only got a couple of hours left until suppertime, and you promised your Pa you’d clean tack this afternoon.

“Oh, gosh.” Josh jumped to his feet. “I forgot!” Gathering up the checkers he glanced at Stephanie. “Can we play again sometime?”

She laughed. “Only if you’ll let me win occasionally!”

Josh was shocked. “But if I let you win you’ll never learn to play any better!”

Stephanie wrinkled her nose at him. “You don’t like to lose do you?”

Josh grinned at her, his face alight with mischief.

“Better get a move on or you’ll miss supper.” Kate said ominously

Josh hurriedly returned the chair to its place by the window. “I’ll be done in time, Grandma Kate. Don’t worry.”

Kate gave her a wink as she followed Josh out the door.

Stephanie lay for a few minutes looking at the window. The light streaming in looked so inviting. Surely she was strong enough to walk that far. She pulled back the covers and slowly climbed out of bed. Her head swam alarmingly at first but after a few seconds the world righted itself.

Gritting her teeth, she walked haltingly across the floor, her bruised body protesting every step of the way. After an eternity, she reached the high-backed oak chair and sank gratefully into it. Stephanie was instantly charmed by the vegetable and flower garden she saw directly beneath the window and the neat farm buildings she saw beyond. It was a pleasant, restful vista and the breeze blowing in through the open window felt so good on her face she sat back and closed her eyes.

An image of Cole Cantrell popped into her mind. The man was definitely something out of the ordinary. She might not be able remember anything but she was sure of that. There should be a law against turning such a devastatingly handsome man loose on society, she thought with a soft smile.

An hour later Cole stopped in the doorway and gazed at the sleeping woman. In the late afternoon sunlight her pale skin appeared almost transparent. She looked totally vulnerable. It was impossible to see her as any kind of threat, but he couldn’t forget the note nor her dream of being chased by a faceless man. Were they connected? It certainly seemed possible.

Why on earth had he insisted she stay? He couldn’t even be sure this amnesia thing was real and yet he’d found himself issuing an open-ended invitation. Of course, there wasn’t much she could do, except maybe steal a horse, and that was only if she could ride. Right now she could barely walk.

Stephanie opened her eyes and blushed when she saw him leaning against the door jamb watching her.

He straightened and walked toward her. “I thought Doc told you to take it easy.”

“I was tired of lying in bed. Besides, walking to the window isn’t exactly the same as running a foot race.” She glanced toward the bed and sighed. “Of course by the time I got here I felt as though I had!”

Without warning, Cole scooped her up in his arms. “Please allow me to escort you back to bed, Madam.”

Startled, Stephanie looked up into his face and encountered a heart-stopping smile. She was intensely aware of the rock-hard muscles of his chest pressed against her, and those gorgeous blue eyes of his were enough to make a girl feel plum giddy. By the time he lay her gently on the bed, she was breathless and slightly light- headed.

“Josh said you remembered someone named James?” he said.

“Not really. I didn’t even realize I’d said it until he told me.”

“Still, it must be someone you know.” Cole rubbed his mustache pensively. “I think it’s a good sign.”

“I hope you’re right, Mr. Cantrell.”

“Please,” he said, “my name is Cole. It’s ridiculous for you to call me Mr. Cantrell when I can only call you by your given name.”

“If it is my given name.”

“Cole,” Kate remarked from the doorway. “If you want anything to eat, you’d better get washed up for supper. Josh is hanging around the kitchen like a vulture.”

Cole shook his head as he headed for the door. “On the verge of starvation, no doubt..”

Kate set the tray down and felt Stephanie’s forehead. “You seem to have more color in your face this evening.”

“I sat by the window for awhile. I guess the fresh air helped.”

“Mother Nature has a way of healing. Well, let’s get you fed and settled down for the night. You look all tuckered out.”

“You don’t have to stay. I’m perfectly capable of feeding myself.” Stephanie grinned. “Besides who’s going to tell Josh he has to wait?”

Kate laughed. “You’re right. He thinks he’ll starve if supper’s a few minutes late. Are you sure you don’t mind?”

“Not a bit.”

Stephanie could hear Josh’s excited chatter through the open door as she ate her supper. Smiling, she couldn’t help wondering why was she so drawn to the boy. It was almost as if she already knew him.

It wasn’t long before he appeared in the doorway. “I came to say good-night.” He gave her an anxious look. “Grandma Kate says I’m not supposed to bother you, but you don’t mind do you?”

“Certainly not. Why, I’d have been bored to tears if not for you. I fully intend to beat you soundly the next time we play checkers.”

“My son talked you into a game of checkers did he?” Cole laid his hand on his son’s shoulder. “He’s always looking for competition. I hope he didn’t bother you.”

“Heavens, no. I enjoyed myself immensely, though I’m not sure I’ve been told all the rules of the game.”

Josh looked affronted. “I have to keep you interested somehow don’t I?” Then ran off to bed before she had a chance to answer.

Stephanie laughed and shook her head. “I’ll bet he’s a handful.”

Cole grinned. “At times, though Kate insists he’s easier to handle than my brother and I because there is only one of him.” He handed her a steaming cup. “She sent this in and said to tell you it’s stronger than last night.” He turned at the door. “Remember, I’m right next door if you need anything.” he smiled. “Good-night.”

The thought of Cole Cantrell right next door wasn’t exactly Stephanie’s idea of a sleep inducer, but it was rather comforting. Smiling to herself, she drank her tea.

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