CHAPTER SIXTEEN

 

 

 

“Hey, beautiful.”

Apple heard his whisper just before she felt the touch of his lips on hers. “Hey. Good morning.” She wound her arms around his neck. “How did you sleep?”

“Wonderfully.” He caressed her face, biting his lower lip. “You?”

“Like a baby.” Apple glanced at the clock, then noticed he was already dressed and smelled fresh from a shower. “Do you have time for breakfast?”

“I do, but I’d rather take a walk with you and the dogs before I go.” He brushed his lips over hers one more time. “If we had more time, there’s something else I’d like to do, but I don’t want to rush.”

“We always have tonight.” She ran her fingers through his hair. “That’s the good thing about living together.”

“Yea, we always have tonight.” They’d always have forever if it were up to him. “Get dressed and I’ll take care of the dogs before I go.”

“Oh, there’s some leftover cinnamon rolls,” she reminded him as she stood from the bed, grabbing her robe to cover her nakedness. Apple was still a little shy.

“I’ll warm them up for us. You know, if we lived far enough away from others, I’d love to keep you naked for our walk. Now, that would be a sight I’d carry with me forever.”

“I bet.” She gave him a sweet smile as she started for the restroom. “I’ll be there to help you in a minute. I can’t wait to check on the puppies.”

As he strolled out of the room, he called over his shoulder, “I’m going to try introducing the mom to our girls, see how they get along.”

“Oh, no. I’ll wait for the sounds of battle.” She grinned, not really expecting any fighting among the animals. They were pack animals and those three girl dogs would all consider Benjen the leader of their pack.

Dressing for work, she was thankful Dr. Cleveland didn’t require them to wear scrubs. A white jacket over whatever they wore suited the vet just fine. Today, she paid special attention to what she wore, knowing Benjen would see it both before and after work. Milling through her closet, she chose a white sundress with tiny flowers embroidered on the bodice. The empire waist flattered her generous feminine parts and made her happy to wear it. After slipping on a pair of sandals, she applied a tad of makeup, mostly just mascara and lip gloss. Her blush came naturally. “That’s about as much as I can do for you, girl.”

Before she left the room, Apple quickly made the bed, smiling at the thought of what they’d shared there during the night. Grabbing her purse, she made sure she had her phone. As she joined Benjen in the kitchen, she was happy to see him sitting at the dining table with three dogs at his feet. “I see all of you are friends.”

Benjen waved a hot dog in the air. “You’d be surprised what a good-size wiener can do.”

Almost choking with laughter, she pressed her lips together, then let a giggle slip. “Ah, I think I might have an idea.”

Now, it was his turn to laugh. “You’re such a bad girl.”

“Sometimes. Before you leave, would you help me load the mom and puppies into the car. I want to take them in for a checkup and shots. While we’re there, I’ll take their photos to put up in the office and spread around town. By the time they’re old enough to be adopted, I bet I’ll have more takers than pups.”

“Sure thing, love. Do you need me to follow you to work, or just take them for you?”

His consideration warmed her heart. “Mandy, the receptionist will help me. She loves puppies.”

“Good deal. If you’ll call me on your way home, I’ll meet you here to help you unload them.”

“I don’t want to inconvenience you,” she said in all sincerity as she placed a cinnamon roll on a napkin and handed it to him.

“Believe me, it won’t be an inconvenience. I look forward to coming home to you.”

“You’re sweet.” She picked up a cinnamon roll for herself. “Are you ready to take our walk.”

“I am.” He took a bite of the sweet treat and snapped his fingers to the dog. “Rose, Hope, Maisie, let’s go.”

“Maisie? You named her?” She grabbed his arm. “If you name her, we’ll have to keep her.”

“Hmmm, well, we’ll see. Depends on what kind of person wants her.” In fact, he was worried about all the pups. “Some people don’t deserve a chance with a dog like this.”

“I understand.” She felt the same way herself, but until she was able to build the shelter, there was no way she could help every animal that came her way. “We’ll be careful in who we pick.”

“I know.” He grabbed her hand. “Come on, it’s a beautiful morning.”

Happily, Apple fell in step with Benjen. “Now, this is the way to start the day,” she murmured around a bite of cinnamon roll as they strolled out of the yard and across the way toward the river. The sun was just peeping over the trees, sending rays of light to shower what looked like gold dust over the field of sunflowers. “It’s gorgeous out here, thank you for thinking of this.”

