Her silver eyes twinkled. “It’s good to see some life in your smile again, Jase. Things have been too sad around here since Zack left.”
He couldn’t argue with that. While this good news couldn’t relieve him of his heartache over losing Zack, starting a new project would help his healing. He’d already spent too much time hurting over the loss of Kathy, Clint, and Zack. And, even though she was never his to lose, he felt in a way that he’d lost Marietta too. He had strong feelings for her which he knew he’d never be able to take any farther than they were right now. Having a diversion which could steer his mind away from his losses and on to future gains was just what Jase needed.
“Things have been sad here for a long time,” he said, drying his hands.
“Indeed they have,” Mabel said, unable to keep a disheartened tone out of her voice. “I’ll make Mr. Richards comfortable at once.”
Jase went to his bedroom and put on a clean shirt and fresh trousers. Once he was properly groomed he headed for the library. There he found Mr. Richards sitting in one of his high-backed red chairs. The tall, lean man dressed in dark clothes stood when Jase stepped into the room.
“Mr. Kent?”
“Yes, I’m Jason Kent, Mr. Richards. It’s a pleasure to know you.”
“Likewise.” Richards looked around the library. “Impressive room, Mr. Kent. You have quite a collection of books.”
“I like to have as much knowledge as possible at hand.”
“A rancher and businessman needs all sorts of informative tomes, but you seem to enjoy fiction, plays, and poetry--Shakespeare, Hawthorne, Dickens, Greek classics and myths, even the bewitching Washington Irving and James Fennimore Cooper.”
“You’re familiar with American authors, Mr. Richards?”
“I prefer English writers, but then, there are far more of them. We’re too young a country to have spawned many great writers.”
“A man could disagree with that,” Jase said, “but you aren’t here to discuss literature.”
“No, indeed. We have something great of our own to talk about, an opportunity to be a part of the expansion of this growing country, to make our own place in history.”
“What news do you have from Red Rock Junction?”
The gangly man returned to his seat in the high-backed chair, and Jase sat in the matching chair next to him in front of the fireplace.
“You’re still interested in being a part of our consortium, Mr. Kent?”
“Absolutely.”
“Good. Then you and I shall be partners.” Richards leaned back in his chair and sipped his coffee.
“Partners? Just the two of us? Aren’t there any other investors interested?”
Richards waved a hand. “Of course, of course, Mr. Kent. Ten of us altogether. We’re breaking into groups of two. We each have specific areas of the Oregon Trail to explore. We’ll gather as much information as we can, then we’ll meet to choose the location we believe will most likely best serve our immediate purposes as well as our future plans when and if the railroad is extended through the Nebraska territory.”
Jase’s eager heart thrummed at the news. “When do you want to get started?”
“The consortium agreed to begin our search in the spring.” Richards sipped more coffee. “This unseasonably warm weather makes it tempting to start our search immediately, but a man wouldn’t want to be caught in the wild with the nasty elements of winter.”
“He certainly wouldn’t.” Though I wouldn’t mind being alone in a cabin with Miss Randolf during a blizzard once again, Jase mused.
“We hope to choose the location of our town by late May or early June next year, and we’ll start constructing buildings in June or July. Our businesses should have their first patrons by August if all goes as hoped.”
Jase slapped the arm of his chair. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your coming here, Mr. Richards.”
Richards stood as Jase got up from his chair. “Please call me James. If we’re going to be partners, Jase, we need not be formal.”
“Agreed. Can you stay for supper, James? My housekeeper is an excellent cook.”
“Having eaten a piece of her apple pie I don’t doubt her kitchen skills a bit. You’re a lucky man to have such a capable cook. However, I want to head back to the fort immediately.”
“But it’ll be dark soon, and it’s not easy to find your way around in the dark on the prairie.”
James reached for his coat and slipped it on. “I don’t plan to make it all the way back to the fort tonight. Col. Harrison told me he and his men were going out on maneuvers this evening since the weather is reasonably warm. He likes to keep his troops in shape and ready for action. I’m going to join them.”
