White Nights (25 page)

Jessie feared to look away from where Eirica’s husband held a shotgun to the woman’s throat. She had to do something to help Eirica. She’d never seen a man so enraged. She looked at the ground, pushing herself to her feet, but a sudden blast made her cover. “No,” she cried out, her heart thudding, her eyes welling.

“No,” she sobbed again, lifting her head. But to her shock, Birk toppled back, a hole in his gut. Shock widened his eyes, then he fell, teetering on the edge of the narrow chute before falling backward, out of sight.

Her gaze sought Eirica’s and to her immense relief, her friend was alive, unhurt by the blast. Help had arrived, she thought, then she saw Zeb point his double-barrel shotgun at Eirica. He’d been the one to shoot Birk!

“Git up and don’t give me no trouble. Don’t want ta haf ta hurt ya afore we finish our business.” He speared a look at Jessie. “An’ this time, yer young friend here won’t be able ta help ya.”

He bent down and picked up Birk’s weapon, keeping the shotgun trained on Eirica as he addressed Jessie. “Tie and muzzle that dog. I’ll take care of her when we gits away from here. He tossed Jessie a length of rope and the torn hem from Lara’s dress.

Jessie caught it, the sound of Zeb’s laughter sending a chill up her spine. “You know you’ll die if you don’t let us go. My husband—”

“I know all about yer breed-husband. But his family ain’t here ta help him this time. And by the time he gets here, we’ll be gone.” He licked his lips.

Jessie pretended to be having trouble subduing her dog. “They’ll hear the gunshots.”

“Yeah? Jest hunters is all they’ll think. Now hurry it up. I rather fancy samplin’ each of you while the other watches.” His eyes turned ugly as he stared at Jessie who looped the rope around the dog’s collar. “Yep, should be lots of fun to pay you back for what ya did ta me.” He moved closer to the edge and peered down, then he laughed. “Maybe you’ll think of a real nice way to thank me fer killin’ that worthless husband of yers, angel-face.”

Jessie bit her lip, her heart thudding painfully. Around them, the puppies were running frantically, whining and crying. Zeb kicked one away when it got too close to him. The pup’s frightened squeal made Sadie’s growls grow wild.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Jessie slid her hand down to her boot where she’d hidden a knife, but she couldn’t draw it out and throw it as Wolf had taught her. Eirica stood between her and Zeb.

Jessie sent a silent plea for her husband to hurry. Surely as soon as Coralie returned alone, both Wolf and James would come. She knew both her husband and her brother well. Jessie looked at Eirica, trying to signal her to move. She had to disarm Zeb. Desperation filled Jessie. With Birk dead, Eirica was now free to marry James, but if they couldn’t get free of Zeb, neither would enjoy their newfound happiness.

“Fergit the dog. It’s easier ta jest shoot it.” Zeb sent nervous glances behind them and motioned for Eirica to move closer to Jessie. Only a few feet separated them now.

Jessie dug her fingers into Sadie’s coat, a silent signal to attack when she released the dog. Time was running out. Using Sadie to draw the gun from Eirica was their only hope. Again, she tried to use her eyes to signal Eirica to be ready to move.

Suddenly, she heard another low warning growl coming from somewhere in the forest behind her. It was followed by the sound of furious running through the underbrush.

She released Sadie and threw herself at Eirica, knocking them both to the ground just as a streak of white fur went sailing overhead.

Wahoska landed with all four paws square on Zeb’s chest, his fangs sunk in the man’s throat. Another shot rang out. Eirica, beneath Jessie, cried out.

Jessie lifted her head just in time to hear Zeb’s bone-chilling garbled scream. The force of the wolf’s attack knocked him off balance and he staggered back. Before Jessie could scream, both man and wolf fell down Laurel Hill.

“Oh, God,” she cried. Both women jumped up and ran with Sadie to the edge of the chute where Zeb and the wolf were tumbling down over the rocky ground. Then they were gone.

With tears in her eyes, Jessie started to follow but Eirica grabbed heir. “Jessie, no. It’s too late. No one could have survived that. Think of your baby. If you fall, you’ll lose it.” Eirica sobbed, drawing Jessie into her arms.

Around their feet, six pups sat on the edge, looking lost and puzzled. Sadie lifted her nose to the wind and sniffed. After a few minutes, she sat on her haunches and lifted her muzzle to the sky. Her howl of agony echoed throughout the forest.

That night, camped a short distance from Laurel Hill, James and Eirica walked, arms around each other’s waist, uncaring of who might see them. “That was too damn close,” James whispered hoarsely, knowing he’d never forget those heart-stopping minutes after he’d heard gunfire. It had seemed like forever before he and Wolf had arrived on the scene. Relief had followed quickly when he found Eirica and his sister safe. But those moments would haunt him for a long time to come.

