The Coming Storm (33 page)

Koko nodded. “I see.” She shook her head and turned to look at Cole. “It’s a miracle that you survived. There have been so many losses—so much pain because of the warring between the two peoples. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive.”

“I already have,” Cole said softly. “I knew God had a plan even in my being taken. I knew He had a plan in the length of time and all the frustration it caused me. I’m troubled by all the hate that exists between Indians and whites, but I know it won’t be easily resolved.”

“Hard times are coming—are here even now,” Takes Many Horses murmured.

“Yes. It will only get worse. I even fear for what it will mean to us here,” Cole replied. “We’re so isolated; if the Blackfoot or any other tribe wanted to attack, we’d have very little defense.”

“The Blackfoot won’t attack,” Koko threw out. “They know I live here—that Bram lived here. Bram was good to them, and they honor that.”

“Things will change. Old agreements will be forgotten in the fight to survive.”

Dianne heard the sadness in Cole’s voice. It was true. Things were changing faster than she cared to admit. Every time she managed to get ahold of a newspaper she saw signs of the progress made in the territory. And with each step toward “civilization,” the Indians generally suffered.

Dianne no longer wanted to dwell on the sorrow of it all. “Faith, supper was wonderful. The pie was especially good.” Though, looking down at the crumbs on her plate, Dianne realized she had barely tasted it in her excitement.

Faith struggled to her feet. “I’m so glad to have Cole home. I’m mighty glad I could be the one to cook supper for him.”

“It was perfect, Faith,” Cole said, nodding. “Glad you’re back among us. You too, Malachi. I’ll always remember what a great help you were to folks on the wagon train—despite the way they treated you.”

Malachi nodded but said nothing. Faith began clearing the dishes, but Koko got to her feet and waved her off. “I’ll take care of cleaning up. Dianne and Cole have plenty to talk about, and I will be happy for the time to talk with my brother.”

“I need to get back down and let the boys know what we’ll be doing tomorrow,” Gus said, pushing back from the table. “Cole, I’ll look forward to talking to you later.”

“Me too. I’ll find you tomorrow.”

Gus made his way to the kitchen door, carrying several plates with him. “I might as well help out on the way.”

Everyone began going their separate ways, leaving Dianne and Cole time to be alone. Dianne got to her feet, then turned, holding on to the back of the chair. “Would you like to take a walk?”

Cole smiled and nodded. “I’ve wanted that for longer than I can say.”

They walked in silence to the front door. Dianne took her shawl from a peg, then took down Uncle Bram’s holster and revolver.

“We might need this. You can never tell what varmint might decide to wreak havoc.” Cole nodded and strapped the gun on. It was plenty loose, but he managed to cinch it up enough to keep it from falling off his hips.

Dianne handed him a hat. “This is one Morgan left behind. You can have it.”

Cole took it from her, studied it for a moment, then planted it on his head.

“I’m going to have to get to town and buy a new hat—after I earn some money.” He shook his head. “I’ve lost everything.”

“Not everything,” Dianne said, shaking her head. “You haven’t lost me.”

They walked out into the chilled evening air, down the lane that led toward Dianne’s favorite hill. They held hands, each seeming at a loss for words. Dianne wondered if Cole’s time with the Indians had changed him—changed the way he felt about her and life on the Diamond V. Would he tell her now that he’d had enough of the barbaric West—that he planned to head back to Kansas?

“I know this must be hard for you,” Dianne finally said, her voice barely a whisper. “It’s been hard for me too.” She stopped and looked up into his eyes. “If you’ve changed your mind—you need to say so now.”

Cole looked down at her for a moment, then pulled her close. “You are all I thought of. You and God. I wouldn’t have survived those first few days if I hadn’t been determined to see you again. Even when I thought I was about to die, leaving you was my only regret.” He paused and studied her face. “I haven’t changed my mind.”

Dianne relished the feel of his arms around her, but she knew they needed to talk this matter through. She pulled back, breaking his hold. “I know you lost all of your possessions in the attack. I even know about the money, because I overheard you talking to Gus about it.”

“That was money to help us start a new life—a married life.”