“Whatever you say.” Jase led James to the door and shook his hand. “Thanks for bringing me the good news. I’ll look forward to working with you in the spring.”
“I’ll contact you through the fort or the post with further information.”
“That will be fine.”
They exchanged a few more details and said their goodbyes.
Jase was happy enough to dance a jig. This new start would balance out a small bit of the losses in his life, and, if the speculation was as successful as he hoped, Jase would have the ability to set up a nice trust fund for Zack. After all, Clint had wanted to be a part of the consortium, so Zack was entitled to share in its success.
He went into the kitchen and found Mabel setting dinner on the table. When he smelled the fragrance of fried chicken filling the air, he wondered how James had torn himself away from such a heavenly scent to face soldier stew around a campfire.
“Sit, Jase,” she said. “Everything is ready.”
“This looks great, Mabel,” he said as he sat down. “You know how much I love potatoes with cheese next to my fried chicken.”
“Me too.”
The little voice Jase heard certainly wasn’t Mabel’s. He left the table and went to the back porch to confirm his suspicions.
Zack stood next to the wash stand. “I like cheese on my potatoes and fried chicken too.”
“What are you doing here? How did you get here?”
“I had to come, Jase. I belong here until it’s time for me to leave with Aunt Marietta.” He stated his opinion as firmly and decisively as any man had ever done.
“Zack,” Jase said in his most demanding voice, “how did you get here?”
“I hid under a canvas in Mr. Richards’ buckboard.”
Jase swept the boy into his arms and stalked back to the kitchen. “I’m taking you straight to Fort Kearney.”
“But, Jase,” Mabel said gently, “it’s getting dark. As much as the boy needs to be returned to his aunt, it really isn’t worth risking his life by taking him home in the dark, is it?”
“She’s right, Jase.” Zack latched onto Mabel’s words quicker than a mosquito bites a man walking through a slough.
Jase’s stomach churned. He knew Marietta must be sick with worry. He wanted to throttle the boy for what he’d done, but that wouldn’t make Marietta feel any better.
“Zack, sit down,” he said. “We’re going to eat then we’re going to bed. We’ll be on the road to Fort Kearney when day breaks.”
It was obvious the boy wanted to protest, but he kept his lips silent. The only things which passed through his mouth the rest of the evening were two drumsticks, a chicken thigh, half a plate of potatoes, and a big piece of apple pie.
After supper, Zack went straight to his room while Mabel and Jase cleaned up the kitchen. Jase went to Zack’s room to tuck the boy in once he finished helping Mabel.
“Did you wash up good, son?” Jase sat on the edge of the bed and brushed his hand over the boy’s head. He’d missed being close to him. How was he going to stand taking him back to the fort in the morning?
“I cleaned both ears, inside and out.” Zack twisted his head so Jase could see. “I washed all the way up to my elbows, and I got my feet clear
up to my knees.” He took Jase’s face in his hands. “I can be a good boy, Jase. If you’ll let me stay here until I go on the stage with Aunt Marietta, I’ll be the best boy you ever saw in your life. I’ll do anything you ask.” He threw his arms around Jase’s neck. “Please, please let me stay. I love you so much. I just want to be with you a little while longer before I have to go.”
Jase wrapped his arms around him. He wanted Zack with him as much as the boy wanted to stay, but what could he do? Zack belonged with Marietta. The boy needed to form an attachment to her, and he couldn’t do that if he stayed with Jase.
“Zack,” he whispered into the child’s ear, “I have to take you back to Fort Kearney in the morning. There’s nothing else I can do.”
He let go and pushed himself out of Jase’s arms. He snuggled on his side under his quilt with his knees curled up. “I’m sorry, Jase. I want to go to sleep now.”
He stood and stared down at the child he loved more than his own life. Why did doing the right thing have to be so blasted hard? “Good night, Zack,” he said, kissing his cheek.
