“Are you sure the satchel’s up here, Papa?” Alaina’s voice drifted down from the loft.

The blacksmith looked up and grinned. “Ja, I’m pretty sure it is.  I remember your Mama putting it up there when Grandpa still owned the shop. Nobody’s used it since.”

“That’s because nobody in this town ever goes anywhere.” There was grunt, then the sound of crates sliding along the wooden floor. Garrick Ellinson watched the dust drift down from the ceiling for a moment, then shook his head and went back to work. 

“I’ll bet there isn’t a satchel or a valise to be found in this whole blasted town,” Alaina grumbled.

“Better not let your Mama hear you talking like that. She’ll wash your mouth out.”

“I know, I’m sorry. It’s just so frustrating. Nobody ever wonders what the rest of he world is like.”

“That’s because this is their world. Just about everybody in town was born here,” Garrick pointed out.

“Everybody but me.”

“Ja, except you and your Mama.”

“But Mama’s happy here and I’m…Aha!” There was a sudden triumphant cry from above.  “Here it is.”

 A worn satchel came sailing out of the loft and landed on the floor with a dull thud and a cloud of dust

Garrick winced. “Be careful, Alaina. That satchel is older than you are.”

A moment later his daughter’s grinning countenance appeared at the top of the ladder. “I know, and the last time it was used was to transport my baby clothes from South Pass City to Nerstrand. I was just testing it, Papa. If it can’t take a fall like that it will never survive the trip to Wyoming.”  She tucked her skirt between her legs, grabbed a rope that hung from the center beam, and slid down it to the floor below with the ease of long practice.

Garrick hid a grin as he stuck the piece of iron he’d been working back into the forge. “A young lady would use the ladder,” he said with mock severity.

“And she’d still be coming down that ladder instead of standing here talking to you.” Alaina stripped off the leather work gloves and tucked them into a cubby-hole on the wall. “The rope is much faster. Besides, Mama wasn’t here to see, and you don’t care.” She picked up the satchel and looked it over, testing the seams and the handles to make sure all was secure. “There, you see, everything is fine other than the clasp sticks a little.”

“I promised Jan Andersen I’d have his plow shares for him by closing time but this is the last one. I can probably fix your clasp as soon as I finish.”

 “That’s what I figured. You can fix anything, Papa.” She pursed her lips as she gave the satchel a speculative look. “Where’s the saddle soap?  It might even be presentable if I get some of that dirt off.”

“Over by the harnesses,” Garrick said. “I thought we were discussing you acting like a lady.”

“Oh, but Papa,” Alaina said batting her eyes at him,  “I can be as much a lady as any of them if I choose.” With her right hand on her hip and her left held delicately aloft, she sashayed across the room with an exaggerated sway of her hips.”

 Garrick watched her with a fond smile.  Even in the dim light of the smithy, with dirt streaked across one cheek and the carefully constructed hair knot listing to one side, his Alaina was a beauty. And that, of course, was the problem   She had grown up in a town where everyone knew her; a place where she took safety and security for granted.  Tomorrow she was going out into the real world, and she had no idea of the dangers that lurked there, especially for a girl…no… a woman who looked like Alaina.

“You won’t tell Mama about me sliding down the rope, will you, Papa? She’ll just use it for another excuse not to let me go.”

“Your Mama’s worried about you. This trip has her all tied up in knots.”

“But Papa, I’m going to see Angel. Besides being my Godmother, she’s Mama’s very best friend in the whole world!”

“It is not Angel Mama is worried about, it’s the big cities you’ll be going through and all that time on the train. Wyoming is a long way from Minnesota.”

“I know, but it’s not like I’m going by myself,” she reminded him. Then she made a face. “I still can’t believe Angel is sending her brother Jared here to get me,” she said. “The last time I saw him, he was a little weasel.”

Garrick chuckled as he took the plowshare out and laid it on his anvil again.  “That was thirteen years ago, Alaina. He was just a boy; now he’s a full grown man.”

“All right, so he’s probably a full grown weasel.”

“I hope you didn’t tell Mama that.”

Alaina bit her lip. “I may have complained about the time he tied my braids to the doorknob.”

“What did she say?”

“She laughed and reminded me that he came back and let me go right away. Then she gave me a long lecture on how lucky I was that he was on his way home from New York and was willing to go so far out of his way to pick me up and escort me to Laramie. If I couldn’t be properly grateful then, maybe I’d better not go at all.” She sat down on a sawhorse with a thump. “Papa, what is she afraid of?”

Garrick smiled and pounded the edge of the hot iron.  “That her little girl is growing up and won’t need her anymore.”

“I’m eighteen.  I haven’t been a little girl for a long time. Besides, she’ll be so distracted, she’ll hardly know I’m gone.”

“Oh? What do you think is going to distract that much?”

  “Let’s see, there’s Patrick, Knute, Lars, Jan, Garth, ” Alaina said ticking her siblings off on her fingers, “and of course baby Mary, who’s a fulltime job all by herself.”

“Ja, and Mama won’t have you around to help with them.  She says you’re the best helper a mother ever had, and so do all the other women in this town.”

Alaina shrugged. “I like children, especially babies.” The only sound in the smithy was the ring of Garrick’s hammer and the soft scratch of cloth against leather.  This was Alaina’s favorite place in the whole world. She loved everything about it, the cinders on the floor, hot metal hissing in the slag trough, the acrid smell of sulfur, and the loft with all its mysterious treasures. Most of all she loved the sound of the hammer against the anvil, and the man who made it.  No matter how upset or angry she was, the sound of Papa’s hammer and his deep unruffled voice would sooth her jangled nerves.  Yet, today even that failed to calm her.

“Papa, is where I’m going part of the reason Mama is so edgy about this trip?

Garrick held up the piece of metal and studied it. “I think that’s part of it. Wyoming wasn’t a very happy place for your Mama.”

“But that’s where she met you and where I was born.”

He flashed his daughter a grin and thrust the metal back into the fire. “Ja, maybe that’s the problem. Maybe she thinks some big Norwegian is going to sweep you off your feet.”

Alaina gave a very unladylike snort. “If that were going to happen, it would have by now. Big Norwegians are a dime a dozen around here. Besides, nothing would make her happier than if I married one of them and settled down right here.”

“Maybe so, but she knows it wouldn’t make you happy, and that’s what’s most important to her.”

“It would kill me! Alaina said. “I crave adventure.  I want to see to world.” She gave a dramatic shudder.  “I’ll suffocate if I have to stay here.”

“I know.” He pulled the share out of the fire. “And that’s why Mama will let you go even though she’d rather keep you here safe and sound.”

Alaina looked surprised. “I didn’t think Mama understood. She’s perfectly content right here with you and the boys.”

“She doesn’t understand- not really- but she knows you are different and accepts that.”

 “Sure she does.  That’s why she worries more about me than the rest.” Alaina removed the top of the saddle soap can with an angry twist. “If it were Patrick or Knute going, she wouldn’t give it a second thought.”

He tapped on the edge of the share, putting in just the right curve. “Boys are different than girls. She’ll be the same when Mary is your age.”

“No, it’s because I’m just plain different.” Alaina scrubbed the leather of the satchel fiercely. “I’m not like anybody else in Nerstrand.”

“You don’t have an enemy in this town.”

“No, but I know what they say behind my back. ‘Did you hear what Alaina Ellinson pulled this time?’ ” Alaina said in a scandalized falsetto. “Why, I can hardly believe she’s Garrick and Becky’s daughter.”

Garrick chuckled. “I didn’t know you could imitate your Aunt Kirsten so well.” He smoothed the final edge, held it up for inspection, then plunged it into the trough of cold water. “You’re full of high spirits and not a soul holds it against you. Even Kirsten is proud of the way you stand up for yourself.” Garrick rose to his feet, and crossed the room to open the shutters.
“But Mama worries about it, I can tell, almost like she afraid I’ll do something really stupid or hurtful.” Alaina frowned down at the leather. “It has something to do with the reason he hates Wyoming doesn’t it?”

Bright sunlight flooded the normally dim interior of the smithy, but he seemed oblivious to it as he stared unseeing at the street outside. He was silent so long Alaina didn’t think he was going to answer. “Ja,” he said finally. “It does.”

“Then tell me what the big secret is.  If it has something to do with me, and it obviously does, I have the right to know.”

Garrick gave a heavy sigh and turned away from the window. “I think so too, but it’s not mine to tell.”

“Who will tell me, then? Mama?”

Garrick nodded as he took the satchel from her hands and inspected the catch. “When she is ready, she will.”

“How do you know she will?”

“She has promised me. Mama has never broken a promise to me yet.” He sat down next to her and worked the catch. “Go get me that penknife from the workbench.”

Alaina was incredulous. “You’ve discussed this will her?”

He nodded, took the knife from her hand and gently inserted the blade into the catch. “But she is stubborn like her daughter. I have learned not to push either one of you when you get like that.”  He grinned up at her. “I think you are both part mule.”

“So I’m supposed to just sit and wait until she’s ready to tell me?”

“If you’re smart, you will. Maybe when you come back from this trip and she sees how grown up you are, she will realize it’s time.”

“And in the meantime?”

“In the meantime, you’ll have your adventure.”

“What if I went home right now and asked her?”

“I think you’d be very sorry.  You don’t want to upset your Mama any more than she already is. It’s going to be hard enough for her to let you go without bringing up things she wants left buried.”

“Are you sure that’s for the best?”

Garrick gave an emphatic nod of his head. “Positive. Do you know how I have managed to lived with your mother for nineteen years and survive? By knowing when to keep my mouth shut and not bring her wrath down on my head!”

Alaina gave a gurgle of laughter. Stubbornness aside, there was no one sweeter or more biddable than Becky Ellinson. “I’m going to tell her you said that.”

“And she will tell you it’s true. There,” he said, flipping the catch several times then handing her the satchel. “Get some lard from Mama to grease that down a little and it will be good as new.”

Alaina held it up and admired the finished product.  “It doesn’t look too bad does it?”

“Like you just bought it,” he assured her.

“Garrick,” called a voice from the doorway. “Thought I’d stop by and see if you’ve got the plow shares for me.”

“Just finished the last one.”

Jan Anderson smiled when he saw the blacksmith was not alone. “Well, hello, Alaina. I didn’t see you there.”

“Good afternoon, Mr. Andersen. How is Mrs. Andersen?”

“Baking cookies when I left home. She said if I saw you to send you on by.”

“Tell her, I’d love to, but I have to go home and pack. I’m leaving for Wyoming tomorrow.”

“Well, well, all the way to Wyoming! Looks like you’re finally going to get your great adventure.”

“Ja, if she doesn’t have second thought and decide to stay home.”

“Fat chance!” Alaina said scooting toward the door. “Give my love to your wife, Mr. Andersen, and tell her I’ll take her up on those cookies when I get back. Papa, when shall I tell Mama you’ll be home?”

“Oh, half an hour or so.”

“All right.  Bye now.” She blew her father a kiss and gave Mr. Andersen a cheery wave.