“With Uncle Bram dead, I own the ranch,” she said matter-of-factly. It was difficult to see, even in the moonlight, but Dianne imagined that Cole’s jaw had tightened. “Cole, I don’t want to see us separated any longer—especially by things that shouldn’t matter. I need you, and I want to be your wife. Please don’t let your pride keep us apart.”

“What are you talking about?”

She turned away. She feared she might start to cry, and it was so important that she remain strong. “I know you’ve lost your personal possessions, but Cole, everything I have is yours. You don’t need to worry about saving up money for new clothes— we’ll just go to town and buy them. You don’t have to worry about restoring your fortune before we can marry, because I have more fortune than either of us will ever need. In the long run, you’ll earn every cent you make on this ranch—it has a way of demanding your all,” she said softly. “Just don’t put off the wedding . . . please.”

“What gives you any idea I would want to put off getting married?” He took her by the shoulders and turned her back to face him. “Dianne, I wasn’t suggesting that at all. I was just talking back there. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

Dianne reached up to touch his face. “But I know the pride of a man. My brothers were very prideful—needing to have things a certain way. I know you want to do it all on your own. I don’t blame you, but I also don’t want to see that come between us.”

“I don’t intend to let anything come between us. In fact, I wanted to tell you that I plan to ride into town tomorrow or the next day and bring back the preacher.”

Dianne laughed. “Oh no you won’t. I’m not letting you out of my sight for even a moment. Besides, Reverend Hammond is living right here now, and he can marry us. He and Charity have been away, but they’re due back tomorrow. I’ll talk to them first thing. I want to get married right away before something sours the whole thing.”

“Like what?”

“Who can tell? Forest fire, floods, Indian attacks, bandits . . .”

Cole chuckled. “If God brought me this far, do you really suppose He’d let something happen to ruin this now?”

She looked down and sobered. “I don’t want to take a chance.”

He put a finger under her chin and raised her face to meet his eyes again. “God’s already worked this out, Dianne. You mustn’t fear. It wouldn’t be trusting Him if we started second- guessing everything every time one of us needed to go somewhere.”

“I just don’t want to lose you again.”

“You’ve never lost me.”

Tears welled in Dianne’s eyes. “It was so hard. You said you’d be home in September.”

“I know.”

“I was absolutely horrified when I heard you tell what you’ve been through. I can’t imagine being the same person after all of that. You even look different.”

“I’m not the same,” he admitted. “But the differences aren’t all bad. In fact, I think they make me a better man, and that in turn will make me a better husband. Besides, you look different too.”

Dianne hadn’t considered this. “Are you displeased?”

Cole chuckled. “Hardly. You grew up while I was gone. You’re a beautiful woman—my woman.”

Dianne’s nerves felt raw with emotion. “So where do we go from here? Will you have a problem marrying me and running this ranch? Will you honor my word to Bram and allow Koko and her children to remain here—to help run the place?”

“This is their home. I wouldn’t think of putting them from it, and if Koko wants a say in the decision-making, I’m all for it, but I think Gus probably knows better than any of the rest of us. Bram probably should have left the ranch to him.”

Dianne couldn’t help but laugh. “I’ve often thought the same thing.”

“But Bram probably saw the same thing in you that I do: determination, honesty, intelligence, and a willingness to learn.”

Dianne smiled at his compliments. “I love you, you know.”

Cole laughed. “I’m certainly glad to hear it. Especially since you keep demanding we marry right away.”

“I guess I just have so many unanswered questions in my mind,” Dianne began. “But then again, I feel like the only important questions
have
been answered. You’re here and suddenly the rest no longer seems important.”

Cole stroked her cheek, letting his fingers work into her hair to let loose the pins. “I’ve always loved your hair. Even when you were a little girl on the wagon train.”

Dianne laughed. “I wasn’t such a little girl. I was sixteen years old.”

He shook his head and continued stroking her hair. “Seems like a hundred years ago.”

Dianne hugged him close. “Yes. Yes, it does.” She wanted nothing but to go on holding Cole. To forget about the sorrows of the past year—to focus only on how wonderful it felt to be in his arms again. She might have gone on embracing him for a long, long while, but Cole broke it off this time. He pulled her along behind him and headed back toward the house.

