Caroline's Passion, page 18
part #3 of Wilderness Brides Series
“Do it now, or you’ll be nursing more than a scratch on your hand, like your friend.”
Roger dropped the weapon. Trevor took a step forward. “Both of you, on the ground, face down with your hands behind your backs.”
Trevor gritted his teeth to disguise the dull ache in his gut when he bent over to tie the two men’s hands behind their backs with some strips of leather he carried on his belt.
“Wilder? You’re back,” William stammered. “You . . . you saved my life. Those two were going to kill me, no doubt, after they robbed me of everything.”
Trevor stared at William. “I have a mind to tie you up right along with those two. You oughta choose your friends a little more wisely, Doc.”
“I’m not a criminal.”
Trevor scoffed. “That depends who you ask.”
“How did you get here? Stanley said he shot you.”
Trevor glanced at the outlaws on the ground. “He didn’t check to make sure I was really dead.”
“What about Caroline? She’s been missing since the day you disappeared.”
Trevor collected the weapons the men had dropped, and tossed them into the bushes. “Caroline is no longer your concern, William.” He strode up to the taller man, stopping inches from his face, then gripped the front of William’s shirt and glared into his fearful eyes. “She’s now my wife. I could kill you for what you tried to force her to do, but today’s my wedding day and I don’t want to get my hands dirty on you.”
A spark of anger gleamed in William’s eyes, but it faded just as quickly as it had appeared. Trevor let go of the man’s shirt, shoving him away. William stumbled backward and crashed against the side of his wagon.
“Caroline made it clear she didn’t want you, and she’s freely made her choice to marry me. If you care about her at all, you’ll take my advice and go back to Boston where you belong. The next time I see you, I’m not gonna be as forgiving. Right now, I suggest you find a soldier and tell him to come and arrest these two. If you’re not back within the hour, I will find you.”
William stared at him, his eyes wide and fearful. A moment later, he nodded and rushed from camp in the direction of the fort.
Trevor waited until William was well on his way, then headed to the back of the wagon and climbed in. He opened various trunks and boxes, pulling out several articles of clothing belonging to Caroline. Uncertain what most of the things were, he stuffed a couple of dresses into a bag. He reached for a few white cotton garments, holding each up for closer inspection.
Why did women need so many layers of clothes? He tossed into the bag a petticoat, chemise, and some other items that looked like various female underthings he couldn’t name. In another trunk, he found Caroline’s hairbrush and a mirror, and added those items as well. By the time he left the wagon, William had returned with three soldiers, one of them Corporal Thomas.
“These are the men who shot me, and I have reason to believe they made a plan to rob the wagons after they pull out of Fort Laramie.”
Corporal Thomas shook his head and grinned. “No one apprehends scum like this faster than you do, Wilder. We’re sure gonna miss you.”
Trevor smiled at the corporal, then glanced at William, who stood several paces away from the soldiers.
“I do love her, you know.” William’s voice was low and subdued. “Tell her I’m sorry for everything I’ve done . . . and, take care of her.”
Trevor nodded. “I’ll be back in the morning for the rest of Caroline’s things.” He stared at William for another moment, then left the camp.
The sun was beginning to set by the time he reached the officer’s quarters. He stood outside the captain’s door, staring at it and taking in several deep breaths. He raised his hand and knocked. Seconds later, the door opened and he was met by Caroline’s warm smile.
“Mind if your husband comes in?”
The door opened wide. “I was wondering if you were ever coming back.”
Trevor dropped the bag where he stood and pulled Caroline into his arms like he’d ached to do since he’d left several hours ago. The way she clung to his neck was a good indication that she’d missed him as much as he’d missed her. He walked her into the room without letting go.
“You smell good,” he murmured into her hair, which hung freely down her back. It was still damp from her bath. His hands caressed her back and along her waist. She wasn’t wearing the dress she’d had on for the last three days, but was wrapped in a robe that was tied at the waist by a satiny sash.