Late spring was usually her favorite time of the year, but Alaina was barely aware of the beautiful afternoon and the scent of lilacs as she considered the odd conversation she’d had with her father.  What great secret could her mother be keeping from her? She pondered the possibilities for a few minutes then gave a prosaic shrug.  Papa was right; Mama would tell her when she was good and ready. She’d lived eighteen years without knowing it; another couple of months wouldn’t make that much difference.

Always able to put unpleasant thoughts out of her mind, she pushed the mystery aside and turned her attention to the forthcoming trip.  As long as she could remember she’d dreamed of leaving, and now it was really going to happen. She gave a little skip of joy then hurried toward home, her step light, and her heart full of anticipation.

Alaina was nearly skipping by the time she reached home and rushed into the big airy kitchen. “I’m back, Mama,”

“Did you find that old satchel?” Her mother’s voice came from the sitting room at the front of the house.

“Yes, it was right where Papa said it was. He fixed the catch, and I cleaned it up with saddle soap.”

“Are you all set to go otherwise?”

“I think so.” She walked into the front room and held up the satchel for inspection. “Papa says it looks brand new.”

Becky smiled. “Other than being a few decades out of date, it does.” 

Alaina cocked her head and listened intently. “Sounds like baby Mary is awake and hungry. She probably needs to be changed too.  I’ll go get her for you.”

Alaina walked into the bedroom she shared with her baby sister and tossed the satchel on the bed. “Hello, sweetie.”  She bent over the cradle. “I’m going to miss you most of all,” she admitted, and then made a face. “But I won’t miss your diapers.”

With the efficiency of long practice, Alaina changed Mary’s diaper and dressed her in a fresh gown. She was rewarded with a toothless grin and a string of baby gibberish. Alaina laugh and tweaked one of Mary’s dark curls.

“You look just like Mama when you do that.” She smiled down at the miniature version of her mother. Mary was the only one of the children who had taken after Becky. All five boys were the spitting image of their father with their strapping bodies and white blond hair.  Alaina didn’t look like either of them, but the old folks said she’d probably inherited her honey-colored hair and willowy build from her Irish grandmother’s side of the family.

Alaina picked Mary up with a hug and a kiss. She walked back into the front room still cuddling her sister “How come babies are so soft, Mama?”

Smiling, Becky set her mending aside and began to unbutton her blouse. “I don’t know for sure, but it’s one of the best things about this age.” She took Mary and settled the baby against her breast.

Alaina draped the blanket over them with a soft smile. Sometimes she could hardly wait for one of her own. Most girls her age were already married, but she knew that way lay the destruction of her dreams. Babies could wait. “Papa said he’d be home in half an hour. I’ll go start supper before I pack.” 

“May as well go do your packing now,” Becky said with a resigned sigh. “The boys all went fishing so there’s no reason to start supper for awhile yet. They won’t be able to tear themselves away until dark.”

With her earlier excitement surging through her, Alaina returned to bedroom and pulled her extra underwear out of the bureau she shared with baby Mary. This time tomorrow she’d be on her way to Wyoming...the Wild West...it just didn’t get any more exciting than that. 

It took little time to gather her belongings, and she soon turned her attention to the satchel. She opened the clasp and eyed the inside with satisfaction. There was plenty of room. She would travel in her best dress and carry her coat. Everything else would fit into the satchel easily. There would even be room for her everyday dress and nightgown in the morning before she left. For once she was glad her mother hadn’t let her buy a fashionable bustle.  It would never have fit.

As she looked down into the satchel she noticed a piece of the heavy paper protruding from the bottom as though the lining had popped loose. She bit her lip. Maybe tossing it down from the loft hadn’t been such a great idea after all.

Alaina looked up when she heard the front door and smiled at the sound her father’s voice. Half an hour on the dot. Good, now that he was home, he’d help Mama with baby Mary.  She had plenty of time to stitch up the tear.  It only took a moment to retrieve a needle and thread from her sewing kit and settle herself on the bed.

When Alaina reached down into the satchel, she discovered what she thought was the underlining was actually a piece of heavy paper.  It took a little wriggling, but she finally managed to pull it loose.  As she lifted it to the light, she was surprised to see it was an envelope. Curiously, she opened it and pulled out an old photograph.

A quiver of shocked recognition skittered through her as she stared at the handsome young man in the army uniform. He might have been Alaina’s twin brother. The blond hair, the light-colored eyes, even shape of his face was the same as hers. Who was he? An uncle perhaps, or her grandfather? 

There was only one way to find out for sure.            Alaina set the satchel aside and walked to the kitchen where she could hear her parents talking. Garrick sat with his chair against the wall bouncing a giggling baby Mary on his knee as Becky put a pan of rolls in the oven.  They both looked up when Alaina came in.

“Finished packing already?” Garrick asked.

“Almost. You were right about me not tossing that satchel. The lining ripped a little.” She glanced at the picture in her hand. “I found this photograph in the bottom. Who is it?”

Becky reached for it.  “Let’s see.” At the first glance, the color drained from her face and she gave a sharp cry of dismay.

“What is it, Becky?” Garrick asked shifting baby Mary more securely onto his lap. 

“C…Cameron,” she whispered staring at the picture as if it were a poisonous snake.
 “Oh, Lord.” Garrick exhaled as though the weight of the world rested on his shoulders. “It’s time, Becky.”

“No,” she raised her stricken gaze to his. “Oh no, Garrick, I’m not ready.”

“It’s too late for that now. She knew something was up the minute she saw that picture.”

Alaina looked back and forth between them and her uneasiness grew. “Does this having anything to do with Mama’s Wyoming secret?”

Becky gasped and cast her husband a disbelieving look. “You told her?”

“No, but it’s way past time that she knew. I promised I would let you be the one,
but if you don’t tell her, I will.”

Becky sank down onto a chair with a strangled sob and covered her face with her hands. “I can’t.”

Garrick closed his eyes, the muscles working in his jaw as though he were in great pain.

“Papa?” Alaina asked in a frightened voice.  She’d never seen her parents like this.  

Garrick opened his eyes, and looked at her as though memorizing her face. “The man in the picture is Cameron Price,” he said finally. His Norwegian accent was noticeably thicker than usual, the way it always was when he got upset.“He’s your father.”

Alaina wondered for a moment if she was going to be sick as the earth rocked beneath her feet. Her brain seemed frozen. “Y…you’re not…?”

 He shook his head regretfully. “No, Alaina, I’m not.”

“Yes you are!” Becky cried, dropping her hands and glaring at him.  “Cameron may have fathered her but he is not her father.  A father stays around and takes care of his children.  They don’t leave without a word in the middle of the night.”

“M…mama was married before?” Alaina could barely force the words past her lips.”

“No, he never married me. He just left me there to face it all alone.”

“Cameron was in the army,” Garrick explained. “He didn’t know your mother was pregnant when he was reassigned.”

“Didn’t care, you mean,” Becky said with bitter reproach.

Alaina gasped.  “Then I’m a b…”

“No!” The word was explosive and came from both parents at once.

“Don’t even say the word, Alaina. Mama and I were married a good six months before you were born. You’re as legitimate as any of the rest.”

Alaina’s head swam alarmingly, and she sat down across from her mother with a thump. “Why did you lie to me?  Why did you make up that stupid story about me being born in a blizzard, and Papa having to deliver me?”

“Oh, no, Sweetheart.” Becky reached across the table to touch her daughter’s fingers. “That was all true, every word, I swear.”  Hurt filled her eyes when Alaina pulled her hand away and her voice hardened. “Garrick became your father when he brought you into the world.  I told him that on the day you were born and haven’t changed my mind since. He’s your father as surely as he is baby Mary’s. ”

“Alaina has a right to know about her real father,” Garrick said gently.

“You are her real father, Garrick. If you hadn’t saved me, she would never have lived. What did Cameron ever do for her other than leave?

“He didn’t even know she existed until she was eight months old,” Garrick said. “And then she fascinated him.”

“Only because she looked like him. He didn’t care a fig for her otherwise. Besides I wouldn’t be surprised if he became an outlaw or something.”

“I doubt it,” Garrick said.  “He probably stayed in the army where he could be sure of finding lots of action. I imagine he’s made General by now.” 

“Cameron Price was an irresponsible adventurer,” Becky insisted. “I can’t think he’s much different now than he ever was.  Maybe he got himself killed in the Indian Wars out West.”

Completely bewildered, Alaina grasped onto the one comprehensible fact in a sea of confusion. “You mean he may still be alive?”

Garrick nodded slowly. “As far as we know he is, though Mama’s right about the Indian Wars.  Knowing Cameron, he was in the thick of things.”

Alaina was stunned. “Y...you knew him too?”

“Everybody in South Pass knew him. He was a bone fide Civil War hero. ”

“I...I don’t understand,” Alaina said. “What happened to him? Where is he now?”

Becky frowned. “I don’t know where he is, and I don’t care. Cameron Price is ancient history.”

“But, he’s my father,” Alaina said, in a dazed voice.

“Oh, for...Garrick Ellinson is ten times the father Cameron Price would have been. You should be thanking your lucky stars he was there when Cameron walked out on us without a backward glance.”

Alaina hardly heard her mother as she picked the photograph and gazed at it in sudden sick comprehension. “That’s why I’m different; why I never really fit in here.”

“Balderdash, you’re no different than you were half an hour ago!  It’s that treacherous man and this detestable picture that’s turned your head.” Furious now, Becky grabbed the photograph and tore it in half as she stood up. “I don’t know why I didn’t do that eighteen years ago when he gave it to me,” she said as she lifted the stove lid and threw it inside.  “As far as I’m concerned the subject of Cameron Price is closed.”

With an inarticulate cry, Alaina jumped to her feet and ran out of the house.

“Oh, little one, I wish you hadn’t done that,” Garrick said as the sound of Alaina’s running footsteps faded. “That picture was all she had of her real father.”

Becky made a rude noise. “A father she didn’t even know existed fifteen minutes ago.” 

Garrick sighed. “Just because she didn’t know about him doesn’t make him any less important to her. All you accomplished was to set up her hackles and send her off in one of her snits.” 

Becky raised her fingers to her lips in dismay. “Oh, Garrick. Jared Brady will be here to pick her up in the morning. What are we going to do?”

“We’re going to let her go to Wyoming.”

Becky stared at her husband. “We can’t let her leave when she’s so upset.”

“I don’t think we could stop her. You know how she is once she sets her mind to something.”

“What if she runs into Cameron?”

“I doubt that she will.  The West is a big place. Anyway, I have always said she has the right to know her real father,” he repeated stubbornly.

“Garrick, he left me alone and pregnant. If it hadn’t been for you, I’d have died long before she was even born. Have you forgotten that?”

“No, but it won’t matter to Alaina.  She’ll want to know the other half of what she is.”

“I’ll tell her exactly what Cameron is,” Becky said angrily.

“And she’ll decide you’re lying.  Alaina has to find out for herself.”

“You’re just going to let her leave?”

“Yes, and she’ll come back.”

“What if she doesn’t?”

“Then I'll be very surprised.  Part of Alaina is Cameron, but mostly she’s like you. She’ll see that soon enough.”

“Are you sure? If she finds Cameron, he’ll turn on that silver-tongued charm of his and fill her head full of all sorts of nonsense.”