“It’s getting late,” he said as she caught up. “I know you’re tired, and there will be plenty of time for this later.”

Dianne gripped his arm tight. “So will you talk to Ben about marrying us—or should I?”

Cole laughed and the sound filled the otherwise silent night. “Someday I’m going to tell our children about how you forced me into marriage. Couldn’t even let the dust settle on my boots after being stolen by Indians before you had me off arranging for the preacher.”

“And I’ll tell our children how you fought Indians and bad weather and death itself to get back home to me.”

Cole stopped at this. They’d almost reached the house, but Dianne could see that he had something more to say. “I would have walked through hell itself to get back to you.”

“I think you probably did,” she whispered.

“Dianne, the days to come won’t be easy. I want you to know that here and now, although I figure you probably already know it even better than I do. There are going to be more Indian wars, more killing. We’re not in a good place, no matter what Koko says. There are plenty of tribes besides Blackfoot. Most would just as soon see us struck from the earth.”

“I know. And if not the Indians, I know the odds are against us with the weather and the land. . . . But, Cole, I’m not afraid anymore. The worst that could happen was losing you. Now you’re here and the rest seems so unimportant.”

“But it is important and we have to be prepared.”

She nodded, knowing he was right. It seemed a good time to hand the reins over to him. “Whatever you and Gus decide is fine by me. Just let us know what we need to do and we’ll do it. I want everyone to be as safe as possible. We’ve grown into quite a family here, and I’d like to keep everyone safe and healthy.”

Cole nodded and they continued walking until they’d reached the porch. “I’m going to go on down to the bunkhouse and talk to Gus.” He grinned and pulled her close once again. “But not before I have what I really came out here for.”

Dianne knew he would kiss her, and for the moment she thought her heart might actually stop beating. She lifted her lips to meet his and melted against him as the warmth of that kiss spread throughout her body. This was all she wanted—all she needed.

Takes Many Horses watched the couple kiss from the shadows near the side of the great house. A tightness in his chest spread fire through his body. There was a dull ache that wouldn’t leave him, even as Cole walked away from Dianne and headed down to where the rest of the ranch hands lived.

Dianne watched him go, lingering on the porch for some time. Takes Many Horses knew it was a mistake, but he couldn’t help going to her. He was drawn, just as a moth to the flame.

“It’s good to see you happy again,” he offered, hoping he wouldn’t startle her.

“It’s good to be happy again,” Dianne replied. “I didn’t hear you coming. I must have been lost in my thoughts.”

No doubt. Would that you could lose your thoughts over me the same way
. He looked up at her. “It’s of no matter.”

“I want to thank you again for what you did. I know you didn’t have to risk your life to save Cole, but I’m so grateful that you did.”

He could hear her voice break. He couldn’t—wouldn’t lie to her. “I know how much he means to you. How could I not move heaven and earth to put you two back together?”

“Still, I know it cost you. I’d like to make it up to you,” Dianne said, taking a step closer. Takes Many Horses could see her better now. The glow from the front room window shed light on her image. Her hair was loose, flowing free down her back. He longed to reach out and touch the silken strands. He longed to have her kiss him the way she’d just kissed Cole Selby.

He shook off the thoughts and stepped backward. “I should go.”

“Wait, please.” She reached out to take hold of his arm. “I want you to know how grateful I am. Koko said you traded all of your ponies for Cole. I want you to pick out ten of our best horses and take them with you.”

He cringed and pulled away quickly. Her touch was driving him mad. “I’m glad you have your man back. He’s a good man. He’ll be good to my sister and to you. There’s no need for me to take your horses. I’ll probably have no use for them in the days to come anyway.”

“Cole says bad times are coming. Especially for the Indians. I wish you’d reconsider and stay with us.”

“I cannot do that, Stands Tall Woman.” He kept a tight hold on his emotions. “I am Blackfoot. The Real People are my people.”

“But you may get killed.” He heard the worry in her tone, and it touched him deeply. A part of her did care about him, but not in the way he wished she cared.