“It’s over, now. It’s truly over, right, James?” Eirica still sounded shocked.

He drew her into his arms and held her tight, feeling his eyes grow moist as he buried his face in her hair. “Yes, sweetheart, it is. It’s over. He’ll never harm you or your children, again.” James knew it’d take a long time for Eirica to heal. The bruises and cuts on her face and thigh would fade quickly enough, but those wounds in her heart and soul would take longer.

“I stood up to him. I actually stood up to him.” Her voice sounded faint, as if afraid to confess what she’d done.

Another shudder tore through him. If she hadn’t stalled Birk by enraging him, both her and Jessie would have been killed. “I know. Jess told me.” He looked down at her, a beam of moonlight illuminating her features. “I’m proud of you.”

She bit her lip. “Really? I was afraid you’d be upset.”

He was. Or rather, he was horrified, but he’d never let her know that. She’d done what she had to do; that earned her his respect. But he didn’t know what he’d have done if Zeb hadn’t killed Birk.

“I’m so proud of you. Together, we are gonna make one hell of a team.”

Eirica wrapped her arms around his waist. “How about if we start now?”

James tipped his head to the side. “Start what now?”

“Teamwork. Being partners. Being close partners.” She pressed her breasts against him. “
Really
close.”

“Let’s go somewhere where no one will come upon us.”

Eirica glanced around. “There’s no one here. I need you, James. Now.”

She reached between them and tore at the buttons on his shirt, tracing the dark curls down into the waistband of his denim pants. “I love you, James Jones.”

“God, Eirica, slow down.” He moaned when she made quick work of the fastening of his denim trousers. His breathing turned to short gasps when she reached inside and stroked him. He was so ready for her, he felt as though he’d burst.

He reached for her, needing to feel her skin against his fingers, her mouth against his, but she ducked out of his embrace and slid his pants down. Cool air raced across his buttocks. Her hand wrapped fully around his shaft and she stroked it, bringing him to a fevered pitch.

Knowing he’d end this quickly if he didn’t stop her, he dropped down onto his knees in front of her, pulling her into his arms and fell to the carpet of dried leaves beneath them, shielding her. Then he rolled over on top of her. “I love you, Eirica.”

His need to touch her matched hers. He shoved her dress up, his hands sliding up the inside of her thighs. When he found her moist center, he slid a finger inside, her moan threatening the thin thread of his control.

Arching nearer to him, Eirica gasped. A second finger joined the first and his thrusts grew faster and deeper. “No, not yet,” she moaned.

“What do you want?” James asked, his voice hoarse.

“Inside,” she gasped, on fire for him. “Inside. Take me to that special place. Now.” She pulled his hand away, begging him to come to her. Her body craved the release only he could give her. She moved her hips, begging for him to work his magic.

“I want to kiss you, taste you.”

“Kissing isn’t enough,” she panted. While she loved kissing him, tonight she wanted more. She wanted it all. No barriers. No fears. No more teasing and no more unfulfilled desires. And she didn’t want it slow.

James lifted her skirts and urged her feet farther apart. “I think you’ll like this kissing.”

The minute his mouth touched where his fingers had been, she felt flames of desire heat her body. How she kept from screaming and alerting everyone within a mile radius she didn’t know. She bit the soft fleshy part of her hand to keep from crying out. The intensity of need pulsing through her made her hips buck against him as his mouth and tongue touched all the intimate places crying out for his loving.

Then it began, the urge to let go and fly. Eirica dug her fingers into his hair as it built, holding him to her as she flew apart, gasping her cry of pleasure into her clutched fist.

“Beautiful,” James whispered when her body calmed. He rose over her. “Again, Eirica. Again.”

“Yes. Oh, yes, James. Yes.” She wrapped her legs around his waist and sighed when he slid into her. “We’re one. Finally.”

“Forever, sweetheart, forever.” He lowered his lips to hers and stroked them both to a feverish pitch until they reached fulfillment as one, each a part of the other as they soared through a night of shimmering stars and white heat.

Five days later, one hundred seventy days after leaving Westport, the emigrants were just one day from their goal: Oregon City. Milling to one side of them, the cattle grazed contentedly. By mutual consent, Wolf’s party stopped to let their weary gazes feast on the fertile soil and the wide-open space. The sky above was a deep blue and the air was clean and bracing. They drew in deep breaths.

Eirica leaned against James, surrounded by her three older children. Summer lay sleeping, secure in the cradle of James’s arm. Eirica glanced down at her sleeping infant. This child, and all the ones to follow, would know only love, security and happiness. Laughter would be as much a part of their lives as eating and breathing.