“Which she’ll see through just like you did. Don’t you see, Becky?  We have no choice. If we force her to stay, she’ll only resent us all the more. This way at least we leave the door open for her to come back.”

“What I see is that damnable Norwegian logic of yours is going to let our daughter walk straight out of our lives,” Becky snapped.  “I suppose the next thing you’ll tell me is I should help her pack.”

“It might not be a bad idea.”

“Oooo.” With a final glare, Becky spun on her heel and left.

With a deep sigh, Garrick gazed down at his infant daughter and rubbed his thumb gently across the tiny hand that gripped his finger. Then he leaned his head back against the wall, closed his eyes, and swallowed against the hard knot in his throat.

“I kind of miss the pigtails,” Jared said, glancing at Alaina as he drove toward town.

“What?”

“Your braids.  As I remember, when Angel brought us to visit that time, they hung halfway down your back.”

“You tied them to a door knob,” she reminded him.

 “I remember that too. It was the only thing I could think of at the time. You were bound and determined to climb up on the hoosier, and Betsy was headed outside into who knows what kind of mischief. So I tied you to the door and went after her.” He grinned. “It was my punishment, you see. Angel said I had to keep you and Betsy out of trouble.”

Alaina looked at him in surprise. “Punishment?”

“That’s the problem with having sisters old enough to be your mother.  Angel was really good at inventing uncomfortable discipline. Watching you two holy terrors was the worst thing she could come up with.”              

The tale put his behavior in a different light.  Alaina had dealt with ornery younger siblings often enough to admire his tactics. “You were kind of a brat yourself,” she said, unwilling to forgive him quite so easily.

“Me?” Jared looked taken aback. “I was far too old to be a brat.”

“Then what about the frog that showed up in my mother’s bed?”

“That’s what I was being punished for,” he said with a grin. “Actually it was a mistake, plain and simple.”

“It was meant to be me wasn’t it?”

“I found it out back and figured you’d probably like it.  So I stuck it in the bed where you took your afternoon nap. How was I supposed to know it was your mother’s bed?” He shook his head. “I didn’t think she was ever going to stop screaming.” 

 Alaina grinned in spite of herself. If the truth were known she’d probably have made it into a pet if she’d found it instead of her mother. “Mama’s a lot better about that sort of thing now-a-days. After dealing with my brothers all these years, it’d take a coiled rattlesnake in her bed to set her off.”

“You’re lucky to have brothers,” Jared said wistfully.  “I’d have traded all four of my sisters for them any day.”

The thought of her siblings brought the first pangs of homesickness and Alaina’s throat tightened painfully.  She hadn’t realized she was going to miss them.

“This your first time away from home?” Jared asked sympathetically when she didn’t answer.

Alaina nodded, afraid her voice would crack if she tried to say anything.

“The first time is the worst. Don’t worry this will pass soon enough. The best cure is not to think about it.”

Alaina searched her mind for something to talk about that would take her mind off leaving home. “How’s Betsy?”

“Just fine and leading her new husband on a merry chase if I know my baby sister.”

“Oh that’s right.  I think Angel did tell me she was getting married. Did she have a nice wedding?”

“You haven’t heard about the wedding? It was the social event of the century!” While Jared launched into a humorous tale of his sister’s wedding, Alaina studied his face for the first time and was astonished by what she saw.  She’d been so sunk in misery; she hadn’t noticed how much Jared Brady had changed. Only the brown velvet eyes and dark wavy hair remained of the boy she remembered.

His face had matured, the blurred features of youth hardening into the planes and angles of adulthood with devastating effect. From the cleft in the firm chin to finely molded lips and high cheek bones there was a masculine beauty about him that Alaina found incredibly attractive.

  But it was the slight crow's feet at the corner of his eyes and the deep tan that intrigued her.  Jared Brady spent a great deal of time outside in the elements. It seemed completely out of character for the son of a wealthy businessman, as she knew him to be. So did the frown lines between the flaring dark brows.

Right now, as he told about Betsy’s wedding, the creases appeared as foreign to his nature as satin and lace. It wasn’t long before Alaina was laughing so hard her stomach hurt. 

“Well, here we are,” he said as they pulled up in front of the stage station. “Anything you need before we leave town?”

“No.”

“All right then. I’ll take your baggage in and be right back.” He tied the reins to the brake lever and jumped down. “I have to take this buggy back to the livery and arrange for someone to ride my rented horse back to Minneapolis.”

“You rented a horse?” Alaina asked in surprise as he grabbed her satchel out of the back. “Why didn’t you just wait and take the stage this morning?”

“Because I didn’t want to waste another day.  This way, we’ll be in Minneapolis in time to catch the train tonight and be back in Omaha by late tomorrow afternoon.”

“Are we in a hurry for some reason?”

“No, but I hate to ask Susan to wait any longer than I have to,” he said. “She was unhappy enough about staying in Omaha with only her maid while I came to get you.”

“That’s right. Angel told me you were bringing someone else back too.”

“Actually, Susan is my fiancée. She’s been visiting her relatives in the East.”

“Oh.” Alaina wondered why the news that he had a fiancée came as such a surprise.  He was twenty-eight, after all. Most men were married by the time they were his age. “I thought Angel said you were escorting a friend’s daughter back.”

“In a way. Her father is my commanding officer at Ft. Bridger.”

“You’re in the army?”

“No, I’m a civilian, but I work for the government as a surveyor and was assigned to the fort. I hate to make you walk from the livery stable, but I can’t very well leave you here by yourself.”

Alaina stood up. “Well, of course you can. My cousin Sven works here.”

“I should have guessed,” he said reaching up to help her down. “Angel told me you were related to half the town. The big blond, right?”

“How did you know?”

“Family resemblance. He’s nearly as big as your father. That reminds me,” he said reaching into his pocket. “Your father told me to give you this.”

Alaina stared down at the coin purse in her hand in mute astonishment. It was heavy and thick. “Papa sent me money?”

“It appears that way. Well, if you’re sure you’ll be all right here I’ll take the buggy back.”

Alaina smiled. “I’ve spent my whole life here, Jared. I’ll be fine.”

“I guess you will at that. I won’t be long.” 

Alaina watched him until he disappeared into the livery stable down the street before opening the purse. She looked inside and gaped in astonishment. There was a veritable fortune. There must be nearly a hundred dollars in the old worn purse. A tightly folded note was tucked against one side.  Alaina bit her lip as she unfolded the paper, but the note, like everything else that had happened during the last twelve hours was a complete surprise.

Dear Alaina,

When we left South pass City, Cameron Price tried to give this money to your mother to help take care of you. Mama refused to take it, so he gave it to me.  I saved it knowing someday you would want to find him. Whatever happens in Wyoming, remember Mama and I love you.

                                                                                                         Papa

How could he be so kind to her when she’d hurt him so badly? A welter of confusing emotions swirled through her as she stood there with the evidence of Garrick’s love in her hand. Her eyes burned as she remembered how steadfastly he maintained her right to know about her real father. She blinked away tears and went inside to wait for the stage.

With Sven’s cousinly teasing, the time passed quickly. Alaina and Jared were on the stage and rolling out of town almost before she knew it.  She experienced another flash of homesickness, but then thrust it all behind her.  Today was the beginning of her new life.  It was time she stopped looking back and started looking forward.

The trip to Minneapolis was uneventful. Alaina barely had time to draw her breath before Jared whisked her across town to the railroad station where they boarded a train and headed for Omaha.

 They hadn’t been on the train very long when night fell and the conductor converted their seats to a bed.  Jared let her have the more spacious bottom bunk while he climbed into the one above that folded down from the wall.  The wheels clacking along the track, and the unfamiliar swaying motion of the train kept Alaina awake most of the night. Frequent stops at stations woke her up the few times she did manage to doze off.  By morning she was almost relieved to get up and make her bed back into a seat.

There was a long line of women waiting to use the single ladies’ dressing room at the back of the car so Alaina returned to her seat to wait her turn. Jared sat down in the facing seat and handed her a roll he’d bought at one of the innumerable stops the day before.  Though it had gotten a little crushed, the roll was surprisingly tasty and she enjoyed every bite.

As she finished brushing the crumbs away, Alaina glanced up to find Jared staring at her as though he’d never seen her before.  Suddenly she was uncomfortably aware of her rumpled clothes and the hair that hung around her face in chaotic disarray. An attempt to refasten the bun on top of her head failed; she barely managed to keep it from all tumbling down around her shoulders.

The odd look on Jared' face was unnerving. “I never thanked you for coming so far out of your way to get me,” she said, searching frantically for something to say.

 “Thank Angel.  Her telegram more-or-less insisted. When she feels that strongly about something, you’re better off doing what she wants.  I’d rather deal with an angry cougar than face my sister when I’ve disappointed her.” Jared gave her a lop-sided grin. “Besides, how could I turn down a damsel in distress?”

  Alaina’s eyes widened in surprise. “Angel’s in trouble?”

“I meant you.”

“M...me?”

“Angel said it was an emergency of some sort.” He frowned. “That’s what you told her isn’t it?”

“No,...er...well...at least I didn’t mean to. She must have misunderstood my last letter.  I don’t express myself very well in writing.” Alaina thought back over the letter she’d written her Godmother last month. She vaguely remembered saying something about doing something desperate if her life didn’t change soon. Could that be why Angel had sent for her? The invitation has seemed like a godsend at the time.

His eyes narrowed. “Then your trip to Wyoming isn’t urgent??”

“N...no, not exactly.”

“Oh, this is just great. Susan’s ready to murder me for leaving her in Omaha even for a matter of life and death.  Now I find out it’s nothing more than a silly whim of a hysterical schoolgirl.”

“It’s not a silly whim,” Alaina said, stung by his tone, “and I’m no schoolgirl. I’ll have you know I turned eighteen two months ago.”

“A very great age, to be sure,” he said sarcastically.

“Most girls my age are married already.”

“Oh, so your sudden interest in Wyoming has to do with husband hunting, then?”

“No! I...it’s...personal and...and I’d rather not discuss it.”

“Oh, Lord,” Jared murmured a shocked voice. “I never thought of that. I’m sorry.” He stared at her a moment  longer, then appeared to give himself a mental shake. “Don’t worry, nobody would ever guess to look at you and your secret is safe with me.”

“What secret?” she asked suspiciously.

“Hey,” he said patting her hand paternally, “everything’s going to be fine. You’re not the first girl to go to Angel when she found herself in a family way.”     

Alaina nearly choked on her surprise. “You think I’m pregnant?” she asked in a strangled voice.

“You’re not?”

“I most certainly am not!” Alaina retorted.  

Jared frowned again. “If you aren’t expecting, then what’s the problem?”

“That’s none of your business. I said it was personal, and it is. That doesn’t give you the right to assume the worst.”

 He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. “Look, I didn’t mean to insult you. It just seemed logical from the way you were acting. My sister has a habit of collecting stray girls in trouble. That’s all.”

Alaina stiffened angrily. “I’m not a stray; I’m her God-daughter! Now if you’ll excuse me, I see the lady’s dressing room is finally empty.  I think I’ll go freshen up.”