“Well, I wanted to spend a few minutes with you this morning.” He finished his roll, then folded up the napkin and placed it his back pocket. As he did, Benjen pulled out a long red ribbon. “I found this in your sewing kit. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all.” Although, she couldn’t imagine what he wanted to do with it. “I didn’t think we had time to play. Do you have something kinky on your mind?” She could just imagine him tying her to the headboard and having his way with her.

“Well, I do like that idea. A lot.” He led her to a beautiful spot by the river. “But no, despite what I said about you playing the naked wood nymph, I wouldn’t risk anyone else seeing what belongs to just me.”

An odd ache started somewhere around her heart. All of his sweet words and his amazing proposal – their living together – she’d really thought all of that together would’ve erased the mountain of doubt and uncertainty she felt with their relationship. Just hours ago, they’d declared their love for each other – and she still couldn’t let herself believe it was true. “Does that go for me too?” She resorted to teasing. “If it does, that means no showing off your fine form going shirtless in the hay field.”

“Done.” He grinned. “Whatever you say. If you lay claim on me, I’ll play by any rules you say.”

“Really?”

“Yea, come sit with me.”

“Okay.” She let him lead her to a big oak whose branches spread low enough to sit on and close enough to the water so they could enjoy the view. Surrounded by wildflowers and sunflowers, the place was magical. Taking her left hand, Benjen placed it on his right, then he began winding the red ribbon around them both.

“What are you doing?”

“Something romantic, I hope,” he looked up at her and grinned. Actually, this gesture was much more than romantic. To him it was momentous. Apple sat perfectly still while he wound this lovely red ribbon around their joined hands. “I told you last night that I loved you. Forever. You’re mine.” As he continued to wrap, forming a love knot over the top of her wrist, he continued to speak softly, “I will always shelter you when the storms of life rise above us. I will keep you warm when you are cold. I want to be your home, Apollonia. I promise to do my best to make you happy all the days of your life.”

Apple chewed on her lower lip, tears coming to her eyes. “How beautiful. I want to be those things for you too.” She looked down at their hands, lifting hers slightly without disturbing the bound ribbon. “Does this mean we’re going steady now?”

Benjen smiled at her tenderly. “Yes, among the Apache…something like that.” Yea, this was for him. He needed to say the words aloud to her, but he also needed to bind her to him in the only way he could at the moment.

Little did Apple know, but in the ways of his people…

They were married now.

“I love this.” She stared down at the way their hands were fastened together. The symbolism wasn’t lost on her. Apple knew this meant a great deal to him. Therefore, it meant a great deal to her. “I wish I could preserve it in some way.”

“I’ll show you how when we go back. If we’re careful, we can pull it off without untying the knot.” He leaned over to kiss her lips, lingering, relishing her touch – her taste. “I know this might seem strange to you. Me doing this out of the blue. Last night was so special. I just wanted to do something so you’d know how much you mean to me. How much I cherish every moment we can share together.”

Apple swallowed a knot of unshed tears. Happy tears. Benjen Blackhawk was nothing like Alan Cates. She couldn’t even imagine Alan saying those things to her. She couldn’t even conceive of him thinking those things to say to anyone. “I’ve never met someone like you. You’re the best man in the world.”

Benjen leaned forward and pressed his forehead to hers. “From this day forward, my love. From this day forward, we’ll build a life together. And when the time is right…”

“Yea, when the time is right…” She also left the sentence unfinished. “I guess we should go back. I don’t want to be late for work.”

Benjen looked around to find the dogs playing nearby. “See, they’re getting along fine. All three of them were abandoned or abused. I think they recognize kindred spirits.” He helped her to her feet and they walked slowly home.

 

* * *

 

Over the next few days, their time together found a rhythm. They spent two more nights at her house, then two at the ranch. Benjen took every opportunity to let her know she was the center of his universe. She was made to feel at home in his home. When they would go out to dinner or just to the grocery store, he made no bones about the fact he’d claimed her. She wore no ring, but the ribbon of their handfasting lay in a special place on her dresser.

They shared everything.

The chores. Funny stories. Worries. Woes.