“We made it, Eirica,” Coralie said. She and Jordan stood on one side of her with Jessie flanking James. No one knew where Wolf had gone, but the lingering sadness in Jessie’s gaze told them he was still coming to terms with losing Wahoska.

Eirica hugged Coralie. Soon they’d be sisters. She, Coralie and Jessie were bound together by the hardships and miracles of traveling so far together, as well as marriage. She leaned across James and laid her hand on Jessie’s arm. “I’m so sorry, Jessie.” She couldn’t help but feel guilty over the wolf’s death. If not for her, for Birk and his attempt to kidnap her, the wolf would still be alive.

A voice from behind them advised, “Don’t be.”

All turned to find Wolf standing there, Sadie and her pups at his feet. Jessie went to him and, unmindful of her audience, kissed him tenderly on the lips. Hugging her to his side, Wolf absently reached out to smooth her growing abdomen.

“I knew when that wolf followed me west there was a reason, a purpose. I found him injured as a youngster on my way back to my people. It was right after I decided I’d had enough of the white man’s schooling. Wahoska stayed by my side, even going to town with me, but he’d never accompanied me overland before, always turning back to await my return to my people.” Wolf leaned down to rub Sadie behind her ears. For a long moment, the two stared at one another, as if sharing a secret.

Finally Wolf met Eirica’s teary gaze, then he glanced down at his wife. “He lived a long and full life and, in the end, he chose to give his life to save yours and Eirica’s. And for that I will forever be grateful to the spirits for sending him to me.”

A sharp, high-pitched bark drew everyone’s attention. A single white pup, the only entirely white pup in the litter, sat on his haunches, its paws lifted. Everyone chuckled when Wolf bent down to pick him up. A wet tongue-licking followed.

Eirica and James exchanged smiles. The pup had obviously chosen Wolf for his new master. Though Wahoska had been left behind, his legacy would not be forgotten.

James smiled down into Eirica’s eyes. “Have I told you today how much I love you, Eirica?”

Eirica grinned and lifted her lips to his. “No, and for that, you must tell me every day for the rest of our lives.” James handed the baby over to Coralie and drew his love close, kissing her fully.

Suddenly, a gruff voice broke apart their kiss. “What’s the hold-up? Everyone’s going smarmy on me again!” Rook’s gruff voice drew shouts of laughter from the small, close-knit group. At his side, Sofia jabbed him in the ribs.

“Hush, you old fool. This is beautiful, touching.” She glared at him. “And romantic.” They went on, their bickering fading.

Wolf lifted a brow and eyed his wife’s family. “Shall we go?” Jessie took his hand and allowed him to lead the way.

“You bet,” Jordan answered, handing Summer back to James. He and Coralie followed, arguing as to whether they would share a home with the rest of the family during the winter or rent a room where they could be alone.

James glanced down at Eirica, then at the three children watching him. They were his children now. In his arms, Summer reached up to put her hands in his mouth and Ian lifted his arms. “Up. Ride.”

Eirica took the baby who protested with a howl. James settled Ian on his shoulders. Happy and content, she held on to Lara’s hand while Alison took hold of James’s hand and stood between them.

James looked at her. “Ready?”

Eirica stared at her family. So many new beginnings lay before them: a new home; a new husband as soon as they found someone to marry them; new additions to their family to plan; and so many new dreams to dream. But her dream of love and laughter had already come true.

“Ready?” she echoed. She smiled at James. “For anything.”

April 1857

“Mama! Mama! They’re here. They’re here,” Alison shrieked, running through the simple log cabin. She skidded to a stop in the room Eirica and James slept in. “Pa says to hurry.”

“I’m coming,” she called out. It still thrilled her to hear her children call James Pa. They were his and no one loved them more fiercely than he. “Now hold still, Summer Jones, and let Ma finish dressing you.” Her daughter, now eight months old, squirmed and fought, but finally, she was dressed and her hair was combed.

“Need help?” James asked from the doorway.

Hearing her father’s voice, Summer squealed. Her hands opened and closed rapidly, her quiet demand for her father to pick her up. “Come on, sweet pea. Your aunt, Jessie, is here.” He held out his hand for Eirica.

Eirica took his hand, thankful to have such a loving, wonderful man. True to his word, he’d made sure she knew how to take care of herself and her children here. They were a team and had worked together to build their house and clear their land. Soon, they’d plant some fruit trees and purchase more cattle to add to the small herd Wolf had given them as a wedding present.

But the gift James had presented to her on their wedding day was what really made him dear to her heart. He’d given her the deed to the land. So much had changed during the last year and there were more changes to come. Thinking about them brought tears to her eyes.

“Oh, James, I can’t believe Jessie and Wolf are leaving in the morning, or that Rook and Sofia are going with them.” Tears fell from her eyes. Her husband handed her a clean handkerchief. “I’ll miss them so much.”