 Well, he’d certainly handled that well, Jared thought as he watched her stalk down the aisle to the dressing room. So much for the timid little country bumpkin. Until now he’d been pleasantly surprised by her sweet uncomplaining attitude, especially since he’d expected a spoiled imp like his sister Betsy.  Alaina might have been raised in the country, but there was nothing the least bit timid about her. She had obviously perfected the womanly art of turning the tables on unwary men.

 Women! He’d spent his life surrounded by them, and they were all completely incomprehensible. He’d gone out of his way to help her, at great inconvenience to himself, and now he was the villain. Typical female logic. It made no sense at all.

 Jared sighed and looked out the window, trying hard to hold on to his anger. But all he could think of were Alaina’s incredible blue eyes. Even at five years old, her eyes had reminded him of sunbeams and stardust. They were no less beautiful now.  A pale robin egg blue, flecked with darker blue and ringed with indigo, they were the kind of eyes that haunted a man’s sleep and twisted his guts in the strangest way. The kind of eyes that were going to send Susan into a jealous frenzy.

Jared closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. Why couldn’t Alaina be the freckle-faced, gangly adolescent he’d expected? It would have made life so much simpler. With hair the color of wild honey and eyes so blue a man could drown in them, Alaina would turn male heads everywhere she went.  Susan wasn’t going to like that one bit. Nor was Alaina likely to be awed by the slightly older, more sophisticated Susan.

Putting the two of them together was going to be like pouring kerosene on a forest fire. “Oh, Angel,” he murmured. “What have you done to me?”

Issue # 4

“Wake up, Alaina, we’re here.”

 Alaina started and sat up rubbing her eyes. “Where?”        

“Omaha,” Jared said as she eagerly looked out the window. “I’m sorry we don’t have time to spend sightseeing.”           

“That’s all right. I’m sure I’ll see plenty of interesting things before we get to Laramie City.” She picked up her satchel and threw her coat over her arm.  “Do we have another train to catch today?”

Jared resisted the urge to reach over and straighten her bonnet. “No, we’ll be staying the night.  Susan and her maid are waiting for us at the Victorian. I’ll get you a room as soon as we get there.”

“I’ve never stayed in a real hotel before.”

“Well, you will tonight.” He took the satchel from her hand and headed toward the street. “Come on, let’s see if we can find a carriage.”

 Alaina tried not to gawk at all the amazing sights while he arranged their transport.  Once inside the coach, however, she could hardly contain herself as she gazed avidly through the dingy glass window at the throngs of people in the street.  Cowboys in dusty boots and sweat-stained hats rubbed shoulders with businessmen in suits.  “The Wild West!” she breathed.            

“Not quite,” Jared said in amusement. “Omaha is almost civilized. You’ll see the difference soon enough.”

“I can’t wait!”  Alaina was vaguely aware of Jared watching her with amused tolerance, but she didn’t care a snap of her fingers what he thought. All the sights outside the dirty glass were new and exciting. Other than a few trips to Minneapolis where they stayed with family, most of her nineteen years had been spent in her tiny hometown.

 Her awe increased by leaps and bounds when they arrived at the Victorian.  A huge chandelier hung in crystalline splendor from the vaulted ceiling of the lobby. The late afternoon sunlight glinted off the crystals and threw sparks of light on the intricate paintings that ran along the top of the walls. Naked cherubs danced gaily around the room, darting in and out among flowers and vines.  Alaina wondered how long it had taken the artist to create it as she gazed around in open-mouthed wonder.  Jared’s angry voice called her attention away with a jerk.

“What do you mean you don’t have any rooms?” he demanded.

“Just what I said,” the clerk murmured apologetically.  “All of our rooms are full.”

“When I asked you day before yesterday, you said getting another room today wouldn’t be a problem.”

“That was day before yesterday. You should have made a reservation.”

“I tried, but you said I didn’t need one.”

“I didn’t know we were going to fill up. Perhaps another hotel...”

“I don’t have time to run around Omaha looking for another room. You promised me...”

“Jared!”

The cultured voice stopped Jared in mid-tirade and drew a long-suffering grimace from the clerk.  Alaina glanced toward the curved marble staircase and caught her breath in surprise. The beautiful woman who walked down the last few steps with a graceful air, was just the sort of woman she’d expect Jared to marry. From the tips of her satin slippers to the top of her perfectly coifed auburn hair, she was the epitome of wealthy elegance. Alaina suddenly felt horribly awkward and immature in her simple country dress and sturdy shoes.

“I didn’t expect you back until after dark,” Susan said moving gracefully to the desk and turning her cheek up to Jared.

Jared dutifully dropped a kiss on it. “We caught the early train.”

“I’m glad. It’s been so dull without you.”

“I missed you, too, Susan,” he said with a fond smile.

Susan rewarded him with a brilliant smile of her own then turned her attention to Alaina. “And this must be Elaine.” 

“It’s Alaina,” Alaina said, wondering why Susan’s smile seemed completely different when it was focused on her instead of Jared. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Why, Jared,” Susan said as though Alaina hadn’t spoken, “You led me to believe your sister’s goddaughter was a child. She’s almost a young woman.”

Though Susan was obviously not much older than she, Alaina suddenly felt about six years old.

“Now that you’re here, I won’t have to have dinner sent up to my room,” Susan was saying. “You will take me to the dining room won’t you?”

He made a face. “I can’t, I’m afraid. There’s been some kind of mix-up. The clerk says there aren’t any more rooms. It looks like I’ll have to give Alaina mine and go find another place to stay.” He sighed. “It’s really going to make things difficult, since our train leaves at nine o’clock.”

“Nine o’clock!” Susan looked revolted. “What an ungodly hour. Do you realize how early we’ll have to get up?”

“Yes, and it will be that much worse because I won’t be here to help. God knows how far I’ll have to go to find a room.”

“You know, there is a much simpler solution,” Susan said. “Elaine can share my room.”

Jared looked doubtful. “I hate to inconvenience you.”

“Don’t be silly. It won’t be any trouble at all, there’s plenty of room. Besides, she looks about done in.”

“It was a fast trip,” Jared agreed.

“Poor girl,” Susan repeated sympathetically. “I’ll take her up and get her settled. We’ll meet for dinner in say, twenty minutes?”

“All right.” He flashed his fiancée a grateful smile. “I should have known I could count on you, Susan.”

“Yes, you should have. A wife’s job is to take care of annoying little details for her husband. Come along, dear, I’ll take you up and get you settled.”

An annoying little detail was she? Alaina had to bite her tongue as she followed the other woman across the lobby and up the stairs. She wondered how Susan would deal with an annoying little detail like a swift kick in the backside. A moment later Alaina took herself to task for such an uncharitable attitude. In spite of what Susan had said to Jared, it was bound to be vexing to have a stranger in her room. The other woman really was being very kind under the circumstances.

“You must be exhausted,” Susan said as she reached the top of the stairs. “Men don’t understand how tiring traveling can be for a woman. I’ll have a tray sent up so you can eat in your room.”

“I’m not all that tired, and it will only take me a minute to freshen up. I can easily come downstairs.”

Susan unlocked a door and stepped aside so Alaina could enter. “Nonsense. I wouldn’t hear of it.  You need your rest.”

Alaina entered the room and looked around in surprise. After the opulence downstairs in the lobby she had expected something far more extravagant. Though she had no idea what a hotel room should look like, she wasn’t prepared for a room smaller than the one she shared with baby Mary at home. 

She set her satchel on the bed and was untying the ribbons on her bonnet when a door on the far side of the room opened and a harried-looking woman looked in.

“Was you needing me for anything, Miss Prescott?”

Susan shook her head. “No, Phoebe, I just brought Miss Ellinson up. She’ll be sharing your room tonight.”

Phoebe raised her brows. “Mr. Jared’s friend?”

“His sister’s godchild,” Susan said with a frown. “She’s nothing to Jared.”

“Course not. Will you be wanting your usual cup of chocolate at bedtime tonight?”        

“No, and don’t wait up for me.  I’ll likely be late.”   

“Not if Mr. Jared has a lick of sense,” Phoebe muttered as the door slammed behind her mistress.  Her frown relaxed as she turned to Alaina. “I’m Phoebe Lane,” she said with a smile, “Miss Prescott’s maid.”

“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Alaina Ellinson.”

“I know, Mr. Jared’s friend.” Phoebe grinned.  “I’ll bet her royal highness about burst a stay when she saw you. She was expecting someone in braids and short skirts.”

“Miss Prescott has been very kind.”

“Sure she has.  That’s why you’re sharing a room with me instead of having one of your own like you should have.”

“There weren’t any more so she said I could stay with her.”

Phoebe nodded knowingly. “Then shunted you off into her maid’s room just like she intended to all along. I’ll wager she came out smelling like a rose with Mr. Jared too. She’s a sly one, she is.”

Through the open door, Alaina could see Susan’s room.  It was fully as luxurious as Phoebe’s was plain. She blinked as she realized how skillfully Susan had manipulated the situation. She’d disposed of an unwanted extra for dinner and earned Jared’s gratitude in the process with absolutely no inconvenience to herself.

Issue #6

When dinner was over, Jared escorted the three women back to the now converted sleeping car, then took himself off to give them some privacy to prepare for bed.

 Susan laid claim to the women’s dressing room at the end of the car, so Alaina took off her shoes and climbed into the tiny upper berth. She had to sit cross-legged with her head nearly touching the polished ceiling of the car to remove her dress. It was difficult and uncomfortable, but she was determined not to appear rumpled the next morning.

 As if things weren't bad enough, the curtains around her berth didn’t quite close at the bottom. Afraid someone would pass by and look in, Alaina hurried as fast as she could.  Even so, it took several minutes of concentrated struggle to take off her dress, hang it on the strap looped there for her convenience, remove all but one of her petticoats and to loosen her corset. Maneuvering herself around so she could crawl under the covers was another ordeal. When she snuggled down into her berth at last, she discovered it was rather like sleeping on a board.

Even so, it wasn’t long before the long day caught up with her, and she began to drift off. Just as the first tendrils of sleep curled through her mind, the train went around a  particularly sharp curve and lurched violently.  Alaina’s relaxed body pitched over the edge of the berth. She smacked into an unsuspecting fellow passenger who was walking down the aisle.

“Well, this is an unexpected surprise,” said an amused masculine voice as strong arms steadied her.

Alaina looked past the blue uniform of a soldier up into the brilliant green eyes of a total stranger. “Oh!” She felt the heat climb her face as she stared up at him in horrified embarrassment. “I...I’m so sorry.  The train...”

“No need to apologize,” he said setting her back on her feet. “I’ve been thrown out of these train berths myself.”

“What the hell is going on here?” said a familiar menacing voice.

 Alaina winced. What a rotten time for Jared to come back. He stood there glaring at her benefactor as though he’d just as soon take the man apart as listen to an explanation. “I...I fell out of bed,” Alaina said wishing she could sink through the floor and disappear. “He broke my fall.”

She might as well have not spoken for all the attention Jared paid her. “I think you’d better explain yourself, Lieutenant,” he growled.

“It was just as she said,” the stranger said releasing her.  “The train went around a sharp curve and threw your wife out of bed. I happened to be walking by and caught her.  It happens all the time.”

