The Lone Texan

CHAPTER 42

BONNIE WATCHED SAGE AND THE BOYS RIDE BACK toward the hills, turning northwest as they entered the tree line.

She hugged Bradford's side. "I've never had anyone to take care of me”

He pulled away. "You should have told me you were pregnant last night." His voice was rough with worry.

She smiled, remembering the sweet hours they'd spent together last night. "Why? Would you not have made love to me?"

He stared at her a minute then answered, "I might have only done it once”

"But I was the one who wanted it the second time."

He laughed as he kissed the top of her head. "You're going to be a hard woman to say no to”

She tugged him to the corner of the porch, and they talked for a while. Bradford would never be a man of many words. She guessed that they'd eat most of their meals together in silence, but she didn't mind. He was a hard man, worn by life, she imagined, but he had a kindness in his eyes when he looked at her, and that somehow was enough.

"Will you stay around to see this child into the world?" she asked, needing to know how long they had.

"If it's a girl, I'll be around for her wedding and more” he answered. "If you've no objection?"

She laid her hand over his in answer.

"I sold my land to the rancher next to my place a few days after I took you back to Galveston. I'd planned to go have a talk with you, but worries over my brother kept me out longer than I'd planned. When I reached town, no one knew or wanted to tell me where you were”

"How'd you find out?"

"I didn't. I just knew you were with the little doctor, and I'd seen her with the gunfighter, Drummond Roak. When I started asking where he was, the Rangers didn't mind telling me. I guess they figured I wasn't any kind of trouble Roak couldn't handle."

“But what will you do? You sold your home”

“It was just land. I can buy more. One thing this state's got plenty of is cheap land. If you're settling here, I could look for a place nearby.” He studied her as if trying to find words she'd understand. "You could move in with me, if you'd be willing."

“That would not be proper."

He touched her belly. "We're a little late for proper. I'd marry you today, but I'd bet there's not a preacher within a hundred miles."

Bonnie looked up and noticed Daniel Torry riding toward her. She smiled. "I wouldn't be too sure."

She waited until Daniel reached the house and listened while he explained that Drum saw Sage and the boys riding off, so he joined them.

When the Ranger climbed down from his horse, she introduced him to Bradford.

As the men shook hands, Bonnie said, "Get your Bible, Preacher Daniel, I've work for you to do” Marching into the house, she added, "I'll be ready in ten minutes.”

Daniel shoved his hat back. "Who died?"

Bradford grinned. "I did." He laughed. "If I don't marry that pretty lady, she'll probably kill me. Either way, you'll make your dollar for the ceremony."