Ball - Candle Glow and Mistletoe: Romance on the Oregon Trail Book 5

E ach step was colder then the previous one. Hed had a nearly impossible time getting over the mountains that some called the Cascades, but finally he was here. Crouching behind some low bushes, he examined the area. From his vantage point, he made out six rather big houses, arranged in a huge circle as if to give each other room. Three barns stood just outside the circle. One was long and narrow, probably for horse stalls. Beyond those, he could see a few buildings in the distance. Bunk houses, he assumed.

He smiled deeply. His friends had done well for themselves. He closed his eyes and thought about the last time he had seen Luella. Did her blue eyes still sparkle when she was happy? Their paths had been meant to cross but never to be joined. Yet hed thought of her often in the last few years and prayed for good things for her and her family. Was she a mother?

He studied the homestead again. Which house belonged to which of his friends? He knew them all or maybe not. There was an extra house. Had someone joined them? Maybe someones family had come out to stay. He wouldnt be able to remain this close to the homes for much longer. He was starting to shiver, though he had a buffalo robe over him.

He was suddenly grabbed from behind, and the next thing he knew he was on the ground. He looked up into giant pools of green though the eyes were narrowed with fury.

Wait. He held his arm across his face to ward off possible blows. I wish you no harm.

Hiding and watching our houses means youre planning harm. You mustve lost your edge. You didnt hear me coming. Now, should I slit your throat or would stabbing you in the heart be best?

She was strong, but he was stronger, and in one quick move, he had her on her back with her hands pinned to the ground. Now, tell me again how you plan to kill me?

Any way I can.

Are you always so suspicious? he asked, smiling down at her.

Dont smile at me. And dont pretend you dont plan to do me much harm before you kill me. She said something in an Indian language he wasnt familiar with, and he loosened his grip.

A captive? Its a hard thing to get past. I hope Dawn is well? He felt her body relax a tiny bit.

Yes, she is married and has one child, a boy. She narrowed one eye and shot him a suspicious glare. How do you know Dawn?

My tribe, the Lakota took her. I saved her and brought her to Luella.

With a gasp, she quit struggling. Swift Eagle? Well, Ill be. Youre a legend around here. Ive heard all the stories, and Luella still has her eagle feather. A smile lit up her face. My names Rhetta. Let me up so I can bring you to my pa. Hes likely to shoot you if he just sees me with you. Hes one of a kind.

He slowly let her up, after taking the knife from her, but she laughed. You dont think I have just one do you?

If you are Luellas friend, you wont kill me. He helped her up and followed her through the deep snow to one house; the one without a wraparound porch. This one had a much smaller porch, and it seemed more practical.

Does your father hate Indians because they took you?

She sadly shook her head. My people didnt want me back, so Big Red took me in. Hes my new pa. Hes a trapper and the strongest man I know. She angled her head and gave him a warning glance. So be on your best behavior.

Swift Eagle turned away as he smiled about her unspoken threat. He followed her up the steps and stamped his feet on the porch to dislodge much of the snow packed on his fur-lined boots.

She opened the door and hollered, Pa! We have a visitor! Hes an Indian and says he knows Luella.

A commotion rose from inside and a figure came barreling through the door. He was a large man with hair like a flame. This must be the man named Big Red. Swift Eagle stiffened. He hoped he would not have to fight this man.

You must be Swift Eagle! Come in and get yourself warm. Big Red held the door and gestured for them to enter.

Swift Eagle followed the girl inside, then Big Red led him to the fireplace. Coffee?

Please.

Big Red left the room through a doorway toward the back of the house.

Is it true you rescued Luella from the very brink of death? Rhetta stared at him with adoration in her eyes.

It made him uncomfortable. I just helped her out of the water is all.

Big Red returned and handed him a cup of coffee, and it felt wonderfully warm going down. I have my horse tied not too far away with my supplies. I just wanted to see that Luella was doing fine before I headed north.

Rhetta, yell out the back for John to take care of the horse. He turned to Swift Eagle. Where is it?

Two miles out, right near the beginning of some cleared land. Theres so much snow I couldnt tell what youd planted.

Our wheat. Rhetta

I heard him Pa. She disappeared through the front door.

So, tell me, why are you headed north? Are the Lakota moving?

Its been bad with the white soldiers, and I had a vision that it was time to move on. In my vision I came to see Luellathats why I came here first. When her group traveled through, there werent as many wagons, but now there are wagons constantly moving toward this place, Oregon. I heard of California too, but this man doesnt believe in roads paved in gold. Too much killing going on. I was always a peaceful man. It took me a long time to get here, but I knew I couldnt wait for spring. The Creator urged me to go.

Getting over the mountains must have been bad.

The mountains were covered in snow, and the valleys have very high snow. Hard to walk through, especially with my horse, but it was just a matter of doing it. I made myself caves in the snow at night unless I could find other shelter. Going north will be just as bad.

My daughter Big Red made a helpless gesture with one hand. Well Im surprised she didnt kill you.

Swift Eagle smiled. She tried.

The front door opened, and Luella ran in with her arms open wide. She didnt look a day older than the last time Swift Eagle had seen her. Her cheeks were rosy, and her nose was red. Before Swift Eagle knew it, she was in his arms. It had been a dream a few years ago to have her in his arms. Hed never married because no one else would do, but somehow the dream had faded. He still had much love in his heart for her but not in the same way.

Luella kissed his cheek and stepped back. You dont know just how timely it is youre here. We celebrated Thanksgiving last week, and your friendship was one thing we were thankful for. How long can you stay? Her eyes widened as though a thought had just stricken her. Oh my! Why are you here? Is something wrong? Are you sick? On the run?

Now, Luella Big Red gently guided her into a chair. The man can only answer one question at a time.

She sat and laughed. Of course, youre right. Just tell me youll stay a few days?

How could he deny his Lu-ella? It had taken him a bit of practice to pronounce her name correctly. He didnt have the heart to tell her he hadnt planned to make himself known.