“Oh, but we’re not...” Jared’s frown stopped her in mid-sentence.  Alaina felt like an idiot. Other passengers were already sticking their heads out of their berths to see what was going on. Lord, could it get any worse?

“Elaine, what on earth?” As if on cue, Susan emerged from the women’s dressing room modestly wrapped in her traveling cloak. The other woman’s look of shocked dismay made Alaina suddenly aware that she was standing there in front of a dozen people wearing only her shift and a petticoat. She closed her eyes in mortification. Was it possible for a person to die of embarrassment?

“Jared, she’s practically naked,” Susan whispered in horrified accents.

“Damn,” Jared said as though he’d just noticed. “Phoebe, hand me that gown will you?”

Alaina opened her eyes just in time to see Phoebe give Jared Susan’s blue satin dressing gown. “This will solve the problem nicely,” he said, stepping forward and placing it around her shoulders.

“Thank you,” Alaina murmured gratefully, slipping her arms into the sleeves and pulling it closed with the long satin belt. Unfortunately, the garment looked like it had been created more for seduction than modesty.  The way it clung to her curves and dipped enticing between her breasts made Alaina feel nearly as exposed as before.

If looks had the power to kill, Susan’s would have dropped Alaina on the spot. With sudden clarity, she realized Susan had intended to appear in the frothy creation of satin and lace herself.  The other woman must have been waiting for Jared to return before making her entrance. She’d obviously changed her mind when the intended audience of one turned into a crowd.

 Alaina couldn’t fault her for that. All she wanted to do herself was hide. She turned toward her berth. “I think I’ll go back to bed,” she whispered in a choked voice as she prepared to climb to her bed. “Good night.”

Strong hands grasped her around the waist and boosted her up. Alaina didn’t know if it was Jared or the stranger and at that point, didn’t much care. All she could think of was getting out of sight before she died of humiliation. She scrambled inside and let the curtains fall closed behind her.  Alaina sighed in relief as the stranger bid her companions good night and took his leave. With any kind of luck she’d never see him again.

“It’s a good thing he was a gentleman,” Susan told Jared accusingly. “What do you suppose she was thinking of?”

“Probably wishing us all at the devil, and I can’t say that I blame her.”

 “I’ve never been so embarrassed,” Susan said in mortified accents.

 “What did you have to be embarrassed about? Alaina was the one who got thrown out of bed in her underwear.”

“I meant for her, of course,” Susan amended.  “You know how my delicate sensibilities are affected by other’s pain.”

Alaina thought she heard a derisive snort, but she couldn’t tell if it came from Jared or Phoebe.  With a shake of her head, she removed the borrowed dressing gown and crawled under the covers again.  The loop that she’d hung her dress on suddenly caught her eye. Had she misunderstood its purpose?  After a moment, she pulled the dress free and grabbed the strap. Securely anchored to her bed at last, the embarrassment faded and she was soon fast asleep.

The first rays of sunlight were creeping in through the windows when Alaina next awakened.  She felt hot and sticky, and vastly uncomfortable. Not only did her berth feel like the inside of an oven, the mattress hadn’t softened one bit during the night. She turned stiffly from her side to her back, wincing as her muscles protested the movement.

A moment later she forgot all about her discomfort as she gazed at the ceiling above her in amazement. The early morning sunlight reflected an image of the next berth in the highly polished wood of the ceiling.  Jared slept on his back, naked from the waist up. One arm was flung carelessly over the side of the bunk and his long legs bent to fit in the cramped space. Even in the imperfect reflection, she could see the well-developed chest and arms, and a thin line of hair that ran down his belly and disappeared enticingly beneath the blanket.

As Alaina’s gaze followed the smooth masculine contours of his body, she felt an odd twist in her middle. Jared Brady could make her angry faster than anyone she knew, but she found herself wondering what would it be like to touch him, to trace the strong column of his neck or the firm muscles of his chest.

With a sudden violent movement, he lifted his hand to brush away a fly that landed on his cheek.  As he shifted on his berth, it occurred to Alaina that he could wake up any minute and catch her watching him sleep. She’d had enough humiliation the night before to last her for a while. There was no way she was going to set herself up for another embarrassing episode. Regretfully, she pulled her gaze away and sat up.

 Deciding she’d rather face an angry Susan than take a chance on Jared waking up while she was dressing, Alaina put on the blue dressing gown and gathered her things. She cautiously peered out through her curtains then slipped out of bed and hurried down the aisle to the women’s dressing room. 

By the time Alaina had finished dressing and combing her hair, the conductor was moving through the car waking the passengers.  Alaina met Phoebe just outside the door of the dressing room. “I suppose you’re after this,” she said holding up the dressing gown.

“Nope, but I’m sure glad to see you’re already up,” Phoebe said with a relieved smile.  “Can you disappear for a while?”

Alaina blinked. “What?”

Phoebe glanced over her shoulder and lowered her voice to a whisper. “Her royal highness is not in the best of moods this morning, and I think you’re the cause.” 

“But why? I didn’t do anything.”

Phoebe grinned wickedly. “Of course you did. Look at all the attention you got last night and in the expensive peignoir she’s been saving to impress Mr. Jared with to boot. You even had the gall to look better in it than she does.”

“Oh surely not,” Alaina protested.

“Yup, I’ve seen her in it, and it looks a whole lot better on you. Neither the lieutenant nor Mr. Jared could take their eyes off you, and that didn’t set too well. She’ll need some time to cool off before she sees you.”

Alaina bit her lip. “Oh, dear. I guess I could go to the dining car.”

“Phoebe!” They both winced at the sound of Susan’s voice.

Phoebe rolled her eyes. “I have to go.”

“Wait, don’t forget this,” Alaina said thrusting the dressing gown into Phoebe’s hands. “I’ll see you at breakfast.”

With a grateful wave, Phoebe hurried back to Susan’s berth.

Alaina sighed as she watched her friend go. Poor Phoebe.  She’d probably wind up getting the brunt of Susan’s displeasure though she had nothing to do with the cause. Inadvertently, Alaina’s gaze strayed to the curtains surrounding Jared’s berth. The image of how he’d appeared in first rays of the morning sun came to mind, and she swallowed hard. She wondered if she’d ever be able to look at him without thinking about the body that lay beneath his clothes. With a wry smile Alaina turned away. Of course, the minute he opened his mouth, the urge to kick him would probably drive any such improper thoughts right out of her head. 

She soon forgot all about Jared as she threaded her way through the other cars, dodging fellow passengers in various stages of dress and irritation. It was obvious she wasn’t the only one who had problems with the berths. One woman seemed particularly exasperated as she complained loudly to anyone who would listen.  Alaina narrowly missed being struck by an especially wild gesture as she squeezed around the woman’s considerable bulk.  The woman stopped long enough to glare at her.

“I...I’m terribly sorry,” Alaina murmured backing away. “I didn’t mean to...oof.”  She stumbled slightly as she collided with solid wall of flesh behind her.

“Well, good morning,” said a vaguely familiar masculine voice as strong hands steadied her.

Startled, she turned and immediately recognized the young lieutenant from the night before. “Oh, my.” Alaina could feel heat creeping up her neck and imagined her face turning bright red.

 He smiled disarmingly.  “We do seem to have a habit of running into each other don’t we?”

“I’m sorry...I didn’t...I mean, I wasn’t...”

“Don’t think anything of it.  On a crowded train like this, it’s impossible not to bump into people now and then. Actually, I’m rather glad this happened.”

“Y...you are?”

He nodded. “In all the ruckus last night, I never apologized for embarrassing you.”

“That wasn’t your fault.” Alaina dropped her gaze to her tightly clasped hands. “I never got the chance to thank you for catching me.”

“Glad I was there to do it.” He smiled again.  “We didn’t get around to introducing ourselves, either. Lt. Sean Kirkpatrick at your service.”

 “I’m Alaina Ellinson.”

“I was on my way to the dining car.  Perhaps you and your husband could join me for breakfast.”

“Oh, I don’t think...”

Suddenly Jared was there beside her. “We have other plans, thank you. Come along dear.” He gave the young Lieutenant a tight smile as he took Alaina’s elbow in a firm grip and propelled her along through the crowd.

“That was rude!” Alaina exclaimed.

“And what you were doing was foolhardy.”

“Foolhardy! All I was doing was talking to him.”

“That’s how it starts. You aren’t in your one horse hometown anymore. Out here in the real world, men like the lieutenant are just waiting to take advantage of sweet little innocents like you.”

“Oh, for pity’s sake.” She pulled her elbow out of his grasp with an indignant yank. “You sound just like my mother.  Even if every man in the world were out to seduce me, I have enough sense not to let them succeed.”

Jared raised a brow. “If you keep getting the same advice from people around you, perhaps you should listen. It’s just possible they might know what they’re talking about.” He took her elbow again. “Come on. I don’t have all day to stand around explaining what should be obvious. We need to get a table in the dining car. Susan will have a fit if she has to wait for her breakfast.”

“And we certainly wouldn’t want to upset dear Susan would we?” Alaina snapped jerking her arm free for the second time.

“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that.”

“Suit yourself,” she said. With a final glare, she turned and marched toward the back of the car.

Jared gritted his teeth. Contrary little hornet! Alaina Ellinson might have the face of an angel, but she was as irritating as a burr under the saddle.  

“That nice young Lieutenant is looking over here again,” Phoebe whispered to Alaina. “I think he’s interested in you. He’s hardly been out of sight since we met him and that was three nights ago.”

"He probably feels sorry for me," Alaina whispered back. “He thinks I’m married to Jared.” “Where on Earth did he get that idea?”

“From Jared, that’s where.  I'm sure Lt. Kirkpatrick thinks I'm the unluckiest woman he's ever met.”

Phoebe frowned. “I don’t see why. Any woman would be thrilled to be married to Mr. Jared. He’s the kindest man I’ve ever known.”

“That's because he likes you better than he does me,” Alaina muttered glowering at Jared who sat on the opposite seat. As far as Phoebe was concerned, he walked on water.  She couldn’t see the autocratic bully behind the handsome face. Of course, he hadn’t been treating Phoebe like a ten-year old that couldn’t be trusted out of his sight for five minutes either.

 Any softening in Alaina’s attitude toward Jared had evaporated when he took it upon himself to be her self-appointed watchdog. If a stranger so much as glanced her way, Jared was between them bristling like a porcupine. She couldn’t even strike up an innocent conversation without him butting in and dragging her away.

All in all, the trip hadn’t been nearly as exciting as she had hoped. Garrick Ellinson and Cameron Price were never far from her mind. More than once she had slipped off into a pensive silence, though no one seemed to notice.  She longed to share her secret with someone, but Phoebe had enough on her hands just dealing with Susan. The farther they traveled, the more irritating Susan became. At least being mad at Susan kept Alaina from thinking too deeply.

“There’s Laramie City,” Phoebe cried pressing her nose to the window.  “I can see the water tower.”