Trevor broke the kiss he’d initiated to catch his breath. He glanced up and his eyes swept the small space out of habit. A settee stood in the center of the room facing a fireplace, where several flames crackled and gave off a golden glow that made strands of Caroline’s hair shine like a setting sun. A table rested against one of the walls, and shelves above a counter were lined with dishes. His eyes went to the door that led to another room, presumably the bedroom.
“Thank you for the soap,” Caroline murmured against his lips. Her chest heaved against his as she leaned up to fully kiss him again. Trevor’s fingers grazed along her soft cheeks, which had taken on a rosy hue. She leaned back and nodded toward plates covered with cloth on the table. “Mrs. Hoffman sent some food.”
Food was the furthest thing from Trevor’s mind at the moment, and judging by the look of longing in Caroline’s eyes, she felt the same. A slight breeze made the fire in the hearth flicker, reminding him the front door was still open. Trevor smiled, then turned to reach for the bag he’d dropped and to nudge the door shut.
“I thought you might like to change into some clean clothes, but I see you’ve already been supplied.” Trevor’s hand caressed the satiny material of the robe that covered Caroline’s curves.
“Major Hoffman’s wife brought me a nightdress and robe so I wouldn’t have to wear my dirty clothes.”
“I didn’t know what you needed, but I’ll get the rest of your things in the morning.”
Caroline raised her eyes to his. “The others are here?”
He nodded. “Stanley is the one who shot me. He and Roger were planning to rob the wagons after they left Fort Laramie. They’re now in custody.”
Caroline shook her head. “William?”
“He didn’t know anything about it.” Trevor stepped up to her and pulled her into his arms. “He asked me to tell you that he loves you and that he’s sorry for what he did.”
She didn’t say anything, and wrapped her arms around his neck. Trevor pulled her closer. Discussing William or the wagons could wait until morning. He kissed the top of her head, then released her. “Where do you want this bag with your clothes?”
Caroline stared up at him, her eyes filled with warmth and love, along with a hint of anticipation.
“The bedroom,” she whispered, and pointed to the door to the other room.
Trevor nodded and headed for the other room. He set the bag on top of the single chair in the corner.
The lamp in the corner cast a warm light throughout the small room and onto the bed that took up most of the space. His eyes lingered on the covers that had already been turned down. He ran his hand over his face. Caroline and he would be sharing this bed for their first night as husband and wife. She’d slept beside him for the last three nights, but tonight would be different.
A floorboard creaked, and Trevor turned around. Caroline stood just inside the door, her eyes poring over him appreciatively. His mouth went dry, staring at her bathed in the soft glow of the lamp. She’d removed the robe she’d worn earlier, and stood in only the shapeless nightdress. Trevor held out his hand, and she came to him.
He cupped her face between his hands and tilted her head to meet his kiss. Her arms wrapped around his middle, and she molded against him. Together, they stumbled to the bed, and Trevor braced her fall onto the mattress.
“Would you like some willow bark tea before we go to bed?” she murmured, staring up at him as he braced on one elbow and leaned over her.
Trevor’s eyes soaked in every inch of her face, the way her pupils darkened with desire, how her hair spilled around her, and the way her lips quivered in a faint smile.
“I think what I really want is another anatomy lesson, Dr. Wilder.” He smiled and leaned forward to kiss her while his fingers worked the buttons on the nightdress she wore, then helped her slip it over her head.
His mouth trailed along the side of her ear, down her jaw, until he kissed the indent on her neck.
“If I remember right, this is the suprasternal notch,” he murmured, then moved lower. “And this is the xyphoid process.”
“I’m glad you paid attention.” She squirmed as he worked his lips along her stomach. Her abdomen rose and fell as her breathing increased.
“I believe this is where the lesson ended, at the umbilicus.” He glanced up and smiled at her. “When it comes to you, I always pay attention.”