When they found one of the pit bull puppies had died, Benjen held Apple as she cried. When he became afraid some of the Blackhawk cattle were sick with a disease serious enough that the whole herd would have to be destroyed, she stayed up all night with him as they quarantined the ones who were displaying symptoms. Apple took lab samples, making a special trip to A&M University in College Station to have a specialist review her findings. Before the results came back a day later, Apple went up on Packsaddle Mountain and watched over Benjen as he called upon the Great Spirit to banish the malady.

Her heart thrilled to watch him perform the ritual. Lighting the campfire, dancing around the flames with sacred pollen painted in slashes across his face. Apple hadn’t understood the words, but she felt power emanating from him, connecting to the ancient forces who guided his people. She had immense faith in Benjen and when the results came back on the diseased cattle, diagnosing them with a much less serious problem than suspected – Apple felt no doubt his intervention had staved off catastrophe.

When Easy called, she held his hand as they talked, squeezing it when they spoke of how they missed one another and made plans for when they’d be together again.

Day by day, her confidence grew as he made her feel like she belonged at his side.

And the sex…

The sex only got better each and every time.

The man was insatiable.

She’d never felt so desirable or cherished in her life. He carried her to the heights of rapture again and again.

This morning, after he’d taken her in the shower, she leaned against the tile wall to catch her breath. “Oh, that was incredible.”

Still holding her hands over her head, his lips kissed droplets of water from her breasts. “I’m doing good. Huh?”

His seeking approval from her made Apple smile. “Good? I’d say you’ve taken to lovemaking like a duck to water.”

Her humorous response made him throw back his head and roar with laughter. “A duck to water? Thanks, I think.”

She tugged her hands from his to frame Benjen’s face. “You’re an amazing lover. I didn’t have any idea sex could be this good. What I’d known before pales in comparison to what you do to me. Night and day.”

“That’s how often I want you.” He took a towel to dry her off. “Night and day.”

She submitted to his care, loving how he enjoyed doing the small, simple things for her.

As they finished dressing, Apple’s phone rang. She made a dash for it, plopping on the bed to see who was calling. “It’s Sara,” she announced, meeting his eyes as she hit the answer button. “Hey, girl. What’s up?”

“Girls night out, that’s what. You, me, Ryder, Pepper, and Tamara. I know you don’t know exactly who I’m talking about – but you’ll love them and they’ll love you.”  

Since Sara’s voice carried across the room, Apple looked at Benjen to see his reaction to his sister-in-law’s invitation. When he nodded his approval, she grinned. “Okay. Tell me when and where and I’ll be there.”

After plans were made, she ended the call and bounced to her feet, thrilled at the idea of seeing Sara again. “Thank you!”

While putting his wallet in his back pocket, he frowned. “You don’t have to thank me. I want you to have friends. As much as I’d like to put you in my pocket and carry you everywhere I go, I also want you to have the fullest, richest life possible. We’ll do plenty together. Seeing other people is essential.” He walked forward to tap her on the nose. “Just as long as I’m the main guy in your life.”

“And I’m the only girl in yours, right?” she asked with expectant hope in her bright eyes.

He held her close, hugging her tight. “The one and only, honey. My one and only.”

After that tender moment, they began their day.

At the ranch, Benjen checked on the cattle sickened by the tainted feed. He was so thankful the initial diagnoses of Johne’s disease had been proven wrong. A neighboring rancher lost his whole herd to the devastating condition and the idea that he might have to destroy their cattle had sickened him. He smiled remembering how Apple stayed with him as he worried, stood by him as he requested a boon from the Great Spirit. Now, as he rode away from the secluded corral where the ill cattle were being tended, he spotted Sam and another rider approaching from the east. Raising his hat in the air to signal them, he urged Zeus in their direction.

When they drew closer to one another, Benjen recognized Philip McCoy. “Sam. Philip. What’s up?”

“Your brother took me up on Packsaddle to see the cave where you found the coin and the bone. I hope that’s okay.”

“Absolutely.” He met his brother’s eyes, knowing Sam didn’t necessarily enjoy the more mysterious aspects of the mountain or what Benjen did there. “Did you find anything?”

Sam held out his hand to show three more coins. He tossed one to Benjen, who caught it handily. “More gold. Philip thinks you may have stumbled onto Bass’s loot.”

“Wow. What does that mean? Who would it belong to?” Benjen asked Philip, who was grinning like a Cheshire cat.