 Glad to be distracted from her irritation with Jared, Alaina looked over Phoebe’s shoulder. A handful of bleak clapboard houses huddled next to the track, their dingy paint cracked and peeling. “It isn’t much to look at is it?”  A loud whistle from the locomotive cut off her words. The screech of metal on metal replaced the rhythmic clack of wheels as the train slowed.

 “There’s nothing here but the railroad and the Territorial Prison,” Susan said with a shudder of disgust.

Jared frowned. “My sister and her husband don’t feel that way.  They based their business empire here.”

“Business is another matter entirely,” Susan said dismissing the subject as though it were of little importance. “Is that your sister?”

Jared looked out the window. “It sure is. Looks like she brought the children along too.”

“She brings her children out in public with her?”

“Angel and Ox waited a long time for children. They take their children just about everywhere with them,” Jared said as the train came to a stop in front of the depot.  “Make sure we have everything.”

It only took Alaina a few moments to collect her satchel, but she knew better than to try and leave the train before Susan. The last thing she wanted was to be the cause of a scene, especially in front of her godmother. This way Susan was too busy making sure Phoebe and Jared had all her bags to pay Alaina any mind.

As she stood patiently waiting, several other passengers moved past her on their way out.  She stepped aside when one stopped next to her.

“I guess this is where we say good-bye.”

Startled, Alaina looked up and encountered Lieutenant Kirkpatrick’s rueful smile. “I...I guess so,” she said.

“Do you and your husband live in Laramie City?”

“No, I’m just visiting.” Alaina caught sight of Jared’s disapproving frown and her jaw tightened. “And I’m not married. Jared is my...uncle.”

“Your uncle?” The lieutenant glanced at Jared and Susan. “Then she’s your aunt,” he said as though he’d just figured out a difficult puzzle. “I wondered.”

Alaina bit back a smile. Wouldn’t Susan love that?  “I’m only traveling as far as Laramie City with them.”

“Ah, I see. Will you be staying long?”

“Well, I’m not exactly sure...”

“Good morning, Lieutenant. This is where we get off,” Jared broke in. “I’m sure you’ll understand if we don’t stop to chat.”

“Of course. I was just telling your niece good-bye.”

“Good-bye, Lieutenant,” Alaina said quickly. “Have a good trip.”

“Thank you.” The lieutenant gave her a warm smile. “And good luck to you.”

“Thanks. I may need it.”

 “Susan and Phoebe are already on their way out,” Jared said taking Alaina’s arm and propelling her toward the door.  “What was that all about anyway?”

“Just what he said. He stopped to say good-bye.”

“How did I suddenly become your uncle?”

“I didn’t want to leave him with the impression that we were married.” Alaina glared at him. “I can’t think of a worse fate.”

“Neither can I,” Jared said with feeling.       

Susan was standing impatiently by the door. “Jared, hurry. Your sister is waiting.”

“I’m coming.” He glanced down at Alaina with a forbidding frown. “Please try to remember this isn’t the safe little town where you grew up. The people here aren’t what you’re used to. It’s dangerous to talk to men you don’t know.”

“Thank you for that little piece of wisdom. I think I can manage to stay out of trouble now,” she said sarcastically. “You’d better run along. We wouldn’t want to keep Susan waiting.”

The muscles in his jaw bunched into a hard knot.  “No, I wouldn’t. I’ve waited a long time to introduce her to my family.  Now if you’ll excuse me...”

Alaina bit her lip as she watched him walk away. She really couldn’t blame him for being angry, but he had a way of bringing out the worst in her.  Uncertain what to do, she stood back and watched as Jared presented his fiancée to his sister.  Suddenly, Alaina realized she was intruding on a family gathering. Maybe that’s why Susan was so hostile.

Alaina turned to watch new passengers board the train, and focused on the hiss of steam rather the cozy family gathering on the platform. She felt very alone. It wasn’t long, however, until Angel extricated herself from the group and hurried over.  Alaina could see a few streaks of silver in the red hair that hadn’t been there before and a few extra lines in her face, but otherwise she was unchanged.

“Alaina!” Angel cried over the hiss of the engine. She enveloped her Goddaughter in a rose-scented hug. “I’m so glad you came.  I can’t tell you how much I’ve been looking forward to your visit.  My heavens, what happened to the little girl I used to dandle on my knee?”

Alaina smiled and hugged her back with deep affection. “I grew up.”

“You certainly have. Goodness, you must be a head taller than I am.” Angel gazed at her fondly for a moment then took her arm and led her back to the other group as the locomotive picked up steam and chugged out of the station.” How are your parents?”

“Mama’s fine.”

“Just Mama? What about Papa?”

“Garrick’s fine too,” Alaina said dropping her gaze.

Angel looked surprised. “We’re going to have to have a long chat aren’t we?”

Alaina twisted her fingers together. “Y...yes we are.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll have plenty of time for that,” Angel said, giving her another hug.  “Let’s go home so you can rest before lunch. I’ll bet you’re all exhausted.”         

As it turned out, it was late afternoon before Alaina and Angel got their chance to talk. The houses farther from the tracks were more to Susan’s taste, particularly the one belonging to Ox and Angel Treenery. It was an imposing three-story structure with twin towers on either side of the entryway, a curved oak staircase, several stained glass windows, and a large formal garden. There was a steady stream of visitors from the moment they arrived home. It seemed as if all of Laramie City had turned out to see Jared.

Susan dominated every conversation, unobtrusively, of course and with proper deference to her hostess.  She was in her element, but Alaina had never felt more out of place. Her small town upbringing had not prepared her for making pointless polite conversation. Worst of all, she was uncomfortably aware of Susan watching her like a hawk, waiting for her to commit an unforgivable social faux pas. She was even denied Phoebe’s company since the other women was busy unpacking her mistress’s clothing, not that Susan would allow a mere servant to come to tea anyway.

 About the only time Alaina felt at ease was when Angel allowed her daughters to join the grownups for tea. The oldest was twelve, the youngest six, and Alaina was more than happy to entertain them with a game of charades. The lively threesome reminded her of her brothers and helped keep the loneliness at bay. They were still playing when the last of the guests departed. It wasn’t long before their squeals of delight brought Susan’s disapproval down upon all of them.

“Do you think it’s a good idea to have the children here?” she asked. “I’m sure some of your visitors thought it most peculiar.”

Angel smiled benignly. “My friends are quite used to my children. They always come to tea.”

Jared grinned. “My mother started it and my older sisters continued the tradition. Betsy, Shannon and I always came to tea too, whether we wanted to or not.”

“For you and Shannon it was just another opportunity for mischief,” Angel said, sipping her tea. “My children come for the cookies and milk.”

“How fortunate that Elaine is with us then,” Susan said with a thinly veiled distaste.  “I know I wouldn’t have the slightest idea how to entertain children.”

Jared gave Susan an amused glance. “It’s just a matter of understanding what children like to do, which Alaina obviously does.”

Angel smiled. “It’s no surprise to me that Alaina’s a wonder with children. She’s Garrick’s daughter after all. I never saw anybody better with little ones.”

Alaina ducked her head. Her response brought a puzzled frown to Angel’s face. “Jared,” she said. “Ox is coming in on the four o’clock train. Why don’t you take the children down to the station and meet him?”

“Sure,” he said cheerfully. “What do you say, Susan, you want to come along?”

“Oh, yes,” Susan gushed. “I can’t tell you how much I’ve looked forward to meeting your brother-in-law.”

“Come on, Uncle Jared,” the girls cried, pulling him to his feet. “Let’s go meet Daddy.”

Susan glanced at the watch pinned to her bodice. “Goodness, I need to freshen up.”

 In a matter of minutes Angel and Alaina were alone. Angel’ smile was complacent. “I had a feeling Susan wouldn’t be able to resist the chance to meet the rich and powerful James Oxford Bruton Treenery the third as though she were part of the family already.”

Alaina gave her a confused look. “Who?”

“Ox. Only people like Susan ever use his full name. Anyway, now we can chat.”

“Won’t Ox wonder why you didn’t come down to meet him,” Alaina asked.

Angel shrugged. “Not when I tell him I haven’t had a chance yet to visit with our favorite god-daughter.  Now then, are you going to tell me what’s wrong?”

Alaina dropped her gaze to her lap. Now that the time had come to ask about Cameron Price, she found it unexpectedly difficult to put her question into words.  “It’s my father.”

“I suspected as much, but I can’t for the life of me think of anything Garrick could have done to upset you so. God never made a gentler soul.”

“He’s not my father,” Alaina whispered.

“What?”
“Cameron Price is my father, not Garrick Ellinson.”

“Oh, Lord.”

 Alaina glanced away.  “Mama told me she wasn’t married when she …she…”

“When she knew Cameron,” Angel said gently.

Alaina looked at her godmother. “You knew didn’t you?”

 “I knew,” Angel admitted, “but I hoped you’d never find out.”

“Why?” 

“There was no reason for you to know.”

“No reason!” Alaina was incredulous. “Cameron Price is my father.”

“Not really. Well, technically, he is I guess, but he’s never acted the part. Garrick and your mother were married long before you were born.”

“Pa… Garrick said Cameron didn’t know Mama was pregnant. I’m sure he would have married her if he’d known.”

“Perhaps,” Angel didn’t sound totally convinced. “The point is, he wasn’t there, and your mother was alone and starving. Garrick married her and saved you both.”

“Cameron left money for Mama to take care of me.”

Angel looked surprised. “He did?”
“Yes, he did, almost a hundred dollars worth. Papa…. I mean Garrick gave it to me just before I left home.” Alaina jumped to her feet and took a turn around the room. “It’s all so confusing to me. Can you tell me what happened?”

Angel sighed. “It’s a long story, and not really mine to tell. Your mother is the one...”

“Mama said the subject was closed.”

“What did Garrick say?”

“That I had the right to know about my real father.”

“He would,” Angel muttered.

“Garrick said Cameron didn’t even know about me until I was eight months old, and then he was fascinated with me.”

“In his own way he was, I suppose, but...”

“Don’t you see, Angel, Cameron Price never had the chance to be a father to me. My mother and Garrick robbed him of that when they got married and took me away. It was wrong.”

“Wrong? Alaina, I’ve never seen two people more in love than your mother and Garrick!”

“What about me?”

“What about you? Garrick couldn’t have loved you more if you’d been his own flesh and blood. From the moment you were born, that man doted on you. He’s been a father to you in every way that matters.”

“Except that he isn’t really my father.” Alaina looked down at her hands.  “I want you to help me.”

Angel raised her brows. “Help you what?”

“Find Cameron Price.”

“Find... Alaina, I haven’t seen him since you were a baby. I wouldn’t have the slightest idea where to start looking.”

“Oh,” Alaina frowned in disappointment.  “I thought you might know where he is.”

“No, I really didn’t know him all that well.  He left South Pass City about the same time your mother and Garrick did.  I haven’t heard anything about him since. I’m afraid I can’t be of much help.”

“Well someone must know where Cameron Price is.”

At that precise moment the door swung open and Susan swept in. “I seemed to have misplaced my gloves...” she began but broke off when she heard Alaina’s words. “Cameron Price!” she said in astonishment. “What earthly business would you have with him?”

Alaina’s eyes widened. “You know Cameron Price?”

“Well, of course I do. Captain Price is one of my father’s senior officers at Ft. Bridger.”                          