Trevor retraced his path upward until he found her lips again. Caroline sighed. Her hands were busy unbuckling his belt and pulling his shirt over his head. She hesitated when her fingers made contact with the bandage around his middle. He took the opportunity to slip out of his britches.
“I don’t think we need any more words for the rest of the lesson,” she breathed against his lips.
“I agree.”
Words were no longer needed as they touched and explored, and by the time they joined together, they were both fully educated about each other’s anatomy.
Chapter 18
Caroline packed the last of her items into her bag and carried it to her horse. Trevor reached for it, and secured it to the back of her saddle. With a wide grin, he stepped aside just enough so she could mount her horse. She shook her head, but returned his smile.
She raised her foot into the stirrup, then glanced over her shoulder with a smile and waited. Trevor’s hands caught her around the waist and he lifted her into the saddle.
She gazed down at him. His hand lingered on her upper thigh, then slid down to caress her calf underneath her dress.
“I knew I’d wear you down sooner or later.” He winked.
“I only let you help me because your wound has healed nicely. You’re an impossible man, Trevor Wilder.”
“Yeah, but you love me anyhow.”
She leaned forward and down in the saddle, until her face was inches from his. “You’re an easy man to love,” she whispered. Her hand touched his cheek. Trevor answered her invitation with a kiss.
“We’d best get going and not linger. We’re only a couple of days away from reaching home.” Caroline straightened. “It’s going to be so good to see Cora and everyone. I’ll finally get to meet my niece and Cora’s new baby, and Anna’s little ones.”
Trevor swung up in the saddle and guided his horse close to hers. “Everyone will be so surprised and glad to have you home.”
Caroline smiled. She took in a deep breath of the mountain air and nudged her horse to walk next to Trevor’s. It had been a long journey to get this far, but it had all been worth it.
She glanced at Trevor. All those weeks ago at Fort Laramie, he’d been right when he told her they were always meant to be together. He was a loving husband, a fierce protector, and her best friend. Their bond grew stronger each day and life without him was unimaginable.
“I’m glad we’re getting an early start today.” Caroline tossed him a wide smile.
Trevor grinned, then winked. “You didn’t have any problems lingering in bed the day after our wedding, or most days since then, for that matter.”
Caroline’s cheeks flushed. He was right. She hadn’t minded at all. She wouldn’t have minded if they had stayed in camp longer today, either. Once they were back at Harley’s Hole, private moments would be difficult to come by, at least until their cabin was built.
“I’m eager to see my family, but I’ll miss spending time alone with you.” Caroline met Trevor’s gaze. His eyes locked on hers with her confession. “I’ve gotten rather used to having you all to myself since we left Fort Laramie.”
Trevor’s hand reached out to caress her arm, then he leaned over and touched her cheek and his eyes darkened. “There will be many opportunities for us to be alone.” He chuckled. “Harley’s Hole is still more secluded than being with a wagon company.”
“I hope the wagons get to Oregon safe and sound. You might laugh, but I’m going to miss Rosalind, and even Beatrice.”
The day after their wedding, Caroline had said goodbye to her friends, Beatrice and Rosalind, outside the fort. Rosalind had smiled warmly when Caroline announced that she and Trevor were married. Beatrice’s eyes had widened and she’d looked as if she was going to pout, but her expression had quickly changed to a smile. They’d all offered well-wishes to each other.
“A new family has joined our company,” Rosalind had whispered. “Their eldest son has caught Bea’s eye. She won’t be heartbroken for too long that Mr. Wilder is now married to you.”
“What about you . . . regarding William?”
Rosalind had shaken her head. “My infatuation with Dr. King has also ended. I did what you told me, Caroline, and followed my intuition. I couldn’t forgive what he did to you, even though he said it was because he loved you.”
Burt Anderson had told her and Trevor that William had left before sunrise to join up with some folks heading back east. The wagon master had apologized to her as well as Trevor, but he’d still refused to say she was a doctor.
“Say hello to Lucas and Tori Walker for me.” David Matherson had waved goodbye as they rode from the fort.