He left the boy’s room and went down the hall to his own bedroom. He began to consider Zack’s proposal. His request really wasn’t unreasonable. The Carson house was crowded with two extra people. Maybe Zack could stay with him until the stage came.
But, if Zack did stay with him for another few weeks, would he be any more ready to leave when the stage came? As much as he wished he could give Zack what he wanted--what Jase wanted himself--he knew the boy needed to be with Marietta. He needed to gain the sense of family with her which would give him some security.
The next morning, as soon as Mabel had fed them a hearty breakfast, Jase and Zack left for the fort in predawn obscurity. Jase held Zack close in front of him as they cantered over the prairie, savoring what would probably be the last moments of closeness they’d ever have.
Zack was so innocent, a victim of injustice. Evil men with hearts dedicated to greed, selfishness, and violence, with hands doing the Devil’s work, had murdered the boy’s parents and caused him unbearable pain. Now, a woman as beautiful as a summer sky, with a heart warmed by love, would hurt Zack again by taking him away from the only land he’d ever called home--and Jase was helping her do it.
Whatever the intentions of those concerned, Zack was suffering injustice from everyone around him.
A few miles from the fort, they were met by several soldiers who were looking for the missing boy. Once they discovered Zack was well, the group of military men rode back to the fort in haste to report to Marietta that her nephew was in good hands and would be in her arms shortly.
Jase decided as long as Marietta knew Zack was safe, there was no need to jostle the boy with a hard gallop like the soldiers had been willing to make to give her the happy report.
He thought of Marietta the rest of the way to the fort. The idea of seeing her again quickened his pulse. He wished he had an opportunity to pursue a relationship with her, but he knew it was pointless. Her life was in Chicago; his was on his ranch. She’d never fit in with his way of living, and he’d choke in a city.
He’d have done anything to win Marietta’s love if he’d thought he had a chance at enticing her to stay, but he knew such efforts would be wasted. He’d have to be content for the rest of his days with the memories of the gazes she’d given him, the words they’d exchanged, and the quiet magic of their moments together.
He guided Beaumont into the fort and urged him toward the Carson home. Marietta was on the porch sitting next to a soldier, smiling at him. The image ripped Jase through the gut like a knife through a vital organ.
His reaction to seeing her with another man surprised him. He tried to toss the nasty feeling aside, but it wouldn’t leave. His head told him he had no right to feel the way he did, but his heart made it clear Marietta was special to him, and there wasn’t a thing he could do about that.
The instant she caught sight of the approaching riders, she hastened to her feet and lit the entire fort with her smile.
Jase’s heart beat even faster when his eyes locked on the most beautiful sight in five hundred miles. She was absolutely breathtaking.
The soldier next to Marietta stuck something in his pocket and came toward Jase when Beaumont reached the hitching post. “Let me take the boy,” he said, reaching for Zack.
Jase handed Zack to the soldier, who promptly placed the child in Marietta’s arms.
“There you go, right back where you belong,” the soldier said to Zack. “Thank you, Miss Randolf. I’ll be leaving now.” He tipped his hat and strode off.
Jase dismounted and climbed the steps to the porch. “Hello, Miss Randolf.”
“Hello, Mr. Kent.”
Jase couldn’t help but wonder if the delight in her eyes was solely a reaction to having her nephew back, or if some of her happiness was the result of seeing him again. He removed his hat and held it by the brim.
“The boy stowed away on James Richards’ buckboard.”
“So that’s what happened. I was terribly worried.” Marietta continued to hold Zack closely as she lifted her emerald gaze to meet Jase’s. “I didn’t know what had become of him. I thought maybe someone had...” She pulled Zack away from her and looked at him. “Don’t ever do anything like that again, darling. I couldn’t stand it if anything bad happened to you.”
He looked down. “I’m sorry, ma’am. I missed Jase so much I couldn’t stand it.” He lifted his eyes and stared into Marietta’s loving gaze. “Can’t I please stay at Jase’s until we leave for the city? I’ll be good, I promise.” Tears slid from the child’s gloomy blue eyes. “I just want to be on the ranch. Please.”