“Did you hear that?” Alaina turned shining eyes to Angel. “He’s at Ft. Bridger.

When does the next train leave?”

“Hold on now, you can’t just jump on a train and take off for Ft. Bridger by yourself,” Angel said in alarm. “It isn’t safe.”

“What isn’t?” Jared asked walking in.

“Nothing for you to worry about,” Alaina said brushing past him to get out the door. “I suppose I can wait and go to Ft. Bridger with you and Susan.” 

“That’s a much better idea,” Angel called after her approvingly. “We haven’t had nearly enough time together.”

“She wants to go Ft. Bridger!” Jared stared at Angel in dismay.  “Why?”

“To see Cameron Price. Susan told her he was there.”

“Cameron Price!  He’s there all right, but why does Alaina want to see him?”

Angel glanced at Susan then looked down at her nails. “It’s personal.”

“Personal..., Angel, I wouldn’t let any god-daughter of mine within ten miles of him!”

Angel frowned. “Still a lady’s man I take it?”

“Captain Price is a true gentleman,” Susan said indignantly. “My father says he’s one of his best men.” 

“He’s a brilliant strategist and a damn good army man,” Jared agreed.  “But he’s held the same rank since the War between the States. Word has it, he’s been busted five times for sleeping with the wives of his superior officers.”

“That’s not true. It was all because of one general’s wife who used him to make her husband jealous. Her plan worked so well the general destroyed any chance Captain Price had of ever getting another promotion,” Susan said indignantly. “You’ll pardon me if I don’t stay to chat. I seem to have left my gloves in my bedroom.”

 “Well, I see Cameron hasn’t changed much,” Angel observed as the sound of Susan’s angry footsteps receded down the hall. “He always did have the ability to turn a woman’s head.” She rose to her feet and paced to the window. “I need more time with Alaina before she sees him. Can you and Susan delay your trip to Ft. Bridger for a few days?”

“What difference will that make?”

“Isn’t it obvious? The longer she’s here, the better chance I have of changing her mind.”

“If you’re worried about me taking her to Ft. Bridger, you can relax.”

“Why is that?”

Jared gave a short laugh. “Are you kidding? I wouldn’t escort her to the corner to buy a newspaper.  Five days of traveling with Alaina Ellinson was enough to last me a lifetime.”           

Angel looked surprised.  “Why? She’s an absolute sweetheart.”

“That’s what I thought at first too. But then she showed her true colors. That girl has no respect for authority.”

“Authority! Oh, Jared, what did you do?”

“Nothing but try to keep her out of harm’s way. Alaina’s spent her life in a small town surrounded by a family of men nobody would even dream of tangling with. It’s given her a false sense of security that’s going to get her in trouble. I merely pointed that out to her several times.”

“Please tell me you didn’t call her a flirt.”

“No. To be honest, I don’t think she does it on purpose,” he admitted.  “She attracts men without even trying to. They swarm around her like bees around a flower.  I couldn’t let her out of my sight on that train without some would-be Romeo cozying up to her.”

“You sound jealous.”

“Jealous! She irritates the hell out of me.”

“And Susan doesn’t?”

“Of course not. She’s a true lady; not only beautiful, but predictable as well.”

Angel raised an eyebrow. “Predictable?”

“If you leave her somewhere, she’ll be there when you get back.”

“A most useful trait to be sure,” Angel murmured. 

“You won’t find Susan dashing off to explore all the cars on the train or striking up a conversation with a total stranger. Her manners are impeccable.”

“Just the sort of woman Father always wanted you to marry.”

“I never really thought of it that way, but I guess she is.” Jared glanced at the clock on the mantel. “Well, I’d better get moving if we’re going to get to the station before Ox.” He walked out of the room completely unaware of the speculative look on his sister’s face.

Issue # 9

“When does the next train leave for Ft. Bridger?” Alaina asked the man behind the ticket counter.

“The train don’t stop at Ft. Bridger. It goes right on by the fort and stops at Evanston, but there’s stage service from there out to the fort.” He pulled out his pocket watch. “The next train is due in any minute.”

Alaina glanced around nervously. It was the same train that Ox would be on. She needed to get out of sight before Jared and the rest arrived. “How much is a ticket?”

“Well, let’s see.” The clerk opened the ticket drawer. “You’ll have to change trains at Granger and...”

“Never mind. She won’t be needing a ticket.” Jared’s voice broke over her like a shower of ice.

And who might you be?” asked the clerk.

“Nobody important,” Alaina said. “Now about my ticket...”

“The name’s Jared Brady, Angel Treenery’s brother and this is our niece.”

The clerk peered at him with a nearsighted squint for a minute then broke into huge grin. “Why sure, Jared. I remember you now. You’ve grown a might since I saw you last. This is your niece, you say?”

“That’s right.” Jared leaned forward confidentially. “Her parents sent her out here so Angel could keep an eye on her. She’s a little uncontrollable.”

“That’s not true!” Alaina glared at Jared. “He’s lying through his teeth.”

Jared shrugged. “You see how she is.”

The clerk nodded. “Used to have one just like her at home. Put the missus and me at wit’s end she did.” He gave Alaina a severe look as he closed the ticket drawer. “Reckon you won’t be needing a ticket after all. Best go with your uncle now like a good girl.”

“You can’t refuse to sell me a ticket on his say so,” Alaina said indignantly.

Jared smiled complacently. “He won’t have to. Ox will be here any minute to back me up.” 

“Ox will know the right way to handle her,” the clerk said approvingly. “You tell Angel not to worry about this one buying a ticket out of town. Nobody here will sell her one.”

“Thank you. I’m sure Ox and Angel will appreciate it,” Jared said taking Alaina’s arm.

“You’re despicable,” Alaina hissed as he led her outside the depot to the platform.         

“And you’re a spoiled brat. It’s a good thing I happened to see you in time to stop this nonsense. Were you just going to sneak off without telling Angel where you’d gone?”

“I left a note in my room. She knows why I have to get to Ft. Bridger even if she doesn’t agree.”

“The fact that she doesn’t approve should tell you something.”

“You know nothing about it.”

“I know you have no business going off on your own like this. You wouldn’t last ten minutes before some charlatan had robbed you of every cent you had. You may as well put going to Ft. Bridger out of your mind.”

“Who died and left you king? I don’t have to do what you say.”

“Maybe not, but I’m not taking you to Ft. Bridger. Without access to the railroad you can’t get there on your own.” He smiled smugly. “I’d say I won this round. Here are the others. You’d best put a smile on your face or the children will be asking you all sorts of questions you don’t want to answer.”

Alaina gritted her teeth. Someday she was going to stuff that arrogant self-assured attitude right down his throat.  A moment later, happy excited children surrounded her. Their pleased welcome and Susan’s obvious displeasure at their exuberance went a long way toward improving her mood. By the time the train pulled into the station Alaina was able to greet her godfather with a warm hug and a happy smile.

From the corner of her eye, she saw Jared relax his stance. Suddenly Garrick’s voice came back to her with an oft-repeated piece of advice. “Patience, min datter. Solutions for even the most difficult problems will come to you in time.” As a rule, that particular bit of logic irritated the devil out of her for patience was not one of her virtues. Still, it might just be a matter of biding her time until she could give her self-appointed jailer the slip. With that thought in mind, she went out of her way to appear resigned to her fate. 

By that evening Jared seemed to take for granted that he had successfully foiled her escape. It was obvious he hadn’t mentioned it to anyone as the family sat down to dinner. 

“If what I hear is true, the army will be putting you back to work any day, Jared,” Ox said helping himself to the potatoes.

“Oh?”

“The pass over the Snowy Range is open already. Isn’t that where your were surveying last fall?”

Jared looked surprised. “Yes it is, but we weren’t expecting the pass to clear until July.”

“It was an open winter and there wasn’t much snow in the high country,” Ox pointed out. “I don’t know as I’d get too excited just yet, though. We could still have a spring storm or two up there.”
“I’ll send a telegram to Ft. Bridger tomorrow,” Jared said. “They may decide to send the survey crew out early this summer.”

“If not, maybe you and Susan could go back to Ft. Bridger by going over the pass and down into Saratoga,” Angel said with a twinkle in her eye. “Ox took me that way shortly after we were married. I’d never been camping before.”

“Camping?” Susan looked horrified.

“Only for three or four nights,” Angel assured her. “Once you reach Saratoga, it’s only a day and a half trip north to the railroad at Hannah. The scenery is breath-taking. If you’re lucky you may even get to see a bear or a moose.”

“A bear?” Susan said faintly.

Angel nodded. “Jared just loves the mountains, you know. He’s gone to the Snowys every summer since he was little. I’m sure you’ll soon learn to enjoy it as much as he does.”

 “Relax, Susan.” Jared said. “Angel’s just teasing you.”

She stiffened indignantly. “I see.”

  “Don’t take it personally,” Ox said with a grin. “Angel and I have a few scores to settle with Jared from our courting days.”

“Like the time Jared and my sister Shannon locked us in the barn together,” Angel added.

Jared laughed. “You should be thanking me for that. If it hadn’t been for Shannon and me, you two would have never gotten married.”

“Ha! Ox was lucky to survive you two and your shenanigans at all.”

Ox raised a brow. “You, know, Susan, you might want to reconsider marrying this fiancé of yours. He was quite a terror as a boy. His children will likely be the same way. One time he....”

Normally Alaina would have enjoyed listening to the tales of Jared’s misspent youth almost as much as watching Susan’s growing consternation. But tonight she could barely concentrate on what the others were saying. All she could think about was the pass over the mountain and the escape route it represented.

By the time everyone said their goodnights and headed for bed, Alaina had come up with a plan that would get her to Ft. Bridger in spite of Jared Brady. Though she’d never actually been in the mountains, she’d grown up going on overnight trips in the woods with her father and brothers.  Best of all Jared couldn’t stop her from buying a train ticket once she got to Hannah

In the privacy of her room, Alaina dug out the battered purse Garrick had given her. Since Jared had insisted on paying for everything on their trip, she had spent very little of her money. There was plenty to rent a horse and buy supplies.  The horse would be no problem; she’d passed the livery stable on her way from the train station. Supplies would be a little more difficult, but surely she’d find some place to buy them between Laramie City and the mountain.

She settled down into bed with a smile on her face. The thought of thwarting Jared Brady was almost as intoxicating as the promise of adventure. As she drifted off, she wondered what it would be like to have him actually approve of something she did. Though it wasn’t likely to happen, the novel thought was nearly as intriguing as the idea of besting him. 

The first rays of the sun were just peeking up over the horizon when Alaina awakened Phoebe pretending to have a headache. Phoebe was most sympathetic and promised to make sure no one woke Alaina once she got back to sleep.

 When Phoebe quietly closed the door and returned to her own bed, Alaina put pillows under her blankets to look like she was still asleep. Then she dressed and crept out of the house. With any kind of luck they wouldn’t realize she was gone until early afternoon. By then she’d be well on her way.