“Technically, it’s on your land. Finders’ keepers,” Phillip said. “I’m going to do a little more research for you, but I don’t think the original owners of the gold will be able to make a claim. If I don’t find any formal claims, you four can dig to your heart’s content and split the proceeds.”

“I guess we’d best get our shovels and start digging.” The prospect gave Benjen a little thrill. He’d always enjoyed a good mystery.

“This is where it gets complicated.” Sam gave his brother a look, then doffed his Stetson. “I’m going to let you two discuss this. I have an appointment with a mechanic to take a look at our hay baler.”

As he rode off, Philip picked up a plastic evidence bag. “The presence of the bone may indicate a grave or an archaeological find. I’d like permission to investigate further before you do too much excavation in the area.”

“Sure. We’re in no rush. Just let us know what you need.” He pointed at the femur. “Do you have any theories?”

“Yea, a couple. First, I need to figure out if the cave is a grave or if the bone was carried in there by scavengers. Next, I’d like to determine the age of the bone, whether it dates back a few decades or a few centuries. If we look and find no other bones in the cave, we can dig for treasure. The presence of more skeletal remains will require us to approach the situation with more care.”

While they talked, they rode slowly back toward the Rock House. “I see. Well, you have my permission to do whatever you need to. Our ancestry makes us a bit more sympathetic to the situation.” He pointed at the bone. “We’ve lost people on that mountain in days gone by.”

“I understand, that’s why I want to treat the site and the remains with the greatest respect,” Philip told him as an eagle swooped down in front of them to catch a field mouse. “We’re taking the same caution over at Belle Chasse. Your brother is already doing an amazing job. He understands what I’m trying to accomplish. Ezekiel’s respect for the land is only surpassed by his respect for the past.”

This revelation about his brother surprised Benjen. To him, Easy had always gone out of his way to throw shade on anything to do with their past or Benjen’s interest in it. “I’m glad.” Maybe, in light of what he’d learned about the burden of his brother’s guilt concerning their father’s death – maybe his unconcern over their legacy stemmed from the same source. “Honestly, I didn’t understand his desire to go work at your ranch when his life’s blood is tied up in this one.”

Philip shrugged and gave Benjen a sympathetic smile. “I hear you. Sometimes, we have to travel away from a place before we realize how very much we value it. I can relate, this is exactly the same reason I’m interested in revitalizing and nurturing Belle Chasse. It’s my home. I’m sure Easy feels the very same way about Blackhawk Ranch and Packsaddle Mountain.”

“I sincerely hope you’re right.” He gazed off into the distance, glad to see the cattle grazing peacefully on the rolling green hills that lay before them. Tossing the coin in the air, he glanced at Philip. “I look forward to what you find in the cave. Packsaddle is an amazing place. It’s not just a pile of rocks, it’s living history.”

“Are you sure you’d rather be a cowboy? I think you’d make a helluva archaeologist.”

“I’m pretty satisfied, thanks.”

They rode on a little farther before Philip snapped his fingers. “Hey, that reminds me. Have you talked to Daniel this morning?”

“Not yet. Since he doesn’t live here anymore, we pass and repass during the day.” Benjen didn’t say that he wasn’t living here full time at the moment either. He felt protective of Apple and their business. “Why?”

“He or I was supposed to tell you that several of us guys are meeting at the Dam Pub tonight. My brother Jaxson, Daniel, and all three of my brothers-in-law will be there. I don’t have a girl in the group, but I enjoy the fellowship.” He grinned at Benjen’s perplexed expression. “You don’t know what’s going on, do you?”

“I guess not. Does this have anything to do with the girl’s night out?”

“Oh, yea.” Philip laughed. “The guys get a booth back in the corner, enjoy a few drinks, and keep an eye on the ladies as they have a good time. They don’t crowd them or disturb their fun; the guys are just there to make sure they’re safe and well taken care of.”

“I’m in.” As much as he wanted Apple to have a good time, protecting her was his highest priority. “What time?”

“There’s no set time. We’ll start gathering up around seven, I guess.”

“Great!” Benjen had been dreading the evening without Apple. This way, he’d be close to her. “We’ll have a good time, for sure.”

Once they’d firmed up their plans, the cowboys rode back to the barn to continue the business of the day.