“I don’t plan on visiting the Walkers’ side of the mountains before we see our own families,” Trevor had said to Caroline as they left the fort behind. “I hope you want to get home, too, rather than make any unnecessary stops along the way.”
Caroline had nodded in agreement. “We can visit the Walkers some other time. I am eager to see my sisters and brother, and then I never want to make this journey again. I believe three times is enough for me, unless there is a faster means of traveling someday.” She’d smiled. “Cora’s going to be so surprised that I’m home, and that you and I are married.”
“And Anna knew all along.” Trevor had smiled at her when she’d looked at him with curiosity.
Now that they were so close to Harley’s Hole, Caroline was eager to get to the end of the journey. With Trevor as her companion, it hadn’t seemed as long or as far this time. Anticipation filled her that she’d be home soon.
Home. Boston had never truly felt like home. Going to school in Boston had been worth it, but the closer they came to the valley she’d loved since the first time she’d laid eyes on it, the more she realized what she would have lost had she stayed in Boston and married William.
She would have been miserable after a while, even if she’d been accepted as a doctor. Here in the wilderness, she was needed. Trappers, mountain men, and other fortune seekers traveled a great distance to reach Aimee Osborne and her doctoring skills.
“One of the first people I want to visit is Aimee Osborne up on the Yellowstone,” Caroline announced after they’d ridden for several hours. “I can’t wait to tell her I followed her advice and I’m now a doctor.”
“If we have a mild winter, we can visit them, but it may have to wait until next spring. I don’t know if they plan on –”
Trevor stopped in mid-sentence. His body tensed, and he moved his horse in front of Caroline’s and stopped. He raised his hand in silent communication that she should stay quiet. Caroline’s eyes darted around. What had alerted Trevor?
Her eyes followed the tree line at the edge of the meadow through which they’d been traveling. Tall mountains loomed far in the distance, but it was easy to make out their distinct jagged outline that made them recognizable to everyone. The early trappers had given them the name, “Les Trois Tetons,” but to the Indians, the mountains were known as the Teewinots.
Caroline’s breath caught in her throat. A group of riders emerged through the trees and into the clearing. Seventeen in total, but there could very well be more concealed in the forest.
“Do you know these people?” she whispered to Trevor. If these were hostile Indians, she and Trevor were in trouble.
“I do.” By the tone of his voice, Trevor’s familiarity with them didn’t seem like a good thing. He nudged his chin toward the group. “The man in front is Eagle Tail. He’s Proud Elk’s brother.”
Caroline stared at the Indians, who hadn’t made a move to come closer. “Proud Elk has always been a friend to Harley and everyone in the valley.”
“But his brother hasn’t been, not since I was unable to save his son.”
An uneasy feeling swept through her. Trevor hadn’t been at fault for the death of the Indian, but the grief of a father for his dead son might not allow the man to see it that way.
“Do you think they’ll let us pass?”
“Only one way to find out. Stay here.” Trevor nudged his horse forward. He held up his hands in greeting and to show that he held no weapons. Caroline held her breath as her husband conversed with the leader of this band of Shoshone. Despite his instructions to stay behind, she allowed her horse to slowly walk toward the group. Trevor exchanged heated words with Eagle Tail in the Indian’s language.
“The life of your wife if my wife dies.” The Indian turned cold eyes on Caroline. He had switched to speaking English, no doubt so she would understand.
“If you want to hate me for what happened to your son, I understand, but my wife had nothing to do with his death. Leave her out of this.” Trevor spoke just as forcefully, but there was a hint of apprehension in his voice.
“You claim to be a healer, Trevor Wilder. If my wife dies, so does your woman.” Eagle Tail raised his hand slightly, and the rest of the Indians quickly surrounded her and Trevor.
“What’s going on, Trev?” Caroline darted quick glances from Eagle Tail to her husband. Trevor met her eyes, and for the first time since the night she’d been bitten by the coyote, there was genuine fear in his eyes.