The sleepy boy at the livery stable was less than enthusiastic about renting her a horse until she mentioned her relationship to Ox and Angel Treenery. The boy’s unwillingness disappeared in an instant and he became most obliging. She was secretly glad when he told her he didn’t have a sidesaddle and she’d have to settle for a regular saddle instead. It would make crossing the mountains much easier. With a final reminder to deliver the note she left in his keeping, Alaina climbed into the saddle and turned her horse west toward the mountains.

Though Alaina hadn’t ridden astride much in the last few years, and her skirts made it a bit more cumbersome, she had little difficulty controlling her mount. When she stopped in the tiny town of Centennial to buy supplies, she was rewarded with the information that the pass was indeed open. The talkative storekeeper told her it would take several days of hard riding to get to Saratoga so she bought enough food to last ten days to be safe.  Jerky, and a small sack each of beans, flour and cornmeal and a few odds and ends made up her purchases.

It would be so much easier if she could have carried more canned goods, then she wouldn’t have to stop so early every night to camp. Unfortunately, she only had so much room on her horse.  She bought an empty flour sack to carry it all in and two blankets to keep her warm. Then, as a treat to herself for outsmarting Jared Brady, she added a loaf of fresh bread and a small wheel of cheese for her lunch.

 By early afternoon she was well into the foothills and had started to climb. Angel hadn’t exaggerated a bit when she called the scenery breath taking. Alaina stopped by a sparkling clear stream to eat and gazed about in wonder. Bright yellow wild flowers poked though the tender green grass, while ground squirrels chattered at her from a nearby boulder. Across the meadow she could see the faint outline of a doe and her fawn watching her from the trees. No wonder Jared loved these mountains. 

It was surprisingly chilly in the mountains, so she put on her coat.  For once she was glad she didn’t have a more stylish pelisse.  The coat, though definitely what Susan would call countrified, would at least keep her arms warm while she was riding.  A pleased smile crossed her face when she found her woolen mittens in the pockets.  Now she was ready for anything!

As she packed up the remains of her meal, Alaina found herself thinking about Jared.  Though it was possible she might reach the fort ahead of Susan and him, it was doubtful. She was still wondering how she was going to get around him when the first drops of moisture hit her face. Startled, she looked up at the rapidly darkening sky. Huge fluffy snowflakes drifted lazily down from heavy gray clouds. At first there were only a few but before long they began to cover trail. Alaina shivered as a slight breeze tugged at her cloak. Suddenly, the mountains seemed anything but friendly.

“I’m sorry to disturb you, Mrs. Treenery,” Phoebe said apologetically from the sitting room door. “But there’s a stable boy out front who says he has a message for you.” 

Angel looked surprised as she rose to her feet. “How strange. I wonder who it’s from.”

“Something terrible must have happened,” Susan observed as Angel left the room. “I knew it was a mistake for your brother in-law to take the children on such a dangerous outing.”

Jared folded the newspaper he’d been reading. “They went fishing, for heaven’s sake. The worst that could happen is someone falling in and getting wet.”

“One of the children could have drowned.”

“Highly unlikely. The creek they went to is barely knee deep.”

“When did she give you this note?” Angel asked, coming back into the room with the boy from the livery.

“‘Bout dawn. She rented a horse and headed out to meet the folks she was traveling with.” The boy from the livery watched as Angel put on her glasses and read the slightly grubby paper in her hand. “Said not to give it to you till noon, but Mr. Peebles sent me home early so I thought I stop on my way.”

“You did just right,” Angel said, folding the note. “Did she say anything else?”

“Just that she had to hurry or they were going to leave without her and that you’d understand.”

“Thank you, Johnny,” Angel said, pressing a coin into his hand. “I appreciate you taking the time to drop this by.”

 “Sure thing Mrs. Treenery.”  With a grin and a wave, the boy left.

Jared studied his sister’s frown. “What’s wrong, Angel?”

 “Alaina left for Ft. Bridger early this morning. According to the note she went with a family who were headed that way.”

Jared tossed the newspaper aside. “Damn, I should have known better than to believe she’d give up that easily.”

“What are you talking about?”

“She tried to buy a train ticket to Ft. Bridger yesterday, but I stopped her. I convinced the clerk she was running away and he promised not to sell her one.”

Angel groaned. “Oh, Jared, you didn’t.”

“I thought you didn’t want her going to Ft. Bridger.”

“I don’t, but that’s not the way to stop her. You made her feel trapped and desperate. Where do you suppose she met this family?”

“There is no family,” Jared rose to his feet and paced to the window. “I was with her every minute until we walked back into this house. There was nobody around but us.”

“I always did think she was too headstrong for her own good,” Susan said with a sniff. “She pays back your kindness by sending a note with a stable hand of all things. The very idea.”

Angel ignored Susan as she studied the note. “I wonder why she rented a horse. Outside of taking a train, there’s really no way to get to Ft. Bridger this time of the year unless you head back to Cheyenne or north to the stage stop at Medicine Bow and she wouldn’t know about that.”

“The mountains,” Jared said suddenly. “Hell and damnation, she’s headed for the pass!”

 “Oh, no.” Angel closed her eyes. “We made it sound like an outing in the park. She has no idea how dangerous the Snowy Range can be.”

 “Damn it to hell anyway. That girl is going to be the death of me yet,” Jared muttered stalking to the door.

Susan rose to her feet in dismay. “Jared, where are you going?”

“To bring back one spoiled, willful little brat before she gets herself hurt.”

“Don’t you want me to send for Ox to go with you?” Angel asked following him into the hall.

“No time. She’s got several hours start on me as it is. Don’t worry, Sis, I’ll bring her back in one piece.” He grabbed his hat from the hall tree and jammed it on his head. “Of course, I won’t promise not to paddle her backside when I find her.”

“Don’t do anything stupid,” Angel warned. “She’s not your ten-year old niece you know.”

“I’m well aware of that. My nieces are all better behaved than she is. Throw some supplies together for me will you?

I’m going to see what your husband has in the way of good horseflesh.”   

Less than forty-five minutes later Jared was ready to go. He’d chosen a big raw-boned gelding and a showy long-legged mare for the trip. Both were built for speed and endurance.

“Why are you taking so much?” Susan asked, watching him tighten the pack on the mare’s back. “I thought you were coming back tonight.”

“Just in case. You never know what you’re going to run into in the high country. Those clouds look like they might even turn into snow.”

Angel handed him a canteen and a cloth sack. “Here’s your water and a bite to eat so you don’t have to stop.”

“Thanks.” He stowed them and swung up into the saddle. “We may wind up going to Fox Park or Woods Landing if the storm breaks so don’t panic if we don’t make it home right away.  We could be stuck there a week or more if the pass closes again.”

 “Hurry back,” Susan said plaintively. “I’ll miss you.”

 “I’ll miss you too, sweetheart. Take care of her, Angel,” he picked up his lead rope and rode out of the yard without a backward glance. Angel  found it interesting that Jared hadn’t kissed Susan good-bye.

* * *

By pushing his horses to the limit, he reached Centennial by early afternoon.  A short stop at the mercantile gave him the first hope of the day. A young woman had stopped for supplies a mere three hours before. As he stepped outside the store he frowned. He didn’t like the look of the sky nor the chill in the air.  Unless he missed his guess, they were in for some nasty weather.

Jared pulled up the collar of his coat and urged his mount forward.  Alaina was only a few hours ahead of him and not pushing her horse.  With any kind of luck he’d catch up with her before the storm broke, and they’d be able to make it back to Centennial before dark.

Twenty minutes later the first snowflakes began to fall. Within the hour drifts were beginning to pile up around him, and the trail underfoot became treacherous. The sharp air stung his nose and ears. Only a fool would continue on in such weather, Jared thought to himself as he huddled deeper into his coat. Even as he cursed Alaina for her blatant stupidity, worry curled around the edges of his irritation. With the tent he’d brought along they could survive the storm, but would he reach her in time? 

Except for the cold, it was like riding into a world made of white cotton. The falling snow deadened all sound, even the creak of the trees. A slight movement in a tree ahead of them suddenly caught his attention, just a tiny flicker of black moving back and forth. Squinting into the storm, Jared could see the vague outline of a mountain lion crouched low along a branch that hung out over the trail ahead of them. Jared swore under his breath as he pulled his glove off with his teeth, and reached for his six-gun.

 His finger had barely touched the trigger when the horses caught the big cat’s scent and reared in fright.  The gun went off and flew out of his hand as Jared was thrown from the saddle.  He landed in the snow with a bone-jarring thump, then rolled out of the way just as the packhorse galloped by, her sharp hooves missing him by inches.  Stunned, he watched in helpless dismay as the terrified mare disappeared up the trail and the mountain lion melted into the storm after her.  Ignoring the pain in his side, Jared struggled to his feet and lunged for the gelding’s trailing reins.

Already skittish, the frightened animal reared again and Jared felt the icy reins slipping through his frozen fingers. Desperately, he wound the reins around his hand, wincing as the leather bit cruelly into his wrist. Praying the sound of his voice would calm the frightened animal, he started talking, saying the first thing that came into his head.

 “Whoa, there, boy,” he said in a soothing tone.  “That old cougar wasn’t after us.  He’s probably as scared right now as you are.” As he continued talking, the horse began to quiet. It took several minutes for Jared to locate his glove in the snow, but he knew he risked frostbite without its protection.  Of the six-gun there was no sign. Because it was heavier than the glove, it was most likely buried in the snow. After a futile search, Jared gave it up as a lost cause. By the time he was able to remount, Jared was shaking with cold and reaction.  He knew he was dangerously close to the end of his endurance, and that his only chance for survival lay in returning to Centennial.

He didn’t even glance back the way he’d come as he guided the gelding back onto the trail and headed up the mountain. All he could think of Alaina wandering helplessly in the blizzard until she dropped from exhaustion or the cougar got her. Without the tent and his supplies, he had little chance of helping her even if he could find her. Still, there was no way he could turn away and leave her to her fate.

The cold penetrated his trousers as though they weren’t there. His legs were covered with icy-hot pinpricks of pain.  Even his coat did little to stop the shivering. Just when it looked as though things couldn’t get much worse, the wind started to blow and the storm turned into a full-fledged blizzard.

 Jared lost all track of time as the horse plodded onward though the snow.  His ribs throbbed with pain and his face stung where the wind driven snow hit the exposed skin between his hat and bandanna.  He was beginning to lose the feeling in his hands and feet when he caught the smell of smoke. At first he thought he was hallucinating, but it came again, stronger this time.

Someone had found enough shelter from the storm to start a fire. Maybe there was a cave nearby or even a cabin. Suddenly, hope surged within his breast. Alaina might have found her way here too. His eyes searched the gloom trying to locate the source of the smoke.

He almost missed it in the gathering dusk. The wind had piled snow over the structure until it was little more than a hump huddled against a sheer rock wall.  If the gelding hadn’t whinnied to another horse tethered in the shelter of the trees, Jared would have ridden right by without giving it a second glance. 

Praying that whoever had built the lean-to was willing to share it, Jared rode his horse into the trees. He dismounted with difficulty, tied the animal to a bush and made his way through the knee-deep snow to the small shelter. Vermilion spots appeared before his eyes as he lifted the wool blanket that covered the entrance and pitched forward into dark oblivion.