She kissed Zack and squeezed him hard. “I’ll talk to Mr. Kent about it.”
The breeze from the wing of a gnat could have knocked Jase over when he heard her response to Zack’s request. He’d have been less surprised to see his bull grow an udder than to hear her say she’d consider letting the boy stay on the ranch. In just a few words, she’d undone all the convincing Jase had done to make Zack understand he had to stay with her.
Zack pushed away from her and jumped down to the porch. “Talk to Jase now. I’ll go inside and see if Miss Amy has any gingerbread men.” He looked up at Jase. “You listen to her when she tells you how much I need to be at the ranch, Jase. She’s my aunt, and I got to do what she says, so listen to her.” He sped into the house before either Marietta or Jase could say another word.
Jase stretched to his full six-foot-two-inch height and folded his arms. “You’ll talk to me about it?” he asked, lifting a brow. “What does that mean? The boy belongs with you, and we all know it. The two of you need to build family ties.”
“I know.”
“Then why did you speak as though you’d consider letting him come back to the ranch with me?”
“Because I can’t turn down such a reasonable request. Zack has lost so much, and he doesn’t want to lose you. He loves you, Mr. Kent, why shouldn’t he spend time with you? He’s happy when you’re around, and he’s glum as a beggar when you’re not with him.” She wiped her hands over her face. “Why can’t we give the boy a little happiness?”
Jase stared down at her in disbelief. Refusing Zack’s request had been difficult enough. He’d never have the strength to turn down Marietta if she flat-out insisted on his taking Zack home to the ranch.
“He belongs with you, Miss Randolf.” His words were firm but gentle.
“He’ll have his whole life with me.”
“He needs you now. Even he understands that.”
“Mr. Kent, the boy deserves some happiness. I know it’s impossible to give him both what he needs and what he wants, so we have to choose. He needs to be with me, but he wants to be with you. I say let him be with you now and me later.”
“You’re only delaying the inevitable,” Jase said, shaking his head. “The boy has to be with you.” He looked out on the compound as he searched his mind for a solution t
o this latest dilemma.
“Surely we can come to an understanding, can’t we?”
Jase fingered the brim of the hat he was holding. “There’s a way, I suppose, to do what you’re asking.” He gazed at Marietta and wondered if what he was about to suggest was in Zack’s best interest or his. “I’d consider having Zack come to the ranch with me if you came too.”
“What?”
The shock on her face mirrored Jase’s own astonishment at what he’d been foolhardy enough to say.
“I’ll move into the bunkhouse with my ranch hands,” he explained as one idea after another flooded his mind. “You can live in my house with Zack and my housekeeper, Mrs. Whipple.”
“You want me to live in your house?”
“Yes. It’s the only way. You and Zack can be together, and I can be with him as much as possible.”
“But, to put you out of your own house... Mr. Kent, that wouldn’t be fair.”
“Do you think I wouldn’t give up more than my house to make Zack happy? I’d give the boy my life if it were necessary.”
She looked away. “You dearly love him, don’t you?”
“You know I do.”
She gazed at him once more. “Are you sure you want to do this? I know I was out of line giving Zack hope, but maybe you were right. Maybe he should just stay with me here at the fort.”
“Naturally, I want to do whatever you think is best for Zack, but, if you decide it would be okay for him to come to the ranch, you now have a choice.”
“Hmm, I wonder…”
“I swear I don’t know whatever put such an idea into my head, Miss Randolf, but I’m glad I came up with it. If you think it would be good for Zack to spend more time with me, I truly believe the plan I outlined is the best solution for this situation.”
She smiled up at him. “I’d love more than anything to see the life in Zack’s eyes which I saw when we shared the cabin in the snow storm.”
“Are you saying you want to come to my ranch?”
Her eyes turned softer than Jase had ever seen them. “Let’s go tell Zack the good news. I can’t wait another minute to see him happy again.”