“I know.” His own eyes darkened with sadness. Not only was he losing his sister, but Jeremy had surprised them all that morning by announcing his intention to go with Wolf and Jessie.

For a moment, they held each other, much to Summer’s displeasure.

His voice broke. “Come on. Everyone else has arrived.”

From the main room of the three-room cabin, Eirica heard raised voices, then she heard a rough voice demand, “What’s keepin’ them two? They’s best not be gettin’ all smarmy again.”

Rook poked his head into the room. “Git out here, you two.” He stepped in. “There’s my li’l lass.” Summer reached for him, arms outstretched, a huge toothy grin covering her face. She squealed and clapped excitedly when he took her from her father.

James shook his head and grinned ruefully. “She’s fickle-hearted already.”

Eirica laughed, feeling lighter of heart. She straightened her apron, a clean, crisp new one to go with her new green calico dress. Together she and her husband joined bedlam—there was no other way to describe the absolute chaos that greeted them.

Coralie and Jordan had arrived, bringing their two nearly grown puppies, reuniting them with the two pups she and James had kept. Alison, Lara and Ian dashed after the animals, creating a racket of excited shouts and barking dogs.

Eirica sighed. James left her side to corral the dogs and chase them outside. Eirica greeted Coralie who held her newborn son. The two women hugged, then Eirica pulled the blanket Coralie had knitted off the baby’s face. Jordan, Jr., slept peacefully. No one would ever guess that Coralie had once doubted her ability to be a mother. She and Jordan doted on their son.

“He’s so precious.” Eirica smiled to herself as she ran a finger over the baby’s soft mat of curly black hair. She hadn’t told anyone, not even James, but she suspected that she herself was pregnant again. Maybe she’d have a son, a miniature of his father.

Sofia and Rook joined them. More hugs followed, then Eirica burst into tears. “I can’t believe you and Rook are leaving as well.” How could she bear to lose these two wonderful people who’d stepped in and filled a void in her life? They were returning with Wolf to help with his and Jessie’s boarding school.

Rook bounced Summer in his arms. The little girl was dressed in the pink dress Coralie had made her, and to see this big, barrel-chested old man holding a dainty little thing like her daughter made Eirica want to laugh and cry at the same time. He drew her into a bear hug. “You’ll do jest fine, lass.”

After a few minutes of talk and tears, Sofia slid her husband a knowing look. “Time to get the meal started.” She headed for the stove. Rook, still carrying Summer, followed fast on her heels, arguing over who’d do what.

“Well, some things haven’t changed,” Coralie giggled. Then she glanced around. “Where is Jessica?”

“Right here, Corie,” a breathless voice said.

Jessie joined them. In her arms, she held her daughter, Sarah, named after Wolf’s mother. Eirica reached out to take the pink bundle. Peeling away the blanket, she revealed a tiny matching pink dress lovingly adorned with embroidered stitches.

Coralie nodded approvingly at Jessie’s choice of garment for her daughter. “There’s hope for you yet, Jessica.”

Jessie wrinkled her nose, an impish gleam in her eyes. “Don’t count on it, Corie. She’s only wearing a dress today ’cause you made it and we’re leaving. I figured if you went to the trouble to make it, the least I could do was let Sarah wear it one time.”

Jessie and Coralie continued their good-natured bickering. James rejoined them and Eirica grinned at her husband. “Some things haven’t changed,” she mouthed.

Glancing around, Eirica frowned. “Where is Samuel?”

Jessie motioned to Wolf who was talking to Jordan. Wolf came over, looking every bit the proud papa, carrying a tiny blue bundle.

Coralie stepped back to widen the circle. Soft sighs filled the immediate area. Twins. Jessie had shocked them all by giving birth to a son and daughter, both with curly black hair.

After several more minutes of talk, everyone spread out. Eirica handed the baby back to Jessie and smiled. She’d gotten her wish. Love and laughter filled her house.

James caressed her shoulders from behind. “Happy, sweetheart?”

She tipped her head back, leaning against him. “Oh, yes.” A sudden crash and a yowl of protest broke them apart. On the other side of the room, Ian had knocked over a chair in his attempt to get to the food on the table. His uncle Jeremy rescued their feast and was carrying the half screaming, half laughing boy away, holding him high overhead.

“Welcome to the family, sweetheart,” James murmured into her ear.

Eirica laughed softly. Rook and Sofia continued to argue over the wood stove, with Summer adding her opinion in her high voice. Elliot had his arms around a very pregnant Catarina. There had been so much hardship on the trail, but so much joy at its end.

Joy and happiness filled her heart as she watched these people she held dear to her.

What a family they were.