Meanwhile…at the veterinarian’s, Apple was busy making copies of the flyer she’d made about the pit bull mom and pups.

“They are so cute!” Mandy exclaimed. “We won’t have trouble finding them homes, I bet.”

Dr. Cleveland folded her arms over her chest and shook her head indulgently. “I don’t know whether we’re an animal clinic or an adoption agency. My daughter was sad to see the last of the first pups go this past weekend. In fact,” she looked at Apple, “if you want, Darcy could take over the care of these little guys.” 

Any other time, this offer would be welcome. “How sweet, thank you. I’ll let her know if this gets to be too much.” Right now, Benjen was so into the dogs, especially the mother. Until they made a decision about whether to keep Maisie or not, Apple hated to take them away from him.

“Well, the offer is open.” Dr. Cleveland looked at Mandy, who was slumped over her desk. “What’s wrong with you, girl? Headache?”

“Cramps,” Mandy mumbled. “The dreaded monthly curse.”

The dreaded monthly curse.

Apple stopped to think. When was her last period? “Huh…” She grabbed her phone to check the calendar when it rang in her hand. “Hello?”

“Senora Cates, por favor, ayúdame.”

Apple felt so helpless. She looked at her boss and coworker. “This is the same woman. Her third call. I can’t understand a word she’s saying.” To the caller, she apologized, “I’m so sorry. I don’t speak Spanish.”

Dr. Cleveland held out her hand. “Let me talk to her.”

For the next few minutes, Apple stood by while her boss held a lively conversation with the mystery woman who kept calling her. Dr. Cleveland motioned for Mandy to hand her a pad of paper and a pen and she wrote down some notes. The first note told Mandy that since they weren’t busy, she should go on home and rest. Mandy grinned, looked pleased, and made her way out of the clinic.

Back to the phone call, the exchange continued. Apple noticed her boss giving her a confused, concerned look. “What’s going on?” she mouthed.

The vet shook her head, holding up one finger for her to be patient. When the call ended, Dr. Cleveland handed Apple her phone. “Your husband fathered a child in Honduras?”

The older woman’s question almost knocked Apple off her feet. “Yes. Is that what these calls are about?”

“Yes. Apparently, the woman is the child’s grandmother. After your husband and her daughter were killed, she’s been taking care of Juanita.” Dr. Cleveland covered her eyes, trying to say what needed to be said and not leave anything out. “I don’t think she knew you were Alan’s wife. She found your number in his phone. It sounded like she assumed you were Alan’s sister.”

Apple felt the familiar anger rise. “He probably never told the woman he shacked up with that he was married.” She glanced up at her boss. “So, what does this lady want with me?”

Dr. Cleveland pulled out a chair. “You’d best sit down.”

Oh, no. What now? “Okay. Is something wrong?” And what did this have to do with her?

“Juanita is sick. Her grandmother, Simone Alvarez, was bringing her to the states for treatment. More clearly, she was bringing her to you.”

“Me? Why?”

“I’m not sure. She was upset and talking quickly. The first time she called you, she intended to tell you they were on their way to the states. The second call, she said, was to tell you they’d arrived and needed to know details about where to come to find you.”

Apple was stunned. “Where to find me? Did you tell her?” She didn’t really know how she felt about this development.

“No, I didn’t. I wouldn’t. But that’s not an issue at the moment.”

Seeing Dr. Cleveland’s expression, Apple knew something was up, something even more urgent than she knew. “So, what is? What’s happened?”

“I know you’ve heard about the commotion at the border concerning the children who’ve been separated from their families.”

Apple nodded. “Yes. I don’t think anyone could miss it. I understand we have to make our borders safe, but this is unheard of.” Even as she said the words, a dawning realization began to rise in her mind. “Juanita and her grandmother were detained?”

“Worse,” Dr. Cleveland told her. “This call was from the grandmother. She’s desperate. She was deported and Juanita was left behind. The woman is begging you to find the little girl.”

Apple tried to think. What should she do? “What’s wrong with the child?”

“She has leukemia.”

“Leukemia?” All Apple could see in her mind was the tiny girl with the big dark eyes. Thoughts of her own baby made her ache with longing. “What should I do, Dr. Cleveland?”

“I can’t tell you what to do, honey.” The doctor came near and stroked Apple’s hair. “But knowing you, I bet I already know the answer.”